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ALTON – It’s the season when red kettles begin popping up everywhere – on store counters, in restaurants and outside popular Christmas shopping locations, reminding us that the holidays are a time of caring and sharing. The Salvation Army’s annual Red Kettle Campaign kicks off this coming weekend with Chairs John and Cathy Keller at the community tree lighting on Nov. 22 at Lincoln Douglas Square in Alton. The event begins at 6 p.m. and includes a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus as well as caroling, hot chocolate and cookies. Children from The Salvation Army After School Program will perform a hip-hop dance and a special rendition of “The Twelve Days of Christmas.” For those unable to attend the Tree Lighting in person, portions of the event will be streaming live on Riverbender.com, hosted by Riverbender’s C.J. Nasello and the Big Z’s Mike Roberts. The Red Kettle Campaign officially began at Walmart stores on Nov. 16 and will launch

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GRAFTON - During the Grafton Country Music Festival, Mary Jo Cote and Dan Ebbing expressed their excitement to share the event with the community. Cote, who owns Grafton Pub, was particularly excited about the music. She said Grafton Pub was “hopping” with musicians like Dakota Danielle, Midwest Avenue and more. Meanwhile, Chamber of Commerce President Ebbing was pleased with the turnout as hundreds of people flocked to Grafton for the weekend. “Grafton is blessed,” Ebbing said. “There’s no doubt about it. The cars are lined up as far as I can see on Main Street coming into town.” This was the second annual Grafton Country Music Festival, complete with live music at almost every bar and contests throughout the weekend. Cote encouraged people to get down to Grafton Pub in time for their Mr. and Mrs. Country Music Festival coronation. “We’ve been preparing all week,” she said. “We’ve been working all

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ALTON - Food is Love , a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to feeding and empowering communities, is thrilled to announce its Monthly Block Party for Good this Friday, November 22, 2024 , from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. in Alton. This heartwarming community event will feature free groceries and free food truck meals , ensuring no one leaves hungry. The Block Party for Good is part of Food is Love’s mission to educate, empower, and restore lives through food. With the support of community partners, local volunteers, and generous donors, this monthly event brings neighbors together to celebrate community and share in the abundance of good food and good company. “Our Block Party for Good is more than just a food distribution event — it’s a gathering of love, support, and connection,” said John Michel, President of Food is Love. “We want to ensure everyone in our community has access to nutritious food while enjoying the warmth and joy

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EDWARDSVILLE - For mother of three, full-time nurse and student Destiony Phillips, time and money can sometimes be in short commodity. That is why the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville senior was thrilled when she was awarded a Donald M. Suggs Scholarship. Phillips, who is majoring in nursing, was one of two SIUE students to receive a scholarship from The St. Louis American newspaper’s 501 (c)3, the St. Louis American Foundation. Ashley Muthoni Wahome, a School of Engineering senior, was the other University recipient. Phillips and Wahome, each received $1,000 for the fall 2024 semester. “As a full-time nurse and mother of three children, ranging in ages 7 to 14, this scholarship helps redirect some of my finances toward caring for my family,” shared Phillips. “It is also extremely helpful leading into the holiday months.” The field of nursing was a calling that Phillips felt early on. “My younger brother was born with low functioning

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EDWARDSVILLE - An Edwardsville woman faces a felony aggravated battery charge after striking an 8-year-old child with an electrical cord. Tantiyana S. Bacon, 29, of Edwardsville, was charged on Nov. 15, 2024 with aggravated battery (a Class 3 felony) and domestic battery (a Class A misdemeanor). On Sept. 20, 2024, Bacon allegedly struck an 8-year-old child who was a household or family member “with an electrical cord about his body, leaving marks,” according to court documents. The Edwardsville Police Department presented the case against Bacon, who was remanded to jail for her initial court appearance. Madison County Sheriff’s Office records indicate she has since been released from custody. The issuance of charges is based solely upon probable cause and is not an indication of guilt. All subjects charged with criminal offenses are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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CHICAGO – An Illinois Lottery player from Chicago scooped up a $650,000 Lucky Day Lotto jackpot prize after playing numbers related to his late wife. “I typically play Pick 4 but that day, I noticed that the Lucky Day Lotto jackpot was pretty high so I decided to switch it up and try something new,” said the winner, aka “Big Money D.” “I picked numbers related to my late wife – when I won, it felt like it was a message from her.” The winning ticket was purchased for the Saturday, November 16 evening drawing at Mariano’s in Chicago’s Edgewater neighborhood, located at 5201 North Sheridan Road. The winner mentioned that it took an entire day for his win to sink in. “I’m still so shocked and excited about the win, I have barely been able to sleep!,” exclaimed the lucky winner. Big Money D purchased the winning Lucky Day Lotto ticket matching all five numbers in the November 16 evening drawing to score

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SPRINGFIELD – Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) is implementing its sixth year of the popular Fall Covers for Spring Savings Program. Users will again be able to enter their information into the application and validate it during a pre-enrollment period starting at 8 a.m. CST on December 4, 2024. Applications can be submitted once the program opens at 8 a.m. on December 16, 2024. Prior to submission, applications can be saved and edited at any time. Pre-Enrollment Opens 8 a.m. CST, December 4, 2024 Program Opens (Applications can be submitted) 8 a.m. CST, Monday, December 16, 2024 Program Closes 11:59 p.m. CST, January 15, 2025 A total of 190,000 acres are available for the 2025 program. In 2024, this acreage allotment was met in less than an hour, and a total of over 241,650 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

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BELLEVILLE – State Senator Christopher Belt is partnering with State Representative Jay Hoffman, Downtown Belleville YMCA, Meridian, YouthCare, and HealthChoice Illinois to host a turkey giveaway on Monday, Nov. 25 in Belleville. “Every family should be able to have a nice, hot meal on Thanksgiving,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “Representative Hoffman and I know the importance of giving during the holiday season, and this turkey giveaway is the best way to start.” The giveaway will be held at the Downtown Belleville YMCA located at 200 S. Illinois St. on Monday, Nov. 25 at 9 a.m. while supplies last. One turkey will be provided per household. An ID is required to differentiate households per car. For more information, call Senator Belt’s office at 618-875-1212 or visit his website .

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BELLEVILLE – Illinois American Water wants to keep customers and the general public safe on Utility Scam Awareness Day by providing important tips to help identify and avoid scammers targeting unsuspecting utility customers. Utility company imposters often attempt to scam individuals in two main ways: 1) they may pose as utility workers to gain access to someone's home; 2) they might urgently contact the person, either by phone or another method, demanding immediate payment to prevent a disruption in services. It's important to be cautious and verify the identity of anyone claiming to be a utility worker before letting them into your home or providing any personal information. Illinois American Water urges customers and the general public to verify the identity of utility workers by requesting identification before granting access to their homes or businesses. All Illinois American Water employees carry a company-issued photo ID, wear company branded clothing

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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today led Senate Judiciary Democrats in a letter to Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director Christopher Wray requesting that the FBI provide to the Senate Judiciary Committee the complete evidentiary file, including documents memorializing interviews, in the closed investigation of former Congressman Matt Gaetz’s alleged sex trafficking of minors. The letter follows President-elect Donald Trump’s announcement of his intention to nominate Mr. Gaetz to serve as Attorney General. The Senators wrote, “We request that you provide to the Senate Committee on the Judiciary the complete evidentiary file, including all FD-302 forms memorializing interviews, in the closed investigation of former Congressman Matt Gaetz’s alleged sex trafficking of minors. As you are aware, President-elect Trump has announced his intent to nominate Mr. Gaetz to be Attorney General.

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CHICAGO — Attorney General Kwame Raoul, as part of a bipartisan coalition of 32 attorneys general, called on Congressional leadership to pass the bipartisan Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA), legislation that protects children from online harm, before the end of the year. In a letter to Congressional leaders, the coalition emphasized the urgent need to address the growing youth mental health crisis linked to social media use, with studies showing minors spend more than five hours daily online. “American children and teenagers are in the grip of a devastating mental health crisis,” Raoul said. “The addictive features on many social media platforms interfere with sleep and education, and contribute to depression, anxiety, body dysmorphia and thoughts of self-harm. I am proud to join my fellow attorneys general in urging Congress to approve the Kids Online Safety Act and require companies to take reasonable steps to protect young people from harm online.”

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ALTON - GRID Solar explained their services on a recent episode of “Our Daily Show!” with CJ Nasello . Jason Mitchell, who co-owns the company, noted that solar power is very accessible to people these days. He is happy to work with customers to help them design the system that is best for them under new net metering policy changes. “It’s completely attainable,” Mitchell said. “It’s a middle-class thing. It’s not a one-percenter thing.” When designing a solar system, GRID Solar takes each household’s needs into account. They study your energy bill and deduce how much energy you typically use, and then they design the system to meet that need. Mitchell pointed out that weather can affect a system’s efficiency, but GRID Solar designs their systems with this in mind. They make sure the solar systems are always producing a little extra energy, just in case cloud coverage or storms affect the energy production.

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GRANITE CITY - The Rotary Club of Granite City recognized juniors Emilee Connolly and Alex Vaughn as Students of the Month for October. Students were nominated by teachers, and were chosen on the basis of academics, as well as scholastic, extracurricular and civic honors and awards, and organization membership and leadership. Each honoree will receive a framed certificate and a gift card , and will be recognized at the Mayor's Prayer Breakfast on March 25, 2025. EMILEE CONNOLLY Three-year member of girls tennis and softball teams Community Service Committee President Secondary Honors and Saturday Scholars Member of Renaissance, Student Council and Varsity Club Volunteer at Relleke Farms and Thanksgiving and Christmas Basket delivery Daughter of Ed and Krista Connolly. ALEX VAUGHN Assistant Captain of Hockey Team Honor Roll Member of Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Spirit Club, Varsity Club and Yearbook Son of Greg and Amy Vaughn.

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ALTON - On Friday, November 22nd Alton Main Street will host an event that’s sure to get you into the holiday spirit. The 31st annual Community Tree Lighting at Lincoln-Douglas Square will begin with the arrival of Santa Claus on the trolley at 6:00 p.m. The free festivities, including caroling, cookies and hot cocoa, will continue until 6:45 when Mayor David Goins flips the lights on the beautiful tree, which is provided by the Alton-Godfrey Rotary Club. Families are encouraged to bring their cameras to take pictures with Santa and other costumed holiday characters. Music will fill the air throughout the evening provided by area Girl Scout Troops, the Great Rivers Choral Society, and the Salvation Army’s “Let the Music Begin” song and dance group. Rev. Nate Gnau of Universal Life Church Monastery will bless the tree, and other speakers include Alton Main Street President Chris Miller, Alton-Godfrey Rotary Club President Donna Bemis, and Salvation Army Captain

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ALTON - It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas in Alton’s Rock Spring Park as the annual Christmas Wonderland light display prepares to open for the season on Friday, Nov. 29. Christmas Wonderland will be open nightly Nov. 29 through Dec. 27. The park is located at 2100 College Ave, in Alton. Hours are Monday through Friday from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Over the last three months, the Grandpa Gang, a group of retired volunteers, has been busy hanging lights and counting down to the opening day of Christmas Wonderland. More than 4 million lights will twinkle against the beautiful backdrop of Rock Spring Park, lighting the way toward another illuminating holiday season. Returning this year to Christmas Wonderland will be the annual walk-through event set for Monday, Dec. 2. People are allowed to walk through the park during the evening to enjoy the lights. Admission for the walk through is $1 per person. The popular Enchanted

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ALTON - Alton High School will host a Restorative Practices Program on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., aimed at addressing conflict resolution and community support among youth. The event, located at Alton High School at 4200 Humbert Road in Godfrey, is sponsored by the Alton Branch NAACP and the Alton Branch Youth Council. The program will feature Tonya Covington, a seasoned professional with 35 years of experience in restorative justice, alongside Viola Cox-Henry. Covington expressed her commitment to the program, stating, "It is very important to me. I am very much dedicated to it because I have seen it work in so many ways and really heal communities." The event will consist of two main sessions. The first session, scheduled from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., will focus on educators, community leaders, and stakeholders discussing community topics through a restorative lens. It aims to enhance school-community partnerships and develop strategies for creating

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EDWARDSVILLE - The City of Edwardsville plans to offset some of its energy costs by opting into a community solar array located outside the city. City Council members on Tuesday unanimously approved an agreement with Ampion, PBC, to subscribe the City of Edwardsville’s electrical account to a community solar array. Alderman William Krause said the agreement would lead to energy savings of about 10%, adding the city’s participation in the associated Community Solar Program is entirely cost-free. "The city is not going to be developing any solar facilities on our own, but we will be opting in to a solar farm that will be located outside of the city," Krause explained. "Then we will receive credits from the energy that is generated from that solar facility to offset the power consumption that we would use." He added that the City of Edwardsville was “sought out” by Ampion, calling the agreement a “good opportunity” for the city. Finance Director

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GRAFTON - At the Grafton Country Music Festival, Anthony Russo and Paula Jameson shared their love for country music and the City of Grafton. Jameson, who helped organize the Country Music Festival to celebrate the one-year anniversary of her Facebook page Enjoy Grafton , noted her excitement to welcome Russo and his band Russo & Co. back to the area. Russo was eager to play and spend the day with Grafton residents and visitors. “I love Grafton and I love country music, so here we are,” he said. As a band, Russo & Co. specializes in country music. They play a mix of covers and originals, and they love sharing their music with audiences far and wide. Russo said that they “don’t do that Bro Country thing” and refuse to play music by bands like Florida Georgia Line. Instead, they like “good timin’ music” and classics like Alan Jackson. The band has turned heads in recent months for their music, including their original

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EAST ST. LOUIS - East St. Louis School District 189 has announced that Ashley Daniels, a physical education teacher at Annette Officer Elementary School, has been recognized as one of Emerson’s 2024 Excellence in Teaching Award honorees. This recognition highlights her commitment to education and her efforts to support students. The Emerson Award is part of a program designed to celebrate exceptional educators who demonstrate outstanding teaching practices and a dedication to student development. Daniels’ recognition comes as part of an ongoing initiative to acknowledge the hard work and impact of teachers in the community. Daniels has been noted for her ability to go above and beyond in her role, contributing to the overall well-being and growth of her students. The East St. Louis School District expressed pride in her achievements, emphasizing her exemplary service in the field of education. The announcement of the award is a reminder of the importance of recognizing

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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, today took to the Senate floor to highlight the efforts of U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow, Chair of the Senate Agriculture Committee, to complete the Farm Bill, the Rural Prosperity and Food Security Act . In his remarks, Durbin asked Stabenow, who was also on the Senate floor, about several aspects of the Farm Bill, which must be passed or extended by the end of December to prevent agricultural policy from reverting to Depression-era mandates. “Those of us who serve in the United States Senate know that as Chair of the Senate Agriculture Committee, she not only walks the walk, she talks the talk. She has shown her own expertise in achieving that goal and her understanding of a very complex piece of legislation,” Durbin said of Stabenow. After emphasizing that the current Farm Bill expires at the end of December, Durbin asked Stabenow, “Would you

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