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What if a single day dedicated to planting trees could transform landscapes, communities, and even national identities? Arbor Day, a celebration that might seem simple at first glance, holds a profound legacy of environmental stewardship, civic pride, and global influence. Beyond the act of planting saplings, Arbor Day has inspired millions to reconsider humanity’s relationship with nature and the critical role trees play in our lives. The Origins of Arbor Day: A Vision Rooted in Conservation Arbor Day began in the United States in the late 19th century, a period marked by rapid industrialization and environmental change. The holiday was founded by J. Sterling Morton, a Nebraska journalist and politician, who recognized the urgent need to address deforestation and soil erosion in the Great Plains. On April 10, 1872, Morton proposed a statewide tree-planting day to encourage residents to plant trees, not only to beautify the landscape but also to provide practical benefits like

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April 24 has marked some of the most significant and varied moments in global history. The most impactful event associated with April 24 is undoubtedly the beginning of the Armenian Genocide in 1915. On this day, the Ottoman Empire initiated a systematic campaign against its Armenian population, resulting in the deaths of an estimated 1.5 million Armenians. This tragic event is widely recognized by historians and many countries as one of the first modern genocides. It remains a deeply significant and somber moment in history, highlighting the devastating consequences of ethnic hatred and political turmoil. The Armenian Genocide has had lasting effects on Armenian diaspora communities worldwide and continues to influence international discussions on human rights and genocide recognition. Moving back in time, on April 24, 1607, English settlers aboard the Susan Constant landed at Jamestown, Virginia, marking the establishment of the first permanent English settlement in North America.

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COLLINSVILLE — Webster Elementary’s third-grade students recently delivered a captivating performance of The Boy Who Spoke to the Earth, showcasing their musical and theatrical talents. The production, based on the book by Chris Burkard and David McClellen, tells the story of a boy who can communicate with the earth and embarks on a magical journey through various landforms in search of happiness. The adaptation was written by Webster music teacher Jennifer Bhooshan, alongside Katie Brown and Rachel Puleo. Bhooshan emphasized that the students were actively involved in shaping the show’s creative elements. “The students chose songs, created movements and provided input on everything in the production,” she said. During the performance, the third graders played instruments such as drums and small xylophones. They also provided narration, sang songs, and performed synchronized movements representing diverse areas of the earth, from oceans to mountaintops.

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ALTON – After hearing comments for and against the proposed Lovejoy mixed-use development , the Alton City Council laid the item over until new council members are sworn in next month. At issue is a proposed 70-unit mixed-use, mixed-income apartment complex at 324 Ridge Street in Alton, known as “The Lovejoy.” Estimated at $27 million , the project is being led by firm McCormack, Baron and Salazar (MBS). Voicing their concerns about the Lovejoy project were residents Cheryl and Douglas Kellum. Cheryl said that while she understands the need for more housing in Alton, she doesn't think the Lovejoy project would be a good fit for area families. She noted the Lovejoy would only consist of one and two-bedroom apartments, while many local families are seeking three and four-bedroom living spaces. She also voiced concerns about crime in the neighborhood near Ridge Street. Another major concern of hers was parking – the original proposal for the Lovejoy

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WOOD RIVER — On Tuesday afternoon, April 22, 2025, the Wood River Police Department, with assistance from neighboring agencies and OnStar, apprehended two individuals wanted in connection with a homicide in Greer, South Carolina. At approximately 1:25 p.m., the Wood River Police Department Dispatch Center was notified by an OnStar representative that a stolen white Chevrolet 6500 dump truck was being actively tracked within the city limits. The vehicle was believed to be operated by a male suspect wanted for homicide in Greer. Wood River officers were immediately alerted and began searching for the vehicle. OnStar later reported that the truck had exited Wood River and was traveling southbound on Illinois 255. Officers from the Hartford, Roxana, and South Roxana Police Departments joined the search effort. The vehicle was located north of Interstate 270 on Illinois 255, where officers successfully conducted a felony traffic stop. Two individuals were taken into custody a

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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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