Riverbender 🕸

WEST ALTON - Bald Eagle 23-126 had over 100 people cheering him on as he was released into the wild at the Audubon Center at Riverlands on Friday, July 7. The World Bird Sanctuary (WBS) rehabilitated 126 over the past few months, with thousands of people following his story online. WBS worked with the Audubon Center to release him in an area where he will have access to plenty of food and perches as he acclimates to his new life. “There is never a day that we do this that it’s not just amazing,” Ryan Vinyard, who works with WBS, said. “The work that led up to this, every part of it, has been great.” Bald Eagle 23-126 was blown out of his nest during a storm earlier this spring. WBS has been caring for the orphaned bird since then. In the past several weeks, 126 has practiced scavenging, hunting and flying at the WBS facility in Valley Park, MO. All of this has prepared him to survive in the wild. He is roughly 15–16 weeks old now, which is about

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MEDORA - When Gabrielle McQuay decided to complete a Gold Project to round out her years as a Girl Scout, she knew exactly what she wanted to do. She decided to create the reading garden that late Southwestern teacher Lori Schultz had always wanted to see. “It was in my mind ever since she died,” Gabrielle said. “She always talked about it. She was really excited to get one and kept trying to convince them.” Gabrielle has fond memories of Schultz and Medora Elementary School (now Medora Intermediate School). Schultz, a Jerseyville native, spent 14 years as a teacher in the Southwestern School District. She passed away in 2015 at age 37 after battling brain cancer for nine months. Gabrielle was a student in the last third-grade class she ever taught. Now as a 2023 Southwestern High School graduate, Gabrielle is paying back some of the love that Schultz showed her students. She devoted her Gold Project — the highest honor in Girl Scouts —

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ALTON - A GoFundMe has been organized for an area family who lost their home and all furnishings. On July 4, 2023, Jimmy, Cristina and their two young boys, Niko and Gus, lost their home and all of their belongings when a fire raged through their house. They were celebrating the holiday when they got the call to immediately return home. Upon arrival, they found it was too late to salvage anything as first responders battled to put the fire out and get it contained. It was a complete loss. The GoFundMe organizers for the family made these statements: "The family had the roots of their family swept out from under them. They are now without a home and all of the things they have worked so hard to build. Jimmy and Cristina are the unsung heroes of our community. They give selflessly to people every single day in their careers and never ask for anything in return. They are who we trust to keep us safe and mend us when we’re injured. Now it is our time to give back to them. "Let u

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ALTON - Alton Main Street , the Sierra Club Illinois ’ Three Rivers Project and Jacoby Arts Center are announcing the return of the Mississippi Earthtones Festival to the Alton Amphitheater on Saturday, September 16th from noon until 10:00pm. The organizations are seeking exhibitors, vendors, artists, sponsors and volunteers for their 17th annual event. The festival attracts thousands of community members and tourists to Downtown Alton every year to celebrate our river through art, music, and conservation. Wind-powered live music will fill the air throughout the day. The entertainment line-up on the main stage will feature: Mattie Schell & Friends (Americana) from 12:00-2:00, Loftys Comet (Alternative Indie Jazz) from 3:00-6:00, Jake’s Leg (Grateful Dead Tribute) from 7:00-10:00, and between each act will be a performance by Jason “Gordo” Gordon (1-Man, 10-Piece Band) from 2:00-3:00 and 6:00-7:00. New this year, ARTICA STL will team up with the Joia World

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ALTON - At 2:49 p.m. on July 7, 2023, the Alton Police Department was contacted by a local business that has recently been the victim of several felony thefts. The business employee requested officer assistance in retrieving the stolen property. Alton Police Chief Ford said Alton Police Officers and detectives agreed to assist in the recovery of the stolen property. In doing so, they observed the theft suspect with stolen property in the 2300 block of State Street, Alton. As officers attempted to take the suspect into custody, the suspect was able to flee the area in a vehicle. The suspect then refused to pull over and instead fled in an attempt to elude officers. "A pursuit ensued with officers successfully deploying stop sticks to disable the vehicle," Chief Ford said. "The vehicle came to a stop just across the Clark Bridge in Missouri. The suspect exited the vehicle and attempted to flee on foot and then subsequently continued his efforts to flee by swimming in a nearby body of

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EDWARDSVILLE – Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s WSIE 88.7 The Sound FM , St. Louis’ home for jazz, smooth jazz, blues and easy R&B, has been chosen as one of the top three radio stations in St. Louis according to St. Louis Magazine’s A-List poll, now for three years in a row. “It is an honor and a thrill to know that we have so many fans and supporters out there who love WSIE,” said Jason Church, general manager of WSIE. “To come in as a finalist three years in a row drives home the fact that WSIE is a staple when it comes to radio in the St. Louis region. People love this station, and it shows. We are so grateful for their support.” WSIE was also a finalist in the radio personality (Jason Church) and radio show (The Jazz Collective with Jason Church) categories. “One of our station slogans is ‘your break from the noise,’” Church added. “Our music is comprised of mostly instrumentals; it take

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EDWARDSVILLE – State Senator Erica Harriss (56 th -Glen Carbon) is pleased to announce more than $1.3 billion in highway improvement projects could soon make their way to the 56 th District as a part of a newly announced transportation improvement plan by the state on Friday. “Infrastructure is the backbone of our communities and it’s important we continue investing in critical resources like our roads and bridges but also looking at ways to improve the overall safety and scope of our roadways,” said Senator Harriss. The new $41 billion, multi-year statewide effort spans over the course of six years and is the largest in state history. The plan invests in various modes of transportation including highway, rail, transit, aeronautics, and marine. Notable projects included in the proposed plans include: I-270: $101.9 million for interchange reconstruction, 1.2 miles of pavement replacement and additional lanes, bridge replacement and bridge superstructure

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Letter To The Editor: Over the past few years, Wood River City Council meetings have been contentious. However, the last two meetings have devolved with threats to the council and comments, some of which are from non-Wood River residents, that are nothing more than personal smear attacks intended to tarnish council members including negative comments about their immediate family members. I find this behavior deeply offensive and I am extremely disappointed that the Mayor has failed to enforce decorum and gaveled such comments out of order. I have been informed that a former City Council candidate that was recently defeated in the April election has been organizing and promoting these comments on Facebook amongst her supporters. The comments made by some individuals are false and intended to mislead and smear the reputation of myself and other council members. I have known the Mayor for 40 years. He personally endorsed, promoted and campaigned with this woman. That is why I find it

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SPRINGFIELD – July is National Extreme Heat Safety Month and the Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security (IEMA-OHS) has some easy tips to keep you cool. “Illinois has many days of sweltering high heat including several 100-degree days,” explained IEMA-OHS Director Alicia Tate-Nadeau. “Know the differences and prevent heat cramps, heat illness, and heat stroke.” Extreme heat is defined as two to three days of heat and humidity with successive 90+ degree days. In July 1995, a heat wave contributed to more than 700 deaths in the Chicago area. Illinois State Climatologist believe that typically over 300 people die from heat every year. Heat is responsible for the highest number of deaths every year from weather-related hazards in Illinois. Extreme heat safety awareness tips include: About 40 percent of unwanted heat buildup in homes is through windows Use awnings or curtains to deflect the sun Fans will move air around,

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ALTON - Duke Bakery has been an Alton landmark since 1951. Nearly 75 years later, the third generation of owners reflect on the love they’ve received from the community and how they repay it with donuts, pies, cakes and more. “I find it to be a great honor to be a part of so many different aspects of people’s lives, from birth to baby showers to weddings, birthdays, you name it,” co-owner Amy Hollis said. Duke Bakery was opened by Amy’s grandfather in 1951, which makes her a third-generation owner. Ben Hollis, Amy’s husband, has managed the business with her for over 20 years. The bakery welcomes a long line of loyal customers every day, with multiple glass cases filled with fresh pastries each morning. Workers often see familiar faces as well as new customers who are eager to try out the many beloved menu items. Over the years, a lot of these customers have become friends. Ben noted that Amy even keeps track of some of the annual

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CHICAGO – Lottery fever has set in across Illinois as the two multi-state lottery games, Mega Millions and Powerball, reach a combined jackpot of $1.065 billion. The Mega Millions jackpot for tonight’s drawing now stands at $450 million - the third largest jackpot of 2023, while the Powerball jackpot for Saturday night’s drawing is an estimated $615 million - the 10th largest in the game’s history. As both jackpots climb, Illinois Lottery players will be hoping that their numbers come up for a chance to win larger-than-life sums of money. Just last year, a $1.337 billion Mega Millions jackpot - the largest lottery prize ever won in Illinois and, at the time, the third largest lottery prize in U.S. history - was won with a single ticket purchased at the Speedway gas station in Des Plaines. So far this year, five Illinoisans have won prizes of $1 million or more playing the Mega Millions or Powerball games. In total, Mega Millions and Powerball player

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EAST ST. LOUIS – The U.S. Federal Court in St. Louis announced today that Jeremy P. Devaisher, 42, of Brighton, was sentenced to 130 months in prison for methamphetamine-related charges on Thursday, July 6, 2023. He was fined $200 and must also pay $100 in special assessments. Following his release from federal prison, Devaisher must complete five years of supervised release. Devaisher was arrested in Alton in January of 2022, while he was still on mandatory supervised release from the Illinois Department of Corrections for Unlawful Use of a Weapon by a Felon. “Methamphetamine is dangerously addictive, it ruins lives, and it harms communities across southern Illinois,” said U.S. Attorney Rachelle Aud Crowe. “We work with our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners to ensure that repeat offenders face heightened penalties for choosing crime over peaceful rehabilitation.” “I am incredibly proud of the Alton Police Officers who helped put

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EDWARDSVILLE - Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers is one step closer to opening in Edwardsville after the City Council gave their unanimous approval to grant a Special Use Permit for the restaurant. “This is Raising Cane’s coming to Edwardsville, which is pretty exciting,” Alderwoman Elizabeth Grant said as she introduced the item to the council. A few other aldermen expressed their excitement for the chicken chain to join the Edwardsville community. Alderwoman Jennifer Warren noted the location’s proximity to Chick-Fil-A in Glen Carbon, with Alderman William Krause joking there will be “dueling chickens” in the area. The City Council then voted unanimously to approve a Special Use Permit for the drive-thru facility, which will be constructed at 2104 Governors Parkway. No further details on a timeline for construction were available yet, but the project is set to move forward after the council gave their unanimous approval. A full

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ALTON - The Alton Dispensary had its grand opening Friday morning and saw quite a turnout. People were lined up in front of the building awaiting on the doors to open at 10 a.m. The new dispensary, located at 1400 E Broadway, a short walk from Fast Eddies Bon Air, will be open seven days a week with current hours being Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and on Sundays 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The dispensary is cash only and has an ATM inside if needed. Many local businesses set up tents around the parking lot Friday morning and were out informing people about the cannabis industry. Food trucks were also on offer throughout the afternoon. Customers flowed in and out of the building during the morning, many of them happy to see the first cannabis legalization in Alton. Before, the closest dispensaries around were either in Collinsville or across the river in Missouri. The new Alton location has a helpful website that answers commonly asked questions regarding cannabis. It can be

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CHICAGO – Governor JB Pritzker signed legislation on June 30 designed to improve care for people who suffer from strokes in Illinois. HB 2238 authorizes the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) to recognize a new level of certification that hospitals can voluntarily seek for treating stroke victims. The measure will help ensure patients who need care during or after a stroke can be sent to hospitals that provide the appropriate level of care. The bill was sponsored in the House by State Representative Barbara Hernandez (D-Aurora), Assistant Majority Leader, and in the Senate by State Senator Laura Ellman (D-Naperville). “Strokes kill thousands of Illinoisans each year and can cause debilitating damage for those who survive them,” Governor JB Pritzker said. “This legislation will encourage our world class hospitals to upgrade the care they provide for stroke victims with the goal of saving as many lives as possible and helping patients recover and continue

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CHICAGO - Attorney General Kwame Raoul today announced a settlement agreement that resolves an investigation by the Attorney General’s office and the Illinois Department of Labor (IDOL) into a medical staffing company’s practice of deducting “booking fees” when workers missed shifts. Under the settlement, GrapeTree Medical Staffing, LLC (GrapeTree), agrees to pay approximately $950,000 in back wages and interest to around 3,000 current and former employees in Illinois. “Illinois law prohibits employers from disciplining employees by deducting their pay. Any company doing business in our state must follow laws that require workers to be compensated for the hours they work without unauthorized pay deductions,” Raoul said. “I am committed to enforcing laws that protect Illinois workers and support law-abiding businesses, and my office will continue to collaborate with the Illinois Department of Labor to accomplish that goal.” “At

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BLOOMINGTON – Today, U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, released the following statement regarding new reports by The Marshall Project and NPR , as well as Washington Lawyers’ Committee , of abuse at USP Thomson: “Throughout my congressional career, I’ve sought to address injustices facing incarcerated people and their families. Last summer, I was deeply disturbed by reports of abuses at USP Thomson. I called for an investigation, which the Justice Department Inspector General agreed to undertake. The deeply disturbing allegations detailed in today’s reports emphasize the need to expedite this investigation and refer any crimes that may have been committed to the Justice Department for prosecution. Anyone who violated the civil rights of individuals incarcerated at Thomson should be held accountable. “I strongly supported the BOP Director’s decision to remove the Special Management Unit,

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METROPOLIS – Illinois State Police (ISP) Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) are investigating an in-custody death of an inmate at the Massac County Jail at the request of the Massac County Sheriff’s Department. On July 5, 2023, at approximately 9:14 a.m., correctional staff found 43-year-old Dennis F. Schapmire of Ozark, IL deceased in his jail cell. An autopsy was performed at the Williamson County Morgue and the cause of death is pending toxicology results. The investigation is on-going and no additional information is being released at this time.

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ALTON - An Alton girl can claim she ranked as the best 200-meter sprinter in the USATF 15-16-year-old female age division with a recent performance. Rayna Raglin, a 15-year-old sprinter sensation, received national attention this past weekend when she captured first place in the 15-16-year-old division 200-meter race in the USATF Youth National Track Championships in Geneva, Ohio. The Alton High Athletic Department said Raglin "put Alton on the map this weekend with her outstanding performance on a national stage." Raglin, who just completed her freshman year, won the 200 in a scorching time of 24.9 seconds and was second in the 100 and third in the long jump. Her final times were 12.2 seconds for the 100 and she jumped 17-foot-3 in the long jump. Raglin’s father, Rodney, said he could not be more proud of his daughter. He said she has worked very hard over the summer and simply loves track and field. The future looks extraordinarily bright for the Redbird performer who will

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GODFREY - An observation platform at the Nature Institute will not be rebuilt after it sustained damage in a fire. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation. The flames started on Wednesday night and reignited on Thursday morning. There were no electrical outlets near the platform or anything to suggest an electrical fire. It was built out there so that visitors could climb up to the top and really just kind of get a bird’s eye view of the prairie,” Ramona Pollard, the Institute’s outreach director, said. “It didn’t have anything on it. There were a few benches that people could sit on, but it was really just an overlook tower to get a good view of the prairie in bloom.” Pollard added that the prairie has been “absolutely beautiful” this year. She said they are not planning to rebuild the platform. There have been enough instances of vandalism out there recently that it just wouldn’t be a wise choice at this

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