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SWANSEA - The Swansea Fire Department responded to 695 calls for service in 2024, reflecting the ongoing commitment of its 24 personnel to the safety and well-being of residents and visitors. The department’s activities included a range of incidents, from fires to emergency medical responses, underscoring the diverse challenges faced by firefighters and emergency responders in the community. Among the calls, the department recorded 55 fire-related incidents, 148 rescue and emergency medical services (EMS) responses, and 71 hazardous condition calls. Additionally, there were 119 service calls, 111 good intent calls, and 143 false alarms. The department also responded to four weather-related incidents and two special calls, along with 42 other types of calls. In terms of professional development, the Swansea Fire Department completed several State Fire Marshal certifications in 2024. These included one Basic Operations Firefighter, two Vehicle and Machinery Operations, one Instructor

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EDWARDSVILLE - Southern Illinois University Edwardsville announces the 100th birthday of Ruth Slenczynska, College of Arts and Sciences’ professor emerita and pianist. Slenczynska is the last surviving pupil of composer-pianist Sergei Rachmaninov. To honor Ruth Slenczynska's life, talent, and accomplishments, SIUE will host the Ruth Slenczynska Centennial Celebration Concert at Dunham Hall Theater, Sunday, May 4, at 3 p.m. “Ruth Slenczynska, has led a distinguished, inspiring musical life and career, with a public performance career that spanned 93 years,” said Therese Dickman, AMLS, Fine Arts Librarian and associate professor of Library and Information Services. “For 37 of those years, Ruth taught diverse students at SIUE who came from throughout the country and world.” Born in Sacramento, California in 1925, Slenczynska’s father, Josef Slenczynski, a violinist, imposed a rigorous and disciplinary practice routine beginning at age three.

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BETHALTO - Zion Lutheran School in Bethalto, IL is proud to announce and celebrate the exceptional achievements of our Honor Roll students for their hard work and dedication to their studies during the 2nd quarter. High Honor Roll Paolo Scheffel, Avery Boots, Leticia Lorenz, Hunter Turner, Maelene Wright, Claire Epps, Grace Koch, Kylie Pfeiffer, Aidan Wheeler Honor Roll Gavin Martin, Josh Liefer, Jeremy Jones, Carter Whipple, Annabelle Bean, Isaiah Hanson, Amelia Johnson, Jackson Rider These students have demonstrated a commitment to excellence and a passion for learning that truly exemplifies the spirit of Zion Saints. We commend their efforts and look forward to their continued success. Congratulations to all of our Honor Roll students! Keep striving for greatness. If you would like more information about Zion Lutheran School Bethalto Middle School join us for Kindergarten Preview Night on January 23rd 5pm or 6pm or schedule a private tour. Meet the Teachers, Classroo

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This weekend offers a delightful array of events that cater to diverse interests, from live music performances to engaging workshops and community gatherings, ensuring there's something for everyone to enjoy. For a complete listing of all events, visit RiverBender.com . If you want to make sure even more of the region is aware of your event email cj@riverbender.com and explore our range of Event Promotion Services! Featured Harvest Drive at Alton VFW Post 1308 invites you to enjoy a night of great food, drinks, and live music at the Alton VFW Post 1308. Bring your friends and come out for a fun evening filled with your favorite tunes and good vibes! Plotting a Future for Historic River Towns with Dean Klinkenberg—Reimagining Places of the Past: Historic Preservation Lecture Series, Part 1 is a captivating lecture hosted by the Genealogy & Local History Library in partnership with the Alton Area Landmarks Association. This presentation aims to explore the rich histor

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GRANITE CITY - Granite City has officially opened its own Overnight Warming Location. The OWL is located at Mt. Zion Church at 2827 Mockingbird Lane in Granite City. Unhoused community members, people with insufficient heating, or anyone who needs a warm place to sleep can utilize the OWL when overnight temperatures are forecasted to drop below 20 degrees Fahrenheit. The OWLs are asking for help stocking the new location. “Granite City has joined the OWLs and we need volunteers and supplies,” the OWLs said in a Facebook post . “Pastor Phil and Mt. Zion Church launched the Granite City OWL last week. Since then, a small group of volunteers has been there almost every night to offer sanctuary to their neighbors. If we want to keep this going, we need 40 new volunteers, especially overnight monitors who can cover three-hour shifts on rotating teams.” The local OWLs now have three locations — Deliverance Temple in Alton, First Baptist Church in

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EDWARDSVILLE - Metro-East Lutheran High School Metro-East Lutheran High School Second Quarter Honor Roll 2024-2025 The following students have been named to the Honor Roll at Metro-East Lutheran High School for the second quarter of the 2024-2025 school year. Grade Honor Roll with High Distinction (g.p.a. 4.0) 9 Abby Ayer, Shiloh 9 Caitlyn Hardage, Caseyville 9 Liam Hazelwonder, Godfrey 9 Marion Hemmer, Fairview Heights 9 Claire Houck, Maryville 9 Collin Hudzik, Edwardsville 9 Cole Payne, Edwardsville 9 Matthew Redden, Edwardsville 9 Calista Stults, Collinsville 9 Ryan Sullivan, New Douglas Honor Roll with Distinction (g.p.a. 3.75-3.99 ) 9 Elijah Ball, Worden 9 Luke Bright, Trenton 9 Madison Dunn, Edwardsville 9 Lyla Eggebrecht, Wood River 9 Noah Gray, Collinsville 9 Lily Hartzel, Troy 9 Moira Krueger, Glen Carbon 9 Laynie Menard, Glen Carbon 9 Preston Menossi, Edwardsville 9 Rhett Neathery, Wood River 9 Ally Packer, Edwardsville 9 Henry Reiseck, Hamel 9 Molly

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GODFREY - Whether a new structure is needed to handle equipment, operate a business, store your lawn care tools or a place to live, think Countryside Builders. They are committed to serving customers with time-tested designs, construction methods and proven high-quality material while maintaining an open mind to new ideas and construction techniques as the industry continues to evolve. Countryside Builders has eight full-time employees consisting of experienced sales staff, designers, and skilled construction people. They also work with a select number of contractors to assist with site preparation. The locally-owned business was started by Ron Conrad and Barry Seiler in 1979. Both are retired, but they hold a presence at Countryside and have helped manage the completion of thousands of projects over the years. In 2009, Wade Seiler joined the business. He, along with Patty Hoyt, manage the day-to-day operations of the business. Wade is fully involved with both inside sales,

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EDWARDSVILLE – The Gori Law Firm announced its recipients of the 2024-2025 Leading and Emerging Lawyers distinctions. This year, 11 attorneys from the firm were recognized. The list of Leading Lawyers includes Managing Partner Sara Salger, along with Partners David Aubrey, Erin Beavers, Jason Epps, Chris Layloff, Bob Marcus, Gregory Sandifer and Jason Steinmeyer. Senior Counsel James Stever and Of Counsel Evan Buxner were also recognized. Partner Ivan Cason was named an Emerging Lawyer. Lawyers throughout the state nominate Leading and Emerging Lawyers through peer surveys. Leading Lawyers are recommended as among the top in their practice area, with less than 5 percent of all lawyers licensed to practice in each state receiving the distinction. Emerging Lawyers are identified by their peers as among the top lawyers who are 40 years old or younger unless they have practiced for less than 10 years. Less than 2 percent of all lawyers licensed to practice in each state have

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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) released the following statement after reports that Israel and Hamas agreed to a deal to halt fighting in Gaza and exchange Israeli hostages for Palestinian prisoners, as well as surge humanitarian aid to the enclave: “After 15 months and thousands of innocent lives lost, I am relieved and heartened to hear about a ceasefire and hostage deal between Israel and Gaza. The widespread suffering, death, and destruction on all sides has been heartbreaking and desperately needed to end. “Thanks to President Biden and Secretary Blinken’s steadfast leadership, we are nearing the end of this brutal war. They have worked every day toward this goal, and I’m pleased it is a reality before the President leaves office. I know it will be hard, but I hope out of the ashes and pain of this current crisis that there will be a renewed focus on the future: long-term security for Israel, rebuilding Gaza, a

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ALTON - Life doesn’t always go as planned, and Fred and Neva Smith know that all too well. The couple from Alton has weathered their occupations, Fred’s military service, raising a family and now – cancer journeys. Neva is a breast cancer survivor who’s giving back through an OSF HealthCare support group, while Fred has battled squamous cell carcinoma and lymphoma. The two are a testament to how a good support system – whether that’s your spouse, friends or your care team – can help in the fight against cancer. That was apparent to the Smiths in August of 2024 when Mission Partners (employees) at OSF Moeller Cancer Center in Alton gave them a wedding anniversary surprise they won’t forget. Fred and Neva’s journeys Neva Smith, 83, was diagnosed with breast cancer in December 2015 and later had a lumpectomy, a procedure to remove part of a breast or breasts. She came to OSF for radiation treatment. “I came out

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ALTON/GODFREY - The East End Improvement Association will host two candidate forums before the April 1, 2025, consolidated election. Alton and Godfrey aldermanic, trustee and mayoral candidates will introduce themselves and answer questions at the candidate forums next month. At 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2025, Alton candidates will speak at the Great Rivers Hotel in Alton. At 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2025, Godfrey candidates will speak at the Trimpe Building at Lewis and Clark Community College. East End Improvement Association (EEIA) board member Steve Schwartz will moderate both forums. “We think it’s really important for the community to know the candidates that are running for their city and village offices, and this is a great way to introduce them,” Schwartz said. “It’s also an opportunity to impress upon individuals to get out and vote.” Schwartz said the EEIA has been sponsoring candidate forums in Alton and Godfrey for over 20 years.

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ALTON - A 19-year-old Alton resident has been charged with carrying a stolen firearm in his vehicle and attempting to flee from Illinois State Police. Jermaine A. Hinton, 19, of Alton, was charged with unlawful possession of a stolen firearm (a Class 2 felony), aggravated unlawful use of weapons (a Class 4 felony) and fleeing or attempting to elude a peace officer (a Class A misdemeanor). On Nov. 10, 2024, Hinton allegedly possessed a stolen Glock 42 .380 handgun, which he unlawfully carried in a vehicle as an individual under 21 years of age in the state of Illinois. Hinton was additionally charged after he attempted to flee from an Illinois State Police Trooper who had given him a visual or audible signal to stop the vehicle. The Illinois State Police presented the case against Hinton, who was granted pretrial release from custody. The issuance of charges is based solely upon probable cause and is not an indication of guilt. All subjects charged with criminal offenses

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Icy roads? Gym too far away? Or are you just not a people person? Cozy cardio may be right for you. What is cozy cardio? Clare Spires, an exercise physiologist at OSF HealthCare, says cozy cardio, in simple terms, is a way to make exercise comfortable in your home. It’s wise to talk to a health care provider about what workout is right for you. But generally, cozy cardio offers some freedom. For example, you can work up a sweat with an instructional video or app. Or you can just find a routine that works for you. Equipment Spires says you don’t have to rush out and buy equipment. But if you like having something to hold or press your feet to, there are options. Walking pads have become popular. These are miniature treadmills with just the bottom structure. There are no rails and monitor at eye level like a traditional treadmill. “Some can do inclines,” Spires says. “You can put it under a desk if you’re a remote worker. It’s just another

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ALTON/GODFREY - Residents of Alton and Godfrey are encouraged to take advantage of a community service program aimed at enhancing home safety through the installation of carbon monoxide detectors. On January 26, 2025, volunteers from Resurrection Lutheran Church, in collaboration with the Godfrey Fire Protection District, the Alton Fire Department, and Boy Scout Troop 7, will install free, brand-new 10-year UL-listed carbon monoxide detectors in homes throughout the area. Carbon monoxide, a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas, can accumulate in homes without occupants realizing it, particularly when appliances such as stoves, heaters, and fireplaces malfunction or lack proper ventilation. The gas poses serious health risks, including illness, injury, and potentially fatal poisoning, which is why having a carbon monoxide detector is crucial. Sharon Groh, a volunteer with Resurrection Lutheran Church, emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, “Our primary goal is

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Can’t stop coughing? It’s a common question happening with all of the upper respiratory illness going around including colds, flu and RSV. Maybe two weeks ago you had a virus, you treated the symptoms with antibiotics, you’re feeling much better, but the cough is just lingering. Juanbosco Ayala, MD, is a pulmonologist in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at OSF Little Company of Mary Medical Center in Evergreen Park, Illinois. He provides medical care to patients on a daily basis, especially people who have breathing disorders and lung disease, and explains potential reasons why coughs linger. “A lot of times it’s due to the local inflammation that persists. There’s not much to do for it, we typically recommend antihistamines, and sometimes you’ll have to cycle those,” Dr. Ayala says. “It’s usually something that subsides with time. But if it doesn’t, then obviously that may need to be looked at.” Antihistamines ca

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ALTON - Pour Decisions, a new Alton bar, will host their first ever Comedy Jam. On Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025, community members are invited to Pour Decisions at 204 State Street in Alton for a night of laughs. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the Comedy Jam starts at 6:30 p.m. There is a $10 cover fee. Co-owner Brian Trust promises another fun evening at Pour Decisions. “We party with you,” Trust said. “We have fun.” Known as a “community bar,” Pour Decisions hosts many special events and evenings, including line-dancing nights with Specs and Stilettos on Mondays and karaoke nights on Thursdays. This will be their first Comedy Jam, and Trust is excited to welcome new and established comedians to the Pour Decisions stage. Each comedian will have a 15–20-minute set. Trust is especially excited to hear comedy from Ryan Heston, as Heston is one of his employees at Trust Family Auto Sales in Godfrey. Other local comedians and St. Louis favorites

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SPRINGFIELD – For the third year in a row, the number of shootings on Illinois interstates has dropped. The Illinois State Police (ISP) is reporting interstate shootings statewide decreased 31% in 2024, compared to 2023. ? Since a record high in 2021, there has been a decrease in interstate shootings every year: 31% decrease from 2023 to 2024 53% decrease from 2022 to 2024 71% decrease from 2021 to 2024 2024 2023 2022 2021 Shootings 89 129 189 310 Injury-related Shootings 17 37 75 133 “The continued dedication of resources, including personnel, license plate readers, Air Ops, K9 units, and investigations, has allowed ISP to reduce crime on interstates and make roads safer,” said ISP Director Brendan F. Kelly. “Although our strategies for crime reduction continue to evolve, ISP’s commitment to protecting the public remains unwavering.” In 2024, through patrol enforcement and special

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CHICAGO – Illinois State Police (ISP) officials investigated a traffic crash that occurred on Interstate 55 involving two ISP troopers who were handling a crash when their squad cars were struck by a driver who failed to move over. On January 14, 2025, at approximately 7:48 a.m., two ISP troopers were inside of their squad cars, on the left shoulder, handling a crash with their emergency lights activated on Interstate 55 northbound just south of Harlem Avenue. A Honda Accord failed to move over and struck the rear of one parked squad and then sideswiped the second squad. One trooper and their canine partner reported minor injuries. The driver of the Honda, 20-year-old Gabriel S. Owens of Sauk Village, Illinois, was charged with driving Too Fast for Conditions and a Scott’s Law violation. In 2025, ISP has already suffered two Move Over Law-related crashes. In 2024, ISP suffered 27 Move Over Law-related crashes with ? 12 troopers injured and one death. In 2023,

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MURRAYVILLE - House Republican Leader Tony McCombie announced today that she has selected State Rep. C.D. Davidsmeyer (R-Murrayville) to serve as Assistant Minority Leader again for the 104th General Assembly. "As a member of the Republican Leadership team, I view my role as a conservative voice for my constituents and so many others throughout the State. I am working to end the growth of government, to create more natural business growth on main-street, not Wall Street, and to ensure that Illinois families and future generations have the opportunity for personal success. I will continue to work to bring more conservative Republicans to the General Assembly and some real balance to the State of Illinois!" Republican Leader McCombie points out that she has been intentional in assembling a leadership team that reflects the diverse voices of Illinois. The team includes thoughtful leaders from southern, central, and northern Illinois, ensuring that the House Republican Caucus, which

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GODFREY - Kevin Botterbush, a local real estate expert and Accredited Buyer Representative (ABR)-certified instructor, will reopen his real estate courses for the spring semester next week. Botterbush said the classes are something he has a deep passion for and commitment to do each semester. Botterbush is the owner of Botterbush & Associates in Godfrey. The classes, designed to equip aspiring real estate professionals with the necessary skills to succeed, will cover a range of topics, including property valuation, the complexities of real estate transactions, and the impact of political issues on the market. "The real estate business can be fun, but it is also challenging and offers numerous opportunities to explore various avenues," Botterbush said. "We don't just teach how to pass the real estate exam; we prepare students to thrive in the industry." "Brokers must now have a buyer brokerage agreement with their clients," Botterbush explained. "This agreement clarifies the commission

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