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Third Year of Back-to-School Event Sees Record Attendance

11 months ago
ALTON – The third annual OSF Saint Anthony’s Health Center Back-to-School Celebration drew several hundred attendees on Saturday, August 3, 2024. “For the second year in a row, our annual Back to School Celebration distributed 500 school supply bags to local students to help them get ready for the upcoming school year," OSF Public Relations & Communications Coordinator Randy T. Schorfheide said. "Now in its third year, our Back to School Celebration event has witnessed growth in attendance every year since its inception. "Last year we had an estimated crowd of 700, and for this year, we approached 800 attendees. The support from our Mission Partners, community partners, combined with the generosity of Dwight and Cheryl Werts, has made this event successful every year.” The event featured a giveaway of backpacks filled with paper, pens, pencils, and crayons to the first 500 children aged 4 to 12. Last year’s event also provided school supplies for

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Sen. Plummer and Sen. Harriss Earn Perfect 100% on NFIB Scorecard for Small Business Support

11 months ago
SPRINGFIELD - The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), an organization that advocates for small businesses across the nation, has announced that Illinois State Senators Jason Plummer and Erica Harriss have earned a perfect 100% on the 2023-2024 legislative scorecard. “It’s an honor to be recognized again for my support of our small business community,” said State Senator Plummer (R-Edwardsville). “If we want to grow our economy and create new good-paying jobs, we have to put forward pro-growth policies that help our businesses succeed.” Rankings are based on legislator voting records on eight individual bills from the 103rd General Assembly (2023-2024) that affect small businesses in the state. Click here to read a summary of the bills included in the rankings. “From one small business owner to another, I will always be an advocate and strong supporter for small business communities,” said Senator Harriss (R-Glen Carbon).

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Judge Armouti Completes Harvard Law Executive Program

11 months ago
CAMBRIDGE, Mass. — Judge Veronica Armouti of Illinois has become the first judge from the state to earn a Certificate in Judicial Executive Leadership from Harvard University Law School’s Executive Education Program. The achievement was marked during an intensive session held July 21-24, 2024, at Harvard Law School. The National Judicial College, in collaboration with Harvard Law School's Executive Education Program, aims to equip judicial leaders with the foresight, ethical grounding, and innovative leadership skills necessary to navigate today’s rapidly changing world. The program emphasizes design thinking, change management, and crisis resolution, preparing judges to lead adaptive, resilient, and responsive judiciaries. Judge Armouti participated in courses on Advanced Leadership and Management Principles, Effective Communication, and Personal Development, all tailored to address the unique challenges and opportunities within the judiciary. The program is designed

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Senators urge better access to disability payments for Long COVID patients

11 months ago
Several U.S. senators have called on the Social Security Administration to take steps to make it easier for people with Long COVID to access disability benefits, actions that disability rights advocates and patients say are desperately needed. Sens. Tim Kaine , Ed Markey, Tammy Duckworth, Bernie Sanders, Tina Smith, Angus King, and Richard Blumenthal signed the letter […]
Casey Quinlan

Illinois American Water Announces 2024 Firefighter Grant Program

11 months ago
BELLEVILLE - Illinois American Water is accepting applications for its 2024 Firefighter Grant Program. Through this program, the company provides financial assistance to fire and emergency organizations throughout its service areas. According to Rebecca Losli, president of Illinois American Water, the Firefighter Grant Program provides another opportunity to support public safety. “Our team of experienced professionals treat the water and test every fire hydrant annually to support local safety and fire protection. The Firefighter Grant program is one more way we strengthen our partnerships with local heroes and support the communities in which we live and serve.” Since 2010, Illinois American Water has awarded over $940,000 to over 945 Illinois volunteer fire departments and emergency response units. Fire departments and districts are eligible for one grant per year. Uniformed professional and volunteer fire departments serving communities throughout Illinois American

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Illinois State Police Earns International Accreditation Among Law Enforcement Agencies For The 11th Time

11 months ago
SPRINGFIELD - The Illinois State Police (ISP) has earned Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA) Law Enforcement Accreditation for the 11th time. “Integrity, Service, and Pride are at the core of ISP. They’re not just words, they’re an attitude, a lifestyle, the foundation upon which our officers build everyday as they serve their communities,” said ISP Director Brendan F. Kelly. “This accreditation affirms our continued commitment to excellence and we will use all available resources, including technology and training, to better our people and serve and protect the citizens of Illinois.” CALEA is often referred to as the “Gold Standard for Public Safety Agencies.” In 1986, ISP became the first state law enforcement agency to be accredited. There are 40 CALEA accredited law enforcement agencies in Illinois. To become accredited , law enforcement agencies must complete a comprehensive two-to-three-year self-assessment,

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Trump agrees to Sept. 10 debate with Harris, claims two more upcoming

11 months ago
WASHINGTON — Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump said Thursday he has agreed to debate Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris on Sept. 10, a reversal from his position last week that he would not participate in the ABC News event. During a press conference at Trump’s Mar-A-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Florida, the former president said […]
Ariana Figueroa