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EDWARDSVILLE - Senior running back, wide receiver and punt returner Kellen Brnfre has been a strong force for the Tigers this football season. In one of his best games on Sept. 8 against St. Louis Soldan, Brnfre caught a 42-yard pass from quarterback Jake Curry for a touchdown and also ran a punt back 35 yards for another touchdown as the Tigers won over Soldan 47-6. The most important thing for Brnfre was that everyone on the team's roster got to play and pick up experience. Brnfree is a Johnston Law Firm Male Athlete of the Month for the Tigers. "I'm feeling pretty good," Brnfre said in a postgame interview. "I'm feeling happy." A recent punt return for the touchdown against Soldan was an opportunity that Brnfre felt great about and he thanked those who also blocked for him on the run. "Actually, I was going to fair catch that," Brnfre said, "and just let the clock run out. But then, I just caught the ball and I just saw an open lane. So I took it." It was a play similar to

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JERSEYVILLE - Abby Fraley has been a standout in cross country and soccer for Jersey Community High School for multiple years. She is a strong runner and says cross country "is my favorite sport," although she also loves playing soccer in spring. Overall, she said she felt good about a recent race in the Alton Invite. She recorded a time at the Alton Invite of 24:47.57. Fraley should be one of the Panthers' top runners this season and continue to improve as the season moves ahead. Abby is a Sparklight Female Athlete of the Month for the Panthers. Fraley started her running career in her freshman year and said it has always been "fun" for her. She also thanked her parents for their support throughout her athletic career. Fraley's work ethic and approach to training have always been positive for her in her cross-country seasons. Abby has also been recognized as one of the Panthers' best female soccer players. Congrats again to Abby Fraley for her recognition as a Sparklight Female

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GLEN CARBON - Glen Carbon trustees unanimously approved a site plan for a Dick’s Sporting Goods in the village’s Orchard Town Center. With an estimated open date in spring 2025, Dick’s is the latest tenant to claim their spot in the rapidly developing area. Tim Lowe, senior vice president of Leasing and Development at The Staenberg Group, said Dick’s will bring something new to Orchard Town Center and to the Glen Carbon market in general. “We really felt that Dick’s Sporting Goods was really a niche that was not here in the market - there are no quality sporting goods in this market and Dicks’ does a really great job,” Lowe said. “They’ve done a lot of cool things, they’re putting interactive things in their stores now between golf simulators and batting cages. It’s really the place for higher-end, better quality apparel and sporting goods.” Dick’s normally builds stores in one of three

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GRANITE CITY - A Granite City woman has been charged with First-Degree Murder in a case that began on Sept. 23, 2023. During the evening hours of Sept. 24, 2023, the Granite City Police Department responded to the 1400 block of Madison Avenue in reference to a report of a subject who had been shot. Upon arrival, a male victim was found deceased in the roadway. The victim was identified as Phillip P. Armstrong, a 39-year-old adult male from Granite City. The Granite City Police Department with the assistance of the Madison County Coroner’s office, Madison County Sheriff’s Department, Illinois State Police Crime Scene Unit, and Madison County State’s Attorney’s office worked in cooperation to investigate this case. Through the combined efforts of all agencies involved, the suspect was identified as Tara A. Anderson, a 37-year-old adult female from Granite City. Throughout the investigation, it was learned that Armstrong and Anderson were in a dating relationship

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BETHALTO - On Friday, Sept. 22, 2023, the Bethalto Police Department, in collaboration with the US Marshals, executed a search warrant as part of an ongoing narcotics investigation. The warrant was issued for a residence in the 200 block of Lakeside Drive following multiple complaints of narcotic sales associated with the residence. The search warrant was authorized by Honorable Judge Ryan Jumper, and it led to the arrest of the following individuals: Somporn Neumann (55), of Bethalto - Unlawful Use of Property (Class 2 Felony) Donald L. Ryans (33), of Troy MO. - Unlawful Delivery of Methamphetamine (Class 1 Felony) Ann C. Eckley (64), of Bethalto - Unlawful Delivery of Methamphetamine (Class 2 Felony) Alexis M. Broyles (32), of Bethalto - Outstanding Felony Warrant from Alton PD The Bethalto Police Department would like to emphasize its commitment to addressing community concerns and taking action against illegal activities within our neighborhoods. The investigation

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ALTON - Alton Odyssey Tours recently announced their 2023 tour season lineup, including an all-new series of Behind the Bricks historical walking tours. Featuring stops at some of Alton’s most historical and haunted attractions, Behind the Bricks, trolley tours, and Haunted Craft Beer Walks are set throughout October and the first weekend of November. All of this year’s tours will begin at the Ryder Building, which houses My Just Desserts, at 31 E. Broadway in downtown Alton. Tours start in the second floor meeting room, “where ghost-hunting tools are active and orbs are abundant,” according to a press release from Alton Odyssey Tours. The new Behind the Bricks walking tours will also include stops at the Kendall Cracker Factory, Enos Sanitarium, Grand Theater and Stratford Hotel. These tours will be held on Oct. 7, 14, 21, 28, and Nov. 4, each at 8 p.m. at a cost of $40 per ticket. Tickets for all tours can be purchased on the Alton Odyssey Tours websit

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FLORISSANT - Pallottine Retreat & Conference Center is more than just an event venue. With over 83 acres of space at 15270 Old Halls Ferry Road in Florissant, Mo., Executive Director Marillyn Baner said she considers it a “hidden gem.” “We consider it a hidden gem in North County,” Baner said. “We love being able to give tours, because people always walk through the building and go, ‘Oh my gosh!’ It’s wonderful.” Pallottine has changed its purpose since it was founded in 1969. Baner said it was constructed by the Pallottine missionary sisters, who built it as a convent, or a “formation home for young sisters to enter religious life.” Today, it serves a different purpose and is “open to all,” she said. “Today, Pallottine is called the Pallottine Retreat & Conference Center and we host retreats and groups and meetings and all kinds of events on campus using our beautiful 83 acres - every bit

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GRANITE CITY – The Illinois Department of Transportation announced today that road repairs will require lane closures in both directions of Interstate 270 between Illinois 3 and Riverview Drive in Missouri starting, weather permitting, Friday, Sept. 29, at 7 p.m. One lane will always remain open in each direction. All lanes will reopen by 5 a.m. Monday, Oct. 2. 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 @IDOTDistrict8 on Twitter or view area construction details on IDOT’s traveler information map on GettingAroundIllinois.com .

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ILLINOIS — 4-H members in Illinois will join the six million youth across the country in celebrating National 4-H Week Oct. 1-7. Clubs around Illinois celebrate this week by highlighting the remarkable 4-H youth in their communities and showcasing the incredible experiences that 4-H offers young people. Illinois 4-H is the flagship youth program for University of Illinois Extension and the largest out-of-school youth organization in Illinois. 4-H youth development programs are available in every Illinois county. The program challenges youth to “learn by doing” with fun, hands-on activities. Kids can learn, practice, and demonstrate new skills while exploring the interests that are important to them. In 4-H, youth are brought together in clubs that are led by caring adults who welcome them as a part of the larger 4-H family. “Our goal is that whatever your interests or talents, 4-H is a program where you feel welcome and have a sense of belonging,”

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GLEN CARBON - Father McGivney Catholic High School student Alexandra Uram led a “Dress Down Day” at the school that raised $2,300. Monies raised from this Dress Down day will be donated to the Maria Lanakila Catholic Church in Lahaina, Hawaii. This area was wiped out by the tragic fires that destroyed parts of Lahaina and killed over a hundred people. Principal Joseph Lombardi explained, “Dress Down days at Father McGivney Catholic High School are used to empower our students to serve organizations they have a personal connection with.” FMCHS has a maximum of 6 Dress Down Days throughout the school year. Each Dress Down day, students are asked to donate $5.00 to support the organizations and for the privilege to dress down. Alexandra Uram (Class of 2026), has a strong connection to this church in Hawaii. Uram explains, “I have been blessed to have vacationed in Maui on multiple occasions, including most recently in 2021. Maui is beautiful and Lahaina

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MARYVILLE - Our Lord’s Lutheran Church (OLLC), 150 Wilma Dr., Maryville, will hold a Pet Expo from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 7, 2023. This outdoor event will include canine demonstrations, face painting, a teddy bear clinic, rescue organizations, vendors, a booth for pets and owners to receive a blessing, and many door prizes. This event is free and open to all ages and pets of all kinds. Simple breakfast and lunch items will be available for a small donation. The Troy Police Canine Unit, Freedom Dogsports, and Catty Shack are among those returning this year. New participants include Aqua Nook, Kranky K9 Dog Training, and Juniper Pearl. Got Your Six Support Dogs will be represented by a recipient who will speak at 11 a.m. This event will take place rain or shine. Pets must be on a leash or in a carrier. Indoor restrooms are available. Extensive space is available for walking dogs around the Prairie Restoration Area and the Chapel in the Pines. To get to OLLC, follow

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EDWARDSVILLE - The Edwardsville Rotary Club has chosen to honor Edwardsville High School student Kaylee Finazzo with the Student of the Month Award for the month of September. Kaylee Finazzo was nominated by Family and Consumers Education teachers Nicole Heap and Amelia Mierzwa of Edwardsville High School. Kaylee is the daughter of Gina Miller and Joshua Holtmann. She is very involved in the theater program, where she has achieved thespian status and has become a member of Illinois High School Theatre Festival All-State. Additionally, Kaylee is a member of Drama Club, Tech, and is a National Art Honor Society initiate. In her free time, Kaylee enjoys painting, building sculptures, reading, constructing, and doing graphic design. In the future, Kaylee would like to either attend University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign or Southern Illinois University Carbondale. From there, she plans on getting a degree in Art Education and hopes to pursue a career as a middle school art teacher at

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ALTON - Women from across the Riverbend have collaborated to write the upcoming anthology “Perfectly I’Mperfect: Remarkable Stories of Ordinary Women Overcoming Extraordinary Circumstances.” The book has 41 chapters, several written by local authors. Forty-two women collaborated to tell their stories of grief, trauma and healing. The book will be available on Amazon on Thursday, Oct. 5. “Sharing your story is so beneficial for you in your healing and so beneficial for other people in their healing,” said Teresa Reiniger, one of the book's authors. “If you just touch one person’s life, it’s well worth it.” Like most of the authors, Reiniger was excited but hesitant when Tara Hurst approached her about writing a chapter for the anthology. Hurst decided to compile the book in March, and she worked with collaborator Nina DeAngelo to rally writers from around the world, including many local women they met through the Riverbend

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JERSEY - Logan Wade recently completed one of the biggest races of his young career with a fourth-place overall finish in the Alton Invitational in a time of 17:37.23. "Logan was our No. 2 last year as a freshman and he ran 17:12 at the Granite City Invitational and we are hoping he might break 17 minutes this season," Landon said. "He has the love of running like Ben Flowers, one of our top runners ever, had. If our freshman and sophomore kids stay together, we could have a really good team." Wade is also a stellar 1,600 and 3,200-meter runner for the Panthers. Logan is a Sparklight Male Athlete of the Month for the Panthers. Logan was 19th in the Carlinville Invite for Jersey's first meet and 20th in the Granite City Invite in the freshman/sophomore race. Jersey head boys cross country coach Harold Landon said Wade has an exceptionally bright future ahead and he sees great things ahead for him as the season progresses. Congrats to Logan for his recognition as a Sparklight Male

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ALTON - Alton Police confirmed a fatal motorcycle-vehicle accident at 7 p.m. on Sept. 25, 2023, on Homer Adams Parkway at the intersection with Morning Star Drive. Alton Police Chief Jarrett Ford provided the following information: "The Alton Police Department was notified of a traffic crash involving a motorcycle and vehicle on Homer Adams Parkway at the intersection with Morning Star Drive and responded. "Alton Police Officers and members of the Alton Fire Department immediately responded. Officers discovered that the motorcycle had caught fire and attempted to extinguish it with fire extinguishers but the fire was too intense. Ultimately, Alton Firefighters arrived and were able to extinguish the blaze. "Preliminary investigation revealed the motorcycle was traveling west on Homer Adams Parkway at Morning Star Drive. The passenger vehicle was traveling east on Homer Adams Parkway and turned to go north onto Morning Star Drive. The motorcycle then struck the vehicle. Witnesses attempte

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EDWARDSVILLE – More than 300 third and fourth graders from nine area elementary schools gathered on the campus of Metro-East Lutheran High School recently for the annual MELHS Field Day. Metro-East Lutheran High School (MELHS) has hosted the annual Field Day event for third and fourth grade students for many years. “This event is just one more way we strive to be partners in education with the many high-quality elementary schools in the surrounding area,” said Dr. Jay Krause, principal of MELHS. During this year’s event, students competed in activities ranging from races and basketball shootouts to jump rope contests and tug of war. The event was organized by MELHS PE teacher Ruth Thompson, and MELHS students and parents volunteered their time to help make the day a success. Elementary schools from Edwardsville, Collinsville, Hamel, Prairietown, Bethalto, Belleville, Litchfield and Staunton all participated in this year’s event. “It’s a grea

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EDWARDSVILLE - If you’ve ever considered going solar for your home or business, or just want to learn more about it, Grow Solar Metro East is hosting a series of both virtual and in-person “Solar Power Hours” to teach the basics of solar, answer questions about installation, and spread awareness of the many discounts and incentives available. Chris Krusa and Kevin McKee discussed the basics of solar and everything attendees can expect at these Solar Power Hours on an episode of Our Daily Show! on Riverbender.com . Krusa described Grow Solar as a two-pronged program that offers better discounts the more people get involved. He said they’ve already crossed their first discount threshold to get 0.5% off and hope to hit the second discount threshold soon. “The first prong is about education - we want to help people understand how to make smarter decisions about going solar,” Krusa said. “The second part of that program is, we have

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ILLINOIS– An Illinois iLottery player got lucky this weekend after winning a $900,000 Lucky Day Lotto jackpot in the Sept. 22 drawing. The winning online player matched all five numbers in Friday’s midday drawing to score the $900,000 jackpot prize. The winning numbers were: 18-22-24-33-36. So far this month, over 765,000 winning Lucky Day Lotto tickets have been sold, with total prizes amounting to more than $4.5 million. Winners have one year from the date of the winning draw in which to claim their prize. The Illinois Lottery encourages all lucky winners to write their name on the back of their ticket and keep it in a safe place until they’re ready to claim their prize. Lucky Day Lotto is an Illinois-only game with twice daily drawings at 12:40 p.m. and 9:22 p.m. Tickets for the game can be purchased in-store, online, or on the Illinois Lottery app. For more information or to buy tickets online, please visit IllinoisLottery.com . About the Illinois Lottery:

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WASHINGTON DC - U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) today announced that the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency will receive an additional $139,698,000 in grant funding to help get lead and other contaminants out of our state’s drinking water and to substantially boost the state’s Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF), thanks to her Drinking Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Act (DWWIA), which she authored and was included in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Illinois leads the nation in known lead service lines and today’s federal support will help Illinois EPA remove and replace dangerous lead pipes. The investment will also help remove and prevent contaminants, including harmful forever chemicals known as PFAS, in Illinoisans’ drinking water, resulting in safer water for Illinois’s families as well as job creation and improved public health. “This SRF funding, which was made possible by my Drinking Water and Wastewater Infrastructure

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EDWARDSVILLE - Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is proud to announce the successful accreditation of its graduate Nutrition and Dietetics Program. The program received accreditation by The Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND). This achievement reinforces SIUE's dedication to providing exceptional nutrition education and professional training to its students. "Without this accreditation, we wouldn't have a program,” said Jen Zuercher, PhD, RD, LD, associate professor and program director. “The accreditation means that our program provides all of the necessary coursework and experiences that students need to prepare them for their future careers as dietitians. We are dedicated to maintaining and enhancing the high standards that have earned us this accreditation." SIUE's program stands out as one of the few coordinated graduate programs that specialize in sports nutrition. While concentrations are no longer mandatory according to

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