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ALTON - Members of the Alton Police Department, including Chief Jarrett Ford, participated in the Southern Illinois Criminal Justice Summit, held recently in the region. This summit gathered law enforcement professionals to discuss critical topics affecting policing today, including cybersecurity, terrorism, media relations, mental health, and legislative updates. The event featured a variety of experts, including John Iannarelli, a retired FBI Special Agent and national security expert. Iannarelli provided training on cybersecurity and terrorism, equipping attendees with real-world strategies to counter emerging threats. Kristy Siefkin, a former news anchor and seasoned media consultant, focused on media relations for law enforcement. She emphasized the importance of effective communication in building public trust, a vital aspect of community policing. Additionally, Silouan Green, a nationally recognized speaker and veteran, addressed mental health and peer support within law enforcement.

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EDWARDSVILLE - Ryan Suhre is known more for his golf game at Metro-East Lutheran High School, but the senior guard has also made a positive contribution to the boys basketball team this season, as a reserve off the bench for the Knights. Suhre didn't score a point in Metro-East's first two regional games in the IHSA Class 1A playoffs as the Knights won over Mt. Olive 56-18 and regional host Raymond Lincolnwood 57-34 to go 19-11 going into the final on Feb. 28 against Hardin Calhoun, but contributed good defense to the Knights' cause. This season, he's averaged 1.2 points and 0.8 rebounds-per-game, also having one assist. In a postgame interview, Suhre felt good about his contributions, and just for the fact he's still playing on the team. "It's just exciting to keep playing basketball with these guys, and hopefully, we can go the distance," he said. For the Knights, Suhre is a BJ's Printables Male Athlete of the Month. The Knights have enjoyed a good season thus far, and have

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Letter To The Editor: At the Special City Council Meeting of March 6th, the vote to increase the number of council members to request a Special Meeting from two to three was passed, as was expected, by a vote of 3-2. During our discussion, the City Attorney claimed that an Appellate Court case determined it required three council members to request a Special Meeting, and not two. I have asked the City Attorney to forward a copy of the court case and the authority she cited as proof that the state requires three, and not two, council members to hold a Special Meeting. I want to note, that two times in the past a prior City Attorney was proven to be wrong in her opinions, and the City had to take steps to correct actions that were taken by the council based upon her opinions. In addition, there was an attempt by Mr. Plank, who professes his commitment to transparency, to denigrate the need for Special Meetings. The Special Meeting of February 24th was called because the City Manager,

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GODFREY - Community members gathered at Godfrey Village Hall for an informational meeting about proposed improvements to Tolle Lane. On Thursday, March 6, 2025, Godfrey residents could view diagrams and ask questions about the Tolle Lane improvements. Richard Beran, the Village of Godfrey engineer, explained that the improvements aim to “give more options to everyone” with improved walkability and bikeability. “The whole reason for having the public information meeting is to get some feedback and maybe some improvements that we can make to it,” he said. “I’ve heard nothing but good news so far. Everybody’s excited for the project. They think it’s a great idea. They’re all for it.” The proposed improvements will impact Tolle Lane from the intersection of Tolle Lane and Godfrey Road to the intersection of Tolle Lane and Humbert Road. The construction will patch the road on Tolle Lane, add sidewalks in front of Dairy

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March 7th has seen its fair share of pivotal moments throughout history. One of the most notable events on this day occurred in 1876 when Alexander Graham Bell was awarded the first US patent for the invention of the telephone. This revolutionary invention transformed communication, allowing people to speak to one another over long distances for the first time. Bell’s patent marked a turning point in technology, paving the way for the modern telecommunications industry. The telephone not only changed how people connected but also influenced economies and cultures around the globe. Fast forward to 1965, when the Selma to Montgomery marches began, marking a pivotal moment in the American Civil Rights Movement. Led by prominent figures such as Martin Luther King Jr., these marches highlighted the struggle for voting rights for African Americans. The march on March 7th, now known as “Bloody Sunday,” was met with violence as marchers were brutally attacked by law enforcement

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Did you know that women in the United States have only been able to vote for just over a century? The 19th Amendment, granting women the right to vote, was ratified in 1920, marking a pivotal moment in the ongoing struggle for gender equality. Women's History Month, observed every March, is a time not only to recognize the milestones achieved by women throughout history but also to reflect on the journey still ahead. This year, why not step beyond traditional observances and explore unique ways to celebrate and honor women's contributions to society? Embrace Local History One of the most immersive ways to celebrate Women’s History Month is to delve into the local narratives of remarkable women who shaped your community. Consider organizing a neighborhood walk or tour that highlights local landmarks associated with influential women. For instance, if you live in a region where a prominent suffragist or civil rights leader made an impact, create a route that features their homes,

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WOOD RIVER – In another special meeting Wednesday evening, Wood River City Council members voted 3-2 to change the requirements to call for a special meeting. The approved City Code amendment raises the number of council members needed to submit a written request for a special meeting from two to three. The mayor can also call for special meetings, as was allowed previously. Councilman Bill Dettmers previously stated he viewed Thursday’s special meeting, called by Mayor Tom Stalcup, as an attempt by the mayor to stop another special meeting already requested by Dettmers and Councilman David Ayres. “The reason why Mayor Stalcup called this Special Meeting can only be explained as an attempt to deny Councilmember David ‘Doc’ Ayres and my request for a Special City Council Meeting on Monday, March 10, at 7 p.m.,” Dettmers said. “The purpose of our requested Special City Council Meeting is to schedule a hearing for the purpose of termination

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SPRINGFIELD - State Representative Kevin Schmidt (R-Millstadt) filed legislation to expand recognition to Illinois veterans. House Bill 1421 creates the Veterans Day Paid Leave Act and requires employers to provide each employee who is a veteran with a paid day off on Veterans Day. Rep. Schmidt respects the men and women who have served our country and says his bill is one small way we can tell our veterans thank you. “We owe our veterans a debt of gratitude for the sacrifices they made to protect the freedoms we all enjoy today,” Rep. Schmidt stated. “My bill is pretty straight forward and would award employees, who provide documents verifying they are a veteran, a paid day off work to celebrate Veterans Day, plus this bill creates an income tax credit to employers who provide a paid day off to their veteran employees.” Representative Schmidt filed HB1421 to further acknowledge our veterans’ commitment to serving our country. The State of Illinois

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SPRINGFIELD — The Swansea Police Department, along with community leaders and family members of Brett Korves, gathered at the Illinois State Capitol recently to honor Korves' legacy through a resolution presented by Representatives Jay Hoffman and Katie Stuart. The resolution acknowledges both Korves' life and the work of Brett’s First Responders, an organization established in his memory. Brett Korves, a third-generation firefighter with the Swansea Fire Department, died on April 4, 2019. He was recognized for his contributions to the department, including being named Firefighter of the Year in 2012. He was also known for his accomplishments in dirt track racing and his involvement in community events. Brett’s First Responders provides emotional and financial support to injured and fallen first responders and their families. The organization aims to assist those facing challenges due to injuries or loss within the first responder community. "Thank you to Brett’s

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BELLEVILLE - Representatives of St. Clair County Transit District (SCCTD) today joined with local officials, stakeholders and residents to celebrate the grand opening of the $4.3 million Tecklenburg Trail in Belleville. The new, 1.1-mile, paved bike and pedestrian pathway will connect residents in West Belleville, Ill., to the St. Clair County Transit District’s ever-evolving MetroBikeLink System that currently consists of more than 39 miles of interconnecting trails and bike paths in St. Clair County. As part of the ribbon cutting ceremony held for the new trail segment, SCCTD officials also announced the completion of more than $650,000 in communications, safety and wayfinding enhancements to its system of trails. The Tecklenburg Trail extends from 66th and Main Streets through the Tecklenburg Forest Preserve to the MetroBikeLink Trail near Dutch Hollow and Llewellyn roads, running along a scenic route that transverses through wooded and other remote areas. The segment features

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ALTON – After battering two elderly victims, an Alton man remains in custody pending multiple felony charges. Grant M. Shimchick, 37, of Alton, was charged with two counts of aggravated battery, both Class 3 felonies, and two counts of domestic battery, both Class A misdemeanors. On Feb. 22, 2025, Shimchick allegedly grabbed one elderly household or family member by the neck and threw another elderly household or family member to the ground. A petition to deny Shimchick’s pretrial release adds that shortly after his arrest, he told police he would return to the victims’ residence if released. Madison County court records show Shimchick had active warrants out of Florissant Municipal Court and was on court supervision from a 2023 Madison County criminal case at the time of this latest incident. A detention order was later filed upholding the state’s petition to keep Shimchick detained. Shimchick’s case was presented by the Alton Police Department.

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LEBANON – The Illinois Department of Transportation today announced lane restrictions will be encountered on westbound I-64 between MM 22 and MM 21, just west of the IL 4 Mascoutah/Lebanon exit. The right lane is currently closed to allow IDOT District 8 Operations forces to perform emergency bridge deck patching on the bridge over Silver Creek. All lanes are expected to re-open by 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 8. 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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A March 5, 1925, article in the Alton Evening Telegraph announced that a 1924 graduate of Alton High School, Alonzella Banta, 700 Alby Street, played basketball at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. “Men alone are not the only ones to take advantage of the great indoor game of basketball, which is at its height at the University of Illinois just now, for practically every woman registered in the university is a member of some basketball team, unless taking physical training work of another nature which has been prescribed by the department of physical welfare.” Other “physical training” sports the women could participate in included volleyball, swimming, track, bowling, tennis, baseball, and apparatus (gymnastics). The University of Illinois first admitted female students in 1870, but it took more than a century for gender equality to be standard in sports at the University. To quote the Women’s Athletics page of the 1909 edition of The Illi

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ALTON - Kim Hunt had people who advocated for her, and it’s her goal in life to repay the favor. Hunt, one of the YWCA’s ten 2025 Women of Distinction, will be honored at the Y’s annual gala for her commitment to the community. She serves as the founder of the nonprofit Saving Black Minds, and she aims to support kids and families through back-to-school and women’s empowerment initiatives. “Growing up, I had an absolutely amazing village. Part of my goal in life is to provide that village to children who might not have had that same opportunity,” she shared. “I am a supporter. That’s really my call in life, to support people. How that pans out depends on the scenario and depends on what’s needed.” Hunt started Saving Black Minds in 2015, and the organization is “not about the color of the skin, but about the condition of the mind.” They work in the Greater St. Louis area to provide opportunities for local

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ALTON – An Alton man with multiple prior convictions past faces five new felony charges after a traffic stop yielded drugs and a stolen firearm. Nathan A. Johnson, 40, of Alton, was charged with the following: Possession of a firearm by a repeat felony offender (Class X felony) Armed violence (Class X felony) Unlawful possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance (Class 1 felony) Felon in possession of a weapon (Class 2 felony) Unlawful possession of a stolen firearm (Class 2 felony) On Feb. 21, 2025, Johnson allegedly possessed of a stolen Taurus G3C 9mm handgun and one to 15 grams of methamphetamine after being convicted of multiple prior felonies. Among his prior convictions are three cases of aggravated battery causing great bodily harm from 2005, 2010, and 2016, each filed in Madison County. A petition was filed to deny Johnson’s pretrial release, stating the illegal items were found after officers conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle

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WOOD RIVER — The City of Wood River is set to hold a Special Council meeting at 5 p.m. on March 6, 2025, in Council Chambers at City Hall. The primary agenda item will be a discussion and vote on an ordinance aimed at aligning local regulations with Illinois State Statute regarding the calling of special meetings. According to Mayor Tom Stalcup, the proposed ordinance would require that any special meeting be called either by the mayor or by three members of the city council. "As we move forward, we will continue to bring any outdated ordinances into compliance with Illinois State Statute," Stalcup said. He said the meeting reflects the city's ongoing efforts to ensure that its ordinances are up-to-date and to keep community members informed of progress and changes at various governmental levels. The meeting is live on Riverbender.com at 5 p.m. Thursday. Click here.

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Dear Editor: It is my pleasure to wholeheartedly endorse Mayor Mike McCormick for re-election as Godfrey Mayor. As a Godfrey resident, I have seen first-hand Mayor McCormick’s dedication and love for the Godfrey community. I was reminded of his dedication and creative management this weekend when I attended Coffee with the Mayor. The owner of the Ranch House reminded everyone there of the Mayor’s COVID-19 voucher program that infused more than $800,000 to support local small businesses and assist Godfrey families at a very difficult time. This voucher allowed a family to buy a voucher for a local restaurant or business at half the normal price. The rest of the voucher was paid for by the Village of Godfrey out of the Village Business District Fund. The family benefited from the reduced cost and the business benefited from business that may have been lost due to COVID. The owner of the Ranch House said this program allowed her to put people back to work at a time when

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ALTON - Following a recent shooting , Alton community members gathered for a rally against gun violence. On Thursday, March 6, 2025, community members met at the 1200 block of Central Avenue in Alton to talk about gun violence and its impact on youth. The event, organized by Alderwoman Rosetta Brown and activist Lee Barham, drew community leaders from across the Riverbend region. “Alton is one of the most precious cities in Illinois, and we refuse to let it become corrupt,” Brown said to kick off the rally. “We’ve gathered here today to show that we care, and that’s what it means. We care, and we are taking our streets back, and we are going to cover our youth and we’re going to cover our neighborhoods.” Alton Mayor David Goins recognized the Alton Police Department for their investigative work in the most recent shooting. “Hopefully we can send a message to the individuals that if you try something in Alton, you’re

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ROXANA — Village Administrator Bob Coles commended the Roxana High School seniors for their participation in the annual “Senior Assassin” game, a tradition that fosters camaraderie and creativity among students. This year, 42 seniors are engaged in the game, which involves students secretly assigned targets to “eliminate” with water guns while protecting themselves from being eliminated. The game has garnered attention for its lighthearted nature, as students don floaties or swimming goggles to avoid detection. Coles highlighted the positive spirit of the community, and said, “At a time when so much attention is placed on negative news, it’s refreshing to see our youth engaging in clean, wholesome fun.” Participants have been spotted around town in their floaties, creating amusing scenes in various settings, including workplaces and local stores. One student shared his experience of removing his floaties at the gym to avoid standing out,

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CHAMPAIGN- Today, Governor JB Pritzker joined Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton, teachers, school administrators, and municipal officials to propose a classroom cell phone ban in schools across Illinois. A key initiative mentioned in the Governor’s State of the State Address, the legislation would require all public school districts in Illinois to adopt a wireless communication device policy that limits the use of personal devices during class instruction time. “It’s imperative that the state set students up to achieve their full potential – not just by investing in them, but by fostering a healthy and productive classroom environment,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Study after study has demonstrated the benefits of a ban on classroom use of cell phones not just on student performance – but on overall health and wellbeing. This legislation will allow our teachers to focus on what matters most – delivering a quality education that opens up opportunit

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