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Metro East library districts are receiving grant funding to help ensure all residents have access to quality resources and programming, Illinois Secretary of State and State Librarian Alexi Giannoulias announced. Libraries throughout the Metro East, serving over 385,000 people, are receiving a combined $828,662 in grants — after eligibility for new technology grant funding was announced earlier this summer. “Libraries throughout the state must have the resources and financial support they need to provide high-quality materials and programming to Illinois residents,” Giannoulias said. “Libraries serve as centers for lifelong learning and are critical to providing opportunities for children and adults to enrich their lives.” “Libraries not only offer fun and engaging programming, but they are also key to success and learning at all ages,” said State Senator Christopher Belt (57th District—Swansea). “Investing in our libraries

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CAHOKIA HEIGHTS – Earlier this summer, Illinois State Representative Kevin Schmidt requested feedback from his constituents to see what issues are important to them. After receiving feedback from hundreds of constituents, Rep. Schmidt is releasing the results of the survey. Schmidt asked his constituents which issue was the most important to them. The results are: Lowering Taxes Crime/Public Safety Illegal Immigration Schmidt also asked whether Illinois should participate in a “sales tax-free” weekend every fall, similar to the successful program in neighboring Missouri. The response was overwhelmingly positive, with 68.5% of participants supporting the idea. The result reinforces the desire among constituents for tax relief and economic initiatives that could stimulate local spending and ease financial pressures. The questionnaire also asked which services Illinois provides are most important. The results are: Safe Roads/Infrastructure Small Business

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BETHALTO – Bethalto Chief of Police Lamb announced that his department is investigating a motorcycle crash that occurred on southbound I-255 at the Airline Drive overpass on Wednesday evening, July 31, 2024. Chief Lamb said the motorcycle lost control, resulting in both riders being thrown from the bike. Despite the significant damage sustained by the motorcycle, no significant injuries appeared to be reported from the incident, Chief Lamb added. Chief Lamb said there were no other vehicles involved in the crash. As of now, no further details have been released, and the investigation is ongoing.

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ALTON - The Olympics has been held in Paris, France, three times now: 1900, 1924 and 2024. In 1924, athletes from the United States won 99 medals in all, 45 of them gold. Finland came second in the medal count, with 37 total, 14 gold. Americans picked up gold medals in boxing, rugby, shooting, swimming, diving, track and field (including a gold in the long jump by William DeHart Hubbard, the first African American to win an Olympic gold medal in an individual event), rowing and gymnastics. But they swept gold in tennis. The winner of the women’s singles match was Helen Wills of California, and Altonians were completely enamored by her. Wills had been a tennis phenomenon for years at this point, and an article in the Alton Evening Telegraph in 1922 described her playing and personality. “This is NOT a flapper story, though the heroine, Helen Wills, is just 16 years old, the approved flapper age. This young person is very un-Scott Fitzgerald. She doesn’t wear her

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Phishing is a cybercrime where attackers attempt to steal your personal information by disguising themselves as trustworthy entities. These attacks often come through emails, messages, or websites that look legitimate but are designed to trick you into providing sensitive information like passwords, credit card numbers, or other personal details. An Example of a Phishing Attack Let's look at a recent example to understand how phishing works. Suppose you receive an email from notifications@netflix-support.com with the subject "Important Update: Action Required for Your Netflix Account." The Email Content The email might read something like this: Important Account Notice Dear Subscriber, We've noticed that your latest subscription payment has not been received. To continue enjoying your service without interruption, please update your payment details promptly. If we do not receive payment by the due date, your account will be temporarily suspended. Update Payment Details

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EDWARDSVILLE - The Edwardsville Police Department reported today that just after 10 a.m. on Thursday, August 1, 2024, officers responded to the 200 block of North Main Street regarding reports that a female subject had attempted to grab a child. Multiple 911 calls were received in regard to the situation, Edwardsville Police said. When police arrived, the suspect had fled the scene, but was taken into custody nearby a short time later and transported to the Madison County Jail. There were no reported injuries in the incident. The Madison County State’s Attorney’s Office is reviewing the case for possible charges. There is no additional information available at this time.

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BETHALTO – Bethalto Chief of Police Lamb announced that his department, in collaboration with the Alton Police Department, is investigating a motorcycle crash that occurred on southbound I-255 and 140 on Wednesday evening, July 31, 2024. Chief Lamb said the motorcycle lost control, resulting in both riders being thrown from the bike. Despite the significant damage sustained by the motorcycle, no significant injuries appeared to be reported from the incident, Chief Lamb added. Chief Lamb said there were no other vehicles involved in the crash. As of now, no further details have been released, and the investigation is ongoing.

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ST. LOUIS, MO. — Registration for the 15th Annual St. Louis Teen Talent Competition opens August 1 at STLTeenTalent.org . The Fox Performing Arts Charitable Foundation’s annual program provides high school students the opportunity to celebrate their passion and love of the performing arts while competing for scholarships, cash prizes, and a chance to perform on stage at the Fabulous Fox! Teen Talent is FREE to participate for high school students in the Greater St. Louis Metropolitan area. To participate, students must be enrolled in grades 9, 10, 11, or 12 during the 2024-2025 academic year and live within 75 miles of the Arch. Each year Teen Talent awards over $50,000+ in college scholarships, cash prizes, and additional specialty awards that provide artistic development and performance opportunities. Thanks to the support of its generous donors, 100% of every dollar raised for Teen Talent is awarded directly to the scholarship and award recipients – aiding

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SAUGET - Michael Allen, Executive Director of the National Building Arts Center (NBAC) in Sauget, Illinois, has accepted the position of Visiting Assistant Professor of History at West Virginia University effective July 31. NBAC Board President Mike Jackson will assume the title of Interim Director pending a full search for Allen’s replacement. “Michael Allen has been absolutely key to the NBAC’s success since he was named Director in 2021,” Jackson said. “Under his leadership the center expanded and diversified its board, established museum-standard bylaws and collections policies, and saw a steady increase in the numbers of people who are benefiting from access to its priceless architectural collections.” Allen curated the exhibition “ Urban Archaeology: Lost Buildings of St. Louis ,” featuring NBAC collections, at St. Louis’s Pulitzer Arts Foundation in 2023. He also secured “ Little Liberty ,” a 30-foot-high

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EDWARDSVILLE - Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois will host the 6th annual United We Lead Gala on Friday, September 6, 2024 at The Leclaire Room in Edwardsville. The United We Lead Gala, themed “Envision Greatness” in 2024, is the premier fundraising event for Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois that brings together a wide range of people who share the same desire – to be a difference in girls’ lives. “We are beyond excited for our upcoming United We Lead Gala on September 6,” said Heidi Koehl Weaver, Director of Development for Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois. “It’s so important that we come together to ensure all girls – regardless of any socioeconomic barriers – have the opportunity to discover their strengths and rise to meet new challenges. This is how they become leaders. This is why they need Girl Scouts.” The impact that Girl Scouts has on girls in Southern Illinois can best be demonstrated by those who have experienced

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ALTON - Lisa Schepers, DNP, MBA, RN, NE-BC, has been named interim president at OSF HealthCare Saint Anthony’s Health Center. Schepers’ new position is effective immediately and she will report to AJ Querciagrossa, chief executive officer, Western Region, OSF HealthCare. “As interim president, Lisa, in conjunction with Dennis Sands, MD, chief medical officer, and Sister M. Beata, F.S.G.M., vice president, Support Services, will lead OSF Saint Anthony’s in aligning with the overall strategy of OSF HealthCare,” Querciagrossa says. “Lisa and the OSF Saint Anthony’s leadership team will continue to be responsible for directing all internal operations and helping us evolve when necessary to ensure that high-quality and cost-effective health care continues to be delivered to the patients we are blessed to serve. Lisa will carry forward the culture of collaboration and integration that provides a safe Mission Partner and patient care environment.”

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EDWARDSVILLE - Even after a change in ownership, the Edwardsville community continues to support Eberhart Sign & Lighting as the company evolves with the area it serves. Michael Romshek, president of Eberhart Sign & Lighting, said they offer a wide range of services as commercial signage needs in rapidly-developing Edwardsville show no signs of slowing down. “With all the development going on here in Edwardsville right now, one of our largest projects as of late has been the Raising Cane’s project, some of the new developments as of late, as well as the Olive Garden,” Romshek said. “It’s a large portfolio of things we do, but we like to hit every piece that we can.” Eberhart not only handles commercial signage needs, but also billboards, golf and yard signs. Romshek added they’re also authorized retailers and installers for “electronic message center” signs and shot clock installations for boys and girls basketball.

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MATTOON - First Mid Bancshares, Inc. (First Mid) is proud to announce it has been named a Top Workplaces Industry Award recipient for the second consecutive year. This honor, awarded by Energage, underscores the company's commitment to fostering a positive, dynamic, and inclusive workplace culture. Energage’s confidential, research-backed employee engagement survey determines the Top Workplaces awards. Participating companies are measured against the industry’s most comprehensive benchmarks, built upon 18 years of culture research spanning millions of employees and thousands of organizations nationwide. Top Workplaces awards are based on anonymous employee feedback gathered through the survey, which measures several aspects of workplace culture, including alignment, execution, and connection, to name a few. This consecutive win is a testament to First Mid’s dedication to its employees' well-being, development, and satisfaction. “Receiving this honor for the second

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SPRINGFIELD — A Casey's at 440 Edwardsville Road, Troy, will be one of the first four electric vehicle charging stations under the Illinois EPA's Driving a Cleaner Illinois program. The Casey's electric charging grantee award has been issued to Francis Energy. Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (Illinois EPA) Interim Director James Jennings today announced the opening of all four electric vehicle (EV) charging sites under the Illinois EPA's Driving a Cleaner Illinois program on Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024. The 16 charging ports at four charging sites are located at gas stations in Beach Park (Lake County), Le Roy (McLean County), South Beloit (Winnebago County), and Troy (Madison County). The new sites represent the first of more than 2,600 public DC fast charge and Level 2 ports the Illinois EPA plans to deploy across the State. “Here in Illinois, we are excited to continue the build-out of our electric vehicle charging network to support the transition to zero-emission

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GRANITE CITY — A new attraction on Route 66 promises to illuminate Granite City's night skies Thursday evening. The It’s Electric Neon Sign Park will hold a ribbon-cutting and lighting ceremony from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024, at the park located at the corner of 19th St. and Delmar in downtown Granite City. The park, funded by a $500,000 grant from the Great Rivers & Routes Tourism Bureau and the Illinois Office of Tourism, aims to draw both locals and tourists to the historic Route 66 corridor. The lights are scheduled to turn on at approximately 8:30 p.m. on Thursday. “This project has been a labor of love for everyone involved,” said Cory Jobe, of the Great Rivers & Routes Tourism Bureau. “We’re excited to see how it will bring new energy and visitors to Granite City.” The event is expected to feature a variety of neon signs that harken back to the mid-20th century, offering a nostalgic experience for attendees. The lighting ceremony

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GODFREY – Ray Morales, a well-known figure in the Alton area, has been named the new general manager of the Rolling Hills Golf Course in Godfrey. Morales, an Alton native with 30 years of golfing experience, is also a member of the Alton Golf Hall of Fame. Morales, who has played on over 100 golf courses and participates in 20 to 30 tournaments annually, brings a wealth of experience to his new role. In addition to his golfing accomplishments, he owned Morales Tacos, a popular local taco truck. "I want to bring this golf course back to the friendliest golf course around," Morales said. "There was a time I was out here playing, and it was a warm feeling, and everyone enjoyed being here. I want to bring that back. I want it to be family-friendly." Morales's best round of golf was at the Spencer T. Olin Golf Course in Alton, where he shot a two-over-par 74 for 18 holes. Despite his extensive experience playing various courses, Olin remains his favorite. "It's been an honor to

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Discover a wide variety of exciting and appealing events happening in the region, from family-friendly activities to vibrant community celebrations such as The Village of Alhambra's 175th Anniversary Celebration & Homecoming. For a full listing of events, be sure to visit Riverbender Events and find something that piques your interest! 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 ABLAZE: Encounter the presence of God invites you to join a series of free countywide events that focus on live music, powerful stories of hope, and individual prayer. Services take place on Friday and Saturday nights, with Friday's event held at the Edwardsville City Park Pavilion #1 and Saturday's service at Wilson Park's Centennial Pavilion. The summer series culminates at the Alton Amphitheater on Sunday. Worship music will be provided by local church teams, and Dr. Kristi Lemley will

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BETHALTO — Emergency responders handled a call to the southbound lanes of Illinois Route-255 at Airline Drive overpass Wednesday night following a motorcycle accident. The Bethalto Fire Department, Bethalto Police Department, and Illinois State Police arrived at the scene to find a motorcycle that had crashed. At least one individual was transported to a nearby hospital, although the extent of the injuries remains unknown. It is also unclear if there were any additional patients involved in the incident. The Bethalto Police Department is currently investigating the accident. Further details are expected to be released as the investigation continues.

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GODFREY - Lewis and Clark Community College student Emma McCormick was crowned Miss Jersey County 2024 at the Jersey County Fair in Jerseyville this summer. McCormick was chosen from among seven contestants to reign as "queen" until next year's pageant. She recently graduated from Jersey Community High School with dual credit from Lewis and Clark and plans to continue her education at the college this fall. "The Miss Jersey County Pageant is an experience I want every girl to go through," McCormick said. "I gained confidence and best friends and had the best time of my life." McCormick's older sister Aubrey won the title of Miss Jersey County back in 2021. McCormick said she witnessed her sister's incredible experience and how it shaped her as an individual. "Being Miss Jersey County has been a dream of mine since I was a little girl," McCormick said. "I am so grateful I get to live it out." McCormick's duties as Miss Jersey County include visiting other county fairs and pageants

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GRAFTON — With an appearance by Warren Gohl, the chaplain for the National Memorial of Military Ascent, Grafton officials had to move to a larger venue to accommodate a large amount of attendees. Gohl is revered for his contributions to not only Native Americans, but war veterans and the improvement of the mental health of prison inmates. Gohl and Grafton Mayor Mike Morrow met at a conference and discovered both men were coveted Bronze Star holders. The duo immediately shared a unique bond formed during their service and solidified through their shared mission. Gohl is a Vietnam vet, while Morrow served in Dessert Storm and was a long-time military veteran who also was a key member of the Corps of Engineers team. "We are both spiritual men," said Morrow. "I believe our project is God’s project, just moving it forward to honor all veterans." Gohl, a Vietnam War veteran and former interrogator with the 25th Infantry Division, described how their paths crossed. "I met

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