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This year marks the 75th anniversary of the most famous flying saucer event of all, the Roswell incident of 1947. But a half-century before, alien spacecraft were reported across Illinois, particularly in this area. One hundred and twenty-five years ago this spring, central Illinois was riveted by a string of spaceship sightings, many of which remain unexplained. The incidents were part of a nationwide phenomenon, as flying craft were reported from the Midwest to the West Coast. Among the most noteworthy sightings in Illinois was an incident involving three men on a farm one mile north of Nilwood at 2:30 p.m. on April 13, 1897. There, the Macoupin County Enquirer reported the landing of a “cigar or boat-shaped” object with “oars” running from the bottom and a “picnic canopy on top.” This odd-looking craft sat down in a field for 15-20 minutes, then flew off in a northerly direction. The ship was also spotted around 6 p.m. in nearby Green Ridge, tw

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EDWARDSVILLE – Southern Illinois University Edwardsville lit up red with Cougar pride Thursday, April 21 in celebration of its inaugural One Day, One SIUE Day of Giving, which raised more than $572,000 and set a new standard for alumni engagement and community partnership as the University defines its future. “On behalf of the entire University, I want to thank you for your generosity and for your continued partnership," said Chancellor James T. Minor, PhD. “Each of our donors and partners plays an important role as we develop a bold vision for this university. My ambition is that SIUE be first and best at providing high-quality, affordable degree opportunities for all students. There is unrealized potential here that must be unlocked as we go forward. The time is now to more powerfully advance our mission. This is just the beginning of what we will achieve as we chart the path forward, together.” Monies raised through One Day, One SIUE will support scholarships

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CHICAGO – Powerball is capping off its 30th anniversary week with a jackpot worth $400 million. The millionaire-making game held its first drawing back in April 22, 1992, with a jackpot estimated at $6 million. The jackpot for tomorrow night’s drawing is a whopping $400 million. The last time Powerball had a jackpot of $400 million was for the Christmas Day drawing last year. Illinois Lottery players have already struck it big this year. In the past two months, two Powerball players became newly minted millionaires. On April 16, a winning Powerball ticket worth $1 million was purchased at Circle K in Marseilles, and on February 12, a $2 million winning ticket was sold at Country Market in Girard. Powerball drawings are held every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday with the next prize draw taking place on Saturday, April 23 at 9:59 p.m. CT. Powerball tickets are $2 each, and players have the option to add the Powerplay for an additional $1 for the chance to multiply

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ST. LOUIS COUNTY - St. Louis County Police Crimes Against Persons detectives are currently investigating a serious motor vehicle crash in the area of West Florissant Avenue and Hudson Road which resulted in life-threatening injuries to an adult female and a two-year-old male. On April 22, 2022, at approximately 8:46 AM, St. Louis County police officers from the North County Precinct observed a red Dodge 2-door sedan in the area of northbound Riverview Boulevard and Interstate 270. The Dodge Charger had been reported as taken in a carjacking overnight in the City of St. Louis. The police officer, in a marked police unit, attempted to conduct a traffic stop with the Dodge. The Dodge failed to stop and a pursuit was initiated. Stop sticks were deployed, however, they were unsuccessful in stopping the Dodge. Eventually, the Dodge was traveling southbound on West Florissant Avenue and struck a black Hyundai 4-door sedan that was turning westbound onto Hudson Road from northbound West

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EDWARDSVILLE - The Edwardsville Rotary Club honored Edwardsville High School student Damon LaMar with the Student of the Month Award for the month of April. Damon was nominated by his Orchestra teacher, Ms. Victoria Voumard. Damon has participated in symphonic band sophomore, junior, and senior years at Edwardsville High School. Additionally, he received “Outstanding Sophomore” in 10 th grade and gained eligibility to be inducted into the “International Thespian Society”. As a senior, he was selected to be drum major and made it into the Illinois Music Education Association. Additionally, he was accepted into Chamber Singers and the Illinois State University’s “School of Music”. Damon participates in marching and symphonic band, Acafellaz – a male acoustic group, chamber singers, and as an actor for the EHS Drama Club. In Damon’s spare time, he enjoys singing, acting, performing, making music, spending time with friends, and laughing.

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ST. LOUIS - There was considerable interest in "Hamilton" at the Fabulous Fox Theatre in St. Louis, but on Thursday night, there was an outage that canceled that night's show. Ameren crews restored energy around 8:55 p.m. Thursday, but it was too late for those in attendance for Hamilton. The show began on time at 7:30 p.m. but was cut short only moments later when the power when out. "Those who attended night's Hamilton show will be able to get free tickets to a different night, which runs to May 15," the Fabulous Fox Theatre officials said. "Hamilton" is an American Musical and is sung and rapped through music by Lin-Manuel Miranda. It tells the story of one of America's Founding Fathers Alexander Hamilton. Miranda said he was inspired to write the musical after reading the 2004 biography Alexander Hamilton by Ron Chernow. "The Fabulous Fox Theatre lost power one minute into 'Hamilton' tonight," said Jerseyville's Brandy McCoy, who was in attendance with her family. "They sai

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ROCKFORD - It’s no secret that leading a sedentary lifestyle can be detrimental to a person’s health in a number of ways – it increases the risk of heart disease, obesity, diabetes, depression, and more. A lack of regular activity is equally harmful for cancer survivors as well. Cancer survivors who sit more than eight hours of the day are five times more likely to die over the following years than cancer survivors who sit less, according to a study done at Alberta Health Services in Calgary, Canada and published in JAMA Oncology . The study highlighted 1,500 cancer survivors with more than half of the participants (57%) being inactive and reporting no physical activity in the past week. The study found that more than one-third of cancer survivors reported sitting for six to eight hours each day, and one-quarter admitted to sitting for more than eight hours per day. During a nine-year period, 293 of the cancer survivors died -- 114 from cancer, 41 from heart diseases,

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GODFREY - A Godfrey man tragically lost his life Thursday, April 21, 2022, in a motorcycle crash in the 6800 block of Humbert Road in Godfrey. The man was identified as Bruce C. Edwards, 34. Madison County Coroner Steve Nonn reported Friday afternoon that 9-1-1 was notified at approximately 8:44 p.m. "The victim was the operator and sole occupant of a Kawasaki Ninja traveling westbound on Seiler Road when he lost control and proceeded through the intersection of Humbert Road, coming to rest on the property of Lewis and Clark Elementary School," the coroner said. "Edwards was pronounced deceased at the scene by Madison County Coroner’s Office Investigator Kyle Burgess at 9:45 p.m., April 21, 2022. The preliminary investigation shows blunt chest trauma as the cause of death. The victim was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash. A final cause of death will not be issued until the results of toxicological testing are complete. "Preliminary evidence observed at the scene suggests

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JERSEYVILLE — Jersey/Calhoun Employment and Training are hosting an open house and ribbon cutting next month in celebration of their office’s new location. The new location at 120 West Pearl Street in Jerseyville will serve job seekers and businesses in Jersey and Calhoun counties “We are excited about our new office and look forward to working with people on the tools and skills they need to prepare or move up in the world of work,” Jersey County Career Services Coordinator Carolyn Taviner said. To celebrate the new location the open house will be held from 3 to 6 p.m. on Tuesday, May 3. “The community is invited to come tour our new office and get more information on the services we offer,” Taviner said. Staff assists the public on job search activities, resume writing and exploring education and training options. Businesses can receive assistance with employee recruitment, training, upskilling and retention. State, county and municipal and

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EAST ST. LOUIS - Illinois State Police (ISP) Division of Criminal Investigations (DCI) officials request the public assistance in a missing persons investigation involving Daryl “Lil Daryl” Smith of East St. Louis, Illinois. On Monday, December 6, 2021, the Public Safety Enforcement Group (PSEG) was asked to conduct an investigation into the disappearance Daryl Smith Jr. His last known location was with his sister, Latisha Coleman, in East St. Louis, Illinois during the morning hours of November 18, 2021. Family and friends of Daryl Smith Jr. have not had any contact with Daryl since November 18, 2021. Smith Jr. was reported missing to the East St. Louis Police Department on November 26, 2021. He was last seen wearing black jeans, a black t-shirt, and red Nike slides. The East St. Louis Police Department and ISP are again asking anyone who has additional information to contact the Public Safety Enforcement Group at (618) 389-3990 or (618) 346-3555.

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ALTON – National Education Association (NEA) President Becky Pringle visited Collinsville High School on Thursday and will visit East Elementary School in Alton on Friday as part of four locations in Illinois as part of her Joy, Justice and Excellence tour, talking to members about their concerns, challenges and successes during this school year and throughout the COVID-19 Pandemic. From 1 to 2:30 p.m. on Friday, April 22, 2022, Pringle will make a stop at East Elementary School (1035 Washington Ave., Alton). She will meet with members and see a showcase garden where the students learn to plan, plant and maintain both kitchen and landscaped gardens. Pringle visited Collinsville High School (2201 South Morrison Avenue, Collinsville) on Thursday. The National Education Association (NEA) President Pringle today visited staff and students at Collinsville High School as part of her national Joy, Justice and Excellence tour to meet with NEA members across the country and hear

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They're creepy and they're kooky Mysterious and spooky They're all together ooky The Addams family ALTON - The Addams Family - the Alton High School Spring Musical - runs at 7 p.m. Thursday, April 28, Friday, April 29, and Saturday, April 30, at the Alton High School Theatre. The show is directed by long-time director Anne Davis. Davis made these statements about the production: "Oh, The Addams Family! They are so upside-down that to be sad is to be happy, to feel pain is to feel joy, and death and suffering are the stuff of their dreams. The family is really turned upside down when their daughter, Wednesday, falls in love with Lucas Beineke, a smart mid-Western boy from a normal, respectable Ohio family. Wednesday has invited the Beineke family to dinner to meet the Addams family In one fateful, hilarious night, secrets are disclosed, relationships are tested, and the Addams family must face up to the one horrible thing they’ve managed to avoid for generations:

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GRANITE CITY – As we continue to celebrate Music in our Schools Month, Granite City High School and Coolidge Junior High School had 10 Band students recognized by the Illinois Music Educators Association (ILMEA) with All-District and All-State honors. The following students were selected to the Illinois Music Educators Association District VI Jazz Festival on November 6 at Belleville East High School where they rehearsed with the finest high school musicians from Southern Illinois. These rehearsals culminated with the All-District Concert, held in the Belleville East High School Performing Arts Center. Granite City High School Jonas Etchison - Tenor Sax Anna Forbes - Vibes Lexi Kunz - Vibes Coolidge Junior High School Sully Ashby - Drum Set Alex Escobar - Baritone Saxophone Ricardo Garay - Bass Guitar Hector Villa - Trombone The following students were selected to the Illinois Music Educators Association District VI Festival held on November 20

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SPRINGFIELD – Illinois corn producers overwhelmingly approved an increase in the check-off rate they pay when marketing their grain. By a vote of 1078 to 141, they passed a referendum March 29 to raise the rate by 1/4 cent per bushel. The referendum result was announced today after the Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) completed its review of the ballots and certified the statewide vote total. The Illinois Corn Marketing Board (ICMB) requested the referendum by petitioning the Director of Agriculture. The measure was supported on 88 percent of the ballots cast. That means effective Oct. 1, 2022, the current 5/8 cent check-off rate will increase to 7/8 of a cent per bushel. If they choose, however, corn farmers still have the right to receive a full refund. The ICMB, a volunteer board of corn farmers elected by their peers, administers the check-off fund. Members invest the proceeds in market development, research, education and promotion programs designed to enhance

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ALTON - The first-ever NASCAR Cup Series race in southwest Illinois is only six weeks away, and the Great Rivers & Routes Tourism Bureau is gearing up to welcome race fans. The Enjoy Illinois 300 Cup Series race will be held at World Wide Technology Raceway Sunday, June 5. This is the first NASCAR Cup Series race to be held at the raceway located in Madison, IL. The Great Rivers & Routes Tourism Bureau wants to welcome the thousands of race fans that will converge on the region and has created ‘Welcome Race Fans’ signs for businesses throughout the bureau’s six county region and is encouraging race fans to sign up and be entered to win a $500 gas card giveaway available through the bureau’s website: www.riversandroutes.com “Thousands of people will start flocking to southwest Illinois the week before the race and we want to be sure we give them a warm welcome,” Cory Jobe, President/CEO of the Great Rivers & Routes Tourism Bureau said. “We

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ST. LOUIS - Ameren Corporation (NYSE: AEE) has once again been Certified™ by Great Place to Work ® , a prestigious award earned solely due to positive employee feedback. Great Place to Work defines a great workplace as one where the employees trust the company and its leadership, have pride in their roles, and like their co-workers. This year, Ameren once again significantly ranked higher than the average U.S. company. "Earning a Great Place to Work Certification identifies Ameren as one of the best companies to work for in the country," said Sarah Lewis-Kulin, vice president of global recognition at Great Place to Work. "It's the result of a company's ongoing dedication to its employees, and it's only earned through employees' reports on company culture." "We're honored to once again have earned this distinguished certification because it really comes from our employees," said Mark Lindgren, senior vice president, corporate communications and chief human resources officer

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NASHVILLE, TENN. — Centerstone, a national leader in behavioral health care, congratulates its longtime staff member Kathy Raney, a care coordinator in Illinois who has received the National Council for Mental Wellbeing’s 2022 Peer Specialist of the Year Award. The honor was given April 12 at NatCon22 just outside Washington, D.C. The Peer Specialist of the Yard Award recognizes professionals with lived experience who work in mental health and addiction recovery, using their wisdom and strength to help peers on their own road to recovery. Raney has been in recovery for more than 20 years. At Centerstone, she provides direct care and supervision in rural Illinois, sharing her story to help others and providing guidance to help clients overcome barriers to health care access. She received her Wellness Recovery Action Plan certification in 2004 and her Certified Recovery Support Specialist certification in 2014. “Kathy’s story is compelling, and her work is eve

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ST. LOUIS COUNTY - The victim in the probable murder/suicide in the 16800 block of Manchester Road in St. Louis County which resulted in the death of two adult males has been identified as Jason Skyles, 40 years of age, of the 4800 block of Tishomingo Road in Hillsboro, Missouri 63050. The deceased suspect has been identified as Darren Jaycox, 51 years of age, of the 17100 block of Lafayette Trails Court in Wildwood, Missouri 63040. On April 19, 2022, at approximately 11:35 PM, St. Louis County police officers from the City of Wildwood Precinct responded to a call for service for a shooting in the 16800 block of Manchester Road. Officers located two victims suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. The preliminary investigation has revealed two adult males were involved in an altercation in the parking lot. The suspect shot the victim, then turned the gun on himself in an apparent murder/suicide. Both suspect and victim were pronounced deceased on scene. The investigation is very

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MARYVILLE – To enhance destinations for residents and visitors along the Illinois border of the Mississippi River, State Senator Rachelle Aud Crowe (D-Glen Carbon) secured $10 million in state investments to improve the region’s infrastructure, outdoor recreation opportunities and interpretive sites. “Illinois’ Riverbend Region is an economic driver for tourism development throughout the Metro East,” Crowe said. “With this state investment, we can attract visitors to the area to learn about our rich history while also enjoying time with their loved ones, eating at our restaurants, shopping in our small businesses and utilizing our local lodging.” Thanks to advocacy from Sen. Crowe, the Great Rivers National Scenic Byway is appropriated $10 million in the Fiscal Year 2023 state budget for a grant within the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. With the funds, the Great Rivers & Routes Tourism Bureau has plans to expand

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WOOD RIVER - A mother and her daughter were seriously hurt in an East Alton shooting on January 22, 2022. The story of the two, their survival and recovery is extraordinary. The mother wished only to be called Maria B. because the case is still pending in Madison County Court. She said the situation was very touch-and-go and it is almost a miracle that she survived. When interviewed, Maria B. was volunteering at a track and field meet, one of her passions. This is how Maria B. shared her story: "On Jan. 22, 2022, my daughter and I were leaving a hockey game for my grandson and we were approached by a man who said he needed a lighter. We told him we didn't have a lighter and a few seconds later he came back and had a gun he was aiming it right at my daughter. I grabbed my daughter and we both took off running and he decided to shoot us in the back. He hit me in the back of the leg and the bullet went through me and also hit my daughter's leg. "I am doing well and she is doing well.

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