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O’FALLON, Ill. — Tammy Russell is organizing a fundraiser to assist the family of Ashley Marie Bennett, who died on Tuesday, May 27, 2025. Bennett, a mother of three from O’Fallon, Ill., left behind her children and family who are seeking community support to cover funeral expenses and provide for her children’s immediate needs. Bennett’s family shared that she did not have life insurance or other financial resources set aside, creating an urgent need for assistance. The fundraiser aims to cover the costs of funeral services and help support her children, ages 18, 6, and 2, with essentials such as food, clothing, schooling, and a stable living environment. “Ashley was more than just a mother; she was the glue that held her family and friends together,” the family said in a statement. “Her generosity, her kindness, and her ability to make everyone feel loved and valued are qualities we will forever cherish.” The fundraiser encourages

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EDWARDSVILLE – The following students have been named to the Honor Roll at Metro-East Lutheran High School for the second semester of the 2024-2025 school year: GRADE 9 Honor Roll with High Distinction (g.p.a. 4.0) Abby Ayer, Shiloh Madison Dunn, Edwardsville Liam Hazelwonder, Godfrey Marion Hemmer, Caseyville Claire Houck, Maryville Calista Stults, Collinsville Lily Walloch, Collinsville Josie Wright, Edwardsville Honor Roll with Distinction (g.p.a. 3.75-3.99) Elijah Ball, Worden Lyla Eggebrecht, Wood River Oliver Elmer, Edwardsville Noah Gray, Collinsville Caitlyn Hardage, Caseyville Lily Hartzel, Troy Collin Hudzik, Edwardsville Moira Krueger, Glen Carbon Laynie Menard, Glen Carbon Preston Menossi, Edwardsville Cole Payne, Edwardsville Matthew Redden, Edwardsville Henry Reiseck, Hamel Molly Schulmeister, Staunton Ryan Sullivan, New Douglas Honor Roll (g.p.a. 3.5-3.74) Bella Brandt, Edwardsville Luke Bright, Trenton Linus Curtis, Worden

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ALTON – Alton High School has announced its Honor Roll lists for the Spring semester. "We are extremely proud of these students for their hard work, commitment, and academic accomplishments during the second semester of this school year," Alton High School Principal Stacie Franke said. HIGH HONOR ROLL Class Of 2025 Gage P. Anderson Michael G. Anderson Meyonna R. Banks John J. Barnard Madelyn S. Bearley Chad M. Betlach Jayden S. Bierman Elizabeth H. Blackmon Ava M. Boley Tionne A. Bostic Logan M. Branham Eric R. Braundmeier Christian A. Brown Connor J. Brown Nevaeh D. Bryant Kameron T. Burnett Keyser A. Butler Ayden C. Calvert Braxton D. Campbell Kristina L. Castelli Joselyn N. Chappee Anaiah K. Clanton-El Berlynn J. Clayton Madeline R. Cohill Cameron B. Conwell Dillan J. Cowan Julia K. Craig Wren Crawford Gentry D. Crocker Lyla J. Croxford Abigail

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SPRINGFIELD — Today, Governor JB Pritzker visited Kumler Outreach Ministries Food Pantry in Springfield to meet with leadership and discuss the potential impacts of proposed federal funding cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). As part of Trump and House Republicans’ tax and budget proposal, the top 5% of earners in America would be offered approximately $1.5 trillion in tax breaks, supplemented by large cuts to programs like Medicaid and SNAP. “Trump and House Republicans think tax cuts for the wealthy are more important than feeding our children,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Given their proposed cuts to SNAP, food banks like Kumler Outreach Ministries Food Pantry in Springfield are more important than ever. I’m proud to support them in combatting food insecurity and uplifting our communities.” "Cutting SNAP benefits will rip food off the tables of Illinois families,” said Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton. “Our

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DANVILLE – Governor JB Pritzker, Vermilion Advantage and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) today announced that Vermilion Advantage has been awarded $80,000 in federal grant funding from the U.S. Economic Development Administration’s Local Technical Assistance program. Vermilion Advantage is a non-profit organization that combines the functions of a chamber of commerce and an economic development agency to create and sustain an environment for business success and economic growth within Danville and Vermilion County. “Illinois is committed to investing in projects that leverage that strengthen economic development opportunities while creating jobs,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Thanks to organizations like Vermilion Advantage, and support from the Federal Grant Support Program, businesses in Vermilion County will benefit for years to come from the recruitment plan created through this initiative.” To make their federa

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SPRINGFIELD – In an effort to expand the availability of fresh, locally-grown produce and strengthen the competitiveness of the state’s specialty crop industry, the Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) plans to distribute more than $679,000 over a three-year period thanks to funding allocated in the USDA Specialty Crop Block Grant program. An application for grant funding is available on the Illinois Department of Agriculture website and must be returned to the Department by 11:59 p.m. on June 23, 2025. To be eligible for funding, all projects must begin in calendar year 2026. Eligible applicants include non-profit organizations, local and government entities, trade and commodity associations, public and private colleges/universities. Illinois encourages applications that benefit smaller farms and ranches, new and beginning farmers and ranchers, underserved producers, veteran producers and underserved communities. “Illinois’ specialty crop industry is

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The bid bested K-LOVE's best offer by $250,000.

The letter marked the latest headache for a sheriff already buffeted by lawsuits, a federal investigation, and a ballooning budget deficit.

TROY - Community members can come out for the monthly First Friday event in downtown Troy. From 5–8 p.m. on Friday, June 6, 2025, the City of Troy and the Troy/Maryville/St. Jacob/Marine Chamber of Commerce will host First Friday on the corner of East Market and South Main Street. Attendees will enjoy music by Shotgun Creek, vendors, food trucks and more. “This is a big one,” said Dawn Mushill, president of the Chamber of Commerce. "It’s beautiful downtown." The First Friday events are held in downtown Troy every first Friday of the month from May to September, excluding July. The event encourages people to check out the downtown businesses, shop at local vendors’ booths, try new food trucks and downtown restaurants, and enjoy the live music. Mushill said their vendor space is completely full, and she looks forward to welcoming shoppers to Troy so they can support local artisans and crafters. She encouraged people to stop by Time Out or the Troy

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ALTON - The summertime Night Market series kicks off next week in Alton. From 7–10 p.m. every Thursday night in June and July, excluding July 3, 2025, community members can enjoy artists’ booths, live music and shopping in downtown Alton. This year, the Night Market events are located in Sugar Alley, which runs parallel to Broadway and intersects State Street. “We absolutely love this event. It’s a great summer series,” said Sara McGibany, executive director of Alton Main Street, which hosts the Night Markets. “It turns what could be a sleepy night, a Thursday night, a weeknight, That’s our goal. We’re trying to make cash registers ring in downtown Alton. We took what could’ve been a slower night and turned it into one of the busiest nights downtown.” On Thursday, June 5, 2025, the band HOOKie will provide live music in the greenspace next to Catdaddy’s. There will be a corridor of 45 artists’ booths

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MILLSTADT - State Representative Kevin Schmidt highlighted the significance of renaming the Millstadt Post Office in honor of Marine Corporal Matthew A. Wyatt, a local veteran who died in service. The dedication took place recently at the post office located at 200 S. Veterans Drive in Millstadt. Wyatt, who was 21 years old when he died on Dec. 3, 2004, sacrificed his life protecting his platoon from a suicide bombing in Al Anbar Province, Iraq. Rep. Schmidt described the renaming as “truly special for his family, friends, and the community.” Schmidt also emphasized the district’s strong veteran roots and the community’s loyalty to one another, calling it a privilege to represent the area. The renaming serves as a tribute to Wyatt’s sacrifice and a reminder of the local community’s respect for its veterans.

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JERSEYVILLE - The Jersey County Business Association (JCBA), in partnership with the City of Jerseyville, is thrilled to announce the return of the Jersey County Farmers & Artisan Market, opening earlier than past years on Tuesday, June 3rd, and running weekly through September 9th at City Center Plaza, 403 North State Street in Jerseyville (between Dairy Queen & Germania). The Market will be open Tuesdays from 4–7 PM (except no market will be held July 8th due to the fair parade) and feature around 15–20 local vendors offering handmade and homegrown goods—fresh produce, baked treats, locally raised meat, artisan crafts, and more. To ensure a safe and fair experience for everyone, vendor sales begin promptly at 4 PM. This season also wraps up earlier, so don’t miss a single Tuesday! We’re excited to bring back grilling nights with the Jersey County Farm Bureau & 4-H on June 24th, July 15th, August 12th & 26th, and our final market on September 9th—a

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HAYS, Kan. - Fort Hays State University recognized approximately 1,691 graduates during its Spring 2025 commencement ceremonies Friday and Saturday, May 16-17, at Gross Memorial Coliseum in Hays. Godfrey's Brittany Ritter graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from Fort Hays this spring.

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Border Patrol arrested 113 people in April at the Maine-Canada border, the most in 24 years.