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EAST ALTON - Photographers young and old are invited to join the National Great Rivers Research and Education Center’s (NGRREC sm ) World Water Day Photo Contest. Submissions should relate to celebrating the Mississippi River, which can be thought of as a tapestry of nature, heritage and beauty. “This is an incredible opportunity for the community to share their connection and love for the river,” Environmental Educator Jolena Pang said. Categories include connections to wildlife, the watershed, and the culture around the river. There will also be a youth category. “We hope to see photos that range from capturing the natural beauty of the river to how people use the river for transportation and industry and also how the river is enjoyed recreationally,” Pang said. The deadline for submission is Feb. 1 - the link to submit is here: https://forms.office.com/r/EPsn09XBvS . Don't miss your chance to share your unique perspective! About National

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EAST ALTON – Winter is quickly approaching, and Illinois RiverWatch is preparing to train community members to monitor chloride levels in local rivers, ponds, streams and wetlands. Identifying areas where salt use impacts water quality is essential for protecting habitats and keeping people and animals safe. “Much of this salt ends up in local waterways where it harms aquatic life,” said Danelle Haake, RiverWatch director and stream ecologist. “We are seeking volunteers who are willing to check on their local streams several times between November and April. Each monitoring trip could take as little as 15 minutes!” During the 2021 winter season, the Illinois Department of Transportation reported using more than 522,000 tons of salt on roadways throughout Illinois. The trainings will be held virtually on: Nov. 6, 6-7 p.m. Nov. 14, 7-8:30 p.m. Nov. 29, 6-7 p.m. Dec. 6, 7-8:30 p.m. Those interested can sign up for a virtual training on RiverWatch’s

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SPRINGFIELD - Halloween is a fun, spooky and exciting time for kids and adults as they scour for that perfect costume and people add spooky decorations to their homes. If you don’t keep fire safety in mind, Halloween and fall decoration can add an increased fire danger to your home that could create a real scary situation. According to the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA), each year from 2017 to 2019, an estimated average of 9,200 fires were reported to fire departments in the United States over a 3-day period around Halloween. These fires caused an estimated annual average of 25 deaths, 100 injuries, and $117 million in property loss. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reports that decorations were the first thing to ignite in roughly 800 reported home fires each year. More than two of every five of these fires occurred because the decorations were too close to a heat source, such as a candle or hot equipment. “Halloween is an exciting time for kids and talkin

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ALTON - Melvin Osburn, one of the most active advocates supporting the federally-legislated Lymphedema Treatment Act (LTA), is scheduled to be the guest speaker at the November Lymphedema Education Meeting in Alton – sponsored by OSF Rehabilitation Services. Riverbend region residents are invited to join the OSF Lymphedema Therapy team for this free educational session about Lymphedema and meet other people with Lymphedema. The November Lymphedema education meeting will be held: Thursday, November 2, 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. OSF HealthCare Rehabilitation Services 228 Alton Square Mall, Alton, IL (Enter the Rehab office from the upper Mall parking lot, facing Alby Street, under the"OSF HEALTHCARE" sign.) Interested individuals should direct questions or requests for additional information to OSF Rehabilitation Services at (618) 463-5171. During the past 10 years, Mr. Osburn, a native and current resident of Jerseyville, IL, has shared his story with literally anyone

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CHICAGO - U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), member of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee, today visited with leaders of Illinois’s grieving Muslim and Jewish communities to reinforce her support in light of the ongoing war in the Middle East. Duckworth reiterated the importance of denouncing hateful Anti-Semitic and Islamophobic rhetoric and violence that has already led to multiple hate crimes in Illinois and around the country. Duckworth today visited the Mosque where 6-year-old Wadea Al-Fayoume was laid to rest this week to express her support for the grieving community and discuss the spike in Anti-Muslim hate. She later met with several leaders from American Jewish Committee Chicago, Jewish United Fund, Metropolitan Chicago Hillel and the Anti-Defamation League to reinforce her support for the Jewish community in Illinois, who are reeling after witnessing the deadliest attack on Jews since the Holocaust. “Whether in Plainfield, Lombard, Israel or Gaza,

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CHICAGO – U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) along with U.S. Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) introduced bicameral legislation with Representatives Teresa Leger Fernández (D-NM-03), Robert C. “Bobby” Scott (D-VA-03), and Madeleine Dean (D-PA-03) to make two-year technical and community college accessible to more Americans by waiving tuition for eligible students. “Community colleges provide a springboard for students who wish to continue their education and a foundation for students to find good paying jobs through quality job training programs. I am proud to say that Illinois has prioritized higher education funding so that free community college, which gives motivated students a path to receiving a solid education without debt, is attainable. It’s time we also prioritize this funding at the federal level to start growing a stronger workforce,” said Durbin. “Those of us who weren’t always sur

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JERSEYVILLE - October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and a Jerseyville business duo has decided it’s their mission to educate people about risk factors and resources at their first Breast Cancer Awareness Seminar. On Tuesday, Oct. 24, 2023, two breast cancer survivors will speak at 5:30 p.m. at Brossio Tavern in Jerseyville. The hour-long seminar, hosted by Maven Makeup + Skincare Co. , will empower people to take control of their health. Maven owners Hannah Hutchinson and Kendelle Stahlschmidt decided to organize the seminar in honor of their many clients and friends who have been impacted by breast cancer. “We want to give them some information,” Stahlschmidt said. “I feel like people sometimes don’t have the information and don’t have the resources to maybe know what they’re looking for or why they would be looking for that, or a ‘it won’t happen to me’ mentality.” The two women knew about the importance

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CHICAGO - U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth, a member of both the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations and Armed Services Committees, issued the following statement today announcing her support for President Biden’s request to Congress for additional resources to strengthen U.S. national security by investing in our domestic defense industry, countering China in the Indo-Pacific region, supporting Ukraine, helping innocent civilians in Gaza and Israel as well as bolstering security on our nation’s southern border: “This national security funding request includes much-needed investments for our national security. It underscores the President’s—and our entire nation’s—unwavering commitment to the people of Israel and their unequivocal right to defend themselves, while providing critically-needed humanitarian assistance for the innocent civilians suffering in Gaza in the wake of last weekend’s Hamas terrorist attacks as well as aid to our partners i

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SPRINGFIELD – Numerous Illinois state parks and wildlife areas will be open to youth waterfowl hunting during the 2023 zoned youth waterfowl hunting seasons, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) announced today. Federal sites that fall under IDNR waterfowl administrative rules that are open for the youth hunts are also listed below. At most sites, regulations that apply during the regular waterfowl hunting season apply during the youth hunt. Hunters should check for changes to site-specific regulations and procedures. During the youth hunt, the bag limits are the same as during regular seasons. Per federal regulations, youth waterfowl hunters aged 17 or younger may hunt ducks, geese, coots, and mergansers as long as they are accompanied by an adult at least 18 years old. The accompanying adult cannot hunt these species but may participate in other open seasons if allowed at the site. Youth hunters must have a valid hunting license, youth hunting license, or

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ALTON - Tractor Supply Company is inviting customers to celebrate the Halloween season with a pet photo event at its Alton store. On Oct 28, 2023 from 9:30 a.m. until 3 p.m., customers can bring in their four-legged family members, with or without costume, to have their photos taken by a local photographer. The first 25 participants will also receive a free magnetic picture frame. "At Tractor Supply, we understand that pets are a part of the family. That's why we're excited to host an event that will create Halloween memories for pet owners and animals alike," said Michael Webb, manager of the Alton Tractor Supply store. "Our customers love their furry best friends, and we want to make sure this Halloween is one they won't forget." Participating event partners will include: VIP PetCare On site 9:30am to 11:30am Pet Costume Contest and Photos On site 9:30am to 3:00pm Trunk or Treating On site 9:30am to 3:00pm In addition to the pet photos, customers will also

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WOOD RIVER - Midwest Members Credit Union is proud to sponsor the “Oiler of the Month” program at EAWR High School. A Senior student is selected each month by members of the EAWR faculty. Each student is awarded a certificate and a Subway gift card. The Seniors selected each month will have the opportunity to compete for a $1,000.00 “Oiler of the Year” scholarship at the end of the school year. October's winner is Samuel Howard. Sam is a Senior at EAWR and is involved with the Student Council, Honor Society, Spirit Club, Peer Leadership, and Madison County Youth Council. Sam has received honors for Gold Level Renaissance (4 years) and Perfect Attendance (K-12). After graduation, Sam plans to attend college. He is still considering several colleges. Sam is thinking of majoring in Finance. Congratulations Sam and we all wish you good luck in your future! Midwest Members Credit Union has been serving your community for over 88 years. To find out more information

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CHICAGO – Today, Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) launched $15.4 million in tourism funding through two grant programs, the Tourism Attractions Grant Program ($10.8 million) and the Tourism Private Sector Grant Program ($4.6 million). Eligible entities can apply for grants to attract, develop, and improve new and existing tourism-related projects, events and festivals in an effort to boost tourism across the state and welcome more visitors. Grantees will be selected through a competitive Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) process. “Illinois is the heart of the Midwest—attracting visitors from throughout the nation and around the globe,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “As our tourism industry continues to bounce back from the pandemic, I’m happy to announce another $15.4 million in tourism funding, so we can keep breaking records and displaying Illinois values of resilience and strength on

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GODFREY - Crystal Officer, CEO of Beverly Farm Foundation has announced the addition of five new members to the Beverly Farm Foundation Board of Directors, including two local women, one from Edwardsville, IL, and the other from Alton, IL. “I am thrilled to announce that we have five new members joining the Beverly Farm Foundation Board of Directors,” said Crystal Officer. “Adding their talents and insights will only strengthen our board and aid in the continuing pursuit of our mission, providing loving, caring homes for adults with developmental disabilities.” Joining the Beverly Farm Foundation Board of Directors are Bonni Burns-Schuette of Edwardsville, IL; Bianca Jackson of Alton, IL; Emily Miller Friend of Short Hills, New Jersey; Mark Softy of Pinehurst North, Carolina; and Charlene Spiceland of Framingham, Massachusetts. Bonni Burns-Schuette is President and CEO of BAM Marketing Agency, which she founded in 2008 and is based in downtown St. Louis. Bian

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GRANITE CITY - Revity Credit Union is proud to be the recipient of three Illinois Credit Union League awards: First-place winner of the Louise Herring Philosophy in Action Award, first-place winner of the Desjardins Youth Financial Literacy Award, and second-place winner of the Dora Maxwell Social Responsibility Award. The Louise Herring Philosophy in Action Award is given to a credit union for its practical application of credit union philosophy within the actual operation of the credit union. It is awarded for internal programs and services that benefit membership. Revity was recognized for their Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program. Since 2017, Revity Credit Union has partnered with the Gateway EITC Community Coalition (GECC) to provide free tax preparation to low-to-moderate-income individuals, families, seniors, and limited Englishspeaking taxpayers who need assistance preparing their own tax returns. The Desjardins Award recognizes credit unions for leadership within the

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GODFREY – Lewis and Clark Community College’s Adult Education department is hosting a Global Diversity Discussion Panel, Tuesday, Oct. 24 from 10-11:30 a.m. at the N.O. Nelson Campus in Edwardsville (Building N4, room 110). The panel will feature local community members, college professors, and international students. Community members and college students are invited to join. Guests include Olga Bezhanova, Phd; Darwin Jose Gutierrez; Hannah Vlasova. Olga Bezhanova, PhD Bezhanova is originally from Ukraine. She is a professor of Spanish Literature and chair of the Deptartment of Foreign Languages and Literature at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. She has published three award-winning books and over 40 articles on contemporary Hispanic literature. In 2019, Bezhanova was awarded the Panteleimon Kulish Medal by the Literature, Art and Communications Academy of Ukraine for a significant contribution to the promotion of Ukrainian literature

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GLEN CARBON - Students at Father McGivney Catholic High School participated in their first school-wide service day of the year. Students and staff visited 13 local spots throughout the community. These community spots included: Richard Woods Park, Drda Park, the Edwardsville Watershed African Visions of Hope, St. Johns Community Adult Day Care (Collinsville and Edwardsville), Liberty Apple Orchard, the Highland Square, Korte Rec Center, Glik Park, Silver Lake, Tri-Township Park, and the Collinsville Food Pantry. The day was spent organizing, cleaning, and socializing with the mission of charity. Principal Joseph Lombardi explains, “At Father McGivney Catholic High School we believe in developing the whole student, mind, body and spirit. Our mission is to serve the culture of life and I believe service days are an important part of our mission. We instill in our students the four pillars of McGivney which include Unity, Charity, Fraternity, and Patriotism. I believe our days of

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EDWARDSVILLE - Lisa Webb with Third Street Realty knows all too well that sometimes, life happens. As a realtor, she knows first-hand the stressors involved with the less-than-glamorous side of the real estate business, and given her first-hand experience, she also knows the options available to help. Webb shared these insights and more on the latest Third On Third segment on Our Daily Show! on Riverbender.com . Webb said homeowners who bought large houses can later struggle to keep up with the associated payments if there’s a loss in the household that narrows it down to just one income. Bill collectors call relentlessly, and Webb said ignoring them can land you in foreclosure. “It is so easy to get behind quickly - it is so hard to get caught back up,” Webb said. “There’s nothing worse than having those bill collectors call and call and call. They don’t stop - they’re doing their job, I get it, but that’s very stressful

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BENTON – A former vice president and loan officer for Community First Bank of the Heartland in Mount Vernon who committed bank fraud and multiple arsons was sentenced in federal court in Benton on Thursday to 12 years in prison. Richard Pigg, 53, previously pleaded guilty in April to six counts of bank fraud and three counts of arson. The defendant currently resides in Texas, but he lived in Mount Vernon, Illinois, at the time of the charged conduct from May 2011 to December 2016. During his hearing, the sentencing judge described Pigg as a “Jekyll and Hyde” who destroyed people’s lives with his horrific fraud. Pigg had relied on letters of support citing his good works, but the judge told Pigg that this was like a man who robs a bank, gives some of money to a homeless shelter, then burns the homeless shelter down and wants credit for donating to the homeless shelter. "For more than half a decade, Richard Pigg abused his position of trust to defraud his bank,

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EDWARDSVILLE – In its continuing mission to make high-end custom home builds and renovations more accessible to Metro East residents, Lantz Homes & Remodels is excited to announce the expansion of the Berkshire Cabinet Company , its in-house cabinetry division. With the addition of new lead designer Ashley Parnell, Lantz becomes the latest homebuilder in Edwardsville offering both cabinet design and installation, eliminating the need for homeowners to play middleman between different contractors. Parnell brings more than 17 years of kitchen & bath design experience to the Lantz team and takes a hands-on approach to every step in the custom cabinetry design process, from consultation to installation. By fusing in-home measurements with design recommendations through state-of-the-art software, Parnell is able to develop 3-D renderings and virtual walkthroughs that provide clients with a 360-degree view of their project options, helping them select cabinets that align with

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EAST ALTON/GODFREY - No matter how much recognition Tommy Karlas receives for his music, to him, it’s always about the song. The Nashville songwriter has impressive credits, with songs on the albums of artists like Blake Shelton, Randy Travis and Old Dominion. But behind the man who wrote the No. 1 country hit “Roll With Me” by Montgomery Gentry and who now has a reputation as an artist in his own right, Karlas is an East Alton native who chose to celebrate his second album’s release with a concert at Lewis and Clark Community College (LCCC), headlining a show on the same stage where he competed in a school talent show at age 13. “I think it was always being a songwriter first in my heart. It’s always been about the song,” Karlas said of his work. “It’s cool because some people want to be an artist and that fits them. They thrive to be out there on stage and stuff like that. I love doing it and it’s fun, but it’s

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