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Heroic Actions Of Edwardsville High School Senior Taylor Smith, Another Woman At Altitude Trampoline Park, Save Unresponsive Man

11 months 1 week ago
EDWARDSVILLE - At a birthday party on Saturday, Feb. 8, 2025, a quick response by a trained employee at Altitude Trampoline Park in Edwardsville helped save the life of an unconscious man. Taylor Smith, a senior at Edwardsville High School, was working on Saturday when she was alerted to the situation. According to Smith, a party attendee's father had collapsed and was unresponsive. "I grabbed the AED," she said when she heard of the situation, referring to the automated external defibrillator. Smith, who works at the trampoline park, had learned about the device during a health class at Edwardsville High School. "I could not be more thankful that I was able to stay calm and knew to grab the AED," she added. Taylor said another person at the Trampoline Park on Saturday, who works in a medical field, assisted by placing the AED pads on the man. After the device was used, the man regained consciousness just as the ambulance arrived. Smith emphasized the importance of knowing how

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Alton Man Detained After Shooting Injury

11 months 1 week ago
ALTON – An 18-year-old Alton man faces a major felony for shooting someone in the leg after being “disrespected” by the victim. Brandon A. Gray, 18, of Alton, was charged with a Class X felony count of aggravated battery with a firearm. On Jan. 28, 2025, Gray reportedly shot the victim in the leg at the intersection of State and Miller Streets in Alton. Further details about the incident are contained in a petition to deny Gray’s pretrial release. “Upon arrival contacted the victim, who was suffering from a gunshot wound to the leg,” the petition states. “The victim identified the defendant as the person who shot him.” Gray admitted to “shooting the defendant and hiding the gun in a storage unit” in an interview with the Alton Police Department. The gun was later recovered from the storage unit Gray described. The state’s petition to keep Gray detained was upheld by a detention order, which states the shooting

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Alton's Emma and Jorden Reflect on Love's Strength Since 2021

11 months 1 week ago
Emma and Jorden, a couple from Alton, have shared their love story and the foundation of their relationship, which began on Aug. 16, 2021. The couple describes their bond as one that thrives despite challenges, emphasizing that they face struggles together. In a recent submission to Riverbender.com, Emma highlighted what makes their relationship special. "No matter the struggle, we get through it together," she said, reflecting on their partnership. A memorable moment for the couple was moving into their first house together after adopting two dogs. This experience has contributed to the growth of their relationship and has added joy to their lives. If you want to tell of your love story, click here.

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ILETSB Chairman Smoot's Statement on Impact of Crisis Intervention Team Training

11 months 1 week ago
SPRINGFIELD — Today, Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board (ILETSB) Chairman Sean Smoot issued the following statement on the life-saving impact of Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) training in law enforcement, as demonstrated recently by Sergeant Travis Schaal of the Chatham Police Department: “Late one night while on patrol, Sergeant Schaal noticed a vehicle parked on train tracks in the 200 block of North State Street. Hours later, the vehicle remained in the same location, prompting his concern. Trusting his instincts, he approached the car and found an 18-year-old woman who initially claimed she was fine. However, relying on the skills and techniques he gained through CIT training, Sergeant Schaal engaged the young woman in conversation and created an atmosphere of trust. “During their discussion, she revealed her true intentions: she had been struggling at home and in school and was planning to take her own life by waiting for an oncoming

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Midwest Members Credit Union Female Athletes Of Month: Shells' Chamberlain, Hart, Both Achieve Cheerleading Excellence

11 months 1 week ago
ROXANA - Lexi Chamberlain and Macy Hart, two senior cheerleaders from Roxana High School, have made significant strides in their sport under the guidance of Coach Stephanie Palen. Both athletes have demonstrated commitment and excellence in cheerleading, achieving numerous accolades during their high school careers. Chamberlain and Hart are Midwest Members Credit Union Female Athletes of the Month for the Shells. Chamberlain, who has been cheering for a decade, has earned distinctions such as All-Conference and All-American honors. As captain of the cheer team, she has taken on a leadership role in her final year. "Cheerleading has taught me what it's like to have a family that isn't blood," Chamberlain said. One of her most memorable experiences includes qualifying for the Illinois High School Association (IHSA) state competition for two consecutive years. Hart, who has cheered for eight years, also boasts impressive achievements, including All-American and All-Conference titles,

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Winter Soups that Are as Healthy as They Are Delicious

11 months 1 week ago
Did you know that the average person consumes about 100 bowls of soup each year? Given its popularity, it’s no surprise that soup has earned a place as a staple in many diets around the world. But when it comes to winter, soup transforms from a mere dish into a comforting embrace, nourishing both body and soul. As we delve into the world of winter soups, it's time to discover how these steaming bowls can be packed with nutrients while tantalizing our taste buds. The Nutritional Power of Soup Soup is often underestimated as a mere starter or side dish, but its nutritional potential is immense. A well-crafted soup can serve as a complete meal, offering a balanced combination of proteins, vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats. They can be a vehicle for various ingredients, allowing for a diverse array of flavors and health benefits. For instance, a vegetable-based soup can provide a wealth of antioxidants and fiber, while a legume-based soup can deliver a hearty dose of plant-based

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The Hidden Battle Within: Understanding Seasonal Affective Disorder

11 months 1 week ago
Did you know that approximately 5% of the U.S. population experiences Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) each year? This distinct form of depression occurs at a specific time of the year, often aligning with the darker months. While it might seem like a simple case of the "winter blues," the reality is far more complex, involving biological, psychological, and environmental components. Understanding the science behind SAD is crucial for effective management and support. What is Seasonal Affective Disorder? Seasonal Affective Disorder is characterized by recurring episodes of depression that coincide with specific seasons, most commonly fall and winter. The symptoms can be debilitating, including feelings of sadness, lethargy, difficulty concentrating, changes in sleep patterns, and even suicidal thoughts in severe cases. The disorder is not merely a passing phase; it can significantly impact an individual's quality of life and functioning. Research indicates that SAD is more prevalent

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