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CARLINVILLE – Mark Pierce never attended a show in the twelve years of the Mississippi River Festival, a fabled part of the culture of southwestern Illinois from 1969-80. “I was only 12 when the final concert was held,” said Pierce. “But I was so fascinated by the festival’s history that I was passionate to write about it.” Pierce is the author of When the Stars Came Out , an acclaimed look at the magic and memories of the MRF throughout its twelve-year run on the Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville campus. He will discuss his book during a free, one-hour program at the Carlinville Public Library on Tuesday, Dec. 5 at 5:30 p.m. The 300-page book, released this March, captures the remarkable story of the MRF, the legendary summer concert series on the campus of SIUE with a who’s who of music talent. Though it lasted for only twelve years, the legacy and memories of the MRF live on. The list of performers from the MRF reads more like

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WASHINGTON, D.C. — On Thursday, Nov. 30, 2023, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) sent a letter to the Illinois Department of Labor urging Director Jane Flanagan to open an investigation into possible Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) Act violations involved in U.S. Steel’s recently announced layoffs at their Granite City Works facility. The Illinois Department of Labor (IDOL) has issued a subpoena to the United States Steel Corporation (U.S. Steel) to investigate its compliance with the Illinois WARN Act. Rep. Budzinkski issued this statement about the situation: “In September of 2023, U.S. Steel initiated 400 layoffs without WARN notification, claiming that their action would be temporary in nature. The company cited fears of reduced steel demand related to the United Auto Workers (UAW) strike as the reason for this decision. "On November 28, 2023, despite positive market changes and a resolution to the UAW strike, the company has now sent

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GLEN CARBON - The Glen Carbon Police Department gained a new officer earlier this week when Colin McBride was officially sworn in at the Village Board meeting on Tuesday. Police Chief Todd Link said McBride was a lateral hire for the department back in August. He added that McBride brings years of experience to the department. “He came to our Police Department … with a very impressive background, a lot of life experience, and a lot of really impressive professional experience as well,” Police Chief Todd Link said of McBride. McBride was previously an officer of the East Alton, Brighton, and Staunton Police Departments. He also served for 10 years as a Crime Analyst supporting the Illinois State Police Department’s counter-drug program. “In doing that in that capacity, he assisted with narcotics investigations, undercover surveillance, and cell phone forensic extractions,” Link said. McBride is a graduate of the Southwestern Illinois

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ALTON - The Alton Square Mall recently announced several events and activities happening at the Mall in celebration of the 2023 holiday season. As part of their December to Remember events series, the mall will be hosting Jolly Jingle Jams and Gift Wrapping for a Cause as well as Pictures with Santa. Jolly Jingle Jams is a new event series aimed at spreading holiday cheer and festivities with local choirs, musicians, dance groups, and more featuring live performances throughout the Mall. Performances will be happening through the entire month of December. Registration is currently open, and individuals or groups interested in performing can visit www.shopaltonsquare.com/jollyjinglejams to sign up. Santa will arrive on Friday, November 24 th . Families can visit with Santa and enjoy the Mall’s Christmas décor featuring holiday themed banners and displays. Visits with Santa will be in center court during the following schedule: December 1 st – December 17 th

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GODFREY – Lewis and Clark Community College Nursing Club students hosted a Winter Clothing Drive and Giveaway event for their fellow students this month. Hundreds of clothing donations were collected from students, faculty and staff alike, and laid out by size and type – including items for all ages and even some summer clothes – in the Ahlemeyer Atrium in Trimpe. Students were given a chance to shop the items free of charge, Wednesday, Nov. 28, and Thursday, Nov. 29. More than 75 students benefited from the event. Leftover donations were donated to Angel Ministries in Jerseyville. “The clothing drive turned out better than we expected,” said Nursing Student and L&C Student Trustee Melissa McKaig. “To be able to help so many of our fellow students was a true blessing.” The club coordinates a charitable event every semester. Past events have benefited community organizations and college programs such as College for Life.

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BELLEVILLE - Students from Belleville Township High School District #201 gathered at the Center for Academic and Vocation Excellence (CAVE) for a job fair and trade show on Wednesday, Nov. 29, 2023. The students take advanced classes at the CAVE to learn vocational skills like welding, carpentry and automotive repair. The job fair allowed them to speak with union leaders and local companies who are looking to hire students after high school. “It really gives students a good eye to really see what they’re getting involved in,” said Cydney O’Bannon with Midwest Career Source. “Rather than sitting in a classroom and reading a book on it, they get to sit in a classroom, learn, and then go do the actual work.” Midwest Career Source is a government-funded vocational training school that allows students to shadow healthcare workers and work as apprentices while attending the school free of charge. O’Bannon added that students can get “a

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SPRINGFIELD – More than $3.7 million has been awarded for recreational trail development projects in 19 Illinois communities to help them meet the growing demand for improved trails and outdoor recreation facilities, Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources announced today. “Trail development projects contribute to safer transportation and improved recreation opportunities across Illinois,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “This grant program helps us maintain these indispensable spaces for bike riders, hikers, joggers and families to enjoy our state’s natural beauty.” The program provides up to 80% reimbursement to local grant recipients for the cost of trail projects, with local sponsors providing the balance of the funding. Grants may be awarded for land acquisition, trail construction and rehabilitation, purchase of equipment for trail development and maintenance, restoration of areas damaged by unauthorized trail use,

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SRINGFIELD – The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum has been granted accreditation by the American Alliance of Museums, a status that recognizes the ALPLM’s “exemplary practices” as a museum of national importance. Only 3 percent of America’s museums are accredited. Those that earn accreditation usually apply several times over many years before demonstrating they qualify. The ALPLM was accredited on its first try after a review process of just two years. “The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum is one of Illinois’s finest institutions, and I’m glad to see the American Alliance of Museums recognize its exceptional role in telling President Lincoln’s story,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “The ALPLM is a worthy guardian of Lincoln’s legacy and a leader in the field, and I congratulate them on their accreditation.” ALPLM Executive Director Christina Shutt said: “Accreditation i

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CHICAGO – Today, Governor JB Pritzker joined local elected officials, Meta leadership, and business and academic leaders to celebrate the opening of Meta’s Data Center in Dekalb. The data center is now fully operational and is supported by 100% renewable energy. “As Illinois grows its status as a technology hub of the future, this data center is bringing investment and vitality to a newly thriving community,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “We’re thrilled that Meta is committed not just to continuing to build a successfully company, but also to lifting up the people of this entire region.” Meta also announced a partnership with Northern Illinois University to support the NIU Barb City STEAM Studio that is designed to increase college and career readiness for DeKalb High School students. The new program will support students interested in engineering, robotics, and other STEM fields with the goal of creating opportunities for underrepresented communities

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WASHINGTON — U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Co-Chair of the Senate Ukraine Caucus, met with German Ambassador to the U.S., Andreas Michaelis, to discuss continued support for Ukraine, and Durbin’s push for President Biden’s emergency supplemental request, which includes emergency funds for Ukraine, Israel, the Indo-Pacific, and humanitarian needs. They also discussed the importance of the transatlantic alliance and the strong partnership between Germany and the United States. “During today’s meeting, I reiterated my support for Ukraine, which remains on the frontlines of democracy, and reassured Ambassador Michaelis that I will continue to work in Congress to ensure our Ukrainian friends are equipped with the necessary resources to prevail against Russian tyranny,” said Durbin. “The United States is fortunate to have a strong relationship with Germany and as a security and economic partner within NATO, the EU, and the G7/G20,

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ROCK ISLAND — Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) were joined today by local officials and community leaders to announce the completion of a multiyear project to install a new deck on the Interstate 280 Sgt. John F. Baker Jr. Mississippi River Bridge in Rock Island County, an improvement that will result in a smoother, safer ride on one of the state’s key travel corridors. Made possible by Gov. Pritzker’s historic, bipartisan Rebuild Illinois capital program and a partnership with Iowa, the project included patching and resurfacing east of the bridge for a combined investment of $65.7 million. “This is exactly what Rebuild Illinois, our state’s massive infrastructure modernization program, is all about: to make life better and easier for our people,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “When we make smart investments in the roadways that working families and businesses rely on, we’re constructing a better

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EDWARDSVILLE - Junior forward/guard Herbert Martin had a big game in the Tigers' home opening boys basketball contest Nov. 28 against Chatham Glenwood, scoring 13 points and providing solid defense, including several steals, as Edwardsville defeated the Titans 49-41. The Tigers held off a late Glenwood rally to clinch the win, using good defense and timely steals to hold off the Titans, with Martin playing a key role on the defensive end to up the team's record to 2-2 on the season after finishing fourth in the 53rd Decatur Turkey Tournament on Thanksgiving weekend. Martin is a Johnston Law Firm Male Athlete of the Month for the Tigers. In limited time as a sophomore last season, Martin averaged 1.0 point and 0.3 rebounds-per-game, while also having 10 steals and seven assists. Early on this season, Martin has already made a big impact on the Tigers and has contributed much to the team already, thanks to some very good work put in during the summer. "I'm feeling very good," a very

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PIASA - Southwestern senior cross country runner Zach Rue is the kind of individual every coach dreams of having on their team. Southwestern head boys cross country coach Gary Bowker said Zach simply epitomizes what the school looks for in terms of Piasa Birds athletes overall. He not only does his best individually but always looks to put the team first and wants to assist his legendary coach - Gary Bowker. Zach improved all season and recorded a time of 20:13 for three miles in the South Central Conference Meet on Oct. 14, 2023. Zach Rue is an Altonized Community Federal Credit Union Male Athlete of the Month for the Piasa Birds. He also recorded a time of 20:12 at the Trenton-Wesclin Regional and was a steady performer for Southwestern throughout the cross-country season, Coach Bowker said. "His best race was at regional which was the last race of the year and you always like athletes to run their best race in the last race of the year." “Zach worked at Cope Plastics over

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Letter To The Editor: Hear, O Israel: why do you make war on your brother Ishmael {also son of Abraham}? Why do you keep your bother in an open air prison {Gaza} forcing him to despair? Why do you accept over $3 billion in military aid from the United States every year? Why are you so preoccupied with killing your brother? Cannot brothers {Jews and Arabs} live in peace? The peaceful removal of one man will solve this crisis once and for all. That man is Benjamin "Bibi" Netanyahu. Hamas and Hezbollah are the direct result of his hate towards all Palestinians. As a citizen of and believer in democracy, I applaud the efforts of the Palestinian people. Their efforts are similar to what is happening in many other parts of the world. Believe it or not, one thing that overrides capitalism and political correctness in the United States is the right to have one's voice heard. This is the foundation of which our democracy is built on. The Palestinian

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CHICAGO – Attorney General Kwame Raoul today announced an Alton man pleaded guilty and was sentenced to prison for disseminating child pornography. The Attorney General’s office prosecuted Christopher L. Page, 37, of Alton, Illinois, who was sentenced by Madison County Circuit Court Judge Neil Schroeder after pleading guilty to four counts of dissemination of child pornography, all Class X felonies. Page was sentenced to 32 years in prison and will remain in custody pending his transfer to the Illinois Department of Corrections. “My office’s Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force works tirelessly to identify predators who share heinous images and videos of children online,” Raoul said. “My office will continue to partner with local law enforcement agencies to hold these perpetrators accountable, and to protect children in the Metro East and across Illinois.” The case is part of Attorney General Raoul’s work to investigate and

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GODFREY – Lewis and Clark Community College is inviting the community to enjoy the beauty of the season with a free walk through a quarter-mile lighted holiday trail on the Godfrey Campus. “Hiking Through the Holidays” is in its second year, with even more lights this season and special activities on Saturday nights: Saturday, Dec. 2 – Free Kids Holiday Craft Saturday, Dec. 9 – Holiday Carolers Saturday, Dec. 16 - Santa and Mrs. Claus Visit The college’s mascot, Blazer the Newfie, will make appearances on Dec. 1, 8 and 15. “It’s definitely a must-do this holiday season,” said Occupational Therapy Assistant Program Coordinator Debbie Witsken on behalf of the team members who bring the magic to the display each year. “Come down, walk the lighted trail, enjoy hot chocolate, vote for your favorite decorated tree, and find L&C’s elves – Lewis and Clark – hiding along the way. It’s fun for

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EDWARDSVILLE - Senior point guard A.J. Tillman is a three-year starter as point guard for the Edwardsville High boys basketball team, and is returning for his senior season to help the Tigers enjoy success in the 2023-24 campaign. Tuesday night in a win over Chatham-Glenwood, Tillman led Edwardsville with 18 points. Last year, Tillman averaged 10.1 points and 2.9 rebounds per game and also had 86 assists, 36 steals and nine blocked shots in helping the Tigers to a 20-11 record before losing to Collinsville in the semifinals of the IHSA Class 4A Quincy regional. In an interview conducted during preseason practice on Nov. 13, Tillman felt things were going very well and was ready to get the season underway. Tillman is off to a good start in the 2023-2024 season for this year's Tigers squad. Tillman is a Johnston Law Firm Male Athlete of the Month for the Tigers. "I think things are going well," Tillman said of the season so far. "We're getting back into the groove on things that we d

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EDWARDSVILLE - Forward Lainey McFarlin started the season in strong fashion with a total of 56 points in her first four games, hitting 18 points in a game at Pleasant Plains, 19 points against Breese Central at the O'Fallon Shootout, scoring nine points in the home opening win against Springfield, and on Nov. 22 at home scored 10 points in a loss at Lucco-Jackson Gym against Breese Mater Dei Catholic. The Tigers, a young team with only two seniors and a splash of sophomores and juniors, have shown improvement in all games played so far. After the win over Springfield on Nov. 20, McFarlin was a very happy person indeed. "It was really exciting," McFarlin said after the win over Springfield at home. "I was really proud of how we all played together." McFarlin is a Johnston Law Firm Female Athlete of Month for the Tigers. McFarlin thought that she played well against Springfield, but of course, there's always room for improvement. "I could have hit some shots," McFarlin said, "bu

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ALTON - Dr. Randall John Rogalsky of Godfrey died this past Saturday, Nov. 25, 2023, and left a legacy as one of the area's premier medical professionals, a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend to many who knew him in his medical practice and beyond. He was 68 years old at the time of his death. Sherri Henson, executive director of Alton MultiSpecialists, said Dr. Rogalsky had a huge influence on her life, her children, and everyone who was associated with him. Henson said Dr. Rogalsky was one who simply loved being an orthopedic surgeon and a doctor in general. He always had a smile on his face and was forever pleasant with patients and staff, she said. Alton Memorial Hospital President Dave Braasch said he feels privileged to have worked alongside Dr. Rogalsky for many, many years at Alton Memorial Hospital. “He was a top-notch person, physician and surgeon who carried our mission on his sleeve ... to improve the health and well-being of the people and communities

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ALTON - Alton Grace United Methodist Church is inviting the public to an Open House which is fast approaching on Sunday, December 3, 2023, from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. at the church, located across from Duke Bakery at 702 Henry St. in Alton. Pastor Alan Abert recently discussed more about the Open House and Alton Grace United Methodist on an episode of Our Daily Show! on Riverbender.com . “You can expect a really warm greeting from the church,” Abert said of the Open House. “This event has been one that has emerged post-COVID as we slowly get back to a sense of community.” Abert said the event will feature both Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus, and that there will be “a unique display of nativity sets,” some with special historical significance for the church. There will also be music at the event and some local crafters offering their goods for sale. “We’re just trying to get a little bit of everything out there in a nice, safe, family-friendly

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