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ALTON - It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas in Alton’s Rock Spring Park as the annual Christmas Wonderland light display prepares to open for the season on Friday, Nov. 29. Christmas Wonderland will be open nightly Nov. 29 through Dec. 27. The park is located at 2100 College Ave, in Alton. Hours are Monday through Friday from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Over the last three months, the Grandpa Gang, a group of retired volunteers, has been busy hanging lights and counting down to the opening day of Christmas Wonderland. More than 4 million lights will twinkle against the beautiful backdrop of Rock Spring Park, lighting the way toward another illuminating holiday season. Returning this year to Christmas Wonderland will be the annual walk-through event set for Monday, Dec. 2. People are allowed to walk through the park during the evening to enjoy the lights. Admission for the walk through is $1 per person. The popular Enchanted

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ALTON - Alton High School will host a Restorative Practices Program on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., aimed at addressing conflict resolution and community support among youth. The event, located at Alton High School at 4200 Humbert Road in Godfrey, is sponsored by the Alton Branch NAACP and the Alton Branch Youth Council. The program will feature Tonya Covington, a seasoned professional with 35 years of experience in restorative justice, alongside Viola Cox-Henry. Covington expressed her commitment to the program, stating, "It is very important to me. I am very much dedicated to it because I have seen it work in so many ways and really heal communities." The event will consist of two main sessions. The first session, scheduled from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., will focus on educators, community leaders, and stakeholders discussing community topics through a restorative lens. It aims to enhance school-community partnerships and develop strategies for creating

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EDWARDSVILLE - The City of Edwardsville plans to offset some of its energy costs by opting into a community solar array located outside the city. City Council members on Tuesday unanimously approved an agreement with Ampion, PBC, to subscribe the City of Edwardsville’s electrical account to a community solar array. Alderman William Krause said the agreement would lead to energy savings of about 10%, adding the city’s participation in the associated Community Solar Program is entirely cost-free. "The city is not going to be developing any solar facilities on our own, but we will be opting in to a solar farm that will be located outside of the city," Krause explained. "Then we will receive credits from the energy that is generated from that solar facility to offset the power consumption that we would use." He added that the City of Edwardsville was “sought out” by Ampion, calling the agreement a “good opportunity” for the city. Finance Director

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GRAFTON - At the Grafton Country Music Festival, Anthony Russo and Paula Jameson shared their love for country music and the City of Grafton. Jameson, who helped organize the Country Music Festival to celebrate the one-year anniversary of her Facebook page Enjoy Grafton , noted her excitement to welcome Russo and his band Russo & Co. back to the area. Russo was eager to play and spend the day with Grafton residents and visitors. “I love Grafton and I love country music, so here we are,” he said. As a band, Russo & Co. specializes in country music. They play a mix of covers and originals, and they love sharing their music with audiences far and wide. Russo said that they “don’t do that Bro Country thing” and refuse to play music by bands like Florida Georgia Line. Instead, they like “good timin’ music” and classics like Alan Jackson. The band has turned heads in recent months for their music, including their original

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EAST ST. LOUIS - East St. Louis School District 189 has announced that Ashley Daniels, a physical education teacher at Annette Officer Elementary School, has been recognized as one of Emerson’s 2024 Excellence in Teaching Award honorees. This recognition highlights her commitment to education and her efforts to support students. The Emerson Award is part of a program designed to celebrate exceptional educators who demonstrate outstanding teaching practices and a dedication to student development. Daniels’ recognition comes as part of an ongoing initiative to acknowledge the hard work and impact of teachers in the community. Daniels has been noted for her ability to go above and beyond in her role, contributing to the overall well-being and growth of her students. The East St. Louis School District expressed pride in her achievements, emphasizing her exemplary service in the field of education. The announcement of the award is a reminder of the importance of recognizing

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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, today took to the Senate floor to highlight the efforts of U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow, Chair of the Senate Agriculture Committee, to complete the Farm Bill, the Rural Prosperity and Food Security Act . In his remarks, Durbin asked Stabenow, who was also on the Senate floor, about several aspects of the Farm Bill, which must be passed or extended by the end of December to prevent agricultural policy from reverting to Depression-era mandates. “Those of us who serve in the United States Senate know that as Chair of the Senate Agriculture Committee, she not only walks the walk, she talks the talk. She has shown her own expertise in achieving that goal and her understanding of a very complex piece of legislation,” Durbin said of Stabenow. After emphasizing that the current Farm Bill expires at the end of December, Durbin asked Stabenow, “Would you

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ST. LOUIS - The St. Louis City Water Division has issued a precautionary boil water advisory for portions of its service area due to low water pressure caused by a broken 36” water main. The neighborhoods affected area under the precautionary boil water advisory are: Area 1 Jeff-Vander-Lou, Carr Square and St. Louis Place Area 2 Benton Park, Marine Villa and Soulard Click here to see map for the specific boundaries of the affected area . The Water Division has not detected any contamination to the water supply and has issued the boil water advisory out of an abundance of caution. The boil water advisory is in effect until further notice. The Water Division will analyze water samples before determining when to lift the boil water advisory. Test results will be in 24 hours. Details can be found at https://www.stlwater.com . Frequently Asked Questions: What is a boil water advisory? The Water Division may issue a boil water advisory when there

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The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) makes clear that energy drinks are “fundamentally different” than sports drinks like Gatorade or Powerade. But scrolling through social media or strolling through the grocery store aisle, and the lines start to blur a bit. When quarterback Justin Fields was a rookie, he inked an endorsement deal with C4 – an energy drink brand. More recently, CELSIUS signed six Heisman Trophy “hopefuls” to NIL (name, image and likeness) deals. The company’s slogan is “live fit,” a motto many athletes can relate to. Karan Rai, MD, is a sports medicine physician with OSF HealthCare who works in partnership with Illinois State University to see and treat ISU athletes. He says he’s having a lot of conversations with athletes about these types of drinks, and he always urges caution. "Quite a few of them are not FDA approved," Dr. Rai says. “The reason that matters is that we often don't know

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SPRINGFIELD - As hunters across Illinois prepare for the upcoming firearm deer season, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) urges them to use safety harnesses when hunting from tree stands in the field. Tree stands are the No. 1 source of hunting-related accidents and fatalities in Illinois. The 2024 firearm deer season dates are Nov. 22-24 and Dec. 5-8. “Our top priority is ensuring hunters return home safe and unharmed after every hunt,” said Jed Whitchurch, director of IDNR’s Office of Law Enforcement. “We want hunters to enjoy themselves and be successful in the field, but safety must be top of mind at all times.” So far during the fall 2024 hunting season, which includes archery deer season, Illinois Conservation Police have documented one hunting-related fatality. On Nov. 10, a man hunting in Wayne County fell from a tree stand after apparently nodding off in the stand. He was not wearing a safety harness. The man was air-lifted

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SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) is excited to bring back the Illinois Product Holiday Market to Downtown Springfield. The market will be held on December 6, 7 and 8 at the “Y Block,” located north of the Governor’s Mansion. This festive market will feature a wide array of Illinois products perfect for everyone on your shopping list this season. "The Illinois Product Holiday Market gives local entrepreneurs a platform to showcase their goods and helps them grow their business” said IDOA Director Jerry Costello. “This initiative not only helps small businesses thrive but also allows shoppers a way to support local agri-businesses, fostering a stronger, more sustainable community." Vendors will include favorites like Rolling Lawns Farm, Jon Ellis Woodworking, 17th St BBQ, MKS Meats, Ropp Jersey Cheese, Berries and Flour: Bakery and Harvest Goods, and many more. Enjoy delicious ready-to-eat food like Kurtos pierogies

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ST. LOUIS — In 2024, climate crisis mounted an overwhelming toll on people in Missouri and the U.S., who relied on the American Red Cross for relief and care as they faced the country’s second-highest number of billion-dollar disasters ever recorded. This year’s 24 major climate and weather events — each with losses exceeding $1 billion — are topped only by last year’s record-breaking 28. To help, over 2,800 Red Cross volunteers from Missouri and Arkansas have been part of teams responding nonstop to provide shelter, food and other assistance to tens of thousands of people reeling from this year’s hurricanes, storms, floods and wildfires — all while continuing to care for families still recovering from 2023’s extreme disasters. “First-hand, I’ve seen the devastation that disasters have caused families this year — and the climate crisis shows no signs of slowing down,” said Barry Falke, Chief Executive

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ALTON - At the recent “What’s Up Downtown” meeting, local entrepreneurs gathered to share information about their businesses with the Alton community. On Nov. 19, 2024, community leaders and business owners met at the iMerge Community Center for the quarterly information exchange sponsored by Alton Main Street . Chantel Morrigan spoke about Jacoby Arts Center, and Michael Snider shared plans for a new sculpture. Jeff Holliday shared information about his new business Uncle Jeff’s T-Shirts, and Kim Tanner of Strangelovely and Madeline Eades of Coco + Oak spoke about their respective businesses’ expansions. Clara Vaughn introduced her business Clarity Massage Therapy. Chantel Morrigan shared an update on Jacoby Arts Center after their move out of the historic Jacoby building. She said that Jacoby will host ArtEast Studio Tours on Dec. 7 and 8, 2024, followed by a Little Elf Workshop for kids on Dec. 8 at Milton Schoolhouse. They will als

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National Pie Day, celebrated on January 23rd each year, is an occasion that invites pie enthusiasts and culinary novices alike to indulge in one of America’s favorite desserts. The day is not just about savoring the sweet and savory delights of pie; it also provides an opportunity to explore the rich history, diverse types, and creative recipes that this beloved dish encompasses. In this article, we will delve into the significance of National Pie Day, discuss various types of pies, and share some delectable recipes to inspire your celebrations. The Significance of National Pie Day National Pie Day was established in 1986 by the American Pie Council, an organization dedicated to preserving the heritage of pie-making in the United States. The day serves as a celebration of pie in all its forms, encouraging people to bake, share, and enjoy pies with family and friends. While the origins of pie date back to ancient civilizations, pies as we know them today began to gain popularity

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Welcome to another journey through time as we explore significant events that occurred on November 20th throughout history. 1998: The International Space Station (ISS) Begins Construction On this day in 1998, the first module of the International Space Station was launched into orbit. Named Zarya, this Russian module was pivotal in establishing what would become a symbol of international cooperation in space exploration. The ISS not only serves as a microgravity research laboratory but also as a hub for scientific discovery that transcends national boundaries. Over the years, it has hosted astronauts from various countries, contributing to our understanding of life in space and paving the way for future explorations to Mars and beyond. 1962: The First Successful Test of a Nuclear-Powered Submarine On November 20th, 1962, the United States successfully tested the USS Enterprise, the world's first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier. This monumental achievement marked a significant

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ALTON – Mayor David Goins has officially announced his candidacy for a second term as mayor of Alton, Illinois. With the election set for April 1, 2025, Mayor Goins is eager to build on the achievements of his first term, which has been defined by progress in public safety, financial stability, infrastructure development, and economic growth. Reflecting on his time in office, Mayor Goins stated: “I feel immense pride in the progress we have made, and I am grateful for the opportunity to serve this community. We have faced challenges together, celebrated accomplishments, and I remain committed to being present, accessible, and responsive to the needs of Alton residents. Your feedback has always been the foundation of my actions.” Key Accomplishments During Mayor Goins’ First Term 1. Financial Stability Through strategic planning, Mayor Goins and his administration transformed the City’s finances from a $3.8 million deficit to a $2.7 million surplus,

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CHICAGO - Attorney General Kwame Raoul today announced a settlement with Metro Staff Inc. (Metro Staff) that resolves allegations Metro Staff entered into no-poach agreements and engaged in wage fixing with two other staffing agencies. The settlement requires Metro Staff to pay $1.8 million to compensate temporary workers impacted by the unlawful activity. “This settlement prioritizes compensation for workers because they are the ones most impacted by these agreements that limit wages and job opportunities,” Raoul said. “When employers conspire to keep wages down, Illinois workers and their families suffer. My office has and will continue to enforce laws that protect workers’ rights to fair wages and opportunities to better provide for their families.” In 2020, Raoul’s office filed a lawsuit against three staffing agencies, Metro Staff, Elite Staffing Inc. (Elite) and Midway Staffing Inc., and their common client Colony Display LLC (Colony).

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This weekend offers a delightful array of events that cater to diverse interests, from festive holiday gatherings and creative workshops to live music performances and community celebrations, ensuring there's something for everyone to enjoy. For a complete listing of all upcoming events, visit Riverbender Events . If you want to make sure even more of the region is aware of your event email cj@riverbender.com and explore our range of Event Promotion Services! Featured 30th Annual Community Tree Lighting at Lincoln-Douglas Square is set to take place on Friday, November 22nd in Alton. This festive event, hosted by Alton Main Street, promises to usher in the holiday spirit with a variety of activities starting at 6:00pm with the arrival of Santa Claus. Attendees can enjoy caroling, cookies, and hot cocoa, culminating in the lighting of the beautiful tree at 6:45pm by Mayor David Goins. Families are encouraged to take photos with Santa and other holiday characters, while carols

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GODFREY - The Village of Godfrey will use Business District funds to make improvements to Pierce Lane as the road proves “critical” to supporting Godfrey businesses. Trustees at Tuesday’s Village Board meeting unanimously approved a resolution declaring “Pierce Lane improvements critical to the preparation and function of the Godfrey Business District Plan.” Trustee Rick Lauschke asked if this was being done solely to use Business District funds for the road improvements, which was confirmed. According to the resolution , Pierce Lane is “partially located within the Godfrey Business District, directing traffic to the Godfrey Business District, and serving as a vital corridor for the promotion of vehicular and pedestrian traffic entering and safely exiting the Business District.” It adds that the ongoing Pierce Lane Reconstruction Project aims to expand the Business District and its associated corridor, bringing increased sales

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GLEN CARBON – The Village will be hosting its first Heritage Winter Market at the Glen Carbon Heritage Museum located at 124 School Street on Sat., Nov. 30. Happening from 5pm-8pm, the winter market kicks off the holiday season with shopping, food, drinks, caroling, horse-carriage rides and more. The event is free to attend and open to the public. Doors open at 5pm with vendors, a food truck, drinks and caroling. Grab a delicious coffee or sandwich from Rachel & Co. Food Truck, or a specialty drink from The Nomad Mobile Bar. The Claddagh Carriage Co. will be offering free horse and carriage rides around the Village (tips encouraged). A community tree lighting ceremony will take place at 6 pm in front of the museum. Inside, you will find Tessitura Music singing Christmas carols, Earth Candy serving mocktails, Forever Always permanent jewelry and a variety of vendors selling holiday décor and more. You can find a complete listing of vendors by visiting

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EDWARDSVILLE - Mojo’s Music has holiday discounts going through Christmas Eve, but their personalized customer service is year-round. Located at 144 N. Main Street in Edwardsville, Mojo’s Music sells a wide variety of instruments and accessories for aspiring and experienced musicians. They also offer repair services and lessons. Owner Tom Pullen explained that they take an “interactive” approach to customer service and do everything they can to support local musicians. “We really try to work with people to make sure they get the exact right thing at the right price to make sure that they succeed at playing music,” Pullen said. As the holiday season approaches, there are several specials available for customers. In addition to the Black Friday and Small Business Saturday discounts that will be available next week, all of the Christmas deals are currently in effect. The big deal is one you won’t want to miss. You can choose any guitar

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