Riverbender 🕸

Our Love Story: The Couple: Chris & Brandy Champlin from Hartford Date Met/Started Dating: September 20, 1997 Briefly Describe First Date: Our first date was at Collinsville Family Fun Time where we played mini-golf with friends. We were both juniors in high school. Date Married: August 18, 2001 Name Something You Enjoy Doing Together: We enjoy camping, fishing, and hunting together. Share Advice For A Happy Relationship: After 24 years together, just knowing we are doing our best raising our kids and taking what spare moments we have for each other is what’s makes us happy.

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Our Love Story: The Couple: William & Jessica Barnes from Jerseyville Date Met/Started Dating: March 3, 2002 Briefly Describe First Date: Don’t remember if we had one lol! Date Married: March 3, 2007 Name Something You Enjoy Doing Together: We enjoy doing family outings, really anything that doesn’t involve being stuck in the house, because he doesn’t know how to sit still!! Share Advice For A Happy Relationship: Communication, honesty, and just being there for each other!

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Our Love Story: The Couple: Amber Copeland and Jason Craig from Cottage Hills Date Met/Started Dating: March 18, 2020 Briefly Describe First Date: We went to get Mexican food then to play pool afterward. Date Married: April 9, 2022 Name Something You Enjoy Doing Together: Camping, watching tv shows, eating resees peanut butter cups, and doing things with our kids. Share Advice For A Happy Relationship: Always tell each other the truth no matter what it is.

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Our Love Story: The Couple: Ross & Lisa from Godfrey Date Met/Started Dating: July 21, 2011 Briefly Describe First Date: Bethalto Homecoming Date Married: October 12, 2013 Name Something You Enjoy Doing Together: Going to a Cardinals game! Share Advice For A Happy Relationship: Communication is key! Spend time doing things together that you both really enjoy. Keep things spicy!

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ALTON - Briana Hightower, an artist known by the name of Kreion, who moved back home to the Alton area from Atlanta in 2019 and has continued to build her career in music. "So far, I’ve gotten the chance to collaborate with Broadys Works Productions to shoot three of 12 music videos planned to shoot in Alton and surrounding areas and it has been the best experience of my life," she said. "My most recent release 'Fine.' The official music video was shot in several locations in downtown Alton and is my best work to date. To watch “Fine” and to listen to any of my previous work please see this link: https://linktr.ee/heykreion Kreion is a songwriter, singer, and producer with an aptitude to adapt quickly in multifaceted creative environments. She has had influences from artists of many genres. She was a graduate of the Alton High Class of 2009. Kreion credits Laura Plummer, the orchestra teacher in the Alton School District, with being a big musical inspiration for

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GREENVILLE - The ISP District 11/ Illinois State Police (ISP) Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) Zone 8 are probing a homicide that occurred in the 600 block of East South Sixth Street in Greenville, IL., Bond County. The call to ISP came in at 7:24 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 10, 2022. This is a brief synopsis of the events that occurred by ISP: "Preliminary investigative details indicate the following occurred: ISP District 11 and ISP DCI Zone 8 responded to a reported shooting at the above time and location. An unknown female was located deceased. A subject was reportedly barricaded in a residence in the 500 block of E. Main Street, Greenville. At approximately 1:00 a.m. the ISP detained a subject as part of the homicide investigation. If anyone saw the shooting or knows anything about the events surrounding the incident, please call Crimestoppers at 314-725-8477 (TIPS). This is an open and ongoing investigation. No further information is available at this time."

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SOUTH ROXANA - Bryce Dell comes from a law enforcement family as his uncle Dennis Plew is the Dupo Police Chief. Plew has had a long police career serving in the Cahokia Police Department and SIUE Police Department. Dell recently became a South Roxana Police Officer. Bryce is the first to admit his uncle inspired him to be a police officer. Bryce is what one would call famous on social media as his inspirational TikTok videos have garnered 6.5 million views. This is a link to Bryce's TikTok videos: https://www.tiktok.com/discover/Bryce-dell This is our favorite of the Bryce Dell TikTok videos: https://www.tiktok.com/@bryce.dell/video/7033434854406589702 “Bryce’s videos are clean and wholesome,” South Roxana Police Chief Bob Coles said. “It is part of the younger generation’s culture, so I think we might as well embrace it.” Chief Coles describes Bryce as “an enthusiastic learner and very approachable.” “Even thoug

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EAST ST. LOUIS - The Illinois State Police Public Safety Enforcement Group released information that a 24-year-old male from St. Louis was shot in the 1300 block of North 44th Street in East St. Louis and later succumbed to his injuries at an area hospital. The call to PSEG came in at 2:30 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 10, 2022. Preliminary investigative details indicate the following occurred: "PSEG agents responded to a reported shooting at the above time and location. A 24-year-old male of St. Louis, MO was transported to an area hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. If anyone saw the shooting or knows anything about the events surrounding the incident, please call Crimestoppers at 314-725-8477 (TIPS). The investigation is still ongoing and no further information is available at this time."

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EDWARDSVILLE - A group named Plum Creek Greenspace has been protesting the upcoming bid for development along Plum Street in Edwardsville. After launching petitions and protests, the group hopes to make their voices heard by the county - and whoever wins the bid. “We just want to be cautious with what kind of development we do there,” Jay Myers, a group spokesperson said. “I do enjoy the amenities of Edwardsville and would like to see that mix between greenspace and development maintained. I appreciate them both and I don’t want to see the assets that we have sold to the highest bidder.” Myers said she personally thought the space could be useful to connect greenspace like the SIUE Gardens to the already-developed shopping centers, while making the area more pedestrian-friendly in the process. “I can tell you - at least, from our experience crossing the road for the protest - it’s not easy. It’s not really built right now to be

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JERSEYVILLE - Michael Ward, coordinator for Explore Jerseyville Tourism, said Jerseyville’s “Show your Love for Local” campaign has proven widely successful thus far. The campaign wraps up in its final days as Valentine’s Day approaches, which means there are still a few days left for locals to get involved. “‘Show your Love for Local’ has been embraced by businesses from every sector,” Ward said. “We have strong representation from banks, retail, grocery, service, utilities, restaurants and more displaying the Love for Local heart and banners.” The goal behind “Show your Love for Local” is to encourage locals to visit some of Jerseyville’s small businesses for their Valentine’s Day shopping. The campaign, which lasts until the 14th, gives small businesses a “toolbox” of materials ranging from stickers, posters, signs and social media materials, along with special Valentines for

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ALTON - Illinois-American Water continues its impressive sewer system work at Alby and Sixth Street in Alton. The massive Alton project separates the wastewater system from stormwater systems. Several miles of sanitary sewer will be installed in different areas of Alton through the project. The sewer/stormwater systems changes should enhance water flow and will be very noticeable during rainstorms when finished. Illinois-American Water spokesperson Karen L Cotton said Alby Street is closed from Sixth Street toward Seventh Street, with future closures north and east of Alby/Seventh Street. "Realistically, Alby Street in Alton will be closed to thru traffic until May, weather dependent," explained Cotton. "Sewer work will progress north up to 12th Street. 12th Street is the furthest north we will be working along Alby Street." Illinois-American Water has been very thorough in updating the project in the media and Cotton said they will continue to do that in the future.

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JERSEYVILLE - Senior Kate Jones has had a very successful 2021-2022 school year, first qualifying for state in girls tennis and now on the basketball court for the Panthers. Kate and her doubles partner Sabrina Ingram advanced to IHSA state tennis competition. Kate is one of the Quality Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Female Athletes of the Month For Jersey Community High School. The Jersey senior has an ambitious future as she may attend the University of Iowa in the fall. She plans to pursue a career as a physical therapist. "I would like to thank Coach Diamond for always pushing me to do better even when I didn’t think I could," she said. "Also thanks to Pat Coyle for giving his time and efforts for me to become a better player. A thank you to Anne and Ellen Snyders who first introduced me to the game and all the basics of tennis. And my parents who always supported me and dropped everything to come to watch me play." Kate said her time as an athlete has taught her: "Mental toughness,

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ST. LOUIS – United States District Court Judge Matthew T. Schelp accepted a plea of guilty from Demeria Thomas, age 38, on today’s date for deprivation of rights under color of law related to her knowingly allowing inmates to assault another inmate while in his cell at the St. Louis City Justice Center. A grand jury in the Eastern District of Missouri previously indicted Thomas in July 2021. Judge Schelp set sentencing for May 10, 2022 . According to the indictment, on March 22, 2021, Demeria Thomas was employed by the City of St. Louis as a Corrections Officer at the City Justice Center. Thomas was on duty at the City Justice Center on March 22, 2021, and acted, at all times relevant hereto, under color of law. Thomas was operating a control panel which locked and unlocked cells in her area of responsibility. After engaging in conversation with two inmates, Thomas unlocked a specific cell door. This allowed the two inmates to enter and physically assault another inmate

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WOOD RIVER – Midwest Members Credit Union is proud to sponsor the “Eagles of the Month” program at Civic Memorial High School. Senior students are selected each month by members of the Civic Memorial faculty to represent each department. All students are awarded a certificate and a Subway gift card. Two Seniors (1 female student and 1 male student) that were selected each month will have the opportunity to compete for a $500.00 “Eagles of the Year” scholarship each at the end of the school year. 2022 January’s Eagles of the Month winners: - Math – Charly Bellanca - Fine Arts – Mackayla Byrd - Social Studies – Toni Reynolds - PE/Health -- Benjamin Morris - Choir -- Jamiya Crymes - Band-- Justice Eldridge - Science -- Griffin Crump - English -- Carson Klocke - C.T.E. -- Ethan Rea January’s Teacher of the Month winner: - Science -- Heather Wallace Congratulations to all the Civic Memorial “Eagles of the Month” an

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SPRINGFIELD — Choosing a college is an important decision that can be overwhelming without the right information. Today, the Illinois Board of Higher Education (IBHE), the Illinois Community College Board (ICCB), and the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) launched a new collaborative project that makes it easier for students and parents to make an informed college choice. Unlike third-party college search tools that collect data from the same sources that are often out of date or incomplete, the Illinois Postsecondary Profiles (IPP) project utilizes comprehensive data directly from Illinois higher education state agencies and Illinois’ 160 public and private universities and community colleges. “We are incredibly excited to give students and families a way to filter, search, and sort the kind of information that is most important to them in choosing a college, including a focus on equity. With the IPP families have information all in one place and know

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SPRINGFIELD – With the Super Bowl just around the corner, the Illinois Department of Transportation and Illinois State Police are teaming up with local police and sheriff’s departments throughout the state to remind motorists that Fans Don’t Let Fans Drive Drunk . If your football festivities will involve drinking alcohol or using marijuana, make a game plan before kickoff to get home safely – and encourage your friends to do the same. “Super Bowl parties are a chance for friends to gather for football and fun,” said Cynthia Watters, IDOT’s bureau chief of Safety Programs and Engineering. “As part of enjoying Super Bowl Sunday responsibly, we urge you to have a game plan in place to avoid a flag on the final play: the drive home. If you’re drinking or using marijuana, know how you’ll get home safely before the night begins. If you choose not to indulge, consider being the designated driver for a friend.” Follow these

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JERSEYVILLE - Jersey Community High School senior basketball star Sam Lamer has been a key for the successful Panthers boys squad this season under head coach Stote Reeder. Sam said he has played competitive basketball since third grade. "I love the relationships I have built with my teammates and the amount of fun that I have had competing against great athletes on the court," he said. Sam Lamer is one of the Quality Chrysler Jeep Ram Male Athletes of the Month for Jersey Community High School. Sam thanked his mom, Jill, dad, Scott, brother, Shane, and all his coaches and teammates for their help in making him a successful athlete. The Jersey senior also has a love of America's National Pastime - baseball. "I also enjoy playing baseball," he said. The Jersey athlete added that "High school sports have helped me focus on my body more and really improve my work ethic. They have made me tougher, stronger, and more confident, which will help me in the future." Sam is unsure which

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JERSEYVILLE - Tessa Crawford has been involved in basketball since fourth grade and what she thrives on is the intensity of the game. Tessa, a sophomore, is being recognized as one of the Quality Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Jerseyville Female Athletes of the Month for Jersey Community High School. Tessa’s head girls basketball coach Ton Twitchell said Tessa continues to grow as a good teammate and “the sky is the limit for her” in the future in her athletic career. Tessa thanked her parents, Mary and Bob, and grandparents, Janet and Carl, who have come to every game of her career to support her. “I thank Ron Twitchell and Caleb Williams as coaches that have helped me grow as a player,” she added. The Jersey sophomore said her involvement in sports has taught her leadership, hard work, and responsibility. “My goal is to go somewhere and play basketball in the future,” I haven’t decided on my dream college year.” A 5.0 GPA student,

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JERSEYVILLE - Senior Edward Roberts has emerged as one of the top players for the boys' basketball team at Jersey Community High School and has done well for the Panthers. Roberts is one of the Panthers' top scorers and a solid rebounder and defensive player with several steals on the season. Including games through Feb. 1, Roberts is averaging 8.1 points and 5.2 rebounds-per-game, along with adding 47 assists, 41 steals and 10 blocked shots along the way as Jersey is currently 11-12 on the season. In addition, Roberts is an exceptional all-around athlete, active in football, tennis and was also a champion swimmer when he was younger. For all of his contributions on and off the court for the Panthers this season, Roberts has been named the school's Riverbender.com Quality Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Male Athlete of the Month. Roberts, who plays for head coach Stote Reeder, thought that his performance in the Jersey Mid-Winter Classic tournament was one of his best of the Panthers season.

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PIASA - Senior basketball forward Hannah Nixon is one of the top players for Southwestern High School's girls' basketball team, possesses a strong work ethic in helping the team this season. Nixon is also one of the team's most respected leaders, setting examples for the younger players in whatever's needed to help get things done both on and off the court. For her efforts this season, Nixon has been named one of the school's Altonized Community Federal Credit Union female Athlete of the Month. Nixon, who plays for head coach Darren Mosley, feels her involvement in sports in general, basketball in particular, has helped her tremendously into becoming the person she is today. "It has shown me that having a good work ethic is important in all aspects of life," Nixon said. Nixon thanked her parents and coaches for their support and encouragement throughout her athletic career. "I would like to thank my mom and dad for never letting me give up and always pushing me to be better on an

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