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Village of Godfrey Collects Donations for Hurricane Relief

1 year ago
GODFREY - The Village of Godfrey has collected a wide variety of items to provide hurricane relief. Mayor Mike McCormick explained a Godfrey resident reached out to him about Churches on the Streets, a local nonprofit that has organized a collection for hurricane survivors in North Carolina and Florida. McCormick collaborated with Churches on the Streets Executive Director Angela Valdes to designate Godfrey as a drop-off location. “I think it’s very important,” McCormick said. “I think we need to reach out and help people when they need help as much as we can, and I’m very happy that we did that.” Residents can drop off hygiene supplies, winter clothing items, nonperishables and more through noon on Thursday, Oct. 24, 2024, at Godfrey Village Hall. Churches on the Streets will then pick up the donations on Thursday afternoon and transport supplies to North Carolina. McCormick noted that Godfrey has seen “a very good response”

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ISP Arrests Suspect For Attempted Murder After East St. Louis Shooting

1 year ago
EAST ST. LOUIS – Illinois State Police (ISP) Division of Criminal Investigation Zone 6 Public Enforcement Safety Group (PSEG) arrested 41-year-old Dwight N. O’Neal of East St. Louis, IL for Attempted First Degree Murder (Class M Felony), Aggravated Battery Discharge of a Firearm (Class X Felony), and Unlawful Possession of Firearm Revoked FOID (Class 3 Felony) stemming from a shooting that occurred in East St. Louis earlier this week. On October 20, 2024, East St. Louis Police Department (ESLPD) received the report of a shooting near the intersection of 18th Street and Missouri Avenue in East St. Louis. The description of the suspect was broadcasted to local officers. PSEG, ESLPD, and the East St. Louis Housing Authority Police Department responded to the scene. Officers observed the alleged suspect, later identified as O’Neal, fleeing on foot from the area. O’Neal was apprehended and a weapon was recovered. The victim self-transported to an area hospital

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Juicy Licensing Deals With AI Companies Show That Publishers Don’t Actually Care About Creators

1 year ago
One of the many interesting aspects of the current enthusiasm for generative AI is the way that it has electrified the formerly rather sleepy world of copyright. Where before publishers thought they had successfully locked down more or less everything digital with copyright, they now find themselves confronted with deep-pocketed companies – both established ones like Google […]
Glyn Moody

Day 2 Testimony Ends In Roger Dale Sutton Jr. Murder Trial

1 year ago
EDWARDSVILLE — The murder trial of Roger Dale Sutton Jr. continued Thursday, Oct. 24, 2024, focusing on the 2013 death of Patrenia Butler-Turner, a 40-year-old woman from East St. Louis who had been missing for nearly a decade. Testimonies presented in court included insights from forensic experts and law enforcement officers. The day began with the prosecution questioning Jessica Van Dyke, an FBI forensic examiner. Van Dyke noted that the decomposition of Butler-Turner's clothing was so advanced that no DNA was recovered from her underwear. During cross-examination, defense attorneys inquired about blood testing on the clothing found by police. Van Dyke clarified that the police did not request her lab to conduct blood tests, as her lab typically does not perform such analyses. The prosecution then called Pontoon Beach Detective Michael Williams to the stand. Williams testified about his interview with Andrea Vasquez on January 6, 2023, where she described a male individual

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Harris fends off queries about sexism in presidential race in NBC interview

1 year ago
Vice President Kamala Harris faced questions about whether sexism is a factor in the presidential race during a Tuesday interview on NBC News, and said she makes no assumptions about whether voters will make their choices based on race or gender. Polls depict Harris, the Democratic nominee, and former President Donald Trump, the Republican candidate, […]
Shauneen Miranda

Edwardsville Attorney Deanna Litzenburg Recognized For Community Work By PILI

1 year ago
EDWARDSVILLE – Attorney Deanna L. Litzenburg received the Third Judicial Circuit Pro Bono Service Award from the Public Interest Law Initiative (PILI) for her exceptional pro bono contributions to low-income individuals and charitable organizations over the past year. The award was presented during the Third Judicial Circuit Pro Bono Luncheon on Tuesday, October 22, 2024. The luncheon highlighted the impactful pro bono efforts being made throughout Illinois, with Illinois Supreme Court Justice David K. Overstreet serving as the guest speaker. Justice Overstreet emphasized the importance of advocacy in the pursuit of justice. Litzenburg, a Vice President and shareholder at Mathis, Marifian & Richter, Ltd., specializes in civil and commercial litigation, premises liability, medical malpractice, employment law, and workers’ compensation. With decades of experience in the Third Judicial Circuit, she has built a reputation as a committed attorney dedicated to community service.

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Alton Fire Station Receives New Frisbee Disc Golf Course

1 year ago
ALTON - A local organization has built a frisbee disc golf course at the Alton Fire Department. Something Bigger Than Yourself is a nonprofit that donates to local children’s homes, hospitals and nursing homes. Now, they’ve expanded their reach to include first responders. The frisbee disc golf course will be exclusively for the firefighters to enjoy during their downtime. “We have to be thankful for our fire departments, because the things that they do and the things that they see and the lives that they save, it’s just amazing,” said Jay Lipe, who oversees Something Bigger Than Yourself. “If we can bring joy, camaraderie, that’s the point.” Lipe, a self-described “avid disc golf player,” explained that he saw the land at Alton’s Fire Station #1 and thought it would be a great place for a course. He noticed the firefighters were sitting by the station’s basketball court but not playing. When he approached

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Meteorologist Confirms Wind Carries Odor Over Long Distances

1 year ago
A distinct odor has been reported across several communities in the region, including Roxana, Wood River, Alton, Edwardsville, Shipman, and Godfrey, and more on Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2024. Local officials are investigating the source of the smell, which has been described as reminiscent of manure. Matt Beitscher, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in St. Louis, corroborated these findings, indicating that wind patterns are likely transporting the odor from areas where manure is being applied. "Winds out of the north or northwest... if they are laying down manure in Iowa, Kansas, or Nebraska, the smell could reach here," Beitscher explained. He said the odor has been reported as moving eastward from its source. He also said so far, there is nothing official about the widespread odor. As the investigation continues, local officials are working with emergency response teams to determine the exact origin of the smell, which has caused concern among residents in the affected

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Madison County Security Officer Stephanie McSparin Recognized for Exceptional Service

1 year ago
EDWARDSVILLE – Stephanie McSparin was honored with the Judge Barbara Crowder Champion Award for her exemplary service as a Madison County Security Officer during the Third Judicial Circuit Pro Bono Luncheon on Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2024. McSparin has dedicated eighteen years to her role as a Court Security Officer, where she has consistently gone beyond her official responsibilities to ensure the safety and respectful treatment of all individuals entering the courthouse. Her commitment is reflected in her willingness to assist those in need, including helping them navigate court forms and providing essential information. “Stephanie is always helping people who need assistance,” said a representative from the court. “She takes the time to ensure everyone feels supported during their visit.” The Judge Barbara Crowder Champion Award recognizes individuals who demonstrate outstanding commitment to public service and community support within the judicial system.

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Sexual Assault Case Continues For Former Assistant Principal Arrested On Bond Violation

1 year ago
EDWARDSVILLE - A former Edwardsville High School assistant principal who was charged in 2023 with Criminal Sexual Assault for having a sexual relationship with a minor student is back in custody after violating the conditions of her bond. As previously reported on Riverbender.com , the Edwardsville Police Department received information alleging that an assistant principal at the school had a sexual relationship with a juvenile who was younger than 18. The subsequent investigation led to a suspect, Erin L. Hamilton-Foley, 50, of Edwardsville, being taken into custody on Tuesday, May 23, 2023. A description of one of the charges states she “held a position of trust, authority or supervision” in relation to the 17-year-old victim, “being that she was an assistant principal … and his assigned mentor.” Hamilton-Foley resigned from her position in July of 2023 , but pleaded “not guilty” in the case against her. According to an application

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Chief Judge Stephen Stobbs Announces Return Of Granite City Area Court In 2025

1 year ago
GRANITE CITY - After nearly five years of absence, the Third Judicial Circuit will return to Granite City starting in early 2025. Chief Judge Steve Stobbs announced today that the Granite City area docket will soon resume proceedings in the courtroom located within the City Hall of Granite City. Chief Judge Stobbs said: “I have fond memories of practicing before, now retired Circuit Judge Phil Kardis, in the Granite City courtroom and then serving as a judge there later in my career. I am happy to announce that the Third Judicial Circuit will soon return to Granite City for a weekly court call to include traffic, misdemeanor, and local ordinance violations.” The Granite City area docket has historically consisted of matters arising from incidents in and around Granite City, including the neighboring communities of Pontoon Beach, Venice, and Madison. The Granite City area docket ceased in March 2020 during COVID and was later moved to the main Courthouse in Edwardsville

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