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WASHINGTON - The FCC’s Robocall Response Team today announced that the Enforcement Bureau has ordered telecommunications companies to stop carrying robocalls related to known student loan scams. Voice service providers must cease accepting robocall traffic from Urth Access, LLC which investigators believe, along with associated entities and individuals specified in today’s Order, generated upwards of 40% of student loan debt robocalls in October. Building on FCC action in November, U.S. voice service providers must now take all necessary steps to avoid carrying this robocall traffic. This operation is also the target of an ongoing investigation by the FCC’s Enforcement Bureau. FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel: “Scam robocalls try to pull from the headlines to confuse consumers. The newest trick in their playbook? Trying to take advantage of people who want help paying off their student loans. Today we’re cutting these scammers off so they can’t

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COTTAGE HILLS – The Community Hope Center opened its doors again this holiday season with its annual toy/clothing giveaway. Friday and Saturday over 160 families came through to pick out their own toys for the 411 children registered. The center had a wide variety of items and was organized based on age and gender. All of the toys were donations from the community. The center sends out barrels around September to many businesses and churches and then those are filled up and brought back to the center to be sorted. According to Hope Center Operations Manager Ann Crane, they sent out 70 barrels all over the Riverbend area. She was thrilled with the communities response and said it’s been another big success. “Absolutely. We were a little concerned. We didn’t know with the economy the way it was, what it might look like. But honestly, the public came through with flying colors. Our community is very supportive of this, and this year is no different. We were

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Letter To The Editor: The proposed Delmar Roundabouts, with a projection of traffic disruption for up to 4 years, is unacceptable. The project will actually solve nothing. If you have objections send them to: mayor@godfreyil.org , mchuny@charter.net , weber@godfreyil.org , ballen@godfreyil.org , vwb1221@gmail.com , swoodman@godfreyil.org , rlauschke@godfreyil.org , elik@ilhousegop.org , repcddavidsmeyer@gmail.com Irene Hass

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MARSHALL, Mo. - Wood River's Josh Tobin, majoring in junior management, has been named to the Missouri Valley Fall 2022 College Dean's List. Elizabeth Bellamy, vice president of academic affairs for Missouri Valley College, has announced the Fall 2022 Dean's List. The requirements for the Dean's List are a 3.3 or higher grade point average; at least 12 graded hours for the semester and no "D," "F," or "Incomplete" grades for the semester. ABOUT MISSOURI VALLEY COLLEGE Known for its dynamic, richly diverse, and friendly educational environment, Missouri Valley College offers many opportunities to grow in mind, body, and spirit. Grounded in the liberal arts, undergraduate studies empower students to master interdisciplinary skills needed to succeed in a knowledge-based global society. MVC offers over 30 academic programs, study abroad program, extracurricular activities, and many athletic opportunities. The most popular majors include education, agribusiness, nursing and criminal

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BUZZ MAGAZINE - I just love finding out the first of something. In this case, it’s the first Christmas movie. My research led me to Santa Claus in 1898, a silent short British movie roughly a minute and 17 seconds long and the first to showcase Santa, the jolly character we know and love today. Directed by George Albert Smith, the special effects may not seem too special now, but I am sure they were groundbreaking at the time. The short scene is very much commonplace now of children getting into bed before St Nick dressed in traditional red and white comes down a chimney putting goodies in each child’s stocking then disappearing before they wake. The small cast including Laura Bagley, Harold and Dorothy Smith make this a quick but enjoyable watch. You can currently watch it on YouTube and it’s interesting that even back then, the lore of the character has not changed all that much. Anyone who watches Hallmark or Lifetime during the holiday season can tell you there’s

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GODFREY – Lewis and Clark Community College is fortunate to attract students from all over the world; among them is Honors College and Trailblazers tennis standout Sofija Djunisijevic. Djunisijevic, a sophomore, came to L&C from Cacak, Serbia on a tennis scholarship, but her academic prowess landed her in Honors College and Phi Theta Kappa (PTK), which is an honor society for high-achieving students. “I came to Lewis and Clark on a tennis scholarship,” she said. “I’d recommend it because the professors and people here are amazing and the campus is beautiful.” She says the highlight of her time at L&C has been winning the NJCAA Division I Region 24 championship and advancing to the National tournament, where the team finished in 14th place – the best result in L&C’s history. L&C Tennis Coach Jim Hunstein said, when he first arrived in August, Djunisijevic wanted to know his plan for improving the tennis team. “Sofija is one o

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ALTON - At 3:48 p.m. on Friday, December 16, 2022, the Alton Police Department was notified of a gunshot wound victim at Alton Memorial Hospital. Officers and detectives arrived at the hospital and determined the gunshot wound victim to be a 14-year-old area juvenile. The juvenile was airlifted to a St. Louis area hospital. The juvenile is in critical condition at this time and continues to undergo ongoing medical care. Detectives with the Alton Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Division determined that the shooting had taken place inside a home in the 400 block of Spring Street, Alton. The Illinois State Police assisted in the processing of the home on Spring Street. The juvenile victim and the person responsible for the shooting, who is also a juvenile, are known to each other. Alton Police Department Chief Jarrett Ford said this is an isolated incident with no threat to the public. Investigators continue to gather information in this ongoing investigation. Anyone

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MADISON COUNTY - This past weekend, some generous donor or donors placed a gold coin in the Salvation Army kettle at the Schnucks Store in Wood River. “We are so grateful for this person(s) generosity each year,” Salvation Army Captain Sean Grey said. "It is again a very generous gift." Grey said the generous donor has come through time after time on an anonymous basis in Alton and he is so thankful to whoever the person is or persons are. Bell ringers are braving the elements to help The Salvation Army Red Kettle campaign reach its 2022 campaign goal of $217,500 to benefit people in Madison County. As of Thursday, $70,000 has been raised with just eight ringing days remaining, so donations at this point are critical for the Salvation Army to continue its mission in 2023. “We send our heartfelt thanks to you and the many generous donors who are helping people in our community," Grey said. "We would like to make a special plea for bell ringers through 2 p.m. December

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BETHALTO - The Bethalto Police Department's Christmas For All program once again touched the hearts of many in the community who needed assistance this holiday season. The Bethalto Police exceeded all expectations and made $29,167.13 in donations in just a little over a one-month period. This past Tuesday and Wednesday evening, Bethalto Police Officers, their family members, Madison County Sheriff’s Deputies, Mayor Gary Bost, Senator Kris Tharp, Madison County Chief Deputy Marcos Pulido, Bethalto Village Trustees, the Bethalto Zoning Administrator, Village Clerk Sue Lowrance, retired officers/dispatchers, Santa Claus, and compassionate trusted village residents worked together to shop with or for more than 100 children and their families. In the two-day shopping spree, volunteers aided families in purchasing $26,433.28 in gifts, food, clothing, and essentials. This was the fourth year in a row police had collected gifts and funds that were distributed for area children, Bethalto

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JERSEYVILLE - A Jerseyville residence caught on fire last night in the 200 block of Goodrich Street. Firefighters were able to contain the fire quickly, but the home still suffered extensive structural damage. Keith Norman, director of Public Safety and Fire for the City of Jerseyville, said the fire was called in at approximately 6:56 p.m. on Thursday. At this time, he said they do not know how the fire started, but the situation is currently under investigation. “We were able to get a pretty quick knock-down on the fire and were able to limit the fire damage to the area of origin, but it has extensive heat and smoke damage and some water damage throughout,” Norman said. “We had to ventilate through the roof, so there’s obviously roof damage and other things there, but the damage was extensive due to the conditions of the fire,” he added. Stay tuned to Riverbender.com for updates as they become available.

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ALTON - Thanks to the generosity of a few outgoing Blake Schrumpf State Farm employees, many students had a day they won't soon forget. Cindy Lou Who and The Grinch from the Dr. Seuss classic, 'How The Grinch Stole Christmas' came and visited Lewis and Clark Elementary School Thursday afternoon. The two read the famous story, handed out some treats to the kids, and took plenty of photos. "I am thrilled to be able to partner with Blake’s office to have another memorable experience happen for our kids that I’m sure they’ll remember for a long time to come," kindergarten teacher Beth Dunlap said. She had mentioned that Blake's office had partnered with the school this past October. They donated pumpkins so that the children could carve them for Halloween. It was many of the kids' first attempts at carving a jack-o-lantern. Now, as the school celebrates 'Grinch Week' Dunlap said that the students get very excited around Christmas time and that this was something tha

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ELMHURST – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) visited Mother’s Milk Bank of the Western Great Lakes today to announce her new legislation to increase federal support for and expand access to donated breast milk for parents and their medically-vulnerable infants at nonprofit milk banks nationwide. The Access to Donor Milk Act would allow state agencies to use the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) funding to promote the benefits and need for donor milk as well as allows WIC funds to support donor milk activities in states. Additionally, this legislation requires the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to determine how donor milk should be regulated. A companion bill was introduced in the House by U.S. Representative Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA-06). Photos from today’s visit are available here . “We should be doing all that we can to ensure families have what they need to ensure their babies are fed and healthy,”

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ALTON - New York Pastor Timothy Keller of Redeemer Presbyterian Church is known around the world for his famous quotes. One is “He is a Light for us when all other lights go out.” With that theme in mind, The Bridge Church will once again have its treasured “Candlelight Vigil Service” this weekend. The special Sunday night Christmas Candlelight Service is scheduled for 6 p.m. at The Bridge Church at 504 E. 12th St. in Alton. The service will run from 6 to 7:15 p.m. Pastor Stephen Helfrich of The Bridge Church said the Candlelight Vigil Service and Easter Service are two of his favorites of the entire year for his congregation. Pastor Helfrich again expects a large attendance and says those who wish to be there should arrive early. He also wanted to commend Riverbender.com for streaming the service live, and for those who can’t attend to watch it on the website at this link . The pastor said the candlelight service incorporates the candles more for

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HILLSBORO - Hillsboro authorities announced they are investigating a situation where a deceased person was found by students leaving school Friday afternoon, Dec. 16, 2022. The body was found near the school in a creek on Fairground Avenue in Hillsboro. Hillsboro Superintendent David Powell said he was notified by police the deceased person found was not a high school student. The Vandalia at Hillsboro boys basketball game set for Friday night has been canceled. More to come.

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GODFREY – In its 52 years serving District 536, Lewis and Clark Community College has become known for its long-tenured employees. Each year, the college celebrates team members who have achieved five-year service milestones during an annual Service Awards program and dinner, typically held in the fall. This fall, the college celebrated 47 team members who have served the college for a collective 625 years – the longest-tenured employee being Sylvia Russell, an applications administrator in Networking & Systems, who has been with Lewis and Clark for 35 years. “Lewis and Clark has amazing team members who have dedicated their life and careers to serving students and our mission of empowering people,” Vice President of Administration Lori Artis said. “We are so grateful to our team members each and every day, and look forward to celebrating their individual service milestones each year through the Service Awards celebration.” 35 Years Sylvi

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ST. LOUIS COUNTY - On Thursday, December 15, 2022, the St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office issued charges on suspect Wayea Hallowanger, 20 years of age, of the 1800 block of Charleston Estates Drive in Florissant, Missouri 63031, for Murder First Degree and Armed Criminal Action. A booking photo of Hallowanger is attached. Hallowanger is being held without bond. 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: Victim, a delivery driver from a local pizza chain, responded to the 4600 block of Whisper Lake Drive for a delivery. Upon arrival, Victim was shot more than once by Suspect as Victim was preparing to complete the delivery. Victim contacted 911 to state he had been shot and he would not survive. Subsequent investigation revealed the pizza order had been placed by Suspect to a vacant apartment. Suspect was subsequently arrested. Post-Miranda,

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SPRINGFIELD – Hunters in Illinois took a preliminary total of 76,854 deer during the seven-day 2022 Illinois Firearm Deer Season that concluded Dec. 4, according to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR). In the IDNR totals, Macoupin County had 1,576 deer harvested this year to lead the region, compared to 1,431 in 2021. Calhoun recorded 724 deer harvested in 2022 compared to 650 in 2021, and Greene had 1,019 deer harvested compared to 954 in 2021. Madison County had 692 deer harvested compared to 637 in 2021. Jersey had 646 deer harvested in 2022, while there were 588 harvested in 2021. There were 775 deer harvested in St. Clair County compared to 699 in 2021. Comparatively, hunters harvested a final total of 70,411 deer during the firearm season in 2021. The preliminary harvest for the second segment of the 2022 firearm season Dec. 1-4 was 24,500, compared with 21,477 during the second season in 2021. The preliminary harvest for the first segment of this year’s

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EDWARDSVILLE - With much colder temperatures in the forecast, the Edwardsville Fire Department would like to remind residents to pay attention to weather advisories, avoid safety risks, and take steps to remain warm as the temperatures drop. The following tips can help residents to stay safe throughout the winter months: Avoid using ovens and stoves as alternate heating sources; these are potentially dangerous sources of carbon monoxide and fire. If you are using a portable heater, plug it directly into a wall outlet — do not use extension cords or power strips as they can easily start fires. Keep portable heaters away from other items and never set anything on top of a portable heater. Wear appropriate clothing when going outside. Add layers to increase warmth, and be sure to protect your face, ears, and hands. Be aware of your vehicle’s fuel level; don’t risk running out of gas. Keep winter supplies such as spare blankets, gloves, and hats in you

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SPRINGFIELD – With the holidays in full swing, Illinois Conservation Police officer are partnering with the Illinois Department of Transportation to remind motorists about the dangers of impaired driving. From Dec. 16 through Jan. 2, law enforcement across Illinois will step up enforcement efforts with a high-visibility “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” and “Drive High, Get a DUI” traffic safety campaign. “We want everyone in our communities to enjoy the holidays without worrying about the dangers of impaired drivers,” said Illinois Conservation Police Lt. Curt Lewis. “During the campaign, you can expect to see extra safety patrols. We will show zero tolerance for alcohol- and drug-impaired driving to help ensure everyone makes it to and from their holiday festivities safely.” According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) Fatality Analysis Reporting System, 11,654 people were killed in motor vehicle

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MADISON, IL. - For the first time in the decades-long history of the ILLINOISouth Tourism Bureau, the organization has been recognized as ‘Best in Show’ of all tourism bureaus in the state for its recent marketing efforts. ILLINOISouth promotes communities, attractions, businesses, and events in a 21-county region of Southern Illinois. “We are thrilled to receive such an honor,” explains Andy Waterman, Communications Director for ILLINOISouth. “We have so much fun showing people what kind of experiences they can have in Southern Illinois, so to be recognized for it – that’s just icing on the cake.” Each year the Illinois Governor’s Conference on Tourism celebrates the accomplishments of all 37 tourism bureaus in the state during the ‘Excellence in Tourism’ awards ceremony. There are eight categories, as well as a ninth award for ‘Best in Show’ – which goes to the bureau with the highest score across

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