Riverbender 🕸

ALTON - On the heels of sponsoring two (2) very successful and capacity-packed NARCAN training sessions in February 2023 and March 2023, OSF Saint Anthony’s Health Center (1 St. Anthony’s Way, Alton) is continuing its advocacy in addressing the opioid epidemic in southwestern Illinois by hosting a Community Conversation on Opioid Use Disorder. The Community Conversation on Opioid Use Disorder program will be held on Friday, June 16, 10:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., in the hospital’s Perpetual Help Center. The training program is free and lunch will be provided, but registration is required. Registration can be completed by visiting https://AltonConversation.eventbrite.com . According to statistics available through the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), between 2013 and 2021, the number of opioid overdose deaths in Illinois increased by almost 300%. According to provisional data, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates more than 108,000

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CARROLLTON – Scholarship grants totaling $39,200.00 were awarded to 23 graduating seniors at the Carrollton Community Unit High School graduation held Friday, May 19, 2023, in the gymnasium. The awards will cover the 2023-2024 academic year at junior colleges, colleges, universities and trade schools selected by each graduate. District One Foundation (DOF) scholarships are awarded only for a student’s freshman year, although donors may continue their financial support for a particular graduate at their discretion and with assistance from the DOF Board of Trustees. Scholarship awards are supported by local donors and others who are located elsewhere in the United States, and by various fund-raising activities sponsored by DOF. Some donors specify the criteria to be used for the selection process, and some choose to make their own selection. Senior applicants can apply on line by logging on to the Google Classroom website, and a Scholarship Selection Committee (SSC), composed

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SPRINGFIELD – Governor JB Pritzker, Illinois State Police (ISP) Director Brendan F. Kelly, and law enforcement officials from across the state honored the acts of heroism performed by local and state officers during the Law Enforcement Medal of Honor Ceremony today in Springfield. The Law Enforcement Medal of Honor Committee awarded 136 officers from 41 agencies the Medal of Honor in recognition of their brave and sacrificial service to the citizens of Illinois. “Every single one of our Medal of Honor Awardees exemplify the unwavering unselfishness and courage that it takes to be a true public servant,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “From the July 4th Highland Park massacre to hostage situations and armed robberies, Illinois’ police officers respond to our most daunting emergencies with resolve and selflessness — and on behalf of the people of Illinois, we couldn’t be more grateful.” The Medal of Honor is awarded to officers who have

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SOUTHWESTERN HIGH SCHOOL SEMESTER 2 2022-2023 HIGH HONOR AND HONOR ROLL HIGH HONOR ROLL Senior Class of 2023 High Honor Roll List for Semester 2 Brandon Adams, Jillian Beilsmith, Ryeleigh Bertman, Madison Bryant, Cassie Christian, Daniel Cokel, Rylee Crane, Masen Day, Kennedy Dempsey, Casey Dugan, Melanie Goff, Audrey Gordon, Vance Hake, Madyson Henderson, Jillian Hoback, Tyson Kahl, Allison Medford, Ryan Raymond, Gracie Schneider, Jaron Whipps Junior Class of 2024 High Honor Roll List for Semester 2 Wyatt Akers, Matthew Arendell, Chiara Biciocchi, Kelsey Bray, Carson Burns, Mia Greenwell, Abigail Hellrung, Ashlynn Huber, Gavin Humm, Alyssa Kasten, Colin LeMarr, Parker LeMarr, Abigail McDonald, Aubrey Reno, Jillian Smith, Alexandra Wigger Sophomore Class of 2025 High Honor Roll List for Semester 2 Ike Austin, Lainie Behrends, Reagan Beilsmith, Cali Bolin, Ian Brantley, Makenzie Cottingham, Secilia D’Angelo, Gracie Darr, Madison Fenstermaker, Hailey

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A LTON - Golden Corral in Alton has officially re-opened. Featuring a remodeled interior and a new management team, the location has been in a “soft opening” phase this week and will ramp up its marketing starting next week. Golden Corral will be open for lunch and dinner from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday, and open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner on Saturdays and Sundays from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Director of Operations Rena Hurst said the Alton location officially re-opened on Memorial Day last Monday, May 29. Since then, she said they’ve had a steady number of customers and expect even more after their next marketing push. “We did two days of training on Saturday and Sunday, so word got around pretty quick that we were going to be open,” Hurst said. “We had a very nice soft open on Monday and Tuesday, well up over last year, so we’re hopeful with the additional advertising we’ll get the word out to everybody.” Hurst

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O'FALLON - On Sunday, May 28, 2023, St. Clair County Assistant State’s Attorney Judith Dalen issued a three-count warrant: for Aggravated Vehicular Hijacking with a Firearm, a Class X Felony, for Vehicular Hijacking, a Class 1 Felony, and for Possession of a Stolen Motor Vehicle, a Class 2 Felony, each charging Marlon J. Carter, 34, of the 1300 block of Kim Drive in O'Fallon, IL., with the above crimes. At 6:55 p.m. on Friday, May 26, 2023, Shiloh Officers were dispatched to the area of Sierra Drive in Shiloh in reference to a fight in progress, with one subject armed with a firearm. While officers were responding, dispatch advised two vehicles were leaving the scene. One of the vehicles was stopped by Shiloh Officers, and it was determined the driver of the vehicle was the victim of an armed vehicular hijacking, and the other vehicle which fled the scene was the victim’s vehicle which was being driven by the suspect. O’Fallon Police Officers arrived

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ALTON - The 2023 season of the Night Market will be held every Thursday night in June and July from 7:00-10:00 p.m. Get a jump start on your weekend at this fun event held inside Jacoby Arts Center located at 627 E. Broadway, in the neighboring pocket park, and wrapping around the building to connect with FLOCK food truck park. Enjoy live music and great food and beverages while shopping for art and handmade wares as well as vintage and hip thrift items at this family and pet-friendly event. Indoor and outdoor vendor space is available—the fee is $10 for a single week or $80 for the entire 9-week season. Find full details and a link to register at DowntownAlton.com/Events, and stay up to date on announcements at Facebook.com/NightMarketAlton . LIVE MUSIC SCHEDULE: June 1 - Spillie Nelson June 8 - Ahna Schoenhoff June 15 - The Intrusion June 22 - Loftys Comet June 29 - Bring Me The Fires July 6 - Toxic Johnny July 13 - HOOKiE July 20 - Jazz Troubadours July 27

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HSHS St. Elizabeth’s Hospital honors colleague with quarterly National DAISY Award O’FALLON – HSHS St. Elizabeth’s Hospital presented the quarterly National DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses to Jennifer Nesbit, RN, in the telemetry unit. The award is part of the DAISY Foundation's nationwide program to recognize the superhuman efforts nurses perform every day. A colleague nominated Nesbit for the DAISY award, acknowledging Jennifer’s supportiveness toward her patients and their families. She engages with them and advocates for them while also encouraging them to always ask questions and share concerns. The nomination noted, “Jennifer not only is a true advocate for our patients and their family but continuously goes above and beyond for them to get answers and communicate with providers. Jennifer did more than just take care of her patients; she treated them as family and showed our Mission through her work and lives our Core Values.”

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O'FALLON - The O'Fallon and Fairview Heights Police Departments have requested the Illinois State Police to investigate an officer-involved shooting that occurred recently at the intersection of U.S. Highway 50 and Old Collinsville Road in O'Fallon. The shooting occurred at 11:28 p.m. on May 28, 2023. The preliminary investigation indicates the O'Fallon Police Department and Fairview Heights Police Department attempted a traffic stop on a vehicle wanted in connection with a felony offense out of the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department, armed and dangerous. The driver, 26-year-old Jesse A. Cook of East St. Louis, exited the vehicle, armed with a firearm, and fled on foot. Cook fired at the officers and the officers returned fire. Cook continued running approximately 100 yards where he was found with an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head. Cook was airlifted to a regional hospital and pronounced deceased. No officers were injured during this incident. This investigation

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SPRINGFIELD – The unemployment rate remained low in area counties for the month ending in April 2023, the U.S. Department of Labor Statistics and the Illinois Department of Employment Security (DES) displayed today. For April 2023, Madison County had an unemployment rate of 3.5 percent compared to 3.6 percent the same time last year, while Jersey County also had a 3.5 percent unemployment rate compared to 3.4 percent last year at this time and Macoupin County's rate was 3.5 percent compared to 3.6 percent a year ago. Calhoun County was at 3.8 percent compared to 3.6 percent a year ago and Greene County dropped from 4.0 percent to 3.9 percent this year. Edwardsville's unemployment rate has remained steady from 3.1 percent last year to 3.0 percent in April 2023. Alton recorded a 4.8 percent unemployment rate, compared to 4.9 percent in April 2022. Granite City has a 3.3 percent unemployment rate and was the same as a year ago. East St. Louis remained steady at 6.4 percent for

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JERSEYVILLE - Two individuals were arrested for driving on revoked/suspended licenses from past DUIs and another was arrested for meth possession in Jersey County, according to recent court filings. Howard E. Gray, 60, of Brighton, was charged with driving on a license that had been revoked/suspended following a previous DUI charge. Gray had previously been convicted of driving on a revoked/suspended license on the following dates in the following counties: February 18, 2013, in Camden County, Missouri April 9, 2021, in Madison County, Illinois December 3, 2021, in Macoupin County, Illinois Gray was charged with a Class 4 felony, and no bail was noted. The incident took place on April 14 on Oak Rest Road in Jersey County. More information and updates on Gray’s case are available here . Robert L. Tidwell Jr., 56, of Brighton, was also charged with driving on a license that had been revoked/suspended following a previous DUI charge. Gray had previously been convicted

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BETHALTO - Matthew Livingston Jr. is off to a sensational start in motocross racing and has qualified for two regionals in June. If he places in the top six, he will qualify for the national competition at Loretta Lynn's Ranch. He will be racing June 16-18 in Ponca City, Okla. - if he doesn't advance there, he will be in a regional race in Casey, Ill., on June 23-25. Matthew won two championships in the Mid America Motocross Series the last two years in a row, and is now sitting in first place in points in the 50-Senior Class and fifth in points for the 50-Open Class in the THOR series. Matthew's mother, Kara, and his father, Matthew Sr., both said they are extremely proud of their young son. He seems to be "a natural" for the sport and started when he was 5 years old. He now operates a Cobra FWE bike. Young Matthew attends Bethalto schools and is currently devoted to only motocross as a sport from an athletic standpoint. His mother said Matthew Jr.'s future looks exceptionally

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ALTON - A local man whose body was found submerged in Wood River Creek has been identified as Trever J. Oliver, 33, of South Roxana. Madison County Coroner Stephen P. Nonn identified the body, which was found near the intersection of Wood River Creek and East Broadway on Friday, May 26, 2023. Alton Police and Fire was notified of the body discovery at 6:05 p.m. on Friday. Responding officers found the man in a prone position with his head submerged underneath the water. Authorities also said Oliver was known to be in the general area prior to his death. He was pulled to shore by Alton Police officers and secured until the arrival of Coroner’s Office Investigator Christopher Hartman, who pronounced Oliver dead at 6:44 p.m. Friday, May 26, 2023. Coroner Nonn said an autopsy has been conducted in order to shed light on the cause and manner of death. "Preliminary results of the autopsy failed to reveal overt signs of nefarious involvement, however, a final cause of death, as well

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ALTON - Madison County Coroner Steve Nonn confirmed on Tuesday morning an autopsy has been completed on a male subject discovered Friday evening in Wood River Creek at the overpass with East Broadway in Alton. Nonn said there was nothing that revealed anything criminal in nature about the death. Nonn said he couldn’t release at this time the cause of death but said it was a 33-year-old male who was found. Alton Police and Alton Fire responded to the scene, assisted by East Alton Police. The coroner’s office was then called to the scene.

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ALTON – U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today visited Alton Memorial Hospital, part of BJC Healthcare, to meet with its President, David Braasch, and health care providers. During their meeting, Durbin spoke about his new Rural Health Workforce Roadmap , an initiative to help address the shortage of health care workers in rural Illinois and organize efforts among hospitals, health centers, graduate schools, and community colleges to tackle the root causes of these shortages. Durbin acknowledged BJC Healthcare’s efforts to implement some of the key tenants in Durbin’s Roadmap, including paying tuition to recruit new nurses, and serving as a training site for Southern Illinois University’s family medicine residency program. Durbin, author of the American Cures Act , also touched on his efforts to ensure that medical research remains a priority within the federal government’s budget as Republican lawmakers threaten to slash the funding

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SPRINGFIELD - The Illinois State Fair Box Office is opening for in-person grandstand ticket purchases Thursday, June 1. Regular box office hours are 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday and Saturday, August 5th from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Tickets are also available to purchase online using www.ticketmaster.com . In addition to concert tickets, fairgoers will be able to purchase tickets at the Box Office to ISF Bares, Broncs and Bulls rodeo, the ISF Championship Demolition Derby and the ITPA Truck & Tractor Pulls presented by the Illinois Soybean Association “We are excited to be partnering with the Illinois Department of Agriculture to help host this event,” said Illinois Soybean Vice Chair Ron Kindred. “The Illinois State Fair is a wonderful event where guests are able to combine fun and education all in one place. We are thrilled to be providing the opportunity for people to enjoy the tractor pull where many tractors will be using biodiesel blends made with soybean oil from

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ALTON - While caring for a loved one can be very rewarding, it also involves many stressors. And since caregiving is often a long-term challenge, the emotional impact can snowball over time. In fact, a caregiver may face years or even decades of caregiving responsibilities. It can be particularly disheartening if a caregiver feels as if they’re in over their head, if there’s no hope that their family member will get better, or if, despite best efforts, their condition is gradually deteriorating. OSF Saint Anthony’s Health Center is introducing its Connections: Caregiver Therapy Group in the effort to alleviate stressors and provide a community support resource for caregivers in the Riverbend region. The Connections: Caregiver Therapy Group will begin meeting every Monday from 10 a.m. – 11 a.m. starting on Monday, June 5. OSF Saint Anthony’s Psychological Services is offering the Connections: Caregiver Therapy Group to provide an educational, caring,

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JERSEYVILLE - Kids are out of school and parents are wondering how they will keep them entertained. Enter, the Jerseyville Public Library! The Library will be hosting their annual Summer Reading Clubs for all ages – infants to adults and everyone in between. Registration begins June 1 with club activities running June 12 through July 21 where there will be a combined prize party and Tiny Art Show for all participants in Summer Reading Clubs. Summer Reading Club is a lot more than just reading with activities, entertainment, movies, crafts, concerts and so much more. All are welcome regardless of Library Card status. LEGO Club will be held Saturday, June 3 at 10:00 am, an always popular and fun event where your masterpieces will be displayed all month long at the Library. (For Gr. K-7) Two new clubs that kicked off last month will be continuing: Teen Book Club featuring word puzzles and hot chocolate Saturdays at 3:00 pm and Junior Book Club featuring fun activities every Thursday

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SPRINGFIELD— Following the House passage of the FY24 budget agreement, Governor JB Pritzker released the following statement: “My thanks to Speaker Welch, Leader Jehan Gordon-Booth, and all the members of the House who voted today to advance our fifth balanced budget. This budget reaffirms our shared commitment to fiscal responsibility while making transformative investments in the children and families of Illinois that will be felt for years to come. I look forward to signing this budget making childcare and education more accessible, healthcare more affordable, and our state’s business and economic position even stronger.” Fiscal Year 2024 Budget The FY 24 budget is a balanced plan with conservative revenue estimates that builds on our fiscal progress while making transformative investments in early childhood and higher education, workforce development, and efforts to fight violence and poverty Highlights Fiscal Responsibility – 5 th balance

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ALTON - The Annual James Killion Day at Killion Park at Salu turned out to be everything that was planned and much more to honor the Alton community activist. Alton Mayor David Goins said it was a great honor and privilege to recognize the birth, life, and legacy of the late James H. Killion Jr. “Killion’s family attended and were humbled by the festivities,” he said. “The weather was perfect and the event was well attended. I would like to thank the committee and the volunteers for organizing a wonderful ceremony. Alton Fourth Ward Alderwoman Rosetta Brown was the emcee. First Lady Sheila Goins also played a big part in the celebration and she said: “Gene Baldwin’s keynote address was superb. “It seemed all were captivated by his address and the speeches of the others,” she added. “It was a lovely day and honor to pay tribute and honor the Killion family.” There was a presentation of colors and music, plus acknowledgment

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