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PRAIRIE DU ROCHER, IL – Officials with the Prairie du Rocher Chamber of Commerce and Community Foundation are excited to announce plans for their 300 th birthday celebration. It is a two-day gathering that will take place July 9 th and 10 th at the Historic Brickey Lot on Market Street. This event kicks off on Saturday at 1:00 PM and the second day of action picks up again on Sunday at noon. The birthday celebration is open to all ages and will have a children’s area, a quilt show, 50/50 raffles, vendor and craft fair, a phantom funeral reenactment, and much more. Live music begins Saturday with music from Creole Stomp from 2-3:30, Mandy Heinemann from 4-5:30 PM, and Backwoods from 6-8 PM. The headliner on Saturday is the legendary classic rock band Head East, which will take the stage at 8:30 PM. Following their performance, the band will sign autographs. More live entertainment is set for Sunday, with Dennis Stroughmatt et L’Esprit Creole playing from 12:30-2

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SWANSEA - Holland Construction Services has announced the hiring of six new employees for its growing operations team. The new employees include Senior Project Manager Joe Riassetto, Project Manager Andrew Bernard, Assistant Project Manager Ryan Favier, and Project Engineers Andrew Goetz, James Schiber-Arciga, and Paityn Jansen. “Holland will reach several new milestones in 2022 including record revenue and number of new employees,” said Holland’s President Mike Marchal. “We have added 25 new team members since January and will add another 15 over the next several months. A labor shortage in the construction industry does exist, but fortunately, we have been able to attract top talent and we are excited about the future.” Despite construction industry challenges that are being felt nationwide, including material shortages and cost escalation, increasing borrowing costs, and continued subcontractor labor shortages, the company also has a record numbe

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JERSEY - The Jersey County Sheriff's Office is seeking information about a hit-and-run traffic crash that occurred recently on U.S. Highway 67 at Tolman Road that involved the pictured vehicle. If you have any information regarding the crash or recognize the vehicle, contact the Jersey County Sheriff's Office at (618) 498-6881. Any information obtained from the public will be passed on to investigators in the case.

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CHICAGO — Attorney General Kwame Raoul today announced that more than 160 teams of assistant attorneys general and investigators from his office will be monitoring the primary election throughout Illinois on Tuesday, June 28, to ensure that voters’ rights are protected and polling places are accessible. Raoul is also encouraging voters to be aware that polling places, particularly those located at nursing homes or senior centers, are subject to change due to concerns related to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Voters should confirm their polling places with their local election authorities or the Illinois State Board of Elections . Raoul urged voters to call his office if they encounter suspected improper or illegal activity. Chicago and northern Illinois voters can call 1-866-536-3496 (TTY 1-800-964-3013). Central and southern Illinois voters can call 1-866-559-6812 (TTY 1-877-844-5461). Attorney General Raoul reminded voters of some of their basic voting rights: Vot

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ROXANA - The Roxana High School baseball team is one that is very young. They only lost four seniors this season and have a ton of room to grow. Elias Thies will be a junior in the fall and looks forward to becoming one of the leaders on the team. "I like the role," he said. "I like to help all these young kids get better. That's just what I like to do." The team won't be as young next season as they'll roster seven seniors and four juniors. When Thies isn't in the outfield, he can also pitch with the best of them. Thies is a Midwest Members Credit Union Male Athlete of the Month for Roxana. As a matter of fact, Roxana's 1-2-3 pitchers will all be returning next season. Thies, Jon Webb, and Nick Cotter combined to make 34 pitching appearances last season totaling 90 innings. Thies led the team with 59 strikeouts through his 11 games played averaging more than five K's a game. Not only that, but he's arguably the team's best hitter. He boasted a team-high .440 batting average

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SPRINGFIELD, MO. - Earning a spot on Drury University's Dean's List is a significant accomplishment. The recognition means a student earned a grade point average of 3.6 or greater (on a 4-point scale) while carrying a full-time course load of 12 or more semester hours at Drury, a top Midwestern university, according to US News & World Report. In the spring semester, the following student(s) made the day school Dean's list: East Alton, IL Hannah Ritter, Metro East Lutheran Hs Edwardsville, IL Robyn Herndon, Edwardsville Senior Hs Glen Carbon, IL Josie Bushell, Edwardsville Senior Hs Godfrey, IL Wes Laaker, Alton High School Jerseyville, IL Jeremy Vanost, Jersey Community High School

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ST. LOUIS - Ameren Corporation (NYSE: AEE) announced today that Leonard "Lenny" Singh, an executive with more than 30 years of utility experience, will be the next chairman and president of Ameren Illinois, an electric and natural gas delivery utility subsidiary of Ameren Corporation. Singh joins Ameren on July 1 and will assume the role when Richard Mark retires on Aug. 1 . Singh has extensive experience in both electric and natural gas operations. He most recently served as senior vice president for Consolidated Edison Company of New York. "Lenny's deep experience and industry knowledge are well-suited to lead service to our 1.2 million electric customers and more than 800,000 natural gas customers in the state of Illinois," said Marty Lyons, chief executive officer of Ameren. "He has a proven track record of developing and executing strategic plans as well as demonstrating a steadfast focus on safety, customer satisfaction, continuous improvement, action, and accountability.

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ST. LOUIS - The St. Louis Jewish Community Center’s biannual Used Book Sale returns from August 28-September 1 with offerings in every genre, including mysteries, general fiction, nonfiction, children’s books, and much more. “The Used Book Sale at the J is a great place to find amazing bargains and valuable collectibles, “said Lynn Wittels, President, and CEO of the J. “The sale is well recognized by book dealers and the literature community as being among the best in the St. Louis region.” Preview day is Sunday, August 28 from 10 am-4 pm with a $10 admission and free admission begins on Monday. Hours are 10 am-7 pm Monday-Wednesday and on Thursday customers can fill a bag for $5 between 10 am and 6 pm. Masks are required for entry. For updated and complete information visit https://jccstl.com/programs/used-book-sale/ .

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ALTON - Alton Police officers were visible at a crime scene in a parking lot next to the Alton Amphitheater early Tuesday morning. Crime scene tape was placed in a wide area around the parking lot and officers were visible investigating and on standby. The pictured vehicle was removed from the scene by a towing company in the 5:30 a.m. range Tuesday. Alton Police Chief Marcos Pulido said information will be released about the crime scene situation soon as more details are confirmed. More To Come.

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MENDON, MO. - Amtrak has confirmed that a Southwest Chief Train 4, traveling eastbound on BNSF track from Los Angeles to Chicago, derailed at 1:42 p.m. on Monday, June 27, 2022. Amtrak said 8 cars and 2 locomotives derailed after striking a dump truck that was obstructing a public crossing near Mendon, Mo. "There were 243 passengers and 12 crew members on board with early reports of injuries," Amtrak said. "Local authorities are currently assisting customers. Our Incident Response Team has been activated, and we are deploying emergency personnel to the scene to help support our passengers, our employees, and their families with their needs." Amtrak said individuals with questions about their friends and family who were traveling aboard the train should call 1-800-523-9101. University of Missouri Health Care, a hospital in Columbia, Missouri, has received patients from the derailment.

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GODFREY – The RiverBend Growth Association recently helped two of its member businesses mark their 10-year anniversaries with celebrations that included special ribbon-cutting ceremonies coordinated by RBGA staff and members. Marking these milestones were Green Tree Inn of Elsah and Olive Oil Marketplace. Olive Oil Marketplace hosted its 10th-anniversary celebration with the RBGA on June 3, 2022. Sharing in the day’s celebration were approximately 35 RBGA and community members, along with Alton Mayor David Goins. A live broadcast with radio personality Asher Benrubi, better known as “Smash,” on Big Z Media’s WBGZ/MyMix Radio featured several on-site interviews as well. Attendees enjoyed cake and ice cream, and a chance to savor their Get-R-Smoked Pulled Pork along with other signature recipe dishes. Also on hand were local vendors sharing products carried in Olive Oil Marketplace’s store. There were drawings for a variety of local restaurant gift

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HARDIN - Calhoun County voters will have the chance to elect some new representatives to important county-level offices during the Calhoun County Primary Elections Tuesday night. Mark S. Marshall II is running on the Republican ticket for Calhoun County Sheriff, while Jeffrey Herkert is running on the Democratic ticket. The eventual winner will go on to replace incumbent Sheriff William “Bill” Heffington, who was first elected in 2006. Two Democrats, Keisha L. Morris and Stephen George Friedel, are seeking their party’s nomination for Calhoun County State’s Attorney - as is Republican Lucas J. Fanning. The eventual winner will go on to replace incumbent Calhoun County State’s Attorney Richard. J. Ringhausen. Democrat Amy Friedel is running for Calhoun County Clerk and Recorder unopposed, replacing incumbent Republican County Clerk Rita Hagen who will not seek re-election. Lisa R. Roth is seeking re-election as the Democratic nominee for Calhoun

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EDWARDSVILLE - The Madison County Sheriff's Office and Madison County Coroner's Office were both called to the scene for a death investigation around 1:20 p.m. on Friday near Illinois Route 157 and Pentecostal Lane in the county. Madison County Coroner Steve Nonn said during the investigation at the scene, they determined the death was "not nefarious" "or criminal." He also said there would not be anything more released until the final toxicology reports were returned.

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CARROLLTON - The Greene County Primary Elections are today - while there won’t be much competition at the county level, voters will have the opportunity to elect a new County Clerk and possibly some new County Board members. Arieanna Morris is seeking the Democratic nomination for Greene County Clerk, while Melissa Schnelt Carter will run for the Republican nomination. Incumbent Greene County Clerk Deborah Banghart will not seek re-election. Incumbent Republican Kirby L. Ballard is seeking re-election as Greene County Treasurer unopposed. Greene County’s incumbent Democrat Sheriff, Rob McMillen, will also seek re-election unopposed. Incumbent Democrat Michelle Mueller will also seek re-election as the Regional Superintendent of Schools for Calhoun, Greene, Jersey and Greene Counties. Greene County will also see several candidates run for County Board seats - voters must vote for no more than seven, according to the Greene County sample ballot for this election.

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ROLLA, Mo. - Approximately 1,000 students received degrees from Missouri University of Science and Technology during four commencement ceremonies held on campus this past May. A ceremony for Ph.D. graduates was held Saturday, May 7, at Leach Theatre. Ceremonies for undergraduates and students earning master's degrees were held Friday, May 13, and Saturday, May 14, at the Gale Bullman Building. Missouri S&T awards bachelor of science, bachelor of arts, master of science and doctor of philosophy (Ph.D.) degrees. Missouri S&T has traditionally recognized graduates earning a bachelor's degree with honors by placing the designation "summa cum laude," "magna cum laude" or "cum laude" on their diplomas. The highest honor, summa cum laude, is awarded to students who have earned a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.8 or above on a 4.0 scale for all courses counting toward the degree. Magna cum laude is the designation for a GPA of 3.5 to 3.79, and cum laude indicates a GPA of 3.2-3.49.

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ST. LOUIS - As City of St. Louis residents prepare for the Independence Day weekend, the City Emergency Management Agency (CEMA), St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department (SLMPD), Fire Department, and City of St. Louis Department of Health are reminding residents that shooting off fireworks in the city is both illegal and dangerous . Every year across the country, about 10,000 people are treated for injuries in hospital emergency departments due to the mishandling of live, misfired and waste consumer fireworks. “Heading into the Fourth of July, public safety leaders are coming together to remind St. Louisans that setting off fireworks in the City is both illegal and dangerous,” said Interim Public Safety Director Dr. Dan Isom. “Stay safe by enjoying one of our region’s great fireworks shows, like the one Downtown in Kiener Plaza.” Setting off fireworks is against the law in the City of St. Louis, and extended periods of dry weather create conditions

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MT. VERNON - State Police (ISP) Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) Zone 7 agents are investigating a Mt. Vernon Police Department (MVPD) officer-involved shooting at the request of MVPD. The incident occurred on June 25, 2022, at approximately 11:54 p.m. near 42 nd Street at Veterans Avenue in Mt. Vernon. Preliminary information indicates MVPD officers responded to a call of a home invasion involving a firearm on Wescott Avenue in Mt. Vernon. As officers arrived on scene, they saw a vehicle leaving the area and MVPD officers attempted to stop the vehicle. The driver of the vehicle fled from officers and crashed a short distance later near the intersection of 42 nd Street and Veterans Memorial Drive. The suspect exited his vehicle with a firearm and began running from MVPD officers. One MVPD officer discharged their weapon, striking the suspect. The suspect was transported to a regional hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. No officers were injured during this incident.

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CARLINVILLE - The Macoupin County Primary Elections are tomorrow, and Macoupin County voters will have several candidates to choose from to fill a range of local offices. Lillian Amber McGartland is running on the Republican ticket for Macoupin County Treasurer, while incumbent Roger Anderson is running on the Democratic ticket. Shawn Kahl, Macoupin County’s incumbent Sheriff, will seek re-election on the Democratic ticket, while challenger Jared DePoppe will seek the Republican nomination. Incumbent Macoupin County Clerk Pete Duncan is seeking re-election unopposed. Incumbent Democrat Michelle Mueller will also seek re-election as the Regional Superintendent of Schools for Calhoun, Greene, Jersey and Macoupin Counties. Macoupin County will also see several County Board races across the county’s nine districts, electing two county board seats per district. In District 1, Ryan A. Kilduff will seek the Democratic nomination while Lyndel Klausing seeks the Republican

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MADISON COUNTY - Madison County Clerk Debbie Mendoza said a total of 4,600 early votes had been cast as of Monday morning, the day prior to Tuesday’s Primary Election throughout the state. Polls are open in Madison County from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesday. She said close to 2,900 requested to vote by mail, although not all those have been returned. “By looking at the barometer of early voting, voter turnout will appear to be low,” Mendoza said. “We have a challenge in the governor and secretary of state’s races and we have some county races that should be of interest to people." Mendoza says her staff has been working to get this election together since August and believes that on Tuesday when individuals cast their votes, it is one of the most important things that we do as citizens.” Darren Bailey-Stephanie Trussell, Paul Schimpf-Carolyn Schofield, Richard C. Irvin-Avery Bourne, Gary Rabine-Aaron Del Mar, Max Solomon-Latasha N. Fields, and

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Conserve fuel, lower fuel emissions, extend the life of your vehicle, and keep more money in your pocket with these tips. Maintain the proper tire pressure. Improperly inflated tires (over or under-inflated tires) put more pressure on your engine, requiring more fuel to operate. It also wears out your tires quicker. Properly inflated tires can save 11 cents a gallon per NHTSA. Change air filters regularly. This ensures the engine performs at top efficiency. Also, your air filter determines the quality and quantity of clean air the engine receives. The engine air filter is different than your oil filter. Use the right oil/routine oil changes. Car oils have different weights that affect engine operation. Pumping an oil with higher viscosity or heavier consistency puts more pressure on your engine, thus burning more fuel. Having routine oil changes and a clean oil filter helps with fuel efficiency, as well. Use fuel additives. Fuel additives can increase your vehicle’s fuel efficiency,

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