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EDWARDSVILLE - Third Judicial Circuit Judge Sarah Smith, Circuit Judge Amy Maher, and Circuit Associate Judge Veronica Armouti were selected as Education Faculty for both sessions of the 2022 week-long Judicial Education Conference taking place on April 4-8 and June 13-17, 2022 in Lombard, Illinois. Judge Smith’s course will address Civil Judges’ Disqualification of Counsel, Judge Maher is teaching a course on Dual Status Youth; and Judge Armouti’s course will cover Disability Rights in the Courthouse. Illinois trial court judges are required to complete 30 hours of continuing education every two years. The 30 hours of continuing education must include Professional Responsibility, Diversity and Inclusion, and Procedural Fairness. The 2022 bi-annual Conference features 91 courses drawn from the curriculum for Illinois judges, including 24 multidisciplinary courses for judges and justice partners. Judges throughout the State of Illinois will attend either the April o

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ALTON - Alton Police Chief Marcos Pulido released today information about arrests on East Broadway. This is what Chief Pulido reported: "On March 28 th , 2022, the Alton Police Department investigated a vehicle burglary that occurred in the 2600 block of Krum Street. During that investigation, a patrol officer was able to follow up on leads related to that case. That officer was able to obtain photographs of a suspect and the vehicle associated with that investigation. "On March 29 th , 2022, at about 2:24 p.m., an Alton Police officer observed the suspect vehicle associated with this case on the parking of Phillips 66, located in the 1600 block of East Broadway. Officers then began coordinating their approach and as they arrived at this parking lot, a person fled on foot. After a foot pursuit, the person was taken into custody a short distance later. Another person who was in the suspect vehicle was also taken into custody." The investigation continued and today, the details of the

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ALTON - The Bridge Church in Alton is hosting a bake sale this Saturday, April 2, and Pastor Steven Helfrich said 100% of the proceeds will go directly towards supporting Ukrainian refugees. The bake sale will take place on the sidewalk of 12th street, just outside the Bridge Chuch on Saturday, April 2 from 9 a.m.-noon. Be sure to bring cash, as transactions are cash-only. Pies, caramel corn, brownies, candy, cookies, Rice Krispies Treats and much more will be available, including treats for dogs. Despite the distance between Illinois and Ukraine, Helfrich said he has close connections to the situation abroad. This means not only are 100% of the proceeds being donated, but Helfrich knows exactly where the money is going and how it’s being used. “My wife actually is from Poland and grew up there,” Helfrich said. “Poland is, right now, welcoming in the vast majority of refugees, and she has friends that are still in Poland that are traveling to the

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VENICE - The Venice Police Department reports today a man shot his girlfriend in the area of old Venice Tech and McKinley Bridge late Tuesday night, then transported the victim to a local hospital. The man was arrested and taken into custody at the hospital. The man, Leon McLendon, 20, of Belleville, now faces a charge of aggravated battery with a firearm and aggravated discharge of a firearm. The Venice Police received the call at 11:30 p.m. Tuesday to respond to the old Venice Tech and McKinley Bridge area. McClendon is held on a $200,000 bail at the St. Louis County Police Department. The Illinois State Police also assisted in the case.

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Civic Memorial High School High Honor Roll Seniors Kaylyn Aiello Kennedy Bickmore Emma Bollinger Madelyn Brueckner Guadalupe Calixto Pichardo Hailey Chappell Jake Cheatham Nina Chen Claire Christeson Destiny Church Carli Collins Carson Davis Dalton Drew Lauren Dunlap Matthew Haar Allison Hallstead Katelyn Hallstead Aslan Henderson Bradley Holder Peyton Keller Savannah Knapsted Severen Knoche Allie Lively Hannah McCann Kaitlyn McGarvey Bryce McMurray Jack McRae Ethan Meiser Gannon Meyer Ella Middleton Shelton Naumann Alexis Noel Dakota Nolte Isabella Norton Brian Pearson Kaitlyn Peterson Madison Reynolds Toni Reynolds Allie Roberson Luca Schaefer-Knight Jessica Schillinger Parker Scottberg Riley Sharp Benjamin Skaggs AKoyia Smith Ambria Smith Kaili Stanford Cole Stimac Jose Troche Matos Logan Turbyfill Morgan Twente Kyle Unterbrink Aiden Vandeford Emily Williams Tyler Winegardner Grace Witsken Madeline Woelfel Emily Zimmerman

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ALTON - Because of the generosity of supporters of Alton Memorial Health Services Foundation, patients undergoing treatment for cancer at Alton Memorial Hospital will be able to better focus on treatment, healing and recovery. The Foundation’s second annual Ribbon of Strength campaign raised more than $15,000. Those gifts will help patients who lose their jobs or insurance pay for their essentials, so they can stay in their homes, keep their lights and water on, and pay for gas to get to and from treatment. “We are blown away by the heroes in our community who are dedicated to helping these patients,” said Kristen Ryrie, manager of Foundation and Development for Alton Memorial Health Services Foundation. “Their generosity will benefit the Foundation’s Extra Mile Fund and patients will be able to apply for up to $800 in assistance.” Supporters also personalized ribbons with messages of hope, celebrating those who won the fight against cancer, and

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LITCHFIELD – Illinois State Police (ISP) District 18 Commander, Mark Gillock, announces the results of an Alcohol Countermeasure Enforcement (ACE) patrol held in Macoupin County during the month of March. The ACE patrol allowed 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. Violations Enforcement Activity Results: 1 Occupant Restraint Citation 2 Driving Under the Influence Citations 3 Other Alcohol/Drug Citations 1 Criminal Arrest 1 Driver’s License Offense 1 Registration Offense 5 Wanted on Warrant Arrests 36 Total Written Warnings 11 Alcohol and Drug Impairment Arrests ISP says alcohol and drug impairment is a factor in more than 30 percent of all fatal motor vehicle crashes in Illinois. There is one alcohol-related traffic fatality every 53 minutes in the United States. The ACE program allows officers to work

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DUQUOIN – Illinois State Police (ISP) Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) Zone 7 officials were requested to conduct an investigation into the death of Robert Jarden, 38-year-old male of Okawville. On Sunday, March 27, 2022, ISP District 13 was requested by the Okawville Police Department (OPD) to assist with a reported suicidal male subject who was trespassing and then barricaded himself inside the bedroom of a family member’s residence. For several hours, ISP Crisis Negotiators unsuccessfully attempted to resolve the situation peacefully by speaking with the male subject. Troopers were able to enter the bedroom and discovered Jarden was deceased from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. ISP DCI Zone 7 was requested to conduct the investigation into the death of Jarden. The investigation is currently open and ongoing and no further information will be released at this time.

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EDWARDSVILLE – The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Business celebrated academic achievement and expressed appreciation for donor support at its annual Scholarships and Awards Program held Wednesday, March 23 in the Morris University Center Meridian Ballroom. Scholarship awards of over $340,000 were presented to more than 130 students in honor of their meritorious work and commitment to academic excellence. Recipients are pursuing degrees in accounting, business administration, computer management and information systems, economics and finance, and management and marketing. “Awards of scholarship are remarkable investments in the future of SIUE business students especially because they do not have to be repaid,” said Tim Schoenecker, PhD, dean of the School of Business. “It is crucial that we continue to secure additional scholarship funds, both annual and endowed, so that we can continue to attract and retain outstanding students by offering

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GLEN CARBON – The Village of Glen Carbon has announced its new initiative, the “Glen Carbon Grassroots” Campaign, which will be a Village organized periodic event or activity to support a wide variety of environmental, green space, habitat and/or energy projects in the Village. The first slated grassroots event is a tree giveaway happening on Sat., Apr. 16, 2022, from 9 am – 12 pm at the Village’s Public Works Department located at 153 N. Main Street, Glen Carbon. The Village will be distributing 500 native, conservation grade, bare-root trees (approximate heights of 2-3’) to Glen Carbon residents and children to plant on their home’s private property. The approximate breakdown of tree varieties include Overcup oak trees, River Birch trees and flowering dogwoods. Trees will be distributed at the Village’s Public Works Department on Saturday as well as elementary schools in the Village. Details about the elementary school tree distribution

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ST. LOUIS COUNTY - St. Louis County Police Department Crimes Against Persons detectives are currently investigating a homicide in the 3700 block of Colonial Avenue in the City of Northwoods which resulted in the death of an adult male. On March 30, 2022, at approximately 10:29 PM, Police Officers from the City of Northwoods responded to a call for service for a check the welfare in the 3700 block of Colonial Avenue. Officers later discovered an adult male deceased inside the residence. St. Louis County Police Department Crimes Against Persons was requested and are now leading the investigation. The investigation is very active at this time. Additional information will be disseminated as it becomes available.

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EDWARDSVILLE - The Edwardsville Police Department announced today that it is partnering with the Illinois Department of Transportation, Illinois State Police, and more than 200 local law enforcement agencies throughout the state to remind motorists to “Drop It and Drive.” April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month and motorists can expect to see increased patrols and enforcement zones during the entire month. “Texting while driving puts everyone on the road at risk by distracting a driver visually, manually and cognitively,” said Lt. Barry Jones. “During Distracted Driving Awareness Month, we’re working to increase awareness of these dangers and encourage all motorists to give driving their full attention.” At a time when traffic fatalities are on the rise in Illinois and across the country, Lt. Jones said the Edwardsville Police Department is committed to reducing the traffic crashes caused by distractions like texting or talking on a cell

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EDWARDSVILLE — Madison County is promoting the benefits in planting vegetable gardens. April is both National Garden Month and Stress Awareness Month and officials say what better way is there to promote both growing nourishment for your body and your mind. “Planting a vegetable garden is both rewarding and relaxing,” Chairman Kurt Prenzler said. “Although the goal is to produce plants and eat healthier, it also reduces stress.” Prenzler said it does not matter if someone lives on one acre of land or keeps a few pots on a patio. “It shouldn’t matter where you dig in the dirt,” he said. “Just dig! You can work in a garden by yourself or with others in a community garden. “No matter what, nothing tastes better than something you’ve grown yourself.” Prenzler said the county contributes $50,000 in annual funding to the University of Illinois Extension office, which serves Madison, Monroe and St. Clair counties an

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ALTON - On 6:30 – 8:00 PM on April 12, 2022, join the Sierra Club Speaker series to learn about the benefits of urban trees in small municipalities from Emily Ehley, Southern Illinois Field Coordinator for the "Trees Forever" program, supported by the National Forest Service and Illinois Department of Natural Resources. Trees Forever has also launched a carbon credit program to incentivize communities to plant more trees. This will be our first live program since COVID-19. Attendees and friends are invited to have dinner and meet the speaker at the Old Bakery Beer Company at 400 Landmarks Blvd., Alton, IL 62002 at 5 PM. The speaking program will begin at 6:30 PM, in the event room adjacent to the dining room. Folks are welcome to attend via ZOOM, starting at 6:30 if unable to join us in-person. To register to attend this event (in-person or via Zoom), RSVP via https://bit.ly/PPGApril . If you have questions, please contact Chris Krusa at 410-490-5024.

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WILLIAMSON - A man with a long criminal record was charged with unlawful possession of a weapon, unlawful possession of methamphetamine, aggravated fleeing or attempting to elude a police officer and misdemeanor resisting a police officer. Michael L. Stevenson, 48, of the 100 block of Elm Street, Staunton, was accused of possession of .357 caliber ammunition, possession of less than five grams of methamphetamine, fleeing from a police officer at, at least, 21 mph over the speed limit and pulling away from the officer who arrested him. His most recent charge was filed on Monday. Stevenson has a criminal history dating to 1998 when he was convicted of misdemeanor battery. In that case, he was originally charged with a felony. He also has three felony convictions of violation of probation, as well as convictions for domestic battery, methamphetamine possession, possession of a controlled substance and 13 misdemeanors. BETHALTO - Kenneth L. Rice, 28, of the 5000 block of Illinois

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This is my ninth update to the citizens of the 111 th district, as your State Representative. I’ve been in Springfield each week since February 15 th , after having some January and early February session weeks cancelled. We are working to meet deadlines to get bills heard, amended and passed out of committees, therefore much of our time has been spent in committee meetings. Committee work has all been virtual since I took office, but I finally got to experience a few in-person hearings in the Capitol this month. The ability to quickly speak with our colleagues during meetings instead of texting, and not having to be on more than one meeting at a time, was a vast improvement over virtual meetings. In the House most committees are still virtual, but the Senate has had in-person committees more frequently recently. The legislature plans to adjourn on April 8 th this year. This is much earlier than the usual May 31 st adjournment. Schedules have been compressed to get our work

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ALTON - Sophia Kumagai is a senior at Alton High School and is Art Fahrner's Remarkable Redbird of the month. Sophia has excelled since she has been attending AHS as she is currently ranked 12th in the senior class and is on track to be graduating as a Platinum Alpha. She is involved in a variety of activities, clubs, and organizations. Sophia also holds a leadership position as vice president in Mu Alpha Theta Math Society. She has earned many academic awards including being an Illinois State Scholar and also a member of National Honors Society. Sophia was also an Alton-Godfrey Rotary Club September student of the month. Sophia's main focus over the course of her four-year career as a Redbird has been on language. With having parents of both American and Japanese speaking ability, and being loyal to her heritage, Sophia took the initiative to become literate in both English and Japanese. With no formal Japanese language offered in the high school curriculum, Sophia learned Japanese

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EAST ALTON - An Alton man pleaded guilty on Wednesday to sexually assaulting an 8-year-old after he claimed the act was consensual. Deven Brazier, formerly of the 2300 block of LaSalle Drive told an officer that there was a “mutual relationship” with the 8-year-old girl. The East Alton “relationship” was between Nov. 25, 2016, and Nov. 25, 2017. He also admitted to an attempted sexual act with an 11-month-old girl in Alton in May of 2021. Brazier was sentenced to 37 years in prison for the predatory sexual assault of the 8-year-old girl in East Alton. He was sentenced to 15 years in prison for attempted criminal sexual assault of a child in relation to the crime committed in Alton. Had he been convicted at trial, he could have been sentenced to natural life in prison. In exchange for his plea in the East Alton case, the state agreed to a sentence of 37 years in prison. He will have to serve at least 85 percent of that sentence. The state also agreed

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EDWARDSVILLE - Edwardsville Community Foundation Adds Two New Board Directors The Edwardsville Community Foundation has appointed two new board directors, Andrea Miracle and Karen Schoenthal. Miracle has volunteered for ECF’s Education Committee for the last five years and is currently a volunteer at the Neighbors Bakery, a member of the City of Edwardsville’s Planning Commission and the Ordinance & Land Use Committee. She brings a wealth of community service experience with 20-plus years of volunteering in the community, including leadership positions at the Edwardsville Arts Center and Edwardsville High School booster clubs. "After assisting with scholarship interviews the last few years, I was looking for an opportunity to serve the Edwardsville Community Foundation in a more meaningful and significant way," Miracle said. Miracle currently lives in Edwardsville with her husband Trent. The couple has three children, Hannah, Ethan and Brynn. Andrea and her family have

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ELDRED - It was Clay Hansen’s lucky night Tuesday at the Eldred American Legion when he pocketed the top prize of $500,000 at the Queen Of Hearts Drawing. Hansen was surrounded by well-wishers after he won the coveted prize and was extremely happy and probably a little bit stunned at what had just happened. He didn’t have any immediate plans for the large prize, but “to pay off debt” and he did plan to return to his construction work on Wednesday morning. The crowd was extensive for the event, more about the night itself in a related story. Hansen said he had only purchased tickets for the Eldred Queen of Hearts drawing at the previous large event multiple years ago, but he was glad he returned this time around.

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