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ALTON – The Upper Alton Baptist Church is holding a Pray for Our Schools event at Alton Middle School on Sunday, August 14th at 2:00 pm. The event will begin with a responsive prayer altogether, followed by a time for individuals and families to walk around and pray using a provided prayer guide, and then conclude with a final prayer all together again. The prayer guides include prompts to pray for teachers, administrators, support staff, & bus drivers in addition to students, of course. Pastor Brad explains, “We simply want to pray for the well-being of everyone involved in our community’s educational system, and sometimes movement—like walking around the school grounds—can help us dig deeper with our prayers. It’s not a rally or any kind of political statement. We’re just getting together to pray.” “We know our educators and students are tasked with an ever-increasing load,” adds April Linley, Outreach MinistryLeader.

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GREENVILLE - GU sophomore Ethan Greene is one of two officers recognized last week by the Decatur, Illinois, mayor and city council for dedication to public service and courageous actions that potentially saved a man’s life over the Fourth of July weekend. Around 5:30 p.m. on July 4th, Decatur Lake Patrol received a report of a man swimming near the dam buoys and the Rt. 51 bridge. Officers arrived and found the man to be disoriented and combative. Fearful for the man’s safety since there is a water current created by the release of water over the dam, Officers Allison McCoy and Ethan Greene jumped into the water to intervene. They led the man away from the dam and back to a patrol boat, where he was transported to shore and received further medical attention. Decatur city staff believe without the quick thinking and actions of Officers McCoy and Greene, the man could have been swept over the dam. “It was a team effort for the rescue,” Ethan says. “Everyone

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TROY – The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) announces a lane closure in both the westbound and eastbound lanes of I-70 between I-55/70/270 interchange and IL 4, beginning on Friday, August 12, 2022, weather permitting. The westbound lane will be closed on August 12 at 9:00 am and the eastbound lane will be closed on August 13 at 5:00 a.m. One-lane in each direction will remain open at all times. This work is needed to make bridge deck repairs. The westbound lanes are expected to be opened on August 13 by 11:59 p.m. and the eastbound lanes are expected to be open on August 15 by 10:00 a.m. 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 construction area. The contractor on this project is Kilian Corporation of Mascoutah, IL. For IDOT District 8 updates, follow us on Twitter at @IDOTDistrict8 or view area construction details

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EAST ALTON – The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) announces a lane closure at the intersection of Illinois Route 3 and St. Louis Avenue, beginning on Monday, August 15, 2022, weather permitting. The right turn lane from northbound IL 3 to eastbound St. Louis Ave will be closed for several days. All other lanes will remain open. This work is needed to perform pavement repairs and the lane is expected to be reopened by Wednesday, August 17 at 10:00 pm. Drivers should use alternate routes to access this area while construction is ongoing. Drivers are also 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 construction area. The contractor on this project is RCS Construction, Inc of East Alton, IL. For IDOT District 8 updates, follow us on Twitter at @IDOTDistrict8 or view area construction details on IDOT’s traveler information map on

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WOOD RIVER — The Madison County Health Department (MCHD) is reporting two probable cases of monkeypox virus (MPV). The individuals who tested positive for the virus are isolated at home. Both cases are associated with domestic travel and the persons had minimal contact with the public. The health department notified any potential close contacts. To protect patient confidentiality, no additional information regarding the individuals will be released. Monkeypox is a rare disease caused by infection with the monkeypox virus. Monkeypox virus is part of the same family of viruses as variola virus, the virus that causes smallpox. Monkeypox symptoms are similar to smallpox symptoms, but milder, and monkeypox is rarely fatal. The virus can spread from person to person through skin-to-skin contact with body fluids, infectious rash or scabs, touching items (such as clothing or linens) that previously touched the infectious rash or body fluids, or through respiratory secretions following

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GODFREY - The Madison County Sheriff's Office executed a search warrant on Friday, Aug. 5, 2022, in the 200 block of Woodbury Manor in Godfrey, and deputies said they discovered a large amount of cannabis. A total of 280 pounds of cannabis was discovered during the search. Charged in the case was Jordan M. Pratt, 25, of Godfrey. He was charged with the following, the Madison County Sheriff's Office says: Count 1: Unlawful Possession of Cannabis with Intent to Deliver (Class X). Count 2: Unlawful Possession of Methamphetamine (Class 3). The bond was set at $70,000 by the Honorable Ron Slemer. Members of the Sheriff’s Enforcement Team (SET) unit and investigators with the Madison County Sheriff’s Office obtained a Search Warrant for the residence in furtherance of a narcotics-related investigation. The case remains an active investigation; therefore, no details concerning evidence, motive, or statements obtained can be provided. Additional information can be found

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ALTON - Brandi Brackett is the AMH August Employee of the Month. Brandi of Alton Memorial Hospital's Education Department is shown above. Brandi received the honor on Aug. 9 from Lisa Blaes, manager of Education, and AMH President Dave Braasch. The nomination said that the “staff is very thankful to have Brandi in her new role as nursing resource/mentor/educator. She has been extremely supportive of new staff members as well as seasoned staff members. Brandi is a great support to the Nursing Office as well in providing continued leadership. She is a wealth of knowledge and always extends a helping hand while displaying a positive attitude at all times.”

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ALTON - Alton Main Street and the Sierra Club Illinois’ Three Rivers Project are announcing the return of the Mississippi Earthtones Festival to Liberty Bank Alton Amphitheater from noon to 10 p.m. on Saturday, September 17. The organizations are seeking exhibitors, vendors, artists, sponsors and volunteers for their 16th annual event. The festival attracts thousands of community members and tourists to Downtown Alton every year to celebrate our river through art, music, and conservation. Dozens of local artists will offer nature-inspired, hand-made, and environmentally-friendly wares. Jacoby Arts Center is lining up an amazing day of performances and interactive art experiences, and all local artists are welcome to participate. Many creatives are being commissioned to design installations that will enhance the festival grounds. A variety of fun and educational activities are planned for families from Noon until 6:00 p.m., and there will be several agencies on hand to teach

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EDWARDSVILLE - The Edwardsville Arts Center has an upcoming exhibit set for the DeToye Student Gallery - "Out and About" Banner Contest. The exhibit dates are now until September 9 and there is a reception in the EAC Gallery from 6-8 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 26. About the Exhibit: “Still Life: Painters and Objects” is curated by Jane Barrow, retired professor of painting at SIUE. The exhibit features work by 16 incredibly talented artists from all over the country. "In the DeToye Student Gallery, we will display banner art by all artists who submitted work for our 2022 “Out and About” Banner Contest, hosted by the Community Destination Group," Barrow said. “Still Life: Painters and Objects” Featured Artists: Erin Raedeke David Ottinger Ron Laboray Sophie Binder Joe Morzuch Edmond Praybe Bo Kim Jason Bly Conrad Bakker Jean Koeller Sara Drescher Joseph Holsapple Tim Liddy Carol Stewart Samantha Slone Jerry Wilkerson For more

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EDWARDSVILLE – The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Education, Health and Human Behavior is introducing two new graduate programs, beginning spring 2023, with a focus on athletics in higher education and athletics leadership to help students stand out in a growing and competitive field. The fully online programs, which will begin in spring 2023, include: Master’s in Higher Education and Student Affairs, Athletic Specialization Athletic Leadership Post-Baccalaureate Certificate “SIUE has a great opportunity to be a leader in the higher education and athletics space,” said Cherese Fine, PhD, assistant professor in the SEHHB’s higher education and student affairs athletics program. “SIUE offers high-quality programs at an affordable price. Moreover, these online programs are accessible to individuals regardless of residence.” The athletic specialization will prepare students with a variety of knowledge, skills, and perspectives

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EDWARDSVILLE – Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Engineering’s Ryan Fries, PhD, professor and chair of civil engineering, has received the Patrick T. McCoy Education Professional of the Year award. The award, presented by the Missouri Valley District Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE), recognizes an educator who has made an outstanding contribution to the study of transportation and helps students advance in their education and as professionals. “I am honored to be recognized with this award,” said Fries. “I am dedicated to my student’s education and development as the next generation of transportation professionals. ITE is a great professional organization that has helped me in many ways. I encourage my students to become active in engineering professional organizations to build their networks, have fun, and never stop learning.” “The best educators, who do not get enough credit, are the ones who put their

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It’s 2022, and sometimes I will get a text from a friend I have not spoken to in some time. They will ask me how the “fam” is doing. For those unfamiliar, “fam” is short for family, and it is usually used in the context of referring to our friends as close. Family is important to a lot of us today, though it would seem in many mainstream circles, the nuclear family is attacked frequently. As strange as that is, frequent drug and alcohol use can affect many of our families (and friends). Mothers frequently worried about their son or daughter that has been using fentanyl or drinking every day for a few weeks can affect their personal sanity. It is important to understand that our loved one is not his or her addiction. Simply put, being addicted to substances or alcohol doesn't make someone a bad person. It just means they have a disease that requires attention and action, which can be clinical treatment and recovery support. Remembering this can help u

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(This is one in a series of articles with photos and descriptions of entries in the Edwardsville Arts Fair at City Park on September 23-24). EDWARDSVILLE - Alison Bozarth, Amanda Straeffer and Buddy Shaw have art displayed below with comments from them about their work. Artist Name: Amanda Straeffer Location: Fort Branch, IN. Artist Statement: Amanda's work is influenced by her travels with friends and family. She is often inspired by the ocean and her work reflects that influence. Her work intends to instill a sense of peace and tranquility. Artist Name: Buddy Shaw Location: New Bloomfield, MO Artist Statement: Hand-made original designed furniture and art, created with a function equal to form with hopes of becoming family heirlooms. Artist Name: Alison Bozarth Location: St Louis, MO. Artist Statement: None

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SEE VIDEO: EDWARDSVILLE - Marvin “Preach” Webb will never be forgotten in the City of Edwardsville. On Friday, Preach had a bench featuring a plaque inscribed in his honor dedicated to him with a strong group of family and friends in attendance. City officials believe the bench and plaque will be a lasting tribute to the life of the beloved goodwill ambassador who died at age 86 in June. The bench is located in Edwardsville on the sidewalk on North Main Street, between the Madison County Government Building (near the Preach on Main Plaque) and Restore Décor (223 North Main Street). Edwardsville Mayor Art Risavy said the community had so much love and respect for Preach. “He represented us with kindness, his caring ways and was always most helpful to everyone,” the mayor said. “He always touched our city and he was our goodwill ambassador. He was also an avid sports fan, and always cheered on our local teams. He was a spiritual man and love

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WOOD RIVER – It was always a goal to open multiple locations, but tomorrow, August 10, that goal becomes reality for business owner/operator of Easy Slots Mark Gernigin. He opened the original Easy Slots location at 112 W. Main St. in East Alton around three and a half years ago and it has been plenty successful. Due to its success, Gernigin decided that it was finally time to open another location. This one will be located at 308 Wesley Dr. in Wood River . The new location will be open Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to midnight, Friday and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1 a.m., and on Sundays from noon to midnight. Players receive complimentarily non-alcoholic beverages and snacks. Beer is only $1. What sets Easy Slots apart from other gambling locations is that they are one of the only locally owned video slot parlors in the area. Gernigin said that most are owned by people from out of state. He said that opening up a new location took a “considerable amount of time.”

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ST. LOUIS COUNTY - On Sunday, August 7, 2022, the St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office issued warrants on suspect Lakia Fisher, 27 years of age, of the 7100 block of Paisley Drive in St. Louis, Missouri 63136, for two counts of Assault Third Degree on a Law Enforcement Officer, two counts of Resisting Arrest, one count of Escape or Attempt Escape from Custody, and one count of Stealing. Fisher is being held on $50,000 cash only, no 10% bond. Please note, charges are merely an accusation and Defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law. The probable cause statement reads: Officers responded to a report of a stealing at 9285 Halls Ferry on August 6, 2022, at 9:54 AM. Person matching suspect’s description was located on foot near Halls Ferry and Sundown. The stolen items, an electric trimmer, a sim card, and food items, were located on the defendant’s person. Officer conducted a computer inquiry, which revealed Defendant

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ALTON - Illinois State Representative Amy Elik says politicians indicted on corruption charges in Illinois continue to benefit, they get to collect a taxpayer-funded pension while on trial and these trials can take a long time. Take former House Speaker Mike Madigan’s corruption trial, for instance, Madigan’s trial won’t begin until February 1st of next year. That’s why State Representative Amy Elik (R-Fosterburg) filed legislation to suspend a lawmaker’s pension if they are convicted or charged with corruption by federal investigators. “Lawmakers should be held to a higher standard when it comes to corruption and that’s why I think this taxpayer-funded pension benefit should be suspended so that politicians don’t game the system and delay the outcome just to get more money,” said Rep. Elik. “Suspending pension payments while awaiting the resolution of a case will send a strong message to corrupt politicians that if you break

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SPRINGFIELD - The State Fair in Springfield is showcasing Illinois as a place where innovation happens everywhere, and visitors will be able to see that on display at the Tech Prairie STEAM Expo in the air-conditioned Orr Building on the fairgrounds. OSF Innovation will once again be there – August 17-21– with short STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) activities and demonstrations that’ll wow children of all ages. At the OSF Innovation Jump STEAM booth, visitors will receive a passport to encourage them to take advantage of interactive STEAM activities that highlight multiple careers in medicine. Today, there are opportunities to join the medical field in a variety of ways, including as a bioengineer, medical illustrator, app designer and many more. Jump STEAM educators will share the possibilities through highly-interactive activities. Admission for kids 12 and under is free all week long! At the State Fair, children will be able to receive

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FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS - IMPACT Strategies continues its work at Building 111 in Alton, Illinois ­ formerly known as the Millers Mutual Building ­ with an 8,900 square foot tenant finish project for American Water. The firm began renovation work on the building in 2017; this assignment marks IMPACT’s eighth interior remodel project in the building. The approximately $1 million project for American Water includes renovation of 3 existing tenant/shell spaces by providing modern office finishes. The project features an exposed concrete structure with acoustical ceiling baffles, huddle rooms, updated break room, conference room, and preservation of the decorative wood paneled walls within the old Miller’s Mutual Director’s Meeting Room that dates back to the early 1920’s. The renovation work began in July with completion expected in October 2022. American Water expects to bring several new jobs to Alton with the completion of the new space, which will be used

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ST. LOUIS – Today, President Joe Biden granted Governor Mike Parson’s request for a federal disaster declaration following July’s record-setting rainfall and flooding. The declaration will help eligible St. Louis residents get the resources through FEMA’s Individual Assistance program. “July’s historic rainfall and floods devastated neighborhoods across our city. While surveying damage in Ellendale, Kingsway West, and Walnut Park, I heard from dozens of St. Louisans whose lives had been upended by severe flooding. As hundreds of families continue to fill the region’s Multi-Agency Resource Centers, it’s clear there is an ongoing need for help that federal resources will help us address,” said Mayor Tishaura O. Jones. “Thank you to President Joe Biden, our congressional delegation - especially Senator Roy Blunt and Congresswoman Cori Bush - and our state, local and community partners who have come together to support St. Loui

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