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ALTON – Last week, Governor J.B. Pritzker signed HB4255 into law. This legislation, spearheaded by State Representative Amy Elik & State Senator Erica Harriss, bolsters safety protocols for tow truck operators and emergency responders throughout Illinois. Under the new law, tow trucks and designated emergency vehicles will now be authorized to utilize green lighting in addition to amber and white when responding to incidents on roadways. This critical enhancement is designed to maximize visibility and situational awareness, significantly mitigating risks for both responders and the public. Paw Paw’s Towing in Millstadt brought the need for this to the attention of Elik and Harriss following the loss of one of their drivers last November. The driver, Wade Bivens, was struck by a car while working a scene on Interstate 255 near Columbia. "The enactment of HB4255 marks a pivotal step forward in safeguarding our emergency personnel," said Elik. "This legislation

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EDWARDSVILLE - Happy Hooves Equine Rescue Center is a nonprofit sanctuary for horses in need of a home. Visitors can get a firsthand look at the work they do and the horses they house at three upcoming Open House events set for Aug. 11, Sept. 8, and Oct. 13, 2024, each from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the sanctuary, located at 7026 State Route 140 in Edwardsville. Founder Mary Morrison and Susan with Happy Hooves shared more about the organization and the work they do on Our Daily Show! on Riverbender.com . Happy Hooves’ mission, indicated by their slogan, is to continue “giving horses a chance at a better life.” Morrison said some horses who come into the rescue show signs of neglect or malnourishment, though she noted such mistreatment isn’t always intentional. “You see the lack of care, but … a lot of these people, they don’t mean to do it,” she said. “Some of it is lack of education, some of it is that they believe

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EAST ST. LOUIS – A federal district judge sentenced a man from Christopher, Illinois, to 24 months’ imprisonment after he admitted to printing counterfeit money. Michael A. Eskew, 38, pleaded guilty to one count of manufacture of counterfeit obligations of the U.S., one count of possession of counterfeit obligations of the U.S., and one count of possessing digital image of U.S. currency for counterfeiting. “Making, using and possessing fake U.S. currency with fraudulent intent is punishable under federal law, and Michael Eskew was maintaining a full-scale, counterfeiting enterprise,” said U.S. Attorney Rachelle Aud Crowe. “He schemed to defraud local businesses and enrich himself with the fake currency, thus warranting this sentence to federal prison.” According to court documents, Eskew used printers and electronic images of dollar bills to produce counterfeit U.S. Currency at his home. Following a search warrant of Eskew’s residence

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BELLEVILLE – A pair of initiatives led by state Rep. Jay Hoffman, D-Swansea, and the Illinois Secretary of State were signed into law Friday, July 19, 2024, strengthening the state’s move over “Scott’s Law” zones and bringing increased scrutiny to catalytic converter transactions in order to reduce their theft. “Residents are rightfully frustrated by catalytic converter thieves looking to make a quick buck, which is why we need to continue to implement ideas that remove the financial incentive,” Hoffman said. “Stricter resale rules are going to make it more difficult for criminals to turn their stolen parts into cash.” As part of efforts to curb the rise in catalytic converter theft, Hoffman’s House Bill 4589 requires recyclable metal dealers to acquire and maintain additional records involving catalytic converter transactions, including the vehicle identification number it was removed from as well as any other specific

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ALTON - As the school year starts up, Halpin Music Company has deals for instrument rentals and lessons that will be sure to help your young musician succeed. Located at 88 Northport Drive in Alton, Halpin offers music lessons, instrument rentals and more for all ages. Mark Landon and Kelsey Booth noted that this is especially helpful during the school year as kids enter their school band and orchestra programs, and they’re excited to help families get the instruments they need. “School’s just right around the corner, so this is a time of preparation and just getting everything in place for the kiddos to go back to school and join the band or orchestra or whatever their musical interests are,” Landon explained. “We’ve always been about making it as easy as possible for the parent to get a low-cost, quality instrument for their child to start the band.” Instrument rentals are broken down into three groups. Group A instruments (flute,

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ST. LOUIS COUNTY – The St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney's Office has issued charges against Mikel Carnes, 19, of Lakeview Drive in St. Louis, for multiple offenses including two counts of Assault Second Degree and Resisting Arrest by Fleeing. The charges stem from an incident that occurred on Monday, July 22, 2024. According to the probable cause statement, the events unfolded at approximately 3:20 p.m. Monday when a police officer observed a silver 2009 Mercedes C300 with expired temporary tags driving east on Chambers Road near Forrestwood Drive. The officer attempted a traffic stop, but the vehicle fled, accelerating into oncoming traffic on West Florissant, nearly causing several collisions. The suspect vehicle, later identified as being driven by Carnes, was briefly lost by officers but was subsequently found backed into a driveway on Ferguson Avenue. As officers approached, the vehicle fled again. A tire deflation device was deployed, but Carnes

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A 20-year-old man died and a 24-year-old woman was injured in a shooting Saturday in Venice, Illinois State Police said. The incident occurred when the man, who was from Madison, was shot multiple times and pronounced dead at the scene. The woman, a resident of East St. Louis, was rushed to a hospital for treatment. The names of the victims have not yet been released. Authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting. Further details have not been provided by law enforcement at this time.

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SPRINGFIELD - The popularity of residential pools has increased over recent years raising the risk for accidental drownings meaning homeowners and parents need be extra vigilant to protect kids who have access to the water. Public pools are a popular summer destination for people to beat the heat, but they can pose some hidden dangers. “Anywhere there is water there is a risk of drowning,” said Illinois State Fire Marshal James A. Rivera. “It’s important for parents and owners of pools ensure all safety measures are in place to help prevent a tragedy from occurring. Stay off your phone and know where your children are at all times if you are in or around a pool.” Over 4,500 people died due to drowning each year from 2020–2022 in the United States, 500 more per year compared to 2019 according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). That is an average of 12 fatal drownings per day. According to the Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC),

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In a speech on the Senate floor, Durbin: “We have a responsibility to get to the bottom of how the Secret Service failed to protect former President Trump on July 13. We need to do this on a bipartisan basis. Keep politics out of it.” WASHINGTON – In a speech on the Senate floor, U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, announced that the Committee will receive a classified briefing with the Senate Homeland and Government Affairs Committee (HSGAC) on the assassination attempt against former President Trump at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. Durbin also announced a joint Judiciary-HSGAC hearing for next Tuesday morning on the attempt, where the Committees will hear from the Secret Service and the FBI. Durbin began by paying tribute to the family of Corey Comperatore, whose life was taken far too soon, saying: “A week and a half ago, Americans were shocked to witness on live television an assassination attempt

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BETHALTO - A new organization in Bethalto provides activities, trips and enrichment for seniors ages 55 and up. The Bethalto Silver Eagles just celebrated their first birthday with a luncheon and presentation from Bethalto Mayor Gary Bost. Founders Brenda Woelfel and Geri Matthews are proud of the work they’ve done so far, and they look forward to doing more in the community in the coming years. “I just felt like there was a need for it,” Woelfel said of the Bethalto Silver Eagles. “I felt like there wasn’t a lot offered for that in our area. I know there are some other local 55-and-over senior citizen groups. But I felt like there was kind of an age group there that, really, there wasn’t a lot for them.” After spending a winter in Florida and joining a Snowbird Club, Woelfel returned to Bethalto feeling that there was something missing. She spoke to Matthews, and the two of them decided to form the Bethalto Silver Eagles as a way to hel

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EDWARDSVILLE - The Edwardsville Municipal Band invites you to an evening of music on Thursday, July 25, at 8:00 p.m. Join us at the Cleaon Etzkorn Bandstand in City Park for a summer concert themed Just Dance, which will feature a selection of symphonic dances, offering a journey through a range of rhythmic and colorful compositions that celebrate the art of dance in its many forms. From lively and energetic works to elegant and expressive pieces, the program will showcase the rich traditions and diverse influences that define dance music for the concert stage. The concert is free and open to everyone. Concessions will be available, with proceeds benefiting the Chapter Ed of PEO Sisterhood. Come enjoy a night of beautiful music and support a worthy cause. Follow the Edwardsville Municipal Band on Facebook and Instagram for more information and updates.

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EDWARDSVILLE - “More young people are needed to donate blood,” said 17-year-old Ashton Brazell, who sat with her right arm bandaged after giving blood on Friday, July 19. Brazell was one of 14 donors who participated in Southern Illinois University Edwardsville TRIO Upward Bound (UB) EC/MLC Programs’ 5th Annual Blood Drive, that netted 18 units of blood. Students and community members participated in the student-led blood drive that occurred on the Wyvette Younge Higher Education Campus in East St. Louis and was co-sponsored by ImpactLife Blood Center of Earth City, Mo. “People of all ages need blood,” said Brazell, a UB student and high school senior at Lovejoy Technical Academy. “But typically, it’s people 40 and older who donate blood. There are not a lot of people my age who are stepping up to give blood. I don’t know if it’s because they don’t know about the need.” “But donating blood is very important,”

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ALTON - This week marks the final week of concerts for the Alton Municipal Band, which is completing it’s 134th consecutive season of Concerts in the Parks. Vocalist Willa Stine, a crowd favorite, will be the featured vocalist for the concert. The theme, “Creature Features,” will delight audience members of all ages. The Alton Municipal Band has a 134 year tradition of excellence. Prospective members can audition in May of 2025 for the 135th season. For more information, follow the Alton Municipal Band on Facebook .

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JERSEYVILLE - Four-year-old Stella Schultz has spent the last 240 days in Children’s Hospital. Now, the community is rallying around her to make sure she has a great 5th birthday. Many people throughout the Riverbend region have followed Stella’s story on the “A Heart for Stella” Facebook page , where her parents share updates on Stella’s wait for a heart transplant. At 7 p.m. on Saturday, July 27, 2024, at Dolan Park in Jerseyville, community members can come out for a free concert to raise money, make birthday cards for Stella, and show their support for the Schultz family. “It’s more or less just a night to bring your own lawn chairs and blankets to come sit on the grass and just listen to a night of music and rally around this family,” explained Sheldon Rushing, who helped organize the concert event with Choices Ministry. The concert starts at 7 p.m. and will run until 8:30 or 9 p.m. Community members are encouraged to

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GODFREY – The Illinois Department of Transportation today announced that repairs to the bridge approaches on Illinois 255 and U.S. 67 between Seminary Road and Delhi in Madison and Jersey counties will require lane closures beginning, weather permitting, Monday, July 29. One lane will always remain open in each direction. Drivers are urged to reduce speed, obey all construction signage, and refrain from using mobile devices while approaching and traveling through the work zone. The work is expected to be completed by the end of August. For IDOT District 8 updates, follow us on X, formerly known as Twitter, at @IDOTDistrict8 or view area construction details on IDOT’s traveler information map on GettingAroundIllinois.com .

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GRANITE CITY - Granite City Police officers responded to a report of gunshots in the area of Leonard Avenue and Myrtle Avenue at 12:07 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 23, 2024. Granite City Police Major Gary Brooks said upon arrival, officers encountered a subject who had sustained at least one gunshot wound which is non-life-threatening. A suspect was developed in this case and has been identified as Andrew J. Walker, 27, of Granite City. The case was presented to the Madison County State's Attorney's Office. Walker has been charged with one count of Aggravated Battery With A Firearm. Major Brooks said a petition was filed by the Madison County State’s Attorney’s office to deny Walker’s pre-trial release. Walker was remanded to the Madison County Jail and is awaiting a hearing for his pre-trial release.

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GRANITE CITY – Granite City High School freshman Carson Williams placed in the top-10 of the 2023 Fall Qualifier Microsoft Office Specialist Illinois State Championship, as announced by Certiport. Williams was ninth in the Microsoft Office Specialist Word Office 2019 category. Also recognized was freshman Lacey Clark for a qualifying score in the Microsoft Office Specialist PowerPoint 2019 category. Williams and Clark competed against students from across Illinois to earn this recognition. To compete in the Fall Qualifier, students aged 13 to 22 were eligible to participate in one of six competition tracks by submitting a qualified, passing score on the Microsoft Office Specialist Word, Excel®, or PowerPoint® certification exams by Dec. 15, 2023. “We have seen amazing results from the Microsoft Office Specialist program at our school as students learn and validate key workforce skills,” said Kellie Hutchings, Computer Concepts teacher at GCHS.

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ALTON - Mustache March 4PD will host their annual benefit to raise money for 15 local police departments. The organization will host the event at Bluff City Grill on March 22, 2024. Tickets cost $25 and proceeds will help the organization fund different programs and items for the police departments, from new uniforms and equipment to donations for Shop with a Cop and other community events. “This is the most fun fundraiser anyone here has ever attended,” said Tina Bennett, vice president of MM4PD. “We really just try to have a night of fun for the police officers. They get to mingle, they get to talk with each other…As long as the funds keep coming in, we want to keep going.” The benefit will begin with an Honor Guard and a prayer from Chaplain John Gibson. The Gibson Girls will perform alongside the Glendale Riders. Attendees can enjoy the performances, a 50/50 raffle, a mustache contest and more. The money goes back to MM4PD, which has

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BETHALTO - The Civic Memorial High and Trimpe Middle School dance squads recently completed outstanding competitive seasons. The CM Pazzaz school members were Izzie Ackerman, Sierra Branch, Ava Fassler, Abi Fischer, Vivienne Frew, Maicey Markle, Milla Munsch, Ashlyn Perkins, Kennedi Staggs, and Ella Toner. Jazzers members included Kynlee Boner, Kena Breyer, Reese Brueggeman, Emma Coffman, Kaylea Falk, Annabelle Kincaide, Bailey Kinkel, Elsie Lively, Frankie Newton, Emersyn Olmstead, Cecelia Silkwood, and Adelynn Spurgeon. Coaches for both teams were Joy Brueggeman, Jenny Spurgeon, Tatum Darr, Kat Wilson, and Kaitlyn Depping. The Civic Memorial High School Pazzazz Dance Team competed at Edwardsville and O'Fallon for IDTA. They also competed at the IHSA competition that was held at Mascoutah this season. "We have a very new group of girls on our team this year consisting of freshman and sophomores," Coach Spurgeon said. "It has been a rebuilding year for our team for sure. These

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ALTON - The 91st Season at ALT officially launches on March 1st, 2024, but here is a sneak peek at the plans to "Sparkle" with so many choices of true Entertainment! Yes, there will be new, familiar, beloved plays and stories of inspiration (that also tickle the funny bone)......and given the National divides and polarization, ALT re-states its mission to create a safe space where people can just cast aside the worries of the world for a few hours and enjoy themselves. Kevin Frakes (Artistic Director) and Lee Cox (Executive Director) focus on giving patrons enjoyment and producing works that mean so much to them, and introducing some new Directors to ALT's Line-up. For the 91st Season, this means FIVE Mainstage productions and an additional FIVE Extra, Extra Entertainment Shows -- so that Theater-lovers have Choice AND something to see almost every month -- and who knows, ALT might add another show or concert and likely will as the 91st Season officially starts June 1st, 2024 and run

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