Riverbender 🕸

MATTOON — First Mid Bank & Trust is thrilled to announce the appointment of Mandy Lewis as its new Executive Vice President (EVP), Chief Operations Officer. Lewis is making a transition from her previous role as EVP, Chief Deposit Services Officer within the organization, demonstrating First Mid's commitment to nurturing talent and fostering growth from within. Lewis assumes the role previously held by Laurel Allenbaugh, who will be retiring at the end of the year. During Allenbaugh’s 33-year tenure at First Mid, she has served in multiple roles including Controller, Head of Retail, and Chief Operations Officer. Joe Dively, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer at First Mid, says, “Laurel’s invaluable contributions and unwavering dedication have been truly impactful to our entire organization. Laurel leaves behind a remarkable legacy, and we extend our heartfelt appreciation for her exceptional leadership. We will be sad to see her step away, but her retirement

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WOOD RIVER - Madison County State’s Attorney Tom Haine and Wood River Police Chief Brad Wells announced Tuesday that a 19-year-old from Alton has been charged with first-degree murder has been filed in connection with a shooting death in Wood River. Austin L. Mullins has been charged with first-degree murder. The charges state that Mullins discharged a firearm, causing the death of Jacob Wall, 23, on Monday, July 24, 2023. The facts of the case were presented to State’s Attorney Haine’s Office after an investigation into the incident was started by Wood River Police Detectives and Madison County Sheriff’s Office Detectives. At 4:09 a.m. Monday, July 24, 2023, the Wood River Police Department received a 911 call to respond to 834 Tennyson Street, Wood River, for a report that a person had been shot. Police and emergency personnel immediately responded. Wood River Police Chief Brad Wells said the Wood River Fire Department and Emergency Medical Services responded

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RIVERBEND - If you’ve experienced domestic violence or other forms of intimate partner violence, keep reading. There are resources in the area that might be able to offer you some help. There are two local organizations that specialize in domestic violence. These organizations offer a variety of resources and can also connect you with other groups or support services as needed. The Oasis Women’s Center explains that despite the title, they also work with men and boys; about 25% of their client base is male. They offer a 24-hour hotline, emergency housing, assistance looking for work and housing, counseling, and other resources and supportive services such as food, clothing and school supplies. The shelter is located in Alton, but they have outreach offices in Edwardsville, Carlinville and Jerseyville. Visit their official website to learn more about their work. The Violence Prevention Center of Southwestern Illinois (VPC) is located in Belleville and

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EDWARDSVILLE - The Edwardsville District 7 Board of Education on Monday evening formally accepted the resignation of former assistant principal Erin Hamilton-Foley at a board meeting. Foley, 50, was released from her position as of July 21, 2023. An Edwardsville School official confirmed Foley's resignation acceptance. Foley has a trial date in Madison County Court on Aug. 7 and faces charges of two counts of criminal sexual assault that allegedly involved a 17-year-old student victim. Both charges are considered Class 1 felony offenses. Foley has entered a not-guilty plea in Madison County Court to the charges. Edwardsville Police arrested Foley on May 23, 2023, and she posted $25,000 bail on May 25, 2023.

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EDWARDSVILLE - Superintendent Dr. Patrick Shelton and Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Dr. Cornelia Smith presented new inclusivity initiatives for the upcoming school year to the Edwardsville Community Unit School District 7 (ECUSD7) Board during their meeting on Monday, July 24. “We want all kids to feel included,” Smith said. “They come to us as they are, and we want them to feel included in our schools.” These initiatives come after several reports of racial discrimination and harassment at Edwardsville High School. Multiple parents spoke at the June 26 board meeting and outlined the diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives they wanted to see, including more consequences for racial discrimination. The school board could not respond to specific comments at that time, but the district released the following statement on June 27: “Any instance of racism undermines the inclusive and welcoming environment District #7 strives t

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ST. LOUIS - The National Weather Service in St. Louis is recommending those in the region take seriously the Heat Advisory that was issued today and runs through Friday. Heat Advisories are in effect Wednesday across the country for the Northeast, including New York City, Boston and Philadelphia. Fred Glass, a meteorologist for the National Weather Service in St. Louis, explained the difference between a Heat Advisory and Heat Warning is that temps have to have higher values of 110 degrees to be a warning. "We are looking at this being the hottest weather all summer for the entire area and it will last until Friday," Glass said. "Temperatures could be close to 100 degrees on Wednesday, 101 degrees on Thursday and 102 degrees on Friday. The heat index all three days will be over 105 degrees." Glass recommended that people not be outside through Friday unless they have to, especially in the afternoon and the first part of the evening. "Wear light-weight clothes and not dark clothes,"

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EDWARDSVILLE - Duels were a common, though gruesome, part of 19th-century life, and often featured leading figures of history. Among them was Charles Lippincott, an Edwardsville native who held state offices in both Illinois and California – where he fought a duel in 1855 that left his opponent dead. Lippincott was also a high-ranking officer in the 33rd Illinois Infantry, the famous “Teachers’ Regiment” that originated at Illinois State University in Normal. The duel, though, overshadows many of his life’s achievements. Born on Jan. 25, 1825, Lippincott’s father was a leading Presbyterian minister and businessman who also owned an Edwardsville newspaper. One of Charles’ sisters, Abia, married Wintrhop Gilman, the Alton-area investor and business partner of Benjamin Godfrey. Young Charles attended Illinois College in Jacksonville without graduating, and later earned a degree from St. Louis Medical College in 1849. He opened a practice in Chandlerville

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SAINT JACOB – The Illinois Department of Transportation announces a lane closure on IL 4 at the US 40 intersection beginning at 7:00 a.m. on Monday, July 31, 2023, weather permitting. Two-way traffic will be maintained by temporary traffic signals. This work is needed for bridge painting, and it is expected to be completed by the end of September. Drivers are urged to reduce speed, be alert for changing conditions, obey all construction signage, and refrain from using mobile devices while approaching and traveling through the work zone. The contractor on this project is Civil Coatings and Construction, Inc. of Valparaiso, IN. 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.nn

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EDWARDSVILLE – Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s Lifelong Learning Institute (LLI) was awarded the Innovative Initiative Award by the Illinois Council for Continuing Higher Education (ICCHE). The Innovative Initiative Award recognizes and promotes best practices across Illinois while providing the opportunity for two-year and four-year institutions to showcase outstanding new programs and outline the path to that success. Though active in various forms since the 1980s, the LLI has evolved to offer educational programs for area retirees designed for a lifetime of learning and personal growth. The programming includes a weekly speaker series, trips, a Library Speaker Series and a Summer STEAM Tour. Nominated for its initiatives to increase community engagement and participation in educational outreach opportunities, the LLI implemented a hybrid delivery model for its signature Library Speaker Series. “This initiative promotes lifelong learning to community

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ALTON - Residents of Alton’s fourth ward have raised concerns about what Fourth Ward Alderwoman Rosie Brown described as “vicious” cats and dogs in the area. Possible solutions, including a change in the city’s no-kill policy, were discussed at the Committee of the Whole meeting on Monday. “My concern is that in my ward, these dogs and cats are vicious,” Brown said. “People are scared to walk the streets.” Alton Public Works Director Mike Parsons said he was concerned about unlicensed and unvaccinated animals. “So many people have dogs in our town that are not licensed, that don’t have rabies shots, and we really don’t have any way to follow up on that,” Parsons said. Parsons added that he’s against the city’s no-kill policy because a “runover of cats” is leading to “cat colonies.” “We literally, in our town - and I don’t know when this happened - but the

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WASHINGTON, D.C. - Anna Forbes, Granite City, has been chosen to represent Illinois at American Legion Auxiliary’s Girls Nation in Washington, D.C. July 22-29. Forbes is one of 94 high school seniors selected to attend American Legion Auxiliary (ALA) Girls Nation July 22-29 in Washington, D.C. The weeklong program, founded in 1947, has provided exceptional civic education to thousands of students, teaching them about how the federal government works. Forbes is one of two participants who will represent Illinois as a “senator” at ALA Girls Nation. Two delegates from each ALA Girls State program are chosen to represent their state after participating in an ALA state-level program held across the country. At ALA Girls Nation, senators will participate in mock Senate sessions complete with caucuses and debating bills that range from personal to political interests. Other activities on the agenda include a visit to Arlington National Cemetery where they will place a wreath

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ALTON - Senior Services Plus will be hosting its second annual Glow Bingo Fundraiser on Friday, August 11, 2023, at SSP Headquarters in Alton. Doors will open at 6 p.m. with bingo starting 7 p.m. and going until around 9 p.m. Bingo prizes are items and baskets donated by local businesses. A baked good silent auction will start at 6 p.m. along with a wheelbarrow of booze raffle. Tickets are $20 per person and are available in single tickets or by purchasing a table. Various table sizes are available. No refunds are permitted. You must be 18 years old to play. Please bring your own drinks and snacks. Alcohol is permitted. To purchase tickets please visit https://www.seniorservicesplus.org/glow-bingo . Last year’s event sold out prior to the event, so get your tickets soon! Funds raised will go to support the 14 programs and services that Senior Services Plus provides throughout 8 counties that benefit nearly 30,000 older adults annually. These programs include Meals on Wheels,

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SPRINGFIELD - Catholic Charities, Diocese of Springfield in Illinois, recently received 1,596 cases (38,565 pounds) of food from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in June. The food will be provided to clients through our six food pantries and seven mobile food pantries throughout the Diocese. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has a mission of “Loving Our Neighbor” by striving to follow the example of Jesus Christ to feed the hungry, take in the stranger, and clothe the naked. Catholic Charities has a similar mission to “Extend to all the healing and empowering presence of Jesus”. It was a simple decision for the two organizations to partner in an effort to help with food insecurity by feeding those in need. Catholic Charities, Diocese of Springfield in Illinois has seven regional offices in our 28-county Diocese that offers 22 different programs. These programs have served thousands of hard-working families that struggle to afford

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GODFREY – Coming on the heels of a successful launch of Lewis and Clark Community College’s newly refreshed brand this past winter, the Monticello Sculpture Gardens’ 11 th annual curated summer garden show is dedicated to “discovering” all the gardens have to offer. Aptly named, Discover Monticello Sculpture Gardens presents the opportunity for the campus community and visitors alike to reintroduce themselves to the college and get to know the Godfrey Campus in its role as a destination botanical garden. This year’s show is taking the gardens to new heights, honoring the historic campus of Monticello College through the Victorian gardens in Fountain Court to highlighting Lewis and Clark’s rich color palette – comprising Trailblazer blue, white, grey and black, along with the addition of a yellow/orange called Sunglow – throughout the popular Rivers of Color garden. “Always a fan-favorite, the Living Wall garden is embracing

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CHICAGO – The Mega Millions Jackpot has climbed to $820 million for tonight’s drawing – giving Illinois Lottery players another chance at becoming an overnight multi-millionaire. If someone wins tonight’s massive jackpot - it would be the fifth-largest Mega Millions Jackpot and the eighth-largest lottery jackpot won in U.S. history. Last July, a staggering $1.34 billion Mega Millions Jackpot was won in Illinois. Two people with one winning ticket in Des Plaines claimed the largest lottery prize ever in Illinois, and at the time, the third-largest lottery prize in U.S. history. So far this year, four Illinois Lottery players have won $1 million or more with Mega Millions. Anyone could be next - all you need is a ticket to dream! There are over 7,000 Illinois Lottery retailers across the State and the Lottery also offers a convenient online channel at IllinoisLottery.com or via its app. And if you have the good fortune to win a life-altering amount of money,

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HAMEL – The Illinois Department of Transportation announces lane closures in both directions on I-55. The Northbound direction will have one lane closed between Illinois Route 143 and Illinois Route 140. The Southbound direction will have one lane closed between 143 and I-270. All lane closures will be beginning at 7:00 p.m. on Friday, July 28, 2023, weather permitting. One lane, in each direction, will remain open at all times. In addition to this work, the ramp from IL 4 to I-55 Northbound will be fully closed during the same time frame. This work is needed for road repairs and all lanes will be open by 5:00 a.m. Monday. Drivers are urged to reduce speed, be alert for changing conditions, obey all construction signage, and refrain from using mobile devices while approaching and traveling through the work zone. The contractor on this project is Keeley & Sons, Inc of E. St. Louis. For IDOT District 8 updates, follow us on Twitter at @IDOTDistrict8 or view area

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EDWARDSVILLE - Following a successful season, the Edwardsville High School baseball team was recognized by the Edwardsville Community Unit School District 7 Board during their meeting on Monday, July 24. The team won the Illinois state championship in June, finishing the season 33-9 with a 10-game-winning streak. This is the fifth time that the baseball program has been named state champions. “You go to the baseball field and that’s our little respite for our guys just to enjoy playing, learning about themselves as individuals,” Coach Tim Funkhouser said. “Athletic endeavors and competition brings out a lot of things that they can learn from. Sometimes they’re more challenging than others, and this team went through a lot of those this year. We play a very competitive schedule, and our guys continue to meet the challenge.” During the meeting, the board announced that the team has also been recognized by the 103rd Illinois General Assembly an

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WOOD RIVER - Wood River’s Central Park celebrated its new playground with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Tuesday, July 25. The playground is more accessible and offers a challenge course, which is a unique addition to the Riverbend area. “We’ve been thinking about it, visualizing it, and to see it actually come to fruition is exciting for us,” Parks and Recreation Director Jason Woody said. “I think the kids are going to love it, and the community, and even some teenagers who get out there on the challenge course and try it out.” The Central Park playground was updated with a new swingset and play structure with many slides. New poured-in-place rubber surfacing makes it possible for wheelchairs to easily access the space. But the most popular attraction so far is the challenge course. This course includes climbing nets, monkey bars and jumping platforms. Kids can press a button to start and stop a timer, which allows them to time themselves as they

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EDWARDSVILLE - Edwardsville Community Unit School District 7 athlete A.J. Brewster was noted by the district school board for his accomplishments last month at the Special Olympics of Illinois Summer Games. Brewster, a competitive swimmer, took first place in the 100-meter freestyle and third place in the 50-meter freestyle. He also broke his personal records in both events. During their meeting on Monday, July 24, the school board congratulated Brewster and recognized him as a state medalist. “He’s always at practice. He always has a smile. He works his hardest,” Leslie Roderick, who coaches swimming with the Edwardsville School District Special Olympics team, told the board. In addition to swimming, Brewster also runs track and plays soccer, basketball and hockey. You can learn more about Brewster and his accomplishments here . “It’s an honor and a privilege to be able to invite A.J. to the board meeting tonight,” Kayla Magruder, a teacher

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GODFREY – Lewis and Clark Community College will showcase the award-winning work of Photographer Robert J. Ellison – focusing on his coverage of the Civil Rights movement and Vietnam War – during a public photo exhibition and commemorative event in August. Both the exhibit and event, co-sponsored by The Hayner Public Library District, are free and open to the public. The photo exhibition, which will mimic a journey through time in 100 photographs captured by the young photographer, who was killed in action at age 23 when a plane he was on was hit by enemy gunfire in Vietnam in March 1968. It will run from Aug. 14-31 in L&C’s Hatheway Gallery. Gallery hours are from 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Monday through Friday, and 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday. As the only surviving son of a soldier killed in World War II, Ellison, a graduate of Alton’s Western Military Academy and son of a Monticello College alumna, was exempt from military service in Vietnam. Nevertheless,

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