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ALTON – The City of Alton is pleased to announce that S&P Global Ratings has upgraded its credit rating from an A to an A+, reflecting significant improvements in the city’s financial health, including enhanced budgetary performance and effective management of its pension plans. This upgrade is accompanied by a stable outlook, reinforcing confidence in the city’s fiscal policies and strategies. “This enhanced rating from S&P Global is a testament to the City’s solid financial strategy and discipline followed over the last 3 years,” said Debbie Dunlap, City Comptroller. “We are proud of the significant strides the City has accomplished by being fiscally responsible, thus creating a strong financial foundation for the City of Alton.” S&P Global Ratings recognized the City of Alton's substantial strides in its budgetary performance over the past two fiscal years. After facing challenges including above-budget spending, revenue reductions

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EDWARDSVILLE - SIUE hosted its Day of the Dead celebration to honor Mexican culture. Day of the Dead, or Día de los Muertos, is an annual tradition at SIUE’s Lovejoy Library. On Oct. 29, 2024, students could enjoy dance and music performances, vendors, food and more. “It’s important for me just to get students engaged,” said organizer Simone Williams. “We do this every year, and it normally has a good turnout.” Though some of the students can be “shy” about joining in on the celebration, others participated throughout the day by singing, dancing, getting their faces painted and more. Students from SIUE’s Hispanic Student Union also had an informational booth for attendees. Williams, Diversity and Engagement Librarian and an assistant professor, noted that the event brings together students and community members and allows them to interact. She explained that it’s important to bridge the gap between the university

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ALTON - Get ready to put your trivia skills to the test at the YWCA Southwestern Illinois’ Trivia Night Fundraiser on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024, at the Best Western Premier Alton! This isn’t just another trivia night; it’s an evening filled with excitement, laughter, and the chance to make a real difference in our community. Host Jared Henning, a beloved local personality, will lead the evening as our fabulous emcee. Joining him will be our esteemed celebrity judges: Mayor David Goins, City of Alton, Tiana Gipson, Alton School Board Member, and Al Womack, Executive Director of the Boys and Girls Club. With their insights and charm, they’re sure to add an extra spark to the event! Prepare for 10 invigorating rounds of trivia, where teams will battle it out for bragging rights and prizes. But the fun doesn’t stop there! Enjoy a silent auction, participate in our 50/50 raffle, and engage in the exciting heads and tails game. Tickets are just $25 per person o

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This weekend, a diverse array of exciting events is set to captivate audiences, from S.T.E.A.M. activities for children to thrilling musical performances and cultural festivals, ensuring there's something for everyone to enjoy. For a full event listing and more details, visit Riverbender Events . If you want to make sure even more of the region is aware of your event email cj@riverbender.com and explore our range of Event Promotion Services! Featured Get ready for an unforgettable musical experience at the 2nd Annual Grafton Country Music Festival ! Taking place from November 1st to 3rd in Grafton, Illinois, this exciting event will feature over 15 incredible bands, including headliner RUSSO & CO, alongside food, drinks, and contests throughout the weekend. Enjoy free live country music and join in on the fun with a community-driven atmosphere that promises fantastic entertainment for everyone! Experience the cult classic like never before at the Alton Little Theater Presents:

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EDWARDSVILLE/TROY - The Troy/Maryville/St. Jacob/Marine Chamber of Commerce will host its fifth annual Women’s Conference next week. On Nov. 6, 2024, community members are invited to attend “Women’s Conference: Be the Change: Transforming Generations” at the Outlet Event Center in Edwardsville. Attendees will learn from different panels and breakout sessions throughout the day. “We just want a day where people can learn, network, have some good food and just enjoy the day,” said Dawn Mushill, CEO of the Chamber of Commerce. The event begins at 8:15 a.m. with opening remarks and a panel titled “Successful Women in a Male-Dominated Industry.” From there, attendees can choose three breakout sessions to attend, including “Breaking Imposter Syndrome,” “Step Into Your Domme Power,” “Why Are Women Perceived Bossy Instead of Decisive,” “Emotional Intelligence – Understanding It and Using

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CHICAGO- Today, Governor JB Pritzker, along with the Illinois Department of Human Rights (IDHR) and the Illinois Commission on Discrimination and Hate Crimes (CDHC), announced the official launch of Help Stop Hate, a confidential service that provides support and resources to people and communities affected by hate. Hate crimes reached an all-time high in 2023, with 11,862 incidents reported to the Federal Bureau of Investigation. “Across the nation and right here in Illinois, we have witnessed a rapid rise of hate crimes and discrimination. We – those who stand against hate, those who stand by our neighbors, and those who stand up for a free and inclusive Illinois – must take action.” said Governor JB Pritzker. “I’m proud to officially launch Help Stop Hate, a new resource that will help protect and empower victims and witnesses to incidents of hate. Through a free, confidential, and multi-lingual service, individuals can report hateful

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ALTON - Alton Main Street presents First Fridays, a late night art and shopping experience which spans 14 locations across the Downtown Alton district. This series is held on the First Friday of October, November and December, providing shoppers with an opportunity to check out new shops and galleries and visit familiar favorites to experience art and great specials at each business. Participants are offering a variety of discounts, refreshments, and giveaways. Everyone who has their passport stamped at a minimum of 8 locations will be entered into a drawing for a $100 gift certificate to any participating business. Free parking is available in the lot next to FLOCK Food Truck Park & Bar, located at 210 Ridge Street, and a free shuttle bus will be provided from 5:00-8:00 p.m., running a continuous loop between all participating locations. On Friday, November 1st, start your evening by picking up your First Friday passport at any participating location, then hop on the shuttle

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ALTON - The 18th Domestic Violence Memorial Service honored two Madison County residents who were lost to domestic violence this year. Roadecker “Roe” Watts and Amy Lynn Delacruz were remembered during the memorial service on Oct. 29, 2024. The service also recognized the 49,651 Illinois residents who received direct domestic violence client services between July 1, 2023, and June 30, 2024. “We’re here to remember those who have lost their lives here in Madison County over the last year,” said Pastor Jim Johnston. “What happens to them happens to us. It affects us, and that’s why we feel the need to have organizations like what we have to address the needs of the people, but also the justice of the people.” The annual memorial service took place at Alton Memorial Hospital. In addition to recognizing those who have been lost, people with lived experience told their stories. Those who work with domestic violence survivors also came

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EDWARDSVILLE – R.P. Lumber Co., Inc. plans to acquire Guyot Lumber, an independently owned retailer of hardware, lumber, and building materials in Perryville, MO. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. The transaction, scheduled to close on Friday, November 1st, marks R.P. Lumber’s eighth acquisition this year and its first location in Perry County, MO. With this acquisition, the retailer at 800 W St. Joseph St., Perryville, MO, will become R.P. Lumber’s 88th location and its 21st in the Show Me State. Rick Guyot, co-owner of Guyot Lumber along with his brother Jim Guyot, expressed his sentiments, stating, “Our family takes a lot of pride in this business, in our people, and in Perryville. When we decided we wanted to transition out of ownership, we knew we wanted our legacy to be inherited by an honest, well-respected peer familiar with the southeast region of Missouri, and I think we’ve found the perfect fit with R.P. Lumber.” “The Guyo

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ALTON - A man from Alton faces multiple felonies after allegedly battering a victim and stealing their car in a Godfrey parking lot. Forrest S. Bayer, 28, of Alton, was charged with vehicular hijacking (a Class 1 felony), offenses related to motor vehicles (a Class 2 felony), and aggravated battery (a Class 3 felony). On Oct. 10, 2024, Bayer allegedly punched a victim multiple times in the face before stealing the same victim’s car and fleeing the scene. The incident unfolded shortly before Madison County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a stolen vehicle report, according to a petition to deny Bayer’s pretrial release. The victim advised officers she had dropped Bayer off at the Godfrey Walmart, but noticed her phone was missing after she left. When she returned to the Walmart parking lot, she saw Bayer walking near an OSF HealthCare Medical Group building. “Defendant entered 's 2003 Pontiac motor vehicle, demanding that she get into the passenger seat,”

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TROY - Triad High School’s Fine Arts Department presents its fall play, The Lost Boy by Ronald Gabriel Paolillo . It will be performed in the school’s cafetorium at 7 p.m. on Thursday, November 7, Friday, November 8. “Despite finding success and fame as a writer, James M. Barrie is dissatisfied with his work and his life. He returns to his hometown in Scotland to visit his mother, who still blames him for the long-ago death of his older brother in a skating pond. Haunted by the tragic accident and his mother's harsh words, James slowly begins to confront his family's tragic past with the help of an unexpected friendship and his own gift for storytelling. This fictionalized account of the birth of Peter Pan will warm the hearts of audiences everywhere who remember the magic and mystery of The Boy Who Wouldn't Grow Up.” The cast includes senior Wyatt Boyer as Barrie, sophomore Gwen Wright as his mother (Margaret Ogilvy Barrie) and Neverland mermaid Meranda,

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GODFREY - Illinois Central School Bus gave away $1,500 worth of candy at their annual Bus ‘R’ Treat event. From 5:30–7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 24, 2024, kids were invited to the Illinois Central School Bus lot at 4525 N. Alby in Godfrey for drive-thru trick-or-treating. School bus drivers and monitors decorated their buses and dressed up in costume to hand out candy. “It’s a lot of fun. Last year we saw over 1,000 kids,” said Deb Dameron with Illinois Central School Bus. “ love coming through and seeing their drivers and monitors all dressed up…That’s why we do it, to get involved with the community.” Hundreds of families from the Alton Community Unit School District #11 stopped by the event on Oct. 24. Kids could visit with their bus drivers, show off their costumes and collect plenty of candy. Dameron said Illinois Central School Bus also gave out a hiring flier to every car that came through. There is a nationwide

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Grade Honor Roll with High Distinction (g.p.a. 4.0) 9 Marion Hemmer, Fairview Heights 9 Claire Houck, Maryville 9 Collin Hudzik, Edwardsville 9 Cole Payne, Edwardsville 9 Calista Stults, Collinsville 9 Ryan Sullivan, New Douglas 9 Lily Walloch, Collinsville 9 Josie Wright, Edwardsville Honor Roll with Distinction (g.p.a. 3.75-3.99) 9 Abby Ayer, Shiloh 9 Elijah Ball, Worden 9 Luke Bright, Trenton 9 Linus Curtis, Worden 9 Abby Dulaney, O'Fallon 9 Madison Dunn, Edwardsville 9 Oliver Elmer, Edwardsville 9 Keira Fisher, Edwardsville 9 Charlie Frey, Glen Carbon 9 Caitlyn Hardage, Caseyville 9 Lily Hartzel, Troy 9 Liam Hazelwonder, Godfrey 9 Camden Jansen, Staunton 9 Moira Krueger, Glen Carbon 9 Laynie Menard, Glen Carbon

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EDWARDSVILLE - The Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) released the annual Illinois Report Card at www.illinoisreportcard.com today. The Report Card shows how schools are progressing on a wide range of educational goals. One component of the School Report Card is the annual summative designation – a descriptor of how well our schools are meeting the needs of all students. The designations recognize schools with strong overall performance across a range of academic and student success indicators. There are five designations a school can receive – Exemplary, Commendable, Targeted Support, Comprehensive Support, or Intensive Support. All 13 of District #7’s schools received a COMMENDABLE designation by the State of Illinois. Areas that stood out on this year’s School Report Card include: In academic proficiency, students scored 35.7 percent for math compared to the state average of 27.9; 64.8 for science compared to the state average of 52.7 percent;

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GODFREY - The Godfrey Women’s Club hosted their annual Christmas Carousel fundraiser. On Oct. 30, 2024, community members could shop and dine with the Godfrey Women’s Club at Lewis and Clark Community College. Club President Jennifer Wyatt explained that the Christmas Carousel is the club’s main fundraiser, and they use the proceeds to better the Godfrey community. “It’s our main mission as a club to beautify Godfrey, to make Godfrey a better place to live,” Wyatt said. Christmas Carousel attendees could shop the Christmas decor, enter raffles, and enjoy a sit-down lunch from caterer Nicky G’s Italian Eats. Wyatt noted that the event is always a fun experience for attendees, but it has a deeper meaning for the club. They raise money to decorate the Lewis and Clark Community College campus, improve the Godfrey area and support people in the Riverbend community. “This is our primary fundraising activity for the year. We raise

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GRANITE CITY – The Illinois Department of Transportation today announced that repairs to westbound Interstate 270 between Illinois 3 and Riverview Drive in Missouri will require one lane to be closed starting, weather permitting, at 9 p.m. Friday, Nov. 1. One lane will remain open. All lanes will reopen by 5 a.m. Monday, Nov. 4. Motorists should expect delays and are encouraged to use alternate routes during this closure. 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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O'FALLON - HSHS hospitals in Southern Illinois issued a reminder of a program set for Nov. 7, 2024, at St. Clare Church at 1411 Cross St., O'Fallon that is themed "From Southern Illinois To Ukraine: A Faith Response by HSHS. Those in attendance will learn how HSHS hospitals in the Southern Illinois area are helping provide critical resources to healthcare facilities around the world, including Ukraine. The event will take place from 6-7:30 p.m. in O'Fallon. Amid war in Ukraine, Hospital Sisters Mission Outreach – a global health affiliate of HSHS – has shipped five 40’ containers of requested medical supplies and equipment to Ukrainian hospitals. HSHS hospitals in southern Illinois, including St. Elizabeth’s Hospital-O’Fallon, St. Joseph’s Hospital-Breese, St. Joseph’s Hospital-Highland and Holy Family Hospital-Greenville, contributed to the effort to support Ukrainian hospitals in both rural and urban areas who are delivering health care

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JERSEYVILLE - Jerseyville City Council members on Tuesday unanimously passed a series of resolutions related to the ongoing Phase 2 Hollow Avenue Improvement Project. Mayor Kevin Stork said passing these resolutions was the “first step in the next phase of Hollow.” He said the project’s second phase will see roadway improvements extend to Waggoner Lane. City Council members approved an “acceptance of appraisals/appraisal reviews for the easement/right-of-way parcels” for the project, the first of three related resolutions passed on Tuesday. City Attorney William Strang said the appraisal process is part of the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) procedure to receive funding for the roadway improvements. The council also approved “land acquisition fees for easement/right-of-way parcels” for the project. Stork said the total cost is not to exceed $25,000, but each of the appraisals the city has received so far have been less than

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GRAFTON — Construction on a new ADA compliant crosswalk is set to begin on November 4 at the intersection of Route 100 and Mulberry Street in Grafton, a project aimed at enhancing pedestrian safety in the busy area. Stutz Construction is collaborating with SMS Engineering for this initiative, which addresses longstanding challenges faced by pedestrians crossing near local establishments such as the Grafton Pub, Grafton Winery, and Third Chute. The intersection has been particularly difficult for both pedestrians and drivers, especially during peak weekend traffic. The project is expected to take approximately 30 days to complete. During this time, motorists and pedestrians are advised to remain vigilant, as there will be a flag person on site and potential changes to traffic patterns. In an effort to minimize disruption, SMS Engineering and Stutz Construction coordinated with city officials to schedule the work later in the tourist season, thus avoiding the busiest visitor times.

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GRANITE CITY – Under the leadership of Head Coach Grace Hurst, the Granite City girls volleyball team has shown significant improvement, a transformation evident during a recent match against Edwardsville on Tuesday night. Although the Warriors ultimately lost 25-17, 25-10, the contest highlighted the progress made since Hurst's arrival and underscored the team's growth. Throughout the entire match, the Warriors returned some kills and hits from the Tigers that might not have occurred in previous years and the team played extremely well as a group and with constant energy and attention. Granite City recorded six wins this season and next season, the potential is there for many more. Hurst, a former standout player at Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville, praised her team's effort, particularly the contributions of the five graduating seniors: Noelle Richey, Brooke Dennan, Makayla Tanksley, Jade Williams, and Aubrey Whitehead. “I highlight our seniors, we had five

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