Riverbender 🕸

GODFREY - The Nature Institute’s (TNI) hiking trails, located at 2213 South Levis Lane in Godfrey, Ill, will open April 1, and staff want to invite you to join us for a spring Hike-a-Thon. This month-long competition will serve as a fundraiser for The Nature Institute and an encouragement to friends of The Nature Institute and all outdoor enthusiasts to take advantage of the exciting spring happenings out in the natural world. Mary Davis said it best, “To walk in nature is to witness a thousand miracles.” Anyone, near and far, can participate in the Hike-a-Thon. You simply have to register for the event, then log your miles throughout the month of April. The full cost of registration is $27.50 which includes a t-shirt (if you sign up before March 15) and prizes for the hikers with the most miles logged and hikers that have generous donations given in their name. On April 1, when the trails open, all registered hikers can come out to The Nature Institute between

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Letter To The Editor: The destruction of the Arrowhead Monument at Piasa Park in Alton is sickening. I do hope if there's not already video footage there of the vandals, that there will be some camera footage like the ones on State Street in Alton. If they catch who did it, don't delay the court process, but make them pay in full, and work in a service capacity too for the Alton Parks and Recreation Department. I'm from Eureka, MO., and I typically drive over to Alton once a month and always stop at Piasa Park, and end up picking up broken beer bottles, and trash when I arrive. I'd stop at all the River Accesses on both sides of the river, visit Goodwill in Godfrey, and sometimes St. Clair Square Mall, and watch the sun go down on the river, hit Fast Eddie's, and drive back to Missouri where I stay. I have seen the same thing happen in Eureka, MO., at Ink's Cemetery near the Legends Golf Subdivision. Ink's was a Cemetery with the Pacific Battalion of the Missouri Home Guard area

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ALTON - Alton Police Chief Jarrett Ford issued a statement about the damage to the Arrowhead Monument sometime between Tuesday night and Wednesday morning at Piasa Park on the Great River Road in Alton. The monument had been turned over multiple times in vandalism in the past three months and each time repaired and place back in place, but this time, the vandals broke the monument in half. The monument is valuable and this is a serious crime. He said: "We are saddened to see the arrowhead monument at Piasa Park likely damaged beyond repair. The monument has been observed by countless visitors over the years and served as the means to share the legend of the Piasa Bird and Chief Ouatoga and his warriors. "We would like to see the offender(s) for this despicable act of vandalism held accountable. As such, we are asking for anyone with information to contact Detective Sergeant Andrew Pierson in the Criminal Investigations Division of the Alton Police Department." Pierson can be reached

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EDWARDSVILLE - The Edwardsville Community Foundation is pleased to announce the Jack Pfund Habitat for Humanity Construction Fund, sponsored by the Edwardsville/Glen Carbon Chapter of Habitat For Humanity. Gifts to this fund will help support Habitat for Humanity’s home builds in Edwardsville, Glen Carbon, and other communities within the Edwardsville School District. The local chapter is nearing completion of a home build at 624 Hill Lane, Edwardsville, and will soon begin to build a new home, also on Hill Lane. “It takes an entire community for our chapter to be able to provide affordable homes to deserving families. Jack Pfund and his family, as well as the whole Pfund Construction team, have been tremendous supporters of this mission for many years. We are humbled to be able to establish this fund in honor of Jack, an amazing young man who had a heart of giving back to the community with his time and talents,” said Rich Hampton, Habitat for Humanity Board Member.

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ALTON - CJ's Juicery opened Wednesday afternoon at its new location to great success. "It was a really great turnout," owner Courtney McLaughlin said about opening day. Formerly located on Ridge St. in Alton, the new shop is located downtown at 104 W 3rd St. in the former Tony's Building. McLaughlin couldn't be happier to open the new location. "I'm just so grateful," she said. "I think my business deserves this spot and I think I deserve this spot after the hard work that I've put toward it, and the community deserves this location." The juicery is open Tuesday through Saturday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and is a hit on the weekend. "Saturdays are poppin' down here," McLaughlin said. She mentioned that the reason for the move was that she had outgrown her previous spot. McLaughlin said that if it wasn't for the Ridge St. location becoming available, she probably would have never been able to open. "I had the opportunity to go into that 600-square foot and start my small business,"

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GLEN CARBON - The Village of Glen Carbon has recently appointed a new Director of Community Development, Erika Heil, to oversee its and building and zoning department and economic development initiatives. Erika Heil brings with her a wide range of economic development experience, working in Illinois and Missouri on local, state-wide and regional level programs. Heil will begin her new role in the Village on May 8, 2023. Heil previously served as the Executive Director for The Alliance of Edwardsville and Glen Carbon, which was a non-profit economic development partnership for the two communities. Most recently, Heil was the Village Administrator for New Baden, Illinois. She has served in various positions and boards to include Edwardsville Township, Secretary for the Southwestern Illinois Development Authority, East-West Gateway Council of Governments, Southwestern Illinois Trade and Investment Council, Illinois Governor’s Rural Affairs Council, Illinois Economic Development Council,

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ALTON - Old Bakery Beer Company’s highly anticipated “Buzz’d Beer Festival” returns this year, and ten percent of the ticket sales will support the Piasa Palisades Group of Sierra Club Illinois’ work to protect pollinators across Illinois. The festival will take place on Sunday, March 19, from 1 to 5 PM at Old Bakery Beer Co. in historic downtown Alton. The Buzz’d Beer Festival celebrates the pollinators that make our food, flowers, and even our beer possible. Participating local breweries will showcase a beer that includes a pollinated ingredient to raise awareness about the importance of native pollinators. Festival-goers can also pick up free native wildflower seeds at the event. “Old Bakery Beer Company has long been a fantastic community partner, and we are grateful that they find opportunities like the Buzz’d Beer Festival to support Sierra Club’s work,” said Christine Favilla, co-Coordinator of the Three Rivers Project

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GRANITE CITY - GCS employees joined together to raise $1,130.00 in the month of February to benefit the Junior Service Club of Edwardsville/Glen Carbon. The Smile for Jeans Program is funded by GCS employees who make monthly, monetary donations out of their own pockets to a local organization. By donating $15 or more to a specific organization, GCS employees are able to wear jeans and tennis shoes on Fridays and Saturdays during that month. Nothing gets better than seeing a smile on an organization’s face when GCS Credit Union presents them with a jeans donation check. GCS Credit Union’s 2023 Smile for Jeans Program focuses on supporting our local communities that we work, play and live in. During the month of February, GCS employees proudly raised $1,130.00 for the Junior Service Club of Edwardsville/Glen Carbon. JSC of Edwardsville/Glen Carbon is a philanthropic, non-profit 501c3 organization comprised of women who are dedicated to making a difference i

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CHICAGO - Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) today recognized March as Problem Gambling Awareness Month (PGAM) in Illinois. To raise awareness around gambling disorders and honor those in recovery, participating buildings in downtown Chicago will be lit teal and a statewide art contest will shine a spotlight on the power of recovery. Throughout the month, IDHS will also partner with providers across the state to raise awareness around treatment options for those in need. "This month is a key opportunity for IDHS and our providers to raise awareness for the recovery support services available for gambling disorder. We would like to thank BOMA Chicago for helping us in our efforts to raise awareness by lighting the city skyline teal from March 20th-26th,” said IDHS Secretary Grace B. Hou. “Individuals who struggle with gambling disorder often hide their behavior from family members and we want all Illinois residents to know there is

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GRANITE CITY - Granite City Community Unit School District #9 has announced the District Young Authors winners for the 2022-23 school year. Each spring the Madison County Regional Office of Education recognizes Young Authors winners in grades K-8 from Madison County schools at a county-wide event. Students have the opportunity to share their books with each other, participate in reading/writing centric activities and be entertained by a local author, storyteller or performer. The 32nd annual Madison County Young Authors Conference will be held on Saturday, April 29, 2023 at Edwardsville High School. Maryville 1-2 Education Center Principal Dr. Liz Niepert is GCSD9's coordinator. Congratulations to our District winners! Prather Christian Blake Seren Miller Ayree Martinez Harper Ward Maryville 1st Grade Rhett Hunter Sherine Bandela 2nd Grade Lucas Fisher Mariana Monterrosas Amelia Marty Wilson 2nd Grade Ava Belsky Lucille Colby Oliver Flynn Ca Deame Willis

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WASHINGTON, D.C – Today, Congresswoman Robin L. Kelly (IL-02) led the introduction of the Federal Firearm Licensee Act. This legislation, first introduced in 2021 would update sections in the U.S. Code directed at federal firearms licensees (FFLs) that have not been updated in 30 years. The current rules insulate rogue firearms dealers who engage in unlawful practices from enforcement action and frustrate law enforcement efforts to curb gun trafficking and violence in our communities. Congresswoman Kelly is joined by Reps. David Cicilline (D-RI), Barbara Lee (D-CA), Bill Pascrell (D-NJ), Joe Morelle (D-NY), and Jimmy Panetta (D-CA) as co-leads of the legislation. The legislation has been endorsed by Everytown, Brady, Giffords, Moms Demand Action, and March for our Lives. The federal government’s current approach to governing licensed firearm dealers is inadequate to meet the business, technological and cultural realities of the 21st century. The bill modernizes regulations

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EDWARDSVILLE - Madison County State’s Attorney Tom Haine issued the following statement Wednesday regarding charges filed against Timothy J. Dubois Jr., D.O.B. 1/17/1984, of Shobonier, IL., in an abduction/sexual assault case from Nov. 11, 2022: “We continue to pray for the healing and strength of the victim in this case. Due to the circumstances of the crime, we requested that the defendant be held with no bond. He will remain in custody until a hearing Friday on our request that he remain behind bars while awaiting trial.” “We also wish to congratulate the Collinsville Police Department and all participating agencies for their excellent work. The investigation that led to today’s charges was a testament to good old-fashioned police work combined with investigative techniques that are highly innovative – truly on the cutting edge. We look forward to proving this case at trial.” “Finally, we are asking for the public’s help. "The

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EAST ST. LOUIS – At 9:20 a.m. on March 6, 2023, an ISP Troop 8 Trooper patrolling the area near the 1200 block of North 9 th Street in East St. Louis came upon a deceased male on the roadway in front of a residence. The Trooper observed a male subject, later identified as 27-year-old Dontez McCray of East St. Louis, flee into the nearby residence after seeing the Trooper approach the area. ISP SWAT was activated and with the assistance of East St. Louis Police Department (ESLPD), were able to secure the perimeter to ensure public safety. At approximately 1:15 p.m., McCray was taken into custody by ISP SWAT without further incident. The ISP Public Safety Enforcement Group (PSEG) adopted the case and continued the investigation. McCray’s bond was set at $1,000,000. McCray is currently in custody at the ESLPD jail. No further information will be disseminated.

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COLLINSVILLE - Since November 11, 2022, investigators from the Collinsville Police Department have engaged in a relentless pursuit of the suspect in this case. Today, March 8, the Madison County State's Attorney's Office is pleased to announce the arrest and issuance of charges against, Timothy J. Dubois Jr., 39, of Shobonier, Illinois. The Madison County State’s Attorney’s Office has issued the following charges against Dubois Jr.: Count 1: Aggravated Criminal Sexual Assault (Class X – Enhanced 16-70) Count 2: Aggravated Criminal Sexual Assault (Class X) Count 3: Aggravated Criminal Sexual Assault (Class X – Enhanced 16-70) Count 4: Aggravated Criminal Sexual Assault (Class X) Count 5: Aggravated Kidnapping (Class X) Count 6 – Aggravated Kidnapping (Class X) Count 7 – Aggravated Criminal Sexual Abuse (Class 2) Count 8 - Aggravated Criminal Sexual Abuse (Class 2) Count 9 - Aggravated Criminal Sexual Abuse (Class 2) Count 10 - Aggravated

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SPRINGFIELD - State Representative Amy Elik (R-Alton) participated in a press conference on Wednesday with the Illinois State Rifle Association and her House Republican colleagues, Representatives Caulkins, Cabello, Tipsword, and Windhorst to urge Attorney General Kwame Raoul and Governor J.B. Pritzker to provide more clarity to law-abiding gun owners concerning last Friday’s court decision ruling the firearm ban unconstitutional. According to State Rep. Amy Elik, “Out of respect to law-abiding gun owners, I urge the Attorney General to provide the clarity they deserve concerning a court ruling that the firearm ban is unconstitutional throughout Illinois. The Attorney General is responsible for providing a response on this issue as the case is not scheduled to be considered by the Illinois Supreme Court for another two months. Law-abiding gun owners need to know if the State is still enforcing this unconstitutional firearm ban.” On Friday, March 3, Macon

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ALTON - The arrowhead-shaped monument in Piasa Park on the Great River Road in Alton was seriously damaged overnight. The much-written about Piasa Bird painting rests on the bluffs in Piasa Park and is an attraction for visitors. The Alton Park and Recreation Department takes care of that area and Director Michael Haynes said Wednesday morning, there was a sense of shock in city circles at what happened overnight to the monument. “The monument was fine in the late afternoon on Tuesday because we had people who saw it,” Haynes explained. “Unfortunately, someone got enough leverage to knock it over and this time, they broke the statue in half. This has happened two or three times before in the last three or four months, but it did not break the monument. We were able to reset it before.” Haynes said the monument was “heavy” and would not have been easy to pull over. He speculates it could have involved multiple people in this act of vandalism and likel

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JERSEY - The Jersey County Sheriff's Office is investigating a hit-and-run crash Wednesday afternoon. In the accident, there was property damage to several mailboxes, yards, and a fence along South Centennial Road in Jersey. Jersey County Sheriff Nick Manns said this is "a suspected DUI case." "The suspect fled the scene in a vehicle, then was located by deputies after he crashed in a ditch," the sheriff added. "One 40-year-old white male is in custody." One person reported there was "debris everywhere" at the scene that had to be cleaned up.

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EDWARDSVILLE - After a guilty plea arrangement, Jacob M. Sitze, 31, of Bethalto, was sentenced to six years in prison after pleading guilty to Aggravated DUI with a blood alcohol level of .98 or more resulting in a death, a Class 2 felony. The Sitze crash resulted in the death of a Godfrey woman, Megan L. Labrenz, 39, on Nov. 6, 2020. Brian Brueggeman, a spokesperson for the Madison County State’s Attorney's Office recapped what happened in the plea and sentencing process for Sitze: “The defendant had no criminal history - it would have been taken into consideration had a judge imposed a sentence.” “The entire plea was vetted and coordinated with the victim’s family and the attorney who represented the victim’s family.” “The two dismissed counts were alternate ways of charging the same offense.” “The credit for time served was one day.” The accident that involved Sitze occurred in the 6600 block of Godfrey Road

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GRANITE CITY - To be able to play on one championship team is an honor unto itself. For a player to be a part of five consecutive championship teams is an amazing feat. And that's exactly what Michael Atkins has accomplished, as the senior goalie for the Granite City High hockey team played on his fifth straight championship team when the Warriors won its second straight Mississippi Valley Club Hockey Association's Class 2A championship last week with a two-game sweep over O'Fallon in a best-of-three series. Atkins is a Stillwater Senior Living Male Athlete of the Month for Granite City. Atkins' record was very impressive during that run as well, going 96-17-11 in his five years as a top goalie for Granite, recording 45 shutouts while playing on junior varsity championship teams in eighth grade and as a sophomore to go along with three varsity titles in his freshman, junior and senior years. Atkins also played in the league's Rising Stars game, a JV All-Star game, getting a shutout

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EDWARDSVILLE — Madison County offers a free program to help reduce litter and maintain cleanliness throughout its communities. The county’s Building and Zoning Department is offering residents a free resource tool kit, which includes trash bags, reflective vests, gloves and litter grabbers to go out and pick up trash. "We are focused on ways to reduce the amount of litter in the county and this resource helps battle that problem,” Building and Zoning Administrator Chris Doucleff said. "Providing free resources for residents can impact change." Doucleff said since the inception of the program — Clean Communities — two years ago, residents picked up more than 3,300 tool kits to tackle the litter in their communities. He said the county regularly receives complaints about litter along the county’s roads and ditches. “We have made trash pickup a priority,” he said. “It’s not always easy, but this is something we did for those

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