Riverbender 🕸

CARROLLTON - Dean and Carole Mann are a married couple that will never be forgotten in their small hometown of Carrollton, IL. The two were married on November 3, 1973, in the community and have remained glued hand-in-hand for nearly 50 years. The two will be married 50 years as of November 3, 2023. Carole and Dean have always exemplified what it really takes to have a wonderful, lasting marriage to their children, grandchildren, and first and several degrees of cousins and other friends and relatives. The two started dating on May 21, 1971. Dean was drafted into the Vietnam War and they started seeing each other shortly after that. "We communicated by letters, as there were no computers or cell phones," Carole said. "Dean was discharged in February 1973 and we got married November 3, 1973 - 50 years this year! We appreciate every day together and enjoy each day together. We love to walk, bike ride, and hike at Pere Marquette. Simple things together!" Carole said she shares so many

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GODFREY – Lewis and Clark Community College is announcing that its on-campus Family Health Clinic will close its doors this June, after 15 years of serving the campus and the greater community. The move will become official once approved by the college’s Board of Trustees at their regular meeting in February, but the clinic will continue its operations through the close of the fiscal year, June 30, 2023. Ongoing, the college will retain a full-time registered nurse to continue providing first aid and basic health services to the campus, both of which were offered prior to the clinic’s opening. “This decision was not an easy one, given the tremendous impact our clinic and its caring staff have had on our campus and our community since 2008,” said L&C President Ken Trzaska. “The college has spent a great deal of time evaluating the current clinic model over the past two years. The combination of feedback from student and team member surveys, the

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JERSEYVILLE - Chris Collins was promoted as the newest Fire Captain with the Jerseyville Fire Department last week, and will now lead one of the department’s three companies. Collins has been a member of the Jerseyville Fire Department since 2006 and became a certified firefighter in 2013. Jerseyville Fire Chief Keith Norman approached him about the position left open by former fire captain Dr. David Harmon, who went on to accept a different position as a Safety Officer. Collins said the entire department, aside from Chief Norman, are volunteers - and that all of them are “dedicated” to the community. “The rest of us are all volunteers,” he said. “We have about 18 to 20 guys, and they’re all very committed to the Jerseyville community,” he said. He thanked the department for their support as he goes forward as Fire Captain. “I’m appreciative of the support they’ve given me, and I’m looking forward to

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SPRINGFIELD - Illinois State Rep. Katie Stuart today explained more details about the Warehouse Safety Standards Task Force bill she created with State Rep. Jay Hoffman and what will transpire in the legislature in the near future. "The bill was finally passed at the end of last year and the task force will begin meeting in the coming weeks," she said. "I, along with the other task force members, will provide quarterly reports of our findings, discussions, and decisions to the Governor and the General Assembly. Everyone should have the right to a safe and healthy working environment and to return home unharmed at the end of each shift. The work we do through this task force will help to ensure this." She continued and said entire committee assignments were issued at the beginning of this month. "In addition to continuing my role as Chair of the Higher Education Committee, I will also be serving as Vice Chair of the Ethics & Elections Committee. "I would also like to highlight my continue

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HARDIN - David P. Robertson, 32, of Granite City, pled guilty to a Class X Felony charge of Armed Violence and was sentenced to 12 Years in the Illinois Department of Corrections on Jan. 31, 2023. These charges were filed in response to an incident from October 2022 in which Robertson stole a pickup truck and several firearms - one of which was loaded and on the front seat - and attempted to flee the police. A press release from the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office describes the incident as follows: “On Oct. 19, 2022, at 3:20 p.m., the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a burglary that occurred at a residence on Illinois River Road, south of Hardin, Illinois. The caller stated that he came home from work and his house was ransacked and all his firearms were missing. The Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office immediately responded to the residence, where the victim also noticed his vehicle, a red 2019 Dodge Ram, was also stolen. The victim believed

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CARROLLTON - In recent news, there has been considerable discussion of fentanyl exposure and presence within regional communities. Molly Peters, Greene County Health Department Director said: "We know fentanyl is here and that it has been here for some time. The Greene County community must do more to continue to protect ourselves, our families, and our loved ones. Over the past year, Greene County Health Department has increased its presence and tools to combat this crisis including providing Naloxone (Narcan) throughout the community. "We have provided over 660 doses to key partners, friends, and family members. We must continue to do more because this crisis isn’t going away soon. Naloxone is a powerful lifesaving tool that can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose when administered in time. Naloxone won’t hurt someone if used when an overdose involves other substances or someone has another medical emergency, so it’s always best to use it if you even suspect

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BARRY - Two men are in custody in reference to a robbery and theft incident reported to the Pike County Sheriff's Office at 7:12 a.m. on Feb. 12, 2023. The two men in custody and charged after an investigation are: Robert Lee Ledbetter, age 59, of Hannibal, Mo., and Braden A. Harn, age 20, of Hannibal, Mo. The two were arrested and charged with the following offenses: Residential Burglary, Financial Exploitation of the Elderly, Robbery, Theft ($10,000-$100,000), Unlawful Possession of a Stolen Firearm, Both Ledbetter and Harn are lodged in the Marion County, Mo., Jail pending extradition to the State of Illinois. At 7:12 a.m. on February 12, 2023, the Pike County Sheriff’s Department was dispatched to a residence in the 1000 block of State Highway 106, Barry, Pike County, Illinois in reference to a robbery and theft incident. The victim(s) reported two (2) men came to their house on February 11, 2023, where they made an agreement for an asphalting job. The victim issue

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MADISON - A Granite City victim has been identified after a single-vehicle crash in Madison on Friday, Feb. 10, 2023. Madison Police Chief Jeffery Bridick said the deceased man is identified as Sterling D. Harrell, 29. An autopsy was conducted, and the Madison Police Department is awaiting the official medical examiner’s report. "Preliminary examination indicated that the cause of death was likely a gunshot wound to the head and blunt force trauma caused by the crash," the chief said. "He was airlifted to an area hospital, but the Madison Police Department was contacted by the St. Louis Medical Examiner's Officer and advised the victim succumbed at the hospital to his injuries. A second male victim is still in an area hospital in stable condition and will not be identified at this time, added the chief. The call to Madison Police came at approximately 5:43 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 10, 2023. The Madison Police Department responded to the intersection of Washington Avenue at 10th

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Leslie Forrester of Education (center) is Alton Memorial Hospital’s February Employee of the Month. She received the honor on Feb. 14 from AMH President Dave Braasch and Lisa Blaes, manager of Education. Her co-workers say that “Leslie can stop and prioritize when something comes up that needs immediate attention. She promotes continuous improvement and leadership by remaining up to date with new policies, and procedures and participating in several committees. She is super knowledgeable about many different departments and the inner workings at AMH as she has held many roles and been on several different committees throughout her years here. Leslie has put her heart and soul into her many jobs at AMH and she deserves to be employee of the month.”

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Couples names: Tiffany & Memphis City: Jerseyville Date met or started dating: August 14, 2020 What makes your relationship special? He's my best friend I can go to him for anything and everything. I'm so grateful for him and I'm so grateful that he took my 2 kids in as his own. We have 3 beautiful babies now I wouldn't trade it for the world. Share a memory you have made together: We have so many memories but my all-time favorite is when our son was born. It was the most scariest but amazing day.

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CHICAGO - Attorney General Kwame Raoul today urged Illinois residents who plan to donate to support Turkey and Syria earthquake relief efforts to be on the lookout for fundraising scams. Raoul warned donors who want to give to the earthquake relief efforts to be wary of requests for clothing, food or other in-kind donations, which may not be appropriate. Attorney General Raoul advised donors to ask questions to determine who receives the donations and what the charity’s transportation and distribution plans are to ensure the organization can effectively provide aid. He also said unless the charitable organization has the staff and infrastructure to distribute such aid, the donations may be more of a burden than a help. “The devastating earthquakes in Turkey and Syria have sadly caused widespread destruction and loss of life. I urge Illinoisans who want to help by donating to the relief effort to take the time to look into the charitable organization before donating,”

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Couples names: David & Brittney City: Belleville Date met or started dating: April 18, 2014 Date married: September 12, 2020 What makes your relationship special? No matter what thrown our way we’re always honest to one an other and at the end of the day were aways there for each other besties till the end I love you!!!! Share a memory you have made together: Year of 2015 we were bless with our beautiful daughter, The year of 2020 we got married!!!!, And the year of 2023 we were blessed again with our son.

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EDWARDSVILLE - The Edwardsville Arts Center (EAC) is hosting the Weave, Coil, Twine, Plait, Knot: Traditional and Contemporary Basketry Exhibition from February 10th – March 24th, with the Opening Reception taking place on February 17th from 6-8 p.m. The basketry exhibition is co-curated by Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE) University Museum Executive Curator, Erin Vigneau-Dimick and artist, Sun Smith-Foret. “We are incredibly honored to host this amazing exhibit that Erin and Sun have co-curated,” said EAC Executive Director, Beth Browne. “It's a wonderful history of functional traditional basket making and contemporary interpretations of basket techniques, highlighting the importance of preserving traditional crafts and their influence on contemporary artworks.” “In conjunction with the exhibition,” follows Browne, “we are hosting a series of basketry-related programs throughout February and March including a free lectur

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GREENVILLE - Greenville University welcomes alumni and friends of the University to attend Legacy Weekend featuring Nicholas Morrow—NFL linebacker and GU alumnus. Morrow played Panther football for four seasons at GU from 2013 to 2016, and as part of the weekend’s special events on April 21 and 22, his jersey number will be retired. After his time at GU, Morrow signed with the Oakland Raiders as an undrafted free agent and spent five seasons with the team, which eventually relocated to Las Vegas. He currently plays for the Chicago Bears. “Nicholas is paving the way to being a next-generation ‘GU Giant.’ He truly represents the best of us,” says Tom Ackerman, GU Athletic Director. “He lives out his faith every day on and off the field and we could not be prouder of the way he represents GU and himself in one of the biggest arenas. During this weekend event, we will celebrate not only his athletic achievements, but also the person he is becaus

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ALTON - According to statistics available through the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), between 2013 and 2021, the number of opioid overdose deaths in Illinois increased by almost 300%. That’s why OSF Saint Anthony’s Health Center (1 St. Anthony’s Way, Alton) Psychological Services Department is hosting an upcoming Healthy Workplace Lunch & Learn program offering free NARCAN training. This “lunch & learn” program will be held on Friday, March 17, 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. in the hospital’s Perpetual Help Center and led by Karen Tilashalski, community health specialist, Chestnut Health Systems. The training program is free and lunch will be provided, but registration is required. Registration can be completed by visiting https://HealthyWorkplaceLunch.eventbrite.com . NARCAN® Nasal Spray is a prescription medicine used for the treatment of a known or suspected opioid overdose emergency. Attendees will also learn about the opioid

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Couples names: Jeremy & Katie Schmieder City: Jerseyville Date met or started dating: January 1, 2013 Date married: January 20, 2018 What makes your relationship special? Jeremy and I have been through it all but have overcome the obstacles and we work really good together raising our boys. Share a memory you have made together: All the trips we have taken, raising two boys in this crazy world and building our home.

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Couples names: Steven & Mary Scroggins City: Wood River Date met or started dating: October 1, 2001 Date married: October 1, 2005 What makes your relationship special? Having a life that allows us to be together pretty much 24/7! Share a memory you have made together: 11 years ago the Pump House Bar and Grill opened for the first time. Since then we’ve enjoyed working together daily, building lifelong relationships with our community, and having fun cooking and cleaning together. Couldn’t do it any other way!

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EDWARDSVILLE - Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Engineering (SOE) students received global recognition at the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) 2022 Design Competition. The group received the Rising Star Award in the applied engineering challenge, ranking fourth internationally. Those recognized included ASHRAE members Genevieve Bourgeois, Macy Deck, Muna Okeke, Abin Paudel, and Jeancy Muleba along with Serdar Celik, PhD, professor and graduate program director of the SOE Department of Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering and the founder and faculty advisor of the ASHRAE SIUE Student Chapter, accepted their awards Saturday, Feb. 4 at the Omni Hotel CNN Center in Atlanta. “Our student members are grateful to have had the opportunity to attend ASHRAE conference and be recognized by ASHRAE Society as design competition winners,” said Bourgeois, SIUE alumna and former president of the SIUE ASHRAE team.

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SPRINGFIELD — Visitor restrictions put in place at HSHS Illinois hospitals have been updated due to a decline in COVID-19 numbers in our communities. Effective Monday, Feb. 13, 2023, HSHS Illinois hospitals will lift COVID-19 related visitor restrictions and return to pre-pandemic guidelines. Visitation in high-risk areas or for patients with communicable diseases will be at the discretion of local hospital leadership. Similarly, departmental leadership may restrict the number of visitors at any point for the safety of patients and colleagues. Masking is still mandatory in our healthcare facilities for all patients, visitors and colleagues. Medical-grade masks will be provided to visitors if they do not have one. Visitors should not enter our hospital if they: are experiencing COVID-19, influenza, or other potentially infectious illness symptoms. tested positive for COVID-19 in the last 10 days. These guidelines are subject to change at any time to address the health

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WASHINGTON – As the collection of personal information by internet companies is encroaching more and more on the privacy of every American, U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Mazie Hirono (D-HI) today introduced legislation to strengthen online privacy protections for children when websites collect their personally identifiable information. The Clean Slate for Kids Online Act would give every American an enforceable legal right to demand that internet companies delete all personal information that was collected from or about the person when he or she was a child under age 13. “Internet companies too often seek to profit from collecting reams of personal data on Americans, including children. It’s time to put in place some tougher rules of the road – especially when it comes to our kids, who do not fully understand the consequences of their online use,”

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