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ALTON - Alton Little Theater is promoting a new opportunity for thespians: improv classes. Taught by Alex Trepka of 1117 Studio, the improv classes will take place in downtown Alton. Trepka hopes to introduce classes for ages 11–17 and ages 18 and up. He believes that improv is a useful skill and fun experience for people of all backgrounds. “I do think improv is something that younger kids or people of all ages, 11 to 99, can use the skills,” Trepka said. “I’m in the process right now of securing a space so that we can get some classes going.” Alton Little Theater is helping Trepka establish 1117 Studio and start the classes. Lee Cox, executive director of Alton Little Theater, noted that improv is a great chance for new actors to get the experience they need, and she looks forward to seeing Trepka’s classes in action. “I always get calls about, ‘How can I get my kids involved?’ or ‘How can I get acting

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BELLEVILLE/SHILOH — Stephanie Sellers has been named Belleville Memorial's April Employee of the Month, recognized for her exceptional patient care and unwavering support at Memorial Hospital Belleville and Memorial Hospital in Shiloh. Sellers was honored for her unique approach to patient engagement, particularly her efforts to celebrate patients' birthdays. "Stephanie rallies the team for every patient that is noted to have a birthday," said the nominating team member. "She creates birthday balloons and has us sign a card and gather in the patient's room to sing Happy Birthday. This brings a smile to everyone's face. The families and the entire team truly enjoy having a moment to celebrate the patient. Stephanie truly goes above and beyond." The recognition highlights Sellers' dedication to fostering a positive environment for both patients and staff. Her actions have been noted to enhance the overall experience at the hospitals, bringing joy to patients and creating

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GODFREY – More than 1,000 cyclists will converge on Lewis and Clark Community College on Sept. 7-8 for the 40th Annual Bike MS: Gateway Getaway Ride, an event dedicated to raising awareness and funds for multiple sclerosis research. Hosted by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, the event celebrates its 10th year at the college’s picturesque campus. Cyclists will ride up to 200 miles over the two-day event, with routes that showcase the scenic limestone bluffs along the Great River Road and wind through various communities, including Alton, Fosterburg, and Jerseyville. This year’s ride aims to raise $1.3 million to support groundbreaking research and provide vital assistance to the over 9,300 individuals living with MS in the region and the 1 million individuals impacted nationally. “Each year, nearly 56,000 cyclists and more than 5,000 teams across the country ride together to change the world for people living with MS, one mile at a time,” according

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ALTON - Alton’s Coco+Oak will move to a new location later this month, and they’re celebrating with a moving sale this weekend. From 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024, customers can enjoy 75% off clearance items at the boutique, located at 219 William Street in Alton. For one hour from 9–10 a.m., the entire store will be 50% off. Owner Madeleine Eades explained that this sale is part of her preparations to move to 3rd Street, where she plans to rebrand and reopen by Oct. 3, 2024. “I feel like it’s just evolving,” Eades said. “You’re still going to have that feel to it, because at the end of the day, it’s my personality that’s in the brand. So some of that’s going to remain, but I’m also getting older, too, so I’m definitely evolving and so are the styles. We’re always up for change and moving forward and modernizing a little bit. It’s an exciting time.” The store’s

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MORO TOWNSHIP, Ill. – Madison County Coroner Stephen P. Nonn has identified an Alton man who died Tuesday afternoon, Sept. 3, 2024, in a motor vehicle collision in Moro Township, Dorsey, Illinois. The victim, James H. Roberts, 67, of Alton, Illinois, sustained fatal injuries when his semi-truck was struck by a dump truck on Illinois Route 159. The incident occurred near the intersection of North Deer Park Drive at approximately 3:28 p.m. Roberts was driving a semi-truck hauling rock southbound when a northbound dump truck, also hauling rock, crossed the center line. The driver of the dump truck reportedly applied brakes to avoid a fuel tanker that had stopped in the northbound lanes to make a left turn into a driveway. Emergency responders from the Dorsey and Prairietown Fire Departments arrived at the scene, and paramedics from Alton Memorial Ambulance transported the driver of the dump truck to a local hospital for treatment. Roberts was pronounced dead at the scene by Madison

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EDWARDSVILLE – The Nature Preserve Foundation is pleased to announce its annual fundraiser, "Wine and Whiskey for the Watershed," taking place on Thursday, September 26, 2024, at 6:30 PM at the historic Ink House in Edwardsville, Illinois. This year’s event promises an unforgettable evening featuring a curated selection of wines and spirits, along with culinary delights from some of the region’s finest restaurants. “Wine and Whiskey for the Watershed” offers attendees a unique opportunity to indulge in over 60 exceptional wines and spirits, courtesy of Koerner Distributing Inc. Attendees will have the opportunity to purchase the wines and spirits available for (from the) tasting at special event discounts through the event’s retail partner, Bin 51 Wine & Spirits (In Edwardsville). The evening will also showcase signature dishes from seven acclaimed local restaurants: 1818 Chophouse, Cleveland Heath, Bella Milano, Moussalli’s Prime, Mio Osteria

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September 5th is a date marked by a series of significant events that have left an indelible mark on history. 1972 - The Munich Massacre Perhaps one of the most tragic events to ever take place during the Olympic Games occurred on September 5, 1972. The Munich Massacre saw the kidnapping and eventual murder of eleven Israeli athletes by the Palestinian terrorist group Black September. This event not only cast a shadow over the Munich Olympics but also brought to the forefront the dangers of international terrorism. The incident prompted significant changes in global security measures and had profound implications for international relations and counter-terrorism policies. 1839 - The First Opium War Begins On September 5, 1839, the First Opium War commenced between the British Empire and the Qing Dynasty of China. The conflict erupted due to disputes over trade, particularly the illegal opium trade that the British were conducting in China. The war led to the Treaty of Nanking

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SPRINGFIELD - Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias announced the launch of the Lifesaving Education and Awareness on Donation (LEAD) program, enabling high school students to serve as “ambassadors” for the Illinois Organ and Tissue Donor Program. As part of the program, the office is partnering with the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) to give students the opportunity to gain community service hours by participating. The program comes amid a disturbing decline among young people – ages 16 to 21 years old – signing up to become organ and tissue donors when they receive their first driver’s license. Illinois has experienced a 38 percent decrease in the number of new organ donor registrants ages 16 to 21 during the past 10 years, marking a decade-low 32,032 new registrants in 2023. This decrease also follows legislation passed in 2018 that allowed for 16- and 17-year-olds to register, increasing the pool of potential donors. “Our

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ST. LOUIS - United Way of Greater St. Louis (UWGSL) honored Rich McClure, UWGSL board member and former President and CEO of UniGroup, parent company of United Van Lines and Mayflower Transit with the Freeman-Kortkamp Award. The Freeman-Kortkamp Award was created to honor the outstanding service and performance of a UWGSL board member whose efforts helped to build a strong foundation for our region now and for generations to come. “United Way really is a beacon calling us to renew and restore opportunity for human flourishing. This is how we can love the neighbor we don’t know, by supporting United Way,” said McClure. “I am deeply honored by this recognition.” For over 10 years, McClure has been a consistent contributor to UWGSL. Rich and his wife Sharon were the co-chairs of UWGSL’s de Tocqueville Society’s campaign in 2011. He has served on UWGSL’s board of directors since 2013 that included serving as chair in 2017 and 2018. He

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ELSAH - In 1852 at age 54, General James Semple (his Illinois Militia rank) moved his family from Vandalia to Jersey County, Illinois, and as he then said, “settled in the woods, at Jersey Landing,” a village Semple later renamed, Elsah. In this picturesque region of rolling hills and majestic bluffs, four miles from the confluence of the Illinois and Mississippi Rivers, General Semple set about rebuilding his much depleted personal wealth. He purchased the valley in which Elsah Village was established and large tracts of forest and farm land on the bluffs above. He built a family home called Trevue (Tree View), and for the remaining 15 years of his life, this prairie entrepreneur successfully engaged in businesses in land development, freight transfer and farming. Before moving to Elsah, General Semple had abruptly abandoned a long career in public service. He was a life-long Democrat who served three terms in the Illinois House of Representatives; as a diplomatic minister

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CAHOKIA HEIGHTS – State Representative Kevin Schmidt is hosting a Shred Event on Saturday, September 7 from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM at the Cahokia Fitness and Sports Complex. This is a drive-up event for free shredding of your confidential documents. Legislative staff will be on hand to answer questions about state programs or discuss issues. “If you have old medical records, financial statements, or other sensitive information you’re looking to safely dispose of - now’s your chance!” said Schmidt. “We are also partnering with the Cahokia Heights Chamber of Commerce, and they’re going to be accepting old electronics that have been collecting dust.” Also included is an Electronic Recycling Service provided by the Cahokia Heights Chamber of Commerce. List of electronic items accepted: Computer Towers Computer Components Laptops Wire Printers Cell Phones Electric Motors Mice Monitors Floppy Drives Keyboards Speakers

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GODFREY - Lily and Taylor Freer were honored as the latest “Good Neighbors” at the Godfrey Village Board meeting on Tuesday for their efforts raising funds and spirits in the community with their long-held Christmas In July event. The annual fundraiser has become a staple in the community since it began 15 years ago, when the Freers started with a lemonade stand, sloppy Joes, and a dream to help those in need. Taylor was only 5 years old at the time, white Lily was only 2. Just as the event itself has grown over the years, so have the Freers - and so has the amount of money they’ve been able to raise for the Community Christmas initiative, which supports families in need during the holiday season. “That first year when they started … they raised about $2,500 for the Community Christmas,” Economic Development Director Jim Mager said. “Every year, that has grown and grown and grown.” The 2024 installment of the sisters’

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BETHALTO - Students at Parkside Elementary School in Bethalto enjoyed a visit from a dairy cow. On Wednesday, Sept. 4, 2024, the Mobile Dairy Classroom stopped by Parkside Elementary to teach kids about dairy farms. In addition to the 30-minute presentation, students could view a live dairy cow and milking demonstration. “It gives kids an experience that most of them are unlikely to ever get anywhere else,” explained Parkside Principal Aaron Kilpatrick. “We look to provide as many real-world learning opportunities as possible. Part of that learning is being able to make those real-world connections.” This is the second year that the Mobile Dairy Classroom has stopped by Parkside Elementary. The initiative is sponsored by Southwest Dairy Farmers and Southland Dairy Farmers. Christy Halley, a third grade teacher at Parkside, organized the visit. Kilpatrick said that many of the third grade teachers also participate in an adopt-a-calf program. This program

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EDWARDSVILLE - The Edwardsville Glen Carbon Chapter of Habitat for Humanity celebrated a significant milestone with a “Ground Blessing” ceremony for its 10th home on Saturday, Aug. 17, 2024, on Hill Lane in Edwardsville. Volunteers and board members joined the future homeowner's family and their pastor to pray for a safe construction process on the affordable home, which will be located in a welcoming community. “This milestone of the 10th home for our chapter is a tribute to all the volunteers that have helped the organization over the last two decades and highlights the generosity of this community," said Rich Hampton, the Edwardsville Glen Carbon Chapter President. “More importantly, ten worthy families selected have had the opportunity to live in a safe, new home so they can focus on their educations, careers, and paying their blessings forward.” Among those present were friends and relatives supporting Shontay Ford and her two young cousins, ages

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JERSEYVILLE - The latest felony filings from Jersey County show two separate cases of domestic battery, both filed against men from Kane. Elias L.D. Fraley, 32, of Kane, was charged with aggravated domestic battery and unlawful possession of methamphetamine. Fraley allegedly strangled the victim, a household member, on Aug. 24, 2024. He was also found in possession of less than five grams of methamphetamine, according to court documents. Fraley faces a Class 2 felony for the battery charge and a Class 3 felony for meth possession. Jersey County Sheriff’s Office records indicate Fraley has been granted pretrial release from custody. In a separate domestic battery case, Alan K. Simpson, 41, of Kane, was also charged with one count of aggravated domestic battery. Court documents state Simpson “intentionally strangled” the victim on Aug. 24, 2024. Simpson faces a Class 2 felony and has also been released from custody, according to records from the Jersey County

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Discover a wide array of exciting events ranging from festive markets and live music performances to engaging community activities and cultural celebrations. Whether you're looking to enjoy local flavors, participate in family-friendly activities, or immerse yourself in live entertainment, there's something for everyone. For a full listing of upcoming events, visit Riverbender Events and plan your next adventure. If you want to make sure even more of the region is aware of your event email cj@riverbender.com and explore our range of Event Promotion Services! Featured Alton Expo 2024 Join us at the Alton Amphitheater for the 2024 Alton Expo! Enjoy fair food, carnival rides, live entertainment, games, and more. Admission is FREE. The event kicks off on Thursday, September 5, with Polly and the Pocket performing at 7:00pm. On Friday, September 6, Maxa performs at 5:00pm, followed by Dirty Muggs at 8:00pm. The festivities continue on Saturday, September 7, with the Alton Catfish

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JERSEYVILLE - Two individuals have been charged with burglary in separate cases at two Jersey County residences, resulting in felony charges against both. Anthony K. Driver, 33, of Kane, was charged with residential burglary and theft (both Class 1 felonies), as well as possession of a stolen vehicle (a Class 2 felony). Driver allegedly entered a Brighton residence on June 16, 2024, and stole “various coins” with a combined value of over $10,000, as well as a “dune buggy” owned by the same victim. Court documents indicate he has since been granted pretrial release. Danny J. Copeland, 47, of Jerseyville, was charged with one count of burglary without causing damage. On Aug. 27, 2024, Copeland reportedly entered a residence on Sunderland Road in Jerseyville without authority and with the intent to commit a theft. Copeland faces a Class 3 felony for the burglary charge and was ordered remanded to jail until his initial court appearance. He currently remains

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TROY - Madison County Coroner Stephen P. Nonn has identified Patricia A. Corey, 65, of Troy, Illinois, as the victim of a fatal traffic accident that occurred early Wednesday morning, Sept. 4, 2024. The coroner said Corey sustained fatal injuries following a crash on Interstate 55 at the 19-mile marker. According to preliminary witness statements, Nonn said Corey was driving a 2000 Honda Civic westbound in the eastbound lanes of Interstate 70. She then took an exit ramp leading to Interstate 55 against the flow of traffic. The ramp connected to the northbound lanes of Interstate 55, but Corey was traveling southbound. During an attempt to perform a U-turn in the lanes of traffic, her vehicle was struck by a 2012 Honda Civic, causing severe damage to the driver's side. Subsequently, a 2020 Honda Civic collided with the rear passenger side of Corey’s vehicle. The drivers of the other vehicles involved in the crash sustained non-life-threatening injuries. Madison County Coroner’s

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O'FALLON, Ill. — The O'Fallon Community Consolidated School District #90 on Wednesday, Sept. 4, 2024, expressed gratitude to the O'Fallon Fire Rescue for their swift response to an incident at Carriel Junior High School. The incident occurred on Wednesday during an HVAC repair when smoke from a soldering tool was pulled into the school building at 451 N. 7 Hills Road, O'Fallon, IL. The O'Fallon Fire Rescue team quickly arrived at the scene, identified the source of the smoke, and utilized a large blower to clear the building. The incident took place on an Early Release Wednesday, allowing students to spend time outdoors while the situation was being resolved. In a statement, the school district thanked the fire rescue team for their prompt action, ensuring the safety and well-being of students and staff. The weather provided an opportunity for students to remain outside as a precautionary measure.

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GODFREY - Village Dispensary in Godfrey has deals every day this week. The dispensary always offers discounts; Alli, a representative with the dispensary, calls it “a stoner’s dream.” There are specials every day of the week, and customers can walk out with products for less than $20. “A lot of the times at the end of the transaction, people will be like, ‘Oh my gosh, I thought I was going to spend more,’” Alli said. “And then they want to add on more and they weren’t expecting to be able to. The difference is clear at our store.” The dispensary has daily specials, starting with “Roll Into the Week Monday” — a deal on pre-rolls — and “Tasty Tuesday” edible deals. “Waxy Wednesday” offers sales on concentrates and vapes. “Thirsty Thursday” promises 30% off select cannabis-infused drinks, and “Flower Friday” offers flower for the low price of $25.

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