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GRANITE CITY - Granite City senior guard Ivan Gaston was one of the most important players for the Granite City High boys' basketball team in the 2022-2023 season. He was a defensive standout and his teammates could always count on him to be there for them when and where he was needed. One of the highlights of Gaston's 2022-2023 season occurred in the Jersey Mid-Winter Classic when he dropped a three-ball at the buzzer to beat Edwardsville 51-50 in an upset. Gaston's buzzer-beater was the only lead the Warriors had in the second half. Gaston had nine points in that particular game and three were the game-winner final points. Gaston was one of the hardest workers on the team and a very dependable player, who can be counted on to make the plays when needed. For his efforts both on and off the court, Gaston has been named a Stillwater Senior Living Male Athlete of the Month. At this point, Gaston will be a valuable member of the Granite City boys' track and field team. "Obviously, I

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EDWARDSVILLE - Edwardsville High School senior Jonathan Stump has earned the highly prestigious honor of being named a National Merit Finalist for 2023. Of the 1.5 million eligible students who take the PSAT/NMSQT, only about 50,000 of the highest-scoring students receive program recognition. Students whose scores qualify them for recognition in the National Merit Program are notified through their high schools in September following the test administration. Edwardsville High School Principal Dr. Steve Stuart said he and the others at EHS are "extremely proud" of Jonathan's accomplishments. "This is an honor that very few students across the country receive, and to have a National Merit Finalist at EHS is something that brings us much pride," Dr. Stuart said. The 6-foot-7 Stump was also a key member of the Edwardsville High School boys' basketball team this past season. The National Merit Scholarship Program is a United States academic scholarship competition for recognition

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JERSEYVILLE - The Jersey Community Hospital Foundation Ambulance Association is bringing back its annual Drive-Thru Fish Fry fundraisers for 2023. Fish will be served on the following Fridays: March 3, March 17, and April 7, all from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the JCH Ambulance Garage. Two meal options will be available: a $12 meal including fish fritters, homemade chips, baked beans, and coleslaw, or a $10 option with fish fritters and homemade chips. JCH Foundation Director Charity Roth said she looks forward to the event - and the food - every year. “Our annual Fish Fry is probably our most well-known and most well-anticipated event,” Roth said. “Really, really good food - I always jokingly tell people I don’t even like fish and I eat it, and it’s awesome - so I would say that’s a good testimony.” To get to the JCH Ambulance Garage, Roth said drivers should approach the hospital from County Road and turn onto Wock Lane, proceed behind

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COLLINSVILLE – Today, Ameren Illinois announced key senior leadership changes to support the company's strategic priorities and the retirement of two vice presidents, according to Lenny Singh, Chairman and President of Ameren Illinois. Kristol Simms has been promoted to the newly created position of Vice President of Clean Energy Transition, Economic, Community and Business Development for Ameren Illinois. In this newly created position, the functions responsible for energy efficiency, beneficial electrification, and economic development, and are being re-organized under Simms to optimize the company's grid transformation efforts to support the clean energy transition in Illinois. As Senior Director of Energy Efficiency and Regulatory Policy Implementation, Simms led the implementation of market-leading energy efficiency programs, managing a portfolio of services which have reduced customer energy usage and met aggressive state-mandated energy savings targets. Simms began

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SPRINGFIELD – As the Consul General of Bulgaria visited the state Capitol Thursday to underscore the positive partnership between Illinois and Bulgaria, state Rep. Jay Hoffman, D-Swansea, introduced a resolution recognizing this March as Bulgarian American Heritage Month. “Granite City hosts the oldest Bulgarian American community in the country, and we’re thankful for the countless contributions this community has brought to the Metro East,” Hoffman said. “Our countries have a strong relationship that dates back 120 years, a relationship that has only grown stronger in recent years. I appreciate Consul General Stankov’s visit to our capitol, it was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate our cultures.” Hoffman’s House Resolution 23 congratulates the people of the Republic of Bulgaria as they celebrate their 145th liberation anniversary this month. The resolution highlights the contribution of Bulgarian immigrants in the United States,

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CARROLLTON - Several Greene County individuals have been arrested on charges including domestic battery, grooming, “nonconsensual dissemination of private sex images,” and many more according to the latest Greene County Sheriff’s Department Jail Booking Report. Brandon M. King, 18, of Godfrey, was charged with nonconsensual dissemination of private sex images. He was arrested by the Greene County Sheriff’s Department on Feb. 23 and has since been released on bond. Bobby L. Kelley, 27, of Sumter, S.C., was charged with grooming and had a warrant out for his arrest in Greene County. He was arrested by the Carrollton Police Department on Feb. 7 and remains in custody. Steven T. Osterman, 28, of Carrollton, was charged with domestic battery and arrested by the Carrollton Police Department on March 1; he remains in custody. Terry L. Miller, 46, was charged with one count of theft and one count of criminal trespass to vehicles. He was arrested by the White

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CHICAGO - Attorney General Kwame Raoul, as part of a coalition of 21 attorneys general, today submitted a letter to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Center for Health Statistics advocating for clear classification of HIV prevention medication to prevent improperly charged medical copays. In the letter , Raoul and the coalition support creating a new diagnostic code for Pre-exposure Prophylaxis ( PrEP ) for HIV prevention in the International Classification of Diseases – Tenth Revision (ICD-10). Raoul and the coalition argue the implementation of a new code will ensure lifesaving access to PrEP and related medical services for populations vulnerable to HIV/AIDS. “Inconsistent and unclear coding should not stand in the way of people from being able to access affordable HIV preventative medication,” Raoul said. “I will continue to advocate for policies that ensure HIV preventative medication is available and covered

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ST. LOUIS - The St. Louis Regional Financial Empowerment Coalition and Money Smart Committee, in partnership with United Way of Greater St. Louis, is hosting its annual Money Smart Kid Essay Contest for sixth through eighth grade students in the St. Louis area. Three winners will be selected to receive scholarships, including a grand prize of $2,000. The second-place winner will receive $1,000, and a third-place finalist will receive $500. Additionally, applicants have the option to select a nonprofit organization or school to receive a $500 award if their essay is selected as one of the finalists. Students must demonstrate their knowledge of basic economic concepts by submitting an essay in 500 words or less that outlines three steps a student can take during their teenage years to help kickstart their financial future. Submissions are due Monday, April 17. The full application and contest guidelines are available at MoneySmartSTL.org. Applications and essays can be submitted vi

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EAST ALTON - Illinois RiverWatch Network will host several training sessions across the state in March and April. The sessions will teach community members how to monitor the health of their local streams. RiverWatch, a community science program, is coordinated by the National Great Rivers Research and Education Center (NGRREC sm ) at Lewis and Clark Community College. Each spring, RiverWatch offers workshops where volunteers learn to collect and identify stream macroinvertebrates (water bugs) and describe the physical condition of the stream habitat. Upon completing training and becoming certified, volunteers may adopt a stream site where they can monitor water quality and contribute to a state-wide dataset using RiverWatch survey methods. “Macroinvertebrates are in all of our streams and many people don’t know they are there,” RiverWatch Volunteer Coordinator Hannah Griffis said. “The critters in our streams are impacted by changes in the health of our streams

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CARROLLTON - Drug and alcohol-related charges have been filed against several Greene County individuals over the past few weeks, according to the latest Jail Booking Report from the Greene County Sheriff’s Department. Victor H. Verdeyen, 56, of Effingham, was charged with possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of a controlled substance, wearing a headset while driving, and not having a driver’s license on his person. He was arrested by the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Department on Feb. 24 and has since been released on his own recognizance. Robert E. Everage, 42, of East Alton, was charged with possession of methamphetamine, unlawful use of weapons, driving on a suspended license, and violating parole. He was arrested on Feb. 16 by the Greenfield Police Department and has since been “transferred,” although where he was transferred to was not noted. Kit W. Schlieper, 66, of Roodhouse, was charged with two counts o

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GREENVILLE - The U.S. Department of Justice’s Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) awarded Greenville University a three-year $300,000 grant. The grant is specifically awarded to colleges to focus on reducing sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking. The program was created by Congress to address the unique issues and challenges that colleges and universities face in preventing and responding to gender-based violence. Kennedy Shuffett serves as Greenville University’s OVW project director in the Office of Community Life. She previously served as the program coordinator for Eden’s Glory—a residential treatment program serving survivors of human trafficking. Shuffett says one of the goals of the grant program is to create an environment where students feel safe to report any incidences of sexual assault. “I am looking forward to the opportunity to bring more awareness about sexual assault to students, faculty, and staff,

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ST. LOUIS - An execution-style shooting of a man who appeared homeless and apparently "begged for his life" in Downtown St. Louis has attracted national attention. Meanwhile, a suspect has been apprehended and charged in the case. The shooting was captured on camera by witnesses in downtown St. Louis and has gone viral throughout the country. Police have arrested suspect Deshawn Thomas, 23, and he faces charges of first-degree murder and armed criminal action. Police identified the deceased victim as David Saldana. Police indicated has stated the man appeared to be homeless. The incident occurred just after 10 a.m. on Monday, Feb. 27, 2023, outside of 710 North Tucker Boulevard near Lucas Avenue in front of the Globe Building. Police said there was an altercation outside of the Shell gas station across the street before the shooting. A St. Louis city spokesperson issued this statement in response to some of those public concerns after the shooting: “Through a collaboration

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ST. LOUIS - Joined by Board President Megan E. Green, Board of Public Service President Rich Bradley, and multi-modal transit advocates, Mayor Tishaura O. Jones signed the St. Louis Safer Streets bill (BB120) to make the first citywide investment in road and pedestrian safety. The bill fulfills Mayor Jones’ commitment to dedicate at least $40 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to calm and redesign city streets. “Traffic violence tears families and communities apart, and to all those who say they feel scared on our roads: I hear you,” said Mayor Tishaura O. Jones. “Parents in our city are asking ourselves: How can we teach our teenagers how to drive in a city where the rules of the road can feel more like suggestions? This bill makes a historic investment in St. Louis’ infrastructure, prioritizing road safety to help calm our streets while discouraging dangerous driving. Engineering is just one piece of road safety strategy, and the City

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EDWARDSVILLE - The Madison County Coroner's Office has announced the outcome of its probe into the death of Richard J. Maedge, 53, who was reported missing to Troy Police on April 27, 2022. They determined the Troy man, who was found in a concealed storage area in his home, died by suicide. Maedge's deceased body was discovered in the concealed storage area on Dec. 11, 2022, by his wife. The last known contact with Maedge was on April 26, 2022, when he telephoned his wife telling her that he was leaving work early. When his wife returned home from work she would find the decedent’s vehicle parked outside of the home and his wallet and keys were found inside of the home. Troy Police Department was notified by the wife and initiated an investigation into the disappearance of Maedge. On December 11, 2022, the decedent’s body was then discovered in the Troy home by his wife. The wife reported that she went to a concealed storage area located in the bedroom closet to look for

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GRANITE CITY - Granite City School District Superintendent Stephanie Cann released information to the media Wednesday afternoon about a fight that occurred at Granite City High School earlier that day. Cann did not specify anything about the exact incident but said Granite City Police responded to the call for support. "As a safety precaution, all students were kept in their classrooms until dismissal," Cann said. "We appreciate your help in keeping our students safe and we will continue to work together to address these concerns. "The safety and well-being of our students is always our top priority and we take any incidents that may jeopardize that seriously. We are working closely with our police department to identify the individuals involved and to prevent further incidents." Granite City Schools Superintendent: Incidents Were Two Altercations That Were Resolved Quickly

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ALTON - At approximately 7:47 p.m. Tuesday, the Alton Police Department received multiple reports of gunshots fired. Officers responded and located physical evidence of gunshots fired in the area of Union Street and Silver Street. Officers did not locate anyone injured by the gunfire or damage to property. While officers were in the area, they observed a vehicle flee at a high rate of speed. Officers attempted to conduct a traffic stop but the driver and sole occupant of the vehicle chose not to stop and instead attempted to flee and elude officers. Ultimately, the vehicle stopped in the 1100 block of Washington Avenue. The driver exited the vehicle and attempted to flee on foot. Officers were able to locate the driver and take him into custody. A firearm was also recovered. He is currently in custody at the Alton Police Department jail. Wednesday afternoon the Madison County State’s Attorney’s Office reviewed the facts of the case and charged the driver, Elvin T. Doss,

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ALTON - Colten Skinner, the author of the book “Life’s A Journey: Hardships to Blessings,” recently discussed the book, audience feedback, and more on an episode of Our Daily Show! on Riverbender.com . He also discussed the possibility of the book getting a movie adaptation this summer as he’s currently working with a screenwriter to develop a screenplay. “I’ve just had so many interesting adventures, and people came to me and said, ‘You know, you should really write a book about all the interesting things that have happened to you,’ so I did,” Skinner said. Skinner said his story, which describes his experience with a rare muscular disorder, has inspired some readers to reach out for his advice on their own life journeys. “I’ve given a lot of people advice. I have a rare muscular disorder called Ataxia Telangiectasia - it’s what puts me in the wheelchair,” he said. “Moms of other AT patients,

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ALTON - Rosie Brown said she is excited to enter 2023 and hopes to be “a voice and ear” for the people of the Fourth Ward in Alton to make sure their concerns are heard and needs are met. “The Fourth Ward constituents have embraced me, and even some outside the ward sometimes call me about their concerns,” she said. “I speak on topics that are very important to the Fourth Ward and all of Alton in meetings." Rosie Brown shared these thoughts about her first term as a Fourth Ward Alton alderwoman: “I’m always looking out for my constituents and how to better the Fourth Ward. There are several ways in which I keep the Fourth Ward engaged and take ownership of their community, especially our neighborhoods. We have beautiful parks in the Fourth Ward and renovation is on the way. Our parks are often graced with families. I often say that this is not my ward, this is our ward, our community. I knew it was going to be a challenge to reach everyone

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JERSEYVILLE - Jax, a K-9 with the Jersey County Sheriff’s Office, discovered a special toy car while on duty on March 1 honoring Carson Cheney, a child who died in 2012 just before his fifth birthday. “While on duty today, K-9 Jax located this little toy car. We thought this would be a neat thing to share with the community,” the Jersey Couty Sheriff’s Office wrote on Facebook . “These cars have been found all over the world in honor of a little boy who has passed away. What an amazing way to continue to celebrate Carson’s life and keep his memory alive.” Carson Dean Cheney was attempting to make children laugh in 2012 for a picture his father was taking of another family at the Glenwood Cemetery in Park City, Utah, when a tombstone became dislodged from its footing and smashed into the boy. Carson went behind a tombstone pretending to be a leprechaun so that the children being photographed could smile when the six-foot stone fell on

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ALTON - When one reflects on the history of Alton, the Fourth Ward has always had devoted leadership. Some of the list of aldermen and alderwomen in the ward includes Fred Young, Bill Keller, Alice Martin, Keith Stampley, Albert Charleston, Tammy Smith, and present alderwoman Rosetta Brown. Young was a long-standing Fourth Ward alderman and looked out for the Alton community for more than two decades. Young is a U.S. Naval vet and recipient of the U.S. National Defense Medal and Expedition Medal. He attended Lewis and Clark Community College and had a long career with Illinois Bell/Ameritech Telephone Company. Fred was heavily involved in the Coalition of Concerned Citizens and was a past chair of the Madison County Urban League, a commander of the Allen Bevenue America Legion Post, and a charter member of the 100 Black Men of Alton. During the summer months, it was not uncommon to find then-Alderman Young on top of a 1953 Ferguson Tractor Lawnmower in one of the grassy areas of the

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