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ALTON - The 34th annual Olde Alton Arts and Craft Fair was off to a cheery start on Saturday morning, Dec. 2, 2023. The fair will run through Sunday, Dec. 3, 2023. Riverbend residents and visitors flooded Alton High School to check out the wares of almost 200 crafters, a few of whom traveled from as far as Texas. The event is sponsored by the Alton Band and Orchestra Builders (ABOB) and supports both the crafters and the music program at Alton Community Unit School District #11 (ACUSD11). “We’ve got a good steady flow of customers so far. We hope to have a full day today and tomorrow,” said Dave Fritz, ABOB member and fair organizer. “To see the inventory that’s brought in, just the vast amount of it and the variety of it — it’s amazing to see what these people make and bring in and display and sell at their booth. All of the crafters’ wares are “at least 51% handmade,” Fritz explained. He added that there are always a lot

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ALTON - Alton Little Theater is gathering a talented group of vocalists and musicians for the Best of the Best Christmas Concert coming up on Saturday, Dec. 9, 2023 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 10, 2023 at 2 p.m. Kevin and Anne Frakes gave more details about the concert on the latest "Theater Thursday" segment on Our Daily Show! on Riverbender.com . The show has already proven so popular that the Sunday show is sold out and the Saturday show is filling up quickly. Even if tickets are listed as unavailable online, Kevin said to call the theater at (618) 462-3205 to verify ticket availability as some may still be available. Tickets are $25 each and can be purchased on the Alton Little Theater website . Kevin said he, Anne, and their children first performed the concert 20 years ago, and that there’s a wide variety of music on hand for this year’s concert. “We do a big variety of numbers, and we do some religious stuff, even,” Kevin said. “There’s

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SPRINGFIELD – To help root out public corruption in Illinois, the Illinois State Police (ISP) Special Investigations Unit (SIU) has created an online form for the public to report suspected corruption directly to ISP. “The Illinois State Police Special Investigations Unit is dedicated to seeking out those who abuse their position and power to take advantage of others, betraying the public’s trust,” said ISP Director Brendan F. Kelly. “By making it easier for the public to confidentially report suspected corruption, we can begin restoring the public’s trust in government. ISP will continue to work with its partners in law enforcement to investigate misconduct and corruption.” ISP created an online form where the public can provide information confidentially to the ISP SIU about suspected corruption. Examples of public corruption may include an elected official steering contracts to friends in exchange for a monetary kickback, overbilling

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CHICAGO – Attorney General Kwame Raoul, as part of a coalition of 21 attorneys general, today filed an amicus brief in support of transgender students in Idaho and against an Idaho law that bars students from using school facilities consistent with their gender identity. Raoul and the coalition filed their amicus brief supporting a seventh-grade transgender girl and the Boise High School Sexuality and Gender Alliance (SAGA) who argue that the law is discriminatory and inconsistent with equal protection principles. “Discriminatory laws that target transgender students and minors further stigmatize a community already facing high levels of harassment and bigotry,” Raoul said. “I will continue to oppose laws that attack transgender youth and will work to protect the rights of all LGBTQ+ youth.” In their brief, Raoul and the coalition argue that that denying transgender girls and boys access to the same common restrooms that other girls and boys use

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ALTON - The Alton Police Department took 50 kids on a shopping spree for this year’s Shop With a Cop event. On Saturday, Dec. 2, 2023, officers and students from Alton Community Unit School District #11 went together to Target with approximately $200 for each kid to buy whatever they wanted. The event is sponsored by APD and the Alton Police Youth Camp nonprofit, which uses fundraisers and donations to raise money for this annual holiday tradition. “That’s what our nonprofit is all about, you know?” Sergeant Andrew Pierson said. “It’s very great. Some of the kids come prepared with lists they’ve made and they know what they’re doing. Some of them just wander through the aisles. And you see a lot, too, of the kids wanting to give to their siblings or their mom or their dad or grandma or whatever.” There were a lot of smiles as kids led the officers through the store to pick out toys, clothes, sports equipment, video games and candy.

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GRANITE CITY – State Rep. Jay Hoffman, D-Swansea, released the following statement Thursday after the Illinois Department of Labor (IDOL) issued a subpoena to U.S. Steel to investigate its compliance with the Illinois Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) Act regarding layoffs at the Granite City Works. “I appreciate that the Illinois Department of Labor is doing its due diligence to ensure workers rights are properly respected. The WARN Act provides needed notice for communities and families to prepare for significant layoffs, and this situation requires clear, transparent communication at every step of the process. "Adequate notice is the least U.S. Steel could do when it’s laying off 1000 workers, particularly during the holiday season. I will continue to engage officials with United Steelworkers Local 1899, and I strongly urge U.S. Steel to take action that supports – not abandons – the highly skilled workers of Granite City.”

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Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) has made headlines the past two falls for hitting Americans early and hard. Hannah High, APRN , an OSF HealthCare pulmonologist, expects the virus to be rough this cold weather season, too. But, each fall and winter – when respiratory illnesses peak – is different. So, it’s important to know the latest guidance. A reminder: what is RSV? High says RSV is an illness that, for most, brings mild to moderate cold-like symptoms like cough, wheezing and shortness of breath. A provider can take a swab in your nose and run a test to see if you have RSV or something else, like influenza (the flu). Treatment is focused on alleviating symptoms while your immune system fights the virus. For example, you can use a saline spray to help keep your nose and airways clear. Recovery is typically one to two weeks. But for high-risk groups, RSV can cause severe respiratory infection, pneumonia and even death. “High risk is usually children less

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CARROLLTON – Carrollton High School Principal Leslee Frazier is pleased to announce that 3 students from the graduating class of 2024 have been designated as Illinois State Scholars. The Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC), the state’s college access and financial aid agency, presents this important recognition of academic achievement to exceptional Illinois high school students annually. This year, nearly 16,700 honorees join the other outstanding students who have been honored since the designation was first introduced in 1958. The following Carrollton High School students were named 2024-25 Illinois State Scholars: Braylon Rhoades, Lexi Staples, and Piper Steinacher “On behalf of ISAC, congratulations to all our Illinois State Scholars for their extraordinary academic achievements,” said ISAC Executive Director Eric Zarnikow. “These high school seniors managed through the personal and learning challenges of the pandemic for several years

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GODFREY - Despite the gloomy weather, Godfrey’s 18th annual Snowflake Festival was merry and bright. On Friday, Dec. 1, 2023, families and a special visitor from the North Pole gathered at Glazebrook Park for a free evening of crafts, s’mores, horse-drawn carriage rides and pictures with Santa Claus. The Godfrey Parks and Recreation Department also collected donations for Toys for Tots . “It’s just a good time to spread the holiday cheer and get the residents and the surrounding areas involved in our community around Glazebrook,” explained Jordan Gintz, Godfrey’s Recreation Supervisor. Kids could make ornaments and mix up reindeer food with the Optimist Club. Families roasted marshmallows to make their own s’mores, and they enjoyed free hot chocolate and cookies from Duke’s Bakery. The horse-drawn carriage took riders on a journey around the park to see the Christmas lights. Kids of all ages joined Santa Claus for a photo and told

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EDWARDSVILLE - The final installment of tax bills for Madison County taxpayers will be due soon, according to a recent press release from Madison County Treasurer Chris Slusser. The due date is Wednesday, Dec. 6, 2023, and Slusser reminded taxpayers of their payment options. “With the due date quickly approaching, I want to remind everyone that the fourth and final tax installment will be due Wednesday, Dec. 6,” Slusser said. “Remember, there are many ways to pay including the option of paying by phone at 1-844-919-4300.” Payments can also be made through your financial institution’s online bill pay service, by mail, at a participating collector bank or credit union in Madison County, in person at the Treasurer’s Office in Edwardsville, or online on the Treasurer’s website at www.madcotreasurer.org . “No penalty will be applied for payments mailed and postmarked by the due date,” Slusser added. “I would encourage taxpayer

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EDWARDSVILLE - A.J. Epenesa, a defensive end for the Buffalo Bills in the NFL, is a household name throughout Edwardsville and the entire Metro East region. He was an All-Stater in football, basketball and track and field for the Edwardsville Tigers and attained more fame at the University of Iowa and now the NFL. A.J. also attended Lincoln School while in the junior high ranks. On Friday, he made a surprise visit to his fourth-grade teacher, Mrs. Lora Wagner, at Woodland Elementary. A.J.’s intent in coming back was to express his appreciation for one of the people who helped mold him. It is a reminder of the profound impact teachers have on the lives of their students. A.J. took the time to speak to Mrs. Wagner’s students, take photos and sign autographs, which meant everything to his teacher and the students at the school. A.J. was in a photo shown above sitting in a Woodland Elementary seat, something the students also will never forget. Edwardsville High Schoo

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CHICAGO - Building on the State’s data-driven plan to improve the asylum seeker response, Governor JB Pritzker, the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS), and the Greater Chicago Food Depository announced an additional $4 million investment to provide meals to asylum seekers through the end of the calendar year. The additional $2 million state investment will be matched by philanthropy through the Food Depository. At the request of the City of Chicago in June 2023, the State has provided $10.5 million in funding to the Greater Chicago Food Depository, a food bank with a network of community-based providers, to deliver meals to asylum seekers while the City worked to procure additional vendors. Due to delays in the procurement process, the State and Food Depository will now contribute an additional $2 million each, to ensure asylum seekers are fed through the month of December. In January, the City of Chicago will assume this responsibility as the State ramps up its shelter,

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HARDIN - Jennifer M. Geninatti, 43, of Jacksonville, IL., faces three serious charges after a traffic stop in Calhoun County. Geninatti has been charged with the following: Driving Under the Influence - Drugs Unlawful Possession of Methamphetamine Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia On November 15, 2023, a Deputy Sheriff with the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office conducted a traffic stop on a white 2002 Chevrolet Tahoe at Illinois River Road near Gallinepper, in Calhoun County. The Calhoun Sheriff's Office said Geninatti was arrested without incident and transported to the Calhoun County Sheriff's Office. As is now required under the provisions of the new House Bill 3653, known as the SAFE-T Act; Geninatti was booked and released with a Notice to Appear at a later date at the Calhoun County Courthouse. All suspect(s) are innocent until proven guilty.

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HARDIN - A Hardin man faces charges of stalking, violation of an Order of Protection and Criminal Damage to Property. Charged in the case is Donald G. Dawson, 55, of Hardin. On November 19, 2023, the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office received a complaint of Stalking and Criminal Damage to Property. The Calhoun Sheriff's Office said Dawson was arrested without incident and was booked into the Greene County Jail and is currently being held without Bond. Dawson was currently on Mandatory Supervised Release (Parole) from the Illinois Department of Corrections, in relation to a 2021 Calhoun County conviction for the offenses of: Intimidation and Threatening a Public Official. The Illinois Department of Corrections has since ordered a Parole Violation Warrant and Dawson is to return to the custody of the Illinois Department of Corrections. All suspect(s) are innocent until proven guilty.

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BENTON – A district judge sentenced a man from Marshall, Illinois, to spend more than three years in federal prison after he called in a bomb threat to a company in Paris, Illinois. Justin L. Switzer, 29, pleaded guilty to one count of willfully threatening the use of explosives. According to court documents, Switzer called in a bomb threat to North American Lighting Company, Inc. in Paris, Illinois on Nov. 2, 2022. He admitted to calling the business and stating “two minutes to detonation”. In response to the bomb threat, North American Lighting evacuated personnel, which caused the company to lose approximately $456,000 in gross revenue. In addition to his prison sentence, Switzer was ordered to pay $456,000 in restitution. FBI Springfield Field Office and Homeland Security Investigations contributed to the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kevin Burke and Liam Coonan prosecuted the case.

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PONTOON BEACH - The enchantment of the holiday season is once again rolling through the streets of Madison County with the return of the MCT “Holiday Bus.” This tradition celebrates the spirit of giving, delivering the gift of a complimentary public bus ride to MCT passengers who step aboard one of these special buses throughout the month of December. In 2022, MCT Holiday Buses accounted for more than 3,800 free rides. Commencing December 1 and continuing through December 31, MCT will enhance passengers’ travel experience by deploying the Holiday Bus daily on three MCT buses of varying sizes. These festive buses will embark on randomly assigned routes daily throughout the MCT service area. A delightful surprise awaits passengers boarding the Holiday Bus when they encounter a farebox playfully wrapped like a present, symbolizing the gift of a free ride. The buses may also be adorned with additional festive decor. "Our passengers really appreciate the surprise of steppin

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SPRINGFIELD — The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency’s Office of Energy has announced $2,909,890 of grant funding available for the development of local strategic energy plans as well as energy efficiency audits and local government building upgrades. Under the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program (EECBG), grant awards ranging from $200,000 to $249,900 will aim to create long-term sustainability and energy reduction roadmaps and reduce energy usage for Illinois municipalities and counties. The grant program will invest U.S. Department of Energy (U.S. DOE) Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) funds in energy planning, energy audits, and energy efficiency building upgrades. Municipalities and counties eligible for direct formula funding through the U.S. DOE are not eligible for funding through this state program. Grant applications will undergo a comprehensive, merit-based review. Scoring factors will include funding justification, projects

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ALTON - Sophomore Semaj Stampley has had to make some tough decisions. Go and play his freshman year at Alton High with his older brother, for a program that hadn't been showing much promise the last handful of seasons, or go the private school route. He chose the latter, and doesn't regret it. "It was a big decision between me and my family," Semaj said. "I went there, had a good experience, played a lot of St. Louis teams, different teams across the country. It was a good experience for me." Semaj was playing key varsity minutes for one of the most prized schools in St. Louis, Christian Brothers College High School, better known as just CBC. In his single season as a Cadet, he played in 26 games and scored 152 points. He was a 50-percent three-point shooter, putting down 28 threes which was second on the team. He took on other St. Louis basketball powerhouses like Chaminade, SLUH, De Smet, and Vianney. Semaj says he chose CBC because he had good relationships with the coaches,

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SPRINGFIELD – Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) is implementing its fifth year of the Fall Covers for Spring Savings Program. New this year, users will be able to enter their information into the application and validate it during a pre-enrollment period starting at 8:00 A.M. CST on December 4, 2023. Applications can be submitted once the program opens at 8:00 A.M. on December 15, 2023. Applications can be saved and edited at any time, prior to submittal. Pre-Enrollment Period --- 8 a.m. Dec. 4, 2023 Program Submittal Period --- 8 a.m. Dec. 15, 2023 Program Closes --- 11:59 p.m. Jan. 15, 2024 A total of 140,000 acres are available for the 2024 program. In the 2023 program, this acreage allotment was met in under 24 hours and a total of over 182,688 acres were requested by the time the application period ended. Funding of eligible acreage is on a first come, first serve basis. “The ‘Fall Covers for Spring Savings’ program provides a ‘jump

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SPRINGFIELD – Youth between the ages of 10 and 17 who would like to participate in the annual Central Illinois Youth Goose Hunt sponsored by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources can register now for the event, which is scheduled for Jan. 15, 2024. Registration opens Dec. 1 and closes Dec. 31. To participate, youth hunters must go online to register and follow the instructions. The hunt will be hosted at private waterfowl hunting clubs near Canton in Fulton County, and hunters selected to participate will be pre-assigned to hunting locations. A lottery drawing involving all youth hunters who register will be conducted, and those who are selected will be notified by email. First-time applicants will be given priority over previous participants. The hunt is open to youth ages 10 to 17 at the time of the event. All applicants must possess a valid Illinois hunting or sportsman’s license, have a Harvest Information Program (HIP) registration number, and have a 20

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