Don’t Miss This: Collinsville Merchant Marine fights for recognition; 1,200 volunteers gather to help local needy

Don’t miss these Metro-East stories on bnd.com.

▪  Appointee in bankruptcy: Vonetta Harris, an appointee to the Illinois Prisoner Review Board, recommended by state Sen. James Clayborne, owes more than $300,000, including $11,000 to the IRS, according to bankruptcy filings. Read about it here.

▪  Seeking recognition: Collinsville resident Orville Sova, who served during World War II as a Merchant Marine, is part of an effort to have the U.S. government award benefits to Merchant Marines veterans who served during World War II. See what the group of veterans is asking for.

▪  Shooting complex to close: State budget issues have led to the scheduled closure of the World Shooting and Recreational Complex in Sparta. The pending layoff of nine state employees at the complex at the end of next month cast a shadow over the Grand American shooting event.

▪  Giving hope: More than 1,200 volunteers took part in a Convoy of Hope event in O’Fallon on Saturday to distribute food, provide free family portraits, give free haircuts, and help with job searches, among other things for 3,000 to 4,000 needy Metro-East residents. Read about how grateful residents were to receive assistance.

This story was originally published August 14, 2015 at 4:53 PM with the headline "Don’t Miss This: Collinsville Merchant Marine fights for recognition; 1,200 volunteers gather to help local needy."