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The Illinois State Police (ISP) commissioned 29 new Troopers of Cadet Class 133 at a graduation ceremony at the Illinois State Police Academy in Springfield, Illinois on Friday, March 4. The new Troopers will report to two ISP patrol districts in the Chicago area on Monday, March 7, 2022. “The new troopers of Cadet Class 133 embody the excellence that defines the Illinois State Police, and I wish them a heartfelt congratulations as they step into their new roles,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “I’m proud to have worked with the Illinois General Assembly to rebuild ISP by adding hundreds of sworn officers to our forces after their numbers were severely reduced over the last two decades. The 29 individuals who join the force today are leaders in their communities who have committed to serve and protect, and I am so grateful for their commitment. We couldn’t keep our residents safe without them.” Cadet Class 133 marks the fifth cadet class graduation under

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EAST ST. LOUIS – A Cahokia woman - Jasmine Davison - was sentenced to eighteen months in prison on Friday, March 4, 2022, for her involvement in an ID-theft scam from 2015 to 2018. Davison, 29, and her fellow conspirators used the stolen names and social security numbers of real people to set up new cellular service accounts at Sprint stores across Southern Illinois. In addition, they used the accounts to acquire cellular telephones without paying for them and resold the phones to other cellular retail stores for cash. Davison is the third defendant to be sentenced in the case. On February 18, 2021, Michael Henderson was sentenced to serve 24 months and 1 day in prison. Kyetia Hines was sentenced on May 5, 2021, to serve 28 months, 4 of which ran concurrent with a prior sentence. Antoinette Davis, the last defendant in the case, is scheduled to be sentenced later this month. The investigation was conducted by the United States Postal Inspection Service and the Cahokia Police

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PONTOON BEACH – The Illinois Department of Transportation announces that intermittent lane restrictions will begin on IL 111 between Horseshoe Lake Rd. and Collinsville Rd. on Wednesday, March 9, 2022, weather permitting. Two-way traffic will be maintained through the work zone by the use of flaggers. This work is needed do pavement repairs and place a new asphalt driving surface. The work is expected to be completed by the end of June. Drivers are urged to reduce speed, be alert for changing conditions, obey all construction signage, and refrain from using mobile devices while approaching and traveling through the work zone. The contractor on this project is the Christ Brothers Asphalt 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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ST. LOUIS - On Thursday, March 10, Mayor Tishaura O. Jones and World Wide Technology Chairman and Founder Dave Steward will host a tech summit for fellow Black mayors at the company’s headquarters. Interim Public Safety Director Dr. Dan Isom will also present to participants an overview of public safety strategies in St. Louis, including the city’s alternative response models, after the city saw a decrease in homicides between 2020 and 2021 of more than 25 percent. “Putting St. Louis back on the map means building relationships with other cities and leaders to learn from each other,” said Mayor Tishaura O. Jones. “I’m thrilled to host the first in a series of mayoral summits across the country right here in St. Louis at the largest Black-owned business in the U.S, World Wide Technology.” Participants include Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens; Augusta Mayor Hardie Davis Jr; Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin; Columbia Mayor Steve Benjamin; East Baton

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For current information regarding Lewis and Clark Community College’s operations during the pandemic, please visit lc.edu/coronavirus.com . Recurring event: Alton Area Tax Project: 5-7 p.m., Tuesdays and Thursdays; 10 a.m.-noon, Saturdays, Templin Nursing Building, NU201, Lewis and Clark Community College, 5800 Godfrey Rd., Godfrey. Appointments are required. To schedule, visit https://AltonAreaTaxProject.com/appointment or call (314) 292-9597. 3/5-3/6 – Trailblazers Baseball vs. Kirkwood: noon, Saturday and Sunday, Godfrey Ball Park, 1401B Stamper Ln., Godfrey. (618) 468-5253. 3/7 – Trailblazers Softball vs. St. Louis Community College: 2 p.m., Godfrey Ball Park, 1401B Stamper Ln., Godfrey. (618) 468-6270. 3/7 – Black Student Art Show: noon-2 p.m., The Commons, Lewis and Clark Community College, 5800 Godfrey Rd., Godfrey. (618) 468-3270. 3/8 -- L&C Board of Trustees Regular Meeting: 6 p.m., Ahlemeyer Atrium, Trimpe (TR 141), Lewis and

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), James Risch (R-ID), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Mike Crapo (R-ID), and Sherrod Brown (D-OH) today urged the Biden Administration to accelerate the sale of M1A2 SEPv3 tanks and advanced armor packages to Poland. The letter also asks the Biden Administration to engage with additional NATO allies to determine if the Russian Federation’s brutal act of war requires the U.S to develop and execute any additional sales to strengthen the military capabilities of other NATO members. “Dramatically strengthening Poland’s ground forces will also strengthen NATO’s collective defensive capabilities and serve as a powerful deterrent against the Russian Federation launching additional military incursions in Europe beyond Ukraine,” the Senators wrote. “Vladimir Putin is brutal dictator and thug who seeks to intimidate and bully members of the NATO Alliance, the European Union and all members of the international

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GODFREY - Godfrey Fire Protection District Lt. Chris Stratton and Capt. Chris Dennison set out on a long 40-pound ruck fund-raising adventure this past Saturday and went past 20 miles, all the way to Pere Marquette State Park then partially back to Godfrey Fire House, where they started. The two and some others, who joined them, did the fund-raising event for BackStoppers Inc. and FOB Rasor. Saturday was the third anniversary since March 5, 2019, when Godfrey Fire Capt. Jake Ringering died while battling a blaze on Culp Lane in Bethalto. Jake was 37 at the time when a wall collapsed on March 5, 2019, killing him and injuring three other firefighters. Firefighter Luke Warner was the other most seriously injured suffering two broken legs but did return to duty after a long recovery. Godfrey Fire Chief Eric Cranmer said he couldn't be more proud of the two men and the others who walked in the fund-raiser in memory of Jake Ringering. "It was a great honor to Jake what they did," he said.

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EDWARDSVILLE - Jude Henke, a senior swimmer for Father McGivney Catholic, made history by becoming the first-ever Griffins' swimmer to qualify for the IHSA state meet, going 21.66 seconds in the 50-yard freestyle at the sectional swim meet Saturday afternoon at the Chuck Fruit Aquatic Center in Edwardsville. Henke's qualifying time was one-tenth of a second faster than the qualifying time of 21.76 needed for non-winners of the event to go through to state. For his historic qualification to the state swimming meet, Henke has been named the school's Byron, Carlson, Petri and Kalp Athlete of the Month. In an interview that followed his race in the 100-yard freestyle, Henke felt he swam well in both of his races. "The 100 was a little bit slower, but I've always been stronger in the 50," Henke said. To qualify for state fulfills a lifelong dream for Henke, and he was very happy about the accomplishment. "It's been a goal since freshman year, so I finally made it," he said with a smile.

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PEORIA - The omicron variant is loosening its grip on the United States, as COVID-19 cases continue their sharp decline. Mask mandates are lifting and hospitals are getting a much-needed respite from near-capacity inpatient cases. Despite this positive trend, however, health care experts want parents of recently COVID-positive kids to watch for symptoms of an inflammatory syndrome that can manifest weeks after infection. The shock-like syndrome, dubbed "multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children" (MIS-C) by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), mimics a relatively rare inflammatory illness called Kawasaki disease. MIS-C comes with fever, red eyes, swelling of hands and feet, abdominal pain, and other symptoms. “It looks a little bit like Kawasaki disease or sometimes like Staphylococcal toxic shock syndrome or Staph scalded skin syndrome. Some of these children tested positive for coronavirus or tested positive for antibodies to the virus, indicating previous

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URBANA - When I want to get inspired by my work with local small farmers, I make my way to Clara Joyce Flowers . There, farmer Drew Groezinger inevitably has something new going on. My visits have coincided with high tunnels being erected, a field of newly planted hemp, propagation houses busting at the seams with trays ready to be planted, preparation for social media launches, the creation of value-added products, and an innovative evolution of a farmstand. In my years of these ‘drop-ins’, the most dramatic change is the transition from colorful fields of vegetables to cascading seas of dahlias, ranunculus, sunflowers, peonies, and other specialty cut flowers. To understand Clara Joyce Flowers and the work that Drew and his team do is to first understand that it was not “always flowers but it was always going to be flowers.” As a seventh-generation resident of Jo Daviess County in the Driftless Region of Northwest Illinois, Drew grew up surrounded by rolling

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The Conversation — When Russia invaded Ukraine , I responded like many Americans: by making charitable donations . I was able to make my gift with confidence because I’m a scholar of nonprofits who has studied giving during disasters and other crises . Mostly I’ve studied how charities help local communities after events like hurricanes and earthquakes , rather than war zones. But I’m also a human being, with friends and colleagues who are Ukrainian. Empathy and a personal connection to a cause are often what motivates donors to act . You can wisely choose causes with the potential to do the most good in the middle of this humanitarian crisis by giving with your head as well as your heart. Here are the five guidelines I follow in my own giving decisions: 5 guidelines for donors 1) Send money to organizations, not strangers Crowdfunding and social media fundraising campaigns have become so common that when I recently searched GoFundMe, i

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The Center Square – The search is on for the coolest thing made in Illinois. The Illinois Manufacturers' Association is launching its third annual “Makers Madness” contest in which the public will vote which product earns the 2022 title. IMA President and CEO Mark Denzler notes that Illinois manufacturers produce everything from life-saving vaccines to components used for space exploration, and there is no reason why Illinois shouldn’t be the nation’s leader in the manufacturing industry. “We have everything it takes to be successful,” Denzler said. “We have a modern infrastructure system, we have great colleges and universities, we have an educated workforce, we have reliable and low-cost energy, and we are the only state in the nation with all seven Class 1 railroads.” Previous contest winners include a mining truck made by Caterpillar Inc., which is the world’s largest mechanical truck, and a self-regulating traffic

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MT. GREENWOOD - It’s that time of year. Cold winter weather and dry air are here. When you think about the winter season, you can’t help but remember those mornings waking up with a dry mouth, sore throat, and sinus congestion. Of course, we are on high alert for COVID-19 and the flu . Still, other factors play a role in those unpleasant symptoms that are not directly related to infection, particularly when it comes to your sinuses. Environmental allergies and dry winter air can also cause sinus congestion . What happens The nose warms and humidifies the air inhaled with moisture that evaporates from the lining of the nasal passage. When exposed to cold and dry air, the lining of the nose becomes irritated and inflamed, and it produces more mucus, resulting in nasal congestion. The excessive mucus drips into the throat and irritates it, causing a cough . The excess mucus can also obstruct the sinuses and become trapped, encouraging bacteria to grow. If it’s

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URBANA – As prime tornado season approaches, know what a tornado warning means and what to do. The National Weather Service issues a tornado warning under two conditions, says Duane Friend , University of Illinois Extension natural resources educator: rotation is indicated by weather radar, or rotation has been observed by trained spotters. If a warning is issued for the area, it means residents in the warning area are in the projected path. Bulletins often discuss the potential impact damage from the tornado. What to do during a tornado warning "First thing to do when a tornado warning is issued for your area is to take cover immediately," Friend says. "Do not go outside to look for the tornado; it may approach quickly with little time to get to safety." Damage from downed trees and flying debris may also occur. Tornado warnings may include these cautions: "life-threatening situation," "flying debris may be deadly," or “damage is likely to occur to buildings, with

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EDWARDSVILLE - Edwardsville, Hamel, Roxana, South Roxana and Holiday Shores Fire Departments responded to a brush fire that spread to a large shed in unincorporated Madison County Saturday afternoon. Edwardsville Fire Chief James Whiteford said the call came in at 2:45 p.m. and burned approximately 2 acres of trees and brush before firefighters extinguished the blaze.

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JERSEY COUNTY - An upcoming exhibit at the Jersey County Historical Society museum will dive into the history behind the Jersey County Courthouse, displaying original artifacts and law books salvaged from inside the building. Connor Ashlock, Historical Society board member and overseer of this project, said someone from the courthouse approached him when they were preparing to get rid of the courthouse’s old law library - they had no need for it since cases have been logged into computers. To avoid throwing away anything of historical significance, they asked Ashlock to take one last look. “They said, ‘Would you want to come in and take what you want for the Historical Society?’ and I said, ‘Absolutely,’” Ashlock said. “Whenever I first started taking those books, I’m thinking to myself, ‘I know that we’re going to give these to the Historical Society somehow, I just don’t know how I’m going to incorporate

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ST. LOUIS - National Nutrition Month® is an annual campaign created by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. This year’s theme, “Celebrate a World of Flavors,” encourages trying new foods from various cultures to bring different flavor combinations to healthy eating. Food patterns are influenced by family history and culture, but also by geography, budgets and taste preferences. Many cuisines offer dishes that contain foods from each food group, including dairy; making it possible to plan nutritious, well-balanced meals that are bursting with flavor. “The wide variety of milk and dairy foods provides endless options to meet personal needs, tastes, and preferences within a variety of cultures,” states Maggie Cimarolli, Registered Dietitian with St. Louis District Dairy Council. Eating healthy does not have to be complicated or boring, thanks to versatile dairy foods that easily pair with meals and snacks from across the globe. Familiar ingredients

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ALTON - Antonia Phillips recently won the IHSA state girls wrestling championships title at 140 pounds in Illinois. Her historical achievement is being widely recognized by more than just the high school, who is proud to have her as a student. A well-attended celebration was held for Antonia on Friday afternoon at Alton High. She is the first wrestler in the history of Alton High School to take home the title of state champion. After talking with those involved in her athletic accomplishments, it’s apparent that she can zero in on what she needs to improve at in every aspect of her life. During this event, there were multiple speakers including a few of Antonia’s coaches, the Alton superintendent, the school principal, and the town’s mayor. Alton Mayor David Goins made a surprising announcement that Antonia’s achievement will be displayed on signs all across the town. To be positioned at all road entrances, a sign will read “Welcome to Alton, Home o

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EVERGREEN PARK - March is Colon Cancer Awareness Month. For years, colon cancer was believed by many to be an “old person’s disease.” A recent study , however, revealed that young patients ages 20 to 29 have seen the highest spike in rates of diagnosed colon cancer cases. According to the American Cancer Society, nearly 18,000 people under the age of 50 will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer this year in the United States. Many of these cases are being diagnosed at late stages, which is believed to be happening in large part because many young people brush off symptoms as being nothing out of the norm. “I think there is a misconception that when you are young, your risk of colon cancer is smaller. What ends up happening is a lot of people just discredit it as something they ate, or needing to be on a better diet or other issues that have been going on. But when you talk to these people who have had colon cancer who are younger, they typically have been having

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SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) today reported 10,462 new confirmed and probable cases of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Illinois, including an increase of 272 deaths since February 25, 2022. Currently, IDPH is reporting a total of 3,037,199 cases, including 32,926 deaths, in 102 counties in Illinois. The age of cases ranges from younger than one to older than 100 years. Since February 25, 2022, laboratories have reported 750,521 specimens for a total of 55,089,500. As of last night, 843 individuals in Illinois were reported to be in the hospital with COVID-19. Of those, 153 patients were in the ICU and 77 patients with COVID-19 were on ventilators. The preliminary seven-day statewide positivity for cases as a percent of total test from February 25 - March 3, 2022 is 1.4%. The preliminary seven-day statewide test positivity from February 25 - March 3, 2022 is 1.6%. A total of 21,157,960 vaccines have been administered in Illinois as o

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