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WOOD RIVER - Phillips 66 celebrated April as “Good Energy Month.” Employees around the country participated in company-sponsored service projects and were also encouraged to donate their personal time to support local organizations. Wood River Refinery hosted three service projects during the month. On April 4, 17 employees, including members of the Refinery’s Environmental team, donated 68 hours to support the Edwardsville Children’s Museum Micro Forest. “This is our third year supporting the site and it has been great to see the native trees start to grow,” says Melissa Erker, Director of Government and Community Relations. In addition to providing volunteer support, Phillips 66 sponsors the interactive STEM Forest exhibit at the Children’s Museum and provided a $40,000 grant in 2022 to support the Citizen’s Science Program and new pollinator garden project. On April 20, 16 employees donated 108 hours to support HeartLands Conservancy.

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WOOD RIVER - Tonight marks the first night Wood River City Council meetings will be livestreamed on Riverbender.com . You can watch tonight’s meeting and all future meetings on the Riverbender.com Facebook live video page or Riverbender.com/video/live . Tonight's meeting agenda includes the swearing in of new council members Bill Dettmers and David Ayers, both of whom have spoken out against several of the previous council’s decisions and projects. Councilmembers Sonya Hagaman and Leroy Duncan will step down to conclude their term of office. The Wood River City Council meets on the first and third Monday of each month at 7:00 p.m. More information about the council is available on the city’s website , as is a full list of their meeting agendas . These livestreams are sponsored by Gateway Pension Services Ltd. Located in St. Louis, Missouri, and celebrating 37 years in business. Gateway Pension Services has a highly trained staff of consultants,

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CHICAGO - Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul joined U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin today in calling on the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to consider the recently announced $462 million multistate settlement with Juul Labs Inc. (Juul) as the federal agency sets policies regulating e-cigarettes. In 2019, Illinois was among the first states in the country to sue Juul, one of the nation’s largest manufacturers of e-cigarettes, alleging the company marketed its harmful nicotine products to minors. Raoul’s office co-led negotiations, which resulted in the largest settlement any states have reached with Juul to hold the company accountable, as well as the most stringent restrictions under any state settlement on Juul’s marketing, sales and distribution practices. In a letter addressed to FDA Commissioner Dr. Robert Califf, Durbin and Raoul, both longtime advocates for protecting youth from the dangers of smoking and e-cigarette use, ask the FDA to consider

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GODFREY – With increased local demand for paralegals, Lewis and Clark Community College is doing what it can to fill those positions by offering all Paralegal program courses in an eight-week format over the 2023 Summer semester. This is the first time all the program’s online classes have been offered in an eight-week format during the summer. According to Program Coordinator Becky Gockel, some of the classes don’t require prerequisites, such as Bankruptcy Law, Wills/Trusts, and Estate Law. These courses may be of interest to community members, even if they are not legal professionals. These and other summer courses, such as Family Law and Torts, are potential continuing education opportunities for paralegals who wish to expand their areas of specialization. “Some of these classes are now open to people who aren’t even in the program,” she said. “I have someone taking the Wills class this semester because she works for an attorney who’s

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CHICAGO - As Illinois residents may contemplate recycling electronic items when spring cleaning their homes, Attorney General Raoul is encouraging them to take advantage of environmentally-friendly recycling programs and to be mindful of potential personally identifying information left on their smart devices. “The proliferation of smart devices has transformed our lives in countless ways, including that people upgrade their devices more frequently,” Raoul said. “We must be mindful, however, of the real environmental effects of e-waste and how to safely dispose of older electronic equipment while protecting sensitive personal information.” Raoul reminds Illinoisans that it is illegal to throw many electronic devices in the trash and that older electronics – including televisions, computers, tablets, gaming systems and telephones – may contain chemicals that are harmful to the environment and human health if not properly disposed of and specially

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GRANITE CITY - Schnuck Markets, Inc. is recalling 12 pounds of 80/20 fresh ground beef purchased on Sunday, April 30, between 4:00 and 6:30 p.m. from its Granite City, Illinois store located 3100 Madison Ave. (62040). The product may contain pieces of plastic. Customers who purchased the above product with a sell-by date of May 1, 2023 should return the product to the store for a full refund or exchange. To date, there have been no reported illnesses or injuries, and this is an isolated incident that does not affect any other stores. Customers with questions may contact the Schnucks Customer Care team at 314-994-4400 or 1-800-264-4400.

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HARDIN - On April 23, 2023, the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a disturbance in progress on Godar Hollow, in Calhoun County, Illinois. A Deputy with the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office and an Officer with the Illinois Conservation Police responded to the disturbance. Subsequent to an investigation, on April 25, 2023, the Calhoun County State’s Attorney’s Office filed the following Criminal Complaints against Douglas J. Godar, aged 38, of Hardin, for the following offense: Aggravated Assault – Motor Vehicle Godar turned himself in to the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office and was taken into custody without incident and transported to the Alton Jail. The Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the Illinois Conservation Police and the Calhoun County State’s Attorney’s Office for their assistance in this case. All suspect(s) are innocent until proven guilty.

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HARDIN - On April 22, 2023, the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office received a delayed complaint of a domestic disturbance that had occurred on April 21st at a residence on South Broadway in Kampsville. A Deputy Sheriff with the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office responded to the area and began an investigation. A Deputy Sheriff with the Pike County Sheriff’s Department also responded to the area to assist with the investigation. Subsequent to an investigation, Andrew G. Osborn, age 34, of Kampsville, was arrested on the following charge: Aggravated Domestic Battery – (Second or Subsequent Offense) Osborn was arrested without incident, and transported to the Jersey County Jail. The Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the Pike County Sheriff’s Department for their assistance. We would also like to thank the concerned citizens who assisted in the reporting of this incident. All suspect(s) are innocent until proven guilty. If you or

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ALTON – Just a week prior, in a heartbreaking 2-1 loss against cross-town rivals Marquette Catholic, it wasn’t a great night for the Redbirds, especially senior captain Katie Stark. She went down hard in the 34 th minute, initially holding her shoulder, and would not return to the game. A postgame interview with head coach Gwen Sabo declared that Stark had suffered a concussion. She missed the next two games against tough Granite City and Edwardsville sides and was at first unsure if she’d even be cleared for her Senior Night game. Alton athletic trainer Andy Renner did not clear her to play the day before against the Tigers but ruled her able to play last Friday. It came as a relief to her, and a struggling Alton team that missed her presence in the midfield. So, she made the start against Civic Memorial last Friday on Senior Night, a game where Alton celebrated seven seniors and salvaged a 2-1 win. Stark has been a varsity player her entire high school career

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EDWARDSVILLE – The Gori Law Firm recently announced its renewed partnership with the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO) for 2023. As a gold-level sponsor of the organization, the firm supports the ADAO’s mission of education, advocacy and community initiatives geared toward asbestos awareness and prevention. A nationwide leader in asbestos litigation, the Edwardsville, Illinois-based law firm frequently works with individuals and families affected by asbestos exposure. Its continued partnership with the ADAO is part of its many efforts to invest in prevention and spread awareness of asbestos's critical and dangerous effects. “We are grateful for opportunities to support organizations like the ADAO, who, like us, fight tirelessly for the rights of individuals and families who have been adversely affected by asbestos and its related illnesses,” said Sara Salger, managing partner of The Gori Law Firm. “We hope that more and more people will rall

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ST. LOUIS - Schnuck Markets, Inc. has issued an allergy alert due to a mislabeling on select containers of Culinaria Nut Mixes. The products may have mislabeled packaging, and the Culinaria Cashew & Macadamia mix may contain almonds, which is an allergen for some people. Due to the mislabeling, the Culinaria Cashew & Almond Mix may not contain the correct ingredients listed on the package. Schnucks customers are urged to check for: Culinaria Cashew & Macadamia Mix 9 oz. UPS 4131822428 Best by date: 2/02/25 Lot Code: 3033 A9 Culinaria Cashew & Almond Mix 9 oz. UPS 4131822423 Best by date: 2/02/25 Lot Code: 3033 A9 Affected products may be returned to the nearest Schnucks store for a full refund or exchange. Customers with questions may contact the Schnucks Customer Care team at 314-994-4400 or 1-800-264-4400.

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ST. LOUIS - Old Bones, Inc. will be displaying new paintings along with new collages and paintings by Jennifer Dykeman at a garage in Soulard at Lami and Menard, 36104 on May 6 from 1:00 until 7:00 pm. It’s free. One day only. Refreshments. Old Bones, Inc. is a collaboration between artists Mark Regester and Andy Dykeman. https://www.instagram.com/oldbonesinc/ Mark was born in Scotland, raised in California and is a resident artist at 31art Gallery in St. Louis and his work has shown in numerous galleries throughout the US, Europe and South America. https://www.instagram.com/mark_regester_art/ Andy is from Alton, Illinois and is a local chiropractor and a resident artist at 31art Gallery in St. Louis, currently represented by Mineral Point Gallery in Wisconsin. https://www.instagram.com/andy.dykeman.art/ Jennifer is an art therapist and grief counselor at Evelyn’s House in St. Louis. Her paintings and collages have been extensively exhibited

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GLEN CARBON – Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois (GSofSI) is proud to announce that Adriyanna Gutierrez of Lenzburg, Illinois has been awarded the Girl Scout Medal of Honor – a lifesaving award she received for demonstrating heroism in saving another’s life. October 14, 2022 was supposed to be a typical day. After school, Adriyanna came home to help care for her little brother while her mother was at work. She took him into a bedroom so he could sit on the bed and watch a television program. Noticing the adjacent room appeared foggy, Adriyanna went back into the bedroom to check on her brother. The bedroom had become foggy as well, and Adriyanna knew she needed to determine the cause. She first opened windows and doors to air out the space. As she explored the cause, she discovered smoke behind the bed and noticed a light. At that moment, Adriyanna realized she was battling a fire and sprung into action. Adriyanna called her cousin into the room to help her get

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JERSEYVILLE - A motorcyclist was tossed off his bike in a crash after striking another vehicle at the intersection of West County Road and U.S. 67 in Jerseyville on Friday morning. Jerseyville Police Chief Brad Blackorby said the crash has been turned over to the Illinois State Police for investigation. Blackborby said the Jerseyville Police were contacted by the Jersey Sheriff’s Office after a complaint of a motorcycle driving recklessly at a high rate of speed heading into Jerseyville. He also confirmed that ARCH Medical Air Services was called to the scene to transport the victim to a St. Louis Hospital for further treatment. He said he was not able to release any information about the victim’s condition. Blackorby also said the Illinois State Police would release any further information on the accident because they are conducting the investigation.

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Jimmy Holmes is a hit at every place he performs and was a big attraction this weekend at the Illinois Elvis Festival at the Gateway Center in Collinsville. Jimmy is an award-winning Elvis Tribute Artist from Demotte, Indiana. He has traveled across the USA and abroad showcasing his authentic tribute to the King. Attendees are left mesmerized by his ability to embody Elvis in the early 1970s. He has taken the Elvis industry by storm with his attention to detail and show-stopping performances leading to offers from promoters worldwide, citing his unique ability to create an illusion of Elvis like none other. He has won numerous awards in the ETA industry but his most cherished is when he was awarded the Dream King trophy on the Westgate stage in Las Vegas. The same location where Elvis played his hundreds of sold-out shows during his Las Vegas reign. Jimmy considers it an honor and a dream come true to be able to travel the world paying tribute to the greatest entertainer of all

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FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS - Free Comic Book Day is slated for Saturday, May 6 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. at all four Fantasy Books Inc. stores, including their Fairview Heights and Belleville locations, as well as Heroic Adventures in Edwardsville. Visitors can get three free comics of their choice, and one lucky person at each store location will also win one free comic book per week for one year. Tony Favello, general manager and co-owner of Fantasy Books Inc., said their current locations include their flagship store, Fantasy Books & Games in Fairview Heights, Star Clipper in Fairview Heights, Fantasy Books in Belleville, and Heroic Adventures in Edwardsville, which they acquired in 2011 but kept the original name in place. Participants must be in line before the stores open to receive a raffle ticket for the year of free comic books. Fantasy Books & Games opens at 9 a.m., while Star Clipper, Fantasy Books, and Heroic Adventures all open at 10 a.m. Becky Hollingsead with

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SPRINGFIELD – The unemployment rate around the region is under 4.0 percent in nearly all of the counties and Edwardsville and Alton unemployment numbers also are positive in the March 2023 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and Illinois Department of Employment Security analysis. As far as area counties, Madison County has a 3.5 percent unemployment rate in March 2023, down from 3.9 percent in March 2022, Calhoun remained steady at 4.2 percent compared to 4.2 percent last year in March, and Jersey was 3.5 percent compared to 3.7 percent in 2022. St. Clair County was 4.0 percent in March 2023, compared to 4.5 percent in 2022. Macoupin County is at 3.5 percent compared to 4.0 percent at this time last year. Greene County is 3.9 percent compared to 4.3 percent in March 2022. Alton has an unemployment rate of 4.6 percent in March 2023, compared to 5.2 percent a year ago. Edwardsville has a 2.8 percent unemployment rate in March 2023 compared to 2022 at the same time and Granite

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ALTON - Brown Street Baptist Church (BSBC) in Alton recently welcomed Daniel Sternquist as the new senior pastor of the church. The Sternquist family comes to Alton from California, and the church is planning an installation service for the new pastor within the next few months. "It is abundantly clear that the Lord directed our steps to Brown Street,” Sternquist said. “I consider it a true privilege to be a part of what God is doing through this church, and I'm excited to see how He will continue to use Brown Street to reach people for Christ." The Sternquists come to BSBC from First Baptist Community Church in Los Gatos, California. Pastor Sternquist served as the assistant pastor at his previous church since 2015. He completed his Master of Divinity from Faith Baptist Theological Seminary in Ankeny, Iowa in 2014. Sternquist also received his Bachelor’s degree in Biblical Studies, Bible Exposition, and Greek from Faith Baptist Bible College in Ankeny, Iowa in

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Gallon jugs are oftentimes used for daily necessities like milk and water. But a new trend on social media could be a mixture for disaster. Blackout rage gallon, or “BORG” drinking, is the newest TikTok take on binge drinking. College students can be seen on social media mixing alcohol, water, sweet flavorings, and hangover remedies like Pedialyte. But while the consumers think water and electrolytes might protect them from hangovers, it didn’t protect some students from ending up in the hospital. In Amherst, Massachusetts – home of UMass Amherst – the local fire department handled nearly 30 ambulance transport requests due to significant alcohol intoxication . Deepak Nair, MD, a neurologist with OSF HealthCare Illinois Neurological Institute, says blacking out from drinking is very harmful. “High quantities of alcohol can cause direct damage to the brain,” says Dr. Nair. “In single settings of drinking where you’re having enough

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COLLINSVILLE - Collinsville Police presented a case to the Madison County State's Attorney's Office and today announced charges in the homicide of Vaeden J. Hawkes on April 24, 2023, in Collinsville. Murder charges have been filed against Isaiah T. Jenkins, 16, of Collinsville. The charges are as follows: Count 1: First-Degree Murder; a Class M Felony Count 2: First-Degree Murder; a Class M Felony Count 3: Unlawful Possession of a Stolen Firearm; a Class 4 Felony. Count 4: Aggravated Unlawful Use of Weapons; a Class 4 Felony. The Honorable Judge A. Ryan Jumper set the bond amount for Jenkins at $5,000,000. Jenkins is currently in custody at the Madison County Juvenile Detention Center.

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