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JERSEYVILLE - The Illinois Department of Transportation announced today in its intermittent lane closures list that work will start Monday, July 18, 2022, on Illinois Route 109 between U.S 67 and Illinois Route 3, weather permitting. Two-way traffic will be maintained by the use of flaggers, IDOT said. "This closure is needed to construct a new asphalt surface and it should be completed by October of 2022," added IDOT. Motorists need to exhibit patience and avoid the area whenever possible.

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EDWARDSVILLE – The City of Edwardsville has purchased 2.2 acres of land adjacent to Terry Park, which is located near Grand and Terry avenues, and is part of the City’s commitment to protect and preserve green space. The two lots were acquired using Community Redevelopment funds. The wooded land will serve as passive green space in the park, and be known as the Andrew G. Byron Nature Conservancy at Terry Park. “I am keenly aware that many of our citizens want green space to be a priority,” Mayor Art Risavy said. “As we move forward, the Aldermen and I want our residents to know we are listening and will continue to look at future opportunities to acquire properties that will increase passive green space within our City.” The acquisition helps fulfill the City’s commitment, which is outlined in its comprehensive Green Plan and aims to protect and preserve natural areas of the City. “As we have seen the relentless push to develop every

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The summer months provide the perfect opportunity to conquer cabin fever and explore the great outdoors. But before you head out for that hike, health care experts remind you to take precautions to avoid tick bites. “A tick will get on your body and will stay there. It'll bite you and embed into your skin. If that tick is removed within 24 hours, the chance of getting ill is diminished. After 24 hours there's a chance you could get some illness transmitted from that tick itself,” says Dr. Richard Ginnetti, an OSF HealthCare primary care physician in Bloomington, Illinois. One of the most common tick-borne illnesses is Lyme disease, which is a bacterial infection. You get it when the blacklegged tick, also known as a deer tick, bites you and stays attached for 36 to 48 hours. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates around 300,000 people are infected with Lyme disease each year. Dr. Ginnetti says there are tell-tale signs of Lyme disease, including

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Photos from this article (and gallery) may be purchased for personal use at: https://www.randymanning.com/Miss-Jersey-County-Pageant JERSEYVILLE - The new 2022 Miss Jersey County is Matilynn Thornsbury. She was crowned Wednesday night at the Jersey County Fair. Allie Hunn won Miss 1st Runner Up, People's Choice, and Miss Congeniality. Sammie Malley was Miss 2nd Runner Up. Matilynn said she had a lot of "adrenalin going" when she was named Miss Jersey County and was very proud to accept the honor. "We did a lot of preparation for the pageant," she said. "The pageant crew was outstanding and all of us girls were very excited about the competition. I have a lot of family and friends here, so that also has me excited." Matilynn will be attending Oklahoma State in the fall and said she will be taking the trip back and forth from Stillwater, OK. She also said she is very excited and honored to assume the crown and represent Jersey County over the next year. Tiffany Phillips, th

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GODFREY – Lewis and Clark Community College has released the lists of full- and part-time honors students for the Spring 2022 semester. Students earning a cumulative grade point average of 3.75 or higher out of a possible 4.0 are named to the President’s List. Those students earning a grade point average between 3.25 and 3.74 are recognized each semester on the Dean’s List. Further requirements are listed in the college’s online catalog at http://catalog.lc.edu . Any questions should be directed to the Enrollment Center at (618) 468-2222. President’s List ILLINOIS ALHAMBRA – Brooke Kinder; Megan B. Pickerill; Webb M. Slifka; ALTON – Gabriel R. Ahlin; Christopher A. Ayres; Hunter M. Bailey; Emma M. Barham; McKenna S. Bergin; Robyn D. Brandon; Randas J. Caruthers; Bryce T. Christner; Mary A. Curvey; Lucy A. Dugan; Alyssa Eagleton; Sydney K. Ehrman; Olivia N. Ellebracht; Emily I. Enos; Nicole R. Ezeagu; Taylor R. Fencel;

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ST. LOUIS COUNTY - On Thursday, July 14, 2022, the St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office issued warrants on suspect Otis Johnson, 47 years of age, of the 7200 block of Ashley Oaks Drive in Memphis, Tennessee 38125, for Domestic Assault Second Degree, Domestic Assault Third Degree, Kidnapping First Degree, and Resisting Arrest. A mugshot of Johnson is attached. Johnson is being held on $100,000 cash only, no 10% bond. Please note, charges are merely an accusation and Defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law. The probable cause statement reads: At 10:16 PM, on July 13, 2022, Officers responded to Koeneman Park, located in the 8900 block of Lucas and Hunt Road, in reference to a disturbance. Upon arrival, officers heard Victim screaming. As officers approached the pavilion by the park’s lake, officers observed Victim running towards them and Defendant fleeing to a wooded area. Victim stated that she and her ex-boyfriend, Defendant

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ALTON - The historic Alton Municipal Band continues its 132nd concert season with “It’s Elemental,” featuring music about Earth, fire, water, and wind. Directed this week by Jennifer Shenberger , the band will take audiences on a musical exploration of the elements of the Earth, and a journey through outer space. Also featured this week is soloist Thomas Gustafson, a Harvard-bound all-state trombone player, who will showcase his incredible musical talent with the band. The concert will take place on Thursday, July 14th, at 7:30 PM (Riverview Park) and Sunday, July 17th, at 7:00 PM (Haskell Park). Admission is free.

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GRANITE CITY - More families in Illinois will be relying on First Student to provide the best start and finish to the school day. Granite City Community Unit School District (USD) #9 has selected First Student to manage and operate all school transportation services beginning with the 2022-2023 school year. “The school bus is an extension of the classroom, and we want to provide our students with the best possible experience as they travel to and from school,” said Granite City Community USD #9 Superintendent Stephanie M. Cann. “First Student is known for providing high-quality transportation services with its top safety standards and innovative technology. We believe the company will be able to deliver solutions that really make a difference for our families.” New state-of-the-art school buses with air conditioning will provide thousands of students with a more comfortable and secure ride to and from school. First Student is replacing all 68 buses in the

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WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) joined mothers from the Highland Park area, as well as survivors from the July 4 th massacre and other mass shootings like Uvalde and Parkland at a rally on Capitol Hill to speak out about the need for additional commonsense gun safety reforms. Duckworth, a mother of two young daughters, emphasized the moral obligation to protect our nation’s children and every community across America from senseless gun violence. Duckworth continued by extending her condolences to Highland Park and the many communities mourning from preventable gun crimes. Today’s demonstration came a little over a week after the tragic Highland Park Parade massacre and several community members and parade attendees were present. “I am so upset and so angry. Because I have a four-year-old and I was telling folks yesterday that after Uvalde, I was scrolling, looking for where I could buy ballistic backpacks and ballistic whiteboard

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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) today met with Highland Park, Illinois, residents and members of March Fourth, a gun safety advocacy group, following the Highland Park mass shooting on July 4 that resulted in the deaths of seven people and injured dozens more. During the meeting, Highland Park residents shared their experiences from the shooting and the toll that attack has had on them and their families. Durbin and Duckworth went on to discuss policy solutions to the gun violence epidemic and to rein in assault weapons and high capacity magazines. Both Senators are cosponsors and advocates of the Assault Weapons Ban of 2021 . “After this July 4 th mass shooting, Highland Park will never be the same. Children will grow up without parents. Others will be emotionally and physically burdened for years to come. I admire the courage of Highland Park residents who came to share their experience with Senator

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SPRINGFIELD — Governor JB Pritzker has appointed Dr. Sameer Vohra, a distinguished pediatrician and healthcare policy expert, to lead the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) beginning August 1. Dr. Vohra, the Founding Chair of the Southern Illinois University School of Medicine’s (SIU-SOM) Department of Population Science and Policy, follows Dr. Ngozi Ezike, who stepped down in March after leading IDPH and the State of Illinois through the first two years of the COVID-19 pandemic. “I’m proud to announce the Illinois Department of Public Health’s next visionary leader: Dr. Sameer Vohra,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Dr. Vohra is accomplished in every sense of the word. His experience and education transcend sectors and fields, bringing a well-rounded perspective to this agency. As a leader in state and national health policy, I have absolute confidence in Dr. Vohra’s ability to continue shaping a stronger IDPH for the 21st century.”

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GLEN CARBON - Last year, Father McGivney Catholic High School's baseball team rostered four sets of brothers. It's unusual to see one set of brothers, let alone four. One of those sets of brothers is the Terhaars. They could easily be mistaken as twins but are indeed separated by a year. Older brother Nathan will be a junior in the fall while Justin will become a sophomore. Both will be seeing plenty of time for the Griffins at the varsity level this upcoming season. Justin and Nathan are recognized today as the Byron, Carlson, Petri and Kalp LLC Male Athletes of the Month for Father McGivney. "It's really cool to be playing on the same team," Nathan said who saw 110 at-bats and had a .309 batting average for Father McGivney last season. "It's not something that everybody gets to do," Justin added. Justin only took nine at-bats last season batting .222, but every year expect him to see more playing time. The two have been playing with one another since they were young, really

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Photos from this article (and gallery) may be purchased for personal use at: https://www.randymanning.com/Miss-Jersey-County-Pageant JERSEYVILLE - Tessa Huelskoetter was crowned the 2022 Little Miss Jersey County on Wednesday night at the Jersey County Fair. The other Little Miss winners were: Little Miss 1st Runner Up - Hattie Mae Kadell Little Miss 2nd Runner Up - Lola Yoder Little Miss 3rd Runner Up - Carly Ringhausen Little Miss 4th Runner Up - Jane Abbey People's Choice - Nora Hagen Huelskoetter said there was a lot of hard work and preparation that went into competing as Little Miss. For others who consider competing in the Little Miss competitions, Tessa said, "You should not be scared at all. It is so much fun." "I worked hard on practicing with my babysitter, and she made it really fun," Tess said. Tessa was overjoyed at capturing first, but said as she walks away from the pageant: "I am going to ride rides and enjoy the fair!"

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Granite City Community Unit School District #9 announced its school supply lists for the upcoming 2022-23 school year, which is set to begin on Wednesday, August 17. Additional items may be added by individual teachers at the start of the year. It is recommended to purchase additional basic supplies during the “Back to School” sales especially things like pencils, paper, spiral notebooks, pocket folders, and crayons. PRATHER (Pre-K & Kindergarten) - LINK MARYVILLE (1st & 2nd Grade) - LINK WILSON (1st & 2nd Grade) - LINK FROHARDT (3rd & 4th Grade) - LINK MITCHELL (3rd & 4th Grade) - LINK GRIGSBY (5th & 6th Grade) - LINK COOLIDGE (7th & 8th Grade) - LINK GRANITE CITY HIGH SCHOOL (9th-12th Grade) - LINK LAKE EDUCATIONAL SUPPORT SERVICES CENTER - LINK Enrollment and registration remain open for the 2022-23 school year. Families can register by using your SKYWARD account. For all

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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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