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More than 9 million children faced hunger in 2021. That’s 1 in 8 kids at risk for hunger” (Child hunger, n.d.). Throughout development, kids who miss meals are consistently more likely to repeat a grade in elementary school, experience developmental impairments with language and motor skills, and have more social and behavioral problems (Child hunger, n.d.) Children spend most of their waking time at school. Thus, the eating behaviors of children are largely dependent on the quality and availability of food at schools, in addition to the scheduling of meal times. The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and School Breakfast Program(SBP) are federally-funded programs meant to address malnourished children in the United States. While seemingly sufficient to meet the needs of our nation’s children, these programs are failing to address many key issues that may prevent the appropriate and intended distribution of free and reduced meals. These key issues include negative

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GRANITE CITY - Juniors Abigail Brinker and Evan McKechan of Granite City High School were selected as Granite City Rotary Club Students of the Month for May. Students were nominated by teachers, and were chosen on the basis of academics, as well as scholastic, extracurricular and civic honors and awards, and organization membership and leadership. Each honoree will receive a framed certificate and a gift card, and will be recognized at the Granite City Rotary Club Meeting on May 16, 2023. ABIGAIL BRINKER Three-year member of girls golf team ... Two-time Most Improved Golfer ... All-Warrior Award ... Three-year Honor Roll and Secondary Honors ... Member of Varsity Club ... St. Elizabeth Church Picnic Volunteer ... Daughter of Carolyn Ryterski. EVAN MCKECHAN Member of Hobby and Science Club ... Son of Mark McKechan. For more information about Granite City School District #9, visit www.gcsd9.net .

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SPRINGFIELD – Gov. JB Pritzker has proclaimed May as Motorcycle Awareness Month in Illinois, joining the Illinois Department of Transportation, Illinois State Police and motorcycle safety advocates to remind all users of the road to “Start Seeing Motorcycles.” “Thousands of riders enjoy Illinois by motorcycle. During the coming months, it’s important to share the road, slow down and be aware of your surroundings,” said Steve Travia, IDOT’s Director of Highways and Chief Engineer. “By working together and following some simple rules, we can save lives.” The Start Seeing Motorcycles campaign coincides with the arrival of warmer weather and more motorcyclists on the roads. With thousands of deaths each year, motorcyclists are significantly overrepresented in traffic crashes and fatalities. Although motorcycles represent 3% of total vehicle registrations in Illinois, according to preliminary data, they accounted for more than 11%

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HSHS - As we celebrate nurses across the country for National Nurses Week (May 6-12), I am deeply appreciative of our nursing colleagues who provide exceptional care to those served by Hospital Sisters Health System’s (HSHS) 15 hospitals throughout Illinois and Wisconsin. One week hardly seems like enough time to thank them for their extraordinary accomplishments, especially as the last couple years have brought so many challenges in healthcare. I am so proud of how our nursing colleagues have demonstrated their resiliency, commitment and passion for their profession. According to the American Nurses Association (ANA), National Nurses Week was permanently designated May 6-12 in 1993, so this is the 30 th anniversary of National Nurses Week. While celebrations and accolades are shared during this week annually, we know that the work of nurses is a vital contribution to the health of our communities, day in and day out. Our nurses continue to elevate quality and develop clinical

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EDWARDSVILLE - Metro East Humane Society (MEHS) is participating in the 10 th annual Give STL Day on May 10, 2023, with a fundraising goal of $3,000 to continue its mission to improve animal welfare in the St. Louis Metro East region. Give STL Day, powered by the St. Louis Community Foundation, is a 24-hour online fundraising event designed to ignite the spirit of giving to nonprofit organizations throughout the St. Louis region. Since its inception in 2014, Give STL Day has raised over $26.2 million for more than 1,000 regional nonprofits. "There's something about this specific day dedicated to giving back in the STL area that really goes to show year after year just how invested in our community residents of the Metro East and beyond are,” said Mady O’Reilly, Development Manager of Metro East Humane Society. “We're lucky to have one incredible support system and excited to harness the power of community together again for Give STL Day 2023 for the sake of saving

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O’FALLON – HSHS St. Elizabeth’s Hospital is honoring all their colleagues with a weeklong “We Are HSHS” Week which combines the celebrations of National Nurses Week (May 6-12) and National Hospital Week (May 7-13). As a unified organization, HSHS is combining this week to celebrate collaboration and provide St. Elizabeth’s Hospital administration an opportunity to thank and recognize all those who serve patients and their families each day with respect, care, competence and joy. St. Elizabeth’s Hospital is comprised of doctors, nurses, security, health techs, therapists, food services colleagues, environmental services colleagues, administration, spiritual care and much more. HSHS St. Elizabeth’s Hospital President and CEO Chris Klay shared, “I am extremely proud of our team of colleagues who provide high-quality, compassionate care to our patients and area communities. We Are HSHS Week celebrates how the collaborative efforts of

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One in 1,000 Americans are affected by secondary lymphedema. It’s a chronic disease when there’s an increased collection of lymphatic fluid in the body that causes swelling. Those with cancer are known to develop lymphedema, which can lead to skin and tissue changes, according to the National Institutes of Health. Sometimes those with lymphedema can inherit the disease, known as primary lymphedema, which is much rarer. You can be born with lymphedema, develop it during puberty, or later. There’s no cure for lymphedema. It’s a disease, and one like diabetes that you have to manage through treatment. Treva Haney, a supervisor in Rehabilitation Services at OSF HealthCare, says her team works through different treatment plans with patients to meet their specific needs. “Usually the plan of attack for treating lymphedema is complete congestive therapy,” Treva says. “This involves compression bandaging and a special, lymphatic massage.”

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GODFREY - The Annual Village of Godfrey Parks and Recreation Department has a series of captivating events throughout the spring, summer, and fall for children and families and this past week. The Big Truck Day event had what Park and Recreation Director Chris Logan called "a lot of participation." "I think it went very well," Logan said. "It was a great day and there were a lot of good groups who also participated. It was a beautiful day and a great event. I think everyone had a great time." Those in attendance had an abundance of trucks, buses, and even a helicopter to view at Big Truck Day. Some even participated in face painting, another hit. "There was a little bit of everything," Logan said. "I think every kid I saw there found something they really liked. We were also thankful that Survival Flight Emergency Transport Services was kind enough to come over. Godfrey tries to reach children and families and it was really nice to see people enjoy their work on this day. We were

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ALTON - Myles Paniagua has made quite a name for himself in athletics at Marquette Catholic High School. He is a tremendous two-sport athlete, spending time between baseball and soccer. Myles Paniagua has played a vital role for the Explorers when he’s been available. Paniagua missed some time during this baseball season due to an ankle injury that caused him to miss a few weeks. Some of his statistics jump off the page, he’s one of two Marquette baseball players to have an OPS (on-base percentage plus slugging percentage) over 1.000, a number only the best pure hitters obtain. Wearing Explorer blue. Paniagua led the line for Explorer soccer in his time on the pitch at Gordon Moore Park, his more than impressive 35 goals for the Explorers led the team and then some this past boys' soccer season. Five of those 35 were game-winning goals, and he added ten assists just for fun. “He’s just a smooth player,” said Marquette baseball head coach Tim Fahnestock.

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JERSEYVILLE - Tri-County Rural Transit and the Veterans Assistance Commission of Jersey County are teaming up for a pilot program to help transport Jersey County veterans to the St. Louis VA Medical Center at John Cochran. Starting Wednesday, May 10, transportation for veterans will be available one day per week on Wednesdays and leave from the Susnig Center, located at 405 Mound St. in Jerseyville. Departures will be at 8 a.m. for an approximate 9:30 a.m. arrival and curbside drop-off at John Cochran. The vehicle will return to John Cochran to pick veterans back up and promptly leave at 2 p.m. Veterans Assistance Commission Superintendent Gregory Breden thanked Tri-County Rural Transit for providing their vehicles and drivers, as he said a program like this is “needed badly” for local veterans. He added that this will all be done at no cost to veterans. “We’re going to cover their cost of going on the trip for veterans,” Breden said, adding the

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ST. LOUIS COUNTY - The deceased in a recent St. Louis County homicide has been identified as Dominic Meriwether, Jr., 23 years of age, of the 8800 block of Shannon Fox Circle in St. Louis, Missouri 63136. St. Louis County Police Crimes Against Persons detectives are investigating a homicide that occurred in the 7000 block of West Florissant Avenue which resulted in the death of an adult male. On May 5, 2023, at 11:52 AM, police officers from the City of Country Club Hills responded to a call for service for a shooting in the 7000 block of West Florissant Avenue. Arriving officers observed an adult male in a parking lot suffering from apparent gunshot injuries. The male was transported to an area hospital for treatment but later succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased. Preliminary investigation has led investigators to believe the shooting occurred on the parking lot of the business. The City of Country Club Hills Police Department requested St. Louis County Police Department’

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ALTON/GRAFTON - A man from Alton was charged with six counts, including one felony charge, relating to a high-speed motorcycle chase that occurred last Wednesday, May 3 in Grafton. He was charged with attempting to elude a police officer, driving over 100 miles per hour in a 50-mile-per-hour zone, and more, according to recent court filings. Ryan M. Lavite, 21, of Alton, was charged with the following in total: Count 1: Aggravated Fleeing or Attempting to Elude a Peace Officer (Class 4 felony) Count 2: Speeding 35+ mph Over Limit Count 3: Violation Of License Class 1st & 2nd Div. Count 4: No Valid Registration Count 5: Operating An Uninsured Motor Vehicle, Count 6: Motorcycle Glasses/Goggle/Shield Violation According to court documents, Lavite drove “a white Kawasaki motorcycle with no valid registration southbound on Main Street at Mulberry, Grafton, Jersey County, Illinois, and after having been given a visual or audible signal by a peace officer, failed to

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ALTON - Rev. George Humbert Jr. left a lasting legacy in this area for his work in the ministry and as a community citizen. George died at age 75 years old on May 4, 2023. Ethan Humbert, George's son, had an incredible relationship with his father. He described his dad as "an amazing man and my hero." "My dad was my best friend," Ethan said. "He touched so many people's hearts and anyone that he ever had the pleasure of meeting. He would make anyone who met him feel better in just a few minutes with his positive attitude. "I am really struggling to lose him, but I have to stay strong for my mom and kiddos. Knowing he was always proud of me is helping me to get through this hard time." George was a Ball State University graduate and also served with the Peace Corps in Malawi, Africa, and attended Louisville Presbyterian Seminary in Kentucky. He was the pastor of College Avenue Presbyterian Church in Alton for 31 years. He married the love of his life Lynna Miller and she survives.

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BETHALTO - For senior runner Jackson Collman, it's been a very good season for both him and the Civic Memorial High boys track team, as both he and the Eagles have enjoyed very good results and times in each of their races. Collman had a great showing in the 1,600 meters at the Collinsville Invitational meet May 6 at Kahok Stadium, finishing fourth with a time of 4:25.26, while teammate D.J. Dutton was seventh at 4:31.24 as CM came in 13th as a team. It was a very good showing for Collman and his concentration on the race provided great results. "Today, I feel really good," Collman said during an interview conducted while the meet was in progress. "I had just one race today and I made it my main focus from the moment I stepped on the lot here." For his success in the one-mile, Jackson is a Tom Lane State Farm Insurance Athlete of the Month for CM. Collman and the Eagles have enjoyed a very successful season and the main reason is very simple and straightforward. "I mean,

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ALTON - Alton boys track sprinter Sam Elliott-Barnes is enjoying a very good season running for the Redbirds and had a good showing in the 200 meters at the Collinsville Invitational meet May 6 at Kahok Stadium, placing fourth with a time of 22.25 seconds as Alton came in fifth in the team standings. Elliott-Barnes had had very consistent times in both the 100 and 200 meters, as well as being a part of the Redbird relay teams and on Saturday, had a great feeling about his performances on the day. "I think I'm doing pretty good," Elliott-Barnes said during an interview conducted during the meet. "I'm excited." Elliott-Barnes was the anchor runner on the 4x200 relay team, which placed third at 1:29.60, setting a new personal record for him and the team. "I anchored on the four-by-two," Elliott-Barnes said, "and we PRed. Our clock hit, so I'm excited for sectionals and state." For his hard work at the Collinsville Invite, Sam is an Auto Butler Athlete of the Month for the Redbirds

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Representative Nikki Budzinski (D-IL-13) today announced $196,296,401 in federal funding for the Bi-State Development Agency of the Missouri-Illinois Metropolitan District for Metro railcar replacement. This funding comes through the Department of Transportation (DOT) Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Fiscal Year 2022 and 2023 Rail Vehicle Replacement (RVR) Program, helping transit systems with much-needed capital improvements to replace rail rolling stock. “Modernizing our nation’s rapid transit rail rolling stock is critically important to help riders safely and efficiently move throughout their cities,” said Duckworth. “I’m proud to join Senator Durbin and Congresswoman Budzinski in announcing this substantial funding for the Metro East, and I’ll keep working to help improve transit development, access and accessibility for all Illinoisans.”

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – With disability-related complaints regarding air travel up 50 percent in the last year, U.S. Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and John Thune (R-SD), along with U.S. Representatives Steve Cohen (D-TN-09) and Pete Stauber (R-MN-08), introduced bipartisan, bicameral legislation to improve air travel for passengers with disabilities, notably passengers who use wheelchairs and other mobility aids. The bipartisan Mobility Aids on Board Improve Lives and Empower All (MOBILE) Act would help ensure the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) takes additional actions to empower passengers who use mobility aids, such as manual and powered wheelchairs, to better prevent more disability-related incidents that occur far too often. Both Duckworth and Thune are members of the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation (CST), which has jurisdiction over aviation policy. Duckworth is Chair of the Subcommittee on Aviation Safety, Operations and Innovation. “A

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EDWARDSVILLE - If you have a green thumb, the City of Edwardsville wants to know about it; and even if you don’t, you can point us to the people, businesses, neighborhoods and civic groups that do. It’s once again time for the annual Green Thumb Awards, an opportunity to recognize properties with landscaping, gardening or flowering projects that help beautify the City. For more than two decades, the Edwardsville Beautification and Tree Commission has been honoring individuals, groups and businesses for giving Mother Nature a hand. Hundreds of Green Thumb Awards have been handed out since 1999 in an effort to foster neighborhood and civic pride. However, it all starts with nominations from the public, which the commission then sorts through to choose the Green Thumb Award honorees for the year. Residential, neighborhood, commercial and civic settings can be nominated. Anyone who maintains property within Edwardsville City limits is eligible for an award (other than member

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GODFREY - SmartChoice Auto Sales, situated at 1503 W. Delmar Ave, Godfrey, IL 62035, has been a trusted source of pre-owned vehicles and customer service for years. With a focus on quality, affordability, and satisfaction, they have become a respected dealership in the area. The new service department now allows SmartChoice Auto Sales to be a one-stop-shop for automotive needs. The recently opened service department at SmartChoice Auto Sales caters to various automotive needs. Staffed by an ASE-certified technician, the department handles everything from routine maintenance to complex repairs, ensuring top-notch service and optimal vehicle performance. Services Offered General Maintenance Routine check-ups and tune-ups are crucial for prolonging your car's life and preventing costly repairs. The ASE-certified technician at SmartChoice Auto Sales provides comprehensive maintenance services, including oil and filter changes, tire rotations, fluid checks, battery inspections, and

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COLLINSVILLE - Edwardsville boys track sophomore thrower Iose Epenesa is having another stellar season in both the shot put and discus throw events and did exceptionally well at the Collinsville Invitational meet, the final big meet before the postseason, on May 6 at Kahok Stadium. Epenesa finished third in the shot put with a throw of 15.74 meters (51 feet, seven-and-three-quarters inches) and came in second in the discus, getting off a toss of 53.21 meters (174 feet, seven inches) in helping the Tigers nip East St. Louis 93-92 to win the team championship at the meet. Earlier in the season, Epenesa had a throw in the discus that was the longest in Class 3A in the state, a mark that has since been eclipsed, and on Saturday, had good feelings about how the day was going to go. Epenesa is an Edwardsville High School Boys Athlete of the Month for his track and field efforts this season. "I'm feeling pretty good," Epenesa said during an interview before the end of the meet. "I was just

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