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COLUMBIA - Grieving mothers are invited to a Bereaved Mother’s Day event to experience healing and support. From 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, May 3, 2025, a group of women will meet at Toddhall Retreat and Conference Center in Columbia for a day of self-care, pampering and grief breakout sessions. Teresa and Lawayna, who organized the event, explained that the goal is to provide a space for mothers to heal, whether they lost a child in pregnancy or childhood, no matter how long ago the loss occurred. “These are women that I always want to pamper,” Teresa said. “I want to honor them for what they’ve endured.” Tickets to the Bereaved Mother’s Day event cost $35, or you can pay an additional $10 to participate in a breathwork session from 4–5 p.m. on May 3. Teresa and Lawayna explained that the day will begin with an icebreaker and a speaker who will talk about the importance of self-care. Lawayna will share her story of navigating

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Letter To The Editor: The East Alton School District 13 is pleased to announce the conclusion of a review by the Public Access Bureau of the Office of the Attorney General, which affirmed the District’s adherence to the Open Meetings Act. The review was initiated following a request by the East Alton Education Association through the IEA UniServe Director on March 21, 2025, concerning a closed session meeting held February 18, 2025. The Public Access Bureau’s decision received today, confirmed that the allegations of improper conduct were not substantiated and that the topics in question were not discussed during the closed session. This finding was further supported by the IEA UniServe Director, Fred Glover, who collaborated with the EAEA and independently concurred with the Bureau’s conclusion after reviewing the information. The District appreciates the thoroughness of the Public Access Bureau’s review. This file is now closed. The District remains

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ALTON - As a result of last week’s Alton First Responders Springfest, the Alton Fire Department and Police Department both received approximately $7,500. On April 23, 2025, Mayor David Goins presented Fire Chief Jesse Jemison and Police Chief Jarrett Ford with checks for $7,487.92 each. This money was donated by Luehrs’ Ideal Rides, who held the Springfest at the Alton Riverfront from April 11–19, 2025. “It was for a good cause, a good, clean, family-fun event, that was also giving back to our community. I thought that was very special,” Goins said. “It’s an honor to be here today to present these checks on behalf of Luehrs’ Ideal Rides. This donation reflects our community’s appreciation for the hard work and dedication of our first responders.” The Springfest was conceptualized by Andy Schoendienst, who owns Luehrs’ Ideal Rides. Through Luehrs’, Schoendienst wanted to offer an event to support local first

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EAST ST. LOUIS – The Illinois Department of Transportation today announced lane restrictions will be encountered on I-55/70 in the eastbound direction beginning at 6 a.m. on Thursday, April 24, 2025, weather permitting. The right two lanes will be closed between I-64 and IL 203 to allow IDOT District 8 Operations crews to perform emergency bridge deck repairs. All entrance and exit ramps will remain open. All lanes are expected to re-open by noon on Saturday, April 26. Motorists can expect delays and should allow extra time for trips through this area. Drivers are urged to pay close attention to changed conditions and signs in the work zones, obey the posted speed limits, refrain from using mobile devices and be alert for workers and equipment. For IDOT District 8 updates, follow us on the social media platform X at @IDOTDistrict8 or view area construction details on IDOT’s traveler information map on GettingAroundIllinois.com.

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MARYVILLE – A Highland resident is charged with stalking and more after following the victim to work and planting a GPS tracker in their vehicle. Devin D. Dunnagan, 33, of Highland, was charged on April 16, 2025, with aggravated stalking, a Class 3 felony. He also faces Class A misdemeanor charges of violating an Order of Protection and unlawful use of an electronic tracking device. Dunnagan is accused of “following the victim to her place of work, placing her under surveillance” on Feb. 13, 2025, and placing an AutoSky GPS tracking device in the victim’s vehicle on Feb. 28, 2025. By contacting, stalking, and/or harassing the victim, Dunnagan also violated an active Order of Protection which was issued by a Madison County court in November of 2024 and extended on Feb. 18, 2025. A petition was filed to deny Dunnagan’s pretrial release, stating officers found the GPS tracker in question after the victim told authorities Dunnagan had placed it inside he

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ALTON – An Alton man with a criminal past faces new charges after invading an Alton home and attacking one of the occupants. Chistopher J. McDaniels, 32, of Alton, was charged on April 17, 2025 with a Class X felony count of home invasion and a Class 4 felony count of criminal trespass to residence. On April 17, 2025, McDaniels allegedly entered an Alton residence without authority and injured one of the occupants by placing his hands on their neck and shoving them, according to court documents. A petition to deny McDaniels’s pretrial release states the victim told authorities he “forced himself into her residence,” causing damage to one of the home’s walls. “Once inside the residence, the defendant battered the victim by placing his hands on her neck and throwing her down,” the petition states. “Defendant was confronted by victim’s guest. He then exited the residence.” The victim also reported being threatened by McDaniels,

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From lively music performances and engaging community workshops to family-friendly festivals and unique local sales, the upcoming events offer something for everyone to enjoy. For a complete listing of all activities and happenings, be sure to visit https://www.riverbender.com/events/ . If you want to make sure even more of the region is aware of your event email cj@riverbender.com and explore our range of Event Promotion Services! Featured Village of Maryville - 2025 Spring City/Village Wide Garage Sales The Village of Maryville is hosting its exciting Spring City/Village Wide Garage Sales on April 25 & 26 from 7:00 AM to 2:00 PM. This event offers a wonderful opportunity for bargain hunters and treasure seekers to explore great deals and unique finds throughout the community. Whether you're looking to declutter or discover hidden gems, this event is perfect for all. For those interested in participating, you can register your address and view the interactive map for convenience.

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JERSEYVILLE – The highly anticipated expansion of the Jerseyville Public Library is just days away from its official public debut. From food trucks to live music, library tours, kids’ activities and much more, JPL staff have a jam-packed weekend of events planned to celebrate the expansion’s Grand Opening this Friday, April 25 and Saturday, April 26, 2025. A ribbon-cutting ceremony will kick off the festivities starting at 12 p.m. on Friday at the library’s new front entrance. Tours of the library will be held every hour, on the hour, from 12:30 to 6:30 p.m. starting in the Large Print Room. A Taquieria Los Toros food truck will serve up tacos from 12 to 3:30 p.m. at the Criminal Justice Council parking lot on Exchange Street, next to the newly redone library parking lot. Rollin’ Dogs Food Truck will keep the food truck fun going from 4:30 to 8 p.m. at the same location. Friday’s festivities also include live music from the JCHS Jazz Combo from

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COLLINSVILLE - Collinsville, Granite City and Mascoutah communities will unite Sunday afternoon, April 27, 2025, to hold a rally aimed at preserving their high schools’ mascots, which organizers say represent the heart, spirit and traditions of their schools. The Save Our Mascots Rally is scheduled for 2 p.m. on April 27 at Kahok Stadium, located at 2201 South Morrison Avenue in Collinsville. The event brings together Collinsville High School, Granite City High School and Mascoutah High School, which are typically rivals in athletics. “This is bigger than the game. It’s about identity, pride and history,” according to media reps from the three school districts. "Collinsville High School, Granite City High School and Mascoutah High School may be competitors on the field of play, but this Sunday, we are one. Join the three communities who come together in unity to protect the heart, spirit, and traditions of our schools — our mascots."

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ALTON - As a World War II Prisoner of War, Alton native Robert Ryan traded his Marquette Catholic High School class ring for a can of sardines. Now, he has a new ring and a community that has rallied behind him. On April 23, 2025, community members gathered at Marquette Catholic High School for a ceremony honoring Ryan for his heroism during WWII. MCHS Principal Tim Harmon and U.S. Army Lieutenant General Jered P. Helwig presented Ryan with a new class ring and thanked him for his service during the war and in the Alton community. “Number one, it’s quite a surprise. Number two, it’s an honor I don’t deserve,” Ryan said. “All any of us did was what we had to do.” Harmon explained that a WWII researcher connected with Ryan a few months ago. When the researcher learned that Ryan traded his class ring for food, he cold-called the school and informed them of the story. MCHS staff members Blake Marth, Paula Mattix-Wand and Robert Stephan worke

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ALTON - Nathan Joehl, head coach of the Marquette Boys Tennis team, praised seniors Adam Richards and Luke Steyer for their contributions during the 2025 spring season. Richards, the lone senior in the varsity lineup, has provided valuable experience and leadership to the young team, helping to keep younger players focused, the boys tennis coach said. Richards and Steyer are Tucker's Automotive Repair & Tire Male Athletes of the Month. Steyer, who joined the team this year, has shown significant improvement and brings a positive attitude that enhances the team’s atmosphere. Joehl expressed pride in both players for their development and impact on the team.

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SWANSEA — The Swansea Police Department welcomed two new officers, George Atanasov and Jackson Belt, during a swearing-in ceremony held Monday evening, April 21, 2025, at the Village Board meeting. Swansea Mayor Michael Leopold officiated the event, marking the official start of their service with the department. Following the ceremony, Atanasov and Belt will undergo preliminary training at the police department before beginning the formal police academy in May 2025. Chief Matthew Blomberg was also present for the ceremony. The addition of Officers Atanasov and Belt reflects the department’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its team and maintain public safety in the community.

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SPRINGFIELD - In a video message shared with Illinois voters today, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) announced that he will not seek re-election in 2026. Durbin is an East St. Louis native. “The decision of whether to run for re-election has not been easy. I truly love the job of being a United States Senator. But in my heart, I know it’s time to pass the torch. So, I am announcing today that I will not be seeking re-election at the end of my term,” Durbin said in the video. “The people of Illinois have honored me with this responsibility longer than anyone elected to the Senate in our state’s history. I am truly grateful,” Durbin said. “Right now, the challenges facing our country are historic and unprecedented. The threats to our democracy and way of life are very real, and I can assure you that I will do everything in my power to fight for Illinois and the future of our country every day of my remaining time in the Senate.”

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SPRINGFIELD - At the invitation of the Illinois House Ethics and Elections Committee, the League of Women Voters of Illinois (LWVIL) gave expert testimony at the committee’s subject matter hearing in Springfield on Tuesday, April 22 to explain the potential implications that the federal SAVE Act could have on Illinois elections and ballot access. LWVIL Vice President for Issues and Advocacy Kathy Cortez testified that, “We believe every citizen should be protected in the right to vote, and that electoral systems should encourage participation and enhance representation for all voters. The League of Women Voters opposes the SAVE Act because, by imposing inequitable economic and administrative requirements, the bill would create unnecessary barriers to voting participation and disenfranchise large numbers of eligible voters.” The SAVE Act places a burden on women that is not equally placed on men. Because many Illinois women opted to change their names when they

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CHICAGO – Illinois has faced an alarming surge in hate and extremism, following national trends. Hate crimes have skyrocketed 125% statewide since 2021, with bias based on race, religion, sexual orientation, and gender identity driving over 95% of incidents. Now, the Illinois Department of Human Rights (IDHR) and Illinois Commission on Discrimination and Hate Crimes (CDHC) urgently call on all residents to report acts of hate through the Help Stop Hate initiative—a safe, confidential service that provides support and resources. “At this moment in time, when some are influencing or condoning hateful violence and rhetoric, we are encouraging Illinoisans to take action by reporting all acts of hate,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Help Stop Hate not only empowers impacted individuals to break the cycle of silence and seek specialized support, but it also helps us foster a safer, more inclusive Illinois.” “The surge in vitriol, violence and hate-fueled

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SPRINGFIELD – State Representative Amy Elik (R-Alton) welcomed two local women to Springfield to be recognized at ‘Women to Watch,’ the House Republicans’ annual conference that highlights rising stars from around Illinois. Rep. Elik chose Kristen Burns and Amber Scott to be her guests at this year’s conference. Kristen Burns is the Executive Director of the Wood River Business Alliance, a group focused on revitalizing Wood River and bringing new development to the area. Burns has also volunteered with organizations throughout the region, including Habitat for Humanity, Wood River Library Foundation, Mustache March 4PD, Illinois COPS, Arthritis Foundation, Alton Main Street, and serves as a member of the East Alton-Wood River School Board. Amber Scott is the Chief Experience Officer at 1st Mid America Credit Union. She serves the board at Senior Services Plus, the Southwest Illinois District Auxiliary Board of the United Way of Greater St. Louis, and

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COLLINSVILLE – Illinois State Police (ISP) Troop 8 Commander, Captain Casey Faro, announces the ISP will conduct Distracted Driving Enforcement Program patrols in Madison and St. Clair counties during May. This program allows ISP to focus on distracted driving laws to prevent traffic deaths and serious injury crashes. Distracted Driving is doing another activity that takes the driver’s attention away from driving. Distractions can increase a driver’s risk of being in an accident. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration: Over 3,000 people annually are killed in crashes involving distracted driving. Reading a text message can take a driver’s eyes off the road for an average of five seconds. Nearly 1 in every 10 injury crashes involved a distracted driver. Officers will be on the lookout for drivers who disobey Illinois’ distracted driving laws. All drivers are prohibited from reading, sending, or receiving text messages or

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MARYVILLE, IL. – The Pavilion for Women’s, Molli Gieseking, RN, of Anderson Hospital was recently honored with The DAISY Award® For Extraordinary Nurses. The award is part of the DAISY Foundation's programs to recognize the super-human efforts nurses perform every day. The nomination submitted read: “My daughter Ashleigh recently gave birth at Anderson's Pavilion for Women on 2/26/25. She was a high-risk pregnancy, and had been referred to a specialist to take over her care several months ago by Dr. Hulsen. On the evening of February 25th her water broke at 35 weeks. She knew she had to get to the hospital quickly as her previous two boys came fast & furious. Upon arrival she was greeted and taken to a patient room to get situated. Everything from that point escalated quickly.... As she was examined by the OB Nurse it was discovered that she had complete umbilical cord prolapse. "Without going into complete details, this Nurse jumped on the bed with my

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BEECHER CITY – State Representative Blaine Wilhour (R-Beecher City) is calling on the Illinois High School Association (IHSA) to testify before one of the house oversight committees on education after blatantly ignoring President Trump’s executive order banning biological males from competing in girls’ sports. Wilhour, who serves as the Minority Spokesman on the K-12 Education Appropriations Committee and is also a member of the House Education Policy Committee, said the IHSA’s refusal to follow federal direction is not only outrageous—it’s a direct violation of an executive order. “Chairpersons Will Davis and/or Michelle Mussman need to do the right thing and haul the IHSA before one of their oversight committees so they can explain to the people of Illinois why they think they can ignore this directive,” Wilhour said. “Their excuse that the Executive Order conflicts with state law is nonsense. Student safety and fair

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SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has issued a standing order that will allow Illinoisans to obtain the HIV preventive medication known as PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) directly from a pharmacist without first requiring a doctor’s prescription. PrEP is one of the most effective means of preventing HIV infection. Studies have shown that when taken as directed, it reduces the risk of HIV infection through sexual transmission by as much as 99 percent. The order, signed by IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra, will make it easier for people at risk of exposure to HIV to obtain either of the two oral medications used in the PrEP regimen. It also streamlines the process for pharmacists to receive reimbursement for providing PrEP services. HIV remains a concern in the state, although the picture is improving under Governor JB Pritzker’s Getting to Zero Illinois (GtZ) program, with a goal of zero new HIV transmissions in the state by the yea

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