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EDWARDSVILLE – Metro-East Lutheran High School’s robotics team is moving on to the FIRST Tech Challenge Illinois state championship after putting in a winning performance at the recent regional qualifying competition. Twenty-two teams from central and Southern Illinois competed in the First Tech league qualifying tournament last weekend at Maryville Christian School. The MELHS team was one of five teams from the two regions that qualified to move on to the state competition, which will be held on Feb. 24 and Feb. 25 in Elgin, Ill. In First Tech, students design, build, and program robots to compete head-to-head against other teams. The state championship showcases the best robots from the FTC Qualifying Events held all around Illinois. This is just the second year the MELHS robotics team has been competing in the FIRST Tech Challenge. Last year the team won two rookie awards, including the highest-scoring rookie. “We’re still a very young team and we’re

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ALTON - The Alton-Godfrey Rotary Club's 37th Annual Chili Chowdown is set for Monday, March 6 at Main Street United Methodist Church in Upper Alton. The popular fund-raising event features all-you-can eat chili, beverage, and dessert for just $10.00. Serving hours are 11 a.m. through 1 p.m. and again 4:30 p.m. through 7 p.m. Diners may eat-in or carry-out. The secret Rotary chili recipe is guarded by event chairman Dennis Wilson. He says the recipe originated with the late Don Johnson, proprietor of DJ's Bar and Grill in Upper Alton. Members of the Alton-Godfrey Rotary Club prepare and serve the chili. Over the years the Chili Chowdown has been held at a number of venues, but in recent years has settled into its home at Main Street United Methodist Church which affords ample parking, ease of egress, and plenty of room for diners. Tickets for the annual Chili Chowdown are available from any member of the Alton-Godfrey Rotary Club and will also be sold at the door. The annual even

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ST. LOUIS COUNTY - St. Louis County Police Department Crimes Against Persons detectives and the Accident Reconstruction Unit are investigating a fatal motor vehicle accident at Telegraph Road and Baumgartner Road which resulted in the death of an adult male. The deceased has been identified as Shavkat Narimanov, 19 years of age, of the 5200 block of Cathedral Drive in St. Louis, Missouri 63129. On February 15, 2023, at 5:55 PM, St. Louis County police officers from the South County Precinct responded to a call for service for a motor vehicle accident at Telegraph Road and Baumgartner Road. Officers located a motor vehicle accident involving a motorcycle and a minivan. Preliminary investigation has revealed Driver #1, operating a 2015 Kawasaki motorcycle, was southbound on Telegraph Road, traveling at a high rate of speed. Driver #2, operating a 2002 Chevrolet Venture minivan, was northbound on Telegraph Road, turning west onto Baumgartner Road when the Kawasaki entered the intersection,

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ALTON/EAST ALTON - Shawn Fowler, owner of Modified Auto in East Alton, recently appeared on an episode of Our Daily Show! on Riverbender.com to discuss the shop’s relocation to Eastgate Plaza, some of the happy customers they’ve had so far, and much more. Modified Auto was previously located at 165 E. St. Louis Ave. in East Alton, near the Washington Early Childhood Center. While Fowler said he loved having the business in the neighborhood for eight years, moving into their 5,000-square-foot Eastgate location has taken the business to a new level. “The East Alton community in general has been super easy to do business in,” Fowler said. “The City Hall, the Police Department, the Fire Department, they’ve all been so supportive of their local businesses and we love to be a part of it.” Fowler said Modified Auto workers aren’t paid on commission, so they’re not constantly trying to “upsell” customers on products

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EDWARDSVILLE/ALTON - Students in SIUE’s Community Oriented Digital Engagement Scholars (CODES) program are looking for Alton residents to interview about their lives and work in Alton, and will compile those interviews into a digital story or short video as part of their Community Storytelling project. Interviews will be conducted this Saturday, Feb. 18, and four 30-minute time slots are available from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Interviews will be held at the Alton YMCA, located at 304 E. 3rd St. in Alton. Fill out this online form to register and choose a time slot for an interview. Students in the CODES program recently appeared on an episode of Our Daily Show! on Riverbender.com to discuss the project and the work they’re doing. CODES Student Spencer Steele said the main goal of the program is to listen to the voices of the community. “For us, really it’s more about the community than anything, and listening to their voice and figuring out what

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EDWARDSVILLE — A Worden resident is replacing the seat of Madison County Board member William “Bill” Meyer who died in early January. Chairman Kurt Prenzler recommended Frank Dickerson as Meyer’s replacement for District 3, after interviewing more than 10 people for the position. The board unanimously approve Dickerson to replace Meyer, who died on Jan. 6. “Bill Meyer did a great job in keeping in touch with the villages, townships and citizens in his district,” Prenzler said. “That was a key consideration as I interviewed everyone for this position.” Prenzler said Meyer’s district is unique, the largest geographical district, encompassing six townships — Leef, Alhambra, New Douglas, Omphgent, Hamel and Olive — and seven towns — Hamel, Alhambra, Prairetown, New Douglas, Livingston, Williamson and Worden. Dickerson is a lifelong resident of Madison County and moved to Worden in 1996. He served two terms as village

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JERSEYVILLE - Students in the Jersey Community High School Career and Technical Education programs led local businesspeople on tours around the school during an Open House for Local Businesses on Feb. 15. Workforce Development Coordinator Erica Heitzig said the event “exceeded everyone’s expectations” with a large turnout from the local business community. “Our goal was to try to get 30 local businesspeople through our door, and we ended up with 48,” Heitzig said. “I think everyone left very impressed - definitely shocked, surprised with everything we have to offer here at JCHS.” There were several stops on the student-led tours which showcased some of the amazing things happening on a typical day at JCHS. Eighth graders worked in Woods classes while freshmen worked on 3D printing during their Industrial Orientation. Advanced Construction students were building the set for the school’s upcoming Charlie Brown musical. Other highlights

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ST. LOUIS - Each year, World Wide Technology Raceway’s Bommarito Automotive Group 500 presented by Axalta and Valvoline NTT INDYCAR SERIES race showcases the St. Louis-Metro East region to the world. This year, the WWTR event will air in 142 countries around the globe. And in the U.S., it be broadcast live on NBC-TV. INDYCAR will reach more fans in more global markets with more accessibility than ever before. A robust list of international broadcasters will bring the stars of the NTT INDYCAR SERIES to 223 markets in 142 countries with major and impactful media partnerships. In addition, INDYCAR LIVE, INDYCAR’s direct-to-consumer streaming service, will provide practice, qualifying and races in territories not covered by an international partner. All international markets will have access to INDYCAR LIVE’s complementary coverage of NTT INDYCAR SERIES practices and qualifying. “We are pleased to see the expansion of our international partners and offerings mirrorin

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GRANITE CITY - Granite City Community Unit School District #9 launched a new tutoring program with Varsity Tutors for middle and high school students. GCSD9 developed the program in partnership with Varsity Tutors, a leading platform for live online learning, whose breakthrough products offer personalized live instruction via a customizable, all-in-one platform. The new program will enable students to access on-demand academic support 24/7 as well as 1-on-1 live tutoring for students who need additional support. "We want to continue provide our students with the tools and resources they need to help them thrive academically and set them up for future success,” said GCSD9 Superintendent Stephanie M. Cann . “Providing a comprehensive online learning tool will give our students extra support all year long at all hours of the day. ” The offerings made available today to support GCSD9 middle and high school students include: On-Demand Tutoring: Providing 24/7

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BELLEVILLE - Caritas Family Solutions is proud to announce that this year’s 10th annual Heart & Soul Gala raised nearly $280,000, a record amount to support the nonprofit’s mission work. The gala was held at The Regency in O’Fallon, Illinois on February 4, 2023, and was also a celebration of Caritas’ 75th Anniversary as a nonprofit organization. “It’s incredible to look back at how our organization has grown over the years and to see the impact we have made in people’s lives,” said Caritas CEO Gary Huelsmann. “Caritas touches the lives of more than 7,000 people each year through our services, including 1,700 foster children. That work wouldn’t be possible without the incredible support from businesses and caring individuals in our community. We’re so proud of what we’ve been able to accomplish and we’re excited to continue finding new ways to make an impact in the communities we serve.” Caritas Family

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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) today announced that the Department of Education has awarded $1,341,279 in Augustus F. Hawkins Centers of Excellence Programs grants to National Louis University (NLU) in Chicago. NLU is among the first universities and colleges to receive federal funds dedicated to the Augustus F. Hawkins Centers of Excellence Programs. The federal funding will be used to implement three multi-pathway residency programs that are designed to increase the access, participation, and success of diverse, multilingual school paraprofessionals. The programs will incorporate culturally responsive teaching and learning standards, an evidence-based learning community, and multilingual supports for academic and licensure success. “Investing in our educators is an investment in the next generation. As we look to recruit and train more diverse teachers to enter the profession, we must ensure that w

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GODFREY - Ground broke Thursday morning at the new Godfrey Firehouse site located at 3023 Godfrey Road. The $6.5 million project will feature drive-thru apparatus bays, medical and other supplies space, and training and administrative areas such as meeting spaces, offices, and living quarters. This new 15,000-square-foot facility will replace the two current Godfrey firehouses, centralizing them into one location and allowing for better and more efficient manpower allocation during emergency response. The owner’s representative is Northstar Management and the architect is FGM Architects. S. M. Wilson & Co. has been selected to serve as the Construction Manager. Construction on the site has begun since the demolition of the former Hi-Way House Motel that previously sat on the property. It's estimated that the new firehouse will be completed around the end of 2023.

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MADISON COUNTY - A man charged with one of the most gruesome murders in recent years in the region - Deundrea S. Holloway, of Litchfield, has been ruled fit to stand trial. Holloway is accused of the death of 22-year-old Liese Dodd and her unborn child in the 3400 block of Bolivar Street in Alton on June 9, 2022. Dodd was beheaded and was pregnant at the time of her death at her home. Holloway was 22 at the time of the murder. Judge Neil Schroeder made the ruling after an investigation into Holloway's mental health. Judge Schroeder evaluated elaborate information from the Department of Human Services to make his decision. Holloway is charged with first-degree murder, dismembering a human body, intentional homicide of an unborn child, concealment of a homicidal death, and other motor vehicle offenses. The Alton Police Department Investigations Division started investigating the case as soon as it was called to the scene at 12:59 p.m. Thursday, June 9, 2022, in the 3400 block of

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ALTON - At 7:48 p.m. on Feb. 14, 2023, the Madison County Sheriff’s Office assisted several law enforcement agencies with attempting to locate a black passenger vehicle that was reportedly shooting at another vehicle, while traveling southbound on Illinois Route 3, in the area of Hartford. Area law enforcement agencies were initially unable to locate the suspect and the vehicle but continued searching the area. There were no reported injuries during this incident. At approximately 9:26 p.m., Madison County deputies responded to the Budget Motel, located in the 3200 block of West Chain of Rocks Road, regarding an armed robbery that just occurred. Preliminary investigation revealed that a victim was robbed at gunpoint and struck in the face several times. The suspect had fled the scene prior to the arrival of Madison County deputies. This victim did sustain injuries but declined medical attention while on scene. As this investigation progressed, it was also revealed that the suspect

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EDWARDSVILLE – The installation of new water meters is continuing as part of the City of Edwardsville's transition to an upgraded meter system that will provide more efficient monitoring and improved capabilities to quickly identify costly leaks. The new meters are being installed in phases across the City; more than 1,400 have been upgraded over the past few months. Letters started going out in the fall to some residents with instructions to set up an appointment to switch out their meter. If you receive the letter, please contact the contractor listed to arrange a meter swap as soon as possible. This is a mandatory and necessary upgrade for everyone who is on the City’s water supply system. Areas where the upgrades are now taking place are outlined on this map. Mideastern Plumbing has been authorized to perform the installations. Appointments will be available from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Some Saturday appointments will be available. Residents will have

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ALTON - Senior Anna Landuyt has been named the Art Fahrner-Edward Jones Alton High School Remarkable Redbird of the Month Anna has been class president for the past four years for her class at Alton High. She ran unopposed as a freshman and has been serving in that role each year for the class of 2023. Anna said that she had a great opportunity to meet many members and business owners of the community by serving in her current role. Anna also enjoys serving the community and her fellow students. She and the officers of the student council recently worked together to organize and set up a blood drive. In describing the planning, Anna shared that many local businesses (such as Mister Donut, Duke's Bakery, Panera Bread, Schwegel's, Little Caesars, Jimmy John's, and the Cookie Factory) have donated items to support the students participating in the event. Anna also added that another event called Treats for Troops allowed for over 100 pounds of leftover Halloween candy to be collected

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ALTON - Mark Hackworth, who resides in the 600 block of Summit Street in Alton, captured a bobcat between two houses on Saturday, February 11, 2023. He also saw a bobcat the following day in the backyard. "The bobcat had a red squirrel in its jaws," Hackworth said when he saw it the first time. "On Sunday, February 12, I saw it lounging in the backyard. I got my camera and was fortunate enough to get a few shots. It ran a short distance then just stopped, sat down, and looked around. I thought some people might be interested in this sighting." Bobcats Facts Size: Adult males average 25 pounds, while adult females average 15. Home range: Adult males occupy a 36-square-mile territory, while adult females live in a 12-square-mile area. Breeding: Two to four kittens are born in dens in caves, hollow trees, or barns. Kittens are reared by their mother. Male kittens between the ages of 1 and 2 venture off to stake out their own territories. Diet: Bobcats mainly hunt mice, moles,

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ALTON - Kathryn Saenz, daughter of Kristen and Brian Saenz, is an Alton-Godfrey Rotary Club February’s Rotary Student of the Month. Saenz joins Jenna Dean as a Co-Student of the Month. Dean is a Marquette Catholic student from Jerseyville. The Rotary said Saenz was chosen because of hard work and lots of late nights studying, she is an honors student, an Illinois State Scholar, and Platinum Alpha recipient. Saenz’s GPA is currently at 4.667 and she is ranked sixth in the senior class. With these grades, she has earned membership in the National Honor Society and in Mu Alpha Theta. Kathryn enjoyed the clubs and organizations that she had joined at Alton High. This list includes: the Physics team, Redbird Nest, the Math team, Multi-Media Club, FCA, and the Tennis team. Through these groups, as well as her 4-H group, she learned that she loves teaching, as well as learning from her peers. Volunteering opportunities are one of the advantages that these clubs provide. With M

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ALTON - Jenna Dean of Marquette Catholic High School was recognized as one of the Alton-Godfrey Rotary Club as a Student of the Month with Kathryn Saenz of Alton High. Dean and Saenz were honored as Students of the Month of February at a recent meeting of the Rotary Club of Alton-Godfrey held at Gentelin’s on Broadway Restaurant. Jenna Dean is the daughter of Tim and Jessica Dean of Jerseyville, IL. She is a senior at Marquette Catholic High School, and plans to continue her education at Lindenwood University, studying Business with a focus in Entrepreneurial Studies. Jenna has been on the Marquette girls' golf team for four years and her team won their regional championship this year. Jenna is a member of the National Honor Society, Campus Ministry, Breast Cancer Awareness Club, Yearbook and she is the Student Council Treasurer. She is in the Riverbend CEO (Creating Entrepreneurial Opportunities) program this year and she is currently working on creating her personal

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ST. LOUIS COUNTY - On Tuesday, February 14, 2023, the St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office issued charges on suspect Eric Anderson, 19 years of age, of the 1800 block of Dyer Avenue in St. Louis, Missouri 63114, for Murder First Degree, three counts of Armed Criminal Action, Assault First Degree, and Attempted Robbery First Degree. Anderson was arrested on February 14, 2023. A booking photo of Anderson is attached. Anderson is being held on $500,000 cash only, no 10%, bond. Please note, charges are merely an accusation and Defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law. The probable cause statement reads: Victim, Byrom Donald, is directed to the Kendelwood Apartments by “EJ” to sell EJ marijuana. Byrom Donald is directed to a specific area of the parking lot. EJ appears, produces a gun and eventually shoots Byrom Donald after demanding that Byrom Donald give EJ a firearm that EJ had traded to Byrom Donald a few weeks prior

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