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WOOD RIVER - A few members of the public responded to the Wood River City Council’s split vote to delay the development and opening of a dispensary in the city’s downtown and place the issue on the ballot next spring, after the council held a special meeting on the subject on May 17. Wood River resident Bill Rogers spoke during the Public Comment portion of the meeting and said he would not support a dispensary opening in Wood River. “As for the referendum that’s listed on the dispensary, my position has not changed - we do not need one, period,” Rogers said. Pastor Dave Landry said the three council members who voted to delay the dispensary - Bill Dettmers, David Ayres, and Jeremy Plank - went against the wishes of the public and are “scaring off investors.” “ are voicing their concerns at the last special meeting on Wednesday . There was a sincere plea from citizens to keep the cannabis dispensary open … but you didn’t

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EDWARDSVILLE – Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Chancellor James T. Minor, PhD, conferred doctor of dental medicine (DMD) degrees upon 56 graduates of the Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine (SIU SDM) during their commencement ceremony held Saturday, June 3 at the First Community Arena at the Vadalabene Center on the Edwardsville campus. “We are so impressed with what you have accomplished and how you have persevered during these challenging years,” said Saulius Drukteinis, DMD, MS, PhD, dean of SIU SDM during his opening remarks. “Through your strength, endurance, patience, kindness, service, intelligence, respectfulness and determination to finish what you started, despite every difficulty handed to you, it was you who impressed us.” Ken Rawson, DMD, SIU SDM Class of 2005 graduate and president of the Illinois State Dental Society, served as the keynote speaker for the ceremony. “Your potential to do good is unlimited,”

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NEW YORK - Simmons Hanly Conroy , one of the nation's largest mass torts firms and a national leader in the legal representation of mesothelioma patients and their families, is pleased to announce that the firm’s named shareholder Jayne Conroy is a recipient of the Champion of Justice lifetime achievement award from the Public Justice legal advocacy organization. “Jayne is a highly deserving recipient of Public Justice’s Champion of Justice award for her long career of helping plaintiffs secure justice from institutions responsible for injuring or abusing the public,” said Larry Nassif , managing shareholder of Simmons Hanly Conroy. “We are grateful for Jayne’s work as a leader at Simmons Hanly Conroy and for her dedication to the plaintiff’s bar.” The annual Champion of Justice award honors one or more individuals who have demonstrated a history and commitment to fighting injustice and ensuring the judicial system works for everyone.

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AMES, Iowa – More than 9,800 Iowa State University students have been recognized for outstanding academic achievement by being named to the spring semester Dean’s List. Students named to the Dean’s List must have earned a grade point average of at least 3.50 on a 4.00 scale while carrying a minimum of 12 credit hours of graded course work. Area students on the list are as follows: Jason Taylor Godi, 4, Mechanical Engineering Bethalto, IL Lin Michael Pizzo, 4, Interior Design Edwardsville, IL Kurt Jacob Brase, 4, Agricultural Engineering John Henry Hilker, 4, Aerospace Engineering Henry Russell Lingafelter, 4, Architecture-Professional Degree Taryn Leigh Trauernicht, 2, Industrial Engineering Adam Donald Walters, 4, Software Engineering Hamel, IL William Reese Kirk, 4, Mechanical Engineering

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ALTON – June is recognized as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) month – where It’s estimated that there are currently about 12 million people in the United States living with PTSD. Even though PTSD treatments are effective and accessible, most people don't get the help they need. Everyone with PTSD - whether they are a Veteran or civilian survivor of sexual assault, serious accident, natural disaster, or other traumatic event - needs to know that treatments really do work and can lead to a better quality of life. Even children experience PTSD. “Children who experience PTSD may have nightmares or sleep problems. They may experience intense emotions such as fear, anger and/or sadness,” says Jill Schreiber, LCSW, PhD, psychotherapist, OSF Saint Anthony’s Psychological Services. “They can be triggered by things that remind them of the event. Children often recreate the event in play. It is helpful for children to get professional help to process

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ST. LOUIS COUNTY - On Monday, June 5, 2023, the St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office issued charges on suspect Lakiesha Holyfield, 31, of the 10500 block of Earl Drive in St. Louis, Missouri 63138, for one count of Murder First Degree. A booking photo of Holyfield is attached. Holyfield is being held on a $750,000 cash only, no 10% bond. Please note, charges are merely an accusation and Defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law. The probable cause statement reads: Police responded to a home in north county regarding a call for a sick case. Upon arrival, police located a deceased female inside the residence. Police spoke with witnesses on scene who provided information that they found the Defendant inside the home with the deceased victim. Police asked Defendant what happened, and she stated " was murdered. Murdered by me." Police spoke with Victim's husband who states that on June 3, the day prior, Defendant sent a text message

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GLEN CARBON - Firefighters battled a serious blaze Saturday afternoon at Shiloh Christian Church in the 100 block of Sunset Avenue in Glen Carbon. Several fire departments were called to the scene. Fire agencies who responded included: Glen Carbon, Maryville, Troy, Edwardsville, Collinsville, and Madison County EMA. The fire remains under investigation, Glen Carbon Fire Protection District Chief Jason Whitaker said. "At this point, we don't have any details to release on what or where the fire started," Whitaker added. "It was unoccupied at the time of the fire at 2:35 p.m. on Saturday. The church is closed. There was significant damage to the first floor and basement. It was a difficult fire and had heavy manpower with the temperatures outside and available resources at that time."

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JERSEYVILLE - Several arrests have been made over drug-related offenses in Jersey County, according to recent filings from the Circuit Clerk’s office. Ashley N. Hillmann, 35, of Jerseyville, was charged with possession of over 15 but less than 100 grams of methamphetamine, possession of mushrooms, and possession of a hypodermic syringe or needle. She was charged with a Class 1 felony for the meth charge, a Class 4 felony for the mushrooms charge, and a Class A misdemeanor for the syringe/needle charge. Hillmann was charged on May 27 and her bail was set at $15,000. More information and updates on this case can be found here . Timothy D. Shewmake, 40, of Jerseyville, was also charged with possession of over 15 but less than 100 grams of methamphetamine on May 27. He was also charged with unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia in the form of a “glass pipe,” according to court documents. Shewmake was charged with a Class 1 felony for the meth charge and

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ALTON - The Alton Boys and Girls Club will unveil its renovated playground project with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, June 8. The playground, located at 2512 Amelia Street in Alton, will have newer equipment and a safer fall surface. “What we had here, we deemed not safe enough for the kids, and we wanted to get something nice and new. Safe not just for the club kids, but for the community kids as well,” said Al Womack, the executive director of the Alton Boys and Girls Club. Womack said the project has been underway for roughly two and a half years, most of which was spent fundraising and handling equipment delays. Several local sponsors and Alton businesses donated up to $10,000. “We’re excited about it, and it wouldn’t have been possible without community support. A number of people in the community really stepped up to make sure that this project happened,” Womack said. After the ceremony, the club will sponsor

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EDWARDSVILLE - The Edwardsville/Glen Carbon Habitat for Humanity 5K is a key fundraiser for the organization in its mission of constructing houses in the area. One of the coordinators - board member Drew Westerholt - said there was an excellent turnout for last year's event. The race will begin at 9 a.m. on Saturday, June 17, 2023, at Edwardsville Township Park (6368 Center Grove Road, Edwardsville, IL., 62025) and will be an out-and-back course along the Madison County Nickel Plate Trail. Fees are $25 per individual and $30 if they sign up the day of the race. Professional timing will be done by Toolen’s Running Start. "We are looking forward to another great raise this year," he said. "The money we raised at last year's race went toward our build on Hill Lane in Edwardsville. We recently completed the building of the home on Hill Lane and turned it over to the family who received the house." "This year's 5K will help raise funds for our next build in the Edwardsville/Glen Carbo

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JERSEYVILLE - An individual has been charged with financial exploitation of the elderly/disabled, while others have been charged with theft, domestic battery, and more in Jersey County, according to recent court filings. Shannan N. Haney, 27, of Fieldon, was charged with financial exploitation of the elderly/disabled in an amount between $300-$5,000 after she “obtained control over a Royal Banks debit card” issued to the victim and “unlawfully obtained approximately $805.40 of U.S. currency from the account” of the victim. Haney was charged with a second count of theft after she stole an additional $2,511.40 from the same victim on the same day. Both acts were committed on April 28 while Haney was “standing in a position of trust and confidence” with the victim, according to court documents. She was charged with two Class 3 felonies for both counts of theft, but no bail was noted. More information and updates on this case can be found here

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GODFREY – Illinois State Representative Amy Elik will be the keynote speaker at Lewis and Clark Community College’s Adult Education high school graduation, formerly GED ® graduation, on June 8. Elik sponsored the bill that recognizes a general education degree (GED ® ) as a State of Illinois High School Diploma. It went into law Jan. 1 of this year. Her sponsorship earned her recognition from the Coalition on Adult Basic Education (COABE) for not only helping to erase the stigma of a high school equivalency diploma versus a high school diploma, but also reducing the cost of exams for adult education students. For these reasons, L&C Associate Dean of Adult Education Valorie Harris said Elik is the perfect speaker for this event. “The change inspires our students to succeed knowing their achievement will be recognized and valued by employers and colleges, regardless of the path they took to earn their diploma,” she said. This year’s student speake

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GRANITE CITY - Seniors Lauryn Fenoglio and Eric Stratton of Granite City High School were selected as Granite City Elks Lodge #1063 Students of the Month for May. The Elks Student of the Month Program is designed to recognize outstanding young men and women for achievements in school and community life-fine arts, hobbies, athletics, church, school, club and community service, industry and farming. Nominees are judged on multiple achievements including leadership skills, good moral character, community involvement, extracurricular activities, honors and award and scholastic ability. Each student receives a $100 U.S. savings bond and an Elks certificate of achievement. LAURYN FENOGLIO Four-year member of cross-country and track and field team and three-year member of Marching Warriors ... Girls on the Run volunteer ... ILMEA All-District 1st chair ... ILMEA All-State Honors Band .. Marching Warriors John Phillip Sousa Award ... Four-time all-county in Track and three-time all-county

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CHICAGO - Attorney General Kwame Raoul announced Illinois and 41 other states negotiated a bipartisan nationwide $102.5 million settlement with Indivior Inc., a global pharmaceutical company and the maker of Suboxone, a prescription drug used to treat opioid addiction. Under the settlement , the state of Illinois is expected to receive approximately $2.9 million. In 2016, Illinois and the coalition states filed a complaint against Indivior with the U.S. District Court in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, alleging the company used illegal means to switch the Suboxone market from tablets to film while attempting to destroy the market for tablets to preserve its drug monopoly. Suboxone is a brand name prescription drug used to treat heroin and other opioid addictions by easing addiction cravings. “Our settlement with Indivior comes at a crucial time when too many people continue to battle addiction to opioids and need medications to treat opioid addiction,” Raoul said

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Robin Kelly (IL-02) and U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL), Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) introduced the Wear Orange Resolution , which supports the designation of June 2 nd , 2023, as “National Gun Violence Awareness Day” and June 2023 as “National Gun Violence Awareness Month.” The resolution has over 100 original cosponsors in the House of Representatives. Each year, more than 43,000 people in the United States are killed, and 76,000 are injured by gun violence. June 2 nd is the birthday of Chicago teen Hadiya Pendleton, who was shot and killed in a Chicago park in 2013, just days after performing in the parade for President Obama’s second inauguration. This tragic event has moved us to designate the first Friday in June as a time to recognize Hadiya nationally. This resolution marks June 2 nd , 2023, as National Gun Violence Awareness Day in her honor.

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CARROLLTON - Commander Jon Baker and eleven of his fellow American Legionnaires from Eldred Post 1135, were busy making Memorial Day memories on May 29, 2023. The eleven other veterans were Mike Brannan, Jon Davis, Bob Lake, Michael Lake, David Lehr, John McClintock, Rod Portwood, Jim Rabe, Gary Ruyle, Bob Shannon and Steve Talley. Their day started at 9 AM in the Eldred Memorial Gardens Cemetery with presentation of colors, a 21-gun salute and an address about the meaning of Memorial Day by Pastor Don Carpenter of the Eldred Baptist Church. The ceremony ended with the playing of Taps and dismissal. The group then boarded their Honor Guard bus and headed for Carrollton, where they set up at 10 AM with a review on the Public Library yard, presented another 21-gun salute, and placed a Memorial Day wreath in front of a number of American Flags on the lawn. Following this presentation and dismissal, eight members crossed the road and made their way to the Veterans Freedom Walkway, a projec

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ALTON - Several around the Alton community were wearing orange on National Gun Violence Day on Friday, June 2, 2023. National Gun Violence Day was marked throughout the United States and there was a strong effort made this year in Alton to recognize the day. Alton Mayor David Goins said he believes National Gun Violence Awareness Month is very important, especially with some of the recent shootings in the city. The mayor’s wife, Shelia, has also been very supportive of his efforts in regard to gun violence awareness. Mayor Goins pointed out the month began after Hadiya Pendleton was killed at age 15 after marching in President Obama’s second inaugural parade. Hadiya would have been 26 this past June 2. “It has deep meaning, we are working on some other things that are coming up in regards to addressing gun violence,” he said. “Stay tuned we will be reaching out for other things we are doing in the community. We are not taking this lightly. We don’t

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ST. LOUIS COUNTY - St. Louis County Police Crimes Against Persons detectives are investigating a homicide that occurred in the 1700 block of Woodstream Court which resulted in the death of an adult male. On June 5, 2023, at 6:28 AM, St. Louis County police officers from the North County Precinct responded to a call for service for a domestic disturbance in the 1700 block of Woodstream Court. Arriving officers located an unresponsive adult male inside a residence. The adult male was pronounced deceased at the scene. Preliminary investigation has revealed this incident occurred between two individuals known to one another inside the residence. The investigation is ongoing. Additional information will be disseminated as it becomes available. Please contact the St. Louis County Police Department at 636-529-8210 to speak with investigators if you have any information regarding this incident. To remain anonymous or potentially receive a reward, please contact CrimeStoppers at 1-866-371-TIPS

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ALTON - Mike Weller with AP Cigar Co. discussed his new line of cold brew coffee products, all things cigars, and the community of cigar enthusiasts in downtown Alton and beyond on a recent episode of Our Daily Show! on Riverbender.com . He described the lineup as a “barrel series for coffee.” The coffee beans are hand-picked, sifted, and dried in Brazil. They then get shipped to the US, where they are stored in barrels that previously held wine and bourbon, absorbing the aromas from those barrels for three and a half weeks. The new cold brew comes in liquid form (“Wilhelm Cold Brew”) or ground and whole beans (“Table 36”). Both are available at AP Cigar Co. in Alton, and Mac's Convenience Store carries the liquid cold brew. State Street Market is also offering a couple of cocktails using the cold brew, and CJ’s juicery is making a boba tea with it. “The biggest compliment ever is when you have coffee guys that go, ‘That’s

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EDWARDSVILLE - The Edwardsville Fire Department on Friday issued this information about potential scams in the area and recommendations on how people handle those situations. This was Edwardsville's information release: "Let’s talk about scams. There are many different kinds but they all have one thing in common: to separate you from your hard-earned money. Most common are imposter scams, where a person falsely claims to be someone you may know, a government entity or a business. Please take steps to educate yourself and your family members about these dangers to protect from loss: • No real business or government agency will insist you pay with a gift card or wire transfer. • Call the company back at a trusted number – preferably one you find on your bill or on other official correspondence or a company site. • If the person calling claims to be in trouble, verify that with other family members or a trusted friend. • Scammers often

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