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GODFREY - With Valentine's Day just ahead in February, the topic of love is now in the air. For Gary and Charity Phipps, the two have been literal soul mates since they were children. The two started dating on Feb. 2, 1993. The couple was married on March 19, 2018. "We have known each other since we were four," Gary Phipps said. "The date we met/started dating is not exact as we've known each other for so long. Our parents would set up playdates and go to church together. We used to be next-door neighbors growing up for a while living in Brighton. We now have three children and are still adding to our story. We are going on 16 years being married this year." Gary said the couple has so many memories it is impossible to cover them since they have known each other for so long. However, one memory comes to mind when they were playing together during the summertime in Brighton. "We were riding bikes, going to the park and climbing trees together in the 1990s," he said. "We once buried

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ALTON - Alton Fire Department members had a busy afternoon Monday, Jan. 1, 2024, with a structure fire call to the 3100 block of Hawthorne Boulevard. The home was unoccupied at the time of the fire and Alton Fire Department Chief Jesse Jemison said it took about 20-30 minutes to get it under control. The chief said the fire has been deemed "suspicious" after an investigation. "The house fire is now under investigation by the Office Of The State Fire Marshal," Chief Jemison said.

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ST. LOUIS COUNTY - St. Louis County Police Department Crimes Against Persons detectives are investigating a homicide in the area of Edgefield Drive and Hollis Drive in the city of Moline Acres that resulted in the death of an adult male. At 6:30 AM, on January 1, 2024, City of Moline Acres police officers responded to a call for service for a suspicious vehicle near the intersection of Edgefield Drive and Hollis Drive in the city of Moline Acres. Responding officers located an adult male deceased inside the vehicle. City of Moline Acres Police requested St. Louis County Police Department’s Bureau of Crimes Against Persons assume responsibility for the investigation. It was determined through the autopsy and information obtained at the scene that the adult male was fatally injured via gunshot wound. The investigation is ongoing. Additional information will be disseminated as it becomes available. Please contact the St. Louis County Police Department at 636-529-8210 to spea

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SPRINGFIELD - Several new laws initiated by Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias take effect today. The initiatives were passed in 2023 by the Illinois General Assembly before being signed into law. “I wish all Illinoisans a safe, healthy and happy New Year. The laws going into effect today will make our roads safer, increase voter access and protect our libraries and librarians,” Giannoulias said. “But this is just the beginning. My office has big plans for 2024 as we continue to strive to deliver the best possible results for all Illinoisans.” In an effort to combat distracted driving, House Bill 2431 makes it illegal to Zoom, watch or stream videos, or access social media sites while driving. This legislation will ensure drivers keep their eyes and attention on the road, making Illinois roadways safer for all Illinois motorists. It is now easier for young Illinoisans to guarantee that they are eligible to vote when they turn 18. Under Senate Bill

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ST. LOUIS - Goodbye 2023! Now that the holidays are nearly over and overindulging is behind us, it's time for a reset. January has been coined, "Dry January". Dry January is a one-month sobriety challenge where people stop drinking alcohol for 31 days. The idea behind Dry January is to start the new year on a healthy note, detoxify the body, and potentially reassess one's relationship with alcohol. “Dry January is an opportunity for individuals to re-evaluate their relationship with alcohol and make better choices,” said Illinois Liquor Control Commission Executive Director Lisa Gardner. “Your body deserves a yearly reset. What better time than the start of a brand-new year?" Committing to Dry January can lead to positive changes both physically and mentally. For a successful Dry January, individuals should have a strategy and set clear goals for managing cravings, peer pressure, and social situations that involve alcohol. When in a social setting, grab a mocktail

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HARDIN - The Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office would like to introduce our newest Deputy Sheriff, Austin Phillips. On December 29th 2023, Deputy Phillips raised his right hand and was sworn in by the Honorable Judge Charles HW Burch. Deputy Phillips was hired during the summer of 2023 and attended the Southwestern Illinois Police Academy; graduating on December 22nd 2023. Deputy Phillips is a native of Greene County, Illinois and a graduate of Illinois College, where he majored in Communications and History. Prior to joining the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office, he served as a Letter Carrier with the United States Postal Service. Deputy Phillips is excited to take his place in the Kingdom of Calhoun, and we are certain is going to make a positive impact in Calhoun; dedicated to safeguarding and protect the safety, rights, and freedoms we enjoy, and to provide care and compassionate service to our citizens.

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CHICAGO – Throughout 2023, Governor JB Pritzker’s administration delivered historic and transformative investments in early childhood education and care, K-12 schools, higher education, workforce and economic development, and efforts to fight violence and poverty. “Since day one of my administration, my priority has been making Illinois the best state in the nation for families,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “That includes transformative education investments that will support Illinoisans from cradle to career, along with greater economic opportunities rooted in equity that give every individual the tools to succeed. My administration’s executive and legislative accomplishments this year build on four years of fiscally responsible leadership that have resulted in nine credit upgrades and a bright future for our state.” 2023 Executive and Legislative Accomplishments Fiscal Responsibility Passed five balanced budgets that led to nine tota

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ALTON - Marquette Catholic High School announced its Honor Roll lists for the fall semester of the 2023-24 school year.

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ST. LOUIS COUNTY - On Tuesday, January 2, 2024, the St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office issued charges on suspect Irasema Scott, 46 years of age, of the 4500 block of Whisper Lake Drive in St. Louis, Missouri 63033, for Domestic Assault First Degree. A booking photo of Scott is shown. Scott is being held on $150,000 cash only, no 10%, bond. The probable cause statement reads: At 4:23 PM, on January 1, 2024, Defendant shot Victim in the chest after a verbal argument. They had been dating for approximately three months. They had gone to Lake of the Ozarks with Victim’s ex-girlfriend. The three returned on January 1, 2024. Defendant and Victim got into an argument about the way defendant drove and about the fact that Victim allowed the ex-girlfriend a key to get into the apartment. Victim held Defendant down on the bed. She then threw his keys at him. "Victim chased Defendant down the stairwell as she ran toward the exit. Defendant tripped and fell. She then

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ST. LOUIS COUNTY - On Tuesday, January 2, 2024, the St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office issued charges on suspect Irasema Scott, 46 years of age, of the 4500 block of Whisper Lake Drive in St. Louis, Missouri 63033, for Domestic Assault First Degree. A booking photo of Scott is attached. Scott is being held on $150,000 cash only, no 10%, bond. Please note, charges are merely an accusation and Defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law. The probable cause statement reads: "At 4:23 PM, on January 1, 2024, Defendant shot Victim in the chest after a verbal argument. They had been dating for approximately three months. They had gone to Lake of the Ozarks with Victim’s ex-girlfriend. The three returned on January 1, 2024. Defendant and Victim got into an argument about the way Defendant drove and about the fact that Victim allowed the ex-girlfriend a key to get into the apartment. "The victim held Defendant down on the bed. She

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SPRINGFIELD - In addition to new vehicle laws , new library laws , a minimum wage increase and more, several other laws are also slated to take effect in Illinois at the start of the new year in 2024. Effective Jan. 1, 2024, new laws will be on the books concerning the state’s assault weapons ban, paid leave for all workers, victims of deepfakes, indoor vaping, and more. Registration Required For “Assault Weapons” Starting Jan. 1, 2024, those in possession of guns and accessories banned under the Protect Illinois Communities Act who haven’t filed an “endorsement affidavit” with the Illinois State Police will be in violation of state law. The act defines an “assault weapon” as “a semiautomatic rifle that has the capacity to accept a detachable magazine or that may be readily modified to accept a detachable magazine,” if the rifle has certain features or accessories such as a pistol grip, folding stock,

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WOOD RIVER – Wood River Police Chief Brad Wells confirmed Monday night, Jan. 1, 2024, that his department worked on a reported stabbing. The stabbing report came from the 300 block of Marquis Avenue. "It appears they did know each other," Chief Wells said. He stressed it was not a random act. The victim was treated at the scene and then taken by ambulance to a St. Louis area hospital. Detectives continued to investigate the stabbing late Monday night. No further details were released at this time.

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GRANITE CITY - The Granite City Police Department reported that in the early morning hours of Jan. 1, 2024, they had a case of a vehicle fleeing from officers. The situation started when the Granite City Police Department attempted to stop a vehicle on Madison Avenue near 15 th Street in the city for a minor traffic violation. "The vehicle immediately began fleeing from officers and crossed the state line into Missouri," Granite City Police Major Gary Brooks said. "After a brief time in Missouri, the vehicle returned to Illinois where it became disabled and two subjects were taken into custody. Both subjects are in custody at the Granite City Police Department awaiting formal charges. " Brooks said there will be no further comment at this time on the case.

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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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