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Today, I ask all Illinoisans to pray for the families who have been devastated by the evil unleashed this morning in Highland Park, for those who have lost loved ones and for those who have been injured. I also ask that we all pray for our first responders at all levels of government who are actively working to bring the suspect into custody, and whose bravery undoubtedly saved innocent lives on the scene. There are no words for the kind of monster who lies in wait and fires into a crowd of families with children celebrating a holiday with their community. There are no words for the kind of evil that robs our neighbors of their hopes, their dreams, their futures. There are no words I can offer to lift the pain of those they leave behind. Please know that our state grieves with you, that MK and I grieve with you. But grief will not bring the victims back, and prayers alone will not put a stop to the terror of rampant gun violence in our country. I will stand firm with Illinoisans and

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BELLEVILLE - SIHF Healthcare is pleased to announce the addition of three providers in the Belleville area: Jenna Churnock, DNP, FNP-C; Sydney Cooper, PA-C; and Matthew Wilkinson, MD, have joined our healthcare teams at 7210 West Main Street and 2900 Frank Scott Parkway West Suite 980 in Belleville. Churnock has her Doctorate of Nursing Practice and Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing and is a member of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners. She will practice family medicine and will see patients of all ages at our health center located at 7210 West Main Street, Belleville. Cooper has her Master of Medical Science in Physician Assistant Studies from Saint Louis University. She will see patients of all ages as well as specialize in women’s health issues at our health center located at 7210 West Main Street, Belleville. Appointments for Churnock and Cooper may be made by calling 618.398.8840. Dr. Wilkinson has his undergraduate degree in biology and psychology from Rockhurs

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COLLINSVILLE - Illinois State Police (ISP) District 11 Commander, Captain Casey Faro, announces the ISP will conduct Alcohol Countermeasure Enforcement (ACE) patrols in Madison and St. Clair County during July. ACE patrols allow the ISP to focus on preventing, detecting, and taking enforcement action in response to violations associated with impaired driving and illegal transportation or consumption of alcohol or drugs. The ISP has zero tolerance for impaired driving in Illinois. Officers working the detail will be watchful for drivers who are operating vehicles in an unsafe manner, driving with a suspended or revoked driver’s license, transporting open alcoholic beverages, and most importantly: Driving Under the Influence (DUI); Safety Belt and Child Restraint use; Speeding; Distracted Driving; and, All Illinois Vehicle Code and Criminal Violations. Alcohol and drug impairment are factors in more than 30% of all fatal motor vehicle crashes in Illinois. There is one alcohol-relate

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ALTON - The Alton Police Department is investigating a shooting incident that occurred in the 800 block of Oakwood Estates in Alton, at approximately 10:15 p.m. Monday (07/04/22). During the incident, two individuals were injured by gunfire. Both were taken to St. Louis area hospitals for further treatment. One person of interest was immediately detained at the scene. The subjects involved in the incident are all generally familiar with each other. Alton Deputy Police Chief Jarrett Ford said: "Detectives with the Alton Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Division have been and continue to follow up on all leads. Other area police agencies assisted the Alton Police Department in securing the primary scene as well as secondary locations. Their presence and assistance are appreciated. "The investigation is still ongoing. Any further information will be released when available."

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CHICAGO - Attorney General Kwame Raoul today issued a statement on the mass shooting that occurred at an Independence Day parade in Highland Park, Illinois. “Our country is once again rocked by another devastating mass shooting, this time at what should have been a joyous event. My heart is broken for the families and community that came together today in Highland Park to celebrate the birth of our nation. I am praying for those who lost loved ones today and for the survivors who experienced unimaginable trauma. “Statements like these are becoming too frequent, which is why I remain committed to working with our law enforcement partners to prevent the mass tragedies that have devastated too many families. I will continue to collaborate with federal law enforcement, such as the U.S. Secret Service National Threat Assessment Center to ensure that community and faith leaders have access to training that can help prevent these horrific mass casualty events. “I would

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CAHOKIA - 6:30–8:00 PM You can join us online on July 12, 2022, on ZOOM via https://bit.ly/3yk0acS . To Register to attend this event (in-person or via Zoom), go to https://www.sierraclub.org/illinois/piasa-palisades Bill Iseminger is an archaeologist and well-known author who recently retired as Assistant Site Manager at Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site in Collinsville, IL. His presentation will cover the previous cultural traditions and the rise, fluorescence, and demise of Cahokia, the largest prehistoric settlement north of Mexico, and discuss the many site features and results of past and current archaeological research as well as the development of a world-class Interpretive Center. Cultural change is represented from the earliest Paleo-Indian nomads who hunted mammoths and mastodons, then the Archaic period with its introduction of horticulture and mound-building, to the Woodland period that introduced pottery, the bow and arrow, and corn agriculture, and then the

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ALTON - Alton Police Department is investigating a shooting in the Oakwood Estates Housing Complex that was called in at about 10:15 p.m. on Monday, July 4. Police say two were found injured outside an apartment and transported to a local hospital for care. Both were later transported to St. Louis for additional treatment. No other information about the suspect or those injured in the incident has yet been released. More to come.

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GODFREY - The Village of Godfrey Fun Fest at Glazebrook Park closed the Fourth of July festivities Monday around the area in style with strong attendance and fun. Godfrey's event featured vendors, face painting, food trucks, inflatables and so much more. Another bright spot was the t-ball and pitching machine awards at 5:30 p.m. Monday at the park, a proud moment for parents and children. The fireworks display started at 9:15 p.m. on Monday and was rated outstanding by those in attendance. Village of Godfrey Mayor Mike McCormick said the Family Fun Fest is always a great way for residents to celebrate Independence Day and see what he called "one of the best fireworks shows in the area."

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EDWARDSVILLE - Edwardsville Legion Post 199 Commander Ron Swaim issued a huge thanks to a sponsor iCAN Clinic, the Legion members, and the numerous volunteers and city personnel who made the 2022 Fireworks Celebration such a success. "The large donation by iCAN Clinic really helped with the fireworks," Swaim said. "We also give a big thank you out to the community for coming out and making it a great evening for our fireworks event. It was a great evening Saturday night for the community." Swaim says the Edwardsville Fireworks Display and Fourth of July Celebration at the Legion carries an "awesome tradition." "We always get great cooperation from the City of Edwardsville Police Department, Fire Department, and Street Department, which helps make the event safe," he added. "Those departments work so well with us at the Legion."

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SOUTH ROXANA - Illinois State Representative Amy Elik (R-Fosterburg) and the Village of South Roxana hosted a beautiful Saturday morning ceremony to designate Illinois Route 111 from New Poag Road to Madison Avenue as “Chief Todd Werner Memorial Highway.” The ceremony was open to the public and was very well attended by both the public and fellow first responders. The sign is positioned on Highway 111 and Madison Avenue. “Chief Werner dedicated his life to public service in Madison County by serving as a first responder. He made a positive impact on the people who were fortunate to call him a friend,” said Rep. Elik. “Dedicating a portion of Route 111 in his honor will serve as a reminder that his selfless commitment to the community will not be forgotten.” Chief Werner worked in the fire service for 30 years. He joined the South Roxana Fire Department in 1996 and became the Fire Chief in 2013. Chief Werner had been employed by the Madison

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GRAFTON - The City of Grafton and the Grafton Chamber of Commerce hosted what Mayor Mike Morrow describes as "a spectacular 4th of July fireworks show" at the Lighthouse Park on the Mississippi River Saturday evening. "Hundreds of people viewed the stunning display of multi-colored lights and explosions from numerous vantage points throughout the city and from boats on the Mississippi River," the mayor said. “The city was packed with people walking the streets and enjoying the shops in the late afternoon as they worked their way towards their favorite vantage points to view the fireworks." The Grafton Police Department worked the traffic flow smoothly and efficiently throughout the day, keeping the cars moving and the pedestrians safe as they wandered throughout the town. “Late in the afternoon Officer Jim Scroggins had to ask an unpermitted ice cream truck to leave,” said Police Chief Eric Spanton. “The kids in line were sad that they didn’t get any

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Letter To The Editor: Over the weekend I was made aware that twelve Madison County board members have quickly called a Special Meeting of the County Board to be conducted on July 6, 5:00 p.m. at the County Administration Building. The sole purpose of this rushed meeting is to diminish the powers and duties of County Board Chairman, Kurt Prenzler. Attached to the request for a Special Meeting of the County Board was a brief summary of charges made against the Chairman. Since the Summary of Charges bore no signatory I can only conclude some, if not all, twelve Board members, drafted the charges in support of their Special Meeting. The charges levied against the Chairman are poorly written and confusing, specious, and categorically false. The charges are unsupported by facts, data or evidence rendering the charges and Special Meeting akin to a high-tech lynching by a small group of Republicans against a two-time elected Chairman, who is also a Republican. You may wonder, as Republicans,

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Robert E. Crimo III, has been identified as a person of interest in the Highland Park shooting that occurred on the Fourth of July morning. An "armed and dangerous" person of interest was identified in the Highland Park Independence Parade mass shooting that left at least six people dead and dozens of others "seriously injured" Monday morning, police said. The person of interest was taken into custody without incident at Wesley and Route 41 at Lake Forest, police said at 6:45 p.m. Monday. Authorities described his car as a silver Honda Fit with an Illinois license plate DM 80653. The parade route in Highland Park remains an active crime scene, Highland Park Police reported. Several in the Chicago area today canceled Fourth of July celebrations and parades because of the mass shooting. "It is devastating that a celebration of America was ripped apart by our uniquely American plague,” Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker said at a news conference. Police declined to answer questions

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CHICAGO - Good afternoon. I want to begin by honoring the heroic actions of law enforcement who ran toward the gunshots they heard today. In particular, lives were saved because the Highland Park Police courageously protected and served their community. I also want to thank our Illinois State Police who have been coordinating on the ground since this morning with Highland Park PD, neighboring police forces, the County Task force, FBI and ATF. Our troopers will continue the investigation and search until the job is done. To the residents of Highland Park and surrounding communities: This murderer will be brought to justice. But until that happens, please follow instructions from local authorities on how best to keep you and your family safe. And please know that every resource at the state’s disposal will be available to you in the days and weeks ahead as you recover from this horrific tragedy. A little while ago, I spoke with President Biden who pledged all support

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ALTON - A large crowd attended the annual Fireworks On The Mississippi Celebration in Alton on Sunday, July 3, and event organizers said they were “thrilled” at the turnout and the fireworks display. “A special thanks to the volunteers, the Alton Park and Rec Staff, Alton Police and Fire Departments and Evntiv for all their hard work to put on this fantastic event,” Alton Amphitheater Board Chair Dan Herkert said. “The Air Force Band of Mid America also brought their full 60-piece orchestra and they were great.” The Air Force Band of Mid America played from 8 to 9:30 p.m., just prior to the fireworks at 9:30 p.m. Gates at the Alton Amphitheater area opened at 5 p.m. Pig On A Wing and Quick Bite provided some food options and DJ James Biko was on from 5 to 7:30 p.m.

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ST. LOUIS COUNTY - St. Louis County Police Crimes Against Persons Detectives are currently investigating a house fire that resulted in the death of one individual. On July 1, 2022, at 11:38 PM, St. Louis County police officers from the North County Precinct responded to a call for service for a house fire in the 10000 block of Count Drive. Responding officers located a home partially engulfed in flames. Fire personnel were able to extinguish the flames and upon entry into the residence, found an unresponsive individual in a rear bathroom. The individual was immediately transported to an area hospital and was later pronounced deceased. Preliminary investigation has revealed the fire to not be criminal in nature. Additional information will be disseminated as it become available.

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FAYETTE, IOWA - Matthew Moore, a 2020 graduate from Civic Memorial High School, has been recognized for being on the Dean's List at Upper Iowa University for the Spring 2022 Semester. Moore is also a key member of the Men's Bowling Team, the Shot Gun Sports Team, and a Resident Assistant for the university. Matthew is majoring in Industrial Technology Education and Business. Upper Iowa University is located in Fayette, Iowa. Matthew is the son of Shelly and Eric Moore. This is a brief bio of Matthew's bowling career at Upper Iowa University: 2021-22: Moore appeared in 16 games combined for UIU's varsity and JV teams... averaged 148.2 pins per round... competed as an individual at USBC Sectionals. 2020-21: Bowled in seven games where he averaged 156.3 pins per contest... missed the majority of the year due to injury. High School: 2020 Team MVP and Captain... Second Place Individual at 2019-20 Regional. If you have a college academic or athletic accomplishment or

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GODFREY – Roll up your sleeves with the home of Real Rock Radio, KSHE-95, and the Lewis and Clark Community College Veterans Club and donate blood to help ImpactLife save lives. The L&C Veterans Club will host the KSHE-95 Summer Blood Drive from 10 a.m.- 6 p.m., Friday, July 8, and 9 a.m.- 3 p.m., Saturday, July 9, in the Hatheway Cultural Center Gallery on the college’s Godfrey Campus. “We are proud to be working with KSHE-95 and ImpactLife on this great campus and community event,” said Terry Lane, L&C Director of Career and Veteran Services and Vets Club Advisor. “By taking part, you just might save a life. Please make an effort to donate and please share this information with your family and friends.” Everyone who attempts to give blood during this drive will receive a KSHE-95 Summer Blood Drive T-shirt and will be entered to win a pair of tickets to the KSHE 55th Birthday Party featuring Sammy Hagar & The Circle w/George Thorogood &

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EDWARDSVILLE – The Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine (SIU SDM) has announced its annual Dean’s Scholarship and Dr. Larry A. Lowe Memorial Scholarship recipients. The Dean’s Scholarship was created to reward academic merit, assist financial aid, and increase student diversity within the SIU SDM. This year’s Dean’s Scholarship recipients include Talia Just, of Oak Brook, Noah Kippenbrock, of Carbondale, Mitchell Muller, of Petersburg, and Jesse Snyder, of Aledo. Each has been awarded $10,000 for the 2022-23 academic year. The awards represent the most generous Dean’s Scholarship Awards to date. In response to her scholarship award, Just expressed her gratitude and thanked her fellow classmates, professors, and family for their support. The scholarship allows her to focus on finishing her last year strong before pursuing a specialization in orofacial pain. “Dental school is challenging,” she said. “The SDM community

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FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS – With the help of over thirty sponsors and one hundred twenty-four golfers, GCS Credit Union raised $32,961 during their sixth annual Tee Up Fore Veterans Golf Tournament. The money raised during this event at Stonewolf Golf Club in Fairview Heights was donated to the Greater St. Louis Honor Flight and Got Your Six PTSD Support Dogs. The Greater St. Louis Honor Flight received $25,000 of the tournament proceeds. This donation will sponsor an entire flight of veterans on a one-day, all-expenses-paid trip to Washington, D.C. to visit the memorials that were built in their honor. This year marks a milestone for the Greater St. Louis Honor Flight as they take their 100th mission escorting veterans to Washington, D.C. for a day of honor at our nation’s memorials. For more details about the Greater St. Louis Honor Flight please visit gslhonorflight.org. Got Your Six PTSD Support Dogs received $7,961 of the tournament proceeds. Got Your Six is committed to

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