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SPRINGFIELD - Stuck on what to get a child or grandchild for the holidays? Investing in their future is a great gift, and it’s easier than ever to contribute to their Bright Start 529 college savings account. You can even do it on your phone. Illinois Treasurer Michael Frerichs is encouraging family members and friends to give the future gift of college or vocational school this year by making a contribution to a loved one’s Bright Start 529 college saving account. Bright Start 529 recently introduced a new phone app, so giving and requesting gifts is easier than ever. “Giving the gift of a Bright Start contribution is a great way to show a young person the importance of a college education, set high expectations for them, and avoid waiting in line with holiday shoppers,” Frerichs said. “Parents, grandparents, aunts, and uncles can boost a college savings account and reduce the amount of money a family might have to borrow later.” Bright Star

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SPRINGFIELD – The Brandon Road Interbasin Project on the Illinois River near Joliet took a significant step forward with the first construction contract awarded by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Rock Island District, on Nov. 27, 2024. The $15.5 million contract was awarded to Miami Marine Services for site preparation and riverbed rock removal for the engineered channel. Miami Marine will partner with Michels Construction of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, for completion of this contract. Brandon Road is a federal project, and together Illinois and Michigan serve as the non-federal sponsors. This initial construction contract is for the first of three construction increments for the estimated $1.15 billion project designed to prevent the upstream movement of invasive carp into the Great Lakes. “Awarding the first construction contract is an exciting and important step forward for this long-anticipated project,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “The Great Lakes are a priceless

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EDWARDSVILLE – The Gori Law Firm recently welcomed Arthur “A.J.” Risavy as its new associate attorney. Risavy joins the firm’s asbestos litigation team, helping clients and families injured by asbestos receive the compensation they deserve. Risavy is a recent graduate of Saint Louis University School of Law. Throughout law school, he worked as a law clerk in The Gori Law Firm’s Edwardsville office, where he learned the complexities of personal injury litigation. In the fall of 2024, Risavy became licensed to practice law in Illinois. "A.J. has been an invaluable asset to our firm since his tenure as a law clerk, and we are excited to see him take on this new role with our team," said Sara Salger, managing partner of The Gori Law Firm. "His dedication and talent have already made a significant impact, and we look forward to watching him grow within our practice.” Risavy was born and raised in Edwardsville, Illinois. He received his undergraduate

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CAHOKIA HEIGHTS/EAST ST. LOUIS - Attorney General Kwame Raoul today joined the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) in announcing significant action to address chronic failures of the sanitary sewer systems in Cahokia Heights and East St. Louis. “For too long, the neglected and aging sewer systems in Cahokia Heights and East St. Louis have forced local residents to deal with raw sewage in their basements, in their streets and in local waterways,” Attorney General Kwame Raoul said. “I am proud of my office’s collaboration with the Department of Justice and local and state entities as we work toward a solution to solve this real environmental and public health threat. I will continue to partner with all levels of government to enforce Illinois’ environmental laws and protect our communities.” Raoul and the DOJ filed the lawsuit and consent decree to

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ALTON - On a recent episode of “You’re Beautiful” with Brian Trust, Larry Bell spoke about God’s forgiveness. Bell shared that he has gone through dark times when he felt completely alone. He realizes now that God was with him always, and He helped Bell through these challenges. Bell acknowledged that he is far from perfect, and God has forgiven him for every mistake he makes. “I’m not this super Christian,” Bell said. “I’m just a sinner that is still trying to walk and ask God for forgiveness on a daily basis for Him to help me to be a better person and to live my life for Christ.” Bell comes from a long line of pastors, and his son, Justin Bell , is currently a pastor at Block Church in East Alton. But when Bell himself decided to enroll in Bible School, he quickly realized that pastorship was not for him. He explained that he never enjoyed tests and schoolwork, and he disliked these elements of his Bible education.

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WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) today met with U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Chicago District Commander Colonel Kenneth Rockwell to discuss a number of issues, including updates on their flood risk management, ecosystem restoration and invasive species protection efforts throughout Northeastern Illinois. Photos from the meeting are available on the Senator’s website. “Protecting and strengthening our inland waterways is critical to growing our local economies and protecting the health and safety of our communities,” Duckworth said. “I was glad to meet with Colonel Rockwell to discuss the importance of water infrastructure and the ongoing projects throughout Northeastern Illinois. I look forward to continuing to work with USACE to help protect our environment, modernize our water infrastructure and grow good-paying, local jobs for the region.” As a leading voice on water infrastructure and environmental justice, Duckworth

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HARDIN — Jean Heil, the principal of Calhoun Elementary School, is not only dedicated to her role as an educator but also brings her passion for music into the classroom. Recently, she took her third- and fourth-grade students to an Alton Symphony Orchestra Children's Concert at Lewis and Clark Community College, where she performed on the viola. The event provided students with a unique opportunity to experience live orchestral music. Following the concert, Heil returned to her Calhoun Elementary classrooms to share her musical expertise. She demonstrated the viola to her students, allowing them to see the instrument up close and even try it themselves. Heil's commitment to education and the arts is evident in her leadership style, which she describes as leading with "passion and purpose." She has served as the principal at Calhoun Elementary School for the past eight months, after a long tenure as principal at St. Ambrose Catholic School in Godfrey, where she worked for

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CHICAGO - Governor JB Pritzker today signed an executive order launching a statewide effort enlisting multiple state agencies to explore how Illinois can accelerate plans to expand the supply and access of housing for working families. Additionally, as part of an ongoing commitment to lower housing costs, Governor Pritzker announced the return of SmartBuy, a program providing direct monetary assistance to pay off student loan debt for those buying a home in Illinois. Together, these actions seek to address the shortage of attainable homes for working families across the state, as well as overall housing shortages that affect renters and homebuyers alike. “If we are going to build on this state’s record of growth and prosperity, lower costs for Illinois’ working families, and be a state that everyone can call home, we must build more housing in every Illinois community from Cairo to Chicago,” said Governor Pritzker. “This announcement is just the beginning

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ALTON - Junior Cameron Golike has emerged as one of the key players for Marquette Catholic High School's boys basketball team this season. Golike has been recognized for his achievements in basketball, particularly for being named to the All-Tournament Team during the recent Roxanna Hoopsgiving tournament. He is a Tucker's Automotive Repair & Tire Male Athlete of the Month. Golike, who has been playing basketball for approximately five years, credits much of his success to his father, David Golike, who serves as the assistant coach and has played a significant role in his training. Under the guidance of Explorers' Head Coach Cody Best, Golike has developed essential skills in teamwork and much more. "It has helped my team-building skills as well as coachability and toughness," Golike said about his experience as a Marquette Catholic dual-sport athlete. In addition to basketball, Golike is also a left winger and striker on the school's soccer team. While he is focused on his curren

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WOOD RIVER — Don and Mary Elledge have once again demonstrated their commitment to community service by donating two bicycles to the Wood River Police Department for distribution during the Christmas season. The couple delivered the bikes, one designated for a boy and the other for a girl, earlier this week. Don and Mary are true Difference Makers in their community with their annual kind gesture. "This is something they do each year for the police department to identify a boy and girl to give the bikes to at Christmas," the Wood River Police Department said in a statement. "They are such good people and we thank them for their generosity." The Elledges' annual contribution reflects their dedication to spreading kindness and supporting local youth during the holiday season. The initiative aims to bring joy to children in the community, ensuring that the spirit of giving is felt throughout Wood River. For those interested in sharing their own Difference Makers ideas, Riverbender.com

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GRANITE CITY – The Granite City Warriors boys basketball team is beginning to find some success. That’s in part thanks to Evan Brewer. The 6-foot-5 junior center has had back-to-back huge games, helping his team to wins. For that reason, he is a Stillwater Senior Living Athlete of the Month for Granite City. Last week, he scored 29 points and had eight rebounds in a 45-39 win over Union (Mo.). On Wednesday, in the team’s home opener against Riverview Gardens, he scored 24 points. He’s up to 119 points through seven games and is averaging 17 PPG. “He does a good job. It’s only going to get harder for him,” Granite City head basketball coach Gerard Moore said. “In my opinion, he’s the best big man in the area. He does a really good job and he’s just a junior. He’s going to get even better.” And it’s come pretty easy in the last two games. “Just catching the post and working deep,” he said afte

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JERSEYVILLE - The Jersey Community Hospital (JCH) Foundation , a registered 501(c)3 organization that assists Jersey Community Hospital in meeting the healthcare needs of the hospital through fundraising, education and community outreach, is proud to announce a generous donation of $110,000 back to Jersey Community Hospital made possible through the ongoing efforts of the JCH Foundation Resale Shop . This substantial contribution funded the purchase of a new, bariatric-friendly ambulance to better serve the community which is expected to be licensed and in service in mid-December. The JCH Foundation Resale Shop, located at 201 South Jefferson in Jerseyville, Ill., is a beloved local treasure. Operated by dedicated volunteers who donate countless hours to the cause, the shop offers a wide variety of gently used items, from clothing to home goods, at affordable prices. While all proceeds from the shop go directly to support the growth and improvement of JCH HealthCare, the

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As the holiday season approaches, kitchens become bustling hubs of creativity and warmth. From festive gatherings to intimate family dinners, desserts play a pivotal role in celebrating the season. Whether you’re planning a feast or a casual get-together, having a selection of delightful desserts can elevate your holiday experience. This article will explore some of the best holiday desserts to make this year, offering a mix of classic favorites and innovative ideas. Classic Holiday Desserts 1. Gingerbread Cookies Gingerbread cookies are a timeless holiday treat that brings the spirit of the season into your home. Their combination of spices—ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg—creates a warm flavor profile that perfectly complements the winter months. Practical Tip : Use a mix of cookie cutters to create various shapes, from traditional gingerbread men to festive stars. Decorating with royal icing and edible glitter can make them even more appealing. 2. Pumpkin Pi

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Welcome to December 12, a date that has witnessed a myriad of significant events throughout history. 1941: The Beginning of a New Front in WWII On December 12, 1941, during the Second World War, the United States officially declared war on Japan, following the attack on Pearl Harbor just days earlier. This pivotal moment not only marked the U.S. entry into the war but also signified the broader conflict that would engulf nations across the globe. The declaration mobilized American forces and resources, ultimately shifting the balance of power in the war. This day is remembered as a significant turning point, leading to various military campaigns in the Pacific and Europe. 1800: The U.S. Capital Moves to Washington, D.C. In a landmark decision, on December 12, 1800, the capital of the United States officially moved from Philadelphia to Washington, D.C. This was an essential step in the young nation's development, symbolizing a new beginning and establishing a permanent seat

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ALTON – The Marquette Catholic girls basketball team has somewhat of a three-point attack this season. And it’s currently being led by junior Laila Davis. Through the first seven games of the season, she leads the team with 63 points, averaging nine per game. That’s why she is a Tucker’s Automotive Repair & Tire Athlete of the Month for the Explorers. “Laila has impressed me so far this year,” Marquette girls basketball head coach Whitney Sykes-Rogers said. “She’s our leading scorer. Before the season, I wouldn’t have guessed that. She’s been our best shooter, she’s usually guarding one of their best players. She just does a lot of good things for us. She doesn’t make too many mistakes and that’s kind of what you need on the floor at times. You need a calm head, and I think that’s what she provides.” She scored 11 points on Monday in a 42-37 loss to Althoff but has continued to impress

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EAST ALTON—Multiple police agencies executed a search warrant in the 100 block of Bonds Avenue on Wednesday night, deploying two armored SWAT vehicles during the operation. Officers established a command post in the 500 block of Lewis and Clark Boulevard as they carried out the warrant. A male individual was observed in handcuffs being placed into a police vehicle. The reasons for the search warrant remain unclear, and authorities have not released additional information regarding the incident. As the situation developed, police maintained a presence in the area, but further details about the nature of the investigation have not been disclosed.

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ALTON - Over $11,000 has been added to the grand total of more than $1 million allocated so far towards improving a section of Milton Road in Alton. Alton City Council members on Wednesday gave their unanimous approval to an agreement with Sheppard, Morgan and Schwaab, Inc. (SMS) under which the city will provide the firm an additional $11,308 to acquire two land parcels of right-of-way. As previously reported on Riverbender.com , these parcels were discovered after the project was designed, and the original agreement between SMS and the city had no provisions for right-of-way acquisition. The updated agreement will cover the cost of all work associated with the acquisitions, including record research, title work, appraisals and more. Phase 1 of the Milton Road Improvement Project will consist of “pavement patching, pavement milling, hot-mix asphalt resurfacing, sidewalk curb, ramps” and other improvements made along a 0.32-mile section of Milton Road from

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COLLINSVILLE — A 73-year-old woman from Collinsville died Sunday evening, Dec. 8, 2024, after being struck by a vehicle while walking on Troy Road, according to Madison County Coroner Nicholas P. Novacich. Patricia A. Green was hit in the 400 block of Troy Road around 6:30 p.m. on Dec. 8, 2024. The driver of the vehicle stopped at the scene and called 911. Green was subsequently transported to the emergency department at Anderson Hospital in Maryville, where she was pronounced dead at 7:36 p.m. by the attending physician. Preliminary findings indicate that Green died from blunt head and chest trauma, with a final cause of death pending the results of routine toxicology tests. The incident is currently under investigation by the Illinois State Police Troop 8 and the Madison County Coroner’s Office. Funeral arrangements for Green are being handled by Austin Layne Mortuary in St. Louis, Mo. Further details about the arrangements are pending.

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ALTON – OSF HealthCare Saint Anthony’s Health Center in Alton is excited to announce that Zach Yoder, MHA, RN, NEA-BC, FACHE, has accepted the invitation to serve as president. Mr. Yoder’s new position is effective Monday, January 6, 2025, and he will report to AJ Querciagrossa, chief executive officer, Western Region, OSF HealthCare. “Zach will lead OSF Saint Anthony’s in aligning with the overall strategy of OSF HealthCare while directing all internal operations in continuing to ensure that high quality and cost-effective health care is delivered to our patients who we are blessed to serve in the Riverbend region,” says Querciagrossa. “Zach will carry forward a culture of collaboration and integration that provides a safe Mission Partner and patient care environment.” New to OSF HealthCare, Zach most recently served as chief operating officer at SIHF Healthcare (Sauget, IL) and Touchette Regional Hospital (Cahokia Heights, IL).

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COLLINSVILLE — The Collinsville Police Department conducted a series of alcohol and tobacco compliance checks on Monday, Dec. 9, 2024, aimed at reducing underage consumption of these substances. The initiative targeted a dozen local retail establishments in an effort to deter sales to minors. The compliance checks included a range of locations, such as Sloan’s Pub House at 119 West Main St., Moto Mart on Vandalia Street, and multiple Sav-On Liquor & Wine outlets. The initiative sought to address concerns about underage access to alcohol and tobacco products within the city. Following the checks, four individuals were cited for the sale of alcohol to a minor. The individuals cited include Carrie R. Brewer, 23, from Maryville, who was working at Sloan’s Pub House; Lisa A. Krack, 64, from Fairview Heights, at Moto Mart on Vandalia; Shannon L. Haggard, 34, from Alton, at Sav-On on St. Louis Road; and Stacey L. Smithers, 55, from Collinsville, at Collinsville Mini-Mart

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