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IDPH Reminds Illinois Residents to Take Precautions Against Tick Bites

9 months 1 week ago
SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is reminding Illinoisans to take appropriate precautions against tick bites after an Illinois resident became seriously ill with Powassan – a tickborne illness that had not previously been detected in this state. IDPH and the local health department are currently investigating whether the resident was exposed to the illness through a tick bite here in Illinois or in a different state. IDPH says the case serves as a reminder to protect oneself against any and all illnesses associated with ticks. “With warm weather still prevalent, tick-borne diseases remain a potential threat here in Illinois,” said IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra. “It’s important for everyone to guard against tick bites and the serious illnesses they can cause. We urge everyone to ‘Fight the Bite’ by reducing opportunities for exposures and repelling tick bites by wearing preventive clothing. If you have

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Village of Bethalto Outlines Comprehensive Response and Long-Term Plans to Address Water Quality Concerns

9 months 1 week ago
BETHALTO – The Village of Bethalto is taking decisive steps to address residents’ concerns regarding water quality, combining immediate action, and long-term infrastructure upgrades. The water quality issue has been elevated to both state and federal authorities. The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) has conducted extensive testing of groundwater, water from the treatment plant, and samples taken from homes and schools across the Village’s water system. According to IEPA data there are no water quality concerns in the Bethalto water system. Diagnosis and Findings Illinois EPA believes the cause of the discoloration in Bethalto is a combination of iron -resulting from deteriorating cast iron water mains in the distribution – and manganese, which is present in the raw well water. Iron and manganese are minerals which can cause unsightly tastes, odor and discoloration including a red, brown or black appearance. Bethalto’s official compliance

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PERSPECTIVE: “Welcome to the Design and Construction Industry”

9 months 1 week ago

by Ron Untereinner, Founder, PEOPLE of Construction and WBEDC Does our industry welcome new business owners/emerging firms and do we present these business owners with opportunities to grow and succeed — or are we content with the status quo and the businesses solidly in place? Is there a place in our industry for new trade […]

The post PERSPECTIVE: “Welcome to the Design and Construction Industry” appeared first on Construction Forum.

Dede Hance

'Reckless' - Sam Page slams Trump's Tylenol-autism claims

9 months 1 week ago
St. Louis County Executive Sam Page, a physician and former anesthesiologist, called U.S. President Donald Trump's recent claims linking Tylenol to autism "reckless," criticizing the president's promotion of unproven medical claims.
Joey Schneider

Heaterz Hot Chicken Announces Franchise Opportunities as Demand Soars Across the Midwest

9 months 1 week ago
ALTON – After years of building a following with its bold flavors, signature Nashville-style heat, and unmatched customer experience, Heaterz Hot Chicken is proud to announce it is officially launching franchise opportunities across the United States. Founded in Alton, Illinois , with a second location in Normal, Illinois , Heaterz has quickly become a staple in the local food scene, known for its crave-worthy hot chicken sandwiches, sidewinder fries, and irresistible Nashville street corn. Voted “People’s Choice” at Illinois State Fair and praised for its unapologetically bold branding, Heaterz has proven it’s not just a restaurant, it’s a movement. “We’ve built something special, and we’re ready to share it,” said Dan King, founder and owner of Heaterz . “This isn’t your average chicken concept, we bring heat, hype, and heart to everything we do. People don’t just love our food, they love the experience,

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Gavin Newsom Signs Law Enforcement Face Mask Ban And Everyone Gets Stupid About It, Including Federal Prosecutors

9 months 1 week ago
ICE made the bed and now California law enforcement officers have to lie in it. The flashpoint of ICE backlash occurred in Los Angeles, as Trump’s mass deportation desires manifested itself in the form of masked officers chasing day laborers through Home Depot parking lots. As protests ensued, ICE officers continued to operate without face […]
Tim Cushing

Trust in CDC and childhood vaccination decline in St. Louis

9 months 1 week ago
Public trust in the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has dropped sharply among St. Louis adults, even as childhood vaccination rates in the city fall to levels that health experts say leave communities vulnerable to outbreaks. A Washington University survey and an NBC/Stanford analysis both suggest that unless trust in public health institutions can be rebuilt, St. Louis may be on the front lines of a national backslide.
Alex Barton

Revity Credit Union Employees Raise $1,410 For Oasis Women's Center Through Threads of Kindness Program

9 months 1 week ago
EDWARDSVILLE – In September, Revity Credit Union employees came together to raise $1,410.00 for the Oasis Women’s Center through the Revity Threads of Kindness Program. This program, funded by employees, allows Revity Credit Union staff to embody the credit union's philosophy of people helping people. By contributing a monthly monetary donation to a local organization, employees can enjoy wearing jeans and tennis shoes on Fridays and Saturdays throughout that month. In 2025, Revity Credit Union is committed to impactful giving and community support, weaving kindness into the fabric of our daily lives and ensuring that every “jeans day” makes a difference. The Oasis Women’s Center was nominated as the recipient of our September Threads of Kindness donation, receiving $1,410.00 that will support adults and children in our local community who are affected by domestic violence. Revity Credit Union’s donation will help fund the Oasis Women’s Center’s

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ASCE St. Louis Honors Outstanding Engineers at 2024 Awards Dinner

9 months 1 week ago

The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) St. Louis Section celebrated excellence in the profession at its 2024 Annual Awards Dinner, held on Friday, September 20, 2024, at Jefferson Underground in St. Louis. The event recognized engineers, educators, and industry leaders for their contributions to the community and the advancement of civil engineering. Alicia Padilla, […]

The post ASCE St. Louis Honors Outstanding Engineers at 2024 Awards Dinner appeared first on Construction Forum.

Dede Hance

OSF Saint Anthony's Adds Orthopedic Surgeon To Specialty Services Roster

9 months 1 week ago
ALTON – OSF Saint Anthony’s Health Center has bolstered its orthopedics specialty services program by adding a new orthopedic surgeon. Major Erin R. Swan, M.D., an active-duty officer who currently serves in a similar role with the United States Air Force, stationed at Scott Air Force Base (Mascoutah, IL), is accepting new patients through OSF Saint Anthony’s orthopedics specialty services located in Suite 305 within the OSF Saint Anthony’s Medical Office Building (#2 Saint Anthony’s Way, Alton) on the hospital campus. Dr. Swan sees patients 18 years and older - and appointments with Dr. Swan can be made by calling (618) 474-6595. “The addition of Major Dr. Swan strengthens our orthopedic specialty services program by addressing a primary strategic initiative for OSF Saint Anthony’s here in the Riverbend region,” says Dennis Sands, M.D., chief medical officer, OSF Saint Anthony’s Health Center. “Major Dr. Swan believes

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Alton Aldermen Narrowly Approve $10,000 For 40 Days Of Nonviolence Initiative

9 months 1 week ago
ALTON – Alton Committee of the Whole members on Monday voted 4-3 to send a resolution allocating $10,000 for a six-week program aimed at curbing youth violence to the City Council for final approval this Wednesday, Sept. 24, 2025. The resolution calls for $10,000 in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds for the 40 Days of Nonviolence Initiative . The $10,000 total represents $2,000 for two weeks of planning at $100 per hour, $2,000 for two weeks of outreach in the form of stakeholder meetings and data analysis, and $6,000 for six weeks worth of programming, including $1,100 for food and $1,900 for promotional costs. This comes two weeks after committee members laid the item over so representatives of the 40 Days of Nonviolence Initiative could present more detailed information about the program’s purpose and funding. Joe Lewis and Sherri Miller, executive committee members of 40 Days of Nonviolence and Beyond, shared more details with – and answered several

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