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CHICAGO - Governor Pritzker announced the state has come to an agreement with Iron Workers Local 1 to ensure skilled iron workers will be present at the build site for new shelter space for asylum seekers. Upon learning of a potential labor issue late Thursday night, the state worked closely with the Iron Workers Local to negotiate sending additional union labor to the site as quickly as possible. The 38 th and California site is being constructed to house approximately 2,000 recent arrivals to the city ahead of worsening winter weather conditions. “When my administration was made aware of an issue that could have resulted in a work stoppage and increased costs at a new asylum seeker shelter site, we acted immediately to ensure union iron workers were represented and that the project could continue without delay,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “I am grateful to the Iron Workers for their collaborative work with my office to reach agreement and I am pleased this project

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CHICAGO – A Jersey County man - Joshua G. Eastham - was sentenced to 40 years in prison after previously being found guilty of four Class X felony counts of disseminating child pornography involving victims under the age of age 13. Jersey County Circuit Judge Allison Lorton handed down the 40-year sentence. Raoul’s office co-prosecuted the case with Jersey County State’s Attorney Ben Goetten. Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul announced the decision on Friday. Raoul said the sentencing is part of his ongoing work, in collaboration with federal law enforcement agencies and local law enforcement officials throughout Illinois, to apprehend offenders who download and trade child pornography online. Raoul’s office charged Eastham after receiving a CyberTip from the mobile messaging application Kik and discovering evidence of child sexual abuse material during a search of Eastham’s home on Jan. 27, 2022. Along with assistance from the U.S. Marshals Service,

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ALTON - Visitors will soon be able to go back in time at the Mitchell Mansion, located at 310 Mill Street in Alton. Markus Boyd, who grew up near Alton, has spent the last 25 years as a real estate and mortgage broker. Now, he’s back in the Riverbend to transform the “Pink Mansion” into a space that resembles how it looked in 1850 with the feel of 2023. “I want to be involved in the beautification of the Alton riverfront and I want to be actively involved in helping redevelop it,” he said. “I want to be here for the long haul and I want to be a staple. So this is kind of just the first big undertaking…When this one came through, it was just meant to be.” Boyd explained that he first wants to “stabilize” the property, meaning he will make sure the four outer buildings are up to code while the mansion itself continues to function as apartments. He predicts “light renovations” to transform the outer buildings into

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ALTON - “Homecare & Hospice Month” is recognized each November, and Jamie Perkhiser and Christie Kamp with OSF St. Anthony’s in Alton recently capped off the month of awareness by dispelling common hospice myths, sharing their perspectives, and more. Perkhiser works as a Hospice Coordinator, while Kamp is an RN, BSN, CRRN, and manager of Home Health Care and Hospice for OSF. Both recently appeared on Our Daily Show! on Riverbender.com to close out this year’s Homecare & Hospice Month with some facts and insights. “Some of the biggest myths that we see related to hospice is obviously there’s a fear associated with making that decision, but really with hospice, our focus is on comfort of the patient - what can we do?” Kamp said. “The patient and the family have decided that the treatment options aren’t working anymore and that they want to go down this path to comfort care, so that’s really what we’re providing

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ALTON - The 34th annual Olde Alton Arts and Craft Fair was off to a cheery start on Saturday morning, Dec. 2, 2023. The fair will run through Sunday, Dec. 3, 2023. Riverbend residents and visitors flooded Alton High School to check out the wares of almost 200 crafters, a few of whom traveled from as far as Texas. The event is sponsored by the Alton Band and Orchestra Builders (ABOB) and supports both the crafters and the music program at Alton Community Unit School District #11 (ACUSD11). “We’ve got a good steady flow of customers so far. We hope to have a full day today and tomorrow,” said Dave Fritz, ABOB member and fair organizer. “To see the inventory that’s brought in, just the vast amount of it and the variety of it — it’s amazing to see what these people make and bring in and display and sell at their booth. All of the crafters’ wares are “at least 51% handmade,” Fritz explained. He added that there are always a lot

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ALTON - Alton Little Theater is gathering a talented group of vocalists and musicians for the Best of the Best Christmas Concert coming up on Saturday, Dec. 9, 2023 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 10, 2023 at 2 p.m. Kevin and Anne Frakes gave more details about the concert on the latest "Theater Thursday" segment on Our Daily Show! on Riverbender.com . The show has already proven so popular that the Sunday show is sold out and the Saturday show is filling up quickly. Even if tickets are listed as unavailable online, Kevin said to call the theater at (618) 462-3205 to verify ticket availability as some may still be available. Tickets are $25 each and can be purchased on the Alton Little Theater website . Kevin said he, Anne, and their children first performed the concert 20 years ago, and that there’s a wide variety of music on hand for this year’s concert. “We do a big variety of numbers, and we do some religious stuff, even,” Kevin said. “There’s

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SPRINGFIELD – To help root out public corruption in Illinois, the Illinois State Police (ISP) Special Investigations Unit (SIU) has created an online form for the public to report suspected corruption directly to ISP. “The Illinois State Police Special Investigations Unit is dedicated to seeking out those who abuse their position and power to take advantage of others, betraying the public’s trust,” said ISP Director Brendan F. Kelly. “By making it easier for the public to confidentially report suspected corruption, we can begin restoring the public’s trust in government. ISP will continue to work with its partners in law enforcement to investigate misconduct and corruption.” ISP created an online form where the public can provide information confidentially to the ISP SIU about suspected corruption. Examples of public corruption may include an elected official steering contracts to friends in exchange for a monetary kickback, overbilling

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CHICAGO – Attorney General Kwame Raoul, as part of a coalition of 21 attorneys general, today filed an amicus brief in support of transgender students in Idaho and against an Idaho law that bars students from using school facilities consistent with their gender identity. Raoul and the coalition filed their amicus brief supporting a seventh-grade transgender girl and the Boise High School Sexuality and Gender Alliance (SAGA) who argue that the law is discriminatory and inconsistent with equal protection principles. “Discriminatory laws that target transgender students and minors further stigmatize a community already facing high levels of harassment and bigotry,” Raoul said. “I will continue to oppose laws that attack transgender youth and will work to protect the rights of all LGBTQ+ youth.” In their brief, Raoul and the coalition argue that that denying transgender girls and boys access to the same common restrooms that other girls and boys use

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ALTON - The Alton Police Department took 50 kids on a shopping spree for this year’s Shop With a Cop event. On Saturday, Dec. 2, 2023, officers and students from Alton Community Unit School District #11 went together to Target with approximately $200 for each kid to buy whatever they wanted. The event is sponsored by APD and the Alton Police Youth Camp nonprofit, which uses fundraisers and donations to raise money for this annual holiday tradition. “That’s what our nonprofit is all about, you know?” Sergeant Andrew Pierson said. “It’s very great. Some of the kids come prepared with lists they’ve made and they know what they’re doing. Some of them just wander through the aisles. And you see a lot, too, of the kids wanting to give to their siblings or their mom or their dad or grandma or whatever.” There were a lot of smiles as kids led the officers through the store to pick out toys, clothes, sports equipment, video games and candy.

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GRANITE CITY – State Rep. Jay Hoffman, D-Swansea, released the following statement Thursday after the Illinois Department of Labor (IDOL) issued a subpoena to U.S. Steel to investigate its compliance with the Illinois Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) Act regarding layoffs at the Granite City Works. “I appreciate that the Illinois Department of Labor is doing its due diligence to ensure workers rights are properly respected. The WARN Act provides needed notice for communities and families to prepare for significant layoffs, and this situation requires clear, transparent communication at every step of the process. "Adequate notice is the least U.S. Steel could do when it’s laying off 1000 workers, particularly during the holiday season. I will continue to engage officials with United Steelworkers Local 1899, and I strongly urge U.S. Steel to take action that supports – not abandons – the highly skilled workers of Granite City.”

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Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) has made headlines the past two falls for hitting Americans early and hard. Hannah High, APRN , an OSF HealthCare pulmonologist, expects the virus to be rough this cold weather season, too. But, each fall and winter – when respiratory illnesses peak – is different. So, it’s important to know the latest guidance. A reminder: what is RSV? High says RSV is an illness that, for most, brings mild to moderate cold-like symptoms like cough, wheezing and shortness of breath. A provider can take a swab in your nose and run a test to see if you have RSV or something else, like influenza (the flu). Treatment is focused on alleviating symptoms while your immune system fights the virus. For example, you can use a saline spray to help keep your nose and airways clear. Recovery is typically one to two weeks. But for high-risk groups, RSV can cause severe respiratory infection, pneumonia and even death. “High risk is usually children less

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CARROLLTON – Carrollton High School Principal Leslee Frazier is pleased to announce that 3 students from the graduating class of 2024 have been designated as Illinois State Scholars. The Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC), the state’s college access and financial aid agency, presents this important recognition of academic achievement to exceptional Illinois high school students annually. This year, nearly 16,700 honorees join the other outstanding students who have been honored since the designation was first introduced in 1958. The following Carrollton High School students were named 2024-25 Illinois State Scholars: Braylon Rhoades, Lexi Staples, and Piper Steinacher “On behalf of ISAC, congratulations to all our Illinois State Scholars for their extraordinary academic achievements,” said ISAC Executive Director Eric Zarnikow. “These high school seniors managed through the personal and learning challenges of the pandemic for several years

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GODFREY - Despite the gloomy weather, Godfrey’s 18th annual Snowflake Festival was merry and bright. On Friday, Dec. 1, 2023, families and a special visitor from the North Pole gathered at Glazebrook Park for a free evening of crafts, s’mores, horse-drawn carriage rides and pictures with Santa Claus. The Godfrey Parks and Recreation Department also collected donations for Toys for Tots . “It’s just a good time to spread the holiday cheer and get the residents and the surrounding areas involved in our community around Glazebrook,” explained Jordan Gintz, Godfrey’s Recreation Supervisor. Kids could make ornaments and mix up reindeer food with the Optimist Club. Families roasted marshmallows to make their own s’mores, and they enjoyed free hot chocolate and cookies from Duke’s Bakery. The horse-drawn carriage took riders on a journey around the park to see the Christmas lights. Kids of all ages joined Santa Claus for a photo and told

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EDWARDSVILLE - The final installment of tax bills for Madison County taxpayers will be due soon, according to a recent press release from Madison County Treasurer Chris Slusser. The due date is Wednesday, Dec. 6, 2023, and Slusser reminded taxpayers of their payment options. “With the due date quickly approaching, I want to remind everyone that the fourth and final tax installment will be due Wednesday, Dec. 6,” Slusser said. “Remember, there are many ways to pay including the option of paying by phone at 1-844-919-4300.” Payments can also be made through your financial institution’s online bill pay service, by mail, at a participating collector bank or credit union in Madison County, in person at the Treasurer’s Office in Edwardsville, or online on the Treasurer’s website at www.madcotreasurer.org . “No penalty will be applied for payments mailed and postmarked by the due date,” Slusser added. “I would encourage taxpayer

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EDWARDSVILLE - A.J. Epenesa, a defensive end for the Buffalo Bills in the NFL, is a household name throughout Edwardsville and the entire Metro East region. He was an All-Stater in football, basketball and track and field for the Edwardsville Tigers and attained more fame at the University of Iowa and now the NFL. A.J. also attended Lincoln School while in the junior high ranks. On Friday, he made a surprise visit to his fourth-grade teacher, Mrs. Lora Wagner, at Woodland Elementary. A.J.’s intent in coming back was to express his appreciation for one of the people who helped mold him. It is a reminder of the profound impact teachers have on the lives of their students. A.J. took the time to speak to Mrs. Wagner’s students, take photos and sign autographs, which meant everything to his teacher and the students at the school. A.J. was in a photo shown above sitting in a Woodland Elementary seat, something the students also will never forget. Edwardsville High Schoo

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CHICAGO - Building on the State’s data-driven plan to improve the asylum seeker response, Governor JB Pritzker, the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS), and the Greater Chicago Food Depository announced an additional $4 million investment to provide meals to asylum seekers through the end of the calendar year. The additional $2 million state investment will be matched by philanthropy through the Food Depository. At the request of the City of Chicago in June 2023, the State has provided $10.5 million in funding to the Greater Chicago Food Depository, a food bank with a network of community-based providers, to deliver meals to asylum seekers while the City worked to procure additional vendors. Due to delays in the procurement process, the State and Food Depository will now contribute an additional $2 million each, to ensure asylum seekers are fed through the month of December. In January, the City of Chicago will assume this responsibility as the State ramps up its shelter,

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HARDIN - Jennifer M. Geninatti, 43, of Jacksonville, IL., faces three serious charges after a traffic stop in Calhoun County. Geninatti has been charged with the following: Driving Under the Influence - Drugs Unlawful Possession of Methamphetamine Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia On November 15, 2023, a Deputy Sheriff with the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office conducted a traffic stop on a white 2002 Chevrolet Tahoe at Illinois River Road near Gallinepper, in Calhoun County. The Calhoun Sheriff's Office said Geninatti was arrested without incident and transported to the Calhoun County Sheriff's Office. As is now required under the provisions of the new House Bill 3653, known as the SAFE-T Act; Geninatti was booked and released with a Notice to Appear at a later date at the Calhoun County Courthouse. All suspect(s) are innocent until proven guilty.

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HARDIN - A Hardin man faces charges of stalking, violation of an Order of Protection and Criminal Damage to Property. Charged in the case is Donald G. Dawson, 55, of Hardin. On November 19, 2023, the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office received a complaint of Stalking and Criminal Damage to Property. The Calhoun Sheriff's Office said Dawson was arrested without incident and was booked into the Greene County Jail and is currently being held without Bond. Dawson was currently on Mandatory Supervised Release (Parole) from the Illinois Department of Corrections, in relation to a 2021 Calhoun County conviction for the offenses of: Intimidation and Threatening a Public Official. The Illinois Department of Corrections has since ordered a Parole Violation Warrant and Dawson is to return to the custody of the Illinois Department of Corrections. All suspect(s) are innocent until proven guilty.

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BENTON – A district judge sentenced a man from Marshall, Illinois, to spend more than three years in federal prison after he called in a bomb threat to a company in Paris, Illinois. Justin L. Switzer, 29, pleaded guilty to one count of willfully threatening the use of explosives. According to court documents, Switzer called in a bomb threat to North American Lighting Company, Inc. in Paris, Illinois on Nov. 2, 2022. He admitted to calling the business and stating “two minutes to detonation”. In response to the bomb threat, North American Lighting evacuated personnel, which caused the company to lose approximately $456,000 in gross revenue. In addition to his prison sentence, Switzer was ordered to pay $456,000 in restitution. FBI Springfield Field Office and Homeland Security Investigations contributed to the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kevin Burke and Liam Coonan prosecuted the case.

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PONTOON BEACH - The enchantment of the holiday season is once again rolling through the streets of Madison County with the return of the MCT “Holiday Bus.” This tradition celebrates the spirit of giving, delivering the gift of a complimentary public bus ride to MCT passengers who step aboard one of these special buses throughout the month of December. In 2022, MCT Holiday Buses accounted for more than 3,800 free rides. Commencing December 1 and continuing through December 31, MCT will enhance passengers’ travel experience by deploying the Holiday Bus daily on three MCT buses of varying sizes. These festive buses will embark on randomly assigned routes daily throughout the MCT service area. A delightful surprise awaits passengers boarding the Holiday Bus when they encounter a farebox playfully wrapped like a present, symbolizing the gift of a free ride. The buses may also be adorned with additional festive decor. "Our passengers really appreciate the surprise of steppin

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