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ALTON — Alton Mayor David Goins provided an update on the morning of Thursday, July 25, 2024, regarding the ongoing efforts to address the recent collapse of New Frontier Materials' limestone mine, which resulted in a significant crater at Gordon Moore Park. The mayor emphasized the importance of safety and swift recovery in his communications with New Frontier Materials (NFM) officials. "Drilling has been progressing well, and we are continuing to advance through the access road area," NFM officials stated in their latest report. "To enhance our productivity, we have brought in a second machine. We continue to hold weekly meetings with the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA). These meetings have been productive and methodical." A team of experts is currently reviewing the work completed thus far and discussing further steps to facilitate the reopening of the park. Mayor Goins expressed satisfaction with the progress and collaboration between NFM and MSHA. "We are

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ALTON – C.J. Nasello, host of the popular "Our Daily Show!" on Riverbender.com , is again stepping up to support the community, this time with raffle ticket sales for the Christmas In July event at Freer Auto Body . Nasello announced on Wednesday, July 24, 2024, that he has 48 raffle tickets remaining and aims to sell them all before the event concludes in roughly 24 hours. The raffle, which features several top-tier prizes, is the major highlight of the Christmas In July event other than Freer's fabulous Sloppy Joe's. This year's prizes include $3,000 cash donated by Axalta Coatings, a seven-night stay in a two-bedroom condo in Panama City Beach donated by Darel and Vicky File, a seven-night stay in Destin, Fla., with private beach access donated by Greg and Robin Nasello, and a five-night stay at "Beds by the Creek" in Choteau, Montana, donated by Phyllis Bechtold. Additional prizes feature a three-night all-inclusive resort stay at Dreams Riviera Cancun donated by Travel

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GODFREY - The offerings for this year’s annual Christmas In July 2024 for the Community Christmas raffle event at Freer Auto Body are once again sensational. Tickets for the raffle will be available at the event set for 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Friday, July 26, 2024, at Freer Auto Body in Godfrey. This year's offerings include $3,000 cash donated by Axalta Coatings, a seven-night stay in a two-bedroom condo in Panama City Beach donated by Darel and Vicky File, a seven-night stay in Destin, Fla., with private beach access donated by Greg and Robin Nasello, and a five-night stay at "Beds by the Creek" in Choteau, Montana, donated by Phyllis Bechtold. Additional prizes include a three-night all-inclusive resort stay at Dreams Riviera Cancun donated by Travel Leaders and AM Resorts, four St. Louis Cardinals Green Seats donated by John and Jayne Simmons, and $1,000 cash donated by Freer Auto Body. Margaret and Carrie Freer are once again rallying the community to support their

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ALTON - The Food on the Move free grocery trailer will make a stop in Alton on Friday, July 26, 2024. At 2:30 p.m. on Friday, the trailer will park in the parking lot east of the FLOCK Food Truck Park & Bar. Community members are invited to come to the trailer, pick up food and enjoy a hot meal. The trailer will remain open until it runs out of food, and it will return on the final Friday of every other month. “It's just an opportunity to bring the community together,” said John Michel. “It’s an opportunity to help individuals who maybe just need a little extra help. And we think it’s the ultimate demonstration of ‘Food is Love.’” People do not have to bring any verification of income or proof of need. They can simply come to the trailer and pick out the food they want, from produce and proteins to milk, eggs and canned goods. The Soul Burger Truck from Belleville will also be onsite to provide free hot meals to shoppers. The

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JERSEYVILLE - The former Imo’s Pizza location in Jerseyville will once again serve pizza and pasta under a different, but locally familiar, name - Joe’s Pizza and Pasta, with locations in Godfrey, East Alton, Edwardsville, and more, recently announced they’ll be occupying the vacant space at 1600 S. State St. Restaurant representatives made the announcement on the future location’s Facebook page on Wednesday afternoon. “We will begin our remodel soon and will give updates as we get closer to opening,” they said. “In the meantime, visit our nearby locations in Godfrey, Edwardsville and East Alton! “We’re looking forward to serving the Jerseyville community!” They encouraged Jerseyville-area pizza lovers to like and follow their Facebook page for updates as the space is remodeled. An opening date has not been set, but employment applications are open at ilovejoespizza.com/employment . To find out more

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July 25 has proven to be a significant date throughout history, marking events that have shaped the world as we know it. 1965: Bob Dylan Goes Electric at the Newport Folk Festival On July 25, 1965, Bob Dylan made a bold move that would forever alter the music landscape. Performing at the Newport Folk Festival, Dylan shocked the audience by plugging in an electric guitar, departing from his traditional acoustic folk roots. This moment is often seen as a turning point in music history, symbolizing the merging of folk and rock music, much to the chagrin of some folk purists. However, Dylan's decision paved the way for new sounds and innovations in the music industry. 1978: The Birth of Louise Brown, the World’s First Test-Tube Baby On this day in 1978, Louise Brown was born in Oldham, England, making her the first human to be conceived via in vitro fertilization (IVF). Her birth marked a revolutionary advancement in reproductive technology, providing hope to millions

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ALTON - Children attending St. Mary's Catholic Church and School's Vacation Bible School received a unique glimpse into law enforcement this past week. Officers and detectives from the local police department provided demonstrations and a guided tour through their facilities. The event, held at the police department, aimed to educate and engage young attendees, offering them firsthand insight into the daily operations and responsibilities of police officers. The children were shown various aspects of police work, investigation and the use of different law enforcement tools. The collaboration between St. Mary's Catholic Church and School and the police department is part of a broader initiative to strengthen community ties and promote educational opportunities outside the traditional classroom setting.

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ALTON - Alton Mayor David Goins made a statement at Wednesday’s City Council meeting honoring the lives and legacies of James “Terry” and Carolyn Dooley, the couple who lost their lives in a flash-flooding incident earlier this month in Jersey County. “Recently, we were saddened to hear about the sudden passing of James and Carolyn Dooley,” Goins said. “They were respected and valued members of this community, and their loss has been deeply felt. “Their commitment to public service and civic engagement is a testament to their character, and dedication to making a positive impact on the lives of those around them. They will be remembered for their selflessness, kindness, and generosity.” The mayor noted that Carolyn was a long-serving Parks and Recreation Board member and was also a founding member of the Lucy Haskell Playhouse Association. “We just ask that may their families find comfort in the memories o

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EDWARDSVILLE - Alexis Stock, a star athlete at Metro East Lutheran High School, has been named a BJ's Printables Female Athlete of the Month. Stock, a versatile athlete, excels on not only the Knights soccer team but also in volleyball and basketball. Her father, Rob Stock, serves as an assistant coach for the Knights' girls soccer team, providing a unique family dynamic on the field. Head Coach Jason Waller described Alexis as "a very coachable, easy-going young lady who is a joy to be around." Alexis has not only shown her skills as a forward but has also excelled in a midfielder role on the soccer team. Her adaptability and strong defensive skills have made her a key player for the Knights. Alexis's achievements in multiple sports and her recognition as the BJ's Printables Female Athlete of the Month highlight her dedication and talent. Her contributions to Metro East Lutheran High School's athletic programs continue to be significant, and her future in sports looks promising.

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Letter To The Editor: As the current Mayor of Alton, I feel it is necessary to address the recent false claims made by former Mayor Brant Walker, who appears to be trying to revive his political career by exploiting the unfortunate sinkhole incident and other baseless allegations, ranging from a lack of transparency to supposed budgetary improprieties. It is disappointing that Walker is attempting to mislead the public. Below are the facts our citizens deserve to hear. Transparency Concerning the Sinkhole and Overall Operations: Since the sinkhole was discovered, our team has worked diligently to keep the public informed. Official channels have provided detailed updates, including our website, social media platforms, and regular press briefings. We have also held multiple community meetings and are collaborating with all stakeholders impacted by the closure of Spencer Olin. We will continue to update the community as conditions occur, but safety will remain our priority. Budget

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EDWARDSVILLE - Nolan Csaszar had an outstanding meet for the Sunset Hills Country Club swimming team at the 62md edition of the Southwestern Illinois Swimming Association championship meet July 21, 2024, at the Chuck Fruit Aquatic Center in Edwardsville's District 7 Sports Complex. Csaszar finished sixth in the boys 15-18 50-yard freestyle, having a time of 27.36 seconds, and was also sixth in the 100-yard breaststroke at 1:26.54, was sixth in the 50-yard butterfly at 31.54 seconds. Nolan is a Spencer Homes Male Athlete of the Month for Edwardsville. In an interview conducted shortly after one of his races, Csaszar felt that the Stingrays, even with very limited numbers, did their best and swam well all throughout the meet. "Well, we're kind of limited by the number of people on our team, Csaszar said. "But I think the swimmers who are here tried their best and are making a good effort, which shows good fight on the team. It makes us look better." On a personal level, Csaszar

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This July, the region is buzzing with a variety of events that cater to all interests, from the educational S.T.E.A.M. Take Home Kits for kids and the nostalgic Heritage Days in Greenville to the lively music performances and farmer's markets across multiple cities. For a comprehensive list of events happening this month, visit Riverbender Events . Featured Annual Christmas in July Raffle at Freer Auto Body, led by Margaret Freer, is hosting its annual Christmas in July Raffle to support the Community Christmas campaign. The event will be held from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Friday, July 26, 2024, at 4512 North Alby Street, Godfrey. Raffle tickets are $10 each, with prizes including $3,000 cash, vacation stays, and more. Sloppy Joes will be available for dining in and carry-out. Tickets can be purchased at Freer Auto Body. Checks for the raffle or donations should be made out to Community Christmas. For more information, contact Freer Auto Body at 618-466-6151. Additionally, you

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EDWARDSVILLE - Greenspaces are critical and the importance of understanding and enhancing them are equally significant, according to Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s Shannon McCarragher, PhD. This summer, 10 students from universities across the country have been part of the Socio-Ecological Role of Greenways in Urban Systems (SERGUS) Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) at SIUE. “Greenways serve as an interface between human and natural systems across urban environments, and thus may serve as a means for enhancing urban resilience,” said McCarragher, a biogeographer and assistant professor in the College of Arts and Sciences’ Department of Geography and Geographic Information Sciences (GIS). At SIUE, McCarragher is the lead Principal Investigator (PI) of the multi-institutional, interdisciplinary grant funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF) and given to focus on greenways. Alan Black, PhD, associate professor in the Department

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EDWARDSVILLE - The following local student has been named to the Deans' and President's Lists at Drake University. Edwardsville, IL - Angel Loveridge, Zimpleman College of Business, Dean's List To be eligible for the Deans' List, students must have earned a GPA of 3.5 or higher during the Spring 2024 semester at Drake. To be eligible for the President's List, students must have earned a perfect 4.0 GPA during the Spring 2024 semester at Drake. Drake University is recognized as one of the finest national liberal arts universities. A distinctive and distinguished private university in Des Moines, Iowa, Drake enrolls nearly 3,000 undergraduate and more than 1,800 graduate students. Students choose from more than 70 majors, minors, and concentrations and 20 graduate degrees offered through seven colleges and schools. In addition, Drake offers a range of continuing education programs serving working professionals, community members, and area businesses. Drake recognizes the importance

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WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) joined Senators Joni Ernst (R-IA), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), John Thune (R-SD) and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and U.S. Representatives Brad Finstad (R-MN), Eric Sorensen (D-IL) and Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-IA) in sending a bipartisan, bicameral letter to the U.S. Department of the Treasury requesting timely guidance on the 45Z Clean Fuel Production Credit to give farmers, blenders, retailers and fuel users certainty and the time needed to make additional clean fuel projects a reality. The 45Z Clean Fuel Production Credit consolidates and replaces several fuel-related credits currently scheduled to expire at the end of the year. While 45Z was written to increase the domestic production of clean, homegrown biofuels, guidance is still needed from the Treasury on how farmers and renewable fuel producers can participate in this new market. “The 45Z credit should be leveraged to provide a forward-looking,

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SPRINGFIELD - Beginning in July, all child support collected on behalf of Illinois’ low-income families with children who are current or former Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) recipients in Illinois will be passed through to the family for the care and support of the child or children and will no longer be retained by the state, the Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) announced. All families who are currently receiving or formerly received TANF will benefit from this change. As of July 1, any amount of child support that was collected and retained by HFS’ Division of Child Support Services between January 1, 2023 and July 1, 2024, will be passed through to the family. With this change, Illinois will become the first state in the nation to unconditionally ensure all families receive 100% of the child support that is paid. While other states pass through all child support paid, it is subject to appropriation. “This change will bring

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ALTON – Last week, Governor J.B. Pritzker signed HB4255 into law. This legislation, spearheaded by State Representative Amy Elik & State Senator Erica Harriss, bolsters safety protocols for tow truck operators and emergency responders throughout Illinois. Under the new law, tow trucks and designated emergency vehicles will now be authorized to utilize green lighting in addition to amber and white when responding to incidents on roadways. This critical enhancement is designed to maximize visibility and situational awareness, significantly mitigating risks for both responders and the public. Paw Paw’s Towing in Millstadt brought the need for this to the attention of Elik and Harriss following the loss of one of their drivers last November. The driver, Wade Bivens, was struck by a car while working a scene on Interstate 255 near Columbia. "The enactment of HB4255 marks a pivotal step forward in safeguarding our emergency personnel," said Elik. "This legislation

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EDWARDSVILLE - Happy Hooves Equine Rescue Center is a nonprofit sanctuary for horses in need of a home. Visitors can get a firsthand look at the work they do and the horses they house at three upcoming Open House events set for Aug. 11, Sept. 8, and Oct. 13, 2024, each from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the sanctuary, located at 7026 State Route 140 in Edwardsville. Founder Mary Morrison and Susan with Happy Hooves shared more about the organization and the work they do on Our Daily Show! on Riverbender.com . Happy Hooves’ mission, indicated by their slogan, is to continue “giving horses a chance at a better life.” Morrison said some horses who come into the rescue show signs of neglect or malnourishment, though she noted such mistreatment isn’t always intentional. “You see the lack of care, but … a lot of these people, they don’t mean to do it,” she said. “Some of it is lack of education, some of it is that they believe

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EAST ST. LOUIS – A federal district judge sentenced a man from Christopher, Illinois, to 24 months’ imprisonment after he admitted to printing counterfeit money. Michael A. Eskew, 38, pleaded guilty to one count of manufacture of counterfeit obligations of the U.S., one count of possession of counterfeit obligations of the U.S., and one count of possessing digital image of U.S. currency for counterfeiting. “Making, using and possessing fake U.S. currency with fraudulent intent is punishable under federal law, and Michael Eskew was maintaining a full-scale, counterfeiting enterprise,” said U.S. Attorney Rachelle Aud Crowe. “He schemed to defraud local businesses and enrich himself with the fake currency, thus warranting this sentence to federal prison.” According to court documents, Eskew used printers and electronic images of dollar bills to produce counterfeit U.S. Currency at his home. Following a search warrant of Eskew’s residence

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BELLEVILLE – A pair of initiatives led by state Rep. Jay Hoffman, D-Swansea, and the Illinois Secretary of State were signed into law Friday, July 19, 2024, strengthening the state’s move over “Scott’s Law” zones and bringing increased scrutiny to catalytic converter transactions in order to reduce their theft. “Residents are rightfully frustrated by catalytic converter thieves looking to make a quick buck, which is why we need to continue to implement ideas that remove the financial incentive,” Hoffman said. “Stricter resale rules are going to make it more difficult for criminals to turn their stolen parts into cash.” As part of efforts to curb the rise in catalytic converter theft, Hoffman’s House Bill 4589 requires recyclable metal dealers to acquire and maintain additional records involving catalytic converter transactions, including the vehicle identification number it was removed from as well as any other specific

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