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URBANA – Willow trees are most well known for their long, draping branches that give them a refined and graceful appearance. That is unless it is a corkscrew willow. The unique branching and twisting features of the Salix genus curly willow not only adds visual interest to the winter landscape but it can also be harvested and used for unique decorative arrangements says University of Illinois Extension horticulture educator Christina Lueking . “Curly willow has beautifully curled branches that have led to some crazy common names such as corkscrew willow, twisted willow, and snake willow,” Lueking says. Woody varieties generally prefer fertile, well-drained soil and full sun throughout the day. However, willows are a perfect fit for filter strips between annual crops or wet areas with their mature branches that are upright with a few sweeping younger branches that droop until they become more mature. These trees are easily propagated and can have a long lifespan a

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GALESBURG - Spring means baseball season is gearing up – that is, if it has not yet already started. A recent study by the Sports and Fitness Industry Association (SFIA) found that nearly 16 million Americans spanning all age groups play baseball. The popularity of baseball started to grow in the early 1800s and has earned the title of “America’s Pastime” over the years. However, whether you are a rookie or play for the Major League, anyone who plays is at risk for injury down the line. According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS), the most common baseball-related injuries include mild soft tissue injuries, such as muscle strains, ligament sprains, cuts, and contusions (bruises) – and although baseball is a non-contact sport, most serious injuries are due to contact either with a ball, bat, or another player. Additionally, the repetitive nature of baseball – throwing, catching, squatting, batting, sliding – often results in

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A LOOK INSIDE THE NEW RP Lumber CENTER Development: EDWARDSVILLE - The RP Lumber CENTER Ice Rink Development next to Edwardsville High School is close to completion, S.K. Wilson & Co. representative Kerry Lorts said Thursday. S.K. Wilson is the general contractor on the RP Lumber CENTER project. The new RP Lumber CENTER is part of the City of Edwardsville's "A Better Place To Play" initiative. The new center will include an ice rink, a teen center, an indoor track, and a recreational facility. The indoor track surface will be installed within the next two weeks, Kerry Lorts said. "We will charge the system next week and within two to three weeks make ice, then get it painted," he said. "The workout area is ready. The equipment still has to be installed. We are wrapping up rubber flooring, cleaning up, and putting the final touches of paint on everything." The indoor track appears to be magnificent in its structure and it appears it will take about 8 laps to equal a mile on

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EDWARDSVILLE - A 5-year-old black Labrador Retriever - Fitz - has had an amazing impact in his time at the Madison County Courthouse in Edwardsville. Fitz arrived at the courthouse in 2019 from Duo Dogs in St. Louis as a fully trained courthouse facility dog. Courthouse facility dogs assist litigants, victims, kids, and families during stressful stages of the legal process. They can be used in case management, forensic interviews, and criminal or civil proceedings and are handled by professionals in these fields. The dogs are specially trained by assistance dog organizations that are members of Assistance Dogs International. Fitz’s handlers are Tiffany Brooks and Emily Bell. Madison County State's Attorney Thomas Haine is a dog lover himself and in his time at the courthouse, he has come to also love Fitz. He said Fitz is a tremendous help with victims and kids during stressful parts of the legal process. Here is some additional background on Fitz from Victim Services Coordinator

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BENTON – Dr. Mingqing Xiao, 60, of Makanda, Illinois, was convicted by a federal jury on Wednesday, May 4, 2022, in connection with lying to federal authorities about a foreign bank account in China in 2017, 2018, and 2019. Dr. Xiao, a mathematics professor and researcher at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale, was convicted of three counts of Making a False or Fraudulent Statement to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) on his tax returns and one count of Failure to File a report of a Foreign Bank Account (FBAR). Evidence presented at the trial established that Xiao opened a foreign bank account at Ping An Bank in China in 2016 and received monthly deposits into the account from Shenzhenalo University in Shenzhen, China, from 2016 to 2020. Some of the funds were linked to additional sources in China. By 2020, Xiao had accumulated more than $100,000 in the Chinese account. U.S. taxpayers are required to report the existence of any foreign bank account on their federal income

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ST. LOUIS COUNTY - On Friday, May 6, 2022, the St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office issued warrants on suspect David A. Taylor, 28 years of age, of the 9900 block of Linn Avenue in St. Louis, Missouri 63125, for one count of Unlawful Possession of Explosive Weapon. A mugshot for Taylor is attached. Taylor is being held on a $50,000 cash only, no 10% bond. Please note, charges are merely an accusation and Defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law. The probable cause statement reads: On or about May 5, 2022, officers conducted a traffic stop on the Defendant’s vehicle for following a school bus too closely. The Defendant was arrested for an outstanding warrant. An inventory search of the vehicle revealed two pipe bombs in the center console. Post Miranda, the Defendant admitted to knowing the pipe bombs were in the car and he also knew what was inside the pipes. Defendant said he had purchased them. These devices are capable

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SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Natural Resources State Historic Preservation Office today announced the approval of $117,250 in federal funding to Certified Local Governments (CLG) in the state for five historic preservation projects through the National Park Services’ Historic Preservation Fund. The program is open to all 84 Certified Local Governments throughout Illinois with funds available to reimburse participating CLG communities for projects that focus on Surveys, Public Education, Planning, and National Register of Historic Places nominations. The approved projects are: City of Collinsville – The project is the creation of Historic Preservation Design Guidelines for the city’s historic landmarks and potential preservation district to establish a clear set of professionally developed guidelines. The City of Collinsville was awarded $7,000 in federal Historic Preservation Funds, with the city providing $3,220 in matching funds. City of Carbondale

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EAST ST. LOUIS – Over 30 businesses in Madison and St. Clair Counties were awarded more than $1.4 million in funding from the Back to Business program thanks to advocacy and support from State Senator Christopher Belt (D-Swansea). “Metro East businesses have fought to keep their doors open,” Belt said. “Local businesses are deserving of this funding to continue getting back on their feet after the unprecedented times we have had.” A total of $1.415 million was awarded to 34 businesses in the 57 th District. The B2B grants are awarded by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity using funds allocated to them by the American Rescue Plan through last year’s state budget. DCEO has provided $250 million in B2B grants – thanks to strong support from Senator Belt – to small businesses throughout the state, with an emphasis on hard-hit sectors, such as hotels, restaurants, bars, barbershops, and salons, and disproportionately

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STAUNTON - For the first time, The Macoupin Art Collective has combined their annual Spring Art Bazaar and Spring Plant Sale/Swap into one large event. Both events are now being held for one day, Saturday, May 14, 2022; however, the times will be slightly staggered: Art Maker’s Mart 10 am-5 pm and Plant Sale 9 am-2 pm. The Maker’s Mart will feature 15 different artists set up in outside tents and in their gallery space indoors from 10 am to 5 pm. You will find a variety of items for sale from jewelry to ceramics, paintings and other wall art, stained glass and fused glass, wreaths, epoxy resin, and much more. The Plant Sale/Swap will be located outside beginning at 9 am and running until 2 pm. Jared and Lisa Wirth will be bringing a large selection of vegetable seedlings and some house plants, too. This event is special in that they are open to trades. If you have extras of one plant and would like to share, bring them with you. If you have nothing to share then

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ALTON - Mac's Kentucky Derby Party is planned to be bigger and better than ever, Rob Lenhardt of Mac's, said Friday. The massive Mac's Derby event is scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. Saturday at Mac's at 315 Belle St. in Alton. The Kentucky Derby race is called "the most exciting two minutes in sports." The Block Party Concert will feature The Fabulous Thunderbirds at 7 p.m. The band's most famous hit is "Tuff Enuff," which was a Top 40 hit and peaked at No. 10 on the Billboard Hot 100. "Tuff Enuff," was featured in the 1986 film "Gung Ho," and also featured in the movie "Tough Guys." The band also had music featured in the 1987 movie "Hot Pursuit." Lenhardt said, "The Fabulous Thunderbirds" will put on quite a high-energy, captivating show and is a great way to kick off the summer in Alton. "This is the biggest party every year and it is good to have a national act like 'The Fabulous Thunderbirds.'" Rob Lenhardt said about noon things are rocking on Belle Street for the Derby Party

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ALTON - Alton Little Theater is hosting a Volunteer Invite & Appreciation Party on May 22nd at 2 pm. All those who would like to get more involved in community theater are invited to attend. There is no charge for this event. The Theater group is launching its 89th season and is seeking over 400 Volunteers who earn FREE Tickets while serving as ushers, set workers, backstage crews, costume help, and more. Comedian Michael Arthur will appear at the showplace on May 22nd and remind us of the joys of volunteering for a great organization. Light refreshments will be served and attendees will have the first chance to get the inside scoop on new shows and speak with directors and actors who will announce audition dates, explore all the volunteer functions available, and learn how easy it is to earn free tickets for mainstage shows! The event is free, but please call 618-462-3205 to make a reservation to attend. The staff at Alton Little Theater would love to meet you!

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SPRINGFIELD - Today, the Democratic Party of Illinois formally indicated it intends to submit an application to the Democratic National Committee for Illinois to be selected as a “pre-window” state for the 2024 presidential nominating process, meaning it would be one of the first five states to hold its primary election. Click HERE to see the letter of intent sent to the DNC by the Democratic Party of Illinois today. “There is no better state in the country for Democratic presidential candidates to make the case to voters than Illinois,” said Democratic Party of Illinois Chair Rep. Robin Kelly. “Illinois looks like America, with ethnic, geographic, racial, economic and ideological diversity that is core to our party’s success. Illinois has also led the way for Democrats in passing progressive policies, including promoting green energy, supporting workers’ rights, raising the minimum wage, protecting reproductive health, expanding access

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BETHALTO — 1st MidAmerica Credit Union is joining the Selfreliance Foundation and the Illinois Credit Union Foundation in supporting the people of Ukraine. 100% of donations collected in support of Selfreliance Foundation’s Ukraine Humanitarian Relief Fund will be going to US-based non-governmental organizations (NGOs) working with Ukraine. Selfreliance Federal Credit Union is one of 12 Ukrainian credit unions founded in the U.S. and is based in Chicago, Illinois. Donations can be made in person at any 1st MidAmerica Credit Union branch, by phone through the Member Support Center at 618-258-3168, or by mail. For check donations, please make payable to “Illinois Credit Union Foundation” with “1st Mid CU Ukrainian Fund” in the memo line. Donations made via check will receive a donor receipt from the Illinois Credit Union Foundation, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit charitable organization. Checks can be dropped off at any branch or mailed to: Illinois Credit

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NASHVILLE — Centerstone, a national leader in behavioral health and addiction services, announces the release of its seventh topical comic book. Spark Unmasked addresses matters of identity among LGBTQ+ youth and is available now to read for free at centerstone.org/comics . Centerstone Comics are part of the organization’s Prevention Services that educate and empower youth to make positive decisions when faced with common real-life issues. In an approachable way, each new story explores a complex topic with help from superhero Spark (actually a teenager named Amber Hernandez). The series has also tackled bullying, depression and suicide, online safety, sexting, drugs, and underage drinking. Spark Unmasked introduces Aspen, a student whose pronouns are they/them. Having trouble fitting in at school, Aspen is befriended by Amber (Spark) who helps them connect with a school teacher, Ms. Aliada. “I’ve worked with many LGBTQ+ youth on campus and with several outreach

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JERSEYVILLE - The drive-thru construction at Germania Brew Haus’s Jerseyville location has been slightly delayed, but owner Jared Brynildsen said that “it is being load-tested currently and should be open on Monday, May 9, should all go well.” Once the drive-thru construction is complete, Brynildsen said this location will open for its full business hours, which will start earlier than other Germania locations. “This location will open earlier than our other locations due to the earlier departures for most of the residents,” Brynildsen said. “We want to serve the community and to do that, we must be open when they need it. We are shooting to be open no later than 5:30 a.m. once we go to full hours.” Progress is still being made on the exterior, but Brynildsen said it’s been slowed down by factors like rain and pandemic-related manufacturing delays. He said the location’s “signage and awnings should be up very soon,”

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TROY/MARYVILLE - Employers need employees. High school students need jobs. The Troy/Maryville/St. Jacob/Marine Chamber of Commerce knows employers. Triad High School knows students. So, the first High School Student Job Fair was born. “This event concept came together in about 30 minutes,” said Dawn Mushill, Executive Director, Troy/Maryville/St. Jacob/Marine Chamber of Commerce. “I think we all knew there was a need and it was just a matter of figuring out the logistics”. Figuring out the logistics meant bringing together Triad teachers Todd Grigg and Stephanie Potthast, and Mushill. The Chamber knew they had the member businesses and the Triad staff knew they had the venue and the students. Putting it on paper and orchestrating the details were next. First, the students. They were asked to preregister online for the event and submit their general information into the portal provided. Mr. Grigg and his staff worked with the students to put together

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BELLEVILLE – For the third year in a row, Illinois American Water, a subsidiary of American Water Company (NYSE: AWK), has received the J.D. Power award for ranking highest in customer satisfaction among large water utilities in the Midwest according to the J.D. Power 2022 U.S. Water Utility Residential Customer Satisfaction StudySM. Illinois American Water also ranked #1 in 2021, 2020 and in the first year of the J.D. Power Water Utility Residential Customer Satisfaction Study in 2016. Illinois American Water President Justin Ladner commended employees for their commitment to customers. He said, “Our employees have a service-focused mindset and place our customers at the center of everything they do. Every day, our team strives to deliver excellent service at a good value, not for recognition, but because it is the right thing to do. To be recognized three years in a row is an incredible feeling for all of us. I am very proud of our team.” The J.D. Power 2022 U.S.

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WOOD RIVER - Kaidence Reef is a rising three-sport athlete for East Alton-Wood River High School. At this time, Kaidence is a freshman star of the East Alton-Wood River High School girls soccer team. She is the Midwest Members Credit Union East Alton-Wood River Female Athlete of the Month. Kaidence's highlights for this girls' soccer season: 3/14/22 - Max Preps Player of the Game vs Metro East Lutheran, scored the first goal of the season. 3/17/22 - Max Preps Player of the Game against Greenville, scored a goal. 3/28/22 - Scored a goal against Southwestern. 4/8/22 - Max Preps Player of the Game against Salem, two goals playing center mid and forward. 5/3/22 Max Prep's Player of the Game against Litchfield had one goal and one assist. Played center mid, forward, and sweeper. Kaidence said she would like to thank her parents Doug and Kara Reef for believing me and encouraging me to keep playing and moving up to the club level. "I look up to my brother Carson Reef and strive to

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ST. LOUIS - Four Edwardsville students were recently named to the dean's list at Washington University in St. Louis. College of Arts & Sciences: To qualify for the Dean's List in the College of Arts & Sciences, students must earn a semester grade point average of 3.6 or above and be enrolled in at least 14 graded units. Chris Byron Jr. Usma Rizvi McKelvey School of Engineering: To qualify for the Dean's List in the McKelvey School of Engineering, students must earn a semester grade point average of 3.6 or above and be enrolled in at least 12 graded units. Dev Mathur Dhruv Mathur About Washington University in St. Louis Washington University in St. Louis is counted among the world's leaders in teaching, research, patient care, and service to society. The university draws students to St. Louis from more than 100 countries and all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. The total student body is more than 15,000 undergraduate, graduate,

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ALTON - The Alton Police Department is investigating a shooting incident, which occurred in the 2000 block of Salu Street, at approximately 4:17 p.m. on Sunday, May 1, 2022. Alton Deputy Police Chief Jarrett M. Ford said the investigation revealed that a suspect discharged a firearm from a vehicle while yelling at patrons on the golf course. He also said no one was injured during this incident. The suspect vehicle is described as a brown in color “cube” style vehicle. Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact the Criminal Investigation Division at 618 -463-3505 Ext 634.

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