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EAST ST. LOUIS - Dunbar Elementary School in East St. Louis welcomed students and families to its Open House event at the start of the school year, offering a mix of educational resources, community engagement, and entertainment. The event, held recently at the school, featured contributions from several organizations and community members. Amnyx, a company based in Virginia, donated school supplies to support Dunbar’s students. Three firefighters from East St. Louis sponsored a “Touch a Truck” experience, allowing students to explore a real fire engine. Local groups also participated in the event. Land of Lincoln provided information on free resources available to families, while Grand Canyon University connected with parents about educational opportunities. The Girl Scouts of America shared details about their in-school scouting program. Entertainment included bounce houses and music provided by DJ Mike, creating a festive atmosphere. Dunbar staff members

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WHEELING – Today, Governor JB Pritzker joined the directors of the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) and the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE), local school officials, and medical professionals in a back-to-school press conference calling for a safe and healthy start to the academic year. August is National Immunization Awareness Month, serving as a reminder of the importance of immunization for people of all ages, especially children returning to the classroom. The Governor encouraged parents and guardians to speak with a trusted healthcare provider and ensure that their children are up to date on their immunizations and check-ups as classes start up again. “August is National Immunization Awareness Month—a time to remind ourselves of the importance of staying up to date on childhood vaccinations,” said Governor JB Pritzker . “As our classrooms come back to life and our kids get back to learning and playing with one another, it’s

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NORTH CHICAGO – Governor JB Pritzker, AbbVie, and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) today announced the company’s $195 million investment to expand its North Chicago manufacturing facility. This investment will strengthen AbbVie’s production of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), create and retain high-quality jobs in the region, and reinforce Illinois’ position as a national leader in advanced manufacturing and biosciences. AbbVie’s decision to expand its manufacturing footprint in Illinois is a testament to our state’s world-class workforce, infrastructure, cutting-edge research institutions, and location that keeps businesses connected to the nation and the world,” said Governor JB Pritzker . “As a global leader in pharmaceuticals, AbbVie’s investment in Illinois bolsters our world-class biomanufacturing ecosystem and creates jobs while it innovates next generation medicines.”

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EDWARDSVILLE - The Edwardsville Municipal Band will present AUDIENCE FAVORITES—a program built entirely from the most popular selections chosen by audience members throughout the summer concert series. Performances will take place at the Cleaon Etzkorn Bandstand in City Park on Thursday, August 14 at 7:30 p.m. and as a bonus performance on Sunday, August 17 at 4:00 p.m. at Leclaire Park. Each concert will feature a variety of styles, from classic marches and Broadway hits to movie themes, swing tunes, and American folk favorites—all chosen by concertgoers. The program will also spotlight the band’s talented Dixieland ensemble, featuring David Maloney on clarinet, Kevin Haddock on saxophone, Matt Mossinghoff on trumpet, Mark Haun on trombone, Noah Mabb on tuba, and Steve Wehling on drums. Concessions will be available at both concerts. On Thursday, proceeds will benefit the Main Street Community Center, which supports older adults and people with disabilities through

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EDWARDSVILLE - Southern Illinois University Edwardsville will welcome its newest class of Cougars with a five-day Welcome Week celebration starting Wednesday, August 13, 2025. The event, held on the Edwardsville campus at 1 Hairpin Drive, aims to introduce students to campus life through a variety of activities running through Sunday, August 17. The festivities will include a range of events designed to engage and entertain the incoming students. Highlights include the New Student Convocation, Parade, and Class Photo on Friday, August 15, at 3 p.m. in the Vadalabene Center. Chancellor James T. Minor and Provost Denise Cobb will officially open the 2025-2026 academic year, celebrating over 1,000 new students with music, giveaways, and free SIUE t-shirts. Following the convocation, a parade will proceed through Stratton Quad to the Cougar Statue for the traditional class photo. On the same day, hypnotist Evan Gambardella will perform at 8 p.m. in the Meridian Ballroom of the Morris University

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BETHALTO – After more than four decades with the village, Ken Balsters’s resignation as Bethalto Village Attorney was unanimously approved on Monday night, Aug. 11, 2025. “This one’s a little hard for me because we are coming to the end of an era,” Mayor Gary Bost said. “The gentleman sitting next to me has been here for 42 years, and he has announced his resignation.” The mayor presented Balsters with a commemorative engraved glass plaque, which he presented “with grateful appreciation of 42 years of remarkable service.” “Your dedication, professionalism, and commitment have had a lasting impact on the Village of Bethalto and the many lives you have touched,” Bost added. “Know that your legacy will continue to inspire for generations to come.” The mayor then presented Balsters with the award, and the two shook hands as attendees erupted into applause. The longtime village attorney’s resignation

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SPRINGFIELD – In her signature white Lane boots, multi-platinum superstar, critically adored singer/songwriter, in-demand headliner Megan Moroney stepped onto the Illinois State Fair Grandstand stage and into the record book Sunday night, breaking the attendance record with 15,532 fans who sang along to her list of hits such as “Am I Okay?,” “Tennessee Orange,” and latest smash “6 Months Later.” Moroney surpassed the previous record of 15,427 set by Lil Wayne last year. Prior to that, the top ticket seller was previously Jason Aldean who packed 15,329 seats in 2011, followed by Florida Georgia Line in 2014 with 15,204 tickets sold. Reba McEntire sold 14,823 in 2019 and Hootie and the Blowfish round out the top five record holders with 13,956 tickets sold in 1995. “Music unites people, and last night at the Illinois State Fair, a record-breaking crowd shared the unforgettable experience of a summer concert under the stars,”

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GODFREY – The Illinois Department of Transportation today announced intermittent lane closures on West Delmar Avenue from State Street in Alton to Illinois 3 in Godfrey will begin, weather permitting, Monday, Aug. 18, 2025. Flaggers will maintain two-way traffic. This work is needed for pavement rehabilitation and is expected to be completed by the end of the month. Motorists should expect delays and are encouraged to use alternate routes during this work. Drivers are urged to reduce speed, be alert for changing conditions, obey all construction signage, and refrain from using mobile devices while approaching and traveling through the work zone. For IDOT District 8 updates, follow us on the social media platform X at @IDOTDistrict8 or view area construction details on IDOT’s traveler information map on GettingAroundIllinois.com.

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VIRDEN — Martin Alvarez, 37, of Virden, was charged with residential burglary after entering a home on the 600 block of Emmerson Street without permission. Alvarez is accused of knowingly entering the residence with the intent to commit theft. The incident occurred recently in Virden, Illinois. If convicted, Alvarez faces a prison sentence ranging from four to 15 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections. All individuals charged are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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ALTON — Friends, family, classmates and teammates of Jack Warren gathered recently for Wifflefest, an event honoring and remembering the late Marquette Catholic High School graduate and athlete. Jack Warren died on Dec. 20, 2021, at the age of 21 years old. Warren was known for his leadership and spirit at Marquette Catholic, where he graduated in 2019. He served as “Captain Marquette,” leading the Blue Crew student cheer section, and participated in both baseball and golf teams. Warren later earned an AAS degree from Lewis and Clark Community College in 2021, where he also worked as a teacher’s aide in the College for Life program for students with special needs and pitched for the Trailblazers baseball team. The Wifflefest event, held at the home of Warren’s former baseball coach, Tim Fahnestock, was organized by Warren’s classmates to celebrate his life. “Stories were shared, memories relived, and laughter filled the day — just

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STAUNTON — Brendon M. Reiman, 19, of Staunton, has been charged with aggravated battery causing great bodily harm, a class 3 felony. Reiman allegedly struck a victim on the head with a cinder block. The incident resulted in a large laceration extending from the victim's eyelid to the upper forehead. Authorities have not released additional details regarding the circumstances of the incident. All individuals charged are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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MEDORA — An Alton man was charged with aggravated driving under the influence resulting in death following a fatal crash on July 7, 2025, in Medora. Anthony G. Ford Jr., 45, faces a Class 2 felony charge after the death of Taylor Cummines. According to the Illinois State Police, Ford was driving a 2020 Ford F4G box truck on Illinois Route 267 near FS Road when authorities found cocaine in his system. Troop 8 units of the Illinois State Police responded to a two-vehicle crash involving a box truck and a passenger car. The incident resulted in the death of Cummines. If convicted, Ford could face a prison sentence ranging from three to 14 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections. All individuals charged are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Previous Story: https://www.riverbender.com/news/details/gofundme-launched-to-support-family-of-area-woman-after-fatal-crash-84181.cfm

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EDWARDSVILLE - Three Edwardsville School District #7 educators, including Literacy Coach Becky Artime and reading specialists Molly Deist and Holly Hampton, recently achieved a significant milestone in their careers by becoming IMSE Orton-Gillingham (OG) Certified. The accomplishment followed a rigorous year-long process that included 120 hours of intensive lesson planning, practical application, and mentorship from a practicum supervisor. After months of delivering individualized lessons, each educator sat for the national Knowledge and Practice Examination for Effective Reading Instruction (KPEERI), which assesses educators’ understanding of the Science of Reading, structured literacy, and evidence-based reading instruction. The certification, administered by the Center for Effective Reading Instruction—an affiliate of the International Dyslexia Association—represents a deep commitment to helping students develop essential reading skills. Each now proudly displays

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JERSEYVILLE - Three generations of women came together to work on a quilt, almost 100 years apart. Joan Dougherty loves quilting, and she recently entered her favorite quilt in Jacksonville’s River Country Quilt Show. She was “immediately in tears” when she learned the quilt had won the People’s Choice Award. But this quilt is special, because Dougherty had help from her grandmother and a beloved great-great aunt she never met. “I worked on this quilt on and off during lots of stressful times in my life,” Dougherty shared. “They always tell you, when you’re a quilter, that you should document the history of it. You should always keep a label on the back…I’m so glad I got that information from my grandma before she passed so that I could get that information to put on there.” Dougherty’s grandmother, Eileen Ribble, taught her how to quilt when she was in college. As they worked together on this special project

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ST. LOUIS, Mo. — A nine-vehicle crash sparked closures of lanes of Interstate 270 near Interstate 64 on Tuesday morning, Aug. 12, 2025. The Missouri Department of Transportation reported the crash occurred around 6 a.m. in the northbound lanes of I-270. MODOT said left lanes and the left shoulder were closed to allow emergency response and clearance of the scene. The Missouri State Highway Patrol confirmed that no injuries resulted from the collision. The area where I-270 and I-64 intersect is heavily traveled during morning and evening commutes by area drivers. Traffic has since returned to normal, according to MODOT. Authorities continue to monitor the area to ensure safety during peak travel times.

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CASEYVILLE — The Caseyville Police Department has announced the lateral hiring of three experienced officers and the promotion of a sergeant. Officer Adam Howell, Officer Marlyn Jackson, and Officer Matt Jany have joined the department, bringing a combined 41 years of law enforcement experience. Howell has more than six years of experience and is a U.S. Marine Corps veteran; he also serves as a Juvenile Officer and a certified Taser instructor. Jackson returns to Caseyville after previously serving part-time with the department and later as Chief of Police for the Village of Marissa, bringing 10 years of experience. Jany is a retired captain from the St. Clair County Sheriff's Department with 25 years of service, having worked as a lead homicide investigator with the Major Case Squad and director of the Metro East Auto Theft Task Force. In addition, Sergeant Dylan Prather has been promoted and is now the department’s K-9 handler, working with “Doc,” an 11-month-old

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ALTON - During a recent episode of “You’re Beautiful” with Brian Trust , Danny shared how his relationship with God has inspired him through difficult times. Danny explained that we are all “children of God,” but that God allows us to go through storms. If you are “anchored in God,” then these storms become a lot easier to weather. “They strengthen you when you get down and discouraged. Sickness comes, disease, finances, you name it. But God will take you through it. Nothing’s too hard for God,” Danny said. “I’ve been through storms, but guess what? God’s been there with me. If you can stay focused not on the storm but on Jesus, on God, on the Holy Spirit, He’ll take you through.” Danny shared that he tries to be obedient to God. He believes he lost his job at Boeing because he did not follow God’s original calling for him to become a pastor, and God closed that door to reveal

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EDWARDSVILLE – The Madison County Third Judicial Circuit is implementing a series of improvements to its jury selection process in response to the Final Report of the Illinois Judicial Conference Juror Experience Task Force, issued in October 2024. The new measures are designed to enhance fairness, accessibility, and overall juror satisfaction, aligning with the statewide effort to modernize and strengthen public trust in the jury system. Key changes include the introduction of compliance mechanisms to ensure consistent participation, expanded online access to juror questionnaires, the development of short YouTube videos to answer frequently asked questions about jury service in Madison County, and the establishment of a compliance docket for individuals who fail to appear after being summoned for jury duty. "Juries are a cornerstone of our justice system, and we are committed to ensuring that all citizens have equal opportunity and access to serve," said Chief Judge Chris Threlkeld.

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SHILOH – Newly elected officers of the Looking Glass Prairie Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, were installed and are looking forward to a new year of service. Pictured are: Regent Kimberly Dalrymple, Vice Regent Margaret Truitt, Chaplain Amy Chrisenberry, Secretary Carol Gorecki, Treasurer Cori Croteau, and Historian Peggy Sternberg. Also elected but not available for the photo was Librarian Mary Kearney. Officers and members of the Looking Glass Prairie Chapter, as well as citizens around the country, are gearing up for the United States 250th anniversary celebration in July 2026. The DAR, founded in 1890, and headquartered in Washington, D.C., is a nonprofit, nonpolitical volunteer women's service organization dedicated to promoting patriotism, preserving American history, and securing America's future through better education for children. Looking Glass Prairie Chapter members come from several nearby towns with service concentrated in O’Fallon,

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WOOD RIVER — Abby Lou, a 13-year-old rescue dog who was found malnourished and abused eight years ago and rescued by an area family, now faces a critical health challenge. Kayla Stanton, Abby Lou’s owner, has launched a GoFundMe fundraiser to raise $1,000 for urgent surgery to repair a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in Abby Lou’s back left leg. The injury has left Abby Lou unable to walk, requiring her family to carry her for basic needs such as bathroom trips and feeding. Stanton described Abby Lou as still spirited despite her age, saying she “thinks she’s a spry young pup.” The surgery is considered necessary to alleviate Abby Lou’s pain and improve her mobility. Stanton said the family’s financial situation has been strained due to rising living costs, making the unexpected veterinary expense difficult to cover. “We are asking please for our Abby Lou-Lou, help us achieve our goal to get the procedure she needs to be

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