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ALTON – The Funky Cards & Collectables store in downtown Alton was broken into and robbed Tuesday night. Fortunately, an outpouring of community support has helped them reopen as of Wednesday. The suspect or suspects, who currently remain at large, smashed the store’s glass front door and a glass case of vintage Pokémon cards, stealing most of the cards inside. In an announcement on social media, store representatives said the “perpetrator rode away on a bicycle.” Several community members commented on the post stating they were willing to help with clean-up efforts. An employee of Players Corners Trading Cards said they will contact Funky Cards & Collectables if anyone attempts to sell them products they suspect were stolen from the store. As of Wednesday morning, March 12, 2025, Funky Cards & Collectables announced they had made repairs and were ready to reopen for the evening, thanking the community for their support. A GoFundMe campaign

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PIASA - Josie Hagen is another of Southwestern High School's strong student-athletes who participates in multiple sports. She is a standout basketball, volleyball and softball player. The 5-foot-7 junior was one of the Piasa Birds' leading scorers this basketball season and top rebounders, averaging over 4 rebounds a contest. She also will be counted on when Southwestern opens its 2025 girls softball campaign. Josie is an Altonized Community Federal Credit Union Female Athlete of the Month. Southwestern's girls basketball coach Darren Moseley commended Hagen for her defensive skills: "She has the task of guarding players taller than her every game and she usually makes the other team's post players work to get points. "She has also improved rebounding and has a good shot," he said. "We will need to put her in a position to get more shots next season." Hagen is now embarking on the girls softball campaign and then will turn her attention to volleyball preparation and summer basketball.

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EDWARDSVILLE - Candidates for the Edwardsville Community Unit School District #7 Board of Education introduced themselves to the community at a recent candidates forum. On Wednesday, March 12, 2025, candidates and community members gathered at The Wildey Theater in Edwardsville for the forum, hosted by the League of Women Voters and the NAACP. There are nine candidates competing for four seats. Sara Bauer, Matthew Breihan and William Duffy were unable to attend the forum. The remaining candidates — Alma Carver, Joshua Arnold, Terri Dalla Riva, Scott Ahart, Patricia Lowe and Jacob Goebel — shared their platforms and answered questions about board policies, bond projects, bullying and other topics. Terri Dalla Riva has served on the school board for 10 years. During her tenure, she said the school board has prioritized students’ mental health, created professional learning communities for teachers, and developed a long-term strategic plan. She added that sh

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The Riverbend area is buzzing with a diverse array of events that cater to all interests, from festive St. Patrick's Day celebrations and culinary delights to engaging community activities and live music performances, ensuring there's something for everyone to enjoy. For a complete listing of these exciting happenings, visit Riverbender Events . Featured Join Fish Haven at Alton VFW Post 1308 for a Fish Fry Every Friday in Lent . Come hungry, bring your crew, and enjoy great food, cold drinks, and live music! Dinner includes Fish (Buffalo, Catfish Filet, Catfish Nuggets, or Cod), Hushpuppies, 2 Sides, and Bread for $15. Available from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Godfrey Knights of Columbus Friday Fish Frys will be held Every Friday, March 7 through April 11, 2025 , from 4-7 p.m. at the McNicholas Club on Stamper Lane. Buffalo, whitefish, whole catfish, shrimp, and baked fish and cheese pizza will be served. Buffalo and whitefish are All You Can Eat. Sides will be fries, onion rings, coleslaw,

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ALTON - Christina Milien stays busy. Milien, one of six candidates for the Alton Community Unit School District #11 Board of Education, shared more about who she is and what she stands for. She has served on the board for the last four years, and she is excited for the chance to give back to the community for another four-year term. “I stay very busy pretty much all the time. I wouldn't have it any other way,” she said. “I get as much as I give, if not more, when I’m of service. I think that's what all of us are supposed to do. I think it’s the highest calling that any of us have, to figure out how we can help people just for the sake of being of service.” Outside of the school board, Milien is the mother of two boys in ACUSD11. She works remotely as a managing attorney with a firm in Chicago, and she appears in court at least three days a week in Missouri. She is licensed to practice law in Missouri, Illinois, Kansas, Nebraska and Iowa, s

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Did you know that nearly 80% of Americans report feeling overwhelmed by their daily responsibilities? In a world where the demands of work, family, and social commitments can feel relentless, self-care is often the first thing to fall by the wayside. However, prioritizing self-care during busy months is not just a luxury; it’s a necessity for maintaining mental, emotional, and physical well-being. As we dive into the intricacies of self-care amid a whirlwind of obligations, we will explore strategies to not only survive but thrive during life’s most hectic periods. Understanding the Importance of Self-Care Self-care is often misconstrued as indulgence—think spa days and lavish vacations. In reality, it encompasses a wide range of practices aimed at nurturing one's health and well-being. According to the World Health Organization, mental health is just as critical as physical health, with neglect leading to conditions such as anxiety and depression. During particularly

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Welcome to this day in history, March 13th. First and foremost, one of the most impactful global events occurred on March 13, 1969, when the United States, amidst the fervor of the Cold War, launched the Apollo 9 mission. This mission was critical for the development of the lunar module, which would later play a key role in landing humans on the Moon. The Apollo 9 mission was also the first time that astronauts tested the Lunar Module in space. The successful completion of this mission marked a significant step towards the historic Apollo 11 Moon landing in July 1969, and it helped to cement the United States' position as a leader in space exploration during a time of intense rivalry with the Soviet Union. In a different realm, on this day in 1996, the world of sports witnessed a significant event as the National Football League (NFL) announced the creation of the NFL Europe League. This league was intended to promote American football in Europe and provide a platform for players

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ALTON – After a few passionate public comments, the Alton City Council voted on Wednesday to put a TIF agreement on hold which would expand the parking lot of a proposed tattoo parlor. As first reported on Riverbender.com , developer Kyle Hulker plans to open a tattoo parlor at 629 Ridge St. under the name “Blue Bird Tattoo.” Hulker was previously the owner of Alton Tattoo Company and Sherry’s Snacks, which were formerly located on College Avenue. The Ridge Street property is properly zoned, but lacks the required amount of on-site parking. Under the tabled agreement, the city would reimburse Hulker for up to $10,000 of a planned parking lot expansion totaling $40,000. Most of the evening’s public comments focused not on the parking lot expansion, but Hulker himself. Multiple members of the public claimed Hulker has been accused of sexual assault by up to 50 women. They asked council members not to allow Hulker to open another business in Alton.

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PEORIA — Twelve-year-old Cameron Travis of the Young Warriors Wrestling Academy in Granite City, secured a fifth-place finish in the Novice Boys-215 weight class at the Illinois Kids Wrestling Federation state tournament held this past weekend in Peoria. Having wrestled for four years, Cameron expressed his excitement about his recent accomplishment, and said, “It was really cool and exciting. I’m glad I got the opportunity to place and be on the podium with the best wrestlers in the state.” Cameron is a Stillwater Senior Living Male Athlete of the Month for Granite City. In addition to wrestling, Cameron has participated in soccer and baseball, and he plays the saxophone at school in Granite City. His diverse interests reflect a well-rounded approach to both athletics and academics. Looking ahead, Cameron has set ambitious goals for his future. “I see myself wrestling for the USA team or playing in The NFL,” he said. As he prepares for next season

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DUPO — A Dupo man faces multiple serious charges, including first-degree murder, following a lengthy investigation by the Illinois State Police (ISP) into the disappearance of a local resident. Kaylon T. List, 39, was charged on March 3, 2025, by the St. Clair County State’s Attorney’s Office with first-degree murder, aggravated kidnapping inflicting harm, kidnapping, concealing a homicidal death, aggravated unlawful restraint, and unlawful restraint. These charges stem from the investigation into the case of Eric Grindstaff, of Wood River, who was reported missing on June 23, 2021. Authorities said at the time of the disappearance, Grindstaff was moving from his grandmother’s house in Wood River. The investigation began when the Dupo Police Department sought assistance from the ISP in locating Grindstaff. Officers responded to List's residence in the 4000 block of Elm Street in Dupo, where they discovered a suspicious vehicle partially concealed near

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PIASA — Cason Robinson, a sophomore guard for the Southwestern High School Piasa Birds, has emerged as a key player on the basketball team, contributing an average of 7.6 points per game during the 2024-2025 season. His performance has not gone unnoticed, as he has been named an Altonized Community Federal Credit Union Male Athlete of the Month. Robinson's development from a talented freshman to a pivotal ballhandler/shooter has impressed both fans and coaches alike. "Cason was a talented freshman player last year and developed even more in the 2024-2025 season," said Southwestern head boys basketball coach Jason Darr. Coach Darr noted Robinson's grit and defensive skills, highlighting his ability to handle the pressure against some of the region's most athletic teams. Coach Darr emphasized that Robinson is not only solid on the offensive side with scoring and handling the ball, but very tenacious on the defensive side and is also a key to the team in that area. "He plays

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A Tuberculosis (TB) outbreak in Kansas City, Kansas, has people on edge, with not much public knowledge about the disease or how to prevent it. The Kansas Department of Health & Environment reported as of January 31, 67 people were infected in the latest outbreak. Two people died and roughly half have finished treatment and are considered cured. What is Tuberculosis? “TB is referred to as ‘the great mimicker,’ says Sharjeel Ahmad, MD, a staff physician of infectious disease with OSF HealthCare, meaning the signs and symptoms are like many other viruses and bacterial infections people get. “Tuberculosis is a very contagious bacterial infection,” Dr. Ahmad says. “It’s caused by a bacterium called Mycobacterium tuberculosis . It is spread when people cough, sneeze or spit. So, if you cough, spit or sneeze, you generate tiny particles. When someone else inhales that, you can get infected by TB.” While active TB disease cases are

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PONTOON BEACH – Just in time for spring, Madison County Transit (MCT) and Agency for Community Transit (ACT) have welcomed four new "Trail Critter" sculptures along the MCT Trails, expanding the popular "Art on the Trails" initiative. Building on the success of the eight sculptures introduced in 2023, the latest additions bring color, creativity, and whimsy to four new areas along the MCT Trails. Produced by artist Jeffie Brewer, each sculpture is crafted from durable steel, painted vibrant colors, and thoughtfully placed along the MCT Trails throughout Madison County, transforming the trails into an interactive outdoor gallery that blends art, nature, and community engagement. The sculptures were a gift to the MCT Trails from ACT. The latest critters to join the MCT Trails family include: “Cory – The Calf at the Confluence” – Measuring an impressive 10 feet in length, this striking lilac colored bison stands proudly along the MCT Confluence Trail,

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GODFREY - Amber Dyer, the owner of Peachy Paws, took “paws” to reflect and express her appreciation for the Village of Godfrey amid a recent vote that will allow her to expand her business to a new location. On March 4, 2025, the Godfrey Village Board of Trustees voted to rezone 1610 W. Delmar Avenue from R-3 Single Family Residential to B-4 Highway Business. This rezoning will allow Dyer to open her dog grooming business, previously located at 509 Pearl Street in Godfrey, at the new location. “I got a little emotional at the meeting because of all the support I was getting from everybody,” Dyer said. “I’ve always lived in Godfrey…I’ve grown up here, I went to school here, I was raised here, and I don’t want to leave here.” Dyer thanked Godfrey Mayor Mike McCormick and Building and Zoning Administrator Tony Cain, adding that they treated her “like family” throughout the process. McCormick noted how

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MARYVILLE – A Missouri man authorities say targets Madison County for his criminal activity faces new charges after breaking into a Maryville laundromat. Gage L. Wille, 29, of St. Charles, Mo., was charged with burglary, a Class 2 felony, and possession of burglary tools, a Class 4 felony. Wille allegedly broke into a Sudz Wash laundromat at 112 W. Perry St. in Maryville on Jan. 9, 2025, intending to commit a theft. He was found with an orange pry bar in his possession, which court documents describe as “suitable for use in breaking into a building.” A petition to deny his pretrial release states Wille burglarized the business before fleeing the scene. Wille previously failed to appear in court from a prior theft case and has “been in warrant status since October 2019.” “It appears this defendant has no connection to Madison County and comes here only with the intent to steal,” the petition states of Wille. The Maryville Police Department

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SPRINGFIELD - The Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal (OSFM) announced today the recipients of the 2024 Small Equipment Grant Program. A total of $4 million was awarded to 178 fire departments/districts and EMS providers across the state. The program was established to provide grants of up to $26,000 each for the purchase of small firefighting and ambulance equipment. This program is an innovative approach to a problem that has long caused difficulties for fire departments and not-for profit ambulance services in Illinois, particularly those that have hardships in generating the necessary revenue for small equipment. The purpose is to allow eligible applicants the opportunity to purchase small equipment that they may otherwise not be able to purchase. The OSFM received 347 applications, requesting around $7.7 million in funding for this grant period. "Grant programs like our Small Equipment Grant Program are critical in providing fire departments and ambulance providers with

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SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) announced today that nonfarm payrolls were almost unchanged, down -1,100 (0.0%), while the unemployment rate was unchanged at 4.9 percent in January, based on preliminary data provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), and released by IDES. The December monthly change in payrolls was revised from the preliminary report, from +8,800 to +12,200 while the revised unemployment rate was 4.9 percent, -0.3 percentage point lower than the preliminary December unemployment rate of 5.2 percent. The January payroll jobs estimate and unemployment rate reflect activity for the week including the 12th. Compared to a year ago, total nonfarm payroll jobs increased by +36,000 jobs. The industry groups with the largest jobs increases included: Private Education and Health Services (+27,500), Government (+25,300), and Leisure and Hospitality (+5,800). The industry groups with the largest jobs decreases included:

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SPRINGFIELD – At a Capitol news conference Tuesday, Assistant Republican Leader C.D. Davidsmeyer (R-Murrayville) criticized the bad bills and misplaced priorities of the Democratic supermajority in the Illinois General Assembly. “Illinois is facing significant problems with our budget, with public safety, with high taxes and the high cost of living,” Rep. Davidsmeyer said. “With the State of Illinois facing a $1.2 billion budget shortfall, Democrats are pushing bad bills that will make Illinois’ budget problems even worse.” Last week, the Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability (CGFA), which Davidsmeyer co-chairs, released its FY 2026 Economic Forecast and Revenue Estimate and FY 2025 Revenue Update . CGFA projected a $737 million State budget shortfall for FY26 and an additional $500 million shortfall for the current fiscal year. The Auditor General recently released an audit of the taxpayer-funded healthcare program

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CHICAGO – The Illinois Poison Center (IPC), the nation’s oldest poison center, joins poison centers around the country to raise awareness about poison dangers and educate the public on ways to further protect their loved ones during National Poison Prevention Week (NPPW), which runs from March 16–22, 2025. This year’s theme is “When the unexpected happens, Poison Help is here for you.” For more than 70 years, poison centers have provided vital information and resources to families to help reduce the threat of poisoning and save lives. “Poison risks remain a constant threat to individuals of all ages,” says IPC Medical Director Michael Wahl, M.D. “Our team of pharmacists, nurses, and poison information experts are available 24/7 to answer questions, offer guidance on treatment, and help prevent harm. No concern is too big or too small, and all calls are free and confidential.” In 2024, IPC handled 72,500 cases involving

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EAST ST. LOUIS – Nefer Ojeda-Elenes, a 33-year-old man from California, was sentenced to 228 months in federal prison for his role in trafficking fentanyl to the Metro East region. The sentencing took place following Ojeda-Elenes’ guilty plea to conspiracy and distribution charges related to the powerful synthetic opioid. U.S. Attorney Steven D. Weinhoeft described fentanyl as a "ruthless killer" that devastates families and communities. He emphasized the seriousness of Ojeda-Elenes' actions, and said, “This defendant conspired to bring seven kilograms of fentanyl into the Metro East region, when as few as two milligrams is lethal to most adults.” Weinhoeft asserted that the 19-year sentence reflects a commitment to justice for those affected by drug trafficking. Court documents reveal that Ojeda-Elenes was involved in a conspiracy to deliver two kilograms of fentanyl to the Metro East in April 2020. He later agreed to deliver an additional five kilograms

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