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JERSEYVILLE – The Illinois Department of Transportation announces the closure of IL 109 between Dow Road and Bethel Lane beginning on Monday, June 27, 2022, weather permitting. This will be a complete closure of the road, therefore, no traffic will be able to get through the closure area. This closure is needed to construct a new box culvert and it should be completed in approximately two weeks. The signed detour for this closure is as follows: Southbound IL 109 NB to W. County Rd in Jerseyville W. County Rd EB to US 67 US 67 SB to Godfrey Rd in Godfrey Godfrey Rd SB to IL 3 NB in Godfrey Northbound IL 109 SB to IL 3 IL 3 SB to Godfrey Rd in Godfrey Godfrey Rd NB to US 67 US 67 NB to Jerseyville W. County Rd WB to IL 109 SB At the completion of this closure, no other full road closures are planned. However, there will be intermittent day-time single-lane closures needed for 1-2 months to complete the resurfacing of IL 109. More information will be forthcoming to identify

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ALTON — The Alton Youth Symphony presented a Lifetime Achievement Award to retiring board member Dick Propes during a luncheon at Santino’s in Alton. Dick served on the board of directors for over forty years and will be greatly missed. Alton Youth Symphony was started in 1969, by Larry Crabbs and Ken Conrady, music educators in the Alton school district, who had a vision for a full symphonic orchestra open to all qualified area students in grades 5-8 with participation free of charge to students. After 53 years, AYS is still touching young lives, benefiting up to 100 student musicians each year. Today it is based at Lewis and Clark Community College, and through the generous support from individuals and businesses in the area, and corporate grantors such as Boeing Employees Community Fund. Alton Youth Symphony is the only youth orchestra in the region that does not charge a membership fee for students and offers scholarships for private lessons and music camps to deserving

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EAST ALTON – The National Great Rivers Research and Education Center (NGRREC sm ) is currently in its second year of a treefrog research project taking place in southern Illinois’ bald cypress swamps. Currently, bird-voiced treefrogs are listed as threatened in Illinois and the habitat they rely on, bottomland forest swamps, are rapidly declining and listed as wetlands of international importance. The goal of this project is to provide a more accurate assessment of population, abundance, growth and survival of bird-voiced treefrogs in southern Illinois. “Overall, this species is very understudied, with a majority of the research taking place in the 1990s,” said Jessica Mohlman, assistant scientist and research coordinator. “The previous studies also focused on only observational findings including diet and mating. We are now tracking individuals and gathering additional information including weight and length to better understand the species and it

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GODFREY – If having a wide variety of interests is an indicator of a well-rounded student, then Lewis and Clark Community College’s most recent student trustee certainly fits the definition. Civic Memorial graduate Joel Barker, the son of Jill Barker, of Bethalto, and Brian Barker, of Hillsboro, will represent the students to the Board of Trustees for the 2022-2023 academic year. It’s a role he’s keen to take on. “I hope to gain experience in working within organizations,” he said. “I want to provide a better experience and a voice for the student body, who might not always know how to have their voice heard.” It’s obvious Barker plans to lead by example. “It’s important to me to help students become more comfortable with advocating for themselves,” he said. “Students should be able to organize themselves and speak for what they believe will provide them with the best experience.” He credits his grandfather

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ELSAH/CHAUTAUQUA - The Illinois Department of Transportation announces a lane closure on IL 100 at Elsah Creek beginning on Monday, June 27, 2022, weather permitting. Traffic will be reduced to one lane in the eastbound direction. This closure is needed to perform bridge painting and it should be completed by mid-July. Immediately following the completion of that work, another lane closure will begin on the same road at Chautauqua Creek. Traffic will again be reduced to one lane in the eastbound direction. This closure is also needed for bridge painting and should be completed in by mid-August. 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 Civil Coatings and Construction Inc., of Valparaiso, Indiana. For IDOT District 8 updates, follow us on Twitter at @IDOTDistrict8 or view area construction

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Photos in article, (and gallery), may be purchased for personal use at: https://www.randymanning.com/Juneteenth-Alton-Monday ALTON - A Juneteenth Celebration presented by Mr. Everything and hosted by Jesse Taylor captured spirited attendance in Alton from noon to 6 p.m. on Monday at James Killion Park at Salu. The day featured comedy, poetry, and a talent hour and was free and open to the public. Rosie Brown, Alton Alderwoman of Fourth Ward, said this was a wonderful day and people enjoyed great people, great food, and good company. "This was also a day to showcase talent and comedy in the community," she said. "This was the first official day that allowed people to be off work to mark Juneteenth. I am so glad we pulled this together for people to get the feeling of being free. We know today we are celebrating slaves being completely freed and we are ancestors of those slaves, so we love being together." She continued: "I want to thank Mr. Everything an entrepreneur in this

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EDWARDSVILLE - Edwardsville Township will host a discussion at noon this Friday, June 24, 2022, on homelessness in our community and how we can come together to combat it at Main Street Community Center, 1003 N. Main Street, Edwardsville Illinois. The event will feature 3 speakers who will present information for attendees in a short TED Talk type format and then be available for questions. The featured speakers include Dave Kerr, Homeless Services for Madison County Government, Jill Schardt, Edwardsville Public Library Director, and a representative from the Salvation Army's Booth House. “Homeless is an issue far too often overlooked in our community, and even more so the past two years during COVID,” said Edwardsville Township Supervisor Kevin Hall. “As we were looking for topics for our first Lunch and Learn since the pandemic began, it was a logical one to start with. We look forward to hearing ways the community is already and can continue to come together o

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ALTON - 2022 DAR American History Award Recipients Ninian Edwards, NSDAR in Alton is pleased to announce the following eighth-grade students who have won the DAR American History Award for outstanding performance in American History throughout the year: Alton Middle School – Mia Sanchez Cuellar and Jeremiah Harrison - Grace Massey and Haelee Moyer. Evangelical School – Marcus Hoffmann and Jessica Eales. Lewis & Clark Jr. High – Morgan Eberlin and Connor Strebler. Mississippi Valley Christian School – Remi Sapp and Emma Steinhauer. Our Lady Queen of Peace – Kaydie Everett and Allison Maher. Roxana Jr. High School – Lilliana Ray and Logan Prater. St. Ambrose School – Samantha Carter and Elisabeth Preston. St. Mary’s Middle School – John Hornsey and Stephen Stobbs. Wilbur Trimpe Middle School – Marlee Durbin and Jude Breyer. Zion Lutheran School – Lucas Lorenz and Laila Earney.

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ST. LOUIS COUNTY - On Saturday, June 18, 2022, the St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office issued warrants on suspect Terrell Cooks, 37 years of age, of 5600 block of Greeg in St. Louis, Missouri 63115 for three counts of Murder 2 nd Degree, two counts of Endangering the Welfare of a Child, and two counts of Unlawful Possession of an Illegal Weapon. Additionally, the St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office issued warrants on suspect Seneca Mahan, 43, of years of age, of the 4100 block of Farlin Avenue in St. Louis, Missouri 63115 for three counts of Murder 2 nd Degree, two counts of Endangering the Welfare of a Child, two counts of Endangering the Welfare of a Child, and one count of Unlawful Possession of an Illegal Weapon. The deceased (four total) have been positively identified as: Christopher Jones 17 years of age, William Jones, 21 years of age, (addresses not listed) Travell Eason 16 years of age and Damario Cooks 18 years of age, both of the 6600

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ALTON - The State House Circle Project at College and Central Avenues is one that Pride, Inc. has put significant sweat equity into over the years. In 2016, Pride took on this beautification project, as part of its 50-year anniversary, to further improve this historic area within the Alton neighborhood. Several years ago, the Alton/Godfrey Rotary organization updated the fountains and planted trees at the location, which quickly became overgrown and unruly. Pride took over the project, laying stone edging and planting new shrubs and flowers. "It has since been the volunteers from Pride, Inc. that continue to pour their souls and hard work into keeping the area attractive and well-groomed," Pride, Inc., Executive Director Pat Stewart said. "The volunteers that came out in the heat last week were, Carolyn MacAfee, Pat Ackman, Brenda Darr, and John Meehan." The State House Circle area holds historical significance to Alton. The first capital of Illinois was located in Vandalia, Illinois.

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GODFREY - Last Thursday, June 16, Lewis and Clark Elementary School received a $5,000 grant from the YWCA. The money was used to buy new children's books depicting people with black and brown skin as well as lesson plans that go along with some of the books. The idea came from YWCA Racial Justice committee member Becky Cowart. "I created Diverse Story which is a story time where you read books that feature children with black and brown skin so that the people listening and enjoying the stories can see themselves and have positive images of black and brown people," Cowart said. "And then you have discussions about what you read about to get more people comfortable talking about things like racism." This was part of one of YWCA's yearly events called "Stand Against Racism." "Nana got in touch with me and asked if I'd come up with three or four lesson plans that revolve around some of the books. I did just that using a site called Learning For Justice, a site that helps teachers

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ST. LOUIS COUNTY - St. Louis County Police Crimes Against Persons detectives are currently investigating a homicide in the 2400 block of Stoney End Court which resulted in the death of an adult male. On June 20, 2022, at approximately 7:10 AM, St. Louis County police officers from the North County Precinct responded to a call for service for a shooting in the 2400 block of Stoney End Court. Arriving officers located an adult male suffering from an apparent gunshot injury. The victim was pronounced deceased at the scene. Preliminary investigation has revealed the shooting was a result of a domestic incident. The investigation is very active at this time. Additional information will be disseminated as it becomes available. Please contact the St. Louis County Police Department at 636-529-8210 to speak with investigators if you have any information regarding this incident. To remain anonymous or potentially receive a reward, please contact CrimeStoppers at 1-866-371-TIPS (8477).

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Letter To The Editor: I have known Major Connor, both personally and professionally, for over twenty-five years. During that time, I have found him to be a true law enforcement professional. Major Connor is an individual of the highest character and integrity. He has proven to be a natural leader with both common sense and the intelligence necessary to lead a professional and progressive law enforcement agency. As you review Major Jeff Connor's qualifications, you will find him to be loyal, dedicated, and determined to succeed. He thrives on challenges and enjoys working hard, and is always willing to go the extra mile to accomplish his goals. Graduating from the FBI National Academy, Lindenwood University Graduate Program, and being the Commander of the St. Louis Area, Major Case Squad are only three examples in which he has shown himself to be an asset and a team player in Saint Louis & Illinois Law Enforcement Community. In assessing Major Connor’s overall abilities, it

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EDWARDSVILLE - Twisted Biscuit in Edwardsville celebrated its first birthday in style last week with a big celebration hosted by the Edwardsville/Glen Carbon Chamber of Commerce. Matthew Fox, owner/president of FoxCo Restaurants, said Twisted Biscuit does things a little unique from other restaurants and is trendy. He said the restaurant was excited to share a celebration of its first birthday with the community. “We have a lot of traditional items, and we are a lot of fun,” Fox said. “We are grandma’s breakfast with a twist, we want to be fun and not necessarily do anything already done but do it a little more vibrant and in the Twisted Biscuit way. We hope to grow our name and ways to appeal to all individuals small and large from the small children to grandma and grandpa, we just look to continue to have fun in Edwardsville." Twisted Biscuit is located at 1071 South State Route 157, Edwardsville. “When you come to Twisted Biscuit, expect a great

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BETHALTO - Recent Civic Memorial High School graduate Claire Christeson was a two-sport standout athlete for the Eagles. She was a star on the girls' basketball team and also loved playing soccer come springtime. Because of injuries and the COVID-19 Pandemic, she had an absolute roller coaster of a high school campaign. With her career finish in both basketball and soccer and how she faced all the challenges and remained vital to her teams, she is a Tom Lane State Farm Insurance Female Athlete of Month for the Eagles. "Personally, I didn't expect it to go this way," Claire said. "Looking back at it I wouldn't change anything." She started off by making the varsity basketball team her freshman year and came off the bench, participating in 20 games. The following year she played in all 35 games. Her junior year was cut short due to the pandemic. The Eagles still managed to get in 17 games, only losing one of those. Claire played in all 17 and averaged 10.2 points per game. She gave

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BETHALTO - Bethalto Police Department responded to a serious rollover crash on I-255 right before the Bethalto exit Sunday morning. Bethalto Police Chief Mike Dixon said the Bethalto Police and Fire Department responded to the crash. One of the subjects involved in the one-vehicle crash was airlifted from the scene. Chief Dixon said Illinois State Police is handling the investigation and will release any further information. More to come.

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(BUZZ MAGAZINE) - Civil War soldiers from Illinois, as elsewhere, came from all walks of life, including a few college students. One was Joseph Howell, a Bond County native who died in the opening months of the war. Howell was killed in action at the Battle of Fort Donelson on Feb. 15, 1862, which was his first major action. Like most war casualties, Howell was cut down in the prime of life, at 22 years old. His death brought an untimely end to a promising future. Born on Sept. 1, 1838, Howell managed to pursue higher education in a time of low literacy. In 1860, he was one of ten members of the original graduating class at Illinois State Normal, which was renamed Illinois State University in 1964. “Normal” referred to a school to trains teachers, so Howell’s career path was obvious. By his final year, he was serving as an assistant in the university’s model school, which was founded just weeks after the first classes in 1857. Simply put, Merriam-Webster define

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GODFREY - Godfrey Mayor Mike McCormick released more information today about limb pickup from the recent storm that did significant damage to trees in the area. "In response to the storm of June 17, 2022, that went through the Village of Godfrey, Mayor Mike McCormick has activated the Public Works Department to assist with pick-up and disposal of yard debris," the Village of Godfrey said today. "Because employees are not permitted on private property, limbs and branches must be curbside and cannot be more than 8 inches in diameter. "To assure pick-up, contact Godfrey’s Public Works Department at (618) 466-3133 to share your address; if no answer, please leave a message. Pick-up will run from June 21, 2022, to June 28, 2022.

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CARLINVILLE - Early voting in Macoupin County for this year’s primary elections is off to a “slow but steady” start, Macoupin County Clerk Pete Duncan said. The early voting period in Macoupin County began on May 19 and will end on June 27, the day before Election Day on June 28. “Early voting in-person looks to be down considerably compared to past cycles,” Duncan said. “Right now, we’ve had 114 - our average number of in-person early votes over the last six primaries has been 388.” Duncan said he thinks there are two primary factors driving low turnout. “One, we have no local competitive primaries which usually is the driver of turnout,” Duncan said. “Two, I think the summer primary is unusual so people aren’t thinking it’s time to go vote.” Despite the low number of in-person early voters, Duncan said Macoupin County’s vote by mail program has been “extremely successful.”

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SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois State Police (ISP) recently convened the first meeting of the Commission on Implementing the Firearms Restraining Order Act (Commission). The General Assembly passed legislation in 2021 calling for the creation of the Commission to advise on strategies for the education and implementation of the Firearms Restraining Order Act. The Commission is charged with developing a policy that will serve as the overall framework for timely relinquishment of firearms whenever a firearms restraining order is issued. The Commission will consult with counties and other states with extreme risk protection order laws that have been successful implementing such laws. Once the policy is approved, ISP will work with local law enforcement agencies to design a comprehensive strategy using the model policy. The Commission, chaired by ISP Director Brendan F. Kelly, includes State’s Attorneys, chiefs of police, a sheriff, circuit court judge, representatives

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