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WASHINGTON DC - U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today reintroduced their legislation to establish the Prairie du Rocher French Colonial National Historic Park. This bill would recognize the cultural importance of the village, one of the oldest communities founded as a French settlement, as a nationally significant architectural village that embodies the cultural heritage of the United States. This National Historical Park would serve as the focus of interpretive and educational programs relating to the history of the French Colonial Historic District and assist in the preservation of historic sites within the French Colonial Historic District. “Preserving our state and our nation’s history is critically important,” Duckworth said. “With more than 300 years of history, I’m proud to reintroduce this legislation to commemorate the rich history of Prairie du Rocher and establish the Prairie du Rocher French

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COLLINSVILLE – The Illinois Department of Transportation announced today that emergency repairs by the Norfolk Southern Railway Company to a crossing on Illinois 4 between Interstate 64 and Illinois 161 in Mascoutah will require a full closure starting, weather permitting, Thursday, Sept. 21, at 6 a.m. A posted detour will be in place to safely guide motorists around the closure. The work is expected to be complete by 9 p.m. Friday, Sept. 22. Motorists can expect delays and should allow extra time for trips through this area. Drivers are urged to pay close attention to detour signs in 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 Twitter at @IDOTDistrict8 or view area construction details on IDOT’s traveler information map on GettingAroundIllinois.com.

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ALTON - Two students were recognized for their good character at the Alton Community Unit School District #11 (ACUSD11) Board of Education meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 20. Alton Middle School student Thea Niemeyer and North Elementary School student Jacob Wilson were named the district’s Optimist Students of the Month for September. They were commended for their hard work, positive attitudes and kindness. Alton Middle School Principal Cindy Inman introduced Niemeyer and noted her accomplishments. She is a talented student and member of the Alton Middle School Theater Club, and she also plays basketball and softball outside of school. “Thea is not only an excellent student, but she is also a caring young woman who strives to lead by example for her peers,” Inman said. “She deserves to be recognized for her hard work and leadership within the classroom.” Inman also read a few comments from Niemeyer’s teachers, who characterized Niemeyer as “an

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ALTON - The Alton Community Unit School District #11 (ACUSD11) Board of Education recognized two Alton High School students at their meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 19. Keion Lacey, Jr. and Clara Velloff were named Students of the Month for September by the Rotary Club of Alton-Godfrey. At Tuesday's Board of Education meeting, both students gave a speech and accepted a certificate from Board President David Lauschke. “Receiving this award is not just recognition for my efforts, but a testament to the incredible community that surrounds me,” Lacey said in his speech to the Board. “I’m honored to accept this recognition and will cherish it as a reminder of the endless possibilities that await us all. I will continue to fly high like a Redbird.” Lacey is a senior with plans to study civil engineering at Tennessee State University. At Alton High School (AHS), he is involved in the Student Council and Pathways to Manhood program and was recently named the National

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ST. LOUIS - On National Voter Registration Day this Tuesday, Mayor Tishaura O. Jones, alongside the Board of Election Commissioners and sponsor Ald. Shane Cohn (3), announced a new plan to further expand ballot access for St. Louis voters. Through an investment of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, the City is upgrading its voting technology, keeping elections secure while giving St. Louisans the opportunity to vote at any precinct across the city - regardless of their registered address or neighborhood. “As voting rights and our democracy face unprecedented attacks, I am proud of how the City of St. Louis made it easier for residents to make their voice heard at the polls,” said Mayor Tishaura O. Jones. “Government works best when we work together. My administration collaborated with the Board of Aldermen and Board of Election Commissioners to make this much-needed investment to upgrade our technology. It’s a great way to celebrate National Voter Registration

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EDWARDSVILLE - Sales taxes in Edwardsville will increase by 0.25% to fund greenspace acquisition and public safety pensions following approval from the City Council at Tuesday’s meeting. The increase means an increase of 0.25% or 25 cents for every $100 or it will go to 0.75% overall. Several public comments were made in support of the sales tax, with many hoping to preserve Edwardsville’s remaining greenspace from the city’s rapid development. Edwardsville High School Senior Jake Essner said at the meeting he thinks the sales tax is a “big step forward” in preserving greenspace for future generations. “I think that this is a really big step forward for Edwardsville in terms of ensuring that our greenspace is protected for future generations, including my own,” Essner said. “I know that my peers and I have had plenty of good experiences with our current greenspaces and our current parks, such as the Watershed or Township Park.”

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EDWARDSVILLE — Madison County State’s Attorney Tom Haine announced Tuesday that the county’s first detention hearing under the SAFE-T Act resulted in a judge granting prosecutors’ request to detain a Swansea man who faces charges of aggravated stalking. At a hearing Tuesday, the judge granted a petition by Haine’s office for the pretrial detention of Matthew S. Kelly, 34. Prosecutors on Monday charged Kelly with one count of aggravated stalking, a class 3 felony, and one count of criminal damage to property, a class 4 felony. The detention petition argued that aggravated stalking is one of the offenses for which a defendant can be detained while awaiting trial. At the hearing, Assistant State’s Attorney Ryan Kemper argued that the defendant poses an ongoing threat to the victim. Kemper is the Chief of the Warrant Division within the State’s Attorney’s Office, which has been re-tooled with additional staff to coordinate all pretrial detention

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ALTON - Marquette has emerged as one of the region's top soccer teams with eight wins, one loss and a tie. Goalie Will Fahnestock, No. 99, has been one of the key reasons for the abundance of Marquette wins. The Explorers are also 3-1 in the Gateway Metro Conference, according to Max Preps. Fahnestock was an asset in Marquette's boys' soccer win Monday night over arch-rival Alton 2-0, shutting out the Redbirds while in goal. Will said this has definitely been one of the best soccer seasons of his career. Will is a Tucker's Automotive Repair and Tire Male Athlete of Month for the Explorers. "Defensively I really like our group," Will said. "We had some questions when we lost 11 seniors, but we started to connect and this is a good group." Tim Fahnestock, Will's father, said he couldn't be more proud of his son with his efforts both on the field and in the classroom. "It is tough to put it into words tough because I coach him in baseball, too," he said. "I feel both of my boys have

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GODFREY - Cheryl Houck is an 80-year-old musician, teacher, therapist and, now, author. Houck’s first book, “Roses and Broken Sidewalks: My Musical Journey through Life,” will be in stores on Oct. 4 through Trilogy Christian Publishing. The book shares Houck’s love of music as a pianist, singer, handbell choir director and music therapist in the Riverbend area, as well as God’s presence in her life through those experiences. “I think music is the greatest gift God has given mankind,” Houck said. “While we’re going through life, it keeps us encouraged. It keeps our hearts open.” Houck will celebrate the book’s release with a book signing at Abundant Church in Alton on Saturday, Sept. 23. From 10 a.m. to noon, attendees can chat with Houck and buy a copy of “Roses and Broken Sidewalks” before it’s released in stores. While writing the book, Houck said she relied on God and her friends. She also

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EDWARDSVILLE — Madison County and the Leadership Council of Southwestern Illinois are partnering on Nov. 1 to host an event to assist small business owners. The event — A Small Business Seminar: From Startup to Succession — will be held from 9 a.m. to noon, Wednesday, Nov. 1, at the Collinsville Convention Center. The seminar is aimed at connecting current and aspiring business owners with the resources and programs available to them locally. “Our goal with this event is to provide small business owners with the tools and info they need to start a business and the goal is to help them be successful,” HOME/Economic Development Program Coordinator Holly Klausing said. According to the U.S. Small business administration, small businesses are defined as those that employ fewer than 500 people. Small businesses account for half of America’s workforce, and more new jobs come from small businesses than any other source. “A majority of businesses

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ALTON – When Fred and Rose Lammers’ children tried to plan a “surprise” 50 th wedding anniversary party for their parents this summer, they made one mistake – asking their mother for her address book. But that “mistake” turned into a great blessing – to the tune of more than $16,000 for Alton Memorial Health Services Foundation. “I knew something must be up when our daughters asked for the book!” said Rose, a longtime volunteer for Alton Memorial Hospital’s White Cross Auxiliary. Once the surprise was out, Rose and Fred had one request of their daughters -- no gifts! However, they had another idea. Fred and Rose attended the AMHSF Ribbon of Strength event in March of this year. The event is a fundraiser for patients who are receiving cancer treatments at Alton Memorial. The couple purchased “ribbons” in memory of their family members – both of Rose’s parents and one of Fred’s parents

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GODFREY – Illinois American Water announced Tuesday afternoon it has issued a boil water order today for water customers in the following areas only: • Godfrey • Grafton • Elsah • Chautauqua • Jersey County Rural Water Company (sale for resale) Terry Mackin, who handles external communications for Illinois American, said the boil water order is necessary due to a loss in water pressure during an important maintenance procedure in the water distribution system. "During the boil water order, customers should bring their water to a rolling boil for five minutes before using water for drinking or cooking. Water is OK for bathing, washing and other common uses. A boil water order is being issued in accordance with Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations. Anytime water pressure drops below 20 pounds per square inch (PSI) in any part of a community’s distribution system, a boil water order must be issued. When the boil water order

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CHICAGO – U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) released the following statement on the news that the United Auto Workers (UAW) has announced a targeted strike against the Big Three auto manufacturers—General Motors, Stellantis, and Ford: “Since it was founded nearly 90 years ago, UAW has fought for—and won—victories that have helped to strengthen America’s working families, including better pay for its members, employer-funded pensions, health insurance, educational benefits—and more. Today, thousands of UAW workers are fighting for better wages, better benefits, and safer working conditions. I urge the Big Three and UAW to work in good faith to reach an agreement that is fair to workers, and includes a restoration of the benefits that autoworkers sacrificed more than a decade ago to keep these families afloat.”

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ALTON - Alton Little Theater has postponed the final five shows of “Beer for Breakfast.” The play was set to run through this week. Lee Cox, the theater’s executive director, explained that the decision was made because two cast members are ill. Shows will resume on Wednesday, Sept. 27 and run every night through Sunday, Oct. 1. “All ticket holders who have tickets for this week will be able to see the show in all its comedic glory next week,” Lee Cox, executive director, said. “Thank you all for your understanding!” For more information about "Beer for Breakfast," watch our interview with Cox on Our Daily Show! at RiverBender.com

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EDWARDSVILLE – Nick Gagliano successfully completed Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s Laboratory Technician Alternative Digital Credential Program last spring. His efforts paid dividends, as he was hired at International Food Products Corporation as a quality control laboratory technician. “I was hoping the credential would get my foot in the door for a career in science,” said Gagliano. “The program helped me achieve that.” Gagliano enjoyed the hands-on approach of the program and worked through the challenges he encountered thanks to the teaching from his instructors. Gagliano’s instructor, Shea Hastings, described how the credential program offers outstanding opportunities for dedicated participants. “A strong work ethic and willingness to learn and be wrong are the most important things a student can bring to a classroom,” Hastings added. SIUE’s Laboratory Technician Alternative Digital Credential

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JERSEY COUNTY - Jersey County State's Attorney Ben Goetten has decided to run as an independent in the next election for his office. He made these statements today: "I’ve represented Jersey County as State’s Attorney for nearly 20 years. I hope to continue to do so for years to come. With the ever-growing perception of the politicization of federal and state law enforcement, I’ve made the decision to remove myself from the partisan divide and run as an Independent. "I have considered this for some time. I make this announcement now, on the eve of the enactment of the SAFE-T Act which takes effect September 18, 2023. This was legislation I opposed and joined in an unsuccessful suit to overturn. My decision is also made out of respect for my fellow prosecutors and brothers and sisters in law enforcement. We work in a field where politics should never come into play. "Should the electorate feel they need a (R) or (D) next to their State’s Attorney's name, I’ll

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ALTON - The Alton Police Department responded to a report of a traffic crash with a vehicle on fire in the area of West Broadway and State Street at 8 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 18, 2023. Alton Police Officers and members of the Alton Fire Department immediately responded. Upon their arrival, a black Dodge Challenger was observed to be on fire. Alton Police Chief Jarrett Ford said the driver of the vehicle was entrapped and was ultimately removed from the vehicle by the Alton Fire Department. The driver was transported to a local hospital and then flown to a St. Louis area hospital for treatment of his injuries. "Preliminary investigation revealed that the vehicle was traveling east on West Broadway when the driver lost control," Ford said. "The vehicle struck a fuel tank on the west side of Ardent Mills, and then struck the Ardent Mills structure, causing the vehicle and fuel tank to both catch on fire. "The investigation is ongoing at this time. Further information may be released as

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EDWARDSVILLE - The 2023 Metro East Holistic Wellness Fair invites community members to learn about alternative and holistic approaches to physical, mental and spiritual health. From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 30, attendees can check out any of the fair’s 40 vendors who offer a wide variety of products and services. Aura photography, reiki, sound and energy healing, crystals and CBD products are just a few examples of what can be found at the fair. “We’re all trained to use the traditional medical model for our health. A lot of people don’t realize that there are other options out there for them, and they don’t know where to find these options,” organizer Joyce Stewart said. “So this is an opportunity where I’m bringing everybody to one location. They can talk to all the different vendors and businesses, sample different products and treatments, and they can really get educated about what the alternative health community ca

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EDWARDSVILLE — Madison County taxpayers have been forced to expend more than a quarter of a million dollars merely to defend against more than a dozen failed lawsuits filed by only two former county employees. “It’s a sadly typical case of frivolous lawsuits driving up costs for taxpayers,” said Haine. “I hope it stops soon, so local taxpayers don’t continue to suffer this waste of resources merely to ward off meritless lawsuits by just two individuals.” As of mid-August, the county’s legal fees to defend against litigation brought by former county administrator Doug Hulme and former information technology director Robert Dorman stood at $271,568.43. Dorman and Hulme were employed as top appointees of County Board Chairman Prenzler in 2016. After an investigation into acts of malfeasance while in those roles, their employment was terminated by the County Board in 2020. Since then, Dorman, Hulme or both are plaintiffs in 18 separate cases

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A federal panel recently advised women get a mammogram every other year starting at age 40, rather than 50. And the American Cancer Society estimates that in 2023, nearly 300,000 women in the United States will learn they have breast cancer. About 43,700 women will lose their life due to the disease. The headlines are reminders to know your breast cancer risks. While many risks are out of your control, there’s just as much you can control, says Heather Chambers, a breast health navigator at OSF HealthCare. Major risks you can control Active lifestyle and healthy eating: Chambers puts it plainly. If you eat junk, you’ll feel like junk. And any exercise will give you more energy and burn fat. Fat produces estrogen, which feeds cancer cells. “You want to make sure you’re well-maintained with your weight, even after menopause,” Chambers says. Taking hormones: This impacts your ovaries, reducing or adding estrogen. Whether you’re at a routin

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