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BENTON – The U.S. State's Attorney's Office announced today that Eugene Falls, 42, of East St. Louis, was sentenced on March 31, 2022, to 405 months’ imprisonment for Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine, Heroin, and Cocaine; Attempted Possession with the Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine; Distribution of Heroin; and Money Laundering. Falls was convicted of all charges by a jury on December 2, 2021. The jury also found that Falls had a prior drug conviction that subjected him to an enhanced sentence. Evidence established during the trial and sentencing hearing demonstrated that from between December 2018 through March 2019, Falls was responsible for receiving or distributing over 19 pounds of methamphetamine and 4 kilograms of heroin in the Southern District of Illinois, and he laundered drug proceeds to conceal his drug distribution operation. He was arrested in March 2019 during a deal in which he was attempting to receive

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SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) today reported 8,426 new confirmed and probable cases of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Illinois, including an increase of 87 deaths since March 25, 2022. Currently, IDPH is reporting a total of 3,069,650 cases, including 33,394 deaths, in 102 counties in Illinois since the beginning of the pandemic. The age of cases ranges from younger than one to older than 100 years. Since March 25, 2022, laboratories have reported 501,236 specimens for a total of 57,392,864 since the start of the pandemic. As of last night, 500 individuals in Illinois were reported to be in the hospital with COVID-19. Of those, 73 patients were in the ICU and 26 patients with COVID-19 were on ventilators. The preliminary seven-day statewide case rate is 65.3 COVID-19 cases per 100,000 Illinoisans. The preliminary seven-day statewide positivity for cases as a percent of total tests from March 25-31, 2022 is 1.7%. The preliminary seven-day

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EDWARDSVILLE - Mark Massey, a broker with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices in Edwardsville, received two awards honoring his work to advance the real estate industry and his involvement in local politics at a series of Illinois REALTORS events earlier this week. Massey won the “REALTOR of the Year” award for the Greater Gateway Association of REALTORS at the 2022 REALTOR of the Year Banquet in Springfield. He also won the 2022 Political Involvement Award during the Illinois REALTORS Capitol Conference, also held in Springfield. “The award recognizes members who have done exceptional work to advance their association and the real estate industry,” according to the Illinois REALTORS website . In addition to being a broker, Massey is vice-chair of the Illinois REALTORS Political Involvement Working Group and a member of the state association’s REALTORS Political Action Committee (RPAC) Trustees, Strategic Planning, Professional Standards, Finance

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WOOD RIVER - Riverbend residents can expect a new authentic pizza and fine beverage restaurant to open its doors this fall at 1929 Pizza and Wine in the heart of Downtown Wood River. Opening on 7 North Wood River Avenue in Wood River, 1929 Pizza and Wine will open to the community serving up exceptional cuisine for both locals and tourists alike. Launching with the mission to deliver not only an incredible standard of flavorful food and drink but also a warm and welcoming service - 1929 Pizza and Wine is set to become one of the region’s premier dining spots, with authentic pizza served in a beautifully-refurbished space. What also distinguishes 1929 Pizza and Wine from other dining spots is the restaurant’s ownership. Working with Tom DeClue III, married duo Matt and Amy Herren have already built up a cult-status through a string of previous hospitality ventures within the area, including Chef and Baker Co., Goshen Coffee, Fond, 222 Bakery, and Township Grocer. Now

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ALTON - Local Alton filmmaker, Elle Mercurio-Cherrier has been recognized for producing provocative public service announcements (PSAs) targeting opiate addiction/ sobriety and films. She recently shot a closed set feature film in Alton set to be released in June. Mercurio-Cherrier's "God Help Us" has received nominations for Women in Horror awards. The documentary "God Help Us" will also premiere on April 2 at Jamestown Mall Parking Lot. Guests are welcome to bring lawn chairs. Moreover, Mothers Against Drunk Driving plans to utilize Mercurio-Cherrier's last year's dramatization of action consequences, "Look to the Flowers," in the campaign. Horror over Heroin, a movement that addresses the epidemic that aims to remove the horror that heroin has over communities one city at a time recently released "Stuck," a film about opiate addiction in the Midwest, and will tell the story of local addicts while having an honest discussion about the heroin epidemic experience

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SEE VIDEO: WOOD RIVER - East Alton-Wood River High School had a big celebratory day for a memorable student-athlete Aaron Niemeyer when he signed an athletic scholarship to wrestle at Cornell College in Mount Vernon, Iowa. Niemeyer is also a scholar-athlete. “He has done very well in the classroom over the years that is what we want we are trying to raise expectations on the fields and in the classroom. He is a good example of what we want to see,” East Alton-Wood River High School Athletic Director Mike Beatty said. “This was a big deal for us here because he is such an outstanding wrestler and student. This is our first big signing like this in a while because of COVID where we could be normal. It is really neat to celebrate these achievements of our athletes we hope to have more of these.” Aaron Niemeyer Jr. is a Midwest Members Credit Union Male Athlete of the Month for East Alton-Wood River High School. Aaron’s parents are Aaron Niemeyer Sr.

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PRINCETON - This week, the family of actor Bruce Willis announced that he has been diagnosed with aphasia. A social media post by Willis’ family says the aphasia is “impacting his cognitive abilities.” This stunning announcement has many people wondering: what exactly is aphasia, and how serious is it? “Aphasia is basically being unable to communicate, to talk. There is a center in our brain that thinks and there is another center in our brain that speaks out the words. Your mouth and your muscles are controlled by these brain centers. That is what aphasia is – being unable to communicate what you are thinking,” says Dr. Shitaldas Pamnani, an internal medicine physician with OSF HealthCare. Dr. Pamnani says that most of the time, people are able to recognize that their loved one is struggling with their words which prompts them to make an appointment with their doctor for evaluation. “You will see a patient or a family member and you will

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LITCHFIELD – Illinois State Police (ISP) District 18 Commander, Mark Gillock, announces the ISP will conduct Roadside Safety Checks (RSC) in Greene County during the month of April. The RSC combines a strong sense of public awareness and enforcement in order to save lives of the motoring public. These patrols are conducted between the hours of 6 p.m. and 6 a.m. The ISP has zero tolerance for impaired driving in Illinois. Alcohol and drug impairment are a factor in more than 30 percent of all fatal motor vehicle crashes in Illinois, and throughout the U.S., nearly 10,000 people die each year due to alcohol-impaired driving. RSCs are designed to keep our roads safe by taking dangerous DUI offenders off the road. The project is funded through the Illinois Department of Transportation. 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,

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ALTON - The City of Alton, CJD, and Republic Services are partnering on a bulk/large item drop-off day in Alton. This event allows residents to dispose of large items & electronics at no charge. The drop-off drive will be Saturday, April 2, 2022, from 8:00 A.M. until 12:00 P.M. This event will take place at 1 Henry Street. We will be using the entrance off of Ridge St across from the Marian Heights (the former Old Great Central Lumber Company). Items that will be accepted include mattresses, furniture, bulky items that don’t fit in your trash cart, and carpet (cut into 4-ft lengths). There will also be an E-Waste recycling drive, provided on-site. Residents may bring electronics such as old CRT, projection, console televisions, and CRT computer monitors for recycling. Items that will NOT be accepted include, but are not limited to, appliances (refrigerators, washers/dryers, etc.) concrete, shingles, construction debris, loose trash, trash in bags and cardboard boxes, tires, an

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GRANITE CITY – Seniors Sophia Dutko and Trevor Nichols Jr. of Granite City High School were selected as Granite City Elks Lodge 1063 Students of the Month for March. The Elks Student of the Month Program is designed to recognize outstanding young men and women for achievements in school and community life-fine arts, hobbies, athletics, church, school, club and community service, industry, and farming. Nominees are judged on multiple achievements including leadership skills, good moral character, community involvement, extracurricular activities, honors and award, and scholastic ability. Each student receives a $100 U.S. savings bond and an Elks certificate of achievement. SOPHIA DUTKO Member of girls basketball and girls soccer team ... Three-year High Honor Roll ... Two-year girls soccer captain ... Member of National Honor Society, Renaissance Club, Secondary Honors, and Varsity Club ... 2021 Homecoming Queen ... Daughter of Terry and Jennifer Dutko. TREVOR NICHOLS JR. Member

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GLEN CARBON – Stanley Black & Decker (NYSE: SWK) announced the recipients of its first “Empower Makers” Global Impact Challenge. Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois is honored to have been named as a Makers Grant Recipient for our efforts to deliver exceptional programming to girls in Southern Illinois. Initiated in 2021, the Global Impact Challenge grant program will award up to $25 million in grant funding over the next five years to nonprofits that are supporting trade workforce development initiatives in the construction and manufacturing sectors. With the first applications submitted in October 2021, 240 entrants were evaluated based on number of people served, outcomes projected, sustainable impact, depth of programs, and diversity, among many other considerations. Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois was selected as one of 86 organizations that will help skill and reskill roughly 180,000 makers throughout 2022. “We are excited to be named a Makers Grant Recipient,”

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O’FALLON — As temperatures in the metro-east area continue to rise, medical providers at HSHS St. Elizabeth’s Hospital are encouraging spring allergy sufferers to create a strategy to combat the upcoming season. From diagnosing preexisting allergies to recommending medications, providers say now is the time to prepare for the start of the allergy season beginning in April or May. HSHS St. Elizabeth’s Hospital Convenient Care (previously called UrgiCare), can see allergy sufferers without an appointment. The walk-in service is especially helpful when someone has a severe allergy attack and can’t get an appointment at their primary physician’s office or if it occurs outside of clinic hours or on weekends. Dr. Vijaya Thothathri, a provider at St. Elizabeth’s Convenient Care, shared, “Knowing which allergies trigger you and having medications on hand before the season starts can make a big difference because it can take a couple of weeks fo

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) today released the following statement in response to President Joe Biden’s announcement the U.S. will release an average of 1 million additional barrels per day over the next six months from its Strategic Petroleum Reserve to help reduce energy costs for Americans: “There’s no question the steep rise in gas prices across the world is directly impacted by Putin’s choice to push Russia – one the world’s largest exporters of crude oil – into an unjustified and unlawful full-scale invasion of Ukraine. “And while oil executives should be increasing supply and not using this humanitarian crisis as an excuse to jack up profits on the backs of American consumers and small businesses, I’m pleased to see President Biden take decisive action to release this oil to help bring down gas prices across Illinois and our country. “This is a positive move but we can and should

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today joined U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-CT) and 10 other Senators in sending a letter urging Secretary of State Antony Blinken and U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Administrator Samantha Power to press international donors at the United Nations pledging conference to fulfill the current $3.8 billion funding gap for humanitarian aid for Afghanistan and to ensure that aid can reach the Afghan people in need. “The humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan is deepening, with more than half the population - 23 million people - in need of assistance. In response, the UN has released an appeal to international donors for $4.4 billion to meet the humanitarian needs in Afghanistan - the largest single country appeal in history. In advance of the high-level pledging event for the country scheduled for March 31, we urge the administration to work closely with our international partners to generously commit

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ST. LOUIS — The 2022 Gateway Outdoor Expo has been announced for Friday and Saturday, April 1 and 2, at America’s Center Convention Complex in downtown St. Louis. The event will showcase new outdoor gear, services, and resources as well as interactive demos and experiential attractions — all in a festive, family-friendly environment. The Expo was rescheduled in 2020 and 2021 due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Big news for 2022 is that entrance to the Expo will be free to the public, making it more welcoming and accessible than ever before. In addition, the Expo has partnered with GO! St. Louis to be the official packet pickup location for the 2022 GO! St. Louis Marathon & Family Fitness Weekend. This means all GO! St. Louis marathoners, half marathoners, 10K runners, and marathon relay teams will pick up their race packets at the Expo. The races are scheduled to take place on Saturday and Sunday, April 2 and 3, in downtown St. Louis. “We are

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ELSAH - The Historic Elsah Foundation Talks continue with author, artist, and storyteller, Janet Riehl, coming to Farley Music Hall this April. "We listen with interest and amusement when our parents tell us stories about our grandparents, and also when grandparents inform us of great grandparents. These intergenerational accounts—some yarns, some legends—create our personal histories; they confirm who we are." Janet Grace Riehl is heir to over 150 years of tales that the Riehl-Thompsons have swapped. These stories have shaped six generations of working and living atop the bluffs above the Mississippi in Jersey County. In “The Stories that Shape Us,” (to be presented April 28, 2022, at 7:30 p.m., at Farley Music Hall, Elsah, Illinois) Janet will tell about the power of stories and how her family’s narrative is woven into the life of our community. Janet is a country girl who roamed the world and then followed her heart back home to Riverbend. She i

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GRANITE CITY – Students from Granite City High School traveled to Edwardsville Thursday to participate in a Unified Sports Day held at Edwardsville High School. Thursday's event was part of the Special Olympics Unified Champion School program. "Today was a very important day as it created a bond between two local community schools. Our students were able to meet new friends, have fun, and work together as team," said Misty Monroe, GCHS Life Skills Teacher. "It was very rewarding to see all of the smiling faces. Today was truly an unforgettable day for our GCHS Life Skills students. A big thanks to our NHS students for helping out and EHS for hosting!" Life Skills students from both communities joined National Honor Society members for a fun-filled day of activities. Stations were setup with different sports including football, soccer, basketball, hula hoop, bocce ball and scooters, with a focus on skills and recreation. An additional station was setup for the students to participat

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ST. LOUIS : The victim has been identified as Dwight Hogan, Sr., 59 years of age, of the 3700 block of Colonial Avenue in Northwoods, Missouri 63121. The suspect, an adult male known to the victim, was later located nearby deceased from a possible self-inflicted gunshot injury. Additional information will be disseminated as it becomes available.

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GREENFIELD - Firefighters were called to the 1000 block of Green Street in Greenfield for a house fire at 12:26 p.m. Thursday, March 31, 2022, and tragically two individuals died in the blaze. The two were an 11-month-female and a 77-year-old female, Greene County Coroner Danny Powell said Thursday night. Powell said that when firefighters arrived at the scene the home was engulfed in flames. Three of the five people were rescued. One of those individuals suffered from smoke inhalation. Coroner Powell said he was called to the scene at 1:15 p.m. and pronounced the two victims dead at the scene. Two law enforcement officers attempted to rescue those involved in the fire and were also taken to hospitals for further treatment. Coroner Powell said he wasn't prepared to release the names of the victims because of notification of next of kin. He described the fire deaths as "tragic," and "very sad." Coroner Powell said the deaths riveted not only all of Greenfield but Greene County. "Ou

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CHICAGO – Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Central Management Services (CMS) announced today that the sale of the James R. Thompson Center at 100 West Randolph Street has reached another major milestone by executing the Purchase and Sale Agreement with JRTC Holdings, LLC. “I’m pleased to announce that we have finalized a purchase sales agreement for the James R. Thompson Center, not only saving taxpayers $800 million but also adding vitality to Chicago’s LaSalle Street corridor by honoring the original design through a modern lens,” said Governor JB Pritzker. In December 2021, the State announced the selection of JRTC Holdings, LLC as purchaser of the building, following the competitive Request for Proposal process. As part of this public-private partnership structure, the State will receive a $70 million up-front payment for the purchase of the property while retaining approximately 425,000 sq ft of newly renovated, Class-A office

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