Riverbender 🕸

MADISON COUNTY - Madison County Sheriff's Office Chief Deputy Marcos Pulido shared on Friday night, Aug. 30, 2024, that Destiny Kharsi had been located and was "safe." The chief deputy said "thank you" to all who shared the information about Kharsi leading to her discovery that she was safe and sound. Kharsi, a 48-year-old woman had been reported missing since approximately 8:30 a.m. on Friday, August 30, 2024. Kharsi is a white female with blue eyes and gray hair.

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GODFREY – On-campus dining has returned to Lewis and Clark Community College, thanks to a partnership with LaMay’s Catering. Owned and operated by LaMay’s, the Blazer Bites Café is a new dining establishment on the college’s Godfrey Campus that offers a fresh and inviting culinary experience to students, faculty, staff and visitors. Located in the old Commons Café in the McPike Math & Science Complex, Blazer Bites offers a vibrant menu featuring a variety of burgers, sandwiches, wings, salads, and more, all crafted with a focus on quality and affordability. Also on the menu are student favorites like flavored sodas, espresso drinks, and grab-and-go meals. “By design, Blazer Bites Café presents a comfortable atmosphere where everyone can gather and experience the welcoming culture of L&C,” said L&C Auxiliary Operations and Grants Manager Tina Russell. “I hope it will become a space used to study, dine, relax and enjoy

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ALTON — Madison County Transit (MCT) donated two RECON patrol bicycles to the Alton Police Department during the MCT Board meeting on Thursday, Aug. 29, 2024. This donation aims to enhance public safety by allowing law enforcement officials to patrol MCT Trails and local communities more efficiently. Alton Police Chief Jarrett Ford expressed his gratitude for the donation, calling it "an extremely generous donation." He added, "We at the Alton Police Department are very grateful. We will make good use of them at special events, concerts, parades, as well as periodic bike patrols. MCT is a great community partner. Their support and generosity are very much appreciated." Ellie Cone, Marketing Director of the Agency for Community Transit, elaborated on the purpose of the donation. "In an effort to support the evolving needs of local law enforcement and to encourage bicycle patrols on the MCT Trails and in Madison County communities, Madison County Transit (MCT) donated two RECON

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BELLEVILLE — Jenny Gain Meyer, Belleville’s City Clerk and lifelong resident, has announced her candidacy for Mayor. With extensive experience in public service and a deep commitment to her hometown, Meyer aims to guide Belleville toward a future that honors its history while embracing growth and development. “As City Clerk, I have seen firsthand the potential and the challenges that Belleville faces,” Meyer said. “I am running for Mayor because I believe in our community’s strength and opportunities, and I want to work with our city leaders, organizations, businesses, employees, and residents to ensure Belleville is a city we want to call home.” Meyer has outlined several key priorities for her mayoral campaign: **Revitalizing Neighborhoods and Housing:** Recognizing that some residents struggle to maintain their homes due to health, age, or economic reasons, Meyer proposes a community outreach program. This initiative would involve collaboration

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SPRINGFIELD – Governor JB Pritzker issued a Disaster Proclamation following the severe weather and flooding that affected several counties in the state July 13 through 16, 2024, including St. Clair County. Cook County, Henry County, Fulton County, Washington County, Winnebago County, and Will County were other counties included in the governor's declaration. This proclamation comes after the Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security (IEMA-OHS), in collaboration with local governments, concluded extensive fieldwork to assess the damage and destruction caused by the storms in communities across Illinois. Based on reports received by the IEMA-OHS, local resources and capabilities have been exhausted, and state and federal resources are needed to respond to and recover from the effects of these severe storms. The St. Clair County Emergency Management Agency commended Pritizker's Disaster Proclamation regarding the July 16, 2024, flooding in the county.

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EDWARDSVILLE - The Metro East has seen a range of auto thefts in recent weeks, with stolen vehicle charges filed against several individuals from around the Riverbend region. Tiffany R. Shemwell, 37, listed as homeless out of Granite City, was charged with offenses related to motor vehicles (a Class 2 felony) and unlawful possession of methamphetamine (a Class 3 felony). On Aug. 17, 2024, Shemwell was reportedly knowingly in possession of a stolen Chevrolet Avalanche, and was additionally found with less than five grams of methamphetamine in her possession. The Granite City Police Department presented the case against Shemwell, who was ordered released from custody. Timothy B. Warren, 46, of Granite City, was charged with a Class 2 felony count of offenses related to motor vehicles. On Aug. 8, 2024, Warren allegedly possessed a stolen 2018 Ford Escape while knowing the vehicle to be stolen. He was later granted pretrial release in the case presented by the Glen Carbon Police

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MADISON COUNTY. - Authorities in Madison County are seeking the public's help in locating Destiny Kharsi, a 48-year-old woman who has been missing since approximately 8:30 a.m. on Friday, August 30, 2024. Kharsi, a white female with blue eyes and gray hair, was last seen wearing a green t-shirt and black capri leggings. The Madison County Sheriff's Office is urging anyone with information regarding Kharsi's whereabouts to come forward. Concern for her safety has prompted the office to ask the community for assistance. "Any piece of information, no matter how small it may seem, could be crucial in locating Ms. Kharsi," said a representative from the Madison County Sheriff's Office. Individuals with information are encouraged to contact the Madison County Sheriff's Office at (618) 692-4433. Those wishing to remain anonymous can call the anonymous tip line at (618) 296-3000.

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ROXANA - The Roxana Police Department has issued an alert for two missing individuals, Deborah Renee Reader and Bryce A. Reader, last seen in the South Roxana area on Tuesday, August 13, 2024. Deborah, 45, who also goes by Renee Davis, and her son, Bryce, 23, were last observed around 8:15 p.m. on that day. Deborah suffers from mental health and substance issues, adding to the urgency of the search, the Roxana Police Department said. Authorities are urging anyone with information about the whereabouts of Deborah and Bryce to come forward. The Roxana Police Department can be reached at (618) 254-1945, and the Wood River Police Dispatch is available at (618) 251-3114. The police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding their disappearance and are seeking the public's assistance in locating the missing mother and son.

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ALTON, IL — Senior Services Plus is excited to host its second "Speed Connections" event. This event is set to take place on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024 at 2 p.m. in the School House Grill, and we're inviting older adults ages 55 plus in our community to join in the fun! For just $10 a ticket, attendees will have the chance to participate in a series of engaging, timed conversations with fellow participants. All proceeds raised from this event benefit the United Way of Greater St. Louis. “Last year’s event provided a wonderful opportunity to bring people together in a fun and relaxed environment” said Sydney Peckham, SSP’s Development Event Coordinator. “We’re excited to bring this event back to our community and see the new connections formed this year.” With a space designed to encourage comfortable and meaningful interactions, participants can look forward to a welcoming environment. The Speed Connections event is not only a chance to

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BELLEVILLE - On Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024 from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., the fifth "Live Music Row" will be happening all throughout downtown Belleville, with numerous singers and songwriters showcasing their talents at numerous locations. Headlining this event at Venue on Main at 202 W. Main St., Belleville, Ill., from 8-11 p.m. will be Clayton Q (whose song “Drive” is featured in the latest Chevrolet Silverado commercial) as well as Randy Russell and Kristen Tuff Scott, all arriving from Nashville next weekend to showcase their talents. Other locations featuring musicians during Live Music Row from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. are COPPER FIRE - 200 E. Main Street, Bennie's Pizza Pub - 113 E. Main Street, and Papa Vito's - 318 E. Washington St. For more information about this event, please contact Conni Tilley, owner of Venue on Main at 618-920-3846.

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ALTON - Parents, administrators and teachers at Alton Community Unit School District #11 are using a new method of communication. ParentSquare, a new app that allows school districts to communicate directly with parents, is the newest tech tool adopted by ACUSD11. Superintendent Elaine Kane explained that the app aims to increase the district’s communication with parents and community stakeholders while decreasing the district’s reliance on social media. “We were relying on social media to communicate, but yet it was ineffective because people are submersed in social media and our messaging was getting blurred,” Kane said. “ParentSquare allows two-way communication with all of our followers without having people who aren’t actually connected to the district interfering with our communication platform.” Parents and community members can use ParentSquare to communicate with teachers and administrators. They can also see announcements

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SPRINGFIELD - Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) today announced $26.5 million in funding for the Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG) for Public Infrastructure and Housing Rehabilitation. Grantees will be selected through a competitive Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) process. “Every community in Illinois deserves up-to-date water facilities and safe, reliable homes,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “With the support of our federal partners, this funding will provide communities across the state with the resources they need to improve the quality of life for their residents. I highly encourage all eligible entities to apply for these grants as we work to ensure all Illinoisans have access to the public works they deserve.” “Investing in public infrastructure and housing is essential to creating strong communities,” said Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton. “This funding reflects

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PONTOON BEACH – The Illinois Department of Transportation today announced that bridge repairs on Illinois 111 between Illinois 162 and Pontoon Road in Madison County will require a full closure starting, weather permitting, at 7 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 3, 2024. During that time, motorists should follow the marked detour as follows: Illinois 111 northbound: Eastbound Illinois 162 to northbound Illinois 255 to westbound I-270 to Illinois 111. Illinois 111 southbound: Eastbound I-270 to southbound Illinois 255 to westbound Illinois 162 to Illinois 111. The project is anticipated to be completed by mid-November. 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 and detour route. For IDOT District 8 updates, follow us on X at @IDOTDistrict8 or view area construction details on IDOT’s traveler information map on GettingAroundIllinois.com

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GRANITE CITY - A man with a history of “brazenly dangerous” criminal acts has been ordered to remain in custody following a “vehicular invasion,” the latest in a series of offenses outlined in Madison County court documents. Steven L. Stratton, 42, of Madison, was charged with vehicular invasion, a Class 1 felony. On Aug. 17, 2024, Stratton allegedly entered an individual’s Chevrolet Silverado truck “by force” while the vehicle was still occupied. According to a petition to deny his pretrial release, Stratton approached the victim in their truck and “attempted to force down the glass of a partially open window,” partially entering the truck’s interior. “Defendant stated that ‘this is my truck now,’ and the victim accelerated and fled. Officers located the defendant nearby and the victim identified him in a up.” A Detention Order was later filed upholding the state’s petition

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SPRINGFIELD - The Illinois Department of Transportation announced today that lanes that have been closed for construction will reopen, where possible, for the Labor Day holiday to minimize travel disruption. Non-emergency closures will be suspended from 3 p.m. Friday, Aug. 30, to 11:59 p.m. Monday, Sept. 2. The following lane closures will remain in place during the holiday weekend. The public can expect delays and should allow extra time for trips through these areas. 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 stay alert for workers and equipment. At all times, please buckle and drive sober. Greene County Illinois 267 over Lick Creek, about 7 miles north of Greenfield; lane reductions continue with traffic controlled by temporary signals. Macoupin County Illinois 16 near Piasa; lane reductions continue. Madison County Illinois 111 over the Cahokia Diversion

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ALTON - OSF Home Health at OSF HealthCare Saint Anthony’s Health Center has been recognized by Strategic Healthcare Programs (SHP) as a “Superior Performer” for achieving an overall patient satisfaction score that ranked in the top 20% of all eligible SHP clients for the 2023 calendar year. “This recognition underscores our commitment to providing high-quality, compassionate home care services.,” says Christie S. Kamp, RN, BSN, CRRN, Manager, Alton Home Health Care and Hospice, OSF HealthCare. The annual SHPBest™ award program was created to acknowledge home health providers who consistently deliver high-quality service to patients. The 2023 award recipients were determined by reviewing and ranking the overall satisfaction score for more than 3,200 home health providers. With the largest HHCAHPS benchmark in the nation, SHP is uniquely positioned to identify and recognize organizations that prioritize and excel in patient satisfaction. SHPBest

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COLLINSVILLE - Anderson Healthcare is excited to announce the groundbreaking of a new medical office building for Anderson Medical Group in Collinsville. This modern facility will expand primary care services for the Collinsville community and will be conveniently located adjacent to Anderson Healthcare's existing urgent care facility at 1103 Beltline Road. The new office will enhance access to quality healthcare, meeting the growing needs of patients in the region. “Anderson Healthcare remains committed to ensuring that every patient has access to the best possible care, close to home,” Anderson Healthcare President and CEO Mike Marshall said. “The expansion of primary care services is a crucial step in achieving this goal, providing residents with more convenient options for managing their health.” The new medical office building is being designed and built by The Korte Company and is expected to be completed in Spring 2025. The building is approximately

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ST. LOUIS - To help underscore the benefits of public transit and encourage area college students, faculty and staff to use the system more regularly, Citizens for Modern Transit, Metro Transit and St. Clair County Transit District are teaming up with five higher education institutions – each of which offer the Metro U-Pass Program – to host the “College Transit Challenge.” Taking place Friday, Sept. 20, this day-long competition will prompt those affiliated with St. Louis Community College, Saint Louis University, Southwestern Illinois College, University of Missouri–St. Louis and Washington University in St. Louis to utilize their Metro U-Pass to take transit as often as they can throughout the day. Ridership will be tracked via mobile texting. The school with the most transit trips will be awarded bragging rights and a traveling championship trophy. Challenge registration is required and can be completed at CollegeTransitChallenge.com . All

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ALTON - Alton’s boys soccer team is primed for a strong season under head Coach Greg Nasello after an enormous amount of work by the team and coaches over the summer. Coach Nasello took over the program last year and made extraordinary strides with the team by the end of the season, including a huge win over Southwestern Conference foe O'Flallon. Coach Nasello has high hopes for this year’s boys soccer squad, which opens at home at Public School Stadium at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 29, 2024. Alton JV boys soccer opened with a 6-0 win over Roxana in the East Alton-Wood River Tournament. The boys as a group are Auto Butler Male Athletes of the Month for their efforts over the summer in preparation for the 2024 fall season. The squad consists of sophomore Nolan Snyder, a goal keeper; sophomore Patrick Henley, a goal keeper; sophomore Luke Gallivan, defender, midfielder; junior Benny Helfrich, a defender, midfielder; junior Benjam Helfrich, a defender, midfielder; senior

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EAST ST. LOUIS – A district court judge sentenced two Columbus, Ohio, men to federal prison for burglarizing several pharmacies of oxycodone, hydrocodone and morphine pills with intent to illegally distribute the controlled substances. George H. Cunningham, 42, was sentenced to 100 months’ and Tarvin M. Hamler, III, 43, was sentenced to 96 months’ imprisonment after pleading guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances: oxycodone, hydrocodone and morphine, conspiracy to commit burglary involving controlled substances and burglary involving controlled substances. “Targeting, disrupting and burglarizing locally-owned pharmacies that provide vital healthcare services impair rural communities, and controlled substances must be lawfully distributed by medical professionals to help prevent misuse and abuse,” said U.S. Attorney Rachelle Aud Crowe. “I commend the DEA agents for their efforts to piece

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