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MADISON COUNTY - This past weekend, some generous donor or donors placed a gold coin in the Salvation Army kettle at the Schnucks Store in Wood River. “We are so grateful for this person(s) generosity each year,” Salvation Army Captain Sean Grey said. "It is again a very generous gift." Grey said the generous donor has come through time after time on an anonymous basis in Alton and he is so thankful to whoever the person is or persons are. Bell ringers are braving the elements to help The Salvation Army Red Kettle campaign reach its 2022 campaign goal of $217,500 to benefit people in Madison County. As of Thursday, $70,000 has been raised with just eight ringing days remaining, so donations at this point are critical for the Salvation Army to continue its mission in 2023. “We send our heartfelt thanks to you and the many generous donors who are helping people in our community," Grey said. "We would like to make a special plea for bell ringers through 2 p.m. December

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BETHALTO - The Bethalto Police Department's Christmas For All program once again touched the hearts of many in the community who needed assistance this holiday season. The Bethalto Police exceeded all expectations and made $29,167.13 in donations in just a little over a one-month period. This past Tuesday and Wednesday evening, Bethalto Police Officers, their family members, Madison County Sheriff’s Deputies, Mayor Gary Bost, Senator Kris Tharp, Madison County Chief Deputy Marcos Pulido, Bethalto Village Trustees, the Bethalto Zoning Administrator, Village Clerk Sue Lowrance, retired officers/dispatchers, Santa Claus, and compassionate trusted village residents worked together to shop with or for more than 100 children and their families. In the two-day shopping spree, volunteers aided families in purchasing $26,433.28 in gifts, food, clothing, and essentials. This was the fourth year in a row police had collected gifts and funds that were distributed for area children, Bethalto

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JERSEYVILLE - A Jerseyville residence caught on fire last night in the 200 block of Goodrich Street. Firefighters were able to contain the fire quickly, but the home still suffered extensive structural damage. Keith Norman, director of Public Safety and Fire for the City of Jerseyville, said the fire was called in at approximately 6:56 p.m. on Thursday. At this time, he said they do not know how the fire started, but the situation is currently under investigation. “We were able to get a pretty quick knock-down on the fire and were able to limit the fire damage to the area of origin, but it has extensive heat and smoke damage and some water damage throughout,” Norman said. “We had to ventilate through the roof, so there’s obviously roof damage and other things there, but the damage was extensive due to the conditions of the fire,” he added. Stay tuned to Riverbender.com for updates as they become available.

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ALTON - Thanks to the generosity of a few outgoing Blake Schrumpf State Farm employees, many students had a day they won't soon forget. Cindy Lou Who and The Grinch from the Dr. Seuss classic, 'How The Grinch Stole Christmas' came and visited Lewis and Clark Elementary School Thursday afternoon. The two read the famous story, handed out some treats to the kids, and took plenty of photos. "I am thrilled to be able to partner with Blake’s office to have another memorable experience happen for our kids that I’m sure they’ll remember for a long time to come," kindergarten teacher Beth Dunlap said. She had mentioned that Blake's office had partnered with the school this past October. They donated pumpkins so that the children could carve them for Halloween. It was many of the kids' first attempts at carving a jack-o-lantern. Now, as the school celebrates 'Grinch Week' Dunlap said that the students get very excited around Christmas time and that this was something tha

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ELMHURST – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) visited Mother’s Milk Bank of the Western Great Lakes today to announce her new legislation to increase federal support for and expand access to donated breast milk for parents and their medically-vulnerable infants at nonprofit milk banks nationwide. The Access to Donor Milk Act would allow state agencies to use the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) funding to promote the benefits and need for donor milk as well as allows WIC funds to support donor milk activities in states. Additionally, this legislation requires the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to determine how donor milk should be regulated. A companion bill was introduced in the House by U.S. Representative Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA-06). Photos from today’s visit are available here . “We should be doing all that we can to ensure families have what they need to ensure their babies are fed and healthy,”

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ALTON - New York Pastor Timothy Keller of Redeemer Presbyterian Church is known around the world for his famous quotes. One is “He is a Light for us when all other lights go out.” With that theme in mind, The Bridge Church will once again have its treasured “Candlelight Vigil Service” this weekend. The special Sunday night Christmas Candlelight Service is scheduled for 6 p.m. at The Bridge Church at 504 E. 12th St. in Alton. The service will run from 6 to 7:15 p.m. Pastor Stephen Helfrich of The Bridge Church said the Candlelight Vigil Service and Easter Service are two of his favorites of the entire year for his congregation. Pastor Helfrich again expects a large attendance and says those who wish to be there should arrive early. He also wanted to commend Riverbender.com for streaming the service live, and for those who can’t attend to watch it on the website at this link . The pastor said the candlelight service incorporates the candles more for

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HILLSBORO - Hillsboro authorities announced they are investigating a situation where a deceased person was found by students leaving school Friday afternoon, Dec. 16, 2022. The body was found near the school in a creek on Fairground Avenue in Hillsboro. Hillsboro Superintendent David Powell said he was notified by police the deceased person found was not a high school student. The Vandalia at Hillsboro boys basketball game set for Friday night has been canceled. More to come.

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GODFREY – In its 52 years serving District 536, Lewis and Clark Community College has become known for its long-tenured employees. Each year, the college celebrates team members who have achieved five-year service milestones during an annual Service Awards program and dinner, typically held in the fall. This fall, the college celebrated 47 team members who have served the college for a collective 625 years – the longest-tenured employee being Sylvia Russell, an applications administrator in Networking & Systems, who has been with Lewis and Clark for 35 years. “Lewis and Clark has amazing team members who have dedicated their life and careers to serving students and our mission of empowering people,” Vice President of Administration Lori Artis said. “We are so grateful to our team members each and every day, and look forward to celebrating their individual service milestones each year through the Service Awards celebration.” 35 Years Sylvi

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ST. LOUIS COUNTY - On Thursday, December 15, 2022, the St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office issued charges on suspect Wayea Hallowanger, 20 years of age, of the 1800 block of Charleston Estates Drive in Florissant, Missouri 63031, for Murder First Degree and Armed Criminal Action. A booking photo of Hallowanger is attached. Hallowanger is being held without bond. Please note, charges are merely an accusation, and Defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law. The probable cause statement reads: Victim, a delivery driver from a local pizza chain, responded to the 4600 block of Whisper Lake Drive for a delivery. Upon arrival, Victim was shot more than once by Suspect as Victim was preparing to complete the delivery. Victim contacted 911 to state he had been shot and he would not survive. Subsequent investigation revealed the pizza order had been placed by Suspect to a vacant apartment. Suspect was subsequently arrested. Post-Miranda,

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SPRINGFIELD – Hunters in Illinois took a preliminary total of 76,854 deer during the seven-day 2022 Illinois Firearm Deer Season that concluded Dec. 4, according to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR). In the IDNR totals, Macoupin County had 1,576 deer harvested this year to lead the region, compared to 1,431 in 2021. Calhoun recorded 724 deer harvested in 2022 compared to 650 in 2021, and Greene had 1,019 deer harvested compared to 954 in 2021. Madison County had 692 deer harvested compared to 637 in 2021. Jersey had 646 deer harvested in 2022, while there were 588 harvested in 2021. There were 775 deer harvested in St. Clair County compared to 699 in 2021. Comparatively, hunters harvested a final total of 70,411 deer during the firearm season in 2021. The preliminary harvest for the second segment of the 2022 firearm season Dec. 1-4 was 24,500, compared with 21,477 during the second season in 2021. The preliminary harvest for the first segment of this year’s

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EDWARDSVILLE - With much colder temperatures in the forecast, the Edwardsville Fire Department would like to remind residents to pay attention to weather advisories, avoid safety risks, and take steps to remain warm as the temperatures drop. The following tips can help residents to stay safe throughout the winter months: Avoid using ovens and stoves as alternate heating sources; these are potentially dangerous sources of carbon monoxide and fire. If you are using a portable heater, plug it directly into a wall outlet — do not use extension cords or power strips as they can easily start fires. Keep portable heaters away from other items and never set anything on top of a portable heater. Wear appropriate clothing when going outside. Add layers to increase warmth, and be sure to protect your face, ears, and hands. Be aware of your vehicle’s fuel level; don’t risk running out of gas. Keep winter supplies such as spare blankets, gloves, and hats in you

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SPRINGFIELD – With the holidays in full swing, Illinois Conservation Police officer are partnering with the Illinois Department of Transportation to remind motorists about the dangers of impaired driving. From Dec. 16 through Jan. 2, law enforcement across Illinois will step up enforcement efforts with a high-visibility “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” and “Drive High, Get a DUI” traffic safety campaign. “We want everyone in our communities to enjoy the holidays without worrying about the dangers of impaired drivers,” said Illinois Conservation Police Lt. Curt Lewis. “During the campaign, you can expect to see extra safety patrols. We will show zero tolerance for alcohol- and drug-impaired driving to help ensure everyone makes it to and from their holiday festivities safely.” According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) Fatality Analysis Reporting System, 11,654 people were killed in motor vehicle

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MADISON, IL. - For the first time in the decades-long history of the ILLINOISouth Tourism Bureau, the organization has been recognized as ‘Best in Show’ of all tourism bureaus in the state for its recent marketing efforts. ILLINOISouth promotes communities, attractions, businesses, and events in a 21-county region of Southern Illinois. “We are thrilled to receive such an honor,” explains Andy Waterman, Communications Director for ILLINOISouth. “We have so much fun showing people what kind of experiences they can have in Southern Illinois, so to be recognized for it – that’s just icing on the cake.” Each year the Illinois Governor’s Conference on Tourism celebrates the accomplishments of all 37 tourism bureaus in the state during the ‘Excellence in Tourism’ awards ceremony. There are eight categories, as well as a ninth award for ‘Best in Show’ – which goes to the bureau with the highest score across

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O’FALLON - A new law will go into effect on January 1, 2023 that will require all homes in Illinois to be equipped with new, 10-year “sealed-battery” smoke alarms, which are designed to last longer, lower replacement costs, and be less of a nuisance when cooking. State and local fire safety experts held a press conference at O’Fallon Fire Rescue yesterday to explain the new law. Margaret Vaughn, the Government Affairs Director for both the Illinois Firefighters Association and Fire Safety Alliance, said the law aims to reduce preventable deaths. “Last year in Illinois, there were 97 residential fire deaths, and the majority of those deaths occurred in homes without working smoke alarms - so the majority of those deaths potentially could have been prevented,” Vaughn said. Since 1988, all Illinois homes have been required to have smoke alarms installed - they were hard-wired into homes built in 1988 or after. If your home was built before 1988

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EDWARDSVILLE - 2022 marks the 5 th consecutive year Doc’s Smokehouse & Catering has passed the test by being named as one of the “Best of the Best Barbecue Restaurants in America" by the Barbecue News Magazine. The Barbecue News Magazine, the world’s no.1 publication dedicated to all things BBQ, released its updated guide to "Best of the Best Barbecue Restaurants in America” for the month of October. Doc’s Smokehouse & Catering is one of 17 on the October 2022 list and one of only three restaurants named for the entire state of Illinois. The "Best of the Best" guide has currently awarded this honor to only 17 barbecue restaurants across America in the past year. To be eligible for this "Best of the Best" list a restaurant must be taste-tested, without notice or announcement, by an affiliate of the Barbecue News Magazine. The honor is for a one-year period, at which time the restaurant is re-tested in the same manner to see if they make the grade

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EDWARDSVILLE — Madison County State’s Attorney Tom Haine announced Thursday that a driver who fatally struck Police Officer Brian Pierce Jr. on the McKinley Bridge while trying to flee from police has been convicted of first-degree murder. Following a bench trial that began Monday, prosecutors won a conviction for first-degree murder against Caleb L. Campbell, 24, of Florissant, Mo., in connection with the death of Brooklyn Police Officer Pierce. “Officer Brian Pierce should be alive today,” Haine said. “We continue to pray for his family, who have suffered so much. We are glad the judge agreed that this was murder, plain and simple. I do hope the message continues to be heard: fleeing from the police is always wrong and dangerous, and if an officer dies, those responsible for killing the officer will face murder charges.” Testimony and evidence presented by Assistant State’s Attorney Lauren Maricle and Assistant State’s Attorney Ryan

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GODFREY – During Lewis and Clark Community College’s 37 th annual Service Awards, one employee was honored for his Trailblazer spirit with the first-ever Pantone 286 award. Maintenance Logistics Supervisor Cody Zippmann was presented with the prize, named for the Pantone Color System identifier for Lewis and Clark’s “Trailblazer blue,” for his outstanding dedication, leadership skills and work ethic. According to L&C President Ken Trzaska, the Pantone 286 award will be given annually to team members who don’t just “bleed blue,” but go above and beyond the call by “bleeding Pantone 286 blue.” “Cody is always thinking about how he can help build community and connections on campus and further the collaborative culture we are all trying to build,” Trzaska said. “Cody isn’t just an outstanding team member, he’s a true-blue Trailblazer.” Trzaska credited Zippmann for his work last summer,

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EDWARDSVILLE - The members of Edwardsville’s Fraternal Order of Police, Lodge 244, sponsored its 13th annual “Christmas with a Cop” program this past weekend at the Edwardsville Target, and many children and families left knowing this would be a special holiday for them. The children had $250 to shop, and each family received a $100 gift card to Schnuck's to have a Christmas meal. The Edwardsville Police “Christmas with a Cop” program enables officers and other volunteers to spread Christmas cheer while getting to know some of the citizens of the community. In addition to shopping, the participating families received gift-wrapping supplies and candy baskets. The Edwardsville Fraternal Order of Police, Lodge 244 extended thanks to Target, as well as numerous private donors within the community, for helping us benefit more children in need. Jared Sprinkle, one of the officers in charge of the event, said this was once again "fantastic" for

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ST. LOUIS - St. Louis Cardinals broadcaster Dan McLaughlin will no longer be a play-by-play announcer for the Redbirds. McLaughlin, who faces a felony charge for a third DWI offense, said today he will not return as a play-by-play announcer for the Redbirds in the 2023 season. McLaughlin was charged with a persistent offender DWI after a Dec. 4 incident where he failed a sobriety test in an I-270 traffic stop. McLaughlin issued this statement on Thursday afternoon: “I have spent the last several days reflecting on my steps towards addressing my health and the well-being of my family and me. I have come to the conclusion that my sole focus needs to be on my recovery, which I have started, and that of my wife and children. As a result, I am stepping away from my duties at Bally Sports Midwest. I thank all of the people of Bally for their support throughout the years and wish them the best. As I move forward, I please ask for your patience and your privacy. Thank you. God Bless.”

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CHICAGO — Governor JB Pritzker today celebrated the passage of the Workers’ Rights Amendment to the Illinois Constitution. Governor Pritzker issued a proclamation announcing passage of the amendment and joined labor leaders and legislators in celebrating the achievement. “Illinois holds a rich union history; from the 1887 Haymarket Affair to the 1894 Pullman Strike, Illinois laborers have been at the forefront of fighting for fair wages, reasonable hours, and safe working conditions,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “This is a major win for workers rights that will outlast any single politicians’ term and enshrine a key right for Illinoisans for generations to come.” Under Illinois law, the Governor must issue an official proclamation announcing the passage of a constitutional amendment after it is certified by the State Board of Elections. The Workers’ Rights Amendment, which passed with 54.5% of total ballots cast, enshrines the right to

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