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The next time someone suggests listening to your favorite song will do your body good, Abraham Kocheril, MD , says it’s not a bad idea to take their advice. Dr. Kocheril, director of cardiac electrophysiology at OSF HealthCare Cardiovascular Institute in Urbana, Illinois, has studied how heart rate variability aligns with and benefits from certain musical numbers. Heart rate variability, as the name suggests, describes how your heart beats vary over 24 hours. Sometimes slower, for example when you sleep. Sometimes faster, for instance when you walk or run. “Even though we say the average heart rate is 72 beats per minute, it generally doesn’t stay there. It’s bouncing up and down. And that’s normal,” Dr. Kocheril says. People will experience different heart rate variability based on their age and health. But in general, Dr. Kocheril says more variability is good. No variability – in other words, the same beats per minute consistently

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ST. LOUIS COUNTY - St. Louis County Police Crimes Against Persons detectives are investigating an officer involved shooting that occurred near the intersection of McLaran Avenue and Main Street in the City of Jennings. On Friday, March3, 2023 at approximately 10:38 p.m., St. Louis Metropolitan Police SWAT officers attempted a traffic stop on a vehicle driving erratically near the area of Rosalie and North Kingshighway in the City of St. Louis. The driver fled at a high rate of speed and a pursuit began. The pursuit ended at approximately 10:47 p.m. in the City of Jennings near the intersection of McLaran Avenue and Main Street when the suspect's car became inoperable. The suspect fled from the vehicle armed with a firearm and flourished it at an officer. The officer fired his department-issued firearm striking the suspect at least one time. The suspect was taken into custody and treated at an area hospital where he remains in critical condition. No officers were injured

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EDWARDSVILLE – The intersection of North Kansas Street and Douglas Avenue will be closed beginning Monday, March 6, for water main and storm sewer construction. The closure is expected to remain in place for several days. The work is part of the $1.91 million water main replacement project for North Kansas and East High streets that began in February. That project will replace a century-old 4-inch cast iron water main with an 8-inch main. It also will include resurfacing of East High Street and North Kansas Street between East Union Street and Hillsboro Avenue. To bypass the closure, drivers in the area should use alternate routes, including North Buchanan Street and East Dunn Street. The City contractor is in contact with Edwardsville School District 7 officials to help keep parents informed and minimize disruptions around Columbus School as the project proceeds. The North Kansas-East High water main installation project is expected to take two months to complete. Road resurfacing

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JERSEYVILLE - The Jersey County Against Drugs Coalition (JCADC) and Jersey Community Hospital (JCH) are teaming up for the return of their Community Resource Fair, a free public event that will feature a variety of vendors with drug addiction prevention, recovery, treatment, and support resources - and also the chance for attendees to win Apple AirPods and other great prizes. The Community Resource Fair will be held on Thursday, March 9 from 4 to 6:30 p.m. at the Susnig Center, located at 401 Mound St. in Jerseyville. Lauren Savoie with JCH appeared on a recent episode of Our Daily Show! on Riverbender.com and said there are currently about 15 vendors and counting signed up for the event with a range of services and information. “There’s going to be some counseling agencies, there are some churches, some other mental health agencies - we’re also going to have a booth there for our Medication Assisted Treatment Clinic to talk about treatment, there’s going

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In mid-February, actor Bruce Willis’ family announced his aphasia diagnosis has progressed into frontotemporal dementia (FTD). FTD affects between 50,000-60,000 Americans. Most patients are between 45-65 years old, according to the Alzheimer’s Association. The disease is progressive, meaning symptoms get worse over time. Dr. Deepak Nair, a neurologist with OSF HealthCare Illinois Neurological Institute, says while someone might not die as a result of FTD, it can lead to other health problems that do cause death. He calls the brain and nervous system the “master control” over every other organ system. "It's sort of like what happened in the COVID era. People are talking about 'are the people dying from COVID or with COVID?' Same problem. When people die of dementia, there are a lot of other things that can lead to their death. But the processes of dementia, over time, will start to affect other organ systems. In that sense, any of the known dementias will

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EDWARDSVILLE – The 21st biennial United States Championship Cheese Contest, a technical competition for cheese, butter, and yogurt makers, was held in Green Bay, Wisconsin last week. A team of technical judges from across the country met for three days to evaluate the best U.S. cheeses from dozens of manufacturers on a variety of technical merits, including flavor, body, texture, salt, color, finish, and packaging. After all the votes were counted, Prairie Farms received eight top cheese awards and swept the cottage cheese category. “Starting the year with multiple awards from this prestigious contest affirms the commitment of our dairy farmers and cheesemakers to work together to produce the very best cheese. The contest judges recognized their hard work, and I couldn’t be more proud of their accomplishments,” said Matt McClelland, CEO/EVP of Prairie Farms. “As a farmer-owned cooperative, we have complete control of the farm-to-table cycle. The awards

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EDWARDSVILLE - A crown jewel of the new R.P. Lumber Center in Edwardsville is the skating program. The program started when the rink opened in June 2022 and participation has skyrocketed because of talented and devoted staff and exceptional leadership. Phil Zamora, superintendent of the R.P. Lumber Center, said the skating program already has 174 enrolled. The R.P. Lumber Center is located at 6289 Tiger Drive, Edwardsville, 62025. Zamora credited the soaring participation to his leader Kelsey Beard and the excellent staff. Some of the staff members continue to also compete as skaters. The training methods and sessions are working for the students. Zamora said he loves seeing the skaters start at the grassroots level and make their way into skating competitions. “Who knows where some of these skaters will go from here,” Zamora said. “It is amazing to see their development. I feel we are off to a very good start here with our program.” Zamora said it is

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GRANITE CITY - Stephanie M. Cann, Ed.S., Superintendent of Granite City Schools, and Major Nick Novacich, Assistant Chief, Granite City Police Department made a statement after a series of online threats concerning Granite City High School and upcoming charges. "Granite City Community Unit School District #9 was made aware last evening of a series of online threats concerning Granite City High School," they said. "We immediately involved the Granite City Police Department and worked collaboratively with our administration and the Department throughout the day to eliminate any potential threats to student and staff safety. "Due to the nature of the threat, multiple officers were on high school premises. The individual responsible for the threat was located by the GCPD, taken into custody by officers, and will be charged accordingly by the Madison County State’s Attorney’s Office. The identity of the individual cannot be revealed due to their age. GCSD9 truly appreciates th

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EDWARDSVILLE - Edwardsville's Fire Department and other neighboring agencies spend an enormous amount of time training and preparing for the worst possible fire and smoke situations. Fast response, training, and proper equipment saved the McDonald's and Circle K businesses during a serious fire Thursday night, Edwardsville Fire Chief James Whiteford said Friday morning. Whiteford said the crews did respond quickly to the 8:15 p.m. call to his department and by 9:25 p.m., the fire was out. When crews arrived, thankfully workers and customers had left the building and no one was hurt. However, the visibility was about one foot ahead inside the structures because of the heavy smoke initially he said. "We had to use thermal imaging equipment to be able to see through the smoke," he said. "It enabled us to figure out where the fire was coming from and extinguish it. "Our technology and training with it really paid off. I am always so proud of all our firefighters and those who assist us

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BETHALTO - The Bethalto Chamber of Commerce is hosting a free, public forum to allow Bethalto residents to get to know the candidates running for seats on the Bethalto Board of Trustees. The forum will be held on Tuesday, March 14 at the Bethalto Senior Citizens Center, located at 100 E. Central St. in Bethalto. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m., as there will be opportunities to speak with the candidates both before the forum starts at 7 p.m. and after the forum ends. There are a total of seven candidates running for three trustee seats; those candidates are Brian Frier, Jeff Mull, Maria Perkhiser, Rachel Sontag, Ed Slayden, Tim Vogel, and Chrissy Wiley. Perkhiser is an incumbent trustee seeking re-election. Mull was appointed to the vacant trustee seat left by Bethalto Mayor Gary Bost when he became mayor, and Mull is also seeking re-election. Bethalto Chamber of Commerce Board Member Jane Ahasay said the event aims to inform voters and keep residents involved with their local government

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GRANITE CITY - Granite City Community Unit School District #9 Superintendent Stephanie Cann announced today that it has become aware of a threatening post that has been shared on a social media platform. "We are closely monitoring the situation, and we have taken steps to ensure the safety of our students and staff and safety always remains our number one priority," she said. "GCSD9 encourages all parents and guardians to speak with their children regarding the appropriate use of social media," she added. "If your child becomes aware of any potential threat on social media or anywhere else, please notify a GCSD9 staff member or law enforcement. Please refer to our GCSD9 Handbooks for updated policies and procedures. GCSD9 will not tolerate any threats or behavior of this kind." She closed with the following: "Thank you for your cooperation as we continue to provide a safe and secure learning environment for our students."

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GLEN CARBON – State Senator Erica Harriss (56 th -Glen Carbon) is pleased to announce a free eNewsletter service through her office as a way for constitutions to stay up to date with what’s happening in Springfield and throughout the 56 th District. “I am excited to announce our first newsletter has been sent out to email inboxes across the 56 th District,” said Senator Harriss. “This is a great way for residents across the Metro-East to stay informed about what is happening in Springfield and free legislative events around the district.” To sign up for Senator Harriss’ email newsletters, go to https://senatorericaharriss.com/e-news-2/ . “Constituents oftentimes want to know how they can get involved in the legislative process, or the status of important legislation that impacts them. By signing up for my newsletter, you will get all the latest information straight to your inbox without you having to seek it out yourself.”

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BENTON – In a U.S. District courtroom on Wednesday, a federal jury returned a guilty verdict after a three-day trial for an O’Fallon man charged with enticing a minor. Eric Richardson, 40, was convicted of using his cellphone to persuade a minor to engage in sexual activity. “We have a civic duty to protect children from sexual predators, and I’m reassured by the jury’s decision to convict the defendant of trying to persuade a minor into sexual acts with him,” said U.S. Attorney Rachelle Aud Crowe. “I appreciate the involved officers with the O’Fallon Police Department for their efforts to apprehend this offender.” According to evidence presented at trial, Richardson used his cellphone to persuade a minor to engage in sexual activity upon his return from a trip to Florida in October 2019. The term of imprisonment is a mandatory minimum of 10 years and up to life. Richardson’s sentencing is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. on June 15

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EDWARDSVILLE — Madison County State’s Attorney Tom Haine announced Friday that an Mt. Olive man has been sentenced to 40 years in prison after being convicted of first-degree murder in connection with a fatal beating. Blake K. Streeb, 30, will be required to serve 100 percent of the sentence. Streeb attacked Michael Reay, 25, of Granite City, inside a home in the 2200 block of Miracle Avenue in Granite City on Aug. 7, 2022. Reay suffered head injuries and died days later at a St. Louis hospital. Streeb told investigators he was under the influence of methamphetamine at the time, but recalled becoming angry after suspecting that Reay, who used a wheelchair, was pretending to need his wheelchair. “This was a ruthless, unprovoked attack that was fueled by drugs and inflicted upon a victim who was nearly incapable of defending himself,” Haine said. “This conviction and sentence ensure that the public will be safe from this perpetrator’s violence. The

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TROY - Madison County Deputy Coroner Kelly Rogers has provided more information about why it took so long to discover the deceased Richard Maedge. The new report also says Richard took his own life. Richard was reported missing on April 27, 2022, by his wife, Jennifer. She had talked with him when he was leaving work and when she arrived home in Troy, his car was parked outside, his wallet and keys were in the house, but she could not find Richard. Troy Police searched the home for Richard but did not find him. Rogers provided this information to detail more how Richard was not found: "On the evening he was reported missing, there was an odor inside of the home which was described as a sewer-like smell. When Mr. Maedge’s wife called again about an odor, the Troy Police Department responded to the residence and conducted a second search of the home. The odor was described as the same odor when he was originally reported missing. "A plumbing firm was then contacted by Mr. Maedge’s

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EDWARDSVILLE — A teen who was charged as an adult has been convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to 35 years in prison in connection with a fatal shooting in Venice, according to Madison County State’s Attorney Tom Haine. Haine announced the conviction and sentence Wednesday for Russean K. Hollis, 17, of Granite City. Hollis was charged in connection with the drive-by shooting death of Tashay Mathis, 42, on June 25, 2022. Hollis was 16 at the time but charged as an adult. “It’s disturbing to see young people engaging in any type of violence, let alone violence of this magnitude,” Haine said. “I hope this conviction and sentence send a message that offenders of any age who choose to take part in this type of activity will be held accountable in Madison County. For the family and loved ones of Mr. Mathis, nothing can undo their suffering, but I hope the swift resolution of this case brings them a measure of closure.” The motive for th

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SPRINGFIELD - The Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal (OSFM) announced today the recipients of the 2023 Small Equipment Grant Program. A total of $1.5 million was awarded to 64 fire departments/districts and EMS providers across the state. The program was established to provide grants of up to $26,000 each for the purchase of small firefighting and ambulance equipment. This program is an innovative approach to a problem that has long caused difficulties for fire departments and not-for profit ambulance services in Illinois, particularly those that have hardships in generating the necessary revenue for small equipment. The purpose is to allow eligible applicants the opportunity to purchase small equipment that they may otherwise not be able to purchase. The OSFM received 296 applications, requesting around $4.5 million in funding for this grant period. “The OSFM continues to remain committed to our mission of helping departments and districts purchase essential firefighting

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GODFREY – In celebration of Women’s History Month, Lewis and Clark Community College’s Diversity Council will present “125 Years of Comfort,” a retrospective on the historic Alton Woman’s Home and Woman’s Home Association. The event, featuring local historians Gail Drillinger, Marlene Lewis, and Lacy McDonald, will discuss the history of the Alton Woman’s Home and Association and the impact they had, and continue to have, on the community. According to L&C History Professor Kelly Obernuefemann, the organization was formed to provide women with much-needed support. “The Alton Woman’s Home was an important part of the community in the decades before Social Security and pensions,” she said. “Women could be left destitute if they did not have family support.” Although the home, which celebrated its 125 th anniversary in July 2022, no longer provides shelter, over the years, board members have transitioned

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WASHINGTON – On the first day of Women’s History Month, U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, in a speech on the Senate floor discussed this week’s Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA), which would enshrine gender equality into the Constitution. “The Equal Rights Amendment was first introduced in 1923—one hundred years ago—and proposed by a leader named Dr. Alice Paul. At the time, she had just won an important victory. She and her fellow suffragists had just led, successfully, the campaign to ratify the 19th Amendment, to give women the right to vote in the United States one hundred years ago,” Durbin said. “Despite this monumental achievement, Dr. Paul recognized that just the right to vote was not enough for gender equality—but it was the right starting point. So she devoted the remaining years of her life to enshrining gender equality in ever

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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) today released the following statement after the U.S. Senate confirmed Judge Colleen Lawless to serve as a District Court Judge on the U.S. District Court for the Central District of Illinois: “We are pleased that the Senate has confirmed the nomination of Judge Colleen Lawless to fill a judicial vacancy in the Central District of Illinois. Her experience and qualifications will strengthen our federal bench, and she will be ready to serve Central Illinois on day one.” On May 12, 2022, Judge Sue Myerscough of the Central District of Illinois sent a letter notifying the President that she intended to assume senior status upon confirmation of her successor. In May, the Senators established a screening committee to review applicants to be a Federal District Court Judge in the Central District of Illinois. Their screening committee

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