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ALTON - Earlier this spring, Jolena Pang joined the National Great Rivers Research and Education Center (NGRREC) education team as an environmental educator. She will be responsible for leading tours of the NGRREC facility for students of all ages and community members. “I hope to make the community more cognizant of the environmental issues facing our rivers and watersheds, and what that means for them,” Pang said. “And I hope to help inspire and motivate the community into positive action.” Prior to joining NGRREC, Pang completed a master's degree in political ecology and environmental justice in Barcelona, where she lived for the past few years. Pang also worked as a community organizer for the Wilderness Society, where she engaged over 600 grassroots supporters and led events focused on bringing a more diverse and inclusive perspective to conservation. “The best part of being an environmental educator is getting a chance to teach kids about the

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ALTON – Lewis and Clark Community College’s National Great Rivers Research and Education Center (NGRREC) will host a Coffee and Cleanup event this month as part of the 1 Mississippi River Days of Action Initiative. The event will take place from 9 a.m. to noon, Thursday, June 15, at the NGRREC Field Station, located at 1 Confluence Way, East Alton, Illinois. All are welcome to join for free coffee and bagels and to learn about the Mississippi River Plastic Pollution Initiative , a community science project aimed at tracking trash in the Mississippi River watershed using the Marine Debris Tracker app. Community Ecologist Anthony Dell will give a brief overview of his research, which focuses on microplastics found in rivers. Microplastics come from plastic litter and trash that degrade overtime into microscopic pieces and exist in water sources, especially near more populated areas. Microplastics are a growing concern as they become more prevalent in drinking sources,

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O'FALLON - Sam Andria was a man of many talents, and his creative energy held no bounds. Searching for a permanent place where his trio could play, Sam stumbled across the countryside home that continues to operate as Andria’s Steakhouse today. In the late 70’s upon the inception of the restaurant, Sam and his friends held “Jam Sessions” in the house’s basement (rathskeller) for hours on end. Andria’s began as a place for people to dance and musicians to play. When people became hungry, Sam put his creative talents to the test by serving football size prime rib and mouthwatering steaks, the restaurant quickly grew its reputation and patrons raved about the distinct flavor (Andria’s Brush-On Steak Sauce) of the steaks and quickly returned for more. Sam’s music career was always a large part of his identity. He played Gaslight Square in the ’60s, released his technique and passion for the saxophone into archives at Southern Illinois

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GRANITE CITY - The Granite City Police Department is investigating a traffic crash where one individual lost their life Tuesday night in the 3500 block of Nameoki Road. Major Nick Novacich provided this statement from the Granite City Police about the accident: "This is an ongoing investigation that our officers will be working on for some time. We have one suspect in custody and we are not looking for any other suspects. "We at GCPD would like to extend our sincerest condolences to the family of the individual who lost their life and offers our support to them in their time of need." Novacich said that no other information about the crash could be released at this time.

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GODFREY - The Godfrey Village Board of Trustees approved including the entire length of Pierce Lane from Stamper Lane to Airport Road as part of the Pierce Lane Reconstruction project. The total cost of this extension project is not to exceed $190,000. The original Preliminary Engineering Services agreement the Village had with Sheppard, Morgan and Schwaab (SMS) of Alton, IL covered Stamper Lane to Airport Road with no plans for construction or development past Winter Lane. At the time, the Village planned to use Business District funds to cover the design and construction of Lars Hoffman Crossing. Since then, the Village has agreed to transfer jurisdiction of Lars Hoffman Crossing and Airport Road to Madison County, which has more funds available to extend the project’s construction. When the Finance Committee met last month, there was some discussion in support of including the Phase 6 section of the Pierce Lane project (from Winter Lane to Airport Road) into the construction

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METROPOLIS – Illinois State Police (ISP) Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) officials announce the arrest of 29-year-old Eric Rushing of Metropolis, IL, for Aggravated Battery (Class 3 Felony) and Possession of a Weapon by a Felon (Class 2 Felony). On June 5, 2023, ISP was investigating an incident of an aggravated battery involving a firearm in Metropolis. The suspect was identified as Rushing. Following the incident, Rushing barricaded himself inside a residence located in the 400 block of W. 20 th Street. ISP SWAT and Crisis Negotiators responded to the scene to assist. At approximately 7:15 p.m., Rushing exited the residence and was taken into custody without incident. On June 6, 2023, the Massac County State’s Attorney filed the above charges against Rushing. Rushing is currently in custody at the Massac County Jail, with bond set at $200,000, 10% to apply. The Massac County Sheriff’s Office and the Metropolis Police Department assisted with the

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ALTON - Alton Police Chief Jarrett Ford this afternoon released more information about the shooting at Rent-A-Center Tuesday morning. "At 10:12 a.m. on June 6, 2023, the Alton Police Department received a 911 call from a female indicating she had just been shot. A separate 911 call was also received from an employee of Rent-A-Center, 2831 Homer Adams Parkway, Alton, Illinois, indicating a shooting had just taken place inside the business. "Alton Police Officers arrived at the business as well as to the female who had been shot. The female was in a vehicle and located in close proximity to Rent-A-Center. Initial investigation revealed that the female who was shot had come to the business to confront a relative who is employed by Rent-A-Center, despite an active order of protection prohibiting contact with her relative and from being at Rent-A-Center. "In doing so, the female engaged in a verbal conflict with her relative which escalated into a physical altercation. A separate Rent-A-Center

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ALTON - Alton has become very known for its Annual Juneteenth Freedom Celebration over the years. On June 17, the 32nd Annual Juneteenth will be held at James H. Killion Park (formerly Salu Park) from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Set up begins at 7:30 a.m. and opening ceremony begins at 11:30 a.m. Abe Lee Barham, one of the organizers of the event, said: "The Juneteenth Celebration is a community effort to celebrate the memory of 1865 freedom for African Americans in the history of the United States. Our ancestors were slaves/property in 1776 when independence was declared for the United States - July 4). Barham said all pastors, praise dancers, choirs, soloists, praise teams, poets, food vendors, storytellers, creative artists, musicians craft/merchandise vendors and those who portray famous black Americans should sign up for the event. "This is a most commemorative event and if you plan to participate contact Marquato Rattler (618) 910-7422, Anne Johnson at (618) 466-9369 or Lee Barham at (618

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WOOD RIVER - Wood River City Council members voted to delay the reappointments of Sara Hall, Sheila Angel, and Shelly Fitzgerald, as well as the new appointment of Kristen Burns, to the city’s Planning Commission. Jesse Daniels was to be appointed as Chairman and Councilman Bill Dettmers was to be appointed as Ex-Officio before the council voted 3-2 to table the item until the next meeting. After the motion to approve Mayor Tom Stalcup’s recommended appointments to the commission was made, Councilman David Ayres moved to table the item until the next meeting, stating he suggested the council meet about this topic twice since their first meeting, but no such meeting had taken place. Councilman Bill Dettmers said the goal of reviewing and limiting these committee appointments is based on “several cities” which have tried to limit the size of their committees, adding that the Wood River Planning Commission is the largest committee in the city. He said the

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ALTON - Jack Keller has always been one to serve his community and country. This past Memorial Day, he was honored with one of his biggest accomplishments - he was the grand marshal for the historic Alton parade. Jack rated the day as "quite an honor." "It was very kind of them to do that," he said. "I always loved doing community service type of work and my work with East End Improvement Association," one of the parade sponsors. East End also is a coordinator of the Alton Halloween Parade and Jack has been involved in both for years upon years. Jack and his wife, Joan, both rode together in the parade. He describes Joan as "the love of my life." Jack is now 92 years old. Jack was a 3rd Class Petty Officer during the Korean War and was based in Key West, Fla. Keller spent much of his time aboard a submarine and part of a crew. He said he retained friends from those days for the rest of his life. Jack returned home to raise his children and now loves not only his children but also

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ALTON - Legendary Alton attorney Robert Ryan today reflected on June 6, 1944, also known as D-Day. Ryan, now 99 years old, had an interesting perspective on that historic day, as he was a prisoner in a Nazi prison camp. Ryan is a Marquette graduate and entered the U.S. Army Air Corps at age 19. When he came back home, he returned to school and graduated with a law degree from St. Louis University. Later in the day of the D-Day invasion on June 6, 1944, Ryan said he joined several other Allied prisoners for a gathering inside the prison camp. “Some of the German officers called us together and stepped out and said the invasion had begun and that the slaughter of Allied troops was terrible,” Ryan said. “I thought to myself that day, ‘We will be here for another 10 years.’ I was devastated that day, it was a very depressing day." Ryan also said he and the other prisoners were greatly impacted by the thought of the loss of American lives in the invasion.

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WOOD RIVER - Wood River is reporting higher property values and lower property taxes this year, including the largest one-year tax rate decrease since 1970 and the city’s lowest tax rate since 1996. City Manager Steve Palen said Madison County was being “conservative” with last year’s equalized assessment valuation (EAV), and that the new EAV is a nearly $12 million or 8.13% increase over last year, making it the highest EAV in the city’s history. “With the EAV increase, we have an expected tax rate of 1.5509 … versus 1.6674, which was projected,” Palen said. “Therefore, the tax rate decrease from the ‘21 levy is 0.1266 - this is the largest one-year decrease since at least 1970 and the lowest tax rate since 1996. “Since the EAV increased nearly $12 million, the city now has the highest EAV in its history, exceeding last year’s previous high mark of $147 million. The approximate effect on a $100,000 home

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EDWARDSVILLE – Edwardsville Community Unit School District #7 has announced the hiring of Amy Boscolo as Athletics Director beginning with the 2023-24 school year. Ms. Boscolo’s hire was approved on June 5, 2023, by the District #7 Board of Education. Ms. Boscolo comes to District #7 from Highland High School where she has been the Athletics Director/Assistant Principal for the past five years. In 19 years of education, she has also served as a junior high assistant principal, physical education and health teacher, and athletic trainer for various school districts throughout Illinois. “Amy brings a variety of experiences to District #7 and will be able to build on the solid foundation and growth in the athletic program established by Alex Fox,” said Superintendent Dr. Patrick Shelton. “She brings a student-centered approach to Edwardsville and will be able to continue the wonderful support our athletic programs have received within the

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ALTON - Alton Police Department officers are investigating a report of two injured in a shooting around 10 a.m. at the Rent-A-Center in Alton. A woman apparently entered the location and hit an employee in the face with a weapon, then another employee fired and hit the woman with three bullets. The woman departed in a vehicle but was discovered at Claire and Seminary streets in Alton and was eventually transported to Alton Memorial Hospital, then taken by Arch helicopter to a St. Louis hospital. Alton Police Chief Jarrett Ford said more information on the shooting will be released Tuesday afternoon. Alton Battalion Chief Derrick Richardson said he didn't know the exact location of the bullet wounds, but there were three bullet wounds. He said she was in serious condition at the scene from the wounds.

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WOOD RIVER - Ceremony Chairperson Mary Roberts thanked members of the Wood River City Council and several other local organizations for their help and participation in the Wood River Memorial Day Service, which was held on Memorial Day, May 29, in the Round House Recreation Center. She spoke during the Public Comment portion of the last City Council meeting. “It was a fitting tribute to our men and women who put on the uniform to serve our country and died for our freedom,” Roberts said of the event. “I want to thank Mayor Tom Stalcup for giving me the opportunity to chair this committee to honor these heroes. “I want to thank Councilman Jeremy Plank for being our Emcee, and Councilmen David Ayres and Bill Dettmers for attending our service.” Roberts also thanked the Marine Corps Ladies Auxiliary Unit 488 Chaplain/Judge Advocate Lola Cochran and Marine Veteran Daphine Kappos for reading the names on the Memorial and chiming a bell after each name

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SPRINGFIELD - Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias and other state regulators have taken legal action against crypto exchange platform Coinbase Global, Inc. and Coinbase, Inc. for violations of securities laws. “This action will protect consumers and investors to ensure they can make informed and safe decisions in Illinois and across the nation,” Giannoulias said. “Illinoisans who invest their money in Coinbase or any other digital asset trading business deserve both security and transparency and my office intends to hold crypto companies to the highest standards.” The Illinois Secretary of State’s Securities Department is a member of a task force alongside nine other state securities regulators charging Coinbase for its violation of securities laws in connection with the company’s staking offerings. Staking is the process of holding a certain number of digital assets on a blockchain to facilitate processing transactions and to earn

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GLEN CARBON - Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois is pleased to celebrate the outstanding volunteers who earned awards at our second annual Recognition of Excellence ceremony. These volunteers exemplify our mission of building girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place. The ceremony was held on Sunday, May 21 at the DoubleTree Inn in Mt. Vernon, Illinois. Volunteer of Excellence Award The Volunteer of Excellence Award recognizes volunteers who have contributed outstanding service while partnering directly with girls to implement the Girl Scout Leadership Experience through the use of the national program portfolio or who have contributed outstanding service in support of the council’s mission delivery to girl and adult members. Emily Collins from Troy Serving the Troy/St. Jacob area Michelle Cocran from Troy Serving the Troy/St. Jacob area President’s Volunteer Service Award In 2003, the President’s Council o

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DUBUQUE, Iowa (June 6, 2023) - The University of Dubuque congratulates the following student - Sasha Daughrity of Glen Carbon - on being appointed to the Spring Semester 2023 Academic Dean's List. Full-time students in good academic standing (registered for and have earned 12 or more letter grade credits for the term) who earn a term grade point average of 3.5 or above and who do not have any grades of Incomplete for the term are named to the Dean's List. Once grades have been submitted for any Incompletes, the Office of Academic Affairs will review eligibility again for possible placement on the Dean's List for the given term.

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SPRINGFIELD —Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (Illinois EPA) Director John J. Kim today announced $12.6 million is being awarded to 10 applicants for electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure. The grants will fund 348 new Direct Current Fast Charging (DCFC) ports at 87 locations throughout Illinois. The awards are based on a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) issued in the fall of 2022 seeking publicly accessible locations in the three priority areas outlined in the Volkswagen (VW) Beneficiary Mitigation Plan (BMP). These grants were made possible after the Pritzker Administration committed to focus Illinois’ remaining VW Settlement allocation on electric transportation and infrastructure. “Here in Illinois, we are proud to boast a nation-leading EV ecosystem—from EV manufacturing and tax credits for companies and customers alike to a rapidly-growing EV charging infrastructure,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Today, I couldn’t be

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ALTON - Community members are coming together to end gun violence following several deadly shootings over the past few months. East Elementary School teacher Candice Wallace is leading the charge. Wallace has lost two young relatives to gun violence, most recently in a May 2nd shooting in Alton that claimed the life of her 15-year-old nephew. “I just want this community to be a safer place for all of its residents. We all deserve that,” Wallace said. Following her nephew’s death, Wallace created a Facebook group called “Alton’s Be the Change.” More than 70 people have joined the group with the intention of improving the community. The “Be the Change” group is currently focused on gun violence. There were at least three deadly shootings throughout May in Alton. They have organized several events for June, which is National Gun Violence Awareness Month . The group’s first “Stop the Violence” event will

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