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BELLEVILLE – Thanks to advocacy from state Rep. Jay Hoffman, D-Swansea, $580,000 in state grants through the Rebuild Illinois capital program have been issued for local projects – including support for St. Clair Associated Vocational Enterprises (SAVE), building improvements for the Swansea Police Department, infrastructure reconstruction at Belleville’s Bicentennial Park and highway equipment to support local services in St. Clair Township. “This funding is going to help community assets in their mission of serving resident needs,” Hoffman said. “I appreciate the work put in by local leaders to successfully receive these grants, and I look forward to the positive impact they will have.” Funding released by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) includes: - $200,000 to the City of Belleville for Bicentennial Park’s spillway reconstruction to prevent erosion and better handle major storms, - $180,000 to

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GLEN CARBON – Two Girl Scouts from Southern Illinois – Megan Roseman from Collinsville and Elizabeth Back from Anna – got to take their Girl Scout adventures to exciting new heights this summer. Girl Scout Destinations are the ultimate adventure for Girl Scouts in grades 6-12. Destinations are designed to push girls past their comfort zones by applying for trips on their own and making friends from all over the country as they travel with new Girl Scout friends. Destinations prove to be unique, life-changing experiences for girls who choose to go on these adventures. Megan’s Girl Scout Destination took her to the great state of Texas for “Biomedical Engineering Immersion” at Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas’s STEM Center of Excellence. At this Destination, girls explored careers in biomedical engineering through hands-on experimental learning, while also experiencing the adventure of high ropes, archery, and traditional Girl Scout camping

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SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois State Police (ISP) is targeting vehicle theft, hijacking, and related violence crimes using a $10 million Illinois Vehicle Hijacking and Motor Vehicle Theft Prevention and Insurance Verification Council grant from the Illinois Secretary of State. “To stop vehicle theft and hijacking crimes, the Illinois State Police utilizes increased patrol presence, air operations support, automated license plate readers, investigations, and forensic services,” said ISP Director Brendan F. Kelly. From July through September 2023, ISP missions resulted in the following: Vehicles recovered – stolen and/or hijacked 290 Stolen vehicle arrests 24 Hijacked vehicle arrests 3 Firearms seized as a result of stolen/hijacked vehicle recovery 9 Missions targeting stolen/hijacked vehicle recovery and related violent crime 59

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ALTON - Alton firefighters battled a serious blaze at a vacant house in the 200 block of Main Street in Alton on Wednesday, Oct. 18, 2023. Alton Fire Chief Jesse Jemison said the fire call came in at 9:17 a.m. on Wednesday. Jemison said the Illinois State Fire Marshal has also been called to the scene to investigate. “Our firefighters did a great job and got it under control in about 15 minutes after getting set up,” the chief added. “The house has been vacant for years and there is evidence people have been squatting there. It is being investigated although the fire marshal didn’t say there was any obvious cause of the fire yet.” The chief said the Alton firefighters always respond quickly and this time they had the fire extinguished in a quick fashion.

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ALTON - Two students were recognized for their character at the recent Alton Community Unit School District #11 (ACUSD11) Board of Education meeting. The Board honored Miguel Hernandez and Jack Phillips as the Optimist Students of the Month during their regular meeting on Oct. 17, 2023. This award signifies that both students are kind and hardworking. Dr. Cindy Inman, the principal of Alton Middle School, introduced Hernandez and commended his good character. She noted that he is always empathetic and “exhibits qualities that most eighth graders do not have.” “He is the kindest person I’ve ever met,” she said. “Miguel made the statement — and this goes to show what type of student, what kind of human being he is — Miguel states he loves when he helps others that are in need. And that is a good thing for a middle school student.” Inman also read comments from a few of Hernandez’s teachers, who all highlighted his empathy

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EDWARDSVILLE - If you ask Clarinda Martin, owner of a new Edwardsville children’s boutique, raising a child takes “a village and a wine rack.” Two years ago, Martin opened the Charlie Rae boutique online to sell quality kids clothing at an affordable price. This week, she is welcoming local customers to her new storefront, located at 100 N. Main Street in Edwardsville. Her grand opening on Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023, promises giveaways and mimosas as she hopes to entice parents who know parenthood isn’t always picturesque. “I just feel like everybody is so focused on being the perfect parent and the perfect mom. I mean, I really don’t think that’s reality for anybody,” Martin said. “I want to build a community around being a real person and a real parent. Kids are messy. Life is incredibly messy. And so I just want to make some aspect of it easier.” The Charlie Rae boutique offers clothing for babies and kids. From fun

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GLEN CARBON - Sophomore Sarah Hyten had one of the most dominant golf seasons in all of the St. Louis Metro-East area. Countless regular-season medalist honors, new personal and school records all but prepared her for an impressive post-season run. When it mattered most, she continued to play well, and that's why Sarah is a Byron, Carlson, Petri & Kalb LLC Athlete of the Month for the Father McGivney Griffins. She began her playoff run with a first-place finish in the Alton (Marquette) Regional held at Spencer T. Olin Golf Course. She shot a 4-over-par 76 and helped her team finish second-place, qualifying them all for the sectional. At the Roxana Sectional, held at Belk Park Golf Course in Wood River, Hyten took second with a 2-under-par 70. Her play once again helped her team move on as the Griffins took third as a team at the sectional, qualifying them for the state tournament. At the state tournament Hyten shot a two-day score of 156 which earned her a tie in ninth place.

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ALTON - The Junior League of Greater Alton’s Women’s Empowerment Scholarship is helping one Alton woman follow her career path in a new direction. Kenita Jalivay, 47, is a former English teacher and program manager who served as a mentor to at-risk students in Philadelphia for 17 years, before returning to Southern Illinois to be closer to family. Today, she’s studying Nursing at Lewis and Clark Community College, and plans to graduate with her Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) in Spring 2025. After completing her degree, she’ll sit for the NCLEX licensure exam to become a registered nurse (RN). “I realized that I still want to serve children, just not in a classroom setting,” she said. “L&C’s Nursing program offers me the opportunity to train for a very important role, mid-career, as a pediatric nurse. In this capacity, I'll still have the opportunity to bring love and joy to children in serious need.” Long-term, her goal

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ROXANA - Senior Reagan Lynn ended her golf career on a high note. After the Shells didn't move on as a team from the Alton (Marquette) Regional, Lynn qualified for the Roxana Sectional as a top-10 individual. She shot an 89 at Spencer T. Olin Golf Course in the regional to advance. At the sectional, held at a familiar Belk Park Golf Course in Wood River, Lynn shot an 89 again, missing out on the state tournament, but ending the season with some good play. For her efforts out on the links this season, Reagan Lynn is a Midwest Members Credit Union Athlete of the Month for Roxana High School. Reagan will soon be preparing for soccer season where she's been a key player for the Shells. A season ago she scored eight goals and had 11 assists.

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CARLINVILLE - As the autumn air sets in, the Blackburn College Department of Music & Theatre is pleased to announce its highly anticipated Fall performance schedule. Talented students will perform an array of captivating musical moments that will resonate with both the campus and the community. With a lineup that showcases a mix of styles, the College invites the campus and community to celebrate the season with Blackburn. Performances for the Fall of 2023 include: Blackburn Music Showcase - Bothwell Auditorium (Friday, October 27 at 7:00 pm) The Blackburn Music Showcase will feature the Blackburn College Choir, along with several student soloists performing a variety of music representing the group’s upcoming season. This showcase is directed by Dr. Joseph Welch, Professor of Music at Blackburn, and accompaniment will be provided by adjunct professor Dr. See Tsai Chan. Dream On: A Rock Concert - Bothwell Auditorium (Friday, November 17 at 7:00 pm) A special rock concert

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CHICAGO - Today, Governor JB Pritzker and allies announced the formation of Think Big America, a new organization focused on protecting and expanding reproductive rights. Think Big America (TBA) builds on the progress that Governor Pritzker’s administration and its allies have made in Illinois and takes the fight to right wing extremists all across the country. By helping to support initiatives that expand rights and make life better for working families, TBA will get big things done for all Americans. “From attending rallies and marching with my mother as a young boy, to codifying the right to choose into state law before the fall of Roe v Wade, my commitment to protecting and expanding reproductive rights has been lifelong,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Think Big America is dedicated to ensuring the fundamental right of reproductive choice for individuals everywhere––regardless of their state of residence, religion, race, or socioeconomic status.”

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CHICAGO - Attorney General Kwame Raoul announced that Illinois, along with 49 other attorneys general, has reached a bipartisan settlement with a subsidiary of payment processor ACI Worldwide Corporation (ACI) concerning a testing error that led to the attempted unauthorized withdrawal of $2.3 billion from the accounts of 477,000 mortgage holders. Under the settlement, ACI has agreed to take steps to avoid future incidents and pay a $10 million fine. Illinois will receive $519,501.61 from the settlement. “The settlement with ACI not only imposes a significant fine but also holes the financial company accountable so that consumers are protected in the future from erroneous charges,” Raoul said. “My office’s Consumer Protection Division will continue to protect consumers and hold accountable bad actors that do not responsibly handle Illinois residents’ hard-earned money.” The settlement resolves allegations ACI erroneously attempted to collect

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EDWARDSVILLE – North Myrtle Street will be closed to all traffic for several days starting Monday, October 23, while the existing asphalt pavement is removed and replaced. North Myrtle Street runs between St. Louis Street and Randle Street. Weather permitting, the project will get underway about 7 a.m. on Monday, October 23. North Myrtle Street is expected to reopen sometime on Wednesday, October 25. The City appreciates everyone’s patience and cooperation while the project is ongoing. While City crews and equipment are on site, drivers in that area are asked to please use caution. Anyone with questions about the project can call the City’s Public Works Department at 618-692-7535.

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ALTON - The Alton School District Board of Education named the next Director of Financial Services at their regular meeting Tuesday night, Oct. 17, 2023. The Board approved Kimberly Y. Nixon for the new post beginning July 1, 2024. Nixon will replace Mary Schell who is retiring at the end of June 2024. Nixon moves into the role with significant experience in school finance and fiscal management. She currently serves as the Assistant Business Manager and Board of Education Treasurer for the District. Her background includes experience in payroll, bookkeeping, audits, budgets, insurance, grant management, accounts payable, employee benefits and quality control. Prior to the Alton School District, Nixon also worked in school finance for the Bethalto and Collinsville School Districts. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from Lindenwood University and a Master’s Degree in School and Business Management from Northern Illinois University. She also holds Chief

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EDWARDSVILLE - At their first meeting since the passing of Alderman Jack Burns , members of the Edwardsville City Council, Mayor Art Risavy, and other city officials spoke kindly of the late alderman, recalling his sense of humor, mentorship, and more. “Jack was a trusted friend - somebody I respected, cared about. He was an advocate for the people in his ward and the people of the City of Edwardsville,” Mayor Art Risavy said. “He was a veteran, he was a successful banker, he was a Main Street Community volunteer, and he was a Scott Air Force Base honorable commander representing the City of Edwardsville - and most recently, I learned that he actually tried out for the St. Louis Cardinals. “No one can replace Jack. I personally will never forget the impact he’s had on my life.” Each of the aldermen had something positive to say about their time serving with Burns on the City Council, whether for years or just a few months. “Jack

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RIVERBEND - Halloween is creeping up on us, but it’s all treats — no tricks — this spooky season. Several parades are scheduled over the next two weeks, and your little monsters can enjoy trick-or-treating across the region. Check it out! PARADES ALTON: With one of the longest-running Halloween parades in the country, Alton’s 106th annual celebration will run from 7–10 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 31, 2023. The parade begins downtown at the intersection of Washington Avenue and Broadway and will continue on Broadway to Piasa Street, where it will end at 9th Street. There are over 40 parade participants registered already. If you are unable to get out to view the Alton Halloween Parade in-person, keep an eye out for the live stream on Riverbender.com. BETHALTO: Bethalto Rotary will host their annual Halloween parade on Tuesday, Oct. 24, 2023. Floats will line up at 6 p.m. at Rose Lawn Cemetery on Erwin Plegge Boulevard. To register your float, contac

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GLEN CARBON - Gus Range is following a family legacy in athletics at Father McGivney Catholic High School. Gus' sister, Mia Range, is a standout in multiple sports at McGivney. She has been a state qualifier in the high jump and is an outstanding sprinter in the area. Gus is also a soccer player and as a freshman has cracked 19 minutes for three miles. Gus' best time was Sept. 14, 2023, in the Massac Patriot Invite (18:30.1) for three miles. He ran a time of 18:49.4 on Oct. 10, 2023, at the Gateway Metro Conference Championships at Father McGivney in Glen Carbon. Gus Range is a Byron, Carlson, Petri and Kalb Male Athlete of the Month for Father McGivney Catholic. The McGivney freshman said his sister, Mia, has been a strong influence on his competitive nature and approach to his various sports. Gus said he was very pleased with his race in the conference setting at McGivney and believes he is ready to hit his peak as the postseason ensues. "I am ready for the postseason in cross

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WOOD RIVER - The new Sports Barn business is starting to go in the air on Old St. Louis-Alton Road close to I-255 and Illinois Route 143. Concrete footing work appears to be set and now the walls are being constructed at the new 37,500-square-foot structure in Wood River. The new Sports Barn will feature batting cases, pitching development, a turf infield, and more inside the training facility for baseball and softball players. The Gators Baseball Academy a baseball and softball club for ages 6 to 18 will be the prime occupants of the new facility.

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GLEN CARBON – Kaitlyn Hatley is one of a group of runners who have become a treasure for Father McGivney head cross country and track coach Jim Helton and the school in recent years. Kaitlyn and her close friend and teammate Elena Rybak have scorched about every course they have run on this year, running away from the other competitors at nearly every meet. Kaitlyn was second at the recent Gateway Conference Meet at Father McGivney on Oct. 10, 2023, with a time of 18:04.2 on the three-mile course. She was second in the Madison County Invite on Oct. 3, 2023, with a time of 18:25.7. Kaitlyn is a Byron, Carlson, Petri and Kalb Female Athlete of Month for the Griffins. Hatley has also had a remarkable track and field career at McGivney and ran a 2:16.31 at the IHSA State Meet last year in the 800 meters and was a member of the second place 4 x 800 relay team that finished in a time of 9:35.35 for second at state. She broke 60 seconds (59.68) at last year’s Madison County outdoors

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EDWARDSVILLE - Parker McMillian a junior midfielder for the boys' soccer team at Edwardsville High has provided a spark for the Tigers late in the season. McMillan scored the only goal for the Tigers in a 6-1 loss to traditional power CBC on Sept. 30. At the time, the Tigers were 8-5-1 after the loss, but in their final week of the regular season, Edwardsville won three in a row to make the final regular season record 11-5-1 as the Tigers start their postseason journey Oct. 17 at home against Alton in their own IHSA Class 3A regional. In a post-match interview that followed the loss to the Cadets, McMillian saw the game as a learning opportunity for the Tigers and a chance to improve. "I think we can still make a good turnaround and there's a lot of good spirit on this team," he said that night. "And I think if we can come together, we can have a good rest of the season and have a good playoff season." McMillan is a Johnston Law Firm Male Athlete of the Month for the Tigers. McMillan's

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