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EAST ALTON - In a ceremony held recently, the Riverbend East Rotary Club presented its Business of the Year award to the Werts family, owners of the Wood River-based Werts Welding and Tank Service Company. The family, consisting of Nick, Cheryl, and Dwight Werts, received the award in recognition of their business achievements and contributions to the local community. The Werts family has shown a remarkable commitment to their business and the community, the organizers of the event said that day. Werts Welding and Tank Service Company has been a staple in the Wood River area, providing specialized welding and tank services. The family-owned business has built a reputation for quality, reliability and community service over the years.

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CHICAGO - Today, Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) awarded more than $6 million in grant funding to four recipients through the Home Illinois Workforce Pilot Program. This program is a partnership between DCEO, the Illinois Office to Prevent and End Homelessness (OPEH) and the Illinois Interagency Task Force on Homelessness and is funded through the Illinois Job Training and Economic Development Program (JTED). “We’re fighting homelessness in Illinois with compassion, innovation, and ongoing coordination,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Thanks to this award, my administration is one step closer to reaching our goal of functional zero homelessness by providing vulnerable residents the resources they need to find financial and housing stability.” "Too often, systemic inequities compound and force hardworking people into homelessness. Our communities have been asking for ways to uplift and protect eac

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ST. LOUIS - The City of St. Louis is asking residents to provide input and feedback on the future of City streets, sidewalks, and surrounding infrastructure through a new survey and upcoming open houses. Since the spring of 2024, the City has been developing its first citywide Transportation & Mobility Plan in decades. Once completed in 2025, the plan will establish clear, citywide priorities and policy recommendations for a safer and better-maintained transportation network, utilizing national best practices in ways that fit St. Louis. “We’re lucky to have forward-thinking planners and engineers in the City of St. Louis who are committed to making our streets people-friendly,” said Mayor Tishaura O. Jones. “While we create the plan that will shape how people get around in St. Louis for decades, we need input from residents from every neighborhood and people who travel on our City streets, whether by car, bus, bike, foot, or with any type of assistance. We

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Welcome to this day in history, September 10th! 2008 - The Large Hadron Collider Starts Up On September 10, 2008, the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) successfully powered up the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) for the first time. Located near Geneva, the LHC is the world's largest and most powerful particle accelerator. This monumental event marked a significant leap in our understanding of particle physics, aiming to answer fundamental questions about the universe, such as the nature of dark matter and the existence of parallel universes. 1977 - Last Execution by Guillotine in France In a macabre chapter of history, France conducted its last execution by guillotine on September 10, 1977. Hamida Djandoubi, a Tunisian immigrant convicted of murder, was the final person to meet this fate. This event symbolized the end of an era, as France abolished the death penalty in 1981, becoming one of the last Western European countries to do so. 1945 - Mike the Headless

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ALTON - Improvements to a building on Henry Street are one step closer to getting a funding boost from the City of Alton following unanimous approval from the Committee of the Whole on Monday . According to a redevelopment agreement between the City of Alton and Honke Properties LLC, the city has agreed to reimburse the developer for up to $18,636 of the project cost upon its completion. These funds would be generated through Tax Increment Financing (TIF) and would cover about 25% of the project’s estimated total of $74,545. As previously reported on Riverbender.com , the improvements consist of “interior accessibility improvements, including elevator modernization and hydraulic jack replacement.” These upgrades will be made to a brick building on the corner of Henry and East 3rd Street, which is currently home to multiple businesses, including Honke Properties. A resolution authorizing city officials to execute the redevelopment agreement was unanimously

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FARMERSVILLE - When folks see Natalie Wellborn’s jewelry or portraits, they move in for a closer look, then realize that all of the intricate negative spaces in her works are not drawn, they are cut out! Natalie is a paper-cutting artist. Paper cutting is an old art form that dates back to the fourth century, and it is not commonly seen in today’s art scene. Natalie discovered the art of paper cutting in 2008. She started as a hobby and got good at it. Friends told her that she should do something with the new skill she honed. She toyed with the idea, but she was busy with so many other things, including trying to stay in a corporate job that wasn’t a good fit for her. Natalie then learned that she had ADD, and that she was on the spectrum for autism as well. This explained, in part, why she found corporate demands so arduous. She left her job and started an exhaustive job search that forced her to re-evaluate her life. Husband, Zachary, told her she should step

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MADISON COUNTY - On Saturday, September 14, the Madison County Historical Society Family History Walk will take place in the Leclaire National Historic District in Edwardsville. This is a free event offered by the Madison County Historical Society to build interest in the community around us. Participants will meet at the Nickel Plate Station at 10 a.m., then follow a trail that leads them to various locations where actors portraying former Leclaire residents will greet them. Visitors will, of course, meet Leclaire founder, N.O. Nelson, as well as his daughter, Julia Lawnin, bathtub maker Fred Merkle, school teacher Mildred Shaw, housewife Emma Sehnert, cabinetmaker Charles Vollentine, and junk dealer Frank Mack. All will tell stories of their lives in Leclaire a century ago. In past years, the Annual Family History Walk focused on downtown Edwardsville. This is the first time the event has been held in Leclaire. Allow approximately two hours to complete the walk. The 2024 Living

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ALTON – In the early hours of Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024, the Alton Police Department responded to a hit-and-run incident on the 1200 block of Milton Road. At approximately 1:03 a.m., officers were notified of the crash, which involved a vehicle striking a utility pole. Upon arrival, officers determined that the driver had fled the scene on foot. Witnesses reported seeing a male subject running away from the crash site. Following a search, the driver was located at a nearby residence. The individual was issued citations for improper lane usage and leaving the scene of a property damage accident. No injuries were reported as a result of the crash. The vehicle involved was subsequently towed from the scene. Ameren Illinois, the utility company, was called to replace the damaged utility pole. The incident is under investigation by the Alton Police Department.

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SPRINGFIELD - On World EV Day, Gov. JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Transportation announced $25.3 million in grants to build charging stations along interstate corridors through the initial round of funding made available from the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Program. In addition to making travel by electric vehicle more reliable and accessible, the funding advances Gov. Pritzker’s continuing commitment to make the state an industry leader and fight climate change by putting a million EVs on Illinois roads by 2030. “Today, I am proud to take another step toward making Illinois a national leader in clean energy,” said Gov. Pritzker. “Thanks to the NEVI program, we’re able to build an integrated network of charging stations that will help ensure we meet our goal of putting 1 million electric vehicles on the road by 2030. As Illinois leads the electric vehicle revolution, we’re fulfilling our commitment to cleaner, greener energy

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ST. LOUIS, MO. - The St. Louis Regional Freightway has added three additional properties to its growing pipeline of rail-accessible industrial real estate sites: Admiral Parkway, Forest Boulevard, and Granite City Buildings and Land. They bring the total number of rail-served sites in the pipeline to 20, spread across 16 locations. These sites all feature heavy industrial user zoning ready for developers to take advantage of the region’s global connectivity with access to all six Class I railroads and rail infrastructure that is constantly being improved. The new site locations offer more than 1,150 acres combined. Admiral Parkway in Dupo, Illinois, is the largest of the three, encompassing 1,000 acres with rail service potential through Union Pacific Railroad. It lies within an Enterprise Zone and a Tax Increment Financing (TIF) District and is located adjacent to Interstate 255 (I-255). The Illinois Department of Transportation’s FY 2024-2029 Proposed Highway Improvemen

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CHICAGO – Attorney General Kwame Raoul’s office charged a Montgomery County man with the alleged dissemination of child sexual abuse material. The case is part of Raoul’s ongoing work, in collaboration with federal law enforcement agencies and local law enforcement officials throughout Illinois, to apprehend offenders who download and trade child sexual abuse images online. The Attorney General’s office charged Troy A. Shull, 46, of Raymond, Illinois, in Montgomery County Circuit Court with six counts of dissemination of child pornography, Class X felonies each punishable by up to 30 years in prison. Sentences are ultimately determined by the court. Shull is detained at the Montgomery County jail and his next court appearance is Oct. 17. “Child exploitation can cause trauma to survivors and their families that can lead to a lifetime of physical and emotional recovery,” Raoul said. “I will continue to collaborate with local, state and

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O'FALLON — HSHS Medical Group is pleased to welcome Dr. Gregorio Climaco, family medicine, to their team. Dr. Climaco is now scheduling patients at HSHS Medical Group Family Medicine – O’Fallon, located at 1512 North Green Mount Road, Suite 108 in O’Fallon. As a primary care physician, Dr. Climaco cares for patients of all ages and offers a variety of services, including minor procedures, general wellness, well-child visits, women’s health care, and acute and chronic illness management. Dr. Climaco earned his Bachelor of Science in biological sciences, medical science at the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. He received his medical degree from Ross University School of Medicine in Bridgetown, Barbados. Dr. Climaco completed a family medicine residency at Saint Louis University - Southwest Illinois Family Medicine Residency. A Mascoutah native, he will be practicing alongside his father, Dr. Gregory Climaco. To schedule an appointment

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SHILOH — On Monday, Sept. 9, 2024, the St. Clair County Assistant State's Attorney Airika Detmer issued a three-count warrant against Roxana L. Miranda, 39, of the 100 block of Kathy Drive in Shiloh. Miranda faces charges of Aggravated Battery to a Child, a Class X Felony (warrant #24CF0154501), and two counts of Endangering the Life or Health of a Child, both Class A Misdemeanors (warrants #24CF0154502 and #24CF0154503). On Sunday, July 14, the Shiloh Police Department responded to a local hospital following reports of injuries sustained by a three-week-old child. The incident occurred at approximately 8:37 a.m. on July 14, and subsequent investigation revealed that the injuries were inflicted while the infant was in the care of a family member, Shiloh Police said. The child, suffering from serious injuries, was initially treated at a local hospital before being transferred to a St. Louis area hospital for further medical attention. The case was then submitted to the St. Clair

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St. Louis, MO - The Great Forest Park Balloon Race, presented by PNC Bank, will return to Forest Park’s Emerson Central Fields, Sept. 20-21, 2024. This free two day event, which includes the GLOW on Sept. 20 and the RACE on Sept. 21, will bring families and friends together for a time of outdoor fun, “wow” moments and lasting memories. The Great Forest Park Balloon Race is one of the longest-running hot air balloon races in the United States and one of the only races that takes place in a large metropolitan city. The tradition began in 1973 with a handful of hot air balloons and a few spectators. Today, the internationally renowned event welcomes more than 50 of the nation’s best hot air balloon pilots and thousands of spectators annually. Thanks to the generous contributions of event sponsors, including presenting sponsor PNC Bank, Washington University in St. Louis and Blue Moon Brewing Co., this beloved community tradition is free

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ST. LOUIS, MO – Today, Mayor Tishaura O. Jones’ administration released the 2024 American Rescue Plan Annual Evaluation Report (AER) . The purpose of the AER is to determine the impact of ARPA funds on addressing the disproportionate impacts of COVID-19 and the long-term effects of historic disinvestment in much of the City of St. Louis. “We’re more than four years removed from those first shutdowns and the initial shock of the pandemic,” said Mayor Tishaura O. Jones. “This report exists to show the work St. Louis City has done with the help from the Biden-Harris administration COVID relief funds. The City of St. Louis received $498 million, a significant infusion of resources to help the City reverse the negative impacts of the pandemic.” The AER was created to measure progress against four goals and their corresponding evaluation questions: Align ARPA funding to St. Louis' greatest needs. Ensure ARPA funds are improving equity and

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GRAFTON - Community members have the chance to win four tickets to the Raging Rivers Haunted Trail. Every Friday and Saturday night this October, Raging Rivers will offer its annual Haunted Trail through the woods of the waterpark. Attendees can expect plenty of jumpscares and lots of lore on the park’s property. You can enter below to win four tickets to the Haunted Trail attraction, or buy tickets online at RagingRivers.com/Haunted-Trail. “It’s riddled with jumpscares all through the woods, so it’s fun,” said Jeremy Hayes, park manager at Raging Rivers. “That's our ultimate goal. That’s what we strive for. We’re smile-makers, and that’s what we put on our shirts. Ultimately, we’re here to make people smile, and that’s what we want. We want people to be happy.” Hayes explained that this year’s Haunted Trail is twice the size of last year’s attraction. Attendees will walk on a mulched path throug

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ST. LOUIS COUNTY - The victim in a homicide that occurred on Sept. 7, 2024, has been identified as Rayon Peebles, 30 years of age, of the 2700 block of Grants Parkway in St. Louis, the St. Louis County Police Department announced on Monday, Sept. 9, 2024. St. Louis County Police Department Bureau of Crimes Against Persons detectives are investigating a homicide in the area of Airport Road and N Dade Avenue in the City of Ferguson that resulted in the death of an adult male. At 9:30 p.m., on 9/7/2024, police officers from the City of Berkeley Police Department responded to a call for service for a shooting in the area of Airport Road and Peurifoy Avenue. Officers located an adult male in a vehicle suffering from a life-threatening gunshot injury. The male was transported to an area hospital for treatment but succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased. Preliminary investigation revealed the shooting occurred in the area of Airport Road and N. Dade Avenue in the City of Ferguson

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O’FALLON — The Edwardsville Marching Tigers showcased their talent at the Metro East Marching Classic on Saturday night, Sept. 7, 2024, at O’Fallon Township High School, premiering their show, "Origins of E’vil." The performance earned them sweeping victories in multiple categories. The Marching Tigers won the caption awards for Best Music, Best Visual Performance, and Best General Effect. Their outstanding performance led them to secure First Place in Class 4A and the prestigious title of 2024 MEMC Grand Champions. "We are proud to win First Place in Class 4A, and to be named the 2024 MEMC Grand Champions," the group stated. The Metro East Marching Classic is an annual event that brings together high school marching bands from across the region to compete and showcase their musical and visual performances. This year, the Edwardsville Marching Tigers’ triumph at the competition highlighted their dedication and skill in the field of marching band performance.

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ROSEWOOD HEIGHTS — Marlee Cope, an 11-year-old student at Meadowbrook Intermediate School in the Bethalto School District, is recovering at home after a severe accident that occurred on Friday, Sept. 6, 2024. A GoFundMe campaign has been organized to help Marlee, who was struck near Kutter Park in East Alton. Marlee was airlifted after the accident to Children’s Hospital in St. Louis for extensive treatment. Marlee suffered extensive injuries, including a broken left femur, a broken thumb, a massive hematoma on her face, and numerous cuts, scrapes, and bruises. Her eyes remain swollen shut. She underwent surgery to insert a titanium rod to mend her femur bone. Despite the severity of her injuries, Marlee is expected to one day make a full recovery. "Waiting for her to get out of surgery was one of the hardest parts," said her father, Mark Cope, Jr. "Watching her go into surgery, it really was shocking. It took quite a while for both Sarah and me to process what was

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JERSEY COUNTY - On Sept. 8, 2024, at 4:23 p.m., the Jersey County Sheriff's Office (JCSO) responded to the report of a motor vehicle accident with injuries at State Highway 111 near Nilo Farms. Preliminary investigation revealed a sedan, southbound and driven by a 62-year-old male, left the highway and struck a tree. The driver was ultimately transported by helicopter to a St. Louis area hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Personnel from the Brighton Betsey Ann Fire Department, Brighton Police Department, Alton Memorial Hospital Ambulance, Illinois Department of Natural Resources Conservation Police, and Survival Flight assisted the JCSO with emergency services at the scene. The Illinois State Police are investigating the fatality crash. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and loved ones of the deceased.

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