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SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) today reported 30,633 new confirmed and probable cases of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Illinois, including 46 deaths since April 29, 2022. According to the CDC, 14 counties in Illinois are now rated at the Medium Community Level, including nine counties in the northeast part of the state and five in the central part. At the Medium Community Level, people at risk of severe health outcomes are advised to take additional precautions to protect themselves from the virus, including masking up in indoor spaces. Currently, IDPH is reporting a total of 3,169,315 cases, including 33,660 deaths, in 102 counties in Illinois since the beginning of the pandemic. As of last night, 808 individuals in Illinois were reported to be in the hospital with COVID-19. Of those, 66 patients were in the ICU and 24 patients with COVID-19 were on ventilators. The preliminary seven-day statewide case rate is 240 COVID-19 cases per 100,000

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This month is National Military Appreciation Month. We also celebrate Military Spouse Day, Mother’s Day, Armed Forces Day, and Memorial Day. Let me begin by sincerely thanking our veterans for the work they do and have done for this great country we live in. I am humbled when I say anything to them to express my gratitude for their successful journey while serving in this country - not just for this month, but also every time I explain to my children about this great and free country in which we have to enjoy all of our lives. When I think about patriotism and what it means to me, it consists not in the waving of the flag, but in striving that our country shall be righteous, as well as strong. I think patriotism is like charity. It begins at home. I do not apologize for my support of our military, our country, and my devotion to God. You see, our country is not the only thing to which we owe our allegiance. It is also owed to justice and to humanity. We honor those who are serving

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CARLINVILLE - For more than a century, being a Blackburn student has meant more than just going to college. Students attending Blackburn not only earn valuable four-year degrees but are also given responsibilities with on-campus jobs to build resumes with real-world work experience. One of ten federally-recognized Work Colleges, Blackburn is the only school in the nation with a program managed exclusively by students. The students who attend are a living part of the College, helping to plan, manage and run the facilities of an institution fully invested in them. But the relationship doesn't fade after graduation. Blackburn alumni constantly search for and create opportunities to support the College, including traveling back to the picturesque campus and rolling up their sleeves to clock in again. The annual Campus Beautification Day event is a perfect example of how the bonds, connections, and relationships forged at Blackburn only grow stronger. Now in its fourth year, Blackburn’s

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ST. LOUIS - “April showers bring May flowers,” is a phrase that dates back to the 1500s, conveying how the snow is finally gone, rain is in full force, and warmer weather is upon us. As temperatures rise and rain slows down, May brings the opportunity for new growth. While “April showers bring May flowers” refers to growth in nature, May is also a timely reminder to grow healthy minds and bodies. The human body needs adequate calories, along with specific nutrients for optimal growth. Milk and dairy products offer 13 essential nutrients, all of which play a role in specific functions of the body. Dairy consumption typically begins around the age of 6 months, allowing babies to absorb nutrients like calcium, vitamin D, and phosphorus. Introducing whole milk after a baby’s first birthday continues the process of nutrient absorption, along with setting the foundation for building muscle, bones, and teeth. “During infancy, the brain uses over 50% of consumed

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ALTON - Alton Memorial Hospital’s first two Health Equity Scholarships will consider those honors a very special Mother’s Day gift this year. One of those honored with the scholarship is Taryn Wallace, an Alton High School senior. Samara Helton, a senior at Edwardsville High School, is also being honored. There is a separate feature on Samara on Riverbender.com. Wallace was raised by a single mother who has been a steady influence in her life. Taryn’s mother is Amanda Wallace, a nurse in Alton Memorial Hospital’s Intermediate Care Unit. “My mom has been raising me on her own, with some help from family on occasion, since I was born,” Taryn said. “She went back to school and got her nursing degree when I was 8 years old to not only better our lives but also to help people. My mom is the epitome of a hard-working and amazing individual. I will forever look up to her and her strong qualities. “Growing up, I’ve always had great role

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ALTON - Samara Helton, a senior at Edwardsville High School, is one of Alton Memorial Hospital's first two Health Equity Scholarships winners. Samara was raised by a single mother who has been a steady influence in her life. Taryn Wallace, an Alton High School senior, is the other to receive a scholarship and there is a separate feature on Riverbender.com about her. Samara’s mother, Nova, had Samara when she was 18 years old, and Samara said that her mom sacrificed a lot of her personal goals for her children. “She worked so hard to make sure we had everything we would need,” Samara said. “When her classmates were packing up to move to college, my mother was changing my diapers. I work very hard to make sure that she knows that my hard work is not only for me but for her as well to show how far her sacrifice has come. In a way, her having me so young has become my biggest drive to become the most successful person I can be to show her what she could have been.”

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WOOD RIVER — Madison County’s Emergency Management Agency (EMA) has chosen their volunteer of the year. On Wednesday, Cory Heuchert, a longtime volunteer for EMA was presented with the agency’s 2 nd annual award. A dinner was held to thank the agency’s team of 33 registered volunteers and Heuchert was singled out for his service and dedication. “Cory has been with EMA since the volunteer team began,” said Chris Johnson, Director of Madison County EMA. “The team plays a vital role in our ability to provide services to the citizens of Madison County. We couldn’t do all that we do without them and Cory is a prime example.” Heuchert first got involved with Emergency Management in 2012 as a founding member of the agency’s communications support team. Since then he has deployed to incidents all over Madison County providing communications support as well as serving as a member of the agency’s Unified Command Post Deployment

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ALTON – Friends of Pam Kaizer are joining together to raise needed funds for their dear friend as she continues her battle against an aggressive cancer. Santino’s Steak and Pasta House, 180 E. Center Dr., Alton, will host a dining event from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Tuesday, May 17, 2022. Reservations are suggested, but not required, and carry-outs will also be available. Owner Sonny Asani, one of Kaizer’s good friends, will be donating a percentage of the profits from sales on that day to help Kaizer with the expenses she is facing for her ongoing cancer treatments. Kaizer continues her courageous fight with the help of doctors and staff at OSF Moeller Cancer Center in Alton. “I love the staff there, and I am receiving excellent care,” she said. “Many people know Pam from her former days as the travel program coordinator at Senior Services Plus,” said long-time friend Melissa Meske. “She has traveled with thousands all over the world. But

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HARDIN - A Fieldon man was arrested and now faces multiple charges after a traffic stop at 12:04 a.m. on May 6, 2022. The Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office conducted a traffic stop on a Green GMC Yukon XL on Illinois River Road at the intersection of Golden Eagle Road in Golden Eagle, Calhoun County, Illinois. Subsequent to an investigation, the driver, Paul D. Cummines, 51, of Fieldon, was arrested on charges of Unlawful Possession of Methamphetamine, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Possession of Firearm While FOID Revoked, and Unlawful Use of a Weapon (Handgun). Cummines was transported to the Greene County Jail.

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PEORIA - Research reveals $100 billion a year is spent on health care that is only necessary because individuals don’t follow medical advice. For example, patients with chronic illnesses are estimated to comply with medication schedules only 50% of the time. Now researchers are working to find a way to help patients reach their health needs and goals through positive reinforcement and rewards. A new Jump ARCHES project will explore the feasibility of a blockchain-based digital app as a viable way to enable OSF HealthCare and others help patients improve their health while attempting to meet the spirit of important government regulations. The project is informed by many studies that show incentives, such as cash prizes or other rewards, work in changing behavior such as to stop smoking or exercise more. But, federal consumer protection regulations currently prohibit health systems from offering rewards for healthy behavior because they are viewed as an inducement to use a product

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BELLEVILLE - Wheat variety and seed treatment trials will highlight the 2022 Southern Illinois Wheat Tour sponsored by the Illinois Wheat Association. The May 24 tour will give Illinois wheat growers an opportunity to tour wheat fields and estimate yields for the 2021/22 winter wheat crop. The tour will include field checks during the day, with a late afternoon reporting session at the Southern Illinois University Belleville Research Center, 2036 Charles Lane in Belleville. Tour participants will hear scouting results and the wheat yield estimates. Two guest speakers will join the IWA board to answer questions. Jessica Rutkoski, assistant professor of small grains breeding, will discuss the status of wheat development and challenges from wheat diseases. A USDA-ARS wheat disease expert is also expected to join. A group dinner and meeting at the Belleville Research Center will follow the tours. Tour participants are asked to call one of the four following crop scouting group leaders

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ST. LOUIS - The St. Louis Blues have teamed with retail partner Rank + Rally , DBK Studio , and Mantis XR to introduce Blues Experiential Reality (BXR), the first Metaverse shopping experience in sports & live entertainment in North America. The first phase launches in time for the 2022 Blues playoff run and features an immersive Metaverse experience that is easily accessible by web link from any device without the need for extra equipment. Fans can go behind the scenes of the legendary hockey team by visiting a 3D, photorealistic locker room. Once inside, fans can browse a selection of Blues merchandise that is available for purchase. Fans can access BXR by going to stlouisblues.com/xr or by scanning QR codes located on the concourse and in STL Authentics locations at Enterprise Center. Initially, the merchandise selection includes four newly released Series Six line products - three t-shirts and one sweater - as well as the Blues’ home, road, Winter Classic and retro

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ALTON - It’s likely no surprise to hear that whole grains are a key part of a healthy diet. They’re filled with fiber, vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients. Studies have found that regularly eating whole grains can lower the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. And they may even help people live longer. But while the benefits of whole grains are clear, it can be hard for many of us to fit them into our meals. On average in the U.S., we eat only about a third of the recommended amount of whole grains each day. This may be, in part, because it’s not always easy to know which grains and grain foods actually count as whole grains. So, what are whole grains exactly? They’re grains that include the three key parts of the natural grain kernel – bran, germ, and endosperm. This differs from refined grains, like white rice and white flour, which have the bran and germ removed during processing. Bran and germ are rich in many healthy nutrients and

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URBANA – Willow trees are most well known for their long, draping branches that give them a refined and graceful appearance. That is unless it is a corkscrew willow. The unique branching and twisting features of the Salix genus curly willow not only adds visual interest to the winter landscape but it can also be harvested and used for unique decorative arrangements says University of Illinois Extension horticulture educator Christina Lueking . “Curly willow has beautifully curled branches that have led to some crazy common names such as corkscrew willow, twisted willow, and snake willow,” Lueking says. Woody varieties generally prefer fertile, well-drained soil and full sun throughout the day. However, willows are a perfect fit for filter strips between annual crops or wet areas with their mature branches that are upright with a few sweeping younger branches that droop until they become more mature. These trees are easily propagated and can have a long lifespan a

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GALESBURG - Spring means baseball season is gearing up – that is, if it has not yet already started. A recent study by the Sports and Fitness Industry Association (SFIA) found that nearly 16 million Americans spanning all age groups play baseball. The popularity of baseball started to grow in the early 1800s and has earned the title of “America’s Pastime” over the years. However, whether you are a rookie or play for the Major League, anyone who plays is at risk for injury down the line. According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS), the most common baseball-related injuries include mild soft tissue injuries, such as muscle strains, ligament sprains, cuts, and contusions (bruises) – and although baseball is a non-contact sport, most serious injuries are due to contact either with a ball, bat, or another player. Additionally, the repetitive nature of baseball – throwing, catching, squatting, batting, sliding – often results in

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A LOOK INSIDE THE NEW RP Lumber CENTER Development: EDWARDSVILLE - The RP Lumber CENTER Ice Rink Development next to Edwardsville High School is close to completion, S.K. Wilson & Co. representative Kerry Lorts said Thursday. S.K. Wilson is the general contractor on the RP Lumber CENTER project. The new RP Lumber CENTER is part of the City of Edwardsville's "A Better Place To Play" initiative. The new center will include an ice rink, a teen center, an indoor track, and a recreational facility. The indoor track surface will be installed within the next two weeks, Kerry Lorts said. "We will charge the system next week and within two to three weeks make ice, then get it painted," he said. "The workout area is ready. The equipment still has to be installed. We are wrapping up rubber flooring, cleaning up, and putting the final touches of paint on everything." The indoor track appears to be magnificent in its structure and it appears it will take about 8 laps to equal a mile on

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EDWARDSVILLE - A 5-year-old black Labrador Retriever - Fitz - has had an amazing impact in his time at the Madison County Courthouse in Edwardsville. Fitz arrived at the courthouse in 2019 from Duo Dogs in St. Louis as a fully trained courthouse facility dog. Courthouse facility dogs assist litigants, victims, kids, and families during stressful stages of the legal process. They can be used in case management, forensic interviews, and criminal or civil proceedings and are handled by professionals in these fields. The dogs are specially trained by assistance dog organizations that are members of Assistance Dogs International. Fitz’s handlers are Tiffany Brooks and Emily Bell. Madison County State's Attorney Thomas Haine is a dog lover himself and in his time at the courthouse, he has come to also love Fitz. He said Fitz is a tremendous help with victims and kids during stressful parts of the legal process. Here is some additional background on Fitz from Victim Services Coordinator

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BENTON – Dr. Mingqing Xiao, 60, of Makanda, Illinois, was convicted by a federal jury on Wednesday, May 4, 2022, in connection with lying to federal authorities about a foreign bank account in China in 2017, 2018, and 2019. Dr. Xiao, a mathematics professor and researcher at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale, was convicted of three counts of Making a False or Fraudulent Statement to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) on his tax returns and one count of Failure to File a report of a Foreign Bank Account (FBAR). Evidence presented at the trial established that Xiao opened a foreign bank account at Ping An Bank in China in 2016 and received monthly deposits into the account from Shenzhenalo University in Shenzhen, China, from 2016 to 2020. Some of the funds were linked to additional sources in China. By 2020, Xiao had accumulated more than $100,000 in the Chinese account. U.S. taxpayers are required to report the existence of any foreign bank account on their federal income

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ST. LOUIS COUNTY - On Friday, May 6, 2022, the St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office issued warrants on suspect David A. Taylor, 28 years of age, of the 9900 block of Linn Avenue in St. Louis, Missouri 63125, for one count of Unlawful Possession of Explosive Weapon. A mugshot for Taylor is attached. Taylor is being held on a $50,000 cash only, no 10% bond. Please note, charges are merely an accusation and Defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law. The probable cause statement reads: On or about May 5, 2022, officers conducted a traffic stop on the Defendant’s vehicle for following a school bus too closely. The Defendant was arrested for an outstanding warrant. An inventory search of the vehicle revealed two pipe bombs in the center console. Post Miranda, the Defendant admitted to knowing the pipe bombs were in the car and he also knew what was inside the pipes. Defendant said he had purchased them. These devices are capable

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SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Natural Resources State Historic Preservation Office today announced the approval of $117,250 in federal funding to Certified Local Governments (CLG) in the state for five historic preservation projects through the National Park Services’ Historic Preservation Fund. The program is open to all 84 Certified Local Governments throughout Illinois with funds available to reimburse participating CLG communities for projects that focus on Surveys, Public Education, Planning, and National Register of Historic Places nominations. The approved projects are: City of Collinsville – The project is the creation of Historic Preservation Design Guidelines for the city’s historic landmarks and potential preservation district to establish a clear set of professionally developed guidelines. The City of Collinsville was awarded $7,000 in federal Historic Preservation Funds, with the city providing $3,220 in matching funds. City of Carbondale

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