Riverbender 🕸

Couples names: John & Brittany City: Bethalto Date met or started dating: September 3, 2022 What makes your relationship special? The love we have for one another after what we’ve been through is nothing short of amazing we both met at a Rough point in our lives and we’ve came together and flourished in such a short amount of time she’s my bestfriend honestly. Share a memory you have made together: Lots actually but probably going to the brewery lights for the first time ever that was pretty cool to experience that with her.

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Couples names: Aiden & Melody City: Wood River Date met or started dating: October 25, 2021 What makes your relationship special? I believe what makes our relationship so special is being best friends since 2nd grade and treating each other like we’re still best friends. Share a memory you have made together: Getting engaged in August.

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Couples names: Robyn & Jeremy City: Alton Date met or started dating: June 29, 2011 Date married: July 25, 2015 What makes your relationship special? We actually dated when we were teenagers and then were reunited 20 years later. Jeremy sent a random text one night to say that he had feelings for me and that was that! Share a memory you have made together: Jeremy and I have made many wonderful memories together. I think that the one that stands out most, and the moment that I knew I would spend y life with him, was when my oldest daughter hurt her head on the corner of a stone wall at Riverview Park during a Muny Band concert. She was sobbing and bleeding everywhere and he was so calm. He was wearing a long sleeved shirt and actually ripped his sleeve off to stop the bleeding. He joked with her to calm her down. It was one of the many times he has shown absolute kindness.

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Couples names: Caylee & Daniel City: Godfrey Date met or started dating: August 1, 2019 What makes your relationship special? When you have a best friend, your biggest fan and lover all in one, it makes life even better! We are constantly laughing and have so much fun together! He is my calm and I am his wild. We love trying new things and being ourselves around each other has always came naturally. The one thing I love the most about Daniel is that he stayed and loved my son like his own. And for that, I am forever grateful for him! Share a memory you have made together: We bought our first house for our family! I love knowing that we finally have our own home to make memories in for the rest of our lives!

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SPRINGFIELD – Hunters in Illinois harvested a statewide total of 801 wild turkeys during the 2022-2023 fall archery turkey season between Oct. 1 and Jan. 15. The total compares with the statewide fall archery turkey harvest of 683 in 2021-2022 and is the third-highest harvest total on record for the season in Illinois. The top five counties for fall archery wild turkey harvest this season were Vermilion with 27 turkeys harvested; Ogle, 24; Clay, 22; Marion, 21; and Randolph, 21. This season, 25,373 permits were sold (excluding landowner permits), compared to 24,768 for the 2021-2022 season. All 102 counties were open for hunting. The harvest consisted of 48% males and 52% hens. Below is a summary table of harvest by county compared to last year’s totals. County 2022-2023 2021-2022 Adams 8 12 Alexander 7 4 Bond 5 4 Boone 6 1 Brown 10 9 Bureau 5 12 Calhoun

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GODFREY – Sparks Junk Removal and Hauling, as it marks its 30th year in business, has been named the recipient of the RiverBend Growth Association’s February 2023 Small Business of the Month award. Owned by Denise Sparks, the company that got its start in 1993 as a ChemDry franchise carpet cleaning business has continued to evolve and grow over its years of operation to where it is today as a successful entrepreneurial venture with four employees and headquartered at 1816 Myrtle Street in Alton. The company recently moved into a 3,000-square-foot shop at 2201 East Broadway, Alton, where it also provides a drop-off service for couches, mattresses, recliners, etc. There is a charge for this service, and drop-offs must be scheduled in advance. “I began my journey as an entrepreneur in 1993 with ChemDry, and by 1999, I had emerged into smoke/fire and water damage, along with mold remediation,” noted Owner Denise Sparks. “By 2000, I had 35 employees. I tend

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MADISON - At 5:43 p.m. Friday, February 10, 2023, the Madison Police Department received a 911 call of a single-vehicle crash at the intersection of Washington Avenue at 10th Street in the City of Madison. At the time of the initial call, minimal information was provided before the caller disconnected. At approximately 5:45 p.m. on Friday, a second call was received on the non-emergency line with the caller reported hearing gunshots before the crash. Officers were dispatched to the area and upon arrival, they located a vehicle that had apparently struck a tree at what appeared to be a high rate of speed. "Arriving officers administered first aid to the two occupants inside of the vehicle until EMS and the Madison Fire Department arrived on the scene," Madison Police Chief Jeffery Bridick said. "The Madison Fire Department requested mutual aid from Granite City Fire Department for an additional ambulance and assistance with extrication of the driver from the vehicle. "The male passenger

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BUZZ MAGAZINE - On February 14, 1926, a squalling baby girl entered the world in Centralia, Illinois. The lovely mother, her pale blonde hair and crystal blue eyes gathered aside her handsome husband’s dark curls and callused hands. All the wondering is now settled. Here she lay, Juanita Marie Rhodes. This first child was her mother’s daughter, a tiny fair maiden. The white house where she drew her first breath, some referred to as a shotgun house. So slight, you could fire a round from one end through to the other with a gun. The railroad worker became smitten with the young lady at a local dance. I have no doubt he had to be not only patient but persistent to win her hand in marriage. The beautiful and only remaining daughter of parents with old-world values and four protective brothers, she was their treasure. There would be no need for them to fret, Forest adored Alma. The new family swiftly settled into their forever. Juanita’s head full of blonde curls

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BUZZ MAGAZINE - My name is Lena Temeyer. I was born Lena Feuhrer on November 11, 1897, in Macon County, Illinois. My parents were farmers, on a rented farm, not far from Decatur. Over the years I’ve jotted down notes about my life. First, from what I remember growing up, and later, things that happened in my life as they occurred. I recorded these things because I thought my descendants might like to know. Now, they think you might want to know. I remember my home in Illinois very well. There were 12 of us kids - five girls and eight boys. Farmers usually had large families - more hands to help. My mother made the most delicious bread, and I will never forget the smell of it baking. Or the process of making butter. The whole family helped make butter from the “skim” off the top of the milk from the cows we had. We milked by hand back then, of course. We didn’t even have fly spray, so the cows’ tails would swat us in the face while we were milking as

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GRANITE CITY – Prather Early Childhood Coordinator Marci Dodds has been named the 2023 Early Childhood Teacher of the Year by The Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE), as announced Thursday by ISBE. Dodds was recognized Thursday with an assembly at Prather, and ISBE will celebrate the awardees at a banquet on April 29. Out of almost 500 applicants, Dodds was selected for this honor because of her commitment to the students and staff at Prather. You can read more about Dodds and the entire cohort of 2023 Teachers of the Year on ISBE’s program page. "I am grateful to be a part of a child's first experience with school. Being part of the team can show them that this is a safe place where they can learn new skills and meet new friends," said Dodds. "Being able to assist parents with the transition to their child being at school. It's just amazing to be able to be a part of so many firsts for families." Dodds is in her 18th year in the Granite City Community Unit School

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ST. LOUIS COUNTY - On Friday, February 10, 2023, the St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office issued charges on suspect Cherelle Nolan, 32 years of age, of the 10400 block of Count Drive in St. Louis, Missouri 63136, for Endangering the Welfare of a Child First Degree. A booking photo of Nolan is attached. Nolan is being held on $250,000 cash only, no 10%, bond. Please note, charges are merely an accusation and Defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law. The probable cause statement reads: On or about February 1, 2023, Defendant exposed 1-year-old Harmony Baker to Fentanyl causing her death. Defendant admitted that she has an addiction to Fentanyl and is the only person in the house who uses Fentanyl. On February 1, 2023, at 3:00 PM, St. Louis County police officers from the North County Precinct responded to a call for service for an infant not breathing in the 10400 block of Count Drive. Arriving officers located an unresponsive,

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New research from Penn State University suggests simply asking young people about suicide increases the chance they will get connected with mental health services. The research underscores the need for everyone to watch out for their loved ones' mental health. Health care providers, too, continue to try to chip away at the mental health crisis across the country. And the numbers drive home the point: The National Institute of Mental Health says nearly one in five adults suffers from a mental illness. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says suicide is the second-leading cause of death among young people and, prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, was the 10 th -leading cause of death among all Americans. The CDC says in 2020, someone took their own life about once every 11 minutes on average. The suicide lifeline says for every one person who dies by suicide each year, 316 people seriously consider it. The lifeline has fielded more than 20 million

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The pros and cons of social media are well documented. It allows you to connect with friends and pursue passions, but bullying and misinformation can be rampant. But can frequent social media use lead to changes in brain development during the formative adolescent years? A recent study suggests so, but much more investigation is needed, says Karna Sherwood, MD , a neurologist at OSF HealthCare in Alton, Illinois. The study tracked 169 sixth and seventh graders and found those who habitually checked social media were more sensitive to rewards and punishments. To view it a different way, kids who constantly refresh Facebook hoping the likes on their post will go up may be more impulsive to seek out real-life recognition. “At a certain point, 10 likes or 20 likes are no longer gratifying enough,” Dr. Sherwood says. “And then you have to find another way to get even more likes or more appreciation.” That “another way” could lead to risky behavior

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EDWARDSVILLE – Beginning Monday, February 13, North Buchanan Street will be closed to all traffic in the one-block area between Hillsboro Avenue and East Vandalia Street. This closure is necessary to allow City contractors to pour concrete and repair the street where the new water main has been installed. The closure is expected to last the entire week; the work will take place weather permitting. Motorists should use alternate routes to bypass the closure. North Fillmore Street, North Kansas Street, Hillsboro Avenue and East Vandalia Street can be used as detours. The work is part of the North Buchanan Street water main replacement project. The City is in the process of switching over from a century-old 4-inch cast iron water main to a new 12-inch water main on North Buchanan Street between East Union Street and East Vandalia Street. The City appreciates the cooperation and patience of all residents during this process. Please contact Public Works at (618) 692-7535 with any

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ALTON - A detailed Black History Exhibit has been established at Alton City Hall. The new exhibit was unveiled this week and led by Sheila Goins, wife of Alton Mayor David Goins. Sheila said she was “super excited” to display the Black History Exhibit at City Hall. February is Black History Month throughout the country. “What we have here is just a snapshot display of the wealth of black history in Alton, Illinois,” she said. “We have it categorized from community, music, education, freedom and equality in schools, and more. We want people to come and see all this exciting material.” Sheila said the exhibit is a collective effort between her and three prominent women in the community - Charlotte Johnson, Minnie Johnson, and Eva Perkins. “Charlotte, Minnie Johnson, and Eva Perkins were instrumental in providing the information,” Goins said. “Eva was a strong contributor to Alton’s area musician's success.” Johnson

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EDWARDSVILLE – A section of Chapman Street between North Fillmore and Hickory streets will be closed beginning Monday morning, February 13, 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 within a couple of days, barring unexpected problems. This project originally was scheduled to take place earlier this month but had to be postponed. The City 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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EAST ALTON - Jasmin Donlow, owner of the Slurped Daiquiri location in East Alton, said they’ve been off to a great start as they approach their first year in business, and that their “sister location” in Granite City is also doing very well. She announced new business hours for the East Alton location and said there are plans to add a third location later this year. The new business hours for the East Alton location will be Tuesday through Thursday from 4 to 10 p.m., Friday from 4 p.m. to midnight, and Saturday from 4 p.m. to 1 a.m. They will be closed on Sundays and Mondays, and these new hours will take effect starting next Wednesday, Feb. 15. Donlow said Slurped Daiquiri is a great place to grab a drink while hanging out or enjoying local events, including an upcoming Poetry and Open Mic Night they’ll be hosting on April 7. “It’s fun, the drinks are good, and it’s a nice, fun place to hang out,” she said of Slurped Daiquiri.

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MADISON COUNTY - Madison County Sheriff Jeff C. Connor and his staff sent out a reminder to Super Bowl fans this weekend to not drink and drive. “Madison County - fans don’t let fans drive drunk – Super Bowl weekend is here, and the Madison County Sheriff’s Office is reminding football fans and partygoers that designated drivers are the best defense against the dangers of impaired driving. If your Super Bowl celebration involves alcohol or cannabis, plan for a ride home with a sober driver. If you’re hosting the party, take care of the designated drivers. Fans don’t let fans drive drunk.” Sheriff Connor added: “When you’re making your plans for a good time on Super Bowl night, make sure they include a sober ride home,” he said. “Even one drink can impair judgment. A designated driver can ensure you and your friends get home safely.” Whether you’re attending a party, hosting a gathering or going out to a bar

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GREENE COUNTY - The Greene County Board voted to support the Greene County Broadband Project with the full funding request of $250,000 at its regularly scheduled meeting on Wednesday. "This support demonstrates the vision, leadership and commitment of the members of the Greene County Board to provide fiber internet to every household and business in the county," the Greene County Economic Development Group said in an information release. "The Greene County Board recognizes the need for high quality internet access and its benefits to families and businesses in Greene County. "This project will enhance and support education, healthcare, business, agriculture, and economic development across the county demonstrating the opportunities for rural Illinois." The reason for the project after a survey is that much of the Greene County area has slow internet download speeds of less than 25 megabits a second and more than half of fewer than 5 megabits per second upload speed. A survey showed

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BETHALTO - The Bethalto Police responded to a report of a disturbance call at 11:39 a.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2023. Bethalto Police Chief Mike Dixon said the response by officers to the call led to an ambulance being dispatched to the scene and ultimately the arrest of Chad L. Courtoise for the offense of Aggravated Battery. The purported victim in this incident is expected to make a full recovery. The defendant was in the custody of the Madison County Jail at the time of this post, in lieu of bond and/or additional court proceedings. It is important to know that the defendant charged and noted and/or associated with this post is innocent of the charge(s) filed, until such time as he is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The issuance of a charge/information or a warrant is based solely upon probable cause and is not proof of guilt. The information provided is a public record aimed at keeping our community informed of this agency’s activities and the

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