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COLUMBIA – The Illinois Department of Transportation today announced that Illinois Rt 3 from I-255 to Gilmore Lake in Columbia will be intermittently restricted to one lane in each direction beginning Monday, September 12, 2022, weather permitting. This work will take place daily. Traffic in each direction will be maintained using flaggers and arrow boards. All northbound lanes will remain open between 6 a.m.-9 a.m., and all Southbound lanes will remain open between 3 p.m.-7 p.m., Monday-Friday. This work is necessary to complete pavement repairs and then resurface the roadway and is expected to be completed by the end of Summer 2023. Drivers are urged to pay close attention to changed conditions and signs in the work zones, obey the posted speed limits, refrain from using mobile devices and be alert for workers and equipment. The contractor on this project is The Christ Bros of Lebanon, Illinois. For IDOT District 8 updates, follow us on Twitter at @IDOTDistrict8 or view

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SPRINGFIELD - A new study shows methamphetamine remains a stubbornly prevalent illicit substance in large swaths of rural America. Findings recently published in JAMA Network Open indicate that methamphetamine is driving overdoses in rural communities. About four of five people who use drugs in rural areas across 10 states reported using meth in the past 30 days, according to researchers at Oregon Health & Science University, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine and other institutions. “Methamphetamine use is pervasive among people who use drugs in rural communities,” said Todd Korthuis, MD, MPH, professor of medicine in the Oregon Health & Science University School of Medicine, head of addiction medicine at OHSU, and lead author of the study. The problem is often overlooked due to the focus on opioid abuse. “We need more national data about rural drug use,” said Wiley Jenkins, PhD, a co-author of the study that gathered research from 10 states.

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ALTON - Senior Aidan O'Keefe is playing the best golf of his career right now for Marquette Catholic High School. Almost a third of the way into the season now and he hasn't let up. This has by far been his best August yet, according to head coach Ryan Geisler. The stats don't lie either. Let's take a look at the scores he's posted so far this season. Things kicked off at the Hickory Stick Invitational where he shot an even-par 72. That was the best individual score of the day, making him a medalist. The Explorers placed third out of 20 teams. He shot another 72 at the Alton Tee Off which earned him fourth. At the Madison County Tournament, he finished one under par shooting a 71. He earned a small school medal. Marquette as a team shot 317, which was good enough for first place in the small school’s division. What came next is probably the craziest part. In a weekday nine-hole match against Jerseyville at Spencer T. Olin, O'Keefe shot six under. According to coach Geisler,

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HARDIN - At 10:50 p.m. on September 3, 2022, a deputy with the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office conducted a traffic stop on the Illinois River Road near Batchtown Road, Calhoun County, Illinois. Subsequent to an investigation, the driver, Michael D. Dempsey, 34, of Bowling Green, Missouri was arrested on the following charges: Aggravated Driving Under the Influence – Alcohol (Third or Subsequent Offense) Operating a Motor Vehicle Without Interlock Device When Required Driving While Suspended - Felony Reckless Driving Operating an Uninsured Motor Vehicle Speeding (21–25 MPH Over Limit) Improper Lane Usage Illegal Transportation of Alcohol by Driver Dempsey was arrested without incident and was lodged at the Jersey County Jail. All suspect(s) are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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HARDIN - The Calhoun County Sheriff's Office has announced that a traffic stop on Geske Hollow Road near North Mississippi River Road in Calhoun County led to charges against an Alton woman. The traffic stop occurred at 4:17 p.m. on August 31, 2022. The driver - Lisa A. Edwards, 50, of Alton - was operating a red 2001 Dodge truck. Subsequent to an investigation, the driver was arrested on the following charges: Unlawful Possession of a Controlled Substance Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia Unlawful Possession of Adult Use Cannabis in a Motor Vehicle – Driver Operating an Uninsured Motor Vehicle Edwards is currently lodged at Greene County Jail. All suspect(s) are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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GRANITE CITY - Each Saturday this October, a different Halloween-themed event is planned in “The District” in downtown Granite City. Brenda Whitaker, director of Arts, Entertainment, and Tourism for Granite City, said the events will include Granite City’s first Halloween float parade, costume contests, a dance party, a scavenger “haunt” and more. First is the Creepy Crawler Parade starting at 4 p.m. on October 8 at Granite City High School. The parade will travel down Madison Avenue and end at Civic Park. Whitaker said this parade will have a “TV and Movies” theme. “We thought people could be creative, whether it’s a Saturday morning cartoon like Scooby Doo or their favorite Halloween movie, I’m sure people will be very creative while keeping in mind it is a family event,” Whitaker said. “It doesn’t have to be completely Halloween-themed, but I’m sure there will be a sprinkling of some. We think

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EDWARDSVILLE - Madison County State's Attorney Tom Haine announced today that Madison County has filed a petition asking the Illinois Supreme Court to review the Fourth Appellate District’s ruling on the recently passed judicial subcircuit legislation. Joining Madison County in the petition were Christina Wiley of Bethalto (pro se plaintiff), Judges Christopher Threlkeld and Amy Sholar (Represented by Attorney James Craney), and Senate Minority Leader Dan McConchie (Represented by Phillip A. Luetkehans). “Prior to the passage of this subcircuit law, all residents of Madison County could vote for their circuit judges,” said Haine. “Now, the boundaries have been gerrymandered in such a way that only a fraction of the residents of Madison County will have the right to vote on Circuit judges, even though they will still have power to decide cases for all County residents. We think that concept is fundamentally unfair and a violation of our Constitution.” “Als

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GRANITE CITY - When the Labor Day Parade officially rolls through Granite City, Mayor Mike Parkinson ranks as one of the proudest participants. The Granite City Labor Day Parade on Monday, September 5 was well-attended as the community marked the holiday again. “What a great day for Granite City to honor the working man and women of our region," Mayor Parkinson said afterward. Parkinson said his reason to get into the political race for mayor was simple: “I want to be a voice for the city. It’s important to me to mark this holiday. I was born and raised here; I am a third-generation in Granite City. Granite City has always been about supporting labor and the working man. That is why we are geared up to support the steelworkers in their fight right now for jobs at U.S. Steel.” The mayor said the U.S. Steel situation doesn’t have a short-term solution and it will be a “long-term battle” to preserve the jobs. The parade had a little of everything

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EAST ST. LOUIS — Governor JB Pritzker along with state and local leaders today announced the location of a new state-of-the-art Illinois State Police (ISP) Metro East Regional Headquarters and the release of capital funding to begin the design process. The regional multi-mission facility will house ISP patrol, investigations, communications, and Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) resources. Strategically relocating patrol and investigative personnel will increase preventive patrol presence, help solve violent crime, and improve regional safety. “Today, we take a significant step forward in ensuring the safety and opportunity of Metro East reflects what its residents deserve – what all of Illinois deserves: a community where all our families can thrive,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “This state-of-the-art facility will take a holistic approach to violent crime reduction, making the community safer and establishing an anchor for residential and business investment.”

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EAST ALTON – Over the next two years, scientists at the National Great Rivers Research and Education Center (NGRREC sm ) are investigating dragonflies and damselflies (Odonata) throughout Central and Southern Illinois. “Odonata are a relatively well-known and charismatic group of insects and have key functional roles both within terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems and across terrestrial-aquatic boundaries,” Wildlife Ecologist John Crawford said. “They are also important indicators of water quality and overall ecosystem health.” The primary goal of this project is to address current knowledge gaps and develop a baseline of population data as well as determine possible species of conservation concern for state and regional agencies. These data are needed to develop future conservation and management plans. “More research is needed to understand current population distributions, rarity, and vulnerabilities of Odonata throughout Illinois,”

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ALTON - From doughnuts to movie themes or just a fun round on the links, Riverbend residents and businesses can support OSF HealthCare Moeller Cancer Center this month by taking part in the OSF Foundation’s annual golf outing. This year’s tournament will be on Friday, September 23, at Spencer T. Olin Community Golf Course in Alton. Lunch and registration begins at 10:30 a.m. followed by a 12 p.m. shotgun start. The event will conclude with a steak and chicken dinner and the announcement of winning golfers. Golfers looking to spice up their round can also sample snacks and have some Caddyshack and Jimmy Buffett-themed fun. On the Duke Bakery hole, the player who lands their ball closest to the pin gets a year’s supply of doughnut holes from the bakery. Proceeds from this year’s golf outing will support programs and services at Moeller Cancer Center on the campus of OSF Saint Anthony’s Health Center . The tournament’s title sponsor is Moeller

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EAST ST. LOUIS — Governor JB Pritzker along with state and local leaders today announced the location of a new state-of-the-art Illinois State Police (ISP) Metro East Regional Headquarters and the release of capital funding to begin the design process. The regional multi-mission facility will house ISP patrol, investigations, communications, and Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) resources. Strategically relocating patrol and investigative personnel will increase preventive patrol presence, help solve violent crime, and improve regional safety. “Today, we take a significant step forward in ensuring the safety and opportunity of Metro East reflects what its residents deserve – what all of Illinois deserves: a community where all our families can thrive,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “This state-of-the-art facility will take a holistic approach to violent crime reduction, making the community safer and establishing an anchor for residential and business investment.&rdquo

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GODFREY – Lewis and Clark Community College welcomed about 250 guests to a culminating celebration of the Monticello Sculpture Gardens’ 10 th annual summer garden show, “Budding Masterpieces,” Thursday evening. The event featured free food, drinks, music, garden tours, crafts with The MAC (Macoupin Art Collective) bus, and a chance to play games on the Hatheway Cultural Center lawn with Trailblazers athletes. Guests were invited to take home a cut flower from Rudy’s Flower Truck, of St. Louis, as a souvenir. “Budding Masterpieces” is open to the public for self-guided tours through September. Maps are available at the Campus Safety building at L&C’s north entrance. To learn more about L&C’s Monticello Sculpture Gardens, contact Horticulture Manager Ethan Braasch at ebraasch@lc.edu or visit www.lc.edu/gardens .

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WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) wrote to U.S. Chair of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Lina Khan, U.S. Chair of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) Charlotte Burrows, and U.S. Secretary of the Department of Labor (DoL) Martin Walsh to call for a thorough review of how artificial intelligence (AI), algorithms and algorithmic bias might play a role in discriminating against people with disabilities when it comes to employment opportunities and hiring practices. Joining Duckworth in this letter are U.S. Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), and Ed Markey (D-MA). “We write to respectfully request that the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), and the Department of Labor (DoL) undergo a thorough review of artificial intelligence (AI), algorithms and algorithmic bias, including but not limited

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Norm and Shirley Halcom are celebrating 67 years of marriage. The two were married in 1955. The family gathered on the two's anniversary on September 3, 2022, for a surprise celebration for Norman & Shirley Halcom's 67th wedding anniversary and Shirley's 90th Birthday later this month. They were married in Meadowbrook by the Justice of the Peace on September 03, 1955. Shirley will be 90 on September 29th.

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MARYVILLE – In partnership with the Illinois Treasurer’s office, State Senator Kris Tharp is bringing the popular I-Cash services to Metro East residents in Granite City and Roxana. “Unclaimed property is commonly intangible and thus more difficult for families to know what is owed to them,” said Tharp (D-Bethalto). “I encourage any Illinois resident to visit an I-Cash event to check if they have any unclaimed property.” The Treasurer’s office has more than $3.5 billion in unclaimed funds for Illinois residents. To offer families an opportunity to search the database and file a claim, the first event will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 13 on the second floor of Royal Banks of Granite City, located at 3600 Nameoki Rd. Elevators will be available. The second event will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 22 at the Roxana Public Library, 200 N. Central Ave. “It’s worth the few minutes it takes to stop by an event

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EDWARDSVILLE - This is another in a series of articles of entries in the Edwardsville Art Fair at City Park on September 23-25. Today, Edwardsville, Worden, and Caseyville entries are featured. A rtist Name: Ana Sumner Location: Edwardsville Artist Statement: Ana Sumner's Sew Unique Art merges traditional art and fiber techniques together to portray nature as realism using mixed media fiber art, so that she may convey the textural beauty that is in the world. Artist Name: Annette Cummins Location: Caseyville Artist Statement: "I like road trips! When painting abstracts I am on a road trip with no destination in mind. I don't follow a map but rather my inner guide, excited to see where I may end up!" Artist Name : Deborrah Jones Location : Worden Artist Statement: "Jewelry is a form of intimate self-expression and a symbol of personal meaning. The wearer can use their body as a canvas to express their feelings, desires, and thoughts. I create jewelry

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VENICE - Venice CUSD #3 was awarded $26 million in funding, provided by the Capital Development Board through an emergency school construction grant. In September 2020, Venice Elementary School in Venice, Illinois was condemned due to structural issues. Students and staff attending Venice Elementary vacated the building, attending school virtually for the entire 2020-2021 school year. “It was a difficult year,” stated Superintendent Cynthia Tolbert. “We were not only dealing with the challenges of the COVID-19 Pandemic and virtual learning, but the Board of Education was also trying to locate a temporary school to house students.” For the 2021-2022 school year, Venice Elementary school was in a temporary location at the Melvin Price Depot located in Granite City. Tolbert successfully led the district in the demolition of the condemned elementary school in 2021, located on 300 South 4th Street. Assisted by Venice Board of Education officials, the Venice Unit

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Photographs may be purchased for personal use at: https://www.randymanning.com/Alton-Wine-and-Jazz-Festival ALTON - The Alton Jazz & Wine Festival continues to grow each year and once again Saturday night, it showcased some incredible talent, both from the area and also with some nationally recognized artists. Liberty Bank Alton Amphitheater Chair Dan Herkert said you couldn’t have asked for better weather and such a great crowd. “I am an old trumpet player and the Alton Jazz Confluence Band already blows me out of the water," Herkert said. "They are tremendous. “This is the birthplace of Miles Davis and we always hold trumpet players in the highest esteem. The Jazz & Wine Festival has been growing every year. We have some absolutely amazing performers this year. I don’t think there is a better outdoor venue than the Alton Amphitheater. For jazz, it is the best setup I have seen.” Ken Whiteside has been affiliated with the Alton Jazz & Wine Festival

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GLEN CARBON - Father McGivney Catholic High School student Sam Chounarid recently presented a donation check to Gail Marchbanks from Kellsie’s Hope. Sam organized a cornhole tournament on Aug. 13, 2022, to benefit this organization. Kellsie’s Hope was started by Kellsie Marchbanks during her second round of cancer treatment. After her passing in June 2011 of Osteosarcoma, the Marchbanks family formed Kellsie’s Hope Foundation Inc, to celebrate the life of this remarkable young woman and to continue the work she started from her hospital bed. The Kellise's Hope mission is to provide hope to families that have children suffering from cancer by offering support for trips and gifts that might otherwise be unattainable. We are also dedicated to raising awareness and funds to support childhood cancer research and support the education of healthcare providers with an annual nursing scholarship. Kellsie’s Hope Foundation is an exempt organization as described in

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