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PONTOON BEACH/BELLEVILLE - A pair of local licensed cannabis dispensaries will receive a significant amount of funds from Round II of the Cannabis Social Equity Loan Program, Gov. J.B. Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity announced on Wednesday, Aug. 14, 2024. Cookies in Pontoon Beach with an application from Project Equity Illinois, will receive $240,000 in the loan awards. Market 96 in Belleville, with an application from Blunts&Moore, LLC, also will receive a $240,000 loan. The second round of loans will total $5.5 million overall throughout the state. Through the program, 23 qualified, licensed social equity dispensaries are receiving $240,000 Direct Forgivable Loans (DFL) financed by the State of Illinois. Second round of Cannabis Social Equity Loan Program provides $5.5 million in loans to social equity dispensaries “Since day one, my administration has put equity at the forefront of building the most accessible cannabis industry

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GRANITE CITY - A man from Granite City faces multiple criminal charges after injuring a 9-year-old child while evading arrest from a previous criminal case. James H. Ellis, 28, of Granite City, was charged with aggravated battery (a Class 3 felony) and resisting a peace officer (a Class A misdemeanor). On Aug. 5, 2024, Ellis allegedly caused bodily harm to a 9-year-old victim after he “pushed the victim to the ground, causing him to strike his head on the pavement and lacerating his head,” according to Madison County court documents. Ellis reportedly committed the battery while fleeing on foot from a Granite City Police officer attempting to arrest him; he was wanted on previous criminal charges including reckless discharge of a firearm and more, according to a petition to deny his pretrial release. “He fled from police on foot, approaching two children and pushing one to the ground, causing him to strike his head on the pavement, causing injury,”

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JERSEYVILLE - A new chapter began for several Jersey Community Middle School students on Wednesday morning, Aug. 14, 2024, for the first day of the 2024-2025 school year. New JCMS Principal Niki Egelhoff said their first day at JCMS has “been incredible,” commending school staff for working hard to “make today perfect.” “As I walk the halls I've seen many smiling, eager faces,” Egelhoff said. “Teachers are escorting students around the building helping them get familiar with the new routines and they have lots of fun activities planned to help their new students get to know one another.” JCMS staff all wore new "Aspire for Excellence" t-shirts, highlighting the school’s motto for this year. Egelhoff said they plan to help their students embody this motto through daily character lessons, rigorous curriculum, and other enriching programs offered. She emphasized the school’s dedication to fostering an environment where

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Discover the diverse and exciting array of events happening in the area, from live music and farmers' markets to family-friendly movie nights and thrilling gaming tournaments. For a complete listing of events, visit https://www.riverbender.com/events/ . Featured Experience the 28th Season of the The Land of Goshen Community Market ! The Land of Goshen Community Market returns for its 28th season, welcoming visitors every Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., and this time it will be held at L&C's N.O. Nelson Campus in Edwardsville. Visitors can explore a vibrant array of favorite vendors alongside exciting new additions, offering fresh produce, beautiful cut flowers, delicious baked goods, eggs, meats, unique art, and more. Market highlights include live music from local talent, fun and educational activities for children through the Market Sprouts program, and a variety of Goshen Market Merchandise for shoppers. Visitors can also learn about what's in season by checking the seasonal

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ALTON — What began as a small initiative seven years ago has grown into a significant community event, thanks to the efforts of Jiuana and Efrem Evans. On Saturday, Aug. 10, 2024, the couple organized a backpack giveaway at the Alton Middle School Annex Gym, providing over 300 backpacks to local students, a marked increase from the 100 backpacks distributed last year. "Seeing the community come together is incredibly fulfilling," said Efrem Evans. "I'm very proud, more proud that the community is coming together and everybody is having a good time." The Evans family are Difference Makers in the Riverbend area with their charitable hearts. The event, which is not affiliated with an official 501(c) organization, started when the Evans' middle school-aged child needed a backpack, and they realized many other families were in similar situations. Over the years, the initiative has expanded, driven by the couple's dedication and the community's support. "We have a kid in each divisio

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ALTON – The fourth season of Movie Nights at James Killion Park launched with a "resounding success," one of the coordinators, Sheila Goins, said. The event, held on Saturday, Aug. 10, 2024, saw hundreds of children in attendance and was described as a "beautiful vibe of excitement and community," stated Goins. The next movie night is scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 17, 2024, featuring "The Little Mermaid," sponsored by Carrollton Bank. Free food, popcorn, and drinks will be available, with service starting at 7:30 p.m. and the movie beginning at 8 p.m. Residents are encouraged to bring their children, along with blankets, lawn chairs, and bug repellent. NFL player Mike Ford's grandmother was present to assist with backpack donations from Ford's foundation, which was a heartfelt gesture appreciated by the children and their families. Ford is a cornerback in the NFL and was born and grew up in Alton and attended Marquette Catholic High School. The first week's movie was sponsored

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SPRINGFIELD - Today, Governor JB Pritzker signed Executive Order 2024-02 to begin a cross-sector planning process to outline a clear framework for addressing the needs of older adults, people with disabilities, and caregivers over the next decade. The Executive Order creates a new strategic position, the Chief Planning Officer, within the Illinois Department on Aging (IDoA). This position will lead the development and implementation of a multi-year Multi-Sector Plan for Aging (MPA). The MPA will serve as a 10-year blueprint to support healthy aging in Illinois communities and set clear, measurable objectives for evaluating public and private sector progress toward this goal. The Chief Planning Officer will deliver the MPA to the Governor and General Assembly by Dec. 31, 2025, and an additional status report by Dec. 31, 2026. “Taking care of our older Illinoisans is a responsibility my administration does not take lightly—which is why this plan will examine every aspect

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GLEN CARBON - Tennis courts are getting closer to returning to Glen Carbon as part of the Schon Park Phase 3 improvement project, which is making progress following Village Board approval of two related resolutions on Tuesday. After swapping the Miner Park tennis courts for pickleball courts last month , the Village Board voted to pursue funding a project which will bring tennis courts and much more to Schon Park. Public Works Director Scott Slemer outlined the full scope of the project’s third phase at Tuesday’s Village Board meeting. “Schon Park Phase 3 is expected to include a sports complex including tennis, pickleball, and basketball courts, in addition to connecting paths to the existing parks system per the Parks and Trails Master Plan,” Slemer said. The village is now set to pursue Open Space Land Acquisition and Development grants for Fiscal Year 2025 for the development of the Schon Park Phase 3 project. The grants will reportedly reimburse

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SPRINGFIELD - Senator Erica Harriss and Representative Bradley Fritts have been named Freshmen of the Year by the Illinois Chamber of Commerce. This award is given to legislators who have made exceptional contributions to the defense of free enterprise and the advancement of economic opportunities for the people of Illinois during their first two years in office. Senator Erica Harriss has represented the 56th District since 2023 and serves as the Minority Spokesperson on the Local Government Committee. During Senator Harriss’ time on the Madison County Board, she served as the Chairperson of the Personnel Committee and was also a member of the Finance, Government Operations, and Grants committees. Senator Harriss served on the County Board for six years. Senator Harriss lives in Glen Carbon, where she is a small business owner, volunteers for local charity organizations, and a youth group leader in her church. “As a small business owner, Sen. Harriss has a unique

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CHICAGO – Attorney General Kwame Raoul today announced his legislation to fill existing voids in labor enforcement that leave workers unprotected from often-devastating employer retaliation when they seek to enforce their rights or blow the whistle on unlawful employer practices was signed into law. “With the signing of this important workers’ rights law, Illinois workers will no longer risk their livelihood and ability to provide for their families simply for asserting their basic workplace rights,” Raoul said. “I appreciate Gov. Pritzker taking this final action and ensuring we encourage workers to step up and report dangerous or unlawful practices in the workplace. I thank Sen. Castro and Leader Evans for their consistent advocacy and hard work on this important workers’ rights issue.” Raoul’s legislation – contained in House Bill (HB) 5561 – will protect workers from retaliatory conduct by employers, strengthen current

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GODFREY - The Nature Institute staff love to introduce the natural world to people of all ages. Lately, they have expanded and increased the programs offered for young children. “Meaningful outdoor experiences benefit children and inspire them to love and care for nature. Children who are connected to nature have better health, higher satisfaction with life, and pro-environment behaviors.” (Children & Nature Network) The Nature Institute is excited to announce it is expanding Tiny Trekkers by adding an additional session. Tiny Trekkers is a weekly nature-based drop off program for ages 3 – 5. Preschoolers will explore our nearly 500 acres of preserve through hands-on experiences in nature. We stomp through creeks, use nets to catch and observe insects, taste edible plants, and learn about the natural world!

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ALTON - Senior Services Plus, Inc. will host a community blood drive with the American Red Cross on Monday, August 26th from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 2603 North Rodgers Avenue in Alton. Blood donations are needed year-round, especially during emergency blood shortages. Right now, hospital demands continue to outpace donations and organizations like the American Red Cross are reaching out for the community’s assistance. As an incentive, the American Red Cross is gifting donors a $20 Amazon.com Gift Card by email when they donate during the month of August. For more information or to make an appointment to donate, call 1-800-RED-CROSS or visit RedCrossBlood.org and enter code SPP. Walk-ins are also welcome, although appointments are encouraged to help manage donor flow. About SENIOR SERVICES PLUS Senior Services Plus, Inc. is a 501(c) not-for-profit organization established to enrich the lives of older adults through programs and services, for everyone aging successfully. Senio

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GRANITE CITY – The Illinois Department of Transportation today announced that road repairs will require lane closures in both directions of Interstate 270 between Illinois 3 and Riverview Drive in Missouri starting, weather permitting, at 9 p.m. Friday, Aug. 16. One lane will remain open. All lanes will reopen by 5 a.m. Monday, Aug. 19. Motorists should expect delays and are encouraged to use alternate routes during this closure. Drivers are urged to reduce speed, be alert for changing conditions, obey all construction signage, and refrain from using mobile devices while approaching and traveling through the work zone. For IDOT District 8 updates, follow us on X, formerly known as Twitter, at @IDOTDistrict8 or view area construction details on IDOT’s traveler information map on GettingAroundIllinois.com.

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CHICAGO – Today, Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) released Illinois’ 2024 Economic Growth Plan, a five-year plan to guide Illinois’ economic development priorities and programming. Building upon Illinois’ success, this plan outlines a roadmap to attract record-level investments, create jobs and support communities over the next five years while laying the foundation for economic growth for generations to come. “In the last five years, we’ve seen unprecedented response from companies that are seeing the investment made in Illinois and deciding that is the kind of ethos and vision they need in the home of their next business expansion,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “We’re continuing that work more ambitiously than ever before, continuing to focus on a sustainable economic future that leaves no Illinoisan behind.” Illinois’ 2024 Economic Growth Plan is guided

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GODFREY - The North Alton-Godfrey Business Council continues shining the spotlight on local businesses, with a focus this month on Benchmark Mortgage. With plans for financial education courses and more, the company aims to give back to the community as opportunities await at future council meetings. Nathan Kerpan with Benchmark Mortgage shared more about the work they do and their membership in the North Alton-Godfrey Business Council (NAGBC) on Our Daily Show! on Riverbender.com . Kerpan said Benchmark has been in business for 24 years, but only learned about the Business Council about a year ago - and he’s already impressed with their track record. “I just saw the quality and the quantity and businesses that have been involved for over 50 years,” Kerpan said of the council. He added that the welcoming environment of each NAGBC meeting even fosters collaboration between would-be competitors working in the same industries. “We actually collaborate

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ALTON – Illinois State Representative Amy Elik and Illinois State Senator Erica Harriss have teamed up to pass numerous bipartisan pieces of legislation that aim to positively impact the Metro East. Since passing the legislation during the Spring Legislative Session, the bills were recently signed into law by Governor JB Pritzker. Senate Bill 3566 mandates landfills in counties with populations over 250,000 to provide facilities for cleaning mud, gravel, waste, and other materials from vehicles leaving landfill sites. Senate Bill 3567 aims to increase transparency in local government unites proposing tax levy increases exceeding 5 percent. The bill amends the Truth in Taxation law in the Property Tax Code by requiring notices to be placed prominently on taxing districts’ websites for at least 30 days, in addition to existing requirements for publishing notices in local newspapers. Senate Bill 3571 requires automated external defibrillators (AEDs) to be present

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BELLEVILLE — The St. Clair County State’s Attorney’s Office announced on Tuesday, Aug. 13, 2024, that it has filed charges against a Belleville man in connection with a death investigation that began on August 11. On Monday, Aug. 12, 2024, the Belleville Police Department presented information regarding the case to the St. Clair County State’s Attorney’s Office. After a thorough review, the State’s Attorney’s Office announced today that Matthew K. Thomas, 23, of Belleville, has been charged with two counts of Murder/Intent to Kill, a Class M Felony. Thomas is currently in custody at the Belleville Police Department and is expected to be transferred to the St. Clair County Jail as he awaits further court proceedings. According to the Belleville Police Department, no additional suspects are being sought in connection with this case. Authorities remind the public that all suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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ALTON - Alton Mayor David Goins and staff have invited media to a press conference for 10 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 14, 2024, at Alton City Hall, on the mine subsidence at Gordon Moore Park and what the mayor describes as "reopening plans." City of Alton City Council Coordinator Bianca R. Jackson said: "The press conference will feature updates and discussions from Alton Mayor David Goins. "Given the significant level of public interest, we are committed to providing meaningful updates and information to the public," she said. "Mayor Goins, along with other city officials, will provide updates on the subsidence incident and outline the steps being taken to safely reopen Gordon Moore Park to the public. This will include information on the assessment of the site, mitigation efforts, and the timeline for reopening." Mayor Goins was limited on what information he could release on Tuesday morning, but said they are excited to make an announcement to some updates in regard to the mining efforts

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EDWARDSVILLE — Chappy's Fried Chicken & Burgers, a long-standing establishment in the Edwardsville community, has permanently closed its doors at 1031 Century Drive. The closure marks the end of the restaurant that became known for its burgers, fried chicken, fries, appetizers, and shakes offered at reasonable prices. The restaurant, situated next to Wang Gang Asian Eats in the Edwardsville shopping center, issued a statement on Monday, Aug. 12, 2024, mirroring that of its neighboring business, which also has closed. The statement for Chappy's by ownership was as follows: "Greetings Guest: Due to unforeseen circumstances beyond our control, Chappy's is now closed," the statement read. "Thank you for the years of support and patronage that has allowed us to be a bigger part of the community." There was not any other information released about the future of either establishment - Chappy's or Wang Gang - except they have both been permanently closed.

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GLEN CARBON – The Glen Carbon Heritage Museum has partnered with the Glen Carbon Centennial Library to offer a speaker presentation by Charlene Blair, titled "Philately: Charlene Blair's Journey," on Sat., Aug. 17 at 2 pm. This free event is open to the public and will be held at the Heritage Museum, located at 124 School Street, Glen Carbon. The Glen Carbon Heritage Museum is also presenting the "Cover to Cover" exhibition curated by Charlene Blair that is currently on display at the museum. Blair started collecting stamps in the early 1990s, specifically ones featuring African Americans. The Black Heritage collection is the most popular series amongst post offices, honoring African Americans that have a wide-variety of backgrounds and community influences. As a collector and exhibitor, Blair has hundreds of stamps in her collection. During her speaker presentation, Blair will share extensive knowledge of her collection, its historical relevance and give an overview of

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