Riverbender 🕸

STANFORD, CONN. - Zelina Vega is a powerful woman who always makes her presence known when she is in the WWE ring as a superstar professional wrestler. Vega and other big names on the pro circuit are coming to St. Louis for a SmackDown event on Oct. 6, 2023. She has appeared in front of thousands of fans in her long-time pro wrestling career and uses the name Zelina Vega in the SmackDown brand. Thea Megan Trinidad Budgen, her given name, was born in 1990. She was born in the Queens borough of New York City and is of Puerto Rican descent. She is also a well-known actress and portrayed fellow professional wrestler AJ Lee in the 2019 biographical film “Fighting With My Family.” She also has had several other roles as an actress. Vega has had phenomenal success in professional wrestling and is a member of Legada Del Fantasia and the Latino World Order. She is also a former WWE Women’s Tag Team Champion. Vega always had aspirations of a professional wrestling career.

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EAST ST. LOUIS – A woman who was originally from China admitted involvement in a counterfeit gift card scheme directed at Target shoppers across the Midwest, including in Belleville in this region. Hongying Wang pled guilty to the federal crime in a U.S. District courtroom in East St. Louis on Thursday. Wang, 53, originally of Hunan Province, China, admitted guilt to using and trafficking in a counterfeit access device. For the charge, Wang faces a statutory maximum of 10 years imprisonment and a fine of up to $250,000. Wang’s sentencing is set for 10:30 a.m. on Jan. 22, 2024, at the federal courthouse in East St. Louis. Wang admitted to possessing 6,100 fake gift cards with the intent to place them on the shelves. According to court documents, the scheme involved individuals placing altered gift cards on the sales racks at Target while retaining the access numbers. Once a gift card was loaded with money by an unsuspecting patron, the fraudsters would have the codes needed

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GRAFTON/WEST ALTON - The Flotsam! River Circus stopped by Alton and Grafton this week to put on a show complete with pirates, music, acrobatics and killer catfish. The Flotsam show has spent the summer “floating down the Mississippi River all the way from Minneapolis to St. Louis,” according to their official website . Earlier this week, they anchored at Grafton to deliver a free performance, then continued down to West Alton for another fun show. “Flotsam! is a troupe of musicians, circus performers and puppeteers traveling on a handmade ramshackle raft, giving free performances in towns along the way,” the website continues. “During the tour, the raft is our mode of transit, our home and our stage.” The Flotsam! crew launched from Minneapolis on Aug. 4 and will wrap up their tour this weekend with three performances in St. Louis. Most of the performers have experience in circuses, cabarets and clowning around, which has helped them

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CHICAGO - Attorney General Kwame Raoul, today announced a bipartisan national settlement in principle with Kroger that, once final, will require the grocery chain to pay $1.37 billion to participating state and local governments for its role in the opioid crisis. In addition to the financial terms, a final settlement remains contingent on agreement on critical business practice changes. To date, national investigations and litigation against the pharmaceutical industry over the opioid crisis have led to more than $50 billion in settlements, with Illinois’ share at more than $1.3 billion. “I am proud of the bipartisan work that has resulted in this settlement in principle with Kroger. This agreement builds upon the important progress we’ve already achieved through previous settlements, as we continue working to hold companies accountable for contributing to the opioid epidemic,” Raoul said. “I am committed to ensuring that resources Illinois receives

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GREENVILLE - Area singers, high school age and older, at any level of musical experience, are invited to join rehearsals beginning September 18 for the Greenville Choral Union and Orchestra’s 94th annual performance of George Frideric Handel’s Messiah, a Bond County holiday tradition. Weekly vocal rehearsals begin at 7 p.m. on Monday, September 18, at Whitlock Music Center, located at the corner of College Avenue and Elm Street on the Greenville University campus. Singers unable to make the first rehearsal are still welcome to join. Don Frazure, GU’s Director of Choral Activities, will direct the performance and provide music and rehearsal tracks to help singers learn their parts at home between rehearsals. In addition to Part 1 of Messiah, the Choral Union will perform the Magnificat. Don Frazure said, “I am very excited to include John Rutter’s Magnificat in this year’s 94th annual presentation. Rutter’s work is an energetic yet contemplative

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ST. LOUIS - St. Louis Downtown Airport (KCPS) announced flight operations at the airport increased to a total of 104,156 during the fiscal year ending June 30, 2023. The data follows a positive trend in recent years of flight operations continuing to rebound from significant air travel impacts felt during the coronavirus pandemic. In fact, the operations are surpassing levels seen before the global pandemic began in 2020. Flight operations reported in FY2023 represent a 2.4% increase over numbers reported in FY2022, and a 7% increase over pre-pandemic totals reported in FY2019. This marks the second consecutive year of growth at St. Louis Downtown Airport, which is located in St. Clair County on 1,000 acres in Cahokia Heights and Sauget and is the busiest general aviation airport in Illinois, outside of Chicago. “The trend in increased flight operations is a positive sign that air travel is returning to normal for private and business travel customers,” said Mary Lamie,

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CHICAGO - Attorney General Kwame Raoul today announced that a Ramsey, Illinois man his office prosecuted was sentenced to prison after pleading guilty to possessing child pornography. The case is part of Raoul’s ongoing work, in collaboration with federal law enforcement agencies and local law enforcement officials throughout Illinois, to apprehend offenders who download and trade child pornography online. Waylon Davis, 26, was sentenced Tuesday to 15 years in prison by 4th Judicial Circuit Court Judge Christopher Matoush, after previously pleading guilty to five counts of possession of child pornography, Class 2 felonies. “Survivors of child abuse and exploitation are revictimized every time an individual downloads one of these heinous images or videos,” Raoul said. “I am pleased that the defendant is being held accountable for victimizing innocent children. My office will continue to partner with local law enforcement agencies to protect children and communities

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WEST ALTON, Mo. – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Rivers Project Office will be hosting a ribbon cutting ceremony on September 10 th , at 10 a.m. for an accessible kayak dock and launch at the Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary in West Alton, Missouri. This dock will connect to the existing accessible trail system at the Sanctuary and will include a transfer bench that enables kayakers to transition both in and out of their kayak from a seated position. Last year, in partnership with the Mississippi River Water Trail Association (MRWTA) and the Audubon Center at Riverlands (ACR), over 1,000 people enjoyed paddling programs at the Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary. “With the addition of this kayak launch, we hope to open up these programs and the entire Mississippi River to all members of the community with a desire to get on the water.” said Katelynn Dearth, Natural Resources Specialist and Park Ranger for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Rivers Project.

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ALTON - Downtown Alton is welcoming a new storefront with the grand opening of Coco+Oak on Sept. 8. When Madeline Eades started the shop online in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, she saw it as a hobby during quarantine. A few years later, it’s now a brick-and-mortar store located at 219 Williams Street in Alton. Eades invites shoppers to come see what they offer, including clothing, bags, shoes, accessories and a “hat bar” that even a few celebrities have enjoyed. “It just seemed natural that the next step would be to open a store,” Eades said. “What it started as has become so much more than what I ever imagined it was going to be.” Coco+Oak currently ships to all 50 U.S. states and Canada. Eades was already involved in the Alton community as a parent with kids in the school district and the president of the Alton Athletic Association. So when she decided to open a storefront, Alton was the obvious choice. “It definitely just

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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, September 27, 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, September 25. 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.

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SPRINGFIELD – In an effort to build its ranks, the Illinois State Police (ISP) is updating the pre-employment requirements for people applying to become a trooper. Recently signed into law, Public Act 103-0312 makes changes to the Illinois State Police Act, effective January 1, 2024. The new “Option Three” allows for current law enforcement officers with three years of continuous service at the same law enforcement agency to join the ranks of ISP quickly. “ISP wants to recruit those who have shown they are dedicated to protecting the public,” said ISP Director Brendan F. Kelly. “Recruiting an officer who has successfully completed basic law enforcement training and has three years of law enforcement experience, combined with comprehensive training through the ISP Academy, will allow ISP to more quickly assign experienced and highly trained troopers throughout the state.” Changes were also made to “Option Two,” allowing

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FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS – The Illinois Department of Transportation announced today that all lanes of Illinois 159 at the intersections of Lincoln Highway, Chateau Drive, Green Haven Drive and Rosewood Village Drive in St. Clair County will require intermittent daytime lane closures, weather permitting, on Thursday, Sept. 21; Friday, Sept. 22; and Monday, Sept. 25. The lane closures are necessary for the evaluation of pavement conditions. Drivers are urged to reduce speed, be alert for changing conditions, obey all signage, and refrain from using mobile devices while approaching and traveling through the work zone. For IDOT District 8 updates, follow us on Twitter at @IDOTDistrict8 or view area construction details on IDOT’s traveler information map on GettingAroundIllinois.com.

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ALTON - The Alton Expo opened Thursday and will run throughout the weekend at the Alton Amphitheater. Starting at 5 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 7, community members can enjoy carnival rides, fair food and live entertainment until 5 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 10. The festivities were off to a steady start as families arrived at the Amphitheater on Thursday. “The idea is to be a catalyst to introduce people to our city, and what better way to introduce people to our city than our beautiful riverfront?” Dan Herkert, chair of the Alton Amphitheater Commission, said. “We encourage them to get out and visit our local bars, restaurants, shops, stores, spend money in our city, generate some economic activity.” The Alton Expo kicked off at 5 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 7 and runs until 10 p.m. The band Just in Time performs at 7 p.m. You can also stop by from 5–11 p.m. on Friday and check out Powerplay with Gene Jackson at 5 p.m., followed by Dirty Muggs at 8 p.m. Saturday’s

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EDWARDSVILLE - State Senator Erica Harriss (56 th -Glen Carbon) has released the below quote following the groundbreaking celebration of the new health science building at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville: “The new health science building at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is a culmination of the great success of our state university and their expertise to produce leaders in various fields relating to the healthcare industry,” said Senator Harriss, who also serves as a member of the Senate Higher Education Committee. “It’s exciting to see this investment taking place right here in our own community. Not only will this new facility bring jobs and a boost our local economy, but SIUE will have an even greater opportunity to attract the brightest young minds, helping to foster a talented workforce in our state’s healthcare industry for decades to come.”

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EAST ST. LOUIS – U.S. Attorney Rachel Aud Crowe announced Thursday afternoon that a U.S. District judge sentenced a California man to 262 months imprisonment after he admitted to leading a drug conspiracy ring targeting communities in Southern Illinois. Thomas Hines, 33, of Los Angeles, pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and one count of money laundering conspiracy. In addition to the prison sentence, Hines will serve five years of supervised release and was ordered to pay a $100,000 fine. Seven additional individuals were charged in the indictment and pleaded guilty for their involvement in the conspiracy. Three of those charged are from Granite City. Here is that list: • Nyeshia Anderson, 32, of North Las Vegas, Nevada; • Corey Hendriex, 39, of Granite City, Illinois; • Amy Lynch, 42, of Granite City, Illinois; • Tamara Peoples, 66, of Granite City, Illinois; • Richard Stark,

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ALTON - Theresa Collins, CEO of Senior Services Plus in Alton, has been awarded the Diane Drew Excellence in Leadership Award from the Illinois Association of Community Care Program Homecare Providers for her dedication to working on behalf of older adults in the State of Illinois. Collins was presented the award on August 24 th , 2023, at the IACCPHP Annual Meeting held at Northern Illinois University – Naperville. For over 30 years, Diane Drew served seniors across the state of Illinois in a variety of positions including co-chairman of the Community Care Program Advisory Committee, Executive Director of CHELP, and as the President of the Illinois Association of Community Care Program Homecare Providers. As a dedication to Drew, this award is given annually to a leader in the Home Care Network who demonstrates the leadership and commitment to excellence that Diane exemplified throughout her career. 2023 Awardee Theresa Collins has been with Senior Services Plus for 14 years,

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JERSEY COUNTY - Jersey County State's Attorney Ben Goetten provided details of a case that involved Kyle A. Bollinger that occurred on Sunday, September 3, 2023, in Elsah. Goetten said this case involved a report of a vehicle that had struck a bridge in Elsah. "When deputies arrived on scene they found both Kyle and Courtney Bollinger present," Goetten said. "Courtney Bollinger indicated to deputies that she was driving. Deputies reported both individuals to be intoxicated. Courtney Bollinger was placed under arrest for Driving Under the Influence. "This is when Kyle Bollinger became confrontational with deputies. After a struggle, he was taken into custody and both were transported to the Jersey County Jail. "After further investigation by deputies, multiple eyewitnesses submitted statements that they witnessed Kyle Bollinger driving the vehicle and that Courtney Bollinger was dropped off by another vehicle after the fact, claiming to be the driver. We have subsequently

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WASHINGTON, D.C. - Joe Cunningham, a former United States congressman and the national director of No Labels , has plenty of experience bringing both sides of the aisle together. In 2018, he became the first Democrat to flip the red First Congressional District of South Carolina in over 40 years - now, he’s leading a movement of over 1 million Republicans, Democrats, and Independents alike to find bipartisan solutions to America’s problems. “No Labels” is a nonprofit organization which has been around for over 12 years, Cunningham said. He added that other than high-ranking members like the Speaker of the House and Senate Majority Leader, most congresspeople didn’t meet with colleagues outside of their party until No Labels created a group for that exact purpose. “When I got to D.C., I realized there weren’t any groups that put Democrats and Republicans at a table regularly together to try to work on our problems - save for the Problem

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EDWARDSVILLE – A fresh coat of paint brightens any room, and this fall Edwardsville Children’s Museum will refresh its learning environment with 20 gallons of donated paint. Edwardsville Children’s Museum was selected as the winner of a paint grant through True Value Rental - Edwardsville’s partnership with True Value Foundation’s Painting a Brighter Future program. A True Value Foundation paint grant helps improve learning environments and can have an impact on youth attitudes and performance. Over 2,300 schools and youth-development-focused organizations across the country have been awarded paint since the program’s inception in 2009, covering over 25 million square feet of learning space. Partnering with True Value Foundation, True Value Rental - Edwardsville nominated Edwardsville Children’s Museum for a 20-gallon paint grant to help refresh youth learning spaces. “The Edwardsville Children's Museum will be using the paint to give

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EDWARDSVILLE - Edwardsville Police on Thursday announced its Labor Day impaired driving and occupant protection campaign results. Lt. Brandn Whittaker said the Edwardsville Police made 5 DUI arrests during the recent Labor Day impaired driving and occupant protection campaigns. In addition, 22 seat belt citations were written – 5 of which occurred during nighttime hours. Whittaker said other citations and arrests included 12 citations for unlawful use of an electronic transmission device, 12 speeding citations, 2 arrests for driving suspended/revoked, 20 other citations, 1 arrest for unlawful use of a weapon, and 4 consumption of alcohol by a minor violations. “Through the Labor Day enforcement effort, we helped to make our roads safer and remind motorists that impaired driving is not a game,” Lt. Whittaker said. "Edwardsville Police joined forces with other law enforcement agencies and highway safety partners throughout the state for the Illinois Labor Day 'Drive

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