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RIVERBEND - It’s time to get a jump on those New Year’s resolutions. If you want to help out your community in 2024, keep reading. There are plenty of volunteer opportunities in the Riverbend region that might be a great fit for you. Best Buddies — St. Louis The Best Buddies program matches up people with and without developmental/intellectual disabilities. Most people volunteer to be part of a one-on-one friendship, but the program also sponsors integrated employment, leadership development and inclusive living opportunities. Big Brothers Big Sisters of America — Belleville If you’re interested in working one-on-one with a child, this program might be for you. Sign up to be a Big , and you’ll be matched with a kid who you will support for several years as a friend and mentor. This volunteer opportunity is pretty customizable depending on what you and your Little enjoy. Boys and Girls Club — Alton The Boys and Girls

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EDWARDSVILLE - First-year nursing student Lauren Monke from Litchfield, is the recipient of the fall 2023 Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Staff Senate scholarship. “We are always excited to award deserving students with the means of furthering their education at SIUE,” said Angela White, Staff Senate secretary. “The Staff Senate has been awarding students scholarships annually for many years. It is the highlight of our year!” “I feel so honored to have been chosen for this scholarship,” said Monke. “It is going to allow me to pay for almost two months of my freshman year as I work towards pursuing my bachelor’s degree in nursing.” Monke is the daughter of Kim Monke, IT Manager/Administrative Coordinator, Information Technology Services. “I would like to thank my mother for making me a candidate for this scholarship. None of it would have been possible if it weren’t for her 23 years she has spent

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ALTON - Jarius Powers, a junior forward on the Alton High School girls basketball team, has played a key role in the renaissance of the Redbirds' program, and she has been a standout again in the 2023-2024 season. Jarius is an Auto Butler Female Athlete of the Month for the Redbirds. Powers was outstanding in the Morton Tournament with a 29-point outburst against Peoria Notre Dame in the semifinal contest. She had nine points in the first game of the tourney, 16 points in the second game, 29 in game three and 16 in the championship tilt. Alton defeated Batavia in the championship game of the Morton College Tournament. Powers and teammate Kiyoko Proctor were on the Morton Tournament All-Tourney Team. Powers said in a previous interview after the big SWC win over O'Fallon that she is feeling good about the Redbirds' chances this season. During the final quarter in a key game in December against O'Fallon, Powers hit a pair of key free throws that kept the Panthers at bay, which helped

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SPRINGFIELD - Illinois minimum wage workers are set to get another pay raise as the state’s minimum wage rises to $14 an hour effective Jan. 1, 2024. This comes as the latest pay increase in a series of raises set by Governor J.B. Pritzker with the goal of reaching a $15 minimum wage by 2025. “Since day one as Governor, I’ve made it my mission to put Springfield back on the side of working families,” Governor J.B. Pritzker said. “With this new minimum wage increase, we are once again making Illinois a more affordable and equitable place to live for all of our residents.” Standard minimum wage workers across the state will get an increase of $1 per hour from the current $13 to next year’s $14. The minimum wage for tipped workers will rise to $8.40 per hour, and youth workers (under 18) working less than 650 hours per calendar year will see their hourly wage increase to $12 per hour. “We're continuing to not only strengthen our

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ALTON – OSF Saint Anthony’s Health Center has bestowed its inaugural Mission Partner of the Year Award to Kathy Rogers, who currently serves as Lead Communications Specialist in the Communications Department. Ms. Rogers was the Mission Partner of the Month honoree in October 2023. All 2023 Mission Partner of the Month Award winners were eligible for the Mission Partner of the Year. The Mission Partner of the Month Award program was instituted in March 2023. Kathy’s nomination for being selected as the Mission Partner of the Month for October 2023 was submitted by her immediate supervisor, Gary Ingle, Manager of Security Services, and details her “All In” attitude and dependability. “Kathy always does everything asked of her and never complains. She’s the first to volunteer to work and cover shifts when there are call-offs or whenever needed. Kathy is always very positive and very engaged in her work. She takes on challenges with a smile

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ALTON - Every community has a few people who make a major difference wherever they go. In Alton, Mark Cousley is one of those people. Cousley is a familiar face around town, as he spends a lot of time volunteering with different organizations and mentoring young people in the area. He encourages everyone to do what they can to help, and he thanks the people who work alongside him to make the community a better place. “The community is what you make it,” Cousley said. “I think if anybody who can volunteer time or resources to help people who may just need a hand-up versus a handout, basically help people make their lives better, make the town better. We all live in the Riverbend area and work and play, might as well do everything we can to make it and its citizens, to put them in the best light possible or the best position.” Cousley currently serves as the vice chair and the finance committee chair for the Salvation Army. He will become the chair

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JERSEYVILLE - The Jersey County Arts Council (JCAC) has had an incredible year over the course of 2023. From hosting several community art events to their involvement in many prominent art projects, the organization has even more plans in store for 2024. Sherry Droste, volunteer director for JCAC, said on a recent episode of Our Daily Show! on Riverbender.com that the council began nearly two years ago with a meeting of about 35 people, which convinced her the community would support such an organization. It has since grown in its size, reach, and offerings to the community. “We have a track record that I’m really proud of,” Droste said. “Right now, just shy of two years, we’ve interacted with over 7,000 people.” She added that “Jersey County is a great place,” having moved there 40 years ago from Godfrey. She noted the Jersey 100 School District’s reputation for great fine arts programs, but said local artists “didn’

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ALTON – After 9 p.m. today, Friday, Dec. 29, 2023, The Alton Dispensary will no longer be in operation at 1400 East Broadway. The dispensary is pleased to announce its new location will be at 3401 East Broadway in the former First Mid-America Credit Union facility in Alton. The ownership group of the IllinoisCannabis49 d/b/a The Alton Dispensary, is excited for the move as they will have complete ownership of the building. This move comes on the heels of an eviction passed down from Subsero RE, LLC. “When we reopen, we will be bigger, better, stronger, and faster,” President Jeremy Wysocki said. “We’re looking forward to being a permanent member of the community and will continue to give back to our neighbors in the great city of Alton.” The eviction is the latest in a series of events between the Alton Dispensary and Subsero. The dispensary alleges their former management company, Subsero Alton Ops, LLC misappropriated as much as $1.8 million in

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ALTON - A new arcade with a wide-ranging food menu, large selection of alcohol, and more has opened in Downtown Alton at “Game Over,” located at the former Chubby’s Grill & Garage on East Broadway. Stacey Ann with Game Over recently announced the official opening of Game Over and shared some photos of the new space, which she said is still undergoing construction. “Stop in and check us out,” she said. “Same delicious food Chubby’s had. Still under construction but come what we have done so far.” She added that all arcade games at Game Over are free to play if you buy something to eat or drink in the new establishment. They also have several draft beers at low prices and liquor-infused slushies, as well as margaritas, mudslides, daiquiris, non-alcoholic slushies for kids, and more. “Game Over” is open each day from 11 a.m. to 1 a.m., though only adults ages 21 and over are allowed to stay after 8 p.m. Their kitchen

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SPRINGFIELD - Unemployment rates around the Riverbend region remained close to a year ago in a November 2023 to November 2022 comparison. Madison County is at 3.8 percent in November 2023 compared to 3.4 percent in 2022, while Jersey is 3.4 percent compared to 3.1 percent a year ago, Macoupin is 3.7 percent compared to 3.4 percent a year ago. Calhoun is at 3.4 percent compared to 3.7 percent a year ago. The unemployment rate in the City of Alton in November was 5.2 percent vs. 4.9 percent a year ago. Edwardsville's rate was 2.8 percent compared to 2.8 percent a year ago and Granite City is at 4.2 percent compared to 3.4 percent a year ago. Over-the-year, total nonfarm jobs increased in ten metropolitan areas and decreased in four for the year ending November 2023, according to data released today by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and the Illinois Department of Employment Security (DES). Over-the-year, the unemployment rate increased in eleven metropolitan areas and decrease

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ALTON - Sixteen incomparable actors will launch a new Studio Series of three plays done in Repertory format on three alternating weekends January 11th through 28) AND the Shows are underwritten by Playwright, Michael Madden, and novelist, Katherine Elizabeth Baltimore - and it was a unanimous decision of the chosen Directors: Kristy Doering, Brant McCance and Shea Maples that 25% of ticket sales would go back to community programs, in keeping with the Play's themes of charity and the importance of human connection. AHS Drama Department, Alton Memorial's Cancer-Treatment program named " Ribbons of Strength", and the Wildlife Center will each be adopted by a play showcased: TWO ROOMS by Lee Blessing, RED JASPER by Michael Madden, and ELEPHANT'S GRAVEYARD by George Brant. The Theater's Artistic Directors, hope that the idea of a Studio Series of new and short works will catch on and become part of ALT's mission to train Actors and support Regional performers AND local Talent.

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ALTON - There’s a chili cookoff at Catdaddy’s Tavern, and with all the proceeds going to the Boys and Girls Club of Alton, everybody is a winner. Dan Herkert and Cassie Tartar were sitting at Catdaddy’s and teasing each other about who had the better chili recipe, when Judy behind the bar came up with a great idea: Why not have a competition? From 3–6 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 31, 2023, you can stop by Catdaddy’s to taste the chili and vote on the winner. “It was a little friendly trash talk,” Tartar joked. “It started small and it got big real fast.” They decided they’d put their recipes to the test. Now, it’s up to the Alton community to decide who has the better chili. Attendees will complete a blind tasting. They can vote as many times as they want and must contribute $1 per vote. The loser will add an extra $100 to the pot, with all money going to the Boys and Girls Club. “It’s always good to

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ALTON - The red kettles might be packed away, but the Salvation Army Red Kettle Campaign will continue until Jan. 31, 2024, and they have another $100,000 to raise to meet their goal. “Now that the kettles have been put away and the ringers are kind of silent now, this might be the more important part of the journey just because…we’re not as visible,” said Mike Roberts, who co-chairs the campaign with his wife Karen. “This second half of the campaign is more important only just because the need isn’t changing. If anything, it’s still growing.” The local Red Kettle Campaign raises money to benefit the Alton Salvation Army, located at 525 Alby Street. As of Dec. 28, 2023, the campaign had collected a little over $116,500. They are hoping to reach their goal of $217,000 by the end of January. This money goes toward the Salvation Army’s services, including their food pantry, after-school program, hot meals and shelter programs

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ALTON - Whatever you need, the Hayner Public Library District might have it. From books to baking equipment to fishing supplies and so much more, it’s available at Hayner. The library has grown a lot in recent years, and the board is looking forward to another great year in 2024. “I just want to thank all of our patrons for coming in every day and supporting the library. Over the years, we’ve made a lot of friends,” said Director Mary Cordes. “We have our regulars who come all the time, but it’s really exciting when somebody walks through the door who’s never been here before and says, ‘I didn’t know you guys had all this.’ That kind of makes it worthwhile and we hope that every day we get more people that come in and say that.” Hayner Library has several books, movies, audiobooks and other traditional library materials available, but they also recently added a Library of Things so patrons can check out item

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CHICAGO - Attorney General Kwame Raoul today highlighted three new laws initiated by his office that will go into effect Jan. 1. “Whether by protecting vulnerable residents from gas or electric utility service disconnections in excessive heat, i ncreasing oversight of health care transactions, or c losing a loophole that allows non-custodial parents to avoid making child support payments, my office has focused on developing measures to enhance public safety throughout the state,” Raoul said. “I look forward to our continued collaboration with law enforcement, legislators and various stakeholders to enact policies that protect residents and communities around Illinois.” House Bill 1541 p rotects vulnerable residents from gas or electric utility service disconnections for nonpayment of bills when temperatures are 90 F or above, or when the National Weather Service issues an excessive heat watch, heat advisory or excessive heat warning. Raoul initiated House

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ST. LOUIS - Schnuck Markets, Inc. and The Salvation Army today announced that Schnucks customers and the company donated a total of $230,000 to The Salvation Army’s annual Tree of Lights campaign through the most recent “ Round Up at the Register ”. Schnucks customers had the option to round up their purchases to the nearest dollar, with 100 percent of donations from the 15-day campaign benefiting The Salvation Army. Customers donated $212,281, and Schnucks added $17,719. “As they do each holiday season without fail, Schnucks customers once again showed their appreciation towards The Salvation Army through their generous round ups as well as their donations to the red kettles at the entrances of our stores,” said Schnucks Chairman and CEO Todd Schnuck. “The work The Salvation Army does in our communities, not only during the holiday season but year round, truly aligns with our company’s mission to nourish people’s lives.” All

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CHICAGO – Someone could finish off 2023 by winning a hefty Powerball jackpot. The jackpot for the last Powerball drawing of the year, Saturday, December 30, has grown to $760 million. If won, it would be the third highest Powerball jackpot of the year and the sixth largest in the game’s history. The Powerball jackpot was previously won on October 11, 2023 when a single ticket in California won a $1.765 billion grand prize. In Illinois, eight Lottery players have won prizes of $1 million with Powerball so far this year. In total, Powerball players in Illinois purchased over 4.2 million winning tickets and have won nearly $40 million in prizes in 2023. You could be next! With over 7,000 Illinois Lottery retailers across the State, lottery players can conveniently pick up a ticket at their local store - or they can login to the Illinois Lottery website or app and purchase a ticket online. Powerball tickets are $2 each, and players have the option to add the Powerplay

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SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) today announced the approval of eleven applications to proceed towards certification in the Supportive Living Program for Dementia Care Settings. The Supportive Living Program is a Medicaid alternative that offers services at a significantly lower cost than a nursing home and can successfully prevent or delay the need for nursing home care. The Supportive Living Program operates through a Home- and Community-Based Services waiver approved by the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. This allows Medicaid funds to pay for assisted living services for eligible Medicaid participants who might otherwise live in a nursing home. The Supportive Living Program gives seniors and persons with physical disabilities a more independent lifestyle option by providing their own apartment which includes a bathroom and kitchen/kitchenette. The Medicaid program pays for a portion or all the medical care an

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O’FALLON — Expectant moms can get all their “what to expect when expecting” questions answered by attending any or all the prenatal education programs offered by HSHS St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in the coming year. St. Elizabeth’s Women and Infants Center offers a wide range of services for mothers and infants, and the class schedule for 2024 is now available. It includes Prepared Childbirth and Breastfeeding Classes that are taught by a registered nurse from St. Elizabeth’s Women and Infants Center. Classes are open to any mom-to-be and their support person. The recommended time to attend is after 28 weeks. “We want to make sure we are providing moms and families with the information they need so they are as prepared as they can be for the delivery, as well as taking their baby home,” shared Julie Brooks, RN, BSN, CLC, childbirth educator and lactation counselor at St. Elizabeth's Women and Infants Center. “We invite both

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ALTON - As a student-athlete, Anaiah Clanton-El consistently excels in both academics and athletics. In recognition of her success, Anaiah Clanton-El is a Hayner Public Library District Student of the Month for Alton High School. The junior student has a full load of honors classes that she balances alongside her volleyball and dance practices. Clanton-El has played on Alton High School’s volleyball team for the past three years. As she prepares to enter her senior season next year, she is already turning heads as an accomplished player. In addition to volleyball, Clanton-El is a dancer. She spends a lot of time in practice for both sports, and she even finds extra hours after school and during the weekend to train because she enjoys it so much. Clanton-El has big dreams, so she knows the importance of being responsible and dedicated. Her family shows her the power of hard work every day at My Just Desserts, the business they own and where Clanton-El works after school.

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