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PONTOON BEACH, IL - Members of the Madison County Transit (MCT) Board of Trustees, along with the Agency for Community Transit (ACT) Board of Directors, ACT staff, contractors, and local and state elected officials, convened this morning to break ground on the future MCT Administration Building in Pontoon Beach, Illinois. The new facility will be located along Chain of Rocks Road on the north side of MCT’s current Base of Operations. The 27,000 square-foot, two-story, ADA-compliant building will consolidate all base staff under one roof and will provide a clearly defined area for public access to the facility. In addition to staff offices, the new building includes an improved public lobby, (for job applicants, pass purchasers, individuals visiting lost & found, etc.), conference rooms, and facilities equipped with the latest security and technology designed to protect the Base of Operations. “These facility improvements will not only allow us to make critical safety and

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(CENTERSTONE) - Are you struggling right now? Do you feel that your issues are dragging you down and preventing you from being the person you want to be? If so, this article is for you. As you continue to read, we’ll explore your strengths and how you can use them to deal more effectively with your stressors. Everyone has strengths, including you It’s true. You have strengths. Admitting this does not make you arrogant or narcissistic. Yet, many of us find it challenging to discuss our strong points and talents. Perhaps this is due to low self-esteem. Perhaps it is because we want to seem humble. Regardless of the reason, when we are not able to identify and focus on our strengths, we place ourselves at risk of being defeated by our problems. Why? The answer is that it is our strengths that help us overcome our weaknesses. It is our strengths that help us cope effectively and problem-solve and survive. Without your strengths, you are left to face your biggest challenges

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ALTON - Scarlett Eades and Lauren Massey are sophomores on the Alton High girls’ tennis team. The girls teamed for terrific performances to win the Riverbend Open by defeating teammates Finley Haynes and Ellie Enos in the 15 and Under Doubles Finals. Both girls are multi-sport athletes at Alton High. Redbird tennis coach Jesse Macias said: “Both girls came out as freshmen and had not really played tennis at all. They were just two athletic girls looking for something to do in the fall. I could see that they had some potential but we had a really big team last year. They both have great attitudes and work ethics and they just kept getting better as the season went on. "Scarlett and Lauren split time between JV and varsity and wherever we put them, they just kept winning. It was a lot of fun to watch.” Scarlett and Lauren are Auto Butler Female Athletes of Month for Alton. Scarlett plays tennis, basketball, and soccer for Alton. Lauren plays tennis and soccer. Macias

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GODFREY – Godfrey Fire Protection District will build a new $6.5 million fire station and administrative building to consolidate operations. The new, 15,000-square-foot facility will serve as the replacement of the District’s two existing fire stations, which lack adequate space for modern fire and emergency service vehicles and equipment. Relocating Godfrey’s fire services to a single building with all equipment housed in one central location will allow for better and more efficient manpower allocation during emergency response. The modern, state-of-the-art facility will include drive-thru apparatus bays, space for medical and other supplies as well as training and administrative areas such as meeting spaces, offices and living quarters. The location at 3023 Godfrey Road in Godfrey, Illinois is more centrally located and has room for growth to accommodate the ever-increasing demand for emergency services. “This important project will allow the Fire District

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EDWARDSVILLE – Jennifer Korte candidate for State Representative in the 112th District defeated Joe Hackler in the Republican Primary Election on Tuesday by a sizable percentage of 47.2 percent to 32.8 percent. Korte will now meet incumbent Democrat Katie Stuart in the November General Election for the state representative post. Korte is a resident of Highland. Korte's platform keys in the state representative race have been a pledge for common-sense conservative government, that supports law enforcement and small business. “Throughout this campaign, I knocked on thousands of doors and talked to thousands of people in our district. I love our community and meeting so many people throughout this campaign only strengthened my dedication to reforming Springfield and providing tax relief to help our families. The Republican primary win was amazing but sweet as this win is – the reality is the mission is far from over. "I got into this race to fight for tax relief for

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According to the National Center for Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), around eight out of every 100 people will experience the disorder at some point in their lives. PTSD can develop after experiencing or witnessing a life-threatening event that can range from a natural disaster or car accident to combat or sexual assault. “In acute trauma victims, a lot of times what you’ll see is heightened fear, hypervigilance, fear of going anywhere near where the trauma happened, not wanting to talk about the trauma. A lot of times it will be anger or isolation,” explains Marybeth Evans, an OSF HealthCare licensed clinical social worker. According to the American Psychological Association, a common misconception is that PTSD always stems from a single event. However, individuals who have survived prolonged or repeated trauma often develop complex PTSD. “Complex trauma, or complex PTSD, is more something that is part of the person’s general functioning.

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ALTON – Illinois American Water is continuing to rehabilitate the sanitary sewer system as well as replacing approximately 1,200 feet of water main in Alton. This work requires U.S. Route 67 road closures and detours. Starting July 5, 2022, U.S. Route 67 (Piasa Street), from 20 th Street/College Avenue south to 3 rd Street in Alton will be closed for approximately one month for employee and contractor safety. Barring any unforeseen circumstances and weather, the closure of US Route 67 (Piasa Street) from 20 th Street/College Avenue south to 3 rd Street in Alton will last for approximately one month. Marked detours will be placed to safely guide motorists around the closure. Motorists should use caution when driving in the area and obey traffic signs, detour routes and flaggers in the area. If possible, motorists should avoid the area. Drivers are urged to pay close attention to changing conditions and signs in the work zones. Please obey the posted speed limits, refrain fro

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GRANITE CITY - Ellla Stepanek recently graduated from Granite City High School and completed her athletic career in three sports - volleyball, basketball, and in spring softball. She also was a Rotary Student of the Month and Elks Student of the Month, Illinois State Scholar, honored at Illini Girls State and so much more. Now, Ella plans to move ahead to Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville for college. Ella was also in the National Honors Society, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Varsity Club, and Student Council at her school. Ella is recognized again as a Stillwater Senior Living Athlete of the Month for her various honors before graduation and time spent in Granite City athletics. Ella was recently named as a recipient of the prestigious Scholar-Athlete Award by the Post-Dispatch. She said her favorite subject in school is science. "I enjoy learning about the different fields and how they connect to processes occurring on her planet," she said. "I hope to continue to work

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(SITEMAN CANCER CENTER) - It’s likely no surprise to read that what we choose to eat and drink can have a large impact on our health, including our risk of cancer. Practically from the time we can sit up at the kitchen table, we’re reminded of the importance of eating our vegetables. And although some of the messages and headlines we read these days about healthy eating can seem complicated or even contradictory, the science-backed basics of healthy eating actually remain simple. Here are four tips that have been found to help lower the risk of cancer: Focus on fruits, vegetables, and whole grains Eating healthy, plant-based foods has a lot of overall health benefits and can also help prevent some cancers. Foods high in fiber and whole grains – like whole-wheat bread and whole-grain cereals – have been found to lower the risk of colon cancer. Diets rich in fruits and vegetables have been found to lower the risk of a collection of cancers that include

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SPRINGFIELD – U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) today announced $2,438,724 for education programs for Illinois medical professionals. The funding will go toward Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago’s Graduate Medical Education Program and Loyola University of Chicago’s Nurse Faculty Loan Program. “The medical field is constantly evolving. To keep up with the latest lifesaving treatments and medical advancements, we must invest in continuing education programs for medical professionals and incentives programs to ensure we can meet the needs of Illinois communities,” said Durbin. “I look forward to seeing these Illinois institutions putting this robust funding to good use by strengthening education programs for our medical professionals.” “For more than two years, healthcare workers and medical professionals have helped us navigate a deadly, global pandemic, and the institutions

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ST, LOUIS - City Museum's July 4th Fest celebrates the Independence Day holiday from July 1 through July 10 with amazing activities including Circus Harmony acts, music, great fair-style food, and patriotic craft-making fun. The City Museum rooftop will come alive daily from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.with 10 days of Circus Harmony’s fantastical acts, music by the incomparable DJ Rico Steez, and more. Grillmasters will be fixing sliders, hotdogs, and cheeseburgers. Ice cream, wine slushies, and other summer drink refreshers also will be available. Artists will help guests make flags, paper fans, and souvenir key chains throughout the days. On July 4, City Museum will have extended hours from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m., with the rooftop closing at 5:30 p.m. for the City Nights: Electric Sky event. CITY NIGHTS: ELECTRIC SKY On the night of July 4, City Museum will host its annual rooftop fireworks watch party -- City Nights: Electric Sky, from 7 -11 p.m. The Rooftop offers a stunning 360-degree

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CHICAGO - Attorney General Kwame Raoul today issued the following statement regarding the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in West Virginia v. Environmental Protection Agency, which constrained the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s ability to regulate carbon emissions. “Climate change is a real and present danger to our communities, and the EPA must have the ability to combat it by effectively regulating the emission of greenhouse gases. I am disappointed with today’s decision, but I will continue to fight to protect the environment and the health of Illinois residents.”

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ALTON - YWCA is again offering free community tutoring sessions on Thursdays from July 7 – August 8, 2022, from 11:00 am – 2:00 pm at YWCA, 304 E Third Street in Alton. The program structure includes Math and Reading instruction for grades K-6, lunch, a fun enrichment activity, and a snack. Content builds upon previous session instruction, so attendance at each session is highly recommended. Sessions are designed to focus on the development of Math and Reading skills as well as social and emotional skills. Research shows that students lose approximately 1 to 2 months’ worth of reading and math skills over the summer, with the loss being greater in math than reading. Dorothy Hummel, YWCA Executive Director, “is proud of the collaborations with Scholars on the Rise Tutoring, the Alton-based Summer Lunch program, and financial support from Phillips 66 Wood River Refinery. It is wonderful to see area teachers and volunteers come back year after to serve these

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SEE VIDEO: EDWARDSVILLE - Buff City Soap had an official ribbon cutting this past week at its new 2238 Troy Road in Edwardsville location. The Edwardsville/Glen Carbon Chamber of Commerce conducted the ribbon cut. If someone wants the unique experience of everything handmade, they can visit Buff City Soap in Edwardsville. “Buff City likes to be involved with other businesses because we do fundraising and donating to events, pop-ups,” Taylor Riechmann, Maker Manager, Buff City Soap in Edwardsville. “Everything is plant-based and there are no harsh chemicals used. You can come in and customize products because we hand make it all. We love meeting new people every day.” "Our Makers are whipping up delightfully fragrant creations to share with you no matter how you choose to shop: online or at our Soap Makery,” Riechmann said. “We take tremendous pride in handcrafting each and every bar of soap in our Soap Makery. Each soap is truly unique.”

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ALTON/EDWARDSVILLE - Record holiday gas prices won’t stop many Americans from traveling by car this Independence Day weekend, AAA Spokesperson Nick Chabarria pointed out today. The gas prices this Independence Day weekend will be the most ever, Chabarria said. "Despite national gas prices being $1.74 more per average gallon compared to last year and the most expensive ever for the holiday, Americans will travel by car in record numbers this July 4th weekend," he said. "AAA expects 42 million Americans to travel by car, the most on record for that mode of travel during the holiday. "In total, 47.9 million Americans will travel this Independence Day weekend, just shy of 2019 levels. The increase in volume, due largely to pent-up demand for travel, will put more pressure on the demand for fuel. This is occurring as supplies remain tight around the globe for crude oil and refined products. While gas prices have been dropping over the last two weeks, it is possible they could reverse

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WICHITA, KANSAS - More than 1,870 students completed a total of 2,075 degrees at Wichita State University in spring 2022. The breakdown of degrees and certificates granted includes: * Undergraduate: 1,474 degrees and certificates for 1,347 undergraduate students * Graduate: 601 degrees and certificates for 526 graduate students For bachelor's degrees, honors were conferred to the following: * Summa cum laude: 100 students * Magna cum laude: 411 students * Cum laude: 357 students Undergraduate students who have attained a grade point average of 3.9 out of a possible 4.0 received the summa cum laude award; those with an average of 3.55 received the magna cum laude award, and those with an average of 3.25 received the cum laude. Jerseyville, IL Morgan M Cook, BS in Nursing, Nursing, Magna Cum Laude

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EDWARDSVILLE – The City of Edwardsville Public Works Department announced today that it will begin its annual Oil and Chip program on July 5, running through July 7, weather permitting. The program will affect more than 47,000 square yards in the City, covering nearly 30 streets and three alleys. (please see the attached list of affected streets and alleys). As part of the annual program, street maintenance crew members spay oil on the road and then add a layer of small rock known as slag to maintain the streets and alleys, which comes at a significantly lower cost compared to full resurfacing programs. The affected streets will experience temporary closures and motorists should expect delays. No parking signs will be placed in the areas where crews will be working prior to operations so that residents can make arrangements for parking and travel. For any additional questions, please contact Matt Taul, Superintendent of Streets and Fleet Maintenance at 618-692-7535. Complete

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CHICAGO — Beginning tomorrow, the Illinois Family Relief Plan will go into effect, making good on the promise by Governor Pritzker and the General Assembly to provide relief on the grocery tax, gas tax, and property taxes. The plan totals an estimated $1.83 billion in relief, including income and property tax rebates and a temporary cut in several sales taxes. “Starting tomorrow, every Illinoisan will get tax relief on essentials: groceries, gas, your home, and back-to-school supplies, with even more tax relief going into effect next year,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “We are sending $1.8 billion in tax relief to Illinois families – and we are doing that because Democrats balanced the budget, eliminated the bill backlog, and state government is now running a surplus. In challenging times like these, it’s more important than ever to have a government whose first focus is on working families and those who are struggling, and leadership that provides

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WICHITA, KANSAS - Wichita State University has announced the names of 3,178 students who were on the WSU Dean's Honor Roll for spring 2022. To be included on the honor roll, a student must be enrolled full-time (at least 12 credit hours) and earn at least a 3.5-grade point average on a 4.0 scale. Edwardsville, IL Matthew J Boyer

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ALTON - Patriotic music and celebration will be the theme of the week as the Alton Municipal Band kicks off Independence Day weekend with its annual Star-Spangled Spectacular. Audiences will enjoy classic patriotic marches and sing along to popular songs like “God Bless the USA.” The concert will feature the always-popular David Guebert as vocal soloist, who will lead the audience in singing all of the traditional patriotic songs. The band will also pay tribute to veterans who have served in the United States Armed Forces. The concert will be performed on Thursday, June 30th at Riverview Park (7:30 PM), and on Sunday, July 3rd at Haskell Park (7:00 PM).

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