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RIVERBEND - Today, Aug. 8, is National Pickleball Day, and to celebrate, local players are hitting the courts while the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum unveils their first pickleball bobbleheads. Bob Biarkis, a local pickleball player, remembers the day he stumbled upon a pickleball game. He was immediately fascinated by the game and how people of all ages could play. “The thing that was so obvious to me was everybody was having fun, because everybody was laughing and having a great time,” Biarkis said. “I was hooked. And that’s one thing you will learn about playing pickleball: It’s addicting. Once you play it, you want to play it all the time.” Pickleball has been identified as the fastest-growing sport in the U.S. The National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum , located in Milwaukee, has recognized this with their new pickleball bobbleheads. The museum has a wide collection of bobbleheads available for purchase. This

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EDWARDSVILLE – With school starting right around the corner, 14 regional high school teachers are prepared to implement their newly learned skills in rocketry thanks to a professional development session held at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville earlier this summer. “The objective of the professional development session was to train the teachers on single-stage rocket kit and how to implement the project in their own classes,” said Michael Denn, PhD, instructor in the Department of Mechanical Mechatronics in the School of Engineering. “Our goal is for the single-stage rocket class to generate interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM),” Denn added. “Specifically, we encourage interest in space-related technologies by having students participate in a rocketry project that combines theory with hands-on experience.” Denn along with SIUE’s Jeffrey Sabby, PhD, associate professor in the Department of Physics

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VANDALIA – Attorney General Kwame Raoul announced a Vandalia, Illinois couple was sentenced today to prison for their role in a child pornography ring operating in Fayette County. Today’s sentencing is part of Raoul’s ongoing work, in collaboration with federal law enforcement agencies and local law enforcement officials throughout Illinois, to apprehend offenders who download and trade child pornography online. Andrew Wehrle, 39, was sentenced to 26 years in prison after pleading guilty in May to two counts of dissemination of child pornography and one count of production of child pornography. Amber Wehrle, 38, was sentenced to 13 years in prison after pleading guilty in May to two counts of possession of child pornography and one count of indecent solicitation of an adult. Fayette County Circuit Court Judge Christopher Matoush handed down the sentences. “Child pornography is a heinous crime that re-victimizes survivors each time an image or video is downloaded

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COLLINSVILLE – Madison County Conservative Caucus is pleased to announce the appointment of Pastor Myles Holmes to its esteemed Board of Advisors. Pastor Holmes' extensive background in ministry, community engagement, and advocacy for conservative principles will undoubtedly bring a fresh perspective and valuable insights to the Caucus's mission of promoting and upholding conservative values across the nation. Pastor Myles Holmes, a well-respected figure in the realm of ministry and public discourse, has now extended his dedication to serving his community by joining the Board of Advisors for Madison County’s Conservative Caucus. As a pastor, author, and speaker, Pastor Holmes has demonstrated his ability to inspire and lead, and his commitment to conservative ideals aligns seamlessly with the Caucus's objectives. In his role as a member of the Board of Advisors, Pastor Myles Holmes will play a pivotal role in shaping the trajectory of the Conservative Caucus. His extensive

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EAST ST. LOUIS – The Illinois Department of Transportation announced today a full closure on Illinois Avenue (Martin Luther King Bridge) from the Interstate 55/64/70 exit ramps to the MLK bridge and Third Street in Missouri starting, weather permitting, Friday, Aug. 11, at 9 p.m. The closure is necessary to accommodate deck sealing work and is anticipated to be completed by 5 a.m. Monday, Aug. 14. Motorists will have to use alternate routes during this closure. 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. For IDOT District 8 updates, follow us on Twitter at @IDOTDistrict8 or view area construction details on IDOT’s traveler information map on GettingAroundIllinois.com.

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GLEN CARBON – Walmart customers in Glen Carbon were welcomed inside the newly transformed Supercenter at 400 Junction Drive Friday morning as the much-anticipated project is now complete. The store’s associates marked the occasion with a ribbon cutting ceremony, community celebration and unveiling of a community inspired mural by local artist, Steve Hartman. The event was attended by various local Edwardsville and Glen Carbon nonprofit organizations who were recipients of $9,000 in grants. Friday’s event featured an official ribbon cutting with the Edwardsville/Glen Carbon Chamber of Commerce and Ernestine Hardin, Glen Carbon Walmart’s longest tenured associate of more than 40 years. Guests also enjoyed refreshments, vendor samples, food trucks, a live DJ, balloon animal artist, special appearances from the Cocoa Puffs bird and a Prairie Farms live cow and calf, and more. During the re-grand opening celebration, Walmart Store Manager Skip Sponeman highlighted

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TROY - The City of Troy plans to unveil its new Serenade Park later this summer. The City has built Serenade Park on the property adjacent to Tri-Township Park, which is managed by the Tri-Township Park District. This new park will offer a splash pad and playground. “I think it’s a nice addition to the property that the Tri-Township Park already maintains and manages,” said Troy City Administrator Jay Keeven. “We have a great park system within the City of Troy that all of our residents enjoy, and this will just be a feature that the City can bring that makes it even nicer.” Keeven explained that Serenade Park will have a “dry feature” that includes the playground, sidewalks and a pavilion with restrooms. He added that a trailhead there marks the beginning of a trail that runs through Tri-Township Park, so Serenade Park will have ample parking. The “wet feature” is a shallow splash pad with a unique twist. “It’s

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EDWARDSVILLE - The Edwardsville Municipal Band is proud to announce its upcoming "Musical Potpourri" concert, scheduled to take place on Thursday, August 10, at 8 p.m. The performance will be held at the Cleaon Etzkorn Bandstand located in City Park. Under the baton of co-conductor, Dr. Rubén Darío Gómez, the Edwardsville Municipal Band will delight the audience with a blend of timeless compositions from some of the most prolific composers in wind band history. Concessions available during the event will directly benefit the St. Boniface Group. For those who are unable to attend on Thursday, fear not! The band will be performing the same exhilarating program once more on Sunday, August 13, at 4 p.m. in the serene Le Claire Park in Edwardsville. Concessions available during the event will directly benefit the Friends of Le Claire. Admission to both concerts is free of charge, and all are welcome to bring their lawn chairs and blankets for a relaxing and memorable

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CHICAGO - Over the weekend, combat Veteran and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL)—member of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee and U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee—departed for a Congressional Delegation to the Indo-Pacific region that she arranged in her continuing efforts to strengthen ties and reinforce support between Southeast Asia and the United States. Building on her successful trip to the region earlier this year , Duckworth will be visiting Thailand, Indonesia and the Philippines to meet with government and business leaders and discuss opportunities that would increase cooperation in areas of mutual interest, such as economic investments, regional stability and national security. As part of this trip, the Senator will also discuss the economic and emissions reduction benefits that expanding ethanol imports could have in the region. “Since I arrived in the Senate, I’ve been focused on making sure our partners across the Indo-Pacific kno

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QUINCY – U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) today led every member of the Illinois Congressional Delegation in sending a letter to President Biden urging the White House to grant Governor J.B. Pritzker’s request for federal assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Small Business Administration (SBA) for Illinois, to help Cook County recover from storm damage. From late June to early July, severe storms passed through Illinois producing heavy rainfall, flash flooding, hail, tornadoes, and straight-line winds. “We write in support of Illinois Governor JB Pritzker’s request for federal assistance for the State of Illinois, to help Cook County recover from storm damage that occurred from late June to early July,” wrote the lawmakers. “Governor Pritzker has indicated that this incident is of such severity and magnitude that an effective response is beyond the capabilities

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SPRINGFIELD – Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs today announced the winners of the 2023 Cream of the Crop Photo Contest , which provides an opportunity for young photographers to share their vision of agriculture in our state. Students who won first, second or third place in each age category will be awarded Bright Start scholarships. “Thank you to all the young photographers who shared their talents by participating in this year’s contest. We’re impressed with everyone’s creativity in capturing the beauty of Illinois agriculture,” Frerichs said. “Congratulations to the winners, who will be awarded Bright Start scholarships that they can use for qualified expenses related to their post-secondary education.” A cake reception will be held at 11 a.m. on Aug. 11 at the Illinois State Fair to celebrate the 11 th year of the Cream of the Crop Photo Contest and to honor the young photographers who won first, second or third place

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SPRINGFIELD – Today, Governor JB Pritzker signed SB 2195, also known as the “So Kids Can Move” initiative, which will allow thousands of children and youth with limb loss or limb difference to afford prosthetic care that enables them to participate in physical activities. This legislation makes Illinois just the fourth state in the nation to pass this act. “Our children deserve quality healthcare and today we take another step to make that a reality,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “I’m proud to sign this legislation into law that will provide thousands of children with the appropriate prosthetic care they need to participate in physical activities—ensuring they can remain active and healthy.” “The So Kids Can Move Initiative expands pathways to equitable healthcare by providing children and their families access to prosthetic care — and it is a critical step in the mission to ensure every child has access to the care an

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ALTON - On Aug. 8, Millennium Temple Church of God in Christ (COGIC) welcomed religious leaders for a week of worship to mark the 69th State Women’s Convention of the Southern Illinois Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction. Mother Alberta Porter and Assistant State Supervisor Missionary Yolanda Joiner will lead conversations with women in the Millennium Temple COGIC congregation. Church member Sarah Porter explained that the State Women’s Convention is a chance for women to come together and worship. “They’re connecting together,” Sarah Porter said. “They’re having a worship. They are having Sunday School for the little kids. And we try to get everybody involved.” The week kicks off on Tuesday, Aug. 8 with a morning session led by Mother Alberta Porter, the supervisor of the Department of Women in the Southern Illinois Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction. Joiner will lead the session at 9 a.m. on Wednesday. Thursday’s Queen Court Night will

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ALTON - Linda Petterson of Safe Food Specialist appeared on an episode of Our Daily Show! for the latest installment of the show’s Food For Thought segment. She discussed her series of upcoming Food Safety Manager Certification classes, her path to becoming a food safety instructor, and much more. “In my class, I tell stories, and that’s how people remember - I’ve got a lot of stories,” Petterson said. “People remember my stories - they’ll be taking the test and they’ll go, ‘Oh yeah, I remember her talking about her girl friend having celiac disease.’” Petterson will be hosting several upcoming food safety classes to help food industry professionals receive their Food Safety Manager Certification. The next class is on August 14 at the VFW in Staunton, and each class takes place from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Future classes will be held everywhere from Casino Queen in East St. Louis to Johnson’s Corner in Alton and more.

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ST. LOUIS - The following students have been named to the Dean's List for the spring 2023 semester at Washington University in St. Louis. Edwardsville students are: Dev Mathur is enrolled in the McKelvey School of Engineering. To qualify for the Dean's List in the McKelvey School of Engineering, students must earn a semester grade point average of 3.6 or above and be enrolled in at least 12 graded units. Dhruv Mathur is enrolled in the McKelvey School of Engineering. To qualify for the Dean's List in the McKelvey School of Engineering, students must earn a semester grade point average of 3.6 or above and be enrolled in at least 12 graded units. About Washington University in St. Louis Washington University in St. Louis is counted among the world's leaders in teaching, research, patient care and service to society. The university draws students to St. Louis from more than 100 countries and all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Guam, Puerto Rico and the Northern

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ALTON - Alton’s Fall City-Wide Litter Cleanup will be held from 9 a.m. to noon, Saturday, Sept. 9, rain or shine. The community is invited to pitch in by picking up bags, gloves, a free donut, and directions to areas that need cleaning. Registration stations are open from 8 a.m.-noon and located Downtown at the corner of 3rd & Belle Street and in Middletown at Fast Eddies Chicken at 7th and Central Avenue. At 9 a.m., groups are departing in Upper Alton from Taqueria Maya at 621 College Ave. and in North Alton from Joe K’s Restaurant, located at 2530 State St. If needed, groups can pick up supplies at Great Rivers Tourism Center, or Jacoby Arts Center two weeks prior. Alternatively, volunteers can simply pick up litter in their neighborhood and deposit it in their own trash & recycle bins. The bi-annual cleanups are coordinated by Pride, Incorporated, collaborating with numerous organizations, businesses and neighbors who share the vision and understanding that litter-free

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WOOD RIVER – Prepare for an unforgettable evening of unity, hope, and outstanding musical performances at the highly anticipated annual music festival, Amare's Rockin' for Recovery, proudly presented by Bickle Electric Heating & Cooling Contracting Co. This empowering event is set to raise awareness and pay tribute to the inspiring journey of individuals and families who have triumphed over substance use challenges. Organized by the Riverbend area nonprofit, Amare, the festival will take place from 4 to 9:30 p.m. on Saturday, September 23, transforming the Bethalto Central Park fairgrounds into a hub of entertainment and community connection. Aligned with the spirit of National Recovery Month, which takes place each September, Rockin' for Recovery is poised to educate and engage the public on the importance of treatment services, recovery, and the vital resources available to those navigating the path of substance use disorder and co-occurring disorders. Rooted in Wood River, Illinois

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ALTON - The Alton VFW Post 1308 invites everyone in the community to come out, enjoy a beer and support local veterans. With a long list of events ahead, member Chad Sibley says there’s no time like the present to see what your local VFW has to offer. The VFW provides many services to veterans and their families. But Post 1308 also has a bar, games and an upcoming quarter auction that they hope will help engage people and raise money for their community efforts. “We do more for veterans in the nation. That’s our slogan,” Sibley said. “We want to serve and we love to serve, and that’s why we joined. It’s kind of a way for us to keep serving our community and protecting our citizens. Whatever we need to do to help the community, especially veterans, we’ve got resources.” The VFW Post 1308 connects veterans with each other and services that could benefit them. For example, they often provide medical equipment like wheelchairs

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ALTON - The Alton Branch NAACP announced a leadership change as Leon Smallwood Bey is moving into the president's seat and vice president Rosetta Brown will now move into the first vice president position. The Alton NAACP branch is one of the oldest, strongest and active organizations around, Brown said. Mike Holliday Sr. has resigned his position as president due to health reasons. "The future of this grand organization will stay strong and will continue to move forward," Smallwood and Brown said. "We have a competent and committed Executive Board and also an entire membership who is very dedicated to The mission of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) which is to ensure the political, educational, social, and economic equality of rights of all persons and to eliminate race-based discrimination." Vision Statement The vision of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People is to ensure a society in which all individuals have

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HARDIN - At 12:13 p.m. on Aug. 5, 2023, law enforcement officials from the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources Conversation Police executed multiple court-authorized search warrants on Jefferson Street, Kampsville, Calhoun County, Illinois in reference to an on-going methamphetamine and firearm investigation. Subsequent to the execution of said search warrant, methamphetamine, methamphetamine-related drug paraphernalia, baggies, scales, firearms, firearms suppressor, and surveillance equipment was located and seized. Arrested as a result of the search warrant are: Derek A. Boxdorfer, age 38, of Kamspville, was arrested on the following charges: Unlawful Possession with Intent to Deliver Methamphetamine, Unlawful Possession of Methamphetamine, Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Unlawful Possession of a Firearm by a Felon (2 counts), Unlawful Possession of Firearms Ammunition by a Felon, Unlawful Use of Weapon (Firearms

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