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How do I find myself in these situations? I once watched a TED Talk by Shonda Rhimes about her “Year of Yes” — that is, the year she spent saying “yes” to every opportunity that came her way. It’s an inspiring speech and one I have taken to heart, and while my new “yes” motto has led to great experiences, it has also opened the door to some of the weirdest things I’ve ever done. Case in point: Here I was, house-sitting, in charge of five dogs, two cows and a beautiful garden. I am not a farmer. I am not even a gardener. My plants, which sit on the windowsill in my office, are currently holding on for dear life. But suddenly, I had a whole mini farm relying on me. My biggest concern (literally) was the cows. Baby Cow had been orphaned. Big Cow was a very patient honey-colored heifer who Baby Cow had imprinted on. Baby Cow had to be bottle-fed and was so excited when he saw me coming that he would headbutt the wooden fence

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EDWARDSVILLE/GLEN CARBON - Over 1,500 community members gathered at The Gingham Buffalo for a night of free holiday spirit during the second annual Miracle on Main Street event on Nov. 10, 2023. Boheme Boutique , Seams For The Soul Boutique and The Gingham Buffalo teamed up to organize Miracle on Main Street with the help of other local businesses, who sponsored free carriage rides, pictures with Santa, face painting, a hot chocolate bar and more. Cara Miller, owner of Seams For The Soul Boutique, said the businesses “made a really good team” and the event itself was “definitely a festive evening.” “Everyone seemed really happy. It was very magical,” she added. “Luckily, our community is just so supportive of small business.” Attendees could start their holiday shopping or enjoy a snack from Earth Candy, Dippidy Donuts and Simpson House Bake Shop. Everything else at the event was completely free, which was a change from

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GODFREY - The Village of Godfrey will host their 18th annual completely free Snowflake Festival for community members to get into the holiday spirit. From 6–8:30 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 1, 2023, families can enjoy horse-drawn carriage rides, crafts, s’mores, Santa and more at Robert E. Glazebrook Community Park in Godfrey. The event is free and open to the public. The Godfrey Parks and Recreation Department will also be collecting donations for Toys for Tots . “It’s just a good time to kind of spread the holiday cheer and get the residents and the surrounding areas involved in our community around Glazebrook,” explained Jordan Gintz, Godfrey’s Recreation Supervisor. “We have Santa come out, we have horse-drawn carriage rides, hot chocolate and cookies, s’mores that you can roast on a fire, all kinds of stuff for the kids to do. We have the Optimist Club come out, and they do a craft with the kids, help them make reindeer food.”

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EAST ST. LOUIS - Before leaving for their holiday break on Friday, Nov. 17, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville East St. Louis Charter High School (CHS) students sat down to a school tradition – a meal of turkey, dressing, and all the fixings. “We are grateful for every one of you. You are valued, and we see each of you,” said CHS Director Gina Jeffries, EdD, to the scholars who had assembled in the Multipurpose Room on the Wyvetter H. Younge Higher Education Campus. “I’m extremely grateful to be here at Charter High School. You scholars make me proud every day, and I am also grateful for the Charter High School staff.” Prior to the meal, Jeffries led off the customary expressions of thankfulness, offered by selected CHS staff and students. “As a scholar, I’m grateful to wake up and be able to be around teachers who care for me, and who I know will help me out,” said CHS senior Theodric Belt Jr. “I’m thankfu

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WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Chair and Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, announced that subpoenas have been issued to the CEOs of Discord, Snap, and X (formerly known as Twitter) to testify at the December 6 full committee hearing on online child sexual exploitation. The Committee remains in discussion with Meta and TikTok and expects their CEOs—Mark Zuckerberg and Shou Zi Chew—will agree to testify voluntarily. The hearing will allow Committee members to press CEOs from some of the world’s largest social media companies on their failures to protect children online. “Since the beginning of this Congress, our Committee has rallied around a key bipartisan issue: protecting children from the dangers of the online world. It’s at the top of every parent’s mind, and Big Tech’s failure to police itself at the expense of our kids cannot go unanswered,”

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ALTON - The 34th Annual Olde Alton Arts and Craft Fair will invite almost 200 crafters to sell their wares on Dec. 2–3, 2023. Community members are encouraged to stop by Alton High School throughout the weekend to start their Christmas shopping and support local artisans and the Alton Band and Orchestra Builders (ABOB). ABOB is a nonprofit that promotes the music program at Alton Community Unit School District #11 (ACUSD11). “Alton is known for its musical program in the area, and ABOB is happy to support that,” said ABOB member and fair organizer Dave Fritz. “This is truly a craft fair. We do ask that our crafters — and I’m very conscious about using that word: our crafters, not vendors, but our crafters — their products are at least 51% handmade. So it’s truly a craft fair, and we try to maintain that.” Fritz said there’s a “wide variety” of crafts, many of which are Christmas-themed. Jewelry, wood art,

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EAST ST. LOUIS – Applications for Back to Business grants through the NewBiz program open Nov. 30, and State Senator Christopher Belt is encouraging newer local businesses to apply for the funding. “When the pandemic surfaced in 2020, many new small businesses all over the state were hit hard,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “Through B2B NewBiz, we are finally giving these small business owners a chance to receive the help they have long deserved.” Businesses that launched in 2020 or 2021 and remain in operation faced significant impacts during the pandemic, but they have not been eligible for other federal or state relief programming since they were not operational prior to the pandemic. To qualify for the B2B NewBiz program, businesses must have launched between Jan. 2020 and Dec. 2021 and be in an industry that was particularly impacted by the pandemic (outlined here ), or a business that was started by an individual or individuals who became unemployed durin

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EDWARDSVILLE - COUNTRY Financial Representatives Duane Jones and Carol Stolze are proud the work with the Madison County Child Advocacy Center to conduct their Second Annual PJ & Book Drive. The drive kicked off mid-November and will run through Wednesday, December 6 th . Items can be purchased and delivered to the COUNTRY Financial office located at 105 Southpointe Dr., Edwardsville, IL. Donors also can shop online through the drive’s Amazon wish list: PJ & Book Drive . “The Madison County CAC is an amazing resource in our community for children who have suffered abuse. Many in our community are not aware of the great work they do to provide a safe, comfortable environment for young people to share their traumatic experiences with trained professionals. To create a more supportive environment, we want to make sure they all have a warm, comfortable set of PJs and a good book to read,” said COUNTRY Financial representative Duane Jones. “When we delivered

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GODFREY - Amanda Cunningham, 36, has been reported missing and it is being investigated by the Madison County Sheriff's Office. Cunningham was determined missing on Friday, Nov. 17, 2023, and has not been heard from since, her family said this morning, Monday, Nov. 20, 2023. Mary Delp said the family searched around East Alton, Alton, Godfrey and Wood River and the area at hotels, convenience stores and more and did not find any clues on her whereabouts. She said it is not a common behavior for Amanda to be gone for this long of a period. Madison County Sheriff's Office Chief Deputy Marcos Pulido said the sheriff's office has been investigating the case and deputies spent time in a search for her over the weekend, but nothing has been discovered yet. Delp added the following: "She moves around a lot, I'd say Godfrey, Meadowbrook, Alton and Collinsville areas in the last year. She also wears wigs and changes her look often. She has a very recognizable rosary tattoo covering one

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GLEN CARBON - The Father McGivney Catholic High School National Honor Society partnered with House to provide 16 full Thanksgiving meals to needy families in the area through our Cansgiving Project. The families were selected by Brightpoint, previously Children’s Home and Aid, whom we have partnered with in prior years. We received enough food and supplies through student and family donations for all 16 families and were able to purchase meats through support from the Griffin Guard. Student Services Director, Bobbie Madura explains, “This heartwarming project exemplifies our commitment to making a positive impact in the lives of those in need and reinforces the power of community collaboration. The Father McGivney National Honor Society with the help of the entire student body extends their heartfelt gratitude to everyone involved in making this outreach a success. It is our mission to Serve the Culture of Life and we do so with programs like these."

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COLLINSVILLE - Molina Healthcare of Illinois (“Molina”), together with Spirit of Sharing Soup Kitchen (S.O.S. Soup Kitchen) will host a drive-thru community Thanksgiving dinner giveaway in Collinsville. Three hundred hot, to-go Thanksgiving meals will be distributed, while supplies last. The meal, catered by Conway’s Catering Co., will include roasted turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, green beans, dressing, cranberry sauce, a roll, and a slice of pie. With over 9% of Madison County residents facing food insecurity , the holidays can be stressful. Through this annual event, Molina hopes to make an impact on local families in need of a nutritious, accessible meal this holiday season. WHAT: Molina and S.O.S Soup Kitchen Thanksgiving Food Distribution Event WHERE: First United Presbyterian Church 201 E. Church St. Collinsville, IL 62234 WHEN: Tuesday, November 21, 2023 5:30 p.m. - 6 p.m. (while supplies last)

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CARLINVILLE - The Illinois State Police is investigating an "officer-involved" shooting that occurred around 6:15 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 19, 2023, in the parking lot of Carlinville Area Hospital. ISP was called to the situation after a Carlinville Police Officer shot a suspect, who ISP says was driving a stolen vehicle and allegedly pointed a gun at the officer. In these types of officer-involved situations, it is standard protocol for ISP to be contacted for the investigation. The suspect was airlifted to an area hospital with apparent life-threatening injuries. ISP continues the investigation today.

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BELLEVILLE - The Home Builders & Remodelers Metro East Association (HBRMEA) has been busy at work preparing for the the 2024 Home Expo , featuring over 100 vendors, giveaways, and more. Executive Officer Shannon Stelling and President Mike Needles recently discussed the organization, the work they do, and exciting new details about the expo. Stelling announced on the latest “Trade Spotlight” segment on Our Daily Show! on Riverbender.com that one of the event’s giveaway prizes now includes a hot tub valued at $18,000, which one lucky visitor will win at the end of the Expo slated for the weekend of March 8-10, 2024. There’s also an opportunity for attendees to get an extra shot at the giveaway prizes while supporting a good cause. “Everybody can come out to the Expo for three days, March 8, 9, and 10. It’s free to get in, it’s free to park,” Stelling said. “There will be prizes every hour of the expo, then a

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ALTON - Alton Lady Redbirds combo guard Alyssa Lewis has been dreaming of playing basketball overseas before she ever stepped foot on a high school court. In November, she officially made that dream a reality, committing to the Rome City Institute in Italy to continue her education and basketball career. For her achievement, Alyssa Lewis is an Auto Butler Car Wash Athlete of the Month for Alton High School. “It’s amazing,” Lewis said after a 77-13 win over Hazelwood West Saturday afternoon. “It’s always been my dream, since I was in the eighth grade, so to get that opportunity, I didn’t think much about it (before committing). “Obviously, I looked into the logistics of everything, but to live out my dream and to officially commit to it, as early as I did, some people don’t get a chance like this in their whole life. So I’m extremely grateful.” Alton head coach Deserea Howard remembered Lewis talking about wanting to pla

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The holidays are here, and soon we'll prepare Thanksgiving meals for our loved ones featuring a major staple: turkey. Thawing a Thanksgiving turkey can take days. Ashley Simper, Manager of Dietetic Services with OSF HealthCare, recommends keeping the turkey in the freezer until ready to thaw, maintaining a temperature below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. To thaw, use 24 hours of thaw time per 4 to 5 pounds of turkey. For larger birds, move it from the freezer to the refrigerator the Friday before Thanksgiving. Another option; tightly wrap the turkey in a bag and submerge it in cold water. Change the water every 30 minutes until thawed. Make sure to allow 30 minutes of thaw time for every one pound of turkey and cook immediately after thawing. Lastly, if your microwave is large enough, you can use its thaw settings. To cook, preheat the oven to 325 degrees. Cover the turkey in foil for two hours so the bird doesn't burn. Then, safely remove the turkey and baste it with oil or butter.

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SPRINGFIELD – On Thursday, Governor JB Pritzker announced his plan to spend $160 million in taxpayer funds to provide shelter and job assistance to thousands of migrants in Chicago. Since 2022, nearly 25,000 migrants have come to Chicago and the State of Illinois has already spent $478 million on the migrant crisis. With the surge in migrants coming to Illinois, State Representative C.D. Davidsmeyer (R-Murrayville) filed legislation last month to repeal the TRUST Act , ending Illinois’ status as a sanctuary state for undocumented immigrants. Representative Davidsmeyer blasted Governor Pritzker’s plan to take $160 million away from essential services provided by the Illinois Department of Human Services to assist with the migrant crisis in Chicago. “DHS provides vitally needed services to our developmentally disabled community, senior citizens, and children in need of our support,” Davidsmeyer said. “We have children sleeping on the floors of stat

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SPRINGFIELD – The calendar says November, so snow and ice probably aren’t far away – which is why the Illinois Department of Transportation, Illinois State Police and Illinois Tollway are reminding the public that it’s time for “Winter Weather – Get it Together.” “At IDOT, preparing for winter is a year-long endeavor, but we need the public’s help to keep you and your loved ones safe during the coming weeks and months,” said Illinois Transportation Secretary Omer Osman . “The team at IDOT is ready to take on snow and ice with your cooperation. Plan ahead. Reduce speeds. Increase stopping distances between vehicles. Anticipate conditions will change quickly at any time. Keep your eyes on the road. And if you are out during snow removal operations, do not crowd the plow.” Now is a crucial time to begin practicing basic winter driving skills and preparing for even routine trips to take longer to complete, though

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WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator and U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee member Tammy Duckworth reacted to news that an agreement has been reached to allow 140,000 liters of fuel into Gaza every other day to help restore critical lifesaving services, issuing the following statement: “This week, I hosted several Senators for a conversation with physicians who have colleagues on the ground in Gaza doing amazing work trying to provide care for innocent civilians under unimaginable circumstances. They told us that the importance of getting fuel into Gaza could not be overstated, because fuel is a critical resource needed to address the humanitarian crisis and restore essential, lifesaving services like clean water and power for hospitals. “I have joined the Biden Administration in pushing for fuel to be delivered to Gaza, and while I am relieved that an agreement to allow 140,000 liters of this indispensable resource into Gaza every two days has been reached to help

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SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is alerting consumers to an FDA recall of children’s cinnamon applesauce pouches which may contain elevated levels of lead. At least one confirmed case in Illinois, and a total of 34 nationwide, have been linked to the product, which was sold online and at chains like Schnucks and Dollar Tree under the brand names WanaBana, Weis, and Schnucks. You will find pictures of the recalled products at the end of this news release. Information on specific lot numbers and UPC codes can be found through the recall advisory issued by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration . The products may contain elevated levels of lead, which can be dangerous to persons of any age. Children are particularly susceptible to lead toxicity. Lead is a neurotoxin and exposure can impact a child’s development. Most children with elevated lead levels have no symptoms. Occasionally, nonspecific symptoms may include headache, abdominal pain

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SPRINGFIELD – Hunters in Illinois harvested a preliminary statewide total of 262 wild turkeys during the 2023 fall firearm turkey season. The season dates were Oct. 21-29. SPRINGFIELD - The 2023 total compares with the statewide turkey harvest of 267 in 2022. The record harvest was set in 2005 when 1,218 birds were harvested. This year, 1,711 regular fall firearm season permits were sold compared to 1,727 last year. The highest permit sales total on record was in 2007 with 4,968 permits sold. Fall turkey firearm was open in 56 of Illinois’ 102 counties. The top counties for harvest this year were Jo Daviess, 23; Marion, 14; Williamson, 14; Franklin, 13; and Pope, 12. Preliminary data show 55% of the harvest were female birds and 48% were male.

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