Riverbender 🕸

COLLINSVILLE – The Madison County Conservative Caucus is proud to announce the addition of former NFL offensive tackle Marcus DeWayne Spears to its parents distinguished Board of Advisors. Marcus brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the organization, and his commitment to conservative principles will undoubtedly contribute to the Caucus's mission of promoting and advancing conservative values throughout the nation. Marcus DeWayne Spears, renowned for his outstanding career in professional football, has now shifted his focus to the realm of politics and civic engagement. With his remarkable talent on the field and dedication to community involvement, Marcus has long demonstrated the traits of a true leader. Now, he is poised to make a significant impact on America's Conservative Caucus, contributing his unique insights and passion for conservative ideals. As a member of the Board of Advisors, Marcus Spears will play a crucial role in shaping the direction of America's

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ALTON – Current U.S. census data shows that 7.1 million American grandparents are living with their grandchildren under 18. An estimated 2.3 million of those grandparents are responsible for their grandchildren. Roughly a third of grandchildren living with grandparents who are responsible for them are younger than 6. About half of the grandparents who are responsible for their grandchildren are 60 and over, according to census data. So, what do these 7.1 million American grandparents have in common: the unexpected role of becoming a child caregiver long after they thought those years were behind them. They depict a social trend in America: the high number of “grandfamilies” — grandparents raising grandchildren. And that specific social trend exists right here in the Riverbend region. OSF Saint Anthony’s Health Center is introducing its Grandparents Support Group because there are extra challenges for people who are navigating these dual roles. Participants

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EDWARDSVILLE – The Edwardsville Police Department announced it is partnering with the Illinois State Police and law enforcement across the state to step up efforts to stop impaired driving and help save lives as we near the end of summer and the busy Labor Day weekend. No matter how you plan to celebrate summer’s end, make sure you do it safely. “Our first priority is to keep people safe, so we’re asking everyone to plan ahead for a sober ride home if they’ll be drinking or using another impairing substance,” said Lt. Brandn Whittaker. “Let’s make this a partnership between law enforcement and motorists: Help us protect the community and put an end to the dangers of impaired driving.” The high-visibility “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” enforcement campaign runs from Friday, August. 18 through the early-morning hours of Tuesday, September. 5. During this period, motorists can expect to see roadside safety checks, more

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GRANITE CITY – The Illinois Department of Transportation announced today that road repairs will require lane closures in both directions of Interstate 270 between Illinois 3 and Riverview Drive in Missouri starting, weather permitting, at 9 p.m., Friday, Aug. 18. One lane will always remain open in each direction. All lanes will reopen by 5 a.m. Monday, Aug. 21. Motorists should expect delays and are encouraged to use alternate routes during this closure. 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. 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.

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O’FALLON — HSHS St. Elizabeth’s Hospital Cancer Care Center is hosting its 2 nd Annual Breast Cancer Awareness Fun Walk on Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023, from 8:30 a.m.-Noon at Moody (Longacre) Park in Fairview Heights and early registration is now open. The event honors and celebrates the brave patients of the oncology center, as well as the supporters who have provided invaluable aid and assistance during these difficult times. This event is FREE for everyone. It is a 1.5-mile walk through the park (rain or shine). Participants will receive an event bag and other health information. This year, a special event t-shirt is available for purchase for $25 as a donation to our patient transportation fund. This dedicated fund assists with vital transportation needs for cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy, which is often daily for several weeks at a time and can be a financial hardship for those traveling long distances. Donations can also be mailed to HSHS St.

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EDWARDSVILLE - The Edwardsville City Council approved the purchases of a few new utility vehicles and moved forward plans for two road improvement projects at their meeting on Tuesday, August 15. Council members approved the purchase of a 2022 Ford F-550 Crew Cab 4x4 with a service body and associated equipment for no more than $85,889. The new vehicle will be used by the Fire Department and will replace an older vehicle in need of costly repairs. Alderman Chris Farrar said with supply issues the way they’ve been, they’re lucky to have found a vehicle that’s ready to be purchased and picked up. “The good thing about this is that it’s actually available, whereas some things have been put on hold,” Farrar said. “So that’s good, we’ll have that pretty quick.” Farrar added that the actual cost of the new truck will be closer to $90,000, but he expects to get at least $5,000 worth of trade-in value from the department's

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GODFREY – “Unfiltered Lens,” a photo exhibit featuring images from the Civil Rights Movement and Vietnam War through the eyes of acclaimed photographer Robert J. Ellison, is open in the Hatheway Cultural Center Gallery at Lewis and Clark Community College. Ellison, who was killed in Vietnam at the age of 23, was a graduate of Alton’s Western Military Academy and the son of a Monticello College alumna. He was posthumously recognized with the Overseas Press Club’s award for the best coverage from abroad. A commemoration event featuring Emcee Art Holliday, KSDK; Webster University History Professor John Chappell; Western Military graduate Bill Kaune; Monticello College alumna Linda Nevlin; and Judge Luther Simmons, Civil Rights expert, will be held from 2-4 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 26, in the Ann Whitney Olin Theatre. The exhibit runs through Aug. 31. Both are free and open to the public. “Unfiltered Lens” is co-sponsored by The Hayner Public

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PIASA/ST. LOUIS - Southwestern School District teacher Andrea Moore has been crowned Mrs. Educator 2023. The Miss American Diamonds 3rd Annual First Responders & Educators Pageant invited teachers, police officers, firefighters, paramedics, EMTs and nurses from across the nation to compete for the crown on July 14 in St. Louis. Moore, who teaches English at Southwestern Middle School, took first in the educators’ portion and third in the talent competition. She plans to spend the prize money on supplies for her classroom. “It was just all about making us feel important and like we are meaningful in our jobs,” Moore said. “It was a neat pageant, but what was really cool about it was it was Christian-based, which was awesome. They just had a really unique way of honoring workers, so I really felt like, win or lose, that we were all there to be honored.” Contestants competed in four categories, with an introduction, interview, on-stage question and elegant

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ALTON - A new organization is working to connect people with mental health and community resources. Sacred Spaces of CARE is a nonprofit “one-stop shop” that provides information about mental health professionals and substance use programs in the Alton area. When someone is experiencing a mental health crisis, it can be difficult to find the time and energy needed to seek out local resources; even knowing where to start can be a daunting task. Sacred Spaces of CARE aims to make it easier. “Our systems are very hard to navigate, and when people are in crisis, they’re even more difficult. So how do we reduce those barriers? We can’t eliminate them, but how do we help?” Executive Director Megan Tyler said. “I just kind of looked at the community and tried to see…where are some gaps that we could potentially fill? And really, the biggest was just kind of being like a connector organization, like a network. Not a provider of services,

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ALTON - The Alton High School Class of 1963 will celebrate their 60th and final class reunion this weekend with two events: a mixer on Friday, Aug. 18 and a reunion buffet dinner on Saturday, Aug. 19. Both will be held at Alton VFW Post 1308, located at 4445 N. Alby St. in Alton. While early registration has closed, those able to attend one or both of the reunion events who did not register previously can contact Joanne Metcalfe at 618-830-4466 or ahs1963@outlook.com . Classmates from the AHS Class of 1963 have spread far and wide around the country and the rest of the world since graduation. According to their official class website , the majority of them now live in 41 different states. One lives in France, while another lives in Mexico. Most of the 60-year graduates still live in Illinois (166 people), followed by Missouri (35), Texas (18), Florida (15), and California (10) to round out the top five. The full list is also available on the class website. The Class

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ALTON - The Alton High School Class of 1973 is marking a major milestone at their 50th Class Reunion later this fall. To celebrate, a four-day Reunion Weekend from Oct. 11-15 jam-packed with activities has been planned with the reunion itself taking place on Saturday, Oct. 14. Classmates will reflect and catch up from 5 to 11 p.m. at The Commons on the campus of Lewis & Clark Community College in Godfrey. “This is the BIG ONE! The Golden Anniversary of our High School Graduation,” event organizers wrote in a press release. “It’s definitely time to reconnect, reminisce, and ‘catch up’ on those 50 years. “The committee has been working hard to plan an exciting and fun weekend for all of us. We are planning a 4-day celebration to commemorate this momentous occasion.” Events planned for Reunion Weekend include the following: Sunset Cruises in Grafton Morning Walk on Thursday, Oct. 12 Thursday Night Mixer Friday Night

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ALTON - Challenge Unlimited (CU), a national nonprofit organization headquartered in Alton, announced the appointment of two new members to its Board of Directors. Alton resident Bruce Malone, a highly regarded leader in education and the community, was appointed to the CU board of directors in March for a three-year term. Malone, a retired educator, his leadership experience includes a ten-year term as the vice president of the board of the Illinois Federation of Teachers and was an elected County Board member for Madison County. Malone was a board member of the Alton Housing Authority and also served as president of the Staunton Federation of Teachers. As a parent of a daughter with Down Syndrome, Malone has an affinity for Challenge Unlimited’s mission. “I certainly understand first-hand the struggles faced by people with disabilities,” he says. “I envision a period of growth for Challenge and am excited to be part of that process.” Geri Lynn Arrindell,

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EAST ST. LOUIS – In July 2023, the St. Clair County State’s Attorney’s Office (SCCSAO) filed 28 charges in Illinois State Police Zone 6 Public Safety Enforcement Group (PSEG) cases, 23 felony and five misdemeanor charges. PSEG is a joint effort between the Illinois State Police and the East St. Louis Police Department for violent crime investigations within the city of East St. Louis. FELONY CHARGES : On July 27, 2022, PSEG agents conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle in East St. Louis, which fled from officers and was later stopped. Officers found a loaded firearm inside. On July 27, 2023, the SCCSAO charged 40-year-old Harrison Smith of East St. Louis with Unlawful Possession of a Weapon by a Felon and Fleeing or Attempting to Elude a Police Officer (misdemeanor). Bond was set at $30,000. On October 7, 2022, PSEG agents investigated a report of a male with a firearm during a business check in the 2400 block of State Street in East St. Louis. O

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ST. LOUIS COUNTY - One of the deceased victims in what police describe as a "probable double homicide" that occurred on Monday in the 2900 block of Old Hanley Road in St. Louis County has been identified. The victim has been identified as Jason Bowdy, 43 years of age, of the 2900 block of Old Hanley Road in St. Louis, MO., 63114. St. Louis County Police Department Crimes Against Persons detectives are investigating the situation that resulted in the death of two adult males. At 1:50 a.m. on August 14, 2023, St. Louis County police officers from the Central County Precinct responded to a call for service for a shooting in the 2900 block of Old Hanley Road. Arriving officers located two individuals suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. Both were pronounced deceased on the scene. A preliminary investigation has revealed an exchange of gunfire occurred inside a residence. One male subject was shot by the suspect. A third individual fired a weapon, striking the suspect. The investigation

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EAST ST. LOUIS – U.S. Attorney Rachelle Aud Crowe praised police officers who are working to deter the prevalence of gun violence and remove offenders in a comment about an East St. Louis man's sentence announced today. A U.S. District judge sentenced an East St. Louis man to five years in federal prison after he admitted to possessing firearms as a convicted felon. Devonte T. Franklin, 30, pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm by a felon. In addition to the prison sentence, he will serve three years of supervised release and was ordered to pay a $100 fine and $100 in special assessments. Crowe made this statement about the police work and sentence in regard to the Franklin decision: "This case serves as proof of police officers working courageously to deter the prevalence of gun violence and remove those offenders." “The Illinois State Police Public Safety Enforcement Group continues to get illegal guns off the streets and out of the hands of criminals

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ALTON - In the span of a few months in 2014, Christina Stanford-Harvey retired after 20 years in the military, graduated from culinary school and had a baby. What was the next step after such a monumental, stressful year? She started a business, of course. But the risk clearly paid off. Nine years after Christina began her catering service, she’s the proud owner of C-Rations Grub Hub Food Truck, a Riverbend favorite. Alongside her husband Hoover and their children, Christina’s business is doing better than ever and giving back to the Alton community. “It’s good to see the fruits of your labor after a while,” Christina said. “I’ve been able to keep it a family business. It’s been really good.” The family bought the food truck in February 2019. They were still fixing it up when the COVID-19 Pandemic hit, which brought the entire business to a standstill. Both Christina and Hoover are 20-year veterans, so they’re

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WOOD RIVER - Madison County Coroner Stephen P. Nonn has identified the victim who died as a result of a single-vehicle motorcycle crash occurring in Alton on Saturday, August 12, 2023, as Larry M. Patton, 33, of Wood River. "Per witness statements and evidence examined at the scene, the decedent was eastbound on Broadway traveling at a high rate of speed when his 2005 Harley Davidson Road King motorcycle left the roadway to the south and struck a yellow pole causing him to be ejected," Nonn said. "His body came to rest near a wall on the Ardent Mills property. "Coroner’s Office Investigator Kelsey M. Jones, DSN 1579 pronounced his death at the scene at 6:10 p.m., August 12, 2023. The preliminary cause of death appears to be from blunt head trauma. He was not wearing a helmet at the time of the crash. Routine toxicology testing for the presence of drugs and alcohol remains pending. A final cause of death will not be issued until all reports are complete." The case remains under

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Letter to the editor: Imagine a husband who applies for a credit card – without telling his wife. In some states and circumstances, she will be liable for the debt, even if she didn’t know. But she finds out – before he gets the loan – and she notifies the credit card company that she needs a say in the matter. That’s what just happened between the East Alton-Wood River High School district and its taxpayers. Last week, petitions with more than 1,100 signatures were submitted to the EA-WR district office, in response to its July 12 “backdoor referendum” that gave citizens 30 days to gather 832 signatures to put a $2.4 million bond issue on the March 19, 2024 ballot. Going door to door, I gathered 300 of these signatures myself. Without the signatures, the district could issue the bonds without voter approval – with taxpayers none the wiser – until their tax bills arrive in the mail. How many people read the legal notices?

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EDWARDSVILLE - Walter D. Williams was recognized for his leadership and accomplishments, and a new president - Traci S. Daniels, MSL, was announced at a special meeting of the NAACP Edwardsville Branch. Williams recently resigned as branch president after accepting a position with the City of Racine, Wisc. Traci S. Daniels, MSL, has served as 1st Vice President of the NAACP Edwardsville Branch for three years. She is the assistant pastor of Anchored In Truth Ministries in Edwardsville and now will assume a new role. Daniels is also an Ambassador for the Edwardsville/Glen Carbon Chamber of Commerce and a devoted wife. “I am ready to take on the responsibilities and challenges that come with this esteemed position," Daniels said. "I am committed to continuing the vital work of the NAACP in advocating for equality, justice, and civil rights for all. "With the support of our dedicated members and the community, I am confident that we can make a significant impact and create positive

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PIASA - Southwestern football head coach Pat Keith has a couple options for his team's starting quarterback this season. One option is his son, senior Logan Keith, the other is sophomore Blake Rimbey. Both could be seen in a practice last Friday acting as the QB in offensive drills as the two are seemingly fighting for the starting spot. Regardless of what happens, one thing is for sure, Blake's heading into the new season confident in himself and his team. "I feel like we've got some guys that are going to do some pretty good things. I feel like we can get a pretty good season going." Blake is an Altonized Community Federal Credit Union Athlete of the Month for Southwestern. He believes his team has what it takes to get back to the playoffs and is just looking forward to having fun this season. "We don't have any doubts," he said about being able to make the playoffs. "We lost some pretty good guys, but I feel like we got better at catching balls, got better at blocking." T

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