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JERSEYVILLE - The always popular Jerseyville Fourth of July Fireworks display is scheduled on Monday, July 4, starting at dusk at the Jerseyville American Legion property. Jerseyville Parks and Recreation Department said it is honored to be the organization facilitating the fireworks for another summer in Jerseyville. This event is free to the public and parking is available at the Fairgrounds (101 West Fairgrounds Avenue, Jerseyville). “We are happy to play the role of organizer for the annual fireworks in Jerseyville, it is something that residents and visitors alike enjoy over the fourth of July weekend each year," Tyler Hermens, Director of Parks and Recreation, said. "This event really brings together multiple departments and organizations. The city could not do it without everyone’s cooperation. "We want to thank Jerseyville Police and Jerseyville Fire for their efforts in safety for the event and the Jerseyville American Legion for the use of the property each summer.

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BENTON - A Fairview Heights man is heading to federal prison for possession of child pornography. Michael M. Rapa, 68 of Fairview Heights, was sentenced on Thursday, June 2, 2022, to 6 years in prison for two counts of possession of prepubescent child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography. Rapa pleaded guilty to the charges in February. Following his prison sentence, Rapa will be on federal supervised release for 5 years and will be required to register as a sex offender for the remainder of his life. According to court documents, Rapa first came to the attention of law enforcement in Vancouver, Canada, in 2015. As the result of a subsequent investigation conducted by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the Fairview Heights Police Department, in 2017 Rapa was determined to be in possession of hundreds of image and video files containing prepubescent child pornography on various items of electronic media which lead to charges in the Southern District o

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JERSEY/MACOUPIN COUNTIES - Illinois State Police (ISP) District 18 Commander, Mark Gillock, announces the ISP will conduct Occupant Restraint Enforcement Patrols (OREP) in Jersey County and Macoupin County during June. OREPs allow the ISP to focus on safety belt and child safety seat laws. Illinois law requires all vehicle passengers (front and back) to be buckled up. Safety belts are still one of the most effective safety devices in vehicles, estimated to save nearly 14,000 lives each year. Half of the vehicle occupants killed in a traffic crash were not properly buckled up. The objective of this program is to increase occupant restraint compliance through education, child seat inspections, and enforcement.

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EDWARDSVILLE – The Illinois Small Business Development Center (SBDC) for the Metro East at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville has supported JewelRide, non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) business, by assisting with the company’s marketing, social media management, and financing. This summer, as a community outreach initiative, JewelRide is collaborating with the Edwardsville Public Library to host a Books for Bikes Reading Challenge. The Books for Bikes Reading Challenge is open to children in kindergarten through eighth grade. The challenge runs now through Sunday, July 31. Children are encouraged to read books, log their progress, and enter to win the grand prize of a bike. On Saturday, Aug. 6, 14 bikes will be awarded to the winning children. JewelRide owner, Tapiwa Mupereki, believes in the power of reading and how it can positively influence an individual’s life. “My mother really believed in reading,” he said. “If you can read,

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NASHVILLE, TN – Outback Presents is pleased to announce that comedian Taylor Tomlinson’s brand-new national headlining tour will begin across the United States in October 2022, playing St. Louis’ Stifel Theatre Saturday, Dec. 17 at 7 p.m. Today, Tomlinson revealed The Have It All Tour will bring her hit stand-up comedy routine to the masses. Tickets go on sale this Friday, June 10 at 10:00 a.m. local time and can be found at the link here . The show in St. Louis is currently scheduled to be the final one on the tour. TAYLOR TOMLINSON: THE HAVE IT ALL TOUR 2022 DATES Friday, October 7, 2022 Portland, ME State Theatre Saturday, October 8, 2022 Providence, RI The VETS Sunday, October 9, 2022 Albany, NY Troy Savings Bank Music Hall Friday, October 14, 2022 New Orleans, LA Saenger Theatre Saturday, October 15, 2022 Mobile, AL Saenger Theatre Friday, October 21, 2022 Buffalo, NY UB Center For The Arts Saturday, October 22, 2022 Toronto, ON Meridian Hall Thursda

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ALTON - Sarah Schirz (holding plaque in picture above) of Alton Memorial Hospital’s Emergency Department has been named the AMH June Employee of the Month. Sarah received the award June 6 from, left to right, Kristen Jones, manager of the ED; AMH President Dave Braasch; and Cindy Bray, director of Patient Care. The nomination for Sarah said that she “is a valuable asset to the organization and the community. Sarah is intelligent and puts her heart and soul into her job. She is able to function at every level in every area within the Emergency Department. Not only is she able to do all these things, but Sarah does all of them with excellence. In her job as educator, she is thorough and effectively communicates with staff of all levels.”

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AMES, Iowa - Iowa State University honored more than 4,700 students who received degrees during spring commencement ceremonies May 12-14. Alumna Beth Ford, president and chief executive officer of Land O'Lakes, received a Doctor of Humane Letters honorary degree for her contributions as a leader in business and agriculture and advocate for farmers and rural communities. Alumnus Subra Suresh, president and Distinguished University Professor at Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, received a Doctor of Science honorary degree for contributions as a distinguished engineer, scientist, entrepreneur and leader in higher education. Following are graduates from your area: Ryan Shustrin, Bachelor of Science, Chemical Engineering - Edwardsville, IL

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GRANITE CITY - It's been many years since Granite City High's wrestling program has produced an IHSA state champion, and it has been since 1965 when the Warriors were team co-champions. In 2022, Granite's wrestling program had an individual champion in Caleb Scott, who won the Illinois Wrestling Coaches and Officials Association state title in the organization's freshman-sophomore state tournament, held at Bank of Springfield Center in Springfield on March 12-13. Scott had a record of 18-1 before suffering an upper-body injury just before Christmas, which kept him out of the lineup the rest of the year, coming back at the start of the IHSA tournament series, but was unable to compete. It makes the IWCOA title even more sweeter. For his efforts on the mat this season, Scott has been named the Stillwater Senior Living Male Athlete of the Month for Granite City High School. Scott, who wrestled for head coach John Venne, was very excited to have won the IWCOA championship for the Warriors.

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O'FALLON - The Illinois Department of Transportation today announced that US 50 from Anne Avenue to Il Rt 158 in O’Fallon will be intermittently restricted to one lane in each direction beginning Monday, June 13, 2022, weather permitting. This work will take place daily between the hours of 7:00 AM and 6:00 PM. Traffic in each direction will be maintained using flaggers and arrow boards. This work is necessary to complete pavement repairs. This work is expected to be completed by late Summer 2022. Drivers are urged to pay close attention to changed conditions and signs in the work zones, obey the posted speed limits, refrain from using mobile devices and be alert for workers and equipment. The contractor on this project is Christ Bros. of Lebanon, Illinois. For IDOT District 8 updates, follow us on Twitter at @IDOTDistrict8 or view area construction details on IDOT’s traveler information map on GettingAroundIllinois.com.

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EDWARDSVILLE - June is National Perennial Month and Joe’s Market Basket is helping people prepare their own yards to become a perennial oasis. Each year, a perennial’s foliage dies and then re-blooms the following season for up to several years to come. “Perennials are so fun to plant because they will often surprise you year after year,” said Joe’s Market Basket General Manager Andy Klos. “These plants are also so low maintenance, so they are perfect for amateur and experienced gardeners. Our customers look forward to having a bright beautiful array of flowers throughout the spring and summer months.” Depending on the species, perennials' lifespan can stretch anywhere from three years to a lifetime and will bloom each year. Klos said the more you plant, the more surprising your garden can be. Joe’s Market Basket has dozens of perennials but offers favorites like salvia, coneflower, lavender, asters and peonies. There are also a variety

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ST. LOUIS - Each year on June 14, the American Red Cross joins blood collection organizations around the world to celebrate World Blood Donor Day, which recognizes the importance of a safe and stable blood supply and the donors who make it possible. Nearly 2.5 million people volunteer to give lifesaving blood and platelets every year with the Red Cross. Eligible donors are encouraged to be part of something big by making an appointment to give blood or platelets this month. Blood donations decline in late spring and early summer – especially during holiday weeks, like Memorial Day and Independence Day – but the need for blood and platelet transfusions doesn’t take a summer break. Generous blood and platelet donors are critically important in ensuring lifesaving care is available the moment patients need it. To schedule an appointment to donate, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). As a thank-you

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ST. LOUIS - A dozen students from the Metro East area convened at the Southern Illinois District Federal Courthouse in East St. Louis on April 24 to participate in a mock trial. Students were given a fictional case and worked individually and in groups to compile evidence and exhibits, develop eyewitness questions and answers, and formulate both direct and cross-examination questions. The trial was divided into two rounds in which each team of six had the opportunity to participate in one round as defense and in the other round as prosecution. They presented their case for a team of volunteer jurors and the Honorable Judge David Dugan presided over the case, guiding the students through the trial process. Program director, Sarah Jane Drury, guided the students for months in preparation for the mock trial. After the mock trial, a group of U.S. Marshals graciously gave a presentation to the students detailing their role in federal law enforcement, allowing students to tour through

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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today delivered a speech on the Senate floor honoring the legacy of former Congressman John E. Porter, who represented northern Illinois in Congress for 21 years. In his remarks, Durbin spoke about Porter’s reputation as a principled, bipartisan leader within the Illinois congressional delegation. “John Porter was raised in a home where public service was a way of life… believed that public service was a noble profession, that government could make life better, and that America must remain a beacon of hope for the world. He supported efforts to protect the environment in the earliest days. He championed human rights efforts across the globe and efforts to protect the environment at home and was a founder of the Congressional Human Rights Caucus. He was a key supporter of the Americans with Disabilities Act,” Durbin said. Durbin went on to express his gratitude for Porter’s advocacy on behal

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ST. LOUIS - As part of SLDC’s efforts to realign processes to meet its Economic Justice Priorities , the Land Reutilization Authority (LRA) will not accept any new applications to purchase LRA properties starting July 2022, excluding Prop NS properties. At this time, LRA will continue to process existing transactions, but will not accept new purchase offers through October 2022 while it reevaluates and retools its processes. LRA receives titles to all tax delinquent properties not sold at the Sheriff's sale and through donations. To create a more transparent, accountable and inclusive incentive process, St. Louis Development Corporation (SLDC) — the City’s independent, economic development organization — has been working in partnership with Baker Tilly, a municipal finance expert, since January 2022 to analyze and assess existing conditions and policies, engage community stakeholders and develop an incentives framework. At SLDC’s April 2022 board meeting

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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, spoke on the Senate floor urging Senate Republicans to join Democrats and pass legislation to reduce gun violence following the mass shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, that claimed the lives of 19 students and two teachers. Gun violence is now the leading cause of death among American children and teens. In 2020, 45,222 Americans died by gun violence. Next week, the Senate Judiciary Committee will hold a hearing to hear from experts about the lasting trauma that gun violence leaves on children. Tomorrow, the Senate Judiciary Committee will hold a hearing on domestic terrorism following the mass shooting in Buffalo that killed ten Black Americans in a racist act of violence. In speaking about the Columbine High School tragedy 23 years ago, Durbin said, “In shooting after shooting since, as America has been stunned and grieving and burying its children, the

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ST. LOUIS - Raise your baton! The inaugural Classical Music Night at Busch Stadium is on Wednesday, June 29th as the Cards take on the Marlins. With the purchase of a special Theme Ticket, fans will receive a Meet Me in St. Louis Cardinals t-shirt! Plus, come early for a special performance by members of the St. Louis Philharmonic Orchestra. A portion of each ticket will be donated to Classic 107.3/Radio Arts Foundation. Please note: The t-shirt is available ONLY with the purchase of a special Theme Ticket. All Theme Ticket purchases will come with a game ticket that indicates the item and/or size of the Theme item included. Theme Tickets no longer feature a separate voucher. The ticket should be redeemed at the pre-game distribution for the Theme item. Only fans that present their Theme Ticket at distribution will be eligible to receive the item. Exchanges will not be available at distribution. You may pick up your item at the Budweiser Terrace Theme Tickets kiosk, across

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COLLINSVILLE – Flooding and other problems associated with a failing and undersized storm sewer system will soon be a thing of the past for residents of the St. Louis Road area as improvements are planned for June. The work planned for the area will include the replacement of existing storm sewer with a larger line and appurtenances. “The storm sewer system along St. Louis Road was installed over 50 years ago and is at the end of its useful life. Since it was installed storm sewer design has changed, so the pipe sizes will be increased to meet the more modern design standards,” Collinsville City Engineer Troy Turner said. The project is a part of a larger initiative adopted by the City of Collinsville in 2019, the St. Louis Road and Collinsville Road Great Streets Initiative Plan, with the goal of revitalizing the corridor, with upgrades to the traffic infrastructure to accommodate pedestrian and cyclist traffic. When the St. Louis Road and Collinsville Road Grea

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EDWARDSVILLE - The annual Route 66 Festival is set to take place Saturday, June 11 at City Park in Edwardsville. Rolling into its 24th year, thousands of festival visitors will gather in the downtown where classic cars, hand-crafted goods, and culinary treats will be on display. The event is open to all ages and features a family zone with inflatables, face painting, and much more. Eventgoers can also expect entertainment from local bands throughout the afternoon. The City of Edwardsville Parks and Recreation, as well as vendors, local artists, and patrons from the surrounding communities, will attend/host the event. The event will feature performances by the Matt Taul Group, The Nudge Band, Midnight Piano Band, and Dirty Muggs. Here is a rundown of the event schedule for Saturday, June 11th from 8 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. Metro Milers 10k Run – 8 a.m. Festival Opens – 10 a.m. Marketplace Vendors – 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Family Zone – 10 a.m. to 6

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BELLEVILLE - Illinois American Water is encouraging customers to view the company’s 2021 water quality reports to learn more about the source and quality of their drinking water. The report is issued for each service area, and highlights the company’s commitment to providing drinking water that meets or surpasses standards required by the Environmental Protection Agency. The water quality report, also known as consumer confidence report, describes local drinking water source information and test results. Commonly asked questions and answers concerning drinking water are included in the report. Customers can search for their local report by zip code at www.illinoisamwater.com under Water Quality. Rachel Bretz, Director of Water Quality and Environmental Compliance, said, “Water service is essential to the health and safety of the communities we serve. Our team of experts work around the clock to deliver a quality product at a good value. We take our responsibility

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ST. LOUIS - As United Way of Greater St. Louis marks its centennial anniversary this year, its president and CEO, Michelle Tucker, says this is only the beginning for the organization. “This year is a very special milestone in recognizing our local United Way’s impact in building a strong safety net for our region throughout the past century,” said Tucker. “Now, we have the opportunity to build on our legacy to launch the next century of helping people.” Initially called the Community Fund, the organization began in 1922 when community members and leaders joined together to create a simple, unified approach for supporting multiple nonprofits. Through its first annual campaign, businesses and residents raised $1.1 million for 40 local charities. Today, United Way of Greater St. Louis supports more than 160 local nonprofits serving a 16-county region in Missouri and Illinois. The organization’s most recent fundraising campaign raised over $67 million.

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