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BELLEVILLE - With nearly 2 million couples in the U.S. waiting to adopt, Caritas Family Solutions, a nonprofit human services agency, is educating people during Adoption Awareness Month in November. The agency is shedding light on what the prospect of adoption means for local couples like Adam and Kristy, a Southern Illinois couple in the process of getting matched with a birth family. “Our adoption journey has been a long one and we are continuing to trust and hope that one day, we will become parents,” said Kristy. “Adoption has always been on our hearts even before we realized it could be our only option at having a family. We started this adoption process in 2017 and have experienced being nearly selected by birth parents twice, which came with a lot of emotions. We know this can be a really difficult decision for birth moms and we are aware of what a great act of love it is for a parent to make this choice.” The couple said the advice they would give t

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ALTON - Bianca Jackson has resigned as Chief of Staff to Alton Mayor David Goins. The lack of public information surrounding her resignation led to a somewhat tense exchange between Alton Mayor David Goins and Alderman and mayoral candidate Raymond Strebel at this week’s City Council meeting. On Wednesday’s agenda was the resignation of “Bianca Jackson from the position of Chief of Staff.” The exchange occurred after Strebel questioned why Jackson left the position. City Attorney Tonya Genovese replied that it was a “personnel issue,” the details of which are not to be discussed in a public forum. Strebel, who described the circumstances as “suspicious,” said he was seeking to clarify rumors surrounding the resignation. “I’ve heard a lot of accusations about why she left,” Strebel said. “I’m not going to ask about the criminality of anything that might be involved, but what I am asking is tha

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ALTON – The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) has announced lane closures on northbound US 67, starting Thursday, November 14, 2024, at 7:30 a.m. The closures are necessary for emergency bridge deck patching on the Clark Bridge, with the right lane being closed during this time. The work is expected to be completed by 3:30 p.m. on Friday, November 15, 2024, weather permitting. Motorists traveling through this area should anticipate delays and are encouraged to allow additional time for their journeys. IDOT advises drivers to consider using alternate routes when feasible to avoid the work zone. It is important for drivers to remain vigilant, adhering to changed conditions and posted signs, while also obeying speed limits and avoiding the use of mobile devices in the area. For further updates from IDOT District 8, residents can follow their social media account on X at @IDOTDistrict8 or check the IDOT traveler information map at GettingAroundIllinois.com for details

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EDWARDSVILLE — The Annual Edwardsville Veterans Day Parade took place on Monday, Nov. 11, 2024, honoring those who have served in the military with a lively procession through the city. The parade route began on Main Street in Edwardsville, turned west onto Vandalia Street, continued down St. Louis Street, and concluded at Lincoln School. The event drew a significant turnout, showcasing strong community support for veterans. Doug Thompson, commander of the Edwardsville American Legion, a key sponsor of the parade, expressed appreciation for the participation. “We loved it. The weather was perfect for November. We had a great turnout and loved the support that came from everybody,” Thompson said. He noted that this year featured the most entries of any Veterans Day Parade in recent memory in Edwardsville. Thompson emphasized the importance of recognizing veterans, stating, “It is great to see the support on Veterans Day and celebrate all sacrifices, big

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JERSEYVILLE - A proposed adult education and workforce training facility near the Susnig Center in Jerseyville led City Council members to amend the City Code on Tuesday. City Attorney William Strang said the Illinois Valley Economic Development Corporation (IVEDC) has been hosting its Head Start program in the Susnig Center. While they aim to keep the program there, IVEDC wants to expand into a new building for its adult education and workforce training programs. Strang added the new building would be located on June Street near the Susnig Center on a property totaling six to eight acres. “They’re interested in buying land and building a building, and we did not have any classification that would cover adult education and training,” Strang said. The item on Tuesday’s City Council agenda called for an amendment to the City Code section on zoning classifications for Business Districts. Council members voted unanimously to add “a new B-3 Business

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EDWARDSVILLE - Scout Jackson, a junior for Edwardsville's girls' swimming team, had herself a big day at the IHSA sectional meet, held Nov. 9, 2024, at the Chuck Fruit Aquatic Center. Jackson qualified individually for the state swimming meet in Westmont by winning the 100-yard backstroke at 55.07 seconds, and the 100-yard butterfly with a time of 56.32 seconds, and was also a part of the 200-yard medley relay team that qualified at 1:43.39, and the 200-yard freestyle relay, coming in at 1:35.41 - both pool records. Scout Jackson is a Spencer Homes Female Athlete Of The Month for Edwardsville. On top of that, Jackson's time of 55.07 in the 100 backstroke qualified her for the USA Swimming Speedo Winter Junior Championship meet, coming Dec. 13-14 in Austin, Tex. On top of that, the Tigers won their 11th consecutive sectional championship with 330 points, far outdistancing second-place Chatham Glenwood, who had 190 points, and third place O'Fallon, with 153 points. In a post-meet

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ALTON/GODFREY - The Alton Youth Symphony will perform its Fall Concert under new director Rebecca Pantano. At 2 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 17, 2024, at Hatheway Hall on the Lewis and Clark Community College campus, the symphony will perform four pieces alongside the Alton Junior Youth Symphony and the Chamber Ensemble. The concert is free to attend. Pantano said she has enjoyed working with the Alton Youth Symphony (AYS) in the past few months, and she looks forward to watching them perform this weekend. “The goal for me is just to plant that seed that music is something that they can have in their life all the time, even if they don’t major in it,” Pantano said. “They’ll always have their instrument. Just knowing that there’s no boundaries, that anything’s possible with hard work and dedication.” Pantano teaches middle school in a school district in Missouri, where she has conducted several choirs and orchestras. She also operates

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POCOHONTAS – Attorney General Kwame Raoul charged a Pocahontas, Illinois man with possessing child sexual abuse material. The case is part of Raoul’s ongoing work, in collaboration with federal law enforcement agencies and local law enforcement officials throughout Illinois, to apprehend offenders who download and trade child sexual abuse material online. The Attorney General’s office charged, Kyle A Bradbury, 43, in Bond County Circuit Court with 10 counts of possessing child pornography, each Class 1 felonies punishable by up to 15 years in prison. Raoul’s office also charged Bradbury with one count of unlawful possession of a weapon by a felon, a Class 3 felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison, and one count of failure to register as a sex offender, a Class 3 felony punishable by up to five years in prison. Sentences are ultimately determined by the court. Bradbury is currently detained in the Bond County Jail. “Those who prey upon and exploit

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This weekend offers an exciting array of events that cater to diverse interests, from live music performances and creative workshops to community fundraisers and family-friendly activities, ensuring there's something for everyone to enjoy. For a complete listing of events happening in your area, visit Riverbender Events . Featured Join Ms. Mary Kay and Panda Bear for a fun interactive story time at Lucy Haskell’s Playhouse at 1211 Henry Street, Alton. The event, Story Time at Lucy's Playhouse , will take place on November 15, 2024, starting at 10:00 a.m. To ensure your spot, please call (618) 462-0677, ext. 2836 to register. Get ready for a night of great music as Fastwave performs at Alton VFW Post 1308 on November 15, 2024, from 7 to 11 p.m. This exciting event, Fastwave , is open to the public, so come and enjoy an evening filled with live entertainment. For more details, visit vfwpost1308.org. Calling all puzzle enthusiasts! Join us for the Hayner Library Fall Puzzle

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PERRYVILLE, MO. - Gilster-Mary Lee, 520 Old St. Mary’s Road, of Perryville, Missouri, is voluntarily recalling two lots of Bowl & Basket Onion Soup Mix, UPC 41190-08394 at the consumer level because it may contain undeclared egg. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to egg run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products. The only lots involved are Bowl & Basket Onion Soup Mix, packaged in 2 oz. cartons which have a Best By date of SEP 27 25 E07 & OCT 11 25 E09 (UPC# 41190-08394). Consumers should return the product to the store for a full refund or discard it. The product was distributed to Wakefern distribution centers in Elizabeth, NJ. Gilster-Mary Lee Corp. became aware of the mispackaging after receiving a customer complaint. No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this coating mix. For questions, consumers can call Gilster-Mary Lee Corp. at 618-826-2361 ext. 32301 or, 573-547-8345 ext. 20001 from

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ALTON - Thomas Nealeigh has a unique vision for Alton. Nealeigh wants to open Alton’s Haunted Dinner Theater, a restaurant, bar and dinner theater rolled into one that will bring in tourists and performers from all over the world. He compared the idea to The Magic Castle in Hollywood, a club where magicians perform every night. “Our idea is to become The Magic Castle of the Midwest. Several stages, several bars, the dinner theater,” he explained. “The idea is that the most haunted small town in America needs to have this most haunted dinner theater, and you’re going to love it. I would love to do nothing more than meet with you and tell you all about it in person and answer any question that you might have." Nealeigh explained that the Haunted Dinner Theater would welcome sideshow performances, magicians, comedians and other performers from around the world. As the man behind FreakShow Deluxe — a production company whose circus performers

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EDWARDSVILLE – The theatre department from Metro-East Lutheran High School presented an evening of family friendly comedy with its production of “Cheaper by the Dozen" this past Friday and Saturday at MELHS. Based on a true story, “Cheaper by the Dozen” follows the Gilbreth clan, a family of 12 children living in New Jersey in the 1920s. The family is run by a father who is an efficiency expert and seeks to run his household with the same systems and competence he uses in work, often with entertaining results. “It was a quirky comedy about a father who is obsessed with organization and the most efficient way to get things done – not only in work but also in his household,” said Ben Ettling, who is student director of the production. “It creates an awkward tension as his daughters prepare to start their dating lives.” Ettling, who is a senior at MELHS, co-directed the show along with Judy Brown, director of the MELHS theatre

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SPRINGFIELD – Named by People Magazine as "Country's New Darling," Megan Moroney is set to bring her emo cowgirl charm to the Illinois State Fair Grandstand on Saturday, August 10. With nearly 2 billion total global streams to date, the Georgia-bred singer/songwriter kicked off the latest era of her formidable career with her critically acclaimed sophomore album Am I Okay? , a July 2024 release that debuted at No. 9 on the Billboard 200, emerged as the year’s third-biggest debut from a female country artist, and won rave reviews from many of the music world’s leading publications (including Rolling Stone, The New York Times, Variety, Billboard, American Songwriter, and more). “The Illinois State Fair has a long tradition of showcasing artists early in their careers,” said Illinois Department of Agriculture Director Jerry Costello II. “We’re looking forward to Megan Moroney’s Grandstand appearance in August. She has a brigh

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Death, taxes and body odor. They’re things we can all expect in life, no matter how clean you are. But health care providers want you to know when body odor is a sign of a more serious health problem. B.O. basics Luis Garcia, MD , an OSF HealthCare pediatrician, says sweat and bacteria are the main culprits behind body odor. Warmth and moisture in parts of the body (like your armpits and feet), plus going through puberty and general poor hygiene, can make the smell worse. “Specifically in the armpits and genital area, there are glands called apocrine glands. They are high in protein and fat,” Dr. Garcia explains. “Bacteria that live with us will break those substances, and that’s what could cause odors.” Your urine can even smell foul, Dr. Garcia adds. Warning signs Dr. Garcia says if you notice a change in your body odor, especially if a smell comes on suddenly or if the stench gets worse, it’s worth investigating. He says it may

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EDWARDSVILLE − Trinity Lutheran Ministries in Edwardsville will be hosting its seventh annual CHRISTmas Ugly Sweater 5K on Saturday, Dec. 14, 2024, with proceeds continuing to benefit local charities. Join the Edwardsville community for this family-friendly race! The race will continue to feature a wonderland race course filled with Christmas music and decorations, an ugly Christmas sweater competition, hot chocolate and cookies at the finish line, and a photo booth before and after the race. All race participants will be chip-timed by Final Lap Race Management. Medals are provided to all runners who participate in the race. A portion of the race registration fees will benefit the Glen-Ed Food Pantry and Edwardsville Neighbors. There will also be a canned goods collection at the race. In past years, more than 450 pounds of canned goods were collected at the event. Plaques will be given to the top male and female finishers and medals to the top three finishers in each of th

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GODFREY - Lewis and Clark Community College celebrated the college’s and nation’s veterans during a speaker event, Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2024. Retired U.S. Air Force Col. Laurel “Buff” Burkel gave an inspirational speech about the story of her survival from a deadly helicopter crash and her continuing journey of healing, hope and perseverance. Burkel spoke about the resilience of the human spirit and the importance of having a strong support group. She emphasized enjoying life’s positive and joyful moments to the fullest because there will always be obstacles and struggles to overcome. For information on services for veterans at Lewis and Clark, visit https://www.lc.edu/student-services/veteran-services.html .

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CHICAGO – Attorney General Kwame Raoul today announced the establishment of the first-ever Conviction Integrity Unit (CIU) within the Attorney General’s office, launching Illinois’ first targeted effort to evaluate the integrity of convictions throughout the state. The CIU will investigate claims of actual innocence to determine whether new, credible evidence substantially proves the innocence of individuals serving time for crimes they did not commit. “Over the past five years, we have worked with state’s attorneys, appellate justices, the Department of Justice and others to establish a unit within my office that would solely focus on reviewing wrongful convictions, seeking relief when warranted and preventing the devastation caused when someone is wrongfully convicted,” Raoul said. “Wrongful convictions destroy lives, diminish faith in our criminal justice system, and put victims and the general public at risk, as true perpetrators of crimes

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ALTON - An Alton resident has been charged with the sexual abuse and assault of a 10-year-old victim. Bryden A. Barnes, 20, of the 1700 block of Belle Street in Alton, was charged on Nov. 7, 2024 with predatory criminal sexual assault of a child (a Class X felony) and aggravated criminal sexual abuse (a Class 2 felony). From Jan. 1 to July 31, 2023, Barnes allegedly sexually assaulted and abused a victim who was 10 years old at the time of the incident. According to a petition to deny Barnes’ pretrial release, In July of 2024, the victim in this case disclosed to a medical provider that she had been sexually abused by Barnes when she was 10 years old. She detailed the incident in an interview with the Madison County Child Advocacy Center on July 30, 2024. Barnes was interviewed by Alton Police Department on Nov. 6, 2024. During his interview, he “stated that he was wrestling” with the victim and admitted to committing the acts of sexual abuse and assault.

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BRUSSELS — Brussels CUSD #42 today celebrates our staff and students as the Illinois State Board of Education releases the 2024 Illinois Report Card, a detailed look at student performance data from the 2023-24 school year. Our students achieved above the state average in all areas. These gains reflect the district’s investments in staff professional development, college and career readiness and student achievement. “Our staff’s dedication to meeting the needs of each student in and out of the classroom has led to our high school being one of the top 10% in the state,” said Superintendent Dr. Nancy Bitner. “Our elementary school is building strong foundations that contributed to both the high school’s exemplary designation and their own commendable designation. At Brussels we have placed a high value on meeting every student where they are and providing support to ensure they are meeting their full potential.” Brussels also saw no

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EAST ST. LOUIS — The Illinois State Board of Education recently revealed the spring 2024 Illinois Report Card to update the public on how each school and district are progressing on a wide range of educational goals. IllinoisReportCard.com is the state’s official source for information about public schools across Illinois. One primary element of the School Report Card is the annual summative designation, which indicates how effectively schools are meeting the diverse needs of all students. Summative designations are calculated by assigning each school points across a range of academic and student success indicators, such as graduation rates, chronic absenteeism, and academic growth. Schools can receive one of five designations: Exemplary, Commendable, Targeted Support, Comprehensive Support, or Intensive Support. Of the East St. Louis School District’s 9 eligible schools*, 7 were awarded a COMMENDABLE designation by the State of Illinois in 2024. “We

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