GRANITE CITY – The Six Mile Regional Library District is the recipient of a $9,854 mentoring grant from the Illinois secretary of state, State Senator Christopher Belt (D-Centreville) announced.

The grant was awarded through the FY20 Project Next Generation program, which is a mentoring program administered through Illinois public libraries. Mentors work with middle and high school students to help them develop skills needed to use technology and find success through project-based learning. Mentors also help with developing life skills, such as effective communication, goal setting and conflict resolution.

Six Mile Regional Library District is one of 29 public libraries in the state to receive the grant.

“At risk students in Granite City will have the opportunity to access new educational platforms because of this grant,” Belt said. “This will develop their skill set, increase their self-confidence in the classroom and most importantly provide passage towards success in their future careers.”

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Christopher Belt’s measure will create a statewide program to promote public awareness and early detection of Parkinson's disease was signed into law.

“We want people to take care of their health,” Belt (D-Cahokia) said. “That’s why we are trying to inform everyone what Parkinson’s disease is and encourage people to manage their health more carefully.”

House Bill 3247 would also allow the Illinois Department of Public Health to accept for the program any special grants of money, services or property from the federal government or any of its agencies or any foundation, organization or medical school.