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SPRINGFIELD - Illinois State Representative Amy Elik (R-Alton) joined the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association (IMA) in support of its 2024 legislative agenda, advocating for measures to strengthen the state’s manufacturing ecosystem by supporting students and families entering the workforce. “I’m proud to partner with the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association on these important issues concerning career training education and increasing access to childcare,” said Rep. Amy Elik. “Illinois must continue to explore ways to build career pathways for students and remove barriers that make it difficult for students and parents to enter the workforce.” A bipartisan measure (HB 3307) sponsored by Rep. Amy Elik would allow students to take two years of career training education in place of two years of foreign language study. An additional measure sponsored by Rep. Amy Elik would create a pilot program (HB 4670) to allow 10 manufacturers to

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SPRINGFIELD — The Illinois State Museum announces its newest exhibition, Presidential Illinois, is now on view at its Springfield museum on the Capitol Complex. The exhibition displays significant artifacts highlighting the four U.S. presidents who have called Illinois home: Abraham Lincoln, Ulysses S. Grant, Ronald Reagan, and Barack Obama. For the first time, the public will have the opportunity to see the furniture Obama used in his office and his chamber chair from when he served in the Illinois State Senate. These items are on loan from the Illinois State Senate. The exhibition also features other noteworthy items, including a signed copy of Obama’s speech in Springfield when he declared Joseph Biden his running mate. This item is on loan from the Old State Capitol State Historic Site. Visitors can expect to see items such as Lincoln’s inkwell that he used in his Springfield law office. A campaign ribbon from Grant’s third presidential run in 1880, o

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GODFREY - Filmmaker Whitney Wegman-Wood will come to Godfrey to show her film “The Last Butterflies,” starring Cooper Andrews, at the Always Late TV Movie Awards at Lewis and Clark Community College (LCCC). On March 23 and 24, 2024, the free film festival invites community members to enjoy several short films at LCCC’s Godfrey campus. Wegman-Wood explained that she is excited to return to the Midwest for the film festival and the chance to share her apocalyptic story with a Godfrey audience. “The Midwest and my home will always be my inspiration,” Wegman-Wood said. “That’s where the stories come from, the heartland. So I’m very happy that I’m going back. It kind of warms my heart.” “The Last Butterflies,” which stars Cooper Andrews of “The Walking Dead” fame, tells the story of an apocalyptic world based on a series of nightmares that Wegman-Wood had in 2019. She wrote the majority of the script

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NASHVILLE – Illinois State Police (ISP) Division of Criminal Investigation Zone 7 announces the arrest of 36-year-old Corey A. Minemann of Ruma, IL, for two counts of Aggravated Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol (Class 2 Felony) and Reckless Homicide (Class 3 Felony), stemming from an August 8, 2023 motor vehicle crash in Washington County. On August 8, 2023, ISP Troop 8 troopers were requested by Washington County Sheriff’s Office to handle a vehicle versus bicyclist fatal traffic crash on Oakdale Blacktop. The bicyclist, Randy Love, received fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased on scene by the Washington County Coroner’s Office. ISP DCI agents followed-up, leading a thorough investigation connecting Minemann to the incident. On February 5, 2024, a warrant was issued by a Washington County judge for Minemann’s arrest and he was taken into custody by ISP on February 6 in Randolph County. Minemann is currently being held in the Randolph County

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GRANITE CITY - Donald J. Friese, a suspect sought in an attempted first-degree murder case, has been located in Southern Illinois by multiple law enforcement agencies, the Granite City Police Department has reported. The Granite City Police said more information will be provided at a later time. Granite City Police announced Wednesday, Feb. 7, 2024, that a suspect has been charged after a Granite City police officer was shot during gunfire late Tuesday night in the 2400 block of Delmar. Friese was charged with two counts of attempted first-degree murder, aggravated battery with a firearm, aggravated discharge of a firearm, and unlawful use or possession of weapons by a felon. The officer's injury was described as "a through-and-through gunshot wound." The officer was taken to an area hospital and has been released. Anyone with additional information is asked to contact the Granite City Police at (618) 877-6111.

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ALTON - Centerstone has a new webpage where you can go to find out more about their substance use disorder treatment programs. RecoverWithUs.org allows you to fill out a form to get information about treatment options and more. Krysten Green, a nurse practitioner with Centerstone, explained the different options they have, from withdrawal management to residential treatment, depending on what your needs are. “Addiction can happen to anybody and I’ve also seen recovery happen to anybody,” Green said. “Lawyers, doctors, nurses, it doesn't matter the walk of life. Everyone can struggle with addiction. But everyone can recover as well.” Green explained that Centerstone offers withdrawal management options, which allow people to safely detox and receive medical assistance to be as comfortable as possible. They often use medication-assisted treatment (MAT) to make people more comfortable as they go through withdrawal. While the process is “ver

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ALTON/GODFREY - Riverbender.com is shining the spotlight on another member of the North Alton-Godfrey Business Council - this time, local nonprofit Senior Services Plus. SSP has several programs and facilities to offer, including Meals On Wheels, The Wellness Center, their upcoming “ Speed Connections ” event, and more. Senior Services Plus CEO Teresa Collins appeared on a recent episode of Our Daily Show! on Riverbender.com to share more about SSP and the programs, facilities, and other resources they offer, as well as their beneficial membership in the NAGBC. Collins said this month marks the five-year anniversary of the opening of their Wellness Center, which features 10,000 square feet, an indoor walking track, a classroom, commercial-grade equipment, and “fabulous” trainers. She added that the Wellness Center is open to ages 16 and older and helps not only with physical well-being, but social well-being as well. “A lot of times,

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ROXANA - Aidan Briggs had one of the most special moments of his life on Tuesday, Feb. 6, 2024, when he sank a jumper from long range as the buzzer sounded to notch his 1,000th career point. The Roxana students and fans emptied to the floor to celebrate with Aidan, who is also a top-ranked student and a three-sport star in football, basketball and baseball. Aidan is a Midwest Members Credit Union Male Athlete of the Month for the Shells. Aidan's father, Mark, is the head coach of Roxana, so for the Briggs family, it was a very special night. The family posed for photos together after the heroic accomplishment by Aidan. Aidan is a modest young man and a role model for many of the other Roxana players and those coming up the ranks in junior high and grade school. He is the ultimate team player that every coach wants on their squad. He said after the game that he has a love of wearing those Roxana colors and playing in front of the Shells fans. Coach Briggs said it was good he hit

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EDWARDSVILLE — Madison County State’s Attorney Tom Haine announced Wednesday that his office has filed charges against two individuals in connection with a shooting in Alton that critically injured a 13-year-old girl. The defendants are: Alvin Perry III, 19, of Alton, charged with Attempted First-Degree Murder, Aggravated Battery With a Firearm, Unlawful Possession of Weapon by a Felon and Aggravated Unlawful Use of Weapons. Raysean M. Colvin, 19, of Alton, charged with Attempted First-Degree Murder, Aggravated Battery With a Firearm, Unlawful Sale or Delivery of Firearms, Unlawful Possession of Weapon by a Felon and Aggravated Unlawful Use of Weapons. The charges of Attempted First-Degree Murder allege that the defendants – or one for whose conduct they are legally responsible – discharged a weapon in the direction of the victim, striking her in the head. The victim suffered a gunshot as she stood on a porch outside a house on Highland Avenue on Saturday

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ALTON - Peter Walch, a senior at Marquette Catholic High School, is one of the Alton-Godfrey Rotary Club Students Of The Month. He is the son of Dennis and Karen Walch. He attended Saint Mary’s Catholic School from fifth grade through eighth grade. He has attended Marquette for all four years of high school. Peter has achieved a GPA of 4.82 and a 28 on the ACT. He has taken many AP and dual credit courses. Peter was named Marquette student of the month in August and an Illinois state scholar. Peter participated in many extracurricular activities during his time at Marquette, including being a member of the Marquette football team for 2 years before injury forced him to stop. Peter is currently a member of the Marquette Scholar bowl team. As a sophomore, Peter began his time as a part of the Academic Challenge team at Marquette. As a member of the Academic Challenge team, he placed second in the regional in biology, then excelled his junior year, winning first place in chemistry

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ALTON - Amirah Perry of Alton High School was honored as a Student of the Month for February at a regular meeting of the Rotary Club of Alton-Godfrey at Gentelin’s on Broadway Restaurant. Perry is a senior of Alton High School and is the daughter of Jane and Zachary Perry. She would like to thank the Rotary Club for the honor of being Rotary Student of the Month for February. Amirah would also like to thank the high school administration for recommending her for this honor. Lastly, she couldn't have come this far without the support of her family, so she would like to thank her mother, father, and her brother for always supporting her journey and continuing to support her throughout her life. Kobe Bryant once said, “Everything negative - pressure, challenges - is all an opportunity for me to rise.” Eighth grade was a year of mindset change for her as she began to think about her future and what high school would look like. Amirah pushed herself to get the best grades,

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SPRINGFIELD - Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) today announced seven awards, totaling $3.3 million, through the Route 66 Grant Program. This funding is intended to boost local tourism and attract visitors to the historic Route 66, leading up to the 100th Anniversary of Route 66 in 2026. The local Great Rivers & Routes Tourism Bureau received two grants that totaled $892,000 and $600,000. Those are explained below. “Like so many great things, Route 66 begins in Chicago, travels Illinois, and spreads across the country delighting millions and forming an essential part of our nation,” said Governor JB Pritzker . “These investments will enhance visitor experiences and build on existing attractions to ensure Illinois and Route 66 remain vibrant elements of American culture and tradition for many years to come.” A total of 300 miles of Route 66 weave through Illinois, and the economic and historical impact

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CAHOKIA – The Major Case Squad of Greater St. Louis is investigating a fatal shooting that occurred in the 700 block of Mildred Avenue in Cahokia Heights. The Cahokia Heights Police were initially called to the scene at 1:04 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 6, 2024. The victim has been identified as Bradford L. Readus, 22, of Memphis, Tenn. The Major Case Squad has 15 investigators on the case. The Major Case Squad investigators are actively working with leads to identify the person responsible for this crime and bring them to justice. Anyone with any information about this case should contact the Major Case Squad at (618) 332-4277.

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GRANITE CITY - Granite City Police announced Wednesday, Feb. 7, 2024, that a suspect has been charged after a Granite City police officer was shot during gunfire late Tuesday night. Granite City Police said the suspect is still at large. Donald J. Friese was charged with two counts of attempted first-degree murder, aggravated battery with a firearm, aggravated discharge of a firearm, and unlawful use or possession of weapons by a felon. Granite Police were called to the 2400 block of Delmar Avenue on Tuesday night and the suspect started shooting at them and one officer was hit. The injury was described as "a through-and-through gunshot wound." The officer was taken to an area hospital and has been released. Granite City Police Chief Col. Nick Novacich confirmed there was an exchange of gunfire between Friese and officers at the scene and police believe Friese was injured. Friese's vehicle has been confiscated. Anyone with additional information, contact the Granite City

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From grooving at dance parties to engaging in astronomy explorations and celebrating the Lunar New Year, the array of events scheduled offers something exciting for everyone to enjoy. For a comprehensive list of activities and details, be sure to visit https://www.riverbender.com/events/ and start planning your next memorable outing. Leading Off: Super Sunday - Get ready for a day filled with faith and football at Abundant Church's Super Sunday on February 11, 2024. Located at 3986 Humbert Rd. in Alton, IL, the church is set to offer two dynamic service experiences at 9am and 11am, featuring LIVE music and an inspiring message. The festivities continue with free tailgate food, NFL drills for kids, photo opportunities, a field goal challenge, and major giveaways. Everyone is invited to experience the energy and community spirit of Super Sunday! ACSL Wine Tasting Fundraiser - Taste the spirit of love and charity at the Valentine's Day Wine-Tasting event, hosted by Alton Community

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EDWARDSVILLE – A new era has begun for the Edwardsville Fire Department with the official opening of the East Fire Station at 7407 Governors’ Parkway. The new station became operational in February 2024, nearly 150 years to the day after the first fire company was organized in Edwardsville. “This is an exciting development for our residents, our City and our Fire Department,” Mayor Art Risavy said. “The department has a long tradition of unwavering dedication to protecting and serving our residents. I appreciate the hard work by our Fire Department and the support of our City officials and staff to make the new station a reality.” The East Fire Station includes 8,400 square feet of space, environmentally smart features such as solar panels; radiant floor heating to efficiently warm the bays and to dry wet equipment; and bi-fold bay doors that open and close in about a third of the time to speed emergency egress and limit heat loss. “This state-of-the-ar

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EDWARDSVILLE - A man from Edwardsville faces four total charges including possession of a stolen motor vehicle, aggravated fleeing or attempting to elude a peace officer, aggravated driving while under the influence, and resisting a peace officer, according to Madison County court documents. Kyle E. Hood, 39, of Edwardsville, was charged with the above listed offenses by the Illinois State Police on Dec. 22, 2023. Hood allegedly knowingly possessed a stolen Dodge Avenger with an Illinois registration number and drove it while under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or a combination thereof on I-55 in Madison County, according to court documents. His license had reportedly been revoked due to a previous DUI violation. Hood was additionally charged with aggravated fleeing or attempting to elude a peace officer after speeding at least 21 miles per hour over the legal limit while attempting to elude an Illinois State Police trooper who was giving him a visual or audible signal to stop

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ALTON - Alton resident Rob Goodwin has received the Teacher of the Year honor two years in a row at Bermuda Elementary School in the Ferguson-Florissant School District of St. Louis County. Goodwin has been teaching since 1996 and will retire in June 2026. He teaches music at Bermuda Elementary School, which ranges from preschool to second grade. “I swear, I think I’ve got the best job in the world,” Goodwin said. “It really is remarkable to receive that honor two years in a row. I was so surprised and so shocked.” Goodwin explained that his students learn age-appropriate music lessons. Every second grader receives piano lessons through the school, while first graders and kindergartners play rhythm instruments and preschoolers learn nursery rhymes. Goodwin said it is “absolutely endearing” to watch the kids grow and improve their music skills. While he clearly succeeds as a teacher, Goodwin didn’t always want to be an educator.

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JERSEYVILLE - Your Event Space will offer an open house to showcase its new location in Jerseyville on Feb. 8, 2024. From 5–8 p.m. on Feb. 8, you can check out the new space located at 309 North State Street in Jerseyville. The space integrates a ceremony hall and reception space with the bar at Germania Brew Haus, giving it a “coffee shop feel” that is unique to the area. Bryan and Barbie Brynildsen explain that Your Event Space aims to work with people to make sure their events are exactly what they want them to be. “We always tell couples that we’re not a big corporation,” Barbie said. “We’re a mom-and-pop store, so we can work with couples and things like that.” The Brynildsens said their events are customizable, and they can help couples choose the best caterer, DJ or decor options for them. They offer several packages so people can rent decor or choose to have a cash bar. But Barbie noted that the family is “budget-minded,”

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ALTON - Hayner Public Library District has a full slate of activities and programs coming up. “We have something for kids, teens, adults. Almost every day, something is going on,” said Mary Cordes, the library’s executive director. The library will be hosting internet safety classes for adults who want more information about how to stay safe online. These classes will talk about the dangers of clicking on unverified links, recognizing phishing scams, and protecting sensitive information. “We could have one every day of the week and they would be full. There’s a real need out there for it,” Cordes explained. “It’s a genuine fear, and honestly, it’s a legitimate fear because so many things can happen to you, especially financially, that you don’t understand. And it’s not even older people. I’ve done it myself…It can happen to anyone.” While the current class scheduled for Feb. 29 is full,

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