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ALTON - Jackson Pranger of Marquette Catholic High School and Summer Collman of Alton High School were honored as Students of the Month of March at a recent meeting of the Rotary Club of Alton-Godfrey held at Gentelin’s on Broadway Restaurant. Jackson Pranger is the son of Rick and Sara Pranger of Jerseyville. He is a senior at Marquette Catholic High School and plans to attend Lewis and Clark Community College and then transfer to the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, majoring in Ag Accounting. While attending Marquette, Jackson has been a member of the National Honors Society for two years. He has earned High Honor Roll all four years while taking honors, AP, and dual credit classes and holds a GPA of 4.4. As a part of Jackson’s Infinity Engineering class, he and two of his classmates created a device that helped workers with disabilities at their job. Also, while at Marquette, Jackson played basketball, soccer and tennis. Jackson has accumulated over 175 service

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EDWARDSVILLE - Olivia Baca, a senior striker for the Edwardsville High School girls soccer team who scored 25 goals in 2022, is off to a blazing start in 2023, scoring a hat trick in the Tigers' 6-0 season-opening win over Rochester in the Metro Cup showcase event on a chilly and windy March 13 evening at Tiger Stadium. Baca scored her first two goals within the first five minutes of the match, then climaxed her hat trick with a 52nd-minute golazo, hitting a spectacular, curling shot from distance that found the upper right corner of the net that gave Edwardsville a 5-0 lead at the time. In her postgame interview, Baca felt very happy for her team and for the prospects ahead for the Tigers. "I'm feeling really excited for the season," Baca said, "and I feel like we're really playing together as a team and it's really going to be exciting this year." The preseason practices went well for the Tigers and it helped the optimism that surrounds the team as the regular season starts. "The

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ALTON - Senior Brandon Hayes Jr. is the Art Fahrner-Edward Jones Alton High School Remarkable Redbird Of The Month for March. Hayes has been busy throughout his four-year career at Alton High combining being a stalwart on the football team each season and being an active member of the track team as a thrower, but also adding the arts and also Student Council to his overall Redbird high school experience. Brandon took football seriously during his first two years at Alton High, but he said that since his junior year, "he has fallen in love with the sport." He really enjoys the teamwork and skill development offered by the coaching staff at Alton High. He added that he was encouraged by coach Eric Dickerson to become a thrower on the track team to stay in shape for football. Brandon mentioned that he was not as excited about it at first, but in spending time with his teammates and learning more about throwing, he has really enjoyed it. Brandon joined Student Council this year and

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ALTON - Kathryn Saenz, daughter of Kristen and Brian Saenz, is February’s Alton-Godrey Rotary Club Student of the Month. Jenna Dean of Marquette Catholic High School is the other Student of the Month. Saenz was selected because of her hard work and a lot of late nights studying, plus her commitment to clubs and organizations. She is an honors student, an Illinois State Scholar and a Platinum Alpha recipient. Saenz’s GPA is currently at 4.667 and she is ranked 6th in the senior class. With these grades, she has earned membership in the National Honor Society and in Mu Alpha Theta. Kathryn enjoyed the clubs and organizations that she had joined at Alton High. This list includes the Physics team, Redbird Nest, the Math team, Multi-Media Club, FCA, and the tennis team. Through these groups, as well as her 4-H group, she learned that she loves teaching, as well as learning from her peers. Volunteering opportunities are one of the advantages that these clubs provide. With Mu

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ALTON - Jenna Dean of Marquette Catholic High School was honored as one of Alton-Godfrey Rotary Club's Students of the Month of February at a recent meeting of the Rotary Club of Alton-Godfrey held at Gentelin’s on Broadway Restaurant. Kathryn Saenz of Alton High School was the other Student of the Month. Jenna Dean is the daughter of Tim and Jessica Dean of Jerseyville. She is a senior at Marquette Catholic High School and plans to continue her education at Lindenwood University, studying Business with a focus on Entrepreneurial Studies. Jenna has been on the Marquette girls' golf team for four years and her team won their regional championship this year. Jenna is a member of the National Honor Society, Campus Ministry, Breast Cancer Awareness Club, Yearbook and she is the Student Council Treasurer. She is in the Riverbend CEO (Creating Entrepreneurial Opportunities) program this year and she is currently working on creating her personal business which she plans to continue

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I am deeply concerned with the city’s lack of transparency with Wood River voters about the downtown marijuana dispensary. The temptation to rush this through must be enticing, given the tax revenue it would generate. Backroom deals once again define city behavior. They ignore voters and hand-pick winners and losers. What will the cost be for our families? Downtown businesses deserve to know. Did they inform residents that this was being placed four blocks from Lewis and Clark Elementary? No. Did they survey business neighbors? No. Why did they rush this through? Our families and businesses deserve to have input. Wood River deserves better. Dr. David Ayres Candidate for Wood River City Council

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GLEN CARBON - Tuesday night’s Glen Carbon Village Board meeting contained an updated report on the village’s Strategic Plan for 2023, as well as a few announcements and the passage of several agenda items. Mayor Robert Marcus began the meeting with a few announcements. He said registration is still open for the Village Easter Egg Hunt on Sunday, April 2 at 1 p.m. at Schon Park. In the event of rain, the event will be held Saturday, April 8 at 4 p.m. at the Village Hall front lawn. Visit this link to register online. The theme for this year’s Glen Carbon Homecoming will be “There’s No Place Like Homecoming,” Marcus announced. The event will take place on Father’s Day Weekend, June 16 and 17. He added that there are a limited number of vendor and sponsorship opportunities still available. More info and sponsorship forms can be found at glencarbonil.gov . Finally, Marcus invited all Glen Carbon residents to the Annual Kiwanis Pancak

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JERSEY COUNTY - Two individuals were airlifted by helicopter to St. Louis hospitals in a serious crash Tuesday afternoon on Highway 67 near Delhi Road in Jersey County. Jersey County Sheriff Nick Manns provided the following report about the accident: "One vehicle crossing Highway 67 heading eastbound across the four lanes of traffic was struck by another vehicle, traveling northbound on Highway 67," he said. "A 63-year-old woman and a 51-year-old woman were flown to St. Louis area hospitals. A 59-year-old man was taken by ambulance to an area hospital. "Two helicopters and three ambulances were called to the scene. Betsy Anne Fire Department and Jersey Community Hospital - Ambulance were first on the scene with Jersey County Sheriff’s Deputies. The Jerseyville Police Department also assisted. The crash is still under investigation by the Jersey County Sheriff’s office." Sheriff Manns also remarked this marked the fourth time that helicopters have been summoned to a major

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O’FALLON – The National Safety Council (NSC) reports more that than 90% of all poisonings happen at home. Cosmetics and personal care products lead the list of the most common substances implicated in pediatric poison exposures. According to the most recent data from the NSC, one poison exposure was reported to U.S. poison control centers every 15 seconds in 2020. As part of National Poison Prevention Week, March 19-25, HSHS St. Elizabeth’s Hospital reminds you about the dangers of potentially poisonous medicines and chemicals and shares tips on how to keep your loved ones safe. “In the emergency department, we treat accidental poison consumptions that can range from children swallowing soap or cleaning products to adults taking an unadvised dosage of certain medicines,” said Dr. Michel Adonis, interim medical director of SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Pediatrics. “It’s important to keep any potentially harmful products out of the reach of children

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WASHINGTON PARK – The Illinois State Police announced they are requesting the public’s assistance in locating 40-year-old Sherkia E. Jointer of East St. Louis, who is a person of interest in relation to a shooting that occurred on March 2, 2023, in the 1200 block of North 49th Street in Washington Park. An adult male victim was found deceased with an apparent gunshot wound outside a residence. Anyone with knowledge of the incident or her whereabouts is asked to contact Zone 6 Special Agent Miller at 618-402-5979, CrimeStoppers at 1-866-371-8477 (TIPS), or visit https://www.stlrcs.org/ . Witnesses can remain anonymous. The public is reminded that all persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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JERSEYVILLE - A new cocktail bar and gaming lounge is coming to Jerseyville this summer, bringing affordable drinks and a comfortable atmosphere along with it. The Reserve Spirits & Gaming , which also has a location in Belleville, is planning to open its new Jerseyville location on May 3. The Jerseyville location will be at 1600 S. State Street, Suite J, the former location of Uncorked Spirit. The Reserve Owner and Manager Patrick Goeke said they have quality cocktails at reasonable prices and an inviting atmosphere with a private gaming room. “I think every town and every city deserves a place to have a nice cocktail at a reasonably fair price,” Goeke said. “We’re able to provide nicer cocktails at a price you wouldn’t normally see, and we try our best to have a really nice selection of bourbon and whiskey. We like to say there’s nothing in-house that we wouldn’t serve or drink ourselves.” He said the business is currently

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GRANITE CITY - The Granite City Alumni Association is announcing a scholarship for graduating students of Granite City High School entering into the healthcare professions. This scholarship will as- sist students starting their fields of study in a healthcare-related field and is being sponsored by 1967 GCHS graduate Dr. Barbara Fifield Brandt. “Today, hospitals and clinics are experiencing growing shortages of health professionals, especially nurses as well as primary care and mental health clinicians. To meet the growing workforce challenges in caring for our citizens, it is imperative that we spark and nurture an interest in healthcare careers when students are in high school or earlier by providing opportunities and removing obstacles,” stated Dr. Brandt. Barbara Fifield Brandt, PhD, EdM, FNAP is the Founding Director of the National Center for Interprofessional Practice and Education at the University of Minnesota (UMN). Dr. Brandt is a tenured professor in th

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WACO, Texas - More than 5,100 Baylor University students have been named to the Fall 2022 Dean’s Academic Honor List, which recognizes Baylor undergraduates for their outstanding academic work during each semester. Students honored on the Dean’s List earned a minimum semester grade-point average of 3.70 with no grade lower than a "C" while enrolled in at least 12 graded semester hours. Alton, IL Taylor Freer, College of Arts & Sciences Edwardsville, IL Logan Rigdon, School of Engineering & Computer Science ABOUT BAYLOR UNIVERSITY Baylor University is a private Christian university and a Research 1 institution. The University provides a vibrant campus community for more than 20,000 students by blending interdisciplinary research with an international reputation for educational excellence and a faculty commitment to teaching and scholarship. Chartered in 1845 by the Republic of Texas through the efforts of Baptist pioneers, Baylor is the oldest continually operating

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ALTON - Urology of St. Louis (USL) is proud to announce it is opening its newest location at Alton Memorial Hospital and will begin taking patients on March 13. The office is located at 2 Memorial Drive, Medical Building A, Suite 102, in Alton, Illinois. Urologists Majdee Islam, MD, Uwais Zaid, MD and Louis Aliperti, MD along with Josh Gibson MSN, APRN, FNP-C will be practicing at the new location. Dr. Islam is fellowship-trained in men’s health and Dr. Zaid is fellowship-trained in reconstructive surgery. The office will offer general urologic care as well as advanced care options including robotic surgery. “I’m so excited to continue to provide access to urologic care and be a part of the Alton community,” said Dr. Aliperti. “I have witnessed firsthand that many of our patients currently have to drive to St. Louis to receive care and in some cases, they delay necessary treatments because of that inconvenience. Our hope is that this new location will

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PONTOON BEACH - The Agency for Community Transit (ACT) Board of Directors recognized five drivers for achieving consecutive years of perfect safety while driving a public transportation vehicle, at the March 9 Board Meeting. ACT operates bus service for the Madison County Transit District (MCT) fixed route and paratransit services. As defined by the National Safety Council, to retain the ‘perfect safety’ designation, drivers must, in all situations, make every effort possible to avoid an accident. ACT drivers Ken Hill and Mike Saylor were recognized for 10 years of perfect safety—while logging more than 20,000 hours behind the wheel of a transit vehicle. Reatha Duff and Calvin Payne were recognized for 15 years of perfect safety, with more than 30,000 hours of driving. And, for the first time in ACT history, Monte O’Bannon was recognized for 25 years of perfect safety! O’Bannon achieved an agency first with her perfect safety record with more than 50,000

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COLLINSVILLE – Ameren Illinois customers in and around Collinsville and Glen Carbon will see energy at work throughout the spring and well into the summer as crews replace steel pipeline and natural gas services with modern, corrosion-resistant polyethylene material. Ameren Illinois crews will upgrade nearly 2.5 miles of natural gas pipeline from the 1960s and more than 200 individual customers' natural gas services. All work should be completed by early August, weather pending. Phase 1 – Construction is underway in Glen Carbon. The work is being done along Edwards Drive. Phase 2 – Crews will begin work in July. Work will be done along Carl Street in Collinsville. For projects in process, a brief interruption of natural gas service is required while switching individual services over to their new services just before the work is completed. Ameren Illinois will relight natural gas appliances for any customer who requests it. If a customer is not home at the

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CHICAGO – Attorney General Kwame Raoul filed a second agreed interim order in an ongoing lawsuit against Marathon Pipe Line LLC (Marathon) over the March 2022 release of approximately 147,000 gallons of heavy crude oil from a pipeline near Edwardsville, Illinois. Raoul filed the order in Madison County Circuit Court which requires Marathon to fully investigate the impact of the spill and determine whether further corrective action may be needed. “The order my office filed ensures Marathon takes necessary action to eliminate both environmental and human health risks from the areas impacted by the spill,” Raoul said. “My office is committed to ensuring the remediation of the affected water and soil surrounding Cahokia Creek while our lawsuit continues.” Raoul’s lawsuit alleges that Marathon violated the Illinois Environmental Protection Act and endangered public health and the environment by causing or allowing a discharge of heavy crude oil

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ALTON - Alton High School's talented Scholar Bowl team has been sensational in the post-season competition this March. Team members shown above, left to right, are John Ramsay, Jacob Larson, Tucker Gehrig, Grant Fournie, and Noah Perkins. The Redbirds Scholar Bowl squad came home recently as IHSA regional champions. The Redbirds defeated O'Fallon 410-330 and then lost to Mascoutah 350 to 270 and Carbondale 370-350 in the Saturday Mt. Vernon Sectional. "Carbondale, Mascoutah, and O'Fallon are all tough high schools in scholar bowl," AHS Scholar Bowl head coach Chris Ford said. "They were extremely tough competition. We also played all three a few times throughout the regular season." Ford said he was "extremely proud" of his student team members for their overall performance this season. "They've worked extremely hard this season to get to this point," he said. "We've been practicing since September, and playing matches since October. They amassed a 61-32 regular season record including

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ALTON - The Alton Community Service League today announced winners of the recent Aeries Raffle. A total of $1,570 worth of tickets were sold for the raffle. Bernie Wickenhauser received the first prize - a $300 Aeries gift certificate, Georgia Smith received two nights of free lodging at Aeries for second place and the third-place winner was Mike Moylan who received two Aeries Zipline tickets. All the proceeds from the club fundraisers are distributed directly back into the community through grants. Grant winners will be announced next month. Shown in the photo above is Tammy Atchley, Ways, and Means Chair, presenting Bernie Wickenhauser with the first prize of a $300 Aeries gift certificate. "Thanks to the community for your continued," support, Jean Conrady, of ACSL said.

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ALTON - Several improvements are planned for a few Alton parks later this year, including Milton Park, Gordon Moore Park, Olin Park, and more. Alton Parks and Recreation Department Director Michael Haynes said they’re starting to get bids from contractors, and most of these projects should be completed later this spring and summer. Haynes said one such project is the installation of a new playground at Milton Park after one has been missing for years. “We’ve had Milton Park earmarked for several years now as trying to get something in there. There used to be a playground there years ago, it just got old and we had to take it out due to safety concerns,” he said. “We’re going to get one there at Milton for everybody who lives in that area down there.” Haynes said the Milton Park parking area will have an ADA-accessible walkway up to the new playground, which will feature rubber, pour-in-place surfacing, which he described as the “nicest,

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