Talk Around Town April 2025 : simplebooklet.com

3 Citizens can now address the CountyBoard at their regularly scheduled meetings(3rd Wednesday of each month at 5:00 pm inthe County Board room), and at specialmeetings. Fifteen minutes shall be set aside at thebeginning of each County Board meeting andeach speaker shall be allowed 3 minutes toaddress the board.How to Address the County Board or Committees Although not required, anyone wishing toaddress the Boardmay pre-register by filing acompleted “Request To Address The MadisonCounty Board and Committees" form, with theCounty Clerk’s Office no earlier than 48 hoursprior to the scheduled meeting. For more information on addressing the Boardof Committees visit the County Clerk’s website. Scan QR Codeto Register toSpeakINSIDECHAIRMAN”S LETTERMADISON COUJNTY PRESENTSPROCLAMATION TO FARM BUREAU4GOOD NEWSMADISON COUNTYRECOGNIZES RETIREE1055678RECOGNITIONCELEBRATING PAW=FECTIONCHILD ABUSE PREVENTIONMONTH KICK OFFWIELAND LAUNCHESOVERHAUL IN EAST ALTONSOUTH ROXANA OPENSCOMMUNITY CENTERNATIONAL WORK ZONEAWARENESS WEEKNATIONAL PUBLIC HEALTHWEEK MERPD AI ASSISTANTS12141315SIGN UP FOR COUNTY EMAILS &TEXTS

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Sincerely,Chris SlusserMadison County ChairDear Residents, Welcome to the April issue of “Talk Around Town.” This issue highlights several economic developmentevents that recently took place — one is of the groundbreaking of a $500 million modernization for Wieland inEast Alton and the other is the opening of the South Roxana Community Center. Wieland is making a substantial investment in Madison County, and we are thankful for it. Economic development is driven by a variety of factors — investment, innovation, technologicaladvancements, workforce and community needs. New technologies and innovative ideas can lead to increasedproductivity, new products and services, and ultimately, economic growth; and the reason why Wieland choseto stay and modernize in Madison County was the state’s investment and the county’s workforce. We are working toward bringing growth across Madison County. In cities and villages, we see investments inboth physical capital (infrastructure) and human capital (workforce). Not all our economic growth is on the same scale as Wieland. In fact, most of the growth we experience is ona smaller scale. It’s the entrepreneurs who open small “mom and pop” shops that build our business base. Theynot only work in the community, but it’s also where they live and play. As communities grow, so do the residents’ needs. Cities, villages, townships and park districts provide manyof those services and amenities residents want. South Roxana’s new community center is just one of those new amenities. It’s a space that will be put to gooduse by the town’s people. The county provided $100,000 in Community Development Block Grant fundingtoward the project, which is the purpose of the funds. CDBG funding is to develop viable urban communities byproviding decent housing, a suitable living environment, and expanding economic opportunities, primarily forlow- and moderate-income people.? During our March County Board Meeting, we recognized the Madison County Farm Bureau for theircontribution in agriculture and Michelle Brooks, who retired after working 26 years for the county. I hope you enjoy this issue.

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Agriculture AwarenessAgriculture Awareness RecognizedRecognizedM adison County recognized an employee for her 26 years of service. Chairman Chirs Slusser and Mental Health Board Executive Director Deborah Humphrey presented Michelle Brooks with a Certificate of Recognition on March 19 for her outstanding service and dedication in Madison County Government. Humphrey said Brooks started her career in the county on Jan. 19,1999 in the Central Services Office, which was at the time part of the Buildings and Lands Department. Her work included purchasing, handling inventory and switchboard services. She worked as a clerk, purchasingtechnician and purchasing agent. On Nov. 20, 2017, Brooks transferred to the Mental Health Board where she served as the office manager/information specialist. During her tenure in thecounty, she worked under five directors between two departments and four CountyBoard chairmen before her March 7retirement.RetireeRetiree IN RECOGNITION he Madison County Farm Bureau presented Chairman Chris Slusser with a plaque for its commitment and contributions to agriculture.Slusser then presented the Farm Bureau with a proclamationrecognizing National Agriculture Week –- March 21 to 28.Students with 4H FFA attended the March 19 County Boardpresentation.T

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GOODNEWS Recognizing the People of Madison CountyRecognizing the People of Madison County uring Metro East Humane Society’s 40th Anniversary Gala on March 21 at the OldeWicks Factory in Highland twoMadison County employees werepresented with a certificate inrecognition for “their commitment tocollaborative excellence for a greaterimpact on animal welfare throughoutthe Metro East Area. MEHS presented Katherine Condor,Madison County Animal Care andControl manager (right), and SueBrown, director of Granite CityAnimal Control (left photo), with thecertificates. Brown also works in theMadison County Clerk’s Office. Congratulations ladies on yourorganization’s achievement.DCelebrating paw-fectionCelebrating paw-fection

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Madison County set to kick offChild Abuse Prevention Month fficials and community leaders in Madison County are set to kick off Child Abuse Prevention Month on Friday, April 4 atRiverbend Family Ministries in Wood River. “This event showcases the importance of protectingour children,” Madison County Child AdvocacyExecutive Director Jennifer Wilkinson said. Wilkinson said the public event will start at 9 a.m.at RFM, 144 E. Ferguson Ave. “There will be vendors providing information aboutprograms and services and also guest speakers,” shesaid. Guest speakers will include Madison County BoardChairman Chris Slusser, Madison County (ThirdCircuit) Chief Judge Christopher Threlkeld, RefugeExecutive Director Erin Bickle, Prevent Child AbuseIllinois, Southern Region Prevention Specialist RachelChruszczyk and Illinois Department of Children andFamily Services Acting Regional Administrator, ChildProtection, Holly Mulvany. Prevent Child Abuse Illinois Executive DirectorTarra Winters said this year’s theme is “Powered byHope, Strengthened by Prevention.” She emphasizedthe importance of prevention efforts that supportfamilies, strengthen communities and ensure everychild is granted an opportunity to reach their fullpotential. “By investing in prevention, we not only protectchildren, but also provide families with the strengthand resilience to overcome challenges,” Winters said.“When families thrive, communities thrive. It isthrough prevention that we can ensure a bright futurefor generations to come. “ In1983, the president proclaimed the month ofApril as Child Abuse Prevention Month. Since thattime, millions of Americans have participated in thisnational campaign. Individuals, organizations and communities acrossthe United States plant pinwheels, tie ribbons,organize trainings, host fundraisers, and support amultitude of other activities celebrating healthy,happy childhoods and raising awareness that allchildren deserve to grow up in nurturing, safe homes. The pinwheel is the national symbol for preventionof child abuse. The pinwheel suggests whimsy andchildlike notions and serves as a reminder of theinnocence of childhood. “This year’s theme goes hand-in-hand with ourdepartment’s vision: for every child and youth togrow and thrive in a family,” Illinois DCFS DirectorHeidi E. Mueller said. “We know that when parentsare supported, their families are stronger and safer –and we also know that children do better when theyare able to remain at home safely.” Mueller said in 2024, DCFS served 4,034 familiesthrough its family preservation programs, enablingthem to stay together. DCFS also connected parentsto counseling, substance abuse recovery, mentalhealth, Family Advocacy Centers and other servicesso 5,374 children could return home. “By working together with our communitypartners and connecting families to the services andprograms that meet their unique needs DCFScontinues to strengthen and support families,” shesaid. Wilkinson said that 2024 was a year of change andgrowth for Madison County’s Child Advocacy Centeras Executive Carrie Cohen left for a new position withthe CAC Illinois, and she came on board. In 2024,trained professionals provided 504 children withforensic interviews about their abuse, she said. She said 4,056 children and family members wereprovided with information and support to navigate achild abuse investigation and 384 children and theirfamilies received specialized mental health services tohelp heal the trauma. “Child abuse and neglect is one of the greatesttragedies of our time,” Wilkinson said. “One in everyfive children will be abused or neglected before theyturn 18. No child deserves this kind of trauma.” O

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WIELAND NORTH AMERICALAUNCHES $500 MILLIONFACILITY OVERHAUL IN EASTALTON9“More than just a job creator and economic driver –Wieland has been a community anchor – here in EastAlton,” Pritzker said. “The good jobs it has brought to ourstate have helped support Illinoisans to lay down rootsand support their families.” The expansion plans include adding a state-of-the-arthot rolling mill that will enable Wieland to increase andimprove the production of essential copper and copperalloy components. These components are crucial fordomestic manufacturers covering a broad variety ofindustries such as automotive, defense, and energyinfrastructure. The investment, which will retain 800 jobs across thestate, will enable the company to increase production ofcritical copper and copper alloy components that are usedin electric vehicles (EVs), EV charging infrastructure andrenewable energy production while supporting the state’sclean energy economy. The State of Illinois is backing Wieland's endeavor with amajor incentive package capped at about $231 million, achunk of which, $172 million over 30 years, will come fromtax benefits through the Reimagining Energy and Vehiclesin Illinois Act (REV) program. “Madison County is thankful for the massive investment“Madison County is thankful for the massive investmentthat Wieland is making in Madison County and theirthat Wieland is making in Madison County and theircommitment to continue doing business in the region.”commitment to continue doing business in the region.” Madison County Board Chairman Chris Slusser said. adison County is carving a niche in advanced manufacturing and clean energy as construction on a German company’s $500 million expansionfor the modernization of the East Alton manufacturing plantis now underway. “Madison County is thankful for the massive investmentthat Wieland is making in Madison County and theircommitment to continue doing business in the region,”Madison County Board Chairman Chris Slusser said. Governor J.B. Pritzker, along with officials from Wieland,the Illinois Department of Commerce and EconomicOpportunity (DCEO), as well as local and county leaders andpartners attended a groundbreaking event on March 3 at itsfacility along Illinois Route 3. "This investment positions Wieland as the undisputedleader in North American rolled products and underscoresour commitment to the revitalization of Americanmanufacturing," Dr. Erwin Mayr, CEO of the Wieland Group,said Pritzker said Wieland’s groundbreaking on the newexpansion, which is a $500 million company investment is adriver of growth and opportunity in not only East Alton, butIllinois.M

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Wieland has a long-standing role in promotingeconomic growth and its commitment to sustainablemanufacturing. The modernization efforts are expected tobe completed by mid-2028. The East Alton location belonged to Olin Brass beforeWieland acquired it six years ago. In all, the company hassix locations in the state. The company has recyclingfacilities in Granite City and produces welded coppertubes in Cuba, Missouri. Weiland North America’s groundbreaking comes asIllinois is ranked No. 2 in the nation for corporaterelocations and expansions for the third year in a row bySite Selection Magazine. Illinois increased the number ofbusiness expansions or relocation projects by 20 percentover the previous ranking, with over 650 businessesexpanding or relocating to Illinois. These enhancements will expand Wieland's futurecapacity and strengthen its position as a reliable,sustainable, and high-quality domestic supplier to keyU.S. manufacturing industries and customers. Slusser said the groundbreaking and expansion ispersonal for him as his father started his career in theWieland facility, formerly Olin Brass, in February 1969 asa furnace chipper. This plant is an integral part of the East Altoncommunity and Madison County,” Slusser said. “MadisonCounty is grateful for the partnership with the Governor’sOffice and their efforts to ensure that this deal got done,”

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County launches newcommunication tool adison County rolled out a new communication platform that connects citizens with information and delivers it to their email or mobile devices. The new service will allow residents to receive non-emergency news from Madison County Governmentsuch as the county newsletter, “Talk Around Town,” orother information like property tax payment reminders,the start of early voting or more. “For the past four years, Madison County has put out anewsletter that provides information about what isgoing on in county government,” Chairman ChrisSlusser said. Slusser said even though the newsletter is posted onthe county’s website, this is yet another way for peopleto get information delivered to them. “These services will help the county to connect witheven more individuals,” Slusser said. To receive email or text messages, the public isrequired to sign up for the service. Visithttps://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/g3ppIHg/MadisonCountyIL to sign up and start receiving information. “We’re excited about this new way of communicatingwith residents and look forward to sharing more countyinformation and news,” Slusser said. MGet news delivered straight to you!

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South Roxana opensSouth Roxana opensdoors to newdoors to newcommunity centercommunity center adison County and South Roxana leaders celebrated the grand opening of a new community center. Chairman Chris Slusser joined village leaders and membersof the public at the new center on March 14 for an Open House. “It’s a nice facility for the village,” Slusser said. “This issomething they needed. The county was happy to be able tocelebrate the opening of this new facility with them as well asproviding funding for the project. Funding for the $788,000 project came from state, countyand private grants. Madison County provided $100,000 inCommunity Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding. Other funding was provided through a state capitalImprovement grant, Madison County Transit — Agency forCommunity Transit, Community Action Grant and Phillips 66. “This is a big step for our community,” Mayor TJ Callahansaid. “The Community Center belongs to the citizens of SouthRoxana and we hope they make the best use of it.” Callahan said although the center isn’t huge at 2,900-square-feet, it’s the perfect size for the residents in South Roxana andwill serve the residents for years to come. The center is locatedat 211 Sinclair Ave., adjacent to the village hall. Village Administrator Bob Cole’s said the village first startedpanning for the center eight years ago under a previous villageadministration. It opened in early March after six months ofconstruction. “It took longer to get the funding for the project than it did tobuild it,” Coles said. “South Roxana is a blighted economiccommunity and trying to obtain assistance is very difficult. Weare thankful to all those entities that provided funding to makethis happen.” M

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RESPECT THE ZONE SO WE ALL GET HOMERESPECT THE ZONE SO WE ALL GET HOME Coles said the village owned the lot the center was built on. The new facility is a large room that includes a kitchen, acaterer’s entrance, ADA restrooms, Wi-Fi and an audio-visualsystem. The center is also equipped with a digital door looksystem so those who use the hall the doors will automaticallyunlock for the corresponding times it is being requested for use. Callahan said the village will now hold its monthly boardmeetings in the new space as it’s more accommodating for thepublic. “It’s twice the size of the space we were using,” he said. Village leaders said they’re excited for the expandedopportunities the property will offer both area seniors and thecommunity. The public will also be able to rent the space forevents. “We’ve got a variety of events planned for the future,”Callahan said. Madison County CDBG Coordinator Chris Kalter attendedthe event and said the new facility is the perfect spot forcommunity gatherings. He said the county is likely to host oneof its public hearings at the center as it prepares to gatherinformation for its upcoming 5-year strategic plan. Coles said whether it’s more of a center for seniors or forcommunity events, they hope residents put it to good use. "This center belongs to the people of South Roxana, and weare excited to see it become a place for connection and growth,”he said. Visit southroxana.org for more information about the center.Madison County Highway Department urges driving safety during National Work Zone Awareness Week mproving work zone safety is a shared responsibility and the Madison County Highway Department wants to make sure drivers arepaying attention. “Every spring, Department of Transportationprofessionals across the country take part in theNational Work Zone Awareness Week campaign,”County Engineer Adam Walden said. He said the April 21-25 event is a campaign held atthe start of construction season to encourage safe driving through highway work zones. “The key message is for drivers to use extra caution in work zones,” Walden said. The NWZAW started in 1997 when a group of Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) staff members wanted to dedicate a week toraise awareness about work zone safety among alldistrict employees before construction projects pickedup during the warmer months. Following the successfulpromotion of this first event, VDOT brought the idea ofraising awareness to other DOTs across the country. In 1998, VDOT presented the idea to create anational campaign. In 2000, the Federal Highway Administration and the American Association of StateHighway Transportation Officials launched the firstNWZAW and in Springfield, Va. The event now alternates each year from beinghosted in Washington, D.C. to different locations acrossthe country. This year, the North Carolina Departmentof Transportation is hosting the event. The goals are to initiate efforts and raise awareness, establish and promote uniform safety tips, recognize the value of training and importance of best practices for work zone safety, communicate effects of motorists’ behavior in response to traffic delays and form partnerships and outreach efforts with partner entities. This year’s theme is “"Respect the zone so we allget home." Go Orange Day on April 23 and is a day dedicated towearing orange in support of the families of victimswho have lost their lives in work zones. Visit www.nwzaw.org for more information or whatyou can do to participate. I

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11Madison County recognizesMadison County recognizes National Public Health WeekNational Public Health Week Assess and monitor population health.1.Investigate, diagnose and address health hazards androot causes.2.Communicate effectively to inform and educate.3.Strengthen, support and mobilize communities andpartnerships.4.Create, champion and implement policies, plans andlaws.5.Utilize legal and regulatory actions.6.Enable equitable access.7.Build a diverse and skilled workforce.8.Improve and innovate through evaluation, research andquality improvement. 9.Build and maintain a strong organizationalinfrastructure for public health.10. lean air, clean water, safe food, safe streets, health equity for all — it all starts with public health. The Madison County Health Department will join the AmericanPublic Health Association in recognizing April 7 to 13 as NationalPublic Health Week. The national event brings people together across the UnitedStates to celebrate public health successes and to raise awarenessabout public health issues that are of concern nationally and in ourlocal communities. This year, National Public Health Week celebrates its 30thanniversary. This year’s overall theme is “It Starts Here: Your Healthis Our Mission.” Daily themes include topics such as “CivicEngagement,” “Healthy Neighborhoods,” “New Tools andInnovations” and “Emergency Preparedness.” Public health is the science of protecting and improving thehealth of people and their communities. This work is achieved bypromoting healthy lifestyles, researching disease and injuryprevention, and detecting, preventing and responding to infectiousdiseases. Public health is about protecting the health of the entirepopulation. These populations can be as small as a localneighborhood, or as big as an entire country or region of the world. WHY IS PUBLIC HEALTH IMPORTANT? Public health promotes and protects the health of people and thecommunities where they live, learn, work and play. Public healthprofessionals try to prevent problems from happening or recurringthrough implementing educational programs, recommendingpolicies, administering services and conducting research. While a doctor treats people who are sick, those in public healthfocus on trying to prevent people from getting sick. Public healthalso promotes wellness by encouraging healthy behaviors. Public health works to limit health disparities. A large part ofpublic health is promoting health care equality, quality andaccessibility. Public health activities are performed at many levels from localto national to global. The organizations and agencies devoted topublic health at these different levels share many of the samefunctions including disease surveillance, policy development, andprovision of access to health care. Overall, public health saves money, improves quality of life, helpschildren thrive and reduces human suffering. Visit http://www.nphw.org/ to find out more on National PublicHealth Week. C10 Essential10 Essential Public Health ServicesPublic Health ServicesA p r i l 7 t o 1 3A p r i l 7 t o 1 3

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introduces New AI AssistantsOne for Business & One for Recreation— Introducing Grant —Your source for MEPRD programs, initiatives, andorganizational details.• Get detailed information about MEPRD's history and mission.• Learn about MEPRD's available funding opportunities.• Grant support (check eligibility, grant calculations, questionsregarding program guidelines and requirements).• Request information about any of the 290+ completed andongoing projects that have been supported by MEPRD. Ready to Learn More about MEPRD? Visit: www.meprd.org and click on the pop-up on the bottom right-hand corner to try it out 24/7. Or try our new Business AI Agentby clicking the button below to start chatting immediately.MEPRD RECREATION AI ADVISORMEPRD BUSINESS AI AGENT— Meet Parker —Your 24/7 guide to parks, trails, and recreation activitiesin Madison and St. Clair Counties, IL. • Get park and trail recommendations.• Learn about existing parks, trails, and related facilities.• Locate nearby amenities, including pickleball courts,basketball, fishing spots, playgrounds, and more!Ready to Find Your Next Adventure?Visit: www.metroeastrecreation.com and click on thepop-up on the bottom right-hand corner to try it out. Ortry our new Recreation AI Advisor right now by clickingthe button below to start chatting immediately.Information at Your Fingertips: MEPRD Unveils DualAI Agents to Better Serve Metro East Residents andVisitors As a government organization, MEPRD understands theneed for clear, accessible information. Its new AI Agent onwww.meprd.org is designed to provide business-orienteddetails about our programs, initiatives, and organizationalstructure. Meanwhile, for those seeking adventure and recreation,its AI Agent on www.metroeastrecreation.com acts as yourpersonal guide to parks, trails, and activities acrossMadison and St. Clair Counties. etro East Park and Recreation District is thrilled to introduce a new era of accessible information with its two innovative AI Agents! Whether you're seeking general information aboutMEPRD or looking for the perfect park or trail in Madisonand St. Clair Counties, the AI Agents are available toguide you 24/7. MMEPRD is excited to offer these tailored resources to enhance thepublic’s experience with its organization and the natural beauty of theregion.CHAT WITH GRANT NOWCHAT WITH PARKER NOW

Talk Around Town April 2025

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