Riverbender 🕸

Couples names: Kathy & Garrett City: Hartford Date met or started dating: February 3, 2014 Date married: November 3, 2019 What makes your relationship special? Finding love later in life can be hard. Especially after hard experiences. Finding someone that loves your children grown and young is very important. I was blessed enough to find that in my 60’s. I found someone that shares the same values I do and appreciates having a family that he never got to have. It worked out for both of us. Share a memory you have made together: We just built a beautiful house together. He loves my kids and grandkids as if they were his own. God has blessed both of us.

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Couples names: Matt & Julie City: East Alton Date met or started dating: August 5, 2019 What makes your relationship special? Two broken people met and brought life and love back in each other's life and mended each other. Share a memory you have made together: We love taking the kids to the river and having a picnic! We are also Engaged!

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Couples names: Robby Chandler and Jamie Miller City: Bethalto Date met or started dating: October 3, 2016 What makes your relationship special? I met Robby online a year after my husband had passed away. Unbeknown to us, we had several mutual friends and at one time, he was our Schwann’s delivery driver. I truly believe my late husband had a hand in us meeting…..Robby is the calm to my storm, he completes me. Combined, we have 4 children, 1 daughter-in-law, 1 son in law, and 1 granddaughter. Our blended family fits together like a puzzle. We wake up each day grateful to have one another. Robby is also a cancer survivor. He has been cancer free for about 8 yrs now. I can’t imagine having to lose another love. We are grateful, thankful, and definitely blessed. Share a memory you have made together: We have been deep sea fishing in Key West, fishing in the mouth of the Russian River in Alaska. We love to travel together….our next adventure will

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ILLINOIS STATE POLICE EXPANDS CRISIS INTERVENTION TRAINING SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois State Police (ISP) is rolling out 40-hour Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) training for all ISP officers beginning in February. CIT programs create connections between law enforcement professionals, mental health providers, families, and consumer advocates. The goal of crisis intervention training is to help officers better understand mental illness, which can help resolve a crisis situation with a lower risk of injury to either party, and to connect individuals with treatment. “Law enforcement officers are often still the first to respond to individuals with mental illness given the limits of crisis mental health services across the country,” said ISP Director Brendan F. Kelly. “ISP’s formalized 40-hour training includes intervention tactics and mental health education to ensure all our officers have the tools to help safely manage interactions with persons i

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CHICAGO — Governor Pritzker today joined state and local leaders, along with the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), the Chicago Neighborhood Initiatives (CNI), and Intersect Illinois in Pullman to announce $40 million in Rebuild Illinois Capital Funds to supercharge the development of megasites – large, developed sites ready for occupancy for manufacturers, distribution centers, industrial centers, and more. The competitive grant opportunity is open to governments, private businesses, or non-profits to support site development in order to attract large-scale industrial investments in underutilized areas and former industrial sites. “Major job creators are consistently looking for investment-ready sites they can get up-and-running in a short amount of time – and Illinois is home to some of the largest such sites in the country, all ripe for fresh development,” said Governor JB Pritzker . “The new Megasites Investment Program

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ALTON - Work on the sewer separation project continues throughout the Alton area. Here is an update on road closures. Piasa Valley Area: 9 th Street remains closed to thru traffic from Alton Street east to George Street. Pavement restoration is ongoing and should be completed in the coming weeks. Belle Street sewer work has moved north of the intersection of 7 th Street. 7 th Street east of Belle Street is partially restored, with some restoration work to continue in the coming weeks. Additional work will be completed west of Belle Street on 7 th street in the coming weeks. Final pavement restoration in this area will follow. Sewer work is progressing around the intersection of 9 th and Belle Streets. Starting Monday, 2/6/2023, a sewer crew will be moving north up 9 th Street. This will close the intersection of 9 th /Hamilton, meaning any southbound traffic on 9 th Street will need to use Madison (20 th Street) or State Street to navigate around the work area.

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ALTON - At 4:13 a.m. on Sunday, Feb. 5, 2023, Alton Police responded to a disturbance in the 900 block of Pearl Street in Alton. The female resident advised that a male, whom she has children with, broke into her residence. Alton Police Chief Jarrett Ford said during the disturbance, a handgun was discharged inside the residence. "The female was able to exit the residence and was transported to a local hospital for treatment of injuries sustained during the altercation," he said. "Her injuries were not as a result of the firearm being discharged. Officers were initially uncertain as to whether the male subject was still inside the residence. After taking appropriate safety precautions, they were able to determine that the male had left the residence prior to their initial arrival. "Further scene investigation located evidence to substantiate the report of gunshots being fired. Efforts to locate the male subject have been made but he has not been located at this time." The investigation

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EDWARDSVILLE - Edwardsville High School announced its Honor Roll and High Honor Roll lists. To view the full lists click the links below: High Honor Roll Honor Roll

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GODFREY –The Lewis and Clark Community College Veterans Club will host an American Red Cross Blood Drive from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Monday, Feb. 6, in the Leclaire Room on the college’s N.O. Nelson Campus in Edwardsville. “We are proud to be joining forces with the American Red Cross and radio station KLOU Radio 103.3 on this community blood drive,” said L&C Director of Career and Veteran Services Terry Lane. “By taking part in this opportunity to help others, you just might save a life. Please make an effort to attend, and please share this information with your family and friends.” KLOU Radio hosts Billy Greenwood and Judy Diamond are having a friendly competition to see which one of them can collect more blood. Donors get to decide! And – Billy will be doing a live remote from the drive from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. To schedule an appointment, go to www.redcrossblood.org and enter Sponsor Code: Team Billy or Team Judy or call 800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767).

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ALTON - Centerstone, a national leader in behavioral health care, will host the free Substance Use Levels of Care: A Recovery Journey webinar on Tuesday, February 28 from noon to 1 p.m. CT. This training has 1 hour of continuing education (CEUs) approved for IL LCPC / LPC, IL LCSW / LSW, and IL Nursing (LPN, RN, APN) under IDFPR Professional Counselor CE License No. 197.000263 and IDFPR Nurse CE Sponsor License No. 236.000184. This virtual webinar will explore the topic of substance use treatment and its various levels of care. Participants will have the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the different levels of care and how to apply them in real-world scenarios. Additionally, the webinar will explore the benefits of early intervention and the components of an effective recovery journey. The focus will be on providing a comprehensive and individualized approach to substance use treatment, and attendees will learn how to develop strategies for referring clients to the

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GREENVILLE - Anyone in the Greenville area with a love of acting and community theatre is invited to audition for the Factory Theatre’s spring production of James and the Giant Peach. Auditions will be held from 5-7 pm on Monday, February 6, at GU’s Factory Theatre/Kelsey Building (401 E. Harris Ave, Greenville, IL). Auditions are open to community members in Greenville and the surrounding area and Greenville University students. Must be 16 or older. Community members must provide their own transportation to the theatre. Audition Components: The song of the auditionee’s choice must be no longer than 3 minutes. The song should showcase the singer’s voice and style. 1-minute monologue Cold reading—various parts from the show Simple dance combinations that will be taught at the rehearsal Production: James and the Giant Peach Based on Roald Dahl’s book of the same name, James and the Giant Peach is a whimsical, magical, and slightly offbea

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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) joined U.S. Senator Edward J. Markey (D-MA) in introducing the Protecting Kids from Gun Marketing Act , legislation that directs the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to prescribe rules that prohibit the marketing of firearms to children. The legislation comes as Americans suffered 52 mass shootings and 3,700 gun-related deaths across the United States in the first month of this year alone. There are restrictions on cigarette and tobacco advertising, on alcohol advertising, and on cannabis advertising, yet the firearms industry is not subject to any specific restrictions or limitations on their marketing practices. For decades, gunmakers have marketed their automatic rifle-style guns, the weapon of choice in mass shootings, and other weapons, to children. These weapons include Chicago-based WEE1 Tactical’s ‘JR-15’ assault-style

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JERSEYVILLE - The Jersey Community High School Band Boosters are excited to announce our first annual Share the Love donation campaign. Despite JCHS’s commitment to our student musicians, the band still has many underfunded needs. With a goal of raising $10,000, we hope to improve aspects of the band program for our talented high school students who perform throughout the year during community parades, memorial ceremonies, jazz events, and athletic events. The JCHS band program, under the direction of Erin Bittles, currently has $75,000 in worn equipment which needs replacement. With previous fundraisers, we have been able to replace several smaller wish list items. Using our Share the Love donation campaign proceeds, along with our other Boosters fundraiser, we will begin to replace the large, more costly equipment requiring greater funding. We have prioritized needs beginning with the instruments in the worst condition. The band is in need of a new sousaphone, quad drums an

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O'FALLON - In the fall of 2006, Liz began bussing tables at Andria’s Steakhouse. As her first job, she enjoyed the family element of the business and knew the owner’s son personally. After a few shifts, she met the dishwasher, Ethan, and it did not take long for the two of them to walk off into the sunset. Ethan was swooned by Liz’s beauty, intelligence, and caring personality, and Liz was taken away by Ethan’s selflessness, chivalry, and humor. In November 2017, the couple united in marriage and have since gone on to grow their family by two. Although their days of working at Andria’s are behind them, they remain loyal to the place where their love ignited. Each year on their anniversary they celebrate by dining at Andria’s and reminiscing on the day they knew they were meant for each other. “Andria’s will always hold a place in our hearts,” says Liz. “From washing dishes at Andria’s to washing bottles at home, I’ll

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CONFLUENCE STATE PARK, Mo. - A controlled burn is going on Sunday afternoon at the Confluence State Park at Red School Road and Riverland’s Way in West Alton, Mo., by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources crew. Richard Pender, chief of the Rivers Pointe Fire Protection District, commented about the controlled burn Sunday afternoon. He said his group of firefighters was placed on standby during the burn. He also said conditions must have been just suitable for the burn with the humidity, dampness, etc. "The Missouri Department of Natural Resources often conducts controlled burns at this time of year before spring occurs," he added. “The burn today will be 1,000 acres. Smoke will be seen for miles. There are no exposures.” Melissa Erker, a spokesperson for Phillips 66, said she had received some calls about the heavy smoke in the air, but responded with the following: “I don’t know if it is a controlled burn or something else but that wind is coming

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ST. LOUIS COUNTY - St. Louis County Police Department Crimes Against Persons detectives are currently investigating a homicide in the 100 block of N. Marguerite Avenue in the City of Ferguson which resulted in the death of an adult male. On February 4, 2023, at 7:56 PM, City of Ferguson police officers responded to a call for service for a check the welfare in the 100 block of N. Marguerite Avenue. Officers located an adult male suffering from an apparent gunshot wound inside a residence. The victim was pronounced deceased at the scene. City of Ferguson Police Officers requested St. Louis County Police Crimes Against Persons Detectives lead the investigation. The investigation is active at this time. Additional information will be disseminated as it becomes available. Please contact the St. Louis County Police Department at 636-529-8210 to speak to investigators with information regarding the incident. To remain anonymous or potentially receive a reward, please contact CrimeStoppers

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JERSEYVILLE - Jersey Community High School is hosting an Open House event for local businesses from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Feb. 15. The event will feature student-led tours of the school’s Academic and Career and Technical Education Departments, giving the local business community a chance to see what students are capable of. Workforce Development Coordinator Erica Heitzig said it’s important for the students to lead these tours so businesspeople can hear directly from them. “I want them to hear it from a student perspective. I think it’s important for them to see the pride that our students have,” Hetizig said. “The students that I’ve been talking to a little bit, they’re pretty excited to show off what they have.” Two of the main attractions on the tour will be the Maker Space and the Books and Brew coffee shop, both of which opened earlier this school year in the JCHS library area. The Maker Space is an area for students

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GODFREY - Both the Alton and Godfrey Parks and Recreation Departments are teaming up to host their annual “Daddy Daughter Dance” from 6 to 8:30 p.m. on Feb. 18, 2023, at North Elementary School, located at 5600 Godfrey Road in Godfrey. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m. Registration is open to girls ages 3-12, along with their fathers, other adult male relatives, or family friends. Visit sports.cityofaltonil.com to register online, or register in person at the Alton Parks & Recreation Department, located at 2 Emma Kaus Lane in Alton. The cost is $20 per adult male, $20 per daughter, and $15 per additional daughter. That price includes DJ-hosted dancing, appetizers, arts and craft, and a photo booth. The registration deadline is Feb. 10 and space is limited, so be sure to register soon if interested. For more information, call (618) 463-3580. The registration form can be found below:

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EDWARDSVILLE – A section of Chapman Street between North Fillmore and Hickory streets will be closed beginning Monday morning, February 6, for sanitary sewer repairs in that area. Chapman Street will be closed to thru traffic at North Fillmore Street, Leverette Lane and Hickory Streets while the work is underway. Residents within the affected area will have access to their homes. The road will reopen as soon as the work is completed. The project is expected to wrap up no later than Tuesday morning, February 7, barring unexpected delays. The City of Edwardsville said it appreciates the cooperation and patience of all residents and businesses during this closure. Please contact Public Works at (618) 692-7535 with any questions.

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A new year brings about many possible changes – promises to eat better, exercise more, stop smoking, save money, and so on. Another priority for some is to improve their work situation. If that’s you, there may be no better time than the present, especially after the U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy released a report that links a toxic workplace culture to health issues such as heart disease, depression and anxiety. “A toxic workplace is basically any work setting where you're dealing with any sort of psychological stress, where you're feeling nervous, you have some fear, anxiety, sadness, depression – things like that," says Victor Mendoza, a behavioral health provider with OSF HealthCare. "If you start noticing those things in your own workplace, that can be something we would call a toxic environment.” According to the U.S. Surgeon General, the five components of a healthy workplace include: protection from harm, connection and community, work-lif

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