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SPRINGFIELD – Governor JB Pritzker and Illinois State Fair officials unveiled the Butter Cow today in the Dairy Building on the Illinois State Fairgrounds. Inspired by “It’s Showtime!” the 2024 fair theme, sculptor Sarah Pratt’s creation captures the magic of the fair through the eyes of a child. While the Butter Cow is the undisputed star of the show, this year, the cow has a delightful companion – a little girl pulling a seven-scoop ice cream cone out of her magician’s hat. Pratt was joined this year by her husband and twin daughters, Hannah and Grace, 20. “As we worked together on the sculptures, our family fondly recalled a song we used to sing, ‘How many scoops do you want on your cone?’ when the girls were young,” said Sarah Pratt, 2024 Illinois State Fair Butter Cow Sculptor. “We enjoyed incorporating our family memories into new ones for this year’s fair visitors.” “The

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GODFREY - A street improvement project for a portion of Pierce Lane in Godfrey is moving forward following unanimous approval from the Village Board on Tuesday. The project area will span 1.534 miles of Pierce Lane from Stamper Lane to Airport Road. Improvements to be made include “roadway construction including new concrete pavement, storm sewers, inlets, curb and gutter, and shared-use path on one side,” according to the Resolution for Improvements Under the Illinois Highway Code. The village has agreed as part of the resolution to contribute $50,000 of Motor Fuel Tax (MFT) funds toward the project’s completion. While it was noted the work would be completed by “contract,” a timeline for bids has not yet been determined. With no further discussion, trustees voted unanimously to approve the Resolution for Improvements Under the Illinois Highway Code. This won’t be the only improvement project to Pierce Lane, following Finance Committee

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EDWARDSVILLE — A Collinsville man has been found guilty of multiple counts of sexual assault involving a child, Madison County State’s Attorney Tom Haine announced Wednesday. Markki L. Edmonson, 48, was convicted on four counts of predatory criminal sexual assault of a child, an enhanced class X felony, and one count of criminal sexual assault, a class 1 felony. The verdict came after a bench trial in Circuit Court of Madison County. Edmonson was found guilty of committing sexual acts with a victim who was between the ages of 9 and 13 from Jan. 1, 2016, to Feb. 14, 2018. The assaults were reported after the child disclosed the incidents to a school social worker. Assistant State’s Attorney Rebecca Buettner, in her closing argument, asserted that the victim’s statements were credible, while the defendant’s were not. The investigation was conducted by the Collinsville Police Department and the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services. "We commen

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CHICAGO – The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (“IDFPR”) announced today, in addition to modernizing outdated processes, it has reached an agreement to secure a new professional licensing system for individuals whose careers require a license to work in Illinois. Through an approximately $9 million investment over the next three years by the Pritzker Administration and the General Assembly, IDFPR will partner with NIC Licensing Solutions, LLC, an industry leading digital government service provider, to implement the new online system. “This new system will elevate the State of Illinois as a national leader in professional licensing by providing state of the art technology for professionals looking to make a career in the Land of Lincoln,” said IDFPR Secretary Mario Treto, Jr. “Governor Pritzker and lawmakers provided invaluable support in ensuring we can move forward with this upgrade, and I thank them for their

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EDWARDSVILLE - Three dynamic jewelry artists will create positive attention at the upcoming Edwardsville Art Fair on Sept. 27-29, 2024, at City Park. These are three artists who will appear and comments about their artwork: Artist #1 Artist Name: Venus Cramer Artist Medium: Jewelry Artist Statement: " My jewelry is creative, bold and contemporary. I use traditional materials such as sterling silver, gold and precious gemstones, as well as nontraditional mediums including fabric, wood and car paint, These finished forms are my offspring and cannot be denied. They are birthed to find their rightful owners." Artist #2 Artist Name: Alisa Butts Artist Medium: Jewelry Artist Statement: " My goal in creating Elucido Glass jewelry is to offer women a bold wearable art that gives them their empowering pop of color without overstepping their comfort level. I want women to recognize and celebrate their inner and outer beauty." Artist #3 Artist Name: Joseph

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EDWARDSVILLE – The Edwardsville Municipal Band invites the community to an evening of music at the "Musical Potpourri" concerts. The first performance will take place on Thursday, August 8, at 8 p.m. at the Cleaon Etzkorn Bandstand in City Park. For those who prefer a weekend outing, the concert will be repeated on Sunday, August 11, at 4 p.m. at Leclaire Park. The program will showcase an assortment of musical selections, ranging from pops and blues to Broadway and Slavonic folk songs. The concerts will also feature performances by bassoon players Shelia Acuncius and Anthea Ybarra, and clarinet player Nicole Schmidt. In addition to enjoying the music, attendees will have the opportunity to support local community groups. Concessions at the Thursday performance will benefit the St. Boniface group, while Sunday's concessions will support the Friends of Leclaire. "We invite you to join us for an evening (or afternoon) of musical enjoyment and community spirit," the band stated

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ALTON - The Alton Community Unit School District #11 is gearing up for the first day of school next week. Rene Hart, Director of Curriculum and Instruction, noted that teachers have completed several hours of professional learning throughout the summer. Much of this professional learning has focused on literacy, and there are a few updates to the Alton High School English curriculum that include increased student choice and the introduction of artificial intelligence. “We’re really excited about the professional development being an investment into the future of our students and ensuring all students receive high-quality education that prepares them for success,” Hart said. “We’ve definitely taken a literacy focus this summer, but really, best practices for instruction and just making sure that we’re aligned and that teachers are well-supported.” Hart said there were 439 staff sign-ins for professional learning, 178 total hours of professional

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SPRINGFIELD – To help ensure those who are prohibited by law from having a firearm, and who pose a threat, do not have guns in their possession, the Illinois State Police (ISP) conducted numerous firearm enforcement details in counties across the state from June 24 through July 19, 2024. The enforcement details focused on individuals who have become the subject of a Firearms Restraining Order or Clear and Present Danger, or received a criminal conviction, among other reasons. “Firearms Restraining Orders and Clear and Present Danger reporting are two highly effective tools for getting firearms out of the hands of someone who poses a significant threat to themselves or others,” said Brendan F. Kelly. “As the use of these tools increases, so does the need for law enforcement to be able to safely conduct these arduous, intensive enforcement details.” From July 2023 through June 2024, ISP received approximately 11,300 Clear and Present Danger reports,

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GOLCONDA – Illinois State Police (ISP) Division of Criminal Investigation Zone 7 was requested by the United States Marshals Service (USMS) to investigate an officer involved shooting. On August 6, 2024, at approximately 9:26 p.m., deputies with the USMS and an officer with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources were attempting to serve an arrest warrant issued from Indiana on 40-year-old Floyd D. Caudill of Oakland City, Indiana. Caudill was tracked to the Lake Glendale Campground in Golconda. The officers made verbal contact with Caudill, but Caudill refused to exit his tent. A shot was fired from within the tent and a deputy marshal returned fire. Caudill was subsequently located deceased in the tent. ISP is leading the open and ongoing investigation. An autopsy is pending. No additional information will be released at this time.

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MARYLAND HEIGHTS, Mo. — Rapper and St. Louis icon Nelly was arrested Wednesday morning, Aug. 7, 2024, in St. Louis County, officials said. Nelly, whose birth name is Cornell Haynes II, was taken into custody around 5 a.m. by the Missouri State Highway Patrol's Gaming Division at the Hollywood Casino. The arrest stemmed from a failure to appear warrant issued in 2018 out of Maryland Heights, Mo. Arrest records indicate that the 49-year-old was also found in possession of four ecstasy pills, a controlled substance, and was without insurance at the time of his arrest. The Maryland Heights Police Department confirmed that they received Haynes from the Missouri State Highway Patrol and subsequently arrested him for the outstanding warrant. Authorities also stated that he has since been released from custody.

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GODFREY - Multiple Godfrey residents on Tuesday expressed safety concerns regarding constant speeding and reckless driving on Pierce Lane and North Hanser Lane in Godfrey, calling on village officials to take action and proposing various solutions. Resident Samantha Steele said a drunk driver drove through her house, extensively damaging the home and leading her to fear for the safety of her 3-year-old child while alarming the surrounding neighborhood. Both she and her neighbor Jill Wegescheide, who witnessed the incident and also feared for her family’s safety, said Pierce Lane desperately needs more traffic safety measures in place. One proposed solution concerned a guardrail which once stood in the area but neighbors say has been in a state of disrepair for far too long. An item on the Public Safety Committee agenda later passed unanimously to not only repair the guardrail but also install new signage, including two arrow signs and three Chevron signs at a total cost

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ALTON - Community members lined up in the Alton Housing Authority’s housing developments for free meals on Wednesday, Aug. 7, 2024. From 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Aug. 7, four food trucks delivered 500 free hot meals to community members in the Oakwood Estates, Alton Acres, Toledo Estates and Alton Manor housing developments. “We’ll just enjoy one another and use food as a way to connect and bless the people,” explained John Michel. Michel oversees the operations of Soulcial Kitchen and Currency of Caring, two programs that fall under the Food is Love brand and aim to fight food insecurity in the St. Louis metro area. He explained that the Currency of Caring program allows people to purchase $8 tokens to provide a free meal to their neighbors. This month, Alton Township decided to purchase 500 tokens to provide meals to community members. “We’re going to do 500 meals, 125 meals per truck, and a total of $4,000,” said Ray Strebel,

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SWANSEA – State Rep. Jay Hoffman, D-Swansea, will join state Sen. Christopher Belt, D-Swansea, and state Rep. Katie Stuart, D-Edwardsville, in a visit to Cambridge House of Swansea Thursday at 2 p.m. to highlight legislative efforts to support older adults – including an increase in the monthly personal needs allowance for qualifying supportive living facility residents from $90 to $120 per month. “Personal needs allowances help older adults with small personal expenses, such as paying for haircuts, clothing, magazines and other purchases,” Hoffman said. “These are often the kinds of purchases we take for granted, and every dollar helps. Whether it’s to buy a treat for a grandkid or something personal, this is an increase that matters.” Hoffman has been a leading advocate for an increase in the monthly personal needs allowance, introducing legislation that would effectively raise the figure for qualifying supportive living facility residents

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WOOD RIVER — The Health Department warns public after mosquitos tested positive for West Nile virus in Madison County. Madison County Health Department announced that mosquito batches collected in Madison County on Aug. 2, tested positive for West Nile virus. West Nile Virus is transmitted through the bite of a mosquito that has picked up the virus by feeding on an infected bird. Common West Nile Virus symptoms include fever, nausea, headache and muscle aches. Symptoms may last from a few days to a few weeks. However, four out of five people infected with West Nile Virus will not show any symptoms. In rare cases, severe illness including meningitis or encephalitis, or even death, can occur. People older than 50 are at higher risk for severe illness from West Nile Virus. The best way to prevent West Nile disease or any other mosquito-borne illnesses is to reduce the number of mosquitoes around your home and to take personal precautions to avoid mosquito bites. Avoid

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ALTON - The Hayner Library has a busy event schedule ahead, offering a wide variety of informative programming to the community. From scam awareness to healthy living, live musical performances and much more, the library’s range of upcoming events offers something for everyone. Mary Cordes, the Executive Director of Hayner Library, appeared on Our Daily Show! on Riverbender.com to share more about the upcoming programs at the library. An event on Avoiding Scams and Scammers is set for Aug. 14, 2024 from 6 to 7 p.m. at Hayner’s Alton Square Mall location, which Cordes said is in-depth and informative for all. “Even people who are super tech-savvy are susceptible to scams and scammers,” she said. “We’re talking about how to avoid them, if it happens to you, what you can do. We’re taking an in-depth look at the different kinds of scams and how to identify them, steps you can take to protect yourself, and then what you can do i

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BELLEVILLE — A black bear has been sighted roaming in St. Clair County, according to the Illinois Conservation Police. The bear was first spotted off Illinois Route 157 in the former Centreville area and later near the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows in Belleville. The bear, believed to be a male, had initially been reported near Columbia, Illinois, the day before. "There have been quite a few sightings as the bear moves up through Illinois," said Don Schachner, a conservation police officer with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. "It started in Columbia on Monday, and we got a couple of reports near Valmeyer, Illinois, which is a more rural area." An earlier report came from Croatia Drive in Columbia, where the bear climbed a tree, causing a five-hour ordeal as crowds gathered and authorities worked to disperse them. "When a bear climbs a tree like that, it's usually because something panicked them," Schachner explained. "It's a defense mechanism; they wait

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EDWARDSVILLE — The Edwardsville Police Department welcomed a new member to its team as Officer Jessica Flores was sworn in Tuesday night before the City Council. Officer Flores officially began her duties on July 23, 2024. Having completed her training at the police academy, Officer Flores is now participating in the department's field training program. She joins the ranks as one of six female police officers currently serving in Edwardsville. "We're happy to have her launch her law enforcement career on the City's behalf," said a representative from the department. Officer Flores's addition to the force underscores the department's ongoing commitment to diversifying its team and enhancing its service to the community.

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EAST ST. LOUIS – Area residents looking for employment or interested in pursuing a new career path are invited to attend a free Job Fair hosted by Illinois State Representative Kevin Schmidt: Friday, August 23 9:00 AM – Noon Wyvetter H. Younge Higher Education Campus Multipurpose Room – Building D 601 James R. Thompson Blvd, East St. Louis “I’m thrilled to host my second Job Fair,” said Schmidt. “Now, more than ever, our community is struggling to find jobs. Inflation is high, food and childcare costs are rising, and our people need help. I’ve worked hard to bring together a wide array of employers to provide opportunity for anyone. Together with these employers and the workshops we’ll provide, I believe all who come out will be informed, empowered, and connected.” Attendees are encouraged to bring plenty of resumes and dress to impress! Three free workshops are being offered: 9:30 AM – Creating

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CHICAGO- Today, Governor JB Pritzker signed SB3479 into law, also known as the Veteran’s Consumer Fraud Bill. The legislation broadens the definition of “veteran or military benefits services” to include any consultation services that would assist in obtaining, changing, or appealing benefits decisions. The bill also targets predatory “claim sharks,” or non-VA accredited individuals or companies that charge for consultation and filing services. These services are offered for free through government and non-profits across Illinois. “Our state’s veterans and military members always deserve clarity and protection when navigating the social services process,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “With these amendments to the Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act, we can ensure claim sharks are prevented from charging Illinoisans hefty fees for services that are offered for free statewide. I want to thank my partners in the General

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CARROLLTON - Boyd Healthcare Services is bringing to Carrollton "Disbelief," St. Louis’s premier magic and comedy show on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024. This exciting presentation will astound and mystify guests as they experience magic and comedy routines by interacting with the performers. This big-time entertainment event is part of Boyd’s efforts to keep providing quality healthcare services to area residents. In turn, it is a real opportunity for area residents to contribute to help ensure that these services will continue to be offered at sites close to home, and have a jolly good time in the process. A matinee show for kids will begin at 4 p.m. and will include light snacks and drinks. Those ages five and younger are free, with a $10 charge for each of those ages 6 through 12, and kids 13 and above are $15 each. The main event, which includes dinner along with interactive magic and comedy, begins at 6:30 p.m. The dinner will be prepared and served by the Knights of Columbu

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