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ALTON - Murray the groundhog will not be out to see his shadow this year in Alton but should return in 2023. Because of the COVID-19 Pandemic, the Great Rivers & Routes Tourism Bureau has canceled this year’s Groundhog Day gathering in Alton with hopes of resuming it in 2023. Stephanie Tate, marketing and communications director for Great Rivers & Routes, said with the strong winter storm predicted for Wednesday and Thursday, it is probably a blessing the event was canceled for this year. “We weren’t going to do it regardless of the weather, but it was mostly because of the COVID-19 Pandemic,” she said about the Groundhog Day cancellation. “We have a lot of kids who come and we really wanted to keep it safe for everybody. We are of course encouraging people to go to Tree House to see the groundhogs and we are looking forward to having something fun next year.” “The Groundhog Day event is so popular,” she added. “People just love

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OUR LOVE STORY: The Couple: Marshall and Molly Brase from Edwardsville Date Met/Started Dating: August 27, 1995 Briefly Describe First Date: Our first date was dinner at Pasta House on 8/27/1995 Date Married: March 2, 1996 Name Something You Enjoy Doing Together: We enjoy traveling, watching football games, and spending time with our kids. Share Advice For A Happy Relationship: Be flexible, be kind, and always be grateful. It won’t be easy, but it will be worth every minute.

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O’FALLON — In recognition of February being National Canned Food Month, HSHS Home Care Illinois is holding their annual “Cram the Car” food drive this month for the Catholic Urban Program food pantry to help those struggling with food insecurity. Community members are invited to “cram” a Home Care car by donating non-perishable items. On Tuesday, Feb. 15, a HSHS Home Care Illinois branded car will be parked on the HSHS St. Elizabeth’s Hospital campus at the main entrance canopy (blue “Hospital” sign) from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. accepting donations. Some non-perishable items that the food pantry could use are: Pancake mix and syrup Jelly Canned fruit Pasta sauce Cereal Granola Sugar free canned fruit Low salt canned vegetables Large boxes of oatmeal …as well as any other non-perishable items. Canned fruits and vegetables are a good source of important nutrients. Select canned fruit that is packed in 100% juice or wate

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The Conversation - The groundhog has evolved into a winning combination of cute and ungainly. This burrowing squirrel may resemble a furry cube with a leg at each corner, but do not be deceived by its bumbling, hapless charms: this is a Nostradamus of the animal world. In North American folklore, the groundhog can apparently be used to foresee the future, as many a town in the US and Canada will vouch on February 2 as they celebrate Groundhog Day. Groundhogs are great diggers and spend much of their time hunkered down in their burrows – understandably since they feature in far too many food webs. They’re among nature’s “ true hibernators ”, and become fully dormant for much of the winter. This period, so the story goes, is broken on February 2 when they emerge from their burrows. For the human celebrants of Groundhog Day, everything depends on whether the animal is spooked by its own shadow. If it is cloudy, the hogs stay out and about and spring will com

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ALTON - Two new employees have joined the Great Rivers & Routes Tourism Bureau team emphasizing the bureau’s commitment to developing a strong sports tourism program and growing outdoor recreation and Route 66 products in southwest Illinois. Jason Troop is the bureau’s first-ever Sports Tourism Marketing Manager. Joey Naples is the bureau’s Tourism Engagement and Outdoor Recreation Coordinator. “We are looking ahead to ways we can grow the region and sports tourism as well as outdoor recreation are key components to that growth,” Cory Jobe, President/CEO of the tourism bureau said. “We were able to find top-notch people to fill both of those positions and we look forward to bringing new sports tournaments, traditional and non-traditional sporting events and outdoor recreational opportunities to our rapidly growing region.” Troop has an extensive background in sports marketing and management. He joined the bureau from Wheeling, WV, where

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ALTON - Interim Principal Timothy J. Harmon sent out a message to parents and the media early this morning that Marquette Catholic High School will close for Wednesday, February 2, 2022, due to inclement weather. "Good morning Marquette families," he said. "We are having a 'traditional' snow day today. There will be no virtual learning today. Stay home and be safe. I will issue updates later this afternoon or evening. God bless. Thank you!" For the full list of school/community cancellations see below: https://www.riverbender.com/articles/details/area-schoolcommunity-cancellations-56421.cfm If you have a cancellation, e-mail news@riverbender.com or text (618) 623-5930.

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GRANITE CITY - Granite City School District Superintendent Stephanie Cann issued information to families and the public late Tuesday about the upcoming winter storm. Cann said: "Dear GCSD9 Families, The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning for our surrounding area. Severe conditions, including potential snowfall of between 6” and 13”, may make road conditions hazardous. "For this reason, Granite City Community Unit School District #9 will NOT hold in-person learning on Wednesday, February 2, 2022. Students and teachers will have an E-Learning Day . All sports and extracurricular activities are canceled. "Please refer to the E-Learning Student Expectations on the GCSD9 website for detailed information. Thank you and be safe."

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ALTON - Barb Evans has earned the Alton Memorial Hospital February Employee of the Month honor. Barb, (center, holding plaque) , is a member of Alton Memorial Hospital’s Respiratory Therapy department. She received the award Tuesday from her manager, Penny Krause, left, and AMH President Dave Braasch. Barb’s nomination was anonymous and indicated that the entire RT team is excellent. “There is not one therapist who should be singled out more than another,” the nomination read. “However, Barb Evans stands out. Her service excellence is apparent in her day-to-day actions in providing excellent care to ALL of our patients. "Barb not only provides excellent care to her patients, she supports new staff members in their onboarding, is a go-to resource for all departments when questions arise regarding RT care, precepts RT students and picks up countless additional hours to assist in meeting the needs of the department.”

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HIGHLAND - Highland High School and the surrounding area are in mourning Monday after freshman student Jarron Haberer died in a tragic car accident on January 29, 2022. At 10:29 p.m. on Saturday, the Clinton County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a crash on Sportsman Road just north of Rutz Road. The Clinton County Sheriff's Office said Haberer was ejected from the vehicle in a “rollover type crash.” He later died at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Breese. Highland Principal Dr. Chris Becker wrote this statement to HHS students, faculty and family: Dear HHS Students, Faculty, and Families, "It is with a heavy heart I share with our community that this weekend Highland High School lost a member of our school family," Dr. Becker said. "Jarron Haberer, a freshman, was involved in a tragic car accident that took his life. Our thoughts and prayers are with Jarron’s family during this difficult time. To honor Jarron, we are asking students and staff to

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A father and son duo led an anti-mask protest at Jersey Community High School around 7:45 a.m. Tuesday. In an announcement post on January 28, Jeremy Laird encouraged parents to join him and “stand with our kids.” “The walk-in protest will be led by my son Justin Laird who will be standing on the sidewalk directly in front of the high school ready to lead all students who are ready to walk into the school with no mask,” Laird said in the post. “I as a parent am taking the day off and will be parked directly in front of the school. Justin encourages all students to walk with him, I encourage all parents to park with me, to ensure all students have a ride home, should it come to that, let's stand with our kids, with our students, with our community. Make a sign and hope to see y'all there.” On Tuesday morning, about 15 students and 11 adults - some of whom brought signs - showed up on the front steps of JCHS. Laird said more students joined

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ST. LOUIS - National Weather Service in St. Louis Meteorologist Mark Fuchs has been more specific about snowfall on the Illinois side and said he predicts close to a foot of snow in Alton from late Wednesday to early Thursday. "It looks like upstream to Grafton there will be a little more snow," Fuchs said as he looked at the prediction map. "Jerseyville and Carlinville may be looking at totals approaching 14 to 15 inches of snow." Fuchs said the area will get a little bit of everything in the storm from snow, sleet, and rain. The meteorologist predicted by Thursday afternoon the precipitation should diminish. "We will see everything under the sun in this storm," he said. "The storm will come in two waves. The majority of snow should come by sunrise Thursday and we could see another couple more inches. By Thursday afternoon, it should all be over but the shouting and shoveling." A Winter Storm Warning has been issued for St. Louis and Metro Illinois area as of 3:29 a.m. on Feb.

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MACOUPIN COUNTY - The Major Case Squad of Greater St. Louis has announced it has disbanded at this time and has turned the investigation of an elderly woman's death in Bunker Hill over to the Macoupin County Sheriff's Office. The Major Case squad said Tuesday afternoon it is "highly unlikely" the death of Nancy Blycker was "due to homicidal means." Blycker, 91, was found deceased in the 2900 block of Wood Lane in Bunker Hill on Monday morning. "The Major Case Squad has revealed no additional evidence to significantly contradict this finding," Lt. Mike O'Neil, deputy commander of the Major Case Squad said. "The official cause of death is pending further laboratory analysis." "Please see our final press release pertaining to our Macoupin County investigation," the deputy commander added. "At this time, the Major Case Squad is making preparations to disband this activation."

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EAST ST. LOUIS - Due to the winter storms forecasted for the remainder of the week, School District 189 buildings will be closed and shift to e-learning days Wednesday through Friday (February 2-4, 2022). E-learning days provide virtual instruction to students so make-up days will not be required unless a district-wide power outage prevents e-learning instruction. In practice, e-learning days are similar to remote instruction days. Students will need their district-issued Chromebooks or tablets and should log on for school from 9:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. daily. Teachers will take attendance on e-learning days. Students are expected to participate throughout the entire class period and school day. Attendance will be based on a student’s consistent engagement and participation. You are encouraged to review the complete E-Learning Plan for School District 189, posted on our website. After-school and evening activities for Tuesday, February 1, 2022, will continue as scheduled.

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MOBILE, ALA. - Alton native Nick Hausman has been named to the Mobile, Alabama, 40 Under 40 group. The announcement was released recently and Nick, who has a lot of family in the Alton area, was overjoyed at the honor. He is a marketing leader for Hargrove Engineers and Constructors in Mobile. Since joining the Hargrove team in 2020, Nick has successfully implemented several creative and innovative processes to reach the company’s clients and to market its services. Even in the face of the COVID Pandemic, his expertise in omni-channel marketing, user experience, and digital media has elevated Hargrove’s brand. When taking ownership of projects, Nick leads with grace, humor, and expertise; he coordinated a redesign of Hargrove’s leadership team, and has worked to facilitate improvements in internal and external communication. Nick has also enjoyed coaching his son’s baseball team for several years. Nick is a graduate of Seton Hall University and he and his

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ALTON - The State of Illinois is partnering with Senior Services Plus to bring a vaccine clinic from noon to 4 p.m. on Feb. 11 at Senior Services Plus at 2603 N. Rodgers Ave., Alton. The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine is authorized and recommended for persons 12 years of age and older. To schedule your appointment visit: https://events.juvare.com/IL-IDPH/oooyn/1235405/ If you can't make this event, find a clinic near you by visiting coronavirus.illinois.gov.

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and Dick Durbin (D-IL) joined U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Chuck Grassley (R-IA) and ten of their bipartisan colleagues in a letter urging the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to prioritize the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) by maintaining the blending requirements for 2022; denying all pending Small Refinery Exemptions (SREs); eliminating proposed retroactive cuts to the renewable volume obligations (RVOs); and setting 2021 RFS volumes at the statutory levels. “The RFS is a significant tool for EPA to reduce the carbon footprint of our transportation sector,” the Senators wrote. “By taking the above actions, the EPA can quickly restore integrity, stability, and growth to the RFS and the U.S. biofuel sector while ensuring that the program continues to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, diversify our fuels, drive down gas prices, strengthen our national security, and drive rural economic opportunity.”

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SPRINGFIELD — With the upcoming winter storm, HSHS Illinois recommends a few safety tips before you shovel snow to clear your sidewalks and driveways. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), about 11,500 people visit the emergency room each year to treat injuries received while shoveling snow. “Shoveling snow can be a strenuous activity, particularly because cold weather can be taxing on the body,” says Dr. Gurpreet Mander, HSHS Illinois chief physician executive. “There is a potential for exhaustion, dehydration, back injuries and even heart attacks.” Keeping your driveway and walkway clear of snow and ice is in most cases a necessity and will help prevent falls this winter. HSHS Illinois wants you to keep the below tips in mind when you shovel snow. Know if you shouldn't shovel. Certain people should avoid shoveling snow. If you have a history of heart problems, you should avoid this activity. Dress appropriately. Wear light clothing

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MENOMONIE, WI - Tim Thannum, of Edwardsville, graduated in December 2021 from University of Wisconsin-Stout in Menomonie, WI with an MS in Manufacturing Engineering. UW-Stout, Wisconsin's Polytechnic University, has 47 undergraduate majors and 24 graduate programs, including one doctoral degree. UW-Stout, established in 1891, prides itself on the success of its students in the workplace, with an employment rate above 97% for recent graduates. The university was awarded the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award in 2001. Enrollment was 7,670 in the fall. The university graduated 454 undergraduate and 106 Graduate School students in December 2021. UW-Stout is Wisconsin's Polytechnic University, with a focus on applied learning, collaboration with business and industry, and career outcomes.

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Our Love Story: The Couple: Shannon (Honeybear) & Amanda (Angelbear) from Jerseyville Date Met/Started Dating: June 20, 2004 Briefly Describe First Date: First date was a Halloween party Amanda hosted in Shannon's honor when he flew home on leave from Iraq. Date Married: June 23, 2012 Name Something You Enjoy Doing Together: Playing video games, hiking, photography, and spending time with our son. Share Advice For A Happy Relationship: Communication can make or break a relationship, never forget to have fun, and love with all you have.

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SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Transportation is warning the public that a major winter storm is expected to create treacherous conditions starting tonight and lasting for several days, with the potential for extremely dangerous and, at times, life-threatening travel across much of the state. Throughout Illinois, periods of heavy snow, rain, ice, high winds and bitter cold should be anticipated, leading to a likelihood of whiteout conditions and roads that will be impassable in the hardest-hit regions. “The Illinois Department of Transportation spends the entire year preparing for snow-and-ice season and is ready to respond around the clock to this significant weather event, but clearly the public needs to be prepared for the worst-case scenario and postpone all unnecessary travel,” said Illinois Transportation Secretary Omer Osman. “Always remember, during extreme weather, the safest option is to stay home. If you must be on the roads, please be

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