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COLUMBIA – A bear sighting in rural Columbia, Illinois, has captured the attention of Metro East residents and authorities alike. The Monroe County Sheriff’s Department shared footage of the sighting Columbia on its Facebook page on Sunday, advising the community on how to handle potential encounters with the animal. The bear was apparently headed in a northerly direction out of Columbia, authorities said. According to the Sheriff’s Department, individuals who encounter a bear should remain calm and back away slowly. If the bear approaches, people are advised to make themselves appear as large as possible. Under no circumstances should residents approach or feed the bears, and any sightings should be reported to authorities immediately. The Columbia Police Department and the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office have both emphasized the importance of these guidelines. Additionally, the Illinois Conservation Police are actively involved in tracking the bears. Reports

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SPRINGFIELD - Land of Lincoln Honor Flight continues the 2024 flying season with Mission #71 on Aug. 27, 2024. Mission #71 will serve more than 96 Veterans including 13 Korean Era veterans and 83 Vietnam era veterans from 62 Central Illinois home towns of Altamont, Argenta, Bartelso, Beecher City, Breese, Camargo, Cerro Gordo, Charleston, Collinsville, Columbia, Darian, Decatur, Dieterich, Effingham, Elkhart, Fairbury, Findlay, Forrest, Gillespie, Glasford, Glenarm, Granite City, Greenup, Jacksonville, Jerseyville, Keyesport, Lincoln, Litchfield, Macomb, Mahomet, Martinsville, Mason, Mattoon, Monticello, Morrisonville, Morton, Mt Olice, Neoga, New Baden, Newman, Normal, Ottawa, Petersburg, Pleasant Plains, Rushville, Salem, Savoy, Shelbyville, Sorento, Springfield, Stewardson, Strawn, Teutopolis, Toledo, Trenton, Westfield, Wood River and Xenia as well as St Louis, Mo. Our Aug. 27 veterans represent all branches of the military. These Veterans and their Guardians will report Aug.

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ALTON/EDWARDSVILLE — The Metro East region is set to experience a heatwave with temperatures soaring to 95 degrees on Monday, Aug. 5, 2024, and escalating to 100 degrees on Tuesday, Aug. 6, 2024, according to the National Weather Service. However, relief is on the horizon as milder temperatures are forecasted for the remainder of the week, with highs of 83 degrees on Wednesday, 85 degrees on Thursday, and 85 degrees on Friday. A Heat Advisory has been issued from noon to 6 p.m. on Tuesday, the National Weather Service in St. Louis said on Monday. Jason Harrison, an Alton resident and active participant in the Overnight Warming Centers initiative, has been pivotal in expanding the community's efforts to include sufficient cooling centers. Harrison emphasized the importance of these centers, especially during extreme weather conditions. "The Overnight Warming Centers group is about preserving lives and that entails quite a bit," Harrison said. "I am thankful Alton has so many differen

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ALTON - The stage is set for an unforgettable night of music and philanthropy with “Taylor-Made: A Tribute to Taylor Swift,” a spectacular event dedicated to celebrating the music of pop sensation Taylor Swift. This special performance will take place on September 13, 2024 at Lewis & Clark College’s Hathaway Hall, with all proceeds benefiting the Alton Youth Symphony and Alton Symphony Orchestras. Join us for an evening where Taylor Swift’s greatest hits come to life in a tribute concert that promises to captivate fans of all ages. From “Love Story” to “Blank Space,” experience the magic of Swift’s chart-topping anthems performed by a talented ensemble, with arrangements that showcase the orchestral prowess of our local musicians. Event Details: Date: September 13, 2024 Time: Doors @ 6:30pm and Show @ 7:30pm Location: Hatheway Cultural Center Lewis and Clark College, 5800 Godfrey Rd, Godfrey, IL 62035 Tickets: Available

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ALTON - The Alton Youth Symphony recently hosted their summer camp for young musicians. Third- through eighth-grade students could participate in the summer camp, which ran from July 22–26, 2024. Jamie Pullen, president of AYS, explained that the camp encouraged kids to learn more about music and performance. “It was a great week,” Jamie said. “Really, I was very encouraged by what happened. I think all musical groups took a hit with COVID, so we’ve been in a rebuilding phase. Just to see the number of kids who are ready to come back and start making music together and families who are ready to come out and support that, it was just very encouraging.” The camp welcomed approximately 65 kids to the Ringhausen Building at Lewis and Clark Community College. Participants were divided into smaller ensembles, where they focused on music theory and rhythm activities. The camp concluded with a concert for families and friends. Jamie said she was

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MARION - Centerstone will sponsor their annual Life;Story 5K to raise money and awareness for suicide prevention. As an organization, Centerstone provides mental health and substance use treatment to communities across Illinois. On Sept. 7, 2024, their Life;Story 5K in Marion, Illinois invites community members to run or walk in person or virtually as a way to prevent suicide. “This is what we are about,” explained Erin Camfield, Centerstone’s Director of Advancement. “This event represents Centerstone as a whole. It’s so much more than just a 5K.” While the event is in Marion, participants can join virtually from anywhere in the country. In Marion, the 5K will include speakers and a free Health and Wellness Expo. Organizations can set up their tables for free at the expo. Camfield explained that the goal is to involve as many organizations and attendees as possible to share information about mental health and suicide prevention. When

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SWANSEA — A routine traffic stop on July 25, 2024, led to the discovery of a cache of drugs and a firearm, resulting in multiple charges for three individuals. An officer with the Swansea Police Department pulled over a vehicle in the 2700 block of North Illinois Street and conducted a search based on probable cause. During the search, officers found a Cobra .380 caliber handgun, a large bag of ecstasy tablets, 12 bags of methamphetamine, several other pills, and several hundred dollars in cash. All three occupants of the vehicle were taken into custody. The case was subsequently submitted to the St. Clair County State’s Attorney’s Office for review. After careful examination, the State’s Attorney’s Office charged the driver, Brandon Foster, with multiple offenses, including Armed Habitual Criminal, Armed Violence, Felon in Possession/Use of Weapon/Firearm, Meth Delivery (100-400 grams), Manufacture/Delivery of Fentanyl (15-100 grams), Manufacture of

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On August 5, 2024, we reflect on a multitude of significant historical events that have shaped our world. Nelson Mandela's First Public Speech After Release (1990) On August 5, 1990, Nelson Mandela delivered his first public speech after being released from prison earlier that year. His speech, given in Soweto, South Africa, was a powerful call for unity and the end of apartheid. Mandela's words resonated deeply with millions around the world, symbolizing hope and the possibility of a new era of equality and justice in South Africa. This moment is remembered as a pivotal point in the fight against apartheid and the broader struggle for human rights. The Opening of the Liberty Bell Center (2003) On this day in 2003, the Liberty Bell Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, officially opened its doors to the public. The Liberty Bell, an enduring symbol of American independence and freedom, found a new home in this state-of-the-art facility designed to enhance visitors'

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HIGHLAND - Grid Solar LLC Co-Owners Jason Mitchell and Ryan Wagner recently shared some insight into the process of going solar from start to finish, including everything from consultation to design, installation, and more. Mitchell and Wagner appeared on Our Daily Show! on Riverbender.com to raise awareness of how making the switch to solar really works. Wagner, who typically handles the first part of every project, said the process begins with an initial consultation, for which Grid Solar takes an “educational approach.” “We sit down and design a system for you - basically, we take an educational approach,” Wagner said. “We’re there to teach you everything you need to know about solar so that you can make a decision you’re confident in.” After the consultation and some paperwork, Wagner said projects then go into the Project Management phase, and the site of the solar installation is photographed for engineers to review.

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ALTON - Two individuals have been charged with forgery after attempting to pass bad checks on two different occasions at Schwegel's Market in Alton, leading to felonies filed in two separate cases. Duane A. Reams, 37, of Bethalto, and Marquitta M. Davis, 43, of Edwardsville, were both charged on July 29, 2024 with one count each of forgery, both Class 3 felonies. According to Madison County court documents, Reams allegedly passed a bad check in the amount of $2,204.63 to Schwegel’s Market in Alton on Feb 11, 2024. Three months earlier on Nov. 9, 2023, Davis reportedly passed a bad check in the amount of $1,514.54 at the same location. Reams and Davis were both granted pretrial release, and both of their cases were presented by the Alton Police Department. 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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History is a tapestry woven with countless events, each contributing to the world as we know it today. On August 3, 2024, we celebrate a significant milestone in space exploration history: NASA's Mars Rover marks its 10th anniversary on the Red Planet. A decade ago, on this very day, the rover touched down on Mars, embarking on a mission that has since provided invaluable insights into the Martian environment, geological history, and the potential for past life. The rover, equipped with state-of-the-art instruments, has traversed the Martian surface, sending back high-resolution images and data that have deepened our understanding of our neighboring planet. This anniversary not only highlights the achievements of the rover but also underscores humanity's relentless pursuit of knowledge and the spirit of exploration. Shifting our focus from the wonders of space to the chronicles of Earth, August 3 has witnessed several other noteworthy events across the ages. Let’s embark

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ST. LOUIS, MO. - St. Louis native and New York-based performer, Lisa Ramey, will headline the Festival of Nations on Saturday, August 24 on the Global Artist Stage in Tower Grove Park. Ramey joins a roster of talented musicians including Mai Lee, Mali Music and Mannywellz. Ramey caught national attention as a finalist on NBC's "The Voice" with Team John Legend. She exudes gritty soul and passion with a soul meets rock vibe that emphatically captures her roots. Learn more about Ramey's sound and career at lisarameymusic.com . As the official beer vendor for the Festival of Nations, 4 Hands Brewing Co. has collaborated with artist Brock Seals on a new can design for their charitable brew City Wide. A portion of the proceeds from all 4 Hands beer sales during festival events will be donated to the International Institute of St. Louis. As a community partner, Goshen Coffee has created a special edition roast with proceeds being donated to programs to help immigrants and refugees

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PONTOON BEACH - In an effort to optimize service efficiency and meet the evolving needs of Madison County residents and visitors, Madison County Transit (MCT) will be implementing its regularly scheduled August Service Change on Sunday, August 11, 2024. Changes include: #2 Granite City Shuttle Relocate service to College and Meredocia, removing stops on Meredocia and Salveter between College and Allen. Modify routing in Nameoki Commons to serve Ollie’s, Dollar Tree, and Family Dollar. #9 Washington Shuttle Introduce weekday, hourly service to Alton High School between 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. #10 State & Elm Shuttle Reinstate weekday service to the group home on Bachman Lane, adding a morning and afternoon trip to/from Beverly Farm Developmental Training Center on Airport Road in Godfrey. #19 Edwardsville - Collinsville Adjust service times to Collinsville/Maryville/Troy YMCA. #20 Granite City-Pontoon Beach Shuttle Increase coverage throughout Gatewa

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CARLINVILLE - Blackburn College has announced its Dean’s List for the 2023-2024 academic year. Students named to the Dean’s List must earn a grade point average of 3.6 or higher for the semester. Area students include: HOMETOWN, STATE; NAME, TERM HONORS Alton, IL Justin Atkinson, Fall 2023 semester Luke Atkinson, Fall 2023 semester Bethalto, IL Nic Vaughn, Fall 2023 and Spring 2024 semesters Brighton, IL Natalie Keith, Spring 2024 semester Erika Pfitzner, Fall 2023 and Spring 2024 semesters Carrollton, IL Delcy Brannan, Fall 2023 and Spring 2024 semesters Diana Varble, Spring 2024 semester East Alton, IL Dawson Klunk, Fall 2023 semester Dylan Klunk, Fall 2023 semester Godfrey, IL Megan Van Deusen, Spring 2024 semester Granite City, IL Ashley Schardan, Spring 2024 semester Jerseyville, IL CJ Brunaugh, Fall 2023 and Spring 2024 semesters Evan Hopper, Fall 2023 and Spring 2024 semesters Shelby Koenig, Fall 2023 and

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ALTON - The band Little Victory, represented by Alton-based record label Harbor Music, released their single “Asleep at the Wheel” on July 31, 2024. Based in Chicago, Little Victory is composed of husband-and-wife duo Vince and Erika Camerano. The band has rock and blues influences, and their latest single is the first from an EP set to be released later this year. “When you feel such a deep passion towards something, I do believe that you owe it to yourself to at least give it a solid go-around and really commit to it at least once in your life, whatever that passion thing is for you,” Erika said. “We both agreed that if we didn’t really fully chase it and give it our all, we knew that we would have regrets later on in life, because it’s something that is very much just woven into the fabric of who we are.” Erika was in L.A. auditioning for “The Voice” when she connected with a fellow Chicagoan who happened to know

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PONTOON BEACH – A bicyclist was struck by a vehicle while attempting to cross Illinois Route 111 at Engineer Road on Saturday night. Pontoon Beach Police Department, Long Lake Fire Department, and Mitchell Fire Department responded to the scene. First responders arrived at the scene and, assessing the severity of the injuries called for an Arch Medical Helicopter. However, before the helicopter could arrive, the decision was made to transport the victim by ground ambulance. Authorities have not released further details on the condition of the cyclist. In response to the accident, police closed southbound Route 111 at Interstate 270. As of 10:46 p.m., the southbound lanes remained closed. The Illinois State Police Accident Reconstruction Team has been requested to investigate the incident, aiming to piece together the circumstances that led to the collision. Further updates are expected as the investigation progresses.

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ALTON - Tickets are running low for Rock the Hops, which returns for its 7th year as a "celebration of music, art, and craft beer", taking place this time on Saturday, August 10th, from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. at multiple venues in downtown Alton. As Alton's original music and art festival, Rock the Hops has become a regional favorite and has sold out every year. Attendees can "hop" around between the 5 official venues and catch as many as 27 unique and creative music performances. The lineup will include a wide variety of genres including rock, jazz-fusion, indie, folk, singer-songwriter, hip hop, Americana, experimental, and more. There will also be artisan booths featuring visual artworks and handmade goods available for purchase. Each of the 5 venues this year will play host to all three creative elements noted in the festival's tagline, creating a fun and celebratory atmosphere throughout the day. Ticket holders can choose from over 30 styles of craft beverages to sample, from seasonal

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OKLAHOMA CITY – Fairview Heights Police Officer Stitt and Officer Zywicki have completed two weeks of School Resource Officer training in Oklahoma City. The training, which gathered officers from across the country, concluded with Officer Stitt being honored with the "Top Team Member" award. Both officers expressed enthusiasm about the upcoming school year. Officer Stitt will be assigned to Grant and Illini schools, while Officer Zywicki will be stationed at Pontiac and William Holliday schools. The training aimed to equip officers with the necessary skills to effectively serve as school resource officers, focusing on student safety and community engagement. The recognition of Officer Stitt as "Top Team Member" shows the dedication and skill demonstrated during the program and is a prestigious honor for this training. With the start of the school year approaching, both officers said they look forward to implementing their training and fostering a safe and supportive environment

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CHICAGO - Attorney General Kwame Raoul is reminding Illinois residents as temperatures rise above 90 F this week, that a recently-effective law protects vulnerable residents from gas or electric utility service disconnections for nonpayment of bills when temperatures are 90 F or above, or when the National Weather Service issues an excessive heat watch, heat advisory or excessive heat warning. Attorney General Raoul initiated the law, which went into effect Jan. 1, 2024. Temperatures around Illinois in the coming days are forecast to above 90 F in places with heat indexes above 100 F. Raoul is urging Illinois residents to be aware the update to the Public Utilities Act (PUA) means they cannot be disconnected from their gas or electric utility service during the excessive heat. “I want to remind Illinois’ most vulnerable residents that this law protects their health and safety during extreme heat by prohibiting utilities from disconnecting electric and gas service for nonpaymen

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HARDIN - On July 7, 2024, at 1:52 a.m., Calhoun County Sheriff's Office Chief Deputy Zach Hardin conducted a traffic stop on Summit Grove Rd, near Illinois Route 96 in Calhoun County, Illinois. Subsequent to an investigation, the driver, Patrick O. Smith, aged 53, of Pittsfield, Illinois was arrested for the following offenses: Aggravated Driving Under the Influence (5th Offense), Aggravated Driving Under the Influence (While Revoked for DUI) Driving While License Revoked (5th Offense). Smith was arrested without incident and transported to the Calhoun County Sheriff's Office. As is now required under the provisions of the new House Bill 3653, known as the SAFE-T Act; Smith was booked and released with a Notice to Appear at a later date at the Calhoun County Courthouse. All suspect(s) are innocent until proven guilty.

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