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EDWARDSVILLE – Southern Illinois University Edwardsville students are among the recipients of the 2022 SIU System Distinguished Student Service Awards. Awardees were honored during the SIU System Board of Trustees meeting held Thursday, April 28. During the meeting, Dianah McGreehan, chair of the award selection committee, announced the recipients and shared brief highlights of their outstanding acts of service. Each will receive $100 and an honorary plaque. Winners included: Hailee O’Dell (SIUE undergraduate student) Emily Love (SIUE graduate student) Alison Long (SIU School of Dental Medicine) Aneesh Asokan (School of Pharmacy) Tristan Workman (SIUC undergraduate student) Anna Wilcoxen (SIUC graduate student) Barra Madden (School of Medicine) Morgan Wiggins (School of Law) O’Dell is a junior studying elementary education and psychology in the School of Education, Health and Human Behavior (SEHHB). She is the immediate past president of SIUE

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JERSEYVILLE - St. Francis/Holy Ghost Catholic School first through fourth-grade students recently participated in two exciting Sumdog competitions. Sumdog questions are embedded into games, with different games for different learning styles – racing games, cooking games, flying games. Sumdog is all about personalizing the experience for each child. The questions adapt to meet the student where they are while letting them play with friends, a robot, or kids from across the world. “Our students fared exceptionally,” Jennifer M. Gibson, Technology Teacher/Director at St. Francis Holy Ghost Catholic School, said. “Our students answered an additional 28,500 questions each contest. Below are the students who scored first, second and third in their class for each contest.”

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GODFREY – The Nature Institute (TNI) is hosting a celebration for one of only two lunar eclipses that can be viewed in the Riverbend area this year. On May 15, 2022, from 7-11:15 p.m., TNI will offer moon-themed games, movies, music, guided hikes, snacks, drinks, a prime eclipse viewing location with telescopes, and binoculars, and more, on the TNI grounds. The eclipse will begin at 8:32 p.m. and will reach totality at 11:11 p.m. Registration for this event is available on the TNI website. The cost will be $10 for TNI members and $12 for non-members. Lauren Scull, Director of Education, and Dave Schiber, Environmental Educator, are excited about this event. “When I saw we would be having a total lunar eclipse this spring and it would be early enough for people to actually see, I knew it was the perfect opportunity to offer a fun, educational event. Not only do you get to see the eclipse, but you will also get to enjoy a view of the Mighty Mississippi River,” says

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EDWARDSVILLE - A Life-Saving Award was presented to Correctional Officer Michael Wallendorff last week during the monthly Madison County Board Meeting. Major Jeff Connor of the Madison County Sheriff's Office, told the story involved in the award: "In February of 2020, Deputy Wallendorff, performed CPR on an inmate after the inmate was found unresponsive. CPR was performed for approximately six minutes until EMS personnel arrived on scene. "The inmate was transported to a local hospital and made a recovery. Hospital staff advised the inmate survived because of the CPR performed within the jail." Connor continued and said: "We thank Deputy Wallendorf for his service and commend him for this life-saving action! Great job!"

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EDWARDSVILLE – Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Engineering Associate Dean Chris Gordon, PhD, has received the Associated Schools of Construction (ASC) Regional Outstanding Educator Award. He was recognized at the ASC International Conference in April for his contributions to construction education, excellence in teaching, national and international service to the ASC, and dedication to the construction profession. “I’m honored to receive the ASC Regional Outstanding Educator Award,” Gordon shared. “My engagement with ASC over the years has helped me to grow professionally, and in turn, has helped to support the development of our students, faculty and construction education community.” Gordon has participated in ASC activities since 2007, serving in roles including faculty coach for student competition teams and author and reviewer for regional and international conferences. He has served as the Editor of the ASC Region III conference

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EAST ST. LOUIS – The U.S. Federal Court announced today that Dinish L. Watson, 26, of East St. Louis, Illinois, was sentenced to 30 years in federal prison on Wednesday, April 27, 2022, for Production of Child Pornography and Felon in Possession of a Firearm. Following his release from prison, Watson will serve a five-year term of supervised release. Watson was also ordered to register as a sex offender. According to court documents, on January 11, 2021, the United States Marshal’s Service (USMS) executed an arrest warrant at Watson’s residence for one of Watson’s friends. Discovered during the arrest was a Del-Ton 5.56 caliber rifle with a loaded extended magazine, a Sig Sauer 9mm pistol, a bullet-proof vest, and additional ammunition. Watson admitted to law enforcement officials that he had previously held the rifle and posed for pictures with it. Watson later messaged two different friends on a social media application indicating that law enforcement had

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) today met with members of the Illinois Restaurant Association (IRA) to discuss the ongoing support needed for restaurants as they work to recover from the economic impacts of COVID-19. Duckworth is a strong supporter of replenishing the Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF) and is a co-sponsor of the Continuing Emergency Support for Restaurants Act . “No one should be surprised that among the restaurants that managed to survive the deadly pandemic, far too many are struggling to achieve the same scale and capacity they had pre-pandemic, which is why passing legislation to replenish the RRF is critical,” Duckworth said. “Supporting neighborhood restaurants should be a bipartisan effort – and it’s deeply disappointing that despite broad support throughout the Democratic Caucus – we still lack 60 votes to get it done. I’ll keep working with organizations like the Illinois Restaurant Associatio

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ALTON - A Sacred Space has been a lifesaver for seniors with its special home care services. Cheri White is the administrator for the company, Robin Wright is the marketing director, and Amanda Hawkins HR Director. The business is located at 1726 Main Street in Alton or by calling (618) 661-8222. “Are you a senior and find it a little more difficult to run your weekly errands?” A Sacred Space’s White said. “We have the solution for you: we can do your grocery shopping, pick up mediations from the pharmacy, pick up your dry-cleaning, go to the post office, deliver packages and pick up packages within 15 miles within Illinois. Our service is completely customizable to meet your needs!” The packages are as follows: Senior Servings Package - $60 a month and .$60 a mile. Community Savings Package - $75 month and $.60 a mile. Some of the services A Sacred Space offers are: Personal care Companion care Respite care Preparation of light meals Light

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ALTON – Three Alton Memorial Hospital departments were recognized this week with top awards from national health care research leader Professional Research Consultants Inc. (PRC) . The Digestive Health Center earned a Top Performer award for the third consecutive year. PRC’s highest honor recognizes health care facilities, service lines and hospital units who score at the 100 th percentile for the Overall Quality of Care percent “Excellent” score in PRC’s national client database for the prior year. “The Digestive Health team works very well together, in a very efficient way,” said Amy Toenyes, nurse manager of the DHC. “During the pandemic, we had to make some scheduling adjustments and add some steps to getting signed into the department. But they were able to give the same exceptional care.” During that time, the staff kept up its practice of checking in with patients by phone before and after their visits, although COVID

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EDWARDSVILLE - The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville 2022 Bi-State Honor Band Festival will take place April 30-May 1 in Dunham Hall on the Edwardsville campus. The event is one of the most important outreach activities in the College of Arts and Sciences’ Department of Music and the most important for the band area. Having been a part of the department for more than 25 years, the festival aims to offer a two-day honor band experience for high school students in the greater St. Louis area. Participating students are drawn from nearly 30 local and regional institutions across Illinois and Missouri. The festival is also an important recruiting and fundraising event for the department. “My favorite part is seeing the students’ growth throughout the event,” said Rubén D. Gómez, director of bands and assistant professor in the Department of Music. “At the beginning of day one, they barely know each other, they are seeing the music fo

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JERSEYVILLE - Today is move-in day for a local sandwich shop; Pig on a Wing is moving from Medford’s Food Mart to the place it first opened at 807 IL-16 in Jerseyville, next to Farm & Home Supply and attached to Hansen Meat Packing. Pig on a Wing Owner Steve Walker said it’s officially time for the business to move back to its “roots,” but he’s been grateful for the name recognition Pig on a Wing has gotten out of being on State Street for five years. “We moved five years ago to get our name out, because we were on the edge of town and not a lot of people knew about us,” Walker said. “But then right here in the middle of town the past five years, everybody knows Pig on a Wing now.” Walker also owns The Pizza Crew restaurant which occupied the IL-16 location while Pig on a Wing was located at Medford’s. However, he said The Pizza Crew’s food isn’t leaving Jerseyville - it’s just joining the Pig o

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EAST ST. LOUIS – The U.S. District Court announced today that Bernard L. Mosley, Jr., 23, of East St. Louis, Illinois, was sentenced to 84 months in federal prison on Tuesday, April 26, 2022, for being a Felon in Possession of a Firearm. As part of his sentence, Mosley will serve a two-year term of supervised release following his release from federal prison. On August 4, 2020, the United States Marshals Service located Mosley at a house in East St. Louis and arrested him on an active warrant. At the time of his arrest, Mosley was in possession of a loaded handgun. Federal law prohibits convicted felons from possessing firearms or firearm ammunition. A federal grand jury indicted Mosley in October of 2020, and Mosley pled guilty on February 22, 2022. The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), United States Marshals Service Great Lakes Regional Fugitive Task Force, and the Illinois State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ali

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EDWARDSVILLE – The Illinois Department of Transportation announces intermittent lane closures of IL 157 between IL 140 in Hamel and IL 143 near Edwardsville beginning on Monday, May 2, 2022, weather permitting. Two-way traffic will be maintained by the use of flaggers. This project will seal pavement cracks and it should be completed by the end of May 2022. Drivers are urged to reduce speed, be alert for changing conditions, obey all construction signage, and refrain from using mobile devices while approaching and traveling through the work zone. The contractor on this project is Complete Asphalt Services Co. from Pittsfield, Illinois. For IDOT District 8 updates, follow us on Twitter at @IDOTDistrict8 or view area construction details on IDOT’s traveler information map on GettingAroundIllinois.com.

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GRANITE CITY – Juniors Karen Willaredt and Mara Withers of Granite City High School were selected as Granite City Rotary Club Students of the Month for April. 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 a future Granite City Rotary Meeting. KAREN WILLAREDT Three-year member of varsity track and field team ... Member of Varsity Club ... Honor Roll and Secondary Honors .... Peer Tutor ... Volunteer at Apex Physical Therapy and church ... Daughter of Alan and Christa Willaredt. MARA WITHERS Three-sport athlete - soccer, swimming and tennis ... All-Warrior Award and Varsity Award winner ... Honor Roll ... Member of Student Council, and Renaissance Club ... Two-year Living Legacy Scholarship winner ... Volunteer at Paddlers Pool and Wilson

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GRAFTON - The Jersey County Business Association and the City of Grafton will host the 2nd annual Sip, Sample, and Stroll on Saturday, May 21. from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 pm. Participating establishments along Grafton’s Main Street will be serving a sample of signature foods and beverages for your enjoyment. Those participating include: Aeries Resort - Antipasto Skewer and Leonard Kreusch Riesling or Copper Ridge Cabernet Bloody Bucket - Loading Dock Salsa and Bloody Mary Grafton Harbor Arrr Bar - Raspberry Jalapeño Dip and Wine Tasting Flight Grafton Oyster Bar - Jambalaya and Hurricane Grafton Pub - Taco and Baby Margarita Grafton Winery - Charcuterie Skewer and Sparkling Raspberry Wine Hawg Pit - Pulled Chicken Sandwich and Hippy Juice Third Chute Bar and Grill - Pork Fritters and Apple Pie Shot Tickets are $40 per person and must be purchased online prior to the event. Tickets must be purchased by May 20. No tickets will be sold during the

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EDWARDSVILLE - Bank of Hillsboro Edwardsville Branch Manager Lisa Claytor has retired after 10 years with the bank and 40 years within the banking industry. “Throughout the past 10 years with my time at the Edwardsville branch, I have seen so much change and growth within Edwardsville and the banking industry,” Claytor said. “Today, there is a bank on every corner, making it more important than ever to build relationships with your customers. I’ve really enjoyed Bank of Hillsboro’s approach to banking and will miss being a part of their team.” Claytor grew up in Edwardsville and started her first banking job in her hometown. Other opportunities within the banking industry took her to Tennessee and in 2011 she came back to Edwardsville to work at Bank of Hillsboro. Claytor said she is proud of the relationships she has cultivated with her customers and is excited to see how the bank will continue to grow. Claytor said she has seen the way technology

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GRANITE CITY – Maryville 1-2 Education Center Principal Mark Lull announced Wednesday that 174 students completed the Individual Reading Plan (IRP) 100 book reader program for the 2021-22 school year. All students will receive a medal for their accomplishment. The following Maryville 1st and 2nd graders read 100 books for the 2021-22 school year: Mrs. Blomme (9) Zayn Barton Rellic Boss Chayce Brookfield Jordan King Dinari Lewis Adalynn Kleier-Jones Christian Lopez Jose Montes Harper Worley Ms. Cox (21) Jeremy Barnett Anabella Briagas Cruz Bridgeman Nova Canterberry Daxton Derousse Ava Dodds Lucas Fisher Henry Hockaday Savanna Hull Richard Manion Ayden Mikuleza Annaleigh Parker Parth Patel Sofia Roman Cameron Stearns Katelynn Taylor Joshua Tichko Ryan Walk Imogen Warren Bentlee Wiesehan Samantha Yarbrough Ms. Meador (9) Zachary Cox Kenzie Craine Mila Hawthorne Lillian Kingsbury Karsynn Munro Jurnei Niemeyer Alexa Samano

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URBANA – Avian flu cases are on the rise in the Midwest. From canceled poultry shows to advising homeowners to remove bird feeders, Illinois is urging those who come into contact with birds to take steps to prevent the disease from spreading. Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza is a contagious virus that spreads among wild geese, ducks, and other waterbirds species, as well as some raptors, including bald eagles. Wild birds, which may show no symptoms even if infected, can carry the disease to new areas as they migrate north and transmit it to domestic poultry, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service . Avian flu is an extremely infectious respiratory disease that affects all domestic poultry, including laying hens, broilers, and turkeys, as well as waterfowl and game birds. It can spread quickly within flocks causing severe disease and death. In the last outbreak of avian influenza, more than 200 commercial flocks and

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BELLEVILLE - – Illinois American Water is encouraging customers to participate in the Drug Enforcement Agency’s (DEA) National Prescription Drug Take Back Day this coming Saturday, April 30, 2022. Customers are encouraged to drop off unwanted medications at approved collection sites so they can be incinerated. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends having unwanted medications incinerated. Flushing medications down the toilet and throwing them in the trash are discouraged. The event is Saturday, April 30, 2022, from 10 AM to 2 PM. Participating Illinois Take Back Day collection sites can be located here. Take Back Day events help keep medications from getting into the wrong hands and provide an opportunity for medication to be disposed of in an environmentally-friendly way. Proper disposal also helps prevent medications from being flushed down the toilet or poured down a drain. Rachel Bretz, director of water quality and environmental compliance for Illinois

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SPRINGFIELD – Continuing efforts to recruit new teachers and diversify the profession, Gov. JB Pritzker signed a series of bills into law to address the nationwide teacher shortage. The bills will simplify the licensing process for educators, lower licensing fees, and create more opportunities for prospective educators. These initiatives build on Gov. Pritzker’s record of addressing the burden of the state’s current teacher shortage, which includes raising the minimum wage for teachers to $40,000 per year, increasing funding for the Minority Teachers of Illinois scholarship program by 120%, a $200 million investment in early childhood education workforce development programs and increasing funding for teacher preparation programs. The teacher workforce has grown year-over-year since the state’s Evidence-Based Funding model was enacted in 2018. Since then, Illinois has added more than 5,000 teachers to the profession. Additionally, average teacher salaries have

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