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EDWARDSVILLE - Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Nursing (SON) recognized 32 nurse anesthesia doctoral candidates during a traditional White Coat Ceremony held Tuesday, Jan. 10. The traditional ceremony symbolizes the transition into the clinical portion of the nurse anesthesia Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) specialization. “The White Coat Ceremony is a rite of passage symbolizing how hard these students have worked over the past year in the program and how far they have come in such a short time,” said Kevin Stein, DNAP, CRNA, chair of the SON’s Department of Nurse Anesthesiology. “The relationships these students have built with one another will serve as much-needed support network as they continue to navigate the rigors of the program.” The candidates will graduate in 2025 as SON’s eighth cohort of doctorally-prepared nurse anesthesiologists. “We continue to see a strong interest in our nurse anesthesia program across

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CHICAGO – The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) announced today that the CDC is reporting 59 counties in the state are at an elevated level for COVID-19, compared to 73 in the previous week. Of those, three Illinois counties are at a High Community Level , compared to 28 the previous week; and 56 counties are at Medium Level, compared to 45 the previous week. IDPH is reporting 16,602 new confirmed and probable cases of COVID-19 in Illinois in the week ending January 8, and 113 deaths. “I am encouraged to see COVID-19 community levels once again declining and hospital capacity remaining stable this week,” said IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra. “Thank you to all Illinois residents who have continued to protect themselves and their loved ones from infection. IDPH is closely monitoring the XBB ‘Kraken’ variant which is spreading in the northeastern United States and leading to increased cases and hospitalizations. Although we are currently

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ALTON - Alton Mayor David Goins began the Alton City Council meeting on Jan. 11 by honoring the late James Harrison Killion III, who among many other things, was co-founder and president of the Friends of the 60’s/Alton Black Alumni Association , a Life and Golden Member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., and a member of Trinity A.M.E. Church in Alton. "During his long and productive life, James has demonstrated countless ways in which his dedication and support to his family, friends, and to the City of Alton has earned him the respect and affection of people from all walks of life and all ages," Goins said. “As the Mayor of the City of Alton, Illinois, we hereby express our deep appreciation for his partnership and service to this community,” he added. “We acknowledge Mr. Killion and may he rest in peace.” Killion was born in Alton in 1944, attended Alton Public Schools, and went on to graduate from Southern Illinois University Carbondale wit

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FREEBURG/BELLEVILLE - On Friday, January 13, 2023, Belleville and Freeburg detectives jointly presented information related to the January 11, 2023, murder investigation originating from a traffic stop in Belleville to the St. Clair County State’s Attorney’s office. The St. Clair County State’s Attorney’s office has reviewed the case and issued the following charges: Scottie R. Lambert, 33, of Belleville, was charged with one count of First Degree Murder, a Class M Felony; one count of Home Invasion, a Class X Felony; one count of Armed Robbery, a Class X Felony; and one count of Possession of a Stolen Motor Vehicle, a Class 2 Felony. The homicide is the community's first since the 1970s. Authorities discovered the body of 55-year-old Linda Walker during a wellness check in the Deerfield Creek Mobile Home Court just before 8 p.m. Wednesday. Detectives from both agencies continue the investigation. If anyone has information related to this case, please contact

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EDWARDSVILLE — Madison County State’s Attorney Tom Haine on Friday announced the filing of felony charges against a student in connection with threats involving a high school. Spencer T. Hurley, 19, of Glen Carbon has been charged with two counts of falsely making a terrorist threat (class 1 felony) and one count of disorderly conduct (class 4 felony). The offenses are alleged to have taken place on or about Tuesday (Jan 10). Count 1 of falsely making a terrorist threat alleges that the defendant made a threat to commit or cause to be committed a terrorist act, knowing the threat to be false, in that he made a statement that he had a detailed plan to conduct a shooting at Edwardsville High School, and that he would use “a couple grenades” and a large amount of ammunition to cause mass casualties. Count 2 of falsely making a terrorist threat alleges that he made a threat to commit or cause to be committed a catastrophe, knowing the threat to be false, in that

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EDWARDSVILLE — Madison County State’s Attorney Tom Haine announced Friday that a 30-year-old Alton man has been convicted of first-degree murder in connection with a fatal shooting. At the conclusion of a bench trial, Circuit Judge Kyle Napp found Charlton K. Merchant guilty Thursday of first-degree murder for fatally shooting Terence J. Hicks on Oct. 11, 2020, during a dispute in Alton. The judge also found Merchant guilty of unlawful possession of a weapon by a felon. “This was a senseless crime that took an innocent life and terrified the community,” said Haine. “At least with this conviction another violent criminal is taken off the streets so he can’t harm others. We also hope it gives some closure to the family of T.J. Hicks, who have faced such loss. They were present in the courtroom throughout the trial, and we continue to pray for their healing.” Merchant claimed that he fired in self-defense at Hicks, who was 34 and a resident of

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COLLINSVILLE - Hope Animal Rescues, a nonprofit and no-kill animal rescue, is hosting a trivia fundraising event with a “Beach Party” theme on Saturday, Jan. 21. Prizes will be awarded to the “best dressed” people and teams, and the trivia questions will all be related to beach fun. Doors open at 6 p.m. with trivia and other games starting at 7 p.m. The event will be held at the Madison County Fireman’s Hall, located at 9510 Collinsville Road in Collinsville. The cost is $20 per person or $200 for a team of six to 10 people. Jackie Spiker, the co-founder of Hope Animal Rescues, said the event is a fun way to spend a Saturday evening. “We hope that many readers who are looking for something fun to do on a Saturday join us for our trivia,” she said. “It is a great way to meet new people, laugh, and win some prizes!” Outside food is allowed, but not outside alcohol - there will be an open bar at the event, and the team fee

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CHICAGO - The last day of the Open Enrollment Period for the ACA Health Insurance Marketplace is Sunday, January 15, 2023. An extra month was added again this year, allowing people more time to purchase health insurance coverage. Federal CMS enrollment numbers show that 332,460 Illinoisians have selected ACA Marketplace plans since the start of Open Enrollment on November 1, and the total number of Americans who signed up for coverage is nearly 15.9 million. * “This year, the Illinois enrollment numbers for the ACA Health Insurance Marketplace increased by nearly 10,000 compared to last year’s Open Enrollment Period, and we still have a few days left until the deadline,” said IDOI Director Dana Popish Severinghaus. “So, if you need coverage, I encourage you to visit Getcoveredillinois.gov where you can get free enrollment assistance and find out if you may qualify for financial help. We’re here to help guide you through your health coverage journey.”

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WOOD RIVER - Wood River’s Downtown area and extensions beyond are undergoing some dramatic changes in recent months. Chief of Police and Building and Zoning Administrator Brad Wells, City Administrator/Public Works Director Steve Palen, and Mayor Tom Stalcup visited Riverbender.com this week to discuss some of the interesting economic changes in the community. Wells said there has been a move toward transforming the Downtown Wood River area. “A lot of Downtown businesses closed previously over the year and there wasn’t anything to enforce zoning codes,” he said. “We have made several changes. Some of the buildings have been demolished and we are trying to bring a good atmosphere to the downtown area with stores and eateries where people can eat and drink and spend their dollars. I think Wood River is having one big awakening.” Wells said he believes the awakening started in strong fashion during COVID-19 and there was a downtown group Halloween

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Illinois Lottery players' dreams of striking it rich are still alive. The Mega Millions jackpot is at a whopping $1.35 billion for Friday night’s drawing on January 13 And the Powerball jackpot is $404 million for Saturday night’s drawing on Wednesday, January 14 If won, it would be the second largest jackpot in Mega Millions history MM WINNING If the winner chooses to take a lump sum cash payment, it will be about $707.9 million Or the winner can choose to take the total prize amount in annual payments over 30 years The odds of winning Mega Millions: Jackpot odds 1 in 302 million, but it only takes one ticket to win. Odds of winning a prize 1 in 24 HOW TO PLAY Mega Millions tickets are $2 each, and players have the option to add the Megaplier for an additional $1 for the chance to multiply non-jackpot prizes ? Mega Millions drawings are held every Tuesday and Friday at 9:59 p.m. (CT) 1 MM IN ILLINOIS ? Six months ago, a Mega Millions ticket bought in Illinois

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ALTON - PGA golfer Brian Cooper was on Riverbender.com's 'Our Daily Show!' hosted by CJ Nasello last week to talk about his personal golf journey and his plans for the 2023 season. While on the show, Cooper discussed how he overcame a stint of depression after having shoulder surgery, sidelining him from the sport. His inspiring story began to make international headlines and he shared that story with Nasello on the show. Cooper, now 55 years old, talked about his comeback and highlight finish at the PGA TOUR Champions Qualifying Tournament. Through four rounds he shot 13-under which was good enough to finish in a three-way tie for third at TPC Scottsdale's Champions Course. This amazing turnaround happened a little more than a month ago. Cooper talked about how making the PGA TOUR is one of the hardest things to do in sports and how he's constantly trying to improve. "I've always wanted to be better, I've always known I can be better," he said. "Now I have that chance, so I have

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QUINCY — Today, Governor JB Pritzker joined local, state, and community leaders to celebrate the final structural beam being placed at the Quincy Veterans’ Home. The “Topping Out” ceremony marks a significant milestone in the nearly $300 million renovation and rehabilitation project that will provide a 260,000 square foot residential long-term care facility and 80,000 square foot independent living facility to Illinois veterans. “With these renovations, our veterans and their families will be able to enjoy state-of-the-art facilities that support them in living their fullest life – exercising their right to excellent care in quality surroundings,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “We owe our veteran heroes nothing less – and it’s exactly what I sought to do when I dedicated nearly $300 million in state funding to this renovation in our Rebuild Illinois infrastructure plan.” The scope of work for the Quincy Veterans’

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ST. LOUIS – Oak View Group (OVG) today announced the creation of its national Theater Alliance , and Stifel Theatre has joined the inaugural roster of 39 marque theaters and performing arts venues in 18 markets across North America that will benefit from collective buying power, routing of non-traditional content, sponsorship opportunities, industry best practices and resources, and shared proceeds from an annual fundraising gala. OVG, the global venue development, advisory, and investment company for the sports and live entertainment industries, will announce the inaugural members of the Theater Alliance at the Association for Performing Arts Professionals (APAP) conference Opening Plenary Session on Friday, January 13. In addition to Stifel Theatre, other members include: ACL Live at Moody Theater (Austin, TX) AT&T Performing Arts Center (Dallas TX) Beacon Theatre, Theater at MSG, and Radio City Music Hall (New York, NY) Boch Center (Boston, MA) The Chicago Theatre

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ST. LOUIS - The St. Louis County Police Department Bureau of Communications is excited to announce the implementation of a new, non-emergency call handling system. Citizens who call our non-emergency phone line will be greeted by an intelligent voice assistant (IVA). Nothing will change for 911 callers. Anyone calling 911 in the areas serviced by the St. Louis County Police Department will continue to have their calls answered by a call taker in the Bureau of Communications. This technological advancement has been implemented to improve our services to the community. It allows our department to streamline the facilitation between the caller and the services needed within St. Louis County. The voice assistant learns the caller’s needs and assigns a confidence score as it processes an increasing number of calls. As the repetition increases, so does the confidence score; this determines the voice assistant’s ability to understand what the caller is saying and where the

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JERSEYVILLE - Jersey County Sheriff Nicholas Manns has joined a growing number of local sheriffs who say their departments will not enforce the recently-passed Illinois ban on certain firearms and magazines, also known as HB 5471. Manns recently released a statement outlining his department’s approach to the new law. “As your Sheriff and as a law enforcement officer, I am sworn to protect Jersey County by enforcing the law AND protecting your Constitutional rights,” Manns said in the letter. “Generally, those two obligations are one and the same. Unfortunately, in this instance, they are not." Manns said he believes many provisions of HB 5471 are unconstitutional and likely won’t hold up in the Supreme Court. He sees the current situation as an opportunity to enforce what he believes is right, while not enforcing what he believes is wrong. “When I look at our history, I often wonder how things would be different if past law enforcement officers

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PIASA - Piasa Southwestern High School announced the High/Honor Roll students from 1st semester. HIGH HONOR ROLL Senior Class of 2023 High Honor Roll List for Semester 1 Brandon Adams, Jillian Beilsmith, Hank Bouillon, Madison Bryant, Cassie Christian, Olivia Cody, Daniel Cokel, Rylee Crane, Kennedy Dempsey, Audrey Gordon, Vance Hake, Eathan Hartley, Tyson Kahl, Justin Paul, Ryan Raymond, Gracie Schneider, Gage Smith, Jaron Whipps Junior Class of 2024 High Honor Roll List for Semester 1 Wyatt Akers, Matthew Arendell, Garrett Beuttel, Chiara Biciocchi, Kelsey Bray, Caden Bunting, Carson Burns, Logan Crane, Rocky Darr, Mia Greenwell, Abigail Hellrung, Gavin Humm, Alyssa Kasten, Colin LeMarr, Parker LeMarr, Abigail McDonald, Aubrey Reno, Hope Seniker, Jillian Smith, Alexandra Wigger Sophomore Class of 2025 High Honor Roll List for Semester 1 Ike Austin, Lainie Behrends, Reagan Beilsmith, Ian Brantley, Landon Brueggeman, Makenzie Cottingham, Chelsea Cruse, Gracie

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SPRINGFIELD, MO. - Earning a spot on Drury University's Dean's List is a significant accomplishment. The recognition means a student earned a grade point average of 3.6 or greater (on a 4-point scale) while carrying a full-time course load of 12 or more semester hours at Drury, a top Midwestern university, according to US News & World Report. In the fall semester, the following student(s) made the day school Dean's list: East Alton, IL Hannah Ritter, Metro East Lutheran HS Edwardsville, IL Connor Bain, Triad High School Robyn Herndon, Edwardsville Senior HS Godfrey, IL Wes Laaker, Alton High School Quinten Schulte, Jersey Community High School Wood River, IL Sophia Mora, Roxana Senior High School

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SPRINGFIELD – Two ground-breaking projects underway at Illinois Beach State Park will help protect precious shoreline from erosion caused by Lake Michigan waves and inform future decisions about how to blunt the effects of erosion and climate change, Governor JB Pritzker, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and the Illinois Capital Development Board announced today. Illinois Beach State Park in Lake County, home to unique prairie and wetland habitat and a beloved local and regional recreational draw, features the last remaining natural shoreline in the state. However, the shore is constantly battered by Lake Michigan waves, making it a priority for preservation and mitigation efforts. Some parts of the park’s coastline have receded by as much as 100 feet in one year. Aerial photos and maps show how the shoreline, roads and dune ecosystems have been drastically altered; visitors can see evidence of some of the damage in person. “Illinois’ lakefronts

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CHICAGO - A life-changing amount of cash is up for grabs for Illinois Lottery players this weekend. The Mega Millions jackpot for tonight’s drawing has soared to a sweltering $1.35 billion, and the Powerball jackpot is now worth an estimated $404 million for Saturday night’s drawing - a combined top prize pool of over $1.75 billion. If a player wins Friday night’s massive grand prize, it would be the second-largest Mega Millions jackpot in U.S. history. Just six months ago, a $1.34 billion Mega Millions jackpot was won with a single ticket purchased at the Speedway gas station in Des Plaines, Illinois. This was the fifth-largest lottery prize in U.S. history and the largest prize ever won in Illinois. With over 7,000 Illinois Lottery retailers across the State, lottery players can conveniently pick up a ticket at their local store - or they can log in to the Illinois Lottery website or app and purchase a ticket online. Mega Millions is played every Tuesday and

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FREEBURG - Freeburg Police discovered its first homicide since the 1970s when authorities found the body of 55-year-old Linda Waller during a wellness check in the Deerfield Creek Mobile Home Court on Wednesday night. The Belleville Police Department contacted the Freeburg Police that there might be a crime victim in that area. Officers then pulled over a vehicle registered to Waller and a driver was taken into custody. Authorities say that man is the lone person of interest in the case. At 7:02 p.m. on January 11, 2023, Belleville Police officers on patrol saw a silver Ford F-150 truck traveling north on Centreville Avenue. Officers continued to observe the vehicle and observed the driver make an improper turn from West Washington onto South 2nd Street. Officers conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle at First and West Main Street, police said. "Officers identified the driver and observed the vehicle he was driving did not belong to him," Belleville Police said. "Officers

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