Randolph County briefs: Help Backstoppers fill the boot Friday; health fair screenings

<b>Help Backstoppers fill the boot Friday</b>

Look for your local police, firefighters, paramedics and dispatchers at intersections Friday, May 13, as they ask drivers to "fill the boot" for Backstoppers of Randolph County. This is the new chapter's first fundraiser. Proceeds will go to Backstoppers Inc., which provides financial assistance to families of fallen and stricken first responders in 25 counties in Missouri and Illinois.

<b>Screenings available at health fair May 13</b>

Buena Vista National Bank and Memorial Hospital Chester will hold their 26th annual health fair from 7:30-11:30 a.m. Friday, May 13, at the bank, 1309 Swanwick St. Testing will be available for cholesterol, glucose, blood pressure and complete blood count; fasting is encouraged. PSA vouchers will be available for $10, with the prostate-specific antigen test performed the same day. A registered dietitian nutritionist will discuss the hospital's weight-loss group and present prediabetes/diabetes education. The first 100 attendees will receive free at-home COVID-19 test kits. Admission costs $2. For details, call (618) 826-2331 or visit bvnb.com.

<b>Kaskaskia River dredging underway</b>

The United States Army Corps of Engineers says dredging is underway on the Kaskaskia River from the New Athens boat ramp south to the confluence of the Mississippi River. This dredging is intended to remove sediment from boat ramps and the mouths of oxbows on the Kaskaskia River, improving access for navigation capabilities, recreation, and promoting economic growth.

During dredging operations, the river channel will not be closed, however portions of the river may be temporarily inaccessible. Any closures will be marked with buoys, so please be aware. For your safety, please comply with all posted restrictions and avoid all active construction sites while dredging is ongoing.

The dredging began in March and will continue as long as funding is available, weather permitting.

For more information, call (618) 284-7160 or email KaskyL&D@usace.army.mil.

<b>$1,000 scholarships available for grads</b>

The Western Egyptian Economic Opportunity Council, headquartered in Steeleville, has scholarships available for graduates in Randolph, Perry, or Monroe counties.

Six $1,000 scholarships will be awarded to individuals who meet the income guidelines and application requirements. Funds can be used toward tuition and fees; textbooks and supplies; or room and board at an Illinois college or university, community college or vocational school.

Funding is made available from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity through the Community Services Block Grant.

Applications are available at local high schools, may be requested by phone or from Western Egyptian EOC, 1820 N. Market, Sparta; (618) 443-5231.

Applications are due Friday, June 17.