Riverbender 🕸

ALTON - On a recent episode of “You’re Beautiful” with Brian Trust , Kyle Lovett spoke about how his relationship with God flourished after he was rendered completely blind. Due to complications of type 2 diabetes, Lovett very quickly lost his vision in 2023. His sight has been restored following a few operations, but the experience has taught him a lot about his faith and the importance of trusting in God. “God is amazing,” Lovett said. “The faith level that I gained from me losing my sight, I don’t think I would have ever got it if it hadn’t happened that way. And I know that’s so crazy to say, but I gained so much faith because my total reliance had to become Him.” Lovett shared that he had “always been the superhero” prior to his health complications. He pushed himself to be strong and never complain. When his vision first started to fail, he struggled with the decision to seek medical help. Aro

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EDWARDSVILLE — Students at Goshen Elementary School experienced a lively performance by Circus Kaput on Friday morning, Jan. 17, 2025, marking the conclusion of their Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) activities centered around "The Gator Way." The circus-themed event, designed to engage students while reinforcing key behavioral principles, featured a variety of entertainment elements, including magic tricks and comedic acts. Throughout the performance, the themes of respect, responsibility, kindness, and safety were woven into the show, emphasizing the core values that the students have been learning. The event aimed not only to entertain but also to reinforce the positive behaviors that are part of the school's culture. "This performance was a fun way to bring our students together and celebrate their learning," said a school representative. The Circus Kaput performance highlighted the importance of maintaining a supportive and safe school environment, aligning with

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CARROLLTON - This is the Carrollton High School high honor and honor roll names for Semester 1. High Honor Roll STUDENT NAME Graduation Year: 2025 WILLIAM K. BLAND MADELINE J. BRANNAN CHEYENNE E. CLYDE SOPHIE J. COTNER GRANT T. COX MADALYN J. FAUL CALIE A. FIELD ABIGAIL G. FLOWERS LAUREN E. FLOWERS VANNA L. HOLMES KIRSTEN E. LAIR HANNAH E. UHLES JOHN P. VANDERSAND KALEY J. WOELFEL Graduation Year: 2026 SAVANNAH E. BUERKE ELIJAH L. COX AVA G. CUSTER CARSON R. FLOWERS LEXI T. HEATH JULIA A. HEIL BLAINE L. KAISER HANNAH C. LAKE TESSA F. PRICE ELI M. RHOADES MABRY J. ROBEEN GUNNAR L. SHARROW GAGE R. SHAW ALEX W. VANDERSAND Graduation Year: 2027 ALEXANDREA N. BARNETT LILY B. CLOUGH SHANNEN J. HOLMES HAYDEN R. MCMURTRIE CARTER L. OSTERMAN CHASE M. SCHNELTEN JAYCE D. STEINKUEHLER Gradua

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CAHOKIA HEIGHTS – State Representative Kevin Schmidt is launching a Business of the Month program to highlight local businesses through the 114th legislative district. Each month, Rep. Schmidt will select a business and recognize them on his social media, website, and local media and present them with a certificate to display. “The 114th district is home to so many outstanding small businesses,” said Rep. Schmidt. “I chose to start this program so we can bring more attention to some of these businesses. These businesses are truly the backbone of our economy, and I’m proud to support them with this program.” Submissions are now open, and you can nominate any business using this form or by going to RepSchmidt.com . One applicant will be selected per month. Questions should be directed to Rep. Schmidt’s District Office at 618-215-1050. Stay up to date with Rep. Schmidt by signing up for his newsletter on RepSchmidt.com.

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EDWARDSVILLE - Gabby Cook has taken on a key role as point guard for the Edwardsville girls basketball team as the Tigers get ready for the Highland Tournament and the all-important stretch run of the season in February. On Jan. 14, Cook scored six points in a 62-21 win over Belleville West, but the Tigers lost a rematch to Alton on the road 48-35 two nights later. Edwardsville has now won three of its last out to go to 9-7 on the season. Cook has made a big contribution to the Tigers, and has averaged 3.7 points and 2.8 rebounds per game, also adding seven assists and two steals along the way. In her postgame interview after the win over the Maroons, Cook sounded very positive about the direction of the Tigers. Gabby is a Spencer Homes Female Athlete Of The Month for the Tigers. "I'm pretty happy with everything," Cook said. "I think we're really gelling right now, and only up from here." West has a very young team, but the Tigers were hitting on all cylinders well against

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EAST ST. LOUIS — On Friday, Jan. 17, 2025, volunteers from the House of Miles engaged students at Dr. Katie Harper Wright School in East St. Louis by sharing stories about the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The event aimed to inspire students to reflect on the principles of equality, justice, and kindness that Dr. King championed. The reading session, which took place during school hours, provided an interactive learning experience for the students, allowing them to connect with historical themes in a meaningful way. "Through their stories, our students were inspired to reflect on the values of equality, justice, and kindness," a representative from the school stated. The initiative highlights the ongoing efforts within East St. Louis School District 189 to enhance educational experiences and foster a deeper understanding of important historical figures and their contributions to society. The school expressed gratitude for the volunteers' service, emphasizing

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CHESTERFIELD - Todd & Leslie McGill & The Wild Pickins Winery Team have announced that the business is changing direction. Wild Pickins Winery, a beloved establishment in the Chesterfield community for over a decade, closed its doors to the public on Jan. 1, 2025. The business is located at 14223 Route 111, Chesterfield, IL., 62630. The winery, which has been a gathering place for food, wine, and live music, will now transition into a private event center. Owners Todd and Leslie McGill announced the change in a heartfelt message, emphasizing that the decision was not made lightly. “What we will miss most are the incredible people who have supported us over the years,” Todd McGill stated. He noted that the community has been central to the winery's success and the memories created there. The winery's new direction will focus on hosting weddings, private parties, showers, reunions, and other events. The McGills hope that the community they cherish will continue to celebrate

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EAST ALTON - The East Alton Police Department assisted the United States Marshal's Office in delivering a felony warrant around 8:30 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 17, 2025, in the 300 block of Cobb. During the attempt to deliver the warrant, East Alton Police also made another arrest that should lead to charges, East Alton Police Chief Scott Golike said. Golike said the target for the felony warrant was not located during the delivery attempt. The chief also added that charges for the other case should be available by early next week.

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EDWARDSVILLE — Deundrea S. Holloway, 25, of Alton, was sentenced to 60 years in prison after pleading guilty to the decapitation murder of Liese Dodd, a pregnant woman, in her Alton apartment on June 9, 2022. Holloway entered his plea on Friday, admitting to first-degree murder, intentional homicide of an unborn child, and concealment of a homicidal death. The tragic case unfolded when Dodd's mother became concerned after losing contact with her daughter. Upon visiting Dodd's apartment, she discovered her daughter’s body. Dodd was nearly eight months pregnant at the time of her death. Throughout the proceedings, questions were raised about Holloway's mental fitness to stand trial, prompting the court to order psychological evaluations. At one point, he was deemed mentally unfit and received treatment at a state institution until he regained competency to face charges. In a related legal development, the Illinois Supreme Court ruled that an unborn child cannot be considered

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EDWARDSVILLE - The Edwardsville Rotary Club has chosen to honor Edwardsville High School student Elizabeth Strahm with the Student of the Month Award for January. Elizabeth was nominated by Edwardsville High School science teacher, Mrs. Melissa Barnett. Elizabeth is the daughter of Loren and Tara Strahm of Glen Carbon. Elizabeth is an AP scholar and a member of both the National Honor Society and Science National Honor Society. She also leads the HOSA Medical Occupations Club as President and is a HOSA state and international qualifier. Strahm also flourishes as a Spanish National Honor Society International Ambassador and serves as the Environmental Club Secretary. Additionally, she serves on the Superintendent’s Student Advisory Board to represent the student body and provide continuous feedback to district administration. Outside of school, she works as a CNA at Meridian Village – Lutheran Senior Services and as a math tutor. In her spare time, Strahm enjoys running

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ALTON — St. Mary’s Catholic School in Alton will host an open house from noon to 2 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025, at the Suddes Hall Gymnasium. Prospective families will have the chance to tour the campus, meet teachers, and learn about the school’s educational offerings, including pre-K programs for three- and four-year-olds. Trivia Night Is Saturday Night In addition to the open house, St. Mary’s will host a 90's Trivia Night on Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025, with doors opening at 6 p.m. and trivia beginning at 7 p.m. at Suddes Hall, 536 E. Third St. in Alton. Teams of up to eight can participate for a fee of $200, with prizes awarded for Best Dressed Table and Best Decorated Table. St. Mary's Has Supportive Community St. Mary's Catholic School Principal Mary Rivera emphasized the supportive community at St. Mary’s, sharing insights from a recent conversation with a parent. “I just met with a parent who shared the positivity she feels knowing

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ALTON - There are several opportunities for Mississippi River enthusiasts to learn more about the river and its relationship to Alton. At 10 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025, Hayner Public Library District will present “Plotting a Future for Historic River Towns with Dean Klinkenberg—Reimagining Places of the Past: Historic Preservation Lecture Series” at the Genealogy and Local History Library. One week later, community members are invited to join Klinkenberg, Craig Heaton and the rest of the Mississippi River Water Trail Association for their annual “Mississippi Meanderings” event on Saturday, Jan. 25, 2025, at the National Great Rivers Museum. “Alton and other river towns, we have the Mississippi as a natural asset that other communities might not have,” Klinkenberg said. “We’ve always got that in our backyard.” During his talk on Jan. 18, Klinkenberg will discuss how river towns develop and where they struggle.

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SHILOH - In the wake of a devastating house fire that left the Weathers family homeless, community members are rallying to support them through a fundraiser organized by Emily Heightman and Rob Ayres. The fire occurred on Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2025, in Shiloh, resulting in a total loss of the family’s home, although all family members and their pets were unharmed. The Weathers family, known for their generosity and active involvement in local community initiatives, now faces the daunting task of rebuilding their lives. Heightman and Ayres have launched this fundraiser to assist with the long-term recovery process, emphasizing that any contribution, regardless of size, would be greatly appreciated. “Rebuilding will be a long journey, and we’re seeking help to cover long-term recovery,” said Heightman. “Thank you for your kindness and generosity in this difficult time for the Weathers family.” To contribute to the Weathers family's recovery, donations

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EAST ALTON - A Staunton resident has been released from custody after driving under the influence and leaving the scene of an accident in East Alton with four child passengers in his uninsured vehicle. Joseph S. Smart, 35, of Staunton, was charged with aggravated driving while under the influence (a Class 4 felony), leaving the scene of an accident (a Class A misdemeanor), four counts of endangering the life or health of a child (each Class A misdemeanors) and Improper lane usage (petty offense). On Dec. 7, 2024, Smart allegedly operated a red Dodge Ram 1500 while under the influence of alcohol on West Macarthur Drive in East Alton. Smart reportedly veered into another lane before colliding with a silver 2020 Mercedes SUV and leaving the scene of the accident. The vehicle, which was not covered by an insurance policy, contained four child passengers who were ages 1, 3, 5, and 8 at the time of the incident. Smart is accused of knowingly placing the children in circumstances that

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ALTON - As Alton’s consolidated election approaches, City Clerk Cheryl L. Ingle explains why she decided to run for reelection. The election on April 1, 2025, will ask voters to choose between two candidates for the City Clerk position. Ingle, the incumbent, shared that she has accomplished a lot in the four years since she took office, and she has almost 30 years of experience at City Hall. She hopes voters recognize her commitment to the city and allow her to serve for another four years. “I love my job, and I am pretty darn good at it,” Ingle said. “When the opportunity came up, I decided that I would run for clerk because I love working for the city, obviously; I’ve been here 29 years. I just felt it was a way to connect more with the people and help people, help the citizens of Alton.” Twenty-nine years ago, Ingle left her job at McDonnell Douglas to take a position in the Alton City Clerk’s office as a typist. She then transitioned

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FOSTERBURG — Two crashes involving horses on Interstate 255 southbound near Fosterburg resulted in minor injuries to two individuals on Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025, according to the Illinois State Police. The horses involved in the crashes were fatally injured. The first incident occurred at approximately 5:41 p.m. and then another shortly after. The first accident occurred when a Chevrolet Malibu swerved to avoid horses standing in the roadway, causing the vehicle to leave the road and travel down a ravine before striking a ditch. The 23-year-old female driver reported no injuries at the scene. Shortly thereafter, a Chevrolet Traverse, driven by a 69-year-old male from Norfolk, Neb., collided with the same horses. This vehicle also left the roadway, traveling down a ravine and hitting a ditch. The driver and a 62-year-old female passenger, also from Norfolk, were transported to a nearby hospital with minor injuries. The southbound lanes of Interstate 255 were reopened at approximately

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GODFREY – Lewis and Clark Community College is hosting its first-ever comic and pop culture convention, Blazer Con, from 1 to 8 p.m., Saturday, April 12, 2025, in the George C. Terry River Bend Arena on the Godfrey Campus. The event is free and open to the public. The Blazer Con team is seeking a diverse group of vendors to showcase their unique products, services, and experiences at Blazer Con 2025. Whether they specialize in merchandise, collectibles, comics, technology, art, food, or beverages, this is a fantastic opportunity for all to connect with hundreds of potential customers and be part of a new and exciting experience. “We are thrilled to open vendor applications for Blazer Con 2025,” said Blazer Con creator and Media Specialist Jared Smilack. “This convention is about bringing together creators, businesses and the community to celebrate everything we love about comics and pop culture. We can’t wait to see what experiences, ideas and products

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CHICAGO – Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) announced $2.4 million in available grant funding for the second round of the Equipment Upgrades Grant Program through the Illinois Grocery Initiative. Grantees will be selected through a competitive Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) process. “Local grocery stores allow families to access the fresh, nutrient-dense food they need and deserve,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Through the Illinois Grocery Initiative, we’re bringing investments to food insecure communities to ensure existing grocery stores have the equipment they need to provide reliable food access to those that need it most. I strongly encourage all eligible entities to apply for this important funding opportunity.” “This second round of funding for the Equipment Upgrades Program will further enhance grocery stores that support our most vulnerable communities,” said Lt.

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SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois State Police (ISP) continues to target vehicle theft, hijacking, and related violent crimes using grant funding from the Illinois Secretary of State Illinois Vehicle Hijacking and Motor Vehicle Theft Prevention and Insurance Verification Council. ISP was awarded a $10 million grant for the first fiscal year, and another $677,000 grant announced in June 2024. From October through December 2024, ISP missions resulted in the following: Vehicles recovered – stolen and/or hijacked 245 Stolen vehicle arrests 24 Hijacked vehicle arrests 1 Firearms seized as a result of stolen/hijacked vehicle recovery 8 Missions targeting stolen/hijacked vehicle recovery and related violent crime 31 K9 used for stolen/hijacked vehicle recovery and related violence crime 10 Air Operations targeting stolen/hijacked vehicle recovery and related violent crime 31 Forensic laboratory assignments related to stolen/hijacked

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ALTON/GODFREY - Great Rivers Land Trust has secured a Natural Area Stewardship Grant from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) to address the growing issue of invasive species in Illinois Nature Preserves along the Great River Road and National Scenic Byway. The project, which will span the next two years, aims to remove non-native plants that threaten the health of local ecosystems. The grant enables Great Rivers Land Trust to collaborate with contractors and various partners, including the National Great Rivers Research and Education Center (NGRREC), the Oblate Missionaries, and the Village of Godfrey. This coalition is focused on restoring the natural balance of these preserves, where invasive species have increasingly outcompeted native flora. Invasive species are known to disrupt local habitats, impeding the growth and survival of indigenous plants essential to the region's biodiversity. The initiative seeks not only to eliminate these non-native plants but also

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