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ALTON - As Santino’s Steak and Pasta House celebrates five years in Alton, owner Sonny Asani is reflecting on the restaurant’s journey and his commitment to the community. “I believe that hard work, good quality food, good portions, reasonable price, people will come in and support us,” Asani said. “I want to thank the whole community and the people that came to us and support us and open their arms for us. We’re here now five years, and we just signed another lease for another five years.” Asani has opened a few restaurants before, but he knew right away that Santino’s was special. Five years ago, he was visiting Alton when he saw the building that would become Santino’s, located at 180 E. Center Drive near Alton Square Mall. This property has hosted several restaurants before that ultimately failed, and a lot of people warned Asani that the building was “jinxed.” But he couldn’t stay away. “When

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ALTON - Local favorite Germania is spreading through the region with their canned cold brew. The coffee shop, which has locations in Alton, East Alton, Godfrey and Jerseyville, is popular with Riverbend residents. But the canned cold brew will be sold at other local businesses, with goals to eventually expand into big box stores like Target and Schnucks. “We were talking about, ‘What’s the future of Germania? What do we want to do?’” remembered general manager Ben Brynildsen. “We were like, ‘Let’s do some cold brew, but let’s do it in a way that other people haven’t done it before, which is, let’s infuse real ingredients and real things and make it fun.’” These conversations happened in 2018. Brynildsen and his brother — Germania owner Jared Brynildsen — started “messing around with recipes.” After hundreds of taste tests, they began selling cold brew in the Germania stores

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ALTON - Community members gathered downtown on Friday night, Nov. 10, 2023, for the dedication of the Alton Flyway Mural. The organization Alton Main Street commissioned the mural, designed by local artist James K. Schmidt. It was painted throughout September by muralist Robert Fishbone and his company On the Wall Productions . During the dedication ceremony, speakers from Alton Main Street and the Audubon Center at Riverlands talked about the mural’s power to call attention to both Alton and the Audubon Center’s work toward preserving the bird population. “One of the four points of the Main Street approach to downtown revitalization is design, and design is basically anything aesthetic,” explained Alton Main Street Executive Director Sara McGibany. “Beautification projects such as public art, that's what gives a town its flavor and its identity. Creating beautiful things for people to see and photo opportunities for people to come and get

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ROXANA - There are several senior leaders on the Roxana Shells football team that have made a marvelous postseason run this year. James Herring captains the defense but got his name on the scoresheet in Roxana’s big playoff win over Paris. Herring, a big linebacker, an imposing force in the Shell defense, intercepted a Paris pass and rumbled down almost to the endzone, but was tackled just short on the one-yard line. He came off the field, celebrating his big play with his Roxana teammates. Shells' head coach Wade DeVries told him to get back out there, line up as a fullback, and finish the job. James took the handoff from Roxana quarterbackChris Walleck and powered his way into the endzone. James Herring has been playing football for eight years. It’s the first time he’s ever scored a touchdown. Herring is a Midwest Members Credit Union Male Athlete of Month for the Shells. “I was happy,” said Herring. “I’ve been asking for a touchdown

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ALTON - On Friday, November 17, 2023, Alton Main Street will host an event that’s sure to get you into the holiday spirit. The 29th Annual community Tree Lighting at Lincoln-Douglas Square will begin with the arrival of Santa Claus on the trolley at 6 p.m. The free festivities including caroling, cookies and hot cocoa will continue until 6:45 p.m. when Mayor David Goins flips the lights on the beautiful tree, which is provided by the Alton-Godfrey Rotary Club. This event will be broadcast live in a cooperative effort between Riverbender.com and WBGZ Radio. Mike Roberts and C.J. Nasello of Our Daily Show! will host the broadcast. Families are encouraged to bring their cameras to take pictures with Santa and costumed holiday characters. Songs will fill the air throughout the evening provided by area Girl Scout Troops, the Salvation Army’s “Let the Music Begin” singing group and the Great Rivers Choral Society. Pastor Patrick Thatcher of Country Bible Church

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ALTON - In a rare move earlier this week, Alton Mayor David Goins vetoed an ordinance passed by the City Council that would’ve required the city to employ a full-time Director of Code Enforcement and a full-time Director of Planning and Development. Currently, both positions are filled by Greg Caffey in a part-time capacity. While some council members have called for dedicated full-time employees for each, Mayor Goins has given multiple reasons for his stance against the proposed requirement in the past and while presenting his veto on Nov. 8, 2023. At the Oct. 9, 2023 Committee of the Whole meeting , Alderwoman Betsy Allen said she believes both departments need a full-time director - not because Caffey had expressed difficulty handling both roles, but because her constituents have said they “would like more assistance.” “I believe that both departments, it’s a large responsibility, and I think that it requires two people, or a full-time for

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ALTON - A total of 13 incredible talents are eager to share their story with audiences, beginning Nov. 10, 2023, at the Alton Little Theater Showplace as ALT presents "A Gentleman's Guide To Love And Murder." "A Gentleman's Guide To Love And Murder" by Robert L. Freedman with music by Steve Lutvak is directed here by Brant McCance and Lee Cox. It is produced with permission from Music, Theatre International. The show will run evenings on Nov. 10, 11, 15, 16, 17 and 18, 2023, and matinees on Nov. 12 and 19, 2023. Alton Little Theater describes the production as follows: "There’s a love triangle, murder is afoot, But the incomparable cast delights in exploring how a poor but crafty young man becomes the Earl of Highhurst with two ladies and a host of very funny characters who will win your hearts and minds. Lorian Warford and Jess McCawley extol the virtues of “ Bella-donna” while the ensemble extols the “funny” side, yes funny side of becoming professional

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EDWARDSVILLE - Black children are more likely to live in communities with higher-than-normal limits of ambient air pollution and attend schools located near significant environmental pollutants. These bleak statistics were just a few of many shared by Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s Jerrica Ampadu, PhD, RN, CCP, associate professor in the SIUE School of Nursing (SON) and director of the SIUE WE CARE Clinic in East St. Louis. Ampadu and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) students Julia Buckles and Jewel Radford gave a presentation on Health Equity and Environmental Justice during the Environmental Protection Agency’s virtual Explore Environmental Justice Week Series from Oct. 30-Nov. 3. The subject of the presentation was asthma, its environmental causes, and the systemic factors that impede the health and wellness of Black and Brown communities, according to Ampadu. Documentation from the presentation was taken from Buckles and Radford’s DNP project tha

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ROXANA - Lead Pastor Rodney Durr invites community members to Roxana Church of the Nazarene for an early, cozy Christmas celebration. The Nazarene Community Theater, located at 400 Central Avenue in Roxana, will have a free showing of “The Polar Express” at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 10 and 4 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 11, 2023. Hot chocolate will be provided and pajamas are encouraged. “Part of what we want to do through the theater is to provide family friendly, affordable entertainment in a Christ-honoring atmosphere,” Durr explained. “So you don’t have to question whether or not you can bring your kids there or not. It’s always going to be appropriate and also affordable. We want to enhance the quality of life through the Metro East in this way.” The theater is owned by Roxana Church of the Nazarene, located down the street at 500 N. Central in Roxana. In addition to the free hot chocolate at “The Polar Express” showings

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ST. LOUIS COUNTY - St. Louis County Police Department Crimes Against Persons detectives are investigating a homicide in the 11600 block of West Florissant Avenue that resulted in the death of an adult male. St. Louis County police officers from the North County Precinct responded to a call for service for a shooting in the 11600 block of West Florissant Avenue. Responding officers located an adult male inside a business suffering from a life-threatening gunshot wound. The male was transported to an area hospital for treatment but later succumbed to his injuries. A suspect was taken into custody after a brief foot pursuit. The investigation is ongoing. Additional information will be disseminated as it becomes available. Deceased Identified In Homicide In St. Louis In a different case where someone suffered fatal gunshot injuries, the deceased has been identified as Carlos Strickland, 37 years of age, of the 8800 block of Torii Drive in St. Louis, Missouri 63121. St. Louis County

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ALTON - OSF Saint Anthony’s Health Center Psychological Services department, in cooperation with the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) - Southwestern Illinois, will be sponsoring Family Support Groups in Alton. NAMI Family Support Group is a safe place for family members, significant others, and friends of people with mental health conditions to share feelings, coping and communication strategies. The Family Support Group will meet monthly and attendance is open to the general public. Meetings will be held on the third Thursday of every month: 7-8:30 p.m. OSF Saint Anthony’s Health Center 3 West Meeting Room 1 St. Anthony’s Way Facilitators for the Family Support group meetings are Diane and Paul Borawski who possess more than 10-plus years of lived experience in supporting families. To register or for questions please contact Kelly Jefferson at kelly.nami.swi@gmail.com or 618-798-9788. About OSF HealthCare Saint Anthony’s Health Center

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BETHALTO - After an intense police investigation, two are in custody after charges issued by the Madison County State's Attorney's Office. The story begins as follows: on the morning of October 30, 2023, the Bethalto Police Department responded to several vehicle burglaries on B Street in Bethalto, with a total of five incidents in the area. At approximately 4:30 a.m. on October 31, 2023, Bethalto Officers responded to a report of a suspicious vehicle in the 200 block of Gabrielle Circle. Upon investigation, they located the vehicle on Route 140 at Sheridan Street. When officers attempted to stop the vehicle, it refused to comply and continued westbound on Route 140. During the pursuit, between the intersection of North Williams Street and Cottage Avenue, the officers believed they heard multiple gunshots. Due to safety concerns, the pursuit was discontinued. The abandoned vehicle was later found in Alton, on Morrison Street near South Rodgers Street. The passenger side o

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EDWARDSVILLE/GLEN CARBON- Three local businesses are hosting their second annual Miracle on Main Street event to kick off the holiday season. The free event runs from 5–9 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 10, 2023. Boheme Boutique, Seams For The Soul Boutique and The Gingham Buffalo organized the evening, to be held at The Gingham Buffalo at 214 W. Main Street in Glen Carbon. Attendees can enjoy free carriage rides, pictures with Santa and more. “Our community is coming together to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year, and we’ve got a lineup of activities that you won't want to miss,” the three businesses said in a statement. All of the evening’s activities are completely free. Carriage rides will be provided by 312 Carriage Company. Families can get professional photos taken with Santa Claus and enjoy a complimentary hot chocolate bar. There will also be firepits, carolers from Tessitura Music, face-painting and plenty of crafts for kids to get into

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COLLINSVILLE - The Collinsville Police Department and Major Case Squad of Greater St. Louis announced that two male subjects have been taken into custody for first-degree murder after an investigation into a male found deceased with a severe laceration of his torso in the 500 block of Loop Street in Collinsville. The Major Case Squad and Collinsville Police said the case was presented to the Madison County State’s Attorney’s Office and charges were issued against Carlos G. Mosley, 23, of Belleville, and Amari O. McGee, 22, of Belleville. Both subjects were charged with two counts of First Degree Murder, a Class M Felony. The Honorable Judge Timothy Berkley signed the arrest warrant and ordered both defendants remanded to the Madison County Jail for an initial appearance. At 10:44 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 8, 2023, the Collinsville Police Department responded to a call about an unresponsive male found by neighbors lying in a ditch in the vicinity of 521 Loop St. in Collinsville.

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Name: John T. Mahoney Hometown: Alton Years of Service: 1940-1948 Branch: Army Wars: WWII Medals Earned: Purple Heart Submitter's Name: Martha Maloy

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ROXANA - Roxana Central Intermediate students had an exciting morning on Friday, Nov. 10, 2023, as they were greeted by the high school football. The younger students wished the high schoolers luck as they prepare to play in the IHSA Class 3A quarterfinal game against Stanford Olympia on Saturday, Nov. 11, 2023. The Shells have had an impressive season under the leadership of head coach Wade DeVries. Players noted that the support they have received from the Riverbend community has also been a big encouragement throughout the postseason. “It feels great when all the other schools from around the community are looking at you, supporting you,” said Nick Newton, defensive end. “We have students from other schools coming around to support us, like huge crowds popping out to the games and stuff. Feels great.” Friday morning’s visit to Central Intermediate seemed like the perfect morale booster as players joked with the younger students and offered hig

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EDWARDSVILLE – Lewis and Clark Community College’s N.O. Nelson Campus in Edwardsville will hold an Industrial Careers Open House on Thursday, Nov. 16. This career fair/networking event is open to both potential students and L&C alumni who would like to learn more about the careers available to them with training from L&C’s Process Operations Technology and Industrial Electricity programs. According to Assistant Professor of Process Operations Technology Paul Kuebrich, those considering an industrial career will have the chance to speak directly to professionals who are actively engaged in the industrial sector. “This will be an opportunity to ask questions, gain insights and network with individuals who have experience and knowledge,” he said. “You will be able to take a guided tour of our state-of-the-art facilities and labs, and see the environment in which you will gain hands-on skills that are in high demand by employers.” Area employers

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EAST ALTON – NGRREC, in collaboration with Route 3 Films, announces the premiere of their new documentary, “The Call of the Swamp: Investigating the State-Threatened Bird-voiced Treefrog.” The event will be held from 5:30-8 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 15, at The Old Bakery Beer Company in Alton. There will be a brief introduction about NGRREC, a Q&A session and a social hour to accompany the film’s premiere. The documentary will be available on NGRREC’s social media channels on Nov. 16. Research Coordinator and Assistant Scientist Jessica Mohlman was the project lead for the documentary. The film was a joint effort between NGRREC and Route 3 Films, a local video production company based in St. Louis. NGRREC’s upcoming film focuses on conservation research occurring in the bald cypress and tupelo swamps of the Cache River System in Southern Illinois, home to a threatened species of treefrog, the bird-voiced treefrog. Viewers will follow NGRREC’s

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SPRINGFIELD - State Representative Kevin Schmidt has introduced HB4128, proposed legislation set for discussion in the upcoming spring legislative session. The bill strives to honor veterans in Illinois by creating the Veterans Day Paid Leave Act. If passed, beginning January 1, 2025, HB4128 would require all Illinois employers to grant a paid day off to veteran employees scheduled to work on Veterans Day. To be eligible for this leave, employees need to inform their employer in advance and provide proof of their veteran status. The proposed bill also amends the Illinois Income Tax Act to offer an income tax credit equivalent to 100% of wages paid by the taxpayer to a veteran under the provisions of the Veterans Day Paid Leave Act. "HB4128 is a way to honor and recognize our veterans’ service and sacrifices by ensuring they can observe Veterans Day," explained Rep. Schmidt. "This bill not only acknowledges their contributions by giving them the opportunity to take the day

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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) joined U.S. Senators Tim Kaine (D-VA), Tina Smith (D-MN), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), and Bob Casey (D-PA), along with U.S. Representatives Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR-1), Sara Jacobs (D-CA-51), Mikie Sherrill (D-NJ-11), and Joaquin Castro (D-TX-20), in leading a bicameral group of their colleagues in urging congressional leadership to renew expired funding for child care in any supplemental funding package. Funding the lawmakers passed in the American Rescue Plan to allow parents to afford child care and keep their jobs during COVID expired in September, but the child care crisis continues. Without this funding, many child care providers are struggling with how they are going to continue to operate and serve families. The lawmakers’ letter comes after President Biden’s supplemental funding request to Congress included $16 billion to address the child care crisis. “W

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