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ALTON - Local businesses and attractions are preparing to welcome visitors as the Mississippi River cruise season starts up. “We always want to put out the welcome mat for our cruise ships because we hope those passengers enjoy our area as much as we do as residents, and we hope they return as new visitors at future stops,” Cory Jobe, president of the Great Rivers & Routes Tourism Bureau, said. Jobe said the cruise schedule is “robust” throughout the summer into late October. The tourism bureau will provide visitors with tours, restaurant guides, small business shopping information and more. He explained that the bureau works with travelers, travel writers and tour operators from around the world. Great Rivers & Routes can connect these visitors with local shops and restaurants, which can have a significant economic effect. They suggest that local business owners prepare for the economic opportunities provided by the cruise season. “I would just

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O’FALLON — HSHS St. Elizabeth’s Hospital’s Wound Care Center, a member of the Healogics network, is helping raise awareness of the risks of chronic wounds during Wound Care Awareness Month. With the support of Healogics, the nation’s leading provider of advanced wound care, Wound Care Center staff are focusing on educating the underserved chronic wound population about the importance of early detection and treatment of chronic wounds. Jennifer Steiner, RN and clinical program director for St. Elizabeth’s Wound Care Center, shared, “The number of people living in the United States with non-healing wounds is growing at an alarming rate. This month, we will be educating physicians, patients and the public about the prevalence of chronic wounds and how advanced wound care can help provide better outcomes for those with non-healing wounds.” The Wound Care Center offers several advanced therapies to patients suffering from chronic wounds. The

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EDWARDSVILLE — The Madison County Circuit Clerk’s Office is now offering passport photo service, making it a one-stop shop for passport processing. Circuit Clerk Tom McRae announced the new service started this week. He said his office process its first passport photo of a 1-year-old girl. McRae said Cecelia Borgens is the first person to get her photo taken at the Circuit Clerk’s Office. He said her mother, Jill Borgens, had a photo taken at another location and brought the picture in to the Circuit Clerk’s office to attach to the child’s passport application. Deputy Circuit Clerk Stacey Turner advised Borgens that her daughter’s previous photo would likely not be acceptable because the little girl had her eyes closed in the picture. She said the federal government routinely rejects passport photos for a number of different reasons resulting in delays in what can be an already lengthy process. “Cecelia wasn’t exactly thrilled with gettin

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ALTON - The Alton Boys & Girls Club celebrated the end of their playground renovation project today, but the party didn’t stop there. The club also said goodbye to longtime Board Member Cas Sheppard as he prepares to retire. Sheppard has served on the Boys & Girls Club board for 12 years, including two terms as president. “It’s going to be a huge loss for us, but we just really appreciate Cas and what he’s brought to our organization. So this is our way of showing him that we appreciate him and we thank him,” Al Womack, the Alton Boys & Girls Club executive director, said. Womack and Sheppard have worked alongside each other for years. The Boys & Girls Club is a national organization that offers after-school and summer programs to kids and teens. The Alton chapter works with approximately 600 kids every year. Sheppard said he was inspired to join the Boys & Girls Club after he saw the work of Womack and others. “I just remember how it was

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ALTON - The Alton Boys & Girls Club celebrated their playground renovation with a ribbon cutting ceremony today. The playground, located at 2512 Amelia Street in Alton, has updated equipment and a safer fall surface. “This is for not just the Boys & Girls Club,” Al Womack, executive director of the Alton Boys and Girls Club, said. “This is for the community.” The Boys & Girls Club organized the renovation. Several local businesses sponsored the project. Donors, school board members and local politicians were in attendance, as well as kids who were eager to test out the new equipment. Many attendants noted the benefits of another community park and the work that the Boys and Girls Club does for Alton. The playground is located on the Boys & Girls Club building property, but it will remain open for all community members. “These kinds of community events are really the heartbeat of everything in our districts,” Erica Harriss, state senator in

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EDWARDSVILLE - Area resident Rusty Wheat has been on a mission to clean up Madison County and because of his on-hand efforts and visits to Madison County Commission meetings and more, he is a difference maker. On Earth Day, he had several turn out for a cleanup effort, including multiple Madison County Board members. "We had Mayors, the County Chairman, Board members from the City of Roxana and Madison County, we had firemen, policemen, one high school student, local residents, some board members and city municipal workers all working together," he said of the Earth Day effort. "Roxana provided a trash truck, and a police presence to keep everyone safe. " Wheat continued and said when he was younger, there were a lot of commercials on TV about being responsible and picking up trash, but that doesn't happen as much anymore and he thinks it should. “I had trash trucks going by my home all the time and I asked if they would come out and clean out the road and they sent out a

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ALTON - Marquette Catholic Principal Tim Harmon announced with “a very heavy heart” that he had learned of the unexpected death of key teacher - Scott Shoger - who taught senior theology this past semester at the school. Shoger was just 43 years old at the time of his untimely death. “Mr. Shoger’s family is still in shock from this sudden and unexpected passing and has requested our thoughts and prayers for the family while they are trying to come to terms with this,” Principal Harmon said. “They did inform me that they plan to have a visitation and funeral where Mr. Shoger's parents live, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, this coming weekend. Please hold the family in your prayers, they need all the love, support, and prayers that we can offer.” Scott is survived by his wife, Michelle; daughters, Grace and Mary Ella of St. Louis; his parents, Mike and Marilynn Shoger of Cedar Rapids; a sister, Kristine Quick of Holmen, Wis.; a brother, Brian (Jessica)

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ALTON - Alton Police said goodbye to one of their four-legged officers - K9 Clark - on Wednesday, June 7, after six and a half years of law enforcement work with two agencies. K9 Clark is 8 years old and began his law enforcement career in late spring 2016 with the Wood River Police Department. In 2020, Officer John Hoefert and K9 Clark joined the Alton PD. The Alton Police Department said during K9 Clark's exciting career, he used his skills to assist numerous law enforcement agencies in the region with a variety of tasks. "K9 Clark has been part of numerous illegal drug seizures, has recovered critical evidence in different crimes, and successfully tracked a variety of dangerous criminals," the Alton Police said in a statement. "He has been a part of over 100 criminal apprehensions. Police canines are some of the hardest working dogs and are subject to a lot of dangerous deployments. Our dogs go into situations to protect human life and must encounter some of the most dangerous

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EDWARDSVILLE - Law enforcement officials, teachers, and more from across the state gathered at the Madison County Administration Building in Edwardsville to discuss school safety on Monday, June 5. This was the third semi-annual School Safety Summit led by Madison County Regional Superintendent Robert Werden. Madison County State’s Attorney Tom Haine stressed that “communication” with his office is key to ensuring school safety around Madison County, with his office reacting in a “swift” manner to any reports of danger. “My main mission at the State’s Attorney’s Office is to be proactive,” Haine said. “We are very, very swift in how we handle any report of danger to our students at our schools, and that we maintain very, very easy and smooth lines of communication.” After a brief introduction from Chief Deputy Marcos Pulido, Madison County Mental Health Board Executive Director Deborah Humphrey said the board

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ALTON - Alton Police Department Officers responded to a report of a person being cut with a sharp knife during an altercation at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Bozza Car Wash at 1600 Bozza Street. Alton Police Chief Jarrett Ford said Alton officers spoke with a female victim who reported being involved in an altercation with a female acquaintance. "The altercation took place on the property of the Bozza Car Wash located at 1600 Bozza Street, Alton," Chief Ford confirmed. "Preliminary investigation revealed the female victim was cut with a knife during the altercation. The victim did not desire medical treatment for the injury. "The female suspect was later located by officers and taken into custody. She is in custody at the Alton City Jail. The investigation is ongoing. The facts of the case will be presented to the Madison County State’s Attorney’s Office later this week." Chief Ford emphasized that the involved parties are very familiar with each other. "It is not a random

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ALTON - It’s Epic Food Month, and with over 60 local restaurants participating, you have plenty of epic foods to choose from. The month is divided into Epic Burger Week, Epic Taco Week, Epic Sandwich Week and Epic Ice Cream Week. Epic Food Month is sponsored by the Great Rivers & Routes tourism bureau. “It’s just a chance for us to highlight our local business owners and encourage people to travel to the region for food,” Cory Jobe, the president of the bureau, said. “That is one of the many reasons people come to our region, our craft spirits and our great food scene throughout our six-county region.” Jobe says that the bureau office has been sampling burgers all week for Epic Burger Week, in which 25 featured restaurants participated. Even though Epic Burger Week is coming to an end, there are still three more weeks of great eats that will satisfy any foodie. The month is focused on local businesses, but one of its goals is to bring out-of-towners

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EDWARDSVILLE - The City of Edwardsville has placed a large emphasis on the development of its parks and on Wednesday afternoon, the dog park on Schwarz Street was dedicated. As the sign displays, the new recreation area is the Brent Leh Dog Park. Dr. Brent Leh's family helped the Edwardsville Parks and Recreation Department dedicate the sign, placed in honor of the beloved local veterinarian who was killed in a motorcycle crash in 2018. "It's a beautiful sign. It's striking to see his name in print," Dr. Leh's mom, Ann Leh Culp (shown in pink floral shirt) said. "Adding this sign in his memory means the world to our family," she said. After Dr. Leh's death, his family and friends raised funds for the turf installation at the park to honor Dr. Leh in a wonderfully compassionate and fitting way.

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ALTON - The Rotary Club of Alton and Godfrey president Antione Williams presented the William E. Moyer Vocational Arts and Science Scholarships to three students attending Lewis & Clark Community College. Each student received a $1,500 scholarship. In addition, the scholarship is renewable for a second year. This year the awards were presented to Savannah Alexander, James Vaughn, and Masen Day. Lewis and Clark Community College Director of Development, Debby Edelman, introduced Savannah and James, announcing they were the recipients of the William E. Moyer Vocational Arts and Science Scholarships for the 2023-2024 academic year. Savannah Alexander, of Hamburg, graduated from Jersey Community High School in May 2023. She is pursuing an Associate of Applied Science degree in Welding Technology. She looks forward to learning more about the industry from her instructors and through an internship in order to decide on her career plans after graduating in the spring of 2025. James Vaughn,

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EAST ALTON - Nicholas Paynic, 33, of East Alton, has been charged with eight felony counts ranging from firearms to drug charges and more, with possible sentences of up to 60 years in prison. The charges against Paynic were announced in court filings from the office of Madison County State’s Attorney Tom Haine. These offenses were reportedly committed on Tuesday, June 6. The full list of Paynic’s charges are as follows: Count 1: Armed Violence (Class X) Count 2: Armed Habitual Criminal (Class X) Count 3: Methamphetamine Trafficking (Class X - Enhanced 12-60 Years DOC) Count 4: Unlawful Possession With Intent To Deliver Methamphetamine (Class X) Count 5: Unlawful Possession With Intent To Deliver A Controlled Substance (Class 1) Count 6: Aggravated Unlawful Use Of Firearms - Body Armor (Class X) Count 7: Unlawful Possession Of Weapons By A Felon (Class 2) Count 8: Defacing Identification Marks On A Firearm (Class 2) The description of the “Armed

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EDWARDSVILLE - Edwardsville High School said goodbye to a large group of seniors at Saturday’s commencement. The class was described as one that persevered through a lot of adversity during the COVID era and then eventually return to normalcy. The Class of 2023 was commended by Superintendent Dr. Patrick Shelton and Principal Dr. Steve Stuart for their ability to adapt during the COVID-19 Pandemic. "I am extremely proud of what this class has accomplished," Dr. Stuart said of the senior class. "As seniors, they set the tone to bring EHS back to the pre-COVID life they knew that first semester of their ninth-grade year. "They have set the bar high for the classes that follow, but also spent the time to mentor those younger students to understand what it means to be a Tiger. I hope for only the best for our graduating class and know they will be successful in whatever endeavor they choose to pursue." Edwardsville School District Board of 7 President Jill Bertels welcomed everyone

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EDWARDSVILLE - Benjamin Tobin of Pratt & Tobin, P.C. has been Elected to the Board of Managers of the Academy of Rail Labor Attorneys Pratt & Tobin, P.C. is proud to announce that Benjamin Tobin, the law firm's managing partner, was recently elected to the Board of Managers of the Academy of Rail Labor Attorneys (ARLA). ARLA is a professional association of plaintiff's attorneys whose practice includes the representation of injured railroad workers and their families under the Federal Employers' Liability Act (FELA). This election took place at ARLA's annual national convention in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. The mission of ARLA is to preserve and protect FELA while providing continuing legal education for its members. It does so by maintaining a watchful presence in government activities and providing a host of FELA-specific educational resources for its members. This includes hosting seminars on topics such as railroad safety, medical issues related to railroad workers, trial advocacy skills,

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ALTON - On Monday, June 5, 2023, Kennedy Stephens was named the Rotary Club of Alton-Godfrey's 2022-2023 Student of the Year. She is the 26th Student of the Year. Stephens is the daughter of Kristine and Tony Stephens of Alton and a graduate of Alton High School. She will receive a $6,000 scholarship as recognition of her outstanding academic record and participation in school and community activities. After receiving the plaque from club president Antione Williams, Kennedy added, "I was so excited when Mr. Mayhew called me and told me I was the Student of the Year. There were so many talented and smart students to choose from, so it is really an honor. I want to thank the Alton Godfrey Rotary for selecting me as September Student of the Month and now as Student of the Year." Kennedy plans to attend Howard University in Washington D.C. next fall, where she plans to major in Civil Engineering. She hopes to pave the way in the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math career fields

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EDWARDSVILLE – Geography students at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville enhanced their knowledge of meteorology and climatology with a unique learning experience through storm chasing. Students and faculty traveled over 3,000 miles in six days tracking and chasing storms in Oklahoma and Texas as part of the GEOG 429 Storm Chasing and Assessment field course. “The course consists of several days of classroom instruction on severe weather forecasting and storm spotting, and then the field component allows students to take what they’ve learned in the classroom and apply that knowledge outside of the classroom to forecast and track storms,” said Alan Black, PhD, assistant professor and graduate program director in the Department of Geography and Geographic Information Systems. “There is a huge difference between talking about these topics in a classroom and successfully forecasting the weather and experiencing it in the field.” Course curriculum

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EDWARDSVILLE – Angela Andrews, PhD, RN-BC, CNE, assistant professor and coordinator of undergraduate programs in the School of Nursing (SON), has received Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s Teaching Distinction Award. The award is given to recognize faculty who are innovative, influential, and impactful as it relates to pedagogy and learning. “The School of Nursing is fortunate to have Dr. Andrews’s expertise in teaching, mentoring, and ensuring students’ success,” said Judy Liesveld, PhD, RN, PPCNP-BC, CNE, FAAN, dean of the SON. “She is truly a master teacher in using various teaching strategies that integrate differences in learning styles. We are thrilled that she received this award.” Andrews is known for her dedication and compassion in her role as an educator. The SIUE Teaching Award Committee noted Andrew’s passion for teaching, promotion of critical thinking and genuine concern for her students and their learning

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ALTON - The Miles Davis Jazz Committee recognized recent Alton High School graduate Kennedy Stephens for her musical and academic achievements. Stephens is a vocalist and saxophone player who has developed her music through Alton School District’s drama and band programs. “Through music, I have met many other students who share the same passions and interests as me. Music is like a bridge that brings us closer together and enriches our lives,” Stephens said. Stephens credits her mother as the driving force behind her love of music. At age five, Stephens began singing in the children’s choir at St. John Missionary Baptist Church, where her mother serves as the choir director. She still has a love for singing, which she fostered while playing lead roles in the Alton Middle School’s drama club. Stephen’s main instrument is the saxophone. She has some experience with the recorder and violin, but she said her musical passion really developed when

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