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GODFREY – The Village of Godfrey is moving forward with a nearly $700,000 project to extend Stamper Lane. Trustees on Tuesday night unanimously approved a contract with Stutz Excavating Inc. of Alton for the Stamper Lane Extension project. With a maximum cost of $692,541.81, the extension will be funded using Tax Increment Financing (TIF) funds. The project will see Stamper Lane expand by 200 feet east of Godfrey Road. This will change the current three-way intersection of Godfrey Road and Stamper Lane into a four-way intersection, which will require modifying the current traffic signals. The village received two total bids for the project, with Stutz submitting the lowest bid and therefore being awarded the contract. A full recording of the Jan. 21, 2025 Godfrey Village Board meeting is available on Riverbender.com/video .

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EDWARDSVILLE - The Edwardsville High School Drama Club and the Jewish Community Relations Council will co-host a panel discussion about the EHS fall play, “Letters to Sala.” At 3 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 26, 2025, community members are invited to the EHS auditorium for a conversation about the play and the collaboration between the Drama Club and the Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC). Last fall, EHS students met with their Jewish peers from the JCRC’s Student to Student program so EHS students could learn more about Judaism, the Holocaust and Jewish traditions. “ Ashley and her students took all that information and incorporated it into their production,” explained Rachel Bray with JCRC. “But really, these students took it a step further and really absorbed the life lessons about connecting with people who don’t look like you, pray like you, believe the same things necessarily that you do, and how in life, sometimes that can reall

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WOOD RIVER - An East Alton man accused of aggravated robbery in the 600 block of Eden and Whitelaw in the Wood River continues to face charges. The man - Antonio M. Shaw - a 19-year-old East Alton resident - has been charged but released by a judge because of the SAFE-T Act conditions, Wood River Police Chief Brad Wells said. Shaw was charged with aggravated robbery (a Class 1 felony), robbery (a Class 2 felony), and theft (a Class 3 felony). The incident did not happen at the Wood River Recreation Center but was a block away at the end of a city parking lot, Chief Wells said. The judge released Shaw from custody with certain conditions because of the SAFE-T Act, including that he be placed on electronic monitoring. Among the other conditions of his release is that he has no contact with the victims in this case. The chief said the situation occurred on Jan. 12, 2025, in the 600 block of Whitelaw Avenue. Wood River Police received a call about the situation around 5:25 p.m. that

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EDWARDSVILLE - Southern Illinois University Edwardsville will host their 42nd Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Luncheon with Donzaleigh Abernathy, King’s goddaughter, as the keynote speaker. From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025, community members and SIUE students will gather at the SIUE Meridian Ballroom on the SIUE campus for the luncheon, which includes music, Abernathy’s speech, and an award ceremony. The Kimmel Belonging and Engagement Hub hosts the annual event as a way to honor King’s legacy. This year’s theme is “Let Us March On,” which comes from King’s 1965 “Our God is Marching On” speech. SIUE is excited to welcome Abernathy as the event’s keynote speaker. Abernathy was born in the middle of the Civil Rights Movement. Her parents, Rev. Dr. Ralph David and Juanita Jones Abernathy, were close friends with the Kings. Her father was a co-founder of the Civil Rights Movement. Abernathy’s

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SPRINGFIELD - The Illinois Funds, a mutual fund investment used by local governments through the Illinois State Treasurer’s Office, has earned the top AAA rating from Fitch Ratings, Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs said today. The Illinois Funds rating reaffirms the confidence Fitch and other ratings agencies have shown throughout all of Frerichs’ tenure. The funds have consistently received an AAA rating since he took office. “This is an example of an outside firm pointing out that we’re doing things right,” Frerichs said. “Every dollar we can earn through safe, smart investing is a dollar that local governments that take part in Illinois Funds don’t have to raise in property taxes or cut from vital services.” Established in 1975, more than 1,500 units of government such as cities, counties, libraries and school districts have invested in The Illinois Funds because it is a safe, liquid and competitive investment. The $10

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ALTON – YWCA Southwestern Illinois Accepting Applications for the 2025 Josephine Marley Beckwith Future Leader Scholarships YWCA Southwestern Illinois is excited to announce that applications for the 2025 Josephine Marley Beckwith Future Leader (JMBFL) Scholarships are now open. This prestigious scholarship program, open to senior girls attending Madison County high schools and residing in Madison County, awards $1,000 renewable scholarships to deserving young women. The JMBFL Scholarship honors the legacy of Josephine Marley Beckwith, a 2002 Woman of Distinction, and is made possible through the generous support of YWCA and the Women of Distinction Academy. “The JMBFL Scholarship opens doors for young women, empowering them to seize opportunities and shape a brighter future as tomorrow’s leaders,” said Dr. Wendy Adams, Co-Chair of the YWCA JMBFL Scholarship Committee. Applications for the JMBFL Scholarship are available at YWCA Southwestern Illinois, located

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EAST ALTON/GODFREY - Two local sex offenders have been charged with failing to register in Madison County as legally required. Chad L. Phelps II, 35, of Godfrey, and Michael C. Cherry, 35, listed as homeless out of East Alton, were both charged with their second or subsequent offenses of unlawful failure to register as a sex offender. Both charges were classified as Class 2 felonies. Cherry was additionally charged with a Class 3 felony count of unlawful possession of less than five grams of methamphetamine. A petition to deny Cherry’s release states he has repeatedly failed to register as legally required under the Sex Offender Registration Act. “Defendant is required to register as a sex offender,” the petition states of Cherry. “Defendant has a history of failing to appear for court appearances, a history violating probation, and a history of violating the laws of Illinois. Defendant is a flight risk.” Cherry’s extensive criminal history include

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JERSEYVILLE – A woman from New York has been charged in Jersey County with possession of a stolen firearm. Joanna A. M. Hodgins, 36, of Glen Park, N.Y., was charged with possession of a stolen firearm, a Class 2 felony. On Jan. 13, 2025, Hodgins allegedly possessed a 9mm Beretta pistol “with knowledge that it had been stolen, in that she had stolen said firearm,” according to court documents. Jersey County Sheriff’s Office records indicate Hodgins currently remains in custody pending a fitness examination. The issuance of charges is based solely upon probable cause and is not an indication of guilt. All subjects charged with criminal offenses are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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ALTON - The Alton Police Department welcomed two new officers to its ranks following their graduation from the Illinois State Police Academy. Jacob Fedderke and Terrence Stokes completed their training at the academy and will now undergo additional training in the department's Patrol Division. The graduation ceremony was held recently, where Captain McCray and Sergeant Espinoza represented the department to congratulate the new officers on their achievements. “We are proud to see them take this significant step in their careers,” said the Alton Police in a statement. Fedderke and Stokes will spend the next several weeks training under the supervision of a Field Training Officer, a crucial period that will prepare them for their roles in the Alton community. The department expressed enthusiasm for their contributions as the two begin service. The addition of these officers reflects the department's ongoing commitment to enhancing public safety and community engagement.

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COLLINSVILLE — The Major Case Squad of Greater St. Louis has been activated to investigate a homicide that occurred early Tuesday morning in Collinsville. Police responded to the area for gunshots being heard in the area and found Portia L. Rowland, 32, fatally shot near a garage in the 1300 block of Olive Street in Collinsville shortly after 6 a.m. on Tuesday. More than 30 investigators from the Major Case Squad of Greater St. Louis are currently involved in the investigation. Collinsville Police emphasized there is no indication of an active threat to the community at this time. Authorities are urging anyone with information related to the case to come forward. Tips can be reported by calling 618-344-2131 Ext. 5924 or through Crime Stoppers at 866-371-TIPS (8477).

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O'FALLON - The O'Fallon Township High School District 203's Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFJROTC) Drill Team achieved notable success at the recent Mascoutah High School Drill Meet, securing two trophies. The O'Fallon team earned first place in Unarmed Regulation and second place in Inspection. The OTHS AFJROTC Drill Team's performance reflects their dedication and skill, with the team demonstrating precision and discipline in their routines. "Congratulations to our outstanding AFJROTC Drill Team," said SMSgt Branden Neeley, the team's instructor, who provided a photo of the event. The success at the drill meet not only highlights the team's abilities but also serves to promote the values of teamwork and leadership within the program. The OTHS community has expressed pride in the team's accomplishments, reinforcing the school's commitment to excellence in all areas of student development.

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NOTRE DAME, IND. — Katherine Johnson of Godfrey has been named to the Saint Mary’s College Dean’s List for the Fall 2024. To earn this academic honor at Saint Mary's, a student must achieve a grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.6 on a 4.0 scale, have a minimum of 12 graded credit hours, no incompletes, and no grades lower than a C. Saint Mary’s College, located in Notre Dame, IN, is recognized as both a visionary forerunner and an enduring innovator in the education of women. As a private college, Saint Mary’s is committed to the social and economic empowerment of all women, a culture of human dignity and solidarity, and a focus on problem solving and research. With more than 60 undergraduate academic programs, as well as accelerated advanced degrees options, the school offers a strong liberal arts foundation in an atmosphere that encourages open discussion and close collaboration with professors and classmates. Founded in 1844, Saint Mary’s

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CHICAGO – Attorney General Kwame Raoul, with three other states, today filed a lawsuit challenging President Donald Trump’s new executive order ending birthright citizenship. Attorney General Raoul and the coalition are challenging the order, arguing it violates the constitutional rights to which all children born in the U.S. are entitled. “That one of Donald Trump’s first day in office as president should be so diametrically opposed to our values as Americans is incredibly disappointing, though not surprising. The children born in the U.S. to immigrants are entitled to the rights and privileges that go along with U.S. citizenship,” Raoul said. “We need to discuss bipartisan commonsense immigration reforms, but denying birthright citizenship, which dates back centuries and has been upheld twice by the U.S. Supreme Court, is not the solution. As Attorney General, and as the proud son of Haitian immigrants, I will continue to stand with my fellow

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CHICAGO – The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) announced today that four additional professions are now available for licensure via the Department’s new online licensing system, CORE (the Comprehensive Online Regulatory Environment). Introduced by IDFPR on October 30, 2024 , the Department will transition all licensing procedures to CORE in a phased implementation process over the next two years. The four license types are: Licensed Behavior Analyst (LBA) Licensed Assistant Behavior Analyst (LABA) Behavior Analyst Continuing Education Sponsor Licensed Certified Professional Midwife “Today’s announcement is yet another significant milestone achieved by the Pritzker Administration in the IDFPR success story,” said IDFPR Secretary Mario Treto, Jr. “My team will continue its hard work in ensuring all professions and services are successfully transitioned to CORE, which will help more professionals work

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ELSAH - Jason Stratman, Library Outreach Manager at Missouri Historical Society, presents a talk, "A visit to the 1904 World's Fair," on Thursday, January 30, at 7 p.m. He will share his expertise on this pivotal event for St. Louis. Almost 190,000 people attended just the opening day, and welcomed more than 19 million visitors in seven months. Stratman's research includes the fair itself, and extends to many of the surrounding events. “A visit to the 1904 World’s Fair” will be presented at Farley Music Hall, 37 Mill Street, in Elsah, Thursday, January 30, at 7 p.m. The program is free and open to the public. Reservations are not required. Parking is available. Refreshments will be served following the lecture. The presentation will be streamed live, with registration available on historicelsah.org . This presentation is one of this year’s Hosmer-Williams Lectures sponsored by Historic Elsah Foundation and underwritten by Liberty Bank: A United Community Bank.

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ROXANA - In 2024, Phillips 66 Wood River Refinery supported over 100 local organizations through monetary donations, company-sponsored service projects, and employee volunteer efforts. Combined with employee giving and Phillips 66 corporate grants, the company invested over $1.1 million in total support. “This region has so much to offer and has amazing support systems to ensure the viability of the residents and communities through a network of not-for-profit agencies, educational institutions, and emergency response networks.” Said Melissa Erker, Director of Midcontinent Public Affairs for Phillips 66. “ We are proud to be able to invest in so many programs to benefit our neighbors and communities.” Through the local charitable giving budget, the Refinery donated over $355,000 to support educational, environmental, safety and well-being, and social advancement organizations and projects. Major gift recipients include the City of Wood River Re Center,

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ALTON — Centerstone is proud to announce the unveiling of its new community pantry, a resource designed to support individuals and families in need throughout the Alton area. The unveiling event will take place on Wednesday, February 5, at 9:30 a.m. at Centerstone’s Edwards Street clinic in Alton (Main St side of the building). All members of the community are invited to attend and celebrate this exciting addition to Centerstone’s continuum of services. The community pantry represents Centerstone’s continued commitment to addressing the mental and physical health needs of the communities it serves. Guests attending the event are encouraged to bring a non-perishable or basic essential item to help stock the pantry and contribute to this meaningful effort. “Our community pantry was inspired by some of our team members and is a reflection of Centerstone's commitment to meeting the needs of those we serve. It’s more than just shelves and supplies, it’

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COLLINSVILLE — A shooting early Tuesday morning, Jan. 21, 2025, in Collinsville has left one person dead, prompting an ongoing investigation by local authorities. The incident occurred just before 6:30 a.m. at the intersection of Olive Street and Indiana Avenue in Collinsville, where police discovered the victim in a driveway. The Major Case Squad Of Greater St. Louis announced it had been activated to investigate a homicide in Collinsville on Tuesday. Collinsville Police has said that more than 30 detectives are now assisting in the homicide investigation. Collinsville Police Department reported that multiple crews responded to the scene following the shooting. As of now, officials have not identified a suspect and are actively pursuing leads in the case. In light of the incident, police have communicated with Collinsville Community Unit School District #10 regarding potential modifications to bus stops due to road closures in the area. Authorities have stated that they do

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BETHALTO —1st MidAmerica Credit Union will award five $1,000 scholarships to area high school seniors in May. Applications are available online at www.1stMidAmerica.org . Applications are due Monday, March 31, 2025. Introduced in 2005, 77 area youth have benefited from the 1st MidAmerica Credit Union scholarships. Scholarships may be applied to tuition, fees or other educational expenses. 1st MidAmerica Credit Union has a mission of exceeding member expectations. Additional information can be found at www.1stMidAmerica.org

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ST. LOUIS, MO – Just Enduring , a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting families who have experienced child loss, is hosting its second annual Bingo for Bereaved Parents Fundraiser on Saturday, March 1, 2025. The event will take place at St. Cletus School at 2721 Zumbehl Road, with doors opening at 6 pm and music bingo starting at 7 pm. Music bingo offers a fresh take on traditional bingo by using popular songs instead of numbers. Participants listen for song titles or artists listed on their bingo cards, marking them as they play. The first person to complete five in a row and shout "Bingo!" wins a prize. This fundraiser will also host a silent auction and a 50/50 raffle. Tickets are $30 per individual or $240 for a table of eight, and refreshments are included. Sponsorship packages are available, each with their own benefits. These include: Diamond Sponsor $5,000 Platinum Sponsor $2,500 Gold Sponsor $1,000 Round Rock Star Sponsor $500 Proceeds from

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