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ALTON - Calvary Baptist Church has a new club for local kids. The Awana Club meets from 5–7:15 p.m. every Sunday at Calvary Baptist Church, located at 1422 Washington Avenue in Alton. Kids aged 2 to fifth grade are invited to participate. Attendees will play games, enjoy refreshments and study the Bible. The Awana Club is also putting on a production of “The Grinch” in December, and participants will rehearse at every Sunday meeting. “God’s word tells , ‘Hey, it’s okay, I’m in control even though things seem really weird and out of control. I’m in control and I love you,’” explained Mike Harrleson with Calvary Baptist Church. “When they come on Sunday nights for Awana, we teach them God’s word. We have a wonderful group of volunteers that just love kids and love God.” Harrleson explained that the main goal of the Awana Club is to help kids connect to each other and learn from the Bible. He

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COLLINSVILLE — Edith Caudillo, 27, has been charged with Attempted First Degree Murder and Aggravated Battery With a Firearm, the Madison County State’s Attorney’s Office announced on Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024. The charges follow a shooting incident that occurred at 5:37 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in the 8900 block of Rene Avenue in unincorporated Collinsville. According to the Madison County Sheriff’s Office, deputies and Collinsville Police officers responded to a call of shots fired at the location. Upon arrival, they discovered that Sergio Angulo-Peraza had been shot in the chest. Angulo-Peraza was subsequently transported to a St. Louis area hospital, where he received treatment for his injuries. The Sheriff’s Office stated that the individuals involved in the incident were known to one another, but did not provide further details on the nature of their relationship. No updates were given at this time to the man's condition. The investigation

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MEDORA - The Village of Medora will host their sesquicentennial celebration this weekend. Starting at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024, at Pavillion Park in Medora, community members can enjoy a parade, a car show, inflatables, games, a Little Mr. and Miss pageant, live music, food trucks and much more. Medora Mayor Derick Isringhausen said he can’t wait to commemorate the town’s 150th anniversary with the community. “We encourage everybody, all the surrounding communities, to come out and help us celebrate,” he said. “I’m really excited. We don’t get to do this very often. It’s a big deal.” The parade will kick off at 10 a.m. All other activities start at 11 a.m. with a car show, bounce houses, petting zoo, cake walk, vendors, attendance prizes and more. You can enjoy basket bingo starting at 12 p.m., followed by a Beard Contest at 1 p.m. The Little Mr. and Miss Pageant starts at 2 p.m., and the band Back in the Saddle

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GRAFTON - Hiking enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers can look forward to a series of on-trail and off-trail guided hikes starting this fall at Pere Marquette State Park. The hikes are set for each Saturday and Sunday from Sept. 14 to Oct. 27, 2024. Each Saturday’s on-trail hikes will start at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., with the Visitor’s Center serving as the starting point for both time slots. Additional on-trail hikes will be held each following Sunday morning at 10 a.m., with off-trail hikes taking place on Sunday afternoons at 1 p.m. Lev Smolianski, the natural resource coordinator for Pere Marquette, said on Our Daily Show! on Riverbender.com that the off-trail hikes offer a more adventurous approach to exploring the park. “Off-trail hikes are going to be geared towards people who want a little more adventure, more strenuous of a hike,” he said. “They’re going to get dirty, they might get stung, it’s going to be a great time.”

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MADISON COUNTY – The Madison County Coroner has identified a Granite City man who died Monday evening in a vehicle crash as Robert D. Wallace, 48. Wallace was pronounced dead following the incident that occurred on Monday, September 9, 2024, in Granite City. The Madison County Coroner's Office said Wallace, the driver and sole occupant of a 2017 Chevrolet Traverse, was traveling southbound on Nameoki Road (State Route 203) when his vehicle left the roadway for reasons yet unknown and struck the West Pontoon Road overpass. The crash occurred at approximately 6:09 p.m. on Monday, prompting the dispatch of Granite City Police and fire units to the scene. Emergency responders extricated Wallace from the vehicle and initiated life-supportive efforts. Despite their attempts, Wallace, who was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash, was pronounced dead at 6:26 p.m. Monday by Madison County Coroner’s Office Investigator Samuel T. Stone. Preliminary findings indicate that

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The upcoming events in the area offer a remarkable variety and appeal, from live music and family-friendly activities to specialty markets and cultural celebrations. Whether you're looking to enjoy a captivating performance, explore local artisans, or engage in enriching community activities, there's something for everyone to enjoy. For a full listing of events, 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 Taylor Made: A Tribute To Taylor Swift is a special event happening at the Hatheway Cultural Center to benefit the Alton Youth Symphony and Alton Symphony Orchestra. Join us for a night filled with amazing music and support these talented young musicians. Let's come together to celebrate the music of Taylor Swift while giving back to our community. Don't miss out on this fantastic opportunity to enjoy great music for a great cause! All

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Whether you’re curled up on the couch engrossed in an autobiography or tucked away in bed late at night with a good mystery, experts say there’s little doubt that reading is good for our health. “It's one of the best things we can do for our mental health and our physical health,” says Ashley Pratt, a psychotherapist for OSF HealthCare. “It's been shown to greatly reduce our stress levels, lower our blood pressure, improve our memory and cognition, and it improves our sleep quality.” Google the word ‘reading’ and there’s no shortage of statistics available when it comes to the importance of picking up a book occasionally. Research shows 75% of adults participate in some form of reading. However, according to another study, the number of children between the ages of 9 and 13 reading for fun has dropped in the last decade. But Pratt says most people need just six minutes of reading time a day to see some health benefit, especially

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SPRINGFIELD Marking National Teen Voter Registration Day, Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias reported that nearly 50,000 16- and 17-year-olds have taken advantage of a new law that enables them to pre-register to vote before turning 18. National Teen Voter Registration Day is a nationwide push to get teens involved in the democratic process, with many communities hosting voter registration drives at local high schools. “The earlier a teen gets registered and involved, the more likely they will stay engaged and continue to vote later in life,” said Giannoulias, whose office issues driver’s licenses and state IDs. “This is an opportunity for teens to cultivate a habit of civic participation that I hope continues for the rest of their lives.” Last year, the Illinois General Assembly passed a Giannoulias-promoted measure, sponsored by State Senator Julie Morrison (29th District—Deerfield) and State Representative Katie Stuart (112th District—Collinsville),

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SAINT JACOB - Zach Heidrich set out on a new adventure in May of this year after purchasing the old Methodist Church in Saint Jacob, and converting it into a wedding and events venue. “I always thought it’d be a neat idea to buy an old church and turn it into something,” Heidrich said. There will be an open house for The Storybook Chapel 12-3 p.m. on Sept. 28, 2024, which will also be the opening day. There will be drinks including beer, wine, champagne, soda, and tea. Heidrich is also planning on having a cake. Vendors are welcome to contact Heidrich for more information. Heidrich will also have a booth at the wedding show on Dec. 1, 2024, at America’s Center in St. Louis. Storybook Chapel has been a staple within the community since the 1800s, with its beautiful stained glass windows, original hardwood floors, and bell tower being part of its unique charm. “There aren’t too many original chapels like this one. Everything now is

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EDWARDSVILLE — Thoughtfully, members of the Kappa Sigma fraternity at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville delivered breakfast to the Edwardsville Fire Department on Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024. The gesture was made to thank firefighters and staff for their service and to commemorate the 23rd anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. The fraternity's act of kindness was met with gratitude from the fire department. "We'd like to share our gratitude for the thoughtful members of the Kappa Sigma fraternity," Edwardsville Fire Chief James Whiteford said. "It's an honor to serve this wonderful community in this great nation." The breakfast delivery aimed to honor the sacrifices and ongoing dedication of first responders, a sentiment that holds particular weight on the anniversary of 9/11. For many, the day serves as a poignant reminder of the risks and responsibilities faced by those in emergency services. Chief Whiteford and the Edwardsville Fire Department expressed great appreciation

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GRANITE CITY — Members of the Granite City Police Department's Special Response Team participated in the annual 9/11 stair climb at Cahokia Mounds today, honoring the sacrifices made by first responders on September 11, 2001. The Granite City officers completed nine laps, equating to climbing the 110 stories of the World Trade Center. This act of remembrance shows the Granite City Police Department and other first responders' commitment to not forget the bravery and sacrifices of those who responded to the tragic events of that day 23 years ago today. The annual event at Cahokia Mounds draws participants from various sectors, all aiming to pay tribute to the fallen heroes of 9/11.

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O'FALLON - This summer, World Language students from O'Fallon Township High School embarked on an educational journey to Spain and France, guided by their teacher, Mrs. Grossmann. The students explored significant cultural and historical sites such as Montmartre in Paris, where they participated in a painting class with a professor from the Beaux-Arts de Paris. The O'Fallon group also visited Les Invalides, the resting place of Napoleon, and toured various other landmarks including Pont du Gard, the Aude River, Avignon, Le Palais des Papes, Nimes at the Roman Maison Carrée, Parc Guell, Sagrada Familia, and took a walking tour of Barcelona. This enriching experience was facilitated by a $1,000 travel scholarship that the students applied for through the World Language DoDEA Grant: Project Bilit. Additional fundraising efforts also contributed to making the trip financially feasible. Mrs. Grossmann expressed enthusiasm for future trips abroad, noting the significant impact

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ALTON - Community members have the chance to support a local family through a difficult pregnancy. Starting at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024, at VFW Post 1308 in Alton, people can enjoy live music, food, a 50/50 raffle, basket drawings and more at a benefit for Alaina Jones. Alaina is 20 weeks pregnant with twin girls, and she has experienced challenges throughout her pregnancy. Her mother, Natalie Jones, explained that Alaina, her partner Devin and their son Louis are a “great family” who could use some extra support. “It’s a super high-risk pregnancy,” Natalie said. “They’re a young couple. They’re a great family. They have a young son, Louis, and they just wanted to expand their family. They’re just going through a rough time, and is having to take off a lot of work to take her and take care of her. So we thought we’d put together this benefit to help them get through this.” The twins are monochorionic

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EDWARDSVILLE - Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s WSIE 88.7 The Sound will be on site with Music At The Intersection (MATI) for the fourth year in a row, to help usher in some of the greatest musical entertainment from around the world. MATI will take place from Saturday-Sunday, Sept. 14-15, 2024 in the Grand Center District in St. Louis, Mo. WSIE continues as one of the media sponsors, letting the community know about the top-notch entertainers performing through this year. MATI will be on four stages, showcasing such acts as Esperanza Spalding, Stanley Clarke, The Black Pumas, Samara Joy and Chaka Khan! WSIE will be on hand to greet listeners and lovers of jazz music, as they move throughout the festival, that offers great food, pop-up businesses and more. “This year’s MATI is packed with sensational talent and promises to show festival goers a great time,” said WSIE General Manager Jason Church. “WSIE is grateful to once again play a part

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EDWARDSVILLE - Edwardsville Township is excited to announce that our Touch A Truck event is back for another year from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sept. 21, 2024 This year is the 10th annual Touch A Truck event which plans to be the best yet. This annual Touch-A-Truck event is free and open to the public. New additions this year include scheduled appearances by Chase and Marshall from the Paw Patrol from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. The event this year focuses on a greener community. Attendees will have the opportunity to drop off a variety of goods for recycling at Metro East Lutheran High School. For more information, please go to www.recyclingsimplified.com. Electric trucks, Ford F-150 Lightning and Tesla Cybertruck will be featured at the event as well. Food vendors are encouraged to use environmentally friendly products as well. Other vehicles ehicles scheduled to be on display this year include the SSM Cardinal Glennon Air Ambulance helicopter, first responders (fire trucks, ambulances

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ALTON — Alton Little Theater embraced an unusual role on Sept. 10, 2024, welcoming the National Crisis Response Canines program for an afternoon of life-saving drills and exercises. Actors Lee and Michael Cox, Lief Anderson, Gail Drillinger, and Randy Manning collaborated with trainers and their dogs to simulate crisis situations. The local fire department chief was also in attendance to observe the exercises. "Alton Little Theater was thrilled to be chosen to help with this wonderful national program," a representative from the theater stated. The event aimed to enhance the skills of crisis response canines and their handlers, providing realistic scenarios for training. The participation of the actors added an element of authenticity to the exercises, as they portrayed individuals in distress, aiding the dogs in their training to respond to real-life emergencies. The initiative underscores the theater's commitment to community involvement and support for national programs,

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EDWARDSVILLE — HSHS Medical Group is pleased to welcome Dr. Hannah Jordan, family medicine, to their team. Dr. Jordan is now scheduling patients at HSHS Medical Group Multispecialty Care – Edwardsville, located at 1188 S. State Route 157, Suite 100 in Edwardsville. As a primary care physician, Dr. Jordan cares for patients of all ages and offers a variety of services, including minor procedures, general wellness, well-child visits, women’s health care, and acute and chronic illness management. Dr. Jordan earned her Bachelor of Science in biological sciences, biochemistry and cellular and molecular biology at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville. She received her medical degree from the Liberty University College of Osteopathic Medicine in Lynchburg, Virginia. Dr. Jordan completed a family medicine residency at Durant Family Medicine Residency Clinic in Durant, Oklahoma. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Jordan, please call 618-692-5900 or schedule online

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COLLINSVILLE – Illinois State Police (ISP) Troop 8 Commander Casey Faro announces the results of Roadside Safety Checks (RSC) held in Madison County in August. Violations Enforcement Activity Driving Under the Influence (DUI) Citations 1 Other Alcohol/Drug Citations 2 Occupant Restraint Offenses 3 Registration Offenses 13 Driver’s License Offenses 11 Insurance Violations 5 Total Citations/Arrests 35 Total Written Warnings 11 Alcohol and drug impairment are estimated to be a factor in more than 47% of all fatal motor vehicle crashes in Illinois. There is one alcohol-related traffic fatality every 39 minutes in the United States. RSCs are designed to keep our roads safe by taking dangerous DUI offenders off the road. This project was funded through the Illinois Department of Transportation.

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ST. LOUIS COUNTY - The St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office has issued “at large” charges on suspect Dominic Stidmon, 21 years of age, of the 4000 block of Russell Boulevard in St Louis, Missouri 63110, for Murder Second Degree, Robbery First Degree, and two counts of Armed Criminal Action. Stidmon was taken into custody on September 10, 2024, in Topeka, Kansas. A booking photo of Stidmon is attached. Stidmon is being held without bond in Kansas. Please note, charges are merely an accusation, and Defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law. The probable cause statement reads: Defendant and Victim had arranged for Defendant to buy marijuana from the victim. During the transaction, the victim was shot and killed. The victim's marijuana was stolen. The defendant was identified through phone records as having communicated with the victim to purchase the marijuana. Shell casings found at the scene ballistically matched

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CASEYVILLE — The Caseyville Police Department announced today that its annual Charity Poker Tournament successfully raised $16,000 for The BackStoppers Inc., a nonprofit organization that provides financial assistance to families of fallen first responders. The event, held over the weekend, was supported by a variety of local sponsors and participants. "We could not have accomplished this without the support of the sponsors and players of this event," the Caseyville Police Department stated. This year's sponsors included Morrison Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electrical, AAIC Inc., Anheuser-Busch, Budweiser Guns 'N Hoses, and many more. The tournament, which has been held for four consecutive years, aims to support The BackStoppers Inc. through community engagement and contributions. "We are really proud of this number and hope to continue to grow this event for years to come," the statement continued. The local businesses tha

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