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CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa - Jerseyville's Ellen Kangas was honored recently on Mount Mercy University's Spring 2023 Dean's List. Students with a semester grade point average of 3.60 or better, and who are graded (letter grade, not pass/fail) for six or more semester hours, are eligible for inclusion on the Dean's List. Located in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Mount Mercy University is the regional Catholic, Mercy University that promises students of diverse backgrounds, ages, and faiths a challenging, practical education that inspires them to discover knowledge, build community, and live their values. Mount Mercy provides a forward-thinking, future-focused education, offering baccalaureate and graduate education to 1,600+ enrolled students and uniquely blending a quality liberal arts education with career-focused professional preparation.

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WICHITA, Kan. - More than 2,060 students completed a total of 2,293 degrees at Wichita State University in spring 2023. Jerseyville's Benjamin R. Flowers received his Master of Education Counseling, degree Magna Cum Laude. Ben missed the graduation ceremony as he was competing at the Shockers' track and field conference meet in Florida. Ben had a time of 14:26.48 in the 5,000 meters and placed seventh, which earned two points for his team. Edwardsville's Matthew J. Boyer received his Bachelor of Business Administration, Finance, Magna Cum Laude. Undergraduate students who have attained a grade point average of 3.9 out of a possible 4.0 received the summa cum laude award; those with an average of 3.55 received the magna cum laude award; and those with an average of 3.25 received the cum laude award. About Wichita State Wichita State University is Kansas' only urban public research university, enrolling almost 22,000 students between its main campus and WSU Tech, including students

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DeKALB - Over 2,200 students received their degrees from Northern Illinois University in May. Included among the graduates was Kimberly Nixon of Brighton who earned a Master of Science in Education in School Business Management. Northern Illinois University is a student-centered, nationally recognized public research university, with expertise that benefits its region and spans the globe in a wide variety of fields, including the sciences, humanities, arts, business, engineering, education, health and law. Through its main campus in DeKalb, Illinois, and education centers for students and working professionals in Chicago, Hoffman Estates, Naperville, Oregon and Rockford, NIU offers more than 100 courses of study while serving a diverse and international student body of about 19,000. The 17 NIU Huskie athletic teams compete in the Mid-American Conference at the highest NCAA Division I level. For more information, visit www.niu.edu.

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ALTON - The local creators of Dawg Haus Grill’n Sauce recently discussed the sauce’s popularity, their future plans for the company, and where to get the sauce just in time for the Fourth of July. Freddie and April Hausman with Dawg Haus Grill’n Sauce appeared on an episode of Our Daily Show! on Riverbender.com to discuss their homemade sauce, and Freddie said it’s been very popular. “Last year, we sold close to 1,400 jars,” Freddie said, which he added was quite impressive “for starting out local, just at farmers markets.” April said the sauce is literally homemade - they make it in their home kitchen, and the jars it comes in take up an entire room in their house. The jars are sealed for added shelf life and are good for up to a year on the shelf, and up to six months after they’ve been opened (but must be kept refrigerated once opened). Freddie said Dawg Haus Grill’n Sauce has been so well-received that they

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ST. LOUIS - St. Louis Mayor Tishaura O. Jones provided this statement after Governor Mike Parson signed the State of Missouri's FY24 budget. I have also provided additional information regarding state allocations to the City of St. Louis below: "Disagreeing on some issues doesn’t mean elected leaders need to be disagreeable on others. In February, I visited Jefferson City to talk with legislators across party lines about resources St. Louis needs to strengthen our communities. From youth jobs to improving 911 dispatch to repairing our infrastructure, many of St. Louis’ top priorities are reflected in this year’s state budget. "These investments to support our youth, upgrade our infrastructure, and improve public safety will yield benefits for decades to come. Thank you to the St. Louis delegation for getting these important items across the finish line in the state legislature, and I appreciate Governor Parson for this consideration of the City’s needs." SUPPORTING

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GODFREY - Have you ever wondered what creatures of the night are living in your backyard? Join us at The Nature Institute to get your questions answered and gain some insight into how we can help protect these important insects that only come out at night. This program is part of The Nature Institute’s Community Science Series. Entomologist Dr. Jake Williams from SIUE will be leading the program and sharing his extensive knowledge about the insects in our backyards. This program is scheduled for 8 p.m. on Friday, July 14. The night will start with a short presentation by Dr. Williams about the insects that we will see, then a hike is planned along the paved path to the skeet range where we will use black lights and other lights to attract insects to our survey area. The Nature Institute is a perfect place to attend this program because the property has many different habitat types which will increase the diversity of insects we will see. Then those in attendance will explore

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EDWARDSVILLE - The Edwardsville Municipal Band is thrilled to announce its upcoming concert, "A Salute to Broadway," which will take place on the Cleaon Etzkorn Bandstand at City Park at 8 p.m. on Thursday, July 6. Under the direction of Dr. Rubén Darío Gómez, the band will serenade the audience with melodies from Broadway's most cherished productions, including "The Phantom of the Opera," "Hamilton," "Mary Poppins," and more. Concessions available during the concert will directly benefit the Glen-Ed Food Pantry. For more information about the Edwardsville Municipal Band and its upcoming events, please visit them on Facebook, Instagram, or on the City of Edwardsville website.

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SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Transportation announced today that lanes that have been closed for construction will reopen, where possible, for the Independence Day holiday to minimize travel disruption. Non-emergency closures will be suspended to 11:59 p.m. Tuesday, July 4. The following lane closures will remain in place during the holiday weekend. Motorists can expect delays and should allow extra time for trips through these areas. Drivers are urged to pay close attention to changed conditions and signs in the work zones, obey the posted speed limits, refrain from using mobile devices and stay alert for workers and equipment. At all times, please buckle and drive sober. District 1 City of Chicago Outbound Bishop Ford Freeway (eastbound Interstate 94) ramp to eastbound 130th Street; closed, detour posted. Outbound Kennedy Expressway (westbound I-94) west of Addison Street; right shoulder closed. Inbound Kennedy (eastbound I-94) between Lawrence Avenue

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LITCHFIELD – Attorney General Kwame Raoul today announced the Attorney General’s office has charged a Montgomery County man with allegedly possessing child pornography. The case is part of Raoul’s ongoing work, in collaboration with federal law enforcement agencies and local law enforcement officials throughout Illinois, to apprehend offenders who download child pornography online. Raoul’s office charged Robert J. Meyer, Jr., 47, of Litchfield, Illinois, in Montgomery County Circuit Court with two counts of possession of child pornography, Class 2 felonies punishable by up to 14 years in prison. Meyer’s bond was set at $100,000 and he will next appear in court July 21. “Child pornography is a horrific crime that can leave life-long scars on innocent children and their families,” Raoul said. “As a result of work done by my office’s Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, this predator can be held accountable. I appreciate th

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EAST SAINT LOUIS – The Illinois State Police (ISP) conducted Operation Safe Summer on June 26 - 29, 2023 in St. Clair and Madison counties to increase the safety of residents of the Metro East this summer. The operation targeted known high crime areas, organized violent offenders, and criminal groups in the communities most affected by violence. Operation Safe Summer was led by the ISP Statewide Anti-Violence Enforcement (SAVE) South team and supported by ISP’s Special Operations Group (SOG), Division of Patrol Troops 1, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, ISP Air Operations, ISP Division of Criminal Investigation - Zone 6 - Public Safety Enforcement Group (PSEG), ISP Firearms Investigation Unit, and the Metropolitan Enforcement Group of Southwestern Illinois using intelligence support and technology resources. Detail Results: Traffic Stops: 483 Subjects arrested: 55 Total Criminal Charges: 101 Felony Charges: 64 Firearms Seized/Recovered: 25 (seven stolen firearms recovered)

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ST. LOUIS COUNTY - On July 1, 2023, at 3:55 PM, St. Louis County Police Officers from the City of Jennings precinct responded to a call for service at a residence located in the 5200 block of Hamilton Avenue regarding storm damage and an unconscious child. Arriving officers made contact with an adult female who stated her son was inside her residence in his bedroom where a tree had fallen; her son was trapped beneath the tree and was unconscious. Fire and EMS personnel also responded to the scene. After several rescue attempts, responding personnel were able to free the child. The child was transported to an area hospital for life-saving treatment but was later pronounced deceased. The victim has been identified as Eric J. Wallace, 5 years of age, of the 1300 block of Hamilton Avenue in St. Louis, Missouri 63112.

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ALTON - At 12:49 a.m. Sunday, July 2, 2023, Alton Police Department received a 911 call regarding a shooting in the 2400 block of Lincoln Avenue in Alton. Alton Police Chief Jarrett Ford said Alton officers, in addition to officers with the Cross River Crimes Task Force who were in Alton for unrelated reasons, immediately responded to the scene and determined that one adult male subject had been shot and ultimately died. "Officers were also able to immediately locate an adult male subject responsible for discharging the firearm and causing the death," Ford said. "That subject was taken into custody and remains at the Alton Jail. "Preliminary information has revealed that the subjects involved in this incident are all family and/or known to one another. This is not a random act of violence nor is there any threat to the public. Our condolences to the many family members affected by this incident." Ford continued and said: "The investigation is ongoing at this time. The Alton Police

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BRIGHTON - Rain couldn’t scare off Brighton residents as many gathered at Schneider Park to celebrate Independence Day on Saturday, July 1 with food, a fishing derby, a 5K and more. Known as Independence Day at the Park, the celebration offers numerous competitions and events throughout the day. The Village of Brighton promised that there’s “something for everyone.” The day kicked off early with a Kid’s Fishing Derby & Casting Contest from 8:30–10:30 a.m. A “firecracker 5K” began at 9 a.m. and Brandy Hendy won first place. The Brighton Athletic Association also hosted a Home Run Derby for kids and adults at 11:30 a.m. The afternoon and evening promises plenty of sweet treats, starting with a watermelon-eating contest at 3 p.m. Kids and adults competed for medals. Entries for the famous cake and pie baking competition are due at 4:30 p.m. for judging at 5 p.m. All entries will be auctioned off after the winners are announced.

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EAST ALTON - Pratt & Tobin, P.C. has added Attorney Daniel Harrow to its ranks. Pratt & Tobin, P.C. is proud to announce that it has hired a sixth attorney to assist with its current caseload of 600+ open files, Attorney Daniel Harrow. Daniel brings with him a wealth of knowledge and experience with regard to a number of the law firm’s practice areas as well as trial experience. He will primarily be working with the law firm’s Federal Employers’ Liability Act (FELA) and Auto/Trucking Accident Teams. Pratt & Tobin, P.C. is a nationwide plaintiff’s personal injury law firm based in East Alton, Illinois that is dedicated to fighting on behalf of those injured or killed due to the wrongful conduct of others. The law firm’s trial attorneys represent plaintiffs in federal and state courts both in the St. Louis metropolitan area and throughout the entire United States. Contact Pratt & Tobin, P.C. for a free consultation at (800)851-5562 or lawoffice@prattandtobin.com.

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CHICAGO — Governor JB Pritzker signed HB 3882 into law, which grants undocumented immigrants the opportunity to obtain a standardized Illinois Driver’s License. This will replace the current Temporary Visitor Driver’s License (TVDL) with a standard 4-year license that serves as a valid form of identification and remains compliant with the federal REAL ID Act. “This legislation is a significant step in eliminating the barriers to opportunity that many undocumented immigrants face,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “We’re ensuring every eligible individual can obtain a driver’s license, making our roads safer, decreasing stigma, and creating more equitable systems for all.” “To be a welcoming state, we must ensure communities have the tools to truly feel welcomed. Providing access to a standard Illinois Driver's License for our undocumented immigrants is about breaking down barriers that lead to discrimination and creating

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COLLINSVILLE – The Cahokia Mounds Museum Society, which has supported Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site since 1978, received an award of excellence from the American Association of State and Local History for “Back to the City of the Sun,” the site’s augmented reality (AR) experience for visitors. The 2023 award of excellence is part of the association’s Leadership in History awards, the most prestigious recognition for achievement in the preservation of state and local history. “On behalf of the Society and the site, I am honored this project was selected for this prestigious national award out of the many well-deserving applicants,” said Lori Belknap, superintendent of the Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site. “This was a seven-year project and would not have come to fruition without the concerted effort of the project team. I am grateful the Society is recognized for their dedication to outreach and education at Cahokia Mounds. The A

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SPRINGFIELD – On July 1, 2023, the Illinois State Police (ISP) is officially launching a new public website to view crime statistics in Illinois. The Crime in Illinois Online website is part of the Illinois Uniform Crime Reporting (I-UCR) Program, which serves as the state repository for crime statistics to provide reliable information for use in law enforcement. “The new Crime in Illinois Online website helps meet the growing demand for crime data and transparency,” said ISP Director Brendan F. Kelly. “ Legislators, media, academia and the public can use this data to drive public safety priorities and decisions as crime fluctuates from year-to-year in communities across Illinois.” Crime in Illinois Online includes data on crime rates per county, the type of offenses, trends, and more. The website is interactive and contains pin-point crime mapping, data tables, FAQs, agency compliance tracking, and the ability to download crime reports.

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CARROLLTON – For Carrollton High School graduates who have been awaiting an Alumni Banquet, the wait is over. CHS grads can mark their calendars and make plans to attend the 147 th reunion scheduled for Saturday, September 9, 2023. The last alumni banquet was held in June 2019, but discontinued during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Traditionally, the current 25-year class would host the event and pay special honor to their predecessors from the 50-year class. This year, however, a committee of graduates is issuing a call to all CHS alumni, their guest, their coaches and faculty members, to join together for a good meal, and honor everyone attending because all are special. The reunion event will be hosted by emcee Stephen “Beaver” Martin (1960), and every attendee will be invited to introduce self and guest. Other event planners include Karen (Parker) Carmody (1962), John Langer (1974), Larry Gillingham (1958), Velma Gillingham (1960), Mike Weber (1974), and Debbie (Payne)

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BENTON – A U.S. district judge sentenced the former executive director of the Jefferson County Housing Authority to spend 10 months in federal prison after he converted more than $20,000 in authority funds for personal expenses. In addition to the prison sentence, Thomas J. Upchurch, 53, now of Rio Rancho, New Mexico, was ordered to pay $20,150 in restitution back to the housing authority, and he will serve one year of supervised release. “To promote respect for the law, the defendant’s sentence sends a clear message to deter other organizational leaders from abusing their power and spending authority,” said U.S. Attorney Rachelle Aud Crowe. “The actions of Thomas Upchurch undermined the ability of the housing authority to provide housing assistance to those who need their services,” said FBI Springfield Field Office Acting Special Agent in Charge Joe Rodriguez. “The FBI is particularly vigilant in instances where individuals take advantage

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CHICAGO – Following the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision striking down the federal government’s student loan debt forgiveness plan, Attorney General Kwame Raoul is urging student loan borrowers preparing for the return to repayment to be aware of scam calls, emails and letters from fraudsters pretending to be loan servicers or promising debt relief. The court’s decision ends the repayment pause, which means federal student loans begin accruing interest Sept. 1, and payments resume in October. Loan servicers will send consumers a notice of payment at least 21 days before their payment is due. Many borrowers may face confusion following today’s Supreme Court decision striking down the federal government’s student debt relief plan to forgive $10,000, or $20,000 for Pell Grant recipients, of eligible student loan borrowers’ federal loan student debt. Attorney General Raoul encourages borrowers who have questions about their student loan repayments,

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