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ALTON - Alton High School’s cheerleading team is asking the community for help as they fundraise for new uniforms and tumbling mats. “They deserve the best,” head coach Megan Hodge said of her cheerleaders. “These kids are putting in the effort. They could be out running around with their friends, but instead they are working really hard because all of them have a goal to go to college and cheer. They’re very dedicated.” There are 34 athletes in Alton’s cheer program. The team works year-round, with practice three or four times a week on top of football and basketball games. They also compete on weekends starting in November. Some of them have been cheering since sixth grade. “We literally lift each other up,” Hodge joked. “We spend so much time together that we’re just a huge family. All of my kids are very close. They’re all best friends, and they are so committed.” Hodge explained that the cheerleaders

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PIASA - Maddie Gordon is a multi-sport student-athlete with unbelievable stamina and fortitude for the Piasa Birds. Maddie was a top cross country runner last year on the Piasa Birds’ girls squad and big things are expected from her again in fall 2023. Maddie is an Altonized Community Federal Credit Union Female Athlete of the Month for Southwestern. “Maddie is very competitive in every sport,” Piasa Birds’ cross country coach Gary Bowker said. “She doubles in the spring with soccer and track and also plays volleyball in the fall.” Coach Bowker has to train Maddie slightly differently than the other girls in both cross country and track. “I have to be careful how much of a load of training I put on her legs,” he said. “We have talked several times and a major concern is we don’t want her to have dead legs in volleyball and soccer, too.” The coach said she has the desire and love of running needed to be one of his standout

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WOOD RIVER - When Oilers fans watch the sidelines of football or basketball games, they will notice senior Stormie Shoemaker, one of the leaders this year for the East Alton-Wood River High School cheerleading squad. Stormie is a Midwest Members Credit Union Female Athlete of the Month for the Oilers. Stormie thanked her coach Alison Beachum for always encouraging her and the other girls. She also said her best friend - Emma Hall - has never let her go through anything alone. “I have gone through a lot within the past year, but I remain very outgoing, and positive, and strive to be a good role model for others around me,” she said. “I have been cheering since I was five. I enjoy the relationships between other teammates, coaches and other cheer teams. There is really nothing like it.” Stormie said cheering has led her to be a more outgoing, social and confident person. “There is a message behind every mistake in cheering, and cheering taught me it’s

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Note: This is one of a series of features about artists who will showcase their work at the Edwardsville Art Fair on Sept. 22-24. Avalon Eales of the Edwardsville Arts Center staff provided the information. Artist #1 Name: Melissa Rawson Location: Edwardsville, IL Medium: Ceramics Artist's Statement: “I have been creating pottery for over 20 years. I have developed forms that work with the piece's function and continue to find new forms. I take inspiration from nature and like flowing forms that capture some of what I see around me.” Artist #2 Name: Rhonda Gurgone Location: Palos Park, IL Medium: Jewelry Artist's Statement: “I believe that jewelry that we wear should not only look beautiful but also tell a story. Antique buttons inspire me to make jewelry that is a perfect balance between the old and the new. By combining techniques and materials with contemporary designs, I create a piece that evokes memories and meaning to the

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ALTON - Whether you love boating or just want a great breakfast with a river view, Alton Marina has got you covered. The Marina, located at #1 Henry Street, offers leases for boat slips, guest docking, a store, a restaurant, beautiful views and “the nicest, cleanest bathrooms on the river,” promises Rob Honke. “We’ve got a lot of history and a lot of good people out there,” Honke said. He owns Seahorse Ranch Marine, Inc., the company that operates the Marina. “There’s a lot of people that have spent their whole lives and their childhoods on the river, and it shows. You can see it in their faces. You can hear them talk about it. A lot of the people that you meet on the river have been on it their entire lives, since they were kids.” The Marina offers annual and six-month leases for locals. But they also regularly welcome guests, including boaters who are traveling the American Great Loop . This route follows waterways that mak

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STAUNTON - A recent donation of training equipment is enhancing preparedness and improving the skills of rural fire departments and their community members. Thanks to a grant from the Small Rural Hospital Improvement Program, Community Hospital of Staunton (CHS) was able to purchase CPR mannequins intended for rural volunteer fire departments. Anderson Hospital EMS Coordinator, Darin Hartman, along with CHS President, Larry Spour, and Past-President, Sue Campbell, presented the equipment during a recent training at the Hamel Fire Department (FD). Responders from Hamel Fire\EMS, New Douglas FPD, Alhambra FPD, Olive FPD and Worden FPD were in attendance. The CPR mannequins will be used by these dedicated volunteers to teach their citizens hand only CPR. CHS’s generosity and support through this donation will undoubtedly enhance preparedness and improve the skills of rural community first responders. The training event also included first responder instruction on various scenarios

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EDWARDSVILLE - Calling all parents and guardians! Are you searching for an extraordinary and life-enriching opportunity for your child? Look no further! Boy Scouts (BSA) Troop 216 is actively recruiting new members and inviting young individuals to join our fantastic scouting family. Troop 216 is renowned for its dedication to empowering young individuals with essential life skills, leadership development, and unforgettable adventures. As a Scout-led troop with a rich history and strong adult leadership, we strive to create an environment where young minds can flourish and grow into responsible, capable, and confident leaders of tomorrow. At Troop 216, we believe in the power of hands-on learning and immersive experiences. We host weekly meetings every Monday at 7 pm at First Christian Church in Edwardsville, where scouts engage in exciting activities, collaborate on projects, and forge lasting friendships. Moreover, we guarantee one campout and one activity per month, ensuring that

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CHICAGO – Today, U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, spoke at the Department of Justice’s annual Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) National Joint Training Conference. In 2021, President Biden signed Durbin’s VOCA Fix to Sustain the Crime Victims Fund Act into law, which has resulted nearly $1 billion in additional deposits into the Crime Victims Fund established by the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) . The conference provides an opportunity for discussions with VOCA -funded victim assistance and victim compensation state administering agencies. Durbin delivered remarks following an introduction by Director of DOJ OVC Kristina Rose. Key Durbin quotes as prepared for delivery: “VOCA programs and grants provide survivors and their families with the justice and support they deserve, and these services would not be possible without the tireless efforts of leaders like all of you here today.” “State

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ALTON - The ten schools in Alton Community Unit School District 11 welcomed students today for the start of the 2023-2024 school year. Blue skies and a few teary-eyed parents set the scene at Lovejoy Elementary, located at 1043 Tremont Street. Principal John Ducey greeted students at the front doors. One excited second-grader paused to give his dad a fistbump before heading in to find his new classroom. At Alton Middle School, a line of cars on College Avenue came to a stop as students were ushered across the crosswalk and onto campus. Alton High School was also bustling, with a row of buses at the sidewalk and dozens of upperclassmen pouring in from the parking lot. “We’re looking forward to a great school year,” Superintendent Dr. Kristie Baumgartner said. RiverBender.com wishes all students and teachers a safe, happy year!

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ALTON - A 21-year-old Alton man - Demetrius D. Elliott, of the 700 block of Hampton Avenue - faces four charges including driving under the influence of alcohol and reckless homicide after an incident on April 15, 2023, which resulted in the death of Jakhari R. Alexander, 20, of Maryville. On April 15, 2023, Elliott allegedly committed the offense of Aggravated Driving With A Blood Alcohol Level of .08 or More Resulting in Death. He was charged with two counts of that offense on the same date, according to charges released on Wednesday by the Madison County State's Attorney's Office. Both the first and second counts are Enhanced Class 2 charges, both of which carry a penalty of 3-14 years in prison if convicted. Elliott also faces a Class 4 charge of Aggravated Driving Under The Influence of Alcohol While License Suspended and a Class 3 felony charge for Reckless Homicide. Elliott faces these charges after he reportedly drove a motor vehicle, a 2011 Chevrolet Equinox on th

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ALTON - Med Resources wants to let the public know that it remains open despite a serious accident that occurred at 3:30 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 6, 2023. The business itself remains open except for the retail showroom, where the bulk of the accident occurred, which is closed. Med Resources Manager Chris Nicholson said the crash was shocking. The vehicle struck with such force a piece of the license plate of the car wrapped around a pole. The vehicle smashed through windows and bent the frame of the showroom and caused other structural damages to the building. Jun Construction is in charge of the repair operation for the building, Nicholson said. The building has already been shored up in a structural sense and Nicholson said it will take between three to six months to completely finish the changes that have to occur. Nicholson said only about 10 percent of the Med Resources business takes place in the showroom. “I got the call at 3:30 the morning of Aug. 6 that someone had gone

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MARYVILLE - You never know where the day will take you. Case in point, this morning I stuffed two rolled-up pairs of socks into the toes of my dad’s work boots and headed to Ameren Illinois’s Maryville Operating Center to experience a day in the life of a lineman. Ameren linemen install and repair electrical lines every day, and they work intense hours after storms to restore power to the area. I’ve seen linemen all my life, but until 10 a.m. this morning, I knew very little about what their job actually entails. “You will get sweaty and dirty,” the email invitation had warned. Bring it. Upon arrival, I was outfitted with a hardhat, goggles, work vest and cut-resistant gloves. The gloves help linemen avoid splinters or other injuries, like if a nail is sticking out of a utility pole. But for someone unused to wearing them, the gloves introduced a new challenge, and I fumbled putting on my goggles. “These vests are unforgiving,” Brian Bretsch,

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EDWARDSVILLE - The Edwardsville City Council has expanded the list of events where alcohol consumption is allowed in City Park after amending an ordinance at their meeting on Tuesday, Aug. 15. Edwardsville Fire Captain Robert Morgan also received the Edwardsville Employee Excellence Award at the meeting, though he was not in attendance. Alcohol consumption is now officially legal during the following events at City Park: Movies in the Park, Concerts in the Park, Opera Edwardsville, Shakespeare in the Park, Edwardsville Symphony, and Muni Band. According to the amended ordinance, the public is also allowed to “transport alcoholic liquor in unsealed containers” during these events. Alderwoman Elizabeth Grant, who chairs the Administrative & Community Services committee which presented this item, said Alderman Chris Farrar suggested adding these events to avoid having them all come back to the City Council for approval down the road. This month’s Edwardsville

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EDWARDSVILLE – Southern Illinois University Edwardsville celebrated the arrival of first-year students as they moved into their residence halls on Wednesday, Aug. 16. Move-in marks the beginning of their journey pursuing higher education at SIUE. "We are thrilled that these students have chosen to come here and that we get to be part of the beginning of their journey as they work towards graduation,” said University Housing Director Mallory Sidarous. “It is a joy to be a welcoming face to our students and families and help as they turn the page on this new exciting chapter.” The campus was alive with energy and a strong sense of community as volunteers united to assist incoming students during the move-in process. More than 300 volunteers, including students, faculty and staff, supported the move-in process. Kurt Strullmeyer, father of first-year College of Arts and Sciences student Annie, was enjoying the move-in day energy and savoring the moments of moving

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BETHALTO - A man injured in a small scooter crash around 6 p.m. Monday is reported to be in stable condition in the ICU at St. Louis University Hospital, Bethalto Fire Chief Brian Buhs said on Wednesday afternoon. Buhs said the crash occurred at the end of Timberwood Drive in Bethalto and when the 21-year-old victim was found, he was discovered at the bottom of a hill and had sustained significant injuries and trauma. He was quickly tended to by Bethalto Fire Department first responders and transported to St. Louis Regional Airport where he could be airlifted to St. Louis University Hospital. Buhs praised the first responders for their valiant efforts with the man and said the quick actions of the Bethalto and Alton Memorial staff definitely were life-saving in this case. Buhs said it had not yet been determined exactly what happened in the crash because of the man's condition at the time of the crash and there were no eyewitnesses. "The man definitely required a lot of care at the

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MARYVILLE - Following a stormy summer, local linemen explain their jobs at Ameren and how they work to restore power after bad weather. Linemen install and repair electric lines throughout the year, but their job has additional risks after heavy rain or snow. When storms knock out power across the region, a crew will work a 17/7 schedule — 17 hours on, seven hours off — until it’s restored, often taking them away from their families for days at a time. The job itself is intense, but many linemen agree that they wouldn’t want to work anywhere else. “It’s very hard and demanding and rewarding at the same time,” John Dowell, a crew leader with Ameren, said. “To see that expression on people’s faces when we get the power back on, that’s the best part of it.” But getting the power back on is often a lot of hard work. Linemen usually have to climb utility poles so they can repair the primary wires or transformers at th

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WOOD RIVER - Steve Davis, a long time Elvis Presley impersonator from Wood River, recently reflected on his journey to becoming internationally recognized as Elvis on stages around the world. Today - August 16, 2023 - marks the 46th anniversary of Elvis’s death, and the 49th year of Davis performing as him. “I make my living for the last 49 years as Elvis on stage in a variety of large and small venues,” Davis said. “I do about 500 shows a year.” Like Elvis himself, Davis spent some time in the U.S. Army - but unlike Elvis, Davis served before performing on stage. Elvis entered the U.S. Army in 1958 , two years after his hit singles “Don’t Be Cruel,” “Love Me Tender,” and his cover of Big Mama Thornton’s “Hound Dog,” peaked at #1 on the Billboard Pop charts. For Davis, an abrupt end to his military service is what sent him on the path to become The King. “I was a 2nd Lieutenant in the Army, and

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WOOD RIVER - The Jordan Hooks Memorial Terrace was dedicated at Belk Park Golf Course on Tuesday, Aug. 15, in memory of golfer Jordan Hooks. The terrace includes furniture, barstools and a television. The space will serve as a spot for people to relax after a round of golf or enjoy a drink overlooking the golf course. Tuesday marked its official opening, but the crowd agreed that the night was really about Jordan. “It’s kind of bittersweet. Jordan would golf every Tuesday, and I’d rather have Jordan than the patio,” said Mickey Sabolo, Belk Park Golf Course manager. “He loved being out here and we loved having him.” Hooks passed away in May 2022 at the age of 39. He loved playing golf and enjoyed participating in the Amateur Players Tour. Off the green, he worked as a letter carrier with the United States Postal Service. Jordan’s family approached Sabolo about installing the terrace in Jordan’s memory. His brother Aaron donated

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COLLINSVILLE – The Madison County Conservative Caucus is proud to announce the addition of former NFL offensive tackle Marcus DeWayne Spears to its parents distinguished Board of Advisors. Marcus brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the organization, and his commitment to conservative principles will undoubtedly contribute to the Caucus's mission of promoting and advancing conservative values throughout the nation. Marcus DeWayne Spears, renowned for his outstanding career in professional football, has now shifted his focus to the realm of politics and civic engagement. With his remarkable talent on the field and dedication to community involvement, Marcus has long demonstrated the traits of a true leader. Now, he is poised to make a significant impact on America's Conservative Caucus, contributing his unique insights and passion for conservative ideals. As a member of the Board of Advisors, Marcus Spears will play a crucial role in shaping the direction of America's

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ALTON – Current U.S. census data shows that 7.1 million American grandparents are living with their grandchildren under 18. An estimated 2.3 million of those grandparents are responsible for their grandchildren. Roughly a third of grandchildren living with grandparents who are responsible for them are younger than 6. About half of the grandparents who are responsible for their grandchildren are 60 and over, according to census data. So, what do these 7.1 million American grandparents have in common: the unexpected role of becoming a child caregiver long after they thought those years were behind them. They depict a social trend in America: the high number of “grandfamilies” — grandparents raising grandchildren. And that specific social trend exists right here in the Riverbend region. OSF Saint Anthony’s Health Center is introducing its Grandparents Support Group because there are extra challenges for people who are navigating these dual roles. Participants

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