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SPRINGFIELD - The Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal (OSFM) is urging Illinois residents to review and practice their fire escape plans while testing and inspection smoke alarms following a wave of recent deadly home fires. Sadly, since Friday, February 14, there have been 8 deadly fires claiming the lives of 10 people in Illinois. So far in 2025, Illinois has seen 16 fatal fires resulting in 19 fire related fatalities. “During the winter months we see an increase in home fires caused by heating deceives or malfunctioning heating equipment,” said Illinois State Fire Marshal James A. Rivera. “This is why it is so important for people to test and inspect all smoke alarms monthly, review and practice their fire escape plans, and follow manufactures instructions on all home heating devices.” According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), heating equipment is one of the leading causes of home fire deaths. Fire departments responded to an estimated

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ALTON - In the United States, about 2.5 million adults meet the criteria for severe gambling disorder, and another 5-8 million have mild or moderate problems, according to the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG). The NCPG also estimates that the annual national social cost of problem gambling is $14 billion. Some of these costs include gambling-related criminal justice and health care spending, as well as job loss, bankruptcy, and other consequences. With the proliferation of gambling continuing to increase every year, the Psychological Services department at OSF Saint Anthony’s Health Center, in collaboration with Chestnut Health Systems, is hosting an upcoming “lunch & learn” program for individuals to learn more about this important issue and how to recognize the signs of problem gambling. The program will be held on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. in the Psychological Services department group training room at OSF Saint Anthony’s

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CENTREVILLE - Former Centreville Mayor Riley L. Owens III has received the Outstanding Commitment in Community Service award from Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs. The former 5-term mayor of the city of Centreville is a semi-retired consultant, entrepreneur, visual artist, and inventor. When Owens, a U.S. Air Force veteran doesn’t have a sculpting knife, hammer, and chisel or paint brush in his hand, he manages the R. Lawrence Company. “We are proud to honor Mayor Owens for his great contributions to our state,” Frerichs said during a Black History Month awards ceremony at the State Treasurer’s Office in Springfield. “His tireless community service has made our state a better place to live and raise a family.” Owens said it has been 50 years since he was first elected mayor of Centreville. “I humbly accept this award from Treasurer Frerichs, and I dedicate it to my parents, Riley and Dorothy, who didn’t have a chance

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EDWARDSVILLE - There’s a new spot in Edwardsville for all your health and wellness needs. NFuze Wellness specializes in IV therapy, medical weight loss and aesthetic services. Located at 104 S. Buchanan Street in Edwardsville, the business will host their ribbon-cutting ceremony at 4 p.m. on Feb. 27, 2025. Everyone is welcome to come out and explore all that NFuze has to offer. “It’s been a long time in the planning and we’re very excited to share it with everybody,” said owner Jen McCormick. “Our goal is to provide personalized care and amazing results. We want you to look and feel your best from the inside out.” McCormick started NFuze Wellness after spending 20 years in the hospital setting as a registered nurse. She is pleased that the business is moving into its own space in Edwardsville, with seven treatment rooms and an IV lounge that has heated massage chairs for people to enjoy while receiving their IV drips. She explained

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WOOD RIVER – The Wood River Fire Department recognized Paid-on-Call Firefighter Jamie Wells as a 2024 Firefighter of the Year for his dedication to the important role at Tuesday’s City Council meeting. Fire Chief Wade Stahlhut said each year, award winners are selected by their department peers for exemplifying the qualities of a firefighter, including bravery, dedication, selflessness, resilience, and more. This year, the department added a Firefighter of the Year Award for its paid-on-call and part-time firefighters, with the 2024 award presented to Paid-on-Call Firefighter Jamie Wells. Stahlhut noted that even with a full-time job aside from firefighting, Wells has shown commendable dedication to the role. “This year’s second Firefighter of the Year Award goes to someone who has made a clear and impressive addition to our Fire Department many years ago,” Stahlhut said. “Jamie Wells has demonstrated extraordinary commitment, not

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ELSAH — Principia College today announced noteworthy placements at the Fourth Annual International Academy of Dispute Resolution (INADR) Conciliator Tournament in Orlando, FL. Held at the University of Central Florida, this two-day three-round tournament was open to undergraduate mediation teams worldwide. Principia competed among 14 three-person “firms” from schools including Boston University, University of Texas, and Singapore University. The Principia team consisted of two three-person “firms”. Firm members rotate roles in simulating mock mediation cases (often based on real events). Awards are given for individual or advocate/client pairs, and firms can win based on the sum of the firm’s individual (mediators) or pair (advocate/client) scores. Prin Firm A, consisting of Shaun Chore, Sebastian Kyllonen, and Avery Smith, placed second in Team Advocate/Client, and fourth and fifth in Attorney/Client Pairs. Prin Firm B consisted of Chisanga Siameja,

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GRAFTON - Interim Grafton Police Chief, Dave Womack, was sworn in as Chief of Police at the City Council meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2025. Dave was sworn in as Interim Police Chief in November 2024, and worked with then-Chief Eric Spanton, blending their many combined years of law enforcement experience to facilitate a smooth transition. Dave, who is a native of Grafton and was the senior sergeant on the police force, said, “I’m honored to fill this position and to continue serving the citizens of Grafton.” “We are grateful to Dave for his service to Grafton in various capacities of law enforcement and for the experience he brings to the position of Chief going forward,” said Mayor Morrow.

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EDWARDSVILLE – A man from Bethalto accused of trying to force entry into multiple occupied vehicles near an Edwardsville school faces multiple felony charges. Terry J. Fowler, 47, of Bethalto, was charged on Feb. 18, 2025 with three counts of attempted vehicular hijacking, each Class 2 felonies, as well as one count of aggravated battery, a Class 2 felony). On Feb. 14, 2025, Fowler allegedly pulled on the door handles of multiple occupied vehicles “at a busy intersection near a school” before striking a police officer, according to court documents. A petition was filed to deny Fowler’s pretrial release, describing the incident as follows: “Defendant was identified as the subject found at a busy intersection near a school, attempting to enter multiple passing motor vehicles,” the petition states. “Multiple witnesses reported that defendant was making irrational statements, and pulling on door handles, attempting to make entry. “Officers

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BELLEVILLE – The Illinois State Police (ISP) have charged a 28-year-old Belleville man with multiple felonies, including attempted murder, following a shooting incident that occurred on Thursday, Feb. 20, 2025. Chase A. Powers faces six charges stemming from an altercation with law enforcement at a residence in the 700 block of South 15th Street in Belleville. ISP said the incident unfolded when the St. Clair County Sheriff’s Department (SCCSD) requested the ISP's assistance to investigate a potential welfare concern for a child at the home. An investigator from the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services was also present during the visit. During the investigation, Powers allegedly disarmed one of the officers, resulting in the discharge of a firearm. Fortunately, no injuries were reported as a result of the incident. Powers was subsequently taken into custody and transported to the St. Clair County Jail. Following a comprehensive investigation, St. Clair

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ALTON - Community members are invited to a free spiritual experience series that aims to help them connect to themselves and the spiritual world. “Raise Your Spiritual IQ!,” a three-part series hosted at River Bend Yoga in Alton, will cover three topics that invite people to explore their spirituality from a new perspective and learn ways to handle challenges from a spiritual perspective. At 1 p.m. on Thursday, March 6, 2025, community members can stop by River Bend Yoga for an hourlong discussion titled “Past Lives — Present Lessons,” which encourages attendees to “discover the secrets of karma and reincarnation to answer questions about your life today.” “There's nothing on this planet that isn’t spiritual,” explained Flora Van Koten, one of the organizers. “That really is the emphasis on all of the , to be able to tap into one’s own spirituality to discover their own answers in their own way whatever it is.&rdquo

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EDWARDSVILLE – More information has come to light surrounding an attempted murder and armed robbery case involving an Edwardsville resident. As previously reported on Riverbender.com , Christopher L. Haug, 34, of Edwardsville, was charged on Feb. 18, 2025, with attempted first degree murder (a Class X felony), armed robbery (a Class X felony), aggravated discharge of a firearm (a Class 1 felony) and felon in possession of a weapon (a Class 2 felony). On Feb. 16, 2025, Haug allegedly committed an armed robbery and attempted murder, during which he “fired over 35 rounds of ammunition” into an occupied vehicle. He also struck the victim, threatened to kill them, and stole personal property from them before fleeing the scene, according to a petition to deny his pretrial release. A Detention Order was recently filed upholding the petition to keep Haug detained, adding new details surrounding the case. “The defendant shot a vehicle over 35 times while his was

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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, joined U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV) to introduce the Born in the USA Act to effectively block the implementation of President Trump’s unconstitutional Executive Order attempting to end automatic citizenship for children born in the United States. This bill would prevent any government funds from being used to carry out or enforce this directive, which violates the U.S. Constitution. Federal courts have temporarily blocked the order’s implementation, but the Trump Administration is expected to appeal. “The Constitution is clear: if you are born in the United States, you are a citizen. President Trump’s executive order ending birthright citizenship is not only unconstitutional, but also attempts to unlawfully deprive American children of their citizenship,” said Durbin. “That is why I am joining Senator Rosen to introduce

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SPRINGFIELD – Today, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) and Congressman Pete Stauber (MN-08) re-introduced the bipartisan Public Safety Employer-Employee Cooperation Act to ensure labor rights to all public safety officers. Specifically, this legislation will allow public safety officers to form a labor union, collectively bargain for hours and wages, and provide resolution mechanisms for impasses during negotiations. “I'm proud to be leading this bill with Congressman Stauber to ensure our first responders receive the protections they need to do their jobs effectively,” said Congresswoman Budzinski. “As a union member, I understand how crucial it is for workers to have a voice in their pay and working conditions. When those conditions directly impact their ability to serve and protect us, it's even more vital.” “As a former police officer who started a union in Duluth, Minnesota, I know how vital labor rights are for the brave men and

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SPRINGFIELD - On Friday, Feb. 21, 2025 , Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) released the below statement following reports of President Trump’s plans to disband the United States Postal Service (USPS) Board of Governors and place the agency under direct control of the Commerce Department and Secretary Howard Lutnick. “For decades, the United States Postal Service has stood as a trusted, non-partisan public good, offering affordable rates so that Americans across the country—particularly in rural areas—can receive everything from paychecks and medicine to cards from loved ones. Now, President Trump is indicating plans to dismantle this vital institution in pursuit of profit. Any effort to diminish service or undermine our dedicated postal workers is unacceptable. I will work with my colleagues to safeguard the integrity of the USPS while exploring solutions to enhance its service, rather than destroy it.” Improving mail delivery for Illinois’

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BELLEVILLE — Belleville police are investigating a stabbing incident that occurred at a Wal-Mart on Greenmount Commons on Thursday, Feb. 20, 2025. Belleville officers responded to a call at 7:55 p.m. on Thursday and discovered two victims, an adult male and an adult female, at the scene. The adult male suspect was located by police and taken into custody," Belleville Police said. Authorities have stated that they are in the preliminary stages of the investigation and currently have no apparent motive for the attack. The victims were transported to nearby hospitals for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries and further evaluation, the Belleville Police said. Detectives and Crime Scene personnel have been working on the investigation, but police have confirmed that they are not seeking any additional suspects at this time. Belleville Police indicated that more information will be released as the investigation progresses.

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EAST ST. LOUIS - Early Friday morning, Feb. 21, 2025, East St. Louis Senior High School received a bomb threat via email, prompting immediate action from school officials and law enforcement. The school canceled classes and rerouted arriving students and staff to a safe location while authorities conducted a thorough investigation of the campus. At approximately 10:15 a.m. on Friday, a coordinated effort involving eight law enforcement agencies concluded their search, declaring the campus all clear. “We sincerely appreciate the patience and cooperation of our students, staff, and parents during security concerns,” said Sydney Stigge-Kaufman, Executive Director of Communications and Strategic Partnerships. “Additionally, we are deeply grateful to our staff and law enforcement partners for providing enhanced security and investigating the validity of these threats.” The East St. Louis School District emphasized the seriousness with which threats against schools

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MACOUPIN COUNTY — Illinois State Police said on Friday, Feb. 21, 2025, that a fatal traffic crash was linked to a reported road rage incident that occurred on Fosterburg Road near Brighton Bunker Hill Road at approximately 2:20 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 20, 2025. Illinois State Police (ISP) Troop 8 units and ISP Division of Criminal Investigations Zone 6 agents responded to the scene after receiving reports of the incident. One occupant was pronounced deceased at the scene. Fosterburg Road was closed to traffic during the investigation and reopened at approximately 7:47 p.m. on Thursday. "As of now, no arrests have been made, and there is no threat to the public," ISP said. "The investigation remains active, and no further information is available at this time."

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CHAMPAIGN — Maddox Williams, a freshman wrestler from Jersey Community Unit School District No. 100, competed at the Illinois High School Association (IHSA) State Wrestling Tournament and posted a 1-2 overall record. Williams is a Sparklight Male Athlete of the Month for the Panthers. Williams faced Liam Kissane of St. Laurence in the 106-pound weight class, securing a pin in 3 minutes and 31 seconds in his second match to secure his first state tournament victory and bring his record to 1-1. Williams lost to Erik Klichurov of Lombard Montini later on Friday, but he said he was very happy with the opportunity to wrestle at state and with that experience. He also looks forward to the future in the sport with great optimism. Reflecting on his state performance, Williams said, "I came in with an open mind and set everything up. It was kind of hard but I really tried my best." Coach Frank Speidel expressed pride in Williams' achievement, particularly noting the challenges of competin

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WOOD RIVER - Tyler Adams, a senior at East Alton-Wood River High School, is being recognized for his achievements in wrestling. Over the past four years, Adams has dedicated himself to the sport, honing his skills and embracing the individual nature of wrestling, which he finds both challenging and rewarding. Adams credits his success to the support of his friends, family, teammates, and coaches, specifically Tim Donohoo and Kyle Lankford. "They have helped me be better in wrestling and as a person," he said of his coaches. His commitment to improvement and discipline in training has been a significant factor in his accomplishments. Tyler Adams is a Midwest Members Credit Union Male Athlete of the Month for the Oilers. In addition to wrestling, Adams has played football throughout his high school career, serving as a wide receiver and wing back on offense and as a safety and linebacker on defense. He believes that his experiences in both sports have shaped his character. "Football

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GODFREY – A man from Alton faces a felony after battering an individual in a public place late last year. Demarcus D. Toliver, 36, of Alton, was charged with a Class 3 felony count of aggravated battery on Feb. 13, 2025 for a violent altercation that occurred on Dec. 21, 2024. Toliver allegedly struck the victim “several times with a closed fist on the face and head,” according to court documents. The incident reportedly occurred in a public place, at the Marion County Horizon Center in Godfrey. The Madison County Sheriff’s Office presented Toliver’s case, and while he was remanded to jail for his initial court appearance, MCSO records indicate he has since been granted pretrial release from custody. All individuals charged are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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