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EAST ST. LOUIS — On Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2024, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) convened the first meeting of her Women Veterans Advisory Council at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s East St. Louis Center. In attendance were Congresswoman Julia Brownley (CA-26), Ranking Member of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs’ Subcommittee on Health, and local women veterans an d stakeholders from across Central and Southern Illinois who will provide guidance and recommendations to help shape Congresswoman Budzinski’s priorities in Congress. “Women veterans face unique challenges, both during their service and as they transition out of active duty,” said Congresswoman Budzinski. “I’m excited to officially launch my Women Veterans Advisory Council to give women veterans a seat at the table and to inform my work on the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs. I’m so grateful to the local leaders who’ve agree

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EDWARDSVILLE - Southern Illinois University Edwardsville's Nurse Practitioner program has been recognized as the second-best in Illinois, according to the latest rankings released by RegisteredNursing.org. This announcement, made on Oct. 24, 2024, highlights the university's commitment to excellence in nursing education and its role in addressing healthcare needs in the region. RegisteredNursing.org, a respected authority in the nursing field, emphasizes the importance of nurse practitioner programs in training healthcare professionals to deliver advanced, patient-centered care. Nurse practitioners (NPs) play a critical role in alleviating healthcare shortages, particularly in underserved communities, by diagnosing and managing health conditions. The rankings are part of an annual evaluation that assesses nursing programs based on a variety of criteria. For further details on the methodology used in the rankings, visit the organization's website. With the healthcare landscape continuously

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The family of Trooper Corey S. Thompsen released a statement on Oct. 24, 2024, mourning his death in the line of duty on Oct. 18, 2024. The family expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support from the law enforcement community and the public. “To the public, he became a hero on October 18th, when he was killed in the line of duty. To his family, he has always been a hero,” the statement said. Trooper Thompsen's family described their profound loss, stating, “Our world has been shattered, and we will never be the same.” They reflected on his life, noting that he lived it to the fullest and cherished his loved ones. The family included a Biblical reference, saying, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God.” -Matthew 5:9. Visitation for Trooper Thompsen will take place on Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024, from 1 to 5 p.m. at St. Joseph-Ogden High School, with a first responder walk-through scheduled for 5 p.m. The

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ALTON - Becky Croxton has taken pictures all over the world, but she loves St. Louis most of all. Croxton is the October Milton Schoolhouse Artist of the Month. Her photographs are on display at Milton Schoolhouse, including many pictures of St. Louis landmarks and hidden pockets around the city. Her photography started as a way for her to show off the city she loves, and now, her work has gained traction across the Riverbend region. “I think that’s one of the things that really started me. I wanted people to see St. Louis like I see it, because I love it,” she said. “It’s my favorite place in the entire world, and I know it gets a lot of crap and hate, but I love it. I think there's so much beauty in the city, even in the parts that people think are bad or ugly. There’s just something beautiful about it to me, and I want people to see that.” Croxton’s photography focuses on nature and city scenes. She especially loves “dramatic,

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JERSEYVILLE - Kiley King and Neely Goetten have earned a spot at the Illinois High School Association (IHSA) state tournament after strong performances in singles competition at the sectional level. King secured second place, while Goetten finished third. King and Goetten are Sparklight Female Athletes of the Month for the Panthers. Their efforts contributed to the Panthers' overall second-place finish at the sectional meet, where they fell just one point short of first-place Sacred Heart-Griffin. The sectional tournament took place recently, showcasing the talent and dedication of high school athletes across the region. King and Goetten's achievements not only highlight their individual skills but also reflect the overall competitiveness of the Panthers' team. On Thursday at the state meet in the Chicago area, Kiley King of Jersey topped Paityn Koester of Mt. Zion 7-5, 6-4 in the opening round of championship action. Neely Goetten lost to Addison Aries of Dixon, 6-1, 6-1 in the firs

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ALTON - On the most recent episode of “You’re Beautiful” with Brian Trust, Ola Polen shared her experience of deliverance and peace since finding God. Polen explained that her journey started with salvation when she was baptized last year, and now she has reached deliverance. She believes she was summoned by God to serve Him. “Do you guys know what deliverance is? It’s when you completely get set free,” Polen said. “I was completely set free. Everything that builds up over the years, it just completely gets released. And I heard the voice of God. I did.” Polen said she is in a “season of stillness” since her deliverance. She is focused on the Lord and the Bible, and she feels she is growing closer to Him every day. Despite going through several “trials and tribulations,” Polen has found complete peace through God. God has called Polen to be obedient, she explained. While she is not perfect and often

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As the leaves begin to change color and the air turns crisp, many people seek to embrace the cozy atmosphere of fall. One of the best ways to do this is by filling your home with the warm, inviting scents of the season. While you can easily purchase fall-scented candles, why not take it a step further and create your own? Making your own candles allows you to customize scents, choose natural ingredients, and even craft unique gifts for friends and family. This article will guide you through the process of making your own fall-scented candles, from gathering supplies to pouring the perfect wax. The Appeal of Homemade Candles Homemade candles offer numerous benefits. They can be tailored to your personal preferences, ensuring that you create the exact scent profile you desire. Additionally, crafting your own candles allows you to control the ingredients, enabling you to avoid potentially harmful chemicals found in some commercial candles. Finally, making candles can be a fun and rewarding

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Welcome to another captivating edition of This Day in History! One of the most notable events to have taken place on October 24, 1945, was the establishment of the United Nations (UN). In the aftermath of World War II, representatives from 51 countries gathered in San Francisco to adopt the UN Charter, a significant step towards international cooperation and peacekeeping. The UN was created to promote social progress, better living standards, and human rights, aiming to prevent future conflicts and foster a more united world. Today, the UN has grown to include 193 member states and continues to play an essential role in addressing global issues. Fast forward to 1962, October 24 marked a crucial turning point during the Cuban Missile Crisis. On this day, U.S. President John F. Kennedy was informed that Soviet ships were headed to Cuba, potentially carrying missiles. This escalation heightened tensions between the United States and the Soviet Union, bringing the world to the brink

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ALTON - Glisson Law, a premier personal injury law firm serving clients throughout Illinois and Missouri, is pleased to announce that Timothy J. Chartrand has been named partner in the firm. With a decade of dedicated service at Glisson Law, Tim’s new role as partner highlights his commitment to exceptional legal representation and his ongoing contribution to the firm’s growth and success. Since joining Glisson Law in 2014, Tim Chartrand has built a remarkable reputation for his work in personal injury law. Specializing in motor vehicle and trucking collisions, premises liability, nursing home abuse, medical malpractice, and product liability, Tim has consistently secured justice for clients facing life-altering injuries. His work aligns with Glisson Law's long-standing tradition of advocating for plaintiffs in the most serious and complex cases. "Tim has been an integral part of our firm, and his dedication to his clients, his strong work ethic, and his passion

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ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo. — Ryan Martin, a 37-year-old resident of Ballwin, Missouri, faces multiple charges stemming from a series of alleged criminal activities, including property damage and vehicle theft. The St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney's Office announced the charges on October 23, 2024, following Martin's arrest on October 18. Martin has been charged with Property Damage First Degree, Tampering with a Motor Vehicle, Stealing $25,000 or More, Stealing a Motor Vehicle, and Aggravated Fleeing from a Stop. He is currently being held on a $250,000 cash-only bond. The charges relate to an incident on May 11, 2024, when a 2017 Freightliner tractor truck owned by Dimer Trucking was reported damaged after being taken from the company's parking lot in Fenton, Missouri. The truck was allegedly used to steal three large spools of copper wire, valued at over $285,000, from an Ameren substation located on the grounds of Mercy Hospital South. Surveillance footage linked Martin to

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GRANITE CITY – The Illinois Department of Transportation today announced that a full closure of eastbound Interstate 270 between Illinois 3 and Riverview Drive in Missouri is scheduled to take place for approximately 1 hour between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m. on Thursday night, Oct. 24, 2024, weather permitting. The closure is necessary to install an overhead sign truss. All lanes will reopen when work is complete, no later than 5 a.m. Friday, Oct. 25. Motorists should plan accordingly 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 the social media platform X at @IDOTDistrict8 or view area construction details on IDOT’s traveler information map on GettingAroundIllinois.com.

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ALTON - While GRID Solar does not sell electric vehicles, they can answer all of your questions about how EVs work with solar systems. Ryan Wagner, co-owner of GRID Solar, talks to a lot of people who want to know more about how solar systems affect electric vehicles. He explained that a solar system can power an EV without overworking the system, and the EV can act as a battery to boost your home’s solar system. “You want somebody who’s thought of this in a holistic way, every aspect of this,” Wagner said. “I own solar. My car is powered by the sun. I have a gas station built on top of my house. It’s called a solar power system. Now with my solar power system, I can run my entire house and have a $0 power bill. I can also run my EV and have a $0 per month gas bill, no more oil changes, no more of that type of regular maintenance on the car. My house becomes a hub that can now power more of my life.” Wagner shared that he is “a

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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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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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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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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 - 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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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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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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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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