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GRANITE CITY - Coolidge Junior High School has announced tryout dates and times for students interested in competing in Fall sports for the 2022-23 school year. All prospective student-athletes must bring a current physical and parent signed permission form to tryouts. If these items are not turned in at tryouts, the student will not be able to participate. BASEBALL Dates: August 1-3, 10 a.m.-Noon or 4-6 p.m. Location: Varsity Baseball Field Equipment: Baseball equipment plus water bottle Contact: Scott Smallie (Head Coach) - scott.smallie@gcsd9.net CROSS COUNTRY Dates: August 2, 4 & 9 - 8 a.m. Location: Corner of Wilson Park Equipment: Water Bottle Contact: Tom Miller (Head Coach) - tom.miller@gcsd9.net FOOTBALL Dates: August 8, 9-11 a.m. Location: Meet in Wrestling Room Equipment: Water bottle Contact: Mark Wilson (Head Coach) - mark.wilson@gcsd9.net SOFTBALL Date: July 25-27, 10 a.m. Location: Wilson Park, Diamon

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ALTON - A makeshift memorial of flowers, baby teddy bears, notes, and candles has grown throughout the day in front of My Just Desserts in Alton. Residents are mourning the loss of beloved My Just Desserts owner Yvonne Campbell, who died after she suffered injuries in a July 8, 2022, crash in Jamaica. Even as of 3 p.m. Wednesday, community members were gathered at the location conversing, sharing memories of the owner, who impacted a large number of lives in the Riverbend area. Connie Schmidt shared a comment about Yvonne that covered what many today around the Alton region felt: “She was just so nice. She had a beautiful smile (which she was always wearing). This is a nightmare for her relatives and friends here at home.” Alton Mayor David Goins said he was not surprised the makeshift memorial had swelled throughout the day. “I am not surprised at the growth of the memorial,” he said. “She had a huge impact on our area. She will truly leave a legacy

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GRANITE CITY - GCS Credit Union employees joined together to raise $815 in the month of June to benefit Staunton Helping Hands Center through their Don’t Stop Donatin’ Jeans Program. The Don’t Stop Donatin’ Jeans Program is funded by GCS employees who make monthly, monetary donations out of their own pockets to a local organization. By donating $15 or more to a specific organization, GCS employees are able to wear jeans and tennis shoes on Fridays and Saturdays during that month. This year, GCS Credit Union is focusing on giving back to the 18 counties that they serve. June’s focus was on Macoupin County, IL. GCS proudly raised $815 for Staunton Helping Hands Center. The Staunton Helping Hands Center is a place of support and comfort to those in need. This location serves Macoupin County residents with healthy food, hygiene, and basic needs. Visit https://www.stauntonhelpinghands.org/ to see how they offer a helping hand to the community! To find out

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JERSEYVILLE - The Jersey County Fair grandstands will be packed with plenty of horsepower from Thursday to Sunday night - between a rodeo, tractor and truck pulls and demolition derby events for both children and adult competitors, each night is sure to be jam-packed with entertainment. Thursday night is the International Professional Rodeo Association / Missouri Rodeo Cowboys Association (IPRA/MRCA) Rodeo. Jersey County Fair President Phil Ringhausen said the evening will feature “all the events of a full rodeo.” “We’ll have bull riding, bronco riding, you’ll have calf roping, you’ll have barrel racing - it’s a full-fledged rodeo with all the events,” Ringhausen said. The IPRA/MRCA Rodeo begins at 7 p.m. Ticket prices are $8 for adults and $4 for children. On Friday night, Ringhausen said the Lucas Oil Pro Pulling League Super Pro Showdown will see three classes of modified tractors pull that night, along with one class of two-wheel-drive

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ALTON - The Schwegel family has a long legacy in Alton for its care and concern about the region as a well-recognized mom-and-pop grocery store at 901 Alby Street. For many Alton neighbors and friends in the community, Schwegel's has provided their meats, grocery products, and a place to cash checks when no one else would for years and years. Robert McAfoos, a long-time friend of the Schwegel family and former employee, sent a meaningful letter to Riverbender.com a few days ago about the store and how it has hit some hard times since the COVID-19 Pandemic. It went as follows: "Schwegel's Grocery Store at the corner of 9th and Alby has hit very hard times: first, with the COVID-19 Pandemic and now with road/sewer construction that has gravely hindered business. Schwegel's has served this side of town, which has been considered to be a food desert for four generations. They are not your average grocery store. Countless families have come in and filled their grocery carts with food,

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CHICAGO — As part of his continuing plan to carefully unwind the state’s COVID-19 executive orders, Governor Pritzker today updating vaccine and testing requirements in some industries. The updated executive order amends testing requirements for some unvaccinated health care employees and removes mandates for some other industries. Among the provisions that have been lifted in past months, Governor Pritzker has reduced requirements for school exclusion, removed provisions relating to setting up alternative care facilities, returned to non-emergency hospital oversight by removing several provisions and restarted normal jail-to-prison transfers. Other changes included lifting provisions in an effort to ensure governments are resuming normal operations. The Governor continues to maintain all provisions necessary for the health and safety of the people of Illinois, as well as all provisions in disaster proclamations that enable the state to recoup the maximum available from

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ST. LOUIS COUNTY - Detectives are seeking assistance to identify a person of interest in a bank robbery that occurred at the U.S. Bank in the 11000 block of Larimore Road in St. Louis County at 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday, July 12, 2022. St. Louis County Police said the person of interest entered the bank, showed the teller a note, and demanded money. "The subject then fled to a nearby Dirt Cheap store where they entered a restroom and changed clothes," St. Louis County Police said. "The person of interest was last seen walking westbound on Dunn Road. The photos here show the subject before and after changing clothes." Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective McDonald through our Bureau of Communications at (636) 529-8210 or (314) 615-8686. "Thank you for your assistance!," St. Louis County Police said.

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ALTON - Francine Jackson was renting the home in the 1300 block of Taylor in Alton on Friday, July 8, and was sound asleep when a burning smell and coughing caused her to rise out of bed. At first, she thought it was the “smell of burning leaves” that captured her attention, and she grabbed her phone to contact the fire department. Then, she realized this wasn’t burning leaves, but she looked at the window and saw the whole window engulfed in flames. She tried to grab a fire extinguisher in her cabinet but she realized she had to get outside. She trudged in a blind fashion through a gulf of smoke and was barely able to get out the doorway. “I was sound asleep and I woke up coughing,” she said. “I have asthma.” Jackson’s asthma issues may have ultimately saved her life in what seemed what she called "a miraculous escape." “I felt lucky,” she said. “I had no idea I was that close to death. If I had woken up 30 seconds

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ALTON - It is with great sadness the death of Yvonne Campbell, owner of My Just Desserts, is announced Wednesday morning. However, she died of complications after a crash in Jamaica on July 8, 2022. She had been hospitalized in Jamaica since the accident. Others from Alton were involved in the crash and one person remains in a Jamaica hospital hoping to be flown back for additional medical treatment in the U.S. My Just Desserts in Alton issued this statement on its Facebook page on Wednesday morning: "We have to share with you all about the passing of our owner Yvonne. Anyone that knew her, loved her, and knew how much of a bright light she brought to every room she entered. No one will ever bake a pie, cobbler, or cake as good as her. "Please give us room for grievance at this time. We will be closed until further notice and will let everyone know when we will be back. Thank you all for your continued thoughts and prayers, this is devastating to all." Shelia Goins, the wif

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EDWARDSVILLE - Kathy McKinnon, President/CEO of SIUE Credit Union, will be retiring after 38 years of service on June 30, 2022, and will be succeeded by Matthew Parrott as the new President/CEO. Kathy became the 3rd president of SIUE Credit Union on December 1st, 2006, succeeding Maxine Callies. Kathy began her career in credit unions in 1972 working for the American Steel Federal Credit Union and then started at SIUE Credit Union in 1984 as Vice President of Operations. Kathy has been instrumental in the growth of the credit union from 9 million in assets in 2006 to over 30 million in assets in 2022. During her tenure, Kathy has implemented many products and services for the benefit of its members. Kathy also served as a Director on the Epcor payment systems board for more than 15 years. Epcor provides payments expertise through education, advice, and member representation. Matthew Parrott succeeded Kathy McKinnon on July 1, 2022. Matthew has been in the financial industry for more

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HARDIN - Johnathan E. Myers, 35, faces a number of charges after a traffic stop and a court-authorized home search in Hardin, the Calhoun County Sheriff's Office announced Tuesday. At 10:02 p.m. on July 9, 2022, the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office conducted a traffic stop on Park Street near Main Street, Hardin, Calhoun County, Illinois. Subsequent to an investigation, the driver, Johnathan E. Myers, age 35, of Hardin, Illinois was arrested on the following charges: Disobeying a Traffic Control Device, Driving While License Suspended, Unlawful Possession of Methamphetamine, Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. On July 10, 2022, the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office followed up with the criminal investigation and executed a court-authorized search warrant at a residence in the 200 block of South Park Street in Hardin. Subsequent to the execution of said search warrant, law enforcement officials discovered items used to manufacture an explosive or incendiary device,

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ST. LOUIS - The City of St. Louis has reported the city's first probable case of monkeypox. The individual has told the St. Louis Department of Public Health said it is awaiting confirmation from the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention for confirmation of their monkeypox case. "The individual likely contracted the virus outside of the state during recent travel," the St. Louis Department of Public Health said. "An investigation shows the individual has had minimal contact with the public, and any potential close contacts have been notified." Dr. Mati Hlatshwayo Davis, director of health for the City of St. Louis said: "Through this individual's cooperation with the Department of Public Health, we believe their minimal contact with other individuals will help contain the spread of this virus within our community. At the same time, it is important that if anyone develops the symptoms of monkeypox, they should contact their medical provider immediately and avoid direct contact

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GRANITE CITY - Dean Justus is a musician from Granite City who is competing to win $10,000 and the chance to be the opening act at a concert at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles later this year. Justus, who writes original songs, sings and plays the ukulele under the name Justus & the Experience, is currently ranked fourth in his group in the Opening Act competition . With just over nine days of voting left, you can cast a vote every day for Justus & the Experience on the Opening Act website before voting closes on the 21st. Justus doesn’t confine his musical style into any one genre, but says it mostly sounds like American folk with elements of other musical styles in different songs. “It’s going to have good lyrics, songwriting, good storytelling,” Justus said. “You won’t hear anything else out there like it. Nobody plays the style I do, nobody plays the uke like I do.” You can listen to some of his music on YouTube, where

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ALTON - Christina Seward wants to bring her sister home from Jamaica after a terrible car crash. Her sister is hospitalized now in Jamaica and has a spinal injury, Seward said. De’Airra Scruggs, 28, of Alton, was in the van with Yvonne Campbell, owner of My Just Desserts, when they were involved in a crash in Jamaica on Saturday. “My sister is in a hospital in Jamaica and she can’t feel her legs,” her sister said. “She is there, pretty much helpless. We want to get her home so she can have medical care. We are scared to death for her right now.” Yvonne’s daughter, Nakiyah Jackson, and De’Airra are very close, her sister said. De’Airra is an Alton High School graduate and has worked at the state hospital in Alton for several years. Christina had a conversation with her sister Friday night before the tragic accident and she said she was having a great time. She said it was "devastating" to her when she learned of her sister's serious

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HIGHLAND – The Illinois Department of Transportation announces intermittent lane closures on IL 143/US 40 between Walnut St in Highland and Frey Meadows Road beginning on Monday, July 18, 2022, weather permitting. Two-way traffic will be maintained by the use of flaggers. This closure is needed to construct a new asphalt surface and it should be completed by October of 2022. 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. The contractor on this project is Christ Brothers Asphalt of Lebanon, Illinois. For IDOT District 8 updates, follow us on Twitter at @IDOTDistrict8 or view area construction details on IDOT’s traveler information map on GettingAroundIllinois.com.

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GRAFTON – The wait is over. The new Mississippi Monster opened at Raging Rivers Waterpark last Saturday, July 9. Guests will see this giant main attraction at the top of a hill as they enter the park. The new super-slide features three hidden chambers to speed down, splashing and spraying through the enclosed tubes before an exhilarating final splash. “We are thrilled to open the Mississippi Monster for our guests to enjoy, Corporate Director of Operations Ken Handler. “This new slide adds a new level of thrills to our collection of family fun attractions.” The park has made numerous improvements to the guest experience this season, including adding more shade structures, free seating, new food options, expedited food lines, and reopening the River Grille. Guests can also join fun-filled games offered by the park’s entertainment team or kick back and enjoy the show. Raging Rivers Waterpark offers dynamic pricing for guests looking to save on daily admission.

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GODFREY - LaVista Park sits on a beautiful 93-acre tract of land located in Godfrey on West Delmar Ave. It's home to many hiking/bike trails, several picnic tables, and a challenging 18-hole disc golf course. A new addition to the park was unveiled Saturday (July 9th) when a new sculpture dubbed the "Prairie Portal" was honored. The outdoor sculpture was designed by local artist Merrilyn Shoemaker. Tom Cundiff is a woodworker who constructed the sculpture. They both attended the ribbon cutting on Saturday. The idea for the sculpture came about a couple of years ago and has taken longer than expected to make its debut. It was all volunteers who helped get the project off the ground. The sculpture is 12 feet tall and 7 feet wide and sits on a brand new poured concrete pad near the pollination area. It can clearly be seen from the main path that runs through the park. The event was supposed to have children's activities as well as refreshments for guests, however, the rainy, overcast

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EDWARDSVILLE – Student debt is growing six times faster than the nation’s economy. First-generation students and underrepresented minorities are twice as likely to report that they are behind on making student loan payments compared to others. With these data in mind, the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Pharmacy (SOP) is assisting students in the pursuit of a future of financial freedom by way of a free financial literacy program. An SIUE Innovation and Excellence in Graduate Education grant focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) was awarded to the SOP for the creation of a two-month program comprising 15 first-generation and underrepresented student pharmacists. “The impact of this type of program is longstanding, not only resulting in short term gains but also sustainable for generations to come,” said SOP Clinical Professor and Director of DEI Lakesha Butler, PharmD. “Financial literacy is unfortunately not a typical topic

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ALTON - The Alton Section of the National Council of Negro Women, Inc. will host its biennial cotillion on Saturday, July 23, 2022, at 5:00 PM at the Premier Best Western Hotel in Alton, IL. This year's theme, “Jewels of Distinction,” embodies all the 2022 debutantes. The 2022 Jewels Court consists of debutantes E’Niya Fields, Kyla Gerhardt, Kaliyah Newby, A’myiah Pittman, and Anya Robinson. In preparation for the ball, their former formal debut to society, each debutante has participated in educational opportunities related to adequate financial self-esteem and self-preparedness. They showcase their talents through music and art in a luncheon on Saturday, June 25, 2022. Most importantly, each debutante has been allowed to give back to the community through hours of community service. The cotillion is the cumulating event that follows the community service to celebrate each of them as they are formally introduced to society tickets are available for advanced

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GRAFTON - In the spring of your junior year, an average teenager might be touring colleges or thinking about a summer job. But for Kateryna Savienkova, an exchange student from Ukraine attending Jersey Community High School, making plans was impossible. On June 3rd, the war in Ukraine had reached day 100 and Kateryna was still unclear where she would spend the next year of her life. Today, Kateryna has completed a full academic year of high school in America, an opportunity she worked hard to receive and one where she made the most of every day. Living with her host family, Jim, Carla, and Roanna Newton, in Grafton, Kateryna has made the most of her time. At school, she participated in cross country, and bowling, and was an honor roll student. Back in her home country of Ukraine a much different story played out for her family and friends. As the war continued, devastating images came in each day. “Sometimes it was unbearable.” Kateryna explains, “The continuous

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