Riverbender 🕸

TROY - Are you ready for a party in the street! The first event for the First Friday in Troy Series will take place on Friday, May 2, from 5-8 p.m. in downtown Troy. The event will bring together downtown businesses, artisan market vendors, downtown restaurants, food trucks and entertainment. Mike Sonderegger will be the featured entertainment for this event. The event will take place between 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. People are encouraged to bring their lawn chairs and can even leave them in a secured tent while walking around downtown. The event will be based on Main Street, between Clay and Market Streets, where the street will be blocked. Attendees will be encouraged to grab some food from the Troy VFW fish fry or make a selection from the Time Out Menu. The food trucks that will be located in the Jarvis Township parking lot will be Franko’s Hot Dogs, Sticky Fingers Ice Cream and Spud Shack. Everyone can bring their food and drink (alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages

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ALTON – A Precious Organization, in partnership with the Alton Police Department and YWCA Southwestern Illinois, is excited to announce the return of Ballin’ With A Cop from noon to 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 3, 2025, at the YWCA Gymnasium, located at 304 E. Third St., Alton. Now in its 10th year, Ballin’ With A Cop brings together local youth and members of the Alton Police Department for a fun-filled afternoon of basketball and connection. The event creates an opportunity for young people to engage with police officers in a relaxed, team-oriented environment that encourages respect, communication, and community spirit. Tammy Smith, CEO of A Precious Organization, launched the initiative with a vision of building bridges between law enforcement and residents, particularly youth. “When we were based in the YWCA building, using the gym to create a meaningful experience made perfect sense,” Smith shared. “Our goal was to create something positive

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EDWARDSVILLE - Foster’s Light in the Dark will host their second annual fundraiser to further their mission of honoring those lost to drug overdose and suicide. From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, May 4, 2025, community members can stop by the Edwardsville Moose Lodge at 7371 Marine Road for a chicken dinner. A portion of the proceeds benefit Foster’s Light in the Dark, a nonprofit that aims to create a memorial park for community members who have lost their lives to substance use and mental illness. “Our loved ones, yeah, they died,” said Christina Foster Beegle. “But they’re on the other side wanting us to live a life that they never got to. And that’s how we can memorialize them.” Foster Beegle, who is in recovery herself, started Foster’s Light in the Dark after losing three brothers to suicide and her best friend to an overdose. Over the past year, she has worked hard to spread awareness and raise money for the memorial

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CHATHAM — Illinois State Police Director Brendan Kelly said at a press conference on Thursday, May 1, 2025, that early evidence suggests the recent Chatham crash may have developed because of some type of medical emergency involving the driver. Kelly said at this time, ISP can report initial toxicology test results are negative for alcohol and controlled substances. “Some evidence has been developed into a medical emergency leading up to crash,” Kelly said at the press event. However, he emphasized that the Illinois State Police investigation is ongoing and no final conclusions have been reached. “We follow the facts to come up with conclusions,” Kelly said. “Conclusions have yet to be determined.” The driver and sole occupant of the vehicle, identified as 44-year-old Marianne Akers of Chatham, was uninjured and taken to a hospital for evaluation, but was released. Kelly again identified the crash victims at the press conference as Ainsley

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ST. LOUIS – Today is a disappointing day for our community and for the city as a whole. The St. Louis Development Corporation’s Board of Directors has made the decision to release Neal Richardson, a dedicated leader who has tirelessly worked to foster development and economic growth in our city, particularly in North St. Louis. Neal Richardson’s leadership has been instrumental in driving initiatives aimed at revitalizing our neighborhoods and empowering residents. Most notably, Mr. Richardson was the driving force behind the creation of the North Side Economic Empowerment Center, a vital resource designed to support North City residents in starting and growing small businesses. His commitment to ensuring that development benefits all corners of our city, especially the underserved North Side, has been truly commendable. “In a political climate where equity is threatened and DEI programs are being dismantled, frameworks like Mr. Richardson’s Economic Justice

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) joined U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Congressional Equality Caucus Chair Rep. Mark Takano (D-CA-39) for the bicameral reintroduction of the Equality Act in an effort to push back against escalated attacks from the Trump Administration, MAGA Republicans, and state legislatures on the rights and freedoms of LGBTQ+ Americans nationwide. “It is absolutely unacceptable that someone can be fired from their job, evicted from their home and experience discrimination just because of who they are or who they love,” said Duckworth. “As Trump continues his dangerous anti-LGBTQ+ attacks and we see a growing wave of legislation targeting the LGBTQ+ community across the country, we must protect their rights at the federal level. I’m proud to join Senator Durbin and my colleagues in re-introducing the Equality Ac

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GRAFTON — Get ready for a tail-wagging, book-loving celebration! At 10 a.m. on Saturday , May 10, 2025, Grafton’s beloved Grove Memorial Park will come alive with laughter, stories, and the pitter-patter of tiny paws as the community kicks off Reading in the Park: Meet Dash the Dachshund! At just 12 weeks old, Dash is already embarking on his first book tour — and Grafton gets to host his official debut! Families, kids, and book lovers of all ages are invited to meet Dash, enjoy free entertainment, and receive one of over 100 free children’s books being gifted during this magical morning. Special guests include a singing princess from Frozen — who will guide little ones through beloved songs like “Let It Go” and “Into the Unknown.” Local artist Lou Ann Branz will lead interactive screen printing projects , sparking kids' creativity and curiosity. And of course, Dash and author Jackie Duty will be there to

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SPRINGFIELD - Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias today announced the winners of the office’s 2025 Organ & Tissue Donor Poster Contest. Katherine Bersnak, a 5th grader at St. Francis Xavier School in suburban La Grange took the top prize. The Secretary of State’s office will distribute Katherine’s poster to schools, libraries and DMVs throughout the state to encourage Illinoisans to sign up to become organ and tissue donors. “As we highlight the importance of organ donation this month, it’s important to encourage and empower young people and provide them with the knowledge and tools to become advocates in their communities and amplify their voices for positive change,” Giannoulias said. “Congratulations to each of the winners and all the contest participants who remind us of simple actions we can take to inform Illinoisans and save lives. We’re proud to showcase their creative talents and promote their work.”

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ALTON - Calvary Baptist Church and Calvary Christian School have several events planned for community members to enjoy. On Sunday, May 4, 2025, congregation members and Riverbend residents are invited to the church for “May the Lord Be With You,” a play on “Star Wars Day” that will include lightsaber-making, stage-fighting and a revival service. This will be followed by the school’s trivia fundraiser on May 16, 2025. “Anything that we’re able to do in the future to get the community involved and finding out more about the school, we’re always looking for opportunities to do that,” said Pastor Wade, who helps oversee the school. “It’s not just about raising money. We want people to come and be able to learn about what we’re doing and what we offer, because obviously we believe in it and we want as many folks in the community to know about what we’re doing.” On Sunday, Dr. Bob Pitman will lea

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CASEYVILLE — A pickup truck crashed into the lobby area of a Hardee's restaurant on Petroff Drive Wednesday evening, April 30, 2025, prompting an emergency response from the French Village Fire Department and Caseyville Police Department. At 7:42 p.m. Wednesday, the French Village Fire Department was dispatched to 8850 Petroff Drive in Caseyville following reports of a vehicle collision with the Hardee's building. Upon arrival, responders found the pickup truck had struck the restaurant's lobby. Officials confirmed that no one was trapped inside the vehicle or the building, and no injuries were reported. As a safety measure, the Hardee's was evacuated and will remain closed until necessary repairs are completed.

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EDWARDSVILLE — Spencer Homes and Remodeling of Edwardsville, Illinois, is celebrating its 20th year in operation. Founded in 2005, the company has grown from an independent, owner-led operation to a thriving homebuilding, development and remodeling company with a dedicated team of employees. Having navigated the challenges of the 2007–2009 recession and COVID, Spencer Homes continuously adapts and perseveres. A significant milestone in the company’s growth came in 2012–2013 when Spencer Homes welcomed its first two employees, Dustin Radick and Michelle Langley. Both are appreciated for their loyalty and longevity to the company. Eight years in, the company began developing its own neighborhoods in the Metro East, starting with Brookshire Hamlet in 2013, followed by Cloverdale in 2016. By 2018, Spencer Homes reached O’Fallon, Illinois, building within the Augusta Greens community and developing The Enclave at Augusta Greens. This year, Spencer Homes will

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ALTON — The Alton Police Department and Alton Fire Department responded Thursday afternoon to a reported shooting on the 3200 block of Belle Street. Upon arrival, first responders found a victim who had been shot in the leg on the side of Belle Street in Alton. The Alton Fire Department transported the victim by ambulance to a hospital in St. Louis. The Alton Police Department is currently investigating the shooting. Alton Police Chief Jarrett Ford said the victim in the case suffered "non-life-threatening injuries" in the shooting. "The investigation has revealed this is an isolated incident with the victim being the intended target," Ford added. Anyone with info is encouraged to call (618) 463-3505, extension 624. No other police information about the shooting was released at this time.

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ALTON — Mike Parsons, director of public works for the City of Alton, and Alton Mayor David Goins recently appeared on C.J. Nasello's Our Daily Show! and outlined ongoing infrastructure projects and challenges facing the city, highlighting the critical role of funding and collaboration in addressing street repairs, flood mitigation, and community development. Since 2021, the city has utilized American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to prioritize equipment purchases and street maintenance, with Parsons noting that “some big streets in Alton had been in bad shape for a while.” Early projects under Parsons focused on major thoroughfares such as Bloomer Drive and Union Street between Liberty and Central in Alton, where teams worked to repave as many streets as possible over the past three years. Parsons emphasized the importance of communication between residents, alderpersons, and public works, explaining that “if you call an alderperson or public works, public work

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CHICAGO — Today, Governor JB Pritzker proclaimed May as Mental Health Awareness Month in Illinois. The Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS), the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE), and the Illinois Children's Behavioral Health Transformation Initiative (CBHTI) are highlighting the important resources offered to residents and families across the state. “Mental Health Awareness Month represents a time to reflect on how far we’ve come—and recommit to the work ahead,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Illinois is leading the way in confronting the mental health crisis head-on: we became the first state in the nation to ban prior authorization for inpatient mental health care, we’ve strengthened 988 call center services, expanded capacity, and launched a centralized care portal to connect people with the help they need. My administration remains fully committed to fighting for critical federal

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ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo. — James Townes Jr., 48, of the 11200 block of Cadigan Lane in St. Louis, was charged Wednesday with multiple counts of stealing, possession of forging instruments, and impersonating a notary public in connection with a scheme involving fraudulent property transfers, according to the St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office. Townes faces four counts each of stealing $25,000 or more, possession of a forging instrument, and acting as or impersonating a notary. He is being held on a $100,000 cash-only bond without the option of a 10% bond. A booking photo was not available. The charges stem from an investigation that began after a burglary call on Dec. 13, 2024, in the 6700 block of Silver Fox. During the investigation, officers discovered that Townes had filed false quitclaim deeds at the St. Louis County Recorder of Deeds Office, transferring ownership of several homes into his company’s name, Tied Tight Entertainment LLC, by forging previous

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WASHINGTON – On Law Day, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, released the following statement in support of #ReaffirmTheOath—a grassroots effort that calls upon lawyers nationwide to publicly renew their commitment to the Constitution and the rule of law by reaffirming the oath they took when sworn in as attorneys. Law Day, which is observed on May 1, is a time to reflect on the importance of our legal system and the principles that strengthen our democracy. “We stand at a critical time in our nation’s history. The ideas that have long defined our country—the sanctity of our Constitution, the independence of our judiciary, and the fundamental belief that no one is above the law—are under attack. “Now, more than ever, we must recommit to our oath of upholding the Constitution. In such times as these, the ‘Reaffirm the Oath’ project is not merely a symbolic gesture. It

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ALTON - At the Alton Community Service League’s (ACSL) April Membership meeting, $7,800 in grants were approved to the nine applicants who submitted requests. Those organizations receiving grants this year are Thrive, Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois, Alton Youth Symphony, Sleep in Heavenly Peace, Alton Greater Choral Society, Juneteenth Celebration, Pride Incorporated, Madison Co. Extension, and AMH Health Foundation. Although the Alton Community Service League voted to discontinue its longstanding Gift Wrap Fundraiser last May, its members are grateful to all who supported our fundraisers this past year. Due to the success of ACSL’s Speakeasy Concert and Swing Dance held in February chaired by Jill Moon, and generous donations from Cora & Dave Miller, Nancy Wilson, and the Edwardsville Rotary Club, ACSL will have funds to carry over for next year’s grants and other beautification projects that the League may sponsor. The Alton Community Service League said it looks

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HARTFORD - Community members are invited to learn more about the Lewis and Clark expedition and 19th century life at the Lewis and Clark State Historic Site. Located at 1 Lewis and Clark Trail in Hartford, the Lewis and Clark State Historic Site will host their annual free Point of Departure Commemoration from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, May 10, and Sunday, May 11, 2025. Attendees can interact with reenactors, presenters and artisans who will share more about life in the 1800s and the Lewis and Clark expedition. “This is the event at Lewis and Clark State Historic Site for the year,” said organizer Ben Pollard. “We want people to come back and be excited when they’re talking about history.” Pollard, Mike Bortko and Mike Kaufman have worked hard to organize this year’s Departure Day event. They are especially excited to welcome back Kurt Smith, who Bortko described as “the reigning Thomas Jefferson at Colonial Williamsburg.”

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EDWARDSVILLE – A break in the regular school schedule at Metro-East Lutheran High School allowed Shanna Covarrubias, Spanish teacher at MELHS, to take a group of students to Costa Rica to both immerse themselves in the language and serve the community. Covarrubias led a team of 21 students and five adults who traveled to San Ramon, Costa Rica, for a four-day service trip organized through Pura Vida, a mission organization based in Costa Rica. The group divided into three teams and spent a week hosting day camp programs for children in six different neighborhoods in San Ramon. “One team would go to a park, one would go to a basketball court, one would go to a soccer field, and we would do VBS (Vacation Bible School)-type programs for three hours,” Covarrubias said. “Then we would have lunch and then go to different locations in different neighborhoods in the afternoon and repeat the same program.” Through these weekly day camps, Pura Vida builds relationships

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BELLEVILLE – The Illinois Department of Transportation has announced that pavement patching on North Belt West from West Main Street to Illinois 161 in St. Clair County will require daytime lane closures beginning, weather permitting, Monday, May 5, 2025. Motorists should expect delays and are encouraged to use alternate routes during this closure. Drivers are urged to reduce speed, be alert for changing conditions, obey all construction signage, and refrain from using mobile devices while approaching and traveling through the work zone. The project is expected to be completed this summer. 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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