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ALTON - Amirah Perry of Alton High School was honored as a Student of the Month for February at a regular meeting of the Rotary Club of Alton-Godfrey at Gentelin’s on Broadway Restaurant. Perry is a senior of Alton High School and is the daughter of Jane and Zachary Perry. She would like to thank the Rotary Club for the honor of being Rotary Student of the Month for February. Amirah would also like to thank the high school administration for recommending her for this honor. Lastly, she couldn't have come this far without the support of her family, so she would like to thank her mother, father, and her brother for always supporting her journey and continuing to support her throughout her life. Kobe Bryant once said, “Everything negative - pressure, challenges - is all an opportunity for me to rise.” Eighth grade was a year of mindset change for her as she began to think about her future and what high school would look like. Amirah pushed herself to get the best grades,

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SPRINGFIELD - Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) today announced seven awards, totaling $3.3 million, through the Route 66 Grant Program. This funding is intended to boost local tourism and attract visitors to the historic Route 66, leading up to the 100th Anniversary of Route 66 in 2026. The local Great Rivers & Routes Tourism Bureau received two grants that totaled $892,000 and $600,000. Those are explained below. “Like so many great things, Route 66 begins in Chicago, travels Illinois, and spreads across the country delighting millions and forming an essential part of our nation,” said Governor JB Pritzker . “These investments will enhance visitor experiences and build on existing attractions to ensure Illinois and Route 66 remain vibrant elements of American culture and tradition for many years to come.” A total of 300 miles of Route 66 weave through Illinois, and the economic and historical impact

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CAHOKIA – The Major Case Squad of Greater St. Louis is investigating a fatal shooting that occurred in the 700 block of Mildred Avenue in Cahokia Heights. The Cahokia Heights Police were initially called to the scene at 1:04 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 6, 2024. The victim has been identified as Bradford L. Readus, 22, of Memphis, Tenn. The Major Case Squad has 15 investigators on the case. The Major Case Squad investigators are actively working with leads to identify the person responsible for this crime and bring them to justice. Anyone with any information about this case should contact the Major Case Squad at (618) 332-4277.

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GRANITE CITY - Granite City Police announced Wednesday, Feb. 7, 2024, that a suspect has been charged after a Granite City police officer was shot during gunfire late Tuesday night. Granite City Police said the suspect is still at large. Donald J. Friese was charged with two counts of attempted first-degree murder, aggravated battery with a firearm, aggravated discharge of a firearm, and unlawful use or possession of weapons by a felon. Granite Police were called to the 2400 block of Delmar Avenue on Tuesday night and the suspect started shooting at them and one officer was hit. The injury was described as "a through-and-through gunshot wound." The officer was taken to an area hospital and has been released. Granite City Police Chief Col. Nick Novacich confirmed there was an exchange of gunfire between Friese and officers at the scene and police believe Friese was injured. Friese's vehicle has been confiscated. Anyone with additional information, contact the Granite City

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From grooving at dance parties to engaging in astronomy explorations and celebrating the Lunar New Year, the array of events scheduled offers something exciting for everyone to enjoy. For a comprehensive list of activities and details, be sure to visit https://www.riverbender.com/events/ and start planning your next memorable outing. Leading Off: Super Sunday - Get ready for a day filled with faith and football at Abundant Church's Super Sunday on February 11, 2024. Located at 3986 Humbert Rd. in Alton, IL, the church is set to offer two dynamic service experiences at 9am and 11am, featuring LIVE music and an inspiring message. The festivities continue with free tailgate food, NFL drills for kids, photo opportunities, a field goal challenge, and major giveaways. Everyone is invited to experience the energy and community spirit of Super Sunday! ACSL Wine Tasting Fundraiser - Taste the spirit of love and charity at the Valentine's Day Wine-Tasting event, hosted by Alton Community

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EDWARDSVILLE – A new era has begun for the Edwardsville Fire Department with the official opening of the East Fire Station at 7407 Governors’ Parkway. The new station became operational in February 2024, nearly 150 years to the day after the first fire company was organized in Edwardsville. “This is an exciting development for our residents, our City and our Fire Department,” Mayor Art Risavy said. “The department has a long tradition of unwavering dedication to protecting and serving our residents. I appreciate the hard work by our Fire Department and the support of our City officials and staff to make the new station a reality.” The East Fire Station includes 8,400 square feet of space, environmentally smart features such as solar panels; radiant floor heating to efficiently warm the bays and to dry wet equipment; and bi-fold bay doors that open and close in about a third of the time to speed emergency egress and limit heat loss. “This state-of-the-ar

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EDWARDSVILLE - A man from Edwardsville faces four total charges including possession of a stolen motor vehicle, aggravated fleeing or attempting to elude a peace officer, aggravated driving while under the influence, and resisting a peace officer, according to Madison County court documents. Kyle E. Hood, 39, of Edwardsville, was charged with the above listed offenses by the Illinois State Police on Dec. 22, 2023. Hood allegedly knowingly possessed a stolen Dodge Avenger with an Illinois registration number and drove it while under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or a combination thereof on I-55 in Madison County, according to court documents. His license had reportedly been revoked due to a previous DUI violation. Hood was additionally charged with aggravated fleeing or attempting to elude a peace officer after speeding at least 21 miles per hour over the legal limit while attempting to elude an Illinois State Police trooper who was giving him a visual or audible signal to stop

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ALTON - Alton resident Rob Goodwin has received the Teacher of the Year honor two years in a row at Bermuda Elementary School in the Ferguson-Florissant School District of St. Louis County. Goodwin has been teaching since 1996 and will retire in June 2026. He teaches music at Bermuda Elementary School, which ranges from preschool to second grade. “I swear, I think I’ve got the best job in the world,” Goodwin said. “It really is remarkable to receive that honor two years in a row. I was so surprised and so shocked.” Goodwin explained that his students learn age-appropriate music lessons. Every second grader receives piano lessons through the school, while first graders and kindergartners play rhythm instruments and preschoolers learn nursery rhymes. Goodwin said it is “absolutely endearing” to watch the kids grow and improve their music skills. While he clearly succeeds as a teacher, Goodwin didn’t always want to be an educator.

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JERSEYVILLE - Your Event Space will offer an open house to showcase its new location in Jerseyville on Feb. 8, 2024. From 5–8 p.m. on Feb. 8, you can check out the new space located at 309 North State Street in Jerseyville. The space integrates a ceremony hall and reception space with the bar at Germania Brew Haus, giving it a “coffee shop feel” that is unique to the area. Bryan and Barbie Brynildsen explain that Your Event Space aims to work with people to make sure their events are exactly what they want them to be. “We always tell couples that we’re not a big corporation,” Barbie said. “We’re a mom-and-pop store, so we can work with couples and things like that.” The Brynildsens said their events are customizable, and they can help couples choose the best caterer, DJ or decor options for them. They offer several packages so people can rent decor or choose to have a cash bar. But Barbie noted that the family is “budget-minded,”

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ALTON - Hayner Public Library District has a full slate of activities and programs coming up. “We have something for kids, teens, adults. Almost every day, something is going on,” said Mary Cordes, the library’s executive director. The library will be hosting internet safety classes for adults who want more information about how to stay safe online. These classes will talk about the dangers of clicking on unverified links, recognizing phishing scams, and protecting sensitive information. “We could have one every day of the week and they would be full. There’s a real need out there for it,” Cordes explained. “It’s a genuine fear, and honestly, it’s a legitimate fear because so many things can happen to you, especially financially, that you don’t understand. And it’s not even older people. I’ve done it myself…It can happen to anyone.” While the current class scheduled for Feb. 29 is full,

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WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and Dick Durbin (D-IL) joined U.S. Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA) and more than half of their Democratic Senate colleagues in filing an amendment to the bipartisan National Security Supplemental and Border Security compromise that would maintain the congressional notification requirement for all U.S. assistance to foreign militaries. Specifically, the amendment would strike a provision in the proposed national security supplemental funding bill that would allow the Secretary of State to waive Congressional notification requirements for U.S. funding for Israel under the Foreign Military Financing Program. If passed, the amendment would preserve the congressional notification process for Israel, just as congressional notifications are required for all other nations. “Our nation requires that any country receiving American weapons—whether through foreign aid or foreign military sales—follow conditions already in U.S

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ALTON - Members of the Alton Educational Foundation (AEF) gathered at Alton Middle School on Feb. 7, 2024, to learn about the projects they fund, including a sewing club, a LEGO STEM lab and more. AEF invites community members to donate to the Alton Community Unit School District #11 (ACUSD11) through the Guardians of Education program. The organization then provides grants for ACUSD11 teachers to fund classroom resources and extracurricular projects. On Feb. 7, teachers were present to share information about their projects and how they used the grant money to bring new resources to their students. “I can’t think of another word other than awesome,” said Cathy Droste, AEF chairperson. “We have so many donors who have donated to our organization in order for us to put out grants for teachers, and this is a chance for donors to see where their monies are going and to be hands-on, not just see or read about it, but actually meet the people that applied

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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today released the following statement regarding the U.S. Government Accountability Office’s (GAO) report on the Bureau of Prison’s (BOP) use of solitary confinement, also known as restrictive housing, in federal facilities, which Durbin requested: “Solitary confinement must be a last resort, limited to the briefest term and under the least restrictive conditions possible. We know the overuse of solitary confinement causes lasting, irreparable harm to incarcerated people, threatens public safety, strains prison budgets, and violates fundamental human rights. “Understanding this, I’m extremely disappointed by the findings in today’s GAO report, which highlights BOP’s failure to reduce its overreliance on restrictive housing. “As Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, I have repeatedly called on BOP to reevaluate and limit th

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WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL)—a member of the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee—met with the Adjutant General of the Illinois National Guard (ILNG) Major General Richard Neely to discuss the ways we can build on our progress to support the Illinois National Guard as our nation continues to face multiple threats and global security challenges overseas. Photos of the Senator’s meeting can be found using the link here . “The Illinois National Guard plays a vitally important role in strengthening our Total Force and our national security,” said Duckworth. “I appreciated today’s chance to meet with MG Richard Neely and I look forward to continuing our work together so that we can help ensure our troops have everything they need to continue executing their missions.” Last month, Duckworth spoke at the Illinois National Guard mobilization ceremony, helping honor and recognize the nearly 300 Illinois

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CHICAGO - Attorney General Kwame Raoul today sent a warning letter to a company that allegedly sent New Hampshire residents scam election robocalls during the New Hampshire primary election. The calls allegedly used artificial intelligence (AI) to impersonate the president and discourage voters from participating in the primary. Early voting in Illinois’ 2024 general primary election begins Feb. 8. “As we approach Illinois’ general primary election next month, I encourage voters to be wary of artificial intelligence calls relating to elections. While the voice on the other end of the call may seem familiar and convincing, I urge voters to remain cautious. Be sure to independently confirm any information you receive unsolicited regarding voting,” Raoul said. “The right to participate in our nation’s democracy is one of the most fundamental rights we have as Americans. I will continue to work with fellow attorneys general to ensure that right is protected

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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) today spoke with the leaders and members of the Illinois Community College Trustees Association (ICCTA) and the Federation of Independent Illinois Colleges and Universities (FIICU), which represents 58 Illinois private, nonprofit colleges across the state. During the meetings, Durbin and Duckworth advocated for doubling the maximum Pell Grant and supporting other federal student aid programs to help improve the accessibility of higher education. The Senators also discussed job training programs provided at Illinois colleges and universities and how they can serve as a pipeline for professions facing a workforce shortage, including the health care industry. “One of the greatest gifts we can give the next generation is an education. But for many Illinoisans, financial constraints are a barrier to reaching a college degree or a professional certification,” said Durbin.

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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Representatives Matthew Cartwright (D-PA-08) and Zach Nunn (R-IA-03) today introduced bicameral and bipartisan legislation to collect demographic data on public school teachers and principals to improve the accuracy of educator workforce data. The Strengthening Educator Workforce Data Act would establish a permanent, national mechanism to collect teacher and principal data at the school district-level to assist in recruitment and retention of educators. The legislation stems from research showing that all students benefit from a high-quality, diverse educator workforce, and that students of color with at least one same-race teacher often have improved academic performance, attendance, graduation rates, and aspiration to attend college. Current solutions to address both educator workforce shortages and diversity gaps use incomplete data that is not easily accessible. Without a national dataset, legislators

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GRANITE CITY - A Granite City Police officer was struck when a subject fired a gun at officers in the 2400 block of Delmar Avenue on Tuesday, Feb. 6, 2024. The call to the Granite City Police Department came in at 10:08 p.m. Granite City Police said upon arrival officers contacted a subject who fired a gun at officers and struck one officer. The officer struck in the gunfire sustained non-life-threatening injuries as a result. "Officers returned fire and the suspect fled from the scene of the incident," Major Gary Brooks said. "The suspect is still at large. Multiple agencies responded and are assisting with this investigation. There will be no further information released at this time." Anyone with any information about the situation, please contact the Granite City Police Department at (618) 877-6111 .

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GRAFTON - Raging Rivers Waterpark has some sweet deals this Valentine’s Day to get you in a summer state of mind. From Feb. 7–14, 2024, you can get two package deals that will save you $100 each. With some fun additions to the park, sped-up food service and other additions, the park promises another great year for its 35th season. “It’ll be our 35th year of operation and we want to keep it going,” said Melody Dossett, the Administrative Manager. “Raging Rivers is a long-standing business in the community and we hope to keep it that way.” The Valentine’s Day deal allows customers to purchase four tickets and a cabana — a value of $239 — for $150. Customers can also purchase four tickets, meal vouchers and parking, which is valued at $198, for just $100. These deals are only available Feb. 7–14, 2024, in the Special Event Section on RagingRivers.com . Dossett explained that affordability is important to Raging

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ALTON - Upper Alton Baptist Church will host their annual Chocolate Festival to raise money for their preschool. From 2–4 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 11, 2024, community members can stop by Upper Alton Baptist Church at 2726 College Avenue in Alton for an all-you-can-eat chocolate extravaganza. The event costs $7 and you can refill your plate as many times as you want. All proceeds go to the Upper Alton Baptist Preschool, which serves families of children ages 3–5. “It’s vitally important,” said Alison Donoho about the fundraiser. “Our preschool has been around since 1980, and things change a lot with the costs and everything. We at the church feel like our number one ministry is the preschool and being able to serve those kids and the families, so fundraisers like this just help us continue to do that.” Donoho is the preschool committee chair. She sees firsthand how the kids benefit from the preschool, from learning their colors and the alphabet

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