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JERSEYVILLE - Jersey Community Unit School District No. 100 facilitated a unique cultural exchange this week when students from Jersey Community High School (JCHS) connected with third-grade students in Mexico City, Mexico. The meeting, organized by JCHS Spanish teacher Andrea Lamer, allowed the students to engage in a cross-cultural dialogue centered around "The Day of the Dead" (Día de Los Muertos). During the session, the third-grade students in Mexico City presented their projects on the traditional holiday, which honors deceased loved ones and celebrates their lives. The JCHS students expressed enjoyment and appreciation for the presentations, highlighting the value of this cultural learning opportunity. Lamer emphasized the importance of such exchanges in enhancing students' understanding of different cultures and traditions. The initiative reflects Jersey Community Unit School District No. 100's commitment to fostering global awareness among its students.

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O'FALLON — Dr. Steven D. Morton, D.O., an orthopedic surgeon with HSHS Medical Groups in Breese and Highland, has received the Donald Siehl Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Osteopathic Academy of Orthopedics (AOAO), the highest award granted by the organization. The honor is given to a member who, in the opinion of the academy’s board of directors, has made a major contribution and commitment to the AOAO during his/her professional career. Dr. Morton accepted the prestigious award during the organization’s annual fall meeting held October 24-26 in Boston. “I was humbled by the recognition from my colleagues and peers for my contributions to osteopathic medicine and orthopedic surgery,” Morton said. He counts the gratitude from his patients as an indicator of his overall success. “When a patient tells me, ‘You gave me my life back,’ after a knee or total hip replacement, I know I’ve fulfilled my purpose,”

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BENTON – A U.S. District judge sentenced a Nigerian national to seven years in federal prison for conducting a romance scam that stole hundreds of thousands of dollars from at least a dozen identified victims from across the United States. The victims were primarily comprised of elderly or disabled women who thought they were sending money at the request of romantic partner they had met online. Ogheneofejiro Godswill Uzokpa, 28, of Warri, Nigeria, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and one count of wire fraud. In addition to imprisonment, the judge ordered Uzokpa to pay $329,470 in restitution to his victims. According to court documents, Uzokpa and uncharged co-conspirators conducted a scheme to obtain money and other assets belonging to his victims between March 2020 and February 2021. Uzokpa and his co-conspirators took advantage of vulnerable women by developing personal, romantic relationships under false pretenses to gain their trust. Uzokpa

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EDWARDSVILLE — The Madison County Sheriff's Office recently held a retirement ceremony for Captain Brian Koberna, marking the conclusion of a distinguished 20-year career in law enforcement. Koberna began his tenure at the sheriff's office in 2003 as a deputy in the Patrol Division before transitioning to the Investigations Division in 2006. During his time in investigations, Koberna held various roles, including positions in Auto Theft, the Digital Forensic Unit, and as Chief Deputy Commander of the Major Case Squad of Greater St. Louis. He also served as Chief of Investigations, where he commanded numerous homicide investigations on the Illinois side of the region. Sheriff Jeff Connor praised Koberna's contributions to law enforcement, noting his extensive experience and leadership within the department. "He rose through the ranks and spent a lot of his career in investigations, including our cyber crime unit," Connor said. "He was a valuable member with an untold amoun

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O'FALLON — The O'Fallon Police Department, along with local emergency medical services, firefighters, and registered nurses from St. Elizabeth's Emergency Room, have collaborated to produce a calendar that aims to support Metro East Every Survivor Counts. The initiative, which showcases the first responders of the community, features photographs taken with their pets during various photo shoots. The Metro East Every Survivor Counts organization has a mission to address multifaceted forms of oppression and end sexual violence by empowering survivors through person-first services and community engagement. The calendar project is designed to raise funds for the organization, which is dedicated to providing support for cancer survivors in the region. The photographs not only highlight the commitment of these first responders, but also aim to foster community spirit and awareness for the cause. The calendar is available for purchase, with proceeds going directly to support

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TROY — The Troy Police Department has announced it will enhance its traffic safety initiatives following the award of a Federal Fiscal Year 2025 Sustained Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP) grant. The grant aims to bolster high-visibility enforcement strategies that seek to reduce traffic crashes and prevent injuries. The grant period will run from Oct. 1, 2024, to Sept. 30, 2025. During this time, the Troy Police Department plans to implement additional enforcement measures that will complement both mandatory and optional campaign enforcement dates, particularly during periods identified as some of the most dangerous for road travel. In a statement, the Troy Police Department expressed its commitment to road safety, saying, "We're pleased to receive this grant to step up our road safety efforts with the goal of saving lives. Our mission is to make travel safer through directed, proactive patrols and to stop, cite, and arrest those who choose to violate traffic laws." The enforcemen

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GRANITE CITY – Granite City Community Unit School District No. 9 Board Treasurer Linda Knogl and Board Member Lori Silva attended the Illinois Association of School Boards, Southwestern Division Meeting on September 25 in Sparta, Ill. They met with Senator Terri Bryant-Murphysboro, Senator Erica Harriss-Edwardsville and Representative Amy Elik-Alton during the meeting. Discussions included unfunded mandates which place a burden of requirements on districts without providing financial assistance to carry out those mandates. To date, there have been 731 mandates thrust upon districts since 1982. Other topics included: teacher shortages, evidence based funding, and student teacher stipends. Knogl and Silva were encouraged by this opportunity to meet and hear their insights and concerns. Hopefully, further legislative meetings such as these will bring us closer and benefit our students and community. For more information about Granite City School District #9, visit

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EDWARDSVILLE — Madison County voters have made their voices heard, re-electing Donald Trump as President and supporting a full Republican sweep of all countywide offices. This historic election marks a clear call for policies focused on economic revitalization, national security, and individual freedoms. “The people of Madison County have spoken, endorsing a renewed vision for America under President Trump’s leadership,” said Ray Wesley, Chairman of the Madison County Republican Central Committee. “With his commitment to lowering taxes, strengthening our economy, achieving energy independence, and protecting American interests globally, President Trump’s policies resonate with our community’s priorities.” In addition to President Trump’s victory, Madison County Republicans have achieved significant wins locally, capturing every countywide office and securing key victories in county board races. “Our county candidates an

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EAST ST. LOUIS - Two East St. Louis residents have been charged in separate cases with possessing handguns modified into fully-automatic "machine guns." Jerell C. Brown, 24, of East St. Louis, was charged on Oct. 21, 2024 with unlawful use of weapons - possession of a machine gun (a Class X felony), reckless discharge of a firearm (a Class 4 felony) and aggravated fleeing or attempting to elude a peace officer (a Class 4 felony). On June 5, 2024, Brown allegedly possessed a Glock 22 .40 caliber handgun which was “modified with a switch to make the weapon automatically fire more than one shot without manually reloading” and located in a motor vehicle. He was additionally charged with firing the gun down an alleyway in the 400 block of Broadway in Venice. A petition to deny Brown’s pretrial release states Venice Police officers responded to a report of shots fired adjacent to “a public thoroughfare in Venice.” “Officers located multiple 40

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EDWARDSVILLE - The Edwardsville Police conducted a successful Halloween enforcement campaign, resulting in 2 impaired driving arrests. Additionally, Edwardsville officers arrested 1 driver for driving on a suspended license, issued 4 speeding citations, 2 citations for illegal transportation of alcohol, and 4 other citations. Law enforcement agencies across Illinois participated in this statewide effort to save lives by removing impaired drivers from the roads and ensuring more drivers and passengers were properly buckled up. The fall enforcement campaign, which ran from Oct. 18 through Nov. 1, was part of the "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over" and "Click It or Ticket" initiatives. Special attention was given to late-night enforcement, as data shows that this is when the highest number of impaired driving incidents and unbuckled fatalities occur. This enforcement effort was made possible through federal highway safety funds provided by the Illinois Department of Transportation.

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As the leaves turn shades of amber and gold, and the air becomes crisp, it’s time to embrace the beauty of fall and prepare your home for Thanksgiving. This season is an opportunity to create a warm, inviting atmosphere that reflects the bounty of the harvest and the spirit of gratitude. In this article, we will explore various fall home decor ideas that will enhance your living space for Thanksgiving, making your home a festive haven for family and friends. Embrace Natural Elements 1. Incorporate Seasonal Foliage One of the simplest and most effective ways to welcome fall into your home is by incorporating seasonal foliage. Use garlands made of faux or real leaves to drape around doorways, railings, or mantels. Opt for a mix of colors—deep reds, oranges, and yellows—to create a vibrant display. Example: A beautiful centerpiece can be crafted using a shallow bowl filled with pinecones, acorns, and colorful leaves. This arrangement not only brings the outdoors

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November 7th holds a treasure trove of historical significance, with events that have shaped nations, inspired movements, and changed the course of history. In the realm of international politics, November 7, 1917, also known as the October Revolution in the Julian calendar, saw the Bolsheviks seize power in Russia. This event not only led to the establishment of a communist government but also set the stage for the Russian Civil War and the eventual rise of the Soviet Union. The revolution was a catalyst for change around the globe, influencing countless movements and ideologies that sought to challenge existing power structures. Fast forward to November 7, 2000, when the U.S. presidential election became one of the most contentious in American history. The race between George W. Bush and Al Gore culminated in a decision that would not only affect the future of the country but also highlight the complexities of the electoral process. After a protracted legal battle over the

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The start of a new relationship can be a very exciting chapter in our lives. New relationships can bring new opportunities to learn about yourself and how to be a good communicator and reliable partner. While the honeymoon phase can feel electrifying, if your new partner seems too good to be true, you could be experiencing love bombing. What is love bombing? It’s a form of emotional and psychological manipulation that involves your romantic partner quickly escalating the relationship to create an intense emotional bond in an effort to manipulate you into a relationship with them. While many people may be capable of love bombing, it is most commonly exhibited by people with anxious or insecure attachment behaviors and can be done intentionally or unintentionally. It is mostly recognized in romantic relationships, however it can be experienced in platonic or familial relationships, too and tends to occur in three phases: Idealization phase: During this phase, your partner

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EDWARDSVILLE - The historic Wildey Theater in Edwardsville will host three international films this weekend as part of the 33rd annual St. Louis International Film Festival (SLIFF). As the only Illinois venue on the SLIFF schedule, the event will not only give locals a taste of international culture and cinema, but will also draw visitors to see what the Edwardsville community and surrounding Metro East region have to offer. On Sunday, Nov. 10, 2024, the Wildey will show four Oscar-qualifying documentary short films starting at 1 p.m., followed by two full-length features at 3 and 5 p.m. The four short documentary films include “ Broken Flight ,” “ The Last Observers ,” “ Chouteau: Scenes from Below ,” and “ Capturing the Carbon .” More information about each short film is available on the SLIFF website , where you can also watch trailers and purchase tickets to see all four films for just $5. A 3 p.m. showing of

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COTTAGE HILLS — Richard F. Moody, a Marine who served in the Vietnam War, was honored posthumously for his sacrifice after being killed in action on December 21, 1965. Moody, who held the rank of Private, is remembered by his community as a very proud man. Moody’s service was marked by his commitment to his country, culminating in the receipt of a Purple Heart for his bravery. Moody's legacy is carried on in Cottage Hills, where residents reflect on the impact of his sacrifice. Brenda M. Copeland, a submitter of Moody's information to the Veteran's Salute, emphasized the pride he felt in serving his nation. The community continues to recognize and honor the contributions of veterans like Moody, ensuring that their sacrifices are not forgotten. Click here to submit a Veteran's Salute to Riverbender.com.

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LEBANON — Maryville's Destiny Johnson, a senior at McKendree University, has been recognized as the 2024-2025 Student Laureate of the Lincoln Academy of Illinois, an honor awarded for exceptional leadership, service, and academic excellence. Johnson, a Collinsville High School graduate, received the Abraham Lincoln Civic Engagement Award during a ceremony held on Saturday, Oct. 26, in Springfield, Ill. The Lincoln Academy of Illinois grants this prestigious award to one outstanding senior from each college and university across the state. Johnson, majoring in chemistry and mathematics, is also a member of McKendree's Honors Program. Her academic achievements include winning the American Chemical Society Outstanding Junior Chemistry Award in 2023 and the GLVC Brother James Gaffney Distinguished Scholar Award in 2022. Recommenders highlight Johnson's remarkable competence and maturity. Dr. Vince Dunlap, her advisor and an associate professor of chemistry at McKendree, noted her

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SPRINGFIELD — Nikki Budzinski announced her reelection to Congress this morning, securing a significant victory in Illinois’ 13th Congressional District. Budzinski's performance in the 2024 election showed improvement across all seven counties she represents, suggesting increased support compared to her initial election in 2022. In her statement, Budzinski expressed gratitude for the trust placed in her by the voters of Central and Southern Illinois. “Two years ago, voters in Central and Southern Illinois placed their faith in me to go to Congress and work across the aisle to get things done for our communities," she said. "I’m so honored that my constituents have seen my record of results and given me the opportunity to keep fighting for them.” Budzinski emphasized her commitment to addressing the needs of working families, lowering costs, and securing the southern border. She also highlighted her intention to defend democracy and protect fundamental

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GLEN CARBON – Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois (GSofSI) has wrapped up the annual Fall Product Program for 2024. Girls in Southern Illinois sold over $470,000 in tasty treats, magazines, and other fun products. Let’s give a shout out to the following girls for being Fall Product Top Sellers for their respective areas: Alvina Farley from the Alton/Godfrey/Wood River/Roxana Service Unit sold $1,387 in product Paislee Travis from the Granite City/Madison/Venice Service Unit sold $1,324 in product Katelynn Norman from the Bethalto Service Unit sold $2,176 in product Kinsley Godier from the Edwardsville/Glen Carbon Service Unit sold $1,039 in product Rylee Barnett from the Troy/St. Jacob Service Unit sold $846 in product Olivia Jackson from the Highland Service Unit sold $611 in product Margeaux Williams from the Collinsville Service Unit sold $711 in product “The Fall Product Program is an excellent way for girls to raise funds as they start their new Girl

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ALTON - The SIU School of Dental Medicine (SIU SDM) will be hosting the seventh annual Veterans Dental Care Day on Thursday, Nov. 14, 2024. Patient care, which includes exams, x-rays, cleanings, fillings and extractions, will be provided in the SIU SDM Main Clinic on the Alton Campus. The appointment schedule is 8 a.m. and 11 a.m., with patient arrival times at 7:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Patients should pre-register for free appointments at 618-474-7012. To best manage patient care, patients will be seen by appointment only; no walk-ins will be accepted. The SIU School of Dental Medicine (SIU SDM) students, residents, faculty and staff manage approximately 30,000 patient visits each year at its patient clinics in Alton, East St. Louis and Edwardsville. These patient care experiences provide students and residents the training they need to graduate and become highly skilled dentists and specialists. The School of Dental Medicine is a vital oral health care provider for dental patient

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ALTON - The Sierra Club Monthly Speakers Series continues on November 12, 2024 6:30 p.m. with "What's Happening to Frog Species in the St. Louis-Metro Area?" Mike Dawson, Educator for the St. Louis Zoo's "Frog Watch Program" will focus on three frog species once abundant in the St. Louis area, and relevant concerns for the possible absence or decrease of these species. Come join us and find out what Mike is learning about his work and indications of a larger environmental issue. This is a live presentation at the Old Bakery Beer Co., 400 Landmarks Blvd., Alton, Ill. Come early and bring dinner and drinks into the venue prior to the 6:30 p.m. program. For questions, contact Chris Krusa, Sierra Club Program Chair at 410-490-5024.

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