Riverbender 🕸

WOOD RIVER – Midwest Members Credit Union is proud to sponsor the “Oiler of the Month” program at East Alton-Wood River High School. A Senior student is selected each month by members of EAWR faculty. Each student is awarded a certificate and a Subway gift card. The Seniors selected each month will have the opportunity to compete for a $1,000.00 “Oiler of the Year” scholarship at the end of the school year. January's winner is Mia Plumb. Mia is a Senior at EAWR and is involved with Basketball, Volleyball, Spirit Club, Big Sisters, Peer Leadership, National Honor Society, Student Council, RiverBend Growth Association Young Adult Committee and Renaissance Program. Mia has received honors for Girl's Basketball and the 2023 Oiler Pride Award. After graduation, Mia plans to attend college at The University of Mississippi. Mia is planning on majoring in Political Science. The University of Mississippi has a program to turn 3 minors into a major and Mia plans

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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-CA), Chair of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Immigration, Citizenship, and Border Safety, released the following statement condemning reported actions by Texas Governor Greg Abbott’s administration that prevented federal officials from aiding migrants in distress at the southwest border: “First and foremost: Governor Abbott’s horrific conduct over the weekend reflects a shameful disregard for human life. It comes as no surprise, sadly, as it’s the latest in a series of actions that he has taken to harm families and disrupt orderly enforcement at the border. His actions are not only dangerous, but unconstitutional. Time and time again, courts have found state interference in the implementation of immigration enforcement to be unlawful. “If he truly believes in ‘law and order,’ the Republican Governor

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WASHINGTON, D.C – U.S. Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and Dick Durbin (D-IL) today applauded Wieland for announcing a landmark $500 million capital investment to re-equip, expand and modernize its East Alton, Illinois, manufacturing facility. The project includes improvements that will increase production capacity for copper and copper alloy components, critical for electric vehicles, EV charging infrastructure and renewable energy production, safeguarding an estimated 800 jobs across the state. “Today’s landmark investment from Wieland will be critical in helping revitalize and modernize manufacturing in our state, producing important technology, helping reduce our state’s carbon footprint and protecting and sustaining good-paying jobs in the region,” Duckworth said. “I was proud to support Governor Pritzker’s efforts and champion this project at the federal level, and I’ll keep doing what I can to ensure more projects like this succeed

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ALTON - From grief to anger management, OSF St. Anthony’s has several new support groups available for community members no matter what issues they are facing. Staci M. Knox, LCSW, is the Manager of Psychological Services at OSF. She explained that support groups can be especially beneficial for people when combined with individual therapy. These groups allow people to discuss issues, role-play new behaviors and share what worked for them. “We all are social beings, and we all really benefit from being in an environment where you feel safe and you feel supported,” Knox said. “A therapeutic educational group led by a mental health professional is a perfect place to have these skills introduced — whether we’re talking about conflict resolution or skills for anxiety and depression and bullying — to have these skills introduced for specific conditions and then practice. Or perhaps there might be someone in the group that has had an experience

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From engaging theatre performances to cozy reading retreats and lively music shows, this weekend is bursting with diverse activities suitable for all tastes and ages. Be sure to check out www.riverbender.com/events/ for the complete list of events in the region! Alton Little Theater and Michael Madden are excited to bring to you THE ACTOR’S STUDIO SERIES: Red Jasper , a compelling drama that tackles the sensitive theme of living with Cancer. This unique and heartfelt play will be showing from January 18-21st, offering a raw look into the struggles and courage of those affected. Don't miss this powerful theatrical experience that promises to enlighten and move audiences. The Actor's Studio Series will run through the end of the month with "An Elephant's Graveyard" January 26th -28th. Join us at the Genealogy & Local History Library as we explore the rich tapestry of African American history in the Riverbend area. Reimagining Places of the Past: Historic Preservation Lecture

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STAUNTON - The Staunton Country Club will host a murder mystery show on Saturday, Jan. 20, 2024. “Bullets in the Bathtub,” presented by Randy Manning and Jest Mysteries, is a 1920s-themed murder mystery play. The show starts at 6:30 p.m., and the club will serve appetizers in between acts. Tom Allan, the club’s president, said the club has hosted a few shows by Randy Manning and Jest Mysteries, and he hopes this weekend’s play will be just as fun. “We’ve been looking for different, unique events that bring people out, get them to see the country club. We said, ‘Well, this will be a great time,’” Allan said. “In wintertime, there’s not a whole lot going on out there, so we’re going to try it and see. I know it’s a lot of fun. It’s a comedy. It was fun last time, so it should be very good.” Located at 3283 South Country Club Lane in Staunton, the Staunton Country Club is a private club

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BELLEVILLE – Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) today announced the addition of 5,886 new preschool seats in preschool deserts—areas of the state with too few publicly funded preschool seats to serve 80% of low-income 3- and 4-year-olds in the area. As part of Governor JB Pritzker’s broader Smart Start initiative, ISBE originally aimed to add 5,000 new seats and exceeded the goal by 18%, expanding access to early childhood education to more than 5,800 additional children in preschool deserts statewide. ISBE also expanded services to families with babies and toddlers from birth to age 3, serving 1,130 additional children. View the list of Preschool for All grantees , Preschool for All – Expansion grantees , and Prevention Initiative grantees. “At its core, Smart Start is about making sure parents have the support they need to raise a family and children have the resources they need to succeed—no matter their

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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-KS) today introduced new bipartisan legislation, the Promoting Dental Health Act , to reauthorize funding the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Oral Health program for the next five years. The Oral Health program receives $20.5 million in annual funding for a range of public health activities to promote oral health. This funding is allocated to 20 states to prevent cavities, gum disease, and other painful and serious conditions, including by supporting dental education, data collection, school-based sealant care for low-income children, state fluoridation efforts, workforce development, and research into gaps in patient care. Currently, Illinois does not receive any of the $20.5 million in direct grants, due to the fact that the Oral Health program is not adequately funded to serve every state. However, 2.8 million Illinoisans live in communities with

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WASHINGTON, D.C. — The announcement on Wednesday, Jan. 17, 2024, at Wieland that the company will be making a $500 million capital investment to re-equip, expand and modernize its facility in East Alton was applauded by area officials who helped make the decision possible with their support. Wieland is a leading global supplier of copper and copper alloy solutions and this provides a certainty that Wieland will be in East Alton for many years to come, offering good-paying jobs and economic growth. East Alton Mayor Darren Carlton beamed with pride at the podium as part of the large ceremony on Wednesday in his city. He said he wanted to thank the multitude of partnerships that helped make this come to fruition. "By everyone working together, it provides another opportunity for Weiland to continue what it has done for last 100-plus years helping provide economic growth for the region and opportunities for many to obtain a good job in the workforce," he said. "We now loo

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EAST ALTON – Governor JB Pritzker made a special visit on Wednesday, Jan. 17, 2024, to join members from Wieland Rolled Products North America and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) with other local leaders and partners to announce a new Reimagining Energy and Vehicles in Illinois (REV Illinois) agreement. Wieland announced at the event that it will invest $500 million in modernizing its East Alton facility – one of six across Illinois. The investment, which retains 800 jobs across the state, will enable the company to increase production of critical copper and copper alloy components that are used in electric vehicles (EVs), EV charging infrastructure and renewable energy production while supporting the state’s clean energy economy. The company investments reinforce its long-term commitment to its facilities and the future of advanced manufacturing in Illinois and, most important to this region, the East Alton operation. The

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SPRINGFIELD – Eight Illinois communities will share nearly $2.4 million in grants to expand access to outdoor recreation, Gov. JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) announced today. The grants come from the National Park Service’s Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) and will be administered by IDNR. The LWCF program can provide up to one-half of a project’s funds, and when combined with the investment of local matching funds will support more than $5.4 million in local park land acquisitions statewide. “IDNR is excited to play a small role in helping these exciting outdoors projects become reality,” said IDNR Director Natalie Phelps Finnie. “Conserving and protecting our land, water, and recreational opportunities is critical ensuring future generations have access to nature and the outdoors.” The Land and Water Conservation Fund Act of 1965 was enacted to help preserve, develop, and ensure access to outdoor

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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and U.S. Representative Ayanna Pressley (D-MA-07) released the following statement on the Department of Justice’s decision to seek the execution of Payton Gendron, who committed the heinous racially-motivated mass shooting at a Buffalo supermarket in 2022: “Make no mistake: the acts committed by this individual are morally reprehensible. Ten families continue to mourn their loved ones who were murdered on that horrific day in a hate-fueled act of domestic terrorism. In memory of those who lost their lives, we must advance true accountability and healing, and continue to fight against the surge of white supremacy in our country and its stain on our history. However, state-sanctioned killing is not justice. “President Biden made a promise to the American people to stop this barbaric practice. The Justice Department should follow the President’s lead and

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ALTON - People who have cardiac arrests may benefit from CPR, yet many people who witness cardiac arrest do not perform CPR. That’s why OSF Saint Anthony’s Health Center (1 St. Anthony’s Way, Alton) is hosting an upcoming first aid and CPR training class so Riverbend area residents are prepared to take action if necessary. The first aid and CPR training class will be held on Wednesday, February 7, 5:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. in the hospital’s Perpetual Help Center and led by a certified instructor. Space is limited and the deadline to register is Monday, February 5. The cost is $65.00/person. Registration can be completed by calling (618) 920-6816 or by email at susiesweetman22@gmail.com . “Knowing CPR and first aid can help save lives,” says Dennis E. Sands, MD, Chief Medical Officer, OSF Saint Anthony’s. “If your child or loved one isn't breathing, knowing how to do CPR could mean the difference between life and death. Emergencies

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ALTON - During their regular meeting on Jan. 16, 2024, the Alton Community Unit School District #11 Board of Education recognized the Optimist Students of the Month for December and January. Alton Middle School (AMS) students Dean Kirkland and Malak Seddati were named the December and January Middle School Optimist Students of the Month, respectively. AMS Principal Dr. Cindy Inman introduced both students and shared a few remarks from their teachers. Dean Kirkland is a seventh grade student at AMS. He plays football and participates in honors and jazz band in addition to the regular AMS band program as a trumpet player. Throughout the fall semester, he received straight As and quickly made a name for himself as a helpful, kind student. “He has shown to his teachers and peers what it means to be a team player both in the classroom and on the field,” Inman said. “Alton Middle School is grateful to have Dean as an example of excellence in our learning community.”

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JERSEYVILLE - Jersey Community High School announced yesterday that Thomas Leslie has been appointed by the Jersey 100 Board of Education as the school’s new principal, effective July 1, 2024. Leslie enters the role after years of rising through the school system ranks from Dean of Students to Assistant Principal and eventually Principal at Jersey Community Middle School. Leslie succeeds former JCHS Principal Dr. Jason Brunaugh, who will now serve as Assistant Superintendent of Finance and Human Resources. Jersey Community Unit School District No. 100 announced the appointment on their Facebook page, sharing more about Leslie and his background in education within District 100: “Mr. Leslie's notable professional journey within the Jersey School District began in 2019 when he served as the Dean of Students at Jersey Community Middle School,” they said. “After completing his Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership and obtaining a Principal's Endorsemen

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GODFREY - For residents and staff at Asbury Village, the senior living community is all about connection. Located at 5201 Asbury Lane in Godfrey, the Village offers a variety of healthcare services and enrichment opportunities for residents. Anita Martinez, director of Asbury Village, noted that they work in conjunction with local groups like Absolute Health Care Services, Alton Physical Therapy and the North Alton-Godfrey Business Council to provide services for their community members. She said the “Villagers” of Asbury Village make it a great place to live. “In a really beautiful way, if someone needs a helping hand, the residents are there. And if they need something special, our employees are there. And even we have families that look out for one another as well,” she said. “So that’s the beauty of the Village. We’re Villagers.” The Village has a strong community, with frequent activities and events for residents t

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ALTON/GODFREY - Absolute Health Care Services and Asbury Village have teamed up via the North Alton-Godfrey Business Council (NAGBC) to provide healthcare to people across the Riverbend community. Now in its 20th year of business, Absolute Health Care Services helps families navigate Medicare and benefits in addition to providing health services for seniors. The company offers different levels of at-home care, from companionship to housekeeping to complete personal care. “I just had an opening yesterday and the family was amazed that we could run errands or go to the grocery store for them or feed the cat or the dog,” said Debra Ross, owner of Absolute Health Care. “I’m like, ‘Look, we’ll take the load off you guys. You visit your mom and enjoy quality time with her. We’ll run to the grocery store. We’ll prepare the meals. We’ll do meal planning. We can do all that.’ They’re not being a caregiver. They’re

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EDWARDSVILLE - The Overnight Warming Location (OWL) has responded to an announcement by Mayor Art Risavy at the Edwardsville City Council meeting on Jan. 16, 2024. The OWL, located at First Baptist Church in Edwardsville, had been in conflict with the City after Edwardsville issued a citation against the church requiring a Special Use Permit. The citation would fine the church $750 for every night it remained open as a warming location. During the meeting , Risavy announced the city had suspended the citation and clarified that no fines were ever imposed or collected. The OWL responded on their Facebook page. “We gratefully welcome the change in posture from the City of Edwardsville,” the OWL said in their post. “And we remain hopeful that a strong partnership is ahead of us, one that respects the legitimacy of First Baptist Church’s 55-year-old Special Use Permit to use its facility to fulfill the church’s mission. We believe the City

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WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), a member of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations and Armed Services Committees, issued the following statement regarding tonight’s vote to table Senator Sanders’ motion to discharge Senate Resolution 504, requesting information on Israel’s human rights practices pursuant to section 502B(c) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961: “These past 100 days have brought painful, unimaginable suffering in Gaza and Israel. I have condemned the brutal terror attacks that Hamas conducted against Israel on October 7 th which shattered the fragile ceasefire that was in place. I have also been vocal with my concerns about the viability of the Netanyahu government’s military strategy in Gaza and the unacceptable humanitarian crisis that innocent civilians in Gaza, including thousands of precious children, have endured. “After careful deliberation, I voted to table the motion to discharge Senate Resolution

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WASHINGTON – In a speech on the Senate floor today, U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, condemned political violence as the United States continues to see a surge in violent threats against public officials and government workers, particularly as we approach the 2024 presidential election. The political violence ranges from death threats to bomb threats at places of work, and some violent threats have escalated into violent acts. During his speech, Durbin noted that the recent spike is due to one source: the grievances of former President Trump. Durbin said, “Just over three years after then-President Trump called his supporters to Washington, D.C., and directed them to this Senate Chamber and Capitol building, where they staged a violent insurrection, his calls for retribution against his perceived enemies continue on an almost daily basis. Recent victims have included the Secretary of State in the state of Maine,

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