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ALTON - Being aware and taking initiative are two items that this Remarkable Redbird of the Month has certainly accomplished over the past school year at Alton High School. Sophomore Adelia Sandifer noticed earlier this year the large amounts of uneaten fruit that her fellow classmates were placed in the trash at Alton High and thought to herself that something could be done to better that situation. After many discussions with Assistant Principal Dr. John Bannister and also Arbor Manager Tim Weaver (Arbor is the company that currently runs the lunch program at Alton High), it was decided that boxes would be set up near trash cans for students to place uneaten fruit into these boxes where it essentially would be passed on to families in need of food. In conversing further with Assistant Principal Naj Citrowske, Adelia decided to call Crisis Food Center to coordinate the picking up of the fruit about two days per week. Over the course of the school year, the number of pieces of fruit

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EDWARDSVILLE — The Edwardsville Police Department today announced it is stepping up enforcement for the Memorial Day “Click It or Ticket” campaign that will run May 19-30 and reminds motorists to buckle up for safety. “Click It or Ticket” leverages education and enforcement to save lives. “Seat belts have proven to be life-saving in the event of a crash,” said Lt. Whittaker Whittaker. “Unfortunately, many still don’t buckle up. Worse yet, not wearing a seat belt is a habit that can be passed on to younger generations who follow the example set by their elders.” Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial start of summer, a popular time for traveling to visit family and friends. Whether you are traveling down the block or across the country, make sure you buckle up every time. Wearing a seat belt can reduce the risk of fatal injury by 45%. Seat belts save lives every day, but they’re only effective if they’re used.

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JERSEYVILLE - Two individuals were charged with retail theft after stealing over $300 worth of items each from the Jerseyville Walmart. The incidents took place one day apart from each other, and in one case, the individual was additionally charged with unlawful possession of methamphetamine and obstructing identification. Erinn R. Walton-Slagel, 44, of Hillsboro, was charged on May 3 with retail theft, unlawful possession of methamphetamine, and obstructing identification. Walton-Slagel reportedly stole over $300 worth of “various items of clothing, jewelry, and accessories,” according to court documents. She was issued a Class 3 felony charge for the theft. Walton-Slagel also “knowingly possessed less than five grams of methamphetamine” and “knowingly furnished a false name” to Jerseyville Police Officer Nick Woelfel after being lawfully detained, according to court records. She was issued another Class 3 felony charge for possession of methamphetamine

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ALTON - The recent Riverbend CEO 2023 Trade Show demonstrated a talented class of young entrepreneurs at the Best Western Premier in Alton. Katie Sabolo has been the mastermind behind the Riverbend CEO program for the past seven years. She said the Riverbend CEO Class of 2023 has a bright future ahead, thanks in part to the businesses that have taught them the value of determination, innovation, and hard work. “Riverbend CEO has been the highlight of my year!" Sabolo said. She continued and said the program is "an investor-funded entrepreneurship program that connects local high school seniors to businesses in our community. "CEO gives students an incredible opportunity to start their own businesses and network with other business professionals in our community. Each year, students tour more than 30 local businesses and meet with 30 guest speakers to help them learn the ins and outs of running a business. "While learning about businesses in our area, students launch thei

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SHILOH - A Fairview Heights woman has been charged and is in custody related to a financial exploitation case of an elderly woman. Shiloh Police released these facts about the case: At 11:26 a.m. on Wednesday, May 3, 2023, Shiloh Police officers were dispatched to Regions Bank located at 400 East Highway 50 in O’Fallon in reference to the possible unlawful use of a credit card with an elderly victim. Detective Sergeant Kyle Bade made this statement: "Upon our arrival, Shiloh officers met with O’Fallon officers and bank personnel who noticed unusual activity on the victim’s bank account and notified the O’Fallon Police, who contacted the Shiloh Police due to the transactions occurring in Shiloh. The case was submitted to the St. Clair County State’s Attorney’s Office for review." On Friday, May 12, 2023, St. Clair County Assistant State’s Attorney Elizabeth Nester issued a warrant for Financial Exploitation of an Elderly Person and a warrant

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CARROLLTON - Harley D. Angel, 19, of Carrollton, was charged twice for violent felony sex crimes against minors - once in November of 2022, and again last March - and was released on bond both times. His pretrial hearing is set for later this month on May 26. Late last year , Angel was charged with aggravated criminal sexual assault, grooming, indecent solicitation of a child, and unlawful restraint. Carrollton Police Chief James Buchanan confirmed that the offense was committed against multiple victims, all of whom were minors, but said few other details were available as the investigation is still ongoing. According to court records, the offense involved victims who were “at least 13 years of age but under 17 years of age,” with Angel having been “at least five years older” than the victims. Angel was 19 at the time, meaning the victims could not have been older than 14. He was arrested by the Carrollton Police Department on Nov. 30, 2022, an

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ALTON - Marquette Catholic senior midfielder Aela Scruggs has seen a thing or two in her high school soccer career. A thing she's become accustomed to seeing is success. A three-year varsity player, since her freshman year was cancelled due to the pandemic, Aela has seen that success personally and with her team. As a primary central midfielder for the team, she racked up 22 goals through three seasons, with 12 so far her senior year. She also nabbed 14 assists in her career. For her success on the soccer field, Aela is a Tucker's Automotive Repair & Tire Athlete of the Month for the Explorers. As a team, the Explorers boast an overall record of 46-17-6 the last three seasons, and have made waves in the postseason each time. Her team reached the Super-Sectional her sophomore season and have won Regional Championships in her junior and senior seasons, most recently in an 8-0 win over Carlinville, clinching the program's 13th title. Aela said that this year was her favorite

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SPRINGFIELD - State Senator Erica Harriss (56 th -Glen Carbon) has passed a bill that could help alleviate the teacher shortage across the state by providing flexibility and incentives for established educators. “Our teachers are incredibly important and with the teacher shortage still a persistent and serious issue across our state, we must look at collaborative ways to address the issue,” said Senator Harriss. House Bill 1297 would extend the current statute in the pension code to allow teachers the ability to buy up to two years of service credit at a private or parochial school from the Teachers Retirement System. “This bill is a good step in allowing teachers the flexibility to move from the private sector into public schools and buy back their time in the retirement system,” said Senator Harriss. “With the current law set to expire June 30th, this legislation is merely an extension of a sunset now set for 2028 if signed into law.” To qualify

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ALTON - The Alton Police are asking for the public’s help in identifying the owner and/or driver of this Chevrolet Malibu in connection with the murder of Tyrone “Marty Lo” Williams which occurred on May 10, 2023 in the 1600 block of Rock Springs Drive. The Malibu is believed to be a model year 2019-2023 appeared to have an Illinois seven-day temporary registration permit affixed to the rear, and is known to frequent the Madison and Venice areas. All tips should be sent via telephone to 618-463-3505 ext 637, text to 618-802-1125, or email to stewart@altonpolice.com .

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ALTON - Principal Tim Harmon views the 2023 Marquette Catholic graduating class as a group of 120 students who have been through a lot over the past four years with the COVID-19 Pandemic, but have moved beyond it and are exceptional people with bright futures ahead. “Every few years, there is a class of students that just resonates with you as a teacher or administrator," he said. "The Marquette Catholic High School Class of 2023 was one of those classes. They have been exceptional in every way, and I am going to miss them dearly. It is bittersweet at the end of each school year as a teacher and administrator. It’s such a great feeling to know that you are sending students out into the world, ready for the next big challenge in life, but it also is difficult to know that you’re not going to get to spend the same amount of time with them anymore and that you’re not there to help them when they need it. "You hope the best for them but also have to know that yo

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ALTON - Virginia Sitzes is one of the favorite residents of River Crossing on Humbert Road in Alton. On Sunday, she marked another Mother’s Day with her family and again had a great day. She has three daughters and she said she was a “stay-at-home mother” when the girls were growing up. Virginia said there are definite advantages of the mother staying home with the children, which is not very common today because of the need for two incomes. She also has grandchildren and great-grandchildren and loves every minute she gets to see them. “My children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren mean everything to me,” she said. “I think it paid off for me staying at home with my children to raise them, I personally think it is a lot better. "I love being a mother, but now they wait on me and I enjoy it. I do always love Mother’s Day, it is a very special day for moms.”

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ALTON - Moriah Chumbley always enjoys Mother’s Day, but this year is very special because soon she will own a Habitat for Humanity Home in Alton. The Lewis and Clark Chapter has selected her for their next house in Alton, she said. Moriah describes her family's selection for the Habitat home as "a miracle." Moriah has five children: Ashton, 13, London, 12, Peyton, 9, Madison, 8, and Kameron, 6. Moriah has been a volunteer in the Habitat organization and her dream came true when she was selected to be the recipient of the home. She has also been a volunteer in the community and her church. “I plan to continue to help the Habitat organization in the future,” she said. “I am so excited for each of the children to have their own rooms.” “I love Alton,” Moriah said. “It is a wonderful town. I am a full-time employee of the U.S. Postal Service, based out of St. Louis. I have been working there nine years.” As a Mom, Moriah believes

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EDWARDSVILLE — Madison County State’s Attorney Thomas A. Haine announced Friday that a Fredericktown, Mo., man has been sentenced to 35 years in prison for sexually assaulting a child. William E. McKay, 37, received the sentence after pleading guilty to one count of Predatory Criminal Sexual Assault of a Child. “We can’t begin to imagine the trauma that children and their families suffer in cases such as this,” Haine said. “We hope that this sentence allows a measure of healing for the victim, who demonstrated tremendous courage by coming forward.” McKay pleaded guilty to committing a sexual act with a victim younger than 13 between Nov. 1, 2021, and Dec. 26, 2021, in Madison County. The case was investigated by the Madison County Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from the Madison County Child Advocacy Center and the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services. The case was prosecuted by Assistant State’s Attorney Ali Foley.

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Sodexo is voluntarily recalling 8.53oz packages of Simply To Go Strawberry Yogurt Parfaits and 9.24oz packages Simply To Go Blueberry Yogurt Parfaits because they may contain undeclared soy ingredients. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to soy run the risk of serious life-threatening allergic reactions if they consume this product. The Strawberry Yogurt Parfaits and Blueberry Yogurt Parfaits are sold in 8.53oz and 9.24oz plastic cups at Sodexo Food Service locations in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island. The affected products have the SELL BY dates up to and including 05/08/2023 printed on the label on the lid. Recalled products include Simply To Go Strawberry Yogurt Parfaits, 8.53oz, with UPC 477088125794 and Simply To Go Blueberry Yogurt Parfaits, 9.24oz, with UPC 477088156552 and 477088150550. Recalled codes include ALL SELL BY DATES up to and including 05/08/2023 No illnesses or deaths have been reported to date. Consumers with an allergy or severe

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ST. LOUIS - Eight major infrastructure projects in Madison and St. Clair Counties in southwestern Illinois are receiving more than $41 million in grant funding through the 2023 Illinois Competitive Freight Program. The initiative, which distributes federal infrastructure funds through the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), aims to improve the movement of freight and create jobs and economic opportunity while enhancing safety and local quality of life. Successful proposals were ranked based on the plan's goals: increasing safety, improving reliability, and boosting intermodal connections and commerce at the local level. A total of more than $200 million is being invested in 22 projects on established freight routes statewide. "These funds will be used for 22 port, rail, and highway projects in Illinois to address bottlenecks, increase mobility, and improve the supply chain up and down the state,” said Illinois Governor JB Pritzker when he announced the funding thi

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GODFREY – Lewis and Clark Community College will celebrate its 52nd annual Commencement back on the Godfrey Campus this year and will feature two keynote speakers – Monticello College alumnae Carol Kempske and L&C Retiring Professor Gerald Mozur. The ceremony will take place at 7 p.m., Wednesday, May 17, 2023, at the Hatheway Cultural Center’s Ann Whitney Olin Theatre, after being held outdoors the past few years due to COVID. “Commencement is a celebration everyone on campus looks forward to every year,” said L&C President Ken Trzaska. “As much as it is an exciting event for our graduates, it also represents the culmination of our entire team’s devotion to helping students make the most of their experience here. We couldn’t be more excited to celebrate with them.” Kempske will represent Monticello College as a keynote speaker. She attended Monticello, previously located on the grounds where L&C exists today, from 1957-1959. Sh

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GODFREY – The RiverBend Growth Association has chosen its May 2023 Small Business of the Month award honoree to be Freer Auto Body & Accessories, Inc. of Godfrey. Located at 4512 N. Alby Road, Freer Auto Body has been a business mainstay now for 31 years with 16 employees who all have a part in supporting “the dream.” This dream had been launched into reality by a young 19-year-old entrepreneur back in 1991, with help from his grandfather, his brother, and his whole family. David Freer was that young man with a vision. His grandfather was Arnold Freer, an auto body man with a genuine talent. Freer Auto Body remains a true family-owned business today. “We lost David in 2008,” noted Margaret Freer, David’s mother, who helps in keeping his vision going as a part of the family business. “But we have continued his legacy of quality repairs and excellent customer service. We have never forgotten our meager beginnings, and we truly feel the community

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GLEN CARBON - Glen Carbon Sergeant Steven Deist recently completed AOC 149 at the University of Louisville. Deist is now the sixth Glen Carbon graduate of this elite police management program, which includes Chief Link, Lt. Ned Miller, Det. Sgt. Greg Boyer, Sgt. Jeff Blind, and Sgt. Justin Click. The Administrative Officers Course (AOC) is an advanced educational and training institute whose mission is to enhance the professional development of law enforcement officers.

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WOOD RIVER - Wood River Police Chief Brad Wells recently provided more insight into the story behind his department’s collaboration with a local 14-year-old business owner - a story that has proven popular both locally and beyond, and has led to increased business for the teen entrepreneur. Chief Wells said Wood River resident J.T. Thompson reached out to him asking if he would meet with Colton Wilkins, the 14-year-old owner and founder of Colton’s Lawn Care who was looking for work. He set up a meeting with Colton and his mom shortly after. “This kid doesn’t look 14 years old, but he’s a teddy bear - just a good, good kid,” Wells said on a recent episode of Our Daily Show! on RiverBender.com . “He says, ‘Look, I just want to work . I’ve got a lawn care business and I would just like to know if there’s something I can do for you.’ “I said, ‘Look, I think if I put this on Facebook, we’ve got

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WOOD RIVER - Saturday, May 20 will be a busy day in Wood River with the Police Department’s 5k Race starting at 1 p.m. and the Summer Kickoff event from 2 to 8 p.m. The day’s activities will feature over 50 vendors, live music, nine food trucks, and more. Festivities will take place along Ferguson Avenue between Wood River Avenue and Second Street. Registration for the 5k Race can be filled out online at this link or in-person before the race with registration beginning at 12 p.m. Wood River Marketing Consultant Kristen Burns and Police Chief Brad Wells appeared on a recent episode of Our Daily Show! on RiverBender.com to discuss everything going on at the events. Burns said part of the reason they’re able to have so many vendors and food trucks at the event is because of Wood River’s business community. “We have amazing business owners that step up to the plate and they’ve helped us out,” Burns said. “They’ve got

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