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CHICAGO - Governor JB Pritzker has proclaimed September 18-24, 2023, Rail Safety Week in Illinois, marking the 10th year of the statewide awareness initiative. In recognition, the Illinois Commerce Commission and Operation Lifesaver, a national rail safety non-profit, will be conducting a week-long safety blitz across the state to share rail safety facts, tips, and resources to keep motorists and pedestrians safe around railroad tracks. “As Governor, there’s nothing more important than keeping Illinoisans safe,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “This Rail Safety Week, my administration and the Illinois Commerce Commission are proud to partner with Operation Lifesaver to raise awareness about rail safety throughout the state—from Cook County and Sangamon County to Dupage County and Kane County—so that motorists, pedestrians, and train passengers alike have the information and resources they need to keep themselves and their families safe.” “Track

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WASHINGTON DC - Combat Veteran and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), along with U.S. Representative Eric Sorensen (D-IL-17) today applauded the Air National Guard’s decision in selecting Peoria’s 182 nd Airlift Wing as one of four preferred locations for new C-130J aircraft to replace the aging C-130H models. This announcement ensures the mission of the182 nd Airlift Wing is safeguarded, protecting the jobs of 1,200 Airmen and approximately 370 full-time employees. The consistent exceptional performance of the 182 nd Airlift Wing helped boost its competitiveness and led to its ultimate selection. “C-130s are so essential to the National Guard in carrying out work both at home and abroad,” Duckworth said. “They bring Americans into combat, provide humanitarian relief around the globe and support domestic responses throughout the nation—and have done so reliably for more than 50 years,” Duckwort

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As children head back to school, doctor’s offices are always filled with kids needing check-ups, immunizations, and in some cases, heart screenings. This is particularly the case for athletes, according to Frank Han, MD, pediatric cardiologist with OSF HealthCare. “Every time people go back to school, there is a need for heart screenings to help look for heart problems in children,” Dr. Han says. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) conducted a 10-year review of sudden death during sporting activities. The objective was to characterize the demographics and causes of sudden cardiac death during sports played in Australia. Nearly 20,000 autopsies were conducted between 2006 and 2015. Most deaths were from adults. The findings showed the small number of children who died from heart conditions either were arrhythmogenic or presumed arrhythmogenic, producing or tending to produce cardiac arrhythmia. Or the kids had inherited cardiomyopathies, an acquired or hereditary

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ALTON - Work on the new “Alton Flyway Mural” started this week at 136 Front Street in Alton. The organization Alton Main Street commissioned Robert Fishbone and On the Wall Productions to create a mural recreation of a painting by local artist James K. Schmidt. On Friday morning, Sept. 15, Fishbone was hard at work applying the first prime coat to the wall. “Every mural brings life to its location, each one differently,” Fishbone said at the recent “What’s Up Downtown” information exchange in late August. During the meeting, Fishbone shared his plans for the mural and photos of the nearly 200 murals he has painted in his 50-year career. On the Wall Productions has already devoted a day to cleaning the wall at 136 Front Street. After they complete two prime coats, Fishbone and his daughter will lay out the design and apply two coats of paint to recreate Schmidt’s painting. For more information about the mural, check

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ST. LOUIS - The Great Forest Park Balloon Race included two days of food, music, fireworks and hot air balloons. On Friday, Sept. 15, visitors stopped by Emerson Central Fields in Forest Park for a festival and balloon glow. The pilots inflated the hot air balloons with fire, which made the balloons “glow,” and attendees walked around, chatted with the pilots and checked out the balloons up close. Saturday concluded the event with more live music and activities before the big hot air balloon race. “This free event brings families and friends together for two days of outdoor fun, ‘wow’ moments, new experiences and memories to last a lifetime,” The Great Forest Park Balloon Race organization said. “The Great Forest Park Balloon Race is one of the longest-running hot air balloon races in the country, and one of the few that takes place in a large metropolitan city.” Emerson Central Fields atendees enjoyed food trucks, inflatables, game

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MADISON COUNTY - The Illinois State Police District 8 announced three died in a two-vehicle accident at 3:44 a.m. on Sept. 15, 2023, on Illinois Route 4, just north of Old State Route 4 in Madison County. Chase Bowles, a 21-year-old male from Alton, was one of the victims. Emily K. Norton, a 21-year-old female from Nixa, Mo., and Jayda N. Fulkerson, a 21-year-old female from Marine, also died in the crash in another vehicle. Illinois State Police issued this preliminary report: "The preliminary investigation indicates the following: One unit was traveling southbound on Illinois Route 4 just north of Old State Route 4 in Madison County. Another unit was traveling northbound at the same location. "For unknown reasons, one unit crossed the center line, causing a head-on collision with the other unit. All occupants were pronounced deceased at the scene. No further information is available at this time." All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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RIVERBEND - Sometimes you have a bad day, and other times that bad day can build into a crisis where you feel like you need immediate help. That’s a scary thought, but there are some local leaders in the mental health community who are redefining what it means to be in crisis and what the community response looks like. They take us through what a crisis is, what local resources are available and what happens when you ask for help. “Crisis is a scary word, and I get that. It’s a very scary word,” David Hunter, a counselor with Centerstone, said. “But I look at it as an opportunity. It’s an opportunity for things to get better. It’s hitting that point where, okay, enough is enough. I need help. And there’s no shame in wanting to get out. There’s no shame in advocating for yourself.” Centerstone offers a variety of behavioral health services at their Alton location. Hunter works specifically with their Crisis Response Team

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ALTON - Danny Jones’s art is incredibly personal, and that’s what makes it relatable. Jones, a barista who formerly worked at Maeva’s Coffee, has returned to Milton Schoolhouse as the September Artist of the Month. Their paintings and collages take on different subjects and styles, but each one is colored by Jones’s experiences. Still, there’s an honesty that every viewer can relate to. “Art is this way to get a message across to where people can interpret it in different ways,” Jones said. “Throughout time, different generations can extract different meanings from it, and that’s all very valid even if it’s not the artist’s original intent. I always think it’s important, especially for queer artists, to get out there and be seen.” True to their word, Jones was excited to display their multimedia art at Milton Schoolhouse, though they admit it’s “intimidating” to have so much of themself

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GODFREY - The Great Godfrey Maze is off to an exciting start today, Sept. 15. This year’s theme is “Family Game Night.” In addition to the maze, there are activities for kids of all ages. Festivities will continue every Friday and Saturday through Oct. 28 at Robert E. Glazebrook Park in Godfrey. “It’s all worth it when you see families come out and have fun,” said Chris Logan, Godfrey Parks and Recreation Director. The crowd was picking up as the sun set on Friday night. Several bounce houses and other inflatables were set up near the maze. Younger kids could also enjoy a ride on the cow train in a cart painted to look like a Scrabble tile. A hay wagon ride was set to take off soon, and the Corn Crib was open for anyone who wanted to play in the corn. Concessions will be available for purchase every weekend. Local food trucks are also scheduled to stop by throughout the next month, and Ray’s Soul Touching Tacos was on the scene Friday

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ST. JACOB - Illinois State Police reported that three died in a two-vehicle accident early Friday near St. Jacob. The crash occurred on Illinois Route 4 and U.S. Route 40 around 3:15 a.m. Illinois State Police have been called to investigate a fatal crash on Route 4 at US Route 40. Three people are dead after a head-on collision between two vehicles. Police said a vehicle crossed the center line and struck a car going northbound. Two women in one car died and another passenger in the second car was also pronounced deceased. ISP says the accident is still under investigation and victim identities have not yet been released.

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EDWARDSVILLE - A new fast-casual southwestern restaurant is coming to Edwardsville when Moe’s Southwest Grill hosts its grand opening on Friday, Sept. 22, at 10 a.m., and the first 25 people in line will get free burritos for a year. Moe’s is celebrating their grand opening with a Free Burritos for a Year giveaway, which entitles the first 25 people in line on opening day to one free burrito or bowl per week for 52 consecutive weeks. There will also be a “prize wheel” at the event where visitors can try their luck to win various prizes, according to a press release from Moe’s. “We are thrilled to open our first Moe’s Southwest Grill in the vibrant community of Edwardsville,” Owner and Franchisee Steve Patel said. “We look forward to celebrating with the locals and rolling the best burritos in town!” The menu at Moe’s Southwest Grill includes burritos, quesadillas, nachos, and “ stacks .” They also

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ALTON - Alton Police Department officers responded to a report of gunshots fired in the 1200 block of West 9th Street in Alton at 1:08 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 15, 2023. "Officers immediately responded and determined no one in the area was injured," Alton Police Chief Jarrett Ford said. "Officers and detectives conducted an extensive search of the area for involved parties. They did not locate any involved parties at that time but many leads were developed. Those leads suggest this was not a random act of violence and the involved parties are known to one another." Chief Ford said nearby West Elementary School was briefly placed on lockdown out of an abundance of caution. "There was never any known threat to the school, staff, or students," he said. "The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to call the Alton Police Department at 618-463-3505."

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EDWARDSVILLE - Megan Kalb is a natural leader. As an Edwardsville High School senior, she already has several leadership roles and an impressive work ethic. For those reasons, Megan Kalb is a Gerard Fisher Student of the Month for Edwardsville High School. Clearly, Kalb’s classmates agree that she has what it takes; they’ve elected her to represent them multiple times. For the past four years, she has been a consistent asset to the Student Council. She currently serves as the president of the National Honor Society, and she was recently selected as an officer for the National English Honor Society as well. But though these academic accomplishments are impressive, Kalb might be most proud of her success on her field hockey team. She’s been playing for seven years and received honorable mentions for the St. Louis Suburban Conference in field hockey two years in a row. "I’m now the Varsity Captain as of this year,” she added. As if these activitie

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JERSEYVILLE - During their 1953-54 season, the Jersey Community High School Panthers football team went 9-0. Stan Sinclair, former general manager of Sinclair Foods in Jerseyville, recently recalled his experience playing on the team, which will be honored at tonight’s Panthers football game for their 70th anniversary. To help honor the team’s outstanding record 70 years later, Sinclair asked JCHS Photoshop Teacher Lisa Kolkmeyer to compile a photo of the team and coaches with their 9-0 record, which is shown above. While Sinclair is not pictured in the photo, he said he started with the team as a freshman lineman in 1953 and went on to play quarterback from 1954 to 1956. “In 52, they were 7-2 and we were picking up on football, but before that, we were just a mediocre football school,” Sinclair said. “Joe Jurkanin came in ‘52 when we were 7-2, he came from Staunton, Illinois.” Sinclair said Coach Jurkanin, who he called “Jersey

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BETHALTO - Jasmine Davis is a curious person. She has to be, as a straight A student and shining member of her school’s media team. For her accomplishments, Jasmine Davis is a DD Homes Network Student of the Month for Civic Memorial High School. In between acing her classes, Davis takes time out of her day to keep the rest of the school informed. As part of the yearbook staff for three years, Davis learned the importance of photography and capturing student experiences. This knowledge has served her well as a current member of the Media Club. Davis is in charge of designing and publishing posts on Facebook for the Media Club. She regularly interviews CM students and fans for CM’s social media sites, and she keeps the athletic schedule updated. Through all of this work, Davis has gained a lot of experience with the technical side of photography and videography, with skills in lighting, sound and camera work. She even dabbles in radio through CM’s radio

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ST. LOUIS COUNTY - On Wednesday, September 13, 2023, the St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office issued charges on suspect Jerry Watkins, 23 years of age, of the 9900 block of Ashmont Drive in St. Louis, Missouri 63136, for Murder First Degree, two counts of Robbery First Degree, and two counts of Armed Criminal Action. A booking photo of Watkins is attached. Watkins is being held on $1,000,000 cash only, no 10%, bond. The deceased has been identified as Frederick Jett, 45 years of age, of the 1000 block of Geringer Court in Ferguson, Missouri 63135. Please note, charges are merely an accusation and Defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law. The probable cause statement reads: The Defendant acting with another displayed a handgun and demanded cash from Victim #1. Armed with a handgun Defendant and another forcibly stole cash from Victim #1 as he was leaving his residence. The next day the Defendant acting with another displayed

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WOOD RIVER - Midwest Petroleum and the City of Wood River celebrated the opening of a new gas station with a ribbon-cutting ceremony today, Sept. 15. Located at 1900 E Edwardsville Road, the Midwest Petroleum gas station had a soft opening on Wednesday but is now officially open for business. Already, several customers were shopping in the convenience store and filling their tanks at the pumps. “It’s a great idea. This company, Midwest Petroleum, has been great to work with,” Wood River Mayor Tom Stalcup said. “We’ve been developing this east side of town, and this just kind of fell in. So this is just a stepping stone of what we’re doing for the east side here.” Several Wood River officials were present as Stalcup cut the ribbon in front of the gas station. Midwest Petroleum representatives noted the positivity of opening a new store and how easy it had been to work with the City of Wood River. Tony Koenig, project manager, also mentioned

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EDWARDSVILLE - Bella Milano is officially marking 20 years of serving the Metro East region and beyond at 4 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 19 with a rededication and ribbon-cutting ceremony at the restaurant. The event kicks off a series of parties and promotions going until November to celebrate Bella Milano’s two decades in business. Tom Guarino & Craig Kalogerou with Bella Milano discussed the restaurant and its past 20 years on an episode of Our Daily Show! on Riverbender.com . “I tell people all the time I’ve got the best job in the world - I host a party every night,” Guarino said. “We’re eating good food, we’re drinking some libations, and it’s just fun. It’s a fun atmosphere, and it’s family-friendly fun, too.” Guarino said the rededication and ribbon-cutting ceremony next Tuesday will feature free beer, wine, and appetizers. Customers who stay for dinner after the event will receive 20% off their meals

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ALTON – The Marquette Catholic football team posted its first win in over two seasons, snapping a 24-game losing streak. While it was a team effort, one player stood out thanks to a four-touchdown game. Senior receiver Duarell Blocker was all over the place in the Explorers’ 49-21 win over the East Alton-Wood River Oilers last Saturday. His four scores were all rushing from 23, 46, and 53 yards out. His 80-yard punt return was just the icing on the cake for Marquette. For his performance in the historic win, Duarell Blocker is a Tucker’s Automotive Repair & Tire Athlete of the Month For the Explorers. Having a game with well over 200 yards rushing, head coach Eric Dickerson was thrilled with Blocker’s game. “Great kid,” Dickerson said. “Get the kid the ball and put him in a little bit of space. He had a great game.” Marquette is on the road in week four taking on Salem. The Explorers will be back at home next week against a tough

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EDWARDSVILLE — Madison County State’s Attorney Tom Haine announced Thursday that a Troy man has been charged with first-degree murder in connection with the strangulation death of the man’s mother. Neil A. Howard, 44, has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder. The charges allege that, on Wednesday, Sept. 12, Howard caused the death of his mother, Norma J. Caraker, 60, by strangling her. At about 1:30 a.m. Wednesday, Troy Police responded to a request to check on the welfare of a resident at a home in the 600 block of Lower Marine Road. Officers were met at the residence by Howard. Inside the residence, officers located Caraker, unresponsive and not breathing. Efforts to resuscitate her were not successful. Howard was taken into custody without incident. “I commend the Troy Police Department and the assisting agencies for their tireless, thorough work,” Haine said. “Thanks to the efforts of our local police agencies – and the effort

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