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EAST ST. LOUIS — The Illinois State Police (ISP) conducted a violent crime suppression detail in the Metro East area over the weekend of October 28 and 29, 2024, focusing on St. Clair and Madison counties, particularly East St. Louis and surrounding communities. The operation aimed to address rising concerns about violent crime by utilizing intelligence and technology to target high-crime areas and known offenders. During the two-day operation, ISP reported a total of 27 arrests, resulting in 33 felony charges and 55 criminal charges. Among the arrests, 27 were specifically related to firearm offenses, and authorities seized 16 firearms and recovered one stolen vehicle. Several significant incidents occurred throughout the detail. On October 28, troopers stopped a vehicle for Illinois Vehicle Code (IVC) violations. The driver attempted to flee on foot but was detained by officers, who subsequently found a loaded firearm that had been reported stolen. The individual was taken int

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WOOD RIVER - As the owner of Quig’s Sports Emporium, Jason Quigley was pleased to join Wood River’s Downtown Trick-or-Treat event last week. Quig’s Sports Emporium is a new business in Wood River that buys, sells and trades sports equipment. Athletes can trade in used cleats they’ve outgrown, for example, and get a gently used pair that fits better. Quigley feels confident that the store is a great “one-stop shop for anything sports.” “We’re going all-in,” Quigley said. “We really think that the idea and what we can do with the community really is something to kind of strive for and kind of keep going for.” At the Downtown Trick-or-Treat event on Oct. 23, 2024, Quigley joked that the store was running out of candy but still eager to participate in the event. He shared that he recently quit his day job so he can focus on the store full-time. Quig’s Sports Emporium stays busy throughout the year as athletes

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WOOD RIVER - Wood River’s Downtown Trick-or-Treat event brought all businesses out to celebrate Halloween, including Wood River Chiropractic. Kelly, who works in marketing at Wood River Chiropractic, noted how much she enjoys being involved in the Wood River community. She expressed her appreciation for the people and businesses that make up Wood River. “I love it,” she said. “I seriously have never seen a community come together like Wood River. It’s just amazing.” Wood River Chiropractic offers chiropractic therapy, physical therapy, electrical stimulation therapy and ultrasound therapy. Kelly said you can find “pretty much anything else a normal chiropractic office would offer” at Wood River Chiropractic. Kelly leads lunch-and-learns with other local businesses and also works one-on-one with clients to get them the help they need. In her eight months with the business, she has been amazed by how much chiropractic care ha

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EDWARDSVILLE — A former teacher has been sentenced to 18 years in prison for sexually abusing three students, according to Madison County State's Attorney Tom Haine. Danielle C. Fischer, 32, of Edwardsville, received the sentence on Tuesday after pleading guilty to three counts of Aggravated Criminal Sexual Abuse, a Class 2 felony. Fischer admitted to the abuse of three victims that occurred between May and June of 2021 while she was employed at Roxana High School. The investigation was conducted by the Edwardsville Police Department, with assistance from the Roxana Police Department and the Madison County Child Advocacy Center. The case was prosecuted by Assistant State’s Attorney Ali Foley, Chief of the Children’s Justice Division at the State’s Attorney’s Office, and Assistant State’s Attorney Rebecca Buettner. “This sentence should serve as a warning to those who use their positions of authority to prey upon our youths,” Haine

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EDWARDSVILLE - The City of Edwardsville has announced a temporary closure of E. High St. starting on Nov. 1, 2024. Pfund Construction will have E. High St. closed starting at N. Main St., and continuing to the alley east of 132 E. High St. The closure will begin on Friday, Nov. 1, 2024, lasting through Friday, Nov. 8, 2024. See the map at the top of this story for the approximate location of the closure.

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ST. LOUIS COUNTY, MO. – A shooting in St. Louis County has left one man dead, identified as 92-year-old Robert Prewett of the 6900 Block of Parc Charlene Drive in Florissant, MO. The incident occurred shortly before noon on the same day, prompting a response from the North County Precinct of the St. Louis County Police Department at 11:50 a.m. The circumstances surrounding the shooting remain unclear, and police have stated that the investigation is ongoing. Authorities have indicated that further information will be released as it becomes available. The St. Louis County Police Department is urging anyone with information about the shooting to contact them at 636-529-8210. Individuals wishing to remain anonymous or seeking a potential reward can reach out to CrimeStoppers at 1-866-371-TIPS (8477).

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October 31st is a date that holds a rich tapestry of significant events from around the world. One of the most notable events on October 31st occurred in 1517, when Martin Luther famously nailed his Ninety-Five Theses to the door of the Wittenberg Castle Church in Germany. This act is widely recognized as the catalyst for the Protestant Reformation, a movement that challenged the practices of the Roman Catholic Church and led to the establishment of various Protestant denominations. Luther's theses criticized the sale of indulgences and called for a return to biblical teachings. This pivotal moment not only transformed religious practices in Europe but also had profound social and political implications, setting the stage for modern democracy and individual rights. Fast forward to 1864, when Nevada was admitted to the United States as the 36th state. Known for its vast desert landscapes and the iconic Las Vegas Strip, Nevada's admission was significant during the American Civil

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As the leaves turn vibrant shades of orange, red, and yellow, and the air becomes crisp and cool, the allure of fall brings with it a treasure trove of flavors and culinary delights. Halloween, often associated with spooky decorations and trick-or-treating, is also a perfect occasion to indulge in delicious fall desserts that capture the essence of the season. In this article, we will explore some of the best fall desserts to make this Halloween, offering a variety of options that are sure to delight both kids and adults alike. 1. Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake Why It’s a Must-Try Pumpkin spice has become synonymous with fall, and what better way to enjoy it than in a rich, creamy cheesecake? This dessert combines the classic flavors of pumpkin, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, resulting in a decadent treat that captures the essence of Halloween. Recipe Highlights To make a pumpkin spice cheesecake, start with a graham cracker crust for added texture. The filling consists of cream

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ALTON - The 107th Alton Halloween Parade invites community members to enjoy another great year in downtown Alton. Starting at 7 p.m. on Oct. 31, 2024, the parade will travel down Broadway through downtown Alton to Piasa Street. Known as one of the oldest Halloween parades in the U.S., the parade’s organizers look forward to sharing it once again with the Riverbend community. “Since 1916, we’ve had this parade,” said Steve Schwartz, an organizer with the East End Improvement Association. “It’s gotten to be a community event. It’s fun to do. It’s expected within the community. It’s one of the best things that I’ve been involved in.” Schwartz and Greg Erler said that the East End Improvement Association has “a great committee” that organizes the parade every year. This “well-oiled machine” has been working since early September to get everything ready for Halloween night. This year, there

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ALTON/GODFREY - Liz Campbell is the chair of this year's Community Christmas campaign and Margaret Freer, owner of Freer Auto Body and her company are again leading the charge for the upcoming Community Christmas campaign, which aims to support local families in need during the holiday season. "We need locations for boxes," Margaret Freer said. "They can email millie.bond@stlunitedway.org or call Freer Auto Body at 618-466-6151. Boxes will be distributed November 4 and 5 and will be picked back up December 4-5." This year, the event will take place with agencies shopping at Target on Nov. 12, 2024, and Nov. 13, 2024, funded by contributions from the community during the Christmas in July initiative. Freer emphasized the importance of the Community Christmas program, stating, "Community Christmas is a value asset to the community. Our community embraces this with open arms and enables those in need to experience the magic of Christmas." Freer noted Liz Campbell's enthusiasm for

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WOOD RIVER - Riverbend Family Ministries is gearing up for their busy season. During Wood River’s Downtown Trick-or-Treat event, Rachael Craddick stopped by “Our Daily Show!” to share information about the organization’s work and upcoming banquet. Craddick explained that Riverbend Family Ministries (RFM) helps many people in the community through their collaborative model. “November and December are typically our busiest months, so a lot of great things happening, a lot of people being helped and lives changed,” she said. “It’s been great. We’re able to help a lot of the community members that are coming in.” RFM works with families that are experiencing violence, substance use, homelessness, poverty and other crises. Craddick noted that a lot of people come to RFM for rental and utility assistance. But RFM also works with several partners to provide holistic services for clients, including Amare , Metro

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PEORIA – OSF HealthCare is pleased to announce the official establishment of OSF Healthcare Ministries as a Diocesan Public Juridic Person (Diocesan PJP), in partnership with the Catholic Diocese of Peoria. OSF Healthcare Ministries will now serve as the sole corporate member and canonical sponsor of OSF Healthcare. This marks an important milestone for the organization, ensuring a strong foundation for the continued delivery of exceptional, faith-based care. The Holy See has approved this transition and Most Reverend Bishop Louis Tylka has issued a decree officially designating OSF Healthcare Ministries a Diocesan PJP. The Sisters of the Third Order of St. Francis, who have been integral to the health care Ministry for over 147 years, will continue to play a vital role in this new structure. The OSF Healthcare Ministries Board will include five Sisters: Sister Agnes Joseph Williams, O.S.F., Major Superior; Sister Judith Ann Duvall, O.S.F.; Sister Theresa Ann Brazeau, O.S.F.;

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CHICAGO – Attorney General Kwame Raoul and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) are seeking information about four masked suspects involved in armed robberies taking place at four jewelry stores across three states between July 13, 2023, and Sept. 14, 2024. Authorities are urging anyone with information to contact the FBI. The robberies in question have taken place at jewelry stores in Bridgeview, Illinois as well as in Michigan and Missouri. According to law enforcement, suspects alternately carried an AR-style rifle, handgun and hammer, and wore costume face masks. The FBI today released surveillance video footage of robberies that took place at stores in Bridgeview and Dearborn, Michigan. The video and images of the costume masks are available here . “Do not let the costume masks distract from the seriousness of these robberies. The individuals who committed these robberies terrorized and endangered the safety of customers and employees alike,”

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WOOD RIVER - Through Wood River’s Downtown Trick-or-Treat event last week, Wood River Main Street Executive Director Kristen Burns reflected on the event’s success. “We get such a great turnout,” Burns said. “The participation with the businesses, it’s top-notch. We’re so happy you’re here.” The event invites families and kids to trick-or-treat down the main streets of Wood River. Most of the businesses participated, giving out candy and decorating their storefronts. Burns warned that they “absolutely” did not have enough candy for all of the community members who came out on Oct. 23, 2024, but she was still excited to see so many people in downtown Wood River. She noted that Wood River Main Street tries to promote growth and businesses in the city, and the Downtown Trick-or-Treat was a great chance for the organization to share their work with the community. “The possibilities are really endless,”

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RIVERBEND - Little monsters love trick-or-treating, and we have the perfect guide of all the best spots in the Riverbend region. Whether you’re looking for traditional community trick-or-treating or fun new trunk-or-treating, there are lots of opportunities throughout the month of October for fall fun! If you have a Halloween event you’d like to see included in this list, email news@riverbender.com . COMMUNITY TRICK-OR-TREATING Friday, Oct. 25, 2024 Belleville: 5:30–7:30 p.m. Brighton: 6–9 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2024 Alton: 6–8 p.m. Bethalto: 6–9 p.m. East Alton: 6–8 p.m. Edwardsville: 12–9 p.m. Godfrey: 6–8 p.m. Grafton: 6–8 p.m. Hartford: 6–8 p.m. South Roxana: 6–8 p.m. Wood River: 6–8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 31, 2024 Alton: 6–8 p.m. Bethalto: 6–9 p.m. Collinsville: 6–9 p.m. East Alton: 6–8 p.m. Edwardsville: 12–9

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ALTON – The City of Alton is pleased to announce that S&P Global Ratings has upgraded its credit rating from an A to an A+, reflecting significant improvements in the city’s financial health, including enhanced budgetary performance and effective management of its pension plans. This upgrade is accompanied by a stable outlook, reinforcing confidence in the city’s fiscal policies and strategies. “This enhanced rating from S&P Global is a testament to the City’s solid financial strategy and discipline followed over the last 3 years,” said Debbie Dunlap, City Comptroller. “We are proud of the significant strides the City has accomplished by being fiscally responsible, thus creating a strong financial foundation for the City of Alton.” S&P Global Ratings recognized the City of Alton's substantial strides in its budgetary performance over the past two fiscal years. After facing challenges including above-budget spending, revenue reductions

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EDWARDSVILLE - SIUE hosted its Day of the Dead celebration to honor Mexican culture. Day of the Dead, or Día de los Muertos, is an annual tradition at SIUE’s Lovejoy Library. On Oct. 29, 2024, students could enjoy dance and music performances, vendors, food and more. “It’s important for me just to get students engaged,” said organizer Simone Williams. “We do this every year, and it normally has a good turnout.” Though some of the students can be “shy” about joining in on the celebration, others participated throughout the day by singing, dancing, getting their faces painted and more. Students from SIUE’s Hispanic Student Union also had an informational booth for attendees. Williams, Diversity and Engagement Librarian and an assistant professor, noted that the event brings together students and community members and allows them to interact. She explained that it’s important to bridge the gap between the university

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ALTON - Get ready to put your trivia skills to the test at the YWCA Southwestern Illinois’ Trivia Night Fundraiser on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024, at the Best Western Premier Alton! This isn’t just another trivia night; it’s an evening filled with excitement, laughter, and the chance to make a real difference in our community. Host Jared Henning, a beloved local personality, will lead the evening as our fabulous emcee. Joining him will be our esteemed celebrity judges: Mayor David Goins, City of Alton, Tiana Gipson, Alton School Board Member, and Al Womack, Executive Director of the Boys and Girls Club. With their insights and charm, they’re sure to add an extra spark to the event! Prepare for 10 invigorating rounds of trivia, where teams will battle it out for bragging rights and prizes. But the fun doesn’t stop there! Enjoy a silent auction, participate in our 50/50 raffle, and engage in the exciting heads and tails game. Tickets are just $25 per person o

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This weekend, a diverse array of exciting events is set to captivate audiences, from S.T.E.A.M. activities for children to thrilling musical performances and cultural festivals, ensuring there's something for everyone to enjoy. For a full event listing and more details, visit Riverbender Events . 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 Get ready for an unforgettable musical experience at the 2nd Annual Grafton Country Music Festival ! Taking place from November 1st to 3rd in Grafton, Illinois, this exciting event will feature over 15 incredible bands, including headliner RUSSO & CO, alongside food, drinks, and contests throughout the weekend. Enjoy free live country music and join in on the fun with a community-driven atmosphere that promises fantastic entertainment for everyone! Experience the cult classic like never before at the Alton Little Theater Presents:

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EDWARDSVILLE/TROY - The Troy/Maryville/St. Jacob/Marine Chamber of Commerce will host its fifth annual Women’s Conference next week. On Nov. 6, 2024, community members are invited to attend “Women’s Conference: Be the Change: Transforming Generations” at the Outlet Event Center in Edwardsville. Attendees will learn from different panels and breakout sessions throughout the day. “We just want a day where people can learn, network, have some good food and just enjoy the day,” said Dawn Mushill, CEO of the Chamber of Commerce. The event begins at 8:15 a.m. with opening remarks and a panel titled “Successful Women in a Male-Dominated Industry.” From there, attendees can choose three breakout sessions to attend, including “Breaking Imposter Syndrome,” “Step Into Your Domme Power,” “Why Are Women Perceived Bossy Instead of Decisive,” “Emotional Intelligence – Understanding It and Using

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