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GODFREY - Staff members at Alton School District’s Early Childhood Center know how to start the day off right. Every day before the morning and afternoon sessions at the center, teachers and staff members line the hallway to cheer and welcome the students to school. Cynthia Schuenke, the director of the Early Childhood Center, noted the importance of creating a fun environment for kids and teachers. “It really energizes the staff and shows how excited they are to welcome our students each day,” Schuenke said. “The staff at the Early Childhood Center are an amazing group of educators, and we are so fortunate to have them working with our students in our district. This daily cheer shows how much they look forward to working with our students and seeing them at school each day.” The “daily routine” is the norm at the Early Childhood Center. Schuenke said it has a powerful effect on the atmosphere and energy of each school day. She believes

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JERSEYVILLE - Things are getting spooky in Jerseyville as local businesses and vendors welcome the Halloween season with a special “ Nightmare on State Street ” event on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024 from 5 to 8 p.m. Throughout the evening, several Jerseyville businesses are joining in on the festive fun with discounts, specialty drinks, local vendors, photo opportunities, and more. The Jersey County Historical Society will host self-guided “Dearly Departed” tours at the Cheney Mansion from 5 to 8 p.m. Visitors can learn more about the funerary, mourning, and embalming customs of the city’s past for just $5 each (payable to a Historical Society volunteer upon arrival). With the rest of the mansion also available to tour, attendees can get an inside look at one of Jerseyville’s most historically significant homes. All proceeds will support the ongoing restoration of the Cheney Mansion. DJ's Pub & Grill will be serving a special fall-festive

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EDWARDSVILLE - During their regular meeting on Oct. 16, 2024, the Madison County Board took a moment to remember Charles “Skip” Schmidt. Schmidt was a board member who died on Oct. 3, 2024. Madison County Board Chairman Kurt Prenzler started the Oct. 16 board meeting with a moment of silence to honor Schmidt. “Schmidt was a retired school teacher and coach at the Ferguson Florissant School District for more than 25 years,” Prenzler said. “He coached various sports through the years, to include football, volleyball and tennis. In 1989, Schmidt and his wife Cindy moved to Edwardsville, where he got involved in the community and served on various boards and organizations.” Schmidt served as an Edwardsville Township trustee and a member of the Edwardsville Parks Board. He worked with local organizations like Faith in Action, the Metro East Humane Society, the Edwardsville YMCA, The Wildey and the Edwardsville Rotary Club. He was elected to the Madiso

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LIVINGSTON – Illinois American Water has initiated essential maintenance at its water treatment plant in Livingston, prompting a systemwide boil water order for the Livingston District. The order will take effect at noon on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, as the company works to replace pipe connections and valves. Customers in the Livingston area will receive direct notifications regarding the boil water order. This maintenance effort is part of Illinois American Water’s ongoing commitment to upgrading its water and wastewater systems, aimed at replacing aging infrastructure and ensuring the delivery of clean, safe, and reliable service. Illinois American Water said during the boil water order, residents are advised to bring water to a rolling boil for five minutes before using it for drinking or cooking. However, water can still be used for bathing, washing, and other routine activities. The boil water order is being issued in compliance with regulations from the Illinois Environmenta

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ALTON - The 107th Alton Halloween Parade is right around the corner. The East End Improvement Association is preparing for the parade, to be held at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 31, 2024, in downtown Alton. Organizers Steve Schwartz and Greg Erler noted their excitement — and a few guidelines — ahead of the annual Alton tradition. “Since 1916, we’ve had this parade,” Schwartz said. “It’s gotten to be a community event. It’s fun to do. It’s expected within the community. It’s one of the best things that I’ve been involved in.” Schwartz and Erler said that the East End Improvement Association has “a great committee” that organizes the parade every year. This “well-oiled machine” has been working since early September to get everything ready for Halloween night. Parade participants will attend a meeting at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 24, 2024, at the Alton Moose Lodge to learn more about

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Welcome to another edition of 'This Day in History,' where we explore the significant events that have shaped our world. October 17th has seen its fair share of pivotal moments throughout history. One of the most notable events in recent history took place on October 17, 1989, when the Loma Prieta earthquake struck the San Francisco Bay Area in California. Measuring 6.9 on the Richter scale, this earthquake caused significant destruction and loss of life. It resulted in 63 fatalities, over 3,700 injuries, and extensive damage to infrastructure, including the collapse of the Cypress Street Viaduct on the Nimitz Freeway. The earthquake also disrupted the 1989 World Series, which was being held in San Francisco at the time. The Loma Prieta earthquake not only highlighted the region's vulnerability to seismic activity but also led to changes in building codes and emergency preparedness efforts throughout the United States. Fast forward to 1991, when another crucial event unfolded.

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GRANITE CITY - Granite City High School’s English as a Second Language (ESL) students experienced a memorable day at Busch Stadium in September, where they attended a St. Louis Cardinals game against the Pittsburgh Pirates. The event, organized by broadcaster Bengie Molina, featured a 10-5 victory for the Cardinals. Molina, who is known for his work as a Spanish play-by-play announcer, hosted the students through his initiative, "Bengie's Buddies." This program aims to create opportunities for young fans, particularly those from diverse backgrounds. During the event, students participated in infield practice and had the chance to meet some of the Cardinals players before the game. In addition to the unique experience, each student received a free T-shirt, a meal, and a ticket to the game. Transportation for the group was provided by First Student, ensuring the students could enjoy the outing without logistical concerns. "We appreciate Bengie and broadcaster partner Polo Ascencio

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ALTON - Officers from the Alton Police Department responded to a reported robbery on October 16, 2024, at approximately 1:21 p.m. The incident was located in the 600 block of Spring Street. According to Alton Police Chief Jarrett Ford, “The victim indicated that they are acquainted with the suspect.” Investigators are actively pursuing leads related to the case. Authorities are urging anyone with information to reach out to the Criminal Investigation Division at 618-463-3505 ext. 634.

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This October, the Riverbend Region comes alive with a diverse array of events that cater to all interests, from thrilling haunted attractions to delightful community festivals, ensuring there's something for everyone to enjoy. For a complete listing of all the exciting happenings, be sure to visit https://www.riverbender.com/events/ . If you want to ensure that even more people in the region are aware of your event, email cj@riverbender.com and explore our range of Event Promotion Services! Featured Grab a book and your coziest sweater and head to Hayner Library at Alton Square Mall for our Fall Reading Retreat ! Enjoy fall treats (think apple and pumpkin flavored items), hot cocoa, tea, and coffee, paint a wooden pumpkin to add to your fall décor, chat about books, and take some time to read one too! You’re welcome to bring your own drink, treat, or anything else to help put you in the reading mood. Not sure what to read? Clear up your “to be read” list

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EAST ST. LOUIS — Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) will present a $500,000 check for the Parsons Place Preservation Project at 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024. The funding is intended for Urban Strategies, Inc. to renovate the Parsons Place mixed-income apartment complex, aiming to catalyze future economic development and stabilize housing in East St. Louis. Budzinski secured the funding through a recent bipartisan government funding bill, following her request during the House of Representatives’ Community Project Funding process. Overall, she has obtained $136.1 million for various community projects across Illinois’ 13th Congressional District. “Earlier this year, I was proud to join colleagues on both sides of the aisle to pass a government funding deal that provides critical federal resources to projects in Central and Southern Illinois,” Budzinski said. “I’m thrilled to have secured $500,000 for the Parsons Place Preservation

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GRANITE CITY – Celebrating Global Peer Support Day on October 17, Chestnut Health Systems™ honors peers who have transformed their own struggles into beacons of hope for others. Recovery Coach Jessica Banner exemplifies this mission through her inspiring journey from adversity to advocacy. “Change is possible for everyone,” says Banner. “I’ve walked that path, and I’m here to walk alongside you.” In her role serving Madison County, Banner meets clients where they are—whether in libraries, encampments, or community centers. She distributes vital resources like Narcan® (Naloxone) and fentanyl test strips, while also connecting individuals to essential support networks. Her personal story of overcoming substance use and homelessness resonates deeply with those she serves, including one client who recently texted, “Thanks, Jess, for giving me my hope back. I’m on my way to detox.” Banner’s childhood

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EDWARDSVILLE/SPRINGFIELD - One positive development in the health care industry post-pandemic is the expansion of virtual care services. Greater access benefits patients and providers, bridging gaps to make a virtual visit convenient and secure. Health care providers and staff using telehealth in their practices – or who would like to – will learn about the latest innovations and developments in this evolving branch of medical care at SIU Medicine’s 2024 Telehealth Conference on Tuesday, October 29. The all-day event can be attended virtually or in person at Memorial Learning Center’s MG Nelson Family Auditorium, 228 W. Miller St. in Springfield. Medical experts will lead sessions on telehealth legislation, policies and compliance issues. Presenters will also share case examples of telehealth’s uses within specialty and hospital care, providers' perspectives on telehealth, and research and practical applications. The conference is designed for telehealth

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BELLEVILLE — Students and volunteers from Belleville East High School's First Priority group participated in a Mobile Packing Event recently, where they packed more than 91,000 meals for those in need. The event, held at a local venue, aimed to support Feed My Starving Children, an organization dedicated to providing nutritious meals to children worldwide. Volunteers worked together to assemble meal packets, contributing to a larger effort to combat hunger both locally and globally. The initiative is part of Belleville East First Priority's commitment to community service and helping those in need. The substantial number of meals packed highlights the dedication of the students and volunteers who took part in the event. As a Christian nonprofit organization, Feed My Starving Children is called to feed children who are hungry in body and spirit. FMSC volunteers come from all walks of life from family, co-workers, students and strangers to help feed starving children.

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GODFREY - The Village of Godfrey and Sierra Club Illinois’ Three Rivers Project are working with youth volunteers to help plant trees at two Parks in Godfrey at 9:30 a.m. on Friday, October 18, 2024. The Tree Planting is made possible thanks to a Recover, Replant, Restore! grant from Trees Forever . “Planting native trees adds diversity to Godfrey’s tree canopy and will provide food and shelter for wildlife in our Parks,” says Chris Logan, Director of Godfrey Parks . “Trees provide critical shade amidst an ever-warming climate, improve air quality, and are essential to our ecosystems. We’re grateful to Trees Forever for providing funding to plant more trees in Godfrey, and look forward to working with volunteers on October 18 to add more trees to our landscape that will benefit our community for years to come.” The Recover, Replant, Restore! grant is funded through a partnership between Trees Forever, the Illinois Department of Natural

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WOOD RIVER - The annual Downtown Trick or Treat event is set to return to Wood River from 6 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2024. Local businesses will welcome children from the area to walk along Ferguson Avenue and collect treats at participating locations. Kristen Burns, Executive Director of the Wood River Business Alliance, noted the community spirit surrounding the event. "Everyone has a lot of fun at this event, and we get great participation from businesses as well as the community. We start stocking up on candy pretty early," she said. The event sees participation from local businesses, churches, and emergency services, contributing to a festive atmosphere. Mayor Tom Stalcup emphasized the safety and community engagement aspects of the event. Stalcup said: "The downtown trick or treat is a great safe experience for the community. I invite everyone to come out and participate and say hello to the downtown businesses." Stalcup also highlighted the growth of downtown Wood

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ST. LOUIS – The Missouri Department of Transporation announced on Wednesday, Oct. 16, 2024, that the Stan Musial Veterans Memorial Bridge (I-70) is set to reopen to downtown St. Louis today after being closed for two days due to a fire at an abandoned building adjacent to the bridge. The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) announced the reopening in coordination with the Missouri Department of Transportation (MODOT) and the city of St. Louis, stating that the process will begin soon and be completed by the Wednesday evening rush hour. The Stan Musial Bridge was closed Monday evening, Oct. 14, 2024, after a significant fire broke out at a storage building in the 1800 block of North Broadway in St. Louis, directly next to the bridge. More than 40 firefighters responded to the scene, where the blaze was classified as a second-alarm fire. A battalion chief on site described the situation as a “nightmare,” emphasizing the risks posed by the fire's proximity t

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EDWARDSVILLE – The Gori Law Firm, nationally recognized for representing victims of asbestos exposure, is excited to welcome several new attorneys to its team. Joining the firm’s Edwardsville office are attorneys Elizabeth Skym, Jack Woelfel, Andres Montero, Alex Enyart, Michael Cook and Teona Drake-Robinson. “With offices throughout the country, our goal is to continue to grow so that we can continue to best serve our clients and advocate for them and their families,” said Sara Salger, managing partner of the firm. “All of our new attorneys bring a distinct set of skills and experience from their backgrounds, and we’re happy to have them as part of the Gori Law family.” About Elizabeth Skym Skym received her juris doctorate in 2016 from Washburn University School of Law in Topeka, Kansas. Before joining The Gori Law Firm, she represented Social Security claimants seeking disability benefits. Skym now represents clients and

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EDWARDSVILLE - Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is stepping up to support students from Fontbonne University as they navigate the transition following the announcement of Fontbonne’s closure after the summer 2025 term. SIUE is waiving the $40 application fee and offering a 50% tuition discount for up to six semesters for former Fontbonne students in good academic standing, starting in the Fall 2024 semester. James Monahan, Director of Graduate and International Admissions, discussed SIUE’s efforts to support Fontbonne transfer students, stating, "When we learned that Fontbonne was closing, we knew many students were progressing in their education but could not complete their degrees there. We aimed to streamline the admission process, waving application fees to expedite their transition. Our collaboration with the academic departments ensured that these students had a clear pathway to finish their degrees at SIUE." He emphasized the importance of accessibility,

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ALTON - Alton Superintendent Elaine Kane explained the district’s goal to promote teaching and learning. During the regular Alton Community Unit School District #11 Board of Education meeting on Oct. 15, 2024, Kane broke down the District Improvement Plan. This plan includes three goals: to create a culture of belonging , to develop professional learning communities , and to focus on teaching and learning. Kane explained that teachers and administrators are having conversations about how best to teach students so that they are prepared for assessments. Across the country, all students are tested on the same skills and knowledge. Alton School District wants to make sure its students are prepared for these assessments and know what they are supposed to know. “We know what kids are supposed to learn because the standards are universal,” Kane said. “A third grader in Alton should have access to the same outcomes as a third grader anywhere in the Unite

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ST. LOUIS COUNTY - On Monday, October 7, 2024, the St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office announced the issuance of summonses for four individuals involved in a protest that escalated into a confrontation with law enforcement on July 24, 2024. The suspects, identified as Malak Hamed, 18, of Ballwin, Mo., Claire Howell, 20, of Belleville, Jad Aqrabawi, 20, of St. Charles, Mo., and Luke Adams, 22, of Festus, Mo., face multiple charges, including Assault Fourth Degree, Resisting/Interfering with Arrest, Peace Disturbance, and Refusal to Disperse. The incident occurred around 5:03 p.m. on July 24, 2024, when a group of protesters gathered in the 14000 block of Manchester Road in west St. Louis County. According to the probable cause statements, the protesters walked in the roadway during peak traffic hours, prompting Officer #1 of the St. Louis County Police Department to use a megaphone to order the group to disperse. This directive was repeated approximately eight times,

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