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EDWARDSVILLE – Last month the Madison County Auditor’s Office officially filed the County’s fiscal year ending November 30, 2022, Annual Comprehensive Financial Report with the Illinois Comptroller’s Office and the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA). This is Madison County’s official audited annual financial report. “State law requires that all general-purpose local governments publish within six months of the close of each fiscal year a complete set of financial statements presented in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles and audited in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards by a firm of licensed certified public accountants,” Michael said. “I am very pleased to report to the taxpayers of Madison County that the county received a clean (unmodified) opinion from our external auditor, Scheffel Boyle.” The goal of the independent audit is to provide reasonable assurance that the financial

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GRANITE CITY – Governor JB Pritzker joined the departments of transportation in Illinois and Missouri to celebrate the start of construction on the new Interstate 270 Chain of Rocks Bridge over the Mississippi River, part of a combined $531.6 million investment to improve one of the country’s critical freight corridors. The project, made possible by Gov. Pritzker’s historic, bipartisan Rebuild Illinois capital program, will improve safety and mobility while creating good-paying jobs in an area experiencing strong industrial and commercial growth. “This isn’t just an investment for the Metro East region — it’s an investment for our entire nation. This major freight corridor connects our ports and railways — essential to maintaining a steady supply chain for Illinoisans, Missourians, and all Americans alike,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Up and down the Metro East region, we’re restoring and rebuilding, creating good-paying

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ST. LOUIS - Schnuck Markets, Inc. and the St. Louis Cardinals are teaming up to bring customers and fans a special treat to cool them off on warm summer days - Schnucks Cherry Cardinals Crunch Ice Cream. The new frozen confection is a cherry and vanilla flavored ice cream swirled with coated cookie pieces and is now available at most Schnucks stores across the Midwest. "Schnucks Cherry Cardinals Crunch ice cream is sure to be a fan favorite that Cardinals Nation will only find at their local Schnucks store,” said Schnucks Brand Manager of Media & Sponsorships Zach Collins. “This collaboration is possible because of a strong hometown partnership between the St. Louis Cardinals and Schnucks’ best-in-class ‘Own Brands’ team dedicated to bringing our customers high-quality, exclusive items that deliver great value." The 48-ounce carton will be featured in a three-day sale Wednesday, June 14 - Friday, June 16 for the special sale price of $3.49 (regularly

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CHAMPAIGN - For 155 years, Busey has helped identify and bridge the needs of the communities we serve. One way we accomplish this is by supporting prospective homebuyers with unique financing options and investing in low-to-moderate-income neighborhoods to ensure holistic community development. As of May 2023, the Busey Bank MyCOMMUNITY Home Loan Program, which started in 2014, has now provided over $100 million in home loan funding for over 850 families. “We could not be happier with the success of the MyCOMMUNITY Home Loan Program,” said Sandy DeMond, Senior Vice President – Director of Community Banking for Busey. “In 10 years, we’ve been able to help over 850 families who, without the assistance provided by this program, would not have been able to purchase a home. At Busey, we strive to make a positive impact on the communities we serve, and the MyCOMMUNITY Home Loan Program has empowered us to do just that.” The MyCOMMUNITY Home Loan Program

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Durbin secured nearly $1.7 billion in federal funding for the high speed rail implementation project WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) today applauded the Illinois Department of Transportation’s new schedule changes for Amtrak’s Lincoln Service trains following the successful implementation of the Chicago-to-St. Louis high-speed rail project. Having supported the testing and implementation of high-speed rail for more than two decades, Durbin secured roughly 80 percent of the project’s nearly $2 billion cost, including $1.66 billion in funding from an American Recovery and Reinvestment Act grant that was awarded in 2010. The project, which broke ground in 2010, was completed in 2018, but went through several years of test runs before today’s announcement. The schedule changes for Lincoln Service trains will enable passenger rail service to reach 110 mph. With this new high-speed schedule

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ALTON - The Alton committee of the Whole has given their preliminary approval for a few items including city employee pay raises, two new solar installations, Gordon Moore Park Restroom Renovations, and more. The full Alton City Council will vote on these items at their next meeting this Wednesday, June 14. Committee members voted 6-1 to approve a 3% salary increase for non-union city employees, effective April 1, 2023 for Fiscal Year 2023. The resolution passed with Alderwoman Carolyn MacAfee casting the sole “no” vote. A resolution entering the City of Alton into a Ground Lease with Alton Landfill Solar LLC was approved unanimously. This lays the groundwork for the new solar farm to be built on the Old Alton Landfill site. Ameresco, Inc. announced their partnership with the city to develop and install the solar project back in February . In a similar resolution, the committee accepted a proposal from GRP|WEGMAN to develop and install a solar energy array at th

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WASHINGTON – In observation of World Day Against Child Labor, U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Representative Rosa DeLauro (D-CT-03) today reintroduced legislation to protect child workers from the dangers of exposure to tobacco plants, including nicotine poisoning. The Children Don’t Belong on Tobacco Farms Act amends the Fair Labor Standards Act to prohibit children under the age of 18 from working in tobacco fields and coming into direct contact with tobacco plants or dried tobacco leaves by deeming this type of work as oppressive child labor. “Kids as young as 12 can be recruited to work on tobacco farms where they are exposed to serious health risks like nicotine poisoning and other long-term health effects. Putting a stop to this disgraceful labor practice is common sense,” Durbin said. “I’m hopeful that with the Children Don’t Belong on Tobacco Farms Act , Congress can finally act to protect these kids before

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CHICAGO – Gov. JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Transportation today announced schedule changes for Amtrak’s Lincoln Service trains, following the successful implementation of the Chicago-to-St. Louis high-speed rail project and enabling passenger service to reach 110 mph. Effective June 26, the changes will eliminate approximately 15 minutes from existing 90 mph runtimes and 30 minutes from the initial 79 mph schedule. “After many years of construction and testing for a nearly $2 billion investment, I couldn’t be happier to announce that our transition to 110 mph rail service for the Lincoln Service trains has been completed,” said Gov. Pritzker . “From saving residents precious time to improving the reliability and safety of our transit system, this milestone makes it clear to the rest of the nation that Illinois is a leader in transportation, infrastructure, and innovation.” In addition to increasing speeds, the $1.96 billion

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QUINCY - Quincy University released its Dean's List for the Spring 2023 semester. Honorees must earn a semester grade point average of at least 3.5 (on a 4.0 scale) to be included in the biannual Dean's List. In total, 359 students received the honor during the Spring 2023 semester. Alton's Renee Raglin, Godfrey's Alaina Nasello and Jerseyville's Ryleigh Jones were all recognized on the Dean's List. Founded in 1860 by Franciscan friars, Quincy University is a small Catholic university emphasizing the sciences, liberal arts and the professions. Quincy University offers undergraduate, graduate and adult education programs integrating practical experience and Franciscan values. Faculty and advisors work with students to design customized success plans to help them graduate on time, find their passion and prepare them for life. QU is a member of NCAA Division II for intercollegiate athletics. For more information, please visit www.quincy.edu or contact the Office of Community Relations

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CARLINVILLE - Jayden Serafini of Bethalto, graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business with Management Emphasis from Blackburn College during the institution's 154th Commencement ceremony in May 2023. Founded in 1837, Blackburn College is a four-year, Presbyterian-related, liberal arts college located in Carlinville, IL. One of ten federally-recognized Work Colleges, Blackburn has the only program in the nation exclusively managed by students. The College allows students to develop essential skills and build a complete resume while earning four-year degrees. U.S. News & World Report has recognized Blackburn College as one of the best colleges in the Midwest region for 2023. Blackburn has also been named a Top Performer for Social Mobility in their Best Colleges guide for 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023. The Washington Monthly ranked Blackburn first in Illinois for performance by students receiving Pell Grants in 2023 and twice previously named Blackburn as the best baccalaureate

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SPRINGFIELD - Landmark legislation to prevent book banning was signed into law by Governor JB Pritzker, Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias announced today. This new law sets a nationwide precedent in the fight against book bans, as libraries and librarians face unprecedented censorship of books and resources, including in Illinois. The bill passed the Illinois House in March and the Senate in May. Giannoulias, who also serves as the State Librarian, initiated HB 2789 after extremist groups – including the far-right nationalist group, the Proud Boys – targeted Illinois libraries, divided communities and harassed librarians, despite that the books are not required reading. “The concept of banning books contradicts the very essence of what our country stands for,” said Secretary Giannoulias. “It also defies what education is all about: teaching our children to think for themselves. This landmark law is a triumph for our democracy, a win for First Amendment

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CHICAGO — Governor JB Pritzker was joined by Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton, Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias, advocates, and lawmakers today at the Harold Washington Library to sign legislation outlawing book bans in Illinois. This nation-leading legislation comes in the wake of a nationwide rise in extremists targeting literature, libraries, and books in an effort to censor the material students need to thrive in the classroom. Targeted books cover a wide range of categories and predominantly consists of stories by and about People of Color and the LGBTQ+ community. “Here in Illinois, we don’t hide from the truth, we embrace it,” said Governor JB Pritzker “Young people shouldn’t be kept from learning about the realities of our world; I want them to become critical thinkers, exposed to ideas that they disagree with, proud of what our nation has overcome, and thoughtful about what comes next. Everyone deserves to see themselves

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ST. LOUIS - This past weekend, Water Division employees responded to 16 water main breaks throughout neighborhoods in South St. Louis City, a domino effect started by Friday’s break at Donovan and Lansdowne due to changes in pressure. Water Division crews and contractors continue to work diligently to make repairs and restore full water pressure to impacted neighborhoods. Despite a proposed bill in 2016 , the Board of Aldermen has not adjusted the City’s water rate in nearly 13 years, requiring the Water Division to spend tens of millions of its reserves in order to maintain our water system and respond to these kinds of emergencies. As Mayor Jones made clear during this morning’s press avail, these recent breaks again make clear that the City cannot afford to keep kicking the can down the road as it has for more than a decade. The bill currently before the Board of Aldermen would institute a 2-time, phased-in rate increase of $5/month ($15/quarter) to ensure the Wate

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GODFREY – Beverly Farm Foundation has announced that its annual fireworks display is scheduled for Friday, July 14, 2023, and is again open to the public this year. “All our families and friends in the Riverbend area are invited to come out and enjoy our fireworks as we continue celebrating our 125 th anniversary this year,” said Beverly Farm Foundation CEO Crystal Officer. Where : 6301 Humbert Road, Godfrey, IL 62035 When : Friday, July 14, 2023 Fireworks to begin at approx. 9:30 p.m. Arrive as early as 8:30 p.m. “Come out and join the fun,” Officer continued. “Bring a blanket or lawn chairs to sit on. The lawn area north of our Administration Building is the best location from which to view our fireworks. You can arrive as early as 8:30 p.m. to find a spot on the lawn and wait for the stars to come out and our fireworks to light up the Godfrey sky.” If you will be attending the fireworks display, do not bring any personal fireworks

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ALTON - The Old Bakery Beer Company is hosting an artisan fair in honor of Pride Month. The Proud Market will showcase work by local LGBTQ+ and ally vendors. The market will open from 5–8 p.m. on Thursday, June 15. The event will also serve as a fundraiser for Alton Pride and the Metro Trans Umbrella Group, two local LGBTQ+ organizations. “We do a lot of markets throughout the year. We like to support local artisans. And they always do really well, so we thought it was a good chance to highlight specifically some of the LGBTQ+ artisans in our area,” Lauren Pattan, vice president and operations manager of The Old Bakery Beer Company, said. The event will include 12 local vendors, with products ranging from handmade patches to jewelry to candles and more. Pattan said that last year’s Proud Market was “really successful.” In addition to vendors, The Old Bakery Beer Company will offer their usual food and drink menu with a few special additions.

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AMES, Iowa - Nearly 4,600 graduates received degrees from Iowa State University this spring. Graduate and undergraduate commencement ceremonies were held May 11-13 at Hilton Coliseum. Bethalto's Lin Pizzo graduated with a bachelor of fine arts in interior design, Edwardsville's Adam Walters graduated Summa Cum Laude with a software engineering degree and Glen Carbon's Jack Raffaelle was awarded a bachelor of science degree in chemical engineering. Raffaelle graduated Summa Cum Laude. Alumna Trudy Huskamp Peterson, the first woman archivist of the United States; and Temple Grandin, Distinguished Professor of animal sciences at Colorado State University, animal welfare pioneer and activist for people with autism, received honorary degrees during the undergraduate ceremonies.

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ALTON - Adreonna L. Reams, 30, of Alton, was charged for pepper-spraying two Alton Police Officers last Wednesday, June 7. She received two counts of Aggravated Battery, each a Class 2 felony. Court filings indicate Count 1 stems from an incident wherein Reams “sprayed Officer Storey in the eyes with chemical mace, knowing Officer Storey to be a peace officer of the Alton Police Department.” Reams was charged with an additional count of Aggravated Battery after also spraying Officer Bailey of the Alton Police Department in the eyes with the chemical mace. Both officers were engaged in the execution of their official duties at the time of the incidents, according to court records. Bond was set at $125,000, and Reams’ next court date is set for 9 a.m. June 12. More information and updates on this case (Case # 2023CF001306) can be found here . The issuance of charges is based solely upon probable cause and is not an indication of guilt. All subjects charged

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ALTON - State Representative Amy Elik recently gave a few updates on her work at the State House of Representatives, as well as what she wants to accomplish during the rest of her session and the great things going on in her district. Elik discussed these topics and more on a recent episode of Our Daily Show! On Riverbender.com . Last Friday, June 9, Elik said she received word that Governor J.B. Pritzker has signed three of her bills into law. “That’s always exciting, to see the bills that you wrote and that you worked on coming to fruition, and that they were signed and not vetoed, no surprises or anything like that came along." Among the bills signed was one requiring schools to recognize and celebrate Constitution Day, which she said despite some pushback in the Senate, ultimately passed with bipartisan support - something she seeks for all of her bills. “Any of the bills that I do, I’m always going to have bipartisan support on, because

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FULTON, MO. - Kaleb Hinkle-Pruett from East Alton was named to the Spring 2023 Dean's List for exemplary academic performance at Westminster College. Hinkle-Pruett is a Sophomore at Westminster. The Dean's List recognizes Westminster students who have shown high academic performance during the past semester. To be included on the Dean's List, a student must achieve a 3.60 semester grade point average with at least 12 hours completed that semester. The list of 220 students includes 44 freshmen, 58 sophomores, 65 juniors, and 53 seniors. President and Chief Transformation Officer Donald P. Lofe, Jr., recently commended the students for their exemplary academic performance. "These students worked extremely hard to achieve this honor," Lofe said. "On behalf of the entire Westminster College community, I want to congratulate each one of them for making an impact through this outstanding accomplishment." ABOUT WESTMINSTER COLLEGE: Founded in 1851 and home of Winston Churchill's

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GODFREY - Abby Kreitner Thurman didn’t set out to create a popular woman-owned gym, but that’s exactly what she did. With three passionate trainers and a growing list of clients, the business Ab’s Workout Plans is only growing. “We like to push people and drive people, and I think our clients see that energy,” Thurman said. “We’re going through our own journeys, too. We’re right there with them.” For the last year, Thurman’s journey has been this business. Ab’s Workout Plans offers individual training sessions, group sessions, consultations and workout and nutrition plans. They’ve expanded to a new location on Godfrey Road with a full calendar of available classes. While the gym’s success might have initially surprised Thurman, Ab’s Workout Plans has actually been in the works for years. In high school, Thurman participated in the Riverbend CEO program meant to foster entrepreneurial skills

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