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EAST ST. LOUIS – State Senator Christopher Belt announced over a dozen school districts around the Metro East area have received nearly $30,000 to provide resources to libraries through books, e-books, audiobooks, periodicals, multilingual materials, technology and programs. “Libraries play a major role in students’ academic success at all age levels,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “This funding will empower our school districts to strengthen their library resources, allowing new and updated learning and technology opportunities for students.” Funding for the School District Library Grant Program originates from the General Reserve Fund and is appropriated for this purpose by the Illinois General Assembly. Some school districts receiving funding include: Belleville Township High School District 201 - $4,199 East Saint Louis School District 189 - $3,559 Mascoutah Community Unit District 19 - $3,473 O'Fallon School District 90- $3,370 Cahokia

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GODFREY - “Like a good neighbor, State Farm (or should we say, Karen) is there…” And what a good neighbor she is to so many in the community. Mrs. Wilson is very active and committed to the community. She does, or has, served on several community service organization boards. She is on the boards of the Riverbend Growth Association, North Alton-Godfrey Business Council, Pride, Inc., Lewis and Clark Community College Foundation, and Asbury Village. Karen was very instrumental, through Pride, Inc., in developing the “Welcome to Godfrey” signs at both the northern and southern entrances to the Village. She has chaired the local Bucket Brigade, which her father started in 1988. She also co-chaired, with Pat Ackman, the Miles Davis Memorial Committee that raised money to erect a statue of Miles Davis in his birth town of Alton. While many currently recognize Karen as a State Farm agent, she does have a varied career. Back in the day, she sold real estate

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EDWARDSVILLE — Local businesses and civic groups can now get more involved in helping keep the county clean. The Madison County Board voted on in December to renew its Adopt-A-Highway program throughout the county. County roads are a vital piece of the county’s transportation network, connecting the places where residents live, work and play. “While development, construction and weather treatment are the most critical aspects of road maintenance, it is also important to maintain the areas around roadways through litter clean-up,” County Engineer Adam Walden said. “The Adopt-a-Highway Program will allow residents, local businesses and civic groups to participate in beautifying county roadways.” Walden said the county’s Adopt-A-Highway program offers an opportunity for organizations or individuals to adopt a section of up to two miles of county-maintained roadways and conduct periodic litter clean-ups to help protect the environment and keep

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This weekend is packed with a diverse array of events for everyone to enjoy! From live music and theater to wellness activities and community gatherings, there's something to appeal to every taste. Make sure to visit https://www.riverbender.com/events/ for the full event listing. The Alton VFW Post 1308 Presents: Tragg Band is ready to rock your world! This Oldies/Motown/Classic Rock show is perfect for those who love to dance the night away. With no cover charge, it's an irresistible invite for Saturday, January 13, 2024, from 7 to 11 p.m. Don't miss out on the largest dance floor locally and an evening full of good vibes and great music! Celebrate the tradition of bluegrass music at The Harmans Bluegrass 46th Annual LCCC Show . Join us at Lewis and Clark Community College on Saturday, January 13, 2024, at 7PM for a night of foot-tapping music featuring the talented Mo Pitney. Tickets are just $20, so call 618-278-4422 or 618-917-7355 to secure your spot for this cherished

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CHICAGO – Governor Pritzker today joined the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), Salesforce, Intersect Illinois, Metro Edge, the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce and BMO at the brand-new Salesforce Tower in downtown Chicago to celebrate major economic development milestones and highlight positive momentum as Illinois advances into 2024. “Over the past several years, we’ve seen exceptional tech giants expand their foothold in Chicago as their leaders read the writing on the wall—Illinois business is stronger than ever, and there’s no better place to expand and grow,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Salesforce is shining example of that commitment, and their new downtown tower will be an engine for economic growth and innovation right in the center of the greatest city in the world.” Positive momentum in 2024 comes after a record year for economic development in key sectors, including tripling investments incentivize

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CHICAGO – An Illinois iLottery player recently did not turn into a pumpkin - instead, just after midnight on Monday, January 8, the online player won $607,328 on Fast Play Illinois Super Jackpot. Illinois Super Jackpot is a $20 progressive Fast Play game. The jackpot begins at $50,000 and grows with each ticket sold statewide until the jackpot is won. So far this year, over 43,000 winning tickets for Illinois Super Jackpot have been purchased, netting players almost $2.3 million in prizes. Fast Play games can be purchased in retail, or online via IllinoisLottery.com or the Illinois Lottery app. There are currently more than 25 Fast Play games offered at various price points and play styles. About the Illinois Lottery Founded in 1974, the Illinois Lottery has contributed over $24 billion (since 1985) to the state’s Common School Fund to assist K-12 public schools, as well as hundreds of millions of dollars to the Capital Projects Fund and to special causes. For

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EDWARDSVILLE - The Edwardsville Police Department is accepting applications for the public to get a “hands-on, interactive view into the day-to-day operations of the City's police department” with their upcoming Citizens Police Academy next week, the department recently announced . “Do you have an interest in law enforcement or are curious about how the Edwardsville Police Department fulfills its duty to serve and protect the community? The 2024 Citizens Police Academy gets underway next week and can provide answers on those topics and much more,” the department said on Monday. The academy will run one night per week for 10 weeks, each from 6 to 9 p.m. starting on Thursday, Jan. 18, 2024. The City of Edwardsville announced recently that there are still openings as the event draws closer. Academy sessions will include tours, demonstrations, and “practical exercises allowing participants to experience life from a police officer’s point

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GODFREY - Scott Mandrell and other volunteers are trying to make Burns Night a special annual occasion for the area. This year, the group will mark the 265th birthday of Robert Burns, a celebrated 1700s poet. Burns recorded and celebrated aspects of farm life, regional experience, traditional culture and religious experiences. He is considered the national poet of Scotland. He was born on Jan. 25, 1759. Mandrell said his group was pleased with last year’s Burns Celebration gathering at Lockhaven Golf Club but hopes for more attendees this year. This year’s celebration event begins with cocktails at 5:30 p.m. and dinner at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 13, 2024, at Lockhaven. Piper Matt Pantaloon will be the special guest for the event. He is president of the St. Louis St. Andrew’s Society. Mandrell thanked Heinz Peter and the Lockhaven Country Club for again hosting the event. There will be a Parading of the Haggis, Address to the Haggis, The Selkirk Grace, Supper an

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ALTON - The Mississippi River Water Trail Association (MRWTA) will host their annual “Mississippi Meanderings” event with a focus on source-to-sea paddling. On Jan. 20, 2024, the organization will highlight Dale Sanders, the oldest person to paddle the entire Mississippi River at age 87. Attendees can listen to a history of long-distance paddling on the Mississippi, enjoy a Q & A session with Sanders, and watch “The Grey Beard Adventurer” documentary that was made about Sanders’s trip. The event starts at noon at the National Great Rivers Museum in Alton. “I really think this is just kind of an excuse for those of us who really love the river and are in the paddling community to get together in the middle of winter when it’s a lot harder to get outside and enjoy the river directly,” Dean Klinkenberg said. “We get to hang out with each other, share some companionship and some stories. And this year, it’s a good

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CHICAGO - A new State-supported shelter is beginning to serve asylum seekers in Chicago today. The location is the site of a former CVS in the Little Village neighborhood. The shelter will be part of the City of Chicago’s existing asylum seeker shelter system and will house approximately 220 people as they transition to independent living. The shelter development is part of Governor JB Pritzker’s investment of an additional $160 million, via the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS), to address the ongoing humanitarian crisis presented by the arrival of over 34,000 asylum seekers from the U.S. southern border. The State saw an uptick of new arrivals over the holidays and created a temporary shelter at a Chicago hotel. Those new arrivals are now transitioning to the shelter in Little Village. With the cold weather and continued arrival of asylum seekers, the State is committed to partnering with the City of Chicago to take the necessary actions to keep people safe

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ALTON - Granite City's Nick Raftopoulos, a candidate for state representative, held one of his meet-and-greets at the Tango Event Center in Alton this past Saturday. Abe Lee Barham, one of the organizers, said about 40 people came out and it was a session for about an hour and a half with the candidate running for state representative. "There were not any questions that he didn't answer," Barham said. "I encourage people to post to him and participate in the Democratic process because your voice matters. Educating yourself on who will be your elected officials is very important to move our country and towns forward." Nick responded to questions about unions, school safety, and nurses' rights in a town hall type of style. Barham said he thought the meet and greet was informative and "enlightening" for those in attendance.Nick has stated he is running for the Democratic nomination for state representative in Illinois' 111th House District because he wants someone to

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ST. LOUIS COUNTY - St. Louis County Police Department Crimes Against Persons and Regional Arson and Explosives detectives are investigating a homicide in the 10500 block of Baron Drive that resulted in the death of an adult male. At 8:50 p.m. on Tuesday, January 9, 2024, St. Louis County police officers from the North County Precinct responded to a call for service for a house fire in the 10500 block of Baron Drive. Fire personnel extinguished the house fire and located one adult male who was deceased. The investigation is ongoing. Additional information will be disseminated as it becomes available. Please contact the St. Louis County Police Department at 636-529-8210 to speak with investigators if you have any information regarding this incident. To remain anonymous or potentially receive a reward, please contact CrimeStoppers at 1-866-371-TIPS (8477).

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National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day was celebrated on Tuesday, Jan. 9, 2024, around the country and the Metro East Region. The day is held each year and helps citizens come together to show their appreciation to their local law enforcement members. Madison County Chief Deputy Marcos Pulido, Alton Police Chief Jarrett Ford, and Wood River Police Chief Brad Wells are all equally moved each year when the public takes a chance to salute officers on this special annual day. Chief Ford said he feels extremely fortunate to be a part of the law enforcement community. “I see firsthand how incredibly helpful, brave and dedicated the men and women of law enforcement are. We are human and imperfect but I still believe law enforcement to be the most noble and honorable profession there is. “It is my hope the men and women of the Alton Police Department know just how much I appreciate them and the tough job they do each and every day.” Ford extended a Happy National

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HIGHLAND - “The Voice” Season 24 runner-up Ruby Leigh is back in the Riverbend with a show at the KC Hall in Highland. On Saturday, Feb. 3, 2024, you can enjoy dinner, the show and a meet-and-greet with Leigh herself. Dinner starts at 5:30 p.m. and tickets cost $50, or you can come for the show and meet-and-greet at 7 p.m. for $30. “I knew from the very first time I heard her sing that she was going to eventually be pretty big,” said Vicky Tift, owner of Old Time Pub in Highland. Tift met Leigh when Leigh was 13. Tift saw a video of Leigh singing and immediately booked her at Old Time Pub. Over the next two years, Leigh played at the pub every month. During her time on “The Voice,” Tift and her regular customers would gather at the pub every week to watch Leigh, now 16, perform. “It was just such an awesome experience to listen to her grow over those two years’ time,” Tift said. “We had Ruby watch parties all through

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Note: This is a letter to the editor from Madison County Chairman Kurt Prenzler and it includes a submission to Granite City School District 9. He also continues to discuss backdoor referendums later in his letter to the editor. Letter to Granite City School District 9 Dear Superintendent Cann and District 9 board members: Two months ago, Granite City District 9 passed a “backdoor referendum” to issue $20 million of “working cash” bonds and on Nov. 22 put a public notice in the Belleville News-Democrat. This backdoor referendum is a legal loophole to avoid voter approval when issuing bonds that will be repaid with higher property taxes. A better – and the old-fashioned – way is to put it on the ballot for the people to decide. That’s called a “front door referendum.” The public notice stated that the only way for taxpayers inside District 9 to vote on this bond issue was for them to collect 2,653 signatures within 30 days

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HIGH HONOR ROLL 8 TH GRADE HIGH HONOR ROLL LIST FOR QUARTER 2 Chandler Adams, Olivia Alward, Eva Bonnell, Evan Brooks, Kaylin Broyles, Kaley Burns, Baya Faulkner-Fairfax, Brianna Fogle, Emmalyn Funk, Alexis Hart, Rylee Hart, Jacoby Ironwing, Brady Kersey, Lydia Klohr, Allyson Martin, Hannah Mary, Kameron McNeese, Samuel Pulley, Rebecca Raymond, Olivia Tutterow, Shelby Valdes, Grace Williams 7 th GRADE HIGH HONOR ROLL LIST FOR QUARTER 2 Josephine Akers, Lilianna Clendenen, Addilyn Darr, Elliott Guthrie, Landon Hipsher, Jayna Klohr, Justice Pence, Ethan Pitts, Lillian Reynolds, Aiden Roberts, Kerrigan Sanders, Audrey Smith, Catherine Watters, Rylynn Wiles, Mia Wolff HONOR ROLL 8 TH GRADE HONOR ROLL LIST FOR QUARTER 2 Sam Arnold, Carter Bacon, Patrick Buis, Jillian Bunt, Peyton Clothier, Lucas Coggins, Alex Darr, Madilynn Davis, Elaina Devaisher, Chloe Holden, Benjamin Kadell, Tegan Mitchell, Lane Owens, Taytum Porter, Kaidyn Rowe, Ty Shelton,

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ALTON - The City of Alton and Southern Illinois University Edwardsville may be collaborating on an initiative to monitor greenhouse gasses in Alton. The Alton Committee of the Whole moved the process forward at their meeting on Monday. The committee gave their preliminary approval of a resolution authorizing the City of Alton, Illinois to apply for a Madison County Resource Management Environmental Grant. It was previously approved by the Alton Cool Cities Committee and now goes to the City Council for a vote tonight at 6:30 p.m. This grant will allow the city to partner with SIUE on a greenhouse gas inventory for the city so that it can set some benchmark goals. A greenhouse gas inventory essentially offers an overview of the city’s greenhouse gas emissions and their associated sources. According to the resolution, the grant requires a 20% match from the city, which it has agreed to fund from another source. If Alton receives the grant, Alderman Ray Strebel asked

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ALTON - Makenzie Jones of Alton High School and Drew Gaworski of Mississippi Valley Christian School were honored as Students of the Month for January at a regular meeting of the Rotary Club of Alton-Godfrey at Gentelin’s on Broadway Restaurant. Drew Gaworski is a senior at Mississippi Valley Christian School. During Drew's four years of high school at MVCS he has enjoyed playing soccer and basketball. He was the team captain and chosen for the IACS (Illinois Association of Christian Schools) all-tournament team his junior year in soccer; and in basketball, he was the MAC all­ conference team his junior year and the current team captain. Drew enjoys basketball the most, and recently reached the one-thousand-point milestone. Along with basketball and soccer, he is involved in the National Christian Honor Society, the student council, and the drama club. He is the senior Chaplain and Chaplain of our branch of the National Christian Honor Society. Drew has also achieved the

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Makenzie Jones of Alton High School and Drew Gaworski of Mississippi Valley Christian School were honored as Students of the Month for January at a regular meeting of the Rotary Club of Alton-Godfrey at Gentelin’s on Broadway Restaurant. ALTON - Makenzie Jones is a senior at Alton High School. She expresses her gratitude to the Alton-Godfrey Rotary Club for selecting her as Alton High School's January Rotary Student of the Month. Makenzie acknowledges her parents and grandmother for their unwavering support throughout her academic journey. She recognizes that her family's support has been instrumental in her accomplishments, from performances to academic awards. Throughout elementary and middle school, Makenzie participated in Honors, Dual Credit, and AP-like programs. She excelled in the gifted program and achieved an SAT score over 200 points above average. Makenzie remains committed to her studies and maintains a strong desire to learn. Makenzie has a significant involvement

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ALTON - The Alton-Godfrey Rotary Club presented Alton Community Unit School District #11 (ACUSD11) kindergarten classrooms with new manipulatives and games to promote literacy. On Wednesday, Jan. 10, 2024, Rotary Club members met at Gilson Brown and Lovejoy Elementary Schools to present the kindergarten teachers with the new literacy materials. They will do the same on Friday, Jan. 12, 2024, at Eunice Smith and Lewis & Clark Elementary Schools. Club Directors Ron Mayhew and Damian Jones explained that this project is an important part of what the Rotary Club does in the Riverbend community. “This is a literacy project we do every year,” Mayhew said. “We tried to , ‘Okay, what are we going to do differently to help kids become better readers?’ That’s what it’s all about.” Lovejoy Principal John Ducey introduced the Rotary Club members and explained to students what the Rotary Club does in the community. Mayhew and Young asked th

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