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EDWARDSVILLE — State Senators Jason Plummer and Erica Harriss will host an End of Session Town Hall on Tuesday, June 24, to discuss legislation passed during the recent Spring Session. The event is scheduled from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Edwardsville Gun Club, located at 4104 Staunton Road in Edwardsville. Plummer represents the Edwardsville area, while Harriss serves the Glen Carbon district. The town hall aims to provide constituents with an overview of key measures enacted by the state legislature and offer an opportunity for public engagement. For more information, contact Amanda at 217-782-0956.

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O'FALLON - The O'Fallon Police Department has issued 83 solicitor permits to individuals representing 24 different companies amid an increase in business activity following recent spring storms. The permits are intended to regulate solicitors operating in the area. Solicitors must comply with specific requirements set by the department. Residents who encounter solicitors not adhering to these rules are encouraged to contact the O'Fallon Police Department at 618-624-4545 ext. 1. Officials emphasize that a solicitor permit from the O'Fallon Police Department does not constitute an endorsement of the company by the city. Residents are advised to conduct their own research before entering into any agreements with solicitors.

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From high-energy concerts and family-friendly summer camps to one-of-a-kind markets and vibrant community festivals, the upcoming events promise something for everyone to enjoy throughout the region. For a complete listing of all the exciting happenings, visit https://www.riverbender.com/events/ and start planning your next adventure today! Featured GGCA Summer Camp invites children ages 3 to 12 to embark on an unforgettable adventure this summer at Greater Glory Christian Academy. The 2025 Summer Camp theme is "Bible Explorer: Trek through Truth!" and promises a fun-filled experience with outdoor and water games, crafts, weekly field trips to nearby attractions and the NCG Cinema in Alton, along with daily hot meals. Running from June 2nd to July 25th, the camp operates weekdays from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM, with before and aftercare available. The cost is $90 per student per week, and CHASI is accepted. Spaces are limited, so interested parents are encouraged to call (618) 468-1068

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EDWARDSVILLE – Edwardsville City Council members gave the city’s rules for door-to-door solicitors a long-needed update on Tuesday night. Unanimously approved at this week’s meeting was an ordinance amending the section of the Edwardsville City Code concerning solicitors. Alderman William Krause said these updates have been needed for decades. “This was an item requested out of the Police Department: Update our solicitors … taking into account the various legal changes that have occurred over the last 40 some-odd years from our previous 50-years law that we had on the books,” Krause said. Krause clarified that certain exceptions will apply to Boy Scouts, religious organizations, and political surveyors, but said “solar salesmen” and most other solicitors would first need to register with the city and obtain a permit. He added the city will also establish a “Do Not Knock” list for individual residences to sign up for.

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TROY — For Dawn Mushill, the past 25 years as President & CEO of the Troy/Maryville/St. Jacob/Marine Chamber of Commerce have been more than just a career — they’ve been a dream come true. “There are very few jobs where you can ride an elephant, give a high school commencement speech, appear in a rap video, perform a dance routine with the mayor, and drive a ‘Chambermobile,’” said Mushill with a smile. “Everything I love —connecting people, building relationships, providing resources, and planning events — is part of what I get to do every day.” When Mushill took the role in 2000, she had just moved to Troy and didn’t know a single person in the community. With no clear roadmap, she brought her own vision and energy to the job. “In each of my interviews, I brought suggestions and ideas. By the third round, the Board President told me, ‘Now put those ideas to work’ — and I did.” At

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ALTON - On a recent episode of “You’re Beautiful” with Brian Trust , Christy Schult shared how God has guided her through her career as an educator and her new position as the development director at the Community Hope Center in Cottage Hills. Schult noted that God has been in her life since she was a child, and His influence is as powerful as ever. She believes Christianity does not have to be complex, but instead should be about the relationship you develop with God. She encourages people to focus on building that relationship and putting their trust in God’s hands. “I think sometimes we make it so complicated to be a Christian. You have to know these scriptures, you have to be able to quote, you have to be able to pray in a certain way,” she said. “God never made it complicated for us. He gave us the Word. He gave us simple instructions. We know what we can do, what we can’t do. We know that…Really, He just wants

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ST. LOUIS - Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe announced his appointment of Derek Winters to lead the transition of the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department from local to state control. St. Louis Mayor Cara Spencer issued the following statement: "I spoke to the governor’s office and have full confidence that this appointment doesn’t change the chief’s ability to lead the City of St. Louis’ Police Department in the future. While the governor and I disagree on the issue of local control, we share the common goal of a successful SLMPD, and I look forward to meeting with Mr. Winters in the near future." The governor announced the appointment of Derek Winters as the Transition Director to assist in the implementation of oversight of the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department (SLMPD) to a citizen-led board of police commissioners, as authorized under House Bill (HB) 495 . In this role, Winters will work closely with City of St. Louis officials, the SLMPD, the Missouri

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BATCHTOWN – A 12-year-old Batchtown girl died from injuries suffered in a UTV accident on June 12, 2025, on private property in Calhoun County, Calhoun Chief Deputy Sheriff Zach Hardin said on Tuesday, June 17, 2025. Hardin said the call for the accident came in at 4:24 p.m. this past Thursday. “The girl was operating a side-by-side UTV,” Hardin said, which overturned on the property. Calhoun Ambulance and Calhoun Sheriff’s Office responded to the scene and the child was treated, then airlifted to Children’s Hospital in St. Louis, where she died on June 14, Hardin said. Hardin said the 12-year-old child was identified as Caroline Goode. “The compassion and generosity of the family led to her saving eight other people with organ donations,” the chief deputy said. Visitation will be held from 4-8 p.m. on Friday, June 20, 2025, at the Calhoun Elementary School Gym. The funeral mass will be at 10 a.m. on Saturday, June 21, 2025, at St. Norbert’s

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NOTRE DAME, Indiana — Katherine Johnson of Godfrey has been named to the Saint Mary’s College Dean’s List for the Spring 2025 semester. 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. About Saint Mary’s College 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, we offer a strong liberal arts foundation in an atmosphere that encourages open discussion and close collaboration with professors and classmates.

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GRANITE CITY – Two men from Granite City face the same set of criminal charges in two unrelated cases of domestic battery filed on the same day. Robert L. Moore, 55, of Granite City, was charged on June 9, 2025 with a Class 2 felony count of aggravated domestic battery and a Class A misdemeanor count of domestic battery. On June 6, 2025, Moore allegedly strangled a household or family member and struck the victim in the eye. A petition from the Madison County State’s Attorney’s Office to deny Moore’s pretrial release states Moore became violent with the victim during a verbal dispute, striking them in the eye, strangling the victim, and threatening to kill them. The petition adds the victim was seen with injuries consistent with their description of the attack. The petition also states that Moore “has a pending domestic battery case out of St. Clair County involving the same victim.” A report of Moore’s criminal history shows multiple prior

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TROY - At the Troy City Board meeting Monday night, June 16, 2025, the Troy Police Department marked a night of promotions, new appointments, and farewells. Justin Christ was promoted to lieutenant, while Jessica Callahan and Austin Cripe advanced to sergeant. The department also officially welcomed Chris Rice as its newest member. Rice brings more than 20 years of experience from a police department in Missouri and will serve as a School Resource Officer within the Troy School District. The meeting also recognized the service of Police Commissioners Don Clark and Tom Canivit, who stepped down from their roles after years of dedication to public safety and support of the department. The Troy Police Department expressed appreciation for the contributions of Clark and Canivit and encouraged the community to congratulate the newly promoted officers and welcome Officer Rice.

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TROY — Residents and visitors are invited to celebrate Independence Day at Tri-Township Park, 410 Wickliffe Street, in Troy on Friday, July 4, 2025, with a full day of live music, family activities, and a fireworks display. The event will begin at 1 p.m. on July 4 with a performance by the Kayden Crews Duo, offering an upbeat set suitable for all ages. From 5 p.m. until the fireworks finale after dark, Tim Berg and the Kurtz Family Band will provide high-energy entertainment. Between 1 p.m. and 8 p.m., attendees can enjoy a variety of family attractions including bounce houses available for $10 with an armband for unlimited access and a classic dunk tank. The dunk tank will feature local figures such as Mayor Craig Nonn from 1 to 2:30 p.m. and Dave Qualls of the Titans from 2:30 to 4 p.m. Organizers are also seeking additional dunk tank volunteers to help raise funds for future park projects. Local vendors will offer food, drinks, and handmade goods throughout the event. Attendees

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EDWARDSVILLE — The Metro East Humane Society (MEHS) has announced that its upcoming low-cost Vaccine & Microchip Clinic originally scheduled for Friday, June 21 has been rescheduled to Saturday, June 28, 2025. All other details for the event remain the same. The clinic will take place at the MEHS Highland location (510 W Monroe, Highland, IL 62249) from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. or until supplies last and is open to the public. No appointments are necessary, but you must be in line by 11:30 AM. Available services include: Free DHPP (dogs) and FVRCP (cats) vaccines , generously provided by Petco Love Rabies vaccinations for $15 (pets must be at least 16 weeks old) Microchipping for $20 Dewormer and flea/tick prevention options also available To ensure a safe and efficient clinic experience: Dogs must be on a leash Cats must be in a carrier Please bring a pen and any prior vaccine records if available “We appreciate the community’s understanding as we adjust

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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today delivered an opening statement at a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing entitled “Scammers Exposed: Protecting Older Americans from Transnational Crime Networks.” The hearing focused on elder fraud and financial abuse to help raise public awareness about the recent increase in financial threats and scams targeting older Americans. The hearing provided an opportunity to discuss how the federal government can bolster protections for vulnerable populations like elderly Americans who are most at risk of being victimized by these financial scams. Before Durbin delivered his opening statement, he noted the Senate received a bipartisan briefing following the horrific shooting of Minnesota state lawmakers this weekend and federal agents forcefully removing United States Senator Alex Padilla (D-CA) during a Department of Homeland Security press conference on

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GLEN CARBON — A pedestrian was seriously injured after being struck by a vehicle Tuesday morning, June 17, 2025, on North Main Street. Glen Carbon Police and Fire responded to the crash. The pedestrian received treatment at the scene before being airlifted to a hospital in the St. Louis area for further care. Glen Carbon Police have closed North Main Street in both directions from East Ingle to Hickory Hills while accident reconstruction takes place. Officials said additional information about the incident will be released later Tuesday.

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ALTON - On a recent episode of “You’re Beautiful” with Brian Trust , J.D. shared his testimony of finding God after several decades of struggle. “I’ve got one heck of a testimony. The gutter that I came out of, a lot of people don’t come up out of it,” he said. “I’m truly excited because of all the wonderful things God has done in my life and the possibility to help others and give them strength to get through some of the things that they’re going through. If I can get through it, anybody can get through it.” J.D. shared that he was in a rocky, abusive relationship with his ex-wife. He was physically and emotionally abused by her. When his wife discovered heroin, he, too, started down a path of addiction. Eventually, the Department of Children and Family Services removed their four children from their home. J.D. left his wife and moved to South Carolina to focus on his sobriety. When he learned that his

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BELLEVILLE – Belleville is the latest Riverbend community to replace an expiring state-level sales tax on groceries with its own locally collected grocery tax. At Monday’s meeting, City Council members unanimously approved a “motion to adopt the continuation of the 1% local grocery sales tax, to be effective as of Jan. 1, 2026 when the State of Illinois eliminates the imposition of the tax.” First imposed in 1990, the state’s 1% sales tax on groceries is set to expire in 2026. 100% of the proceeds from the state grocery tax went directly to local municipalities; faced with revenue losses, communities were given the ability to pass their own local 1% grocery taxes to replace the state tax once it expires. The resulting ordinance effectively has a neutral impact on grocery prices, since it replaces the state tax rather than adding a new local tax on top of it. With the City Council’s approval, the City of Belleville will begin collecting this 1%

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GODFREY - Firefighters with the Godfrey Fire Protection District learned about natural gas safety and what to do if a gas leak is detected. On Tuesday, June 17, 2025, Ameren Illinois public awareness specialist Chris Schildroth stopped by the fire station to go over “the dos and the don’ts” when responding to a natural gas leak. Schildroth noted that collaboration between the fire department and Ameren is important in these situations. “We’re in two different lanes, typically, but when we get on a gas leak, we’re in the same lane,” Schildroth said. “We would rather get these formalities out of the way prior to being on scene. It makes it much safer for everybody. The quicker Ameren gets out there, the safer it is for these guys, the general public, and us.” When a gas leak is suspected, first responders and homeowners are directed to call 911 and Ameren right away. First responders are often on the scene before Ameren, so

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SPRINGFIELD - Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias has launched a public awareness campaign encouraging Illinoisans to spark a lifesaving “ripple effect” by becoming organ donors. The ad, which is the first in a series building on the positive ripple effects of organ donation, will begin running this week on broadcast television, digital and social media platforms across the state. “Some 4,000 Illinois residents are in need of a transplant, including many whose lives hang in the balance waiting for the availability of a suitable organ,” Giannoulias said. “By choosing to become an organ donor, Illinoisans can catalyze a cascade of positive action, empowering recipients to pay the gift forward by helping those around them.” In the illustrative narrative, a firefighter who was granted the gift of life through organ donation saves a tutor at the scene of an accident, who in turn helps a young student earn admission into college. The story is rooted

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ALTON – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, St. Louis District, in partnership with the Wood River Drainage and Levee District, will host a ribbon cutting ceremony to mark the completion of the Upper Wood River Levee Underseepage Design Deficiency Correction Project on June 20, 2025 at 9:30 a.m. at the East Alton No. 1 Pump Station in Alton, Ill. The event will recognize the successful federal-local partnership and celebrate a major milestone in flood risk management for the region. The project enhances the safety and reliability of the levee system by addressing a known design deficiency and implementing features that control underseepage from the Mississippi River. Improvements include 80 new relief wells, a drainage collection system, and an access road. “The completion of the project represents a major step forward in safety, resilience, and public service,” said Col. Andy Pannier, commander of the St. Louis District. “It is not just a celebration of concrete

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