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SPRINGFIELD - Unemployment rates around the Riverbend region remained close to a year ago in a November 2023 to November 2022 comparison. Madison County is at 3.8 percent in November 2023 compared to 3.4 percent in 2022, while Jersey is 3.4 percent compared to 3.1 percent a year ago, Macoupin is 3.7 percent compared to 3.4 percent a year ago. Calhoun is at 3.4 percent compared to 3.7 percent a year ago. The unemployment rate in the City of Alton in November was 5.2 percent vs. 4.9 percent a year ago. Edwardsville's rate was 2.8 percent compared to 2.8 percent a year ago and Granite City is at 4.2 percent compared to 3.4 percent a year ago. Over-the-year, total nonfarm jobs increased in ten metropolitan areas and decreased in four for the year ending November 2023, according to data released today by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and the Illinois Department of Employment Security (DES). Over-the-year, the unemployment rate increased in eleven metropolitan areas and decrease

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ALTON - Sixteen incomparable actors will launch a new Studio Series of three plays done in Repertory format on three alternating weekends January 11th through 28) AND the Shows are underwritten by Playwright, Michael Madden, and novelist, Katherine Elizabeth Baltimore - and it was a unanimous decision of the chosen Directors: Kristy Doering, Brant McCance and Shea Maples that 25% of ticket sales would go back to community programs, in keeping with the Play's themes of charity and the importance of human connection. AHS Drama Department, Alton Memorial's Cancer-Treatment program named " Ribbons of Strength", and the Wildlife Center will each be adopted by a play showcased: TWO ROOMS by Lee Blessing, RED JASPER by Michael Madden, and ELEPHANT'S GRAVEYARD by George Brant. The Theater's Artistic Directors, hope that the idea of a Studio Series of new and short works will catch on and become part of ALT's mission to train Actors and support Regional performers AND local Talent.

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ALTON - There’s a chili cookoff at Catdaddy’s Tavern, and with all the proceeds going to the Boys and Girls Club of Alton, everybody is a winner. Dan Herkert and Cassie Tartar were sitting at Catdaddy’s and teasing each other about who had the better chili recipe, when Judy behind the bar came up with a great idea: Why not have a competition? From 3–6 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 31, 2023, you can stop by Catdaddy’s to taste the chili and vote on the winner. “It was a little friendly trash talk,” Tartar joked. “It started small and it got big real fast.” They decided they’d put their recipes to the test. Now, it’s up to the Alton community to decide who has the better chili. Attendees will complete a blind tasting. They can vote as many times as they want and must contribute $1 per vote. The loser will add an extra $100 to the pot, with all money going to the Boys and Girls Club. “It’s always good to

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ALTON - The red kettles might be packed away, but the Salvation Army Red Kettle Campaign will continue until Jan. 31, 2024, and they have another $100,000 to raise to meet their goal. “Now that the kettles have been put away and the ringers are kind of silent now, this might be the more important part of the journey just because…we’re not as visible,” said Mike Roberts, who co-chairs the campaign with his wife Karen. “This second half of the campaign is more important only just because the need isn’t changing. If anything, it’s still growing.” The local Red Kettle Campaign raises money to benefit the Alton Salvation Army, located at 525 Alby Street. As of Dec. 28, 2023, the campaign had collected a little over $116,500. They are hoping to reach their goal of $217,000 by the end of January. This money goes toward the Salvation Army’s services, including their food pantry, after-school program, hot meals and shelter programs

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ALTON - Whatever you need, the Hayner Public Library District might have it. From books to baking equipment to fishing supplies and so much more, it’s available at Hayner. The library has grown a lot in recent years, and the board is looking forward to another great year in 2024. “I just want to thank all of our patrons for coming in every day and supporting the library. Over the years, we’ve made a lot of friends,” said Director Mary Cordes. “We have our regulars who come all the time, but it’s really exciting when somebody walks through the door who’s never been here before and says, ‘I didn’t know you guys had all this.’ That kind of makes it worthwhile and we hope that every day we get more people that come in and say that.” Hayner Library has several books, movies, audiobooks and other traditional library materials available, but they also recently added a Library of Things so patrons can check out item

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CHICAGO - Attorney General Kwame Raoul today highlighted three new laws initiated by his office that will go into effect Jan. 1. “Whether by protecting vulnerable residents from gas or electric utility service disconnections in excessive heat, i ncreasing oversight of health care transactions, or c losing a loophole that allows non-custodial parents to avoid making child support payments, my office has focused on developing measures to enhance public safety throughout the state,” Raoul said. “I look forward to our continued collaboration with law enforcement, legislators and various stakeholders to enact policies that protect residents and communities around Illinois.” House Bill 1541 p rotects 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. Raoul initiated House

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ST. LOUIS - Schnuck Markets, Inc. and The Salvation Army today announced that Schnucks customers and the company donated a total of $230,000 to The Salvation Army’s annual Tree of Lights campaign through the most recent “ Round Up at the Register ”. Schnucks customers had the option to round up their purchases to the nearest dollar, with 100 percent of donations from the 15-day campaign benefiting The Salvation Army. Customers donated $212,281, and Schnucks added $17,719. “As they do each holiday season without fail, Schnucks customers once again showed their appreciation towards The Salvation Army through their generous round ups as well as their donations to the red kettles at the entrances of our stores,” said Schnucks Chairman and CEO Todd Schnuck. “The work The Salvation Army does in our communities, not only during the holiday season but year round, truly aligns with our company’s mission to nourish people’s lives.” All

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CHICAGO – Someone could finish off 2023 by winning a hefty Powerball jackpot. The jackpot for the last Powerball drawing of the year, Saturday, December 30, has grown to $760 million. If won, it would be the third highest Powerball jackpot of the year and the sixth largest in the game’s history. The Powerball jackpot was previously won on October 11, 2023 when a single ticket in California won a $1.765 billion grand prize. In Illinois, eight Lottery players have won prizes of $1 million with Powerball so far this year. In total, Powerball players in Illinois purchased over 4.2 million winning tickets and have won nearly $40 million in prizes in 2023. You could be next! With over 7,000 Illinois Lottery retailers across the State, lottery players can conveniently pick up a ticket at their local store - or they can login to the Illinois Lottery website or app and purchase a ticket online. Powerball tickets are $2 each, and players have the option to add the Powerplay

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SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) today announced the approval of eleven applications to proceed towards certification in the Supportive Living Program for Dementia Care Settings. The Supportive Living Program is a Medicaid alternative that offers services at a significantly lower cost than a nursing home and can successfully prevent or delay the need for nursing home care. The Supportive Living Program operates through a Home- and Community-Based Services waiver approved by the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. This allows Medicaid funds to pay for assisted living services for eligible Medicaid participants who might otherwise live in a nursing home. The Supportive Living Program gives seniors and persons with physical disabilities a more independent lifestyle option by providing their own apartment which includes a bathroom and kitchen/kitchenette. The Medicaid program pays for a portion or all the medical care an

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O’FALLON — Expectant moms can get all their “what to expect when expecting” questions answered by attending any or all the prenatal education programs offered by HSHS St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in the coming year. St. Elizabeth’s Women and Infants Center offers a wide range of services for mothers and infants, and the class schedule for 2024 is now available. It includes Prepared Childbirth and Breastfeeding Classes that are taught by a registered nurse from St. Elizabeth’s Women and Infants Center. Classes are open to any mom-to-be and their support person. The recommended time to attend is after 28 weeks. “We want to make sure we are providing moms and families with the information they need so they are as prepared as they can be for the delivery, as well as taking their baby home,” shared Julie Brooks, RN, BSN, CLC, childbirth educator and lactation counselor at St. Elizabeth's Women and Infants Center. “We invite both

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ALTON - As a student-athlete, Anaiah Clanton-El consistently excels in both academics and athletics. In recognition of her success, Anaiah Clanton-El is a Hayner Public Library District Student of the Month for Alton High School. The junior student has a full load of honors classes that she balances alongside her volleyball and dance practices. Clanton-El has played on Alton High School’s volleyball team for the past three years. As she prepares to enter her senior season next year, she is already turning heads as an accomplished player. In addition to volleyball, Clanton-El is a dancer. She spends a lot of time in practice for both sports, and she even finds extra hours after school and during the weekend to train because she enjoys it so much. Clanton-El has big dreams, so she knows the importance of being responsible and dedicated. Her family shows her the power of hard work every day at My Just Desserts, the business they own and where Clanton-El works after school.

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ST. LOUIS COUNTY - On Thursday, Dec. 28, 2023, the Illinois State Police located a deceased woman who has been identified as Marquisha Williams, 29, of the first block of Mohan Drive in Florissant, MO. Law enforcement reported numerous searches for Ms. Williams had been conducted over the last several days. The deceased woman was located close to one of the exits in Illinois and several law enforcement agencies throughout the state were involved. Law enforcement and volunteer groups searched along I-55 in Madison County in recent days and that included an area east of Edwardsville near I-143 and Staunton. The deceased female was found at an undisclosed exit in Illinois. St. Louis County Police thanked the different departments who assisted in the location of Ms. Williams: Illinois State Police St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office (Missouri) Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office (Illinois) Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office (Illinois) City of Staunton Police

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GODFREY – The stage was set for a spectacular service event as Beverly Farm Foundation hosted the powerhouse Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.® Upsilon Phi Omega Chapter. Joined by esteemed local dignitaries, this transformative service project is poised to leave an indelible mark on Beverly Farm's mission. Crystal Officer, the dynamic CEO of Beverly Farm Foundation, enthusiastically shared, “We are elated with the outstanding contributions made by the ladies of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.® Upsilon Phi Omega Chapter. Their exceptional service event has been instrumental in our preparations to fully reopen our community day program and relaunch the Busy Bee Bakery—an entrepreneurial initiative empowering program attendees to sell the delightful goods they've baked. Their commitment has not only exceeded our expectations but has truly fueled the spirit of collaboration and progress at Beverly Farm Foundation. We extend our heartfelt gratitude for their extraordinary

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Abigail Taylor, a senior at Marquette Catholic High School, is an Alton-Godfrey Rotary Club Student Of Month for December. Taylor and Morgan Jones of Alton High were honored by Rotary at Gentelin's On Broadway. She is the daughter of Josh and Hannah Taylor. She attended St. Mary’s Catholic School from second grade through eighth grade before attending Marquette. Abigail has a GPA of 4.68, a score of 28 on the ACT, and over 30 dual credit hours. This is enough to graduate high school as a sophomore in college. Additionally, she has won many awards. Some of these include High Honor Roll, The Daughters of the American Revolution, Good Citizenship Award, Marquette Student of the Month in November, and was named an Illinois State Scholar. Not only does Abigail value her academics, but she is very active in her school community. She played volleyball for four years, and participated in scholar bowl for three years, being the captain her senior year. As a member of Marquette’s

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ALTON - Blue Wave Spirit will host a “Kicking in the New Year” event for all who want to show off their martial arts skills on Sunday, Dec. 31, 2023. Attendees will do 24 reps of 20 different kicks to “kick in” 2024. The hour-long event starts at 11 a.m. at the YWCA in Alton, and it encourages confidence and empowerment, two major parts of Blue Wave Spirit’s regular martial arts training. “It’s very much focused on self-defense and building a lot of those personal skills like discipline, confidence, self-management,” Blue Wave Spirit Director Tom Withee explained. “That’s the number one draw of training in martial arts. Learning self-defense is really great and being able to protect yourself, but that’s not what most people get out of training. What they get is they develop self-confidence, they develop a sense of peace, and they learn how to interact with other people in a way that they don’t feel anxiety.”

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ALTON - Alton Police Chief Jarrett Ford recently presented Thomas Gattuso with the Officer of the Month award. Ford said on October 20, 2023, during an investigation of an unrelated theft, Officer Gattuso was provided information about a dangerous individual that the Alton Police Department was actively seeking. With quick-thinking police work, Officer Gattuso recognized the suspect's name and immediately relayed this information to his supervisors. "The Criminal Investigation Division of the Alton Police Department coordinated with the U.S. Marshals Service, due to this individual having active felony warrants, and this individual was taken into custody." Officer Gattuso is recognized today as a Difference-Maker in the area for his efforts in law enforcement. Chief Ford continued about the officer and said the following: "Officer Gattuso's knowledge of this individual and quick reaction to communicate this new information led to the arrest of a dangerous criminal. Officer Gattuso

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ALTON - Morgan Jones, a senior at Alton High School, and the daughter of Cassandra Jones, was recognized recently as a December Alton-Godfrey Rotary Club Student Of The Month. Morgan was honored with Marquette Catholic senior Abigail Taylor at Gentelin's On Broadway in Alton. Even though Morgan is involved in several different activities, she preaches that it is important to still have fun and make the most of your high school experience because it goes by in a flash. Morgan has maintained a 4.4 GPA and has been in all advanced classes since freshman year, including Advanced Placement Physics 2. She is extremely involved in extracurricular activities offered by the school, including Physics Club, Redbird Nest, Biology Club, AACE Leadership Program, Mu Alpha Theta, Choral Conservatory, and National Honors Society. She holds officer positions in Student Council as Senior Corresponding Secretary and Thespian Troupe 126 as a Clerk. In addition, she is on the Varsity Competition Dance

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My grandfather and I are best friends. I don’t know if he knows that, but I firmly believe it. We have spent a lot of time together one-on-one, watching the news and sipping coffee. His is black, mine is pale with all the milk and sugar I add. We make a sweet team. When we fall into silence, it’s comfortable, but I try to keep up a steady stream of chatter anyway. I’ll talk about anything and everything and, above all else, nothing, as he politely listens and tries not to nod off. And, inevitably, we get into some odd conversation topics. I start by mining my life for interesting ideas — “Work is going well,” “Listen to this funny story from the RiverBender.com office,” “My cats did the silliest thing this morning” — but when I run out of anecdotes, I start casting around for other topics. Maybe it’s natural, but I end up thinking about my own interests, and then I end up giving impromptu run-on speeches

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EDWARDSVILLE - Seniors Molly Peel and Olivia Kolnsberg are two keys for the Edwardsville girls' basketball team this season. The pair bring leadership qualities of a team that is young with mostly sophomores, a freshman and four juniors. The Tigers have had a slow start, but are expected to show strength as the season progresses. Each game the girls are learning and should be formidable foes for anyone by the season's end. "We've been practicing a lot every day and I can see improvement," Peel said. Peel is also excited about hitting heavy Southwestern Conference play as January 2024 unfolds. "I think to me being a senior, it's to know it's my last go-around," Peel said. "I'm just looking to make the most of this. It's my last year, and we've been working hard in practice, so I expect us to go pretty far and do well." Being the only two seniors on the team, Peel knows that she and Kolnsberg will be expected to show leadership and take the young players under their wings and show

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HARDIN - At 11:20 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 16, 2023, the Calhoun County Sheriff's Office was notified by West-Central Illinois 911 dispatch of a disturbance in progress in the area of Dogtown Road in Batchtown. Calhoun County Sheriff's Deputy Nicholas McCall and Sheriff William Heffington responded to the scene, met with victims and began an investigation. Upon their arrival, law enforcement officials were advised that the suspect vehicle had fled the scene. Deputy McCall located the vehicle traveling southbound at a high rate of speed on Illinois River Road and after a brief pursuit, conducted a traffic stop on the suspect vehicle. The sheriff's office says after an investigation, Annabelle M. Hammond, age 21, of Batchtown, was arrested for a large number of offenses: • Aggravated Battery with Deadly Weapon (Firearm), • Battery (Three Counts), • Aggravated Assault with Deadly Weapon (Firearm), • Aggravated Assault with Motor Vehicle (Three Counts), •

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