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ST. LOUIS - To help underscore the benefits of public transit and encourage area college students, faculty and staff to use the system more regularly, Citizens for Modern Transit, Metro Transit and St. Clair County Transit District are teaming up with five higher education institutions – each of which offer the Metro U-Pass Program – to host the “College Transit Challenge.” Taking place Friday, Sept. 20, this day-long competition will prompt those affiliated with St. Louis Community College, Saint Louis University, Southwestern Illinois College, University of Missouri–St. Louis and Washington University in St. Louis to utilize their Metro U-Pass to take transit as often as they can throughout the day. Ridership will be tracked via mobile texting. The school with the most transit trips will be awarded bragging rights and a traveling championship trophy. Challenge registration is required and can be completed at CollegeTransitChallenge.com . All

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ALTON - Alton’s boys soccer team is primed for a strong season under head Coach Greg Nasello after an enormous amount of work by the team and coaches over the summer. Coach Nasello took over the program last year and made extraordinary strides with the team by the end of the season, including a huge win over Southwestern Conference foe O'Flallon. Coach Nasello has high hopes for this year’s boys soccer squad, which opens at home at Public School Stadium at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 29, 2024. Alton JV boys soccer opened with a 6-0 win over Roxana in the East Alton-Wood River Tournament. The boys as a group are Auto Butler Male Athletes of the Month for their efforts over the summer in preparation for the 2024 fall season. The squad consists of sophomore Nolan Snyder, a goal keeper; sophomore Patrick Henley, a goal keeper; sophomore Luke Gallivan, defender, midfielder; junior Benny Helfrich, a defender, midfielder; junior Benjam Helfrich, a defender, midfielder; senior

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EAST ST. LOUIS – A district court judge sentenced two Columbus, Ohio, men to federal prison for burglarizing several pharmacies of oxycodone, hydrocodone and morphine pills with intent to illegally distribute the controlled substances. George H. Cunningham, 42, was sentenced to 100 months’ and Tarvin M. Hamler, III, 43, was sentenced to 96 months’ imprisonment after pleading guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances: oxycodone, hydrocodone and morphine, conspiracy to commit burglary involving controlled substances and burglary involving controlled substances. “Targeting, disrupting and burglarizing locally-owned pharmacies that provide vital healthcare services impair rural communities, and controlled substances must be lawfully distributed by medical professionals to help prevent misuse and abuse,” said U.S. Attorney Rachelle Aud Crowe. “I commend the DEA agents for their efforts to piece

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Discover an exciting variety of events in the area, from AP Cigar After-Hours, Alton Wine and Jazz Festival, the 48th Annual St. Louis Gateway Postcard Club Show in Caseyville, and much more. Whether you're a sports enthusiast, a collector, or simply looking for a fun family outing, there's something for everyone. For a full listing of events, visit Riverbender Events . If you want to ensure even more of the region is aware of your event email cj@riverbender.com and explore our range of Event Promotion Services! Featured Your weekend starts on Thursday when AP Cigar takes over Mac’s air-conditioned smoking patio for AP Cigar After Hours! On the last Thursday of every month, offering a lively evening filled with free appetizers, a cash bar, a full menu, off-track betting, poker machines, and plenty of TVs. Attendees can take advantage of a special cigar deal, which includes an event t-shirt and entry into a prize drawing—you must be present to win, so stick around

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ALTON - At 8:05 a.m. on Thursday, Aug. 29, 2024, the Alton Police Department responded to reports of gunshots near the intersection of Pearl Street and Liberty Street. Alton Police Chief Jarrett Ford said officers promptly arrived at the scene, secured the area, and determined that no individuals were injured in the incident. Preliminary investigations indicate that the individuals targeted by the suspect were not chosen at random. The Alton Police Department confirmed that the shooting was not a random act of violence and reiterated that, fortunately, no injuries were reported. The Alton Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Division is actively pursuing all leads related to the case. Authorities are urging anyone with information about the incident to contact the Criminal Investigations Division at (618) 463-3505 ext. 634.

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BELLEVILLE - The City of Belleville and the Southwestern Illinois Central Labor Council will host their annual Labor Day parade this weekend. Starting at 10 a.m. on Monday, Sept. 2, 2024, the parade will begin at 2nd and Lincoln Streets and travel through downtown. The route will follow 1st Street, connect to West Monroe Street and South Illinois Street, travel around the Public Square, and then continue to North Illinois Street. They will end at C Street. Organizations are encouraged to line up at 9 a.m. Participants in the parade should contact their organization with any questions about the lineup or parade time. For more information about the Southwestern Illinois Central Labor Council, visit their official website at UnionHall.aflcio.org/swiclcaflcio .

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DUPO – The Illinois Department of Transportation today announced a right lane closure will be encountered on northbound I-255 beginning Tuesday, September 3, 2024 at 9 a.m. through Friday, September 6, 2024 at 3 p.m. Weather permitting, the right lane will be closed between exit 10 and exit 13. All entrance and exit ramps will remain open. These restrictions are needed to do pavement repair work. IDOT District 8 forces will make the needed improvements. Full access will be restored as soon as possible. Motorists can expect delays and should allow extra time for trips through this area. To avoid the work area, when feasible, use of alternate routes should be considered. Drivers are urged to pay close attention to changed conditions and signs in the work zones, obey the posted speed limits, refrain from using mobile devices and be alert for workers and equipment. For IDOT District 8 updates, follow us on X, formerly known as Twitter, at @IDOTDistrict8 or view area construction

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ALTON - On Monday, September 1, 1924, Altonians celebrated Labor Day with a parade and big picnic in Rock Spring Park. The Building Trades Council and the Trades and Labor Assembly sponsored the “monster celebration.” The ladies’ auxiliary of the carpenters’ union decorated an especially spectacular float. The parade began at Sportsman’s Park in the East End at 9:30 a.m. and marched along Broadway to City Hall Square (what is now Lincoln-Douglas Square – a fire destroyed the original Alton City Hall on April 22, 1924), up Piasa Street to Third Street, and back to City Hall Square, where the parade disbanded. Afterwards, participants went to Rock Spring Park for the picnic and other activities. A printed program was given out in advance: Dancing, afternoon and night, Valley Park Pavilion, Music: Alton Night Hawk Orchestra. Boxing and wrestling, 2:30 p.m. Wrestling: Jack McCormick vs. Bill Farley. Boxing: Kid Scanlon vs. Ed Lewis. Speaking

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EDWARDSVILLE — Madison County Treasurer, Chris Slusser, is reminding taxpayers that the second installment of their real-estate tax bill is coming due. “With the holiday weekend approaching, I want to remind everyone that the second of four tax installments will be due Tuesday, Sept 3,” Slusser said. “The Treasurer’s office is open for business Mon-Fri from 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., but will be closed in observance of Labor Day on Mon Sept 2.” Slusser reminds taxpayers of all payment options: at one of the participating collector banks or credit unions throughout the county, by mail, through your financial institution’s online bill pay service, the Treasurer’s website at www.madcotreasurer.org, by phone at 618-602-2120, or in person at the Treasurer’s Office in Edwardsville. If paid by mail, letters must be postmarked on or before Sept 3. “No penalty will be applied for payments mailed and postmarked by the due date,” he

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GODFREY - The Great Godfrey Maze is gearing up for another fun season. The maze and activities will open on Sept. 20 and run through Oct. 27, 2024. This year’s maze is Peanuts-themed. In addition to the Great Godfrey Maze and Haunted Maze, families can enjoy hay wagon rides, a bounce pillow, the corn crib and the cow train, among other activities. “It is exciting. We always look forward to the maze,” said Chris Logan, Godfrey’s Parks and Recreation director. “It’s one of our oldest attractions we have here, and we’re happy we can still do it. It’s always fun to see the kids and families come.” The Great Godfrey Maze and activities are open on Fridays from 6–10 p.m., Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Sundays from 12–6 p.m. To celebrate Halloween, the Haunted Maze will be open on Fridays and Saturdays from dark until 10 p.m., starting on Oct. 4, 2024. Admission to the Great Godfrey Maze costs $7 for adults

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ST. JACOB – The Illinois Department of Transportation today announced that bridge repairs on Illinois 4 at U.S. 40 in Madison County will require lane closures beginning, weather permitting, Tuesday, Sept. 3. Temporary traffic signals will maintain two-way traffic for the duration of the project, which is expected to be completed by the end of November. Drivers are urged to reduce speed, be alert for changing conditions, obey all construction signage, and refrain from using mobile devices while approaching and traveling through the work zone and detour route. For IDOT District 8 updates, follow us on X at @IDOTDistrict8 or view area construction details on IDOT’s traveler information map on GettingAroundIllinois.com.

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GRAFTON - Raging Rivers will offer free admission to first responders this weekend. From Saturday, Aug. 31, through Monday, Sept. 2, 2024, first responders can enter the water park for free with a valid work ID or badge. EMTs, police officers, firefighters and hospital workers are invited to take advantage of this offer. “We want to give back to them,” said Jeremy Hayes, park manager at Raging Rivers. “They’ve given so much for us all the time, and we just recognize what they do for the community. It’s our way of giving a little bit back to them.” Located at 100 Palisades Parkway in Grafton, the water park is a local fixture for families across the Riverbend. From now until Sept. 8, Raging Rivers is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays. Hayes noted that Raging Rivers typically closes after Labor Day weekend, but they decided to remain open for an extra weekend this year due to the warmer weather. This

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BELLEVILLE – Frank Booker's contributions to his community and country have left an indelible mark, and he will be long remembered for his dedication and service. Booker, a retired member of the St. Clair County Sheriff's Department Merit Commission and a decorated veteran of the United States Army, has died at age 91. Booker, who served in the 101st Airborne Division, distinguished himself as the second-highest-ranking recruit out of 498. His exceptional service extended beyond the military, as he also owned Panorama Lanes in Belleville, which became a renowned event space for the region. Booker served on the St. Clair County Sheriff's Department Merit Commission for 37 years. A cherished memory captured in a photograph depicts a surprise dinner held in 2022, commemorating his retirement from the commission due to health concerns. The St. Clair County Sheriff's Department expressed their condolences to Booker's family, including his wife, children, and extended family,

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ALTON – The final suspect in the February 3, 2024, shooting that resulted in the death of 13-year-old Ra’niya Steward has been apprehended. Vito K. Crowder was taken into custody Thursday morning, Aug. 29, 2024, by Alton Police Detectives, with the assistance of the United States Marshals Service (USMS), Saint Louis Metropolitan Police Department, and the St. Louis County Police Department. Crowder was charged by the Madison County State’s Attorney’s Office on Feb. 14, 2024, with two counts of First Degree Murder and Aggravated Unlawful Use of Weapons. These charges automatically certify him to be tried in adult court. The Alton Police Department expressed gratitude to the USMS, Saint Louis Metropolitan Police Department, and the St. Louis County Police Department for their cooperation in the arrest. “The family of Ra’niya are in our continued thoughts and prayers as they await justice from this terrible incident,” the department stated.

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EDWARDSVILLE - Edwardsville Township is excited to announce the installation of a dual port, Level 2 Chargepoint charger to the recently renovated Edwardsville Township Town Hall and the Township Board approved a bid for the installation of solar panels. The 54 solar panels will generate the electricity needed for Township Hall and the EV charger will fill a need for downtown Edwardsville. In 2023, the St. Louis metro area was named the least EV-Friendly Metropolitan Area in the United States according to Route Fifty. “With Township Hall being a block from the heart of Edwardsville, we knew adding a charger would be a valuable addition to the community and for customers visiting Main Street while helping us with our green focus,” said Township Supervisor Kevin Hall. “The solar panels have been in the works for years as the next phase after completing the building.” To increase the number of charging options, the charging station also has an electric outlet

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ST. LOUIS - With mild fall temperatures ahead, St. Louis eagerly welcomes back the cherished tradition of the Missouri History Museum’s Twilight Thursdays concert series. Unveiling the eagerly anticipated lineup, the Museum sets the stage for the return of this beloved free outdoor concert series, beginning September 5, 2024. Twilight Thursdays has become a staple of the St. Louis cultural scene, featuring a diverse lineup of local musicians and bands along with some of St. Louis’ most popular food trucks, rotating throughout the event. From soulful R&B to funky anthems, each Thursday promises an unforgettable musical journey under the stars. According to Sam Moore, Managing Director of Public History at the Missouri Historical Society, "Twilight Thursdays have grown into a treasured tradition, bringing our community together to celebrate a core part of St. Louis's identity—our incredible music legacy. We take immense pride in showcasing what makes our city special,

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EDWARDSVILLE - The Madison County Sheriff's Office responded to a 911 hangup call in the 4300 block of Drda Lane, in unincorporated Edwardsville, at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 28, 2024. Deputies arrived on the scene uncertain if an emergency was present. Upon investigation, authorities determined that no emergency services were required. However, during the encounter, one of the individuals present was found to have an outstanding warrant for arrest. The individual was subsequently taken into custody and transported to the Madison County Sheriff's Office. No further details were provided by the Sheriff's Office regarding the nature of the warrant or the identity of the person arrested.

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SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Transportation announced today that transformational improvements to Chicago-to-St. Louis passenger rail, including the introduction of higher speeds, won top honors among Midwest states in the 2024 America's Transportation Awards in the “Quality of Life/Community Development, Large Project” category. Delivered in 2023 by IDOT under the leadership of Gov. JB Pritzker, the multi-year project on the state’s most popular rail line established 110 mph speeds for the first time in Illinois, helping to better connect communities and major institutions while improving safety, convenience and accessibility. “We are proud to bring this award home to Illinois, but we’re even prouder of the work we’ve done to enhance quality of life for residents and visitors from one end of the state to the other,” said Illinois Transportation Secretary Omer Osman. “Through projects like these, we are able to make

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CAHOKIA HEIGHTS - State Representative Kevin Schmidt donated his pay raise for the month of August to Cahokia Community Basket in the form of a food donation. Schmidt has donated every month’s pay raise to a different local food pantry or non-profit organization throughout his district since voting against the pay raise for legislators last year. “Our local food pantries need our help,” said Schmidt. “As promised, I donate back my personal pay raise each month to a local food pantry or community organization. I’m putting my money where my mouth is.” Cahokia Community Basket is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charity, with a group of volunteers providing food to as many people in need as possible in St. Clair County. They are a supplementary food source handing out food provided by the food bank, retail suppliers, and citizen donations. Food and household goods are a fundamental need for our communities. Whether you’re facing temporary hardship or ongoing

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ALTON/GODFREY - Resurrection Lutheran Church, ELCA in Godfrey has partnered with the Godfrey Fire Protection District, the Alton Fire Department, and Boy Scout Troop 7 to help address a public safety need in the communities of Godfrey and Alton. To provide access to life-saving home safety devices, volunteers will be installing 10-year carbon monoxide detectors in homes. On Sept. 8, 2024, volunteers will install new UL-listed carbon monoxide detectors in pre-approved homes. Homeowners may provide batteries for volunteers to replace in existing smoke alarms if time permits. To raise awareness about fire prevention, fire escape planning, home fire safety, and to ensure homeowners have properly functioning smoke alarms, referrals to the local fire department may be provided. To qualify, the applicant must be a homeowner living in Alton or Godfrey. Priority to seniors, persons with disabilities and homeowners who are low income. Qualified applicants will be notified by email or telephone

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