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SPRINGFIELD – Today, the Illinois Board of Higher Education (IBHE) released its fall enrollment report for the state’s public universities for the fall semester of the 2024-25 academic year. Illinois public universities also achieved progress across a range of key variables including: Increased undergraduate enrollment by 2%, Increased new full-time transfer student enrollment by 5.1%, Increased African American undergraduate enrollment by 2.8%, Increased Latino undergraduate enrollment by 1.4%, and Increased freshmen enrollment by 0.6%, the fourth consecutive year of growth. There are an additional 2,993 students across all state universities this fall, which represents an overall enrollment increase of 1.6% and a total overall enrollment of 185,590 students – the highest overall enrollment in eight years. Fall 2024 undergraduate enrollment at Illinois public universities increased by 2% compared to the previous year, increasing for the second consecutive

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ALTON - The Friends for David Goins organization donated to All God’s Children Shall Have Shoes, a local nonprofit that provides new shoes and socks to area students. Mayor David Goins and the Friends for David Goins group recently sponsored the Mayor’s Ball to raise funds for Goins’s campaign and All God’s Children Shall Have Shoes. Goins noted his excitement to donate to the organization. “It’s because of the work they do and me seeing the work firsthand and being a part of it. I enjoy it. Our police officers come out to help, our police chief, fire chief, fire department. It’s just a great community event,” Goins said. “Seeing what they do and being a part of it, coming out here and watching, helping the kids, getting to be a part of it and walk around with a child to help them select shoes — when I saw how many kids were coming, we just thought that this would be the perfect charitable organization that we can donate

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SPRINGFIELD - The Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal (OSFM) and the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) remind residents to test, inspect and replace any broken or expired smoke and CO alarms while they change their clocks this upcoming weekend as daylight saving time comes to an end. In 2023, there were 89 residential fire deaths in Illinois with the majority of these deaths occurring in homes without working smoke alarms. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reports that between from 2018 to 2022 nearly three out of five (59 percent) home fire deaths were caused by fires in properties with no smoke alarms, almost three out of every five home fire deaths in the U.S. resulted from fires in homes with no smoke alarms or non-working smoke alarms. Nearly two-thirds (66 percent) of the fatal injuries from fires in homes with smoke alarms occurred in properties with battery-only powered alarms. When present, hardwired smoke alarms operated in 94 percent of the fire

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ALTON - A man from O’Fallon is the third in recent history to be charged with forgery for attempting to pass bad checks at Schwegel’s Market in Alton. Dwight R. Donley, 37, of O’Fallon, was charged once on Sept. 6, 2024 and twice on Sept. 9, 2024 with forgery, each Class 3 felonies, for attempting to pass a series of bad checks at Schwegel’s Market. The check from Sept. 6 was made out in the amount of $14,58.52, while the checks from Sept. 9 were written in the amounts of $6,000 and $2,500, according to Madison County Court documents. This marks the second time this year - and third time since 2023 - that forgery charges have been filed in relation to Schwegel’s Market. Duane A. Reams, 37, of Bethalto, and Marquitta M. Davis, 43, of Edwardsville, were both charged on July 29, 2024 with forgery for attempting to pass bad checks on two separate occasions. Reams wrote a bad check for $2,204.63 on Feb. 11, 2024, while Davis’s bad check

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ALTON/GRANITE CITY - Two area sex offenders - one from Alton and one from Granite City - have been charged with failing to register as sex offenders with local authorities. Michael K. Howard, 45, listed as homeless out of Alton, was charged on Oct. 5 with failure to report weekly with no fixed address, a Class 3 felony, and resisting a peace officer, a Class A misdemeanor. Descriptions of the charges state Howard failed to report to the Alton Police Chief on a weekly basis as legally required for a sex offender with no fixed address, and pulled his arms away from an officer who was arresting him. Howard was charged with additional counts of identical offenses - failure to report weekly and resisting a peace officer - on Oct. 18, 2024. He also has an extensive criminal history, including several past charges of burglary, criminal trespass, public indecency, and much more. Howard’s case was presented by the Alton Police Department. Madison County Sheriff’s Office

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GRAFTON - As a reminder, Pere Marquette State Park hosts its final fishing/owl night with Illinois Department of Natural Resources Fishing Coordinator Scott Isringhausen on Friday night. Isringhausen said in their last trek in the woods in this program, they heard owls close by. Fishing activities start at 5:30 p.m. and at 7:30 p.m., attendees will gather for an indoor program showcasing eight different species of owls, all presented as taxidermy specimens. After the presentation, the event will move outdoors for a two-mile guided hike aimed at calling and observing owls in their natural habitat. The hike will include five to six stops where participants will be asked to remain quiet in hopes of hearing or spotting the owls. Isringhausen noted that a portion of the hike is uphill, but they take breaks on the trek. The evening will conclude back at the visitor center, where attendees can enjoy roasting marshmallows and hot dogs by the pond. The program is expected to wrap up between

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BETHALTO - There’s a groundbreaking new way for pilots to learn how to fly. With locations in Creve Coeur and Bethalto, Piston Aviation has a new online alternative to traditional flight school. Piston Live offers online courses with live instructors, bridging the gap between traditional and online training and preparing aspiring pilots for the next step in their flight school journey. “Do you wish your online flight school was affordable and gave you access to everything you needed to know?” asked owner Joe Ord. “We’ve scoured the internet and we have found all of the resources, put them all in one place, for you, right here on Piston Live.” Ord explained that he wanted to create a ground school that’s flexible for people while giving them all the benefits of in-person instruction. The online program allows people to move at their own pace and utilize all of the resources, but it also gives them access to live instructors who

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EDWARDSVILLE — The annual Halloween parade in Edwardsville, organized by the Edwardsville/Glen Carbon Chamber of Commerce in conjunction with the City Of Edwardsville and Glen Carbon, returned with a creative twist on Thursday, Oct. 31, 2024 - Halloween night. This year’s theme, "In My Favorite Era," encouraged participants to showcase various historical periods through imaginative floats and costumes. Katie Haas, a spokesperson for the Chamber of Commerce, expressed pride in coordinating the event, which has become a cherished tradition for the community. “The Edwardsville/Glen Carbon Chamber of Commerce is honored to organize the annual Halloween parade and celebrate this beloved community tradition,” Haas said. “We're proud to collaborate with several entities in order to produce a large-scale event that draws thousands of participants and spectators to downtown Edwardsville each year.” The Edwardsville/Glen Carbon Chamber of Commerce said

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GRAFTON - Community members from around the Riverbend are invited to the Grafton Country Music Festival this weekend. From Friday, Nov. 1 to Sunday, Nov. 3, 2024, you can see a variety of country music bands at almost every bar in Grafton. This free live music festival should bring hundreds out to Grafton to enjoy a weekend on the river. “We’re expecting a big weekend,” said Mary Jo Cote, owner of the Grafton Pub. “You can hop around and find the band you like the best. Every single place in Grafton has country music.” The fun starts on Friday evening, Nov. 1, 2024. Grafton Pub will welcome Midwest Avenue from 6–10 p.m., and The Outlaw Opry will play from 7–11 p.m. at 3rd Chute Bar & Grill. “Get off work, pack your bag and get to Grafton,” said Dan Ebbing, president of the Grafton Chamber of Commerce. The main part of the festival starts on Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024. Grafton Harbor/Winery/Gift Shop/Boat Rental/Riverboat/Oyster

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EDWARDSVILLE — The Edwardsville/Glen Carbon Halloween Parade, a cherished annual tradition, took place on Thursday night, Oct. 31, 2024, drawing a large crowd that marveled at the elaborate floats and festive atmosphere. Months of meticulous planning culminated with the event, which has become a highlight of the community's autumn celebrations. Children in attendance eagerly filled their bags with prized Halloween candy, adding to the event's joyful spirit. Katie Haas of the Edwardsville/Glen Carbon Chamber of Commerce emphasized the significance of the parade, stating, "The parade is a testament to the community's ability to come together in celebration." She noted the importance of traditional events, saying, "After months of planning, and the variety of ways to gather with friends and family today, it's rewarding to see that a more traditional means of entertainment is still celebrated in our community." The parade not only showcases local creativity and spirit but also

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ALTON – The Alton Educational Foundation (AEF) has been serving the students, staff and communities of the Alton School District for over 23 years. Recently, the Foundation expanded their mission by partnering with the school district to increase Career and Technical Education (CTE) pathways and work-based learning opportunities for high school students. In committing to this effort, the Foundation’s board of directors also unanimously approved the hiring of a new executive director, Dr. Kristie Baumgartner, at their meeting on October 3, 2024. Baumgartner has over 25 years of experience in educational leadership, program development and grant writing. AEF Board Chairperson, Catherine Droste, shared her excitement about the hiring of a new director and the expanded CTE opportunities for students. “We are very thankful that Dr. Baumgartner accepted the position. Her commitment to students and our communities is incredible and we know through this new leadership opportunity,

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GRANITE CITY - After earning several merit badges, learning life skills, and completing a community project, Boy Scout Caleb Donaldson became an Eagle Scout on Oct. 9, 2014. For a decade, despite his father’s best efforts, the story never made the news - until now. This year marks the tenth anniversary of Caleb earning his Eagle Scout title and badge. It’s a story his father, Matthew, is still proud to tell today - and one we at Riverbender.com are proud to share. Boy Scouts: A Positive Influence Matthew, who was involved with the Boy Scouts of America himself, said the experience has also benefited both of his sons as they’ve become young adults. “Without a doubt, Boy Scouts really shaped him - kept him away from drugs and drinking,” he said of Caleb. “Going and doing camp every year, every time he went to camp, he learned new things, worked on new badges … it made both of my sons just great adults. “I’m extremely

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ALTON - Town Club Bar and Grill continued their annual tradition of selling hot chocolate during the 107th Alton Halloween Parade . On Oct. 31, 2024, Cole Kribs and his family spent the evening dishing out hot chocolate, water bottles and conversation with parade participants and spectators. Cole’s father, Mark Kribs, owns the bar, and the family has “a front row seat” to all the parade action. “It’s been a tradition for so long, we just kind of never really stopped,” Cole said. “ We’ve been doing it a long time. Since we were kids, we just sat out here and sold hot chocolate and hotdogs.” Cole said they also decided to sell water bottles this year since temperatures were higher than they have been in years past. They saw “quite a few people” come by before the parade even started. Located at 2400 E. Broadway in Alton, Town Club Bar and Grill has been an Alton staple for decades. The family’s

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EDWARDSVILLE — Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) will host a roundtable discussion with independent pharmacists on Saturday, November 2, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. CDT, to address the challenges posed by Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs). The event will take place at Birger Hall, located at 30 Circle Drive, Edwardsville. PBMs serve as intermediaries between drug manufacturers, insurers, and pharmacies, and have been criticized for inflating drug prices, which impacts both patients and taxpayers. The roundtable aims to highlight how these practices adversely affect community pharmacies by directing patients to PBM-affiliated pharmacies and limiting access to in-network pharmacies for prescription fills. Following the roundtable, Budzinski will tour the Southern Illinois University of Edwardsville (SIUE) School of Pharmacy at 2:30 p.m. CDT. The tour will focus on recruitment and retention issues among student pharmacists and will include SIUE School of Pharmacy Dean Dr. Mark Luer and

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JERSEYVILLE - The City of Jerseyville has announced the temporary closure of a section of West Pearl Street to accommodate ongoing construction of the Jerseyville Public Library. “West Pearl Street will be completely closed today between Liberty and Lafayette until 1 p.m. to accommodate library construction,” the city announced on Friday morning. City officials also advised drivers to use caution in the area.

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ALTON - Lewis and Clark Community College was well-represented in the 107th Alton Halloween Parade . The college had a video game-themed float as well as a Jeep that traveled through downtown Alton for the parade on Oct. 31, 2024. Daniel Nosce, a recruiter with the college, noted the students’ excitement to be involved and share the LCCC mission with the community. “We want to make sure that Lewis and Clark is at the forefront of everyone’s minds when it comes to higher education,” Nosce said. “It is a community college, so we want to put the community back into community college.” The Video Game Club and the Pride Club operated the float, while the Future Business Leaders of America group drove a Jeep. Nosce predicted that in the next two years, there will be “at least 300 people” representing LCCC in the parade. He added that the college’s participation would not be possible without “a lot of cohesion”

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Thanksgiving is a cherished holiday that brings families and friends together to celebrate gratitude, share delicious meals, and create lasting memories. However, the preparation can often feel overwhelming. To help you navigate the hustle and bustle, we’ve compiled a comprehensive Thanksgiving preparation checklist that will ensure you have everything you need for a successful celebration. From meal planning to decorating, this guide will help you stay organized and enjoy the holiday to its fullest. Introduction Thanksgiving is not just about the turkey; it's a time for reflection, gratitude, and connection with loved ones. Whether you’re hosting a small gathering or a large family feast, preparing for Thanksgiving can be a daunting task. A well-structured plan can reduce stress and allow you to focus on what truly matters: spending quality time with those you care about. Here’s a detailed checklist to help you prepare for Thanksgiving day efficiently and effectively.

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Welcome to our exploration of significant historical events that took place on November 1st throughout the years. 1. The First Day of the Month of November (Various Cultures) November 1st holds significance in various cultures as it marks the beginning of traditions and celebrations. In many Western cultures, it is celebrated as All Saints' Day, a day honoring all saints and martyrs in the Christian faith. This observance reflects the deep-rooted spiritual customs that have influenced societal norms and practices across centuries. 2. The Great Chicago Fire Trials (1871) November 1st, 1871, witnessed the start of the trials related to the Great Chicago Fire, which had devastated the city just weeks earlier. The fire, which began on October 8, 1871, led to widespread destruction and loss of life. The trials sought to hold accountable those believed to be responsible for the fire's outbreak, highlighting the legal and social complexities that arose in the aftermath o

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Today, on November 1, many of us are preparing for the familiar task of setting our clocks back an hour. Known as the end of Daylight Saving Time (DST), this time adjustment will lead to earlier sunsets and slightly brighter mornings as we transition toward the winter months. But why do we follow this twice-yearly routine, and how did it come about? The Origins of Daylight Saving Time The idea of adjusting clocks to make better use of daylight hours is older than many might think. Although Benjamin Franklin is often jokingly credited with suggesting it to save on candle wax, the concept of DST didn’t gain traction until the 20th century. In 1907, British builder William Willett proposed shifting clocks forward to make the most of daylight, hoping to reduce energy consumption. However, it was World War I that spurred the adoption of DST, as Germany implemented it in 1916 to save fuel, followed soon after by other European countries and the United States. The Evolution of DST

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ALTON — The annual Alton Halloween Parade, sponsored by the East End Improvement Association, drew large crowds and showcased impressive floats on Thursday, Oct. 31, 2024. Steve Schwartz, a spokesperson for the event, noted the favorable weather conditions and the turnout, saying, "No. 1, the weather was fantastic. The crowd was as big as I have ever seen. It was a great crowd all the way through. There were some really good floats; I think it went really well." The parade featured various categories for participants, with winners recognized for their creativity and community spirit. In the Commercial category, Orthopedic and Sports Medicine Clinic took first place, followed by Mighty River Recycling and Tarrant Harman. Fred’s Towing was awarded the top spot in the Organization category, with Alton Pride and Alton Moose 951 following closely behind. The Family category was won by the Quick Family, with the Geisen Family and Trailer Park Troubadours Band securing second

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