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ST. LOUIS - The American Red Cross urges blood and platelet donors to give now and help fight the potential impact of seasonal illnesses and a potentially severe flu season on the blood supply. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention predicts a serious spread of flu this year and is already reporting an early spike in cases in several states. When seasonal illnesses increase, the number of healthy donors tends to decrease, leaving the Red Cross blood supply vulnerable to a potential shortage over the holidays. Paired with busy holiday schedules, seasonal illnesses may make it harder to collect the blood hospital patients require this winter. Donors − especially those with type O blood and those giving platelets − can help bolster the blood supply now by making an appointment to give in the coming weeks. There is no waiting period to donate blood or platelets after receiving a flu shot. Schedule an appointment by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org

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GODFREY - The RiverBend Growth Association has recognized Helmkamp Construction Co. as the Small Business of the Month for November 2022. Soon to mark its 85th year in business, Helmkamp Construction Co. has been building relationships based on quality, integrity and safety leadership throughout the St. Louis metro area since its beginnings in 1938. Over the years, Helmkamp has become the “builder of choice” for repeat, professional buyers of construction in the Industrial, Building and Life Science markets. Headquartered in East Alton at 707 Berkshire Blvd., the company primarily serves corporate clients, offering pre-construction, construction, and design/build services as well as out-of-state capabilities. In February 2018, ownership of the company was acquired by long-time employee and Helmkamp President, Rob Johnes. The company currently has 51 employees. “We have hired additional estimators and project managers so we can not only bid, but manage more work,”

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BELLEVILLE - Young artists across Illinois participated in Illinois American Water’s annual “Water Keeps Life Flowing” art contest which illustrates the importance of reliable, safe water service. Through the contest, 3 rd , 4 th and 5 th grade students submitted a drawing and sentence about what water service means to them. To help spark creativity, teachers explained how important water service is for public health, food, daily chores, firefighting, manufacturing and more. Illinois American Water chose 26 winners who earned their classrooms a $100 donation. The artwork can be viewed on Illinois American Water’s Facebook page . The winning artwork may be featured in future company communications. According to Illinois American Water Vice President of Operations Beth Matthews, the art contest “merges art with the science of water service.” She said, “Both water and art are critical to a thriving community, and both may be easily taken

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EDWARDSVILLE - The City has launched a Commercial Building Improvement Program to help encourage safety and accessibility improvements by offering financial assistance to building and business owners. Improvement projects that meet the program requirements will be eligible to receive 25% of applicable costs. Reimbursements cannot exceed $25,000. The Commercial Building Improvement Program was initiated and developed by Alderman Chris Farrar, Ward 1, and approved by the City Council in late October. “This new program provides financial support to help businesses and building owners update these older structures to our current building codes for improved safety,” Farrar said. Specifically, Farrar said he was eyeing enhancements such as sprinkler and fire alarm systems, electrical upgrades, and accessibility features such as ramps. “I understand the importance of full participation by all our residents so there is also funding available to retrofit commercial

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ST. LOUIS - Mayor Tishaura O. Jones regarding County Executive Sam Page's re-election victory: "Government works best when we work together. St. Louis City-County collaboration has never been stronger, and I will continue to work alongside County Executive Page to improve our region for everyone." Mayor Tishaura O. Jones regarding Ald. Megan Green's victory in the race for President of the Board of Aldermen: "Today, St. Louis chose collaboration over confrontation. St. Louis chose progress over the status quo. I’ve worked alongside Megan Green for many years and appreciate her dedication to addressing the root causes of the problems facing our city, not just the symptoms. Together, we can work to reimagine public safety, invest our federal resources to make change St. Louisans can feel, and reform the development incentive process her predecessor exploited for personal gain. "Congratulations to Megan on becoming the first woman elected President of the Board of Aldermen.

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EDWARDSVILLE - Democrat Nikki Budzinski won a key congressional race in the new Illinois 13th District, while Mary Murphy easily won in the 15th District, Republican Amy Elik won re-election to the Illinois House while Katie Stuart led Jennifer Korte in her race and Erica Conway Harriss defeated Kris Tharp in the Illinois senate race in the statewide mid-term elections held on Tuesday. As of 1 a.m. on Wednesday, Budzinski was projected by the Chicago Tribune, MSNBC and other media outlets as the winner over Regan Deering for the newly formed 13th Congressional District, with 94 percent of precincts reporting. Budzinski led Deering 129,243, 54.7 percent of the vote, to Deering's 106,853, 45.3 percent of the vote. In the 15th District, incumbent Republican Mary Miller won election in the newly-drawn district, turning back Democratic challenger Paul Lange 188,056, which was 71.3 percent of the vote, to 75.618. or 28.7 percent. In the state House of Representatives races, Elik won re-election

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EDWARDSVILLE - Republican Linda Andreas defeated Democratic incumbent Debbie Ming-Mendoza in the race for the County Clerk, while the GOP retained its majority on the County Board and also won the three elections for circuit judges in results from Madison County during Tuesday's mid-term elections. Andreas won the County Clerk and Recorder office with a 49,572-46.842 decision over Ming-Mendoza in the only race for a countywide office. Meanwhile, Republicans Chris Slusser for Treasurer, with 73,751 votes, Jeff Connor, who had 72,848 votes for Sheriff, Michelle Mueller for Regional Superintendent of Schools for C, J, G and M, with 600 votes and Robert W. Werden, who had 74.026 votes for Regional Superintendent of Schools Madison, all ran unopposed. In competitive races for the County Board, in District 2, Republican Stacey Pace won over Democrat Charles "C.J." Metheny 2,741-1,440 to win the seat, while Democratic candidate Michael Holliday, Sr. won over Republican Michael J. Velloff

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SPRINGFIELD – The race for Illinois Governor has been called. The Associated Press called the mid-term election within 20 minutes of polls closing with current governor J.B. Pritzker (D) winning re-election over Darren Bailey (R). Bailey was a former Illinois State Representative from 2019-2021 for the 109 th district in Southern Illinois. He is currently a member of the Illinois Senate for the 55 th district. It will be Pritzker’s second consecutive term after first being elected into office in 2018. “I’m grateful tonight,” Pritzker said at a supporters’ victory rally late Tuesday night. “I’m so thrilled to spend four more years as your governor.” He opened up his victory speech by listing off his accomplishments since his election. He mentioned raising the minimum wage, guaranteeing a women’s right to choose, balancing the budget, expanding healthcare, increasing college scholarships, and legalizing cannabis. As o

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CARLINVILLE - Macoupin County’s election results are in for the 2022 General Election. This year saw contested county-level races for Macoupin County Sheriff, Treasurer, and several County Board seats. Shawn Kahl won the Macoupin County Sheriff race with 53.98% of the vote and 100% of precincts reporting. Kahl was running for re-election as the incumbent Sheriff on the Democratic ticket, while DePoppe sought to unseat him as a Republican; DePoppe received 46.02% of the vote. Lillian Amber McGartland won the County Treasurer race with 62.12% of the vote and 100% of precincts reporting. Roger Anderson sought re-election as the incumbent on the Democratic ticket and lost to McGartland, the Republican challenger, earning 37.88% of the vote. Three candidates ran unopposed as Regional Superintendents of Schools for Regions 1-3. Democrat Michelle Mueller ran unopposed for Region 1, which includes Calhoun, Greene, Jersey, and Macoupin Counties. Democrat Julie Wollerman ran unopposed

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ILLINOIS - The Workers’ Rights Amendment, which appeared on Illinois voters’ ballots this election as a proposed amendment adding collective bargaining rights to the Illinois Constitution, passed at the state level - but despite its state-level victory, the amendment did not prove popular with voters in local counties. The majority of Jersey County voters voted against the proposed amendment. 54.90% voted “NO” compared to 45.10% who voted “YES,” with 100% of precincts reporting. Greene County voters voted even more decisively against the amendment; 57.85% voted “NO” while 42.15% voted “YES,” with 100% of precincts reporting. The vote was much closer in Macoupin County, but the majority of voters there still voted against the amendment - 50.52% voted “NO” while 49.48% voted “YES,” with 100% of precincts reporting. Calhoun County voters also voted against the amendment, with 45% voting “NO”

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JERSEYVILLE - Jersey County voters have officially elected a new Sheriff. Incumbent Republican Mike Ringhausen has been unseated by Independent challenger Nicholas Manns. Manns won with 51.8% of the vote, compared to Ringhausen’s 48.2%, with 100% of county precincts reporting. Jersey County’s other contested county-level race was for Treasurer, with incumbent Treasurer Gilbert Ashlock not seeking re-election. Republican Katie Steckel-Abbey faced Independent challenger Jonny Goetten, and Steckel-Abbey ended up winning with 75.78% of the vote. Goetten received 24.22% of the vote with 100% of precincts reporting. Both Jersey County Clerk Pam Warford and County Coroner Kevin Ayres sought re-election unopposed, as did Regional Superintendent of Schools Michelle Mueller. There were also several County Board seats up for election in the county’s four districts, and voters could vote for up to three candidates. Running in District 1 were three Republicans: Jarrod Hayes,

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CARROLLTON - Greene County voters have elected a new County Clerk - Republican candidate Melissa Schnelt Carter won with 75.65% of the vote and 100% of precincts reporting. She defeated Democratic challenger Arieanna Morris, who won 24.35% of the vote. The County Clerk race was the only contested county-level race in Greene County this election, with incumbent Greene County Clerk Deborah Banghart not seeking re-election. Greene County Sheriff Rob McMillen sought re-election unopposed, as did Greene County Treasurer Kirby Ballard. Michelle Mueller ran for re-election unopposed as the Regional Superintendent of Schools for Calhoun, Greene, Jersey, and Macoupin counties. Jill Reis also ran unopposed for re-election as the Regional Superintendent of Schools for Adams, Brown, Cass, Morgan, Pike, and Scott counties. Several candidates sought County Board seats, of which voters could choose no more than seven. This election saw nine total County Board candidates - seven Republicans

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EAST ALTON - In the brick building on Shamrock Avenue that once housed local elementary students, center director Pam Schwarberg gazes through her large glass office window at a group of preschool children playing in the large activity center of Toddle Towne Learning Center’s East Alton location. “Watching the boys and girls having fun is the best part of my day,” she shared. “We have rotating stations like an auto repair shop or post office to spark their imagination. Their little minds are like sponges, and I love seeing them learn while they play.” Since 1977, Ms. Pam has taught children and even grandchildren of former students. She started her career at Toddle Towne as a student herself as a junior at East Alton Wood River High School. She didn’t realize her future was unfolding when her favorite teacher suggested she join a new vocational program that placed high school students at local preschools for on-the-job experience. “I was

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CHICAGO, November 8, 2022 – The record-breaking $2.04 billion Powerball jackpot was won by one lucky player in California this morning - setting the world record for the largest jackpot ever won in lottery history. The jackpot was already a record $1.9 billion but grew to $2.04 billion by the time of the drawing. The results of the highly-anticipated Powerball drawing were announced this morning after Monday night’s drawing was delayed due to a technical issue, the Multi-State Lottery Association said in a press release. “The Powerball drawing scheduled for Monday, November 7, 2022, was delayed due to one participating lottery needing additional time to process its sales and play data. As soon as the required pre-draw procedures were securely completed by the one outstanding lottery, the drawing proceeded. Protecting the integrity of the draw is of utmost importance, and we were able to do that during this historic drawing with the cooperation of all participating

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ALTON - Alton Police reported two subjects were taken in custody on Tuesday, November 8, 2022, after the department received information about a particular vehicle and its occupants being involved in the distribution of narcotics, Deputy Police Chief Jarrett Ford said. "Officers subsequently located the vehicle on East Broadway near Main Street in Alton and attempted to stop the vehicle after the information was received," Ford said. "However, the driver attempted to flee from officers. As the vehicle fled across the Clark Bridge, officers were able to use tactics to bring the pursuit to a safe conclusion with two subjects taken into custody." Ford added that evidence related to the initial narcotics information among other things was located. "The facts of the case will be presented to the Madison County State's Attorney's Office for criminal charges," he said. No further information is available at this time.

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EDWARDSVILLE – The City has launched a Commercial Building Improvement Program to help encourage safety and accessibility improvements by offering financial assistance to building and business owners. Improvement projects that meet the program requirements will be eligible to receive 25% of applicable costs. Reimbursements cannot exceed $25,000. The Commercial Building Improvement Program was initiated and developed by Alderman Chris Farrar, Ward 1, and approved by the City Council in late October. “This new program provides financial support to help businesses and building owners update these older structures to our current building codes for improved safety,” Farrar said. Specifically, Farrar said he was eyeing enhancements such as sprinkler and fire alarm systems, electrical upgrades and accessibility features such as ramps. “I understand the importance of full participation by all our residents so there is also funding available to retrofit commercial buildings

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ALTON - Alton High School football Redbirds players cornerback Javion Chairs and defensive end/offensive tackle Brandon Hayes both will leave the AHS program with fond memories of their senior class experience with new head coach David Parker. Coach Parker won over the seniors and the remaining juniors, sophomores and freshmen with his team approach to the game. “Coach Parker taught us about effort and giving 100 percent all the time,” Chairs said. “That is why I love this team. I likely won’t put the pads on again, but we have a good program, excellent coaching staff, and a good future as a program ahead. The coaching staff had our backs and taught us everything we need to know about the game and more.” Hayes agreed with Chairs and said Coach Parker brought the group together and he felt the program was really coming together at the end of the season. “We came together and kept pushing,” the lineman said. “I think it will be a really

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ALTON - Alton community activist Abe Lee Barham visited polls in his community today and provided a report around 2:15 p.m. Tuesday on some early voter turnout totals. This was what he reported from different Alton precinct voting: The Bridge - 147 and 163 (two polling places within one location) Brown - 162 Oakwood 76 Oakwood of Living God - 181 Alton Acres - 112 City Hall - 143, 169 (two polling places within one location) Calvary Baptist - 107 Seniors Services - 174 and 127 (two polling places at one location) Scott Bibb - 80 Messiah Lutheran - 159, 160, and 120 (three polling places at one location) Public Works - 53 “The turnout is better than I thought it would be,” Barham said. “My goal was just to encourage people to vote and for everyone to use their constitutional right.”

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ALTON - Kevin Woods, shown above, center, of ICU, is Alton Memorial Hospital’s November Employee of the Month. Kevin received the award on Nov. 8 from Annette McCauley, manager of ICU, and AMH President Dave Braasch. According to the nomination, “Kevin is the definition of excellence. Not only is the care he provides as a bedside and charge nurse excellent, but his interactions with families are also some of the best I’ve witnessed. Everything from simple family updates to end-of-life discussions are handled with care and compassion. "He never complains about the amount of work he must do. He simply does the work and makes sure the patient and family are put first. One family recently said that ‘Kevin is everything a nurse is supposed to be,’ and I couldn’t agree more.”

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EDWARDSVILLE – The Edwardsville American Legion Post #199 is once again hosting its annual Veterans Day Parade through the streets of downtown Edwardsville to honor all those who served in the military. The Veterans Day Parade will begin at 7 p.m. on Friday, November 11, the official federal holiday. The long-standing event will follow a slightly different route than it has in previous years, which also will change the areas where spectators can view the parade. Parade participants will set up in the parking lot in front of Eden Church of Edwardsville, near the intersection of North Main Street and West Fourth Street. That’s also the starting point for the parade. The parade route then continues south on North Main Street, turning onto St. Louis Street just past the Madison County Courthouse. The parade will make another quick turn onto North Second Street, where the parade will end and the participants will disperse. The parade route will be closed to vehicular traffic

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