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O'FALLON, IL. - HSHS St. Elizabeth’s Hospital recognizes National Breastfeeding Month in August, and the benefits of breastfeeding. A mother’s milk provides a newborn with vital antibodies and an immunity boost as the infant grows. “Whether breastfeeding is provided by the breast or by pumping breast milk, it can provide important protection to an infant from many short- and long-term illnesses,” said Amanda Schaefer, MSN, RN, manager of the Women and Infants Center at St. Elizabeth’s. “It also provides mom and baby with important bonding time.” Breastfeeding Benefits: Breast milk fights disease. The cells, hormones, and antibodies in breast milk protect babies from illness such as ear infections, asthma, type 1 diabetes and gastrointestinal infections, among others. Breast milk is easier to digest. For most babies, especially premature babies, breast milk is easier to digest than formula. The proteins in formula are made from cow’s

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GRANITE CITY - Jayson Baker is in first year as Principal at Wilson 1-2 Education Center in Granite City and is featured in our segment of #MeetthePrincipal. A native of Freeburg, Ill., Baker talks about his excitement to return to a building, where he spent the past 16 years in education, and what his vision is for Wilson. Away from the office, Baker enjoys being outside and spending time with his family. VIDEO: https://youtu.be/_DZqESm8-bs

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MADISON - One employee is reportedly hospitalized with burns after a warehouse fire at Interco - a Metaltronics Recycler - near the World Wide Technology Raceway on Wednesday afternoon. Thankfully, no first responders were injured at the scene and two buildings have been reported destroyed in the terrible blaze. Cars that were parked near the warehouse did catch on fire. An estimated 200 first responders from Illinois and Missouri were at the scene. A roof collapsed around the lunch hour at the warehouse scene. While the Riverbender.com photographer was present at the fire, there was an explosion that released a huge boom during the fighting of the blaze. He said after the large boom, an official then came over the loudspeaker and warned the entire City of Madison residents to go to their homes, close the doors and windows, and turn off anything that pulls air from the outside. A stay-at-home order was issued at that time for the Madison residents. An emergency declaration has bee

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DOW - The Annual Olden Days Festival is back better than ever and set for Saturday, August 27, 2022, and Sunday, August 28, 2022, at 23946 State Highway 3, in Dow, IL The Olden Days Festival was held last year in 2021, and it was the first year back after the COVID-19 Pandemic. It was very successful, but organizers believe this year will be spectacular. This is the 31 st anniversary of the highly anticipated event. The Tri-County Antique Club was formed to promote the appreciation of agricultural history, through the restoration and preservation of antique, vintage, and classic automobiles, gasoline and oil engines, gas and steam tractors, farm machinery, and other equipment of historical value. The Olden Days Festival is the Club’s annual event to make these available for public viewing. The always popular tractor pulls are back this year. Sinclair Foods gift certificates, a Melaleuca Gift Basket, handmade pottery, and a Farm & Home gift certificate will all be available

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EDWARDSVILLE - Major Jeff Connor, current Deputy Sheriff and future Madison County Sheriff, given that he is running unopposed in the upcoming General Election, issued a ringing endorsement today of Tim Berkley for Madison County Circuit Judge. Berkley is running to fill the vacancy created by the announced upcoming retirement of Chief Circuit Judge Bill Mudge. Berkley, a lifelong Madison County resident and Roxana High School graduate, works for the State Attorney’s Appellate Prosecutor’s Office. Over his 30-year legal career, Berkley has experience at all levels of the legal system, working as a prosecutor, public defender, a private attorney, and for the Appellate Courts. Berkley previously held an elected position on the Roxana Board of Education, serving as the board’s vice-president. Berkley is also a patriot life member of the National Rifle Association, a life member of the Illinois State Rifle Association, and a member of the Edwardsville Gun Club. “I

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EDWARDSVILLE - Judge Martin Mengarelli and Judge Maureen Schuette from the Third Judicial Circuit coordinated efforts in the circuit to participate in a statewide initiative sponsored by the Illinois Conference of Chief Judges and the Illinois Judges Association to help a local organization’s students prepare for success in the 2022-2023 school year. The project Judge Mengarelli and Judge Schuette chose was to support Oasis, a local women’s shelter, in Alton, IL that provides assistance and services for families dealing with domestic violence. The Judges coordinated efforts to collect $1,100 in donations from the judiciary for Oasis to purchase needed school supplies for the children their organization assists. “The Third Judicial Circuit is happy to help our area students prepare for the upcoming school year with our donations. I commend Judges Schuette and Mengarelli for spearheading the effort. Their enthusiasm and desire to be active and volunteer within our community

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EDWARDSVILLE – The City of Edwardsville's newest fire station will include environmentally efficient innovations and be built in the heart of Edwardsville’s growing eastern corridor. The $5.1 million East Fire Station will be located on nearly 2 acres of land the city purchased last year on the north side of Governors Parkway, east of Oglesby Drive and District Drive. It’s near the City’s Interstate 55 corridor, an area that has seen tremendous residential and commercial growth. “Being located on Governors Parkway is a huge plus,” Fire Chief James Whiteford said, noting the location facilitates quick access to multiple routes in the City. "The site is a response to growth that is trending toward the eastern areas of the City, and helps ensure that Edwardsville’s public safety, fire and paramedic services are strategically positioned now and in the future. The East Fire Station will encompass 8,400-square-feet of space and include three

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MADISON – Residents within one mile of the destructive warehouse fire in Madison at Interco have been asked to shelter in place for the time being as of early Wednesday afternoon. There was one warehouse employee hurt in the fire and a red alert has been issued by Madison Police. Emergency management officials urged residents to turn off air conditioning units and close windows. There were workers inside when the fire broke out but everyone was safely outside and there was only one injury reported at this time. The roof of one building did collapse and an estimated 42 fire-fighting agencies from Illinois and Missouri counties are present. Two buildings have been destroyed in the fire. As of 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, firefighters continue to battle the blaze. The report by weather officials says now that the smoke plume from the blaze was seen 5,000 feet in the air and miles away. The large blaze started at Interco , a metaltronics recycler, at about 10:30 a.m. Wednesday.

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ST. LOUIS - The J is excited to introduce its new Multi-Sensory Environment, or Sensory Studio, at the Staenberg Family Complex in Creve Coeur. The space is designed to help those with developmental disabilities who may encounter sensory processing challenges when engaging with the world around them. The J’s Sensory Studio offers a fully immersive experience featuring an interactive wall and floor projections, tactile wall coverings, bubble tubes, specialized furniture, such as a swing, an egg-shaped chair that delivers calming music and sounds, a large reclining rocking chair, and adaptable lighting that can be changed to achieve different environments. The J worked with Flaghouse , a leader in sensory space creation, to create and construct the space. The project is funded primarily by the Productive Living Board . Additional program support has been provided by The Tilles Foundation and the Miracle Makers Foundation. “This is an incredible resource for our programs

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EAST ALTON – The Illinois RiverWatch program is in search of an intern from Aug. 18 to Nov.11, 2022, to support the Biodiversity of Freshwater Mussels project. The intern will work with the National Great Rivers Research and Education (NGRREC sm) staff and citizen scientists during a weekend field trip to help capture, weigh, measure, and release freshwater mussels. During this time, tissue samples will be taken from select mussel species. “This is a great opportunity for an undergraduate student to participate in a program that combines conservation of threatened species with genetic analysis using world-class technology,” said Danelle Haake, RiverWatch director, and stream ecologist. The intern will then work with staff at the Missouri Botanical Garden (MBG) to process the tissue samples. The resulting data will be analyzed to understand patterns of genetic diversity, including the potential for declines in genetic diversity due to inbreeding, genetic bottlenecks,

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EDWARDSVILLE - Weather permitting, beginning at 7 a.m. on Thursday, August 11, Home Avenue will be closed to all traffic at the intersection of Chapman Street and Home Avenue . This closure is necessary for road patching. The roadway will be reopened once improvements are complete. One lane will remain open on Chapman Street, but motorists should use alternate routes. Motorists will be required to utilize State Street, Orchard Street and North Fillmore Street to avoid the closure. The City appreciates the cooperation of all residents during this process. Please contact Public Works at (618) 692-7535 with any questions.

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MADISON - Multiple units are battling a massive warehouse fire Wednesday morning in Madison, IL. The business is near the World Wide Technology Raceway. The large blaze started at Interco , a metaltronics recycler, at about 10:30 a.m. Wednesday. A red alert was issued by the Madison, IL., Police Department and asked residents to shelter in place as of 11 a.m. Interco is a global recycling company and provides computers, metals, and electronics recycling services. Smoke from the enormous fire was seen for miles away. The smoke plume was said to be viewed at least as high as 3,500 feet, FOX 2 weather specialist Chris Higgins reported. It is not known at this time how the fire started. Fire in Madison, IL as seen by doppler radar. #stlwx #fox2now pic.twitter.com/s0lYANL18j — Angela Hutti (@AngWxGrl) August 10, 2022

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EDWARDSVILLE - This is one in a series of articles with photos and descriptions of entries in the Edwardsville Arts Fair at City Park on September 23-24. The artists featured here are Jennifer Mallory-Welch of Jacksonville, Eliza Piazza of Evansville, Ind., and Cristina Nunez of Columbia, MO. Artist Name: Jennifer Mallory-Welch Location: Jacksonville, IL. Artist Statement: "I create uplifting images on canvas that reflect how people choose to spend their downtime. Brightly colored paints, close-up views, and unique perspectives help to convey fun and whimsy to the chosen subject." Artist Name: Eliza Piazza Location: Evansville, IN Artist Statement: "I love creating beautiful things that inspire and deeply connect with people. Nothing is more satisfying and it feeds my soul. Some of my inspirations are drawn from favorite books, stories, images, and symbols, as well as a deep respect for life and a love of nature. When my pieces speak to others, I am grateful

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EDWARDSVILLE - Heading into the summer of 2022, recent Metro East-Lutheran graduate Erik Broekemeier didn't have a place to play. So, Chris Erwin, Father McGivney's head baseball coach, reached out to Erik to see if he'd be interested in playing on Troy's Legion team. Erwin got to coach with and against Erik. Erwin talked about a time when Father McGivney took on MEL and Erik was the starting pitcher for the Knights in the Regional Championship game. After graduating high school, Erik was having a tremendous Legion season with Troy. Erik is a Byron, Carlson, Petri & Kalb Male Athlete of the Month for McGivney. In the final game of the season, Troy played Alton Post 126 at Lloyd Hopkins Field. It just so happened that Dallas Martz, general manager of the Alton River Dragons, had to cover a shift in the concession stands. He wasn't even supposed to be at the ballpark that night. Erwin recognized the situation and went up to Martz and said 'hey, come take a look at this guy.' Eri

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O’FALLON, IL. – HSHS St. Elizabeth’s Hospital presented the quarterly Being Extraordinary Everyday (BEE) Award to Ashley Perry, CNA in the IL Division Float Pool currently working in the Clinical Decision Unit. The BEE Award was created by St. Elizabeth’s Hospital to recognize outstanding teamwork provided by support colleagues in departments outside of nursing. Perry was nominated by a colleague who noted how she went above and beyond for a recent patient; even taking extra time to braid their hair. “The patient repeatedly said how pretty she felt on how good it felt to have her hair out of her face. The patient was all smiles after this. Ashley is a very caring person and made this such a shining and bright moment in this patient's day.” Distribution of St. Elizabeth’s Hospital’s BEE Award is made possible through funds provided by HSHS St. Elizabeth’s Foundation. Nominations for future BEE and other awards at St. Elizabeth’s

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CHICAGO – State Rep. Delia Ramirez, D-Chicago, is condemning the U.S. Senate Republicans and speaking out on behalf of those living with diabetes following Republicans’ vote to block a $35 monthly cap on the cost of insulin. “Over 30 million Americans, and 1.3 million people in Illinois, including my mother, are living with diabetes,” Ramirez said. “On Sunday, GOP Senators stripped a provision from the Inflation Reduction Act which would have ensured that individuals can afford the insulin they need to stay alive. This is unconscionable–the GOP is openly saying that the lives of diabetics are less important than Big Pharma’s profit margins.” Forty-three Republican senators voted to block the insulin cap. A recent Yale study found that 14 percent of the 7 million Americans who need insulin daily are forced to spend more than 40 percent of their income after food and housing on insulin. Since 2020, state law has capped the price with insurance

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O’FALLON, IL – HSHS St. Elizabeth’s Hospital presented the quarterly National DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses to Shane O’Connor, RN from the Emergency Department. The award is part of the DAISY Foundation's nationwide program to recognize the superhuman efforts nurses perform every day. A colleague nominated O’Connor for the award stating, “The patient’s family member had been asking questions throughout the day and Shane answered the questions thoroughly and kindly each time, making sure everyone was on the same page, and allowing her to fully understand before going back to charting or his other patients. He took the time to sit down with the patient and talk with him on his level. Shane seems to be a fantastic nurse with patience and compassion for people from all walks of life. His kindness and professionalism did not go unnoticed.” Distribution of the nationally recognized DAISY Award at St. Elizabeth’s is made possible

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EDWARDSVILLE - Twin brothers Grant and Gunner Greenwell have each earned a special academic honor. Lewis & Clark has announced that Grant Greenwell was the winner of an LC Board of Trustees Career Scholarship in Information Technology, which includes tuition and fees covered for a full year. This scholarship is awarded for the Fall/Spring semester of 2022-2023 and the applicant must have a GPA of 2.5 out of 4.0, full-time student, and be recommended by a prior school counselor, teacher, or principal. Grant went to Alton Marquette and graduated with High Honors and has been on President's list each semester since attending LCCC. Grant is attending Lewis & Clark Community College where he is studying Information Technology. Meanwhile, his brother Gunner was the recipient of the Excellence Award In English Composition at Western Governors University (WGU). While he's there he's studying to become an elementary education teacher. This Excellence Award is achieved for outstanding

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ALTON – The Upper Alton Baptist Church is holding a Pray for Our Schools event at Alton Middle School on Sunday, August 14th at 2:00 pm. The event will begin with a responsive prayer altogether, followed by a time for individuals and families to walk around and pray using a provided prayer guide, and then conclude with a final prayer all together again. The prayer guides include prompts to pray for teachers, administrators, support staff, & bus drivers in addition to students, of course. Pastor Brad explains, “We simply want to pray for the well-being of everyone involved in our community’s educational system, and sometimes movement—like walking around the school grounds—can help us dig deeper with our prayers. It’s not a rally or any kind of political statement. We’re just getting together to pray.” “We know our educators and students are tasked with an ever-increasing load,” adds April Linley, Outreach MinistryLeader.

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GREENVILLE - GU sophomore Ethan Greene is one of two officers recognized last week by the Decatur, Illinois, mayor and city council for dedication to public service and courageous actions that potentially saved a man’s life over the Fourth of July weekend. Around 5:30 p.m. on July 4th, Decatur Lake Patrol received a report of a man swimming near the dam buoys and the Rt. 51 bridge. Officers arrived and found the man to be disoriented and combative. Fearful for the man’s safety since there is a water current created by the release of water over the dam, Officers Allison McCoy and Ethan Greene jumped into the water to intervene. They led the man away from the dam and back to a patrol boat, where he was transported to shore and received further medical attention. Decatur city staff believe without the quick thinking and actions of Officers McCoy and Greene, the man could have been swept over the dam. “It was a team effort for the rescue,” Ethan says. “Everyone

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