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ALTON - Alton Little Theater has a new executive director. Eric Sykes will step into the role starting in January. Kevin Frakes, the artistic director, will be retiring after his run of “A Christmas Carol” concludes in December, and current executive director Lee Cox will take on a mentorship role as she finishes out the 91st season through May 2025. Sykes’s new role will combine the two positions. “Stepping into one role is hard enough. Having both of those combined is going to be challenging,” Sykes said. “But I’ve always thrived on challenge, so I think it’s going to be good for me and hopefully great for Alton.” Sykes said he fell in love with theater during high school. He continued to act through college and eventually found his way to community theater. He currently serves as the managing director at Alfresco Performing Arts Center in Granite City, where he is directing his final show, “Legally Blonde.”

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BELLEVILLE — Luke Breunig is a Belleville East High School alum who feels right at home at the school in his hometown. Brueunig recently graduated from the University of Illinois with an English degree and a minor in creative writing. He expressed enthusiasm about returning to Belleville East as a teacher, stating, "I'm excited to teach at East because it feels like home. I learned a lot in my time as a student, and I'm excited to start giving back as a teacher." Breunig enjoys reading, writing, music, and art in his free time. Belleville East High School issued a statement and said that it "looks forward to the contributions Breunig will bring to the English department and the positive impact he will have on students."

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GODFREY - ABS Workout Plans and Tropical Smoothie Cafe recently collaborated for a free event that benefited the Alton Police Department’s K9 program. On Aug. 31, 2024, attendees could enjoy a free workout and smoothie samples at ABS Workout Plans at 620 Armsway Boulevard in Godfrey. Donations were encouraged, and all proceeds went to the APD’s K9 unit. Abby, who owns ABS Workout Plans, explained that the event highlighted her interest in working with other businesses to give back. “We really want to keep going and keep growing,” Abby said. “What is a good way that we can promote a new business and give back to the community and also work together in a way that they’re offering different healthy things and we're offering fitness? Those go hand-in-hand, so I’m like, let’s do something.” Abby said she called Tropical Smoothie Cafe manager Tatem at 7 a.m. to talk about her idea, and Tatem was immediately on board. Both businesses

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EAST ST. LOUIS – Phillip E. Tucker, a 37-year-old mail carrier from Madison, pleaded guilty in federal court to stealing a Visa gift card from a collection box in Granite City. Tucker, an employee of the U.S. Postal Service, admitted to the theft which occurred on May 6, 2023. The guilty plea was entered for one count of theft of mail by a postal employee, a crime that carries a maximum sentence of up to five years in prison. "Mail carriers are entrusted public servants, and postal workers who steal from collection boxes willingly break that trust. I commend the investigators for holding this defendant accountable," said U.S. Attorney Rachelle Aud Crowe in a statement. Court documents revealed that Tucker used the stolen gift card on several occasions for personal purchases. The investigation was led by the USPS Office of the Inspector General, and the case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathleen Howard. Tucker is scheduled for sentencing at the federal courthouse

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Today, we take a look back at some of the most pivotal moments in history that occurred on September 6th. The First Continental Congress (1774) On September 6, 1774, the First Continental Congress convened in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. With delegates from twelve of the thirteen American colonies, this gathering was a crucial step in the colonies' quest for independence from British rule. The Congress aimed to address the colonies' grievances against the British government, particularly the Intolerable Acts that had been imposed earlier that year. This assembly set the stage for the American Revolutionary War and the eventual Declaration of Independence in 1776. It was a defining moment that paved the way for the birth of the United States of America. The Discovery of the First Asteroid (1888) On this day in 1888, German astronomer Carl Gustav Witt discovered the first asteroid, 433 Eros, from the Urania Observatory in Berlin. This discovery was groundbreaking as

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GRANITE CITY - The Granite City Fire Department responded to a structure fire on the 2100 block of Lee Avenue late Thursday night. Firefighters arrived at the scene around 11:15 p.m. to find heavy smoke and flames coming from the house. Upon arrival, the department deployed its ladder truck and used the nozzle to flow water through a window. The firefighters managed to bring the fire under control swiftly. The house appeared to be vacant, and no individuals were inside at the time of the fire. The cause of the fire remains unknown.

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ALTON - The Alton Expo opens this weekend with carnival rides, fair food, live music and vendors. Starting on Thursday, Sept. 5, 2024, community members can enjoy the event all weekend at the Alton Amphitheater. Admission to the Alton Expo is free. “When that Ferris wheel goes up, people know it’s the Expo,” said Dan Herkert, Amphitheater Commission Chair. “It’s an event that anybody can come to, and there’s something for everybody between the rides, the food, the beverages and the different musical options. We’re really hoping that we have another good crowd again this year. The community has really supported this event since it came back.” The Expo is open from 5–10 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 5, 2024. Polly and the Pocket, which Herkert describes as “a high-energy, female-fronted alternative rock band,” will play at 7 p.m. On Friday, Sept. 6, 2024, you can check out the Expo from 5–11 p.m. with music

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ALTON - The Mississippi Earthtones Festival, presented by Alton Main Street and the Sierra Club, is a celebration of our river through art, music, and conservation. The 18th annual event will be held at the Alton Amphitheater on Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024 from 12 p.m. until 10 p.m. There is no charge for admission. Each year, MEF introduces a fresh theme along with an exciting array of new components. This year's theme, "Emerge and Be Heard," reflects the festival's coming of age at 18—a pivotal time filled with important decisions. Additionally, it honors the simultaneous emergence of the 13-year Brood alongside the 17-year Brood, symbolizing a powerful moment of growth and connection. Local artists have been commissioned to build large installations to enhance the festival grounds. The Riverbend Yarn Bombers are knitting & crocheting a colorful textile cottage and garden, cultivating a space for the community in a fantasy environment that inspires growth and stewardship of th

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BELLEVILLE - Employees of Revity Credit Union united during the month of August to raise $1,230.00 in support of SWIC Programs and Services for Older Persons Foster Grandparent Program through their Revel for a Cause Jeans Program. The Revel for a Cause Jeans Program is an employee funded program that gives Revity Credit Union employees the opportunity to support the credit union philosophy of people helping people. By making a monthly, monetary donation to a local organization, Revity Credit Union employees can wear jeans and tennis shoes on Fridays and Saturdays during that month. At Revity Credit Union, our commitment lies in supporting our community and prioritizing our members' well-being. We have proudly selected SWIC Programs and Services for the Older Persons Foster Grandparent Program in Belleville as the recipient of our Revel for a Cause donation. This choice was rooted in their dedication to enriching the lives of seniors and other individuals through engaging, health-promoting,

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ALTON - The Hayner Public Library District celebrated Labor Day by recognizing all of the people who work at the library. Mary Cordes, executive director at Hayner, gave every department a special mention during a recent segment of “Our Daily Show!” with CJ Nasello . She thanked the staff members for their dedication to the library and their continued work to help the community. “I’m a little biased, I think we have the best staff,” Cordes said. “I thought we’d give some credit where credit’s due. I hope that everybody comes in and enjoys the people who work there, because we really enjoy our patrons.” Cordes noted that the Genealogy and Local History Library has “such a great staff,” including RiverBender.com contributor Lacy McDonald . Cordes remembers when she and McDonald found hundreds of negatives in a filing cabinet at the old Alton Telegraph building. They stood in front of the filing cabinet

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GLEN CARBON - The Village of Glen Carbon is once again hosting the Randy Gori Memorial Kicks on 66 Ultra Car Show and Cruise presented by Newbold BMW and Newbold Toyota on September 7th, 2024, from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. at Schon Park in Glen Carbon, Illinois. A sneak peek of approximately 20 vehicles and the Kicks on 66 organizers will be at Schon Park on Wednesday, September 4 from 11 a.m. – noon for anyone interested in seeing a sampling of the vehicles and to ask questions about the event. Alex Rosenberger, owner of MasterCars, Inc., says car show attendees should expect more than 650 cars this year, with food vendors, bounce houses, and a live band playing during the show. “The cars start showing up between 7:30 a.m. and 8 a.m. with the park opening to the public at 11 a.m. A few new clubs are expected to participate this year, bringing some rare exotic Ferrari and Lamborghini brands to the show field. It is always exciting to see vehicles spanning the decades,”

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ST. LOUIS - Former Shriners Children’s St. Louis patient Noelle Malkamaki just broke her own world record in shot put at the United States Paralympic Trials and the world champion is now a heavy favorite for gold at the Paris Games. Before getting comfortable in her duality as a para sport star and a Division I athlete, Malkamaki appreciated the comfort she felt being treated at Shriners Children’s from a young age. Malkamaki came into this world without a right hand after being born with amniotic band syndrome but never slowed down as a child growing up. This Decatur, Illinois, native started going to Shriners Children’s before kindergarten and said it was one of the only spaces that felt like it was truly built for her. She knew doctors, staff, other patients and families wouldn’t look at her weirdly at Shriners Children’s. Everything about her limb difference felt normal there. “I felt prioritized from a young age at Shriners Children’s,”

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ALTON - “You can’t have a circus without clowns and girls, and you must have plenty of both, if you have a big circus, such as the Hagenbeck-Wallace, which comes to Alton on September 8, for afternoon and night performances, with a more than a mile-long street parade at 11 a.m. circus day.” The circus was set up at Riverfront Park, with a big top that could accommodate 10,000 people. The Hagenbeck-Wallace circus had 50 clowns, the best that “ever trouped under the white tops,” and 150 “beautiful and stately girls.” There were also three herds of performing elephants, the Orrin Davenport troupe of equestrians, Australian Wood-choppers, “just arrived from the ‘land of the kangaroos’” and three troupes of Chinese stars, here by special permission of the Chinese government. There were aerialists, acrobats, and perch artists. Over $50,000 (approximately $925,000 in 2024 money) was spent on wardrobe alone for the performers.

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PIASA - Amanda Edwards is a very successful high school and middle school girls softball coach at Southwestern and she is ecstatic that five of her high school girls - Sydney Valdes, Ella Kadell, Grace Strohbeck, Vivian Zurheide and Hannah May - have decided to serve this season as volunteer coaches. For their efforts, the girls are Altonized Community Federal Credit Union Female Athletes of the Month for the Piasa Birds. Some of the girls are involved in volleyball for the fall and then head to the middle school practices and also helped in late summer. Those two girls - Hannah and Vivian - will also be profiled as Athletes of the Month separately too for their overall athletic efforts for Southwestern. "The five girls serve as mentors for the middle school girls team and are truly doing a phenomenal job. I am very blessed to have them as assistant coaches." Amanda said the five girls basically help teach every middle school player what it is like to be a "Piasa Bird player." Ella

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EDWARDSVILLE — Taylor Maack, a sophomore at Metro East Lutheran High School in Edwardsville, has been named a BJ's Printables Female Athlete of the Month. Maack has demonstrated exceptional skill in soccer, volleyball, and basketball, showcasing her versatility and athleticism. "Taylor Maack will be ready to take on the defenses in the forward role next season as she is fast as a roadrunner," said Jason Waller, Maack's soccer coach. Waller expressed confidence in Maack's future in soccer, highlighting her speed and potential on the field. Coach Rob Stock, who guides Maack in girls' basketball, echoed similar sentiments about her capabilities on the court. "She was a point guard in basketball as a freshman and she played really well and came and adapted to high school basketball in quick fashion," Stock said. "She will continue to grow and get better. We saw her progress this summer as she learns the position. We expect to see great things from her this basketball season, volleyball

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ST. LOUIS COUNTY - On Wednesday, September 4, 2024, the St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office issued charges on suspect Casey Albrecht, 40 years of age, of the 4100 block of Concordia Avenue, St Louis, MO 63116, for one count of Burglary Second Degree, one count of Stealing $750 or More, and one count of Resisting/Interfering with Arrest. A booking photo of Albrecht is attached. Albrecht is being held on $150,000 cash only, no 10% bond. On Wednesday, September 4, 2024, the St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office issued charges on suspect Johnny Miller, 52 years of age, of the 1500 block of North Classen, Oklahoma City, OK 73106, for one count of Burglary Second degree, one count of Stealing $750 or More, and one count of Resisting/Interfering with Arrest. A booking photo of Miller is attached. Miller is being held on $150,000 cash only, no 10% bond. Please note, charges are merely an accusation, and Defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven

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ALTON – On September 17, 2024, Challenge Unlimited joins a coalition of thousands of Partners across the country that will celebrate National Voter Registration Day with a coordinated democracy blitz aimed at getting every eligible American registered to vote in advance of election 2024! Every eligible citizen should have the option to exercise their right to be heard at the ballot box, and with well over 5 million registered voters to its name since 2012, National Voter Registration Day is the perfect day to start getting America #VoteReady for Election 2024. With this year’s holiday being the last big opportunity to get millions of Americans registered to vote in advance of the presidential election, there’s no time like National Voter Registration Day to ensure every eligible American is ready to participate in our shared democracy this November 5. “As a disability services organization we believe everyone’s voice matters and September 9th kick

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GODFREY - Amid reports of heart attacks at local pickleball courts, the Godfrey Village Board on Tuesday weighed the possibility of installing an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) device near the village’s own pickleball courts at Glazebrook Park. Trustee Craig Lombardi noted there have been a few heart attacks reported at pickleball courts around the Riverbend, including in Wood River, East Alton, and Godfrey. Citing a suggestion from residents, Lombardi said having an AED on site would be a logical way for the village to prepare for such an incident. “An AED machine I know costs a little bit, but it was suggested to me that we probably have something up there,” Lombardi said. “It is an older sport, a lot of younger kids are playing it, but … the chances of this happening more and more just realistic to me.” While Trustee Rick Lauschke raised concerns about training and liability, Parks & Recreation Director Chris Logan said the devices

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SMITHTON - A former resident of Bria of Smithton, a skilled care nursing facility in Smithton, has been awarded $3.5 million after an improperly treated infection led to the partial amputation of her right leg. The St. Clair County court ruled in favor of the 64-year-old woman on August 27, 2024. She was represented by Gianaris Trial Lawyers in Alton. The resident developed an infection in her right great toe in 2022, which, according to the lawsuit filed by attorney Ted Gianaris, was not properly treated for many months. This led to sepsis, a bone infection, and gangrene. Eventually, the resident was sent to a hospital emergency room and underwent a below-the-knee amputation. Prior to losing her leg, she had suffered a stroke that affected her left side, resulting in her confinement to a wheelchair. “This poor lady had an infection for a long time before July of 2022, but the facility didn’t do the right thing. She had gangrene of her toe, and her family wasn’t

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GODFREY - On Sept. 7-8, 2024, more than 1,000 cyclists will take part in the 40th Annual Bike MS: Gateway Getaway, an event dedicated to raising awareness and funds to find a cure for multiple sclerosis. Hosted by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society and set against the beautiful backdrop of Lewis and Clark Community College — where it has been held for the past 10 years—this year’s ride celebrates four decades of impactful efforts against MS. This year’s goal is to raise $1.3 million to support groundbreaking research and provide vital assistance to the over 9,300 individuals living with MS in our area and the 1 million individuals impacted nationally. Cyclists will ride up 200 miles over two days, Sept. 7-8. This fully supported ride will include routes traveling along the limestone bluffs on the Great River Road and winding through Lewis and Clark district communities, including Godfrey, Alton, Fosterburg, Bethalto, Elsah, Otterville, Jerseyville, Brighton

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