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FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS - Amber Hopkins, an administrative assistant with the Fairview Heights Police Department, has been named the 2025 recipient of the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board Executive Institute Women in Criminal Justice Blue Line Dedication Award. The award honors women who demonstrate unwavering dedication and exceptional service to their communities. Hopkins, a 20-year member of the Fairview Heights Police Department, currently serves as the administrative assistant to the chief of police and supports the entire command staff. Her career began as a 911 telecommunicator before transitioning to her current role. Beyond her administrative duties, Hopkins has taken on multiple additional responsibilities, including leading community programs such as the Youth Academy, Volunteer Program, RAD Training, Citizens and Senior Academy, and hosting MTU and SILEC classes and other community events. Chief of Police John Smith described Hopkins as “a true leader

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WHITE HALL – A sex offender from White Hall faces a felony after failing to register his new Jersey County address with authorities. Louis W. Hill, 59, of White Hall, was charged on April 16, 2025 with unlawful failure to register as a sex offender, a Class 3 felony. On April 12, 2025, Hill allegedly failed to register with the Jersey County Sheriff’s Department within three days of establishing a residence within Jersey County, as legally required under the Child Sex Offender Registration Act. Hill was granted pretrial release from custody and was issued a notice to appear at the Jersey County Courthouse on April 29, 2025. All individuals charged are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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COTTAGE HILLS – A man from Cottage Hills faces multiple felonies after stealing over $10,000 through a wire fraud scheme for more than two years. Adam J. Lucas, 35, of Cottage Hills, was charged on April 17, 2025 with two counts of theft (both Class 2 felonies) and one count of wire fraud (a Class 3 felony). From March 1, 2022 to June 30, 2024, Lucas allegedly committed a “series of acts” which allowed him to steal over $10,000 from the victim, which was knowingly “obtained by deception.” The charge of wire fraud states Lucas “knowingly devised and intended to devise a scheme … to obtain money and property by means of false pretenses,” causing the victim to send money from within the State of Illinois via wire in furtherance of the scheme. Lucas was arrested by the Pontoon Beach Police Department and has been granted pretrial release from custody. All individuals charged are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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ALTON - Richard Baird, Jr., is a person who will live on in the annals of time in the Alton area and will not be forgotten for his boundless acts of community service. Richard died on April 19, 2025, after a long battle with liver complications. Known locally as "the Voice of the Redbirds," Baird was the public address announcer for most Alton Redbirds home sporting events, including football, basketball, baseball, soccer and track. His presence was still heard at the girls' track and field meet hosted by Alton last week, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to the school and community until the end of his life. Baird graduated from Alton Senior High School in 1971 and was a member of the school’s undefeated football team that year. He later arranged a display case at the school commemorating that historic season and helped found the Alton High School Wall of Fame. A Navy veteran, Baird served in Vietnam in the sonar division aboard the USS Towers DDG9, spending much of his

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GLEN CARBON — A moving candlelight vigil was held Monday night, April 21, 2025, to honor the memory of Brandon Ahring, a 22-year-old assistant track and field coach at Father McGivney Catholic High School. Ahring, also a McGivney graduate and cross-country and track participant, died last week in a car crash on Interstate 55 near Hamel. A large gathering of students, faculty, family members and community supporters turned out and poured out love and prayer to remember Ahring and offer support to his loved ones. Ahring, a 2021 graduate of Father McGivney, was returning home from track and field practice on April 16, 2025, when the fatal accident occurred. He had been serving as an assistant coach under head Coach Jim Helton for the past three years, working closely with student-athletes. He inspired the student athletes with his quiet strength and kindness. One McGivney student, also a member of the track and field team, came up with a brief message that perfectly described

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ALTON - On a recent episode of “You’re Beautiful” with Brian Trust , Nancy Tiek shared several stories about how God has moved in her life. Because of the miracles that God has performed, Tiek has made it her mission to share her testimony and encourage others to develop a relationship with Him. She spoke about how God has seen her through a suicide attempt, a career change, a terminal diagnosis and more. “God is the big hope factor and sometimes He just brings people along to help Him,” Tiek said. “We’re all helpers, me and you. In this big world, we are the helpers, because He saved us. And man, when He saves you, you’ve just got to do something for Him.” On Easter Sunday in 1977, Tiek was standing on the edge of a bridge preparing to take her own life. She remembered it felt like she had an angel and a devil on her shoulders, telling her conflicting things about her worth. Thankfully, Tiek did not die that day.

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WOOD RIVER - Haley Pratt, a senior at East Alton-Wood River High School (EAWR), has been recognized for her outstanding performance in softball, marking a significant milestone in her athletic career. Pratt, who has played softball for nine years, made history this spring as the first Oiler to hit three home runs in a single game. Haley is a Midwest Members Credit Union Female Athlete of the Month for the Oilers. Pratt credits her success to hard work both on the field and in the classroom. “I’ve always been a hard worker, whether it be for sports or school,” she said. Under the guidance of coach Mike Beachum, Pratt has developed not only her athletic skills but also leadership qualities, which she values deeply. “I enjoy what it feels like to be a leader and a part of something,” she noted. Her parents have played a crucial role in her journey, providing support by taking her to extra lessons, tournaments, and practices, and ensuring she always had

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ALTON - Alton High School’s Theatre and Music Departments will present the musical “Into the Woods” on April 24 and 25 at 7 p.m., and April 26 at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. The performances will take place at the school’s auditorium at 2200 Humbert Road in Alton. The production features the work of Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine, known for their acclaimed contributions to musical theatre. The show is directed by a team including Anne Davis, Laura Plummer, Leah Galbraith, Rachel Brady, Derrick Davault, Julia Frazier, Michael Frazier and Kristi Doering. “Into the Woods” draws loosely from the Grimms’ Fairy Tales, weaving together the stories of several classic characters who venture into the woods and become entangled in each other’s lives. The narrative explores themes of wish fulfillment, personal responsibility, love, forgiveness and the complexities of life’s choices. The cast includes Marvin Short as the Baker, Nadja Kapetanovich

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MADISON COUNTY — The Madison County Sheriff's Office has announced the addition of a new member to its team. Patrol Division Deputy Sheriff Max Ringering has joined the office and is set to attend the upcoming police academy session. The Madison County Sheriff’s Office expressed well wishes for Deputy Ringering’s safety and success as he begins his career in law enforcement. Officials also said they look forward to his contributions to the department.

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Did you know that if every person on Earth used just one less plastic bag per week, we would save over 5 trillion bags from polluting the planet annually? This startling figure reveals the immense power of individual choices in shaping the health of our environment. Earth Day, celebrated globally, is more than a symbolic occasion; it is a call to recognize the collective strength embedded in small, everyday actions. Understanding how these seemingly minor efforts accumulate to create significant environmental benefits is crucial for fostering sustainable habits worldwide. The Ripple Effect of Individual Actions Environmental challenges such as climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss often seem overwhelming and distant. However, the concept of the “ripple effect” illustrates how individual actions can propagate through communities and ecosystems, amplifying their impact. For example, choosing to bike instead of drive for short trips reduces carbon emissions and

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April 22 has long been a date marked by significant milestones spanning exploration, environmental awareness, and political change. Looking back to earlier years, April 22 has been equally notable for events that shaped the social and environmental landscape worldwide. In 1970, this date marked the first celebration of Earth Day, an event that galvanized environmental movements globally. Conceived by Senator Gaylord Nelson of the United States, Earth Day sought to raise awareness about environmental issues such as pollution, deforestation, and climate change. The inaugural celebration saw millions of people across the United States participating in rallies and educational programs, laying the groundwork for environmental policy reforms and inspiring ongoing global activism. Today, Earth Day remains one of the largest secular observances worldwide, highlighting the continued importance of stewardship of our planet. Turning to political history, April 22, 1915, witnessed the Second

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EDWARDSVILLE - WSIE 88.7 The Sound’s Jazzathon fundraiser (the Spring Edition) will broadcast from 3-7 p.m. Wednesday, April 23, 2025. Tune in to hear performances from some of St. Louis’ finest musicians, along with conversation about the importance of WSIE and other special events. While WSIE is located on the campus of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, this heritage FM radio station serves the entirety of the St. Louis region. “The Jazzathon is our semi-annual pledge drive, when we ask our listeners for financial support through donations,” said WSIE General Manager Jason Church. “Although we routinely ask for support, this is a time that includes robust discussions around why donations are needed and for spotlighting in-studio performances and special local guests.” “WSIE is amazing in supporting local artists,” added Director of Corporate Sales Robin Boyce. “This station is the backbone of the music scene here in

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SPRINGFIELD - Building on a strong team of diverse experts in their fields, Governor JB Pritzker announced the following appointments in his administration: Illinois Housing Development Authority Daniel Hayes will continue to serve as a Member of the Illinois Housing Development Authority.* Hayes brings nearly three decades of commercial real estate debt and equity experience, with a strong track record of maximizing returns and mitigating risks. He currently serves as Senior Director and Head of Midwest Mortgage Originations for New York Life Real Estate Investors, where he leads a team of originators and analysts in sourcing, underwriting, and closing debt investments across the Midwest for investor clients. Throughout his career, Hayes has held key leadership roles in the industry, including Senior Vice President of Private Real Estate Debt at Heitman, Senior Vice President of Investment Management at Hunt Companies, and Vice President of Construction Lending at Capmark Finance.

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Early risers on April 25 are in for a treat, as the heavens put on a show guaranteed to brighten anyone's morning—a rare and whimsical celestial alignment that will form a vivid smiley face looking down from the eastern sky. This remarkable astronomical event, visible shortly before dawn, features a delicate, 27-day-old waning crescent Moon positioned gracefully beneath two prominent planets, Venus and Saturn. Venus, brilliantly luminous and commonly referred to as the "Morning Star," and Saturn, known for its iconic rings and subtle golden hue, will shine brightly as the eyes of this cosmic smile. Completing the cheerful expression, the Moon's slender crescent will gently curve into a warm, welcoming grin. Astronomers call such occurrences planetary conjunctions, brief moments when celestial bodies appear remarkably close together from our vantage point on Earth. This unique arrangement is particularly special because of its unmistakable human-like expression, providing observers

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EDWARDSVILLE - EXO Lounge offers a luxurious experience in Edwardsville. Located at 2 157 Center in Edwardsville, EXO operates as a nail bar, med spa and restaurant. Gianni Colucci, Director of Culinary, shared more about the lounge’s offerings on a recent appearance on “Our Daily Show!” with C.J. Nasello . “I try to do my best to make them feel good on the inside and outside,” Colucci said. “It is fun and elegant. People enjoy their time over there. You can see people stay there not just to do the services, but to enjoy the place. It’s also fun to see ladies take care of themselves, and men will stay at the bar and take care of themselves in a different way.” EXO opened in late 2024. They offer a variety of services, but Colucci is especially proud of the culinary department. As a Michelin-star chef, Colucci traveled from Italy to join the EXO team. He has curated an expansive food menu and cocktail menu with

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PIASA - Vivian Zurheide has emerged as a key player for Southwestern High School’s girls softball team, contributing both on the field and as a mentor to younger players. Coach Amanda Edwards praised Zurheide as “an outstanding hitter” and highlighted her value in the field as well as her dedication to working with junior high players. Vivian is an Altonized Community Federal Credit Union Female Athlete of the Month for the Piasa Birds. Zurheide is also an outstanding overall athlete and is a talented member of the Piasa Birds' volleyball and basketball teams. Edwards expressed gratitude for Zurheide’s role beyond her athletic abilities, saying, “Vivian is very, very good with the younger girls, passionate about working with younger girls and building a program and passing down the knowledge also rubbing off on everybody around her.” As one of Edwards’ assistants with the Southwestern junior high team, Zurheide’s influence extends to

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O'FALLON - O'Fallon Township High School District 203 inducted 175 new members into its National Honor Society chapter on Tuesday, April 8, 2025. The O'Fallon NHS ceremony took place at 7 p.m. in the Milburn Auditorium, formally recognizing students who successfully completed their candidacy. During the event, current National Honor Society officers addressed attendees, highlighting the four core qualities that define the organization: scholarship, leadership, service, and character. The induction serves to honor students’ academic achievements and commitment to these standards. O'Fallon Township High School expressed pride in the inductees’ accomplishments, emphasizing the significance of their dedication to both academic and personal excellence.

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ALTON – Improvement projects for two Alton streets are one step closer to reality following unanimous Committee of the Whole approval on Monday. Committee members agreed to move forward with negotiating Construction Engineering Services Agreements between the city and Sheppard, Morgan & Schwaab, Inc. (SMS) for two projects – the State Street Phase 3 resurfacing project and the Main Street improvement project. Both projects consist of pavement patching and milling, asphalt resurfacing, sidewalk, curb, and ramp upgrades for certain sections of State and Main Streets. The third phase of the State Street project would span 0.61 miles from Logan Street to West 9th Street, while the Main Street project would cover 0.58 miles from Hillcrest to College Avenue. Once negotiated, both agreements will be presented to the City Council for approval at a future meeting. Stay tuned to Riverbender.com for the latest updates on these and other Alton City Council items.

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EDWARDSVILLE - Framing his remarks with a grateful glance to the past, a resolute look to the present and a hopeful glimpse into the future, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville student Nicholas Young will participate in the upcoming Southern Illinois University (SIU) System’s Conversation of Understanding (COU). “From SIU to the World: Insights from the Class of 2025” will be held from 12-1:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 22 as a virtual panel discussion . Other student panelists include Paetyn Cage, SIU School of Medicine; Gavin Hardy, SIU Carbondale; and Diamond Jackson, SIU Carbondale Simmons Law School. Sheila Caldwell, EdD, SIU System Vice President for Antiracism, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, and Chief Diversity Officer, will serve as the moderator. The panelists will shed light on the multifaceted aspects surrounding student success and the tangible benefits it provides for individuals and the broader educational communities across SIU campuses. Young,

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GRAFTON - Having been duly sworn in at the Jersey County Clerk’s office, Grafton City Clerk Jennifer Capler swore into office returning officials Mayor Mike Morrow, City Treasurer, Lisa Fitzgerald, Alderman Richard Mosby, Alderwoman Donna Smith and new Alderwoman Mary Jo Cote at the city council meeting on Tuesday, April 15, 2025. All electees ran unopposed. Mayor Morrow will continue to oversee the affairs of Grafton for the next four years which will include the ongoing project with the ferry committee working towards fulltime ferry service between Grafton and St. Charles, MO, improving city infrastructure and parks, and balancing budget details. Mayor Morrow presented retiring Alderman Andrew Jackson with a plaque of appreciation for his ten years of faithful and dedicated service to the citizens of Grafton. During his decade-long tenure, Andy served as the City Treasurer, chairman of the City Finance Committee and numerous other select committees, culminating in time served

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