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CHICAGO – Gov. JB Pritzker announced today that individuals and businesses devastated by the severe weather and tornadoes on June 29th through July 4th may request waivers of penalties and interest on state taxes if they cannot file their returns or make payments on time. Those impacted in the counties declared a disaster are eligible to request a waiver of penalties and interest for income, withholding, sales, specialty, and excise taxes. The counties covered by the Disaster Proclamation include: Coles, Cook, Edgar, Hancock, McDonough, Morgan, Sangamon, and Washington. “Many Illinois communities suffered extensive damage due to the recent torrential rain and severe weather,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “To support those impacted across the state, I have signed a disaster proclamation and the state will waive the penalties for impacted taxpayers who need more time to file their state taxes.” Taxpayers seeking waivers of penalties and interest for taxes

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CHICAGO — Today, Governor JB Pritzker continued the delegation phase of his trade mission to the United Kingdom with meetings with government and education leaders as well as a meeting with U.S. Ambassador to the United Kingdom. The Governor and President of the University of Illinois system, Dr. Timothy Killeen, met with Sir Gerry McCormac, Principal and Vice Chancellor of the University of Stirling, and Sir Peter Mathieson, the Principal and Vice Chancellor of the University of Edinburgh. In addition to his leadership at the University of Stirling, Sir Gerry McCormac currently serves as the international policy lead for Universities UK, a collective of 140 universities. The Governor discussed opportunities to strengthen the transatlantic connection between post-secondary institutions in the United Kingdom and Illinois. In particular, they discussed expanding mobility of distinguished researchers and students from the United Kingdom to Illinois, allowing for increased funding

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WOOD RIVER - Wood River Police Sgt. Aaron Burns and two others represented the Wood River Police Department in the 19th Annual Cycle Across Illinois benefiting Illinois Concerns of Police Survivors. The cycle across the state took place from June 12 to June 16. Sgt. Burns, wife, Kristen, and sister, Riana Whitehead, completed the entire 368-mile bike ride. Aaron escorted the two with a Wood River Police Department vehicle on the road, Wood River Chief Brad Wells said. Sgt. Burns and the two women represented the Wood River Police Department to honor those who lost their life in the line of duty and in honor of his brother, while his wife and sister rode in the 368-mile bicycle ride to honor the fallen. Det. Sgt. Burns lost his brother, Caruthersville Officer Evan Burns, in the line of duty, on Aug. 11, 2011. Wood River Police Chief Brad Wells said the members of the Wood River Police Department and community are very thankful for their dedication to honor those who have made the

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EDWARDSVILLE - Longtime Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE) professor Allison Funk was named a Guggenheim Fellow last year, one of only five poets to receive that prestigious recognition in 2022. One year later and another fellowship from the Illinois Arts Council under her belt, Funk is reflecting on her career as a professor and poet as she gathers her poems into a new collection that connects grief, womanhood and nature. A self-described “old feminist,” Funk noted that this book feels especially poignant at this point in her career, which started at a time when very few women were published. “We look for models,” Funk said. “Obviously, all women are not alike, but there is some commonality in terms of our life experiences. That was especially important to me when I was young, to have my own sort of authorized in some way…We have to write out of our own bodies and our own experiences, to a large degree.” Funk studied

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CHICAGO – If you purchased a Lucky Day Lotto ticket at a 7-Eleven store in Elgin, you may want to check it right away. That’s because you could be holding a winning ticket worth $900,000. The winning ticket was purchased at a 7-Eleven store, located at 811 E. Chicago St. in Elgin, IL. The lucky winner hit all five numbers in the Lucky Day Lotto midday draw on Sunday, July 16 to win the jackpot. The $900,000 grand prize was won with the winning numbers: 11-13-14-23-26. This is also a win for the retailer that sold the winning ticket, as the retailer will receive a bonus of 1% of the prize amount. In total, nearly 24,000 other prizes, ranging from $1 to $200, were won in this Lucky Day Lotto drawing. Anyone could be next - with two massive jackpots up for grabs tonight. The Powerball jackpot has swelled to a staggering $900 million for tonight’s drawing - making it the third largest Powerball jackpot and seventh largest lottery jackpot in U.S. history. And the

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ALTON - Alton Little Theater released a reminder of the upcoming Monty Python's Spamalot that begins July 21 and runs to July 30 at the Showplace. The July 21, 22, 26 and 26 shows are at 7:30 p.m. evenings. The July 23 and 30 shows are matinees at 2 p.m. Kevin Frakes is the director of "Spamalot" at ALT. Tickets are $25. Spamalot tells the legendary tale of King Arthur's quest to find the Holy Grail. Inspired by the classic comedy film, Monty Python and the Holy Grail, the musical also diverts a bit from more traditional versions of this legend. Lee Cox, of Alton Little Theater said she wants everyone to have a summer blast of fun at Spamalot. "We have 22 of our best performers to give it their all - so you can enjoy laughing again," she said. "Everyone sings and dances and creates a summer spectacular of grand theater." Cox closed: "So don't delay - Call 618-462-3205 today or go online: altonlittletheater.org. ...We promise you will have so much fun. Let ALT transport

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EDWARDSVILLE - A man, a horse and a dog paused their cross-country travels for a fundraiser this weekend at Triangle H Farms. The trio, known as the Three Amigos, have walked across the U.S. twice to raise awareness about PTSD in veterans. This weekend’s fundraiser benefited The Righteous Life Rescue Ranch, an organization that will connect veterans with rescued mustang horses and dogs. “There’s a lot of animals that need to be rescued out there,” Matt Perella, who leads the Three Amigos, said. “And most importantly, there’s a lot of veterans that need to be rescued out there, as well.” Perella is a former U.S. Marine and the founder of The Righteous Life Rescue Ranch. He has seen firsthand how animals can save lives; he speaks openly of how his rescue animals, a horse named Buck and service dog named Raffe, have saved him, many times over. The Righteous Life Rescue Ranch will do that for other people and the animals they plan to

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WOOD RIVER - 22-year-old Ethan S. Harrell is facing multiple charges after an alleged break-in of the Wood River Street Department, three motor vehicles, and a Gulf Stream trailer on Wednesday, July 12, 2023. Wood River Police Chief Brad Wells praised the efforts of Officer Fester and Officer Wright with the South Roxana and Roxana Police Department in making a quick arrest in the case. “Our patrol people did a great job that night responding to that call,” he said. “We got the call at about 11 that night and we were able to have him in custody within the hour. I am proud of the officers for their work.” Harrell faces five total burglary charges. One count said he knowingly entered without authority a building for the Wood River Street Department, located at 312 Linton Street in Wood River, with the intent to commit a theft. Another burglary count alleges that Harrell entered a 2002 Dodge Ram motor vehicle belonging to the Street Department with an attempt

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GODFREY - Mike Logan Ministries is hosting the “Catch The Wave” Revival Across America starting this Thursday, July 20, through Sunday, July 23rd, each night from 6 to 9 p.m. The event will see local church members and people of all religious affiliations gather at the Tim Rooney Stadium on the Lewis & Clark Community College campus in Godfrey. Mike and Carol Logan appeared on an episode of Our Daily Show! on Riverbender.com to discuss the upcoming revival event, the message behind it, and much more. While the revival is starting in Godfrey for now, Mike said he plans to expand the event “from town to town” including East St. Louis, with future plans for a stadium event with all the attendees from each town. Carol said the goal behind this revival is to get people back into the “fellowship” of in-person worship after the pandemic. “We wanted to say to the people that quit coming to church from COVID, they got kind of used to staying

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BUNKER HILL - Bunker Hill Realtor Lisa Webb of Third Street Realty is a person who tries to represent all of her customers, clients, and agents with what she describes as the "highest levels of professionalism, honesty, and integrity." Recently, someone told Lisa they had heard she only handles "low-end homes." "This statement has stuck with me," she said. "It actually stuck with me in a bad way. Yes, I was saddened by the lack of knowledge. "So... who do we represent? First, we don't handle anything - we represent, and that is you. We represent your parents - they may be downsizing or moving to a new area. We represent your child, a child that is now an adult and buying their first home. We represent the young family that is now purchasing a bigger home. We represent that investor that needs to know their bottom line. "We represent the homeowner selling their long-time home to relocate. We represent a family struggling with their current mortgage trying to figure out

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EDWARDSVILLE – Angela Andrews, PhD, RN-BC, CNE, assistant professor and coordinator of undergraduate programs in the School of Nursing (SON), has been named to the 40 Under 40 Emerging Nurse Leaders in Illinois. The award was established by the Illinois Nurses Foundation to highlight and celebrate young nurse leaders who are impacting healthcare and the nursing profession. “I am so honored to be among such exemplary professionals and grateful for the recognition,” said Andrews. Award winners were chosen by a panel of their peers based on their achievement in the profession, leadership, and community and association involvement. Andrews and her fellow recipients will be recognized in Naperville in September. “Dr. Andrews’ teaching, service and scholarship contributions to the SIUE SON and to the nursing profession are significant,” said Judy Liesveld, PhD, PPCNP-BC, CNE, FAAN, dean of the SON. “She is seen as a true leader and mentor by

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WOOD RIVER - Kaidence Reef had a stellar girls' soccer season for the Oilers in 2023 as a sophomore. The future looks bright for the 2023 All-Conference Cahokia Conference selection. Reef is also a Midwest Members Athlete of the Month selection for the Oilers. She thanked her parents for all their support and her coach Jesse Daniels for his mentorship. "I’ve played for 10-plus years and I like the competitive nature of the sport," she said. "My involvement in sports has taught me that I need to work hard for things I'd like to achieve in life." She said she would like to attend college possibly at SEMO or somewhere in Hawaii. "I would like to do something in business or be a marine biologist," she said of her future plans. Kaidence is also a setter-right-side player on the Oilers girls' volleyball team. Kaidence is a straight-A student and is on the high honor roll at her school.

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WOOD RIVER - Wood River Police Sgt. Aaron Burns and two others represented the Wood River Police Department in the 19th Annual Cycle Across Illinois benefiting Illinois Concerns of Police Survivors. The cycle across the state took place from June 12 to June 16. Sgt. Burns, wife, Kristen, and sister-in-law Riana Whitehead completed the entire 368-mile bike ride. Aaron escorted the two with a Wood River Police Department vehicle on the road, Wood River Chief Brad Wells said. Sgt. Burns and the two women represented the Wood River Police Department to honor those who lost their life in the line of duty and in honor of his brother, while his wife and sister rode in the 368-mile bicycle ride to honor the fallen. Det. Sgt. Burns lost his brother, Caruthersville Officer Evan Burns, in the line of duty, on Aug. 11, 2011. Wood River Police Chief Brad Wells said the members of the Wood River Police Department and community are very thankful for their dedication to honor those who have mad

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JERSEYVILLE - Possession of a stolen vehicle, possession of burglary equipment, and possession of methamphetamine are just a few of the criminal charges filed by Jersey County authorities over the past week, according to recent court filings. Heath E. Blaine, 51, of Jerseyville, was charged with unlawful possession of a stolen vehicle on July 7. Court records state Blaine “knowingly exerted unauthorized control” over a “2005 BMW motorcycle,” with the intent to permanently deprive its owner of their property. Blaine was charged with a Class 2 felony and his bail was set at $25,000. Danny J. Harbison, 38, of Columbia, Mo., was charged with possession of burglary tools, obstructing identification, unlawful possession of methamphetamine and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia. Court records indicate each of these offenses were committed on July 8. Harbison “possessed a long flathead screwdriver and a pair of channel locks, suitable for breaking

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SPRINGFIELD – Small nonprofits that help people with housing or workforce and economic development assistance are encouraged to apply for funding through the Charitable Trust Stabilization Program, Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs said today. Grant applications will be accepted through Sept. 30. “We are helping these organizations fulfill their important role in securing housing, employment, and job training for people in need,” said Frerichs, whose office manages the program. “The Charitable Trust program offers an excellent opportunity for small non-profits to have an even greater impact on the people they serve.” The Charitable Trust Stabilization Fund assists small nonprofits with annual budgets of $1 million or less. The fund’s money comes from filing fees that nonprofits pay when incorporating in the state of Illinois – not from personal or property tax dollars. For the second grant cycle of 2023, up to $200,000 is available.

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SOUTHERN ILLINOIS - The McGraw family (including Mike and Juliana McGraw, Jenna and Rich Beyers, Christa McGraw, and Dona McGraw) has partnered with Prairie Heart Institute and the Prairie Heart Foundation to begin the Community AED Program in memory of Rick McGraw. “The Community AED Program meets a significant need,” says Brandy Grove, manager of philanthropy for the Prairie Heart Foundation. “Recently the Rochester Junior High Baseball Team reached out and requested support for an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) machine at their local baseball field.” Grove says their team witnessed a tragic event when a local community member suffered cardiac arrest during baseball practice. Although 911 was called, the individual did not survive. When treating a heart attack, every second matters. Research proves Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and AED save lives. Immediate access to an AED machine could have made a difference on the field that day. “We

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CHICAGO – Today, U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Co-Chair of the Senate Ukraine Caucus, met with community leaders at the Ukrainian Culture Center to provide an update on his recent trip to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) summit in Vilnius, Lithuania. During the meeting, Durbin highlighted what was discussed at the summit, including an easier pathway for Ukraine to ultimately join NATO, congressional support for the transatlantic relationship, and continued Russian aggression in the region and Putin’s efforts to undermine allied security and democracy. During the meeting, Durbin praised Lithuania for its notable leadership in the NATO alliance and steadfast commitment to democracy. He also highlighted the strong NATO alliance amid Putin’s unprovoked and unjustified invasion of Ukraine. “The NATO alliance is stronger now more than ever, and we are united in our determination to stop Putin’s ruthless invasion of Ukraine,”

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ALTON - A steamboat docked near the Argosy Casino today in downtown Alton to load up on supplies and pick up additional crew members. The boat is with American Queen Voyages , a cruise line that offers river tours throughout North America. Over the next week, they will travel up the Mississippi River to Red Wing, Minnesota. “It is definitely nice to be able to travel for work, to be able to see all the different sections of the country that you wouldn’t normally be able to see on a road trip or by flying, even,” Alex Schuchter, one of the ship’s watchmen, said. “Getting to see things that most people aren’t going to see, the scenery and the nature; when we get up toward Minnesota, the cliffs and the mountains that we go through, and down towards Mississippi, all the plains and the forests and all that.” Like during any cruise, passengers stay in hotel rooms on the steamboat and enjoy amenities like buffets, open bars and live entertainment.

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ALTON - Cherry Von Doom, otherwise known as Brittny Wheeler, took home the prize this weekend as the winner of the Kittenz of the Kulture Social Klub’s pinup contest. “This is such an empowering group of women. If you have self-confidence issues or anything at all, come and join this group,” Von Doom said of the ladies social club. The Kittenz of the Kulture Social Klub sponsors pinup contests across the Riverbend area. These contests are usually held alongside car shows. The All-Wheels Drive-In Car Show, held in downtown Alton on July 16, had over 200 classic vehicles on display for visitors to admire. The pinup contests pay homage to women’s culture and style of the 40s, 50s and 60s. Von Doom was dressed in a pink dress in honor of “Barbie,” a Warner Bros. Studio movie based on the Barbie doll franchise, which will be released on July 21. But for Von Doom and the other contestants, the social club and pinup contests aren’t just

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GODFREY - The Village of Godfrey has been made aware of solicitors going door-to-door in several area neighborhoods without permits/registration from the Village Clerk’s Office. It has also recently been reported by homeowners that a St. Louis-based control company has been operating contrary to the Village of Godfrey’s solicitor’s ordinance and employing questionable practices. Godfrey Mayor Mike McCormick said: “If interested in what’s being offered, ask for everything in writing and don’t sign anything without assurance that you’ll receive a copy,” McCormick said. “And don’t feel pressured to open the door to people who aren’t familiar.” When dealing with door-to-door salespeople, it’s always recommended to ask to see the solicitor’s Village of Godfrey-issued permit, which they are required to carry on their person. “You can also call the Village Clerk’s office at (618) 466-3381 to verify

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