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EDWARDSVILLE - Edwardsville High School field hockey star Avary Osborne had a dream of playing field hockey in college and also studying archaeology. With her signing a letter of intent recently with Earlham College, a liberal arts college in Richmond, Ind., she has accomplished that dream. Avary is an iCAN Clinic Female Athlete of the Month for Edwardsville. “This is super exciting and almost a little nerve-racking going up a level,” she said. “I really like the team members at Earlham College. I will start there this summer with training. This means a lot to me because I can continue to play field hockey which I really love. I think it will be a great experience.” EHS head field hockey coach Jaimee Henderson coached Avary all four years. She said Avary has been “wonderful to work with and someone we could always depend on.” “It seems like she has been on the team forever,” Henderson said. “She is a defender and there is a

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GODFREY - The ninth annual Pride, Inc. Local Celebrity Roast is coming up this Thursday, December 1, at Lewis & Clark Community College in Godfrey. The cocktail reception is at 5 p.m. with a dinner at 6 p.m., while the Roast itself begins at 6:55 p.m. and ends by 8 p.m. Tammy Iskarous, Founder and Executive Director of Riverbend Family Ministries, will be roasted and toasted as the subject of this year’s Local Celebrity Roast. Fifteen years ago, Iskarous brought several small nonprofits under one roof to help local families in crisis due to violence, addiction, homelessness, and poverty. As founder and volunteer Executive Director, she has clocked over 50,000 volunteer hours – and would be the first to tell you there’s always more work to be done. To secure your spot for a fun evening of good food and bad jokes, register online at prideincorporated.org or by calling the Pride, Inc. office at (618) 467-2375. The price is $65 per person or $500 per table of

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EDWARDSVILLE - Dennis Terry, Business Development Officer at First Mid Bank & Trust, will be retiring on December 30, 2022, after a long-standing banking career of over 50 years in Edwardsville, IL, and the surrounding communities. “Dennis has been a stable force in the financial industry in the Metro East for many years,” said Lisa Fowler, Regional Community Bank President at First Mid. “Not only is he well-known in Edwardsville and Madison County, but he has worked with many businesses and individuals throughout the St. Louis area during his career. He has been instrumental in providing opportunities and mentoring many individuals in the communities he has served. We will certainly miss his daily presence but his influence on all of us will continue his outstanding legacy. We wish him the best in his retirement and are forever grateful for his service to our organization, our customers, and his colleagues.” Terry began with Mercantile Trust in St. Louis,

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ST. LOUIS COUNTY - St. Louis County Police Crimes Against Persons detectives are investigating a homicide that occurred in the 5300 block of Gladstone Place which resulted in the death of an adult female. On November 25, 2022, at 9:57 PM, St. Louis County police officers from the Central County Precinct responded to a call for service for an assault in the 5300 block of Gladstone Place. Responding officers located an adult female suffering from a gunshot injury. The victim was transported to an area hospital for life-saving treatment. On November 28, 2022, the victim succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced deceased. The victim has been identified as Kacie Stith, 23 years of age, of the 5300 block of Gladstone Place in St. Louis, Missouri 63121. On Monday, November 28, 2022, the St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office issued updated charges on suspect Brianna Williams, 23 years of age, of the 10500 block of Hudson Road in St. Louis, Missouri 63136, for Murder

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BETHALTO – Senior hurdler Bella Dugger thought it would be a good idea to follow in her older sister’s footsteps. “Ever since I knew Mal ran in college, I was like oh, hey I have to do that too, that would be pretty cool.” Bella’s older sister Mallory, a 2009 CM graduate, went to Saint Louis University where she ran track for a couple of years participating in a variety of events. Now, Bella will become the second sister to run track collegiately as she committed to Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville Monday afternoon in front of her family and coaches. Bella is recognized as a Tom Lane State Farm Insurance in Bethalto Female Athlete of the Month for the Eagles. “I’m really excited to see where it takes me and how the help from college coaches can really improve my ability to do what I do now,” Bella said about being able to continue her athletic and academic career. For her, it was also important to try and stay close to home

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CHICAGO - Attorney Kwame Raoul announced today that his office, along with five other states and the Federal Trade Commission, have reached settlements with Google, LLC and iHeartMedia Inc. that resolve the coalition’s investigations into alleged deceptive ad campaigns that ran false endorsements of the Google Pixel 4 smartphone. The settlements secure more than $9.4 million in civil penalties, of which Illinois will receive more than $1.5 million. According to a complaint filed with the consent judgments, which remain subject to court approval, in 2019, Google contracted iHeartMedia radio personalities to record advertisements endorsing Google’s Pixel 4 smartphone. In these ads, which ran on certain iHeart radio stations and internet streaming services, the radio personalities falsely claimed they used the smartphones and found that they performed favorably. However, the radio personalities never owned or operated a Pixel 4 smartphone prior to making their endorsements.

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ALTON - Alton Main Street’s quarterly information exchange, called “What’s Up Downtown”, will be held on Wednesday, November 30th at 5:30 p.m. at Jacoby Arts Center, located at 627 E. Broadway in Alton, IL. The public is invited to learn the latest news regarding developments in Alton’s historic downtown district, including updates from new & existing businesses, news on real estate transactions and details of upcoming events and projects. The evening’s featured speakers will be: Andrea Yancey, Deputy Director of Planning & Development, sharing updates on behalf of the City of Alton regarding the implementation of the Great Streets plan, a Reconnecting Communities grant, and developments including the Wedge Innovation Center and a cannabis dispensary Brigit Holt, who plans to re-open the Riverbender Community Center under a new name, iMerge, and is planning a grand re-opening of the center with a New Year’s Eve Extravaganza for middle school

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ALTON - Head over to Jacoby Arts Center from 6-8 p.m. on Dec. 2 for the Opening Reception of the newest exhibit “Art to Make You Smile” by Rich Brooks. Every First Friday of the month at Jacoby is a free fun open art night for the community and artists to explore the arts together. Everyone is welcome to join in on the fun. This First Friday at Jacoby brings you a bright and beautiful collection of work by our featured artist, Rich Brooks, live music by Casting Runes, a St. Louis based band offering acoustic world music with guitar, drums, mandolin and vocals as well as culinary creations by Louie’s Pizzeria, a Sicilian pizza pop-up using the best ingredients possible from Alton and the surrounding areas. What Rich Brooks has to say about “Art To Make You Smile” - “This show was totally painted outside in the elements. I established an easel in front of my house as COVID was raging, on March 23, 2020. Since then I have painted nearly every day,

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EDWARDSVILLE - A ruptured gas pipe in a field on the east side of Edwardsville late Monday afternoon forced the temporary closure of a portion of Illinois Route 143. The Edwardsville Fire Department shut down Route 143 between Staunton Road and Goshen Road (east of Interstate 55) just before 5 p.m. There was no immediate danger to anyone who lives in the area. An update was issued later Monday night: "One lane of traffic on Route 143 has reopened, but drivers are asked to please be cautious and heed the guidance of first responders as traffic alternates between the eastbound and westbound directions." The Edwardsville Fire Department is being assisted in this matter by the Marine Fire Department. Drivers were asked to avoid the area as the road is likely to remain closed for the next several hours while Ameren works to bypass the broken pipe. Fire Chief James Whiteford said those needing to travel east along the route could drive south on Staunton Road, then east on Goshen Road and

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ST. LOUIS - The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is hosting four public workshops for the Melvin Price Locks and Dam water control manual revision. Workshops will be held Tuesday, Dec. 13 from 1–3 p.m. and from 6–8 p.m. at the National Great Rivers Museum located at #2 Locks and Dam Way in Alton, Illinois, and Thursday, Dec. 15 from 1–3 p.m. and from 6–8 p.m. at the Grafton City Hall located at 118 E Main St. in Grafton, Illinois. Information will be available at the workshop regarding the Melvin Price water control manual revision, current operations, and proposed raising of maximum drawdown. All interested persons are invited to attend the workshops and provide comments. Representatives from the St. Louis District Water Control Office will be present to answer questions and provide information.

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BOND COUNTY - A 63-year-old Mulberry Grove male died in a fatal three-vehicle crash on Illinois Route 127 at Illinois Route 143 in Bond County at 4:18 p.m. on Friday, November 25, 2022. The man who died in the crash was identified by ISP as Robert L. Elmore. This is the ISP preliminary report on the crash: WHAT: Three-Vehicle Fatal Traffic Crash WHERE: Illinois Route 127 at Illinois Route 143, Bond County WHEN: November 25, 2022, at approximately 4:18 p.m. VEHICLES: Unit 1- 2013 Black Dodge Journey Unit 2- 2016 Gray Ford F250 Unit 3- 2004 Red Chrysler Town and Country DRIVERS: Unit 1- Robert L. Elmore, 63-year-old male from Mulberry Grove, IL – Deceased Unit 2- Justin P. Benhoff, 42-year-old male from Carlyle, IL – Transported to an area hospital with injuries. Unit 3- Ariel L. Bly, 25-year-old female from Greenville, IL – Transported to an area hospital with injuries.

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BETHALTO - Bethalto Police Chief Mike Dixon announced another sizable donation for the department’s Christmas For All Event. Ross Laux, of Laux Brickhouse Grille in Bethalto, donated $1,000 for the event. Dixon said the donation brings the total raised to $17,340 for the fund-raising campaign. “Thank you Ross and Dawn Laux for supporting our program and this community,” Chief Dixon said. “Together, we are going to make this holiday season one to remember for a number of needing families in our region.” If you want to request to be part of the program or have a family you would like to recommend please leave a message on the Bethalto Police Facebook or contact Chief Dixon at 618-377-5266 ext. 7 or by email at mdixon@bethaltopolice.org. Participants of the program may purchase toys, clothes, food, or other essentials during their shopping event. Children from 0 to 18 are eligible, and the number of participants chosen depends upon the number of contributions

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GLEN CARBON - The Glen Carbon Heritage Museum halls are now decked with lighted trees and wreaths for display throughout the holiday season. The tree's lights were turned on Friday, Nov. 25. The museum will be open for special hours over the holidays so that visitors can vote for their favorites. Prizes will be awarded to winners in each category. Samantha Doolin, the coordinator for Glen Carbon Heritage Museum, said they wanted to get people in the museum for the holidays and she thought why not have businesses and clubs submit trees they could put in the museum decorated with colorful lights? “I am happy with the response we have had,” she said. “We have had 18 trees contributed and sponsored by everyone from the Glen Carbon Police Association, to Twisted Biscuit and Heartland Animal Hospital and many more. “I am happy how excited people are in taking part and getting kids and families back in the museum. The museum smells of the holiday spirit and it looks

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PONTOON BEACH - After the success of last year’s inaugural run, the Madison County Transit (MCT) “Holiday Buses” will be back on the streets this December. In the spirit of giving, MCT is surprising riders with the gift of free public bus rides for passengers who happen to board an MCT “Holiday Bus” throughout the month of December. Beginning December 1, and lasting until December 31, MCT will be deploying the “Holiday Bus” on three MCT buses of varying sizes throughout Madison County each day. Passengers will know they’re boarding a “Holiday Bus” when they discover that the farebox has been festively wrapped as a present, representing the gift of a free ride. Additional festive decorations have also been merrily added to the buses as well. A “Holiday Bus” will be randomly assigned to three different runs every day in December in hopes of spreading a bit of holiday cheer to as many riders as possible throughout th

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EDWARDSVILLE – Town and Country Bank is excited to announce that Eric Crony will serve as Branch Manager of our Edwardsville branch. “Town and Country Bank is excited to welcome Eric as the newest addition to our Branch Services team. His deep experience in the financial world will prove to be an asset for the community,” said Wendy Kernan, EVP, Chief Technology and Operations Officer. “I look forward to growing our loan and deposit base in the Edwardsville and Glen Carbon areas. The university (SIUE) continues to fuel strong economic growth in the Edwardsville area, and I want to see Town and Country Bank capture a greater market share,” said Crony. In addition to his 30 years of experience in the banking and credit industry, Eric is also in the U.S. Navy Reserve, with nearly 20 years of military experience. Eric earned his Master’s Degree in Management from Fontbonne University in St. Louis. Eric also has several achievements, including the Global

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JERSEYVILLE - U.S. Customs and Border Patrol intercepted a shipment of 422 counterfeit Super Bowl rings that were en route from China to Jerseyville, according to a recent press release from U.S. Customs and Border Patrol . Jerseyville Police Chief Brad Blackorby said his department has not been contacted by U.S. Customs and Border Patrol or involved in the investigation. As such, they were not able to provide any further details about the case at this time. According to the release, federal authorities seized the rings earlier this month in St. Louis for violating an NFL trademark by depicting the Lombardi Trophy logo. They displayed no other team names or logos, possibly to allow the buyer to customize them before reselling, according to CBP spokesman Steve Bansbach. More information about this case is available here . Stay tuned to Riverbender.com for more details as they become available.

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GRAFTON - Friday night, November 25, Grafton’s Christmas tree at Grove Memorial Park came alive in a blaze of colored lights as the crowd sang “Here Comes Santa Claus” — and Santa and Mrs. Claus arrived right on cue. The City held its annual tree-lighting event to welcome the holiday season. Nikki Brooks entertained all and led the group in a Christmas carol sing-a-long. Hot chocolate provided by the Grafton Pub warmed the crowd as they enjoyed cookies and Christmas camaraderie. Brisk temperatures added to the festivities and couldn’t dampen the town’s holiday spirit as children shared their secret wishes with Santa and photos with the jolly old elf were available to all. The Community Outreach Committee chaired by Alderwoman Donna Smith organized the event for the City. “This is the first year that our Committee has had the responsibility to put on this event,” commented Alderwoman Smith. “We are planning to make this tree

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ALTON - In order to continue to receive the benefits of the Metro East electricity municipal aggregation program, the best option is to do nothing. Many residents in the Metro East (see list below) electricity service area have received confusing communications suggesting that they must soon make a choice to change their supplier. This is not accurate. To be clear: Your community has already selected a competitive supplier, Constellation NewEnergy, to recommence the electricity aggregation program starting in February 2023. Constellation NewEnergy’s rate will be a 22-month term at $0.1210 compared to Ameren’s Basic Service Rate of $0.12236. An Opt-out letter for the new program will be sent out in the next few weeks. Metro East customers participate in a municipal aggregation program that combines the purchasing power of 28 communities to secure reliable, cost-effective power for approximately 130,000 homes. At a time of rising costs and turmoil in the energy markets, municipal

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WOOD RIVER - Downtown Wood River was packed with families for a visit with Santa Claus and a petting zoo, plus businesses were open for visitors, and many offered special Christmas beverages and food items. “We had Santa along Ferguson and it was sponsored by the Police Association and enrichment network of downtown,” Wood River Mayor Tom Stalcup said. “Several of the businesses had a great crowd and treated people with cookies and punch for a neat event.” Wood River Police Chief Brad Wells said before the event, some of the residents said they were having a difficult time getting their kids in for different Santa events, so they took the situation into their own hands and created this new addition to Small Business Saturday with the petting zoo. Mayor Stalcup said the Wood River businesses had a lot of success on Saturday.

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ALTON - The Annual Green Gift Bazaar had 40-plus “green” vendors and a wide variety of environmentally friendly gift ideas on Saturday in Downtown Alton. The event was held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Small Business Saturday in Downtown Alton at both the Post Commons and Jacoby Arts Center. Alton Main Street Executive Director Sara McGibany said this was the 20th anniversary of the Green Bazaar with a strong crowd of shoppers at both locations the whole day through. “Driving around and seeing all the foot traffic throughout downtown you could tell that our community really came out in force for Small Business Saturday, and we thank everyone who chose to support our local retailers and restaurants for this important occasion.” The crowd was strong throughout the six hours and many walked away with unique, locally-made, friendly gifts for their loved ones from herbal products, jewelry, ornaments, houseplants, clothing and so much more.

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