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BELLEVILLE - One local certified nursing assistant credits Midwest Career Source Professional School for putting her on the path to success. Leonna Dotson decided to enroll at MCS because she wanted to build a career, not just secure a job. She began on-the-job training, received her CNA certification, and has been recognized by Memorial Hospital/BJC for her work. Now, she has ambitions to become a registered nurse, and she believes MCS gave her the boost she needed to succeed. “ This program changed everything for me,” Dotson said. “I now have a career, not just a job. I'm confident, financially stable, and most importantly, I can be the role model my children deserve.” Dr. Sulbrena Day, RN, MSC, PhD, co-founded MCS in 2012 to help people start their careers in the healthcare industry. The school offers wraparound support, apprenticeship model training, and trauma-informed classrooms to support students. “As a vocational school, we provide job

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ALTON - Kids and adults of all ages are invited to The Old Bakery Beer Company for a magic show and balloon animal presentation this weekend. From 7–9 p.m. on Saturday, June 14, 2025, community members can enjoy the Magical Mayhem Show with Professor Longhair and John Johnson. The magicians promise close-up magic, standup comedy, balloon animals and lots of fun. “There’s going to be money pulled out of the air, cards all over the place, just all sorts of craziness,” said John Johnson. Tickets cost $35 and include two free drink vouchers. Johnson and the Professor encourage people to come to The Old Bakery Beer Company early to have dinner, then stop by the event room to enjoy the show. The Magical Mayhem performance is suitable for all ages. The magicians will perform two 20-minute sets each. There will be two giveaways at the end of the night. Audience members have the chance to win a 30-minute balloon art presentation or a 30-minute closeup

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EDWARDSVILLE - The NTT INDYCAR Series returns to the St. Louis region Friday and Saturday, June 14-15, for the Bommarito Automotive Group 500 at World Wide Technology Raceway (WWTR) in Madison, Ill. Among the many attractions at this major motorsports event, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s Formula SAE team will be featured on STEM Lane, showcasing their student-built race car to thousands of race fans. STEM Lane, located in the racetrack’s midway, offers interactive exhibits and hands-on science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) activities for fans of all ages. SIUE’s presence highlights the University’s commitment to experiential learning and its support for aspiring engineers. SIUE’s Formula SAE is a student organization that supplements classroom instruction with practical, hands-on experience in automotive engineering. Each year, the team designs and fabricates a Formula-style race car to compete in the Formula Student International

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EAST ST. LOUIS — East St. Louis School District 189 broke ground Tuesday on new infrastructure to support the arrival of 25 electric school buses planned for this academic year. The initiative aims to provide students with a quieter and smoother ride, reflecting the district’s commitment to enhancing student experience. The groundbreaking ceremony included district officials and partners involved in the project. Attendees were Remy Dean, board member; Walter Hood, board treasurer; Latonya Sayles, board member; Sister Julia Huiskamp, Federation of Parochial Members representative; Arthur R. Culver, superintendent of East St. Louis School District 189; Jason Walker, CEO of North America Central Bus; Duncan McIntyre, founder and CEO of Highland Electric Fleets; and Patrick Smith, senior vice president of operations and technical services at Ameren Illinois. All these people are shown in the above photo. “This project marks a significant step forward in providing a clea

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GRANITE CITY – In the wake of the devastating EF-3 tornado that struck the region on May 16, Phillips 66 has donated $50,000 to Granite City Community Unit School District #9 to support recovery efforts and repair storm damage to school facilities. The tornado carved a 22.7-mile path of destruction through central and northern St. Louis before crossing into Illinois. The storm, which remained on the ground for 24 minutes and nearly a mile, caused widespread damage to homes, businesses, and infrastructure—tragically claiming five lives in the St. Louis region. Granite City was among the hardest-hit areas in the Metro East. At Prather Elementary School, the gymnasium roof was torn off just days before the end of the school year. Granite City is located near multiple Phillips 66 assets, including the Wood River Refinery, the Hartford Lubricants Plant, and the Hartford and East St. Louis Midstream Terminals. It is also home to many Phillips 66 employees. The donation

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Did you know that the human body can lose up to 1.5 quarts of sweat per hour during extreme heat? This staggering fact highlights just how much our bodies work to maintain a safe internal temperature when the mercury rises. Yet, staying cool isn’t just about battling sweat; it’s about employing smart, creative strategies that protect your well-being and keep discomfort at bay without relying solely on air conditioning. Here are some inventive approaches to help you stay refreshingly cool during a heatwave. Harnessing the Power of Water Beyond the Shower Water is the most straightforward way to cool down, but its potential extends far beyond a quick rinse. Consider these techniques: DIY Cooling Towels: Soak a lightweight cotton or microfiber towel in cold water, wring it out, and place it around your neck or forehead. As the water evaporates, it pulls heat away from your skin, providing a natural cooling effect. For added longevity, freeze the towel for 15-20 minutes

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June 13 has long been a date marked by significant events that have rippled through the fabric of history. One of the most consequential moments in global history on this day occurred in 323 BC, when the death of Alexander the Great was reported. Though the exact date of his death is sometimes debated, some sources place it around mid-June. Alexander's passing marked the beginning of the Hellenistic era, a period that spread Greek culture across three continents and shaped civilizations for centuries to come. His empire, stretching from Greece to Egypt and into northwest India, was one of the largest in ancient history, and his military strategies are still studied today. In the realm of science and exploration, June 13, 1633, stands out when the famous astronomer Galileo Galilei was forced by the Roman Catholic Inquisition to recant his support for the heliocentric theory—that the Earth revolves around the Sun. This trial underscored the tension between scientific inquiry an

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EDWARDSVILLE – Fun activities for all ages are once again planned for City Park in downtown Edwardsville over the next several months, courtesy of the Edwardsville Parks & Recreation Department’s Arts in the Park program. This free, annual series features concerts, movie nights, children’s art, theater, opera and other family-friendly occasions. “Edwardsville is such a vibrant place to be in the summer, and City Park is central to it all,” Mayor Art Risavy said. “Our Parks & Recreation Department never stops thinking of wonderful free options to entertain and delight people of all ages year after year.” Arts in the Park gets underway in City Park, 101 S. Buchanan Street, with back-to-back activities on June 13 and 14. Friday, June 13, the first of six weeks of Friday night concerts will begin with the Steve Ewing Band performing at 8 p.m. on City Park bandstand. On Saturday, June 14, the Children’s Arts in the Park program led by the

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COLLINSVILLE – The Illinois Department of Transportation today announced that a full closure of Interstate 55/70 northbound/eastbound between Illinois 157 and Illinois 159 in Madison County will start, weather permitting, at 9 p.m. Friday, June 13, 2025, for bridge repairs. The closure is expected to remain in place for 17 calendar days. During that time, motorists should follow the marked detour as follows: Northbound/eastbound I-55/70: Take I-255 northbound to I-270 eastbound to reconnect with I-55 northbound, I-70 eastbound, or I-55/70 southbound/westbound. All lanes are scheduled to reopen by 5 a.m. Monday, June 30. Motorists should allow extra travel time for trips, especially during the first few days of the closure, and pay attention to additional signage on the marked detour route. Drivers are encouraged to use alternate routes, and are urged to reduce speed, be alert for changing conditions, obey all construction signage, and refrain from using mobile devices

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ALTON - Medicare can be complicated. A local broker aims to demystify it and help her clients access all the benefits they’re entitled to. At 6 p.m. on June 25, July 30, and Aug. 27, 2025, community members can come to the RiverBender.com Building at 200 W. 3rd Street in Alton to learn about Medicaid and Medicare. Jamie Goble, who works with Medicare Insurance Techs, will break down the process of working with clients and answer questions about Medicare and Medicaid coverage. “It’s just important to me that get that type of help and they’re not left alone,” Goble said. “There’s somebody fighting for them, too.” Goble has worked with Medicare Insurance Techs since 2018. In her experience, a lot of people don’t know what they’re eligible for and therefore miss out on several benefits. To address this, Goble sits down with her clients one-on-one and goes through their medications, doctors, and health conditions.

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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.”

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SAINT LOUIS - The St. Louis Water Garden Society will host their 25th annual Pond-O-Rama garden tour. You can enjoy the two-day tour of 29 gardens around the St. Louis Metro area from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on June 21 and 22, 2025. Tickets cost $25 for non-members, while SLWGS members receive one ticket for free. Proceeds support the Jewel Box in Forest Park, which SLWGS maintains. “This year, our tour is really special,” said Ginny Mueller, Pond-O-Rama co-chair. “Everybody is just excited to meet the people who come. I think our gardeners are absolutely the best people in the world.” Mueller and her co-chair, Don Richardson, are eager to show off their own gardens on the tour this year. They noted that creating a water garden is “a labor of love.” Some of the gardens are “teeny tiny,” while others are “astounding” in their size. The tour features gardeners who built their own ponds alongside those who had their gardens

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WOOD RIVER – A man from Wood River faces multiple felony charges after fleeing from police at high speeds and more in a vehicle stolen from an ex-partner. Tremayne L. Brown, 30, of Wood River, was charged on May 27, 2025 with one count of unlawful possession of a stolen motor vehicle (a Class 2 felony) and two counts of aggravated fleeing or attempting to elude a peace officer (both Class 4 felonies). Brown was allegedly in possession of a Hyundai Santa Fe with an Illinois registration number which he knew to be stolen on May 27, 2025. He was additionally accused of failing to stop after being signaled to stop by police, fleeing at at least 21 mph over the legal speed limit and disobeying two or more traffic control devices. A petition to deny Brown’s pretrial release was filed by the Madison County State’s Attorney’s Office. According to the petition, Brown drove the vehicle of an ex-partner without permission, then fled from an attempted traffic stop by

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GRANITE CITY/WOOD RIVER – A pair of stolen motorcycles have yielded felony charges against residents of Wood River and Granite City. Larry D. Garrison, 41, of Wood River, and Clinton E. Garrison, 41, of Granite City, were each charged on June 2, 2025 with two Class 2 felony counts of unlawful possession of a stolen motor vehicle and one Class A misdemeanor count of criminal damage to property. Larry and Clinton allegedly knowingly possessed two stolen motorcycles, both with Illinois registration numbers – a 2023 Honda Grom and a 2023 Kawasaki BR125. They were also accused of damaging the headlight and ignition of the Honda motorcycle. T he Wood River Police Department presented the cases against Larry and Clinton, both of whom were granted pretrial release from custody. All individuals charged are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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ALTON - Marion and Wilma Greene of Alton marked their 75th wedding anniversary on Saturday, June 7. The couple was married on June 7, 1950, by the Reverend Ross Partridge at the Park Avenue Church parsonage in Mount Vernon, Illinois. Marion Greene retired from Jefferson Smurfit and also worked at Peyton Olds-Cadillac and Upper Alton Cemetery. Wilma Greene was employed for 19 years at Losch Greenhouses. The couple has two daughters and sons-in-law: Susan and Mike Carroll of Alton, and Barbara and Mike Montgomery of Godfrey.

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BELLEVILLE - Maia Sebold, a resident of Belleville, earned second place in a national art competition celebrating America250, a program marking the nation’s 250th anniversary. The contest invited students to create artwork responding to the prompt, “What does America mean to you?” The competition, announced recently, drew widespread participation from across the country. For Maia, the recognition held deep personal significance. “It meant the world for her talent being recognized,” said her mother, Amber Sebold. Maia has been passionate about drawing since childhood. “I always remember drawing and things; I did it for fun and loved it. Around age 10, I realized I was really good at it,” Maia said. She said she will always be involved in art, even if not professionally. "I think I will always be doing it," she said. She described the opportunity to participate in this contest as especially meaningful. “I really enjoyed getting to

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BETHALTO - Taylor Weishaupt is organizing a fundraiser to support Hazel, a 7-year-old Bethalto girl facing a challenging medical journey due to severe scoliosis. Hazel was scheduled for a spinal procedure at the end of summer, but recent medical updates revealed she will require a halo brace before undergoing a Shilla procedure, a partial spinal fusion, necessitating a hospital stay of several months. The fundraiser aims to alleviate the financial strain on Hazel’s family during this difficult period. Hazel’s mother will be out of work throughout the hospitalization to care for her, while her father will maintain employment and look after Hazel’s two siblings. The family is preparing for an emotionally and physically taxing time ahead. “Anyone who knows Hazel knows what a light she is to the world! She is full of life, love, and laughter all the time,” Weishaupt said. “This is going to be an extremely stressful time. Physically, emotionally, and financially

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GLEN CARBON – Glen Carbon trustees unanimously agreed on Tuesday to move forward with a new subdivision of single-family homes and attached villas, known as Meridian Grove . The new subdivision will consist of 17 single-family homes on an extension of Auerbach Place, with 16 attached villas lining a new cul-de-sac named Celtics Court. Prices for the attached villas will start in the low $400,000 range, while single-family homes will start at the mid-$500,000 mark. Spencer Homes LLC first announced the Meridian Grove project in March of 2025, describing it as a “maintenance-free residential community.” The Homeowners Association (HOA)-managed neighborhood will provide lawn care, snow and ice removal, and landscape upkeep for residents. Meridian Grove marks the fourth phase of the Meridian Plaza development project, which has welcomed multiple new businesses in recent years to the large site at the corner of IL-157 and Meridian Road. The Village Board of Trustee

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MADISON COUNTY — Efforts to reduce litter and illegal dumping in Madison County and Wood River, Bethalto, and Roxana have seen progress through increased accountability, Rusty Wheat told C.J. Nasello on Riverbender.com's Our Daily Show!. Local leaders and law enforcement have focused on holding individuals accountable for trash headed to landfills, contributing to a noticeable decline in roadside litter. “Trash is not as bad as it was,” said a volunteer involved in cleanup efforts. Wheat said he has picked up discarded items ranging from furniture to butane lighters and even shell casings found near a gun range. “I never know what I’ll find,” he said. Wheat said Madison County Chairman Chris Slusser and local officials such as Brad Wells, police chief of Wood River, and Madison County Sheriff Jeff Connor have been credited with enforcing stricter sanitation rules and supporting cleanup initiatives. Community members from Roxana and Bethalto also

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EDWARDSVILLE – Fresh off the 2025 Spring Legislative Session, State Senator Erica Harriss (56th–Glen Carbon) proudly presented Senate Resolution 112, honoring members of the State Universities Retirement System (SURS) and the State Universities Annuitants Association (SUAA) at an appreciation event today. “Our teachers play a vital role in shaping the lives of students—not just in the classroom, but throughout our communities,” said Senator Harriss. “This resolution recognizes the commitment of SURS retirees who dedicated their careers to educating future generations, building strong institutions, and enriching the fabric of our state. Their legacy continues to influence Illinois today.” Senate Resolution 112 designates June 13, 2025 as SURS Retirees Appreciation Day in Illinois, celebrating the contributions of more than 63,000 individuals who devoted their careers to the state’s higher education system. “Thank you, Senator Harriss

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