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EAST ALTON – Registration is now open for the National Great Rivers Research and Education Center’s water-focused summer camps, to be held throughout June and August as part of its Swarovski Waterschool USA program. This year, NGRREC sm will have two camps – a one-day River Connections camp, and a five-day Camp Waterschool – each hosted through Lewis and Clark Community College’s (L&C) College for Kids program. “We use hands-on activities to explore the world of water in a way that is both fun and educational.” Director of Environmental Education Sarah Fisher said. “Kids have a great time interacting with water while learning about water within our communities and in our rivers.” The one-day camp, River Connections, will give campers an opportunity to put their science sleuth skills to work through a day of exploration. The participants will use their senses to experience the river in a whole new way. River Connections

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GODFREY – Current and potential Lewis and Clark Community College students will have the chance to experience the dynamic world of criminal justice during an open house from 6 to 8 p.m., Tuesday, March 29. The event, held in Haskell Hall on L&C’s Godfrey Campus, will feature much more than general information about the college’s Criminal Justice program. A panel of criminal justice professionals that includes representatives from law enforcement, corrections, juvenile, and department of social services will give their insights and answer questions. “The Criminal Justice Open House is an event that will introduce prospective and current students to the field by providing an overview of the program, introducing the faculty that teach in the program, and giving those interested a chance to ask questions of the professionals,” said L&C Criminal Justice Program Coordinator Jessica Noble. “This is a great way to network, find out more about the program,

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EDWARDSVILLE – Bob Meyer, 61, announced Friday he has filed petitions to run on the Republican Party ticket for a seat on the Madison County Board in district 16 in 2022. Meyer is a life-long Republican. Meyer made his decision to run because he believes the public has the right to make policy choices through the referendum process and to streamline County Government. Meyer is opposed by a former Democrat, Chrestene Rosser-Schmitt. Meyer opposes the influence former Democrats have on the Republican Party and blames former Democrats now elected as Republicans for voting down of public referendums on property tax caps (PTELL) and a significant reduction of the Madison County Board. “Elected officials may disagree about the merits of a proposal, but an elected official has no honorable reason to vote down a binding public referendum on Property Tax Reform or anything else for that matter . If elected officials disagree on public policy questions, they can agree to disagree,

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GODFREY - Judge Amy Sholar filed her petitions to run in the newly created Subcircuit 1. Sholar was appointed by the Illinois Supreme Court to fill the vacancy of Richard Tognerelli. Under new legislation passed by the legislature at the last minute, Sholar is running in Subcircuit 1 instead of countywide. In fact, there will be three elections for judge in Madison County this year and all three will be in Subcircuit 1 because of this legislation. Two-thirds of Madison County residents will not be able to vote for any of these three judges who might eventually hear their cases in the future. The legislation is still being fought in court. Sholar filed with triple the number of signatures required. “I personally walked door to door and attended numerous events to get these signatures,” stated Sholar. “The voters were both happy to sign my petition, but also outraged at the shenanigans that brought us to this place. The voters are tired of politics as usual. They

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) signed on as co-sponsor of U.S. Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock’s (D-GA) legislation to cap the out-of-pocket cost of insulin for Illinoisans and all Americans. The Affordable Insulin Now Act would require Medicare plans and private group or individual plans to cap patients’ out-of-pocket costs for insulin at $35 per month. This legislation would lower costs for insulin users and save money for hardworking Americans—many who are paying exorbitantly from their own pockets for insulin and other diabetic treatments. According to one estimate , diabetics spend close to $6,000 annually on insulin alone. This is all while costs for insulin are going up and manufacturers of the drug are pocketing more revenue from insulin sales than in prior decades. “Every time I hear from an Illinoisan who is facing the unbearable decision of either paying for their—or their child’s—lifesaving

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EDWARDSVILLE - Chappy’s is a new fried chicken and burger restaurant in Edwardsville. With walls adorned in automobilia and Americana, the restaurant offers some vintage diner nostalgia and a wide-ranging menu. Formerly known as So’Pasta, Chappy’s is a completely new venture from owner Ryan O’Day in the same location at 1031 Century Drive. Directly next door is Wang Gang, also owned by O’Day. The theme of Chappy’s is “all things American automobile,” with vintage car and service station decor adorning the interior, giving the restaurant a diner-like atmosphere. “We have a lovely dining room that is set to the Route 66 theme for any car lover,” O’Day said. “We want our car-loving theme to really shine through and everyone know we have outstanding burgers and fried chicken.” The Chappy’s menu combines a bit of old and new - in addition to the new fried chicken and burger offerings, there are

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ALTON - Alton Police Officer Elliott Fergurson seems to be the perfect choice to lead the Explorer Program for the Alton Police Department. He has been in his capacity for two years. Elliott, an Alton High and SIUE graduate with a B.A.S. in criminal justice and corrections, served from September 2006 to November 2009 as an M1A1 Armor Crewman (Tanker) in the U.S. Army. He has a Purple Heart from his Army service time in Iraq. Officer Fergurson explained what happened when he was injured in Iraq: “I was on patrol in Baghdad, Iraq, and my stryker (a stryker is a 19-ton, eight-wheeled armored vehicle) got struck by a rocket and it punctured through the inside of the truck. "It sent shrapnel and knocked me unconscious. I had a mild brain injury. I stayed in Iraq after this happened and went back to the front lines.” Elliott said he felt fortunate to be alive after the strike hit his unit." Elliott was a psychological operations specialist in the U.S. Army with the reserves

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EDWARDSVILLE — Madison County is continuing to battle litter issues with its Clean Communities Program. During the past year, residents, community groups, and volunteers worked together to pick up litter throughout the county. “Litter was everywhere and the county worked to ‘clean it up,’” Chairman Kurt Prenzler said. Building and Zoning Administrator Chris Doucleff said his department often receives complaints about litter along roads and ditches. “Last year we made picking up litter a priority,” Doucleff said. “And we are doing it again this year.” Doucleff said in March 2021, the county kicked off the Clean Communities litter pick-up program. The grassroots effort took aim at the litter problem by providing the public with resources to assist them in picking up trash. “We offer citizens a resource tool kit,” Doucleff said. The resource tool kit includes reflective safety vests, litter grabbers, gloves, and garbag

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ALTON - Reiniger Jewelers is opening their newest location in Alton at 1633 Washington Avenue, the former location of Maneke Jewelers. Their grand opening is from March 31 to April 2 and will feature drawings to win some valuable giveaway prizes. The March 31 ribbon cutting is set for 11:30 a.m. Giveaway prizes announced so far include a $1,500 gift certificate for Reiniger Jewelers, a Gabriel pendant and Seiko watch, with many more in store. Paul Reiniger, the owner of Reiniger Jewelers, said there are a few things that set them apart from other jewelers. “We do quite a bit of bridal, but we also do custom design, something a little different,” Reiniger said. “And our repair department is very well-known for quality of workmanship. We want to make sure things are maintained properly for the customers.” In addition to carefully vetting the quality of the vendors he buys from, Reiniger also said his experience as a jeweler helps him determine the

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ALTON - Alton Police Chief Marcos Pulido has a long history with the department that dates back to 1994 when he entered the Alton Police's Explorer Program. He is a firm believer in the Explorer program for youth after his own personal experience that led to him becoming a police officer and ultimately, the chief of police. Chief Pulido is a highly respected police chief/officer across the area and has a very bright future ahead in law enforcement. One of the most important beliefs Pulido has about law enforcement is that people appreciate “authenticity.” He stresses that with all of his Alton Police officers as one of their most important roles in the community is to be "real" with the public. The chief said right now the Explorer program needs candidates, and he wants to bring attention to expanding the program. Chief Pulido vividly remembers doing ride alongs with other officers and the impact those had on him in regard to choosing his career as an officer. “I

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GRANITE CITY – Granite City High School Scholar Bowl head coach Jaime Pamatot has been named the 2021-22 Illinois High School Scholastic Bowl Coaches Association (IHSSBCA) Tom Durbin Class AA Coach of the Year, as announced by the IHSSBCA. Pamatot was one of three coaches in the State of Illinois who will be recognized joining Jorge Sanchez (Elgin Academy, Class A) and Jeff Price (Barrington, Open). "I am honored to receive this award. I’m thankful for the amazing mentors I have and the awesome students I have had the privilege to work with over the years," Pamatot said. "I’ve greatly enjoyed being the coach for the last 11 years, and I can’t wait to see what future seasons hold for us!" Pamatot recently completed her 11th season as the GCHS Scholastic Bowl coach in 2021-22, leading the Warriors to the IHSA Class AA Regional Championship for the third-straight year. She is also in her 20th year overall as a teacher, including 15th in the science department a

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ALTON - The pedestrian who was struck and killed on a train track in the 2800 block of Circle Drive in Alton has been identified. The man has been identified as Brian P. Andrews, 65, whose last known address was in High Ridge, MO., Alton Police Chief Marcos Pulido said Wednesday morning. At about 6:32 p.m. on March 22nd, 2022, Alton Police Officers and the Alton Fire Department responded to the area of the train overpass in the 2400 block of Seminary Avenue, near Homer Adams Parkway, for a report of a pedestrian struck by a train. "Preliminary investigation revealed that an Amtrak train collided with a pedestrian who was on the train tracks, in the area of the 2800 block of Circle Drive," Pulido said. "This area is just southeast of where officers were initially dispatched. There is no train crossing at this location." This incident remains under investigation by the Alton Police Department, the Madison County Coroner’s Office, and the Amtrak Police Department.

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ST. LOUIS – Mayors of the Mississippi River Cities & Towns Initiative gathered this week for their virtual Capitol Meeting in Washington, DC to meet with national leaders on resilience and infrastructure spending. Leaders in Washington for the Mississippi River Cities & Towns Initiative 10th virtual Capitol Meeting addressed three key points during the meetings announced at today’s press conference: On the eve of flood season 2022, Mayors are working to make critical progress on the partnership launched with Ducks Unlimited - dirt is moving and new flood storage is being made; Mayors are launching a new and unique MRCTI Infrastructure Facility to help cities add a new level of capacity to compete for Jobs Act grants over the next several cycles; Mayors announce the opening of the second Outcomes-based Financing Challenge with Quantified Ventures. The Two-Rivers Project with Ducks Unlimited will work to create natural flood storage at within the confluence area of the Illinoi

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The Conversation - Gun and ammunition sales in the U.S. have skyrocketed in recent years . And although it may come as a surprise, this trend has supported conservation activities. That’s because every firearm and bullet produced or imported into the U.S. is subject to an excise tax dedicated to wildlife conservation and restoration. In 1998, these taxes generated about US$247 million in inflation-adjusted apportionments to state fish and wildlife agencies from the federal U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service , which collects and manages these funds. By 2018, these revenues had more than tripled to $829 million . These taxes on guns and ammunition sales provide a growing share of budgets for state fish and game agencies. But as scholars of environmental politics , conservation and wildlife management , we have found that the growth in conservation funding driven by exploding guns sales presents at least three critical moral and ethical issues. First, the original argument

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ST. LOUIS — Due to continuing high demand for tickets and the immense popularity of the event, Beyond Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience will remain open in St. Louis through May 30, 2022. More than 200,000 people have seen the exhibition in St. Louis to date. Tickets are available now at www.vangoghstlouis.com . The exhibition will be open Wednesdays through Sundays until March 30. From April 7 until May 30, Beyond Van Gogh will be open on Thursdays and Fridays from noon until last entry at 8 p.m.; Saturdays from 10 a.m. until last entry at 8 p.m. and Sundays from 10 a.m. until last entry at 6 p.m. The exhibition will be closed on Easter Sunday, April 17, and will be open on Monday, May 30. Four entry times are available each hour. Tickets are sold online only at www.vangoghstlouis.com . Prices begin at $33.99 for adults and $19.99 for children ages 5 to 15. Children under 5 are free. During the exhibition, guests are completely immersed in more than 300 of the greatest

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The Center Square – A new report shows that Illinois ranks 25th in the country in employment recovery, with unemployment down 85% from this time last year. The study conducted by WalletHub shows Illinois' job recovery post-pandemic and highlights how states are recovering in the job market. All 50 states were ranked 1-50 based on job recovery. South Carolina ranked at the top of the list with Iowa and Arizona. New Mexico was at the bottom. Jill Gonzalez of WalletHub explained why Illinois has seen a decrease in unemployment claims. "This means that the decreasing COVID-19 cases brought on a high number of new jobs and new workers," Gonzalez said. "These are both signs that the pandemic's hold on the economy is also decreasing." Illinois has been a Democratic state when voting in elections over the past handful of elections. Gonzalez highlighted how that factors into the state's recovery. "With an average ranking of 27 of the most recovered states, blue states had worse recovery

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ALTON - Alton Police Department is investigating a pedestrian who died after being struck by a train at about 6:32 p.m. on Tuesday, March 22, 2022, on the railroad tracks in the area of 2800 block of Circle Drive near Homer Adams Parkway in Alton. The Alton Police Department and Alton Fire Department responded to the area after a call of a pedestrian who had been struck. "Preliminary investigation revealed that an Amtrak train collided with a pedestrian who was on the train tracks, in the area of the 2800 block of Circle Drive," the chief said. "This area is just southeast of where officers were initially dispatched. There is no train crossing at this location. "Unfortunately, the pedestrian has died and this investigation is still ongoing."

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EDWARDSVILLE - Judge Christopher Threlkeld filed his nominating petitions for Madison County Circuit Judge on Monday, March 21, 2022, in Springfield at the Illinois State Board of Elections. Judge Threlkeld filed well above the required number of signatures required for judicial subcircuit 1, the area of the county from which he may be elected. Appointed by the Illinois Supreme Court in 2020 as Madison County Circuit Judge to fill a vacancy to serve all of Madison County, only voters in the first subcircuit will be allowed to vote for circuit judges in 2022. “It was an honor to file my petitions today,” stated Judge Threlkeld. “The encouragement I received during the petition signing period was tremendous. Every voter I spoke with was incredibly supportive of me and my campaign, regardless of their political affiliation, as we are united by our disappointment about the recent legislation breaking the tradition of county-wide voting for all circuit judges. "I look

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ALTON - A May 2 trial date has been set for accused killer Aryion Sanders, who was previously convicted of first-degree murder in the shooting death of James Hubbard in an Alton housing project. He was 17 at the time of the shooting death. The pending trial was set after an appellate court reversed and remanded the case, asserting that a police interview was allowed as evidence, but the appellate court ruled that Sanders’ confession was coerced and Sanders had previously asserted his right to remain silent. Before the first, trial authorities attempted to try Sanders, but the case was continued because a witness, Aryion Sanders’ younger brother, Ahmad Sanders, went missing. The first attempt at a trial was delayed and dismissed. After the first attempt, a mis-trial was ruled in the first trial as a result of juror mis-conduct. May 2 will be the fourth time the Sanders case has been set for trial. A hearing in advance of the pending trial was held Monday. The

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ALTON - Junior Brody Hendricks was a standout over the Marquette Catholic boys basketball season and played a pivotal role in the Explorers' regional championship. Brody is the Tucker's Automotive Repair & Tire Male Athlete of the Month For Marquette Catholic. Brody agreed that this year's biggest achievement for the Explorers was capturing the regional crown and second place in both the Columbia and Okawville Tournaments. He said he would like to thank his parents for always allowing him to play sports and his brothers for constantly playing games with me to get me better. "I would also like to thank all of the coaches that I’ve had because they’ve taught me how to play throughout the years," he said. Steve Medford is Brody's head boys basketball coach at Marquette Catholic. The Marquette junior said Coach Medford has been a big inspiration in his high school life and improved his play. "Coach Medford has taught me a lot of things about the sport, and has helped me

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