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GLEN CARBON - Jean Sommer remembers the day she got home from the hospital, the first time she was told she would need an organ transplant. There were 14 stairs leading to her bedroom. Her husband held her arms and lifted her up. Her son had wrapped a belt around her chest to keep her upright. Her daughter knelt at her feet, lifting each foot up the stairs, step by step. Two months before, she had become septic through complications of autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (PKD) and polycystic liver disease (PLD). She would go on to receive a liver transplant in August 2016. Now in 2023, Sommer is once again facing a transplant list. PKD has affected her kidneys, and she has a seven- to nine-year wait before she could receive a kidney transplant from a deceased donor. Hoping to avoid dialysis, Sommer is searching for a living donor who would be willing to donate a kidney now. “I knew this day was coming,” Sommer said. “But it always surprises people

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MASCOUTAH – On Tuesday, Sept. 26, a fictional aircraft mishap exercise will be taking place at MidAmerica St. Louis Airport in Mascoutah with the goal of testing and improving local emergency response efforts. As a result, access to the airport will be restricted that day between 12:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. To avoid any public misconception or concerns, MidAmerica St. Louis Airport wants to ensure that area residents who may witness any emergency activity during the exercise timeframe are aware that the incident is not real. The fictional scenario will involve an aircraft that has experienced multiple bird strikes and needs to return to the airport. During the landing phase, the aircraft will experience a hard landing on the runway, leading to structural damage and fire, and emergency response teams from several fire and police departments will work together to quickly respond. This full-scale emergency exercise focuses on decision-making, coordination and integration with other

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WEST ALTON - The first-ever Family Fun Fest in West Alton is coming up this Saturday, Sept. 23 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at West Alton City Park. The event will offer free entry and lots of family-friendly fun, including a petting zoo, food, games, a market, pumpkins and more. West Alton Mayor Bill Richter and his wife Crystal went into more detail about the festival and market on a recent episode of Our Daily Show! on Riverbender.com . Crystal said this is the first year the Family Fun Fest is being held in West Alton, but not the first year for the market. Bill added that the event originally centered around the Great Flood of 1993, but has been “revamped” this year for a new purpose. “Since the ‘93 flood, we try to every 10 years have a little get-together, and then in the 2000’s, we started getting flooded at the time of the thing, so we stopped doing it for a while,” Bill said. “This time, we’re revamping it and making it mor

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ALTON – OSF HealthCare Saint Anthony’s Health Center has partnered with Hea logics, the nation’s leading provider of advanced, chronic wound care services, to open the Wound Care Center of Excellence at the hospital to offer advanced wound care for people living with chronic, non-healing wounds. Hea logics is headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida, and has a nationwide network of over 600 Wound Care Centers®.It is estimated that chronic wounds affect 6.7 million people in the U.S. and that number is rising, fueled by an aging population and increasing rates of conditions such as diabetes, obesity and the late effects of radiation therapy. If left untreated chronic wounds can lead to diminished quality of life and possibly amputation of the affected limb. “Our new Wound Care Center of Excellence addresses a very specific and important initiative to advance the hospital’s clinical platform forward when speaking about access to medical care that’s

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GRANITE CITY - The newly remodeled Granite City MERS Goodwill location is hosting a reopening and ribbon-cutting ceremony on Thursday morning, which will be held shortly before the doors open at 9 a.m. Improved parking and other improvements will greet customers when the store reopens just in time for the fall and Halloween seasons. “The store has improved the parking for its customers for ease and safety as they move in and out of the busy location,” MERS Goodwill stated in a press release. “Goodwill also has enhanced its covered drive-through and added an extra dock to streamline the donation process and make it more convenient for shoppers.” MERS Goodwill executives and staff will be on hand Thursday to celebrate the reopening and ribbon-cutting with members of the Granite City community. The store will reopen with regular store hours of 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Monday through Saturday and 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Sunday. Donation hours will be

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EDWARDSVILLE – Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s School of Business is setting their accounting students up for success through Meet the Firms, a networking event that attracts public accounting firms, corporations and government agencies, and has a proven history of success as numerous students have secured internships and full-time employment. “It is important to bring firms onto SIUE’s campus through events like this because it allows students to interact with recruiters without having to travel off-campus,” said Marc Ortegren, PhD, assistant professor of accounting. “By facilitating face-to-face interaction, Meet the Firms, provides students with a networking opportunity and exposure to the wide variety of individual firms, companies, and agencies that recruit accounting students.” Over 30 firms, including each of the Big-4 firms, attended the career fair earlier this month sponsored and run by the School of Business’ Bet

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ST. LOUIS - Starting today, Wednesday, Sept. 20, and continuing through Tuesday, Oct. 3, Schnucks customers in the St. Louis metropolitan area will be able to contribute to the United Way of Greater St. Louis at checkout simply by rounding up their grocery purchases to the nearest dollar. Those customers who use self-checkouts and wish to donate may choose a $1, $3 or $5 “Scan and Give” option. Schnucks Rewards members also have the opportunity to donate their rewards points to United Way as part of the Donate Your Rewards program. Schnucks has a decades-long history of supporting United Way, and during last year’s company campaign, teammates, customers and the company donated more than $2.23 million - including more than $126,000 from the Round Up at the Register. “At Schnucks, our mission to nourish people’s lives means supporting organizations like United Way as they work to address the vast and varying needs of the communities that we serve together,”

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EDWARDSVILLE: Bella Milano celebrated 20 years in business with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at their Edwardsville location on Tuesday. Tom Guarino, director of sales and hospitality for Bella Milano, said he appreciated the community’s turnout to the ribbon cutting and their support over the past two decades. “ just kind of throwing a party for our 20th and the community has been amazing, they’ve responded tonight and everybody’s been so gracious about our 20 years,” Guarino said at the event. “It’s because of the community that we’re here 20 years, so we definitely appreciate that.” Guarino’s father and his father’s business partner, Craig Kalogerou, started Bella Milano 20 years ago after meeting through both owning Dairy Queens. Both Guarino and Kalogerou came from Italian heritage and had the vision to bring a proper Italian restaurant to Edwardsville - specifically along Route 157, which has seen lots of developmen

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GREENVILLE - The Panther 5K returned to Greenville University’s Homecoming celebration in 2022 after a COVID hiatus and received a welcome response. This year, runners will take their mark on Saturday, October 21, 2023, during GU’s Homecoming and Family Weekend celebration. Runners and walkers of all ages are invited to participate in the annual Panther 5K. Awards will be presented to various age groups. Participation cost for the 5k Run/Walk is $37.99. Early bird pricing increases after September 30. Participation in The Kids Fun Run is $5. Registrations are taken through the day of the event. Greenville University Student charge is $10. Price increases after October 10. “It’s fun for the whole family! The Panther 5k is a great tradition to add to Homecoming Weekend. There's something for everyone to enjoy between the fall weather, the community, the food, and the athletic events,” says Tina Watterson, Coordinator of Advancement and Alumni Engagement

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ALTON - Sheppard, Morgan & Schwaab, Inc. (SMS) is a local civil engineering and land surveying firm that has served clients throughout the Metro East and Metropolitan St. Louis area since 1892. SMS has announced changes within the company’s leadership roles that reflect the retirement of President Cas Sheppard, P.E. Cas retired from full-time duty on June 30, 2023, after more than 40 years at SMS, most recently serving as President since May 2001. Sheppard will continue to be involved with the company by serving as Chairman of the Board of Directors. Scott Weiner, P.E., has been named the new President of SMS. Scott has been at SMS since 1995, most recently serving as Vice President and Treasurer. Weiner holds a civil engineering degree from the University of Missouri-Rolla and an MBA from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. He has over 28 years of experience in the civil engineering field. His focus is on civil infrastructure projects that include water, wastewater, stormwater

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EDWARDSVILLE - The Edwardsville Police Department has conducted a criminal investigation in which evidence of child pornography was discovered. Derek L. Jones, 20, has been charged with six child pornography counts listed below. The investigation began on Jan. 23, 2023. On September 13, 2023, the Madison County State’s Attorney’s Office issued criminal information about Jones on the following offenses: COUNT 1 – Child Pornography, a class 1 felony COUNT 2 – Child Pornography, a class 2 felony COUNT 3 - Child Pornography, a class 2 felony COUNT 4 - Child Pornography, a class 2 felony COUNT 5 - Child Pornography, a class 2 felony COUNT 6 - Child Pornography, a class 2 felony Jones turned himself in to the Edwardsville Police Department on September 20, 2023, and is currently in custody at the Madison County Jail. Bond was set at $150,000. These charges, as well as the statements made herein, are based upon probable cause. The defendant is presumed innocent

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EDWARDSVILLE/GLEN CARBON - For organizers of the Randy Gori 2023 Memorial Kicks on 66 Car Show & Cruise, the event is about more than just checking out cool cars (though there’s plenty of that, too). Ultimately, it’s a chance for them to remember their friend Randy Gori, a well-known Edwardsville attorney whose 2020 murder rocked the community. Gori loved attending car shows, and he was a prolific philanthropist. His friends decided to organize this event, which showcases cars and raises funds for local organizations, in his honor. “After Randy was murdered, it was like, we got to do something and let his legacy live on,” organizer Alex Rosenberger said. “He was such a good philanthropist, so good in the community, such a good car guy…The guy was a saint.” Saturday, Sept. 16 marked the fourth year of the car show, and Rosenberger said it was the best one yet. Approximately 600 cars parked at Schon Park in Glen Carbon, including some

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WASHINGTON DC - U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today reintroduced their legislation to establish the Prairie du Rocher French Colonial National Historic Park. This bill would recognize the cultural importance of the village, one of the oldest communities founded as a French settlement, as a nationally significant architectural village that embodies the cultural heritage of the United States. This National Historical Park would serve as the focus of interpretive and educational programs relating to the history of the French Colonial Historic District and assist in the preservation of historic sites within the French Colonial Historic District. “Preserving our state and our nation’s history is critically important,” Duckworth said. “With more than 300 years of history, I’m proud to reintroduce this legislation to commemorate the rich history of Prairie du Rocher and establish the Prairie du Rocher French

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COLLINSVILLE – The Illinois Department of Transportation announced today that emergency repairs by the Norfolk Southern Railway Company to a crossing on Illinois 4 between Interstate 64 and Illinois 161 in Mascoutah will require a full closure starting, weather permitting, Thursday, Sept. 21, at 6 a.m. A posted detour will be in place to safely guide motorists around the closure. The work is expected to be complete by 9 p.m. Friday, Sept. 22. Motorists can expect delays and should allow extra time for trips through this area. Drivers are urged to pay close attention to detour signs in work zones, obey the posted speed limits, refrain from using mobile devices and be alert for workers and equipment. 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 - Two students were recognized for their good character at the Alton Community Unit School District #11 (ACUSD11) Board of Education meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 20. Alton Middle School student Thea Niemeyer and North Elementary School student Jacob Wilson were named the district’s Optimist Students of the Month for September. They were commended for their hard work, positive attitudes and kindness. Alton Middle School Principal Cindy Inman introduced Niemeyer and noted her accomplishments. She is a talented student and member of the Alton Middle School Theater Club, and she also plays basketball and softball outside of school. “Thea is not only an excellent student, but she is also a caring young woman who strives to lead by example for her peers,” Inman said. “She deserves to be recognized for her hard work and leadership within the classroom.” Inman also read a few comments from Niemeyer’s teachers, who characterized Niemeyer as “an

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ALTON - The Alton Community Unit School District #11 (ACUSD11) Board of Education recognized two Alton High School students at their meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 19. Keion Lacey, Jr. and Clara Velloff were named Students of the Month for September by the Rotary Club of Alton-Godfrey. At Tuesday's Board of Education meeting, both students gave a speech and accepted a certificate from Board President David Lauschke. “Receiving this award is not just recognition for my efforts, but a testament to the incredible community that surrounds me,” Lacey said in his speech to the Board. “I’m honored to accept this recognition and will cherish it as a reminder of the endless possibilities that await us all. I will continue to fly high like a Redbird.” Lacey is a senior with plans to study civil engineering at Tennessee State University. At Alton High School (AHS), he is involved in the Student Council and Pathways to Manhood program and was recently named the National

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ST. LOUIS - On National Voter Registration Day this Tuesday, Mayor Tishaura O. Jones, alongside the Board of Election Commissioners and sponsor Ald. Shane Cohn (3), announced a new plan to further expand ballot access for St. Louis voters. Through an investment of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, the City is upgrading its voting technology, keeping elections secure while giving St. Louisans the opportunity to vote at any precinct across the city - regardless of their registered address or neighborhood. “As voting rights and our democracy face unprecedented attacks, I am proud of how the City of St. Louis made it easier for residents to make their voice heard at the polls,” said Mayor Tishaura O. Jones. “Government works best when we work together. My administration collaborated with the Board of Aldermen and Board of Election Commissioners to make this much-needed investment to upgrade our technology. It’s a great way to celebrate National Voter Registration

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EDWARDSVILLE - Sales taxes in Edwardsville will increase by 0.25% to fund greenspace acquisition and public safety pensions following approval from the City Council at Tuesday’s meeting. The increase means an increase of 0.25% or 25 cents for every $100 or it will go to 0.75% overall. Several public comments were made in support of the sales tax, with many hoping to preserve Edwardsville’s remaining greenspace from the city’s rapid development. Edwardsville High School Senior Jake Essner said at the meeting he thinks the sales tax is a “big step forward” in preserving greenspace for future generations. “I think that this is a really big step forward for Edwardsville in terms of ensuring that our greenspace is protected for future generations, including my own,” Essner said. “I know that my peers and I have had plenty of good experiences with our current greenspaces and our current parks, such as the Watershed or Township Park.”

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EDWARDSVILLE — Madison County State’s Attorney Tom Haine announced Tuesday that the county’s first detention hearing under the SAFE-T Act resulted in a judge granting prosecutors’ request to detain a Swansea man who faces charges of aggravated stalking. At a hearing Tuesday, the judge granted a petition by Haine’s office for the pretrial detention of Matthew S. Kelly, 34. Prosecutors on Monday charged Kelly with one count of aggravated stalking, a class 3 felony, and one count of criminal damage to property, a class 4 felony. The detention petition argued that aggravated stalking is one of the offenses for which a defendant can be detained while awaiting trial. At the hearing, Assistant State’s Attorney Ryan Kemper argued that the defendant poses an ongoing threat to the victim. Kemper is the Chief of the Warrant Division within the State’s Attorney’s Office, which has been re-tooled with additional staff to coordinate all pretrial detention

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ALTON - Marquette has emerged as one of the region's top soccer teams with eight wins, one loss and a tie. Goalie Will Fahnestock, No. 99, has been one of the key reasons for the abundance of Marquette wins. The Explorers are also 3-1 in the Gateway Metro Conference, according to Max Preps. Fahnestock was an asset in Marquette's boys' soccer win Monday night over arch-rival Alton 2-0, shutting out the Redbirds while in goal. Will said this has definitely been one of the best soccer seasons of his career. Will is a Tucker's Automotive Repair and Tire Male Athlete of Month for the Explorers. "Defensively I really like our group," Will said. "We had some questions when we lost 11 seniors, but we started to connect and this is a good group." Tim Fahnestock, Will's father, said he couldn't be more proud of his son with his efforts both on the field and in the classroom. "It is tough to put it into words tough because I coach him in baseball, too," he said. "I feel both of my boys have

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