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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Representative Rosa DeLauro (D-CT-03) sent a letter to Department of Education Secretary Miguel Cardona urging him to recoup funds from for-profit colleges University of Phoenix (Phoenix) and Ashford University (Ashford) after the agency cancelled student debts for borrowers that were defrauded by those institutions. “For far too long, predatory for-profit colleges like Ashford and Phoenix have preyed on students, especially veterans, students of color, and low-income students,” the lawmakers wrote. “We therefore urge the Department to aggressively recoup funds from these institutions. This would send a strong warning signal to other predatory for-profit colleges that there are substantial financial consequences for defrauding students.” In their letter, Durbin and DeLauro advocated for stronger enforcement measures to protect student borrowers, including streamlining borrower defense

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GODFREY - COUNTRY Financial Representative Jeff Lauritzen is pleased to support schools in the Godfrey community with a donation of $2000. $1,000 is going to the Gilson Brown Elementary School in the Alton School District. Funds will be used for the purchase of inside recess resources and for the school’s “Reach Out and Read” program. This program focuses on providing additional attention and encouragement to promote greater literacy among students at the school. $1,000 is going to the St. Ambrose Catholic School to purchase additional content for their book vending machines. As part of this program, students can earn tokens through outstanding school efforts to purchase books from the vending machine. “As members of the Godfrey community, we’re all fortunate to have so many talented and dedicated people supporting area youth,” said Lauritzen. “Teachers and staff do so much with so little. I’m gratified to be able to provide funds

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Name: Tony Reese Hometown: Jerseyville Years of Service: 2007-2023 KIA: No Branch: Marines Rank: Gunnery Sgt. Submitter's Name: Phil Reese

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Name: Joshua Roe Hometown: East Alton Years of Service: 1998-2006 KIA: No Branch: US Air Force Rank: Senior Airman Wars: Kuwait, Served in Korea Message: US Air Force Firefighter Submitter's Name: William L. Roe

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Name: George Lewis Hometown: Alton Years of Service: 1940-1944 KIA: No DOD: February 5, 2005 Branch: Army Rank: Private Wars: WWII Submitter's Name: Rosetta Brown

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Name: Delbert R. Burch Hometown: Jerseyville Years of Service: 1951-1955 KIA: No DOD: October 24, 1995 Branch: Navy Rank: 3rd Class Petty Officer Wars: Korean War Medals Earned: Good Conduct medal, United Nations service Medal, Korean service Medal, National Defense Service medal Message: Served on the USS Valley Forge Submitter's Name: Michelle Franklin

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ELSAH - The Principia College Theatre Department will present a new play conceived and created by the students for their Fall 2023 production. “Stories From Home: A Devised Play” will premiere at 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 9, 10 and 11 and 2 p.m. on Nov. 11, 2023. The students and directors combined folklore from around the world to build their own stories and write a completely new script that directors have considered submitting for publication. “It is absolutely generated and rooted in what the students created,” director John O’Hagan said. “And it has been, for me, one of the most gratifying artistic processes that I have been engaged in, watching the students understand that not only do they have the capability to create at this level, but that what they offer matters and has an impact.” O’Hagan explained that over 43% of Principia’s current student body is international students. Along with fellow directors Rebecca Bailey and

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JERSEY COUNTY - The Jersey County Sheriff's Office responded to a report of a head-on collision at 4:58 a.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 7, 2023, that occurred during heavy fog conditions on U.S. Route 67 just north of the Ringhausen Orchard. Lt. Matt Stidd of the Jersey County Sheriff's Office said two vehicles were involved in the crash and it was related to the fog at that time. He said thankfully there were only minor injuries in the crash. The road was blocked for a small time frame while the vehicles were removed from the scene. The sheriff's office encouraged motorists to use extreme caution during fog conditions that resemble what occurred on Tuesday morning.

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Statement from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois on IDOI finding, Nov. 3, 2023 The following statement is attributable to John Simley, Director of Communications at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois... "Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois strives to provide its members with an accurate and usable provider directory. We recently completed a series of updates to our online directories to make them easier to use for our members and prospective members. "When we learn information is inaccurate or incomplete, we fix it. Information related to the four providers noted in the Department’s order was corrected in May. "BCBSIL cooperates with the Department and our active engagement with the Department is one of the ways we help ensure we are best serving the needs of our members. "Any member with questions about their network or plan benefits, should contact us using the number on the back of their member ID card." Note: Health Care Service Corporation received a $231,900

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ALTON - The Alton Committee of the Whole voted once again to table an ordinance that would ban camping in public in Alton. Some of those involved in group discussions held since the item was last tabled say progress is being made towards a solution. The original ordinance would ban all camping on public property within the city, as well as the storage of personal property on or in public property. Those found in violation would be subject to fines of $75 to $750 and/or confiscation of their personal property, subject to certain terms. The ordinance included in Monday’s meeting documents features identical language to previously tabled versions of the ordinance. The Committee will likely consider an ordinance with different language and/or terms at their next meeting, though any such changes are still unclear. Prior coverage featuring more details about the ordinance and several public comments are available on Riverbender.com from when the item was first tabled

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GLEN CARBON - Spencer Homes is celebrating its 18th year in business with the opening of a new design center in Glen Carbon. Spencer Homes completes both new construction and remodeling projects with a specialization in accessible designs. The design center will serve as an office space and a gallery of products, with several samples of countertops, cabinetry and more for customers to see firsthand as they design their homes. “It’s the culmination of 18 years of a lot of hard work on behalf of our staff, our trade partners and our suppliers,” said Mike Rathgeb, the founder and president of Spencer Homes. “We’re able to offer customers not just the services but the product, and also we can offer them a 3D rendering so they can see their project before it’s done. And a real specialty that we started ten years ago was accessibility, so we design and build with longterm accessibility and mobility in mind for our clients.” The company

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MEXICO, MO. - Alden Grossardt, child of Jason and Morgan Grossardt, was inducted into the 135th Missouri Military Academy (MMA) Corps of Cadets at the MMA Passing Through Ceremony. The Passing Through Ceremony is an MMA tradition that officially welcomes new cadets into the corps after they have completed the Maroon Phase training, passed the cadet handbook test, and completed the Crucible. The handbook test consists of questions concerning MMA rules and regulations, the Honor Code, and Academy history and traditions; and the Crucible is a series of mental and physical challenges cadets must navigate as individuals and as a team. Crucible challenges included a physical fitness test, a 5-mile hike, a 16-obstacle trail run, a team paintball challenge, a team relay shuttle run, a team boat run, and a river crossing exercise conducted in MMA's Olympic-sized pool. "Our new cadets reached this significant milestone through goal setting, teamwork, and perseverance. I am proud of how

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GRANITE CITY - Sophomore right-side hitter Alexis Ruiz has a bright future for Granite City volleyball with head coach Grace Hurst. Hurst said this was Alexis' second season on varsity and she was willing to do whatever was asked of her in the season. Alexis is a Stillwater Senior Living Female Athlete of the Month for the Warriors. "She switched positions from middle to right side and even hit some outside," Coach Hurst said. "She continues to grow and is very eager to learn. She is finding her rhythm and has started to come alive as a right side." Ruiz did suffer a concussion this season and was eager to get back on the court and came back from that injury even stronger, Coach Hurst said. "Alexis can pass and swing, she is considered one of our best passers," Coach Hurst said. "She is someone who always wants to get better. I am excited to see how much more she will grow in the next two years." Again a salute to Alexis Ruiz for her recognition as a Stillwater Senior Living Female

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ALTON - Marquette Catholic High School's girls' volleyball has the luxury of a 5-foot-8 junior setter/right-side hitter Rose Brangenberg returning in 2024. Rose was a solid all-around player in the 2023 season for the Explorers' girls' volleyball team. Rose is a Tucker's Automotive Repair & Tire Female Athlete of the Month for the Explorers. She will be one of the Explorers' leaders next season. "She proved to be an offensive and defensive threat for our team this year, producing strong blocks and aggressive attack from the right side and assists from the setting position," her coach Sue Heinz said. Rose also adds an aggressive serve to the lineup, and her coach said she is excited to have her return next year. Again a salute to Rose Brangenberg for her recognition as a Marquette Catholic Female Athlete of the Month.

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GLEN CARBON - Construction in Glen Carbon’s Orchard Town Center shopping complex continues as the new Plaza Tire Service and Olive Garden take shape. On Friday, Nov. 3, 2023, workers were putting the finishing touches on the glass windows at Plaza Tire Service. This business specializes in drive-up tire changes but offers several other maintenance services like oil changes, battery installations and more. The business is set to open on Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023, in Glen Carbon. Across the street, Olive Garden has been under construction for several months now. In June 2023, the company announced that the restaurant would open in October 2023. But a storm in late June knocked over a main exterior wall, which pushed back the construction timeline as workers rebuilt the structure. On Friday, workers were busy smoothing down gravel to prepare the space for the asphalt parking lot. The building’s exterior now has the signature Olive Garden branding. While a new opening date

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WOOD RIVER - East Alton-Wood River High junior Violet Stover was a pivotal reason for the Oilers' girls' volleyball success this season. The Oilers won 16 matches this season and continued to improve as the season moved ahead. She said she wanted to thank her family, especially her grandma and grandpa Carol and Barry Elliott for never missing one of her games. Violet is a Midwest Members Credit Union Female Athlete of the Month for the Oilers. Bethany Billingsley is the head Oilers girls' volleyball coach. Violet was an All-Tourney selection in the East Alton-Wood River Invitational. The East Alton-Wood River junior has been playing volleyball since fourth grade and started playing club in middle school. "My favorite thing about volleyball is learning more to get better and being around friends on the court," she said. "Over the years volleyball helped me learn how to take accountability and to fight for something you want." At present, Violet has not decided on what college t

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ALTON - The National Great Rivers Museum (NGRM) celebrated its 20th anniversary with a commemoration ceremony on Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023. Attendees could enjoy activity booths, a panel discussion and tours of the Melvin Price Locks and Dam. Throughout the commemoration, members of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) reflected on the museum’s history as a visitor center and its role in connecting people to the river. “My team and our project oversees community outreach for 300 miles of the Mississippi River and the lower 80 of the Illinois,” said Allison Rhanor, Natural Resources Specialist with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and NGRM director. “This facility represents a multifaceted approach to river education. So whether your interest is in culture and history, or if you love art, or you’re into STEM, science and math — my job here and this facility’s job is to take whatever you’re interested in and make that connection to

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JERSEYVILLE - Father Marty Smith, the pastor of the Catholic Churches in Jersey County, is set to bring out his Vietnam War Era Mass Kit once again for a special Mass set for 4 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 11, 2023, at St. Francis Xavier Parish Church in Jerseyville. The Veteran's Day Mass is to honor local veterans. All veterans and families will be recognized with special patriotic music provided by the St. Francis Xavier Chancel Choir and St. Francis/Holy Ghost School Youth Chorus. On Saturday, Veterans Day, Father Marty will use a Vietnam Era Mass Kit used during the Vietnam War to Celebrate Holy Mass, Alex Foster, one of the coordinators, said. Foster said Father Marty always does a wonderful job during this service and it is especially gripping because he uses the Vietnam Era Mass Kit. He also said this particular Mass is something attendees look forward to each year and it is now an engrained tradition in the historic Catholic Church in Jerseyville. "The Veterans Day Mass has been

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EAST ALTON — When members of the local community lend a helping hand to a neighbor in need during the holiday season, they are bringing hope, joy and inspiration to the community. That is what Community Christmas is all about! United Way’s annual Community Christmas program collects money, necessary household items, and gifts for children through early December for local people in need during the holiday season. It kicked off this month with more than 100 boxes at participating businesses, churches, schools and organizations throughout the Greater Alton area. A list of participating locations hosting a box is available at HelpingPeople.org/CommunityChristmas. “Community Christmas is one of the pillars of our community outreach efforts during the holidays and the support we’ve been able to garner from our local neighbors over the course of the past 15 years has been fantastic,” said Karen Lintz, Director, Illinois Region of United Way of Greater St.

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C HICAGO – In advance of Veterans Day, Attorney General Kwame Raoul is encouraging veterans, service members and their families to participate in a free military rights webinar to learn how to avoid scams directed at veterans and what to do if they have been a victim of a scam. Raoul’s Military and Veterans Rights Bureau will host the free What to Know About Veterans Consumer Scams webinar Nov. 8 at 11:30 a.m. “This Veterans Day, and every day, my office is dedicated to protecting the benefits our veterans have earned through their selfless service and dedication to this country,” Raoul said. “I encourage current service members, veterans and their families to join this webinar to ensure they have the knowledge to recognize and defend themselves from the bad actors who target them and their benefits.” Raoul said veterans are often victims of other frauds, scams or identity theft. A recent report by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) disclosed

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