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For many, the holidays are filled with friends, family and constant celebration. People put socialization on overdrive and seem to take no breaks. However, for others, the holidays can feel lonelier than any other time of year. Not everyone has close friends and family to spend their time with during these cold few months. Some may have it reserved for extra alone time, and not by their own choice. Taking more time for yourself during the holidays is not unhealthy on its own, but doing so too much can lead to negative emotions and feelings of isolation. There is a difference in taking some alone time to avoid being around others. “Taking some time alone is kind of like taking a break at halftime of a football game,” says Megan Williams, Director of Suicide Prevention for Centerstone. “You’ve been chatting with people, trying to keep the conversation going for a couple of hours, and you need to take a 15-minute break to step away and recharge your batteries.”

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GODFREY – Lewis and Clark Community College’s Paralegal program has fueled the careers of many students who are excited to share their successes. Chase Giffin recently earned the position of deputy circuit clerk at the Madison County Courthouse and credits the connections he made and opportunities he acquired through L&C’s Paralegal program. “Thank you for offering this amazing program that gave me the opportunity to take internships at Illinois JusticeCorps and Simmons Hanly Conroy LLP, Those opportunities gave me a leg up against the competition,” he said. “If it wasn’t for your program, I would not have gotten this position with Madison County.” Jasmine Akers also expects a brighter future thanks to the Paralegal program. “I wanted to express how much your program has evolved my career path,” she said. “I’ve just accepted a job, and I start Monday. I’m very excited for my new career.

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PONTOON BEACH – The holiday spirit is making its annual debut on the streets of Madison County as the Madison County Transit (MCT) “Holiday Bus” returns to delight passengers throughout December. This tradition embodies the joy of giving, offering complimentary rides to passengers aboard these festive buses. In 2023, the Holiday Bus provided over 5,300 free rides, a testament to the growing excitement surrounding this seasonal event. From December 1 through December 31 , the Holiday Bus will operate daily on three MCT vehicles of varying sizes, traveling across randomly assigned routes in the MCT service area. Passengers boarding these special buses will find a farebox wrapped like a holiday present, signaling their free ride. Some buses may also feature cheerful holiday decorations to brighten riders’ journeys. “Our Holiday Bus has become a favorite tradition for both our riders and our drivers,” said MCT Managing Director SJ Morrison. “Passengers

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GLEN CARBON - Dutch Bros Coffee is one step closer to opening their first-ever Illinois location in Glen Carbon’s continuously developing Orchard Town Center. Plans for the new coffee spot were first announced in June , when Mayor Bob Marcus said the village is “proud to be home to Dutch Bros' first Illinois location." While the location is still far from opening its doors, one minor step towards its construction was taken this week. Village Board members on Tuesday approved a re-subdivision of Orchard Town Center Outparcel 12, dividing it into lots 12A and 12B. "12B is where Dutch Bros will be putting their drive-through establishment,” Community Development Director Erika Heil said. She added that the occupant of lot 12A has not yet been announced. A construction timeline for the new coffee shop is still unclear, as Heil said the site plan is currently under review. Once the site plan goes through the Planning and Zoning Commission, the plan will face

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ST. LOUIS — Colin Brown, a 16-year-old high school hockey player, from the O'Fallon area, died Wednesday afternoon, Nov. 27, 2024, from injuries sustained in a highway shooting over the weekend in St. Louis, police confirmed. Brown was struck by stray gunfire on Saturday night while traveling home from a hockey game on northbound Interstate 55 near Loughborough. St. Louis Police believe the gunfire originated from the opposite direction of traffic. As of Wednesday afternoon, no arrests have been made in connection with the incident. St. Louis police spokesman Mitch McCoy reiterated the department's call for assistance in solving the case, urging anyone with video or other evidence to contact homicide detectives at 314-444-5371 or to provide anonymous tips to CrimeStoppers at 866-371-8477. At the time of the shooting, Brown was in the vehicle with his father, Calvin Brown, a retired lieutenant colonel with the Illinois State Police. St. Louis Mayor Tishaura Jones issued this statemen

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CASEYVILLE — A vehicular hijacking incident early on Monday, November 25, 2024, in Caseyville led to a police response that resulted in the identification and arrest of a suspect. At approximately 2:24 a.m. on Nov. 25, 2024, Caseyville Police Department officers were dispatched to a local motel following reports of shots fired during an attempted hijacking. Upon arrival, officers found the victim who reported that an unknown suspect had attempted to take their vehicle. During the encounter, an occupant of the vehicle retrieved a firearm and fired at the suspect, who then fled on foot. Multiple law enforcement agencies responded to the scene, deploying police canines and drones in an effort to locate the suspect, but initial attempts were unsuccessful. The Caseyville Police Department, in collaboration with the Metro East Auto Theft Task Force, gathered surveillance footage from nearby businesses, which proved instrumental in identifying the suspect. Authorities later determined

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The St. Louis Post-Dispatch’s broadcast station, KSD, presented a special Thanksgiving week program on Monday, November 24, 1924, and the offerings were impressive. The Alton Evening Telegraph printed radio schedules in the newspaper so Altonians could plan to tune in. The 7:00 p.m. show was broadcast from the Missouri Theater (sometimes spelled Theatre) at 626 N. Grand Blvd. in St. Louis. It is no longer a theater, but a section of it still exists as the Angad Arts Hotel. The building is between The Fabulous Fox and Powell Hall (which was originally the St. Louis Theatre). Here is the program, with further explanation of each piece when information was available. Organ solo by Milton Slosser – “Dreamer of Dreams,” music by Ted Fiorito. The Missouri Theatre was equipped with a Wurlitzer Hope-Jones Unit Orchestra organ which had 4 Manuals, 32 Ranks. Vocal Duet by tenor Henry Klotz (often listed as Heinie Klotz) and soprano Peggy Nash. Klotz and Nash were

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HARTFORD — A man was rescued early Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2024, after becoming trapped inside a garbage truck’s compactor, prompting a response from the Hartford Fire Department and assistance from the Roxana Fire Department. At approximately 4 a.m. on Nov. 27, emergency services were alerted to the situation. The initial call did not specify injuries or the exact location of the man, but upon arrival, firefighters discovered he was stuck inside the truck. The driver of the vehicle reported seeing the man on the truck's camera, waving his arms for help. Firefighters set up ladders to access the truck and reached the man, who complained of severe leg pain and was unable to move. An ambulance was requested, and additional manpower was called in from the Roxana Fire Department. An initial assessment revealed no broken bones or other abnormalities, but concerns about potential internal injuries arose after it was determined the truck had compacted trash while the man was inside.

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COLLINSVILLE — The Collinsville Fire Department honored Lieutenant Frank Arnold for his more than 24 years of dedicated service during a City Council meeting on Tuesday evening, Nov. 26, 2024. Arnold, a lifelong resident of Collinsville, is retiring from his position as a Licensed Paramedic and Advanced Firefighter Technician. Fire Chief John Bailot acknowledged Arnold's extensive contributions to the department, stating, "He's just an all-around good guy. I just really can't explain how much he's done for the department. It's just an enormous amount." In addition to his firefighting credentials, Arnold is also a HAZMAT Technician and a member of the MABAS 35 HAZMAT Team, underscoring his commitment to public safety and emergency response. Mayor Jeff Stehman joined Chief Bailot in expressing gratitude for Arnold's service, marking the occasion as a significant moment for the community.

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EDWARDSVILLE - Four felony charges have been filed against an Edwardsville man for attacking two victims over 60 years of age at the Edwardsville Culver’s restaurant. Chadwick B. Grimm, 50, of Edwardsville, was charged with four counts of aggravated battery, each Class 3 felonies. All four charges were filed in connection to an incident at the Culver’s location in Edwardsville. Court documents state that while at the restaurant, Grimm forcefully pulled on a victim’s seatbelt, causing it to choke her. He was additionally charged with smacking the hand of another victim, causing her to drop her cell phone. Descriptions of the charges state both victims in this case were 60 years of age or older. The Edwardsville Police Department presented the case against Grimm, who was ordered remanded to jail for his initial court appearance. Madison County Sheriff’s Office records indicate Grimm has since been granted pretrial release from custody. The issuance

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WOOD RIVER - One man from Wood River and another from St. Louis have been accused of mob action after “acting together” to attack a victim. Justin J. West, 32, of Wood River, and Gerald L. Bradford Jr., 30, of St. Louis, were each charged with one count of mob action, both Class 4 felonies. On Sept. 22, 2024, both individuals allegedly acted together in striking a victim “about the head and body,” according to Madison County court documents. The Wood River Police Department presented both cases against West and Bradford, who were each granted pretrial release from custody. This marks the region’s second recent case of mob action; three Granite City individuals were charged last week in connection to a mob action incident in Granite City. More details on that case are available in this story on Riverbender.com . The issuance of charges is based solely upon probable cause and is not an indication of guilt. All subjects charged with criminal

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O'FALLON - Donald W. Harris III has been apprehended without incident and charged with one count of Robbery and one count of Theft From Person. At 6:15 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2024, O'Fallon Police Officers responded to a call regarding an elderly male found lying on the sidewalk in the 300 block of West Third in O'Fallon. Upon arrival, officers identified the individual as an 89-year-old O’Fallon resident who had been robbed while walking home from the MetroBus Stop on West State near Oak. While walking along South Oak, the resident was approached from behind by an unknown male suspect who attempted to steal his wallet from his coat pocket, O'Fallon Police said. "The suspect succeeded in stealing the wallet, causing the resident to fall to the ground," police added. "The suspect then fled the scene. The resident was able to get up and continue walking until he fell again, when he was located by passersby who called police." O’Fallon Police Officers and Detectives

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BELLEVILLE - Margaritas West, a local restaurant located at 108 E. A Street in Belleville, has officially closed its doors. The announcement was made on social media, where the owners expressed their gratitude to patrons for their support over the past eight years. In their statement, the owners said, "Dear beloved customers, unfortunately, we must close down our restaurant on West Main Street. This will also be our last post as well. We are sorry for delivering this sad news at such short notice since we were notified on short notice." The closure comes as a surprise to many in the community, as the restaurant had been a staple in the area, known for its vibrant atmosphere and dedication to customer service. The owners thanked their customers for "wonderful comments, support, kindness, memories and love," indicating a deep connection with the local community. While the specific reasons for the closure were not disclosed, the owners expressed hope for a future reunion with their patrons

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BETHALTO - Bethalto Community Unit School District #8 has five “commendable” schools, according to the Illinois School Report Card. During the Board of Education’s regular meeting on Nov. 26, 2024, Director of Teaching and Learning Alyssa Smith analyzed the scores on the Illinois School Report Card. These scores measure how school districts compare throughout the State of Illinois. All five of Bethalto’s schools received “commendable” designations. “It is extremely impressive,” Smith said. “This is a thrill to see.” Civic Memorial High School received a score of 90.77. The “exemplary” designation is 91.26, meaning Civic Memorial was .49 points away from an “exemplary” score. Smith and Civic Memorial Principal Justin Newell requested a meeting with the state before the official scores were released to contest this, but the meeting was rescheduled for December. During that December meeting, the

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EDWARDSVILLE — Madison County Board Chairman-elect Chris Slusser selected his successor for Treasurer. Slusser picked County Board member Mike Babcock of Bethalto to fill the seat being left vacant after he being elected to his new role as chairman. His appointment will go for a vote at 5 p.m., Monday, Dec. 2 during the County Board’s Reorganization meeting. “I believe Mike has the integrity and background necessary to safeguard the taxpayers’ money,” Slusser said. “I’ve known him for more than 15 years, plus he has experience in county government as well as managing investments.” Slusser held the position of treasurer for the past eight years. Babcock has served District 14 of the County Board since 2020. Babcock also serves as the Wood River Township supervisor, a position he’s held the past 15 years, and will continue to hold until the Spring 2025 election. With the help of his township board, Babcock balanced the budget an

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Thanksgiving is a cherished holiday filled with family gatherings, festive meals, and expressions of gratitude. However, the preparation for this festive occasion can often feel overwhelming. From grocery shopping to cooking, decorating, and coordinating schedules, it’s easy to get lost in the hustle and bustle. Staying organized during Thanksgiving prep not only alleviates stress but also allows you to enjoy the holiday to its fullest. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you maintain order amidst the chaos. Create a Detailed Plan Set a Menu Early Start by planning your Thanksgiving menu well in advance—ideally, a few weeks before the holiday. Consider the traditional dishes you want to prepare, as well as any new recipes you might want to try. Once you’ve settled on the menu, create a master grocery list that includes all the ingredients needed for each dish. This will not only streamline your shopping but also ensure you don’t forget any essential

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As we look back at November 27th throughout history, we find ourselves reflecting on a tapestry of events that have shaped our world in remarkable ways. One of the most significant events to occur on November 27th took place in 1939, when the renowned physicist Albert Einstein sent a letter to President Franklin D. Roosevelt. In this correspondence, Einstein warned about the potential development of “extremely powerful bombs of a new type” — a reference to nuclear weapons. This letter ultimately played a crucial role in the initiation of the Manhattan Project, which aimed to develop atomic bombs during World War II. The implications of this letter reached far beyond its time, leading to the creation of weapons that would end the war and usher in the nuclear age, forever altering international relations and military strategy. Fast forward to 1942, and we find another pivotal moment in history. On this day, the United States began its first significant military

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JERSEYVILLE - Sgt. Mitch Reynolds has officially retired from the Jerseyville Police Department, capping off a law enforcement career of over 25 years as he transitions to a new role as Jersey County Circuit Clerk. Reynolds was honored at Tuesday’s Jerseyville City Council meeting, where council members approved his retirement letter after Mayor Kevin Stork read it aloud. In the letter, Reynolds reflected on the longevity and impact of his law enforcement career, which began on June 21, 1999. “It has been my privilege to work for and in my hometown,” Reynolds wrote in his retirement letter. “I have worked under seven different mayors and three different chiefs of police. I have trained 25 different probationary police officers during my 20 years of ranking as sergeant.” Reynolds also thanked his community, adding he feels “honored to be a small part of the history of Jerseyville,” as well as his family for their continued support. &ldqu

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ALTON - Mrs. Mary C. Donahue of Alton & Jeffrey E. Donahue, of Alton are pleased to announce the engagement of their daughter, Felicia Anne-Marie Donahue to Allen Bernard Brooks, Jr. Allen is the son of the late Allen Brooks Sr., and Dawn Walton, of Florissant, MO. Felicia & Allen were members of the 2018 graduating class of Marquette Catholic High School in Alton and that is where they first met.

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ST. LOUIS COUNTY — Detectives from the St. Louis County Police Department are investigating a homicide that occurred in the 1400 block of Cedar Bluff Drive, resulting in the death of an adult male. Police officers from the West County Precinct responded to a welfare check at 1:11 p.m. on Tuesday. Upon arrival, they discovered the male victim suffering from injuries inside the residence. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities have a person of interest in custody as part of the investigation, which remains ongoing. Additional details will be released as they become available. The St. Louis County Police Department encourages anyone with information about the incident to contact them at 636-529-8210. Individuals wishing to remain anonymous or potentially receive a reward can reach out to CrimeStoppers at 1-866-371-TIPS (8477).

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