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ALTON - From Bluey to Blippi to Mickey Mouse, “We Like to PARTY” has a variety of characters who can make your party even more fun. After Whitney Bilan struggled to find a Peppa Pig costume to celebrate her daughter’s birthday, she decided she would start her own company to provide characters for parties, home visits and other events in the Riverbend area. A few months later, Bilan’s company has grown to include several costumes and hundreds of excited kids who love to hang out with their favorite characters. “It’s just very fulfilling to know that these kids are so excited,” Bilan said. “I want to do something that I enjoy. This is something that I’ve put my heart into. I know how much kids enjoy seeing a character and making them smile. It’s just great.” Bilan’s best friend, nieces and 16-year-old daughter are usually the people in the costumes. She said the business has been a fun way to bring joy

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HARDIN - A Fieldon woman - Loren K. Dale - faces multiple charges after a traffic stop in Calhoun County. The Calhoun County Sheriff's report reads as follows: On January 5, 2024, at approximately 9:05 p.m., deputies with the Calhoun County Sheriff's Office observed a silver 1999 GMC strike the side of the Joe Page Bridge, and continue eastbound towards Greene County. Calhoun County Deputy Sheriff Austin Phillips and Sergeant Zach Hardin immediately began an attempt to stop the fleeing vehicle, which continued eastbound across the Bridge. "After continuing eastbound, the vehicle turned north onto Sand Ridge Road and finally pulled over." Dale, 54, was arrested for the following offenses: Aggravated Driving Under the Influence (Four or More Previous), Leaving the Scene of an Accident, Fleeing / Attempt to Elude a Peace Officer, Operating Uninsured Motor Vehicle, Dale was arrested without incident and transported to the Calhoun County Sheriff's Office. As is now required under

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EAST ST. LOUIS – A district judge sentenced a semitrailer driver to 12 years in federal prison after he admitted to hauling nearly 40 kilograms of heroin, fentanyl, meth and cocaine through Southern Illinois. Ledaniel Russell, 50, of Fort Worth, Texas, pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance: heroin, fentanyl, meth and cocaine. “Heroin, fentanyl, meth and cocaine all have a dangerous history of infecting individuals and causing harm in communities due to the war on drugs,” said U.S. Attorney Rachelle Aud Crowe. “I commend the Illinois State Police for interrupting this drug trafficking operation and having the training to detect semitrailer drivers with illegitimate agendas.” Troopers with the Illinois State Police conducted a traffic stop on a semitrailer driven by Russell along Interstate 70 in Madison County on Sept. 15, 2022. Following a search of Russell’s trailer, troopers located two larg

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GRAFTON - Pere Marquette State Park boasts several new programs in the new year, including a special night hike event planned for Feb. 3, 2024. Lev Smolianski, Pere Marquette’s new Natural Resource Coordinator , explained that the night hike will start at 8 p.m. and run for two hours as the group takes a 2.5-mile hike through the park. “It’s just different at that time of day. It’s the same but different. So I think it really brings people out of their comfort zones,” Smolianski said. “It’s not something that people go out and get to do. When you go hiking, you go from sunrise to sunset. I think that when you go into the woods at night, it’s a completely different ballgame. I think it’s going to be a really unique experience and I think people are going to really enjoy it.” He pointed out that attendees will be able to see different wildlife, including bobcats and raccoons, as well as city lights from St. Louis

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WASHINGTON, D.C. - Pat McCroy, the national co-chair of No Labels and former governor of North Carolina, recently announced the organization has called for a Department of Justice investigation into threats made against members of No Labels. No Labels recently held a press conference to announce the investigation request, which McCroy explained in further detail on an episode of Our Daily Show! on Riverbender.com . “We had the press conference to announce that we’re asking the U.S. Justice Department to investigate groups, coordinated groups that are working we think allegedly in an illegal manner to stop No Labels - and frankly, other groups - from having a chance to give voters an opportunity to have another choice on the ballot,” McCroy said. “We think this is as important as taking away someone’s right to vote … what they’re trying to do is deny access to a ballot verbally and threatening not only people associated with No Labels,

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GRANITE CITY - Joseph J. Nappier, 24, of Granite City, was charged with one count of domestic battery after attacking a household or family member with a knife on Jan. 12, 2024. Nappier has previously been convicted of violating orders of protection, according to Madison County court documents. According to a petition to deny Nappier’s pretrial release, the victim reported Nappier “became intoxicated and aggressive” before he pushed them into a wall, causing them to cut their head. A witness reported “attempting to intervene in the attack and the defendant brandishing a knife. She was cut on the hand trying to stop the defendant from attacking .” The victim in this case also told officers she was concerned Nappier “is going to kill her.” “Bethalto PD reports multiple calls to this residence for OP violations, disorderly conduct and disturbances involving the defendant,” the petition states, adding Nappier is currently on

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EDWARDSVILLE — The Madison County Chief Assessment Office is announcing that property tax-saving exemption renewal applications for the 2024 tax year are now available. Chief County Assessment Officer Denise Shores is reminding property owners to fill out their renewal forms, which include: Persons with Disabilities Standard Homestead for Veterans with Disabilities Low-Income Senior Citizens Assessment Freeze Homestead Exemption Exemptions are savings that contribute to lowering a homeowner’s property tax bill. If homeowners are unsure of their existing exemptions, they can check by reviewing their exemption history under the Real Estate Assessment/Tax Information Look-up. The information shows when the property owner requested the exemption, when it was first granted and the renewal date. Applications for those who need to reapply or new homeowners or first-time applicants are available on Madison County’s website at https://www.madisoncountyil.gov/departments/chief_county_assesment_office/available_exemptions.php

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WOOD RIVER - The Alton Community Service League (ACSL) will celebrate Valentine’s Day with a wine-tasting fundraiser on Feb. 10, 2024. The proceeds will go to organizations in the community supported by ACSL. From 3–5 p.m., attendees can enjoy alcoholic and nonalcoholic wines, a Valentine’s Day gift basket raffle, a Valentine's Cart for kids raffle, a 50/50 drawing and more at the Wood River Moose #1349, located at 730 Wesley Drive in Wood River. Olive Oil Marketplace will also be onsite offering samples, and attendees can try a variety of wines throughout the evening provided by Republic National Distribution Company of Illinois. Tickets cost $20 and all of the money will go toward the ACSL grant program, which benefits local organizations and nonprofits. “The league is all about supporting the community we live in,” said member Cora Miller. “We love it. We enjoy it. We get a lot of gratification out of helping others. Our biggest effort

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JACKSONVILLE - Bethalto's Kylee Marie Golden was named to the Dean's List at Illinois College in Jacksonville. She is a 2023 Civic Memorial graduate. Candidates for the Illinois College Dean's List have to complete at least 14 graded semester hours and post a grade-point average of 3.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale.

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EAST ST. LOUIS - A woman from East St. Louis has been charged with two felonies and a misdemeanor after allegedly threatening and spitting in the face of a Granite City Police officer, in addition to disorderly conduct, according to Madison County court documents. On Jan. 12, 2024, Henderson allegedly spat in the face of an officer for the Granite City Police Department, and also reportedly conveyed “a statement that she intended to kill and his children.” She also “caused a disturbance” at the Midwest Petroleum located at 3999 Nameoki Rd. in Granite City “by yelling … in such an unreasonable manner as to alarm or disturb another,” according to court documents. A petition to deny her pretrial release describes the incident as follows: “Officers responded to Midwest Petroleum for a disturbance. Officers contacted Defendant and placed her under arrest. Defendant on officer and repeatedly stated that she would kill officers

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GRANITE CITY – The Illinois Department of Transportation announced today that repairs on eastbound Interstate 270 between Illinois 3 and Riverview Drive in Missouri will require lane closures starting, weather permitting, at 9 p.m., Friday, Jan. 26. One lane will always remain open. All lanes will reopen by 5 a.m. Monday, Jan. 29. Motorists should expect delays and are encouraged to use alternate routes during this closure. Drivers are urged to reduce speed, be alert for changing conditions, obey all construction signage, and refrain from using mobile devices while approaching and traveling through the work zone. For IDOT District 8 updates, follow us on Twitter at @IDOTDistrict8 or view area construction details on IDOT’s traveler information map on GettingAroundIllinois.com.

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GODFREY – Lewis and Clark Community College will honor Martin Luther King, Jr. during its annual MLK Commemoration event at 12:30 p.m., this Thursday, Jan. 25, in the Ahlemeyer Atrium (TR 141) on the college’s Godfrey Campus. “Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s leadership toward racial justice laid down the framework for what we are still working toward today,” said L&C Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusive Excellence Mya Lawrence. “He showed us how to speak up during a time when people did not hear his words. His tenacity and contributions to American history is why we continually acknowledge all that he did throughout his life. We invite everyone in the LC community to honor his legacy with us.” This free public event will honor King’s civil rights work by showcasing select signature speeches performed by Lewis and Clark students, live music by the Blancas (led by Brenda Lancaster, of the L&C Music Department), free refreshments,

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Letter To The Editor: The Madison County Board approved lifetime appointments to two individuals at its January monthly meeting. Bob McClellan for the Agricultural Areas Committee and Matt King, a sitting county board member, to the Southwestern Illinois Law Enforcement Commission. All lifetime appointments. Lifetime appointments are not only illegal, but they are a relic of nobility and the giving of titles. They are contemptible and go against every value of representative government. Should anyone be given a free pass from public oversight? The concept of lifetime appointments, outside of the US Supreme Court, has been clearly and fully eliminated throughout the nation, except in Madison County, where the law never seems to totally apply. Lastly, county board members with 2- and 4-year terms are making decisions they will not be around to answer for. Everyone should insist on these gentlemen being reappointed with a defined 2- to 4-year term. Douglas Hulme Edwardsville - Madison

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PIASA - Cason Robinson is a freshman who is already having an impact in the varsity boys' basketball ranks. Southwestern has a boisterous student fan backing and often when he scores they chant to the opponents: "He is a freshman." Anyone studying Cason on the court can see he has a love of basketball. Cason is an Altonized Community Federal Credit Union Male Athlete of the Month. The Piasa Birds' head boys basketball coach Jason Darr believes Cason has unbelievable potential for the future and is glad to see the freshman logging so much varsity time on the court in the 2023-2024 campaign. "Cason doesn't play like a freshman," Coach Darr said. "He is super aggressive and you don't see that a lot out of kid that age. I coached all three of his brothers. There has been a Robinson in the boys' basketball program every year for close to the last 14 years. They are a good family and were all great kids and very coachable." Cason has a great eye for basketball and will likely sink man

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ALTON - A proposed partnership to host a Formula 1 powerboat championship race in Alton called the “2024 Alton Midwest Nationals” is on the agenda for Alton city officials to consider this week. If approved, the 2024 Alton Midwest Nationals would take place from Friday, June 21, 2024 to Sunday, June 23, 2024. The race course would consist of a seven-turn loop near the Alton riverfront area of the amphitheater, where there would also be “fan viewing” and “pit area” seating areas. According to “introduction” documents submitted to city officials by F1 Powerboat Championship , “The Formula 1 Powerboat Championship is a 6-8 race series contested across North America from May through October.” “Established in 2017, the series features weekend long community events highlighted by 20+ Formula 1 boats reaching speeds of 120 mph,” they state in the introduction. “The up-close and personal, deck to deck, sponson-banging

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ROXANA - Sophomore forward Tatum Shaw appears destined for a strong future in both girls' basketball and volleyball at Roxana High School. She has been a mainstay of the girls' basketball team this season and was a volleyball standout in the fall of 2023. Shaw is a Midwest Members Credit Union Female Athlete of the Month for Roxana. Roxana head girls basketball coach Addaya Moore said Tatum is "absolutely amazing" for her squad. "I love coaching her because of how hard she goes every possession," Moore said. "Tatum can do something that nobody else on the team can do and guard any of the one through five players on a team. She can guard every position and hold their best player to limited points." Coach Moore said Tatum has improved tremendously in the 2023-2024 girls basketball season. "She is right on track to be an important player for Roxana in the future," she said. "We are now starting three sophomores and Tatum is the key to a lot of our game plans." Again, congrats to Tatu

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EDWARDSVILLE - During their meeting on Jan. 17, 2024, the Madison County Board voted to approve a $3M project to build a sally port/intake portal at the Madison County Jail. The Central Services Committee and Finance and Government Operations Committee presented a resolution to award a contract for an addition at the Madison County Jail for the Madison County Facilities Management Department. Later in the meeting, the Board also approved an emergency appropriation of $1,649,207 from the Capital Projects Fund to help fund the sally port/intake portal project. “I’d just like to say it’s a much-needed upgrade at the jail to upgrade the sally port for the safety of all the officers involved in just the overall operations of the jail,” said Dalton Gray, a member of the Finance and Government Operations Committee. “It’s an expensive project. I would like to have seen maybe a smaller price tag there. I think we all would’ve. That being said,

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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today delivered a speech on the Senate floor recognizing the sixth annual National Gun Violence Survivors Week. During his remarks, Durbin spoke about the horror of mass shootings and shared stories about the emotional and physical toll that gun violence has on communities in Illinois. “This week, we recognize the unbelievable toll of gun violence in America, and we offer our support to the survivors… No state or city is safe from the epidemic of gun violence,” said Durbin. Durbin referenced the impact of gun violence in Illinois, speaking about a mass shooting in Joliet, Illinois, earlier this week. “Just yesterday in Joliet, Illinois, less than an hour outside of Chicago, seven lives were taken within minutes by a shooter with a gun. Joliet Police Chief Bill Evans said, ‘I’ve been a police officer for 29 years. This is the worst crime

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BLUE ISLAND — Governor JB Pritzker joined Unlimited Potential House (“UP House”) and the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) today to announce the grand opening of UP House’s new campus and its transitional living facility, “Logan’s Place,” that offers housing, education, and support services for young women in the care of DCFS as they begin their journey toward independent living. “This is exactly the kind of facility — and organization — that young women in DCFS care deserve as they embark on a new chapter of their lives,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “The funding the state is providing to UP House builds on DCFS’ critical work to add capacity throughout the system, work we will continue to prioritize, so every Illinois youth gets the support they need and deserve.” The new campus, located on the grounds of the former Mother of Sorrows Convent in Blue Island, will provide a safe

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ALTON - Marquette Catholic High School's boys captured the Gateway Metro Conference Boys Bowling Tournament, defeating Belleville Althoff, Metro East Lutheran, and Christ Our Rock Lutheran. Explorers’ junior Matthew Cain finished in second place individually with a 613 series and freshman Logan Sherman finished in third place with a 601 series. Marquette posted a score of 2791 or an average of 186.1, Althoff was second with a 2568 or an average of 171.2, Christ Our Rock had a 2526 for a 168.4 average and Metro East Lutheran had a score of 2427 for an average of 161.8. Corbin Barnard scored a 560 for the Explorers, Gavin Tinsley had a 523 and Davin Thompson posted a 494. The Explorers’ boys are Tucker’s Automotive Repair and Tire Male Athletes of the Month. The only two other area bowlers who placed were Joshua Field of Metro East Lutheran, who was sixth with a 576 score, and Christian Severs scored a 502 for the Knights for 10th place. Marquette boys bowling

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