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Two years ago, we remember announcing the delay of in-person celebrations of National Nurses Week and Hospital Week at our HSHS Illinois hospitals. Now, as we look forward to our annual spring celebrations, we cannot help but be grateful and relieved that we have finally made it here – to a place where we can once again start looking forward with hope. As the nursing leaders of nine HSHS Illinois hospitals, we ask that you join us in thanking the exceptional women and men who have shown character, resilience and strength beyond measure. When tested, the nurses and health care workers at all of our HSHS Illinois hospitals dug their heels in deeper and held their heads higher. They banded together and fought for our community. Through relentless waves of change, they continued to do what they do best – they cared for our patients. Health care never stops. Babies are always being delivered, emergencies and traumas are responded to swiftly, treatments are continuously administered,

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CHICAGO – Governor JB Pritzker today signed Senate Bill 3197, a piece of legislation that would expand access to health insurance benefits with no premium costs for the families of state employees who lose their life during employment. “There is no higher calling than the work to protect our most vulnerable children,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Deidre Silas was a distinguished public servant who devoted her life to that mission, and we miss her terribly. It is in her honor that we take action to expand health insurance coverage to survivors of tragedy and create a safer environment for those who do the crucial work of protecting our young people.” “In response to the fatal stabbing of Deidre Silas, we must ensure the families of those who serve our most vulnerable populations are cared for,” said State Senator Doris Turner (D-Springfield). “Ms. Silas died as a dedicated public servant, and this is the least we can do to honor her

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IDPH is Stressing the Availability of Therapeutic Medications to Treat COVID-19 And the Importance of Starting Treatment Quickly SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) today reported 24,646 new confirmed and probable cases of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Illinois, including 46 deaths since April 22, 2022. Currently, IDPH is reporting a total of 3,138,682 cases, including 33,614 deaths, in 102 counties in Illinois since the beginning of the pandemic. As of last night, 732 individuals in Illinois were reported to be in the hospital with COVID-19. Of those, 75 patients were in the ICU and 32 patients with COVID-19 were on ventilators. The preliminary seven-day statewide case rate is 193 COVID-19 cases per 100,000 Illinoisans. IDPH officials noted that the case rate has been slowly rising in the state and five Illinois counties are now rated by the CDC as having a Medium Community Level of COVID-19. These counties are DuPage, Lake, Champaign,

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O’FALLON, IL — Becker's Healthcare recently released the "150 Top Places to Work in Healthcare | 2022" list, which highlights hospitals, health systems and healthcare companies that promote diversity within the workforce, employee engagement and professional growth. This year, Hospital Sisters Health System (HSHS) was among the esteemed honorees for going above and beyond to foster a great workplace culture, benefits and colleague satisfaction. “Being part of a system like HSHS allows colleagues to receive the benefits of career opportunities through numerous educational programs. This, combined with wellness resources and benefits, is what makes HSHS a great place to work,” said Brandon Fish, interim president and chief executive officer at HSHS Elizabeth’s Hospital. “We are proud to be part of an exceptional system that values those who work here and cares for them like family.” “Working for HSHS means being part of a positive culture

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EDWARDSVILLE – The City of Edwardsville Water Division will be conducting the annual hydrant flushing program beginning Monday, May 2 – 27, 2022. As part of this regular maintenance, the Water Division will be flushing water mains/hydrants within Routes 15, 16, and 17 (flushing routes with street names is attached). The tentative weekly schedule will be provided on ECTV (Channel 993 on Charter Communications) or customers can call the Public Works Department at 692-7535 for additional information. While this work is happening, water customers may experience cloudy or discolored water and lower than usual water pressure. There is the possibility of air in water lines. Residents can reduce this by running their water for 10 minutes to clear the lines. This annual maintenance program is vital to help ensure the continued delivery of high-quality water to homes and businesses in Edwardsville. During this program, the Water Division also checks that fire hydrants around the

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JERSEYVILLE - “Ladies Choice Night” is a series of events happening in downtown Jerseyville within walking distance of each other next Thursday, May 5, starting at 6 p.m. Explore Jerseyville Tourism Coordinator Michael Ward said the event was designed to make Jerseyville’s downtown a girl’s-night-out destination for the evening. “Research shows that 80% of all trips taken are planned by women, so we thought, ‘Why not make a night that plays to those hard-working individuals?’” Ward said. “We have worked with several wonderful locally-owned businesses to create a night where it is up to you. Visit one or all of the planned events located in our walkable City Center, or check out a couple of the retailers who have decided to extend their hours for the evening.” The first event of the night will be “Bubbles and Bouquets” at DJ’s Pub & Grill, located at 117 W. Prairie St. in Jerseyville. Ward said the event

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ST. LOUIS COUNTY - On Thursday, April 28, Jace Richardson, 2 years of age, of the 7000 block of Arcadia Avenue in University City, Missouri 63130, died from injuries suffered in the crash on April 22, 2022. On Friday, April 29, 2022, the St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office issued amended warrants on suspect Leon Russell, 29 years of age, of the 1100 block of Laredo Avenue in St. Louis, Missouri 63138, for one count of Murder Second Degree, two counts of Assault Second Degree, Resisting Arrest by Fleeing, Tampering with a Motor Vehicle First Degree, and Driving while Suspended. He is being held without 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 for Russell reads: On or about April 22, 2022, St. Louis County Police Officers attempted to stop a vehicle being driven by Defendant because it was reported stolen. The vehicle Defendant was driving was

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EDWARDSVILLE - Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE) has issued an update to students about its masking policy, both for the upcoming spring commencement ceremonies and the summer semester ahead. The university also announced a finals week schedule for voluntary COVID-19 testing at three different campuses. In an email to students on Friday, James Minor - the newest chancellor of SIUE - said this weekend is the first of the university’s Spring 2022 commencement ceremonies and asked attendees to be respectful in light of the masking policy. “I write to remind you that masks are optional at commencement,” Minor wrote in the email. “Please be kind and respectful as people make personal decisions regarding mask wearing.” When the summer term begins on May 9, the university’s current masking policies will remain in effect, according to the email. Face masks will remain optional in most university spaces, but faculty will still be allowed

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ALTON – The 2022 season of the Alton Farmers' & Artisans' Market will begin on Saturday, May 7th in the parking lot at the corner of Landmarks Blvd. & Henry Street in Downtown Alton, Illinois. The market will be in session, rain or shine, every Saturday morning from 8:00 a.m. until Noon through Oct 15 th . Shoppers will find a wide selection of locally-grown seasonal fruit and vegetables including heirloom varieties and organically grown crops, along with grass-fed beef, pasture-raised poultry, farm fresh eggs, local honey, hot and iced coffee, fresh bread and other baked goods. In addition, fresh cut flowers, potted plants, and a large assortment of hand-crafted artwork such as pottery, stained glass, soap, candles, and woodworking items will be sold. Live entertainment, artist demonstrations and other special activities have been scheduled every week. Opening day will feature live music from Justin Jagler. On May 14 th there will be a Tailgate Sale in the adjacent parking

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EDWARDSVILLE – Southern Illinois University Edwardsville students are among the recipients of the 2022 SIU System Distinguished Student Service Awards. Awardees were honored during the SIU System Board of Trustees meeting held Thursday, April 28. During the meeting, Dianah McGreehan, chair of the award selection committee, announced the recipients and shared brief highlights of their outstanding acts of service. Each will receive $100 and an honorary plaque. Winners included: Hailee O’Dell (SIUE undergraduate student) Emily Love (SIUE graduate student) Alison Long (SIU School of Dental Medicine) Aneesh Asokan (School of Pharmacy) Tristan Workman (SIUC undergraduate student) Anna Wilcoxen (SIUC graduate student) Barra Madden (School of Medicine) Morgan Wiggins (School of Law) O’Dell is a junior studying elementary education and psychology in the School of Education, Health and Human Behavior (SEHHB). She is the immediate past president of SIUE

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JERSEYVILLE - St. Francis/Holy Ghost Catholic School first through fourth-grade students recently participated in two exciting Sumdog competitions. Sumdog questions are embedded into games, with different games for different learning styles – racing games, cooking games, flying games. Sumdog is all about personalizing the experience for each child. The questions adapt to meet the student where they are while letting them play with friends, a robot, or kids from across the world. “Our students fared exceptionally,” Jennifer M. Gibson, Technology Teacher/Director at St. Francis Holy Ghost Catholic School, said. “Our students answered an additional 28,500 questions each contest. Below are the students who scored first, second and third in their class for each contest.”

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GODFREY – The Nature Institute (TNI) is hosting a celebration for one of only two lunar eclipses that can be viewed in the Riverbend area this year. On May 15, 2022, from 7-11:15 p.m., TNI will offer moon-themed games, movies, music, guided hikes, snacks, drinks, a prime eclipse viewing location with telescopes, and binoculars, and more, on the TNI grounds. The eclipse will begin at 8:32 p.m. and will reach totality at 11:11 p.m. Registration for this event is available on the TNI website. The cost will be $10 for TNI members and $12 for non-members. Lauren Scull, Director of Education, and Dave Schiber, Environmental Educator, are excited about this event. “When I saw we would be having a total lunar eclipse this spring and it would be early enough for people to actually see, I knew it was the perfect opportunity to offer a fun, educational event. Not only do you get to see the eclipse, but you will also get to enjoy a view of the Mighty Mississippi River,” says

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EDWARDSVILLE - A Life-Saving Award was presented to Correctional Officer Michael Wallendorff last week during the monthly Madison County Board Meeting. Major Jeff Connor of the Madison County Sheriff's Office, told the story involved in the award: "In February of 2020, Deputy Wallendorff, performed CPR on an inmate after the inmate was found unresponsive. CPR was performed for approximately six minutes until EMS personnel arrived on scene. "The inmate was transported to a local hospital and made a recovery. Hospital staff advised the inmate survived because of the CPR performed within the jail." Connor continued and said: "We thank Deputy Wallendorf for his service and commend him for this life-saving action! Great job!"

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EDWARDSVILLE – Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Engineering Associate Dean Chris Gordon, PhD, has received the Associated Schools of Construction (ASC) Regional Outstanding Educator Award. He was recognized at the ASC International Conference in April for his contributions to construction education, excellence in teaching, national and international service to the ASC, and dedication to the construction profession. “I’m honored to receive the ASC Regional Outstanding Educator Award,” Gordon shared. “My engagement with ASC over the years has helped me to grow professionally, and in turn, has helped to support the development of our students, faculty and construction education community.” Gordon has participated in ASC activities since 2007, serving in roles including faculty coach for student competition teams and author and reviewer for regional and international conferences. He has served as the Editor of the ASC Region III conference

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EAST ST. LOUIS – The U.S. Federal Court announced today that Dinish L. Watson, 26, of East St. Louis, Illinois, was sentenced to 30 years in federal prison on Wednesday, April 27, 2022, for Production of Child Pornography and Felon in Possession of a Firearm. Following his release from prison, Watson will serve a five-year term of supervised release. Watson was also ordered to register as a sex offender. According to court documents, on January 11, 2021, the United States Marshal’s Service (USMS) executed an arrest warrant at Watson’s residence for one of Watson’s friends. Discovered during the arrest was a Del-Ton 5.56 caliber rifle with a loaded extended magazine, a Sig Sauer 9mm pistol, a bullet-proof vest, and additional ammunition. Watson admitted to law enforcement officials that he had previously held the rifle and posed for pictures with it. Watson later messaged two different friends on a social media application indicating that law enforcement had

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) today met with members of the Illinois Restaurant Association (IRA) to discuss the ongoing support needed for restaurants as they work to recover from the economic impacts of COVID-19. Duckworth is a strong supporter of replenishing the Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF) and is a co-sponsor of the Continuing Emergency Support for Restaurants Act . “No one should be surprised that among the restaurants that managed to survive the deadly pandemic, far too many are struggling to achieve the same scale and capacity they had pre-pandemic, which is why passing legislation to replenish the RRF is critical,” Duckworth said. “Supporting neighborhood restaurants should be a bipartisan effort – and it’s deeply disappointing that despite broad support throughout the Democratic Caucus – we still lack 60 votes to get it done. I’ll keep working with organizations like the Illinois Restaurant Associatio

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ALTON - A Sacred Space has been a lifesaver for seniors with its special home care services. Cheri White is the administrator for the company, Robin Wright is the marketing director, and Amanda Hawkins HR Director. The business is located at 1726 Main Street in Alton or by calling (618) 661-8222. “Are you a senior and find it a little more difficult to run your weekly errands?” A Sacred Space’s White said. “We have the solution for you: we can do your grocery shopping, pick up mediations from the pharmacy, pick up your dry-cleaning, go to the post office, deliver packages and pick up packages within 15 miles within Illinois. Our service is completely customizable to meet your needs!” The packages are as follows: Senior Servings Package - $60 a month and .$60 a mile. Community Savings Package - $75 month and $.60 a mile. Some of the services A Sacred Space offers are: Personal care Companion care Respite care Preparation of light meals Light

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ALTON – Three Alton Memorial Hospital departments were recognized this week with top awards from national health care research leader Professional Research Consultants Inc. (PRC) . The Digestive Health Center earned a Top Performer award for the third consecutive year. PRC’s highest honor recognizes health care facilities, service lines and hospital units who score at the 100 th percentile for the Overall Quality of Care percent “Excellent” score in PRC’s national client database for the prior year. “The Digestive Health team works very well together, in a very efficient way,” said Amy Toenyes, nurse manager of the DHC. “During the pandemic, we had to make some scheduling adjustments and add some steps to getting signed into the department. But they were able to give the same exceptional care.” During that time, the staff kept up its practice of checking in with patients by phone before and after their visits, although COVID

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EDWARDSVILLE - The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville 2022 Bi-State Honor Band Festival will take place April 30-May 1 in Dunham Hall on the Edwardsville campus. The event is one of the most important outreach activities in the College of Arts and Sciences’ Department of Music and the most important for the band area. Having been a part of the department for more than 25 years, the festival aims to offer a two-day honor band experience for high school students in the greater St. Louis area. Participating students are drawn from nearly 30 local and regional institutions across Illinois and Missouri. The festival is also an important recruiting and fundraising event for the department. “My favorite part is seeing the students’ growth throughout the event,” said Rubén D. Gómez, director of bands and assistant professor in the Department of Music. “At the beginning of day one, they barely know each other, they are seeing the music fo

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JERSEYVILLE - Today is move-in day for a local sandwich shop; Pig on a Wing is moving from Medford’s Food Mart to the place it first opened at 807 IL-16 in Jerseyville, next to Farm & Home Supply and attached to Hansen Meat Packing. Pig on a Wing Owner Steve Walker said it’s officially time for the business to move back to its “roots,” but he’s been grateful for the name recognition Pig on a Wing has gotten out of being on State Street for five years. “We moved five years ago to get our name out, because we were on the edge of town and not a lot of people knew about us,” Walker said. “But then right here in the middle of town the past five years, everybody knows Pig on a Wing now.” Walker also owns The Pizza Crew restaurant which occupied the IL-16 location while Pig on a Wing was located at Medford’s. However, he said The Pizza Crew’s food isn’t leaving Jerseyville - it’s just joining the Pig o

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