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EAST ST. LOUIS – State Senator Christopher Belt supported proposals to address the increase in car thefts and hijackings that were signed into law Thursday. According to a January report from CNN , cities around the country have seen an increase in the rate of carjackings. “The increase in the number of carjackings is disturbing,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “Innocent people are being targeted by this senseless crime across Illinois.” House Bill 601 modernizes the definition of the possession of burglary tools offense to include devices designed to unlock or start a vehicle without a key and devices designed to capture or duplicate a signal from a key fob. Car thieves have exploited new technology that can pick up the RFID signal from a key fob at a distance, allowing a victim’s vehicle to be unlocked or stolen even while the fob remains in their home. According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau, Illinois saw a 13% increase in car thefts from

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ST. LOUIS, MO – Filament is proud to announce that LaKecia Veal Ligon has joined the team as Experience and Operations Lead. In this newly created role for the rapidly growing company, LaKecia will support multiple Filament initiatives, including Thinksgiving® , LAB:LAB , and other innovative company offerings. Thinksgiving® pairs innovative companies with nonprofits for a day of creative problem-solving. In her role, LaKecia will collaborate with the team on event logistics for the 500+ expected participants and 100+ organizations, oversee dozens of volunteers, and support the initiative’s marketing, public relations, and social media efforts. "We are beyond excited that LaKecia has joined our team,” said Founder and CEO Matt Homann. “She'll not only improve the ways we serve our customers but will help us multiply the impact we're making in our community." In her previous role as the Operations and Marketing Manager at Marissa Q. Paine International,

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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today participated in a Senate Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committee hearing titled: “Opportunities and Challenges Facing Farmers, Families, and Rural Communities.” During the hearing, Durbin highlighted the importance of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) for feeding low-income seniors and individuals with disabilities who are served by the Supporting Living Facility program in Illinois. This program has helped thousands of vulnerable Illinoisans live independently for more than two decades, but USDA has recently tried to block these eligible residents from accessing SNAP benefits. To address the health and hunger needs of these seniors in Illinois, Durbin has helped lead legislative efforts since 2018 to protect this program. Durbin asked U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Thomas Vilsack to end the Department’s hostility toward this program and help reach a solution. “For

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JERSEYVILLE - Beginning with a Kickoff Event on Thursday, June 2 at 1:00 pm at the Library, 105 N. Liberty, Jerseyville, and featuring a Bounce House and Obstacle Course for Toddlers through Grade 5 (sponsored by BAYER), registration will be open for the Summer Reading Club, Read Beyond the Beaten Path , for children, tweens/teens, and adults. You do not need a library card to participate in the Summer Reading Club programs. Registered participants can expect fun activities, craft days, special events, a ton of fun with friends and family, and a few reading challenges along the way to earn tickets for prizes to be given out at the epic Prize parties at the finale of the reading program. Infant to Grade 5 Club runs from June 13 – July 22. Tweens/Teen Club runs June 21 – July 19 Adult Club runs June 13 – July 22 Some highlights for the kids include an appearance by The Spoon Man, pony rides, a foam party, s’mores, an outdoor movie, and a picnic at Wock Lake.

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ST. LOUIS - Today, St. Louis officials announced plans to keep neighborhoods safe ahead of the Memorial Day weekend. In addition to concentrated patrols by the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department, the City of St. Louis is working to expand youth programming efforts across the city to keep young people engaged throughout the summer months in safe and supportive environments. “Our summer violence prevention work is a multi-pronged, data-driven approach to deter crime and protect St. Louisans,” said Senior Public Safety Advisor Heather Taylor. “We are working every day to keep St. Louis residents and their families safe this summer by pulling together both law enforcement and community resources.” The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department will be strategically deploying patrols throughout the city, using data to determine peak times and locations for enforcement. This summer violence prevention detail will mobilize resources including traffic enforcement,

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GRAFTON - The City of Grafton will host its always popular annual City-Wide Yard Sale this Memorial Day weekend from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday through Monday. "We are looking forward to the yard sales throughout the city,” Grafton Mayor Mike Morrow said. "The Loading Dock will also be holding their monthly Flea Market so there will be treasurers to find and bargains for everyone in Grafton this weekend." "Come find your special “must-haves!” Morrow said. Memorial Day weekend is always a big one for Grafton businesses. Morrow expects Grafton businesses, in general, to have a busy weekend with COVID-19 restrictions no longer present.

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CHICAGO — Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) today announced that all recipients of the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) will receive $200 to support Illinoisans most in need due to rising costs. During this program year (September 2021 – May 2022) the Pritzker Administration has made an unprecedented $386 million investment to support families with bill assistance for heat, gas, and electricity bills to serve more than 250,000 households. The deadline for families to apply for utility assistance is May 31, 2022. Applications must be completed in person at local administering agencies, which can be located on DCEO’s community services website . Families can also contact 1-833-711-0374 for support. “Access to energy is a basic necessity and my administration is working tirelessly to ensure families can afford rising costs,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Hardworking Illinoisans

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ALTON - Tim and Julie Meeks have always given their customer’s experience the “utmost importance” at their Alton and Belleville locations. On June 3-4, Olive Oil Marketplace is marking its 10th anniversary on Third Street in Alton with a celebration. The celebration kicks off at 11 a.m. on Friday and continues on Saturday with free food featuring Get-R-Smoked Pulled Pork and many other OOM recipe dishes, local vendors with samples and educational discussions, and many in-store specials, raffles, and giveaways. On Friday night at 4:30, a Celebration Ceremony will take place with cake and ice cream for customers. Overall, the June 3-4 celebration should be special for the popular couple at their Alton store. This is a link to the two-day celebration for Olive Oil Marketplace: https://www.facebook.com/events/371851048297332 “We hope when you come into our store, you feel welcomed and comfortable,” Tim and Julie said in a statement about the stores

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EDWARDSVILLE – The Edwardsville Tigers baseball team defeated the Alton Redbirds 16-4 after five innings in the regional semifinals Wednesday night. Having himself a night was freshman Joseph Chiarodo. He went two-for-three against Alton including a three-run walk-off home run. The Tigers led 13-4 when Joe stepped up to the plate. After he put the ball over the fence in left-center his teammates stormed the field to celebrate the walk-off win via the mercy rule. Joe is one of the iCAN Clinic Male Athletes of the Month for the Tigers. Joe didn’t even expect the ball to reach the fence. “I thought it was going to hit the wall and be a double, so I was hustling out of the box, but then I saw the umpire move his hand around, so I was happy,” Chiarodo said postgame. “Joe put a good swing on it,” Edwardsville head coach Tim Funkhouser said. “He’s been a guy ready to break out. It’s good to see him get a couple of hits today.”

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MARYVILLE - Anderson Hospital received a $15,000.00 donation to update the in-patient Rehab Gym from Edwardsville residents, Carol and Harry Windland. Carol who went through hip surgery in August of 2021 had such a great experience at the Anderson Rehab Institute, that she wanted to give back to Anderson Hospital in some way. When she heard the in-patient Rehab Gym needed an update, she wanted to help. “This is our way of saying thank you to the staff for their dedication, care and compassion on a daily basis”, said Carol Windland. The space included updates such as wallpaper removal, painting of walls, new cabinetry, new countertops and chairs for the staff workspace, artwork, and more. Anderson Hospital uses the Rehab Gym for neurologic patients, post-stroke patients, Parkinson’s patients, and post-op orthopedic patients after various surgeries. Tammy Becherer, Interim Rehab Director said: “The staff and patients will enjoy this uplifting and bright

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EAST ALTON - A 78-year-old man close to his residence in the 900 block of Airline Drive in East Alton was struck by a vehicle and killed on Wednesday afternoon. Robert W. Stevens died in the accident. The call to authorities came in at 3:18 p.m. on Wednesday, May 25, 2022, the Madison County Sheriff’s Office responded to a pedestrian struck by a vehicle on East Airline Drive, near Hill Drive in East Alton. Rosewood Heights Fire Department and Alton Memorial Ambulance also responded to the scene. Upon arrival, emergency crews determined that the pedestrian had succumbed to his injuries due to being struck by the vehicle. The Madison County Sheriff's Office says the initial investigation indicates the decedent was attempting to cross Airline Drive in the area of his residence when he was struck by a vehicle traveling eastbound on a curved section of Airline Drive. The Madison County Coroner’s Office reports that the preliminary cause of death is blunt head and chest trauma

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BUNKER HILL - The Bunker Hill, IL Food Pantry located at 501 East Warren St., began operation in 1987 after founder Margaret Gerdt successfully opened it. Lester Lawton, who took over managing the Pantry later said of her, “It was hard work for her. She had to go begging for money and for people to help, but she got the job done and we wouldn’t be here today without the work she did back then.” The Pantry offers a variety of food items from milk, meat, can goods, cereals, and cake mixes. They are open Wednesdays from 8 to 11 am. Volunteers provided the guidelines they use in determining eligibility. Based on a per year chart, 1 person $16,744, 2 ppl $22,646, 3 ppl $28,548, 4ppl $34,450, 5ppl $40,352, 6ppl $46,254, 7ppl $$52,156, and 8ppl $58,058. If you earn more in your category than what is in the chart, they said you would be ineligible. She also said that two forms are needed, one such as a power bill demonstrating residency and one proving your identity. The

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DELHI, Ill. – The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) announces lane closures to the portion of US 67 known as the Delhi Bypass. It will be reduced to one-lane in each direction starting Tuesday, May 31, 2022, weather permitting. The closures will start at 6:00 am and will remain closed until the work is completed. This work is needed to place permanent pavement marking and is expected to be completed by the end of June. 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 work zone. The contractor on this project is Baxmeyer Construction of Waterloo, IL. For IDOT District 8 updates, follow us on Twitter at @IDOTDistrict8 or view area construction details on IDOT’s traveler information map on GettingAroundIllinois.com.

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ST. LOUIS - St. Louis Union Station is celebrating the start of summer with Memorial Day weekend activities. Military and first responders and a guest will receive a discount at all of the Union Station attractions, including the St. Louis Wheel, mini-golf, and carousel and the St. Louis Aquarium, ropes course, and mirror maze. This discount is available from Friday, May 27 through Monday, May 30 in person at the attractions' ticket windows. Saturday and Sunday, the popular Animals 'R Us petting zoo returns to the Purina Performance Plaza at Union Station with their adorable furry friends. The animals will be on-site from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. on both days. The St. Louis Wheel will be open from 10 a.m. until 10 p.m. every day, and the St. Louis Aquarium will add extended holiday hours from 9 a.m. until 8 p.m. to its schedule Friday through Sunday. Union Station's restaurants, including Soda Fountain -- famous for its Freak Shake milkshakes -- and Train Shed will be open for lunch

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ST. LOUIS - Following the City of St. Louis’ investment in more mechanics for trucks, as well as the development of a data-driven plan to use Refuse Division resources most efficiently, the Streets Department today announced that alleyway recycling will resume on Tuesday, May 31. The City, in partnership with Saint Louis Recycles , is urging residents to prepare for a resumption of alleyway recycling collection by getting up to date on best recycling practices while being aware of how much waste their household produces. “The Refuse Division services 80,000 households across the city, and we’ve been working tirelessly to resume alleyway recycling collection for St. Louisans,” said Streets Director Betherny Williams. “Our data-driven plan will help us increase our transparency and efficiency around waste collection and recycling, and the Refuse Division will consistently monitor our routes and make adjustments where necessary. St. Louisans can all do

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CHAMPAIGN, IL – First Busey Corporation (NASDAQ: BUSE) has announced the election of Cassandra Sanford as an independent director of the board of directors effective May 25, 2022. Her election brings the board to 10 members. As a director of Busey Bank since January 2021, Mrs. Sanford has experience serving as a director of financial institutions. Mrs. Sanford’s election follows the retirement of long-time Director Thomas G. Sloan on May 25, 2022. Mr. Sloan served as a director of Busey Bank from 2007 until his election to the First Busey board in 2010. For almost three decades, he provided invaluable service to Busey and its predecessor organizations—including both First National Bank of Decatur and Main Street Trust, Inc. Mrs. Sanford is Co-Founder and CEO of KellyMitchell Group, a premier technology workforce solutions company helping organizations achieve their IT goals by providing a hi-tech, flexible workforce. Founded in 1998, the company is headquartered

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COLLINSVILLE – Six outstanding Collinsville High School seniors received the Stan Schaeffer Memorial Scholarship tonight at the Collinsville City Council meeting. The students: Lydia Fluss, Dayton Horras, Megan Houberg, Grace Lanier, Jacob McChristian and Jada Russell received $1,000 each. The scholarship is named for former Collinsville Mayor and retired educator Stan Schaeffer. After Schaeffer’s sudden death in 2008, City leaders made the scholarship a reality. When the scholarship was established in 2010, it was administered by the Collinsville Education Scholarship Foundation, which changed its name to the Collinsville Area Community Foundation in 2021. Now administered by the Collinsville Area Community Foundation, this merit-based scholarship is awarded to Collinsville High School seniors who live within the Collinsville city limits. Since the inception of the scholarship, $46,000 has been awarded to outstanding Collinsville High School seniors. In total, the

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GRANITE CITY – Granite City High School has announced its plans for the Class of 2022 Graduation, which is set for Friday, May 27 at 7:30 p.m. on Kevin Greene Field. Graduation Practice – MANDATORY Thursday, May 26, 2022 10:30 a.m. Kevin Greene Field If rain, report to Memorial Gymnasium Graduation - Plan A Friday, May 27 - 7:30 p.m. - Kevin Greene Field Decision will be made at 5 p.m. Gates open at 5:30 p.m. No tickets required Wagner will be onsite to take individual photos of each graduate Graduation - Plan B (Weather Plan) Friday, May 27 - 7:30 p.m. - Memorial Gymnasium Students allowed 4 guest tickets Wagner will be onsite to take individual photos of each graduate BROADCAST The Class of 2022 Graduation will be live-streamed on the Granite City Community Unit School District #9 Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/GCSD9.net . A decision whether to move the ceremony indoors will be made no later than 5 p.m.

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ALTON - Alton firefighters’ quick response stopped a fire in the 3200 block of Alby Street in Alton on Wednesday night that appeared to be a gas leak from the back of a stove. Deputy Fire Chief Matt Fischer said the fire was contained to the kitchen and was knocked down in what he described as "a pretty quick fashion" by Alton firefighters. Fischer said the call for the fire came in after 9 p.m. Wednesday. He said there was some water damage and smoke within the structure, but expects that home occupants will be able to return to the home after some work. Those in the home were not able to return Wednesday night after the fire, Fischer said. The homeowner said they had hired someone to put a new floor in the kitchen today and during the construction, the stove was moved out, which caused a break or connection issue with the gas line. The mom said when she returned home to cook dinner, she turned the stove on and it ignited the fire that spread in the kitchen. There were individuals

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BETHALTO - The Bethalto Police Department issued a reminder today to area businesses to diligently examine all currency for counterfeit bills during purchases. Bethalto Police announced that on Monday a report was filed about the subject in the below image attempting to pass a counterfeit $50 bill. Bethalto Police Chief Mike Dixon said: "A diligent and attentive attendant examined the bill and recognized it to be counterfeit. The matter is under investigation, and we ask any other police agencies with this subject as a suspect in a similar activity to please contact us." He added: "Anyone who knows the subject in the images, who was driving a newer model white Mercury Cougar, out of Wilsonville, Illinois, is asked to contact us on Facebook or call 618-377-5266 extension 1. "Employees of area bars, convenience, and grocery stores should be diligent in examining the bills they receive recognizing that $20 and $50 bills are the most often counterfeited. "Many of the counterfeit

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