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ALTON/WOOD RIVER - Sarah Anderson has always been a creative person. Now, the local mom has decided to invest in her art as she starts her new business, The Painted Garden. After her son was born, Anderson realized that she needed a hobby for herself. She began painting and fell in love with the creative process. She can’t wait to share and sell her art through The Painted Garden. A launch party on Sept. 12, 2024, at Mac’s Downtown will help her spread the word and encourage the community to celebrate a new local business. “I’ve always liked to create, crafting or painting. It’s just been a fun little hobby of mine, but I decided to make it a business probably about a year and a half ago,” Anderson explained. “The plan is to sell the items that I create mostly on an online platform through my website, which is in the works, and through Amazon and Etsy.” Anderson works with texture and acrylic paints on canvas board or wrapped canvas

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ALTON - Three sex offenders from Alton and one “violent offender against youth” from Collinsville have been charged with failing to register as legally required. Anthony W. Jones, 61, of Alton, was charged with unlawful failure to register as a sex offender, his second or subsequent offense and a Class 2 felony. On June 11, 2024, Jones allegedly failed to register within three days after moving to the 1600 block of Langdon Street in Alton, and had previously been charged with failing to register in 2016. Patrick J. Wooldridge, 45, listed from Alton but who “lacks a fixed residence,” was charged with a Class 3 felony count of failure to report weekly to the Alton Police Chief, as legally required for those without a fixed residence. Wooldridge was also charged with a Class 4 felony count of theft for allegedly stealing an undisclosed amount of U.S. currency from Bluff City Outdoors, after previously being convicted of theft in Madison County in 2006.

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EDWARDSVILLE – Multiple fire departments responded to a devastating fire in the 8100 block of Goshen Road late Saturday night, Aug. 24, 2024, as flames engulfed a residence, necessitating a second alarm due to the absence of fire hydrants in the area. Firefighters from departments including Troy, Edwardsville, Glen Carbon, Hamel, Marine, Hamel EMS, and the Black Jack Fire Department, and others, arrived on the scene to assist in battling the blaze. The need to shuttle water to the location further complicated efforts to control the fire. As of 12:15 a.m. on Sunday, Aug. 25, 2024, crews were still actively working to extinguish the flames, which had already breached the roof and spread throughout the entire house. Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.

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MADISON COUNTY - State Senator Erica Harriss has spent the summer in the 56th District, learning from constituents. Harriss explained that her goal is to learn more about local issues so that she can accurately represent her constituents in the Illinois Senate, and she is proud of the 87,000 households, or 200,000 people, who she represents. In an appearance on “Our Daily Show!” with C.J. Nasello , she broke down some of her recent bills and her philosophy about working with both sides of the aisle. “We tell our kids all the time, and I tell mine, you can control yourself, you can’t always control other people, so just do the right thing every single time,” Harriss said. “I think that’s what it comes down to is just, here’s our goal, how do we do the right thing, how do we do the right thing by everyone?” Harriss pointed to Senate Bill 3571, which passed the Senate in April. This bill requires automated external defibrillators

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HARDIN - Several community favorite events and county fair traditions are making their highly anticipated return at this year’s Calhoun County Fair, set for Thursday, Sept. 5 to Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024. Fair organizer Patrick Simon appeared on Our Daily Show! on Riverbender.com to share more about the fair as it comes together. He said his fellow organizers have been hard at work getting everything prepared, and emphasized the event wouldn’t be possible without the support of its sponsors. “The local support that we get is wonderful,” Simon said. “Everybody loves the fair, so they want to see it continue on and have it grow, and have it become something that for generations on can be enjoyed.” He added that on Thursday, admission for children 12 and under is completely free, courtesy of the day’s sponsor, Simmons Hanly Conroy. Animal judging for dogs, cats, poultry, and rabbits kicks off at 6 p.m. on Thursday, when the Garden Tractor

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ALTON — The Illinois State Police have identified Vernon Randle Jr., 27, of Alton, as the suspect who died in a shootout near Liberty and 6th Street in Alton on Thursday. The altercation also resulted in the death of Odin, a beloved K-9 of the Alton Police Department, and injuries to Officer Allen Averbeck. The incident unfolded on Thursday, leading to a gunfight that left Randle dead and Officer Averbeck injured. Odin, the K-9, was shot during the exchange and later succumbed to his injuries at Hawthorne Animal Hospital in Glen Carbon. Officer Averbeck, who was wearing a protective vest, has since been released from a local hospital and is expected to continue his recovery at home. Alton Police Chief Jarrett Ford took to the Alton Police Department's Facebook page on Friday to express his condolences and gratitude for the community support. "While we mourn his loss, I also want to highlight that K-9 Odin performed courageously and sacrificed his life to save the lives of his

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CAHOKIA HEIGHTS – The Illinois Department of Transportation today announced that pavement repairs on southbound Interstate 255 between Illinois 15 and Illinois 157 in St. Clair County will require lane closures over several weekends. Throughout construction, at least one lane will remain open at all times. The lane closures started at 7 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 23, and the two left lanes of southbound I-255 between Illinois 15 and Illinois 157 will be closed. One of the southbound lanes will reopen by 6 a.m. Monday, Aug. 26. This advance work is part of a $65.4 million project, made possible by Gov. JB Pritzker’s Rebuild Illinois capital program, to resurface I-255 throughout St. Clair County. Motorists can expect delays and should allow extra time for trips through this area. 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

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GRANITE CITY - After exposing a 1-month-old child to multiple controlled substances, resulting in their death, a Granite City couple faces multiple felony charges. Patrick L. Godfrey, 27, and Sarrah M. Cheung, 41, both of the same Granite City address, were both charged with involuntary manslaughter (both Class 2 felonies) and endangering the life or health of a child (both Class 3 felonies). Godfrey and Cheung allegedly used meth and allowed a 1-month-old child to be exposed to both meth and cannabis before “co-sleeping,” or sleeping in close proximity to the child, reportedly resulting in their death. According to petitions filed to deny both Godfrey and Cheung’s pretrial release, officers responded to a report of an unresponsive infant on June 29, 2024. The petitions identify Godfrey as Cheung’s “boyfriend,” and state they both admitted to the drug use described. “Cheung and Godfrey both admit to using meth the day before,”

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O'FALLON — The O'Fallon Police Department is now accepting applications for its upcoming Citizens Police Academy, set to begin on September 11, 2024. With only five spots remaining, interested individuals are encouraged to reserve their place promptly. The academy, which spans eight weeks and includes a total of 10 sessions, offers participants an in-depth look at the operations and practices of the O'Fallon Police Department. Sessions will be held on Wednesdays from 6 to 9 p.m., with additional sessions on one Thursday and one Saturday. Participants will receive comprehensive training and insights into various aspects of law enforcement, including department history, police operations, patrol tactics, traffic stops and DUI procedures, current drug trends, criminal investigations, CPR/AED training, fire safety demonstrations, use of force simulations, 9-1-1 communications, and canine operations. The program also includes an 8-hour ride-along with an officer. Graduates of the

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GRAFTON - There are only a few more chances to head to Raging Rivers this season. The water park will be open on weekends until Sept. 8, 2024, including Labor Day weekend. They are also giving away four free tickets to a lucky winner. Park Manager Jeremy Hayes said it’s been a great season so far, and he can’t wait to welcome more guests before the summer ends. “You’ve got to make your memories before the summer’s over, and what better place to do it than Raging Rivers?” Hayes said. “The employees love it and the people love it.” Located at 100 Palisades Parkway in Grafton, the water park is a local fixture for families across the Riverbend. From now until Sept. 8, Raging Rivers is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays. The park usually closes for the season after Labor Day weekend, but they decided this year to expand their season one week in the hope that warmer temperatures will bring more

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EAST ALTON — A dumpster fire on the 900 block of 5th Street prompted a swift response from the East Alton Fire Department on Friday afternoon. Firefighters arrived promptly at the scene and managed to extinguish the flames, preventing further damage. The cause of the fire has not been disclosed, and no injuries were reported. The East Alton Fire Department has not released additional details about the incident.

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BELLEVILLE - The St. Clair County Emergency Management Agency expressed its condolences to the Alton Police Department after the loss of dedicated police dog K-9 Odin on Thursday, Aug. 22, 2024. The St. Clair County Emergency Management Agency's statement was as follows: "Our sympathies to Alton Police on the loss of their brave and dedicated K-9 Odin who paid the ultimate sacrifice yesterday in the line of duty. K-9 Odin died protecting his handler (who was also shot) and fellow officers. We wish the injured officer a speedy recovery as well." The St. Clair County Sheriff's Office had these comments about Odin and the other officer: "With a heavy heart, we are sending our condolences to the Alton Police Department on the passing of K-9 Odin. K-9 Odin was killed this morning after a suspect fired shots at police. We are also praying for a quick recovery for the police K-9 handler." Odin was killed while protecting his handler, who was also shot during the incident in Alton. The shooting

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WOOD RIVER — Firefighters from multiple departments responded to a house fire on the 1400 block of Williams Street Friday afternoon, Aug. 23, 2024, where smoke was seen coming from the roof vents. Upon arrival, the Wood River Fire Department encountered heavy smoke coming from the house. Firefighters swiftly brought the fire under control, preventing further damage. A box-alarm was issued, prompting additional support from the Roxana, East Alton, Rosewood Heights, and Edwardsville Fire Departments. Madison County Emergency Management deployed their rehab truck, while Alton Memorial Ambulance provided standby support. It appears that nobody was home at the time of the fire, and no injuries were reported. The Illinois State Fire Marshal has been called in to assist with the investigation to determine the cause of the fire.

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SPRINGFIELD — In a decisive move, the Illinois State Board of Elections voted unanimously today to keep Jay Keeven on the ballot, following a recommendation from the hearing officer. The ruling came after Illinois Democrats filed a lawsuit seeking to remove Keeven from the ballot, citing the newly enacted "Katie Stuart Protection Act." Keeven said the "Katie Stuart Protection Act," which was swiftly passed by Illinois Democrats, "aimed to change election rules mid-cycle to prevent incumbents from facing challengers. However, the law was previously declared unconstitutional by a court in Sangamon County." In response to the ruling, Keeven expressed his gratitude and reiterated his commitment to providing voters with a choice. "I am thankful that the Illinois State Board of Elections made the right decision. Our campaign followed the rules and our voters deserve a choice in this election," Keeven said. "For months, Democrats in Springfield have tried every possible way to keep

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ALTON - The Alton Amphitheater will host its famous Food Truck Festival this weekend. From 4–8 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 24, 2024, community members can enjoy food from different food trucks across the Metro East region at the Alton Amphitheater. This free event will include live music by Rock Mafia. Dan Herkert, chair of the Amphitheater Commission, said he can’t wait for the tenth edition of the Food Truck Festival. “This event is always fun because it’s a free event, people can roam the riverfront, get some food, hang out with their friends,” Herkert said. “We always have great music. If the weather holds, we’re going to have a really great day on Saturday.” Featured food trucks include: Beast Craft BBQ Cajun Seduction Doughboy’s Wood Fired Pizza Duchess Rose Royal Fire & Ice Cream Truck G Burrito Go Gyro Go Grace Chicken + Fish Jaaise Grubb Jive Turkey The Moobile Mr. Noodle

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GRAFTON - At their regular meeting on Tuesday, August 20, 2024, the Grafton City Council unanimously approved Mayor Mike Morrow’s appointees to the newly minted Regional Ferry Task Force. The mission of the Task Force is to analyze and develop a jurisdictional implementation plan for the recommendations delivered to community and elected officials on July 30, 2024, at Pere Marquette Lodge by the Nelson Nygaard Consultants Group. The study of Illinois regional ferries, including the Grafton Ferry, was made possible by an IDOT grant that was awarded to America’s Central Port District in 2023. The original purpose was to explore the feasibility/possibility of expanding the current ferry service between Grafton, Illinois and St. Charles, Missouri. During the award process, the grant scope was increased at the request of IDOT to include studying all the ferries in our region. The Grafton and the Golden Eagle Ferrys are owned and operated by the Calhoun Ferry Co. and the Knight

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ALTON - Alton Main Street , the Sierra Club Illinois ’ Three Rivers Project and Jacoby Arts Center are announcing the return of the Mississippi Earthtones Festival to the Alton Amphitheater on Saturday, September 21st from noon until 10:00 p.m. The organizations are seeking artists, sponsors and volunteers for their 18th annual event. Booth space has reached capacity, with 25 environmental education exhibits, 70 eco-friendly artists and makers, and 10 culinary vendors participating. The festival attracts approximately 5,000 community members and tourists to Downtown Alton to celebrate our river through art, music, and conservation. Live music will fill the air throughout the day. The entertainment lineup on the main stage will feature: Ahna and the Couch Burners (blues, jazz, classic rock, and reggae) from 12:00-2:00, Aaron Kamm & the One Drops (Roots Reggae and Mississippi River Blues) from 3:00-6:00, Jake’s Leg (the longest running Grateful Dead tribute in the Unite

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GRANITE CITY – The Illinois Department of Transportation today announced that as part of ongoing efforts to replace the Interstate 270 bridges between Illinois 3 and Riverview Drive in Missouri, lane closures in both directions of I-270 are scheduled to take place beginning, weather permitting, at 9 p.m. Friday, Aug. 23. One lane will remain open in each direction. By 5 a.m. Monday, Aug. 26, all lanes will reopen. Eastbound traffic will use a new lane configuration. Motorists should be alert for altered lane patterns. Westbound lanes will remain the same. 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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GODFREY - As the Great Godfrey Maze prepares to open, the Godfrey Parks and Recreation department is looking for part-time workers to make the maze a success. The Great Godfrey Maze will run from Sept. 13 through Oct. 26, 2024. In addition to the Peanuts-themed maze and Haunted Maze, families can enjoy hay wagon rides, a bounce pillow, the corn crib and the cow train, among other activities. Chris Logan, Parks and Recreation director, explained that the department needs several employees to work as “Corn Cops” to operate the maze and activities. “We need people. We need Corn Cops,” Logan said. “We’re looking for someone to drive our wagon ride, which is going to be pulled behind the tractor. We need drivers for our cow train, assistant managers, managers, and a lot of high school-aged students who are looking to make some extra money and have fun at a job that really can be a lot of fun.” Maze Managers, Assistant Maze Managers and Corn

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ALTON – Alton Police Chief Jarrett Ford has issued a heartfelt response about the death of K-9 Odin and one of his officers being shot in a armed confrontation on Thursday, Aug. 22, 2024. These were Ford's words: "In a tragic incident early this morning, K-9 Odin of the Alton Police Department lost his life while protecting his fellow officers during an armed confrontation in the 700 block of East 6th Street. K-9 Odin, a Belgian Malinois/German Shepherd mix, joined the Alton Police Department in February 2024 and completed his K-9 Academy Training in early May 2024. Despite his brief tenure, Odin had already made a significant impact through his service." Ford continued: "The confrontation began when officers engaged in gunfire with a suspect, who sustained injuries and was transported to an area hospital where he was later pronounced deceased. During the exchange, an officer from the Alton Police Department was struck by the suspect’s gunfire. The officer received treatment

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