Belleville East students have raised more than $3,200 to drill wells in Africa to benefit drought stricken villages.

Junior Mariah Christ created the fundraising effort, called Well Wishers, after meeting an African villager last year at her church, the Cornerstone Christian Church in Shiloh.

The young man named Fred was born in Uganda and one of his daily tasks was to walk several miles to a stagnant pool of water filled with dirt, disease, bacteria and animal waste to fetch water his family used to drink, cook, and clean a bathe.

"His story compelled me to make a difference," Christ said. "I am so proud of the support and character that the Lancer community has shown," Mariah said. "I have learned that several (Belleville) East clubs offer many service opportunities and encourage everyone to find a place where you can serve. My plan is to take this project further into the community and to corporations where I have even higher expectations."

Well Wishers on Monday presented the proceeds of their fundraising efforts to Bob Holloway, president of the Sparta Rotary Club, who drills wells in Malawi. He said it is enough to drill two new wells.

The Art Department created fundraising posters designed by senior Jonathan Pulse. Rebecca McGarrity's American studies class and honors writing classes gave up portions of their lunch hours to sit at the collection site in the cafeteria and ask for donations.

Madison County Assistant State's Attorney Ellen Burford will be visiting driver's education students at Edwardsville High School Wednesday about the consequences of texting and driving. Illinois law prohibits composing, sending and reading electronic messages while driving.

Depending on their age, teenage drivers face serious repercussions with regards to obtaining and keeping their driver's license if they violate texting and driving law. In Illinois, drivers under 19 are prohibited from using a cellphone with or without a hands-free device.

Besides the legal consequences, the State's Attorney's Office will also remind students of the dangers of texting and driving. According to the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute, drivers who text are 23 times more likely to be in a car crash. In addition to civil penalties, drivers also can face charges of reckless homicide in the event of a fatal car crash occurring as a result of texting and driving.

State's Attorney Tom Gibbons came up with the idea as a way to use the resources of his office to reach out to various groups in the community to show them that actions have consequences. Gibbons pointed to a report from AAA that cited traffic accidents as the leading cause of death for people age 15-20.

"I realize that we live in such a technology-driven world," Gibson said. "But what I hope my prosecutors can convey to these kids is that they need to set down or turn off their phones and focus on driving when they're behind the wheel. Drive now, text later. If not, there may be consequences that are simply not worth it in the long run."

Prosecutors visited Granite City High School on September 21st, Alton High School on September 26th, Collinsville High School on October 4th and Highland High School on October 11th. The next stop will be October 17-18, at Bethalto High School.

McKendree University's Nursing Division is celebrating news that its bachelor of science and master of science nursing degree programs have received 10-year accreditation, the maximum allowed, by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

The CCNE is an autonomous accrediting agency that reviews baccalaureate, graduate and residency programs in nursing to ensure their quality and integrity. Its Board of Commissioners met earlier this month to review for accreditation all nursing programs that hosted an on-site evaluation earlier this year. Four nursing experts conducted an on-site accreditation visit on campus Feb. 27-29.

"We are thrilled with the news that we have achieved the full 10-year accreditation," Richelle Rennegarbe, nursing division chair and associate professor, said. "I appreciate all the hard work of the nursing faculty and administration in accomplishing this huge endeavor. The achievement of the accreditation demonstrates the high standards and a mark of achievement of McKendree University."

Designed for working nurses who want to advance their careers, the degree completion program builds on an associate degree education. It is offered at the McKendree campuses in Lebanon, Louisville and Radcliff, Ky.; online; and at Alton Memorial Hospital, Memorial Hospital in Belleville, Kaskaskia College in Centralia, Marion Veteran's Administration Hospital and John A. Logan College in Carterville.

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