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GRAFTON – Get ready for a wild and wacky ride on the mighty Mississippi! Mississippi Mermaids is not your ordinary floating café. We’re serving up a splash of fun, a tide of flavor, and a wave of silliness that will have you laughing all the way down the river—all aboard our grand ship that is large enough to host every bit of the excitement. Step aboard our ship, a vibrant venue inspired by the river’s playful spirit. Guests will discover themed rooms, secret decks, and expansive outdoor lounges with stunning views of the water. This isn’t just a meal—it’s a full-on river adventure. Our service team takes the fun to another level. Our waiters are dressed in deep diver outfits, complete with flippers and snorkels, ready to “dive” into service with puns and playful banter. Imagine being greeted with a cheery, “Hope you’re ready to make a splash!” as you settle into your riverfront seat. Mississippi

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ALTON – Alton Mayor David Goins recently appeared on Our Daily Show! on Riverbender.com for our State of the Race 2025 interview series with local candidates for public office. Goins outline d key accomplishments from his first term and his vision and goals for a second if re-elected on Election Day, April 1 , 2025. Goins said one one his proudest accomplishments from his first term has been the city’s financial turnaround. As he explained in a recent campaign video , his “smart financial management” turned the city’s $3.8 million deficit into a $7.7 million surplus, boosting the city’s credit rating while lowering property tax rates. American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding aside, Goins said city finances still rest comfortably at an over $3 million surplus. Alton’s finances weren’t fixed overnight, and the deficit marking the first half of Goins’s first term unfortunately kept more than four street

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GODFREY - Lewis and Clark Community College will host their first ever Blazer Con convention next month. From 1–8 p.m. on April 12, 2025, community members are invited to the River Bend Arena at the LCCC Godfrey campus for Blazer Con, complete with a cosplay contest, Dungeons and Dragons games, video game competitions, panelists and more. Whether you’re a bonafide “nerd” or just getting into pop culture, organizers encourage you to come out and enjoy the day, completely free of charge. “We’re pretty psyched,” said Jared, one of the organizers. “Man, we’ve been working really hard at this, and it’s just a passion project that we want to bring to the community.” Organizers Jared and Daniel collaborated with the college’s Video Game Club to create the convention. They explained that students have wanted to hold a convention on the college’s campus for years, and they finally have the support they nee

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April 1st is a date that has seen its fair share of remarkable events throughout history, spanning politics, culture, and science. This day is not just known for being April Fool's Day; it marks significant milestones that have shaped the world. Let's delve into the rich tapestry of events that occurred on this day across various years. Starting with one of the most impactful global events, on April 1, 1976, Apple Inc. was founded by Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak, and Ronald Wayne. This trio's vision and innovation would go on to revolutionize the technology industry, changing the way we communicate and interact with computers. From the first Apple I computer to the sleek designs of the iPhone, the company's influence is undeniable. The establishment of Apple also marked the beginning of a new era in personal computing, contributing to the growth of the tech industry as we know it today. Moving to April 1, 1945, during World War II, the Battle of Okinawa began. This battle would become

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Did you know that nearly 75% of people enjoy a good prank? While some may cringe at the thought of being the butt of a joke, the thrill of lighthearted mischief can foster camaraderie and laughter among friends, family, and coworkers. April Fools' Day, celebrated in many countries around the globe, presents the perfect opportunity to unleash your inner jokester. This article explores fun and harmless pranks that are sure to elicit giggles without crossing the line into mean-spirited territory. The Essence of a Good Prank At its core, a successful prank is about creating a moment of surprise and joy rather than discomfort or embarrassment. The best pranks strike a delicate balance, ensuring the recipient can laugh along once the initial shock wears off. With that in mind, it’s essential to consider the audience and tailor your prank to their personality. Here are some classic and creative ideas to get you started. Whimsical Office Pranks The Classic Fake Bug : A realistic-looking

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SPRINGFIELD - Land of Lincoln Honor Flight kicks off our 2025 flying season with Mission #73 on April 15, 2025. Mission #73 will serve 93 Veterans including 11 Korean Era veterans 82 Vietnam era veterans from 41 Illinois home towns of Alhambra, Aviston, Bartelso, Beckemeyer, Bethalto, Bloomington, Bondville, Breese, Carlinville, Columbia, Decatur, Divernon, Fairview Heights, Germantown. Grant Park, Highland, Hoffman, Jacksonville, Joliet, Lincoln, Marrisa, Mascoutah, Minooka, Morrisonville, Normal, Palmer, Pana, Pekin, Pocahontas, Salem, Shattuc, Shelbyville, Sidney, Springfield, Taylorville, Teutopolis, Trenton, Tuscola, Vandalia, Waverly, Winchester and Xenia. Our April 15th veterans represent all branches of the military. These Veterans and their Guardians will report April 15, 2025 to the Abraham Lincoln Capitol Airport at 4:00 AM to travel to Washington DC on a chartered Sun Country 737 aircraft to visit the World War II, Korean and Vietnam War Memorials, as well as Arlington

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ALTON — Centerstone is proud to announce that Jennifer Thomason, regional chief operating officer for Illinois, has been selected to join the prestigious Expanding First Response 2025 Commission. Hosted by the Council of State Governments (CSG) Justice Center, this national commission brings together a diverse group of experts to enhance and expand community responder programs nationwide. The Expanding First Response Commission was launched in 2023 as a first-of-its-kind initiative uniting direct service professionals, elected officials, formerly incarcerated individuals, practitioners, and research experts. The commission aims to shape national conversations and drive meaningful change in first response systems, ensuring that communities have the necessary resources to address crises effectively and compassionately. Thomason’s selection to this influential group highlights her dedication to improving crisis care, strengthening first response systems, and advocating

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ALTON - During the last election, I supported David Goins, with much hope for his success, preferring him over Brant Walker. I support neither candidate this time. Ray Strebel deserves your vote for mayor of Alton. Please read on, it gets interesting. First, a disclosure: I unsuccessfully ran for mayor against Walker in 2017. I ran against Walker because, prior to Walkers win in 2017, Alton’s crime was trending downward, and the budget was in good order, but crime started increasing and the budget turned into the red soon after he took office. Surprisingly, he claimed the opposite was true, and he also claimed an increase in new businesses under his watch, which was the opposite result I found when I made a FOIA request. Walker’s focus was on quantity, giving him a long list of mostly small accomplishments he could recite during the campaign. But I felt these were mostly basic, everyday things any mayor should do. Alton needs a leader with a well-considered plan bringing

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ST. LOUIS - Repair work on the Kingshighway bridge, which connects Manchester and McRee avenues in St. Louis, is set to commence on Monday, March 31, 2025. The project will unfold in two phases, addressing one half of the viaduct at a time. During construction, two northbound lanes and one southbound lane will remain accessible to traffic. The repair work is anticipated to conclude by August 1. Motorists are advised to adjust their travel plans accordingly. Drivers in that area are advised to leave a little earlier or consider alternate routes while the repairs are underway.

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ST. LOUIS – Today, at the Tandy Recreation Center, Mayor Tishaura O. Jones opened the first of four new Digital Learning Labs that will enable St. Louisans, young and old, to learn computer skills that will set them up for success. “It’s crucial that we remove barriers to today’s digital world,” said Mayor Jones. “We cannot afford to exclude those who are at risk of getting left behind. Digital inclusion like this can help students keep up with school and make it easier for St. Louisans to access City services or pay their taxes, and even help those looking for employment find jobs.” The City of St. Louis is creating and establishing technology labs at four selected Recreation Centers, aiming to provide residents with equitable access to computers, internet connectivity, digital literacy training, and one-on-one assistance from digital navigators. The goal is to remove the barriers to internet access and digital literacy so that every resident

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GODFREY - Beth Johnes believes she is the right choice for Godfrey. Johnes is part of a three-way race for Godfrey’s mayoral seat. She said she is focused on total transparency, and listening to the residents of Godfrey is her top priority. “The residents need to have their concerns met first, and I’m that person. I’ll do that. I’ll listen to them,” she said. “It’s kind of cheesy to say my door is always open, but it will be open, and I’m going to operate in total transparency. They’re going to know everything.” Johnes’s 35-year career in accounting and business management culminated in her own union contracting company. She said she learned how to “manage a business, balance a budget, and meet the needs of my customers” through her work. She believes there are a few major issues in Godfrey, and she wants residents to have a choice at the polls. She relayed the story of one Godfrey resident

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GODFREY — Craig Lombardi, a current Trustee and candidate for Mayor of Godfrey, discussed his vision for the village during an interview with CJ Nasello of Our Daily Show ! Lombardi emphasized the need for a comprehensive plan to attract younger families and enhance community resources. In the interview, Lombardi outlined his belief that Godfrey must adapt to appeal to younger residents, and said, “I think Godfrey needs to move in a direction to get younger families. We don't really have a plan right now.” He expressed that while the village’s parks are satisfactory, they require improvement to better serve families. Lombardi, who has a background in media with experience at 97.1 and KMOX, noted that his lifelong involvement in politics has afforded him valuable connections. “I have been around politics my whole life. I am around it all the time and have more connections than most,” he said, indicating he would leverage these relationships if

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GODFREY — Mike McCormick, the incumbent candidate for Mayor of Godfrey, discussed his vision recently for the village during an appearance on CJ Nasello's " Our Daily Show ." McCormick emphasized the importance of community engagement and financial management as he campaigns for the upcoming election. McCormick expressed pride in the performance of the Public Works Department, particularly during winter weather events. "Not once have any of them called off," he said, highlighting the commitment of his team during significant snowfalls this past winter. He acknowledged Jim Lewis, who oversees the department, and said: "'Air on side of safety' was always our motto." Looking ahead, McCormick shared his thoughts on economic development in Godfrey. "We need more rooftops with our population," he said, adding that there has been notable development along Godfrey Road and Delmar. Regarding future projects, McCormick mentioned ongoing efforts to acquire land and navigate obstacles

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GODFREY – Lewis and Clark Community College enrollment continues to climb amid a changing landscape and ongoing struggles permeating U.S. higher education. In Spring 2025, Lewis and Clark had 4,547 unduplicated students, compared to 4,240 the previous year—an increase of 7.24 percent. Those students took a total of 36,296.5 credit hours. “Lewis and Clark, like other community colleges, is naturally resilient,” said Vice President of Student Affairs Cherise Jackson. “Our commitments to meeting students where they are, keeping costs low and providing access to education and training for in-demand career paths are all central to our identity as an institution. Our investments in innovative methods of instruction and new programs provide numerous options for students at all points in their educational journey.” The semester’s total includes full-time, part-time, concurrent enrollment and dual credit enrollment. Concurrent enrollment

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EDWARDSVILLE – Mayor Art Risavy and the City Council will welcome the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Cougars men’s basketball team, coaches and Athletic Department to City Hall on Tuesday, April 1, to honor and celebrate their historic achievements during the 2024-25 season. Student athletes, coaches, support staff and representatives of the SIUE administration will attend the City Council meeting at 7 p.m. in City Hall, 118 Hillsboro Avenue, on the heels of the men’s basketball team’s debut in the NCAA Division I tournament in March. Mayor Risavy will issue a proclamation in honor of the team and its exhilarating season. “Our City is beaming with Cougar pride, and we are thrilled for the opportunity to recognize this terrific accomplishment,” Mayor Risavy said. “There’s so much hard work, determination and dedication that is put forth each and every season by everyone involved, and in particular by these amazing student athletes.”

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EDWARDSVILLE - The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Meridian Society has announced the recipients of its 2025 awards, providing $22,794 in funding to seven innovative projects that serve the campus and broader Metro East community. “The most distinctive aspect of our 2025 awards is that we go beyond donating to known community organizations,” said Marian Smithson, Meridian Society member and Awards Committee chair. “We’re providing funds to launch unique events and projects that will open new experiences for youth and adults in the Metro East, as well as SIUE students.” The Meridian Society received 11 applications totaling more than $47,000 in funding requests. The awarded projects reflect careful consideration by the Society’s committee, which prioritized mission alignment, long-term impact and sustainability. “The Meridian Awards committee faces a challenging task with limited funding,” said Julie Babington, senior director

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EDWARDSVILLE - Senior catcher and designated hitter Max Waltenberger is off to a great start with the Edwardsville baseball team, showing tremendous leadership skills as well as a good eye at the plate as the Tigers are once again off to another solid start to the new season. In the season opener, Waltenberger drove home the first two runs of the season in an 11-0 win over Normal Community at Tom Pile Field, and after the game, he felt very good about what happened during the game, and is also optimistic about the season ahead. "I feel great, man," Waltenberger said during his postgame interview. "It's been a long offseason, really, but we've all been ready to get on the field, and show everybody what we can do. We're really excited to be out there." Waltenberger is a Spencer Homes Male Athlete of the Month for the Tigers. The pitch Waltenberger hit to knock home the first two runs of the game was something he was looking for, and he took advantage of it when he saw it. "It wa

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BELLEVILLE — Pope Francis has appointed Bishop Michael McGovern of the Belleville Diocese as the new Archbishop of Omaha, Nebraska, a transition that will take effect with his installation on May 7, 2025, at the Cathedral of St. Cecilia. In a letter addressing the announcement, McGovern expressed gratitude and humility for the appointment. “I thank the Pope for the confidence he has placed in me,” he said. He also acknowledged Pope Francis's leadership and renewed his commitment to serve the Catholic Church. “Please join me in asking God to bless our Holy Father and restore his health during the coming weeks,” he added. Bishop McGovern has served as the Bishop of Belleville since April 2020, overseeing a diocese that encompasses 28 counties in Southern Illinois. Reflecting on his time in Belleville, he noted the challenges and responsibilities of his role, stating, “While I had been pastor of 16 years, the ministry of bishop was new to me.”

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Dear Alton, As Election Day draws near, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has supported me throughout this campaign for Alton City Clerk. It has been a true pleasure traveling to every ward and neighborhood over these past months, meeting my fellow Altonians on front porches, steps, and sidewalks. These moments have reminded me of the strength of our community and the importance of staying connected as we move forward together. The conversations, the questions, and the encouragement I’ve received have all strengthened my resolve to serve our community with integrity and dedication. I especially want to thank retired City Clerk Mary Boulds for her generous support, mentorship, and endorsement. My commitment to transparency, efficiency, and open communication has been at the heart of my campaign. As your City Clerk, I will work tirelessly to ensure that every resident’s voice is heard and that our city’s operations remain smooth and accessible.

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ALTON — The Wedge Innovation Center is set to officially open its doors with a VIP ribbon-cutting ceremony at 3 p.m. on Tuesday, April 1, 2025. Located at 620 E Broadway in Alton, the center represents a collaboration between The Wedge and Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE) aimed at transforming the economic landscape of the greater Alton Metro and St. Louis regions. The partnership, branded as "The Wedge Powered by SIUE," seeks to create a dynamic ecosystem focused on innovation, education, and community development. The Wedge will officially begin operations on April 7, 2025, serving as a 55,000-square-foot social impact hub, research lab, think tank, and workspace designed to drive innovation across Illinois and Missouri, with aspirations to extend its influence throughout the Midwest. The facility will house the Midwest AI Network (MAIN) Labs, the SIUE GeoMarc Office, and the SIUE Center for Predictive Analytics. By bringing together entrepreneurs, researchers,

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