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GRAFTON - Trees Please, a business in Grafton, has a guarantee: With their help, your trees will thrive. Owner Steven Jones started taking care of trees 33 years ago. A self-described “tree doctor,” Jones consults with homeowners and checks the health of declining trees, then gives them a booster shot to improve their health. With his help, homeowners can save their trees rather than cutting them down. “I treat trees for disease,” he explained. “We inject them with an insecticide that’s systemic, goes up through the vascular system, kills the bugs, fertilizes them. The tree, once it’s treated, will flourish after that.” Trees Please charges a $100 consultation fee, but Jones deducts this from the charge if you decide to hire him to treat the tree. He charges anywhere from $75 to $350 to treat a tree, depending on the size and the problem. “It’s cheaper to save them than just to cut them down and have them hauled away,”

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“On a bright moonlight night in spring time, just as he might have wished it, because Jim Callahan was a very sentimental man, his spirit took flight from the body which had been pain racked for many months.” Poet and newspaperman James T. Callahan Sr. died on April 7, 1925, of jaw cancer. He was born in Alton in 1856 and started writing for the Alton Evening Telegraph in 1891. He “loved mostly to write of the little things of life which usually escape the notice of other people.” Callahan studied to be a lawyer and gained admittance to the bar to practice law. He also served later in life as Clerk of the City Court of Alton. But writing was his real love. He wrote Stray Scraps for 35 years and was one of the first people in the country with his own daily column. Callahan’s final Stray Scraps column ran in the Alton Evening Telegraph on February 21, 1925, and he expected it to be his last. For many years, Callahan’s friends encouraged him to

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O’FALLON, Ill. – HSHS Medical Group is pleased to announce the addition of Nicole Garner, PA-C, to their team in O’Fallon. Garner is now accepting patients of all ages at HSHS Medical Group Orthopedic & Sports Medicine – O’Fallon, located at 670 Pierce Blvd., Suite 200, in O’Fallon. Garner is a skilled physician assistant with expertise in treating musculoskeletal injuries and disorders resulting from repetitive movements, heavy lifting, injuries and diseases. She is dedicated to helping patients recover from injuries and improve their quality of life by alleviating pain. Garner earned a Master of Science in physician assistant studies from Southern Illinois University School of Medicine in Carbondale. She obtained her Bachelor of Science in biological sciences, medical science from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville in Edwardsville. To schedule an appointment with Garner, visit hshsmedicalgroup.org or call 618-206-2094. New HSHS Medical

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EAST ALTON - The Illinois Education Association Foundation is proud to announce that it has awarded a $1,000 grant to the East Alton School District 13 Boyz 2 Men program through the SCORE (Schools and Community Outreach by Educators) grant. This grant will significantly enhance the organization's mentorship program providing vital resources to foster the personal and academic growth of young participants. The SCORE grant program encourages educators to collaborate on innovative projects that serve their schools and communities. The Boyz 2 Men program was selected among numerous applicants statewide, recognized for its creative and impactful approach to youth mentorship. “We are honored to receive the SCORE grant,” said Angela Gray, East Alton School District School Social Worker and Program Assistant for the Boyz 2 Men Program. “This funding will allow us to expand our programs, reaching more young people and providing them with the support they need to

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WOOD RIVER - Community leaders and organizations gathered for a Child Abuse Prevention Month Kick-Off Event. On Friday, April 4, 2025, community members were invited to Riverbend Family Ministries for the event. Different organizations, including Refuge, Oasis Women’s Center, Prevent Child Abuse Illinois, the Child Advocacy Center and more, were present to share their work with attendees. Speakers addressed the prevention of child abuse and the importance of advocating for kids. “This month is about standing up for our children, raising awareness and doing what we can to prevent child abuse in our own communities,” said Erin Bickle, executive director of Refuge. “It’s a reminder that each of us has a critical role to play in the lives of our community’s most vulnerable. We have a role to make sure that every child feels safe, cared for and loved.” Bickle said that children build resilience by having at least one caring adult in their

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ALTON — Two Alton Police Department lieutenants have been recognized by Sacred Spaces for their initiatives aimed at promoting well-being with first responders and department employees. Lieutenant Dustin Christner was acknowledged for establishing a first responder Bible study that is open to any local first responder, while Lieutenant Seth Stinnett was recognized for co-facilitating a financial wellness group for Alton Police Department employees. The recognition event highlights the importance of mental and financial health within the police force, a critical aspect of supporting officers in their demanding roles. "Thank you, Lt. Christner and Lt. Stinnett for your leadership and promotion of healthy well-being," said a representative from Sacred Spaces, emphasizing the impact of their contributions on the department. This initiative reflects a growing awareness of the need for support systems within law enforcement agencies, aiming to foster resilience and overall wellness

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WOOD RIVER – State Senator Erica Harriss has partnered with several area Metro East organizations to host a free Community Shred Event and Clean Up Day in Wood River on Saturday. After much consideration, the event will take place rain or shine, and staff will be on hand to assist anyone who may need help. Who: State Senator Erica Harriss I Support the Girls – Edwardsville Lions Club Metro East Humane Society Wood River Police Department Wood River Parks and Recreation Glen-Ed Pantry Soles4Souls When: Saturday, April 5, 2025, from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. Where: Wood River Police Department - 550 E Madison Ave., Wood River, IL, 62095

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), a combat Veteran, released the following statement on the tragic death of four American soldiers, including Sgt. Jose Duenez Jr. of Joliet, Illinois, during a military training exercise in Lithuania: “The loss of four American servicemembers in Lithuania during a training exercise is nothing short of heartbreaking. We must never forget their dedication to serving this country and the NATO alliance. “Our thoughts are with the Duenez family and the Joliet community as they grieve the loss of Sgt. Jose Duenez Jr., a son, a husband, and a father.”

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FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS - Officers responded to a traffic collision involving a silver Hyundai Elantra and a blue BMW X3 at approximately 11 a.m. on March 20, 2025, at the intersection of North Illinois Street and Market Place in Fairview Heights. The incident escalated into a physical altercation between the occupants of both vehicles, prompting law enforcement to intervene. Upon arrival, officers found the fight still in progress and worked to separate the individuals involved. Initial investigations revealed that the crash was the result of a road rage incident that had been ongoing for several miles. Witnesses reported aggressive driving behaviors from both vehicles, including unsafe passing maneuvers, throwing objects, and repeated brake-checking instances prior to the collision. Tamara M. Hawkins, 39, of Swansea, the driver of the Hyundai, exited her vehicle and approached the driver’s side of the BMW. According to reports, she opened the door, attempted to forcibly remove the

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April 4th has witnessed a series of pivotal events that have shaped our world in various ways. One of the most significant moments in history that took place on April 4th is the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. in 1968. King, a prominent leader in the American civil rights movement, was shot by James Earl Ray while standing on the balcony of the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, Tennessee. His death sent shockwaves throughout the United States and the world, igniting waves of protests and unrest. King had been a tireless advocate for nonviolent protest against racial segregation and discrimination, and his legacy continues to inspire movements for equality and justice today. On April 4, 1949, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) was established. This military alliance, formed in the aftermath of World War II, aimed to provide collective security against potential threats, particularly from the Soviet Union during the Cold War. NATO has played a crucial role in international

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Did you know that the average person has around 60,000 thoughts a day, and a staggering 80% of those thoughts are negative? This statistic reveals a hidden truth about the mental clutter many of us carry around—thoughts that distract us, weigh us down, and ultimately impede our well-being. Just as physical clutter can overwhelm our living spaces, a cluttered mind can disrupt our daily lives, making it difficult to focus, make decisions, or find joy in our activities. It’s time to take a proactive approach to mental decluttering and clear the path to a healthier mindset. The Impact of Mental Clutter Mental clutter refers to the overwhelming multitude of thoughts, worries, and distractions that can cloud our thinking and hinder clear decision-making. This mental noise can stem from various sources, including stress from work, unresolved conflicts, or even the continuous barrage of information from technology and social media. Research indicates that mental clutter can lead

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ALTON — The Boys and Girls Club of Alton reported a break-in early Thursday morning, April 3, 2025, prompting an investigation by local authorities. The incident occurred at the club, located at 2512 Amelia St., where an intruder allegedly caused significant damage. Sgt. Andrew Pierson, General Case Supervisor of the Alton Police Department, confirmed the report of the incident. "We took a report this morning of a potential break-in at the Alton Boys and Girls Club and found damage to one of the windows," he said. "There were things disturbed inside; we are still gathering additional information to see if video would have captured anything. Everything right now is preliminary." Al Womack, the Executive Director of the Alton Boys and Girls Club, provided further details about the incident. He said that a single intruder broke a window on the north side of the building and entered through a less frequently used room. "He made his way up front, looked like he was familiar with

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Caseyville, East St. Louis, Cahokia Heights, East Carondelet, and Dupo will receive millions to recover from 2022 floods SPRINGFIELD, IL. — Today, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) announced that much-needed disaster recovery funding through the Community Development Block Grant-Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) program has been finalized for St. Clair County. The funds will be dispersed to different municipalities across St. Clair County, including Caseyville, East St. Louis, Cahokia Heights, East Carondelet, and Dupo. These funds will provide critical support for recovery efforts following the historic storms that devastated the area in 2022, leaving families and local businesses struggling to rebuild. The funding will be allocated to projects aimed at enhancing the resilience of local infrastructure, not only to facilitate rebuilding efforts but also to provide long-term protection against recurring flooding issues. “St. Clair County faced unprecedented challenges

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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Representative Bill Foster (D-IL-11) today reintroduced the bicameral American Innovation Act , which would provide annual budget increases at a rate of five percent, indexed to inflation, for cutting edge research at five federal agencies: the Department of Energy Office of Science; the National Science Foundation; the National Institute of Standards and Technology Scientific and Technical Research Services; the Department of Defense Science and Technology Programs; and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Science Directorate. The American Innovation Act would position the U.S. as a leader in development and discovery for decades to come by creating steady, sustained funding for breakthrough research at America’s top research agencies. “In its crusade to damage essential government infrastructure, the Trump Administration has failed to recognize that sustained support for

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SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Christopher Belt stood alongside his colleagues to highlight a measure that would simplify the college admissions process for high school seniors and community college transfer students at a press conference on Thursday. “High school seniors and community college transfer students already have enough on their plates,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “The last thing they need is a complicated college application process filled with extra fees, paperwork and delays.” Senate Bill 2448 would grant automatic admission to qualified applicants at all public institutions of higher education and community colleges that participate in the direct admissions program. Under the legislation, students would no longer face the burden of repeated application processes or unnecessary application fees, ensuring a smoother transition into postsecondary education. The legislation would allow the Illinois Board of Higher Education, Community College Board

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GODFREY – Representatives of Asbury Village and the North Alton-Godfrey Business Council (NAGBC) stopped by Our Daily Show! on Riverbender.com to share the exciting opportunities available at the senior living facility and what sets the Village apart. Asbury Village Executive Director Anita Martinez was joined by Board President Steve Schwartz for the latest NAGBC Spotlight segment highlighting the local business community. “One of the key components for the Village that really makes us different … is our spiritual wellness,” Martinez said. “We are non-denominational and we really do embrace all aspects of faith – but there’s fun in faith, too.” In addition to their holistic, spiritual approach to wellness with Bible study sessions and more, Martinez said Village residents also enjoy trips to the local movie theater, dinner outings, and more. She praised the work of Asbury staff, including their Chaplain, who help guide an

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ALTON - The Alton Redbirds sprinter Rayna Raglin is off to an unbelievable start this track and field season and won a state championship at the Illinois Top Times Indoor Meet this past weekend at Bloomington. Raglin outperformed the other competitors in the 60-meter dash and wowed the crowd by winning first place with a PR time of 7.48. She also placed second overall in the 200-meter dash with a PR time of 25.21. Raglin is an Auto Butler Female Athlete of the Month for the Redbirds. "I am very proud of the meet outcome for Rayna, and she is proud of the fact that her hard work is paying off for her," Redbirds Girls Track and Field Coach Chelsea Anderson said The 4x200-meter relay consisting of Ja'Kayla Steen, NeVaeh Bryant, Rayna Raglin, and Justice Haynes ran an amazing time of 1:46.86, but were disqualified due to a handoff outside of the zone. "I am very proud of that relay team because this was the first time all of them ran together, and are already 2 seconds off of an outdoo

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This weekend offers a delightful array of events ranging from engaging science programs for children to lively fish fries and musical performances, showcasing something for everyone in the community. For a full listing of events, please 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 Join Fish Haven at Alton VFW Post 1308 for a Fish Fry Every Friday in Lent . Come hungry, bring your crew, and enjoy great food, cold drinks, and live music! Dinner includes Fish (Buffalo, Catfish Filet, Catfish Nuggets, or Cod), Hushpuppies, 2 Sides, and Bread for $15. Available from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Godfrey Knights of Columbus will be hosting Friday Fish Frys every Friday from March 7 through April 11, 2025, from 4-7 p.m. at the McNicholas Club on Stamper Lane. Enjoy a selection of Buffalo, whitefish, whole catfish, shrimp, and baked fish,

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BLOOMINGTON - The Father McGivney Catholic boys' track and field team made history at the Illinois Top Times Invitational in Bloomington this past weekend. The boys’ team set the tone early with a record-setting performance in the 4 x 800-meter relay. The quartet of Tyler Ahring, Liam Schmidt, Liam Boeving, and Will Rakers finished fifth overall, clocking in at 8:30.12, which marked an 11-second improvement from their previous best and set a new school record. This result is significant as it is the first time a boys’ relay team from the Griffins has medaled at the indoor championships, head coach Jim Helton said. In addition to their relay success, Lyle Biermann, Ahring, Schmidt, and Rakers also competed in the 4 x 400-meter relay, where they secured a ninth-place finish with a time of 3:40.81, narrowly missing out on the medal stand. The McGivney boys who competed at Top Times are Byron, Petri, Carlson and Kalb Male Athletes of the Month for the Griffins. The athletes

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BLOOMINGTON — Father McGivney's Lilly Gilbertson emerged as a standout performer at the Illinois Top Times Invitational, showcasing her sprinting prowess in multiple events this past weekend. The meet, often regarded as the unofficial state indoor track and field championships, took place in Bloomington. Gilbertson, a senior, made her mark early in the competition by setting a personal record in the 60-meter dash with a time of 7.85 seconds. She finished seventh in the finals, clocking in at 7.88 seconds, which earned her the first medal of the day. In the 400-meter event, Gilbertson replicated her runner-up finish from the previous year, improving her time significantly to 57.75 seconds, a mark that ranks among the top six in all classes. Despite her strong performance, she fell just 0.41 seconds short of claiming the championship. Gilbertson's success continued in the 200-meter race, where she secured another podium finish, taking second place with a time of 25.62 seconds.

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