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Community Rallies to Support Family After Alton Teen's Tragic Death

1 year 9 months ago
ALTON — The community is coming together to support the family of Dreya Mackenzie Colley, a 16-year-old student who died following a severe car accident on Dec. 23, 2024. Jeralyn Colley is organizing a fundraiser on behalf of Bryan Colley, to help cover funeral expenses after Dreya's passing. Dreya, an 11th-grade student at Alton High School, succumbed to her injuries at 4:39 p.m. on Jan. 2, 2025, at St. Louis University Hospital. Despite extensive medical efforts, Dreya was unable to recover after the tragic accident. In her final act of generosity, Dreya's family noted that she donated her organs, which they hope will help save others. A visitation for Dreya is scheduled for 9 a.m. until the funeral service at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025, at Gent Funeral Home in Alton. Reverend Daniel Sternquist will officiate the service for Dreya, and burial will take place at Upper Alton Cemetery. The family is also accepting memorial contributions to Mid America Transplant in Dreya's

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Transportation Drove Region’s Competitiveness in 2024, STL Regional Freightway Reports

1 year 9 months ago
The St. Louis Region’s proactive stance on finding and funding critical transportation infrastructure continues to pay off, the latest report from the St. Louis Regional Freightway shows. “Recent investments and endeavors enhance the future competitiveness and connectivity of the bi-state St. Louis region and support future growth, particularly in targeted industry sectors such as aerospace, […]
Tom Finan

Republic Services to Resume Trash Collection After Winter Weather Delay

1 year 9 months ago
EDWARDSVILLE - Republic Services announced that it will resume its trash collection services on Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025, following a one-day delay due to inclement weather. The company will begin with the collection routes scheduled for Monday and will extend operations through Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025, to accommodate the backlog. Rhonda Breslin, the Municipal Sales Manager for Republic Services, indicated that some rural areas and subdivisions with hilly terrain after the winter storm may pose challenges for collection if conditions are unsafe. Residents in those affected areas will be notified through a call blast to ensure their safety and that of the drivers. Breslin encouraged residents to share this information on social media to help spread the word about the service updates. “Thank you for your patience,” she added in her communication.

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East St. Louis Opens Warming Center Amid Severe Winter Conditions, Boys Game Is On At Edwardsville

1 year 9 months ago
EAST ST. LOUIS - East St. Louis School District 189 has announced the opening of a community Warming Center at Mason/Clark Middle School that started at 7 a.m. Monday, Jan. 6, 2025, and continues through Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025. The East St. Louis School District said this initiative aims to provide shelter from the extreme cold conditions affecting the area. Located at 5510 State St. in East St. Louis, the Warming Center is designed to offer relief for those seeking protection from the harsh winter weather. However, officials emphasized that the center is not intended to serve as a day-care facility for children, the elderly, or individuals who cannot care for themselves. Sydney Stigge-Kaufman, the Executive Director of Communications and Strategic Partnerships for the district, stated, “You are welcome to seek shelter from excessive cold conditions at Mason/Clark Middle School.” In addition to the opening of the Warming Center, the district announced that there will

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Engage Young Minds: Lead Story Times for Children Under Five In East St. Louis Schools

1 year 9 months ago
EAST ST. LOUIS — Volunteers are invited to make a meaningful impact in the lives of young children by leading weekly story times in the East St. Louis School District 189 area. The initiative targets children under age five and aims to foster a love for reading through engaging storytelling. Story times, which last 30 minutes, are scheduled for the same day and time each week at various East St. Louis locations, including the Vivian Adams Early Childhood Center and Dr. Katie Harper Wright Elementary School. The program is supported by Ready Readers, which provides training and resources to volunteers. “Your storytelling can spark imaginations and inspire the next generation of readers,” a spokesperson for Ready Readers stated. The organization emphasizes that this volunteer opportunity is both flexible and rewarding, allowing individuals to contribute to the educational development of children in their community. Those interested in participating can find more

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Pritzker Administration Announces Illinois' Selection To Participate In New Federal Initiative To Improve Maternal Health

1 year 9 months ago
CHICAGO - Today, the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) announced it has been chosen by the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to participate in the new Transforming Maternal Health ( TMaH ) Model, which seeks to improve maternal health outcomes by implementing a more whole-person approach to care. The federal program will provide $17 million in critical funding over 10 years to help Illinois Medicaid and other awarded state Medicaid agencies develop and pilot a more comprehensive and integrated approach to addressing physical health, mental health and social needs throughout the pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum care continuum. “We are honored to be chosen to participate in this new, innovative model, which will allow us to focus directly on improving maternal and child health outcomes in two underserved areas of the state,” said Acting HFS Director Elizabeth M. Whitehorn. “This support will go a long way to promoting

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