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SPRINGFIELD - The Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC) will participate in at least 10 hiring events open to the public in various locations throughout February and March. These events provide an opportunity for anyone interested in a career with IDOC to learn more about the application process. IDOC recruiters will be available to answer questions and assist individuals with the application process on-site. Along with correctional officers, IDOC is currently seeking nurses, wardens, office associates, social workers, and more to join its team. The State of Illinois offers competitive wages; health, vision, and dental insurance; vacation, sick, and personal days; wellness program; upward mobility program; deferred compensation plan; and a retirement plan. There are job opportunities at more than 10 statewide IDOC locations. For questions, email idocjobs@illinois.gov. IDOC recruiters will be on-site to meet with prospective applicants at the following events open to the public:

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EDWARDSVILLE — Today, Governor JB Pritzker and Illinois State Police (ISP) Director Brendan F. Kelly, alongside representatives from public Illinois universities, announced new partnerships that advance educational opportunities for troopers and officers and build an even stronger law enforcement agency. Eastern Illinois University, Governors State University, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, and Western Illinois University will offer credit hours toward a bachelor’s degree for troopers and officers who graduate from the ISP Academy. “Investing in our Illinois State Police officers is not only the right thing to do – it is one of the most important things we can do for public safety,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Today, I am proud to announce a new initiative that recognizes their dedication and supports their continued growth. Through partnerships with our state’s public universities, ISP cadet graduates will now earn college credit

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ALTON — Tiana Gipson, a candidate for the Alton School Board, will host a Meet and Greet from 6 to 9 p.m. on Monday, February 3, 2025, at the Alton VFW located at 4445 North Alby Street. Gipson was appointed to the Alton School Board in 2023. She emphasized her commitment to the Alton community, and said: "I am a proud Altonian dedicated to serving the great people of Alton." She expressed the importance of communication, adaptability, teamwork, and passion in her role as a candidate. Gipson highlighted her dedication to public service, and said, "The ability to give back to society and serve the people is of the utmost importance to me." She is particularly focused on the needs and concerns of the constituents in the Second Ward, where she aims to advocate effectively. In addition to her role on the school board, Gipson works in home health care, specializing in hospice services. She has also been active in community initiatives, including the Juneteenth Celebration and

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SPRINGFIELD - Several thousands of Illinois residents are eligible to receive a share of a $106 million multi-state settlement with mutual fund investor company Vanguard, which is accused of failing to disclose tax implications of its retirement funds, Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias announced. According to the settlement, Vanguard failed to disclose potential tax consequences to investors that resulted in higher capital gains taxes for some investors. In Illinois, it led to approximately 9,000 investors paying higher than expected capital gains taxes on some retirement funds, Giannoulias added. “The Secretary of State’s office is committed to protecting Main Street investors and ensuring that companies operating in Illinois follow securities laws and are held accountable when they fail to do so,” said Giannoulias, who serves as co-chair of the National Association of Secretaries of State’s (NASS) Securities Committee. “Investment companies

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JERSEYVILLE - Two Jersey Community Unit School District No. 100 cheerleaders, Makayla Woolsey and Katie Schultz, have been recognized for their achievements by being selected to the Mississippi Valley Conference (MVC) All-Conference Team. This announcement was made public recently, celebrating the dedication and hard work both athletes have shown throughout their cheerleading careers and as students at Jersey. The two girls are Sparklight Female Athletes of the Month for Jersey Community High School. The coaches of the cheerleading squad extended their congratulations to Woolsey and Schultz, commending their commitment to the sport. The acknowledgment from the coaches highlights the significance of this achievement within the context of the school and the community. The MVC All Conference Team selection reflects the athletes' skills and contributions to their team, further emphasizing the importance of recognizing student-athletes in competitive environments. The Jersey Community

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BENLD - Benld mother Amy Fitzwater, currently battling stage 4 cancer, is asking for community support after an emergency surgery for severe blood clots proved unsuccessful. A GoFundMe campaign launched by Alycia Page aims to help with medical costs as Fitzwater faces amputation, chemotherapy, physical therapy, and more. “As many of you know, our beautiful Amy has been fighting stage 4 cancer and has previously gotten a tumor removed from her brain,” Page wrote on the GoFundMe page . “Recently, she has developed large blood clots and has needed a life flight and emergency surgery. The emergency surgery didn’t work; any object they put in her body is getting rejected. “She will now need an amputation from the knee down on her right leg to hopefully help. She will need lots of physical therapy and chemo after. We ask for any small donation or share publicly, please. We appreciate and love our community for all the help and support we’ve received.”

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CARLINVILLE - DaNautica Williams, a sophomore justice administration major from East St. Louis, is the recipient of Blackburn College’s 2025 Martin Luther King (MLK) Student Leadership Award. Presented annually, this award honors students who have demonstrated outstanding commitment and service to the ideals of diversity, equity, and inclusion at the College. Williams was announced as the recipient during Blackburn’s annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Convocation on Monday, January 27. Blackburn’s MLK Student Leadership Award was first presented in 2014 to celebrate the exceptional community-based work Blackburn students undertake. To be eligible for the award, a student must meet one or more criteria, including exhibiting leadership that has significantly impacted the Blackburn community, extraordinary commitment and dedication to service, volunteerism, or perseverance to overcome challenges. Nominations praised Williams for her exceptional engagement and dedication t

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EDWARDSVILLE – A GoFundMe campaign has been established for a pediatric G.I. nurse from Edwardsville known as “G.I. Jen.” Jen Kvale, also known as "G.I. Jen," has spent over 25 years caring for children at Cardinal Glennon Children's Hospital in St. Louis. Now, she’s counting on the community’s support as she faces ongoing medical costs from a devastating stroke. “Beyond her career, Jen is a devoted mother to her two daughters, Ava (16) and Claire (8), who are the light of her life,” fundraiser organizer Nisha Mangalat stated on the GoFundMe page. “She is also a loving wife to her husband Tim, a devoted daughter, a caring sister, and a loyal friend. Jen’s kindness and selflessness have touched everyone who knows her. “On August 10, 2023, Jen’s world was turned upside down when she suffered a devastating stroke, the cause of which remains unclear. Since then, she has embarked on a challenging journey of recovery,

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"My name is Susan Robbins and I am announcing my intention to run for the office of Godfrey Village Clerk in the upcoming municipal election scheduled for April 1, 2025. As the current Village Clerk, I have had the privilege of serving the residents of Godfrey for the last year and a half. I began working for Godfrey Township in 2001, starting in the Godfrey Township Supervisor’s office and worked for Godfrey Township until it was dissolved in 2019. I transferred to the Village of Godfrey in January of 2019 to serve as Deputy Clerk for 4 years, with the previous Village Clerk, Bethany Bohn. I was appointed in April 2023 by The Mayor and The Village Board of Trustees to fill the remaining term of Village Clerk after Mrs. Bohn passed away. I have the knowledge and experience to effectively perform the duties of the Village Clerk, having worked in the Village Clerk’s office for the past 6 years. I have completed extensive Municipal Clerk training over the years and have earne

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ALTON – Alton Little Theater is thrilled to announce an exciting addition to its entertainment lineup: Steve Shininger and The ShinSings Orchestra for one performance only! Join us on Sunday, February 23rd at 2:30 PM for an unforgettable afternoon of live music featuring the very best in timeless classics and beloved hits. The ShinSings Orchestra, a 13-piece "little big band," brings an incredible repertoire spanning artists such as Frank Sinatra, Michael Bublé, Brian Setzer, James Taylor, Gordon Lightfoot, Glenn Miller, Count Basie, Duke Ellington, and more! The remarkable vocal talents of Steve Shininger will transport audiences with renditions of iconic songs that have stood the test of time. "We’re ecstatic to host Steve Shininger and The ShinSings Orchestra at Alton Little Theater," says Eric Sykes, Executive Director. "This concert is a one-of-a-kind opportunity to experience exceptional live music in an intimate setting. It's a perfect way to brighten u

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Did you know that Super Bowl Sunday is the second-largest day for food consumption in the United States, right after Thanksgiving? Each year, Americans consume an average of 1.4 billion chicken wings, 11 million pounds of chips, and an astounding 8 million pounds of guacamole. This gastronomic extravaganza is just one facet of a day that has evolved from a mere championship game into a cultural spectacle that captivates millions around the globe. How did the Super Bowl become such a significant part of American culture, and what does it say about us as a society? The Birth of the Super Bowl The Super Bowl traces its roots back to the merger of the National Football League (NFL) and the American Football League (AFL) in the late 1960s. The inaugural Super Bowl, played on January 15, 1967, featured the Green Bay Packers and the Kansas City Chiefs, drawing a modest audience of around 60 million viewers. At that time, the event was simply the championship game between the two leagues,

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January 30th has witnessed a series of significant events that have left lasting impacts on the world. 1968: The Tet Offensive Begins Perhaps one of the most significant events in the history of the Vietnam War, January 30, 1968, marked the beginning of the Tet Offensive. Coordinated by North Vietnamese and Viet Cong forces, this surprise attack during the Vietnamese New Year (Tet) caught U.S. and South Vietnamese forces off guard. The offensive aimed to strike key military and civilian locations throughout South Vietnam, including the U.S. Embassy in Saigon. Although the offensive was ultimately repelled, it drastically changed public perception of the war in the United States, leading to increased anti-war sentiment and a reevaluation of American involvement in Vietnam. 1948: Assassination of Mahatma Gandhi On this day in 1948, India faced a profound loss as Mahatma Gandhi, a leader of the Indian independence movement and a proponent of non-violent resistance, was assassinated

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EDWARDSVILLE - Madison County State’s Attorney Tom Haine announced on Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025, that a juvenile has been detained on charges of aggravated unlawful use of a weapon and defacing the identification marks of a firearm. The juvenile, a 17-year-old male from Belleville, is charged in a Delinquency Petition with possession of a 9mm pistol. The charges allege that, on Dec. 20, 2024, in the area of Interstate 255 and North Bluff Road in Collinsville, the juvenile possessed a handgun that was uncased, loaded and immediately accessible, and that the serial number had been removed from the firearm. The case has been investigated by the Collinsville Police Department. This charge and the statements made herein are based upon probable cause. The defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.

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ALTON – The results of the 2024 Financial Audit for the City of Alton shows that the financial records are free from material misstatement and provide a true and fair view of the financial statements of the City. The Financial Audit for the year ending March 31, 2024, reported an excess of revenues over expenditures for the General Fund in the amount of $7,754,295. This is the third consecutive year that the City has improved on the prior year’s financial condition for the General Fund. Mayor David Goins indicated he was pleased with strengthening the City’s financial position. He stated, “One of my priorities when taking office, was to halt deficit spending within the General Fund. By carefully balancing financial resources with services rendered, we are able to restore the City’s financial footing. I am thankful and proud of the outstanding work of our City employees. Given the size and complexity of our City, this is a major accomplishment”. Debbi

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EDWARDSVILLE - Neighbors Bakeshop, a beloved local establishment in Edwardsville, is entering its final week of operations, inviting customers to enjoy its offerings one last time. The bakeshop, located at 1010 Enclave, Suite B, has announced that it will provide complimentary items with every purchase during its final week, aiming to celebrate its loyal customer base. The bakeshop has long been a community staple, emphasizing its mission to create a welcoming environment through the joy of baking. "At Neighbors Bakeshop, we believe in the magic of baking to bring people together," the organization said. "Our mission is to create a cozy corner where everyone feels at home, brought together by the aroma of freshly baked sweet treats that warm the heart." The decision to close comes after years of service in the community. Neighbors Bakeshop expressed gratitude for the support it has received, and said: "Thank you for all of the wonderful support." The bakeshop's final week i

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OSHKOSH, Wis. (January 29, 2025) - University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh officials have released the names of students who qualified for the Dean's List and Honor Roll in fall 2024 across its Oshkosh and Fox Cities campuses. Edwardsville's Ethan Stukenberg was included on the Honor Roll list. The term grade-point average (GPA) requirement for University Honor Roll is 3.3; the term GPA requirement for Dean's List is 3.75, out of a possible 4.0. To qualify, a student must have been enrolled in a minimum of 12 credits. There can be no individual grades below a "C" and no incomplete or non-reported grades at the time the process is run.

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GRAFTON - Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, and the City of Grafton has several events planned for their “Grafton is for Lovers” promotion. On the weekend of Feb. 14, 2025, residents of the Riverbend and beyond are invited to Grafton for a weekend of meals, deals and specials. Dan Ebbing, president of the Grafton Chamber of Commerce, said that the community has come together to sponsor several promotions and bring people into Grafton to celebrate the holiday. “Valentine’s Day is on a Friday this year, folks, so you need to come to Grafton,” he said. “We have a whole list of activities and programs that the different businesses are doing.” As of this writing, there are a few hotels and Airbnbs in Grafton that still have availability for Valentine’s Day weekend, including Grafton Inn, Grafton Getaway Guesthouse, Acres Inn, GoGo-May’s Cherry on Top, Divine Guesthouse, Heaven’s Gate Guesthouse and Reubel

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GRANITE CITY – A convicted felon from Granite City faces several new felony charges related to weapons and drugs discovered during a traffic stop. Kenneth R. Nicol, 42, listed as homeless out of Granite City, was charged with the following: Armed violence (Class X felony) Unlawful possession of a firearm by a repeat felony offender (Class X felony) Possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance (Class 1 felony) Unlawful possession of a stolen firearm (Class 2 felony) Felon in possession of a weapon (Class 3 felony) Felon in possession of a weapon (Class 3 felony) Felon in possession of a weapon (Class 3 felony) Unlawful possession of methamphetamine (Class 3 felony) On Jan. 16, 2025, Nicol was allegedly found in possession of multiple firearms, including a Sig Sauer 1911 .45 caliber handgun, a Rami 9mm handgun, and a Taurus 9mm handgun. According to descriptions of the charges in this case, the Rami 9mm handgun had been stolen. Nicol’s

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In a speech on the Senate floor, Durbin listed the critical programs – VAWA funding, veterans’ support, early education programs – that were throw n into chaos by the OMB memo that put a hold on federal funding WASHINGTON – In a speech on the Senate floor last night, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) denounced the Trump Administration’s decision to issue an Office of Management and Budget (OMB) memo to “temporarily pause all activities related to obligation or disbursement of trillions of dollars of Federal financial assistance,” which caused mass confusion about the funding and operations of hundreds of government-funded programs ranging from Medicaid, to Head Start, to Violence Against Women Act grants. Shortly before the federal funding freeze began, U.S. District Court Judge Loren L. Alikhan, who was confirmed under Durbin’s tenure as Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, temporarily blocked the move by the Trum

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From engaging community initiatives like the Project Homeless Connect to fun-filled festivities such as Harry Potter Night at Skate City, the upcoming events in the Riverbend area offer a delightful variety that caters to all interests and ages. For a complete listing of these exciting happenings, be sure to visit https://www.riverbender.com/events/ . Featured Winter Reading Retreat invites you to grab a book and your favorite sweater and head to Hayner Library at Alton Square Mall for the one-year anniversary of our reading retreat! While here, you can sip on hot cocoa, eat a snack, create your own winter scene in a jar, chat about books, and read too! You are welcome to bring your own drinks and treats as well. Not sure what to read? Clear up your “to be read” list, check out a library book before you join us, use this time to finish a super-long book you’ve been intimidated by, read a few short stories, or cycle through a few books four or five chapters at a

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