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ALTON - Due to a number of insurmountable factors, including recent deaths and illnesses of several pre-cast performers in major roles, Alton Little Theater is forced to cancel the plans for the February Studio Series. "It is with great sadness that we do so, and two playwrights and sixteen performers are all grieving about loss in all forms," Lee Cox, of ALT, said. Tickets that have been sold will be refunded or traded in for either of two March or one May Concerts ( 3 choices total), that actually have a greater ticket price. "We are so sorry to announce this February cancellation," Cox said. "The January Comedy, 'THE EXES,' will open on January 24th and run through February 2nd as planned. "

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O'FALLON - The O'Fallon Police Department unveiled its new School Resource Officer (SRO) squad car at O'Fallon Township High School (OTHS) last Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025, showcasing a design created in collaboration with local students. The initiative aims to enhance the presence of law enforcement within the school community and foster positive interactions between officers and students. SRO Krug reported that students responded positively to the new vehicle and showed approval of the vehicle's design. The distinctive striping package on the squad car was developed in conjunction with Mr. Cox’s Graphic Arts Classes, highlighting the department's commitment to engaging with students and incorporating their creative input into community initiatives. The O'Fallon Police Department encourages feedback from the community regarding the new squad car. It aims to strengthen relationships between law enforcement and students in the O'Fallon area.

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ST. LOUIS COUNTY — An officer-involved shooting near the intersection of West Florissant Avenue and Ferguson Avenue resulted in the death of an adult male on Monday morning, Jan. 13, 2025. The incident is currently under investigation by the St. Louis County Police Department's Crimes Against Persons detectives. At approximately 9:52 a.m., officers from the Country Club Hills Police Department were responding to a report of a motor vehicle crash in the vicinity of West Florissant Avenue and Lucas and Hunt Road in St. Louis County. During their response, officers were informed that the driver of the vehicle involved in the crash was discharging a firearm at passing vehicles. Two St. Louis County police officers arrived to assist and observed a male suspect firing a handgun with an extended magazine while walking westbound on West Florissant Avenue toward Ferguson Avenue. According to police reports, the suspect fired a shot at one of the officers, prompting the officers to return

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MADISON COUNTY — Antonio M. Shaw, a 19-year-old from East Alton, has been charged with felony offenses in connection with a robbery incident that occurred on Jan. 12, 2025, in Wood River. The charges against Shaw include Aggravated Robbery, Robbery, and Theft, according to Madison County State’s Attorney Tom Haine and the Wood River Police Department. The incident took place around 5:25 p.m. in the 600 block of Whitelaw Avenue, where two individuals were meeting a third person for a property exchange arranged through social media. Upon arrival, the victims were confronted by three individuals who forcibly took the property and fled the scene on foot. Fortunately, no injuries were reported during the incident. Shaw was taken into custody shortly after the robbery, thanks to the coordinated efforts of Wood River Police Officers. Two other suspects, both juveniles, are being referred to juvenile court for their involvement in the crime. The investigation received assistance

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SWANSEA - Swansea police responded to a burglary in progress early Jan. 11, 2025, at a business located in the 1400 block of North Belt West. At approximately 3 a.m., officers arrived and discovered 54-year-old Richard Griffin had barricaded himself in the basement of the establishment. Upon making contact with Griffin, officers instructed him to exit the basement, but he did not comply with their commands. The situation escalated when Griffin indicated that he was armed with a firearm. In response, the St. Clair County Special Response Team (SRT) was dispatched to the scene for assistance. After a tense standoff, Griffin voluntarily surrendered to police at around 5:30 a.m. and was taken into custody without further incident. On Jan. 12, 2025, the St. Clair County State’s Attorney’s office received the case file and subsequently issued felony warrants against Griffin, charging him with burglary and two counts of resisting a peace officer. The Swansea Police Department

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ALTON - Five criminal charges have been filed against a Staunton man accused of driving recklessly through Alton while under the influence and endangering three child passengers. Chad R. Connoyer, 34, of Staunton, was charged with a Class 4 felony count of driving under the influence, three Class A misdemeanor counts of endangering the life or health of a child, and one petty offense for following another car too closely on the road. On Dec. 30, 2024, Connoyer allegedly drove a vehicle under the influence of alcohol on College Avenue in Alton. At the time of this offense, his driver’s license had already been revoked or suspended for a previous DUI. Descriptions of the charges state the three children whose life or health was endangered in this case were ages 4, 5, and 7. All three were passengers in the vehicle Connoyer was driving while under the influence. The Alton Police Department presented the latest DUI case against Connoyer, who was granted pretrial release fro

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EDWARDSVILLE — Ally Suhre, a standout golfer from Metro East Lutheran, showcased her talent at the Illinois High School Association (IHSA) girls' state golf tournament held this past fall in the Decatur area. Suhre finished sixth in the Class 1A individual standings, solidifying her reputation as a top competitor. She was an All-State 1A girls golfer with her state performance. Ally is a BJ's Printables Female Athlete of the Month for the Knights. Suhre, who has been playing golf her entire life, has earned recognition as a first-team All-Area and All-State player in Class 1A. Her head coach, Chase Langendorf, praised her dedication to the sport, noting that she "basically runs the course" at Oakbrook. Despite facing challenges this year, including a lack of a full girls' team, Suhre managed to participate in several tournaments, demonstrating her commitment to improving her game. Suhre qualified for the state tournament again this year after finishing third overall in Class

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GLEN CARBON - Glen Carbon trustees will consider purchasing two new squad cars for the Glen Carbon Police Department as part of a series of police-related agenda items for their next meeting. On the Village Board agenda for Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2025, is the purchase of two 2025 Ford Explorer Interceptors for a total of $96,426. Both cars will be sourced from Lou Fusz Ford of Chesterfield, Mo., and will be designated as Units #59 and #60 amongst the department’s fleet. Not included in that estimate is the cost of “upfitting” both vehicles with police equipment. A separate but related resolution, which also appears on Tuesday’s agenda, calls for $35,178 to cover the upfitting costs from VIP Commercial upfitting. This total includes lights, sirens, Axon cameras, and various other police equipment. Stay tuned to Riverbender.com for the latest coverage on this and other items facing consideration from the Glen Carbon Village Board.

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CHICAGO – An Illinois iLottery player was shocked to discover he won a $2.66 million jackpot prize on his Lottery app with the Fast Play game Ultimate Diamond Jackpot. As for what he plans to do with his prize? Without hesitation, the lucky winner nicknamed “Hard-Working Husband” said, “My wife has been hoping to retire for a while now. I immediately told her, ‘It’s time for you to retire.’ I’m so happy we can make her dream come true.” The winner shared the exciting story of the moment he realized he had won. “My wife and I had just sat down to watch one of our favorite TV shows, and I opened my Illinois Lottery app at the same time to play the Fast Play Ultimate Diamond Jackpot game. However, I got distracted by the TV show and didn’t pay much attention to my app. Next thing I knew, I looked at my phone and it said I won the $2,661,339 jackpot!” “When I realized I won the jackpot, my jaw dropped

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GRAFTON - Raging Rivers Waterpark hosted a “Snowball Showdown” this weekend. On Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025, community members were invited to come out and join a snowball fight in the Raging Rivers parking lot, located at 100 Palisades Parkway in Grafton. Kids of all ages threw and dodged snowballs as they played in the snow, and even the Raging Rivers mascot, the Mississippi Monster, joined in the fun. “Everybody was smiling,” said Park Manager Jeremy Hayes. “Everybody had a good time. And it was just another way of Raging Rivers giving back to the community a little bit, trying to strengthen community ties, and mainly just keeping Raging Rivers fresh in everyone’s mind that summer is coming and we’re hoping that they come out and enjoy.” Hayes estimates that roughly 40 people participated in the snowball fight. While they didn’t break the record for the largest snowball fight ever recorded — that record belongs to a

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CHICAGO — As required by Executive Order 2024-01 , the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) submitted to the Governor and the General Assembly its first report from the Advisory Council on Financing and Access to Sickle Cell Disease Treatment and other High-Cost Drugs and Treatment . The report evaluates the success and challenges of various value and outcome-based payment approaches implemented in other states and includes recommendations for financing and increasing equitable access for these drugs in Illinois. In fulfillment of the Executive Order, the advisory council met six times over the past six months, culminating in the production of this report. The full report can be found here . “When I signed the Executive Order to create this council, it was with the clear goal of making life-changing gene and cell therapy treatments affordable and available to every Illinoisan,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “These recommendations

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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Co-Chair of the Senate Ukraine Caucus, and U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, today applauded the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the U.S. Department of State for the agencies’ decision to designate Romania as a participating country in the U.S. visa waiver program. The decision comes after the Senators introduced legislation in March 2023 that would have granted Romania eligibility within the U.S. visa waiver program. “Senator Shaheen and I introduced legislation in 2023 with the hopes that Romania would be granted eligibility within the U.S. visa waiver program. I am heartened that DHS and the State Department has added Romania to this program, strengthening our ties with this nation that emerged from the ashes of Soviet tyranny to become a thriving member of the transatlantic community of democracies, NATO, and the

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BETHALTO - Civic Memorial High School has announced the 2024-2025 Semester 1 High Honor Roll and Honor Roll. It is listed below. Seniors - High Honor Roll Alexander Arnold Katelyn Attebery Lauren Bagby Andrey Ballard Elouise Bargiel John Bowker Ryne Breyer Meredith Brueckner Mackayla Byrd Miriam Calixto Amanda Cannon Boe Cato Kaleigh Chester Abigail Clowers Jordyn Coleson Caitlyn Colley Alexis Collins Sylvia Crockett Connor Damm Emma Davis Gabrielle Davis Kayleigh Donahue Eliza Donaldson Austin Droit Kira Eberlin Aubrey Falk Brea Farrell Elliana Fiorino August Frankford Logan Gaertner Layla Gleason Jayna Halley Dawson Hanneken Lauren Hardy Brooke Harris Nathan Herrin Avery Huddleston Taylor Hunter Lela Jackson Kylee Jenkins Ashton Johnsey Izak Johnson Alora Kincade Haley Klaas John Kotzamanis Kyleigh Lowrance Matthew Lyman Bryce McArthur Erica McGaughey Madalynn McKey Gage Meyer Peyton Minner Anna Moore Sydney Moore Kendall Moss-Smith

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SPRINGFIELD - The Illinois Secretary of State‘s office is working to bring IDs in Apple Wallet to Illinois residents in the future with the goal of launching by the end of the year, Secretary Alexi Giannoulias announced today. This capability will enable residents to seamlessly and securely add and present their driver’s licenses and state IDs in person and in apps using their iPhone or Apple Watch. The news follows legislation that took effect at the beginning of the year, which enabled the Secretary of State’s office to begin this work. The plan includes robust testing requirements to ensure the office delivers the most secure and private product for Illinois residents, Giannoulias said. “We’re excited to have kickstarted our work with Apple – a company that shares our commitment to data security – to provide IDs in Apple Wallet that will offer convenience and privacy for Illinoisans,” said Giannoulias, whose office pushed for the legislation

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MARYVILLE — Illinois State Police Troop 8 reported on Monday, Jan. 13, 2025, that it responded to a report of shots fired on the Illinois Route 159 exit ramp to I-270 near Maryville at approximately 8:30 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 12, 2025. The Illinois State Police said upon arrival, troopers found no indications of damage to any vehicles due to gunfire, and no injuries were reported. As of now, no further information is available regarding the incident, ISP said.

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MILWAUKEE, Wisc. - Megan Kalb of Edwardsville, IL, has been named to the Dean's List for the fall 2024 semester at Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Kalb is pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology. To make the Dean's List, students must have earned at least 12 credits for the fall 2024 semester and have no disqualifying grades. The GPA threshold varies by college - for the College of Education and the Klingler College of Arts and Sciences, undergraduate students must have at least a 3.7 to be named to the Dean's List. The undergraduate GPA requirement is 3.5 for the following colleges: the Diederich College of Communication, the College of Business Administration, the College of Health Sciences, the Opus College of Engineering and the College of Nursing. All other programs have a 3.75 GPA minimum. Marquette University is a Catholic, Jesuit university that draws over 8,000 undergraduate and 3,700 graduate and professional students from nearly all states and more tha

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ST. LOUIS - The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, St. Louis District, invites your review and comments regarding the revised draft “Rivers Project Master Plan Update” with accompanying “Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI)” and “Environmental Assessment (EA)”. The Rivers Project Master Plan is a conceptual document that guides public use and natural resource management of over 48,000 acres of federal lands for environmental stewardship and recreation-related purposes. The current Master Plan was approved in 2015. The Project area for the Master Plan extends from Mississippi River Mile 0, at Cairo, Illinois; upstream to the tail water of Locks and Dam 22, Mississippi River Mile 301, at Saverton, Missouri. Most the Project’s public lands are upstream of St. Louis, Missouri. The lower 80 miles of the Illinois River is also managed by Rivers Project and is therefore included in the update. This management effort also includes coordination with

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CHICAGO – The last day of Open Enrollment for the Get Covered Illinois Health Insurance Marketplace is Wednesday, January 15th, 2025. “We encourage all Illinois residents who do not have health insurance coverage to visit GetCoveredIllinois.gov before Open Enrollment ends at midnight on January 15th,” said Get Covered Illinois Director Morgan Winters. “There is still time to access free enrollment assistance and to sign up for a quality, affordable plan that has the protections provided by the Affordable Care Act, such as covering pre-existing conditions and offering free preventative and wellness services.” Financial assistance is available for qualified consumers who buy their health coverage at GetCoveredIllinois.gov. “A majority of consumers can find health plans on the Marketplace for $10 or less a month,” said IDOI Director Ann Gillespie. “The advanced premium tax credits available through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA)

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JERSEYVILLE — The Jersey County Sheriff’s Office is seeking assistance in locating Kaila M. Vatole, who has been missing for two years. Vatole was last seen walking away from a residence on Little Piasa Road in rural Dow on Jan. 8, 2023. Despite extensive searches and investigations, authorities have been unable to find any trace of the 40-year-old woman. The sheriff’s office reported that her family continues to experience deep concern for her welfare and whereabouts. Kaila Vatole is described as 5 feet 3 inches tall, weighing approximately 110 pounds, with multiple tattoos, including a prominent one on her neck. She has a medical condition that requires a colostomy and has previously faced challenges related to homelessness. The sheriff's office noted that she has lived in various communities, including Carlinville, Wood River, East Alton, and Alton. In an effort to gather more information, the Jersey County Sheriff’s Office has urged farmers and hunters

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GODFREY – Lewis and Clark Community College's longest-running trustee, Robert L. Watson, died Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025, surrounded by his family, at the age of 87. Visitation will be held from 4-7 p.m., Tuesday, January 14, at Anderson Family Funeral Home in Brighton, Illinois. A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m., Wednesday, January 15, at Anderson Family Funeral Home, followed by a burial at Brighton Cemetery. Watson, of Brighton, served on the college’s Board of Trustees for 44 years, and as its chairman from 1983-2019. He attended his last meeting as trustee in April 2021. “The entire Lewis and Clark community is saddened by the passing of Mr. Watson,” said L&C President Ken Trzaska. “He was instrumental in the growth and development of not just the college, but our students, team members and the entire community. Lewis and Clark is deeply indebted to Mr. Watson’s leadership. He was an original Trailblazer who exemplified our mission

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