Riverbender 🕸

EAST ST. LOUIS – Felicia D. Harris, a 44-year-old woman from Belleville, has been charged by a federal grand jury with four counts of interstate transportation of a security obtained by fraud. Harris, who is employed at the U.S. National Geospatial Agency in St. Louis, is accused of falsely applying for, accepting, and spending more than $20,000 in Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) funds for personal expenses. The charges stem from alleged activities between February and May 2021, during which Harris is said to have received $20,614 in PPP funds that she was not entitled to. According to court documents, she then used misinformation to apply for loan forgiveness, which was subsequently approved. In response to financial hardships created by the COVID-19 pandemic, the U.S. Small Business Administration implemented the PPP to offer relief and forgivable loans to struggling businesses. These loans were intended to offset operational costs such as payroll, employee benefits, and facility

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The Senators led the Illinois delegation in calling for federal assistance for seven counties SPRINGFIELD – U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) applauded the Biden Administration for approving Governor JB Pritzker’s request for a Major Disaster Declaration from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to the State of Illinois, to support seven Illinois counties in recovering from severe storms in which more than 40 tornadoes spun through Central and Northern Illinois and downstate Illinois flooded between July 13 and July 16, 2024. On August 29, Durbin and Duckworth led the Illinois delegation in sending a letter to President Biden in support of Governor Pritzker’s request for federal assistance. “Severe summer storms have become increasingly common, placing strain on communities left in its wake. This summer, Illinois saw tornadoes, flooding, and damaging winds that put Illinoisans in danger

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WASHINGTON – This week, Congresswoman Mary Miller (R-IL) attended a Carrollton Community Unit School District #1 school board meeting in support of parents who are concerned about a book being used by the school. Rep. Miller showed the parents' support for protesting the use of a book which they say contains language graphically mocking Jesus Christ, disparaging Christianity, engaging in racial slurs against African Americans, and obscene sexual acts, which violate the values of the community. Representative Miller addressed the parents and the school board with the following statement: “I am here tonight because parents reached out to me concerned about a vulgar and graphic book that is being used in their child’s classroom against their wishes. “I know that you agree with me that the quality of books used in the classroom matters, because your district policies state that all materials should ‘enrich students’ and ‘contribute to a sense

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GODFREY - St. Ambrose will host its annual Applefest to provide family-friendly fun while raising money for the parish and school. From 5–10 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 27, and Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024, kids can enjoy games, inflatables, bingo and more at St. Ambrose at 820 W. Homer M. Adams Parkway in Godfrey. There will be food and beverage tents available until 11:30 p.m. on both nights. Porch Cafe will play from 7–11 p.m. on Friday, followed by Flip the Frog from 7–11 p.m. on Saturday. “It is by far the parish and the school’s biggest fundraiser of the year, so it’s a huge draw,” said Brian Estes, one of the organizers. “It’s just a great community event that brings the whole parish pretty much together.” Community members from across the Riverbend are invited to attend. Estes said the games and inflatables are a lot of fun for the kids, and the adults enjoy hearing the bands and spending time with other local families.

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SOUTH ROXANA – The South Roxana Police Department has announced that 15-year-old Joselyn Luckinbill, who was reported missing on September 24, 2024, has been safely located thanks to the collaborative efforts of multiple law enforcement agencies across Madison County and the State of Missouri. Joselyn was found at a residence in South Roxana. "We want to extend our deepest gratitude to the community members and the numerous departments participating in the search," said South Roxana Police Chief Bob Coles. "Their commitment and cooperation were instrumental in ensuring Joselyn's safe return." Chief Coles emphasized the importance of providing support and resources to youth who may be struggling. "Our youth must know they are not alone and that resources are available to help them through difficult times," Coles said. "Our local schools, churches, and community centers are fantastic resources for support. Educational institutions, in particular, have professionals trained to hel

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EDWARDSVILLE – A restoration project is set to begin that will transform a 2-acre plot at the City’s Joe Glik Park into a native prairie habitat. The prairie project space sits on a sloping piece of land on the southeast edge of the 42-acre park at 710 East Lake Drive. It is near a smaller patch where the parks staff previously planted sunflowers, an effort that yielded mixed results and required an ongoing investment of time and materials. Nate Tingley, the director of the Parks & Recreation Department, believed there was a better path forward for the space. “Our vision was to replace that planting, expand it and thereby reduce the amount of mowing we had to do on a regular basis, which then cuts costs in the long run,” he said. “We knew this would be aesthetically pleasing and good for wildlife – bugs, birds and pollinators.” Nearly 40 different types of flowering plants and prairie grasses – dubbed a “showy mixed height prairie”

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DOW - Multiple charges have been filed against a man from Dow accused of grabbing, pushing, and shooting at the same victim. James M. Witt, 58, of Dow, was charged with reckless discharge of a firearm, a Class 4 felony, and domestic battery, a Class A misdemeanor. On Sept. 16, 2024, Witt allegedly shot at an individual as they were entering another individual’s truck, with one shot missing the driver by approximately three feet. Witt was additionally charged with grabbing the first individual by the shirt and pushing them against a porch railing, resulting in the count of domestic battery. Jersey County court records indicate Witt was granted pretrial release from custody on standard conditions. His preliminary hearing has been set for Oct. 7, 2024. The issuance of charges is based solely upon probable cause and is not an indication of guilt. All subjects charged with criminal offenses are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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GLEN CARBON – At 4:13 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 24, 2024, the Glen Carbon Police announced a missing man had been found and was safe. The police said at this time no other information will be released about the situation. The Glen Carbon Police Department released information earlier in the day on Tuesday that a missing person was reported on September 23, 2024. Officers responded to a call from the 300 Block of Glen Crossing Road where a woman reported that her husband, Scott E. Shaw, had left their residence on foot at approximately midnight and had not returned. Scott E. Shaw, 34, was described as 6 feet 8 inches tall, weighing 240 pounds, with brown hair that is balding and brown eyes. The police were initially uncertain about Shaw's intended destination.

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ALTON - River Bend Yoga will host two upcoming workshops titled “Animals are Carriers of Divine Love.” From 1–2 p.m. on Oct. 3 and Nov. 7, 2024, community members are invited to River Bend Yoga to learn more about how animals have souls and demonstrate unconditional love. Flora and Sheila will encourage attendees to share their experiences with animals, and they will talk about how these relationships are viewed in Eckankar, a new religious movement that promotes connection between souls. “Animals are unconditional love,” Flora said. “That doesn’t happen in many parts of the world unless you have this open love for someone and love them totally without asking any questions. I would say 99.9% of the time, animals are totally unconditional love to their people.” The conversations encourage people to share stories about times when animals have demonstrated “divine love and kinship.” At previous workshops, people have

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BELLEVILLE - St. Clair County residents impacted by the July 16, 2024, flooding continue to be urged to register for federal disaster assistance. The St. Clair County Emergency Management Agency announced that those affected can seek help through FEMA by calling 1-800-621-3362 or visiting https://www.disasterassistance.gov/. The St. Clair County Emergency Management Agency said in addition to online and phone registration, in-person Disaster Resource Centers will be established in the county in the coming days. Details regarding the specific locations of these centers will be released shortly. The flooding event has caused significant damage throughout St. Clair County, prompting the need for federal aid to assist residents in recovery efforts. The St. Clair County Emergency Management Agency also said it is working closely with FEMA to ensure that all affected individuals receive the necessary support.

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COLLINSVILLE - The Collinsville School District announced on Monday, Sept. 23, 2024, that Maryville Elementary Named 2024 National Blue Ribbon School Collinsville, Illinois – September 23, 2024 – Maryville Elementary School (Maryville, IL) has been named a 2024 National Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education. The announcement was made by the U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona. Maryville Elementary is one of 18 schools in the State of Illinois, and only 356 schools nationwide, chosen for this prestigious honor. The National Blue Ribbon Schools designation highlights schools that excel in academic performance or make significant strides in closing achievement gaps among different student groups. "The National Blue Ribbon Schools Award is a testament to the exceptional achievements of students and educators at each of these schools,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona. “The 2024 National Blue Ribbon Schools are raising the

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ALTON - The Junior League of Greater Alton is looking for new members to help them with three projects before the end of the year. The women in the organization meet once a month. They have a “Retro Recruitment” event planned for Oct. 10, 2024, where community members are invited to the Sportsman’s Club in Godfrey to learn more about the organization. The goal of the Junior League is to bring women together to improve their community. “We are an organization that is focused on helping women make a meaningful community impact,” explained Meredith Elfrink. “We do this, our mission statement says, through volunteer action, training and collaboration. We are a group of women that want to be the next leaders to make an impact in our community.” The organization is currently collecting food for Community Hope Center and working with Caritas Family Solutions to help kids in the foster care system. They also hope to participate with the City

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JERSEY COUNTY - The 33rd annual Apple Festival will be held Saturday, Oct. 5, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Jersey County Historical Society, located at 601 N. State St. in Jerseyville. Nearly 40 vendors will be located throughout the grounds, selling pottery, jewelry, fall crafts, honey, and other goods. There is no charge to enter the grounds. Live entertainment will be offered throughout the day. Jersey Community High School students will perform from 9:30 to 11:30, the Gibson Girls from 12:00 to 1:00, Cash Goetten from 1:00 to 3:00, and the Jon Hetzel family from 3:00 to 5:00. From 10:00 to 4:00, children can complete pioneer chores, such as milking a cow, gathering eggs, doing laundry on a scrub board, and shelling and grinding corn. Children will earn a wooden coin for each chore completed, which can then be used to buy candy in an old-fashioned Mercantile. Children can also complete pioneer crafts and try their hand at some pioneer toys. The cost is $5 per child. Visitors

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ALTON - Sparks Junk Removal & Hauling has had a rough month after a car crashed into the building , but owner Denise Sparks promises the company is still thriving. “Dude, we are busy. I love it, though,” Sparks said. “I listen to what needs are, and I try to deliver.” Sparks spoke candidly about “the unexpected drive-thru service” at her building, located at 2201 E. Broadway in Alton. She thanked the police department, fire department and Fred’s Towing for their quick response, as well as contractor Paul Yost with Tycon Builders. Sparks also noted her gratitude that no one was hurt or killed. She said that while this is a challenging time for the business, they are still going strong. “It’ll be behind us soon,” she added. “I’m still shocked about it. But you know what, I was always taught things happen for a reason. And I’m really digging down deep to try to figure out what that reason is.”

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ALTON – Staci Knox, LCSW, manager, Psychological Services, OSF Saint Anthony’s Health Center, was recently elected to serve a two-year term on the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) – Illinois Chapter board of directors. Knox’s successful election to the nine-person board of directors officially began July 1 and runs through June 30, 2026. In addition to her term on the Illinois Chapter’s board of directors, Knox will simultaneously serve as chairperson of the Southern (IL) District representing a 12-county region encompassing Alexander, Madison, Monroe, St. Clair, Randolph, Bond, Clay, Clinton, Edwards, Fayette, Franklin, Gallatin, Hamilton, Hardin, Jackson, Jefferson, Johnson, Lawrence, Marion, Massac, Perry, Pope, Pulaski, Richland, Saline, Union, Wabash, Washington, Wayne, White, and Williamson. “It is an honor and privilege to be able to participate and engage with other social workers while developing leadership skills

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ALTON - The Hayner Public Library District will host an “American Gothic” lecture by Dee Kilgo, Ph.D. on Wednesday, October 2, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Hayner Performance Room at Alton Square Mall. On Wednesday, October 2, 2024, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., Professor Dee Kilgo will present “ American Gothic : The Art and Politics of America’s Most Famous Painting” at the Hayner Performance Room at Alton Square Mall. Grant Wood’s American Gothic painting is one of the world’s most famous and most parodied artworks. Despite its iconic status in popular culture, few people know the incredible story behind the creation and politics of this work. Professor Kilgo’s lecture tells how and why Wood created this painting and what prompted its meteoric rise to fame in 1930. Alton native Dee (Dolores) Kilgo, Ph.D., is a Professor Emerita of Art History at Illinois State University. She has authored two books, a PBS documentary, and

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EDWARDSVILLE - Get ready to “Rock the Quad” as COUGARFEST returns to Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s Homecoming & Family Weekend, promising an even bigger and better event for its second year. The fun begins at 7 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 4, on the Stratton Quad, offering live music, family-friendly activities and a food truck festival — all for free. COUGARFEST aims to unite the SIUE community, alumni, students andlocal residents in a celebration of Cougar Nation. The evening promises to be an unforgettable experience for all. “COUGARFEST was inspired by a desire to create a high-energy, inclusive event that brings together SIUE alumni, students, and community members to celebrate the start of Homecoming & Family Weekend,” said Cathy Taylor, ’15, Associate Vice Chancellor for University Advancement and executive director of Alumni and Donor Relations. “The event serves as an exciting way to build school spirit, reconnect alumni

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GRANITE CITY – State Representative Amy Elik is offering a FREE Shred Day in Granite City! Paper documents will be accepted for safe and secure destruction. Cardboard boxes used to transport documents will be returned to each person. The shredding company will accept a maximum of two bankers’ boxes per person. “I’m pleased to bring this free event to Grantie City,” Rep. Elik stated. “I hope that residents will take this opportunity to get rid of some documents you’ve been holding on to that need secure disposal. See you in Granite!” Event details are as follows: Saturday, October 5 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM Lot Next to GCUSD #9 District Office 2450 Stratford Lane, Granite City To participate, simply drive to the location where staff will be there to assist. Questions can be directed to Rep. Elik’s office at elik@ilhousegop.org or 618-433-8046.

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SOUTH ROXANA - The South Roxana Police Department is seeking the public’s help in locating Joselyn Luckinbill, a 15-year-old student from Roxana High School, who was reported missing on Sept. 24, 2024. Joselyn was last seen at her home in South Roxana, Illinois. Joselyn is described as 5 feet 4 inches tall, weighing 160 pounds, with pink hair and blue eyes. She does not have a cellphone, and there is no available information on the clothing she was wearing at the time of her disappearance. Authorities have noted that Joselyn has no known medical conditions that require medication. It is also unclear whether she was traveling with anyone when she went missing. The South Roxana Police Department urges anyone with information about Joselyn’s whereabouts to contact them at (618) 254-7460. Alternatively, individuals can visit the department in person at 211 Sinclair Ave., South Roxana, IL., 62087. The police department and Joselyn's family are appealing to the community to

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Today, we take a trip down memory lane to revisit some of the most significant events that took place on September 24th throughout history. The Launch of the Little Rock Nine (1957) On September 24, 1957, nine African American students, known as the Little Rock Nine, made history by integrating Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas. This courageous act was a pivotal moment in the Civil Rights Movement in the United States. The students faced immense hostility and resistance, but their bravery paved the way for desegregation in schools across the country. Their actions highlighted the importance of education and equality, leaving a lasting legacy in the fight for civil rights. The First Transatlantic Telephone Cable (1956) Another remarkable event that took place on this day was the inauguration of the first transatlantic telephone cable on September 24, 1956. This technological milestone revolutionized global communication by providing a direct phone line between

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