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EDWARDSVILLE — Madison County State’s Attorney Thomas A. Haine announced Tuesday that an Alton man has been convicted of predatory criminal sexual assault and child pornography, resulting in a 45-year prison sentence. Ryan M. Nation, 39, received the sentence for convictions on one count of predatory criminal sexual assault of a child and one count of child pornography. Nation pleaded guilty Tuesday to committing sexual acts with a child on March 15, 2022, and using a phone to make a recording of the assault. “We will continue to work with law enforcement and use any available resources to investigate and prosecute those who prey on children,” Haine said. “I commend the diligent work of law enforcement and the prosecution team in our Children’s Justice Division, who worked hard to ensure this offender will no longer be a threat to our children and our community.” The Madison County Sheriff’s Office spearheaded the investigation, which

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GODFREY - The Godfrey Village Board of Trustees approved several items at their March 21 meeting, including funding the creation of a new “Welcome to Godfrey” tourism website for the village from Riverbender.com. Economic Development Director Jim Mager said that while Godfrey’s current municipal website works well for municipal purposes, it doesn’t showcase the amenities or assets of the village to visitors or current residents. This new website would help promote the Godfrey Business District and other aspects of the village without replacing the municipal website. Trustee Sarah Woodman said that if the “Welcome to Godfrey” website is comparable to the St. Charles visitor website, “it’s a phenomenal marketing piece for the money.” Mager said that based on his conversations with Riverbender.com Owner John Hentrich, that is the goal. Trustee Virginia Woulfe-Beile added she thought it was a “good idea” to have separate

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ROXANA - 2nd Generation Distribution is a wholesale retailer of everything from Little Debbie products and other snacks to custom woodwork gifts, furniture, electronics, appliances, and more - all at heavily discounted prices. At their small storefront at 301 S. Old Edwardsville Road in Roxana, customers can avoid the long lines and price markups of bigger stores. “The biggest thing that we push is we’re family-owned and we’re local,” 2nd Generation Distribution Owner Brad Pence said. “We really try to offer as much as we can to people at a low price, while also trying to keep things local - small businesses, that kind of stuff - so we can pass off savings to consumers.” In addition to a wide range of Little Debbie snacks (some of which are available earlier than they are in regular stores), customers can also find locally made and customizable woodwork gifts from 618 American Flag WoodWorking , liquidated merchandise at 60% off from big-bo

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ALTON - Chloe Plough, a senior at Alton High School, has signed on to play tennis for Illinois College this fall. Plough is a three-year letter winner for the Redbirds and in 2022 she was named second team all-conference in the Southwestern Conference and was named to the Academic All-Conference Team. She was also named team MVP and served as a captain her senior year for the Redbirds. Chloe is the Auto Butler Female Athlete of the Month for the Redbirds. Alton High head coach Jesse Macias said: “Chloe came out as a sophomore and was a complete newbie to the game. But, she is a perfect example of what hard work and the right attitude can do for you. She works on her game year round and that transformed her from someone who likes playing tennis to someone who now gets the chance to compete at the college level. "Chloe played tournaments and did clinics in the winter and summer and she showed up for every off-season workout we had. She leads by example and we are excited that

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GLEN CARBON - Spring break and vacation season are approaching and Ooh La La AntiAging & Wellness’ Director of Wellness and Nutrition, Robert Wise, D.C. is helping people feel and look their best. Dr. Wise has more than two decades of experience with nutritional counseling. He says this time of year he sees more patients interested in new ways to feel confident about their bodies before summer. “We often see people struggling with weight loss because the diets and exercise that once worked can change as you age,” said Dr. Wise. “It’s normal and natural that as we get older our bodies age and can go through some changes. When people come to Ooh La La, we look at their lifestyle as a whole, not just what they eat or how often they exercise. Together, we create a sustainable, healthy lifestyle plan that people can use throughout all stages of life that doesn’t just fade like a trendy diet.” Dr. Wise said they don’t push harsh diets and intens

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ALTON - Jerrick King has organized a GoFundMe for his mother, who lost her house on Holly Hill Drive in Alton Monday, March 20. "On March 20th, a gas leak sparked a fire that ruined my mother’s house," King said. "Thankfully, she was able to get herself and three of her grandchildren to safety. Although no one was physically hurt, her belongings and her home have been ruined. "If you would like to donate and support, allocate funds will go to the family. Thank you." To view the GoFundMe, please visit: https://www.gofundme.com/f/q4rn2-rebuild-after-a-fire

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EDWARDSVILLE - The Edwardsville Rotary Club has chosen to honor Edwardsville High School student Paolo Demchenko with the Student of the Month Award for the month of March. Paolo was nominated by Edwardsville high school math teacher, Mrs. Tiffany McBride. Paolo is the son of Alexei Demchenko and Cristina DeMeo. Paolo is an aspiring entrepreneur and currently runs an online store and he is involved with Ecommerce and affiliate marketing. In his free time, Paolo enjoys lifting weights, playing soccer, and spending time with friends. Paolo hopes to grow his business and become a full-time entrepreneur in the future. The Edwardsville Rotary Club recognizes a student each month September through April. Each May, Edwardsville High School staff chooses one of the monthly winners to receive the $1,500 Edwardsville EHS Rotary Scholarship. The awards have been given since 1996 and the Edwardsville Rotary Club has given out over $35,000 in scholarships to date.

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GLEN CARBON – Giving residents a substantial amount of time to comply, the Village of Glen Carbon is sending out letters notifying residents of proper boat storage and parking options. Effective September 5, 2023, storage and parking of boats must be in the side or rear yard of Village residences. This ordinance enforces Section 10-13-1, Subsection 10 (d) regarding boat ownership. In addition to a proper storage location for boats within Village limits, Subsection H also requires that the storage and parking space be a solid surface and paved with concrete, asphalt or brick. Parking surfaces that are durable and allow for proper drainage within the area must be at a standard approved by the Village. Over the past several months, Village Administrator, Jamie Bowden, reviewed current ordinances with the chief of police and public works director and noted some improper boat storage and parking in the Village. Although the indiscretions were minor, it was decided that a letter

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ALTON - At their March 20 meeting, the Alton Committee of the Whole unanimously voted down a laid-over resolution that would have required each City official/employee to complete a training session concerning the “prohibited activities” of their positions and the “rules of ethical conduct” for each City official/employee. In other business, committee members took no action on a resolution regarding the adoption and use of an internal Administrative Budget for the fiscal year 2023-2024. Later in the meeting, concerns were raised about the report they were given to base the budget on, which was apparently a nine-month “snapshot” and not an adequate enough overview of city expenses to base a budget on. Committee members asked for certain figures to be added by the end of the month before they would consider taking action on it again. The committee approved the elimination of a handicapped parking space in the 900 block of Alton Street, and also

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Upgrades estimated to save taxpayers $90,000 in annual energy and operational savings; new thermal energy storage system to substantially improve City sustainability DAVIDSON, N.C. – Trane ® - by Trane Technologies (NYSE: TT), a global climate innovator - and the City of Alton, Illinois have entered into an agreement for a comprehensive energy and infrastructure upgrade on all five City facilities. Trane collaborated with a City of Alton project team to identify opportunities that support the City’s sustainability focus and energy reduction goals. Planned upgrades include replacing the outdated HVAC systems in the City Hall, public works building, police station, and both fire stations with new energy-efficient HVAC infrastructure along with a web-based integrated building automation controls platform. As a result, the city anticipates realizing approximately $40,000 in energy savings annually. Half of the annual energy savings will come from a new sustainable

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ST. LOUIS - A young Andean bear named Ben will be moved to a new home at the Gladys Porter Zoo in Brownsville, Texas, soon. Ben has escaped twice in the last month from the St. Louis Zoo on Feb. 7 and Feb. 23. The Saint Louis Zoo made a comment that even though it met all standards to shelter Andean Bears, staff members “focused on Ben’s specific and unique personality to help determine the best home for the young bear after two escapes.” “While we love Ben, and wish he could stay with us, our goal is to do what is best for him,” said Regina Mossotti, Vice President of Animal Care at Saint Louis Zoo. “I am so grateful for the excellent care provided to Ben by our Animal Care team here and everyone’s willingness to seek opportunities for Ben to thrive.” The Gladys Porter Zoo is recognized as an AZA-accredited zoo. It has a long history with Andean bears and the bear habitat there has a moat, which will help contain Ben in his natural habitat

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Steven and Sarah Warner welcomed twins into the world on Feb. 7, 2023. Felicity Saphira Faye Warner was born at 12:46 a.m. at 5 lbs 3 oz at Mercy Hospital in St. Louis. Florence Selena Lou Warner came 10 minutes earlier at 12:36 a.m. at 6 lbs 1 oz. Felicity and Florence were welcomed into the world by their parents, grandparents (Ranson Gene Kessinger, Dorsey IL Nancy Jeanne Kessinger, Fosterburg IL Jim and Lori Smith, Hardin IL Cary and Jennifer Warner, St. Louis MO), and great grandparents (Patricia Helmkamp, Moro IL Doug and Donna Warner, Park Hills MO).

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MARYVILLE - On Thursday, March 16, the Edwardsville/Glen Carbon Chamber honored Anderson Healthcare President and CEO, Keith A. Page, with the coveted Lifetime Achievement Award during their 2023 Business Awards Gala. Page, who marked twenty-seven years of leadership at Anderson Healthcare on February 5, 2023, has successfully led the system through the industry’s ever-changing environment for nearly 3 decades. Page earned degrees in business administration from Washington University and health care administration from St. Louis University. He began his medical career serving in the Army Medical Service Corp. He was stationed at the Madigan Army Medical Center in Tacoma, Washington, and held the rank of Captain. Page then began his professional career with Alexian Brothers Medical Center in the Chicago suburb of Elk Grove, where he served as vice president from 1985-1989. From there, he served as vice president with St. Mary’s Hospital in Centralia until 1996. Page

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EAST ST. LOUIS – With the support from State Senator Chris Belt, the Sauget Fire Department and Madison Fire Department will receive a combined $42,000 to purchase small firefighting and ambulance equipment. “Our firefighters are the first line of defense when it comes to protecting our communities from fires and other emergencies,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “These grants will help ensure that our firefighters have the equipment they need to do their jobs safely and effectively.” The Small Equipment Grant Program is an innovative approach to a problem that has long caused difficulties for fire departments and not-for profit ambulance services in Illinois, particularly those that face hardships in generating the necessary revenue for small equipment. The purpose is to allow eligible applicants the opportunity to purchase small equipment that they may otherwise not be able to purchase. The Sauget Fire Department is set to receive $25,992, and the Madison

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ST. LOUIS - Feld Entertainment®, a family-owned company and worldwide leader in live entertainment experiences, announced the highly anticipated 2023 North American tour of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® The Greatest Show On Earth®. Bringing to life an arena spectacle at unbelievable scale, The Greatest Show On Earth will debut stunning feats of real human achievement, musical performances blended with aerial artistry, modern comedy, and never-before-seen acts on highwire, trapeze, bicycles, and more. The reimagined American icon will captivate families through a multi-platform, 360-degree experience that brings fans into the action, creating real connections between audiences and performers from all over the world – coming to St. Louis with six performances at Enterprise Center, December 9-10, 2023. “We’re reintroducing Ringling at a time when families are seeking shared entertainment experiences that provide joy, connection, and moments of togetherness,”

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GODFREY – Lewis and Clark Community College Athletics plans to hold a Trivia Night and silent auction on Thursday, March 23, in the Common on the Godfrey campus, as a fundraiser for The Trailblazers. “We are excited about this event,” L&C Athletic Director Cedric Brown said. “We have terrific auction items, including St. Louis Cardinals, Blues and Kansas City Chiefs items.” Additionally, Brown said, Former L&C standout and St. Louis Cardinals Hall of Famer Jason Isringhausen has donated items for the event. “All proceeds will benefit athletics by supporting academic success strategies, scholarship opportunities and necessary department procurements,” Brown said. “Come out and join the fun to celebrate and support the Trailblazers.” The mixer and silent auction begins at 6 p.m. Trivia starts at 7 p.m. with eight rounds, 10 questions per round. There will also be a live musical performance by L&C baseball player Kalen Reardon.

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GRANITE CITY - GCS Credit Union was recently awarded the Doing Well by Doing Good Award by Mastercard for their charitable and community efforts as part of Mastercard’s Community Institution Segment Awards. The Doing Well By Doing Good Award recognized GCS for their annual Tee Up Fore Veterans Golf Tournament. Raising funds for veterans is just one of the many ways GCS is able to support their local community. With the help of over thirty sponsors and one hundred twenty-four golfers, GCS raised $32,961 for our local veterans last year. The Greater St. Louis Honor Flight, whose mission is to send our nation’s heroes to Washington D.C. for a one day, all expenses paid trip to see the memorials built in their honor, received $25,000 of last year’s proceeds. Got Your Six PTSD Support Dogs received $7,961 of the tournament proceeds. Got Your Six is committed to providing specialized service dogs to veterans and first-responders suffering from post-traumatic stress

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ST. LOUIS - First Mid Bank & Trust (First Mid) has pledged a $25,000 donation to the Youth & Family Center (YFC) in downtown St. Louis to replace the organization’s aging gymnasium floor. Dr. LaChrisa Crenshaw, YFC Executive Director, stated the $25,000 donation will help YFC provide a safe, welcoming space where kids of all ages can enjoy more opportunities to achieve their full potential and see a brighter future in the community. The current gymnasium is a multi-functional and recreational space. However, the concrete and urethane-coated floor is failing and unsafe, limiting the organization’s ability to offer young people quality programs in a safe environment. “Our kids want a place to go that they can be proud of,” said Dr. Crenshaw. “A place that offers the opportunity to make good choices. Right now, there aren’t a lot of places for our kids, teens, and young adults to be active and have fun. We want to provide that space for them at the

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WOOD RIVER - Last night the Wood River City Council demonstrated that is has not learned from the mistakes it made when it approved a $12 million rec center against voter wishes. When given the opportunity to begin the healing process after this divisive decision, instead the council turned its back on voters once again. In the meeting last night, the council refused to consider a motion that would have given voters the right to determine if they wanted a cannabis dispensary and whether it should be located downtown or in another location. Instead, the council demonstrated that it believes it knows what is best for the city. This is in spite of the fact that the city did not consult with many of the existing downtown businesses who are rightfully concerned what impact a cannabis dispensary in downtown may have on their business. Many residents have expressed concerns with a cannabis dispensary in Wood River. Most comments I have seen are critical that the city wants a cannabis dispensary

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JERSEYVILLE - The City of Jerseyville received $1,000,000 in grant funding from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) for improvements to Hollow Avenue, as part of FHWA’s Accelerated Innovation Deployment (AID) funding initiative, and one of only ten projects awarded in the United States for that grant cycle. City officials said the funds will make some significant positive changes to that area. As part of the City of Jerseyville's long-term Capital Improvement Plan, the safe and efficient movement of residential and commercial traffic are key priorities. The Hollow Avenue improvement project involves reconstructing an old, deteriorated asphalt roadway with a modern compacted concrete pavement including curb-and-gutter and related subgrade improvements, widening, storm sewer/drainage improvements, and the addition of an ADA-compliant sidewalk extension. These improvements will enhance safety for both vehicular and pedestrian traffic. The compacted concrete pavement allows

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