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EAST ST. LOUIS – A U.S. District Court judge sentenced a Lebanon man on Tuesday to more than 16 years in federal prison for his involvement in distributing methamphetamine in St. Clair County. Michael P. O’Leary, 48, pled guilty to one count of methamphetamine distribution, one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, and one count of felon in possession of a firearm. In addition to his prison sentence, he received five years of supervised release. “The defendant was responsible for distributing large amounts of methamphetamine throughout the Metro East,” said U.S. Attorney Rachelle Aud Crowe. “Illegal, dangerous drugs have no place in downstate Illinois communities, and the U.S. Attorney Office will continue to work with the DEA to remove individuals responsible for infecting families and loved ones.” “Drug traffickers engage in their illicit activities for a specific reason: to make money,” said Assistant Special

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EDWARDSVILLE – The compassion Sarah Andersen, lecturer in Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s Learning Support Services, has for her students is what makes her stand out as an SIUE “Difference Maker”. Andersen works with students in the Grade Recovery and Academic Sustainability Program (GRASP) program and supports their academic journey through graduation. "The impact that her and the GRASP class has had on myself, and the student population entirely, cannot be praised enough,” said one of Andersen’s nominators, Chris Hoogland, a senior computer management and information services major. “I would not be where I am at in my schooling without the help Sarah has provided. I went from under a 1.0 GPA to being able to graduate in fall of 2023.” Andersen is available 24/7 to her students during their time in the GRASP program and after they are off probation. She works with each student teaching them how to self-advocate for themselves

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ALTON – Interventional Pain Consultants (IPC) , a leading pain management practice in the Metro East, is pleased to announce that Dr. Anthony Guarino has joined its team as staff physician. For more than 25 years, Dr. Guarino has helped thousands of patients live a higher quality of life through cutting-edge treatment and his personalized, multidisciplinary approach to pain management. At IPC, Dr. Guarino specializes in procedures at all levels of the spine, including diagnostic and therapeutic injections and treatments, radiofrequency neuroablations, spinal cord stimulators, and intrathecal pumps. He also takes a physiological approach to care by addressing the mind-body connection that can contribute to or elevate chronic pain and empowering patients with healthy coping skills to manage their condition. “I understand the concerns of people living with debilitating pain and strive to provide them with the highest level of empathy and compassion,” said Dr. Guarino.

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ALTON - Alton Area Community Organizations and Leaders are hosting their Second Annual Community Easter Egg Hunt at Rock Spring Park from noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday, April 8, 2023. "This event is free and open to the public," Rosie Brown, one of the organizers, said. "There will be free food, games for all ages, free haircuts, prizes, and giveaways." Brown said the Easter event in 2022 was spectacular for the community. "We had an awesome committee, sponsors, volunteers, and the surrounding communities came together and put smiles on the faces of many children," she said. "We had games, prizes, food, and fun." The inaugural Easter Egg Hunt was held at Gordon Moore Park on Easter Sunday 2022 and more than 400 parents, volunteers, cheerleaders, and political leaders were involved. If you would like to become a sponsor, have an educational/community table, or volunteer, please get in touch with Alderwoman Rosie Brown, 4 th Ward at 219-580-2394, Kim Brice-Hollis, CLB Foundation at 618-917-7190

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ALTON - Alton Main Street’s quarterly information exchange, called “What’s Up Downtown”, will be held on Thursday, February 23rd at 5:30 p.m. at Jacoby Arts Center, located at 627 E. Broadway in Alton, IL. The public is invited to learn the latest news regarding developments in Alton’s historic downtown district, including updates from new & existing businesses, news on real estate transactions and details of upcoming events and projects. The evening’s featured speakers will be: Caleb Lewis from Alton Odyssey Tours, launching their new Prohibition and Architecture Tours Christine Favilla from the Sierra Club, sharing details of upcoming seed swaps and outings Amanda Stotler who has recently relocated AJ Stotler Photography studio to Front Street Charlotte Hammond, President & CEO of Challenge Unlimited, who will share information on employment service programs for small business owners who are interested in employing individuals with disabilities

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CHICAGO – The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation ("IDFPR") announced today the Consumer Financial Protection and Innovation Package, a pair of legislative initiatives designed to protect Illinois residents from financial fraud and abuse and establish regulatory oversight of cryptocurrencies and the broader digital asset marketplace. The Fintech-Digital Asset Bill (HB 3479/SB 2233) establishes regulations for digital asset businesses and modernizes regulations for money transmission in Illinois, while the Consumer Financial Protection Bill (HB 3483/SB 2232) empowers IDFPR to enforce those regulations and strengthens its authority and resources for existing consumer financial protections. Both measures are sponsored by Representative Mark Walker in the House and Senator Laura Ellman in the Senate. “States occupy a core role in overseeing the financial marketplace and Illinois stands ready to usher in the future of consumer financial protection,”

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ST. LOUIS - "This weekend, 16-year-old Janae Edmondson’s life was upended by horrific traffic violence as she visited our city for a volleyball tournament at America’s Center Downtown. Violence is always devastating, but it's especially devastating when it touches the lives of our youth. My heart goes out to Janae and her loved ones. "Visitors and residents alike should be able to feel safe in our city and our downtown. My office has connected with the Circuit Attorney’s Office and judicial partners to review the processes that led up to this preventable tragedy. Our city can and must do a better job of working together to hold those who endanger our communities accountable. "Traffic violence is an issue that impacts our entire city. While we’re still gathering the facts of this case, I remain committed to major investments in street and pedestrian infrastructure to keep our city safe no matter how they choose to get around - walking, biking, driving, or

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CHICAGO - Attorney General Kwame Raoul, as part of a coalition of 14 attorneys general, opposed Gas Innovations LNG Refrigerants Inc.’s request for a special permit to ship cryogenic liquefied ethane in rail tank cars from a facility in Marcus Hook, Pennsylvania to undisclosed locations in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Ethane is a colorless, odorless, and highly flammable hydrocarbon gas that is commonly used in the petrochemical industry. Shipping cryogenic ethane presents significant safety challenges, as any release of cargo is likely to lead to the formation of extremely cold and highly flammable ground-hugging vapor clouds that present unique safety risks to nearby communities and emergency first responders. Regulations do not currently authorize the transportation of ethane in rail tank cars, and Gas Innovations’ application includes no data or scientific analysis suggesting that it can be transported safely in this manner. “Illinois is one of our

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GODFREY – Lewis and Clark Community College’s Board of Trustees will vote on a new board member at its regular board meeting on March 14 to replace former Trustee Charles Hanfelder. Anyone who may be interested in being considered to serve on the Board is welcome to submit a letter of interest for consideration to board@lc.edu . More information on the Board of Trustees can be found at www.lc.edu/BOT .

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CARLINVILLE - The Blackburn College Board of Trustees has appointed Dr. Gregory J. Meyer as the school’s 19th President. Meyer, a former Blackburn professor and administrator, succeeds Dr. Mark Biermann, who recently resigned after two and a half years at Blackburn to focus on health, well-being, and extended family. Dr. Rochelle Henderson, the Chair of the Board of Trustees, said Meyer’s proven leadership and his connection to the College and community make him the perfect candidate to help lead the institution. “Dr. Meyer is deeply committed to Blackburn and is well-known on campus and in the Carlinville community. He is the best person to help the College build on our momentum and to enable our students, institution, and community to rise to even more success in the years to come.“ During more than thirty years at Blackburn, Meyer has held a variety of academic and administrative roles, including department and division chair, Professor of Philosophy an

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ST. LOUIS - Today, Wednesday, Feb. 22, Schnuck Markets, Inc. is joining supermarkets and food manufacturers nationwide in celebrating the annual Supermarket Employee Day. FMI—The Food Industry Association has proclaimed this holiday to recognize employees at every level for the work they do feeding families and enriching lives. With more than 40,000 individual stores that sell food and grocery items in the U.S. alone, many supermarkets serve as the backbones of their communities. Millions of supermarket employees come to work daily to keep shelves stocked and to provide communities with essential services that help them survive and thrive. “Schnucks teammates at all stores, facilities and offices remain committed to our company’s mission of Nourishing People’s Lives in our many communities throughout the Midwest,” said Schnucks Chairman and CEO Todd Schnuck. “I invite our great customers to stop by their local Schnucks store to celebrate and

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GODFREY - The Godfrey Village Board of Trustees voted to grant a liquor license to Toko Sushi & Boba , a new sushi restaurant opening in Godfrey’s Monticello Plaza which was seeking the license to sell sake and wine. The ordinance passed unanimously, as did several other items at the board’s Feb. 21 meeting. The board also voted unanimously to approve $5,000 to sponsor the 2023 Summer Garden Show at the Monticello Sculpture Gardens on the campus of Lewis and Clark Community College. Trustee Virginia Woulfe-Beile said the sculpture garden, and the entire LC campus, are one of Godfrey’s greatest assets. “Lewis and Clark in general, but in particular tonight, the gardens, are such a shining star in our community,” Woulfe-Beile said. “I have enjoyed the gardens for so long and watching them over the years develop the world-quality sculpture and art that’s there … it’s just really a great community enhancement, so I 100 percen

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HIGHLAND — HSHS St. Joseph’s Hospital Highland will host a health fair Tuesday, April 4 from 6 to 10:30 a.m. at the HSHS Medical Group Family Medicine office at 7342 IL-162, Troy, Illinois. All hospital colleagues will be wearing masks and required personal protective equipment. Participants will also be required to wear non-cloth, medical-grade masks, as masks are still required in health care facilities per Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines. Please wear short-sleeved shirts to make the process easier. Those wanting to attend must register for an appointment online at stjosephshighland.org/troyhealthfair before Wednesday, March 29. There are limited spots available and on-site registration will not be accepted. If you are unable to register online, you can call 618-651-2739 for assistance. “We are pleased to provide the Troy area residents with a health fair that offers affordable lab work so that they may be empowered to advocate

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MARYVILLE – Our Lord’s Lutheran Church (OLLC), 150 Wilma Dr., Maryville, will offer a drive-through option for the imposition of ashes on Wednesday, February 22, 2023. Participants will remain in their cars during this drive-through event. Upon arrival, Pastor Darla Ann Kratzer will come to your car window and step forward to hand you a single page with prayers. She will then stand near your car door while speaking. Then, using a cotton swab, she will impose a cross of ashes upon your forehead. This Ash Wednesday experience will be available during three convenient timeframes: 7:30-8:30 a.m., 11:30-1:30 p.m., and 4:00-6:00 p.m. In addition to Ashes-to-Go, Our Lord’s will observe Ash Wednesday with a 6:30 p.m. worship service in the building. This service will also be live-streamed and can be viewed at ourlords.org/live. The mood of Ash Wednesday is somber as it starts a six-week examination of our lives. While ashes are a symbol of our mortality, they also serve

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EDWARDSVILLE — Madison County State’s Attorney Tom Haine announced Tuesday that a judge has handed a 40-year prison sentence to a predator who sexually assaulted a child. Jesse W. Chartrand, 43, of Glen Carbon received the sentence Tuesday for one count of predatory criminal sexual assault and two counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse. In December, a jury found Chartrand guilty of committing sexual acts with the child between August 2019 and July 2020. “This perpetrator caused immeasurable suffering and trauma for the victim and the victim’s family,” Haine said. “Yet they had the courage to come forward and to assist in the investigation and prosecution. While no punishment could possibly make up for what they’ve experienced, we pray that this sentence brings them some degree of healing.” He added, “The State’s Attorney’s Office will always aggressively prosecute sex offenders who prey on innocent children. My offic

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ALTON – Amy Rivera, a nationally-recognized advocate, author, and speaker on Lymphedema and her life’s journey living with the disorder, will be the featured guest speaker during the OSF Lymphedema Education Meeting on Thursday, March 2. The meeting is scheduled to take place from 1:00 p.m.-2:00 p.m. at the OSF Saint Anthony’s Rehabilitation Services location in Alton Square Mall (228 Alton Square Mall, Alton). Additional information about the meeting can be obtained by calling (618) 463-5171. To learn more about Ms. Rivera, please visit www.amyrivera.com . Ms. Rivera was born with Primary Lymphedema, an incurable disorder that left her immensely disfigured. Her right leg was 200% bigger than her left leg. In trying to manage her disorder, she was misdiagnosed for over 30 years, leaving her disabled and isolated. Amy thought she was the only one who was suffering in silence. But after learning the truth about her condition, she realized that the Lymphedema community

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CARROLLTON - Greene County Clerk Melissa Carter announced there will be a drop box in the western parking lot of the Greene County Courthouse for voters which will arrive sometime this week before early voting officially begins on Thursday, Feb. 23. Early voting hours will be held Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and on Saturday, April from 9 a.m. to noon. For those who can’t make it during those hours, Carter said a new drop box is being installed, and that mail-in ballots can still be requested by calling (217) 942-5443. “If they would like to call in and get a vote-by-mail ballot, they can call the office. We do have a drop box which is coming this week, it will be here before Thursday,” she said. “If they don’t want to mail their ballot back and they can’t make it between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., they can drop their ballot into the drop box located in the west parking lot.” Carter said she isn’t expecting a high turnout

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HARDIN - The Calhoun County Clerk’s Office is preparing for early voting to begin this Thursday, Feb. 23 for the April 4 consolidated election. County Clerk Amy Friedel said early voting will be available at the Calhoun County Courthouse, located at 301 S. County Road in Hardin. Early voting hours will be from Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on Saturday, April 1 from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Friedel said that based on previous voting records, she’s not expecting a particularly high turnout of early voters this election, except for a few places and races in Calhoun County. “The Village of Kampsville should have a pretty good turnout, they have a Village President and some trustees that are up for election,” she said. “Also the school boards, both Brussels and Calhoun, have multiple openings and multiple candidates, so that should have a hopefully good voter turnout for those two school districts.” Friedel said her office is

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WOOD RIVER – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, St. Louis District, and the City of Wood River, Illinois, recently entered into a cost-shared Project Partnership Agreement, or PPA, for sewer improvements included in the State Street Sewer Separation Project. The $4.6 million project, of which $3.5 million is federal, will involve of separation of combined sewers, construction of a new storm water collection system, and expansion of existing storm water detention and pumping facilities. These improvements would not only benefit the numerous businesses, schools, civic centers and residences in the project area by reducing sewer backups, but it would also greatly reduce the amount of wastewater the city is required to treat, extending the operable life of the wastewater treatment facility. The State Street Sewer Separation project will be constructed in four phases and located primarily in partially in downtown or light industrial area as well as within a densely populated residential

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JERSEY COUNTY - The Jersey County Against Drugs (JCAD) Coalition and Jersey Community Hospital (JCH) are hosting a Community Resource Fair at the Susnig Center on Thursday, March 9, 2023, from 4:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. The Susnig Center is located at 401 Mound Street in Jerseyville. The Community Resource Fair is a free event and appropriate for youth in 6 th grade and up, parents and caregivers, and all community members. There will be door prizes and other giveaways. JCAD is dedicated to developing and offering the highest quality of prevention, intervention and awareness programs to keep youth healthy and drug free. JCH is committed to the treatment and recovery of individuals and their families experiencing substance use and mental health disorders. Working together, they strive to connect community members to local resources, educate the youth, and provide evidence-based support for recovery and prevention. The Community Resource Fair is an interagency collaboration of vendors

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