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ALTON - New felonies filed against a Wood River man include home invasion and more after breaking into his ex-girlfriend’s house and injuring the victim during a “physical confrontation.” Andrew R. Mercer, 28, of Wood River, was charged with two counts of home invasion (both Class X felonies), aggravated battery (a Class 3 felony) and criminal trespass to a residence (a Class 4 felony). On Jan. 4, 2025, Mercer allegedly entered an Alton residence without authority, knowing it to be occupied. He also reportedly used a knife to cut the victim’s finger. A petition was filed to deny Mercer’s pretrial release, stating “a physical confrontation ensued” after Mercer kicked in his ex-girlfriend’s front door. “Victim reported that they recently broke up and he entered her residence by force and went to the kitchen, obtaining a knife,” the petition states. “He then pushed her, insisting that she had lied to him about thei

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SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has approved four conditions to be added to the list of medical issues that may be treated with medical cannabis. The four newly approved conditions are endometriosis, ovarian cysts, uterine fibroids, and female orgasmic disorder. The approval by IDPH Director, Dr. Sameer Vohra, comes following a thorough review by the Medical Cannabis Advisory Board (MCAB) and IDPH staff. Under Illinois law, the Director reviews petition requests to add conditions to the approved list. The Director considers available scientific analysis and medical literature to determine whether medical cannabis would be an appropriate treatment for each condition. “Medical cannabis has been shown to offer an effective means of relief from a variety of debilitating medical conditions and symptoms,” said Vohra. “IDPH reviews petitions carefully using expert opinion and the most up to date evidence to make decisions that best

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BETHALTO - Bethalto Church of God has partnered with Refuge 4 Kids to provide a training on childhood trauma. On Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025, the community is invited to Bethalto Church of God at 800 E. Bethalto Boulevard for a daylong training session with a focus on faith-based communities. From 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., attendees will learn about complex trauma, the effects that trauma can have on early childhood development, and how church leaders can support kids with trauma histories. “Bethalto Church of God is one of those churches that really has a heart for kids that are coming from hard places,” said Erin Bickle. “The more we can empower church leaders and people working with kids with the truth of how trauma truly impacts these children and how we can best care for them, it’s just going to strengthen those children.” Bickle, one of the trainers through Refuge, explained that Refuge provides support, counseling and community education about childhood

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HOLIDAY SHORES — Ashley and Connor Maedge, a newlywed couple from Holiday Shores, exchanged vows on Dec. 14, 2024, at Pere Marquette in Grafton in a ceremony that emphasized giving back to the community. Rather than traditional wedding gifts, they asked guests to bring toys for children that were donated to The Salvation Army in Alton. The couple, both veterans — Ashley served in the Navy and Connor in the Army — met after their military service while taking an introductory law class at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. They now reside in Madison County, where Ashley works as a data warehouse analyst for U.S. Bank, and Connor serves as a police officer in Fairview Heights. Ashley and Connor are definite Difference Makers in their community. Cassy Grey, of the Salvation Army in Alton, expressed her admiration for the couple's philanthropic gesture. “In all my years of officership, I have never experienced anything quite like this,” Grey said.

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ALTON – The Rotary Club of the Riverbend Alton/Godfrey recently awarded over $3,400 to local agencies that support children as part of 2024 grant funding from the local Rotary District 6460. Caritas Family Solutions, Oasis Women’s Center, Refuge and the Boys & Girls Club of Bethalto were the recipients, each submitting requests for financial support of special projects: Caritas Family Solutions : Providing comfort items, such as snacks, technology and sensory items, to youth being transferred from foster families to birth family visits, court dates, health evaluations, etc. Oasis Women’s Center : Providing an opportunity for the children staying at Oasis to shop for proper and safe footwear and new clothing. Refuge : Purchasing outdoor benches and supplies as part of art therapy to help foster collaboration and a sense of belonging. Boys & Girls Club of Bethalto : Securing supplies for healthy lifestyle education, focusing on good nutrition and healthy meal

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ST. LOUIS - Additional snowfall created hazardous travel conditions across the region on Friday, January 10, 2025, as meteorologists warned commuters to exercise caution during the morning and evening commute drives. Matt Pfalka, a meteorologist at the National Weather Service in St. Louis, stated that snow began to overspread the area early Friday morning, with the potential for pockets of moderate snow to reduce visibility to less than one mile. Above is a gallery of photos from around the region on Friday from Edwardsville to Alton and Godfrey. Driving conditions earlier in the day were not easy for motorists because of the added snow. Pfalka issued a weather warning to remind residents to stay informed about weather conditions to prepare for potentially difficult travel as the winter weather unfolds with the evening commute ahead. While much of the snowfall has been light, Pfalka highlighted that the light, powdery nature of the snow combined with cold surfaces facilitated

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ALTON - Three women from Alton have been charged with mob action after allegedly battering a customer and staff at a bar in downtown Alton. The following individuals, each from Alton, face a Class 4 felony count of mob action: Precious N. Steward, 27 Thelma D. E. Jordan, 35 Honesty A. Butler, 25 Charging documents filed against all three individuals on Jan. 8, 2025 state that on Nov. 16, 2024, the three acted together to batter “a female customer and bar staff” at The Firehouse bar in Alton. The Alton Police Department presented separate but related cases against all three individuals, who were each granted pretrial release 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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Mark Matson, CEO of Matson Money , appeared on Our Daily Show! on Riverbender.com to discuss wealth building and management strategies to kick off the new year. Described as an “investment advisor company,” Matson Money aims to help its clients make their own “American Dream” a reality through financial stability. Matson said “equities,” or stock investments, are some of the “greatest wealth-creation” tools available not just in the United States, but around the world. “Equities are the greatest wealth tool known to mankind,” Matson said. “Historically, large stocks have averaged about 10% every year, so your money doubles every 7.2 years. Small stocks have been in the ballpark of 12%, small-value stocks in the ballpark of 7.2%. So historically, equities - owning stocks - not only in the United States but globally, is one way people can fulfill their American Dream.” Despite turbulent economic condition

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ALTON - At 12:41 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025, Alton Police Department officers responded to 1205 Florence St. in reference to what was described as "a male possibly waving a hunting rifle around in the front yard of this residence." Alton Police Jarrett Ford said: "Upon arrival, a male subject known to the officers from previous contacts was observed. The male had what is commonly known as a book and release warrant via the SAFE-T Act, meaning he would not be detained in custody after completing the booking process. "The male walked to the front door of the residence and threw what was determined to be a pellet gun onto the front yard of the residence. The male immediately returned inside the residence and shut the door. "Attempts were made to make contact with the male but no contact was made. Due to the totality of the circumstances known to the officers, and the pellet gun being secured, no new criminal charges, the warrant not being detainable, and the male refusing to contact

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EDWARDSVILLE – Edwardsville City Administrator Kevin Head announced Friday, January 10, 2025, that he will be leaving his position with the city. After serving Edwardsville the last six years, Mr. Head is excited to spend more time with his wife, children and grandkids. Mr. and Mrs. Head look forward to staying involved in the community and traveling the nation and the world. Mayor Art Risavy reluctantly accepted the resignation, noting that Mr. Head brought a wealth of experience and wisdom as he has led the city in striking growth and development and also provided direction amid critical challenges. “The City of Edwardsville is extremely grateful for the leadership he demonstrated daily. He had the answers we needed and solutions that worked,” Mayor Risavy said. “He had a way of unifying us so we could move the City in a direction that’s beneficial to those who live and work here.” Mr. Head, often referred to as Colonel, became the city administrator

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GRAFTON - Raging Rivers WaterPark will host the largest snowball fight in the Riverbend region. At 12 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025, the community is invited to Raging Rivers at 100 Palisades Parkway in Grafton for a huge "Snowball Showdown." Attendees will be asked to sign waivers before the fight begins, and then the fun will commence in the Raging Rivers parking lot. “We like to have fun with the community,” said Park Manager Jeremy Hayes. “We hope to get people to engage. It’s more about engagement than anything. It's just getting people out, meeting new people, mingling. If we can create two or three new friendships in a season, we feel like we've accomplished something.” The idea for the snowball fight started as a joke between staff members. They teased that they wanted to throw snowballs at Raging Rivers management. As the conversation continued, staff members decided it would be fun to have a snowball fight with the community. Raging

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BETHALTO – Civic Memorial High School principal, Mr. Justin Newell, is pleased to announce that 15 students from the Civic Memorial’s graduating class of 2025 have been designated as Illinois State Scholars. The Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC), the state’s college access and financial aid agency, confers this important recognition of academic achievement to exceptional Illinois high school students annually. This year, more than 16,500 honorees join the other outstanding students who have been honored since the designation was first introduced in 1958. Principal Newell stated, "Our Illinois State Scholars exemplify the spirit of being ALL IN through their dedication, hard work, and commitment to academic excellence. Their achievements inspire us all and demonstrate what it means to strive for greatness at Civic Memorial High School." The following students have been named Illinois State Scholars: John Bowker, Ryne Breyer, Abigail Clowers, Gabrielle

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ALTON - Debbie “Sissy” Paynic, co-owner of Bubby and Sissy’s in Alton, leaves behind a legacy of love. Debbie died on Jan. 3, 2025, following a seven-year battle with ovarian cancer. Her brother, Michael “Bubby” Paynic, remembers her as an active, welcoming presence at the bar and beyond. “When people would come in the bar, she would always say, ‘Hey, I'm Sissy,’” Michael said. “She was always very welcoming to people and really fun, just always had a smile on her face, always liked to have fun.” Debbie enjoyed waterskiing and traveling. She was a diehard Cardinals fan and worked as an usher at Busch Stadium. She loved ball, even going so far as to finish a chemo treatment and still go to work because she enjoyed it so much. She graduated from Roxana High School and played softball and field hockey at SIUE. She was also involved in the Piasa Indians Drill Team and the Belleville Black Knights Drum & Bugle Corps.

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EAST ST. LOUIS – Lakeatra E. White, a 32-year-old postal carrier from Granite City, was sentenced to 32 months in federal prison for stealing credit cards from the mail and using them for personal expenses. The sentencing took place in a Southern Illinois district court after White pleaded guilty in September 2024 to charges including theft of mail by a postal employee, access device fraud, and aggravated identity theft. In addition to her prison sentence, White will serve three years of supervised release and has been ordered to pay $15,209.11 in restitution. The U.S. Attorney's Office emphasized the breach of trust inherent in her actions. “Mail carriers are entrusted public servants, and postal workers who steal from their customers choose to break that trust,” said U.S. Attorney Rachelle Aud Crowe. She noted that the office will continue to work with the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General to hold accountable those who commit fraud. White, who worke

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GRANITE CITY – The Illinois Department of Transportation today announced that repairs to Interstate 270 between Illinois 3 and Riverview Drive in Missouri will require one westbound lane to be closed starting, weather permitting, at 9 p.m. Friday, Jan. 10. One lane will remain open. All lanes will reopen by 5 a.m. Monday, Jan. 13. Motorists should expect delays and are encouraged to use alternate routes during this closure. Drivers are urged to reduce speed, be alert for changing conditions, obey all construction signage, and refrain from using mobile devices while approaching and traveling through the work zone. For IDOT District 8 updates, follow us on the social media platform X at @IDOTDistrict8 or view area construction details on IDOT’s traveler information map on GettingAroundIllinois.com.vfvvbcbvcb vcv c

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SPRINGFIELD - Applications for the 2025 summer lab internships at Simmons Cancer Institute (SCI) at Southern Illinois University (SIU) School of Medicine are being accepted through February 21. Four positions will be awarded on a competitive basis to qualified undergraduate college students who plan a career in medicine or research with a focus on cancer. Established in 2009, the paid internship program provides hands-on experience for college undergraduates. It is funded through Denim & Diamonds, the cancer institute’s annual gala to benefit cancer research, patient programs and needs of SCI’s patient population. Three internships are located at the School of Medicine in Springfield and one is based at SIU’s Carbondale campus. Housing is not provided. The anticipated dates for the nine-week internship program are June 2 through August 1, 2025. “Our summer internship gives potential future scientists and clinicians their first exposure to real research,”

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TROY - A man from Ohio faces felonies in Madison County for accepting a $9,000 payment for roof repair work he then failed to perform. Anthony H. Brady, 47, of Warren, Ohio, was charged with theft by deception (a Class 3 felony) and home repair fraud by deception (a Class 4 felony). On Sept. 8, 2024, Brady allegedly entered a written contract to perform “roof and solar repair services,” according to court documents. He reportedly failed to perform the work, despite accepting a $9,000 check from the victim. Descriptions of the charges state Brady “knowingly misrepresented his intention and ability to complete the work proposed,” adding he “accepted $9,000 from the victim under false pretenses.” The residence in question is located in Troy, and the Troy Police Department presented the case against Brady. He was granted pretrial release from custody. The issuance of charges is based solely upon probable cause and is not an indication of guilt

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Sustainability has become a buzzword in recent years, often appearing in discussions about climate change, corporate responsibility, and personal lifestyle choices. But what does sustainability truly mean, and why is it crucial for our future? This article delves into the concept of sustainability, its significance, the various dimensions it encompasses, and practical steps individuals and organizations can take toward becoming more sustainable. What is Sustainability? At its core, sustainability refers to the ability to meet present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. This broad definition encompasses environmental, social, and economic dimensions, often referred to as the "triple bottom line" — people, planet, and profit. Environmental Sustainability Environmental sustainability focuses on the preservation of natural resources and ecosystems. It involves practices that reduce environmental degradation, promote biodiversity,

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Welcome to This Day in History! Today, we take a journey through time to explore significant events that occurred on January 10th across various years. January 10, 1920: The League of Nations is Established In the aftermath of World War I, the League of Nations was established on January 10, 1920, as a part of the Treaty of Versailles. This international organization aimed to maintain world peace and prevent future conflicts through collective security and diplomacy. While it ultimately struggled to achieve its goals and was rendered ineffective during World War II, the League laid the groundwork for the establishment of the United Nations in 1945, which continues to play a critical role in global governance today. January 10, 1946: The First Meeting of the United Nations General Assembly Just a few years later, on January 10, 1946, the first meeting of the United Nations General Assembly took place in London. Delegates from 51 nations gathered to discuss and address pressing

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MACON, Ga. - Mercer University recently announced the President's List and Dean's List for the fall 2024 semester. Inclusion on these lists requires students to meet rigorous GPA standards specific to the college or school within the University. The following area students earned a place on the lists: Glen Carbon, Illinois Ariana Bennett, junior, College of Health Professions, Dean's List Founded in 1833, Mercer University is a dynamic and comprehensive center of undergraduate, graduate and professional education. The University enrolls more than 9,200 students in 12 schools and colleges – liberal arts and sciences, law, pharmacy, medicine, business, engineering, education, theology, music, nursing, health professions, and professional advancement – on major campuses in Macon and Atlanta, medical school sites in Macon, Savannah and Columbus, and at regional academic centers in Henry and Douglas counties.

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