Riverbender 🕸

RIVERBEND - As the holiday season approaches, several organizations in the Riverbend region will rely on donations to continue serving the community. On this Giving Tuesday, we’ve compiled a few organizations that could use your help today and throughout the year. “Thinking about year-round and not just on Giving Tuesday, different seasons call for different needs. So we get a lot during certain times of year, but that isn’t always spread out,” said Ashley Lockwood, an educator for the Audubon Center at Riverlands . Lockwood explained that the Audubon Center leads conservation efforts for birds on a national scale, including at their base at 301 Riverlands Way in West Alton, Missouri. They also have several educational programs that they offer for no or low cost to local K-12 students. Donations to the Audubon Center help fund these programs and keep the costs down. They also allow the Center to pay more employees or hire interns from local high schools.

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EDWARDSVILLE – The Edwardsville Police conducted a traffic safety campaign Nov. 17-27 reminding motorists to buckle up and drive sober. The “Click It or Ticket” and “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” mobilization was conducted by the Edwardsville Police and other state and local law enforcement agencies across Illinois to reduce highway fatalities. During the campaign, Edwardsville Police handled: 4 DUI arrests 14 speeding citations 9 other citations “This year’s campaign was successful in grabbing people’s attention with highly visible enforcement methods. As always, our goal is having a safe community with safe drivers,” said Lt. Brandn Whittaker. The Thanksgiving enforcement effort is made possible by federal traffic safety funds administered by the Illinois Department of Transportation and is part of the statewide “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” and “Click It or Ticket” campaigns.

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The Cougar Cupboard, a non-profit food pantry overseen by the Office of Student Affairs, has expanded by three Mini Cougar Cupboards on the campus of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. Thanks to a generous grant from the Meridian Society, an auxiliary organization of the SIUE Foundation, the Mini Cougar Cupboards will be installed after Thanksgiving at three locations: the Morris University Center (MUC), Lovejoy Library and Campus Recreation. The Mini Cougar Cupboards will expand the mission to fight food insecurity and hunger on the SIUE campus, create connections within the community and support clients with convenience and anonymity beyond the singular existing location in the MUC. “When the Cougar Cupboard is not open for student food pick-up, these boxes can serve as a short-term opportunity for students to obtain a grab-and-go item,” said Kelly Jo Hendricks, director of the MUC and Student Success Center. “The beautiful thing about these pantries

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ALTON - David Dresch, a math teacher at Alton High School, is a recipient of the 2023 Emerson Excellence In Teaching Award. Emerson Electric Company, located in St. Louis, sponsors the annual nomination and awards program to recognize exemplary teachers across the region. Dresch has a renowned reputation for being an outstanding teacher with a passion for mathematics. He has also provided districtwide math supports through programs designed to assist K-12 teachers with aligning math instruction to state standards and developing systems for common assessments. Dresch, a graduate of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, was both humble and appreciative in receiving word that he was an Emerson Award recipient. “I’ve always tried to develop relationships with my students which allows me to help see where their (math) strengths and weaknesses are when they enter AHS as freshmen," he said. "I also enjoy helping students navigate the transition from eighth to ninth grade

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GRAFTON - “Jesus, the Light of the World,” is the theme for the annual Christmas program at Grafton Full Gospel Church. The event is set for 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 17, 2023, at 15065 Elm Street. The program will highlight the Christmas story, featuring some well-known characters. The church is approximately four miles from Highway 109 as well as from Grafton city limits, on Illinois State Highway 3, where John A Laslie III is pastor. Refreshments will be served following the program. For more information, contact Wendy Coleson, director, at (618) 786-3662.

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JERSEYVILLE - Updated statistics from the Illinois State Police indicate crime rates have risen in Jersey County over the past year, with arson, burglary, and motor vehicle theft topping the list of offenses on the rise compared to last year. According to the Illinois State Police Illinois Uniform Crime Reporting Program , which combines data submitted by law enforcement agencies across each county in the state, the overall crime rate in Jersey County is up 14.12% over 2022, with significant percentage spikes in certain types of crime. Arson is up 100% in Jersey County, which represents a change from one arson in 2022 to two arsons in 2023. The first arson of the year was committed on September 29, 2023 , shortly followed by the second arson on Oct. 3, 2023 . Burglaries have risen by 73.33% over the past year in Jersey County. The total number of burglaries reached 26 in 2023 compared to 15 in 2022. Motor vehicle theft also went up by 50%, an increase from eight motor

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SPRINGFIELD – Macoupin County ranked hire on the charts once again statewide for the amount of deer harvested in the first weekend of the Illinois firearm deer season between Nov. 17-19. Macoupin County recorded 1,077 deer killed on the first weekend of firearm season compared to 1,120 the previous year. Hunters in Illinois harvested a preliminary total of 53,348 deer during the first weekend of the Illinois firearm deer season between Nov. 17-19. Comparatively, hunters took 52,354 deer during the first firearm weekend in 2022. In Calhoun County, there were 476 deer taken, compared to 465 in 2022. In Greene, 624 deer were harvested compared to 634 in 2022 and hunters recorded a total of 484 deer in Madison County, compared to 509 in 2022. A total of 435 deer were harvested in Jersey, compared to 425 in 2022. Illinois’ seven-day firearm deer season will conclude Nov. 30-Dec. 3. Other deer hunting opportunities in the weeks ahead include: muzzleloader-only deer season

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HIGHLAND - A Hot Chocolate “Walk For Wishes” fundraiser to support Make-A-Wish is coming up soon from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. this Saturday, Dec. 2, 2023, at Highland Town Square. Sue Messerli with Make-A-Wish recently shared new updates and more information about the event and the purpose behind it. Messerli said this will be her fourth year organizing the walk, and that the proceeds support a good cause. Registration fees are $25 for adults, $15 for youths aged 5-17, and free for children ages 4 and under. Register online at this link . “This will be the fourth year to be able to grant kids’ wishes with life-threatening illnesses, and all the proceeds … will go to Make-A-Wish Illinois in Chicago,” Messerli said. “I’m not accepting the money and then handing it out to grant wishes individually, but trust me, all children in the state of Illinois who qualify for a wish will get a wish.” In addition to cups of hot chocolate

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EAST ST. LOUIS – End-of-the-year gifts are needed, valued and provided by real-life “angels,” according to three Southern Illinois University Edwardsville East St. Louis Charter High School (CHS) students. CHS students A’Khyra Allen, Dannica Davis and Patrick Washington have been recipients of the CHS Angel Tree Campaign and fondly recall presents of yesteryear. “During the pandemic, we couldn’t go out, and the supplies that the Charter School gave us really helped out,” said CHS senior Allen. “I liked getting the notebooks, pencils and folders.” “I really loved our varsity jacket coats,” said CHS senior Davis. “They had our school logo and creed and were warm and cute! Charter School always thinks about not just what we may want, but what we need. A lot of students needed warm jackets.” “Over the years, I have been glad to receive sweatpants, a jacket coat and boxes of snacks,” said CHS

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ROXANA/WOOD RIVER - The Flagman’s Mission Continues is seeking volunteers to help honor Chief Warrant Officer 2 Ryan Epley, a 25-year-old from Roxana who died while serving in active duty. Epley was a Blackhawk Pilot in the Army, stationed in California at the time of his death. The Flagman’s Mission Continues plans to line the funeral route with American flags. They need volunteers to set up flags at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 29, 2023, and take down flags at 1 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 3, 2023. “Ryan was a kind soul that loved unconditionally,” Epley’s obituary reads. “He made anyone he met feel welcome and comfortable. He was the life of a party and could make anyone laugh. Ryan was beyond his years in knowledge and compassion. He truly was a wonderful young man. He was a true officer and gentleman.” The Flagman’s Mission Continues organization regularly lines the funeral routes of fallen military members, firefighters and police

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BENTON – Alexia N. Willie, also known as Jason L. Willie, 47, of Nashville, Illinois, is facing 14 felony counts of interstate communication of a threat to injure, U.S. Attorney Rachel Aud Crowe announced on Tuesday morning. The crime is punishable by up to 5 years’ imprisonment per count. “Law enforcement agencies take threats against children seriously and will extensively investigate adults who threaten to endanger them,” said U.S. Attorney Rachelle Aud Crowe. According to court documents, Willie allegedly made threatening statements while on video in online chatrooms with victims across the country. The indictment highlights 14 alleged instances in which the defendant threatened to walk into schools or public restrooms to shoot or sexually abuse children. “This indictment is a result of the public’s vigilance in reporting threats to law enforcement. The FBI will diligently investigate reports of threats, especially when directed at our most

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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today delivered an opening statement during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing entitled “The Gun Violence Epidemic: A Public Health Crisis.” The hearing features expert testimony on gun violence as a crucial public health issue and specific public health initiatives that have recently shown promise in reducing gun violence, such as Chair Durbin’s Chicago HEAL Initiative . In 2022, there were more than 48,000 firearm-related deaths in the United States. More than half of firearm-related deaths were suicides, and more than four out of every 10 were homicides. Guns are now the number one cause of death for American kids and teens. The hearing continues Durbin’s and the Committee’s efforts to curb the gun violence epidemic. Last summer, the Senate passed and President Biden signed into law the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, the most significant

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CAHOKIA – State Senator Christopher Belt is encouraging families to take a tour of the Jarrot Mansion State Historic Site on Saturday to see the home decorated for the holidays and learn the story of St. Nicholas. “The Jarrot Mansion is a beautiful home, and there’s no better way to see it than when it’s decorated for the holidays,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “This is a great chance to visit the historic site and help children get excited for Christmas.” St. Nicholas will visit Jarrot Mansion to greet families and share treats with children amid candlelight and traditional holiday decorations. The site is usually open by appointment only, but it will be open for free tours from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Dec. 2. Visitors are encouraged to donate a nonperishable food item for families in need. All donations will be distributed to Cahokia food pantries. The mansion, located at 124 E. First St. in Cahokia, was built around 1810 by merchant Nicholas Jarrot,

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CHICAGO — Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) were joined today by local officials and community leaders to celebrate the completion of a series of multiyear improvements worth $82.1 million along Interstate 57, part of several investments in the state’s longest interstate highway made possible by the historic, bipartisan Rebuild Illinois capital program. Nearly 20 miles of I-57 were patched and resurfaced, while two bridges were repaired along a vital commercial and residential corridor connecting multiple communities from Chicago’s South Side through the south suburbs. “After decades of neglect, we are delivering the kind of infrastructure improvements that Illinoisans have been waiting for,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Our two-year, $85 million investment created good-paying jobs and has produced a smoother, safer ride for all who use I-57. When we make smart investments in the roadways that working families

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EDWARDSVILLE - Josh Fark has received the Emerson’s 2023 Excellence in Teaching Award. Fark, a special education teacher at Albert Cassens Elementary, was chosen from hundreds of teachers throughout the St. Louis metropolitan area. The Edwardsville Community Unit School District #7 (ECUSD7) Board of Education recognized him during their regular Board meeting on Monday, Nov. 27, 2023. “Mr. Fark has worked in District 7 for ten years and has been a staple in our functional life skills program,” Andrea Grotefendt, Director of Special Education, explained during the Board meeting. “The qualities that make him a phenomenal teacher extend past the walls of his classroom. He works diligently to foster relationships with parents and to promote inclusion among students and staff alike.” The Emerson Excellence in Teaching Award recognizes educators in the St. Louis area of all grade levels, from kindergarten teachers to college professors. Approximately 8

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EDWARDSVILLE - The Edwardsville Community Unit School District #7 Board of Education announced that Board member John McDole has stepped down from his position, effective immediately. President Jill Bertels announced this during the Board’s regular meeting on Monday, Nov. 27, 2023. She added that the Board is seeking someone who lives in Edwardsville Township to fill the position. “Earlier today, the Board received notice that John McDole will be stepping down as a Board member effective immediately,” Bertels said. “We’re seeking actively to fill the vacancy. Interested persons should submit a letter of interest stating their qualifications and indicating that they meet the Edwardsville Township residency requirement. It should also include a resume and any other information the applicant deems relevant.” The application materials should be turned into the district office, located at 708 St. Louis Street in Edwardsville, by Monday, Dec.

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ALTON - The Alton Police Youth Camp nonprofit will once again sponsor “Shop With a Cop” for local kids. At 8 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 2, 2023, Alton police officers will take on Target with approximately 50 students from the Alton Community Unit School District #11. Sergeant Andrew Pierson, union president, explained that the kids will have roughly $200 to spend on whatever they want for the holidays. “That’s what our nonprofit is all about, you know?” Pierson said. “It’s very great. Some of the kids come prepared with lists they’ve made and they know what they’re doing. Some of them just wander through the aisles. And you see a lot, too, of the kids wanting to give to their siblings or their mom or their dad or grandma or whatever.” The police union hosts an annual golf tournament that funds Shop With a Cop. They also receive donations from several local businesses, OSF, Alton Township, the school district and others. All o

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ALTON - Centerstone, a national leader in behavioral health care, will host a free, virtual Effective Engagement training on December 13 from 10 – 11:30 a.m. CT. CEUs are available. This training will dive into resilience and effective engagement strategies to build resilience within youth and families. “This webinar is perfect for those wanting to gain a deeper understanding of engagement strategies and resilience as part of engagement,” said Hannah Chapman, Centerstone Trauma, Treatment and Training grant coordinator. The presenter of the training will be Rachel Chruszczyk, prevention specialist with Prevent Child Abuse Illinois. This training has 1.5 hours of continuing education approved for IL LCPC / LPC, IL LCSW / LSW, and IL Nursing (LPN, RN, APN) under IDFPR Professional Counselor CE License No. 197.000263 and IDFPR Nurse CE Sponsor License No. 236.000184. To register, visit Centerstone.org/events. For more information, contact Chapman at Hannah.Chapman@Centerstone.org

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SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois State Police (ISP) works to prevent potential firearm related tragedies by keeping firearms out of the hands of those who pose a significant threat to themselves or others, and our work is proving effective. Over the past year, ISP strengthened firearm safety laws in Illinois and increased education and training to law enforcement agencies and schools about using those safety laws. “We are united in our commitment to preventing gun related tragedies in Illinois,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “I’m thankful for the Illinois State Police’s diligent efforts to train law enforcement agencies, school administrators, and medical professionals about the importance of reporting individuals who pose a threat of gun violence and how to do so. Every neighborhood and every home deserves to be free from gun violence, and the State of Illinois will continue to make significant investments in public safety and violence reduction.”

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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) spoke on the Senate floor on the need to reopen key Gaza hospitals under the supervision of a credible, neutral third party in order to help the innocent civilians caught in the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. During his speech, Durbin said he planned to speak with Secretary General António Guterres about implementing this proposal. He also called on Congress to pass President Biden’s emergency supplemental request, which includes emergency funds for Ukraine, Israel, the Indo-Pacific, and humanitarian crises. Durbin began his speech by commenting on the agreement reached between Israel and Hamas to release hostages currently being held by Hamas in the Gaza Strip during a temporary long ceasefire. Durbin said, “These innocent should never have been taken in the first place… This includes a young man with ties to my state, Hersh Goldberg-Polin, who was horribly injured during the October 7

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