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SPRINGFIELD – Higher education leaders across the state applaud Governor Pritzker’s budget announcement today which includes a fiscal year 2023 higher education budget of $2.2 billion, an increase of $208 million compared to current spending levels. Highlights from the budget recommendations include a $122M increase in the state’s need-based student grants through the Monetary Award Program (MAP), a $54.8 million (5%) increase in funding for public universities and a $13.2 million (5%) increase in funding for community colleges starting in the current fiscal year and continuing into fiscal year 2023, $25 million for a new program to expand the health care workforce through the state’s community college system, a $2.8 million increase to support recruitment and retention of nurse professionals, and a $2.8 million increase for scholarships to attract more minority teaching candidates and grow more minority faculty. The budget recommendations also call for eliminating

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ALTON - The Overnight Warming Center of Alton is activating tonight, Wednesday, February 2 – doors open at 5 p.m. We are located at the Deliverance Temple Church at 1125 East 6th St. in Alton. Doors are located on Cherry Street. Please share the attached flyer so that anyone in need of a warm place can join us this evening. We also post our activations on our Facebook page: Overnight Warming Centers Alton .

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GRANITE CITY - The following message was sent to all Granite City Community Unit School District #9 families from Superintendent Stephanie M. Cann: "The National Weather Service has extended the winter storm warning that will bring significant snow to the region that may make road conditions hazardous. For this reason, Granite City Community Unit School District #9 will NOT hold in-person learning on Thursday, February 3, 2022. Students and teachers will have an E-LEARNING DAY. There has been some confusion between an E-Learning Day and Remote Learning. An E-Learning Day allows students the flexibility to complete their work at their own pace with teachers available from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. to support student learning. In addition, teachers will hold a one-hour Google Meet. All sports and extracurricular activities are canceled. Please refer to the E-Learning Student Expectations link on the GCSD9 website for detailed information. Thank you and be safe."

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EAST ALTON - Democrat Joe Silkwood formerly announced he will enter the 111th District state representative race on Tuesday and oppose incumbent Republican Amy Elik. Silkwood was mayor of East Alton for six years and has had a long-term public service career. “I am officially entering the campaign for the 111th state representative race,” he said Tuesday. “The opportunity came up and I was interested. I had a long-term career in the public sector work and was once treasurer of East Alton. This has been my home my whole life, and the 111th district is something special to me. It is something I want to give a shot at running for.” Silkwood has three grown children. His children are all in service work. One of his children is a teacher, one is a college baseball coach, and one a nurse. “I am really proud of all my children,” he said. “They all want to help people and that makes a parent proud.” Silkwood said he will offer Metro East residents

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BELLEVILLE – The Belleville Area Humane Society (BAHS) and RedRover recognize that sometimes life brings challenges that make caring for pets difficult or impossible. As an alternative to surrendering a beloved pet, BAHS has created, and RedRover has awarded grant funding to support the first animal assistance program in Southern Illinois providing temporary care for the pets of those experiencing domestic violence, so that every family member can find safety. One in three women experience domestic abuse within their lifetime. BAHS understands that very few domestic violence shelters allow pets (only 10% nationally). Because of this, 48% of survivors delay leaving an abusive relationship because they don’t want to leave a pet behind. While the survivor’s owned pet is with BAHS, the SafePets program provides appropriate care for the pet(s), such as vaccinations, spay/neuter, preventative, and even heartworm treatment. Jorden Sherman, BAHS Community Outreach Manager

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LINN, MO - State Technical College of Missouri would like to congratulate Ryan Eickoff of Jerseyville, IL who achieved the Dean's List during the 2021 Fall semester. To be placed on the Dean’s List, a full-time student must earn a semester grade point average between 3.5 and 4.0 on a 4-point scale. Visit www.statetechmo.edu to learn more.

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ST. LOUIS - For the second consecutive year, as part of Black History Month in February, Schnuck Markets, Inc. will offer customers of all stores the opportunity to “Round Up at the Register” to support the Urban League. Starting today and continuing through Tuesday, Feb. 15, 100% of donations in the St. Louis area will support the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis (ULSTL) - specifically the non-profit organization’s Save Our Sons program. Round ups in Schnucks stores in other markets will support the Urban League chapter in each respective area. Those customers who use self-checkouts and wish to donate may choose a $1, $3 or $5 “Scan and Give” option. Schnucks Rewards members also have the opportunity to donate their rewards points to the Urban League as part of the Donate Your Rewards program. “At Schnucks, we provide careers to more than 13,000 teammates, and one of our community pillars is to help to develop the workforce in our cities and

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SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is preparing to make COVID-19 vaccine available to those ages 6 months through 4 years after Pfizer-BioNTech submitted data yesterday to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) asking to amend its emergency use authorization (EUA) to allow children younger than 5 years to receive its COVID-19 vaccine. The request for authorization of the first two doses of a planned three-dose primary series will still need to be reviewed by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). “We are looking forward to the availability of a COVID-19 vaccine for our youngest population once it is reviewed by CDC,” said IDPH Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike. “We have many tools to slow and control the spread of COVID-19, the best of all being vaccine. As we move towards coexisting with COVID-19, it is important that we are able to offer as much protection as

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SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Christopher Belt (D-Swansea) released the following statement regarding the governor’s budget address Wednesday afternoon: “ I support Governor Pritzker’s increase in education funding for K-12 students, as well as increasing tuition assistance for higher education, which will allow more students to receive financial aid. As chair of the Senate Education Committee and a former school board member, I have seen how essential it is that we continue to put money into our education system. During my time in the General Assembly, we have seen education funding double allowing all students to flourish. “ Reducing the backlog of bills and increasing Illinois' overall credit rating, keeps the state financially accountable. As a state, we are moving forward and investing in the people of Illinois. By freezing the grocery and liquor license taxes, we are putting residents’ needs first and keeping money in their pockets.

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JACKSONVILLE - C.D. Davidsmeyer (R-Jacksonville) released the following reaction statement to Governor J.B. Pritzker’s (D-Chicago) joint Budget and State of the State Address. “The Governor has been ruling over Illinoisans using his political polling for the last three years. Obviously, his polling now says that Illinoisans are really hurting. After proposing the largest tax increase in our State's history and spending $50 million of his personal money to support it, he now pretends to care about one-time, temporary tax cuts that poll well but won’t help working families in the long run. “The reality is that without the federal bailouts, the State wouldn't have been able to pay off long-term debt. The facts are that in this year's budget, we will see an increase of $468 million in revenue, much of which is due to inflation and the increased costs of products, and the Governor is proposing an increase of $2.5 billion in annual spending. This isn't one-time

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HARDIN - Calhoun County Sheriff William “Bill” Heffington said that continuously-blowing snow is affecting some county roads more than others as Winter Storm Landon blows through Illinois. “They’re all snow-packed, winds keep blowing snow on the roads,” Heffington said. “The county road guys are after it non-stop, but with more snow and all this wind, the areas underneath hills and stuff’s going to be okay, but places like on the ridges and the banks and everything else is going to have a heck of a tough time keeping them opened up.” Heffington said regardless of where you live in the county, the safest bet is to stay inside. “You’re better off to just hunker down with a cup of coffee and stay home - best advice I can give people,” Heffington said. “Best they just stay put where you’re safe and warm, got plenty to eat and just weather it out, that’s the safest way.” Heffinton added the

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CENTRALIA — A 53-year-old Centralia man was sentenced Monday in federal court to five years in prison after earlier pleading guilty to maintaining a drug-involved premise within 1,000 feet of a school. John Fodero admitted to maintaining a place of residence located in the 600 block of East 7th from June 2020 to February 2021 where he would distribute and use fentanyl as well as a mixture of substances containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine, all within 1,000 feet of Centralia Junior High School. According to Centralia Police Chief Greg Dodson, at the time a search warrant was executed, Fodero’s residence was as part of an ongoing drug investigation after the home was identified as a hub for drug activity and a congregating point for drug users who used the residence as a flophouse to consume drugs. Police had responded to the address for over 12 opioid overdose calls and 94 calls for police service since January 2020. 14 people not related to each other were identified

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SPRINGFIELD – After years of working with the General Assembly to make fiscally responsible choices, protect working families, and pay down Illinois’ debt, Governor JB Pritzker today proposed his fourth balanced budget, delivering $1 billion in relief from grocery, gas, and property taxes as well as making unprecedented payments to state pensions and the rainy day fund. With revenues from corporate taxes, cannabis, online sales taxes and income far exceeding initial projections, the proposed budget provides significant one-time relief to families, while continuing the responsible fiscal decisions that led to two credit upgrades for the state. Building on the administration’s previous efficiencies, the budget invests in critical areas of growth and services, including education, public safety and small businesses. Select highlights include: Family Relief Plan $475 million in property tax rebates for families, with a one -time property tax rebate payment

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ALTON - State Representative Amy Elik (R-Fosterburg) issued the following statement after Governor Pritzker’s annual budget address to the Illinois General Assembly: “Governor Pritzker’s budget address is nothing more than a mirage. It may seem appealing but once you find out the details, his proposal fails to address the fiscal crisis the state of Illinois is faced with today. It was just two years ago when Pritzker went all-in to support the graduated income tax hike and when it failed, he threatened Illinoisans with a large income tax increase or massive loss of services. "And now during an election year, he is dangling tax cuts in the hopes that voters forget his desperation to increase taxes over the last couple years? Keep in mind, his proposal is only temporary to get through the election, how about he support making these tax cuts permanent? But let us not forget Governor Pritzker signed 24 tax and fee increases into law since he first took office. I support

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Our Love Story: The Couple: Lauren & Kyle (aka boo) from Alton/Belleville Date Met/Started Dating: February 16, 2018 Briefly Describe First Date: Had Maevas coffee and conversation. As soon as I met him I knew I was in trouble! Took one date before I told all my friends I was going to marry this man! Name Something You Enjoy Doing Together: We both love music, food, laughing, dancing.. just hanging around the house with the kids, and watching the bird feeder. Share Advice For A Happy Relationship: Honesty, communication, and vulnerability. We started our relationship on these principles and they’ve gotten us through tough times for sure!

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GRANITE CITY – Granite City High School will be celebrating National Career and Technical Education month in February. GCHS Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs have a very strong history and these programs continue to thrive today. Classes offered in the business and vocational departments have over 800 students enrolled in them. In addition, 14 CTE classes have an opportunity for students to earn dual credit through SWIC. In the Fall, the vocational department received the Illinois Technology Education Association “Program of the Year”. Each Friday during the month of February, be sure to check the GCSD9 website - www.gcsd9.net - to view a CTE student spotlight.

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GREENE COUNTY - As Winter Storm Landon takes hold of the Midwest, Greene County road conditions are getting more dangerous. “Right now, most of the roads seem to be somewhat passable - they are snow-packed and dangerous, though,” said Greene County Chief Deputy Cale Hoesman. “They are starting to drift some, too.” Hoesman said he would advise Greene County residents to “stay home” - but if they must go out, to be adequately prepared. “If people are going out for emergency purposes, they need to be prepared: charged cell phone, blankets, things of that nature,” Hoesman said. “And know where they’re at - know their location, so they can tell us to get them help.” The latest road conditions for Illinois can be found at gettingaroundillinois.com .

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WOODSTOCK - Gary Rabine: “Today we witnessed how out of touch our billionaire Governor, JB Pritzker, is with the people of Illinois. In his State of the State/Budget address, he described the State of Illinois in terms that only someone who spends his days in the cocoon of a North-side mansion or private jet could use.” “JB Pritzker has not done one thing to improve the fundamental fiscal trajectory of the state. Biden paid off JB’s Illinois credit cards last year, but we are still in a fiscal death spiral. A one-time bailout from the federal government does not equate with sound fiscal management. Millions of dollars spent on TV and digital ads don’t turn fantasy into reality either.” “The truth is that Illinois, outside of the Astor Street Mansion, is far different than what JB described. Chicago and its suburbs are the crime capitols of the country. Our unfunded public pension liability is at $130 billion – the worst in the nation.

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ST. LOUIS – The Fox Performing Arts Charitable Foundation is excited to announce the 18 th Annual Kids’ Night at the Fabulous Fox will take place Tuesday, March 8, 2022, at 7:30 PM for a fun-filled evening for the performance of Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory at the Fabulous Fox Theatre. For this performance of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory adults will have the opportunity to purchase an adult ticket and receive a kid’s ticket free! Tickets are on sale now. The BOGO offer applies to kids ages 17 & under. BOGO offer is valid on all seating and price levels except front row, premium, and price A orchestra seating. Tickets must be purchased by calling MetroTix at 314-534-1111 or at the Fox Theatre Box Office to receive the BOGO offer. The offer is not available through online purchases. The Fox Theatre Box Office is located at 531 North Grand Blvd. St. Louis, MO 63103 and hours are limited. This program is presented by the Fox Performing

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CARLINVILLE - Blackburn College has named Jody Sturgeon as the Marguerite Steffey Snyder Endowed Dean of Work. One of ten federally-recognized Work Colleges, Blackburn has the only program managed by a team of student leaders. In her role as the Dean of Work, Sturgeon will coach and mentor the Student Work Committee managing their peers and classmates while maintaining operations across 12 work departments. She will also serve as a key member and advisor on the President’s leadership team. For more than a century, Blackburn’s Work Program has added an incredible dimension to the traditional college experience. Established in 1913, the program began as a means to help reduce tuition costs and make higher education more affordable. Today, Blackburn students help plan and manage day-to-day operations on campus, fully recognizing that their success and the College’s success go hand-in-hand. In turn, Blackburn also offers tangible benefits, like four years of resume-building

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