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EDWARDSVILLE - Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s School of Education, Health and Human Behavior’s undergraduate and graduate public health programs have received the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH) accreditation. The CEPH is an independent agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. To become accredited, programs must undergo a rigorous multi-year review. “We pursued CEPH accreditation for our students, and now they can be assured that their public health training is rooted in the highest standards in public health education,” said Alice Ma, PhD, MPH, CHES ®, assistant professor of public health and graduate program director. “This accreditation affirms our high-quality programs that can be recognized by employers and doctoral programs.” SIUE’s undergraduate program received the initial CEPH accreditation in 2015. The master’s program, having earned accreditation this year, now makes SIUE one

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EAST ST. LOUIS - Recently, East St. Louis School District 189 recognized one of its heroes in 2022. The school district honored Tarkus Ferguson, a security guard at East St. Louis High School. "Not all heroes wear capes: Please help us celebrate Tarkus, a security guard," the school district said. "He was the staff member who identified a gun and followed protocol to ensure the safety of the school earlier this year. "We thank him for his exceptional service and performance that kept the campus safe!" During the holiday season, it is important to recognize individuals like Tarkus, who make this region a better place to live with their efforts each day. (If you have a story idea about someone who has performed a heroic act, e-mail news@riverbender.com. Please include information about the person, a photo, and a phone number).

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EDWARDSVILLE – Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Business’ master of business administration (MBA) program has been named the fourth largest MBA program in the St. Louis area by the St. Louis Business Journal. “The growth of our program is a testament to the top-quality learning experience our MBA provides our students,” said Janice Joplin, PhD, associate dean for academic affairs and director of the MBA program. SIUE’s fully online accelerated program is the fastest-growing MBA program. The flexible program meets the career goals of individuals in numerous fields, serving students from coast to coast. “The SIUE MBA program provides a flexible educational path, serving students from a variety of industries and geographic locations,” Joplin added. “Our graduates demonstrate interpersonal skills and specialized knowledge in various areas creating the ability to move on to higher levels of responsibility within their

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ALTON - Temperatures stayed in the near zero degrees range for most of the day on Thursday with a high of about 7 degrees and wind chills 20-25 degrees below zero, but residents still were performing many of their daily tasks. Josh Hannah and Cecelia, shown above, were out shopping for some food items and additional hats and gloves, and warmer clothes. Cecelia acknowledged it was definitely cold outside and was ready to get inside. Many with dogs still have to take their pets outside and Terry was shown with his dog, Romeo. Terry said it was windy, but they were making it OK for a brief walk. Others around the area shoveled some of the drifted snow so people get around safely. Those who had to work outside tried to stay warm with constant inside breaks in temperatures that were nearly unbearable.

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ALTON - Alton Fire Chief Jesse Jemison updated the Thursday night blaze in the 1800 block of Main Street in Alton on Friday and said thankfully there were no injuries in the incident. The occupants of the house and the firefighters were safe after the ordeal. "Our firefighters were just freezing while they fought the fire, but we rotated them in and out to keep them safe," the chief said. "All we have to go on is what the occupants said... that they were cooking dinner and using electric appliances in the kitchen. "The only gas units were hot water heater and furnace in the basement. She said she heard a loud "Woosh," and saw flames coming from the area of the kitchen." Chief Jemison said those in the house ran out the front door and across the street to the neighbor's house.

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WOOD RIVER - At approximately 6 a.m. Central time Friday, Kinder Morgan’s Wood River Terminal experienced a gasoline release at the terminal following severe winter weather in the area. Kinder Morgan's Senior Communications Specialist Katherine Hill said there was no fire or injuries associated with this gas release. Temperatures dropped to below zero degrees on Thursday night with a wind chill of 25 degrees below zero, which made the conditions very difficult for those present in the cleanup. "At this time, the tank associated with the release has been isolated and shut down," she said. "Local emergency responders are on site and air monitoring is being conducted. The gasoline is contained onsite, and we have mobilized resources to begin cleanup activities." She continued and said the appropriate regulatory agencies have been notified, and an investigation into the cause and quantity of the release will be conducted. "We are working closely with our customers on potential

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ALTON - The Alton Fire Department, along with Godfrey Fire Protection District, East Alton, and Wood River Fire Department members battled a serious fire in below-zero temps and about 25-30-below wind chill on Thursday night in the 1800 block of Main Street in Alton. Alton Fire Chief Jesse Jemison commended not only his firefighters but also those who joined them in the deplorable winter storm conditions to confront the serious blaze. "I always sing the praises of the Alton Fire Department and our mutual aid partners," the chief said. "It was 2 degrees outside and I have to order guys to swap out and stay warm because they won't quit! "My main concern in conditions like this is the health and safety of the firefighters. They are the ones that matter… always have been, and always will be so long as I have the privilege of being their Chief!"

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GODFREY – A yearly tradition returns to Hathaway Hall on the campus of Lewis and Clark Community College on Jan. 14. It will be the 45 th Annual Harman Bluegrass Concert, this year with special guests That Dalton Gang. The show starts at 7 p.m. with doors opening at 6 p.m. Tickets are $20 and can be ordered over the phone with Lori Cummins at 618-259-0991. This concert has consistently sold out the 1,000-seat theatre so guests are advised to buy tickets as soon as possible. The show has been held every January since 1978 with various guest acts. The show originated with the first-generation talents of Mike, sister Lori, and brother Bull, and continues today with the second generation. The second-generation band consists of Mike, his wife Stacy, and their three boys Mark on guitar, Jeff on bass, and Johnny on mandolin. All five are on vocals. They will be joined on stage by Corrina and Jeremy Stephens a duet out of Nashville. The Harman’s will go on first before That

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ALTON - With extremely cold temperatures throughout the day, Overnight Warming Centers will open their doors early today beginning at 2 p.m. Overnight Warming Centers is located at Deliverance Temple at 1125 E. 6th St. in Alton. Follow Overnight Warming Centers Alton on Facebook for updates.

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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) secured more than $182 million through Congressionally-directed spending for Illinois projects in the Fiscal Year 2023 (FY23) Omnibus Appropriations Act. The bill passed the Senate and now heads to the House of Representatives. “This appropriations package makes significant investments in the future of Illinois,” Durbin said. “The use of Congressionally-directed spending provides Members of Congress, who know their states and districts better than federal agency personnel in Washington, with the ability to direct federal funding to priority projects in their communities. This much-needed federal funding will help localities in Illinois launch important infrastructure projects, improve access to health care, advance environmental conservation, strengthen community violence prevention initiatives, support our rural

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ST. LOUIS - The American Red Cross of Missouri and Arkansas is offering safety tips for the snow and dangerous temperatures and windchills. In addition, the Red Cross is coordinating with local emergency management officials and partners in the preparation of potential local community needs. Every year, hundreds of Americans are injured or killed by exposure to cold, vehicle accidents on wintry roads, and home fires caused by the improper use of heaters. “We urge everyone to take steps for the possibility of dangerous temperatures and windchills, and snow in some areas, so please plan ahead if you will be traveling or must be outside in these conditions,” said Chris Harmon, Regional Disaster Officer, American Red Cross of Missouri and Arkansas. “Also, be prepared for the possibility of power outages and have an emergency kit ready. Plan to take action now to avoid frozen pipes and to keep pets safe in the dangerously cold temperatures.” American Red Cross

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BRUSSELS - The Brussels Ferry and Kampsville Ferry have been closed, IDOT District 8 announced Thursday evening because of the winter storm. IDOT urged people traveling into or out of the area to please consider the Joe Page Bridge, or Kampsville Ferry for access/egress to/from Calhoun County. The Kampsville Ferry made an announcement that because of ice flow in the Illinois River, it was closed on Friday. There is no indication when either ferry will reopen, but Riverbender.com will publish it when it occurs.

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ALTON - Due to impending wintery weather conditions, some of the OSF Medical Group locations have adjusted their office hours for Friday, December 23: OSF Medical Group - Primary Care (6702 Godfrey Roads, Godfrey): Friday, December 23: Closed http://osf.care/TJb850MaBqP OSF Prompt Care (6702 Godfrey Roads, Godfrey): Thursday, December 22: 8:00AM-6:00PM Friday, December 23: 8:00AM-6:00PM http://osf.care/7un350MaBqO OSF Medical Group – Primary Care (404 West Bethalto Drive, Bethalto): Friday, December 23: Closed http://osf.care/omGv50MaBqN OSF Medical Group - Primary Care (2 Saint Anthony’s Way, Alton): Friday, December 23: Closed http://osf.care/SE5C50MaBqQ OSF Medical Group – Specialty Practices (2 Saint Anthony’s Way, Alton): Friday, December 23: Closed (some providers will be available for virtual visit appointments) http://osf.care/lIA350MaBqM Virtual visit options are available through OSF OnCall Urgent Care. Start a visit

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ALTON - At 5:20 p.m. Thursday, Alton Fire Chief Jesse Jemison confirmed his department and other fire departments are battling a serious blaze at 1826 Main Street in Alton. Jemison said he will provide more information later but it is a very serious fire and because of the cold weather, they are “swapping people out” in the fight. Gas and electricity have been cut to the home. Godfrey Fire Protection District, East Alton, and Wood River Fire Department members are visible at the scene, although there could be more agencies. At 5:20 p.m. Thursday, the temperature in Alton stands at 2 degrees above zero with wind chills much below that and strong winds, so it is a very difficult fire to battle, said the chief. More to come.

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EDWARDSVILLE - Due to the predicted precipitation, frigid temperatures, and expected wind chills, for the safety of the Edwardsville YMCA staff and members only a few days away from Christmas, both the Meyer & Niebur Centers will close today at 3 p.m. on Thursday, December 22nd and reopens at 9 a.m. on Friday, December 23. Edwardsville YMCA members over 18 that have already registered for and received your individual 24/7 pass may utilize the Niebur Center Fitness Center at your own risk.

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ST. LOUIS COUNTY - St. Louis County Police Crimes Against Persons detectives are investigating a homicide that occurred in the 8300 block of Octavia Avenue which resulted in the death of an adult male. The deceased has been identified as Demond Tucker, 15 years of age, of the 8300 block of Sunbury Avenue in Jennings, Missouri 63136. At 4:36 p.m. on December 21, 2022, St. Louis County police officers from the City of Jennings Precinct responded to a call for service for a shooting in the 8300 block of Octavia Avenue. Responding officers located an adult male in a parking lot suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. The victim was pronounced deceased at the scene. St. Louis County Police Department’s Crimes Against Persons detectives are conducting the investigation. The investigation is active at this time. Additional information will be disseminated as it becomes available. Please contact the St. Louis County Police Department at 636-529-8210 to speak with investigators if

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EDWARDSVILLE - Madison County State’s Attorney Tom Haine announced Thursday that a 41-year-old St. Louis man pleaded guilty to first-degree murder and received a 34-year prison term for the fatal shooting of a friend in Maryville. Danyiel M. Johnson pleaded guilty Thursday to killing Ronald L. Holland, 41, also of St. Louis, on March 17. Holland’s body was discovered that afternoon behind a garage on North Bluff Road. Johnson is required to serve 100 percent of the prison sentence. “This defendant gunned down a supposed friend and left him to die behind a garage,” Haine said. “Thankfully, this sentence ensures that he’ll be an elderly man before he’s even eligible for release from prison.” The investigation showed that Johnson and Holland drove together to Illinois to pick up a vehicle. They became lost, and as they were driving, they happened to see two different police units on routine patrol. Johnson began to suspect that he was being

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ST. LOUIS - The severe winter weather pattern predicted for Thursday is going as expected, the National Weather Service in St. Louis said today. Brad Charboneau, a St. Louis meteorologist, said the cold front is in the process of moving through the St. Louis area and temperatures will continue to drop. “We saw a little bit of light freezing drizzle and moderate snow move through the area so far,” he said. “We think we will receive 1-3 inches of snow, but we don’t want people to focus on the amounts. "We saw temperatures 25-30 degrees below zero in northwest Missouri this morning. We are expecting some bitterly cold conditions afternoon and tonight, then again in the morning, which will make travel dangerous. In this bitter cold, you don’t want to be caught stalled in those conditions.”

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COLLINSVILLE - Illinois State Police District 11 has advised motorists to “please stay home” Thursday afternoon and evening. “The snow, wind, and bitter cold are headed our way creating hazardous roadways today and tomorrow,” ISP District 11 said. “If you must travel because of an emergency, please slow down, remain vigilant, and Don't Crowd the Plow. “Don't assume that the plow operator can see you. Their field of vision is limited. You may see them, but they may not be able to see you.” Some tips while driving around plow trucks: Stay at least 200 feet from the plow truck to: 1. Ensure that the driver can see you at all times 2. Allow time for you to slow down or stop 3. Avoid obstructed views from blowing snow or material release Plows travel slower than the speed limit, so use caution when approaching a snow plow. Never pass a snow plow on the right side.

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COLLINSVILLE - Illinois Department of Transportation workers are out with other city street crews salting and clearing the roads Thursday afternoon. IDOT and the others started the salt process early Thursday in preparation for a winter storm that landed in the area Thursday morning. IDOT District 8 posted that current conditions Thursday around the region showed it was snowing hard and in some places drifting. “Conditions at the Jersey-Madison County line along the Greater River Road (Illinois Route 100) shows snow covering all four lanes. Please be alert. These changes occurred in the last 30 minutes between noon and 12:30 p.m.” IDOT continued and said: “We are mobilizing trucks in the remaining counties of IDOT District 8. In addition to traditional plow trucks, you will likely see these massive brine units active in the Metro East. Please give all emergency equipment room.”

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