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Teenager Is Proud Of Her Country: Jersey Has Exchange Student From Ukraine

2 years 6 months ago
GRAFTON - When Kateryna Savienkova was 9 years old, her family fled their home town of Luhansk, Ukraine. The year was 2014. At that time, the self-proclaimed Luhansk People’s Republic, backed by the Russian government, was embroiled with Ukrainian people in armed conflict. Since then, Kateryna’s family has made their home in Kharkiv, Ukraine's second-largest city. Since the Russian invasion just over a week ago, Kharkiv has been under attack. Today Kateryna (Katya) is an exchange student at Jersey Community High School. She is a junior and lives with her host family in Grafton. Almost 3 years ago, she learned of a program that offers scholarships for Ukrainian exchange students. After a lengthy application process, she was awarded the opportunity of a lifetime from the Future Leaders Exchange Program in cooperation with the American Councils. Scheduled to attend the 2020/21 academic year, her plans were delayed due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. Determined to make her dream

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Bank of Hillsboro Alhambra Branch Manager Jeanne Reckman Retires After 25 Years; Passes Torch to Current Head Teller Julie Jett

2 years 6 months ago
ALHAMBRA - Bank of Hillsboro Alhambra Branch Manager Jeanne Reckman will retire after 25 years with the branch at the end of the year. Julie Jett, head teller at the Alhambra branch, has stepped up to branch manager in preparation for Reckman’s retirement. “My time at the Alhambra branch has been phenomenal. I love our customers and there is no greater reward than seeing someone young and helping them to build their accounts,” said Jeanne Reckman. Reckman grew up in Alhambra and started at Bank of Hillsboro in 1997 as a part-time teller. She then became a full-time teller and moved up to branch manager, 21 years ago. Reckman said she’s enjoyed getting to build relationships with her customers and watch them grow alongside their bank accounts and achieve their financial goals. Reckman said her replacement, Julie Jett, has been at the branch for 5 years and she’s excited to see her lead the branch and help it grow. “I’ve known Julie Jett

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Flashing Yellow Arrow Signals Coming To U.S. 67 In Godfrey

2 years 6 months ago
COLLINSVILLE – The Illinois Department of Transportation announced today that flashing yellow arrow traffic signals will be installed in the coming months along U.S. 67 from Illinois 140/Broadway Connector in Alton to U.S. 67 and Illinois 111/267 Lars Hoffman Crossing in Godfrey, improving safety and traffic flow along a major commercial thoroughfare. The first flashing yellow arrow signal was recently activated at the Walmart entrance on Godfrey Road and U.S. 67. Installation of all 12 planned flashing yellow arrow signals is expected to be complete in June. Temporary daytime lane closures will be required. The Federal Highway Administration encourages flashing yellow arrow traffic signals at certain intersections to reduce left-turn crashes, following research that shows drivers found them easier to understand and fewer collisions occurred where they were used when compared to traditional yield-on-green signal configurations. They also have been proven to increase intersection

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Rep. Elik's Bill to Increase Safety of Children Under State Care Passed the House  

2 years 6 months ago
SPRINGFIELD - Legislation sponsored by State Representative Amy Elik (R-Fosterburg) to improve the safety of transportation for foster children was recently approved by the Illinois House of Representatives. Rep. Elik sponsored the legislation on behalf of a local foster parent following concerns shared with her about the safety of children under the care of DCFS. According to State Representative Amy Elik, “When it was brought to my attention that transportation providers for children under state care were not picking kids up on time or not picking up children at all on a Friday night – I knew something had to change.” HB 5064 sponsored by Rep. Elik provides that transportation services to children and families must comply with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations. Drivers must submit to a fingerprint-based criminal background check. New changes also include proper training for drivers on the installation and operation of a child car seat, possession of a vali

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