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ALTON - Alton has a long-standing Juneteenth Celebration tradition and the Juneteenth Committee is already in preparation for the 35th Annual Celebration in 2026. Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day or Emancipation Day, is observed annually on June 19. It honors the day in 1865 when Union soldiers informed enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas, of their freedom, more than two years after President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation on Jan. 1, 1863. Abe Lee Barham, one of those involved with the celebration to start and also a member of the Alton Juneteenth Committee, said: "We are preparing for our 35th Annual Celebration. This is a reminder that the Alton Parks and Recreation Department has requested all food vendors have food licenses from the Illinois Department of Public Health. The IDPH regulates food vendors to prevent foodborne illness and ensure safe food handling practices. "Ensuring proper licensing not only ensures legal compliance but also

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GRAFTON - Raging Rivers WaterPark guests can enjoy a visit from a NASCAR Truck courtesy of World Wide Technology Raceway. From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 7, 2025, community members can take photos with a NASCAR Truck and visit with WWTR staff while at the waterpark. Raging Rivers staff members are looking forward to welcoming the community for a unique experience. “The more memories we can create, the more we’ll draw people back,” said General Manager Jeremy Hayes. “That’s ultimately the goal, to continue the legacy of Raging Rivers for many years to come.” Hayes believes the parents and kids will be “super stoked” to see the NASCAR Truck. You can touch the truck and take photos with it, but no one will be allowed to sit inside. Additionally, World Wide Technology Raceway staff members will be onsite with “tchotchkes and giveaways” for kids to enjoy, Hayes said. He emphasized the value of partnerships like

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SPRINGFIELD - The Illinois Office of Comptroller (IOC) will once again have a tent at the Illinois State Fair, offering visitors exciting giveaways, cold water, games, information about the office’s programs and services, and a chance to learn more about what the IOC does as the state’s fiscal watchdog. “I absolutely love the Illinois State Fair, and I hope in between rides and lemonade shake-ups that fairgoers will visit my tent and see what the role of Comptroller is all about and where their tax dollars are going,” said Comptroller Mendoza. Additionally, the IOC will hold its popular dog adoption event at the fair: On Tuesday, August 12th , WILD Canin e Rescue in Springfield will be at the tent from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. with some of the group’s adorable dogs available for adoption. Come out and spend some time with the pooches looking for a forever home and learn more about the IO C ’s Comptroller’s Critters program. At las

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SPRINGFIELD – The most requested ride at the Illinois State Fair is returning with more stops this year. Made possible through the support of the Illinois Corn Growers Association and Ameren, two trams will run daily on a dedicated route throughout the 11 days of the fair. Tram rides are free for all fairgoers and offer handicap accessibility. “Offering tram service at the Illinois State Fair is part of our commitment to making the fair experience enjoyable and accessible for everyone,” said Jerry Costello II, Director of the Illinois Department of Agriculture. “With so much to see and do at the fair, the tram service will help visitors reach our most popular destinations.” The trams will run continuously throughout the day, on the schedule outlined below. Maps showing the tram routes will be displayed on the fairgrounds. Stops include Happy Hollow at the Handicap Ramp to Illinois Building/Senior Center (a new location this year), Campground/Arena

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PEORIA - Construction is set to begin later this year on 380 miles of new and upgraded high voltage transmission lines across 13 counties in the mid-section of Illinois. When completed in 2029, the project will support lower supply costs by opening new pathways of energy for delivery to millions of residential and business customers in the Ameren Illinois service territory. The proposed route for the transmission line was recently approved by the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC). "At a time when the Midwest faces a persistent shortage of the electricity needed to meet rising demand, this vital project will provide energy access and certainty for businesses and residential growth," said Shawn Schukar , chairman and president of Ameren Transmission Company of Illinois. "Adding system capacity and increasing access to energy resources will improve reliability, boost economic development and help keep bills affordable for energy consumers in Illinois." New and upgraded transmission

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LEBANON – Illinois Transportation Secretary Gia Biagi joined the Illinois Capital Development Board and state and local officials today to celebrate the start of construction on a new solar energy site that will supply power to an adjacent Illinois Department of Transportation storage facility along Interstate 64. The $617,700 project is part of a pilot effort to identify underutilized IDOT property that can be used to generate alternative energy, resulting in a reduction in carbon emissions and long-term savings for the public. “Under the leadership of Gov. JB Pritzker, we are committed to doing our part at IDOT to move toward clean energy sources and better protect the environment,” said Secretary Biagi . “As one of largest landowners in Illinois, IDOT can offer many potential solutions. Adding solar power at one of our facilities is a step in the right direction.” In coordination with IDOT, the CDB broke ground earlier this year on a solar

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BELLEVILLE – People from throughout the St. Clair County area will join the fight against suicide at the Out of the Darkness (OOTD) St. Clair County Community Walk on Saturday, October 18, 2025, in Belleville. Sponsored by the Illinois Chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), the walks provide an opportunity for people impacted by suicide to come together to connect and support one another, as well as raise awareness and funds for AFSP. The OOTD St. Clair County Community Walk begins at 9:30 a.m. at The Square, 19 Public Square, Belleville, IL. Check in begins at 8:30 a.m. The St. Clair County walk is one of hundreds of Out of the Darkness Community Walks that will be held across the country. Suicide is one of the leading causes of death for all ages. In 2023, 49,316 Americans died by suicide and there were an estimated 1.5 million suicide attempts. In the United States in 2023, suicide was the 2nd leading cause of death for ages 10-34,

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JENNINGS, MO. — Four men have been charged in connection with an armed robbery and vehicle hijacking that took place in Jennings, Mo., according to the St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office. On Tuesday, Aug. 5, 2025, charges were filed against Cederick Boyd, 20, of the 3500 block of Boswell Avenue in St. Louis, and Bryant-Michael Chatmon, 19, of the 1400 block of Elmridge Place in St. Louis. Both face charges of vehicle hijacking, first-degree robbery, and two counts of armed criminal action. Each is being held on a $250,000 cash-only bond with no 10% bond option. Earlier, on July 28, 2025, Fernandor Williams, 20, of the 6800 block of Corbitt Avenue, and Terrance Lee Jr., 23, of the 9200 block of Riverwood Drive in St. Louis, were charged with the same offenses. Lee also faces additional charges of leaving the scene of an accident and resisting or interfering with arrest for a felony. Both are being held on the same bond terms. According to probable cause

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ALTON — The James Killion Beautification and Enhancement Committee, in partnership with Be A Bridge, will host a Back-to-School Movie Night and Community Celebration at Killion Park beginning at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 9, 2025. The event aims to provide families in the Alton community with school supplies, resources, and a welcoming atmosphere ahead of the new school year. Liberty Bank is the exclusive movie sponsor for the event at Killion Park, with additional support from Pennzoil and Friends for David Goins. Community partners including the SIU School of Dental Medicine, UnGUN Institute, and outreach organizations such as Flock, Food is Love, and the Madison County Child Advocacy Center will be present to offer services and engagement opportunities. The celebration will open with a keynote address by Dr. Marty K. Casey of the UnGUN Institute from 7:45 to 8 p.m., followed by a family-friendly movie screening at dusk. DJ Matt Edwards will provide live entertainment throughout

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CHICAGO - On the 60th Anniversary of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, Governor JB Pritzker released the following statement: “Sixty years ago, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Voting Rights Act into law, expanding the fundamental right to participate in our elections to millions of Black and brown citizens," said Governor JB Pritzker. "In doing so, he answered a call that has reverberated across generations, from our country’s original sin to the Selma to Montgomery marches – every citizen, no matter their race or zip code, deserves an equal voice in our democracy. “That creed is intrinsic to who we are as a nation, and today it is in grave danger. On Donald Trump’s orders, MAGA Republicans are attempting to rig Congressional maps and silence the voices of Black and Latino communities and all Texans who seek to hold Trump’s political party accountable. As I said when I stood with the Texas House Democrats this weekend, this is not just about

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ILLINOIS - Many Ameren Illinois customers have noticed their energy bills increasing. A representative with the company shares insights on why. Matt Tomc, Vice President of Regulatory Policy and Energy Supply, explained that Ameren is the electric supplier that runs the wires and delivers the electricity to your household. The Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) manages the energy markets. MISO recently passed the auction, meaning their prices increased from $30 a megawatt to $666 a megawatt during the summer period. This impacts Ameren’s supply price. As a result, customers’ energy bills have increased over the summer. “We recognized that for the summer period, we were going to see a 50% increase in the electric supply charges,” Tomc said. “Now, silver lining, they go back to normal after September, but that is a huge jump. And then when you combine that with the heatwave that we’ve experienced, we’re getting some customers

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ALTON - Alton High’s Justice Haynes posted personal bests in the 100- and 200-meter sprints during her junior track season, signaling strong potential as she heads into her senior year. Justice recorded times of 12.32 seconds in the 100 meters and 25.45 seconds in the 200 meters. She was part of the Alton girls’ 4x200 relay team that finished 13th with a time of 1:42.01 and also contributed to the state-qualifying 4x100 relay squad. Justice is an Auto Butler Female Athlete of the Month for Alton High School. “Justice made some great gains in her junior year,” said Alton head girls' track and field coach Chelsea Anderson of her 2025 outdoor performance. “She is progressing as a sprinter. She is quick out of the blocks — speed is her nickname.” Justice is also a key member of the Alton High girls' basketball team. She aims to qualify individually and in relays during her senior track season.

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GODFREY – Just days after its grand opening , a slate of 29 new rules are set to go into effect at Godfrey’s new dog park. Village Board members gave an ordinance to establish dog park rules and regulations a first reading at Tuesday’s meeting, setting the item up for a second reading and final vote at their next meeting on Sept. 2, 2025. Even more terms and conditions are contained within the Village of Godfrey Dog Park Application , which individuals must fill out and submit to the village for consideration of a membership to the dog park. As previously reported on Riverbender.com , the membership fee for Godfrey residents is $10, while the fee for non-residents is $20. Each member will be given a unique key code to access the dog park. Following is the full list of all 29 proposed new rules and regulations, organized by category: Membership Rules: Membership to the dog park will be based on the calendar year of January 1 – December 31. Hours

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JERSEYVILLE — Maleah Derrick, a rising junior at Jersey Community High School, has made a significant impact on the school's girls' softball team as a two-year starter at second base. She recorded a .411 batting average in 2025 and has established herself as a versatile offensive threat through bunting, slapping the ball, and hitting. Jersey Head Girls Softball Coach Chelsey Crnokrak praised Derrick's contributions, highlighting her overall leadership role to the Panthers' team. "Maleah is a leader on and off the field and encourages her teammates to be the best they can be," Crnokrak said. Derrick is a Sparklight Female Athlete of the Month for Jersey Community High School. In addition to her softball achievements, Derrick is also a member of the school's volleyball team. In 2025, she had 35 hits, nine RBIs, and three doubles. Her performance in multiple sports underscores her athletic versatility and commitment to Jersey Community High School’s athletic programs.

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GRANITE CITY - Granite City School District #9 has announced its principals for the 2025-26 academic year, highlighting a team of educators committed to leadership and inspiration across the district’s schools. The district revealed the lineup of principals who will lead its various schools, emphasizing their roles in guiding students and staff. The announcement includes leaders at the elementary, middle, and high school levels. The principals for the 2025-26 school year are as follows: Nikki Petrillo and Marcie Sweet at Grigsby Elementary Megan Wedekind and Kristen Novacich-Koberna at Coolidge Elementary Julie Matarelli at Frohardt Elementary Dr. Liz Niepert at Maryville Elementary Sarah Corzine and Genie Bratten at Prather Elementary Jody Batson at Mitchell Elementary Ann Wilson at Wilson Elementary Christie Moad, Marvin Battle, Eric Mitchell, Chris Hutchings, and Tim McChristian at Granite City High School Mike Dowdy at Lake Elementary Steven Mathes at Coolidge

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SPRINGFIELD - Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias is encouraging 2025 Illinois State Fairgoers to visit the office’s tent to apply for a REAL ID, meet Illinois authors, experience the office’s One-Stop-Shop model and check out its “food truck” DMV. “The State Fair is a wonderful opportunity for friends and families to gather, enjoy the best of Illinois agriculture and celebrate our great state,” Giannoulias said. “Attendees and families should swing by our tent to apply for a REAL ID and other driver, vehicle and business services, or check out our Illinois author readings, genealogy searches and fun activities for all ages.” For the kids, the tent will offer Pop-a-Shot basketball hoops, a coloring station and appearances by Illinois authors who will read their books aloud and give away signed copies during select times on each day of the fair. Featured writers include Nadia Ahmed, Jacob Grant and Ann Zhao (see schedule below).

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GODFREY – Lewis and Clark Community College recognizes alumnus Tommy Karlas, a professional country music singer-songwriter signed with Sony Music Publishing/Droptine. Karlas has written for some of the biggest stars in country music and performs around the world, including regular appearances at the renowned Bluebird Café in Nashville. He considers himself fortunate to have made music his career and has celebrated over 300 million streams as a songwriter. Karlas plans on returning to L&C in October for a homecoming concert. Tommy may be most known for writing the No. 1 country hit "Roll With Me" by Montgomery Gentry. "My most memorable experience at Lewis & Clark was before I even started attending the school, when I stepped onto the Ann Whitney Olin Theatre stage at the age of 13 for a talent show," Karlas said. "There was something about that show in that theatre that marked the beginning of a long career in music and entertainment." Karlas said that

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ALTON – OSF Medical Group – Primary Care (Alton) is pleased to announce that a new board-certified family medicine nurse practitioner has been added to its staff to better serve the primary care needs of Riverbend region residents. Stacy Marriott, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC, is accepting new patients at OSF Medical Group – Primary Care, located at #2 Saint Anthony’s Way, Suite 205, in Alton. Ms. Marriott will see patients on Monday and Wednesday - Friday, 7:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. Marriott’s medical interests include (but not limited to): Family medicine Diabetes High blood pressure High cholesterol Obesity Women’s health Depression Anxiety As a board-certified family medicine nurse practitioner (American Nurses Credentialing Center), Marriott has accumulated more than 17 years of experience that’s included serving as a Nurse Practitioner at HSHS Medical Group(Highland, IL; 2023-2025), and in dual roles of Nurse Practitioner and Hospitalist

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EDWARDSVILLE - You can experience all the fun of Vietnam in Edwardsville at an upcoming “Taste of Vietnam” pop-up event at EXO Lounge. From 6–9 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 14, 2025, community members are invited to EXO for a night of fresh Vietnamese flavors in addition to EXO’s nail bar and med spa services. EXO owner Gina Gamblin expressed her excitement to welcome the community to EXO for an evening of culture and fun. “EXO is a destination, but more so than just having a party, I think it’s important to have experiences,” Gamblin said. “Some may never get to travel to Vietnam, but just the culture and how we can bring it to life here at EXO is perfect.” EXO’s lounge boasts a Michelin-star chef and delicious food and cocktail menus at all times, but on Aug. 14, the kitchen will be transformed into a Vietnamese restaurant. Gamblin said some of EXO’s technicians once owned a restaurant, so the food will

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SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services’ (DCFS) tent at the 2025 Illinois State Fair will be bustling with activity this year as representatives from the agency will be on hand to welcome families and share information about the department. Visitors to the tent, located on Central Ave., will learn how they can create bright futures for children through foster care, adoption or guardianship and speak to employment recruiters to learn about exciting job opportunities with the department and how to apply to join the DCFS team. Families are also invited to take pictures, play games and explore the children’s activity area. “Governor Pritzker challenged state agencies to create a theme around innovation in Illinois, and DCFS is proudly sharing our innovate work," said Illinois DCFS Director Heidi E. Mueller . “From launching our updated mandated reporter training which focuses on recognizing when a family needs support

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