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CHICAGO - Attorney General Kwame Raoul today encouraged Illinoisans to be vigilant when dating online to avoid becoming a victim of a romance scam. “Romance scammers take advantage of victims’ openness and trust,” Raoul said. “It is important to be mindful of red flags that could indicate someone is not who they claim they are. If you think you may be a victim of a romance scam, do not let any embarrassment deter you from seeking help or filing a complaint with my office.” With Valentine’s Day approaching, Attorney General Raoul issued the following tips to help prevent individuals from falling victim to online romance scams: Online scammers often create fake profiles or pose as celebrities and may attempt to contact you via social media. You can identify a fake profile by running a reverse image search of the account’s profile photo. If the search turns up different names for the same photo, or if the photo appears in multiple sources

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EDWARDSVILLE - Two SIUE professors hosted a “Building Community Resilience to Radicalization to Violence” community briefing to share information on the threat of violence in southern Illinois and ways to prevent radicalization. Drs. Suranjan Weeraratne and Laurie Rice, political science professors at SIUE, invited students and community members to attend the briefing on Feb. 12, 2024, where they spoke about the ways in which people are radicalized and how communities can prevent domestic terrorism. “The success of a targeted violence and terrorism prevention program depends on dedicated partners from all sectors of society working together,” Rice said. “In other words, it takes all of us to help keep our communities safe from the threat of targeted violence.” Weeraratne and Rice presented findings of a survey they distributed across 41 counties in Illinois. Their work was supported by a grant from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s

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WASHGINTON, D.C. – Combat Veteran and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL)—a member of both the U.S. Senate Armed Services and Foreign Relations Committees—issued the following statement after the Senate passed legislation to bolster U.S. national security and provide additional support for our partners and allies by a bipartisan vote of 70-29: “After months of delays demanding policy changes they apparently didn’t even want, I’m relieved that Senate Republicans have finally joined Democrats to pass this critical national security legislation. “With our nation confronting increasingly complex and escalating threats to global security, this bill would make important and substantial investments in our military industrial base—replenishing critical U.S. military equipment and creating good-paying jobs here at home—while helping Ukraine defend themselves from Putin’s forces, supporting our Indo-Pacific partners as we work together

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ALTON - Alton Main Street’s quarterly information exchange, called “What’s Up Downtown”, will be held on Tuesday, February 13th at 5:30 p.m. at the iMerge Community Center, located in the Riverbender building at 200 W. 3rd Street in Alton, Illinois. The public is invited to learn the latest news regarding developments in Alton’s historic downtown district, including updates from new & existing businesses, news on real estate transactions and details of upcoming events and projects. You’ll be in the know on topics from the evening’s featured speakers, including: - Fred Pollard, who is announcing the move of his two retail shops Mom Said No and Mississippi Hippie from Mineral Springs into one consolidated space across the street at 300 E. Broadway - Mike McReynolds will speak about renovations currently taking place at 204 State Street in preparation for the forthcoming Bentley’s Bar & Grill - The Sierra Club’s Christine Favill

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ALTON - The Alton Committee of the Whole on Monday voted 5-2 to preliminarily approve $200,000 in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds which will reportedly help the Alton Police Department assist the city’s unhoused population with various services. After much discussion between city officials, and an unsuccessful attempt to table the item, details about exactly where and how the money would be spent were still unclear moments before committee members were called on to vote. The item appeared on Monday night’s agenda as a resolution to authorize “the Disbursement of American Rescue Plan Act Funds in the amount of $200,000.00 for priority projects within the City of Alton, Illinois.” According to the resolution itself, this is “funding for homeless services” in the amount of $200,000. The agenda item and resolution both contain no mention of the Alton Police Department, but Mayor David Goins said at the meeting that he requested the

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MARYVILLE - Revolution Dispensary is proud to announce the grand opening of a new location in Maryville, Illinois. The St. Louis community is invited to celebrate this milestone, which exemplifies Revolution Dispensary's commitment to superior quality and customer connections. The festivities begin at 9 a.m. on February 16th, with the official ribbing-cutting ceremony to begin at 11 a.m. at the brand-new Maryville location. Honored guests in attendance include Maryville Mayor Craig Short, President/CEO of the TMSM Chamber of Commerce, Dawn Mushill, and Bolden Investments CEO Charles Bolden. Revolution Dispensary Maryville is thrilled to join the local community and officially welcome customers. Shoppers visiting during the grand opening celebration will enjoy exclusive deals and discounts. The event also allows visitors to explore a curated range of top-tier cannabis products in a welcoming and highly knowledgeable environment. This is a unique opportunity to discover why Revolution

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WORDEN - The small community of Worden, population 1,110 was filled with individuals and families not only from the city itself but from communities all over the region and beyond on Saturday. The attendance was estimated in the 5,000 range and it was every bit of that. The Worden bars were filled with people and there were food trucks present this year and vendors. The parade participation was astonishing with everything from trucks, jeeps and motorcycles and much more. The parade was long and merry throughout with not only parade participants but the crowd. Rick and Nikki Landrem, owners of the Yellow Dog Bar in Worden are two of the event coordinators. The event has grown a lot, Nikki said. “It has put Worden on the map,” she said of the annual Mardis Gras Celebration. “The parade is loosely organized but very successful.” There was entertainment into the evening after the parade ended and once again, the Wordi-Gras appeared to be a big success for th

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GRAFTON - There are only two more days to enjoy the Raging Rivers Valentine’s Day deals that can save you up to $100. The park promises another fun-filled, sunny season with new additions to celebrate its 35th year in Grafton. You have until Feb. 14, 2024, to check out two package deals with big savings. “It is the place to be for the summer,” said park owner Ken Handler. “We want them to come out and enjoy and think summertime and get excited for this coming summer.” It might be cold now, but Handler sees a fun summer ahead with deals that make it easier for your family and friends to enjoy the waterpark. The Valentine’s Day deal allows customers to purchase four tickets and a cabana — a value of $239 — for $150. Customers can also purchase four tickets, meal vouchers and parking, which is valued at $198, for just $100. These deals are only available Feb. 7–14, 2024, in the Special Event Section on RagingRivers.com .

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RIVERBEND - Not sure where to go for Ash Wednesday this year? We have the ultimate Ash Wednesday guide right here, with Mass times and more to help you decide where to go on Feb. 14, 2024. Email sydney@riverbender.com with Mass times if there is a church we’re missing. St. Mary’s Catholic Church Where: 519 E. 4th Street in Alton When: Mass at 6:30 a.m., 8 a.m., 12 p.m., 5:15 p.m. More information: StMarysAlton.com St. Peter and Paul Catholic Church Where: 717 State Street in Alton When: Mass at 8:15 a.m. and 6 p.m. More information: SSPPAlton.com St. Ambrose Parish Where: 820 W. Homer Adams Parkway in Godfrey When: Mass at 8:15 a.m. and 7 p.m. Service of Ashes at 2:15 p.m. More information: SaintAmbroseParish.org St. Francis Xavier Church Where: 506 S. State Street in Jerseyville When: Mass at 8:15 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. More information: JerseyCountyCatholicChurches.org/Churches/St-Francis-Xavier

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ALTON - Alton Main Street is seeking a local car club partner in order to continue hosting Alton’s All-Wheels Drive-In Car Show into its 27 th year. The club would be responsible for providing a minimum of twelve people that would be available for the entirety of the event to manage the following responsibilities: set-up from 6:00 until 8:00 a.m., directing traffic and registering each participant from 8:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m., judging automobiles from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m., and conducting the awards ceremony from 4:00 until 4:30 p.m. Experience with auto-related event coordination is preferred, but training could be provided to a group that can offer a sufficient number of committed participants. Alton Main Street staff coordinates all of the logistics leading up to the event, including: city permit, liability insurance, advertising, fundraising, vendors, on-site amenities & activities, etc. "This amazing show has grown into a huge event over the years, and as time ha

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ALTON - Alton High School freshman Jillian Dwiggins has done something incredible - she has advanced to the IHSA State Girls Bowling Meet in her first year on varsity. Jillian put together games of 212, 160, 204, 202, 162, and 202 for a total of 1142 in the sectional this past weekend. She finished 10th overall, earning her a trip to Rockford next weekend for the state finals. Jillian is the daughter of AHS head girls bowling coach Jamie, and has been the Redbirds' top bowler all year. Her coach said: "She is our hardest worker, putting in additional time practicing and spending a lot of her own time working on various aspects of her game. While we would have loved to see the team advance to the state finals, this is the next best scenario. We are beyond proud of Jillian for making it to state. She is an excellent student as well." Jillian Dwiggins is an Auto Butler Female Athlete of the Month for the Redbirds. Jillian played volleyball in the fall for the Redbirds but cut her seaso

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BELLEVILLE - A woman from Belleville is facing one felony and a misdemeanor after allegedly making “racially charged” death threats against an employee of the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS). Shannon B. Benavidez, 43, of Belleville, was charged with threatening a public official and harassment by telephone on Jan. 25, 2024. Benavidez allegedly made racially charged verbal threats towards a DCFS employee, according to Madison County court documents. A petition filed to deny Benavidez’s pretrial release specifically states that she “made multiple phone calls conveying racially charged verbal threats against a DCFS employee.” In one message, she reportedly called the DCFS employee a racial slur and a “bitch,” immediately followed by the words, “you’re dead.” The petition also states Benavidez was previously known by DCFS because she surrendered her parental rights to a minor child in March o

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EDWARDSVILLE - Five individuals from around Madison County have been charged by various local law enforcement agencies with illegal meth possession and operating uninsured vehicles in recent months, according to county court filings. Jason D. Wanick, 51, of Wood River, was charged with unlawful possession of methamphetamine on Jan. 12, 2024. Wanick reportedly had less than five grams of methamphetamine in his possession and was charged with a Class 3 felony. His case was presented by the Wood River Police Department and he’s since been released upon his signature of a Conditions of Pretrial Release Order. Elmer J. Varble, 47, of Bunker Hill, was charged with unlawful possession of methamphetamine and operating an uninsured motor vehicle. Court documents allege Varble drove a vehicle on Lewis and Clark Boulevard in East Alton while the vehicle was uninsured, and also had less than five grams of methamphetamine in his possession, on Dec. 27, 2023. Varble faces a Class

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ALTON - Sophomore Lydia Fite and her creative eye have been recognized as the Art Fahrner-Edward Jones Alton High School Remarkable Redbird of the Month. During the COVID-19 Pandemic, Lydia became very interested in sunsets and started taking pictures of them. As her interest in photography continued to be more involved, she asked for a camera for Christmas and started taking pictures of many other things. She was recently selected to have her photograph of a train car on the Alton Riverfront with graffiti on it to be shown in the Webster Gallery High School Photography Exhibition and she was also selected to have the picture shown in the Southwestern Conference High School Art Exhibition at the Edwardsville Art Center for the month of January. Alton High Art Department Chair Bridget Heck selected the photo to be shown in both of these exhibitions. Lydia is also a current member of the Art Club at Alton High. She took Digital Photography and is now in Advanced Photography. She has

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O’FALLON — In recognition of February being National Canned Food Month, HSHS Home Care is holding their annual “Cram the Car” food drive this month for the Catholic Urban Program food pantry to help those struggling with food insecurity. Community members are invited to “cram” a Home Care car by donating non-perishable items. On Friday, Feb. 23 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., a HSHS Home Care branded car will be parked on the HSHS St. Elizabeth’s Hospital campus at the main entrance canopy (blue “Hospital” sign) accepting donations of items or monetary contributions. Valerie Engelbart, volunteer/bereavement services supervisor for HSHS Home Care, shared, “Our HSHS Mission is to reveal and embody Christ’s healing love for all people through our high-quality Franciscan health care ministry. In this tradition, we are privileged that patients and families trust us with their care and the care of their loved ones,”

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EDWARDSVILLE - One case of residential burglary joins several criminal property damage charges and a stolen vehicle charge, each of which were filed in separate cases described in Madison County court filings. Anastasia S. Thurman, 25, of Collinsville, was charged with residential burglary and unlawful use of a credit or debit card on Jan. 29, 2024 in a case presented by the Glen Carbon Police Department. Court documents allege Thurman unlawfully entered a residence in the 6800 block of Bouse Road in Glen Carbon with the intent to commit a theft. She was additionally charged with unlawfully using the American Express card of one of the home’s occupants without their consent to obtain “various goods” with a total value in excess of $300, according to court documents. Thurman faces a Class 1 felony for residential burglary and a Class 3 felony for unlawful use of a credit or debit card. Court documents indicate she was released upon her signature of a Conditions

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ALTON – Saddle up to test your knowledge at the upcoming trivia night sponsored by the Rotary Club of the Riverbend Alton/Godfrey. The cowboy-themed event is set for Saturday, March 9 at the Alton-Wood River Sportsman’s Club in Godfrey; doors open at 6 p.m., with trivia starting at 7 p.m. Nick Darr, local radio personality, will serve as the evening’s emcee. Tables may be reserved in advance at a discounted rate of $175; individual seats and walk-ins are $30 each. Included in the ticket price: unlimited soda, as well as draft beer from two kegs, until the kegs are depleted. No outside alcohol is allowed, however a cash bar is available. Participants are invited to bring their own snacks and decorate their tables with a cowboy theme. Prizes will be awarded for the finest lookin’ table. Proceeds from the event benefits local child safety initiatives, such as safe sleep kits, car seats, outreach and more. Trivia night registration and sponsorship opportunities

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WORDEN - The Wordi Gras Celebration in Worden had something for everyone on Saturday, Feb. 10, 2024. There was not only the active parade, but plenty of candy for children, beads for adults and children, and plenty of food and drink once again. The Baywolfe Band and Cheers Band again drew capacity crowds for their performances and there several food trucks this year. The drink of choice was a hurricane and it was the house favorite at The Yellow Dog Bar. Wordi Gras has grown so much it is now getting attention in the direction of St. Louis as many now come over for the celebration. Above and below are some of the better images from Riverbender.com on the day and a full gallery of photos.

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ALTON - The Alton Police and Fire Department responded to the scene of a serious motorcycle accident at 5:42 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 9, 2024, on Homer Adams Parkway at the intersection of Loran Lane. Alton Police Chief Jarrett Ford said the Alton Fire Department tended to the driver of the motorcycle who had sustained injuries as a result of the accident. The Alton Fire Department transported the driver of the motorcycle via ambulance and the driver received additional medical treatment at a St. Louis area hospital for what Chief Ford described as "non-life threatening injuries." Chief Ford continued and said: "Preliminary investigation determined the motorcycle was traveling on Homer Adams Parkway when another vehicle pulled in front of the motorcycle from Loran Lane onto Homer Adams Parkway. The accident is still under investigation at this time."

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EAST ALTON - A man who lived a life of public service and was the Former East Alton Fire Chief - Randy Nelson - died on Friday, Feb. 9, 2024. Nelson, 57, was a Roxana High School graduate and also served in the Air Force from 1984 to 1988. Nelson was a Roxana High graduate and a Fire Protection Specialist in the Air Force. He came back to the area and served as a firefighter at Olin and also a long-time member of the East Alton Fire Department. He became a lieutenant in 2000, captain in 2006, and chief in 2012. He retired from the East Alton Fire Department in 2015. He had a bachelor of Science in Fire Service Management and a master's in Fire Service and Homeland Security from SIU Carbondale. East Alton Fire Department Chief Tim Quigley said Randy Nelson was “one of the best people I know.” “Randy would give the shirt off his back for anyone,” Quigley said. “Everybody liked Randy." Randy was a Fire Science instructor at Lewis and Clark Community College

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