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EDWARDSVILLE – Today 24 children in foster care joined their forever families as their adoptions were finalized at the Madison County Courthouse in Edwardsville during the court’s sixth annual Adoption Day celebration. Third Judicial Circuit Court Judges Amy Maher, Amy Sholar, Christopher Threlkeld, and Associate Judges Andrew Carruthers, Angela Donohoo, Martin Mengarelli, Ron Motil, Emily Nielsen, Maureen Schuette, and Justin Zimmerman presided over the adoptions. Staff from the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS), Hoyleton Youth and Family Services, Brightpoint, Lutheran Child and Family Services, CASA and the Restore Network were also in attendance to make the day memorable for these new families. The finalizations began at 9 a.m. and were followed by a celebration that included a balloon arch, balloon animals, a magician and t-shirt decorating. Disney characters, superheroes and even Santa Claus made special appearances to join the festivities.

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ST. LOUIS COUNTY - St. Louis County Police Department Bureau of Transit Police are investigating a pursuit that ended in the City of St. Louis. At 8:26 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 21, 2023, St. Louis County police officers from the Bureau of Transit Police spotted a vehicle wanted for an armed robbery out of the City of St. Charles, Mo. Officers activated their lights and sirens and attempted a traffic stop near the intersection of St. Charles Rock Road and Ferguson Avenue. The suspect vehicle failed to yield and fled from officers. A pursuit was initiated and traveled through St. Louis County into the City of St. Louis. At approximately 8:54 p.m., the pursuit ended when the suspect vehicle struck a St. Louis County Police patrol vehicle at the intersection of Hampton Avenue and Chippewa Street in the City of St. Louis. Three suspects were taken into custody. Neither the officer nor suspects were injured in the crash. The investigation is ongoing. Additional information will

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SPRINGFIELD– The Illinois Board of Higher Education (IBHE) has awarded $1.7 million in End Student Housing Insecurity (ESHI) grants to 10 institutions of higher education in Illinois. The funds will be used to support ongoing work at each of the campuses to address systemic causes of homelessness and basic-needs insecurity among students. The state’s higher education strategic plan, A Thriving Illinois, calls for closing equity gaps for students who have been left behind, in part, by addressing student support needs, including housing insecurity. “No student should have to worry about when they will have their next meal or if they will have a safe place to spend the night,” said IBHE Executive Director Ginger Ostro. “The ESHI grants will allow institutions to continue to remove barriers for housing-insecure students, so they can make the most of their undergraduate experience and focus on their goal of graduating.” HOUSE Liaisons also serve a

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SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) announced today that the unemployment rate increased +0.1 percentage point to 4.7 percent, while nonfarm payrolls increased +6,800 in November, based on preliminary data provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), and released by IDES. The October revised unemployment rate was 4.6 percent, unchanged from the preliminary October unemployment rate. The October monthly change in payrolls was revised from the preliminary report, from -15,000 to -17,100 jobs. The November unemployment rate and payroll jobs estimate reflect activity for the week including the 12th. In November, the industry sectors with the largest over-the-month job gains included: Manufacturing (+5,400), Educational and Health Services (+3,800), and Other Services (+1,900). The industry sectors with monthly payroll job declines included: Professional and Business Services (-8,000), and Information (-100). “Today’s report

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SPRINGFIELD – Under the leadership of Gov. JB Pritzker and Illinois Transportation Secretary Omer Osman, the Illinois Department of Transportation continued to modernize and revitalize transportation and mobility across the state in 2023. Fueled by Gov. Pritzker’s historic, bipartisan Rebuild Illinois capital program, the investments in highways, transit, railroads, airports, waterways and active transportation options touched every corner and community in the state, improving quality of life, safety and reliability while creating jobs and long-term economic opportunity. Passed in 2019, Rebuild Illinois is investing $45 billion into the state's aging transportation system over a six-year span, creating jobs and promoting economic growth. As of Sept. 30, just on the highway system alone, Rebuild Illinois has made $9.6 billion in improvements statewide on 5,522 miles, 553 bridges and 814 additional safety improvements, ranging from routine maintenance projects and minor

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BUNKER HILL - There’s nothing like Christmas in your own house. For Lisa Webb, owner of Third Street Realty, helping people find their new homes is the best part of her job, and the work doesn’t stop during the holiday season. Webb speaks to a lot of people who are nervous about starting the process in the winter months, but she promises it’s still a great time to sell and buy. As long as you or your agent do their due diligence to make sure the property is right for you, Webb can help you find that dream home. “It’s December, so people always ask, ‘Is it still a good time to sell my house?’ It absolutely is still a good time,” Webb said. “Don’t wait. Don’t feel like you need to wait for spring to come. Go with it, list it and get it out on the market now.” The holiday season can be busy, and Webb encounters a lot of people who worry it’s not the right time to list their home. But she reminds

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EDWARDSVILLE — Madison County State’s Attorney Tom Haine announced Thursday that a grand jury has issued an indictment for first-degree murder and reckless homicide against a driver accused of fleeing from police and causing a crash that, months later, resulted in the death of another motorist. In the indictment issued Thursday, Ronnell L. Welch, 39, of St. Louis is charged with two new counts: first-degree murder and reckless homicide. Welch had previously been charged with aggravated fleeing or attempting to elude a peace officer, aggravated reckless driving, possession of stolen vehicle and residential burglary. Those initial charges were filed prior to the death of the victim. On Nov. 14, 2022, Welch allegedly entered the residence of a Granite City woman with intent to commit a theft and stole her pickup. The charges allege that he then attempted to flee in the stolen pickup from Granite City Police officers. At the intersection of Illinois 3 and Rock Road, the pickup

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ALTON – The Alton Dispensary has requested the City of Alton's help in its search for a new home. At a Wednesday night meeting of the Alton City Council, President and CEO of IllinoisCannabis49, Inc., d/b/a The Alton Dispensary, Jeremy Wysocki, asked the council for its assistance in changing an ordinance to allow an adult-use cannabis dispensary to be allowed in an E-5 zone/district. Currently, the City of Alton only allows such facilities to be positioned in E-2 zones/districts. However, ownership of The Alton Dispensary has found a suitable building in an E-5 zone/district. The need to move locations comes after a Monday, Dec. 18 ruling to evict The Alton Dispensary from its current location at 1400 E. Broadway in Alton. The eviction is the latest in a line of what the dispensary considers “retaliatory efforts” from its former management company, Subsero Alton Ops, LLC and its affiliates. The building itself is owned by Subsero Alton RE, LLC. However, the cannabis

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This weekend is brimming with exciting events for people of all ages and interests! From festive celebrations to educational experiences, there's something to cater to every taste. Check out the variety of activities that you can enjoy with your friends and family, and make the most out of your weekend. For a full event listing, be sure to visit riverbender.com/events . Step into a winter wonderland at the 3rd Annual Boonies Farm Christmas event. This cherished event promises to light up your holiday season with thousands of twinkling Christmas lights, a tractor-drawn wagon ride with Santa, and an array of activities for the entire family. It's a celebration that will leave you with memories to cherish for years to come. The Holiday Cheers Market is the perfect spot for last-minute holiday shopping. Every Saturday from Thanksgiving to Christmas, the Old Bakery Beer Company transforms into a bustling marketplace featuring local artisans and growers. Whether you're on the hunt

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ALTON - Tom and Vickie Maxwell, the current owners of The Max Sports, have decided to donate generously to Amare, a local 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in Wood River, Illinois. With a rich history in the Riverbend area, Max Sports, located at 2300 N. Henry St., Alton, Illinois, has been a hub for sports and fitness enthusiasts for nearly 40 years, dating back to its original operation under Wendell and Barbara McAfoos as Metro Sports. The facility, spread across six acres, features four sand volleyball courts, a full-court basketball gymnasium, a swimming pool, dance and aerobic studios, and extensive exercise and weightlifting equipment. Since acquiring Metro Sports in 2017, the Maxwells have significantly invested in infrastructure improvements, leading to increased revenue and memberships. The property donation, valued at over $1 million by a St. Louis-based valuation firm, is a major contribution to Amare, with the transfer concluding on Dec. 29. Tom Maxwell expressed confidence

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EDWARDSVILLE - Chief Deputy Coroner Kelly Rogers added another key recognition to his wide background this week when he was elected Chairman of the St. Louis Area Regional Response System (STARRS). Rogers will serve alongside Co-Chairman Kathleen Diebold Hargrave, Director of Operations for the Office of the Regional Medical Examiner serving the counties of Franklin, Jefferson and St. Charles in Missouri. Madison County Coroner Steve Nonn was appreciative of Rogers' selection. "Kelly and Kathleen bring a phenomenal wealth of knowledge, experience, leadership, communication, and organizational skills to this very important entity that supports emergency management in our region," the coroner said. "I am sure he and Kathleen will be a dynamic force to guide STARRS to the next level of management and support of critical security needs for our region."

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EDWARDSVILLE - Miccah Butler, a sophomore forward who transferred to Edwardsville from Chaminade College Prep Catholic in Creve Coeur, Mo., has added much to the Tigers' boys basketball program, making many positive contributions this far, and on Dec. 18, he and Herbert Martin shared the lead in scoring with 1 2 points each as Edwardsville defeated Riverview Gardens of north St. Louis County 72-24. The Tiger go 7-3 overall into the Don Mauer Invitational Holiday Tournament at Mary Institute-Country Day School in Ladue, Mo., starting on Dec. 23. Before the Don Mauer tournament, Butler is currently the second leading scorer on the team, averaging 10.8 points and 1.7 rebounds per game, also contributing with seven assists and three steals. He's currently an outside shooter, hitting key threes when the Tigers need it. Butler is a Johnston's Law Firm Male Athlete of the Month for the Tigers. In the win over the Rams, Butler hit many a key shot as the Tigers bounced back very nicely from

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WEST ALTON - The Audubon Center at Riverlands celebrated the winter solstice with a silent sunrise meditation on Thursday, Dec. 21, 2023. About a dozen people came to the center, located at 301 Riverlands Way in West Alton, Missouri, to mark the first day of winter and enjoy the sunrise at 7:16 a.m. on Thursday. Ashley Lockwood is an educator at the center, which specializes in birds through the Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary. She noted that the winter solstice is significant to people for various reasons, but it also marks the return of many birds to the Riverbend area. “The winter solstice is especially important for us because it has a lot to do also with when the birds are returning to us,” Lockwood explained. “As a sanctuary, we see a lot of change in migration throughout the year, and so the winter solstice, not only is it signaling that the days are lengthening, but it’s also telling us that we’re actually officially entering the winter

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TROY – The Illinois Department of Transportation announced today that U.S. 40 between Triad Lane and the Illinois 162/U.S. 40 intersection in Madison County is scheduled to reopen, weather permitting, by tomorrow evening, Thursday, Dec. 21. The $1 million project consists of bridge deck joint repairs and replacement on the Silver Creek Bridge. Drivers are urged to pay close attention to flaggers and signs in the work zones, obey the posted speed limits and be on the alert for workers and equipment. Over the next six years , IDOT is planning to improve more than 3,000 miles of highway and nearly 10 million square feet of bridge deck as part of the Rebuild Illinois capital program, which is investing $33.2 billion into all modes of transportation. Accomplishments through Year Four of Rebuild Illinois included approximately $12.1 billion of improvements statewide on 5,339 miles of highway, 533 bridges and 762 additional safety improvements. For IDOT District 8 updates, follow

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SPRINGFIELD – Two laws taking effect January 1st, 2024, will expand leave rights for workers whose lives were impacted by violence. “In the wake of tragic loss, the last thing on an Illinoisan’s mind should be whether or not their job will still be there when they’re ready to return to work,” said Governor JB Pritzker.“Thanks to the amendments to the Victims’ Economic Security and Safety Act and the establishment of the Child Extended Bereavement Leave Act, Illinoisans can take the time and space they need to grieve and gather with loved ones without worrying that their workplace will leave them behind in the process. This is a prime example of people affecting policy – and I couldn’t be more grateful to Laura Kane for her advocacy in our Statehouse.” “The loss of a loved one due to violence is a life-changing trauma. We have a responsibility to lead with empathy and compassion in the wake of such heartache,”

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CHICAGO - Attorney General Kwame Raoul’s office obtained a guilty plea from a former assistant Coles County state’s attorney for misconduct involving interactions he had in his official capacity with Coles County women who were prosecuted by the state’s attorney’s office. Brady Allen, 34, of the Metro East area, pleaded guilty to two counts of attempted official misconduct based on bribery, both Class A misdemeanors. Coles County Circuit Court Judge Mitchell Shick sentenced Allen to 120 days in the Coles County Jail and two years of probation. Allen is also required to pay $5,000 in fines in addition to court costs. As part of his plea, Coles agreed to give up his law license and not contact his victims. The plea also gave the victims a chance to read impact statements, one of whom did so in court today at his sentencing. Formerly from Charleston, Illinois, Allen is required to turn himself in at the Coles County jail by Jan. 5. His next court appearance is

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GODFREY - Patty's Petals is a family-owned and operated business located in Godfrey since 2010. They are a full-service florist specializing in fresh and silk arrangements for any occasion. As of Nov. 3, 2023, you can find them at their new location at 3104 Godfrey Road. Patty Seymour was raised in Godfrey. Out of high school, Patty started working with flowers in 1971 under the guidance of designers John Lock and Toi Warner at Lock's Floral in Alton. Upon marriage to Terry, she lived in other parts of the country as he served in the military. After raising three children, Patty worked for Landmark Realty. After leaving Landmark, she wanted something to do, so she returned to her passion of floral design and started Patty’s Petals as a home-based business. Starting with a focus on silk arrangements for weddings, the business continued to grow through word-of-mouth referrals. Continued growth for eight years led to customers calling for fresh floral arrangements for a variety

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ALTON - Alton Little Theater (ALT) in Alton, Illinois, is excited to announce an innovative showcase of three riveting plays for presentation in January 2024, offering a unique blend of drama and storytelling that is sure to captivate audiences. First in the lineup is " Two Rooms " by Lee Blessing, directed by Kristy Doering. Scheduled for three evening performances from January 11th to 13th, the play focuses on the complexity of relationships, timely mirroring the profound events in Israel and Palestine. ALT's Executive Director, Lee Cox, who has a history of engaging with Blessing's work, eagerly embraced this script for its intense focus on human connections. Audiences will have the opportunity to participate in a Q&A session after each performance, making for a truly interactive theater experience. Following "Two Rooms" is " Red Jasper " by Michael Madden, directed by Brant McCance, from January 18th through 21st. This play, a tribute to living life fully in the face of a cancer

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ALTON - Alton Dispensary President and CEO Jeremy Wysocki announced the dispensary is looking to relocate at the Alton City Council meeting on Wednesday. He also shared new details about the nearly $2 million theft of funds and product by their former management company which resulted in contract termination, retaliation, a lawsuit, and a 10-day shutdown of the dispensary . After suing former management group Subsero Alton Ops LLC for misappropriating $1.8 million in company funds and more, the dispensary was forced to shut down for 10 days while they restructured and eventually reopened. While it would seem the business had finally found its footing again, Wysocki said they’ve “grown tired of the constant barrage and attack we’ve been under.” “Unfortunately, our company was required to file a lawsuit against for fraud and other misconduct in connection with their misappropriation of approximately $140,000 in marijuana product that they moved

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ALTON - Every year, The Annual Alton Branch NAACP Martin Luther King Jr. Commemoration event always has a remarkable guest speaker with a strong message. In January, with the theme, "Moving On Towards Freedom, Justice and Equality," Theme, Wesley Bell, Prosecuting Attorney for St. Louis County, Mo, will provide the event's keynote address. Bell was elected in 2018 and is the first African American to hold this office. President Leon Smallwood-Bey, the 2024 Dr. King Committee, and the Executive Committee of the Alton Branch National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) announced the event date as 3 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 14, 2024, at Alton's Greater St. James Baptist Church, 2016 Belle Street in Alton. Smallwood-Bey said: "We will gather to honor Dr. King’s faith, love, and courage through song, community recognition, and a keynote address. The Riverbend Choir and vocalist Myles Jonathan Lacey will uplift us with musical selections. Alton’s NAACP Youth Council

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