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EAST ST. LOUIS – State Senator Christopher Belt is launching a Summer Reading Club for students to encourage continued learning throughout the summer. “Reading keeps students engaged throughout the summer,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “With summer break approaching, this reading club will keep kids learning to prepare for the next school year.” The Summer Book Club requires students to read eight books of their choice during the summer break, record the names of the books on a form and return the form to Belt’s office by Aug. 12. Everyone who completes the Summer Book Club will receive a gift card and certificate from Senator Belt. “I hope students of all ages will take advantage of this program to make reading a habit and be rewarded for it,” Belt said. “Let’s enjoy the summer by reading and being creative.” To receive a book club form, visit SenatorBelt.com to download and print the form. Parents can also call Belt’s

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EDWARDSVILLE – A member of the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Pharmacy’s (SOP) pharmacy advisory board for 14 years, Chris Smith, of Springfield, has been an instrumental leader and advocate of the School. Smith has held various roles, including president and committee chair. His most recent role is that of an elite donor. In December, he and his wife announced a gift of $104,250 to the SOP to establish the Chris and Debbie Smith Pharmacy Endowed Scholarship. This gift is the largest one-time individual gift that has been given to the SOP. All pharmacy students with demonstrated financial need are encouraged to apply, and priority will be given to underrepresented minority students. “Debbie and I were inspired to provide this scholarship because we wanted to create more opportunities for minority students to access the premier pharmacy school education at SIUE,” Chris Smith said. “Opportunities for higher education do not just provide

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FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS - IMPACT Strategies was recently recognized by Ameren as a top supplier partner in diverse business spending. Ameren recognized firms reporting greater than 25% of total expenditures with diverse suppliers. IMPACT Strategies was one of twelve area firms named to this list. This recognition comes as IMPACT Strategies boosts its efforts to build sustainable MBE/WBE partnerships throughout the St. Louis metropolitan area. To that end, the firm is proactively building strategic relationships with qualified, established MBE/WBE firms, and hosting meet-and-greet events to assist them in forging relationships with other established majority firms. IMPACT Strategies has also hosted outreach/workshop mentoring and entrepreneurial programs in cooperation with the Illinois Office of Minority Economic Empowerment along with officials of the Illinois Small Business Development Council for the Metro East. The firm is also actively developing relationships with qualified subcontractors

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ST. LOUIS - Panic! At The Disco will be bringing their Viva Las Vengeance Tour to St. Louis on October 9, 2022. They'll be playing at the Enterprise Center at 7 p.m. Tickets go on sale Wednesday, June 8 at 10 a.m. and can be bought here . About Panic! At The Disco Formed in Las Vegas, NV in 2004 Panic! At The Disco are a multi-platinum, Grammy-nominated rock band. They released their #1 album "Pray For The Wicked" in 2019 off the heels of their critically acclaimed fifth album, "Death Of A Bachelor.” "DOAB" debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200 Chart and was nominated for Best Rock Album at the 2017 GRAMMY® Awards. The RIAA platinum selling release was the highest selling rock album and fourth-highest selling album released in 2016, according to Nielsen Soundscan. "DOAB" has also spawned RIAA certified gold singles “Hallelujah,” “LA Devotee,” Don’t Threaten Me With A Good Time,” and platinum singles "Death Of A Bachelor,”

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GRAFTON - Before the River Road, there was the Dinky! The historic ‘railbus’ will be celebrated with the unveiling of a replica ‘Dinky’ at 10 a.m. Saturday, June 4 at the Edward Amburg History Museum, 950 E. Main St., Grafton. In the 1920s, the Illinois Central Railroad Company created a unique “Railbus” that operated between Alton and Grafton with stops in Elsah and Chautauqua. The original engine was a city bus configured with wheels for railroad tracks that locals dubbed the “Dinky”. Grafton has created a replica of the final version of the “Dinky” - #206 which ceased operations in 1953. To honor this important part of the history of the region, Grafton will host a special day at the Edward Amburg History Museum. Events have been scheduled between 10:00 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 4 on the museum grounds. Edward Amburg History Museum is located at 950 East Main Street, Grafton, IL. Phone: 618-786-7000

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ST. LOUIS - The St. Louis Chapter of Financial Executives International (FEI) hosted their annual golf tournament at Forest Park Golf Course and raised $5,000 for Independence Center. They chose Independence Center as their charity of choice because of its mission of providing innovative, quality programs that help more than 1,500 individuals with serious and persistent mental illnesses each year. “We are so honored to have been chosen as the FEI’s St. Louis Chapter charity of choice,” said Executive Director of Independence Center, Trish Holmes. “Our goal is to help our members find belonging and purpose and gain independence to live their best lives. We are always so grateful for any donation that supports our mission to provide services and resources to anyone living with a mental illness.” Independence Center supported the golf scramble by providing volunteers to help support event registration and raffle tickets sales. The tournament ended with

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ALTON - The Piasa Palisades Group of Sierra Club Illinois is calling for volunteers to help stencil storm drains throughout Madison and Jersey Counties to aid in the protection of the Mississippi River. The Piasa Palisades Group, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, will be hosting a storm drain stenciling day of action on Saturday, June 4, focusing on Downtown Alton. Interested volunteers can pick up storm drain stenciling kits provided by the Piasa Palisades Group between 9am and noon on June 4 and either dive into their stenciling work or go out throughout the following week to put up their assigned plaques and stencils. To register to participate in the Storm Drain Stenciling Project, visit bit.ly/PPGstenciling . “Storm drain stenciling is a fun and interactive way to get involved in the local community while protecting the critical waterways in the Metro East region,” says Amitie Flynn, Executive Committee member of the Piasa Palisades Group. “Throughout

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GLEN CARBON - LeadingAge Illinois honored Lutheran Senior Services’ Gayle Hantak with the 2022 Rising Star Award recently. This award recognizes an individual who has demonstrated an extraordinary performance through a strong work ethic, commitment, initiative, leadership and the ability to be a team player in their first 24 months on the job. As the Lifestyle Enrichment Coordinator for Memory Care at Meridian Village, a Lutheran Senior Services Life Plan Community, Hantak is dedicated to enriching the lives of residents living with dementia. She gets to know each person as an individual, focusing on their abilities and interests and encouraging them to be active in ways that are meaningful to them, from singing to gardening and more. For example, last Christmas she planned a special performance for Memory Care residents and their families by having residents learn to sign and sing a song. It was a meaningful experience for all involved. She creates an environment of continuous

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CHICAGO — Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) today announced $50.7 million in new infrastructure grants awarded to 34 communities, counties, and localities across Illinois for critical infrastructure projects including bridge replacement, water treatment upgrades, road construction projects and more. State funds will be met with $72.1 million in matching commitments for capital projects, which brings the total investment to nearly $123 million. This funding is made possible by the Rebuild Illinois Public Infrastructure (RIPI) Capital Program, part of Governor Pritzker’s historic, bipartisan capital program, Rebuild Illinois, and a key priority outlined in Illinois’ 5-year economic plan, a blueprint to create economic growth. RIPI is one of several infrastructure programs created by the state to provide investment in aging infrastructure, as well as job opportunities for communities. In total, the Rebuild

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O'FALLON - GCS Credit Union has recently awarded the $2,000 Nicole R. Thorp Scholarship to Ryan Merrill from O’Fallon Township High School. GCS was looking for applicants who receive good grades, have an opinion on effective money habits and who are actively involved in school and the community. Nicole R. Thorp, who the scholarship is named after, was a big believer in helping out where needed. Ryan is ranked number thirty-two in his class, played soccer for OTHS, and is an Eagle Scout of Troop 555. Ryan will be attending Brigham Young University in Idaho. Candidates were also required to submit an essay on three principles they believe should guide a new college student’s money habits. Ryan believes, “I first need to make sure all other obligations and dues are paid before spending money on my wants. Material things come and go, but college students should understand that a place to live, the ability to attend college, and bad credit scores will be crucial i

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EAST ST. LOUIS – State Senator Christopher Belt supported a number of measures signed into law aimed at helping law enforcement – including mental health support, pay increases, retention incentives, retirement assistance, day care help and other benefits. “Law enforcement officials protect our communities,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “I was proud to vote for these laws that offer support and ensure that police officers have the tools and training to do their job.” Among the new laws Belt supports are House Bill 3863, which creates the Law Enforcement Recruitment and Retention Fund to assist departments through the hiring and training processes and improve retention strategies. He also supported House Bill 1568, which permits employees of Sheriff’s Departments and Department of Corrections security employees and parole agents who are honorably retiring in good standing to purchase any badge previously issued to the employee by the employer and

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CHICAGO — Governor Pritzker today signed historic and equity-focused nursing home rate form legislation (HB246) that will improve care for nursing home residents across Illinois. The legislation holds facility owners accountable by tying new funding to improving care for vulnerable Illinoisans. The reform principles include increased funding that is tied to staffing levels, a proven predictor of improved health outcomes for residents; a new pay scale for certified nursing assistants that increases wages based on years of experience; and funding connected to improving key quality measures. The Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services first introduced these reforms in March 2021, and they were also included in the Governor’s budget for this fiscal year. Illinois will become the first state to implement this reform model, as well as the first to incentivize better nursing home staffing at this magnitude. For the first time in Illinois, there will be a direct

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ST. LOUIS - Today, the City of St. Louis Department of Human Services begins its free summer food program, Schools Out Cafe. A partnership with the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, Schools Out Cafe brings together city and community resources to connect children to available food from over the summer at city recreation centers and local nonprofits at more than 30 locations across the city. “Good nutrition for our children is a year-round goal,” said Department of Human Services Director Yusef Scoggin. “The Department of Humans Services is committed to helping make sure children don’t go hungry this summer with Schools Out Cafe.” One meal per child is available both at breakfast and lunch. Parents or guardians may visit any site at any time, but attending the same site will help staff coordinate. The program runs from May 31, 2022, to August 19, 2022, and a list of the 31 sites and hours can be found on the City’s website .

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First, there was flax. Then chia. Now the latest food craze is hemp. It is a nutritional powerhouse and you can find it on your local supermarket shelves in the form of seeds, milk, and powder. Hemp contains all of the essential fatty and amino acids required by the human body. The seeds are an excellent source of protein, minerals, and dietary fiber. Hemp is actually a variety of the cannabis plant and is grown commercially for its many uses including use as food, paper, textiles, rope, fuel, building materials, and even a fuel alternative. It’s probably one of the most useful plants on earth. Hemp cultivation dates back more than 10,000 years and hemp has been utilized for hundreds of products from food to fuel to fiber. The 2018 farm bill reclassified industrial hemp as a commodity crop, which made it legal. This opened up a world of possibilities. Hemp has the power to transform the environment and strengthen local economies while having a positive impact on the environment

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PIASA - Emily Lowis finished her high school track and field career with a strong performance at the IHSA Girls State Track and Field Meet in Charleston. Emily cleared 2.75 meters in the pole vault and finished in a six-way tie for 25th place. Emily said it was “awesome” qualifying for the state track and field meet. She thanked both of her coaches Gary Bowker and pole vault specialist Jenna Wernsing for her efforts. Bowker said Jenna medaled at the state meet in high school and was a competitor at Western Illinois University. Jenna had a large impact on Emily. “Emily is a great girl,” Jenna said. “Her form now from where she first started four years ago is night and day different. She looks at and evaluates what she is doing and understands what it takes to be successful.” Emily said overall, “it was just a fun season. I got a chance to go to state and extend my track season a little longer.” She said not only did she enjoy the state

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BRUSSELS - The Illinois State Police District 18 is investigating a single-vehicle fatal traffic crash that involved a 2002 orange Yamaha motorcycle and an 18-year-old at 8:38 p.m. Monday at Illinois Route 100 southbound at the Brussels Ferry in Jersey County. This is preliminary information being released by ISP: DRIVER : Unit 1- 18-year-old male from O’Fallon, IL – Deceased. PRELIMINARY: A preliminary investigation indicates the following occurred: Unit 1 was traveling on Illinois Route 100 southbound, just north of the Brussels Ferry Entrance. The driver of Unit 1 lost control and went off the roadway to the right and struck a guardrail. The driver of Unit 1 was ejected from the motorcycle. The driver was transported to an area hospital and later pronounced deceased.

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EDWARDSVILLE - Edwardsville High School's Class of 2022 endured an unprecedented 26 months at EHS with the COVID-19 Pandemic, Principal Dr. Steve Stuart said after the graduation. "Since March of their sophomore year, they have not known normal, but this has not deterred them from trying to make the most of their time here," he said. "Throughout all of it, this class has shown that Tiger spirit and has made us proud along the way. They were excited when we were able to open up athletic events, plays, and concerts, and even have a full prom this year. They looked for ways to get involved with our community as well by volunteering and collecting goods to support local pantries." Dr. Stuart said the class will have many lessons learned from this experience they use in the future. "As they move forward, whether it is on to college, the military, or joining the workforce, it is our hope that our graduates take what they have learned during their time at EHS and apply it in their

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ALTON - Alton School Superintendent Dr. Kristie Baumgartner described the Alton High Class of 2022 as "a very special and remarkable group of students." "The resilience, persistence, and academic strengths displayed by our seniors are all significant indicators of what lies ahead in regards to their future success," she said. "We wish all of our graduates the very best!" Alton High School's graduation was Friday night. Above is a video from the event, plus within are pictures. Click here for the graduate list.

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EDWARDSVILLE - Alton track runners Christian Kotzamanis and John Krafka proved to be a very lethal one-two punch for the Redbirds in the 800-meter runs this past track and field outdoor season. On Apr. 23 at the Winston Brown Invitational meet in Edwardsville, Krafka came in third with a time of 2:03.81, while Kotzamanis was right behind in fourth at 2:05.29. Then, in the Southwestern Conference meet at Edwardsville on May 11, Kotzamanis had a time of 2:04.84, while Krafka came in at 2:05.26. Both have been coming close to running sub-two-minute times in the event. For their efforts on the track this season, both Kotzamanis and Krafka have been named the Auto Butler male Athletes of the Month for their school. Kotzamanis and Krafka, who run for head coach Jeff White, both set personal records in the 800 recently and both felt they ran well on the day. "I think I did alright," Kotzamanis said as part of a joint interview conducted during the meet. "I lost in the last race, but altogether,

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EDWARDSVILLE - Alton sophomore softball pitcher Grace Presley had a great performance against the Kahoks on May 24, striking out 10 batters and allowing four runs on nine hits in the Redbirds' 4-2 loss in the second semifinal of the IHSA Class 4A regional tournament at the Edwardsville District 7 Sports Complex. Presley got key outs in the game, including getting out of a one-out bases-loaded jam in the fifth to keep the game close. The Redbirds did play well, but missed opportunities were very costly in the end. Presley is the Auto Butler Female Athlete of the Month for Alton High School. For her performance in the game and in the season, Presley has been selected as the school's Riverbender.com Auto Butler female Athlete of the Month for May 2022. Presley, who plays for head coach Dan Carter, felt that her team played well and did everything that the Redbirds needed to do in the game. "I feel good about our game," Presley said during a postgame interview. "They were a really

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