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ALTON - This weekend, two big events are coming to Mac’s Downtown in Alton; Friday, May 5th is the Cinco de Mayo Block Party starting at 6 p.m., and Saturday, May 6th is the Kentucky Derby Block Party starting with breakfast at 8 a.m., race around 5:30 p.m. Both events will feature live music and alcoholic beverages from a Michelob Ultra “Ultra Build-A-Bar,” a giant portable bar that will be in the street on both days. Mac’s Downtown Owner Rob Lenhardt said this is the first year Mac’s is hosting a Cinco de Mayo celebration, and the event will feature walking tacos. “It’s actually the first year we’ve done something like this, trying to expand on the Derby weekend,” Lenhardt said. “Cinco de Mayo always falls the day before, so we’re trying to utilize that and give people a little different way to go about it - live music and walking tacos instead of chips and salsa.” For Friday’s Cinco de Mayo party

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PONTOON BEACH - The month of May is National Bike Month, and with more than 138 miles of scenic, Class I bikeways, Madison County Transit (MCT) is celebrating all month long on the MCT Trails with a variety of activities. MCT recently released the latest MCT Trails scavenger hunt, launched a new MCT Trails survey, and will be participating in several community events this month. SCAVENGER HUNT The MCT Trails Bike Month 2023 Scavenger Hunt has returned with new and engaging activities. Popular in years past, the scavenger hunt is facilitated though the “GooseChase” app. Participants who download the free app and sign up to play receive weekly missions to complete along the MCT Trails. Participants will explore newly opened trails and areas they may have never ventured, while being reminded of trail safety and rules in creative ways. Trailgoers playing along will also receive a local history lesson about Madison County and the MCT Trails. The scavenger hunt is free and

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CHICAGO – The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has opened an investigation into a nursing home in Lincolnshire after receiving reports yesterday that there were no medical staff on duty at Warren Barr Lincolnshire, a skilled nursing facility licensed to house 144 beds at 150 Jamestown Lane. IDPH nursing home surveyors responded immediately to the home Monday morning after being alerted to the lack of clinical care staff. The Lincolnshire Fire Department EMS units also responded to the home to assist in caring for residents. When IDPH staff arrived, they encountered the facility medical director who had arrived to check on patients and no nursing or other clinical staff on duty at the facility. The IDPH surveyors assisted in assessing the facility for safety and quickly worked to contact staff who had previously worked at the facility. IDPH worked with the staff to develop a plan for continuing care coverage for the residents for the next 24 hours and through the nex

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GRANITE CITY - The Warriors' girls soccer team has had one of the best seasons in recent memory, largely in part to a tremendous senior class. Granite City currently sits at 11-2-1 on the season following a 2-2 tie against Marquette Catholic Tuesday night (May 2). The Explorers knocked in two goals in quick succession to go ahead 2-0 at the half on the Warriors' Senior Night. Senior captain Ella Hickam and her team weren't going to give up though. "In the first half, we were just not all on the same page," Hickam said of her team's play early on. "Our communication just wasn't there, but then we went into the second half, we said let's play like we know we should, communicate, play simple passes, and keep them on their half." That's what they did as the Warriors rallied back to tie the game back up at 2-2. For her determination on Senior Night, Ella Hickam is a Stillwater Senior Living Athlete of the Month for the Warriors. Still, Hickam agreed that the tie was a little disappointing

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PIASA - Piasa Southwestern sophomore Ryan Lowis could play any sport he pleases, so he does. Like many other Piasa Birds, Ryan is a multi-sport athlete, and is a standout in each of them. For his dedication to three different sports, Ryan is an Altonized Federal Credit Union Athlete of the Month. In the Fall, he has been the football team's backup QB behind senior Quintin Strohbeck. While waiting for his time to shine in the QB position, he was a mainstay on defense with 36 total tackles, two sacks, two fumble recoveries, and an interception. He transitions almost immediately into basketball season where he was the team's second-leading scorer last season that saw a 16-16 campaign and a trip to the Regional Finals. He played in every single game and totaled up 260 points and 142 rebounds. He was the team's best three-point shooter with 46 made shots from deep. That brings us to the Spring. Yesterday, May 2, Ryan through a seven inning no-hitter against South Central Conference

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HARDIN - An Alton man has been charged after a traffic stop on Illinois River Road at Swan Lake. On April 29, 2023, a Deputy Sheriff with the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office conducted a traffic stop on Illinois River Road at Swan Lake on a white 1993 Chevy truck. Subsequent to an investigation, a passenger, Kenneth L Gray, aged 35, of Alton, was arrested for the following offenses: Unlawful Possession of Methamphetamine Unlawful Possession of Hypodermic Syringes Gray was arrested without incident and transported to the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office. All suspect(s) are innocent until proven guilty.

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CHICAGO - Former ComEd lobbyist Michael McClain, former ComEd CEO Anne Pramaggiore , retired ComEd vice president John Hooker, and former ComEd consultant Jay Doherty were found guilty on each and every count of a nine-count indictment accusing them of conspiracy, bribery, and falsifying documents. Federal prosecutors accused the defendants of using their influence to reward former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan and his associates for about eight years beginning in 2011, in order to ensure Madigan would help them pass legislation beneficial to ComEd. These are reactions from area legislators on the verdicts: Rep. Elik Statement on Corruption Trial Verdict Tied to Former House Speaker Mike Madigan SPRINGFIELD - Illinois State Representative Amy Elik (R-Alton) issued a statement following the verdict in the corruption trial connected to former House Speaker Mike Madigan: “Today’s verdict reaffirms what has been wrong with our state government for decades an

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ALTON - Alton Police Chief Jarrett Ford said at 12:50 p.m. on Tuesday, May 2, 2023, the Alton Police Department Officers responded to a report of a juvenile victim with a gunshot wound to the chest in the 2600 block of Maxey Street, Alton. The victim was transported to a local hospital by members of the Alton Fire Department. Despite lifesaving efforts, the victim ultimately died of his injuries. "The Alton Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Division immediately began investigating the case. Leads and information obtained led to the identification of a suspect who was eventually taken into custody," Chief Ford said. "The investigation is ongoing at this time. It is being conducted in conjunction with members of the Madison County Coroner’s Office and Illinois State Police. The investigation will be forwarded to the Madison County State’s Attorney’s Office for review. "This was not a random act of violence. All involved parties are known to each other."

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ALTON - Alton Police Chief Jarrett Ford said at 12:50 p.m. on Tuesday, May 2, 2023, the Alton Police Department Officers responded to a report of a juvenile victim with a gunshot wound to the chest in the 2600 block of Maxey Street, Alton. The victim was transported to a local hospital by members of the Alton Fire Department. Despite lifesaving efforts, the victim ultimately died of his injuries. "The Alton Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Division immediately began investigating the case. Leads and information obtained led to the identification of a suspect who was eventually taken into custody," Chief Ford said. "The investigation is ongoing at this time. It is being conducted in conjunction with members of the Madison County Coroner’s Office and Illinois State Police. The investigation will be forwarded to the Madison County State’s Attorney’s Office for review. "This was not a random act of violence. All involved parties are known to each other."

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ST. LOUIS – Registration is open for the “ Chesterfield Mother’s Day 5K Run/Walk ” until the morning of the community event on Sunday, May 14, 2023. Participants will follow a course circling the Staenberg Group entertainment development, The District of St. Louis , complete with finish-line treats, roses, and live music. Five registration categories are available to accommodate a variety of participants, from runners wanting to beat personal records to those looking to get up and get active, whether they run or walk the course: 5K Run/Walk 5K Run/Walk – Untimed Virtual Run – 5K Kid’s Division 5K Fun Run – 11 Years and Under Kid’s Dash – Eight Years and Under Participants must pick up their race packets to participate in the 5K. Packets contain participants’ bib numbers, their selected race-themed t-shirts, and any add-ons. Packet pick-up is on Saturday, May 13, 2023, at Dick’s Sporting Goods

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GODFREY - The purchase of over $69,000 worth of items for the continuing improvement of Glazebrook Park was approved during the Finance Committee meeting just before the Godfrey Village Board meeting on May 2. Among the items approved are picnic tables, new grills, Splash Pad fencing/signage, and more. The full list of items is as follows: Eight 6-foot picnic tables ($7,234.40) Four round picnic tables, four umbrellas, and four umbrella anchors ($5,653.59) 13 trash receptacles with liners and lids ($6,488.29) A fence around the splash pad ($26,608.00) Two grills for new pavilions ($493.94) One “Rules” sign for the pickleball courts ($90.00) One “Rules” sign for the splash pad ($90.00) Matching funds towards the 2023 Metro East Park & Recreation Park and Trail Grant. (Up to but not exceeding $22,377.86) The total cost of these items is $69,036.08. Parks and Recreation Director Chris Logan said all items are funded through the Madison Count

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MARQUETTE – Marquette Catholic has what can be described as a power-packed girls' track and field squad this season, led by seniors Sammy Hentrich, Caroline Rea, Grace Sechrest, and Kailey Vickrey. The Explorers girls’ squad was first recently in the Bert Trump Relays and performed well in the Madison County Small Schools Meet, two of the biggest outdoor meets to date. The Marquette girls are a Tucker's Automotive Female Athletes of the Month for the Explorers. Paige Rister, a middle-distance runner, has shined all season for the Explorers. Rister was clocked at 14:02.19 in the East Alton-Wood River Invite. She is also a key member of multiple relays. Vickrey is poised for big performances the rest of the season as the sectional is near. Ava Certa, Katie Johnson, Karly Davenport, Caroline Cain have stood out all season. Rister has placed high in every meet in her long-distance races. Davenport has been clocked at 13.64 in the 100 meters and under 29 seconds in the 200

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ALTON - A crash occurred on Monday night at the corner of the 1100 block of Washington Avenue and Donald Avenue in Alton. Alton Fire Department said a person was transported from the scene to a hospital, but there were no details on injuries. The vehicle hit a power pole and the call to Alton Police and Fire came out at 7:41 p.m. on Monday, the fire department added. Initially, four customers were without power until the Ameren Illinois crew arrived and power was cut to 250 customers for about 40 minutes to safely make permanent repairs in the area.

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EDWARDSVILLE – The Edwardsville Police Department announced it issued a total of 80 traffic citations and 165 warnings for hands-free law violations during April’s Distracted Driving Awareness Month enforcement campaign. “We strongly enforce traffic laws to reduce traffic crashes and to save lives,” said Lt. Brandn Whittaker. “This increased enforcement was implemented to help motorists avoid the often-deadly consequences of distracted driving with a simple reminder: Drop it and drive.” The Edwardsville Police Department joined forces with the Illinois State Police, local law enforcement and highway safety partners for this enforcement effort. The Illinois distracted driving campaign is funded with federal traffic safety funds administered by the Illinois Department of Transportation.

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DU QUOIN – The Du Quoin State Fair is excited to announce six acts scheduled to perform at the Du Quoin State Fair Grandstand. In addition to harness racing and ARCA and USAC auto races, the grandstand will play host to kids’ entertainment, comedy, country music, and a Grammy-nominated rap artist. Fairytales on Ice kicks off the grandstand entertainment on Friday, August 25 , with a cool new experience that will keep the whole family entertained. Delight in the spectacular as award-winning skaters bring your favorite fairy tale characters to life through ice skating, singing, and music. Featuring stories and characters from Beauty& The Beast , explore the fairy tale land alongside Cinderella, Alice in Wonderland, Little Red Riding Hood, and more! Follow the ice-skating magic as you enter Arelia. Meet Beauty and join along as we share our modern storyline full of fun and adventure! Grammy award-winning country singer-songwriter Carly Pearce takes the grandstand

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EDWARDSVILLE – SIUE's Student Athletic Advisory Counsel (SAAC) celebrated the 2022-23 athletic year with the Cougar Choice Awards on Thursday, April 27 at the Wildey Theater in downtown Edwardsville. Tanner Collins of golf and Max Kristoff of wrestling served as hosts of the event. Highlight of the Year: Ray'Sean Taylor (Men's Basketball) The Highlight of the Year Award goes to a student-athlete who delivered a clutch play, game changing moment, or outstanding performance that results in the #1 standout moment of the year in SIUE athletics. Nominees for this award were selected by the Sports Information Staff and Coaches and the winner was voted on by head coaches and our SAAC members. Male Newcomer of the Year: Demarco Minor (Men's Basketball) Female Newcomer of the Year: Macy Silvey (Women's Basketball) The Newcomer of the Year goes to one student-athlete from a women's team and one student-athlete from a men's team. These athletes are in their first year of competition

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Nearly 800,000 Americans suffer a stroke each year. Strokes can have life-altering consequences like vision, walking and swallowing difficulties. They also rank in the top five killers of Americans. For each minute a stroke goes untreated, the brain loses around 2 million cells it cannot recover. "Getting to the hospital quickly – within four and a half hours of your onset of symptoms – is important," says Leslie Ingold, a registered nurse and stroke coordinator with OSF HealthCare. A cutting-edge stroke drug recently rolled out at OSF HealthCare is already turning the tide for people. Tenecteplase (TNKase ®) can be used in people experiencing a stroke and who meet certain criteria, such as a specific blood pressure, history of brain bleeds, medications taken at home and how quickly they arrived at the emergency department. TNKase is a clot-busting agent that stands to become the gold standard of this type of care, Ingold says. "It has a lower cost. It’s

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CARLINVILLE - One of the greatest annual events in American sports is the Kentucky Derby, which will be run for the 149th time this Saturday. One past champion was bred in Macoupin County. This week marks 134 years since the victory of Spokane, who captured the 1889 Kentucky Derby during the infancy of the event. The horse was bred at “The Meadows,” the farm of Gen. Richard Rowett one mile north of Carlinville. Rowett horses, and their jockey colors of orange jacket and blue cap, were on tracks throughout the west and south. But Spokane was the greatest production of The Meadows, a nationally recognized breeding ground for thoroughbreds. In 1885, a prized dark brown horse named Hyder Ali was standing at The Meadows when Rowett bred him to one of his top mares, Interpose. This pairing had produced favorable offspring in the past, including Grey Cloud, a fine racer owned by Noah Armstrong of the Doncaster Ranch near Twin Bridges in the Montana Territory. Armstrong’s

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ALTON - Eddie Sholar Jr., the owner of Fast Eddie’s in Alton, had an abundance of kind words to say Monday about his friend, colleague, and mentor Mike Shannon, the Voice of the Cardinals, who died Saturday. Sholar and Shannon are most known around the St. Louis area together for their commercials for Fast Eddie’s that they did for years. Sholar described Shannon as first and foremost “a family man” and always there for his children. “He was amazing,” Sholar said about Shannon. “It is very hard to describe how he was, but he was big with everything he did. He was the best high school athlete from around here and the same when he became a Cardinal baseball player and then for 50 years he was behind the microphone of the Redbirds. He had such a big booming personality, you had to just put a microphone in front of him.” Sholar and Shannon were very close and even spent time in Major League baseball spring training in Florida together.

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ALTON - Alton High School senior baseball captain and catcher Jayden Diaz has enjoyed a good season for the Redbirds as the calendar is about to turn into May and into the stretch run for the regular season into the IHSA playoffs. Although he went a combined zero-for-three in his team's Southwestern Conference losses to Edwardsville 16-6 on Apr. 25 and 13-1 on Apr. 26 that put Alton's record at 7-13, Diaz has enjoyed a good season to date. Diaz has hit .341 in games through Apr. 26, with three home runs and 13 RBIs, with an on-base percentage of .547 and five stolen bases. He had provided leadership and guidance to the other players on the team and is a team captain who leads by example. For all of his efforts both on and off the field, Diaz has been named an Auto Butler Athlete of the Month for the Redbirds. Diaz, who plays for head coach Scott Harper, felt good after the Redbirds' loss Apr. 25 and also is trying to keep the team's spirits up, staying positive and upbeat.

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