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Letter To The Editor: As the current Mayor of Alton, I feel it is necessary to address the recent false claims made by former Mayor Brant Walker, who appears to be trying to revive his political career by exploiting the unfortunate sinkhole incident and other baseless allegations, ranging from a lack of transparency to supposed budgetary improprieties. It is disappointing that Walker is attempting to mislead the public. Below are the facts our citizens deserve to hear. Transparency Concerning the Sinkhole and Overall Operations: Since the sinkhole was discovered, our team has worked diligently to keep the public informed. Official channels have provided detailed updates, including our website, social media platforms, and regular press briefings. We have also held multiple community meetings and are collaborating with all stakeholders impacted by the closure of Spencer Olin. We will continue to update the community as conditions occur, but safety will remain our priority. Budget

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EDWARDSVILLE - Nolan Csaszar had an outstanding meet for the Sunset Hills Country Club swimming team at the 62md edition of the Southwestern Illinois Swimming Association championship meet July 21, 2024, at the Chuck Fruit Aquatic Center in Edwardsville's District 7 Sports Complex. Csaszar finished sixth in the boys 15-18 50-yard freestyle, having a time of 27.36 seconds, and was also sixth in the 100-yard breaststroke at 1:26.54, was sixth in the 50-yard butterfly at 31.54 seconds. Nolan is a Spencer Homes Male Athlete of the Month for Edwardsville. In an interview conducted shortly after one of his races, Csaszar felt that the Stingrays, even with very limited numbers, did their best and swam well all throughout the meet. "Well, we're kind of limited by the number of people on our team, Csaszar said. "But I think the swimmers who are here tried their best and are making a good effort, which shows good fight on the team. It makes us look better." On a personal level, Csaszar

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This July, the region is buzzing with a variety of events that cater to all interests, from the educational S.T.E.A.M. Take Home Kits for kids and the nostalgic Heritage Days in Greenville to the lively music performances and farmer's markets across multiple cities. For a comprehensive list of events happening this month, visit Riverbender Events . Featured Annual Christmas in July Raffle at Freer Auto Body, led by Margaret Freer, is hosting its annual Christmas in July Raffle to support the Community Christmas campaign. The event will be held from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Friday, July 26, 2024, at 4512 North Alby Street, Godfrey. Raffle tickets are $10 each, with prizes including $3,000 cash, vacation stays, and more. Sloppy Joes will be available for dining in and carry-out. Tickets can be purchased at Freer Auto Body. Checks for the raffle or donations should be made out to Community Christmas. For more information, contact Freer Auto Body at 618-466-6151. Additionally, you

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EDWARDSVILLE - Greenspaces are critical and the importance of understanding and enhancing them are equally significant, according to Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s Shannon McCarragher, PhD. This summer, 10 students from universities across the country have been part of the Socio-Ecological Role of Greenways in Urban Systems (SERGUS) Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) at SIUE. “Greenways serve as an interface between human and natural systems across urban environments, and thus may serve as a means for enhancing urban resilience,” said McCarragher, a biogeographer and assistant professor in the College of Arts and Sciences’ Department of Geography and Geographic Information Sciences (GIS). At SIUE, McCarragher is the lead Principal Investigator (PI) of the multi-institutional, interdisciplinary grant funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF) and given to focus on greenways. Alan Black, PhD, associate professor in the Department

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EDWARDSVILLE - The following local student has been named to the Deans' and President's Lists at Drake University. Edwardsville, IL - Angel Loveridge, Zimpleman College of Business, Dean's List To be eligible for the Deans' List, students must have earned a GPA of 3.5 or higher during the Spring 2024 semester at Drake. To be eligible for the President's List, students must have earned a perfect 4.0 GPA during the Spring 2024 semester at Drake. Drake University is recognized as one of the finest national liberal arts universities. A distinctive and distinguished private university in Des Moines, Iowa, Drake enrolls nearly 3,000 undergraduate and more than 1,800 graduate students. Students choose from more than 70 majors, minors, and concentrations and 20 graduate degrees offered through seven colleges and schools. In addition, Drake offers a range of continuing education programs serving working professionals, community members, and area businesses. Drake recognizes the importance

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WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) joined Senators Joni Ernst (R-IA), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), John Thune (R-SD) and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and U.S. Representatives Brad Finstad (R-MN), Eric Sorensen (D-IL) and Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-IA) in sending a bipartisan, bicameral letter to the U.S. Department of the Treasury requesting timely guidance on the 45Z Clean Fuel Production Credit to give farmers, blenders, retailers and fuel users certainty and the time needed to make additional clean fuel projects a reality. The 45Z Clean Fuel Production Credit consolidates and replaces several fuel-related credits currently scheduled to expire at the end of the year. While 45Z was written to increase the domestic production of clean, homegrown biofuels, guidance is still needed from the Treasury on how farmers and renewable fuel producers can participate in this new market. “The 45Z credit should be leveraged to provide a forward-looking,

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SPRINGFIELD - Beginning in July, all child support collected on behalf of Illinois’ low-income families with children who are current or former Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) recipients in Illinois will be passed through to the family for the care and support of the child or children and will no longer be retained by the state, the Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) announced. All families who are currently receiving or formerly received TANF will benefit from this change. As of July 1, any amount of child support that was collected and retained by HFS’ Division of Child Support Services between January 1, 2023 and July 1, 2024, will be passed through to the family. With this change, Illinois will become the first state in the nation to unconditionally ensure all families receive 100% of the child support that is paid. While other states pass through all child support paid, it is subject to appropriation. “This change will bring

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ALTON – Last week, Governor J.B. Pritzker signed HB4255 into law. This legislation, spearheaded by State Representative Amy Elik & State Senator Erica Harriss, bolsters safety protocols for tow truck operators and emergency responders throughout Illinois. Under the new law, tow trucks and designated emergency vehicles will now be authorized to utilize green lighting in addition to amber and white when responding to incidents on roadways. This critical enhancement is designed to maximize visibility and situational awareness, significantly mitigating risks for both responders and the public. Paw Paw’s Towing in Millstadt brought the need for this to the attention of Elik and Harriss following the loss of one of their drivers last November. The driver, Wade Bivens, was struck by a car while working a scene on Interstate 255 near Columbia. "The enactment of HB4255 marks a pivotal step forward in safeguarding our emergency personnel," said Elik. "This legislation

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EDWARDSVILLE - Happy Hooves Equine Rescue Center is a nonprofit sanctuary for horses in need of a home. Visitors can get a firsthand look at the work they do and the horses they house at three upcoming Open House events set for Aug. 11, Sept. 8, and Oct. 13, 2024, each from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the sanctuary, located at 7026 State Route 140 in Edwardsville. Founder Mary Morrison and Susan with Happy Hooves shared more about the organization and the work they do on Our Daily Show! on Riverbender.com . Happy Hooves’ mission, indicated by their slogan, is to continue “giving horses a chance at a better life.” Morrison said some horses who come into the rescue show signs of neglect or malnourishment, though she noted such mistreatment isn’t always intentional. “You see the lack of care, but … a lot of these people, they don’t mean to do it,” she said. “Some of it is lack of education, some of it is that they believe

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EAST ST. LOUIS – A federal district judge sentenced a man from Christopher, Illinois, to 24 months’ imprisonment after he admitted to printing counterfeit money. Michael A. Eskew, 38, pleaded guilty to one count of manufacture of counterfeit obligations of the U.S., one count of possession of counterfeit obligations of the U.S., and one count of possessing digital image of U.S. currency for counterfeiting. “Making, using and possessing fake U.S. currency with fraudulent intent is punishable under federal law, and Michael Eskew was maintaining a full-scale, counterfeiting enterprise,” said U.S. Attorney Rachelle Aud Crowe. “He schemed to defraud local businesses and enrich himself with the fake currency, thus warranting this sentence to federal prison.” According to court documents, Eskew used printers and electronic images of dollar bills to produce counterfeit U.S. Currency at his home. Following a search warrant of Eskew’s residence

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BELLEVILLE – A pair of initiatives led by state Rep. Jay Hoffman, D-Swansea, and the Illinois Secretary of State were signed into law Friday, July 19, 2024, strengthening the state’s move over “Scott’s Law” zones and bringing increased scrutiny to catalytic converter transactions in order to reduce their theft. “Residents are rightfully frustrated by catalytic converter thieves looking to make a quick buck, which is why we need to continue to implement ideas that remove the financial incentive,” Hoffman said. “Stricter resale rules are going to make it more difficult for criminals to turn their stolen parts into cash.” As part of efforts to curb the rise in catalytic converter theft, Hoffman’s House Bill 4589 requires recyclable metal dealers to acquire and maintain additional records involving catalytic converter transactions, including the vehicle identification number it was removed from as well as any other specific

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ALTON - As the school year starts up, Halpin Music Company has deals for instrument rentals and lessons that will be sure to help your young musician succeed. Located at 88 Northport Drive in Alton, Halpin offers music lessons, instrument rentals and more for all ages. Mark Landon and Kelsey Booth noted that this is especially helpful during the school year as kids enter their school band and orchestra programs, and they’re excited to help families get the instruments they need. “School’s just right around the corner, so this is a time of preparation and just getting everything in place for the kiddos to go back to school and join the band or orchestra or whatever their musical interests are,” Landon explained. “We’ve always been about making it as easy as possible for the parent to get a low-cost, quality instrument for their child to start the band.” Instrument rentals are broken down into three groups. Group A instruments (flute,

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ST. LOUIS COUNTY – The St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney's Office has issued charges against Mikel Carnes, 19, of Lakeview Drive in St. Louis, for multiple offenses including two counts of Assault Second Degree and Resisting Arrest by Fleeing. The charges stem from an incident that occurred on Monday, July 22, 2024. According to the probable cause statement, the events unfolded at approximately 3:20 p.m. Monday when a police officer observed a silver 2009 Mercedes C300 with expired temporary tags driving east on Chambers Road near Forrestwood Drive. The officer attempted a traffic stop, but the vehicle fled, accelerating into oncoming traffic on West Florissant, nearly causing several collisions. The suspect vehicle, later identified as being driven by Carnes, was briefly lost by officers but was subsequently found backed into a driveway on Ferguson Avenue. As officers approached, the vehicle fled again. A tire deflation device was deployed, but Carnes

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A 20-year-old man died and a 24-year-old woman was injured in a shooting Saturday in Venice, Illinois State Police said. The incident occurred when the man, who was from Madison, was shot multiple times and pronounced dead at the scene. The woman, a resident of East St. Louis, was rushed to a hospital for treatment. The names of the victims have not yet been released. Authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting. Further details have not been provided by law enforcement at this time.

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SPRINGFIELD - The popularity of residential pools has increased over recent years raising the risk for accidental drownings meaning homeowners and parents need be extra vigilant to protect kids who have access to the water. Public pools are a popular summer destination for people to beat the heat, but they can pose some hidden dangers. “Anywhere there is water there is a risk of drowning,” said Illinois State Fire Marshal James A. Rivera. “It’s important for parents and owners of pools ensure all safety measures are in place to help prevent a tragedy from occurring. Stay off your phone and know where your children are at all times if you are in or around a pool.” Over 4,500 people died due to drowning each year from 2020–2022 in the United States, 500 more per year compared to 2019 according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). That is an average of 12 fatal drownings per day. According to the Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC),

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In a speech on the Senate floor, Durbin: “We have a responsibility to get to the bottom of how the Secret Service failed to protect former President Trump on July 13. We need to do this on a bipartisan basis. Keep politics out of it.” WASHINGTON – In a speech on the Senate floor, U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, announced that the Committee will receive a classified briefing with the Senate Homeland and Government Affairs Committee (HSGAC) on the assassination attempt against former President Trump at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. Durbin also announced a joint Judiciary-HSGAC hearing for next Tuesday morning on the attempt, where the Committees will hear from the Secret Service and the FBI. Durbin began by paying tribute to the family of Corey Comperatore, whose life was taken far too soon, saying: “A week and a half ago, Americans were shocked to witness on live television an assassination attempt

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BETHALTO - A new organization in Bethalto provides activities, trips and enrichment for seniors ages 55 and up. The Bethalto Silver Eagles just celebrated their first birthday with a luncheon and presentation from Bethalto Mayor Gary Bost. Founders Brenda Woelfel and Geri Matthews are proud of the work they’ve done so far, and they look forward to doing more in the community in the coming years. “I just felt like there was a need for it,” Woelfel said of the Bethalto Silver Eagles. “I felt like there wasn’t a lot offered for that in our area. I know there are some other local 55-and-over senior citizen groups. But I felt like there was kind of an age group there that, really, there wasn’t a lot for them.” After spending a winter in Florida and joining a Snowbird Club, Woelfel returned to Bethalto feeling that there was something missing. She spoke to Matthews, and the two of them decided to form the Bethalto Silver Eagles as a way to hel

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EDWARDSVILLE - The Edwardsville Municipal Band invites you to an evening of music on Thursday, July 25, at 8:00 p.m. Join us at the Cleaon Etzkorn Bandstand in City Park for a summer concert themed Just Dance, which will feature a selection of symphonic dances, offering a journey through a range of rhythmic and colorful compositions that celebrate the art of dance in its many forms. From lively and energetic works to elegant and expressive pieces, the program will showcase the rich traditions and diverse influences that define dance music for the concert stage. The concert is free and open to everyone. Concessions will be available, with proceeds benefiting the Chapter Ed of PEO Sisterhood. Come enjoy a night of beautiful music and support a worthy cause. Follow the Edwardsville Municipal Band on Facebook and Instagram for more information and updates.

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EDWARDSVILLE - “More young people are needed to donate blood,” said 17-year-old Ashton Brazell, who sat with her right arm bandaged after giving blood on Friday, July 19. Brazell was one of 14 donors who participated in Southern Illinois University Edwardsville TRIO Upward Bound (UB) EC/MLC Programs’ 5th Annual Blood Drive, that netted 18 units of blood. Students and community members participated in the student-led blood drive that occurred on the Wyvette Younge Higher Education Campus in East St. Louis and was co-sponsored by ImpactLife Blood Center of Earth City, Mo. “People of all ages need blood,” said Brazell, a UB student and high school senior at Lovejoy Technical Academy. “But typically, it’s people 40 and older who donate blood. There are not a lot of people my age who are stepping up to give blood. I don’t know if it’s because they don’t know about the need.” “But donating blood is very important,”

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ALTON - This week marks the final week of concerts for the Alton Municipal Band, which is completing it’s 134th consecutive season of Concerts in the Parks. Vocalist Willa Stine, a crowd favorite, will be the featured vocalist for the concert. The theme, “Creature Features,” will delight audience members of all ages. The Alton Municipal Band has a 134 year tradition of excellence. Prospective members can audition in May of 2025 for the 135th season. For more information, follow the Alton Municipal Band on Facebook .

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