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CHICAGO – Today, Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) launched $10 million in funding for the third round of the Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program. The Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program provides training opportunities, expands the talent pipeline, and boosts diversity in the construction industry and building trades. Grantees will be selected through a competitive Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) process. “Since we first launched the Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program two years ago, hundreds of underrepresented Illinoisans have learned new skills and advanced their careers—further strengthening our world-class workforce that is as diverse as our great state,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “As we continue to Rebuild Illinois—from roads and bridges to airports and transit systems—my administration is committed to ensuring that every resident, no matter their background

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ALTON - OSF Saint Anthony’s Health Center has received the American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelines ® - Stroke Gold Plus quality achievement award for its commitment to ensuring stroke patients receive the most appropriate treatment according to nationally recognized, research-based guidelines, ultimately leading to more lives saved and reduced disability. Stroke is the No. 5 cause of death and a leading cause of disability in the U.S. A stroke occurs when a blood vessel that carries oxygen and nutrients to the brain is either blocked by a clot or bursts. When that happens, part of the brain cannot get the blood and oxygen it needs, so brain cells die. Early stroke detection and treatment are key to improving survival, minimizing disability and accelerating recovery times. Get With The Guidelines puts the expertise of the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association to work for hospitals nationwide, helping ensure patient care is aligned

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WOOD RIVER - As the new Wood River recreation center nears completion, Parks and Recreation Director Jason Woody explained what the building will offer Wood River residents. “We’re obviously excited, and can’t wait to get some things out there for the kids of this community,” Woody said. Inside the rec center, an elevated walking track will circle the gymnasium. Two gym floors will be outfitted with lines for a total of six pickleball courts, two volleyball courts and two basketball courts. The Parks and Recreation Department also plans to move into the building, and multipurpose rooms will be available for rent. Woody predicts that construction will be completed October or November, with plans to open the center closer to the end of the year. Talks about this project began in 2017. Wood River’s sales tax and a $2.5 million grant have provided the funding needed for the building. The Parks and Recreation department recently partnered with

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ALTON - Listed as the “home-town favorites” The Harmans Bluegrass will open up for famous country music star Mo Pitney at this year’s first annual Foster Fest held at The Woodlands Golf Club & Banquet Facility on Saturday, July 29 th . Tickets for the show are $20 pre-ordered or $25 at the door. The show begins at 7 p.m. while doors open at 6:30 p.m. Tickets for the show can be found at www.fosterfestalton.com . The Harmans Bluegrass has been playing music for a long time, to say the least. Through many iterations, the group just celebrated 45 years of their annual show played at Lewis and Clark Community College earlier this year. Mo Pitney, a Nashville recording artist, has been named an “Artist To Watch” by Rolling Stone and Billboard. He has amassed a following of 217,000 on Facebook and has over 50,000 monthly listeners on Spotify. Pitney has seen past success with his latest albums, especially 2016’s Behind This Guitar and 2020’s

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EDWARDSVILLE - After nearly 50 years in law enforcement, Madison County Coroner Steve Nonn announced today he will retire after his term ends in the fall of 2024. Nonn had this statement: “I have been fortunate to work with incredibly dedicated and professional police officers and deputy coroners throughout my career. The men and women of the Madison County Coroner’s Office are the absolute best in the field of medicolegal death investigations. I am so very proud and honored to have been their leader. For me, leaving this outstanding group of dedicated investigators will be the hardest part of retiring." Nonn was elected Coroner (with 64 percent of the vote) in 2000, campaigning on his law enforcement credentials, including his 26 years with the Madison County Sheriff’s Department and 20 years serving as an investigator and Deputy Commander on the St. Louis Area Major Case Squad. Nonn’s first act after being sworn in was staffing the Coroner’s office

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CARLINVILLE - Shawn M. Evans, 36, is facing first-degree murder charges in the death of Dana Morgan Jr., 37, who died of gunshot wounds in a shooting in Carlinville on Wednesday night. Evans remains on the loose as of around 4 p.m. Thursday, Carlinville Police said. A $2,000,000 warrant has been issued by the Honorable Joshua A. Meyer. Evans is alleged to have intentionally and without lawful justification killed or done great bodily harm to Dana Morgan, Jr., thereby causing his death. "The public is asked to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity," the Carlinville Police said. "Members of the public are reminded that the allegations are not proof of the defendant's guilty," Carlinville Police said. "A defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial in which it is the government's burden to prove his or her guilt beyond a reasonable doubt." Read more in these related stories: 37-Year-Old Man Shot and Killed In Carlinville Wednesday Night GoFundMe

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WORDEN - A pair of rainbows were spotlighted in the sky for a brief period close to Worden and Interstate 55 early Thursday morning. These are the photos of the sky at that time. Mark Britt, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in St. Louis, said: “A rainbow is caused by sunlight and atmospheric conditions. Light enters a water droplet, slowing down and bending the light in a way of refraction and causing the light to break up into individual colors. That is why we see the colors.” Britt said most people are lucky enough to see a rainbow a couple of times a year, but it all depends on your perspective and where you are either standing or driving. A full rainbow is a complete circle, but from the ground, we see only part of it. From an airplane, in the right conditions, one can see an entire circular rainbow. “You have to be around rain or a thunderstorm and be able to have sunlight near to see the rainbow,” the meteorologist said. Britt said

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GRAFTON - Alton Alderwoman Rosie Brown organized and sponsored her First Annual Raging Rivers Trip, and it was well-attended with around 75 attendees. Brown, who also organizes an annual Socks For Tots campaign, Unity In The Community, and Next Step CDC, said the event at Raging Rivers was "a huge success." "It was fun, exciting, educational and safe for all who attended," she said. "The weather was beautiful. We were able to provide transportation and lunch for all who attended. "Thank you to all the volunteers, parents, children and sponsors." Brown closed and said: "Investing in our children is very valuable to the well-being of these young people."

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CARLINVILLE - A GoFundMe has been established for a man who was fatally shot on Wednesday, July 12, in Carlinville, as reported in this related story . The GoFundMe was organized by Chey Jones. The GoFundMe page says the following: "Dana Morgan Jr. was unexpectedly taken from his loved ones at only 37 years old. He was a loving son, grandson, father and brother. We are asking that people come together and please help his mother, Karen Eller, with the costs it will take to cremate and bury her son. "Please donate anything you can. Thank you."

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ALTON — Argosy Casino Alton is expanding its dinning offerings with the opening of River Side Grille, a new casual fare restaurant specializing in comfort foods and local favorites. The restaurant was named by the Argosy Casino team members to celebrate the property’s long-standing site along the banks of the Mississippi River. “We are thrilled to be offering another great dining option for our guests,” said Randy Peterson, Vice President and General Manager of Argosy Casino Alton. “We have worked diligently to create an exciting new food outlet for both local and regional visitors to enjoy fantastic offerings created by our culinary team.” River Side Grille’s menu will feature appetizers like shrimp cocktail and soups such as “Maggie’s Award Winning” White Chicken Chili, alongside cooked-to-order steaks and “Joy’s Famous” Chicken Fried Chicken, which will be made from scratch daily. A soft opening is

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EAST ST. LOUIS – The Illinois State Police (ISP) is increasing crime fighting resources in the Metro East and making communities safer. ISP formalized a Special Operations Group operating in the Metro East earlier this year consisting of the Statewide Anti-Violence Enforcement (SAVE) South Unit, a Highway Interdiction Team (HIT), and a Fatal 4 Team. Additionally, ISP Troop 8 has increased the presence of patrol to deter crime. These additional resources are building on the successes already achieved through the Public Safety Enforcement Group (PSEG), which is comprised of ISP and the East St. Louis Police Department, with assistance from federal law enforcement agencies. “ISP is dedicating additional resources to the Metro East – specialty units, increased officer presence, and technology – to reduce shootings and violent crimes in this area,” said ISP Director Brendan F. Kelly. The SAVE South Unit began operations on February 16, 2023 and

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CARLINVILLE - The Carlinville Police reported today that a man was shot and killed in Carlinville on Wednesday and he later died at Carlinville Area Hospital. The report to Carlinville Police came in at 7:20 p.m. Wednesday and once the man was found in the 1,000 block of Johnson Street near the Blackburn College campus, first responders performed life-saving measures. However, he was pronounced dead at Carlinville Hospital. Carlinville Police said the man was identified as 37-year-old Dana Morgan. Officers from the Carlinville Protection District and Gillespie Benld Area Ambulance responded to the scene and the victim was then transported to the hospital. There is a person of interest in the case. Carlinville Police will release more information whenever possible. Contact Carlinville Police at (217() 854-3221 if you have any information in regard to the case or Macoupin and Madison County Crimestoppers at 1-800-352-0136. The Carlinville Police e-mail is info@carlinvillepolice.com

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ALTON - Thanks to the tremendous success of last year’s inaugural event, OSF Saint Anthony’s Health Center will host their 2 nd annual Back-to-School Celebration on Saturday, August 5, 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Due to scheduled parking lot construction at the hospital, this year’s event will be held at Alton Square Mall on the upper level. This year’s Back-to-School Celebration, sponsored exclusively by Dwight and Cheryl Werts, and Werts Welding & Tank Service, Inc., will distribute school supplies including (but not limited to) paper, pens, pencils, and crayons to the first 500 kids ages 4 to 12 – last year’s event provided school supplies to 300 students. Admission is FREE and the event is open to the public. A hot dog lunch complete with chips, cookies, and bottled water will be available while supplies last. “Last year’s Back-to-School Celebration was an overwhelming success, so we wanted to make this year’s event bigger

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ALTON - The Alton Municipal Band’s 133rd concert season hit a bump in the road this July, as construction at Riverview Park rendered the historic gazebo inaccessible. The remaining Thursday concerts for the 2023 summer series will take place at the Alton Amphitheater. Sunday concerts at Haskell Park are unaffected by the change. This week, director Jennifer Shenberger leads the band in “Shades of Summer,” a musical journey that takes us to summer destinations and brings back memories of warm-weather activities. Guest artist Gary Gackstaqer will join the band on the journey as he plays several compositions for brass instruments. He will then direct the band in one of his own new compositions. On Sunday, the band will pay tribute to L. Linton Luetje. Luetje directed the band for over 30 years and passed away this year. Friend and local musician Bud Schultz will join the band in remembrance of Linton and his constant dedication to music in Alton and the greater St.

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ALTON - Alton Police announced today the retirement of Sgt. Joel Bromaghim after 21 years of service."After 21 years with the department, Joel is retiring and will be starting a new career in security services for a professional sports club," the Alton Police Department said. "We know he will be great in his new role. "Joel has done a variety of positions within the department. He started as a corrections officer, moved on to a patrol officer, K9 handler, SWAT operator, patrol sergeant, traffic division supervisor, and is ending his career as our training supervisor."No matter the role, Joel has always been a great employee, supervisor, and leader. He’s the type of guy who can be placed in any role and he will work hard to succeed. And beyond that, he’s a great father, husband, and human." The Alton Police closed with this statement: "Thank you for your service Sgt. Bromaghim. You will be missed greatly. Wishing you and your family nothing but success, health, and happiness."

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EDWARDSVILLE - Madison County Coroner Stephen P. Nonn has released the identity of the three victims of the fatal Greyhound Bus crash that happened on Wednesday, July 12, 2023, at the Silver Lake Rest Area, on Interstate 70, Highland. The first victim has been identified as Juan E. Vasquez-Rodriguez, 34, of Passaic, N.J. He was pronounced deceased at the scene by Madison County Coroner’s Office Investigator Kelsey Jones at 3:15 a.m. on July 12, 2023. An autopsy examination was conducted on the decedent and the preliminary findings showed that he sustained craniocerebral, thoracic and abdominal blunt trauma as a result of the crash. The second victim has been identified as Buford Paya, 71, of Supai, Ariz. He was pronounced deceased at the scene by Madison County Coroner’s Office Investigator Kelsey Jones at 3:16 a.m. on July 12, 2023. An autopsy examination was conducted on the decedent and the preliminary findings showed that he sustained blunt head trauma as well as thoracoabdomina

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Name: Lee Graham Hometown: East Alton Years of Service: 1960-1964 Branch: Army Submitted By: Julie Heinemann

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JERSEYVILLE - The Jersey County Fair was a hit yet again this year, with thousands gathering in downtown Jerseyville on Tuesday to watch over an hour’s worth of parade floats and participants. This year’s theme was “Jersey County Fairytales” - several participants went all-out on the theme, bringing rolling castles, princesses, Disney characters, and more to the streets of Jerseyville. A panel of judges awarded some of the best floats in various categories. The following businesses received the following awards for their floats, along with plaques and award money: Best Participation - 1st MidAmerica Bank Most Complex - Glo Tan Most Appealing - Villas of Holly Brook Most Creative - CNB Bank & Trust Best Followed Theme - Julie's Graphics Best Overall - Glo Tan Andrea Ringhausen, one of the coordinators of the parade, said she had 112 participants sign up to be part of this year’s parade. “I think it went well,” Ringhausen

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CHICAGO - Governor Pritzker along with leaders in business and education from around the state will embark on a trade mission to the United Kingdom on July 16. The Governor will kick off the international trip by attending the Goodwood Festival of Speed from July 13-16 to discuss Illinois’ commitment to electric vehicle manufacturing with automobile, energy, and supply chain industry leaders. Following the Goodwood Festival of Speed, a delegation of business and education leaders will meet with their counterparts in London to discuss strengthening economic cooperation between the State of Illinois and the United Kingdom. Programming throughout the mission will focus on manufacturing, clean energy and technology, quantum, higher education collaboration, and other key industries. “When I first ran for Governor, I promised to be our state’s best Chief Marketing Officer—letting the world know that Illinois is the best place to live, work, and do business,”

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ILLINOIS - As the National Resources Conservation Service works to clear out invasive plant species, there’s no telling what they could find. The National Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, offers a conservation planning and funding program that allows them to remove invasive species from private properties. Their goal is to conserve the area and avoid disrupting nature or historic sites. “That’s what their object is, to get some funding to help offset the cost of cleaning that out,” Andy Schlichting, who works with NRCS, said. “But you have to protect all the natural resources that we have. You have to make sure that we’re not going to destroy anything.” Locally, the NRCS is mostly concerned with protecting Native American artifacts and burial sites. Sarah Fisher, Illinois’s State Cultural Resource Specialist for NRCS, explained that this part of Illinois can be a “hotspot”

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