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ALTON - The Alton Community Unit School District #11 Board of Education unanimously approved the hire of Nicole Walker as a new assistant principal at Alton High School. During the Board’s regular meeting on June 17, 2025, Board members welcomed Walker and approved her hire, effective July 1, 2025. Walker expressed her excitement for the new role and the chance to learn from the Alton community. “I’m very excited to be a Redbird,” she said. “It’ll be my first year, so it’s going to be a lot of learning, but I’m ready to start that path and see how I can better support teachers and what they need, and help support students and what they need, and then also the administration team, and how to keep that learning community that they have that seems so positive.” Prior to accepting the position in Alton, Walker has spent the last nine years at O’Fallon Township High School as a teacher in the SOAR program, an alternative

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What if one simple, colorful drink could deliver a potent mix of vitamins, antioxidants, hydration, and energy all at once? Summer smoothies often get dismissed as just a tasty treat, but they hold remarkable potential as a health-boosting powerhouse. By exploring the nutritional benefits packed into these blended beverages, we can appreciate how summer smoothies transcend the realm of mere refreshment to become a strategic component of a balanced diet. Nutrient Density in a Glass: The Foundation of Summer Smoothies Summer smoothies often combine fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and dairy or plant-based milks, resulting in a nutrient-rich concoction. Fruits like berries, mangoes, and peaches are naturally high in vitamins C and A, fiber, and antioxidants such as flavonoids and polyphenols. Vegetables like spinach or kale add iron, calcium, and vitamin K, which are crucial for blood health and bone strength. For example, a smoothie containing blueberries, banana, spinach, and Greek

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June 18 stands out in history as a day marked by pivotal moments that have shaped nations, inspired movements, and advanced human knowledge. Arguably the most impactful event associated with June 18 is the Battle of Waterloo in 1815. This battle, fought near Waterloo in present-day Belgium, was a decisive confrontation that ended the reign of Napoleon Bonaparte, one of history’s most influential military and political figures. After escaping exile on Elba, Napoleon sought to reassert his dominance over Europe, but the allied forces of Britain, Prussia, the Netherlands, and other European powers united to halt his advance. The battle not only reshaped the political landscape of Europe but also set the stage for nearly a century of relative peace and the rise of British global influence. Waterloo’s legacy continues to resonate, symbolizing the triumph of coalition forces against a formidable adversary and marking the end of an era in European history. Stepping back in time,

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ALTON - The Alton Municipal Band continues its 135th consecutive season with the “Coolest Concert of the Year,” featuring tunes that will take the minds of the audience away from the summer heat. Director Chuck Noud will lead the band with songs all about snow, ice, and winter, including songs from “Frozen,” and hit music group Kool and the Gang. An ice cream truck from The Dairy Bar will be present, allowing audience members to purchase the coolest treats around. Alton Municipal Band concerts are free and open to the public. The band performs on Thursday evenings at 7:30 PM at Riverview Park, and on Sunday evenings at 7 PM at Haskell Park. Families are encouraged to bring their lawn chairs and enjoy a beautiful night of music under the Alton sunset.

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EDWARDSVILLE — State Senators Jason Plummer and Erica Harriss will host an End of Session Town Hall on Tuesday, June 24, to discuss legislation passed during the recent Spring Session. The event is scheduled from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Edwardsville Gun Club, located at 4104 Staunton Road in Edwardsville. Plummer represents the Edwardsville area, while Harriss serves the Glen Carbon district. The town hall aims to provide constituents with an overview of key measures enacted by the state legislature and offer an opportunity for public engagement. For more information, contact Amanda at 217-782-0956.

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O'FALLON - The O'Fallon Police Department has issued 83 solicitor permits to individuals representing 24 different companies amid an increase in business activity following recent spring storms. The permits are intended to regulate solicitors operating in the area. Solicitors must comply with specific requirements set by the department. Residents who encounter solicitors not adhering to these rules are encouraged to contact the O'Fallon Police Department at 618-624-4545 ext. 1. Officials emphasize that a solicitor permit from the O'Fallon Police Department does not constitute an endorsement of the company by the city. Residents are advised to conduct their own research before entering into any agreements with solicitors.

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From high-energy concerts and family-friendly summer camps to one-of-a-kind markets and vibrant community festivals, the upcoming events promise something for everyone to enjoy throughout the region. For a complete listing of all the exciting happenings, visit https://www.riverbender.com/events/ and start planning your next adventure today! Featured GGCA Summer Camp invites children ages 3 to 12 to embark on an unforgettable adventure this summer at Greater Glory Christian Academy. The 2025 Summer Camp theme is "Bible Explorer: Trek through Truth!" and promises a fun-filled experience with outdoor and water games, crafts, weekly field trips to nearby attractions and the NCG Cinema in Alton, along with daily hot meals. Running from June 2nd to July 25th, the camp operates weekdays from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM, with before and aftercare available. The cost is $90 per student per week, and CHASI is accepted. Spaces are limited, so interested parents are encouraged to call (618) 468-1068

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EDWARDSVILLE – Edwardsville City Council members gave the city’s rules for door-to-door solicitors a long-needed update on Tuesday night. Unanimously approved at this week’s meeting was an ordinance amending the section of the Edwardsville City Code concerning solicitors. Alderman William Krause said these updates have been needed for decades. “This was an item requested out of the Police Department: Update our solicitors … taking into account the various legal changes that have occurred over the last 40 some-odd years from our previous 50-years law that we had on the books,” Krause said. Krause clarified that certain exceptions will apply to Boy Scouts, religious organizations, and political surveyors, but said “solar salesmen” and most other solicitors would first need to register with the city and obtain a permit. He added the city will also establish a “Do Not Knock” list for individual residences to sign up for.

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TROY — For Dawn Mushill, the past 25 years as President & CEO of the Troy/Maryville/St. Jacob/Marine Chamber of Commerce have been more than just a career — they’ve been a dream come true. “There are very few jobs where you can ride an elephant, give a high school commencement speech, appear in a rap video, perform a dance routine with the mayor, and drive a ‘Chambermobile,’” said Mushill with a smile. “Everything I love —connecting people, building relationships, providing resources, and planning events — is part of what I get to do every day.” When Mushill took the role in 2000, she had just moved to Troy and didn’t know a single person in the community. With no clear roadmap, she brought her own vision and energy to the job. “In each of my interviews, I brought suggestions and ideas. By the third round, the Board President told me, ‘Now put those ideas to work’ — and I did.” At

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ALTON - On a recent episode of “You’re Beautiful” with Brian Trust , Christy Schult shared how God has guided her through her career as an educator and her new position as the development director at the Community Hope Center in Cottage Hills. Schult noted that God has been in her life since she was a child, and His influence is as powerful as ever. She believes Christianity does not have to be complex, but instead should be about the relationship you develop with God. She encourages people to focus on building that relationship and putting their trust in God’s hands. “I think sometimes we make it so complicated to be a Christian. You have to know these scriptures, you have to be able to quote, you have to be able to pray in a certain way,” she said. “God never made it complicated for us. He gave us the Word. He gave us simple instructions. We know what we can do, what we can’t do. We know that…Really, He just wants

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ST. LOUIS - Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe announced his appointment of Derek Winters to lead the transition of the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department from local to state control. St. Louis Mayor Cara Spencer issued the following statement: "I spoke to the governor’s office and have full confidence that this appointment doesn’t change the chief’s ability to lead the City of St. Louis’ Police Department in the future. While the governor and I disagree on the issue of local control, we share the common goal of a successful SLMPD, and I look forward to meeting with Mr. Winters in the near future." The governor announced the appointment of Derek Winters as the Transition Director to assist in the implementation of oversight of the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department (SLMPD) to a citizen-led board of police commissioners, as authorized under House Bill (HB) 495 . In this role, Winters will work closely with City of St. Louis officials, the SLMPD, the Missouri

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BATCHTOWN – A 12-year-old Batchtown girl died from injuries suffered in a UTV accident on June 12, 2025, on private property in Calhoun County, Calhoun Chief Deputy Sheriff Zach Hardin said on Tuesday, June 17, 2025. Hardin said the call for the accident came in at 4:24 p.m. this past Thursday. “The girl was operating a side-by-side UTV,” Hardin said, which overturned on the property. Calhoun Ambulance and Calhoun Sheriff’s Office responded to the scene and the child was treated, then airlifted to Children’s Hospital in St. Louis, where she died on June 14, Hardin said. Hardin said the 12-year-old child was identified as Caroline Goode. “The compassion and generosity of the family led to her saving eight other people with organ donations,” the chief deputy said. Visitation will be held from 4-8 p.m. on Friday, June 20, 2025, at the Calhoun Elementary School Gym. The funeral mass will be at 10 a.m. on Saturday, June 21, 2025, at St. Norbert’s

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NOTRE DAME, Indiana — Katherine Johnson of Godfrey has been named to the Saint Mary’s College Dean’s List for the Spring 2025 semester. To earn this academic honor at Saint Mary's, a student must achieve a grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.6 on a 4.0 scale, have a minimum of 12 graded credit hours, no incompletes, and no grades lower than a C. About Saint Mary’s College Saint Mary’s College, located in Notre Dame, IN, is recognized as both a visionary forerunner and an enduring innovator in the education of women. As a private college, Saint Mary’s is committed to the social and economic empowerment of all women, a culture of human dignity and solidarity, and a focus on problem solving and research. With more than 60 undergraduate academic programs, as well as accelerated advanced degrees options, we offer a strong liberal arts foundation in an atmosphere that encourages open discussion and close collaboration with professors and classmates.

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GRANITE CITY – Two men from Granite City face the same set of criminal charges in two unrelated cases of domestic battery filed on the same day. Robert L. Moore, 55, of Granite City, was charged on June 9, 2025 with a Class 2 felony count of aggravated domestic battery and a Class A misdemeanor count of domestic battery. On June 6, 2025, Moore allegedly strangled a household or family member and struck the victim in the eye. A petition from the Madison County State’s Attorney’s Office to deny Moore’s pretrial release states Moore became violent with the victim during a verbal dispute, striking them in the eye, strangling the victim, and threatening to kill them. The petition adds the victim was seen with injuries consistent with their description of the attack. The petition also states that Moore “has a pending domestic battery case out of St. Clair County involving the same victim.” A report of Moore’s criminal history shows multiple prior

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TROY - At the Troy City Board meeting Monday night, June 16, 2025, the Troy Police Department marked a night of promotions, new appointments, and farewells. Justin Christ was promoted to lieutenant, while Jessica Callahan and Austin Cripe advanced to sergeant. The department also officially welcomed Chris Rice as its newest member. Rice brings more than 20 years of experience from a police department in Missouri and will serve as a School Resource Officer within the Troy School District. The meeting also recognized the service of Police Commissioners Don Clark and Tom Canivit, who stepped down from their roles after years of dedication to public safety and support of the department. The Troy Police Department expressed appreciation for the contributions of Clark and Canivit and encouraged the community to congratulate the newly promoted officers and welcome Officer Rice.

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TROY — Residents and visitors are invited to celebrate Independence Day at Tri-Township Park, 410 Wickliffe Street, in Troy on Friday, July 4, 2025, with a full day of live music, family activities, and a fireworks display. The event will begin at 1 p.m. on July 4 with a performance by the Kayden Crews Duo, offering an upbeat set suitable for all ages. From 5 p.m. until the fireworks finale after dark, Tim Berg and the Kurtz Family Band will provide high-energy entertainment. Between 1 p.m. and 8 p.m., attendees can enjoy a variety of family attractions including bounce houses available for $10 with an armband for unlimited access and a classic dunk tank. The dunk tank will feature local figures such as Mayor Craig Nonn from 1 to 2:30 p.m. and Dave Qualls of the Titans from 2:30 to 4 p.m. Organizers are also seeking additional dunk tank volunteers to help raise funds for future park projects. Local vendors will offer food, drinks, and handmade goods throughout the event. Attendees

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EDWARDSVILLE — The Metro East Humane Society (MEHS) has announced that its upcoming low-cost Vaccine & Microchip Clinic originally scheduled for Friday, June 21 has been rescheduled to Saturday, June 28, 2025. All other details for the event remain the same. The clinic will take place at the MEHS Highland location (510 W Monroe, Highland, IL 62249) from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. or until supplies last and is open to the public. No appointments are necessary, but you must be in line by 11:30 AM. Available services include: Free DHPP (dogs) and FVRCP (cats) vaccines , generously provided by Petco Love Rabies vaccinations for $15 (pets must be at least 16 weeks old) Microchipping for $20 Dewormer and flea/tick prevention options also available To ensure a safe and efficient clinic experience: Dogs must be on a leash Cats must be in a carrier Please bring a pen and any prior vaccine records if available “We appreciate the community’s understanding as we adjust

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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today delivered an opening statement at a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing entitled “Scammers Exposed: Protecting Older Americans from Transnational Crime Networks.” The hearing focused on elder fraud and financial abuse to help raise public awareness about the recent increase in financial threats and scams targeting older Americans. The hearing provided an opportunity to discuss how the federal government can bolster protections for vulnerable populations like elderly Americans who are most at risk of being victimized by these financial scams. Before Durbin delivered his opening statement, he noted the Senate received a bipartisan briefing following the horrific shooting of Minnesota state lawmakers this weekend and federal agents forcefully removing United States Senator Alex Padilla (D-CA) during a Department of Homeland Security press conference on

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GLEN CARBON — A pedestrian was seriously injured after being struck by a vehicle Tuesday morning, June 17, 2025, on North Main Street. Glen Carbon Police and Fire responded to the crash. The pedestrian received treatment at the scene before being airlifted to a hospital in the St. Louis area for further care. Glen Carbon Police have closed North Main Street in both directions from East Ingle to Hickory Hills while accident reconstruction takes place. Officials said additional information about the incident will be released later Tuesday.

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ALTON - On a recent episode of “You’re Beautiful” with Brian Trust , J.D. shared his testimony of finding God after several decades of struggle. “I’ve got one heck of a testimony. The gutter that I came out of, a lot of people don’t come up out of it,” he said. “I’m truly excited because of all the wonderful things God has done in my life and the possibility to help others and give them strength to get through some of the things that they’re going through. If I can get through it, anybody can get through it.” J.D. shared that he was in a rocky, abusive relationship with his ex-wife. He was physically and emotionally abused by her. When his wife discovered heroin, he, too, started down a path of addiction. Eventually, the Department of Children and Family Services removed their four children from their home. J.D. left his wife and moved to South Carolina to focus on his sobriety. When he learned that his

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