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GODFREY - On Friday morning, students and staff gathered at the St. Ambrose Catholic School library for the unveiling of their new book vending machine and a surprise ceremony to honor longtime library director Maralee Juravich. Juravich, 92, has worked in libraries for most of her life. She has been with the St. Ambrose Catholic School for over 30 years. At the ceremony on Sept. 1, the school renamed its library to the Maralee Juravich Student Library to honor her. “One librarian, in particular, has been the backbone and the source of inspiration and the go-getter that makes this library happen year in and year out,” Principal Bob Baird said to the students, staff members and parents who were present. “Miss Maralee has been our head librarian for some 30 years, organizing this library and ensuring that students year in and year out can check out the books and can be passionate and excited.” The crowd cheered her on as staff members unveiled the new sign.

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EAST ST. LOUIS - As Labor Day approaches, State Senator Christopher Belt highlights the importance of the hardworking people in the 57 th District whose dedication and efforts continue to drive our communities and economy forward. Labor Day is observed every year on the first Monday in September. This is an annual celebration of the social and economic achievements of American workers. The holiday is rooted in the late nineteenth century, when labor activists pushed for a federal holiday to recognize the many contributions workers have made to America’s strength, prosperity and well-being. Illinois has consistently demonstrated its dedication to the well-being of its workforce. From enacting labor protections to advocating for equal pay, the state has been at the forefront of championing workers’ rights. “I have been a longtime advocate for workers in every sector,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “I will continue to work tirelessly to create an environment

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GREENFIELD – The Illinois Department of Transportation announced that resurfacing of Illinois 267, from the Jersey County Line to Bear Creek in Greene County, began Aug. 29. Flaggers will maintain two-way traffic. The north and south portions of the project are expected to be completed by the end of November. The middle section (through Greenfield) will continue through the winter, with completion of resurfacing anticipated in spring 2024. 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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ALTON - The 4th annual Alton Catfish Classic is returning to the Alton Amphitheater with $52,000 in total prize money being paid out to the 10 best anglers on Saturday, Sept. 9 from 6:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Tournament Director Alex Nagy discussed the event on a recent episode of Our Daily Show! on Riverbender.com . There is a $500 entry fee per team of up to three anglers for the event, which is paid back by over 100% thanks to $50,000 in prize money combined with $1,500 and $500 Big Fish sponsors from B&R Marine. That adds up to $52,000 in payouts up for grabs for the top 10 places with a $20,000 grand prize for first place. “COVID stopped one year, but other than that, we’ve been going strong since 2019 and it continues to grow,” Nagy said of the Catfish Classic. “We’re doing some food, we have a Friday night Captain’s Meeting that’s open to the public where we’re going to do a calcutta. “The public is welcome to come hang

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ALTON - After a successful Food Truck Festival last week, Alton Amphitheater is riding that momentum with another big event this weekend. The Alton Jazz & Wine Festival invites community members to enjoy an evening of jazz music and a selection of wines from 6–10 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 2. “It’s a relaxing evening,” Dan Herkert, chair of the Alton Amphitheater Commission, said. “It’s an affordable evening, which is what we try to do. You’ll have a great time.” Three jazz groups will take the stage at the Alton Amphitheater throughout the evening as the audience sips and listens. Gates open at 6 p.m., and the Alton Jazz Confluence will start things off at 6:30 p.m. The Alton Jazz Confluence is a jazz group from Alton High School. Southern Illinois University of Edwardsville Jazz Program Director Jason Swagler and his group Weather Forever will follow at 7:15, and then the Trumpet Trio of Dawn Weber, Kasimu Taylor and Danny Campbel

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EDWARDSVILLE – A resurfacing project on a section of University Drive is set to begin on Tuesday, September 5, weather permitting. This is the first phase of planned improvements on University Drive, and will encompass a 0.27-mile portion from Illinois Route 157 to 250 feet east of Devon Court. The road will remain open for local access during the work, although delays, lane restrictions and temporary closures are to be expected. A portion of the affected area will be milled and resurfaced, while another section will require full reconstruction, including new curbs, gutter and pavement. Stutz Excavating and Grading will serve as the prime contractor for the project. Barring unforeseen delays, completion is expected in the spring. It’s the first major overhaul of University Drive in at least 15 years. A second phase of the project will continue the resurfacing along University Drive to Esic Drive, and then south along Esic to the Madison County Transit Nature Trail. A shared

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EDWARDSVILLE — Many of us know someone or heard of someone who died by suicide. We ask ourselves when it happens what could we have done to recognize the symptoms in order to prevent the tragedy. “It’s heartbreaking that an individual feels like there is no hope other than to take their own life,” Deborah Humphrey, director of the Madison County Mental Health Board, said. Humphrey said that September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month and the Mental Health Board would like to see the trend in suicide rates in the county diminish. Since Jan. 1, there have been 25 individuals who’ve taken their own lives in Madison County. The Madison County Coroners Office reports that through the end of August there were 13 who took their life by gunshot, eight by hanging, two by overdose and two by a sharp instrument. For all those who do take their own life, there are millions more who have serious thoughts of suicide and go as far to make a plan or attemp

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ALTON - A new mural is set to be painted at 136 Front Street in Alton starting in early September. The organization Alton Main Street has commissioned Robert Fishbone and On the Wall Productions to paint the mural. Fishbone has created nearly 200 murals in his 50-year career. The Alton mural, titled “Alton Flyway Mural,” will be a recreation of a painting by local artist James K. Schmidt. “One of the things that distinguishes the work that my company does is everything we do is site-specific. That means it’s geared toward the community and the history of the people,” Fishbone said. The Alton mural is no different. Schmidt is based in Elsah and has had several exhibitions at Jacoby Arts Center in Alton. The mural will feature blue and green squares with several birds flying over the background, an homage to the rivers and bird species in our area. This project is sponsored in part by the Audubon Center at Riverlands in West Alton, Missouri. The Audubon

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GODFREY - Alton School District 11 Superintendent Dr. Kristie Baumgartner issued statements on Thursday afternoon about the series of physical altercations that occurred at Alton High School on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023. "Multiple students were involved in these altercations," Baumgartner said. "A significant number of administrators, staff and law enforcement officers responded immediately to restore order. No students were seriously injured and no weapons were involved. “The events yesterday were absolutely unacceptable. They are senseless and embarrassing for our students, staff, school and community. We are continuing our investigation to identify all students responsible and administer serious school consequences. The motivation behind these events remains unclear, but all of the students involved were known to each other. "We would like to express that the vast majority of our students at Alton High are respectful, kind, and follow school rules. We deeply regret that these

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GODFREY - Madison County Chief Deputy Sheriff Marcos D. Pulido released a statement about what transpired Wednesday, Aug. 30, at Alton High School on Thursday afternoon. This is the statement by the chief deputy: "Throughout the day on Wednesday, August 30, 2023, Alton High School staff and two School Resource Officers, who are Madison County Sheriff's Deputies, handled multiple fights involving groups of students. As the fights continued, additional law enforcement agencies were requested to assist. As Deputies were trying to intervene, Deputies were battered by some of the subjects involved. No serious injuries to anyone involved were reported. "The investigation into the fights, which includes reviewing video surveillance and obtaining statements, continues. The details of the investigation will be presented to the Madison County State's Attorney's Office at a later date. "Any school discipline will be handled by the Alton School District. "We do not condone this type of behavior

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SPRINGFIELD - Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias announced the official launch of the Skip-the-Line program set to begin tomorrow to reduce lines and headaches at Illinois’ busiest Driver and Motor Vehicle Facilities (DMVs). The multi-pronged approach to improve customer service and eliminate the unpredictability of wait times at DMVs was announced in July with an official implementation date of September 1. “Offering appointments at high-volume DMV facilities, expanding hours of operation and broadening available services online makes sense and will result in improved customer experiences,” said Giannoulias. “By modernizing the office’s approach to service, the Skip-the-Line program gives customers more control over their visit. Starting tomorrow, we are here when you want us.” To announce the launch of the program, Giannoulias was joined today at a press conference in Chicago by Philippe Largent, State Director of Illinois AARP, Bob Reiter,

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CARROLLTON - Local communities in Greene and Scott and around the world are coming together on August 31, 2023, to remember all those who we have lost or suffered permanent injury due to overdose. Observed on August 31 every year, International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD) seeks to create better understanding of overdose, reduce the stigma of substance-related deaths, and create change that reduces the harms associated with substance use. The Greene County Health Department’s Greene & Scott County Recovery Council project is recognizing this day by making a bold statement. “Residents who visit the square in Winchester this morning or the Greene County Courthouse this afternoon will be met with empty shoes, symbolizing the loss our communities have faced as a result of this crisis” said Recovery Coordinator Amanda Morrow. “It can be challenging to convey just how bad the crisis we face is and even harder for some to relate if you haven’t been directly

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EDWARDSVILLE – Six female engineering students from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville had the opportunity to get a behind-the-scenes look into motorsports at PNC's Girls Day at the track. Held in partnership with Chip Ganassi Racing, the event took place during the Bommarito Automotive Group 500 qualifying event at the World Wide Technology Raceway on Saturday, Aug. 26. The SIUE students met Scott Dixon, driver of the number 9 PNC Bank Honda, six-time IndyCar champion and winner of the 2008 Indianapolis 500. They also had the opportunity to connect with Dixon’s gearbox mechanic Anna Chatten. “Due to women in engineering being a minority, it's rare for a woman in engineering to hear about a day in the life of another woman engineer directly, especially one who works on race cars,” said Katherine Schneider, sophomore mechanical engineering major from Red Bud. “Thanks to Anna, I was able to learn more about how the paddle shift system on the

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ALTON - OSF Healthcare and Lewis & Clark Community College partnered to help OSF patients with oral health needs while giving students valuable hands-on experience, and the partnership has been a major benefit for all parties involved. Kristi Davis with OSF and Dr. Kent Splaingard with LCCC appeared on an episode of Our Daily Show! on Riverbender.com to discuss the partnership and how it got started. As an inpatient speech therapist for OSF, Davis said she also deals with “swallowing disorders” and emphasized the importance of keeping one’s mouth clean to benefit their health overall. After noticing many patients weren’t keeping their mouths clean, she looked to LCCC for assistance. “Having a clean mouth is really, really important … a lot of patients weren’t keeping their mouth clean, and I only have so much time - some of these mouths required a lot more than me,” Davis said. “You look around the hospital and

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GODFREY - Superintendent Kristie Baumgartner, Alton School Board members and high school administration are sifting through video and investigating a group of incidents that occurred at the high school on Wednesday. Alton High School was closed on Thursday and will resume with remote learning on Friday. Alton School Board President Dave Lauschke said at the time of the interview it has been determined there were five fights that occurred but he has heard as many as 10 or 12, and some could have been sub-fights that broke out slightly away from other fights. He confirmed no weapons were involved just individuals hitting one another. He said from what he knows, no teacher, administrator, or student appeared to be seriously injured in the incidents. Lauschke said he was uncertain what next week would bring as far as classes and he said he knew law enforcement and school administrators would be monitoring social media over the weekend about these issues. He also said quite a few kids

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DECATUR — Today, Governor JB Pritzker joined the Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) at the 2023 Farm Progress Show to announce funding for a grant program aimed at breaking down the stigma of accessing mental health services in agricultural communities. The announcement was made in partnership with the Illinois FFA Foundation and the Southern Illinois University (SIU) School of Medicine. “As Governor, as a father, and as someone who has personally witnessed the mental health epidemic among family and friends, there is nothing more important than making sure every Illinoisan has access to the mental health services they need to lead happier and healthier lives,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Our greatest problems require our most creative solutions — and I am confident that this grant program will simultaneously break down barriers and open up doors for our state’s number one providers.” "As Chair of the Governor's Rural Affairs

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RIVERBEND - Substance use disorders affect more than 20 million people in the U.S., not including the loved ones who are impacted as well. Today, Aug. 31, is International Overdose Awareness Day. It’s a difficult and often taboo experience, but addiction is more common than you might think. And with several support groups, treatment options and harm reduction tools in the Riverbend area, it’s not something that you or your loved ones have to go through alone. LOCAL TREATMENT OPTIONS The decision to recover isn’t an easy one to make, but it’s a liberating first step for a lot of people. Ty Bechel, the executive director of Amare, emphasized that each person has unique needs that guide their recovery, and services like Amare aim to meet those needs on an individual basis. “When we’re stuck in addiction, we have to recover really for us. It’s when we desire a better life,” Bechel said. “They can make better decisions, and

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ALTON - Triplets Ari, Armani and Alyson Loyd-Lockhart made headlines when they were born two months ago to surprised and ecstatic parents. Now the triplets are 2 months old, out of the neonatal intensive care unit, and ready to take on the world. To celebrate, the Alton community is rallying around the family with a diaper drive. “The community truly welcomes our newest triplets in our city,” said Rosetta Brown, Alderwoman of the 4th Ward, who organized the drive. “People are pretty gracious, and they know the need is there. So I’m expecting an overwhelming response.” People can drop off diapers and wipes at Today’s Beauty Supply, located at 1415 Central Avenue in Alton. The triplets are currently wearing preemie and newborn-size diapers, though bigger sizes would also be a helpful donation as they grow. Brown explained that her daughter attended school with the triplets’ mother, Alexus Loyd-Lockhart, so she watched Alexus grow up. Alexus

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LITCHFIELD - The Litchfield Pickers Market returns Sunday, September, 3, 2023, from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at 400 N. State St. in downtown Litchfield. This vintage and antique market is a fun, family-friendly event and we are excited to welcome back visitors and vendors for the third market of the season. It is the largest open-air pickers market in the region and specializes in antiques, collectibles, vintage items and refurbished items. Each month the market welcomes musicians to perform at the Carnegie Park stage. On August 13, two favorite picket market bands will return to the stage – Mattison Avenue will start the music at 9 a.m., followed by Michael Burnett, who will take the stage at noon. A limited number of picnic tables are provided in the park area, so bring a lawn chair or blanket so you can sit and enjoy the music. To make the most of your pickers market experience, it is recommended that you bring totes, wagons, carts, pick-up trucks, and anything that will help haul

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CHICAGO – Dierbergs in Shiloh is celebrating after one of their local lottery players racked up a large win - a $277,728 jackpot prize - playing Fast Play Twenty 20s. Twenty 20s is a $20 progressive Fast Play game. The jackpot begins at $50,000 and grows with each ticket sold statewide until the jackpot is won. The lucky Fast Play winner purchased the winning ticket on August 29 at Dierbergs, located at 4000 Green Mount Crossing Dr. in Shiloh, a Southern Illinois town located near St. Louis, with a population of just over 12,000. “I was working when a regular customer who usually stops in a few times a week, bought a Fast Play lottery ticket and ended up winning over $270,000 – how incredibly lucky!” exclaimed Tamara Krueger, Supervisor at Dierbergs Green Mount Crossing. “I told him, he needs to share his luck with me.” This isn’t the first time the small-town retailer has sold a big winning lottery ticket. “In September 2016,

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