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ALTON - Centerstone has unveiled a new Little Free Pantry for community members to take from and donate to. Located at 2615 Edwards Street in Alton, Centerstone provides mental health and substance use treatment for Riverbend residents. They have officially launched their Little Free Pantry, a red box on Main Street where people can drop off or take nonperishable foods, personal care items and more. “One thing I’d really love to drive home is that it’s here on Centerstone’s property, but it is genuinely for our Alton community and neighbors,” said Brittany McCrady, LCSW, who helped initiate the Little Free Pantry’s installation. “Everyone can give to it as they’re able. Everyone can help keep it clean and safe and put together. Everyone can come use it and take from it what they need.” McCrady noted that Little Free Pantry is an international movement. Communities across the country have Little Free Pantries available. Du

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A diverse array of exciting events awaits in the Riverbend area, catering to all interests—from engaging children’s programs and lively music nights to community gatherings and educational workshops. Explore the full lineup of activities and find something that piques your interest by visiting https://www.riverbender.com/events/ . If you want to make sure even more of the region is aware of your event email cj@riverbender.com and explore our range of Event Promotion Services! Featured Galentine’s Day Party at EXO Lounge invites you to celebrate friendship and love at EXO Lounge! Gather your best ladies and enjoy an evening filled with fun, laughter, and indulgence. Highlights include themed cocktails crafted to perfection, lavish treats to satisfy your sweet tooth, and vibrant beats to keep the party lively. There’s no better love than the bond between friends, making this event the perfect excuse to toast to the ladies in your life. Don’t miss

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EDWARDSVILLE – New details have emerged in the recent Madison County case of an Edwardsville man accused of possessing and disseminating child pornography. James T. Berry, 24, of Edwardsville, was charged on Jan. 23, 2025 with seven counts of child pornography, including three Class X felonies and four Class 2 felonies. A petition filed in Madison County court to keep Berry detained brings further insights into the investigation that lead to his arrest. “In September and October 2024, the Edwardsville Police Department received cybertips from the Internet Crimes Against Children data system,” the petition states. “The tip was generated via a report to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) from the mobile messaging website Kik. “The cybertip reported multiple files containing child sexual abuse material had been uploaded by a user identified through multiple sources to be the defendant. On Jan. 22, 2025, the defendant was interviewe

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HOYLETON – IMPACT Strategies recently completed the last phase of new construction with the Administration Building to serve the Hoyleton Youth and Family Services (HYFS) New Campus, a momentous project for the organization and all the stakeholders that they serve. The new campus replacing the original one built over 100 year ago provides a new therapeutic living environment for vulnerable youth in the foster care system. As the design builder on the project, IMPACT Strategies collaborated with Hurford Architects and TWM Engineering during the planning and design phases. The new residential campus in Hoyleton, IL allows youth who are both developmentally and intellectually delayed to heal and grow in a trauma-informed therapeutic environment.’ The campus includes 6 six-bedroom family style cottages, an administrative building with therapy rooms, visitation rooms, large training center and two conference rooms, maintenance building and expansion/renovation of the existing

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, bipartisan legislation led by U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) to make it easier for parents to safely embark on air travel with breast milk and breastfeeding supplies successfully passed through the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation (CST). The Bottles and Breastfeeding Equipment Screening (BABES) Enhancement Act , which Duckworth reintroduced last week alongside co-leads U.S. Senators Steve Daines (R-MT), Ted Cruz (R-TX) and Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), would require the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to clarify and regularly update guidance on handling breast milk, baby formula and other related nutrition products, including ice packs, in consultation with leading maternal health groups. This swift committee passage comes after the bipartisan legislation passed the Senate by unanimous consent late last year in the 118th Congress. “After hearing far too many stories about traveling moms being

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GODFREY – English Professor Jen Fuhler and Student Success Specialist and Speech Adjunct Mary Busler have been chosen by their peers as Lewis and Clark Community College’s nominees for the Illinois Community College Trustees Association’s (ICCTA) Outstanding Full-Time and Adjunct Faculty Member awards. The nominations, which were announced during January’s in-service week leading up to the spring semester, recognize the instructors’ high achievements. Jen Fuhler, ICCTA Outstanding Full-Time Faculty Nominee Fuhler, who is an English professor, was surprised when her name was called. “I am humbled by this recognition from my colleagues,” Fuhler said. “I appreciate the freedom I have to research and explore new pathways, including competency-based education.” Fuhler, who teaches First-Year English, Non-Western Cultures and Multicultural American Literature, was hired as a full-time faculty member in 2006. A

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ST. CHARLES COUNTY, MO. — Cameron Cross, an 18-year-old resident of East St. Louis, has been charged with first-degree murder and armed criminal action in connection with the homicide of 17-year-old Jaimarcus P. McDaniel. The charges were announced by the St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office on February 4, 2025, following an investigation into the incident that occurred in Jennings, Mo., on January 6. According to the probable cause statement, a St. Louis County patrol officer discovered McDaniel lying face down in the snow in an open field during the early morning hours. Following the discovery, a suspicious death investigation was initiated, leading to the identification of McDaniel as the deceased. The investigation revealed that Cross and three juvenile accomplices — identified only as K.F., M.L., and C.B. — picked up McDaniel from his home in Illinois and drove him to Jennings, MO. Once there, the three juvenile males exited the vehicle with McDaniel

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ALTON - During a candidate forum on Feb. 4, 2025, the two Alton City Clerk candidates introduced themselves and shared their platforms with voters. The East End Improvement Association, in partnership with RiverBender.com , The Telegraph and The Big Z, hosted the forum at the Great Rivers Hotel. Aldermanic candidates and mayoral candidates were also in attendance; you can read more about the aldermanic candidates here and read more about the mayoral candidates here . The City Council race is contested between incumbent Cheryl Ingle and current Deputy City Clerk Lauren Wilson. Ingle has worked for the City of Alton for 29 years. She started in the City Clerk’s office and has worked in the Development and Planning and Building and Zoning departments, the Comptroller’s office, the Treasurer’s office, and payroll. In these departments, she worked on the construction of the Alton police station and the conversion of the Humboldt School into the Humboldt

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ALTON - Alton aldermanic candidates had the chance to introduce themselves to the community at a candidate forum. On Feb. 4, 2025, the East End Improvement Association sponsored the forum at Great Rivers Hotel in Alton. Candidates could share more about their platforms. Mayoral candidates also answered questions submitted by the audience; for a full story about the mayoral candidates, click here . Unopposed candidates did not speak, but they were in attendance. Unopposed candidates include Elizabeth “Betsy” Allen, who is running for the treasurer position, and Ward 1 candidate Chris Bohn and Ward 7 candidate Patricia Ford. Ward 2 Ward 2 sees a contested race, with incumbent Caroline MacAfee challenged by Tiana Gipson and Martha Pfister. Gipson is running for the Ward 2 alderperson chair as well as running for reelection on the Alton Community Unit School District #11 Board of Education. She is focused on infrastructure, beautification, community awareness

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O'FALLON - Officers from the O'Fallon Police Department (OPD) participated in the Illinois Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) for Special Olympics Kickoff Conference held in Bloomington, last week. The event not only focused on preparations for the 2025 Special Olympics but also recognized law enforcement agencies for their fundraising efforts in 2024. The O'Fallon Police Department was honored with the 2024 Platinum Level Fundraising Award for raising $142,842, making it the top fundraiser among departments with 26 to 75 sworn officers. Furthermore, OPD ranked as the second-highest fundraising department in the entire state, surpassing many larger departments. The department credited its success to the dedication of its officers and the strong support from the community. "We could never achieve these successes without the dedication of our officers and the overwhelming support from our community," the O'Fallon Police Department said in a statement.

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ALTON – Mississippi Valley Christian School proudly announced its transformation into Riverbend Christian Leadership Academy during a special community event last Friday night, Jan. 31, 2025. Families, students, and faculty gathered for an evening of fun and fellowship, highlighted by two action-packed students-versus-parents basketball games. The event also served as the official unveiling of the academy’s new name, logo, and colors, marking the beginning of an exciting new chapter. For 50 years, Mississippi Valley Christian School has been a ministry of Faith Baptist Church, dedicated to providing Christ-centered education to the region. Due to financial constraints, the church is no longer able to fund the school, necessitating its transition into an independent 501(c)(3) organization. Despite this shift, the school remains steadfast in its mission — equipping students with academic excellence and a strong biblical foundation. Under new leadership, Riverbend Christia

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AMES, Iowa - More than 1,600 graduates received degrees from Iowa State University this fall. Graduate and undergraduate commencement ceremonies were held Dec. 20-21, 2024, at Hilton Coliseum. Of the 1,675 students who graduated in December, 1,357 earned undergraduate degrees and 318 earned masters or doctoral degrees. Edwardsville's Christopher Edward Merica graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree Mechanical Engineering, Cum Laude.

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ST. LOUIS – Today, the Board of Aldermen moved two bills to the informal calendar, ending debate on the Rams Settlement legislation. Mayor Jones issued the following statement in response: “When we received the Rams Settlement funds, my initial recommendation was to hold on to the bulk of the funds and live off the interest due to the uncertainty of federal elections and how the economy would react. For months, these funds have been in an investment account gaining significant interest - about $26,101,958 over roughly 24 months. After almost a year and a half of public input and months of debate and compromise among City leaders, the public, and other stakeholders, it’s clear that there are a number of projects and programs this money could have supported that would result directly in notable quality-of-life improvements for everyone in St. Louis. Despite my initial inclination to keep this money in accounts where they’ve been gaining interest, I was proud

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EDWARDSVILLE – Edwardsville Public Works Director Eric Williams will be the new City Administrator in Edwardsville, effective Monday, March 24. He was appointed by Mayor Art Risavy and unanimously approved by the City Council during the Tuesday, February 4, meeting. Williams will replace City Administrator Kevin Head, who last month announced his plans to step down from the position to spend more time with his family. “Eric Williams was the clear-cut choice to be the next City Administrator for Edwardsville. His extensive experience and knowledge from his many years with the City are an asset,” Mayor Risavy said. “I am confident that, just as Kevin Head did, Eric will provide the elected officials and me the guidance and support to keep Edwardsville on a fiscally prudent path of smart development.” Williams is a lifelong Madison County resident with more than 28 years of public service experience between the Village of Bethalto and the City of Edwardsville.

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Did you know that nearly 60% of Americans eat out at least once a week? While dining out can offer convenience, it often comes at the cost of health and budget. With the hustle and bustle of modern life, many find it challenging to maintain a nutritious diet. However, meal prepping can take the stress out of your week, streamline your cooking process, and save you both time and money. But how do you turn this concept into a seamless routine? Here’s how to meal prep like a pro for those busy weeks ahead. The Benefits of Meal Prepping Meal prepping is not just a trend; it’s a lifestyle choice that can enhance your well-being. Here are some compelling reasons to embrace meal prep: Time Efficiency : Prepping meals in advance means you spend less time cooking during the week. Instead of scrambling to whip up dinner after a long day, you can simply heat and eat. Healthier Choices : When you plan and prepare your meals, you have control over the ingredients. This allows

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Welcome to This Day in History, where we explore significant events that have shaped our world. Turning our attention to cultural milestones, February 5th is recognized for notable achievements in the arts. In 1967, the acclaimed musical “Hair” premiered on Broadway, introducing a new era of rock musicals that reflected the social changes of the 1960s. “Hair” not only showcased a groundbreaking score but also tackled themes of peace, love, and rebellion against societal norms. Its impact can still be felt today, influencing countless artists and theatrical productions. Sports enthusiasts would be remiss not to mention February 5th as the day in 1988 when the iconic figure skater Katarina Witt won her second Olympic gold medal at the Winter Olympics in Calgary. Witt's performances captivated audiences worldwide, and her success played a crucial role in elevating the profile of figure skating as a competitive sport. Her achievements continue to inspire aspiring

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ALTON - Community members gathered to hear from Alton’s aldermanic, City Clerk, and mayoral candidates. On Feb. 4, 2025, the East End Improvement Association hosted a candidates’ forum that allowed all of the Alton candidates to introduce themselves. The three mayoral candidates — David Goins, Ray Strebel and Brant Walker — also answered questions submitted by the audience. “Why is East End doing this forum? For, actually, two purposes,” explained Steve Schwartz, a representative with the East End Improvement Association and the forum’s moderator. “One is to introduce the candidates to the community. We feel that it is important that the community know who’s running. And also, hopefully, to increase the voting here in Alton.” The candidates began by introducing themselves. Brant Walker Brant Walker is the former mayor of Alton. During his opening statement, he shared that he is “an Altonian by choice”

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GODFREY – A proposal for Godfrey roadway improvement projects totaling over $1.3 million is one step closer to final approval. The 2025 Roadway Maintenance Program received unanimous Finance Committee approval on Tuesday night. The program calls for five types of projects - including roadway selection, concrete pavement replacement, asphalt resurfacing, micro-surfacing, and chip-seal overlay - to be completed on various village roads. Village Engineer Rich Beran outlined the goals the program sets for the 2025 construction season in a memo to trustees and Mayor Mike McCormick. Priority-Based Roadway Selection Beran said roadways would be chosen for improvements in a way that aims for maximum positive impact on Godfrey residents while getting the most out of the $1.3 million in funding. “The number of motorists using the roadway, the cost of the repair, and the condition of the street must be weighed with each decision,” Beran states in the memo. “The

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EDWARDSVILLE - Although Edwardsville's girls' basketball team lost a close decision to Belleville East 49-47 at: Lucco-Jackson Gym on Jan. 30, 2025, sophomore point guard Sophie Shapiro had perhaps the best quote of the night, from the Tigers' perspective. "We'll learn a lot more from this game, and it might be what we needed to fill in some missing pieces, and really prepare us for the postseason," she said. Shapiro has had a very positive impact on the 13-9 Tigers, averaging 4.1 points and 3.4 rebounds per game. She also has 42 assists, 38 steals, and four blocked shots to add to her resume, as Edwardsville gets ready for the IHSA Class 4A playoffs, beginning later in February. She is a Spencer Homes Female Athlete of the Month for the Tigers. Shapiro has an upbeat, positive look on things for Edwardsville, and felt that the Tigers bounced back well in the second half, after a difficult first half against the Lancers. "Good comeback, tough first half," Shapiro said, summing

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ALTON – 2024 brought another year of excellence in a variety of ways to OSF HealthCare Saint Anthony’s Health Center that encompassed, among other things, clinical operations, service offerings, community outreach, and the introduction of a new – and unique – Mission Partner. First, and most importantly, in terms of clinical excellence, OSF Saint Anthony’s received a total of seven (7) awards/certifications/accreditations in recognition of its diligent dedication to providing and sustaining a patient-centered focus in its health care Ministry. Last year, OSF Saint Anthony’s was the only hospital in the St. Louis metro east region to receive two (2) consecutive “A” grades from The Leapfrog Group, a national nonprofit watchdog. Leapfrog assigns an “A,” “B,” “C,” “D” or “F” grade to general hospitals across the country based on over 30 measures of errors, accidents, injuries

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