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ALTON - Marquette Catholic High School senior Sophie Bunch became the latest Explorer to announce her commitment to play a sport in college. She will be attending Maryville University in the fall for dance. "I really didn't imagine myself dancing at first, but then I was like, you know what, let's try it out, see how it is," Sophie said. "Going to the first clinic was really fun and all the girls were just super nice and invited me very quickly." Sophie said she's been dancing pretty much her whole life starting when she was 3 and then began competing when she was 8. While at Maryville she will be studying to become a nurse, something that she has been really excited about. She talked about how her cousin was a pediatric nurse and it made her want to go into the field. While at Marquette Sophie competed at the IDTA State Competition twice in her freshman and junior year. She said those are some of her favorite dancing memories. She'll make a return to that competition this season

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GODFREY - BJC HealthCare has poured concrete footings and is on its way with a new 14,000-square-foot facility at the corner of Godfrey Road and Celesta Street in Godfrey. BJC plans to locate space for primary and specialty care, radiology, and laboratory services, and also additional room for future expansion, officials have said. Godfrey Mayor Mike McCormick said BJC has announced plans to move its Alton Memorial Convenient Care now at 5520 Godfrey Road to the new outpatient facility. The new facility will also be in the Alton Memorial EMS coverage area. Mayor McCormick said BJC is investing a large amount of money in the Village of Godfrey with a huge building that will offer all kinds of services. He said there will not only be acute care services, but a wide range of services and will be another good addition to the village. “The addition of the new BJC facility will make a difference for people wanting to move to Godfrey because they are offering all kinds of services,”

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GODFREY - Scooters Coffee is progressing on a location right across the street from the Moto Mart on Godfrey Road, Godfrey Mayor Mike McCormick said on Monday. The location will be positioned at 5330 Godfrey Road once completed. McCormick said he has heard the recent Scooters addition in Bethalto is going quite well and the mayor expects the same in Godfrey. “Scooters had their hearts set on Godfrey and found a piece of property,” he said. “They will be a great business addition. A house was torn down at that location to make room for it. Scooters will add additional sales tax to the village, plus they offer excellent products.” Founded in 1998 by Don and Linda Eckles in Bellevue, Nebraska, Scooter’s Coffee roasts only the finest coffee beans in the world at its headquarters in Omaha, Nebraska. Scooter’s Coffee is a drive-thru franchise that has been serving world-class coffee for more than 20 years and has over 500 locations in 27 states across

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Mike Bost (IL-12), in one of his first votes of the 118 th Congress, voted to block the Biden administration from hiring 87,000 new IRS agents to audit working families. The Family and Small Business Taxpayer Protection Act, which Bost cosponsored, passed the House by a 221-210 margin. “From the jump, the new Republican majority is delivering on promises we made to the American people,” said Bost. “Hardworking Southern Illinois families are struggling to heat their homes, put food on the table, and put gas in their cars. "President Biden’s solution is an army of auditors? House Republicans are fighting to stop this disastrous policy and make sure the IRS is working on behalf taxpayers instead of against them.”

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EDWARDSVILLE – During a Monday, Jan. 10, 2023, special meeting, the Board of Education voted unanimously to put a $100 million zero-tax-rate change bond referendum on April 4, 2023, ballot, aimed at improving school safety and the infrastructure of District 7 buildings. If the referendum is approved by voters in April, District #7 would: Install double-entry doors for improved safety and security at seven schools, which would result in secure double entry at each of the district’s 13 schools. This also includes double entry at Nelson Elementary School and relocating the office space to the two classrooms just inside the main entrance. The current office space would then become classrooms. Renovate and rebuild Lincoln Middle School on its existing site by retaining the 1925 building. Remediate the asbestos and build a new wing of classrooms at Hamel Elementary School. Allocate up to $2,000,000 for repairs at Midway Elementary School. Expand the commons at Edwardsville

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ILLINOIS - Golden Apple, a non-profit dedicated to preparing, supporting and mentoring aspiring teachers, has extended the deadline to apply to its Accelerators program to January 31, 2023. Through the Accelerators program, Golden Apple aims to meet the teacher shortage crisis head on throughout southern, central and western Illinois by providing a path to teaching for non-educators with bachelor’s degrees looking to make a difference in classrooms right in their communities. Aspiring educators are encouraged to apply at www.goldenapple.org/ accelerators . Illinois’ ongoing teacher shortage, a crisis further exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, has prevented many students from accessing the quality education they deserve. According to a report by the Illinois Association of Regional Superintendents, 88% of school districts statewide reported having a teacher shortage problem in 2021, up from 77% in 2020. The effects of the teacher shortage crisis are felt most strongly

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ALTON - The Alton Community Service League is offering a fantastic raffle to help support fundraising that goes directly back into the community. For $10 each or 3 for $20 you have a chance to win the following: 1st Prize: $300 Aeries Gift Certificate 2nd Prize: 2 nights Aeries lodging (Su-Th) 3rd Prize: 2 Aeries zipline tickets (Su-Tu) The drawing will be held on March 13, 2023. Tickets can be purchased from any ACSL member or by calling Jean Conrady at 618-466-0438. Aeries resort, located in Grafton, Ill. offers a restaurant, lodging, the Grafton Zipline, the Grafton Sky Tour, and Aerie’s Alpine Coaster, The Resort sits on a bluff overlooking the confluence of the Mississippi and Ill. Rivers above downtown Grafton, Ill. provide a stunning view that captivates any visitor. Get your Raffle tickets now to enjoy “The Best View in the Midwest”!

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EDWARDSVILLE - Southern Illinois University Edwardsville and the Southern Illinois University School of Law have joined to offer a JD/MPA program, which allows students to earn both degrees simultaneously with fewer courses, in turn providing enhanced career opportunities for leadership in public agencies and other fields. The School of Law and the SIUE Department of Public Administration and Policy Analysis have entered into the first memorandum of understanding for concurrent degrees across the two campuses, both of which are within the SIU System. Prospective post-baccalaureate students can attend law school classes in Carbondale to pursue their Juris Doctor while earning a Master of Public Administration degree online from SIUE. “I want to congratulate and thank our system and campus leaders who have worked together so well to create this opportunity allowing students to obtain their JD from the SIU School of Law in Carbondale and an MPA from SIUE. A priority

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ALTON - The annual Alton Eagle Ice Festival on Saturday attracted a wide range of visitors to celebrate the return of the beautiful wintering American Bald Eagles to Southwest Illinois. Flock Food Truck was one of the Alton hosts for the event, along with The National Great Rivers Center, the Hartford Confluence Tower, and the Audubon Center at Riverlands hosted four different events for the widely attended official kickoff to the eagle-watching season in the Alton area. Cory Jobe, president/CEO of Great Rivers and Routes Tourism Bureau, said: “Today we are here at Flock, one of the locations for the Alton Eagle Ice Festival. We have food trucks, adult drinks for kids, we have live ice carvers, we have an eagle meet and greet, music, and fire pits to stay warm. It is a beautiful day here. “We also have three other locations this year - the National Great Rivers Museum with free lock and dam tours today to view eagles on the Mississippi. The Lewis and Clark Interpretive

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EDWARDSVILLE — County Board member William S. “Bill” Meyer is being remembered as a man who served his constituents and worked hard for the taxpayers. Meyer, 75, of Hamel died Thursday due to health complications. The Republican spent 18 years serving County Board District 3 and 22 years as a Village of Hamel trustee and six years as Village of Hamel president. “He served his district faithfully,” Chairman Kurt Prenzler said. Prenzler said Meyer always said it was an “honor serving the hard-working men and women of his district.” “Bill was ‘Mr. Hamel,’” Prenzler said. “He represented northeast Madison County well and used his experience in business on the County Board.” Meyer served on the board from 2000 to 2016 and from 2020 to 2023. He served on various committees including building and zoning, transportation, grants, and finance. County Board member Mick Madison of Bethalto said Myer would be missed.

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ALTON - Over one year ago a diagnosis of ALS, a neurodegenerative disease known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, was given to Tracy Bogard. As the auto-immune system of the body is compromised, muscles are weakened causing great difficulty in movement. There are many documented cases in which the symptoms have been reversed, so ALS is now considered to be reversible for individuals who have shown determination and a positive mindset. It is heartbreaking to see a woman as vivacious and vibrant as Tracy not be able to continue helping others. Her constant goal in life has been to make a difference. Those that love her, know she has the determination, courage, and positive mindset to reverse her diagnosis. As the fundraising chair for the Riverbender Community Center, an active member of local P.E.O. Chapter JZ, (an international organization that raises funds to support women furthering their education), a volunteer for Helping Hearts Grow, (a lunch program during Covid), and many other

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ALTON - A driver involved in a serious traffic crash on Brown Street at the intersection of Spaulding Street in Alton on Friday has died, Alton Police Chief Jarrett Ford said Monday afternoon. Alton Police and Fire were called to the scene around 3:53 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 6, 2023. The victim was flown via helicopter to a St. Louis area hospital for treatment after the accident on Friday afternoon. Ford said the Metro East woman later died at a St. Louis hospital. The chief identified the deceased woman as Sarah E. Pride, 37. Another driver was taken to a local hospital with minor damages. Ford said investigators determined that one vehicle crossed the center line into the oncoming traffic lane on Brown Street and struck an oncoming vehicle. The traffic crash investigation is being conducted by members of the Alton Police Department’s Traffic Division in conjunction with the Metro East Crash Assistance Team (MECAT). Ford said the exact cause of the accident remains under investigation

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EDWARDSVILLE - Junior A.J. Tillman played a pivotal role as point guard for Edwardsville's boys' basketball success in the 2022-2023 season. One big game was a 14-point outburst as the leading scorer for Edwardsville in the Tigers' 45-43 loss to O'Fallon in a Southwestern Conference boys basketball game on Dec. 6 at Lucco-Jackson Gym. It was a game where Tillman and the Tigers played well and competed hard, but in the end, the Panthers hit their shots and free throws when needed to pull out the win. Since that game, Tillman has been among the leading scorers for Edwardsville, currently averaging 10.5 points and 2.6 rebounds per game, scoring his season high of 18 points in a win over Riverview Gardens on Dec. 19 and also hitting for 15 points against Belleville East on Dec. 9 and 13 points twice, against Mary Institute-Country Day in the Scott Credit Union Shootout Dec. 10 and against Cahokia on Dec. 13. Tillman felt he played well, taking care of the ball and getting his shots when

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COLLINSVILLE - Senior center Emerson Weller led the way for Edwardsville's girls' basketball team on Jan. 5 with a 16-point performance against Collinsville in the Tigers' 51-30 win at Vergil Fletcher Gym. Edwardsville, who started off the season 2-5, has been enjoying success in the last month, especially over the Holidays in splitting four games at the prestigious Visitation Christmas Tournament, with seven wins following a narrow loss to St. Joseph's Academy in west St. Louis County 55-52 in the opening game of the St. Joseph's Shootout Jan. 7. Weller is an iCAN Clinic Female Athlete of the Month for the Tigers. Weller, who has signed to play next season at Missouri-St. Louis has been an instrumental part of Edwardsville's resurgence this year, following the loss of many key players to graduation. She felt getting to this point has been a great feeling, indeed. "It's a really good feeling," Weller said in a postgame interview that followed the win over the Kahoks. "We've really

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ALTON - A 27-year-old pedestrian died after a traffic crash Sunday on Landmarks Boulevard near the intersection of Ridge Street in Alton. Alton Police Chief Jarrett Ford said the pedestrian who died is identified as Keyani L. Thomas, 27, of Alton. Chief Ford said at 8:36 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 8, 2023, the Alton Police Department was notified of a traffic crash on Landmarks Boulevard near the intersection with Ridge Street. The information given was that a pedestrian had been struck by a vehicle. "Officers arrived and observed that an uninvolved motorist had stopped and was attempting life-saving measures on the pedestrian who had been struck by the vehicle," Ford said. "Officers also attempted life-saving efforts before the Alton Fire Department arrived on the scene and immediately took over the efforts and transported the pedestrian to Alton Memorial Hospital. The pedestrian was subsequently flown via Arch Air Medical Services to a St. Louis area hospital where she was later pronounced

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EDWARDSVILLE - Students returned to Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s campus welcomed by the smiling faces of staff and faculty to kick off the first day of the spring semester. The Office of Student Affairs coordinated the efforts of volunteers stationed around campus displaying “Ask Me!” signs offering guidance and encouragement as students walked to their classes. “The first day of the semester is always exciting,” said Interim Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Miriam Roccia. “The energy is abundant as new and returning students eagerly search for welcoming faces and their classrooms.” The opening week of the spring semester continues with multiple events and activities. Event listings are available at siue.edu/kimmel and siue.edu/events . Southern Illinois University Edwardsville provides students with a high-quality education that powerfully transforms the lives of all individuals who seek something greater

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BETHALTO - Sophomore guard Adam Ogden is averaging 12 points per game this season for the Civic Memorial Eagles. He's an even better 14 PPG in Mississippi Valley Conference action. "The work Adam puts in during the off-season has shown with his ability to score the ball," CM head coach Lee Green said. Ogden is a Tom Lane State Farm Insurance Male Athlete of the Month for the Eagles. "Adam has done a great job of complementing Sam in the post with an outside presence," Green added. Ogden is the team's second-leading scorer with 201 points so far this season, only behind Buckley's 273. Ogden loves to shoot the ball, especially the three, having made 29 of them which leads the team. He's got a 42 percent shooting average from the field which is also up there on the team. The Eagles are 7-10 on the season and 2-3 in the MVC. Ogden and the Eagles will be back at home this Friday when they take on the Jersey Panthers at 7:30 p.m.

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WOOD RIVER - The Wood River Police Department today urged residents to lock their cars when they are out of the vehicle. The City of Wood River has adopted an ordinance making it a violation if you are caught tampering with a vehicle. The citation is subject to a mandatory court appearance and a $500 fine. "With many home security cameras in the area, the police department is frequently contacted when a homeowner has caught someone trying the door handles on their vehicle, assuming it is someone looking for unlocked vehicles to commit a theft," Wood River Police Chief Brad Wells said. "Once they find the vehicle is locked they move on to the next vehicle. "Many people will argue if it is better to lock your vehicle or keep it unlocked. We have no law to govern what you do pertaining to locking your vehicle, so it is up to each individual. We always recommend locking your vehicle. There is no state law on the books pertaining to someone 'checking your door handle. "The new Wood River

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ST. LOUIS - The American Red Cross needs your help in 2023 and is asking individuals in Missouri and Arkansas to consider making a New Year’s resolution to become a volunteer in the local community by helping support the Red Cross's mission to prevent and alleviate human suffering. Locally, 2,600 people volunteer with the Red Cross. These local volunteers are part of the almost 300,000 people across the country whose support enables the Red Cross to respond to an average of more than 60,000 disasters every year and deliver more than 6.4 million blood products to hospital patients in need. Volunteers also help train more than 4.6 million people in Red Cross lifesaving skills; help provide nearly 550,000 services to military members, veterans, and their families; and to reconnect almost 9,000 families separated by war or disaster around the world. “Our Red Cross volunteers step up to help our neighbors here in the American Red Cross of Missouri and Arkansas each and every

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BETHALTO - Midwest Members Credit Union is proud to sponsor the “Eagles of the Month” program at Civic Memorial High School. Senior students are selected each month by members of the Civic Memorial faculty to represent each department. All students are awarded a certificate and a Subway gift card. Two Seniors (1 female student and 1 male student) that were selected each month will have the opportunity to compete for a $500.00 “Eagles of the Year” scholarship each at the end of the school year. November’s Eagles of the Month winners: Math - Kaydence Hibbs Fine Arts - Claire Shaw Social Studies - Autumn Bowman PE/Health - Mason Fries Choir - Carter Bloodworth Band - Dylan Moore Science - Alexis Collins English - Elijah Gruen C.T.E. - Kaitlynn Niemeyer Teacher of the Month winner: Social Studies - Charles Baldwin December’s Eagles of the Month winners: Math - Autumn Bowman Fine Arts -

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