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JERSEYVILLE - Jersey Community High School Principal Thomas Leslie is pleased to announce that 18 students from the JCHS Graduating Class of 2025 have been designated as Illinois State Scholars. The following students have been selected based on class rank and SAT scores: Abbigail Benz Jaxon Brunaugh Corah Derrick Dax Goetten Brayden Groves Kate Hudson Ari Leslie Reese Lorton Matthew Maag Maggie Maxeiner Kiley Pickel Caitlyn Poletti Katie Schultz Dinah Slusser Amelia Strebel Isaac Wargo Annabelle Yamnitz Corree Yates JCHS Principal Thomas Leslie states: "We are incredibly proud of our eighteen seniors who were named Illinois State Scholars from the Class of 2025. This is an honor that distinguishes these students among the best of the best in the state of Illinois and beyond. These students are bright, determined, and they make Jersey very proud."

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WOOD RIVER - Plans have changed for a dog park in downtown Wood River after the City Council on Monday, Nov. 18, 2024, rejected the only bid it received for the project. According to the resolution, the city only received one bid for the project from RCS Construction, Inc. of East Alton. The total estimated cost of their proposal was $370,545, which “far exceeded the amount budgeted by city for the project.” As previously reported on Riverbender.com , the City Council voted in October to pursue the creation of a dog park and pocket park at 217-223 E. Ferguson Ave. City Manager Steve Palen said at the time Economic Development funds had been budgeted based on estimates of $100,000 for the dog park and $150,000 for the pocket park. As of Monday’s meeting, his estimate for both parks remained over $100,000 based on the bid from RCS. Palen said he still intends to build the dog park and pocket park using City of Wood River crews - except for wor

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EDWARDSVILLE - Elise Thompson, a junior for the Father McGivney Catholic girls swimming team, had a breakthrough performance for herself and the Griffins at the IHSA sectional meet on Nov. 9, 2024, at the Chuck Fruit Aquatic Center in Edwardsville.Thompson was a part of the 200-yard medley relay team that finished sixth in 2:15.37. earning a medal, and also was fifth in the 100-yard breaststroke at 1:11.51. She also had a time of 2:28.37 in the 200-yard individual medley and was the anchor for the 200-yard freestyle relay team that came in at 2:00.70, all excellent efforts. In a post-meet interview, Thompson felt she swam well, and was very proud of her two medal-winning performances. "Personally, I think I did very well," Thompson said. "The relay I was part of took sixth place, and individually, in the 100 breaststroke, I took fifth place. So, I think I did pretty well, personally." For such a young program such as the Griffins have, it's a very good start, indeed. Yeah, I thin

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EDWARDSVILLE - Alton's Ella Valyo had a very good showing in her events at the girls sectional swim meet, held on Nov. 9 at the Chuck Fruit Aquatic Center at Edwardsville High School. Valyo was a part of the 200-yard freestyle relay that had a time of 2:15.81, came in the 109-yard backstroke at 1:19.6, and was also a part of the 400-yard freestyle relay team that came in at 5:15.64. Ella is an Auto Butler Female Athlete of the Month for the Redbirds. It was indeed a good showing for Valyo and the Redbirds, and she thought she had a good performance, despite not having swam for some time. "I thought it went well," Valyo said in an interview conducted shortly after one of her heats. "Not too bad, for not having swam for a little bit." Valyo also felt that her teammates also swam well, went out, and did their best Valyo also had a very simple goal going into the sectional. "Just to swim my hardest," Valyo said. Which she and the rest of her teammates did throughout. "I hope OK,"

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EDWARDSVILLE - Megan Sykes, who competed on the Granite City High girls swimming team this fall, enjoyed a successful IHSA sectional meet on Nov. 9, 2024, at Edwardsville's Chuck Fruit Aquatic Center. Sykes had a 100-yard freestyle time of 1:11.35, was a part of the 200-yard freestyle relay team that came in at 2:04.80, and had a time in the 100-yard breaststroke of 1:45.65 to complete her program on the day. Megan is a Stillwater Senior Living Female Athlete of the Month. In her post-meet interview, Sykes felt she and her teammates swam well on the day, and was happy with her performances "I feel pretty good about how I did," Sykes said, "as my own person and our team. I think we did pretty good." Sykes felt that she had a good meet as well, personally. "I think we had a good meet," Sykes said. "We did our best." Sykes is best known for being a basketball player for the Warriors but enjoys swimming very much. "I enjoy it a lot," Sykes said. "It's fun, and it's a good workout."

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WASHINGTON, D.C.– Today, combat Veteran and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL)—a member of the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC)—along with U.S. Representatives Terri Sewell (D-AL-07) and Andy Kim (D-NJ-03) introduced the Improving Access to Prenatal Care for Military Families Act . The legislation would create a Department of Defense (DoD) pilot program to designate pregnancy as a Qualifying Life Event under the TRICARE program, empowering servicemembers and their spouses to choose a health care plan that meets their needs during pregnancy. This legislation builds on Senator Duckworth’s, Congressman Kim’s and Congresswoman Sewell’s bicameral efforts to include a version of this bill in the Fiscal Year 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). A Duckworth-led provision to accomplish this goal was included as a briefing requirement in the FY2025 SASC NDAA Committee Report in July. “After all the sacrifices they make

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BETHALTO/COTTAGE HILLS - The Medical Careers classes at Civic Memorial High School will host a fundraiser to buy medical training supplies. Taught by Angie Parish, Medical Careers 1 and 2 cover basic medical skills and encourage students to pursue medical careers after graduation. On Saturday, Dec. 14, 2024, the classes will host a virtual golf outing at Grip & Sip in Cottage Hills. All proceeds go toward the classes to buy supplies. “I’m just giving them an opportunity, and the kids are running with it,” Parish said. “They just need that opportunity out there. The community support is absolutely amazing, and I can’t thank the community enough for what they’re doing for us.” Golfing starts at 10 a.m. on Dec. 14. It costs $100 for a two-person team and nine holes of golf. For $10, attendees can also enjoy a putting contest and a chipping contest, where the winners get half of the pot. The silent auction will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.,

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WOOD RIVER - Drake Champlin, a senior at East Alton Wood River High School, is being recognized for his outstanding achievements in both football and wrestling. Over the course of his high school career, Champlin has demonstrated exceptional athletic prowess, earning accolades that highlight his dedication to these sports. Champlin has been playing football for 12 years, starting at the age of five. He served as a captain during his junior and senior years and received All-Conference honors during his sophomore and junior years. In his senior season, he tallied 63 total tackles. Drake is a Midwest Members Credit Union Male Athlete of the Month for the Oilers. In wrestling, Champlin has also excelled, qualifying for the state competition three times in the 215/220-pound weight class. He placed second in the 215-pound category at the 2024 Illinois State Championships. Champlin's wrestling accolades include being named Rookie of the Year in his freshman year, Most Valuable Wrestler i

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JOLIET - Today, Governor JB Pritzker joined representatives from Veterans Energy Team and Joliet officials to celebrate the opening of the first electric vehicle (EV) charging station funded under the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA). ? The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (Illinois EPA) recently awarded the $480,000 grant to Veterans Energy Team, a local veteran-owned business that partnered with the Joliet Park District to build EV fast chargers at Inwood Athletic Club and Nowell Park. “Since my earliest days in office, the General Assembly and I have relentlessly pursued one of the most ambitious climate agendas in the nation. Reducing air pollution from transportation is vital to a healthy future for our children and our planet,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Today, you see the product of that vision in the first deployment of a CEJA-funded electric vehicle charging port, thanks to support from our federal partners and utility companies. Over the

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EAST ST. LOUIS, IL – State Representative Kevin Schmidt donated his pay raise for the month of November to Catholic Urban Programs in the form of a food donation. Schmidt has donated every month’s pay raise to a different local food pantry or non-profit organization throughout his district since voting against the pay raise for legislators last year. “Our local food pantries need our help,” said Schmidt. “As promised, I donate back my personal pay raise each month to a local food pantry or community organization. I’m putting my money where my mouth is.” Catholic Urban Programs serves people in need throughout the Diocese with a concentration in East St. Louis and surrounding communities. They focus on advancing the dignity of the human person and empowering people to become self-sufficient through crisis intervention, housing security, and out of school time programs. Schmidt donated to their annual Thanksgiving Food Drive, which will

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ALTON/GRANITE CITY - All God’s Children Shall Have Shoes received a $5,000 donation from U.S. Steel and a $250 donation from the Granite City Rotary Club. As an organization, All God’s Children Shall Have Shoes provides pairs of shoes and socks for over 700 local kids every December. This year, their work has been boosted by the donations from the U.S. Steel Granite City Works Employees Torch Club and the Granite City Rotary Club. “We are so excited for these local donations that help fund this program,” said Sue Wooden, one of the organizers with All God’s Children. “We’re very thankful for these donations that help make the whole thing run.” Wooden explained that she was contacted by Chris Mitchell, who works in the communications department of Granite City Community Unit School District #9. Mitchell shared the nonprofit’s mission with the Granite City Rotary Club, and members were eager to present All God’s Children

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GRANITE CITY - An 18-year-old from Granite City faces five felony charges after an attempted traffic stop led to a high-speed police chase. Christian J. Thebeau, 18, of Granite City, was charged with the following: Unlawful possession of a stolen firearm (Class 2 felony) Offenses related to motor vehicles (Class 2 felony) Aggravated unlawful use of weapons (Class 4 felony) Aggravated fleeing or attempting to elude a peace officer (Class 4 felony) Resisting a peace officer (Class A misdemeanor) On Nov. 11, 2024, Thebeau allegedly led officers on a high-speed chase following an attempted traffic stop. After the vehicle was “disabled,” he fled on foot before the situation escalated further. “Defendant fled the traffic stop and traveled at speeds in excess of 21 mph over posted speed zones,” according to a petition to deny his pretrial release. “The vehicle was disabled and the defendant fled on foot from officers. “Defendant then

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EDWARDSVILLE — The grand opening of EXO on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024, featured a variety of attractions, but a standout performance was the traditional Lions Dance presented by a troupe from the St. Louis area. Led by Paul Lee, the Lions Dance Troupe captivated the audience with their vibrant display, which is deeply rooted in Chinese culture. "The Lions Dance is to be prosperous and make lots of money, and is very traditional with the Chinese," Lee said prior to the performance. The dance, which included drumming, gongs, and cymbals, serves multiple purposes in Chinese culture, according to Mike Ho, one of the drummers in the troupe. "A Lions Dance in Chinese culture is a symbol for power, wisdom and superiority. Lion dances are performed at Chinese festivals or big occasions to bring good fortune and chase away evil spirits," she explained. Ho elaborated on the significance of the Lions Dance, noting that it is often performed to celebrate new beginnings, such as openings,

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ALTON - Alton Main Street’s quarterly information exchange, called “What’s Up Downtown”, will be held on Tuesday, November 19th at 5:30 p.m. at the iMerge Community Center, located in the Riverbender building at 200 W. 3rd Street in Alton, Illinois. The public is invited to learn the latest news regarding developments in Alton’s historic downtown district, including updates from new & existing businesses, news on real estate transactions and details of upcoming events and projects. You’ll be in the know on topics from the evening’s featured speakers, including: - Chantel Morrigan sharing updates on the future of Jacoby Arts Center - Katie and James, owners of new business Vintage Vibes Flea Market - Kim Tanner regarding the expansion of Streangelovely - Jeff Holliday from new business Uncle Jeff's Tshirts - Madeline Eades regarding the relocation of Coco + Oak - Clara Vaughn from Clarity Massage Therapy - Mike Snider regarding his concept

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EDWARDSVILLE – This Thanksgiving, the Edwardsville Police are joining the Illinois State Police and other local law enforcement agencies to ensure holiday travelers are buckled up and driving sober. The “Click It or Ticket” and “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” enforcement campaign will run from Nov. 22 to Dec. 2. “Thanksgiving means more vehicles on the road and an increased risk of crashes,” said Lt. Brandn Whittaker. “No matter how long or short your drive, remember to buckle up and ensure that children are correctly secured in a safe seat. By buckling up and planning for a sober ride home, you help everyone enjoy a safe and happy holiday.” The “Click It or Ticket” and “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaigns emphasize safety education, strong laws and law enforcement’s commitment to saving lives. The goal of this high-visibility effort is to reduce motor vehicle crashes, injuries, and fatalities.

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GRANITE CITY – The Rotary Club of Granite City recognized juniors Ellie Taylor and William Taylor as Students of the Month for September. Students were nominated by teachers, and were chosen on the basis of academics, as well as scholastic, extracurricular and civic honors and awards, and organization membership and leadership. Each honoree will receive a framed certificate and a gift card, and will be recognized at the Mayor's Prayer Breakfast on March 25, 2025. ELLIE TAYLOR Three-year member of Girls Tennis and Girls Soccer Team ... Secondary Honors Program ... Two-year High Honor Roll ... Member of Hockey Club, Spirit Club and Varsity Club ... Student Council Teacher Appreciation Chairperson ... Saturday Scholars ... Holy Family School Alumni Volunteer ... GCHS Personal Choice Award ... Daughter of Kelly and Kenly Taylor. WILLIAM TAYLOR Three-year member of Boys Golf, Swimming and Baseball team ... Member of Secondary Honors Program ... Two-year High Honor

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COLLINSVILLE – The Collinsville Police Department has announced Officer Brad Pickerel as the Officer of the Month for October. Pickerel, who joined the department in 2010, has played a significant role in the training of new officers as a field training officer. Throughout his tenure, Officer Pickerel has served in various capacities, contributing to the department's mission to ensure public safety and community engagement. His commitment to his duties and the training of future officers has been recognized by the department. The announcement was made public via the department's social media channels, highlighting Pickerel's dedication to the community and his fellow officers. The recognition aims to acknowledge the hard work and commitment that officers like Pickerel bring to their roles within the police force.

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WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) announced that 11 farmers and small business owners in Piatt, Madison and Macoupin Counties will receive a combined $952,249 in Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) grant funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. These funds will go directly to energy efficiency upgrades - namely the buildout of new solar arrays - that will lower energy bills for recipients. In total, the solar energy capacity added from this funding will generate $140,000 in energy savings per year for local businesses, and the energy generated from the new installations is enough to power 75 homes. “As our communities continue to struggle with high energy costs, the Rural Energy for America Program is making critical investments to help folks lower their power bills,” said Congresswoman Budzinski. “I’m thrilled to announce more than $950,000 in federal funding for farmers and small businesses in Piatt

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EDWARDSVILLE — Hundreds of attendees gathered on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024, to celebrate the grand opening of EXO Lounge at the 2157 Center location, a new establishment aimed at enhancing the local wellness and dining scene. The grand opening of EXO Lounge could only be described as "sensational" on Saturday at the 2157 Center location in Edwardsville. EXO Lounge, owned by Gina Gamblin , features a diverse range of services including Botox treatments, a med spa, pedicures, facials, and a lounge that offers an array of food and drink options. Gamblin described the atmosphere as "a one-of-a-kind experience" in the region, likening it to "a mini vacation" for visitors. The lounge's culinary offerings are overseen by Michelin-star chef Gianni Colucci, who relocated from Switzerland to lead the kitchen. Guests at the grand opening sampled a variety of hors d'oeuvres and specialty drinks, with Colucci highlighting his commitment to using local products in his dishes. “What

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EDWARDSVILLE — Gina Gamblin, the founder and CEO of EXO, celebrated the grand opening of the new version of EXO Lounge in Edwardsville on Saturday, marking a significant milestone in her journey of resilience and determination. EXO was originally launched before the COVID-19 pandemic but faced a devastating setback when it burned to the ground just a year after its opening. Despite the challenges, Gamblin's commitment to rebuilding the business never wavered. "Today is amazing," she said at the event. "I would say I am just thankful for my team. We are very fortunate to have such a strong group." EXO Lounge distinguishes itself in the region by offering a unique combination of services, including IV therapy, body sculpting, pedicures, and facials. Dr. Trish Hurford, who works alongside Gamblin and co-owner Kelly Chase, expressed her enthusiasm for the establishment. "There is so much energy and excitement in EXO," she said. "There is nothing like it, certainly not in this

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