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WORDEN - The Wordi Gras Celebration in Worden had something for everyone on Saturday, Feb. 10, 2024. There was not only the active parade, but plenty of candy for children, beads for adults and children, and plenty of food and drink once again. The Baywolfe Band and Cheers Band again drew capacity crowds for their performances and there several food trucks this year. The drink of choice was a hurricane and it was the house favorite at The Yellow Dog Bar. Wordi Gras has grown so much it is now getting attention in the direction of St. Louis as many now come over for the celebration. Above and below are some of the better images from Riverbender.com on the day and a full gallery of photos.

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ALTON - The Alton Police and Fire Department responded to the scene of a serious motorcycle accident at 5:42 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 9, 2024, on Homer Adams Parkway at the intersection of Loran Lane. Alton Police Chief Jarrett Ford said the Alton Fire Department tended to the driver of the motorcycle who had sustained injuries as a result of the accident. The Alton Fire Department transported the driver of the motorcycle via ambulance and the driver received additional medical treatment at a St. Louis area hospital for what Chief Ford described as "non-life threatening injuries." Chief Ford continued and said: "Preliminary investigation determined the motorcycle was traveling on Homer Adams Parkway when another vehicle pulled in front of the motorcycle from Loran Lane onto Homer Adams Parkway. The accident is still under investigation at this time."

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EAST ALTON - A man who lived a life of public service and was the Former East Alton Fire Chief - Randy Nelson - died on Friday, Feb. 9, 2024. Nelson, 57, was a Roxana High School graduate and also served in the Air Force from 1984 to 1988. Nelson was a Roxana High graduate and a Fire Protection Specialist in the Air Force. He came back to the area and served as a firefighter at Olin and also a long-time member of the East Alton Fire Department. He became a lieutenant in 2000, captain in 2006, and chief in 2012. He retired from the East Alton Fire Department in 2015. He had a bachelor of Science in Fire Service Management and a master's in Fire Service and Homeland Security from SIU Carbondale. East Alton Fire Department Chief Tim Quigley said Randy Nelson was “one of the best people I know.” “Randy would give the shirt off his back for anyone,” Quigley said. “Everybody liked Randy." Randy was a Fire Science instructor at Lewis and Clark Community College

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EDWARDSVILLE - Five individuals have been charged in separate cases with various forms of battery, including one individual additionally charged with aggravated assault, according to court documents filed in Madison County. Edward D. Johnson, 55, of Granite City, was charged on Jan. 30, 2024, with one count of domestic battery and one count of aggravated assault. Johnson allegedly struck the victim, a family or household member, “about the face with his hand” and used a knife to threaten to cut the same victim, according to court documents. The state will seek to enhance Johnson’s Class 4 felony for domestic battery in this case, since he had previously been convicted of domestic assault causing bodily injury in Davidson County, Tenn. He also received a Class A misdemeanor charge for aggravated assault, and court documents indicate he was remanded to jail until his initial court appearance. Kyle F. Brooks, 30, of Granite City, was charged with domestic battery

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EDWARDSVILLE - Several cases of battery have been filed in Madison County, including one domestic battery involving a strangulation and two separate cases of individuals spitting on police officers, according to court documents. Christopher M. Kozak, 34, of Granite City, was charged with one count each of aggravated domestic battery and domestic battery. On Jan. 28, 2024, Kozack allegedly strangled a family or household member “by wrapping his arms around her beck, applying pressure,” according to court documents. He was additionally charged with domestic battery after he “struck the victim about the head and body with his hands and knees.” A petition to deny Kozak’s pretrial release details the case, which was presented by the Granite City Police Department: “Victim was observed on the roof of her residence calling for help. Officers contacted the victim, who stated that her ex-boyfriend, the defendant, became angry and attacked her. She reported

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LITCHFIELD - The Litchfield Skyview Drive-In will host an eclipse viewing party on Monday, April 8, 2024, complete with live music, comedians, a raffle and more. Attendees can enjoy vendors, games, a photo booth and other attractions throughout the day starting at 11 a.m. on April 8. The eclipse will be visible around 2 p.m. that day, with almost 100% totality visible in Litchfield. “We’re super excited. We know we’re not 100% in the eclipse, but we’re at 98.2%, so we’ll still get a very good show of the eclipse,” said Skyview owner Chelsey Semplowski. “The drive-in is a very special place. We’re the last original drive-in on Old Route 66, so we just want to make sure that we’re around for as long as possible. Visiting the concession stand and coming out for stuff like this helps us to be able to keep the drive-in operating and functional.” Tickets cost $40 until March 1, 2024, when they increase to $50. Ages 5 and under

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WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) this week hosted a briefing for several of her Senate colleagues with Dr. Zaher Sahloul and other doctors who recently returned from a medical mission in Gaza so that the Senators could hear directly from the doctors on the state of the humanitarian crisis there and the urgent need for life-saving medical supplies, equipment and treatment to assist the innocent civilians who are suffering in Gaza. “This briefing underscored the urgent need for Congress to swiftly act to help expand deliveries of lifesaving aid and medical care to the innocent civilians who are suffering in Gaza,” said Duckworth. “I’m grateful to Dr. Sahloul and these doctors for providing a sobering firsthand analysis of the dire circumstances on the ground in Gaza and I will continue to strongly advocate for the protection of innocent civilians in Gaza and the West Bank, the safe return of all hostages and ultimately a two-state future

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CHICAGO - Attorney General Kwame Raoul joined a coalition of 11 attorneys general urging the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), Congress and the Biden administration to protect workers from the dangers of exposure to extreme heat in the workplace. Raoul and the coalition petitioned OSHA to implement a nationwide emergency extreme heat standard to take effect this summer to protect workers from heat exposure. OSHA currently has no occupational heat standard from rising temperatures or intensifying heat waves. Raoul and the attorneys general also called on Congress to pass pending legislation directing OSHA to promulgate an interim heat standard while it continues its rulemaking for a permanent standard. Additionally, they urged the White House to support these efforts to protect the nation’s most heat-vulnerable workers. “Climate change increases the severity of extreme heat, particularly in Illinois for our farmers and construction workers,”

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Capital Development Board Saul Morse will continue to serve as a Member of the Capital Development Board. Morse is an attorney in the Springfield law firm of Brown, Hay & Stephens, LLP, concentrating his practice in matters related to governmental regulation, health care, and municipal law. He has practiced extensively in the Springfield community for 40 years. He first came to Springfield to serve as Chief Counsel to the Minority Leader of the Illinois State Senate, after which he engaged in the private practice of law for 15 years, concentrating his practice in governmental regulation, health care, and lobbying. During that time he served as Legislative Counsel for a wide range of organizations including the Illinois State Medical Society, Illinois Occupational Therapy Association, Illinois County Nursing Homes Association, Illinois Speech and Language Association, Six Flags Corporation, the Chicago Cubs National League Baseball Team, and various other entities. He has previously

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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today met with Adjutant General of the Illinois National Guard Major General Richard Neely to discuss continued opportunities and support for our Illinois National Guard. Durbin and General Neely spoke about the Air Force’s September selection of Peoria’s 182 nd Airlift Wing as a basing location for new C-130J aircraft and Durbin’s successful effort to secure $350 million in Fiscal Year 2023 funding for 12 new MQ-1C Gray eagle aircraft for the National Guard. “Every day, the women and men of the Illinois Air National Guard answer the call to serve their country and communities, from providing assistance during a global pandemic or natural disasters. I’m encouraged that the 182 nd was selected to receive new C-130J aircraft, and I will continue to work with Major General Neely on ensuring success and support for our troops across the State of Illinois,” said Durbin. A photo of the

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and Cory Booker (D-NJ), co-founders of the new Senate Lead Task Force and the U.S. Senate Environmental Justice Caucus, alongside U.S. Representatives Rashida Tlaib (D-MI-12) and Debbie Dingell (D-MI-06), co-chairs of the House ‘Get the Lead Out’ Caucus, led 86 of their colleagues in applauding the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for their proposed Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (LCRI) while also urging them to strengthen the rule by considering additional provisions that would improve and expedite the Biden Administration’s effort to remove all lead service lines from our nation. “While we recognize the challenges for some municipalities to remove thousands of lead pipes in 10 years, the proposal could allow another generation of children in many communities to be exposed to lead from their tap water,” wrote the members. “Some cities have been able to replace tens of thousands

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WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL)—a member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation (CST) and Chair of the Subcommittee on Aviation Safety, Operations and Innovation—announced several of her key priorities were included in the bipartisan FAA Reauthorization Act of 2023 that passed through the CST committee today. As one of the authors of the legislation, Duckworth successfully secured several provisions that will improve safety for consumers, expand the aviation workforce and enhance protections for travelers with disabilities. If signed into law, the bipartisan FAA reauthorization bill would extend FAA’s funding and authorities through the Fiscal Year 2028. “The bipartisan FAA Reauthorization Act is a win not only for our economy, but for aviation safety advocates and the flying public,” said Duckworth. “As Chair of the Subcommittee on Aviation Safety, Operations and Innovation,

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EDWARDSVILLE - The Edwardsville Rotary Club has chosen to honor Edwardsville High School student Alessia Heiser with the Student of the Month Award for the month of December. Alessia Heiser was nominated by World Languages teacher Christel Schwarz of Edwardsville High School. Alessia is the daughter of Christopher & Dana Cattani-Smejkal and Timothy & Katie Heiser. She is very involved in the music department, where she has made ILMEA All-District six times, ILMEA All-State three times, and Bi-State two times. Additionally, Alessia is a member of National Honor Society, French Honor Society, Science National Honor Society, Symphonic Band, Marching Band, and has been on high honor roll for three years. In her free time, Alessia enjoys making jewelry and playing the bassoon. In the future, Alessia would like to attend Southern Illinois University Carbondale or Purdue University. From there, she plans on majoring in microbiology and minoring in environmental science. The Edwardsville

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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today led 17 Senate Democrats in a letter to President Joe Biden urging him to act swiftly to finally close the detention facility at U.S. Naval Station Guantánamo Bay, Cuba. In their letter, the Senators wrote that as a symbol of lawlessness and human rights abuses, the detention facility continues to harm U.S. national security by serving as a propaganda tool for America’s enemies and hindering counterterrorism efforts and cooperation with allies. The Senators also expressed their support of the Administration’s renewed commitment before the United Nations (UN) Human Rights Committee this fall to ending indefinite detention at Guantánamo. The Senators wrote, “At a time of mounting threats from China and Russia, we cannot afford such a weakening of our security. Moreover, in addition to the $540 million in wasted taxpayer dollars each year,

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STANFORD, CT. – Spectrum returned to the Super Bowl on Sunday for the first time since 2018 with a witty new commercial poking fun at the spotty coverage of cell phone home internet providers while highlighting the speed and reliability of Spectrum Internet. In the 30-second ad – aptly titled “Holes” – Mom arrives home to discover her family has smashed a gaping hole in the living room wall to get a better internet signal. “Turns out the walls were getting in the way,” Dad says. While comical to think somebody would actually knock holes in their walls to improve service, the ad illustrates the limitations of what cell phone home internet users regularly experience. Unlike the Super Bowl game, there is no contest: Spectrum Internet delivers 24/7 reliability, security, and dramatically faster speeds, while saving customers hundreds of dollars per year on their home internet and mobile service vs. the competition. The commercial, create

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MARYVILLE - Anderson Healthcare, a leading healthcare network in the Metro East, is pleased to announce the appointment of Mike Marshall, MBA, CPA, FACHE, as the new President and Chief Executive Officer, effective February 9, 2024. Marshall replaces Keith Page, who retired February 8, 2024, after 28 years with the organization. Marshall has been with the Anderson Healthcare System for 19 years, joining the Senior Leadership team on April 1, 2005. He served as Chief Financial Officer from April 1, 2005, through December 31, 2022, and most recently served as the Chief Operating Officer of Anderson Healthcare. With over 35 years of experience in healthcare management, Marshall has played a pivotal role in driving Anderson’s financial growth and strategic decision-making. As CFO, Marshall demonstrated exceptional leadership, integrity, and a deep understanding of the company's operations and strategic initiatives. "I am honored and excited to take on the role of President and

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GODFREY – Lewis and Clark Community College students will have the opportunity to mingle with representatives from various colleges, universities and military branches during Spring Transfer Day 2024, to be held from noon-2 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 21, in The Commons. Colleges/universities/organizations represented will include: Eastern Illinois University Southern Illinois University Carbondale University of Illinois Springfield Goldfarb School of Nursing at Barnes-Jewish College Central Methodist University Greenville University Quincy University Webster University McKendree University Illinois College Harris Stowe State University Southern Illinois University Edwardsville University of Illinois Chicago University of Illinois Urbana Champaign Maryville University Lindenwood University Fontbonne University Blackburn University University of Missouri St. Louis UMSL College of Business U.S. Marine Corps. U.S. Airforce U.S. Army For more information, contact

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GRANITE CITY - Recently unsealed charges containing additional details about a Granite City police officer-involved shooting have been released by the Madison County Circuit Clerk’s Office. The suspect, Donald J. Friese, was later killed in a shootout with officers from the Illinois State Police, the United Marshal Service, Cape Girardeau County Sheriff's Office, and Cape Girardeau Police Department. In total, Friese was charged with five felony counts, including two counts of attempted first degree murder and one count each of aggravated battery with a firearm, aggravated discharge of a firearm, and unlawful use or possession of weapons by a felon. The first four counts were each Class X felonies, while the fifth count was a Class 2 felony. A petition that was filed to deny Friese’s pretrial release describes the events which led up to the initial officer-involved shooting. Friese had apparently made suicidal statements prior to the incident, with his mother indicatin

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GODFREY – Lewis and Clark Community College is hosting its annual “You Have a Voice!” humanities speech competition at 3 p.m., Wednesday, March 20, in the Ann Whitney Olin Theatre of the Hatheway Cultural Center. The contest aims to give students an opportunity to share their thoughts and experiences on what it means to be human. All students are encouraged to participate or attend. The top three winners will earn cash prizes. Speeches should be informative and persuasive, with a time limit of five to eight minutes. The competition is organized by the Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Honor Society and hosted by PTK Sponsor and Speech Professor Elizabeth Grant. This year’s event is co-sponsored by L&C Student Activities. Grant said "You Have A Voice” was inspired by a former student who shared a heart-wrenching story. The student stood up for a fellow customer who was being bullied while waiting in line at CVS. "I realized that our students live in the trenches

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WOOD RIVER/ST. LOUIS - The DAWG Nation Hockey Foundation will host a fundraiser for local hockey player Wyatt Owens. Community members are invited to support the 18-year-old at an upcoming hockey tournament in St. Louis. The winter classic kicks off at 6 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 23, 2024, and 36 teams throughout the St. Louis area will be competing. On Saturday, Feb. 24, 2024, spectators can enjoy an auction and a public skate with Reed Low, a former St. Louis Blues player. All proceeds will go to St. Louis resident Adam Dowling and Wood River’s own Owens, who was recently diagnosed with lymphoma. “This is an annual fundraiser that we do to help members of the hockey community going through times of crisis,” explained Jared Schmierbach, director of the St. Louis chapter of DAWG Nation. “Aside from the financial aspect of this, we try to get the community together to support these people going through these very challenging times.” The tournament is

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