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ALTON/WEST ALTON - This year’s annual Eagle Ice Festival invites Riverbend residents to enjoy raptor meet-and-greets, eagle-watching tours, food trucks and more on Saturday, Jan. 6, 2024. From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., you can stop by FLOCK, the National Great Rivers Museum and the Audubon Center at Riverlands for many eagle-themed activities, most of which are free. The Eagle Ice Fest encourages people to engage with nature and connect to the wildlife in the area. “It’s a combination of a bunch of different organizations bringing free resources to people so that not only are they getting an education, especially about eagles, but they’re learning about all these resources that they have in the area that they can go out and hike here or they can go learn about the dam,” explained Ashley Lockwood, an educator with the Audubon Center. “I know it’s a big draw to the area, so that’s something that I think a lot of people are embracing.”

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ALTON - In December 2023, Alton High School had a bunch to celebrate recently after the Southwest Conference's 11th Annual Regional High School Art Competition. Alton High has always had a strong arts department, and this year's entries stood out among other schools. Alton, Edwardsville, Belleville East, Belleville West, Collinsville High School, East St. Louis High School, and O'Fallon High School participated in the competition. "Our talented artists not only showcased their creativity but also represented the spirit of Alton High School with their exceptional work," Alton School District 11 said. The participants are Hayner Public Library District Students of the Month. The student artists included: • Lydia Fite, 10th Grade • Ava Taulbee, 11th Grade • Eli Bowers, 11th Grade • Eve Edelman, 12th Grade • Kharma West, 12th Grade • Ali Sakar, 11th Grade "Each of these students has their unique art style, and photographs are included of them

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GODFREY - January is National Radon Action Month, and Jake Lusby with Air Sense Environmental recently kicked off the month by sharing some facts and spreading awareness about radon and his company’s ability to test for and treat it effectively. Lusby said Air Sense Environmental is one of the few, if not the only company in the area to offer both radon testing and mitigation. They use high-tech radon testers which offer a point-by-point hourly breakdown of a room’s temperature, barometric pressure, and radon levels. With a background in construction and renovation with experience fully renovating homes, Lusby has also taken an intensive course and exam to learn the scientific causes behind radon exposure and its associated diseases. He said radon exposure is definitely a “real thing” and can even be deadly. “ The EPA right now estimates that 21,000 people a year die from radon exposure. It’s the second-leading cause of lung cancer

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ST. LOUIS COUNTY - St. Louis County Police Department Crimes Against Persons detectives are investigating a homicide in the 2400 block of Chambers Road in the City of Moline Acres and the deceased has been identified as Daijion Miller, 28 years of age, of the 1200 block of Kilgore Drive in St. Louis, Missouri 63137. City of Moline Acres police officers responded to a call for service for a shooting in the 2400 block of Chambers Road. Responding officers located an adult male suffering from apparent gunshot injuries. The male was pronounced deceased at the scene. Preliminary investigation has revealed the shooting occurred at another unidentified location. The male drove himself to this location. Please contact the St. Louis County Police Department at 636-529-8210 to speak with investigators if you have any information regarding this incident. To remain anonymous or potentially receive a reward, please contact CrimeStoppers at 1-866-371-TIPS (8477).

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GRANITE CITY – The Illinois Department of Transportation announced today that repairs on eastbound Interstate 270 between Illinois 3 and Riverview Drive in Missouri will require lane closures starting, weather permitting, at 9 p.m., Friday, Jan. 5. One lane will always remain open. All lanes will reopen by 5 a.m. Monday, Dec. 8. Motorists should expect delays and are encouraged to use alternate routes during this closure. Drivers are urged to reduce speed, be alert for changing conditions, obey all construction signage, and refrain from using mobile devices while approaching and traveling through the work zone. For IDOT District 8 updates, follow us on Twitter at @IDOTDistrict8 or view area construction details on IDOT’s traveler information map on GettingAroundIllinois.com.

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EDWARDSVILLE – Some Madison County officials want to take action to avoid the same problems Chicago and nearby communities are experiencing with migrants. “Every day the media is reporting that municipalities and counties near Chicago are passing ordinances and resolutions to prevent the problems that Chicago is now experiencing,” County Board Chairman Kurt Prenzler said. “And we should do the same.” During the past several months, tens of thousands of migrants from the southern border have arrived in the City of Chicago, which has been a sanctuary city since 1985. “This problem is costing Chicago millions,” County Board member Paul Nicolussi of Collinsville said. “And nearby communities are afraid Chicago’s actions will affect them.” Municipalities and counties are passing regulations on bus companies to keep them from dropping off migrants without any notice. “Madison County should consider passing its own resolutio

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Whether you're looking to learn something new, enjoy the great outdoors, or just have some fun, this weekend's event lineup has something for everyone! From educational programs to thrilling outdoor adventures, there's no shortage of activities to choose from. Don't miss out on the variety and appeal these events have to offer. For the full event listing, be sure to visit Riverbender.com/events . If you're an eagle enthusiast, the Alton Eagle Ice Festival 2024 is a must-attend event. Celebrating the wintering American Bald Eagles, the festival offers a variety of activities at FLOCK Food Truck Park, National Great Rivers Museum, and the Audubon Center at Riverlands. From live eagle viewings to winter activities for all ages, it's a day of fun from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. you won't want to miss. For the little scientists in your life, Bite Size Science at Hayner Library in Alton is the perfect outing. This monthly S.T.E.A.M.-themed program offers interactive kits with activities ranging

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ALTON - On Saturday, Feb. 17, 2023, the Hayner Public Library District will display a real letter written by Abraham Lincoln to an Alton resident. Director Mary Cordes explained that the library has owned this letter for many decades, but it’s usually stored in their safe deposit box. From 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Feb. 17 at the Genealogy & Local History Library in Downtown Alton, visitors can see the letter on display for the first time and listen to a lecture by historian Tom Emery about Lincoln’s connection to the Alton area. “It’s probably the coolest thing I’ve ever held in my life,” Cordes said about the letter. “One of the first things when I became the director, after seeing it, I thought, ‘This is neat and I really want to share this with everyone.’ I mean, it does belong to the district, and so people should get a chance to see it.” The letter was written by Lincoln to Simeon Ryder, an Alton resident who

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MURPHYSBORO – Congressman Mike Bost’s campaign released its first television advertisement of the 2024 election cycle this week. The ad, titled “People,” will air district-wide on broadcast and satellite television, as well as on streaming services. The commercial reads as follows: “Mike Bost fights for Southern Illinois. Mike fought to open international markets…and to protect us from China’s unfair trade policies. Mike fought and won to get more invested in rural broadband. Mike fought to get better mental health services for Veterans. And more job opportunities when we came home. When it comes to our guns, no one’s a stronger supporter than Mike Bost. Mike will finish the wall and keep the cartels out of America. Mike Bost. Conservative fighter. Mike Bost gets results. BOST: I’m Mike Bost and I approve this message.”

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BRANSON, Mo. - When the lights went out at one of the Midwest's premier amusement parks for the season, a beloved ride closed with it. Silver Dollar City announced earlier in February 2023 that this season would be Fire In The Hole's last. So, on Dec. 30, 2023, the parks final day of operations, people flocked to Branson from all over the country to get their last rides. Fire In The Hole was a favorite to many guests because of its family-oriented nature. It wasn't meant to be a thrill ride. It was meant to be something the entire family could get on and enjoy. It had been since its opening back in 1972. During its 54 years in operation, it's estimated that over 25 million riders have ridden. The indoor coaster had a fun storyline, and was a good "warm-up" coaster for kids just getting into thrill rides. According to a release put out from Silver Dollar City, the ride’s storyline was modeled after the real-life mining town, Marmaros, that was located atop Marvel Cave and

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SPRINGFIELD - Attention Illinois Farmers: the annual Conservation Cropping Seminar will take place Jan. 31, 2024 with virtual attendance available for a $15 registration fee. The event will be held from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., and soil and water CEUs will be available. This event will cover how to improve soil health, cover crops, adopt new technologies, improve root health, manage nutrients and provide the latest agronomic research. A question-and-answer session with an Illinois farmer panel will be offered, as well as access to helpful resources. Topics and speakers for this year include: Alternative Farming Methods Greg Thoren-Stockton, Illinois farmer Next Generation of Digital Agriculture: Digital De-commoditization, Smart Tillage, and AI Dr. Lars Dyrud, Earth Optics Struggles with Stratification Marion Calmer, Calmer Corn Heads Banded Systems Management – To the Root of High Yield Chris Perkins, Banded Ag, LLC Farmer Panel This event is organized and mad

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GRANITE CITY - Granite City High School Principal Tim McChristian announced that 624 students earned Honor Roll accolades for the first semester of the 2023-24 school year. Students who obtained a grade point average of 5.0 or higher during the first semester earned high honors, while students with a 4.2-4.999 GPA with no D earned was named to the honor roll. All GPAs are based on the current semester GPA (not cumulative). To view the complete list of honorees, click below: HIGH HONOR ROLL - 273 honorees HONOR ROLL - 351 honorees For more information about Granite City School District #9, visit www.gcsd9.net .

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ST. LOUIS - Today, Mayor Tishaura O. Jones and Commissioner Robert J. Tracy releases highlights of 2023 year-end crime data, which reveal significant improvements to public safety in St. Louis. Crime data reveal a 21% reduction in murders (158 in 2023 compared to 200 in 2022); a 24% reduction in shooting incidents (550 in 2023 compared to 722 in 2022); and a 23% reduction in shooting victims (631 in 2023 compared to 821 in 2022). The department also reported sharp reductions in juvenile shooting incidents (47% decrease) and victims (50% decrease) compared with the prior year. “In just one year, Chief Tracy has delivered effective crime reduction strategies that keep our communities safer,” said Mayor Tishaura O. Jones. “By addressing violent crime head on and partnering with community organizations to provide additional services, we are putting St. Louis on the right track. These numbers reflect what we can do when we combine the tireless work of our officers and

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ALTON - During this presentation you will learn about the Blue Ridge Parkway, one of two such parkways operated by the National Park Service. The trip was taken this year by Dr. Rich Keating and son Phil in October. Over 9 days, they drove the entire 469 mile length of the parkway, beginning in the Smoky Mountains and Cherokee, NC, then continuing through Shenandoah National Park on its 105 mile Skyline Drive. The remarkable geology, scrunched into position by continental drift, creates a tortured rocky landscape. This illustrated presentation will attempt to create in you a sense that you must explore this remarkable region. In youth Rich camped in these mountains and has never tired of them. This is a live presentation only, open to all, so come early to meet the speaker and bring your dinner and drinks into the meeting room at Old Bakery Beer Company, 400 Landmarks Parkway, Alton, IL 62002 . If you have any questions, call Chris Krusa, Program Chair 410-490-5024.

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ALTON - As we start 2024, the Hayner Public Library District is sharing information about their programs for kids and teens, all free of charge and meant to encourage literacy and library use. The library offers many services, programs and events to patrons, but staff and board members make a special point to reach young people. They have several programs that promote reading at a young age, and they try to engage kids of all ages to get involved with the library and give back to the community. “Obviously, literacy is a huge part of the library,” Director Mary Cordes said. “We have a couple of different incentives for getting kids to read and for families to read together and for literacy.” For younger children, the library’s KidsSpace is a mix of storytimes, events and reading programs. Cordes explained that Reading Dragons is one of the library’s most popular new programs. For every 30 minutes that a child reads and logs wit

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A new lawsuit claims a caffeinated drink at at a restaurant contributed to a man's death. Legalities aside, the issue of what people - especially young people - put in their bodies is something to be aware of, says Michael Broman, PhD, MD , an OSF HealthCare cardiologist. In fact, it’s one he thinks about daily. “My children are 8 and 10. I don’t allow them to have caffeine except under my supervision and only in very small doses,” Dr. Broman says sternly. Caffeine basics Dr. Broman says energy drinks, when consumed properly, can provide the desired energy boost. A college student studying for a test, for example. But it’s caffeine consumption that you must be aware of. “Caffeine has clearly been linked to adverse events and toxicity when given at a high enough dose,” Dr. Broman says. The effects of caffeine will vary from person to person. Some will be more sensitive to caffeine due to genetics. Others may be able to break down

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GLEN CARBON - Nolan Keller has emerged as one of Father McGivney Catholic's head boys basketball coach Cory Clouser's top offensive weapons in the 2023-2024 season. Keller, a 6-foot-2 sophomore forward for the Griffins, has emerged as one of the team's top scorers. Keller has been outstanding with a 14.5-points-per-game average in 14 games this season. He has scored more than 200 points this season and as a freshman, he tallied 55 points. He is also a McGivney baseball player. He is a Byron, Carlson, Petri and Kalb Male Athlete of the Month for Father McGivney Catholic. "He was not used much last year but he has made a huge jump to average 14 points a game so far this year," said Coach Clouser. "Teams know him and even then he is still in double figures in scoring nearly every game." Keller simply gets to the basket well and is constantly improving his deadly jump shot, his coach said. There is no doubt, that this young sophomore is going to be a scoring threat teams have to defend

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Runny noses, sore throats and coughs are back in season. For parents, it’s a yearly dance with kids at school and family gatherings that help spread germs, colds and viruses. Since it’s impossible for every person to avoid this, how can we minimize the severity of your symptoms? That’s where Kimberly Walker, MD, a family medicine physician at OSF HealthCare, comes in with some helpful advice. Over-the counter options Not every symptom calls for a doctor’s visit, and if you address your signs early enough, Dr. Walker says the length of your cold can decrease drastically. “Within the first 24 hours, you can take Zinc lozenges,” Dr. Walker says. “That helps inhibit the amount of the virus that’s getting into your cells and body. But it’s only working within that first 24 hours.” For children and adults alike, Dr. Walker offers another easy to find alternative that can provide relief. “We’ve used this for many

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GRANITE CITY - The Granite City Police Department and Granite City Fire Department, along with Pontoon Beach Police and Madison City Police, are well-known for their year-round community involvement. Throughout the year, the different departments also raise funds for the Annual Shop With A Hero Program at Christmas time. Once again Granite City Police Department's Annual Shop With A Hero Program was an extraordinary success. In 2023, 27 Granite City area youth were either provided gifts or taken shopping. Lt. Jeremy Hunter of the Granite City Police is the coordinator of the annual program. "We have helped 18-25 kids each year since its inception of the event in 2017," he said. "Each child received a $250 gift card to Walmart to spend as they saw fit. We also changed the name of the event this year to Shop with A Hero because the Granite City Fire Department wanted to get involved. Madison City Police and the Pontoon Beach Police also participate, however they sponsor their own

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JERSEYVILLE - Several charges including aggravated battery of a child, possession of a stolen firearm, and more have been filed in Jersey County over the past week, according to recent court filings. Christian A. McKennon, 26, of Jerseyville, was charged with aggravated battery of a child less than 13 years of age causing great bodily harm. Court documents state McKennon “struck in the face with his hand” on or about April 20, 2023. McKennon faces a Class 3 felony for the aggravated battery charge. He was issued a summons to appear at the Jersey County Courthouse for his preliminary hearing, which is set for 9 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 22, 2024. Austyn D. Chmieleski, 18, of Jerseyville, was also charged with aggravated battery of a child less than 13 years of age causing great bodily harm. Court documents allege that on or about Nov. 27, 2023, he “touched in an inappropriate manner.” Chmieleski faces a Class 3 felony for the aggravated battery charge.

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