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CHICAGO - Attorney General Kwame Raoul today announced criminal charges against a St. Clair County man over the alleged possession, purchase and sale of purported stolen retail merchandise including tools, electronics and lawn equipment in the estimated amount of $243,000. The charges are the latest resulting from a multi-jurisdictional investigation facilitated by Raoul’s Organized Retail Crime Task Force. Raoul’s office charged Christopher D. Odem, 50, of Belleville, Illinois, with Class 2 felony organized retail crime, punishable by up to seven years in prison; two counts of Class 1 felony theft, each punishable by up to 15 years in prison; three counts of Class 2 felony theft, each punishable by up to seven years in prison; Class 3 felony theft, punishable by up to five years in prison; and Class 1 felony money laundering, punishable by up to 15 years in prison. “The effects of organized retail crime are not limited to any one region of Illinois. Buying and

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ALTON - The Great Rivers Choral Society (GRCS), is an adult choir of mixed voices (Soprano, Alto, Tenor, Bass or SATB) serving the Riverbend area of Southern Illinois. They will perform a selection of music entitled, CINEMAGIC, on April 29 and 30, Saturday and Sunday, both at 3 pm, at Godfrey First United Methodist Church, 1100 Airport Rd, Godfrey, IL 62035. CINEMAGIC is an exciting escape into the music of the movies from early talkies to the 21st Century. Music will feature Irving Berlin’s Cheek to Cheek, to Sigmand and Lai’s Where do I Begin, through to Bob Seger’s rocking Shakedown, will be just a few of the numbers performed as solos, ensembles and choral. We will also feature a great number of songs from Disney. GRCS offers its shows free to the public, but we do take a free-will donation during the show. We are a 501c3 organization and a member of ASCAP. You can follow us on Facebook at Great Rivers Choral Society and at our website, www.grcssing.org . Fo

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EDWARDSVILLE - Edwardsville junior girls track sprinter Paige Sanders has enjoyed success with the rest of her 4x200 meter relay team in the early days of the season, placing second in their heat in the Illinois Top Times indoor meet in Bloomington on Mar. 25. then winning the 4x100 meters and the sprint medley relay at the Southwest Illinois Relays at the Winston Brown Track and Field Center on Mar. 28. Sanders is an iCAN Clinic Female Athlete of the Month for Edwardsville High School. The team, which also consists of Blakely Hockett, Karli Barton and Gabby Thompson, was second in their heat at the Top Times meet, breaking the school record with a time of 1:48.24, then won the 4x100 meters with a time of 50.75 seconds and then won the 800-meter sprint medley relay at 2:00.42 second with a team of Sanders, Hockett, Brooklyn Carr and Kaitlyn Morningstar. During an interview that followed her races, Sanders felt that the entire team, who eventually finished second to O'Fallon, all performed

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ALTON - Midwest Members Credit Union and the Crisis Food Center are each described as "phenomenal partners" in giving back to those in need in the region. Midwest Members Credit Union has boundless amounts of community service projects each year. Crisis Food Center has helped many in need make it through difficult times for people when otherwise they might not have food supplies. On Saturday, April 1, 2023, the two teamed together again for a giveaway of free hams and side items to provide residents with an Easter meal. There was a large attendance in the drive-thru for those who received a ham and the sides. CFC and MMCU volunteers were touched by the success and all provided bright smiles as they assisted their neighbors in the community. "Both organizations are committed to giving back to the community," Derrick D. Richardson, a volunteer, said. "We wanted everyone to have an opportunity to have a good Easter meal. It was another successful and fun Easter giveaway." Richardson

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GLEN CARBON - Axes Physical Therapy celebrated its Grand Opening in Glen Carbon with a ribbon-cutting ceremony last weekend. Clinic Director Bradley Webb described it as “an outpatient physical therapy clinic” and said it’s the “first one in Illinois.” “Changing people’s lives, helping them achieve their goals, getting them back to doing the things they love to do - that’s our primary goal,” Webb said. “We go all-out working with physicians patients, and providing them opportunities to achieve the goals that they are looking for.” Webb said the new clinic has a wide array of equipment and activities to help patients get back in motion. “We have a full complement of equipment: weights, biometrics, cardiovascular equipment,” Webb said. “We provide manual therapy treatment, exercise activities, functional activities, work conditioning, work hardening - we have a pretty full gambit of opportunities

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PIASA - Senior Ali Wilson was the team's leading scorer with 25 goals last season. In her sophomore year, she scored 38. She looks to keep up that pace in her final season. Southwestern girl's soccer head coach Tyler Hamilton once again expects big things from her as well. "She’s a phenomenal athlete," he said. "Ali is the kind of player that can take the team to the next level with her ability to score goals. Her sophomore and junior years showed how capable she is in front of net and we expect the same this year." So far this season, through five games, she's got five goals. For her efforts, she is an Altonized Community Federal Credit Union Athlete of the Month for Southwestern.

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EDWARDSVILLE – Mary Weishaar, PhD, executive director of international affairs at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, recently returned from a Fulbright International Education Administrators (IEA) seminar in Taiwan. The seminar goals were to encourage U.S. international education professionals to learn more about Taiwan’s higher education system, society and culture, and to establish linkages with institutions in Taiwan. “I knew very little about Taiwan before participating in this seminar,” said Weishaar. “I came back enthusiastically supportive of SIUE’s engagement with higher education institutions in Taiwan. I believe that Taiwanese universities provide excellent programs that are a good fit for SIUE students wishing to study abroad in almost any content area. I was particularly impressed by the large number of programs taught in English, along with opportunities for internships.” Weishaar and a group of twenty-six international

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ALTON - Last week, soon-to-be Marquette Catholic High School graduates Hayden Sherman and Aiden O'Keefe both signed to continue their academic and athletic careers in college. They both signed up to go to McKendree University, Sherman for baseball, and O'Keefe for golf. McKendree is a Division II private university in Lebanon, Illinois, a short 45-minute drive from Alton. For their achievement, both are Tucker's Automotive Repair and Tire Athletes of the Month for the Explorers. Hayden Sherman This will be Sherman's third time as a Riverbender.com AOTM, and he's earned all three by being a three-sport athlete. One year he played four different sports. He's played both baseball and bowling all four years, hockey three years, and cross-country one. Baseball is what he chose to stick with and it's where he had his favorite memory. He recalled hitting his first homer his junior season against Breese, saying "it was a great feeling." Sherman is also a great student earning

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SPRINGFIELD — Today, Governor JB Pritzker issued a disaster proclamation to unlock immediate assistance and provide public safety support for communities across Illinois impacted by last night’s tornadoes and severe weather. The disaster proclamation includes Boone, Crawford, DuPage, Marion and Sangamon Counties. The Governor is also directing the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) to coordinate a robust, statewide response and recovery effort, which includes multiple state agencies, public safety entities, and non-governmental organizations. “The devastating storms that swept through our state last night have upended communities and resulted in heartbreaking injury and loss of life,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “In response, I am issuing an emergency disaster proclamation to immediately provide all necessary aid to our communities. I am in close contact with the Illinois Emergency Management Agency and local partners around the state to ensure

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WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, released the following statement regarding the indictment of former President Trump by a Manhattan grand jury: “While there are many unknowns, we know a few things to be true: the Manhattan District Attorney must be allowed to continue his investigation without interference; any attempt to undermine this process is contrary to the rule of law; and political violence or threats of violence cannot be tolerated. “As this process continues, former President Trump should be afforded the due process protections that he is guaranteed by our Constitution, just like any other American. But no one is above the law – not even a former president.”

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WASHINGTON – As the nation reels from yet another tragic school shooting this week, U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) joined U.S. Senator Edward J. Markey (D-MA) and U.S. Representatives Elissa Slotkin (D-MI-07), Mark Takano (D-CA-39), and Marilyn Strickland (D-WA-10) to reintroduce legislation to fund research at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to better understand and address the nation’s ongoing gun violence epidemic, a public health crisis which in the past five years has taken the lives of more than 180,000 people across the United States. As of 2020, firearm-related injuries have become the leading cause of death among children and adolescents in the U.S. Specifically, the Gun Violence Prevention Research Act would authorize $50 million each fiscal year over the next five years to boost CDC’s firearms safety and gun violence prevention research

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GODFREY - The brand-new Scooter's Coffee shop at 5330 Godfrey Road is now open. The store had a soft opening Monday morning when at 5:30 a.m. The location is locally owned by Lindsey and Bob Semptimphelter. Bob was at the store Sunday afternoon doing some finishing touches and said he is super excited about opening his second location. The Semptimphelter's also own a Glen Carbon location at 4208 Illinois Route 159. The Godfrey store has not yet released its full hours at this time. A ribbon-cutting ceremony is planned at 10 a.m. on Friday, April 14, and will be hosted by the RiverBend Growth Association.

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ST. LOUIS - During the last three years, many people have experienced increased stress as the pandemic delivered unexpected life changes and economic pressures. With April marking National Stress Awareness Month, now is the time to reset habits and prioritize balanced meals, sleep and exercise to promote a sense of well-being. Consuming dairy products as part of a healthy eating pattern can build energy reserves, promote a sense of calm, boost the immune system and promote gut health. All of these factors can help battle stress. Meals and snacks containing carbohydrates, protein, fat and fiber keep hunger away, provide lasting energy and stabilize blood sugar. Steady blood sugar levels throughout the day can improve thinking and smooth out moods. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends three servings of dairy per day as part of a healthy approach to meals and snacks. Milk and yogurt, for example, offer a strong combination of protein, carbohydrates and fat. Dairy foods also pai

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ALTON - For Keith Neuber, Kreative Kids Learning Center executive director, Friday had to be one of the most special days of his adult life as the center had an official ribbon cut/opening of a facility at 3048 Godfrey Road in Godfrey Kreative Kids is an early childhood education center that for 55 years has been helping children prepare for the future. Children from six weeks of age to 12 years old are the focus of the organization that helps develop for the future. “We feel our work here is extremely important,” Neuber said. “By the time we are the age of two, we can walk, talk and use our hands and fingers. Early childhood education is essential for readiness after two years of age by refining the basic skills. We refine their basic skills and help the children grow and learn.” Keith, a clinical psychologist, has been with the organization for 25-plus years. He said: “This is a place you fall in love with. You make a difference in children’s

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GODFREY - Kreative Kids Learning Center had a lot to be proud of Friday, March 31, 2023, in an open house at its new facility at 3048 Godfrey Road in Godfrey. The event featured a ribbon-cutting around 10 a.m. on Friday, then tours of the new building, guest speakers, and was overall just a great time for everyone who attended. There was significant happiness displayed at the new facility - a goal for a long period of time was accomplished by administrators, board members, staff and donors. Prior to this move, Kreative Kids was previously located at the old McKinley School in Alton for 22 years and also started in the old St. Patrick’s School building. Kreative Kids is the pride and joy of CEO Keith Neuber, who has witnessed tremendous growth in the childcare industry in his career at the not-for-profit business. Neuber also said the demand for childcare is great right now and this will allow the business to welcome more children. Kreative Kids plans to add a temporary classroo

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COLLINSVILLE - The World's Largest Catsup Bottle Festival is back and coming to Uptown Collinsville on Saturday, July 8, 2023. The new location is Herald Square Collinsville at 119 East Clay Street. After a five-year hiatus, organizers decided to start pouring it on again. “We were presented with an opportunity to partner with the team at Old Herald,” said chairman Mike "The Big Tomato" Gassmann. “It’s a great new community gathering space right here in our historic business district.” Derik Reiser, owner of Old Herald Brewery and Herald Square, said, “We’re really excited. This is going to be a whole lot of fun.” He also said he knows this will create interest and a lot of foot traffic to help promote the entire uptown Collinsville area. Events and activities include the Princess Tomato and Sir Catsup Contest, old-fashion party games, tater-tots and hot dogs smothered in ketchup eating contests, and a ketchup tasting booth. NEW

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Letter To The Editor: I am a sustainability major. In all my sustainability classes renewable energy is discussed as a necessary technology to combat climate change (and do other things). Until this semester however, I was never academically exposed to the specific process in which lithium-ion batteries (a key part of renewable energy) are made. Subconsciously I knew, like any other product, the raw resources came from somewhere, but the cost of getting those resources was always a matter of carbon in my mind. The cost is much more than just excess carbon in the atmosphere. One of the most common ways of extracting lithium is to pump brine out of the ground and into pools, then once the water is evaporated you are left with lithium. This process has a negative impact on the drinking water for surrounding communities (especially indigenous peoples in Chile). Wealthy first world countries imposing problems on other less fortunate countries/communities to have sustainable energy is wron

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SPRINGFIELD - The Illinois House of Representatives adopted HJR 21 on Thursday designating Illinois Route 140 as it travels through Meadowbrook as the ‘Cpl. Tommy N. Miller Memorial Highway’. The resolution was sponsored by State Representative Amy Elik (R-Alton). “I have the pleasure of knowing Corporal Tommy Miller's younger brother who was about seven when his older brother died in Vietnam,” said Rep Elik. “He has vivid memories of his cool older brother who is beloved. Tommy was a drummer in a band and loved music. In fact, just before the enemy attack, he made a tape for his family from his base in Vietnam where he sang and played the guitar recorded on the tape for his family. When the family received the tape, they loved it and they didn’t know yet that he had already died because then it took days and weeks to be notified. Corporal Tommy Miller gave his life in service to our country and is no doubt a true hero deserving of this resolution

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In an unprecedented move, RiverBender.com, the popular online news source, is set to introduce a groundbreaking new feature: a paywall that charges users for every word they read. The move has been met with equal parts shock and awe from both subscribers and industry experts. The brains behind this ambitious and potentially disruptive idea, I.M. Jesting, explained the rationale behind the decision. "We believe that every word has value, and as such, we want our readers to truly savor and appreciate the content we provide. By implementing the pay-per-word system, we can ensure that our readers are fully engaged with every character on the page." In a world where most websites still rely on traditional subscription-based paywalls, RiverBender.com's innovative approach is turning heads. "It's a game-changer," said industry expert and digital journalism professor, April McFoolery. "The audacity of charging for each word means that readers will be compelled to select their content with care,

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EDWARDSVILLE - “ SIUE gives me a voice and encourages me to pursue my interests and aspirations,” shared Joyce Tawdros, first-year business marketing student at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. Tawdros’ passion for entrepreneurship and her appreciation for the women who came before her drives her to succeed. Throughout the month of March, SIUE has celebrated Women’s History Month. Tawdros has had many influential women figures in her life and celebrates their achievements and reflects on their struggles, which has helped her get to where she is today. “Women’s History Month is a recognition to all the amazing women who have shown courage, dedication, ambition and determination to inspire women everywhere," said Tawdros. “With the challenges women have been faced with for so long, it’s a chance to not just acknowledge the obstacles we’ve overcome, but the obstacles we’ve yet to overcome.” Tawdros herself i

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