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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Senator Todd Young (R-IN) today introduced their Congenital Heart Futures Reauthorization Act, legislation that extends funding for public health efforts at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to improve childhood survival rates, prevent premature death and disability, and increase quality of life for the two-and-a-half million Americans living with congenital heart disease (CHD). Heart defects are the deadliest and most common form of birth defects—every 15 minutes a child is born with a heart defect. Today’s bipartisan legislation builds upon the law Durbin and Young passed in 2018 to expand CDC’s research and awareness efforts for CHD. “Heart defects are the most common birth defect, and if you ever get the devastating news that your precious little one has a serious medical condition, you hope there’s a treatment or care option for them,” said Durbin.

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JERSEYVILLE - In conjunction with Jerseyville Banking Center, J.C.H.S. has selected their “Students of the Month”. The recipients for the month of January are Matthew Weitzel (10) (left) & Talan Finkes (11) (right). The selection of a “Student of the Month” is based upon the number of F.O.C.U.S. nominations, which a student receives for a given month. F.O.C.U.S. (Finding One Clearly Unique Student) is a program, which acknowledges a student each week for academic or kindness. Each week teachers may recognize students who have performed well in their classes by selecting them as F.O.C.U.S. students for that particular week. During January, Matthew & Talan received the most F.O.C.U.S. nominations. Because they received the most nominations, they were named “Students of the Month” at JCHS. They are being congratulated by Makayla Daley of Jerseyville Banking Center. In conjunction with CNB Bank & Trust, J.C.H.S. has selected their “Students

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CHICAGO - Attorney General Kwame Raoul, with Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost, Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond and Wisconsin Attorney General Joshua L. Kaul, co-led a bipartisan coalition of 42 attorneys general urging the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives to authorize needed 2024 bridge funding for the federal Crime Victims Fund (VOCA Fund). The VOCA Fund supports essential direct services for crime victims and survivors across the country. The U.S. Department of Justice’s Office for Victims of Crime has projected fiscal year 2024 funding for victim service grants will be $700 million lower than fiscal year 2023. In their letter to congressional leaders, Raoul and the attorneys general call on Congress to authorize short-term funding to prevent severe cuts. “I am committed to supporting survivors and doing all we can to prevent violent crime in Illinois,” Raoul said. “These services help survivors overcome the trauma they’ve endured

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GRANITE CITY – Granite City Elks Lodge #1063 recognized eight seniors from Granite City High School as Students of the Month for September, October, November and December. The Elks Student of the Month Program is designed to recognize outstanding young men and women for achievements in school and community life-fine arts, hobbies, athletics, church, school, club and community service, industry and farming. Nominees are judged on multiple achievements including leadership skills, good moral character, community involvement, extracurricular activities, honors and award and scholastic ability. Each student receives a $100 U.S. savings bond and an Elks certificate of achievement. ANNA FORBES - September Speech and Debate Team Captain and Marching Warriors Section Leader ... Also a member of GCHS Robotics Team and GCHS Theatre .... Madison County Youth Board President, GCSD9 School Board Student Member and GC Mayor's Teen Task Force member ... ALA Girls Nation US Senator and

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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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