Riverbender 🕸

WOOD RIVER – Midwest Members Credit Union is proud to sponsor the “Oiler of the Month” program at EAWR High School. A Senior student is selected each month by members of EAWR faculty. Each student is awarded a certificate and a Subway gift card. The seniors selected each month will have the opportunity to compete for a $1,000. “Oiler of the Year” scholarship at the end of the school year. January's winner is Seth Slayden. Seth is a Senior at EAWR and is involved with Football, Basketball, Baseball, Golf, National Honor Society and Spirit Club. Seth has received honors for Gold Renaissance, All Conference Football & Basketball, High Honor Roll, 75th Gallantin MVP, Best ERA (Baseball), 3rd team defense all Metro/STL Football. After graduation Seth is undecided on what he would like to major in but plans to attend college and play ball. Congratulations Seth and we all wish you good luck in your future! Midwest Members Credit Union has been serving your community

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EDWARDSVILLE - In a continued effort to facilitate the development of bicycle patrol programs in Madison County, Madison County Transit (MCT) donated RECON Interceptor Power Bicycles to the police department at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE) and the campus safety office at Lewis and Clark Community College (LCCC) before the Thursday, February 23, MCT Board Meeting. The new ruggedized bikes will allow employees at the university and college to patrol the campuses and nearby trails. In the last five years, MCT has donated similar patrol bicycles to police departments in Alton, East Alton, Edwardsville, Granite City, Maryville, Highland, Troy, South Roxana, and Venice. RECON is a law enforcement ebike company specializing in patrol bikes. The all-terrain bicycles donated to SIUE and LCCC have a heavy-duty frame and durable, puncture-resistant 4-inch tires. Each bike contains a 1000-watt mid-drive motor for optimal speed and hydraulic disc brakes for greater stopping power

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GODFREY - The Nature Institute (TNI) is claiming 41 years of exploration! Discovery Day Camp, which started in 1982 with Aune Nelson as its catalyst, offers a premier nature camp experience for children in the Riverbend area. Children hike the trails, play in the creek, and search for native plants and animals. This year, TNI is making camp better than ever with more spots for our most popular age groups, a return of the long night, and a camp-out option for middle schoolers.

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EDWARDSVILLE - Riley Knoyle has been a standout for the Edwardsville girls' cross-country and track teams since her freshman year. The EHS senior recently signed an athletic letter of intent to attend Tennessee Tech University in Cookeville, TN. George Patrylak, one of Knoyle's coaches over the years in both cross country and track, said she has definitely set the bar high for female running in the Edwardsville School District. Knoyle is an iCAN Clinic Female Athlete of the Month for the Tigers. Knoyle was an All-State performer in cross country and track her freshman year. She also placed 16th at the ShaZam Cross Country Meet, one of her more significant achievements, Patrylak said. Knoyle has a lifetime best of 17:14 in the three-mile and a personal record of 5:08 in the mile. "Her high school performances are a big indicator of the success she will have at the college level," Tennessee State University's cross country coaches said in a statement after she signed a letter of intent.

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CARROLLTON - Carrollton High School students visited with a wide range of businesses, colleges, and more at the 2023 Carrollton High School Career Fair on Feb. 22. The event saw a large turnout from students, who appreciated the variety of career options offered. Maggie Bland, a junior at Carrollton High School and Vice President of the school’s FFA chapter, said this year’s event saw even more students and businesses than last year. “I think we had a lot of student participation - more than I think we had last year,” Bland said. “We had a wide variety of businesses and colleges here, so I think we were able to get more student participation because of the wide variety.” Bland said she especially enjoyed talking with Macy from the Farm Bureau table, and she plans on going into the Business or Agricultural Business field after high school. Chloe Walker, a CHS senior and FFA chapter president, said she appreciated the opportunity to see different

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EDWARDSVILLE – Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Chancellor James T. Minor, PhD, named Andrew Gavin as the ninth director of athletics in the University’s history. Gavin comes to SIUE from the University of Wisconsin-Parkside and will assume his new role on Monday, April 17. Gavin is expected to boldly lead SIUE Athletics and its student athletes to expand on success in competition and in the classroom. “The excitement is palpable within the SIUE Cougar and Edwardsville community – we are honored to have Andrew join us to continue the growth and success of our student athletes,” said Minor. “Andrew brings a wealth of diverse experiences that will help SIUE realize its ambition to graduate champions. It is clear that he has the capacity to improve the competitiveness of our athletics program while supporting SIUE coaches and staff, and most importantly our student athletes. We look forward to working with Andrew to continue the tradition o

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ST. LOUIS COUNTY - The deceased in a fatal fire has been identified as Mark McQuay, 67 years of age, of the block of 1200 block of Wachtel Avenue in St. Louis, Missouri 63125, and Dorothy Bates, 70 years of age, of the 1200 block of Wachtel Avenue in St. Louis, Missouri 63125. The cause of the fire is still under investigation. St. Louis Regional Bomb and Arson detectives are currently investigating the fatal house fire in the 1200 block of Wachtel Avenue of the South County Precinct which resulted in the death of an adult male and an adult female. On Wednesday, February 8, 2023, at 9:54 AM, St. Louis County Police officers from the South County precinct responded to a call for service for a house fire in the 1200 block of Wachtel Avenue. Arriving officers observed the house to be fully engulfed and were unable to make entry. Responding Fire personnel located two adults — one male and one female — deceased in the front interior of the residence. No other injuries wer

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EDWARDSVILLE – A portion of North Kansas and East Dunn streets is closed to traffic in the area where the two roads intersect after a gas line was ruptured Thursday morning, Edwardsville Fire Chief James Whiteford said. Drivers in the area should use alternate routes to bypass the closure. About 50 homes in the area will be without gas service until Ameren is able to fix the line and restore service, Whiteford said. An Ameren representative will contact all affected properties. The situation does not pose a danger to the public, Fire Chief Whiteford said. Edwardsville fire crews are remaining at the scene to closely monitor the situation while repairs are ongoing. The rupture happened just before 10:30 a.m. during construction at the location.

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ALTON - The Alton City Council passed several items at their Wednesday, Feb. 22 meeting, including an amendment to the Alton City Code regarding cannabis tax funds, the adoption of the Americans with Disabilities Act Transition Plan, and much more. The council also laid over a resolution regarding an agreement with Viking USA, LLC, which has raised some concerns from council members. A resolution amending the Alton City Code, specifically the section on the Municipal Cannabis Retailers’ Occupation Tax , passed unanimously. This amendment delays the disbursement of funds generated by cannabis sales taxes for one year so that city officials can decide on the best ways to use those funds once they have an idea of the amount generated, which will likely be next fiscal year. The City Council also voted to approve the Americans With Disabilities Act Transition Plan of the City of Alton. Under this plan, several properties and parks around Alton will be made more accessible

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ST. LOUIS COUNTY - On Wednesday, February 22, 2023, the St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office issued charges on suspect Taiwansley Jackson, 42 years of age, of the first block of Capital Hill in St. Louis, Missouri 63136, for one count of Assault First Degree, one count of Armed Criminal Action, one count of Resisting Arrest by Fleeing and one count of Unlawful Possession of a Firearm. A booking photo of Jackson is not available. Jackson is being held on a $500,000 cash-only, no 10%, bond. The facts supporting this belief are as follows: Police observed a 2016 Ford Explorer driving recklessly near the intersection of Jennings Station Road and Halls Ferry. Police attempted to stop the vehicle at which time the vehicle, operated by the Defendant, fled at a high-rate of speed, weaving in and out of traffic. The vehicle later hit light poles near McLaren and Goodfellow and the Defendant jumped from the vehicle and fled on foot. While fleeing on foot, the Defendant shot

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JERSEYVILLE - Jersey County is a place where when a person has severe difficulties, they respond and try to help. A significant instance of Jersey's giving nature occurred Monday through the day at a special fundraiser for the late Shawn Sullivan. Shawn died unexpectedly at age 48 at 3:02 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 12, 2023. Shawn was a 1992 Jersey Community High School graduate and owned Sully's Package Liquor with his wife, Brandi. "Sully" was a husband of 25 years and a father of two children. He was a large contributor to civic affairs in the Jersey region. Brandon Taylor had an idea to do a day-long fundraiser for "Sully" at Jenna Taylor's Imo's business and when she heard of the idea, she jumped on it. As of Tuesday, $900 in cash was raised for the family and the business was also going to donate 10 percent of profits from Monday, Feb. 20, 2023, at her business to the Sullivan family. Jenna said it was a big day at the Jerseyville Imo's on Monday. "We had the most sales we've ever

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GRAFTON - Dave Sanford has been described as a person who "captures the heart and soul of Grafton" in his photos. Sanford received a Certificate of Appreciation for his exceptional work as Grafton City Photographer, creating a real-time photo album for all who live, work, and come to play in Grafton. Mayor Morrow presented the certificate on behalf of the Grafton City Council at their meeting on February 21. “Dave captures the heart and soul of Grafton in his photos,” said the mayor. “Chances are if it’s a photograph of today’s life in Grafton, Dave took it.” Upon entering the Grafton Visitor’s Center, Dave’s comparative photographic exhibit of “Then and Now” takes the visitor back in time to the town’s look and feel during its earliest years, navigates through the many changes (some related to major floods) and arrives at the Grafton of today. Viewing his captivating, warm images of happenings in this historic river

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EDWARDSVILLE - Some may have noticed a large Illinois State Police presence on a part of the Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville campus on Wednesday, however, an Illinois State Police Department spokesperson assured the public that ISP was not involved with any incident at SIUE on Wednesday. SIUE Interim Police Chief Justin Lieberman explained that ISP does sometimes do training on parts of the university campus property and that likely is what was going on on Wednesday.

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EAST ST. LOUIS – A U.S. District Court judge sentenced a Lebanon man on Tuesday to more than 16 years in federal prison for his involvement in distributing methamphetamine in St. Clair County. Michael P. O’Leary, 48, pled guilty to one count of methamphetamine distribution, one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, and one count of felon in possession of a firearm. In addition to his prison sentence, he received five years of supervised release. “The defendant was responsible for distributing large amounts of methamphetamine throughout the Metro East,” said U.S. Attorney Rachelle Aud Crowe. “Illegal, dangerous drugs have no place in downstate Illinois communities, and the U.S. Attorney Office will continue to work with the DEA to remove individuals responsible for infecting families and loved ones.” “Drug traffickers engage in their illicit activities for a specific reason: to make money,” said Assistant Special

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EDWARDSVILLE – The compassion Sarah Andersen, lecturer in Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s Learning Support Services, has for her students is what makes her stand out as an SIUE “Difference Maker”. Andersen works with students in the Grade Recovery and Academic Sustainability Program (GRASP) program and supports their academic journey through graduation. "The impact that her and the GRASP class has had on myself, and the student population entirely, cannot be praised enough,” said one of Andersen’s nominators, Chris Hoogland, a senior computer management and information services major. “I would not be where I am at in my schooling without the help Sarah has provided. I went from under a 1.0 GPA to being able to graduate in fall of 2023.” Andersen is available 24/7 to her students during their time in the GRASP program and after they are off probation. She works with each student teaching them how to self-advocate for themselves

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ALTON – Interventional Pain Consultants (IPC) , a leading pain management practice in the Metro East, is pleased to announce that Dr. Anthony Guarino has joined its team as staff physician. For more than 25 years, Dr. Guarino has helped thousands of patients live a higher quality of life through cutting-edge treatment and his personalized, multidisciplinary approach to pain management. At IPC, Dr. Guarino specializes in procedures at all levels of the spine, including diagnostic and therapeutic injections and treatments, radiofrequency neuroablations, spinal cord stimulators, and intrathecal pumps. He also takes a physiological approach to care by addressing the mind-body connection that can contribute to or elevate chronic pain and empowering patients with healthy coping skills to manage their condition. “I understand the concerns of people living with debilitating pain and strive to provide them with the highest level of empathy and compassion,” said Dr. Guarino.

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ALTON - Alton Area Community Organizations and Leaders are hosting their Second Annual Community Easter Egg Hunt at Rock Spring Park from noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday, April 8, 2023. "This event is free and open to the public," Rosie Brown, one of the organizers, said. "There will be free food, games for all ages, free haircuts, prizes, and giveaways." Brown said the Easter event in 2022 was spectacular for the community. "We had an awesome committee, sponsors, volunteers, and the surrounding communities came together and put smiles on the faces of many children," she said. "We had games, prizes, food, and fun." The inaugural Easter Egg Hunt was held at Gordon Moore Park on Easter Sunday 2022 and more than 400 parents, volunteers, cheerleaders, and political leaders were involved. If you would like to become a sponsor, have an educational/community table, or volunteer, please get in touch with Alderwoman Rosie Brown, 4 th Ward at 219-580-2394, Kim Brice-Hollis, CLB Foundation at 618-917-7190

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ALTON - Alton Main Street’s quarterly information exchange, called “What’s Up Downtown”, will be held on Thursday, February 23rd at 5:30 p.m. at Jacoby Arts Center, located at 627 E. Broadway in Alton, IL. The public is invited to learn the latest news regarding developments in Alton’s historic downtown district, including updates from new & existing businesses, news on real estate transactions and details of upcoming events and projects. The evening’s featured speakers will be: Caleb Lewis from Alton Odyssey Tours, launching their new Prohibition and Architecture Tours Christine Favilla from the Sierra Club, sharing details of upcoming seed swaps and outings Amanda Stotler who has recently relocated AJ Stotler Photography studio to Front Street Charlotte Hammond, President & CEO of Challenge Unlimited, who will share information on employment service programs for small business owners who are interested in employing individuals with disabilities

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CHICAGO – The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation ("IDFPR") announced today the Consumer Financial Protection and Innovation Package, a pair of legislative initiatives designed to protect Illinois residents from financial fraud and abuse and establish regulatory oversight of cryptocurrencies and the broader digital asset marketplace. The Fintech-Digital Asset Bill (HB 3479/SB 2233) establishes regulations for digital asset businesses and modernizes regulations for money transmission in Illinois, while the Consumer Financial Protection Bill (HB 3483/SB 2232) empowers IDFPR to enforce those regulations and strengthens its authority and resources for existing consumer financial protections. Both measures are sponsored by Representative Mark Walker in the House and Senator Laura Ellman in the Senate. “States occupy a core role in overseeing the financial marketplace and Illinois stands ready to usher in the future of consumer financial protection,”

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ST. LOUIS - "This weekend, 16-year-old Janae Edmondson’s life was upended by horrific traffic violence as she visited our city for a volleyball tournament at America’s Center Downtown. Violence is always devastating, but it's especially devastating when it touches the lives of our youth. My heart goes out to Janae and her loved ones. "Visitors and residents alike should be able to feel safe in our city and our downtown. My office has connected with the Circuit Attorney’s Office and judicial partners to review the processes that led up to this preventable tragedy. Our city can and must do a better job of working together to hold those who endanger our communities accountable. "Traffic violence is an issue that impacts our entire city. While we’re still gathering the facts of this case, I remain committed to major investments in street and pedestrian infrastructure to keep our city safe no matter how they choose to get around - walking, biking, driving, or

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