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ALTON - A change in ownership is on the horizon for a Riverbend media company. Sheila and Nick Darr of Godfrey have entered into an agreement to become the new owners of Big Z Media, purchasing the controlling interest from current owner Sam Stemm of Alton. The parties to the agreement have filed a Transfer of Control application with the Federal Communications Commission and once approval is given, likely within 90 days, the deal will be finalized. What started as AM radio station WOKZ 75 years ago has grown and morphed into Big Z Media, which operates news/talk radio station WBGZ (1570 AM 107.1 FM) and oldies station MyMix 94.3 (94.3 FM and 92.3 HD3). In addition, it publishes the Advantage newspaper as well as a local news and information website AdvantageNews.com, which also serves as the streaming platform for both radio stations. Nick Darr began his radio career at WBGZ in 2001 as a part-time news reporter. He ascended through the ranks and excelled as an advertising account

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Letter To The Editor: Illinois's minimum wage rose rapidly in the last few years and is still on the rise. My opinion sheds light on the negative effects which a high minimum wage can have. It is based on the principles of economics and was written in consultation with my professor Dr. Cocks from the Principia College Economics department. I am a Business Administration and Economics double major attending Principia College in Elsah Illinois. Thank you very much, Leander. Leander Linsler

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Letter To The Editor: There have been several incidents in the past few years that have made the American people question whether the right to bear arms should exist or not even though it’s a constitutional right. The argument is usually from an ethical standpoint however, and not an economic one. What would the effect of banning guns have on the American economy? There are many stores all over the country that either sell guns as well as other products, or only specifically sell guns. If firearms are banned, what effect would this have on those stores? Not to mention gun ranges, that cater to people who own guns. If guns were to be banned, then gun manufacturers would suffer, the distributors would go bankrupt and the services such as gun ranges would no longer exist. The main focus of this research was to determine the effect that a ban of all firearms would have, not including specific bans of attachments or ammunition or specific types of firearms. Between July of 2019

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EDWARDSVILLE – Timothy Banowetz, 31, who was convicted after a guilty plea in the murder of prominent attorney Randy Gori, is asking Judge Kyle Napp to withdraw his guilty plea. A hearing on the matter is scheduled for April 13. Banowetz entered a guilty plea to one count of first-degree murder and two counts of armed robbery in October 2021, just before he was set to go to trial. He has been serving a 70-year sentence in the murder case. Timothy Banowetz pleaded guilty to one count of first-degree murder and two counts of armed robbery in October 2021 just before he was set to go to trial. He was a former St. Louis college student. Banowetz claims in his hand-printed request that the guilty plea was not made voluntarily and was made because of coercion and inadequate representation. Banowetz was charged in January 2020 with first-degree murder for entering Gori’s Edwardsville home, binding the victim and his two children, then killing Gori. Police were called to the scen

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ALTON - North Elementary’s Light the Night campaign (formerly known as Pennies for Patients) was very successful once again. The campaign was held for three weeks in March (from March 7-24) and is coordinated by Kimberlie Scheurer, a second-grade teacher at North Elementary. All proceeds are given to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society – STL chapter. "Every classroom teacher was provided with a classroom link for online donations," Scheurer said. "Many families shared this link with family and friends." Students are able to participate in activities each week in support of the campaign. This was the process over the three weeks of the fundraiser: Week 1 – Dress up days with online donations only. “Put a Cap on Cancer” – wear hats. “Band Together Against Cancer” – wear your favorite band/musical group t-shirt. “Dreamin’ for the Cure” – pajama day. Week 2 – “Smencil” Sale (smelly

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EDWARDSVILLE – The Edwardsville Police Department has issued a strong warning to motorists about texting and driving in honor of Distracted Driving Awareness Month. The Edwardsville Police Department is partnering with the Illinois Department of Transportation, the Illinois State Police, and more than 200 local law enforcement agencies to step up enforcement efforts across the state. Motorists can expect to see increased patrols and traffic safety enforcement zones throughout April. “Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of motor vehicle crashes on our roads today,” said Lt. Brandn Whittaker. “During Distracted Driving Awareness Month, law enforcement will boost enforcement efforts, stopping anyone who is texting and driving. Remember, if you have a phone in one hand, you can expect a ticket in the other.” In Illinois, using your phone in anything other than hands-free mode is not only dangerous, it’s illegal. Drop it and drive. The Illinois

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JERSEYVILLE - Two individuals were charged with meth-related offenses in Jersey County over the past week, according to recent court filings from the Jersey County Circuit Clerk’s Office. Michael C. Ault, 38, of East Alton, was charged with unlawful possession of methamphetamine with the intent to deliver, as well as driving on a suspended license. He “knowingly possessed with the intent to deliver more than 15 grams, but not more than 100 grams, of methamphetamine” on March 22, 2023. Ault was charged with a Class X felony for the meth offense and his bail was set at $50,000. His preliminary hearing is set for March 29 at 1 p.m. More information and updates on this case are available here . Nicholas J. Shewmake, 29, of Wood River, was charged with unlawful possession of methamphetamine and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia. On March 19, 2023, he was found in possession of less than five grams of methamphetamine and a glass pipe. Shewmake was charge

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ALTON – Ameren Illinois customers in and around Alton and Godfrey will see energy at work throughout the spring and well into the fall as crews replace steel pipeline and natural gas services with modern, corrosion-resistant polyethylene material. Ameren Illinois awarded the work in both communities to a diverse contractor, Jayne Excavating and Welding, a woman-owned business. Jayne crews will upgrade more than 4.5 miles of natural gas pipeline from the 1960s and approximately 315 individual customers' natural gas services in Alton. In Godfrey, crews will upgrade 3.5 miles of pipeline and natural gas services for nearly 160 individual customers. All work should be completed by early November, weather pending. Alton – Construction is underway on Danforth and Oakwood Avenue. Spring Street, work is underway. McPherson Avenue, work begins in early April. Myrtle Street, project to start end of May. Manor Court, project to begin mid-August Milton Road, work begins in

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JERSEYVILLE - One individual was charged with attempting to disarm a police officer and another was charged with kicking out a police car window and causing other vehicle damage last week, according to recent Jersey County court filings. Donald E. Schrieber, 41, homeless, was charged with attempting to disarm a peace officer. On March 20, 2023, Schrieber “attempted to take a weapon from Jamie Damm,” an officer with the Jerseyville Police Department, while Damm was “engaged in the performance of his official duties,” according to court documents. Schrieber was charged with a Class 2 felony and his bail was set at $25,000. His preliminary hearing is set for April 24 at 1 p.m. More information and updates on this case are available here . David M. Hoffarth, 32, of Centralia, was charged with criminal damage to government property after damaging a Jerseyville Police Department vehicle “by kicking the driver’s side rear window out and damaging

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GLEN CARBON - Jacob Huber posted a time of 52.82, a Father McGivney school record for sixth place this past weekend at the Illinois Top Times Meet Indoor Track and Field Championships. Jacob is a Byron, Carlson, Petri, and Kalb Male Athlete of the Month for Father McGivney Catholic. Jacob is also outstanding in the long jump and sprint relays. "He has high goals for the 400 meters and wants to make it to state," McGivney head boys track coach Jim Helton said. "He is a great person to coach. He is a great overall athlete in multiple sports and has a lot of power." Huber finished second place in the 400-meter race at the Jersey Winter Thaw Indoor Meet back on March 11 with a time of 53.14 seconds. He placed fifth in the 200-meter race with a time of 24.35 seconds.

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WASHINGTON PARK - Searchers worked both Friday and Saturday looking for Joshua Amos of Granite City. He was last seen a week ago Sunday in the Washington Park area near Bunkhum Road. Amos walks with a noticeable limp and was on foot in the area. Saturday, searchers looked from 23 rd Street in East St. Louis to Kingshighway near the Washington Park border covering wooded and noticeable areas. Some went door-to-door in East St. Louis asking if anyone had seen the missing person. Police used a canine to attempt to track the missing person on Friday to no avail. Josh is described as having an athletic build at 5-10 to 5-11, 190-195 pounds with chest tattoos and a cross on his left bicep, and tattoos on his right lower arm. He is last known to be wearing blue jeans and a gray hoodie (most likely North Face) and walks with a slight limp. He has not been seen or heard from since the evening of Saturday, March 18, 2023. Authorities speculate Josh may have gotten a ride with someone in

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ROXANA - Aidan Briggs, a junior, three-sport athlete for the Roxana Shells was honored for his actions on the basketball court Sunday night at the 76th Annual Gallatin Awards. Briggs was named his team's Most Valuable Player. For his achievement, Aidan is a Midwest Members Credit Union Athlete of the Month. The Shells had a 10-21 regular season but made some noise in the playoffs. Roxana defeated rivals Wood River and then Piasa Southwestern to earn a trip to the Regional Championship game, but just came up short against Greenville. Briggs was a constant threat throughout the season for Roxana. He was the team's second-leading scorer with 324 points. He averaged 9.5 points and 4.5 rebounds per game. Briggs also plays football where he's listed as a tight end and defensive back. Right now, he's beginning baseball season for the Shells who are off to a 1-2 start.

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ALTON - The Alton Redbirds girl's soccer team can consider themselves lucky that they have such a lethal attacker on their side. That would be none other than senior forward Emily Baker. She burst onto the scene last season with an impressive 31-goal campaign. She is already off and running this season with eight goals in just five games. For her continued success, Emily is an Auto Butler Athlete of the Month for the Redbirds. Usually, the fastest player on the field, Emily uses her speed and agility to get behind defensive lines constantly. Whenever she is on the field, the other team must know where she is at all times. Saturday, against the defending two-time IHSA Class 2A state champions Triad Knights, Emily scored a brace to get her team back into the game. Alton went down 2-0 after the first half, but Emily's two second-half strikes, one being a penalty, tied the game back up at 2-2. Although the Redbirds went on to lose the game, Triad head coach Matt Bettlach still praised

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ST. CHARLES, Mo. – The family of 39-year-old Jacquelyn Mitchell is thankful a man is in police custody for her crime but now hopes justice will prevail. Maryland Heights and St. Charles police held a joint news conference and said Mitchell and the suspect, Joseph Dejoie exchanged texts the night of March 14. The last time Mitchell was seen alive was on surveillance video, leaving the popular Maggie O’Brien’s restaurant in Sunset Hills. Mitchell apparently went to Dejoie’s apartment after but was not that acquainted with him. Dejoie is charged with second-degree murder, tampering with evidence, and the abandonment of a corpse. The charges say the 49-year-old Dejoie told police he killed Mitchell and left her body in his bedroom for six days. Police said he also moved her car to another apartment complex less than a half-mile away. Records show he also admitted to wiping down her car and body attempting to hide evidence, records show. Mitchell's family describes

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ALTON - A cooperative effort between OSF Saint Anthony’s Health Center and the Alton Police Department has led to a new community health initiative to address the mental health needs not only in the Riverbend region, but in communities throughout Madison County. 55 attendees encompassing first responders (police, fire, EMS), health care professionals, and county government representatives participated in Crisis Intervention Training (CIT) held on February 27-28 - specifically geared toward those individuals responding to a mental health crisis situation - with the ultimate goal being to get people the help they need rather than criminalize the mentally ill. “The CIT program is a true collaborative endeavor that brings community partnerships closer together to address a vital community health need,” says Jerry Rumph, President, OSF Saint Anthony’s. “Specifically from a hospital point of view, CIT provides an opportunity for hospital staff and first responders

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SPRINGFIELD - Attorney General Kwame Raoul today announced the Illinois House of Representatives passed his legislation to protect vulnerable residents from gas or electric utility service disconnection for nonpayment of bills when temperatures are 90 F or above, or when the National Weather Service issues an excessive heat watch, heat advisory, or excessive heat warning. Raoul initiated House Bill 1541, which was sponsored by Sen. Mattie Hunter and Rep. Eva-Dina Delgado, to amend the Public Utilities Act (PUA), which currently prohibits disconnection when the temperature is 95 F or hotter. However, the PUA does not account for extreme heat events when the heat index may rise to a dangerous level when temperatures are below 95 F. “Summertime heat in Illinois is not the time to put lives at risk. Too often do Illinois residents die in heat waves that can easily be prevented by lowering the threshold for utility shutoffs,” Raoul said. “This updated legislation will

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JERSEYVILLE – The Illinois Department of Transportation announced today that intermittent daytime lane closures will take place in both directions of Illinois 16 at Grafton Road/Otterville Road in Jerseyville, weather permitting, on Wednesday, March 29. These lane closures are necessary for the evaluation of pavement conditions. Drivers are urged to reduce speed, be alert for changing conditions, obey all signage, and refrain from using mobile devices while approaching and traveling through the work zone. For IDOT District 8 updates, follow us on Twitter at @ IDOTDistrict 8 or view area construction details on IDOT’s traveler information map on GettingAroundIllinois.com.

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GODFREY - Kreative Kids Learning Center is getting ready to open their new location in Godfrey with a Grand Opening ceremony on March 31 starting at 9:30 a.m. Kreative Kids CEO Keith Neuber said the ceremony will feature a ribbon-cutting around 10 a.m., tours of the new building, guest speakers, and that “it’s going to be great fun.” “We’re going to give tours of the building so that the folks can see just what we’re about,” Neuber said on an episode of Our Daily Show! on Riverbender.com . “It’s a beautiful new building, people are going to love seeing it. It speaks ‘kid.’” Kreative Kids was previously located at the McKinley School in Alton for 22 years, and also spent a few years in the old St. Patrick’s School building. They’re now moving to the former Alvereita Beauty College facility at 3048 Godfrey Road in Godfrey. Neuber said this new location will allow them to expand some of their offerings,

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WASHINGTON PARK - A search is ongoing for a missing person from Granite City - Josh Amos - in the East St. Louis/Washington Park area. Josh was last reported seen in East St. Louis. Authorities speculate Josh may have gotten a ride with someone in that area or walked. Josh is described as having an athletic build at 5-10 to 5-11, 190-195 pounds with chest tattoos and a cross on his left bicep, and tattoos on his right lower arm. He is last known to be wearing blue jeans and a gray hoodie (most likely North Face) and walks with a slight limp. He has not been seen or heard from seen the evening of Saturday, March 18, 2023. If anyone has seen or heard from Josh Amos, please reach out to any of these numbers: 618) 967-1027 (618) 219-0830 (618) 866-3772

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EDWARDSVILLE – The National Corn-to-Ethanol Research Center at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (NCERC at SIUE) is pleased to welcome Steve Ward, PE as its new project management engineer. In his new role, Ward will oversee research projects in NCERC’s pilot- and demonstration-scale research laboratories while working directly with clients from across the world who come to the center to perform scale-up of commercial-bound biotechnologies. In addition to his role on the research team, Steve will serve as a mentor for NCERC’s operations staff and those who participate in the workforce training programs at the center. “I’m thrilled to be rejoining the NCERC team in this new role as the project management engineer and eager to work with its dynamic staff and clients again,” said Ward. “As an engineer, NCERC is an incredible place to work and I look forward to working with its leadership and operations teams again to see through exciting

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