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ALTON - Mayor David Goins announced today he will honor Alton-native Jesse White, the Illinois Secretary of State, at 5:30 p.m. Saturday, October 8, 2022, at Lewis & Clark Community College. Goins said it is an honor to recognize the retirement of Secretary of State Jesse White "for his services to our country and state and for his humanitarian contributions to our youth, particularly his work with the International Jesse White Tumbling Team, which serves as a positive alternative for at-risk children residing in public housing." Mayor Goins said Jesse White is an absolute legend and has done so much in his lifetime in politics around the state. “It is an honor he chose to come for the event,” Mayor Goins added. “He was born here and he is definitely an absolute Alton hero.” Goins added: "We are also pleased to announce that some of the proceeds from the Motown Mayor’s Ball will support the Oasis Women's Center.” More than 400 guests are planning

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GODFREY – Two new member expansions celebrated opening occasions in September, complete with kick-off ribbon-cutting ceremonies led by the RiverBend Growth Association staff and members. Celebrating were CEFCU at its new Godfrey location and Senior Services Plus in Alton. The RBGA led a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Sept. 15, 2022, to celebrate CEFCU’s Godfrey facility, its first location in the Riverbend community, at 2810 Godfrey Road. There were approximately 50 people on hand for the special occasion, with a grand opening hosted by the credit union from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The ribbon-cutting ceremony was held at 11:30 a.m. Remarks were shared by Member Engagement Director Stefanie Withers on behalf of the RBGA, along with CEFCU President/CEO Matt Mamer. There was also a drawing held for a $250 Amazon gift card, a catered buffet from Nicky G’s, and featured floral arrangements by Petaled Pail. CEFCU shared branded items with those in attendance as well. CEFCU,

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GODFREY – Lewis and Clark Community College welcomed autumn’s arrival during Fall Fest 2022 on Wednesday, Sept. 28. Students celebrated with music, food, contests and lots of giveaways. The Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) Club was just one of the many represented at the event. Pictured, from left to right, are OTA students Krystal Roller, Gaby Hall, Madison Wallace and Sidney Ellsworth. To learn more about L&C OTA program and other degree and career programs, call or text the Enrollment Center at (618) 468-2222 or visit the website at www.lc.edu/enroll .

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JERSEY – While senior defender Jacob Wagner would say that baseball is his preferred sport, he does have a good time out on the soccer field. He certainly did Wednesday night when he scored his first goal for the Panther’s soccer team in a 7-0 win over Roxana on Senior Night. “Getting it on Senior Night means a lot. There’s nothing like it, a one-of-a-kind experience,” Jacob said after the game. Afterward, Jacob was nominated by his team as the player of the game. It was his first goal to go along with his two assists throughout his time playing. He doesn’t get on the scoresheet very often as he’s one of Jersey’s go-to defenders. Wagner is a Riverbender.com Jersey Male Athlete Of The Month. The three-sport athlete doesn’t get much time off between sports seasons. He mentioned that he also plays basketball in the winter and baseball in the spring, baseball being the sport he says he’s best at. He had a batting average

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GRAFTON - The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) announced that $210,000 has been included in the 2023 Statewide Planning & Research Program (SPR/PL) to conduct a study of the ferry systems in Grafton / Calhoun Region. The City of Grafton and the Great Rivers and Routes Tourism Bureau worked with the America’s Central Port District to create the grant request titled “Ferry Landing Operations Attract Tourists” (FLOAT). The funding breakdown for the FLOAT was $168,000 federal and $42,000 State Matching Funds. “This is a much-needed study for our tourism-based city,” said Mayor Morrow. “In order to improve and expand our transportation network we need to quantify how important this ferry system is to our region and the state. This study will do that, and it will give us a roadmap for future development and targeted grants.” The study will provide an overview of transportation networks in the Great River Road Corridor that connects the

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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and Senator Alex Padilla (D-CA), Chair of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Immigration, Citizenship, and Border Safety, introduced legislation to expand a pathway to legal permanent resident (LPR) status for millions of long-term U.S. residents. The Renewing Immigration Provisions of the Immigration Act of 1929 would update the existing Registry statute so that an immigrant may qualify for LPR status if they have lived in the U.S. continuously for at least seven years and are of good moral character. The bill is also cosponsored by Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) and Ben Ray Luján (D-NM). The legislation would provide a much-needed pathway to a green card for up to eight million people, including Dreamers, forcibly displaced people, Temporary Protected Status holders, children of long-term visa holders who face deportation, essential workers, and highly skilled members

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ST. LOUIS - As we gear up for the fall season, it is inevitable that chillier temperatures will find their way to our doorstep, making homemade comfort meals sound especially inviting. When deciding what seasonable dishes to prepare, consider recipes that include ingredients grown and produced locally. The farm-to-table philosophy continues to be popular, as many farmers' markets and local grocery stores have become fixtures in communities. Many refrigerator staples are foods that are made and sourced close to home. Real dairy milk is a great example of this. It takes 48 hours for milk to travel from the farm to the store, ensuring it is truly farm fresh when purchased. Not only is milk a local grocery item, but it contains thirteen essential nutrients, including high-quality protein. “Dairy foods are the top source of calcium and vitamin D in the American diet, and are critical for building healthy bones and teeth,” states registered dietitian Maggie Cimarolli. “These

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CHICAGO – Attorney General Kwame Raoul and Nevada Attorney General Aaron Ford presented an oral argument today in their lawsuit asking the federal government to acknowledge the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) as the 28th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. The ERA guarantees equal rights for all Americans regardless of their sex. In the argument before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia, Solicitor General Jane Notz of the Illinois Attorney General’s office represented Illinois and Nevada and contended that the federal archivist should be ordered to certify and publish the ERA in the official U.S. Constitution. According to Raoul and Ford, a lower court overlooked the special role that Article V of the Constitution gives states in the amendment process, improperly discounted the actions of their state legislatures in ratifying the Equal Rights Amendment, and gave too much weight to a seven-year ratification deadline that Congress included in its language

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COLLINSVILLE - Seasons come and go, but home gardening, environmental stewardship, and backyard food production take year-round effort. The University of Illinois Extension provides timely tips in its fall edition of the popular Four Seasons Gardening horticulture workshops. Each online workshop is free. Registration is required at the website listed. If a reasonable accommodation is needed to participate, contact Gemini Bhalsod at gbhalsod@illinois.edu . Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time for meeting access needs. Using Fresh Produce will be held on Oct. 18 at 1:30 p.m. Register at go.illinois.edu/4SeasonsProduce . You have grown fresh produce all summer long, now what do you do with the excess produce like onions, cucumbers, tomatoes, and more? Explore simple ways of storing produce for longer shelf life and sharing resources for get easy recipes like refrigerator pickles to make your produce go further. Deep Bark Secrets of Tree Selection will be hel

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EAST ST. LOUIS – To offer residents a secure option to discard documents with personal information, State Senator Christopher Belt is hosting an event with free shredding services in Madison. “Shredding sensitive documents is a strong way to protect yourself and your loved ones from identity fraud,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “I encourage everyone in our community to gather documents and attend this free event.” Free shredding services will be available from 10 a.m. until noon on Saturday, Oct. 15 at 320 Madison Ave. in Madison. Questions should be directed to Sen. Belt’s office by calling 618-875-1212.

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JERSEY COUNTY - Jersey County Sheriff Mike Ringhausen said today several residents have received letters saying their FOID (Firearm Owner Identification) Cards have been suspended. He said 87 people as of Thursday have reported to the Sheriff's Office that they received these letters. He questions the letters and is communicating with state officials about their validity. He said at this point, his office will not act on the letters until he is shown these are official. “The people who have come to me are legal, law-abiding citizens,” he said. A Greene County instructor had his license temporarily suspended and some in the county have received letters because of that. Those who receive a letter of this type should contact the State Police to make sure it is official and there are steps they are supposed to follow to get their FOID cards reinstated. A refresher course can be taken to receive official certification and supposedly run for about three hours. Sheriff Ringhausen

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SALEM, ORE. - Momyer Distribution Inc of Salem, Oregon is recalling Dark Chocolate Almonds because they may contain undeclared milk. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to milk run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume this product. The product is packaged in a 9.5oz plastic container and sold in the produce section of these retail markets. The best by date is printed above the UPC bar code on a label. Product sold at Safeway/Albertsons is labeled as “PRODUCE” in large red letters and Dark Chocolate Almonds are in black text on the top label, UPC 0 19061 19371 2. Product being recalled has a Best By Date on or before 10/15/2023. Product sold at Roths Fresh Market is labeled as Holly Hill Gourmet Snacks Dark Chocolate Almonds, UPC 0 08918 23018 2. Product being recalled has a Best By Date on or before 10/21/2023. No illnesses have been reported to date. The recall was initiated after it was discovered that product was distributed

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ALTON - At Wednesday’s City of Alton Council Meeting, members approved Ordinance No. 7856, which grants a special use permit to allow a utility-scale solar system array at the former Alby Street Landfill, and also approved the second reading of Ordinance No. 7851 which adopts Title 4, Chapter 24 to the City Code of Ordinances regarding adult-use cannabis business establishments. The special use permit appears to move forward negotiations with Ameresco about a plan to construct a large-scale array site at the former Alby Street Landfill. Negotiations have been going on for a long period of time for this change. A solar array is a collection of multiple solar panels that generate electricity as a system. Ameresco is a leading cleantech integrator and renewable energy asset developer, owner, and operator. Mayor David Goins said the approval of the ordinance at the council meeting for a special use permit to allow a utility-scale solar system array at the former Alby Street Landfill,

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JERSEYVILLE - Two Rivers Crime Stoppers is offering a $3,000 cash reward for help in locating a man considered armed and dangerous to get him off the streets. Two Rivers Crime Stoppers and the Jersey County Sheriff's Office say a Jerseyville man, Devin A. Krueger, 26, of the 20000 block of Tuetken Road in Jerseyville, is wanted on multiple felony warrants in Greene, Jersey, Macoupin, and Madison County. Krueger is 5'9" with brown eyes and brown hair. The Jersey County Sheriff's Office said Krueger is also wanted for questioning in multiple residential burglaries and possession of a stolen vehicle. The Jersey County Sheriff's Office said anyone helping Devon hideout may be brought in on charges of harboring a fugitive. If you know Krueger's whereabouts, Two Rivers said to call its tip hotline at 1-800-300-2590 and you can remain anonymous, or submit a tip on the Jersey County Sheriff's Office App.

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Letter To Madison County States Attorney Haine From Gov. JB Pritzker: I was disappointed to read your letter and watch your television interview defending a criminal justice status quo where accused murderers, domestic batterers, rapists, and other dangerous criminals can buy their way out of jail pending trial if they have enough money. Unfortunately, you made clear in the KDSK interview that your real concern is not about the serious offenses you falsely claim are non-detainable, but to ensure that low level defendants face punishment before they are found guilty. Your approach – seeking to deter possible future crimes by punishing individuals accused of less serious offenses before they have the opportunity to defend themselves in court – is contrary to the foundation of our justice system and based on outdated research that has been debunked. You also scoff at the notion that the cash bail system contributes to a criminal justice system that disproportionately punishes

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TROY - A GoFundMe has been established for Sue Tomlinson, who died tragically in a September 22, 2022, fire in the 500 block of Wood Thrush Street in Troy, her daughter, Courtney Tomlinson, and two granddaughters, Serenity and Zaniah Green. Michael Sloan Jr. has been charged with three counts of first-degree murder, attempted murder, and other charges in connection with Sue Tomlinson's death. Sue is also survived by her nephew Richard Housen and wife Amy Housen, and great-nephews Gabe Housen and K.C. Mize. Maddy Rudloff has organized this fundraiser. Rudloff said: "On September 22, 2022, our beloved Sue was tragically taken from us and her community by one of the most horrific fires. Not just any fire, she was intentionally murdered. This is truly a tragedy; it’s a nightmare you just can’t wake up from." Rudloff said Sue was well known and loved throughout the small Troy community. "Sue loved fishing with her granddaughters, she also loved gardening and hanging out with

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EDWARDSVILLE — Madison County State’s Attorney Thomas A. Haine on Wednesday sent a letter to Gov. J.B. Pritzker, saying he is willing to work with the governor to correct problems with the SAFE-T before it takes effect Jan. 1. Haine’s letter said the SAFE-T Act, which abolishes the cash bail system in Illinois, will limit the ability of his office – as well as local judges – to detain dangerous defendants prior to trial. Haine said the new law will prohibit the detention of some defendants prior to trial despite their level of threat to the community or their likelihood of being no-shows for court. “As lawyers we have a responsibility to read the Act and apply the basic tenets of statutory construction,” Haine wrote. “Once such an approach is applied, the plain language of the Act shows major problems. The discretion of judges to detain is unquestionably limited in many important cases, even where the defendant poses a demonstrable risk

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ALTON - YWCA Southwestern Illinois recognizes the importance of civic engagement. As part of YWCA USA, we know how critical it is for voters to get educated and use their voices, every day and especially on election day. In an effort to educate voters on Madison County candidates that will appear on ballots in November, YWCA Southwestern Illinois Get Out the Vote Project is hosting a Madison County Candidate’s Forum on Tuesday, October 18, 2022 from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm in the Gymnasium at YWCA, 304 E Third Street, Alton. Masks aren’t mandatory but anyone who would like to do so is invited to wear a mask. Candidates for the following races have been invited: Illinois State Senate District 56, llinois House District 111, and for Madison County Clerk. A moderator will ask questions of each candidate pair and, time permitting, take questions from the audience. This is not a debate format. We will start at 7 p.m. The program will be broken down into three segments

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ALTON - The Friends of Mayor David Goins Mayor’s Basketball Game is to bridge generations together, young and old, and also a great way to start October at James Killion Park. The event was scheduled for 1-5 p.m. on Oct. 1 at James Killion Park. Mayor Goins said with the nice weather, the event was a perfect way to bridge the games and just have fun with the game of basketball, something he personally loves. Goins at 6-foot-7 is the perfect height for the beloved game. This is one of several ways the mayor has tried to reach both young and older adults at James Killion Park at Salu in his tenure. Tredell Jones of Alton, the President of Bridging the Gap, was part of organizing the game and said it was one big community basketball game and it was simply to try to make a nice event and help “bridge the gap of generations” with the sport of basketball at Killion Park. Jones said he loves being part of these types of events to reach area youth and adults alike. Jason

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GRAFTON - The Grafton City Council recently voted unanimously to award a $136,700 contract for sidewalk and street repairs in Grafton Hills subdivision to RCS Construction, Inc., 960 East Airline Drive, East Alton. RCS was the lowest, responsible responding bidder at the sealed bid opening that occurred at Grafton City Hall. Three companies responded to the bid package prepared by SMS Engineers, Inc. for the sidewalk and street repairs concrete project in Grafton Hills. Cas Sheppard, P.E., president of SMS Engineers, Inc. presided over the sealed bid opening with Mayor Morrow and his staff. Representatives from all three bidding companies were present. “We are excited to finally award this contract,” said Mayor Morrow. “We are looking forward to working with the RCS team to complete the work this fall.” The Grafton City Council meeting is held on the third Tuesday of every month at 7:00 p.m. in City Hall. All council meetings are open to the public, broadcast

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