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JERSEYVILLE – On what seemed to be just another chilly day in February was the celebration of a milestone in the project timeline for Illinois American Water’s new operations center in Jerseyville, Illinois. The 16,000 square foot operations center will consolidate field operations, administrative and operations support staff in a single location at the address of 501 Mound Street. As snow melted, the preparation for construction commenced and excavation equipment began to arrive. Finally, a groundbreaking celebration for all parties involved was underway. Kyle Ogden, Project Director at Helmkamp Construction, welcomed all attendees to the groundbreaking event saying “Thank you to the entire design build team for their work in the design phase and getting us to this point. We are all excited to move into the construction phase and bring this project to life.” Also joining in the occasion was the City of Jerseyville’s mayor, William Russell, who was excited

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GRANITE CITY – Seniors Makaina Woods and Nick Butchee of Granite City High School were selected as Granite City Elks Lodge 1063 Students of the Month for February. The Elks Student of the Month Program is designed to recognize outstanding young men and women for achievements in school and community life-fine arts, hobbies, athletics, church, school, club and community service, industry, and farming. Nominees are judged on multiple achievements including leadership skills, good moral character, community involvement, extracurricular activities, honors and award, and scholastic ability. Each student receives a $100 U.S. savings bond and an Elks certificate of achievement. MAKAINA WOODS Two-time Speech Team Captain and President of Thespian Society ... Four-year Honor Roll ... Treasurer of National Honor Society ... GCHS Dance Team ... Member of Foreign Language Club and Pride Club ... Worship Leading/Singing at Unity Baptist Church ... Daughter of Jennifer Woods. NICK

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Several local school districts will be dismissing students early today in anticipation of winter weather and hazardous road conditions. Jersey Community Unit School District 100 recently announced they’ll be dismissing students at noon today. JCHS student drivers will be allowed to leave during their lunch hours - 10:30 a.m. for fourth-hour lunch and 11 a.m. for fifth-hour lunch. All students who ride the bus, walk or have someone drop them off will be dismissed at noon. Southwestern Community Unit School District 9 also announced they will be dismissing middle and high school students at noon and elementary students at 12:10. They are also canceling the spring sports meeting that was planned at the high school for today. Calhoun Community Unit School District 40 will be dismissing elementary and junior high school students at noon, followed by high school students at 12:15 p.m. Schools in both Carrollton and Greene County school districts are staying open

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ST. LOUIS - Round two of a wintery mix should begin around noon on Thursday in the Metro East Illinois area, National Weather Service Meteorologist Lydia Jaja said Thursday morning. “We expect the wintery mix to go from noon to 6 p.m. and after that, it will taper off and the event will end,” Jaja said. “So far, the weather event has been what we expected.” Temps are cold today and will only reach the mid-20s, so the weather forecaster advised that people show caution on the highways. “If you don’t have to get out, don’t, but if you do, leave plenty of space,” she said. “Give yourself a little more time to get to your destinations than normal because of the weather.” Jaja said Mardi Gras Saturday should be a good day, with the sun shining and highs in the low 40s to 50s for both Saturday and Sunday. The high Saturday is projected at 41 degrees and a low of 24 degrees.

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The Center Square - A new study shows hospital price transparency requirements continue to lag around Illinois and the rest of the country. Federal law requires hospitals to be more transparent about prices by posting the numbers in various capacities, but a study by PatientRightsAdvocate.org (PRA) shows it rarely happens. “One year after this law-making hospitals show prices came into effect, unfortunately, we found that only 14.3% of our country’s 1,000 of 6,000 hospitals are complying with this law,” PRA founder and CEO Cynthia Fisher said. The law required hospitals to post prices for all services, including gross charges and discounted cash prices. In addition, the rule requires the information to be available in two formats, a machine-readable file that contains pricing data for third parties to compare between hospitals and a shoppable service list that displays specific services offered at the facility. Fisher said many would be surprised at the difference

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ST. LOUIS - Grammy and Emmy Award-winning comedian, actor, director, writer, and producer, Chris Rock has announced his highly anticipated return to live comedy with his Ego Death World Tour 2022. Produced by Live Nation, the 38-date North American leg of Rock’s first world tour in over five years kicks off April 2nd in Atlantic City, NJ with two shows at the Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa, and will make stops across the country in St. Louis, Denver, New York City, Chicago, and more, before wrapping November 17th at the Dolby Theater in Los Angeles, CA. A full list of tour dates is below. More dates will be announced soon. Tickets go on sale to the public starting Friday, February 25th at 10 am local time at Ticketmaster.com . Lauded by peers and critics alike, Chris Rock is one of our generation’s strongest comedic voices. With a career spanning more than three decades, Rock has enjoyed ongoing success in both film and television as a comedian, actor, writer, producer, and

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EDWARDSVILLE – Since its founding in 2010, Edwardsville Neighbors has worked to ease the financial burdens of local families when facing a medical or emergency crisis. In its first decade, the organization contributed over $1 million in direct assistance to individuals and families across District 7. Now, the nonprofit has found a sweet new way to continue building on its mission. The nonprofit is opening a first-of-its-kind bakery and community kitchen called Neighbors Bakeshop. All proceeds generated from the store will benefit District 7 residents through a variety of community outreach efforts and impact projects. Eventually, the community kitchen will also be available for party rentals, cooking demonstration classes and for use as a co-op kitchen for local makers. “As a nonprofit organization, we are always looking at new, sustainable ways to raise funds and ensure we can accomplish our mission of helping families in this community,” said President and Co-Founder,

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EDWARDSVILLE — Officials want to again open up discussions with the public on Tuesday night during Madison County’s Health Advisory Committee. “Last month, there were 13 people who came to speak at the meeting,” Chairman Kurt Prenzler said. “Everyone who wanted to speak was given an opportunity to share their comments and they were respectful toward one another.” The committee listened to the remarks made by the public on COVID-19, more specifically about masks in schools before discussing it among themselves. The committee shared their thoughts on everything from the types of masks, how masks are worn and vaccinations in children. “We want to give citizens another opportunity to bring their concerns on COVID, vaccines or any other health related issue to the committee,” Prenzler said. The Health Advisory Committee is made up of medical professionals from across the county. It’s purpose is to discuss and present information on

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WASHINGTON, D.C. - The FBI is continuing to aggressively investigate the ongoing nationwide bomb threats targeting Historically Black Colleges and Universities, houses of worship, and other faith-based and academic institutions. From January 4 to February 16, a total of 57 institutions across the country were targeted. The bomb threats have been made in phone calls, e-mails, instant messages, and anonymous online posts. FBI agents from multiple field offices are conducting hundreds of interviews and gathering a variety of electronic evidence for analysis. This investigation is of the highest priority for the Bureau and involves 31 FBI field offices that are actively working with our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners to identify those involved. The FBI is investigating these cases as racially or ethnically motivated violent extremism and hate crimes. Although at this time no explosive devices related to these threats have been found, the FBI takes all of these

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GODFREY – Two student artists from Lewis and Clark Community College will be among 44 peers from across the region represented in Art St. Louis’ “ Varsity Art XXVI” this spring. “Varsity Art XXVI” is the gallery’s 26th annual invitational visual art exhibition featuring works by undergrad and grad-level art students of all ages representing 23 St. Louis regional colleges and universities from Missouri and Illinois. Included in this year’s show will be recent L&C graduate Chandler William Herron ( www.instagram.com/pics.by.chan ) and L&C Art student Ashlee Sirois ( www.omenimagery.com ) The exhibit will run March 4-31 at Art St. Louis’ gallery, 1223 Pine Street in downtown St. Louis. It will feature a variety of media, including ceramics, drawing, metalsmithing, mixed media, painting, photography, printmaking, sculpture, and video – all representative of universal or global contemporary art trends. “As art majors advance

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BETHALTO - Children and their parents are invited to experience the quality Christian education at Zion Lutheran School, Bethalto, Illinois . The original date for the Open House has been moved from February 24 to March 10 due to possible severe weather conditions. For students entering Kindergarten in Fall 2022: Kindergarten Preview meetings for children and their parents on Thursday, March 10, 4 to 7 p.m., in the Kindergarten classrooms at the school, 625 Church Dr., Bethalto. A special presentation by the teachers begins every half hour during the evening (4 p.m., 4:30 p.m., 5 p.m., 5:30 p.m., 6 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.). No sign-ups are required. For children, ages 3 or 4, entering Preschool in Fall 2022: Preschool Open House for children and their parents on Thursday, March 10, 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., at 625 Church Dr., Bethalto. Enjoy fun crafts and games, meet the teachers, see the classrooms, and learn more about Preschool at Zion Bethalto. Zion Bethalto is hosting these special

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EDWARDSVILLE - Former substitute teacher Danielle C. Fischer, 29, of the 400 block of Roanoke Drive, Edwardsville, has been charged with six counts of criminal sexual assault, four counts of criminal sexual abuse, and two counts of child pornography. Fischer is accused of sexual acts with three boys at her Edwardsville home while she was the victims’ teacher. She was a permanent substitute teacher in the Roxana School District from 2020 and 2021 and for the Alton School District from 2021 to the 2022 school year. The assault and abuse charges allege basically the same acts but under different legal theories. The child pornography charges claim she induced one of the young men to appear in a film or video of the two engaged in two different sex acts. The child pornography charges are class X felonies, punishable by prison terms of between six and 30 years. The indictment was last Thursday. The state has also lodged other felony charges recently. ALTON - Aaron L. Trask, 21,

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ST. LOUIS – The party’s on at the St. Louis Riverfront in celebration of the city’s most beloved holidays – Mardi Gras and St. Patrick’s Day! Come aboard the Riverboats at the Gateway Arch for festive fun at the Mardi Gras Recovery Brunch Cruise, Fat Tuesday Party Cruise, and St. Patrick’s Day Recovery Brunch Cruise. “Here in St. Louis, we take Mardi Gras and St. Patrick’s Day seriously – what better way to experience our favorite holidays than with our lively, themed excursions on the Mississippi River!” said Robert Hopkins, director of operations, Riverboats at the Gateway Arch. “Bring your friends and family and create unforgettable memories on the riverfront.” MARDI GRAS RECOVERY BRUNCH CRUISE The day after the Soulard parade, continue the “Mardi Pardi” aboard the riverboats with a sprawling brunch buffet featuring all the flavors of New Orleans: mini muffulettas, crab cakes, steak, and hash

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BETHALTO - A man who served just over 37 years in prison for killing a popular Roxana High School cheerleader is facing a charge of driving under the influence. Prante has proclaimed his innocence since he was convicted. She was 22 years old at the time of her death. “I haven’t been this high or drunk in 37 1/2 years,” John Prante, 72, of the 100 block of Lakeside Drive, said, according to a court document. He was charged with driving under the influence after a traffic stop and an officer’s claim that he appeared to be impaired. Prante’s murder case made news nationwide in 1978 after authorities exhumed Karla Brown’s body and found bite marks on her neck that were consistent with Prante’s teeth. The case lay dormant between 1978 and 1983. Prante was sentenced to 72 years in prison in 1983, but the Truth in Sentencing law was not in force, so he was allowed a day off his sentence for every “good” day he served. Brown’s

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SPRINGFIELD — The Illinois State Museum (ISM) hosted the Mobile Museum of Tolerance (MMOT) on Wednesday, February 23, 2022, from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. directly in front of its building at 502 South Spring Street, Springfield, Illinois. Developed in collaboration with the Midwest office of the Simon Wiesenthal Center and the Illinois State Board of Education, the Mobile Museum of Tolerance is a free, traveling museum and classroom. Led by an Illinois licensed educator, it aims to inspire people to use their voices to speak up against anti-Semitism, bullying, racism, intolerance, and hate. The Illinois State Museum invited the public to visit the Mobile Museum of Tolerance throughout the day to engage in dialogue and participate in immersive experiences. In celebration of Black History Month, the content focused on the actions of Black activists during the Civil Rights Movement. Visitors engaged in conversations about racism, discrimination, and strategies for taking action. The

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BETHALTO — 1st MidAmerica Credit Union will award five $1,000 scholarships to area high school seniors in May. Applications are available at any 1st MidAmerica Credit Union branch location, in area high school guidance departments, or online at www.1stMidAmerica.org . Applications are due Thursday, March 31, 2022. Over 62 area youth have benefited from the 1st MidAmerica Credit Union scholarships, which were introduced in 2005. Scholarships may be applied to tuition, fees, or other educational expenses. 1st MidAmerica Credit Union has a mission of exceeding member expectations. Additional information can be found at www.1stMidAmerica.org .

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CHICAGO – Building on Illinois’ COVID-19 emergency housing assistance response, the Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) announced today applications for homeowners financially impacted by the pandemic will be accepted beginning in April through the Illinois Emergency Homeowner Assistance Fund (ILHAF) program. ILHAF will provide up to $30,000 in free assistance per homeowner paid directly to the servicer, taxing body or other approved entity on behalf of Illinois homeowners impacted by COVID-19 to prevent mortgage delinquencies, defaults and foreclosures to keep families safe and secure while they regain their financial footing. Program information and updates can be found at illinoishousinghelp.org . “My administration worked more quickly than any other state in the country to distribute over $1 billion to prevent renters and homeowners from losing their housing in the pandemic, and this next phase will provide hundreds of millions more in 2022,” said

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BELLEVILLE - Caritas Family Solutions has moved up in the rankings of the largest nonprofits in the St. Louis region. The rankings were published in a St. Louis Business Journal report based on the 2021 fiscal year operating budget. The report shows Caritas Family Solutions’ moved from the 19 th largest in 2020, to 16th on the list of the largest nonprofits in the St. Louis region with an annual operating budget of $39.7 million. Caritas Family Solutions CEO Gary Huelsmann said he is proud of the work their organization does to help families and children across Southern Illinois and the Metro East area. The agency currently serves more than 6,500 people including 1,700 foster children, throughout the Southern Illinois region. "We have been consistently moving in the ranks and it is a reflection of the dedication and hard work of our staff and board,” said Huelsmann. “As a human service organization, we are always aiming to help the needs that we see in our communities.

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EDWARDSVILLE - Senior Grace Daech has been a core of the Edwardsville High School girls golf team in her four years and for next season has decided to take her talents to Oglethorpe University near Atlanta, Ga., on an athletic scholarship. At a recent signing at EHS, packed with family and friends, she signed her official letter of intent. She is an iCAN Clinic Edwardsville Female Athlete of the Month for her athletic efforts at EHS. “I am so thankful for the opportunity to play golf in college,” she said. “I have so much I look forward to and improving. I have been the core of the team here and have loved my experience at Edwardsville and with Coach Koonce. A lot of people don’t have the team environment we have here.” “I had Grace in seventh grade and all four years for the varsity girls golf team at Edwardsville High School,” Edwardsville head girls golf coach Libby Koonce said. “She has made this happen through hard work and determination.

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SPRINGFIELD – A measure spearheaded by State Senator Christopher Belt (D-Swansea) that would help recruit more volunteer firefighters and EMS personnel by providing an income tax credit passed the Senate Wednesday. “Many communities rely on volunteer fire departments when they are in a crisis,” Belt said. “These fire departments across Illinois are struggling with a shortage of firefighters and EMS personnel volunteers.” Senate Bill 3027 would provide a $500 income tax credit for volunteer firefighters and EMS personnel who are a member or work for a fire department or fire protection district for at least nine months and do not receive more than $10,000 for their volunteer services during the taxable year. Current law does not provide a tax credit. Other states that offer a similar credit include New York, Iowa and Maryland. The proposed tax credit cannot reduce a taxpayer’s liability to less than zero. If the proposed tax credit exceeds the

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