Riverbender 🕸

GODFREY - Beverly Farm Foundation has announced that its annual fireworks display is again open to the public and is scheduled for Friday, July 8. The event will be held at Bev Farm, 6301 Humbert Road, Godfrey. The Beverly Farm resident choir will be performing at the campus pavilion at 7:30 p.m. Fireworks begin at approximately 9 p.m. Those attending are advised to arrive as early as 7 p.m. for the choir performance. "Your Independence Day celebrations don't have to end on July 4," said Beverly Farm Foundation CEO Crystal Officer. "Come out to the Beverly Farm Annual Fireworks Display on Friday, July 8, 2022, for another night of fireworks and fun to close out the Fourth of July Week." "All our families and friends in the Riverbend area are invited to come out and enjoy our fireworks," Officer continued. "We'll be kicking off the evening with a performance by our resident choir at our campus pavilion across from the Groves B. Smith Recreation Center at 7:30 p.m. Then, our fireworks

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The Following Preliminary Information is Being Released by Illinois State Police District 22 WHAT: Single-Vehicle Fatal Traffic Crash WHERE: U.S. Route 45 at Mary’s Lane, Massac County WHEN: July 3, 2022 at approximately 12:10 p.m. VEHICLE: Unit 1- 2021 Black Harley Davidson Motorcycle DRIVER: Unit 1- Charles P. Turner, 66-year-old male from Mayfield, KY - Deceased PRELIMINARY: A preliminary investigation indicates the following occurred: Unit 1 was traveling northbound on US Route 45 at Mary's Lane. For unknown reasons, Unit 1 drove off the right side of the roadway and through the grassy ditch before ramping the embankment to Mary's Lane and becoming airborne. Unit 1 driver was ejected from the motorcycle. The driver of Unit 1 was transported to an area hospital with life-threatening injuries and later succumbed to his injuries.

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EDWARDSVILLE — Property fraud is the fastest-growing white-collar crime and the Madison County’s recorder’s office is offering a free program — Property Fraud Alert — notifying property owners when land documents are recorded in their name. “Property owners should always be on alert for potential recording fraud against their properties,” County Clerk/Recorder Debbie Ming-Mendoza’s Ming-Mendoza said. “Fraudulent activity by bad actors happens right here in Madison County. We’ve seen people impeded in the sale of their home due to unknown liens on their property. “We’ve also seen fraudulent quit claim deeds filed.” Most recordings are for legitimate reasons such as obtaining a mortgage, paying off a mortgage, refinancing, or filing a lien (an unpaid judgment) against a property owner, there are also fraudulent ones. Scammers who focus on property fraud create paperwork, which “proves” their ownership

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GLEN CARBON - The National Weather Service has announced a heat advisory for the Glen Carbon area beginning Tuesday, July 5 through Thursday, July 7, with heat index values over 100 degrees. Therefore, the Village of Glen Carbon has made a declaration that the Glen Carbon Police Department’s Community Room, located at 149 N. Main, Glen Carbon, will be open as a Cooling Shelter for Glen Carbon residents from Tuesday, July 5, through Saturday, July 9. The Glen Carbon Police Department encourages citizens to drink plenty of fluids, reduce, eliminate, or reschedule strenuous activities until the coolest time of the day, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors.

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ST. LOUIS COUNTY - The deceased in a fatal house fire on July 1, 2022, in the 10000 block of Count Drive, in the North County Precinct, has been positively identified as Theodis Wise, 67 years of age, of the 1000 block of Riverview Boulevard in St. Louis, MO., 63147. St. Louis County Police Crimes Against Persons Detectives are currently investigating a house fire that resulted in the death of one individual. Fire personnel was able to extinguish the flames and upon entry into the residence, found an unresponsive individual in a rear bathroom. The individual was immediately transported to an area hospital and was later pronounced deceased. A preliminary investigation has revealed the fire to not be criminal in nature.

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ST. LOUIS COUNTY - St. Louis County Police Crimes Against Persons detectives are investigating a homicide in the 3000 block of Fairchild Avenue in the City of Northwoods which resulted in the death of an adult male. On July 4, 2022, at 12:17 AM, City of Northwoods police officers responded to a call for service for a motor vehicle accident in the 3000 block of Fairchild Avenue. Responding officers located the driver, an adult male inside a vehicle that had struck a sign. The driver of the vehicle was suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. The driver was transported to an area hospital for life-saving treatment but later succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased. There were no other occupants of the vehicle. City of Northwoods police officers requested St. Louis County Police Department’s Crimes Against Persons detectives assume responsibility for the investigation. The investigation is very active at this time. Additional information will be disseminated as it

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ELSAH - The big cat shown here was wandering around Elsah near Lockhaven Road when it was captured in this photo. Bobcats have killed several chickens, cats, and possibly other animals in that area in recent days. Scott Isringhausen, a park ranger with the Department of Natural Natural Resources at Pere Marquette, said he and another park representative both looked at the photo and determined this was a bobcat. The bobcat is becoming more and more common in this region, Isringhausen said. It has distinctive black bars on its forelegs and a black-tipped, stubby, or "bobbed" tail, which it gets its name. In this region, the bobcat hunts chickens, geese, rabbits, other birds, small rodents, and deer. Isringhausen said the habitat by the Mississippi River and the bluffs area near Elsah is a great place to find a bobcat. "There aren't too many reports of bobcats attacking humans, but they love to prey on chickens," he said. "If someone has chickens or small dogs and/or cats in that area

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EDWARDSVILLE - In a special session on Wednesday, the county board will consider certain proposed ordinance changes relating to Board oversight and the authority of the Chairman over County Board administration. These changes have been opposed by Chairman Prenzler. But today, the other five GOP county-wide officials came out in strong support of the plan due to a recent lawsuit costing $1.3 million to taxpayers and many other personnel problems. The meeting on Wednesday, July 6, starts at 5 p.m. and will be held in the County Administration Building. “We all believe these proposed changes are reasonable and responsible. We fully support them," said Circuit Clerk Tom McRae, County Auditor David Michael, State’s Attorney Tom Haine, Treasurer Chris Slusser, and Regional Superintendent of Schools Rob Werden. "As independently elected officials, we need the County administration to work smoothly and efficiently so we can do our jobs well. "Every Republican county-wide elected

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HIGHLAND PARK – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) issued the following statement regarding this morning’s mass shooting at Highland Park’s July 4th parade after joining Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, Highland Park Mayor Nancy Rotering and other officials to give an update on the status of the investigation: “Absolutely terrifying. Illinoisans who set out this morning to celebrate our Independence Day and watch Highland Park’s Fourth of July parade found themselves running for their lives. At least six of them will never make it home. Someone’s child. Someone’s grandparent. “My heart goes out to the families who will never see their loved ones again and I join the entire Highland Park community in grieving their losses and wishing swift recoveries for the victims who survived. “Every community deserves to be safe from senseless gun violence, and I’ve made clear to both Governor Pritzker and Mayor Rotering that I will do whateve

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O"FALLON, IL. - COVID-19 vaccines for patients ages six months and older are now available at HSHS Medical Group drive-thru locations. HSHS Medical Group provides COVID-19 vaccines and testing to the public at drive-thru locations in Decatur, Springfield, and O’Fallon. Appointments are required for all vaccine doses and testing. Established patients may receive vaccines and testing at some primary care clinics. Call your local HSHS Medical Group primary care office to check availability. How to make a vaccine appointment It is free and easy to create a MyHSHS account and schedule an appointment online: Go to www.myhshs.org . Login or create a MyHSHS account by clicking “Sign Up Now.” Under Quick Links, click “COVID-19 Vaccine Link.” Click “COVID-19 Test/Vaccine” and answer questions on eligibility to schedule a test or a first, second or third dose vaccine appointment. You will be able to choose from available appointments at ou

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Today, I ask all Illinoisans to pray for the families who have been devastated by the evil unleashed this morning in Highland Park, for those who have lost loved ones and for those who have been injured. I also ask that we all pray for our first responders at all levels of government who are actively working to bring the suspect into custody, and whose bravery undoubtedly saved innocent lives on the scene. There are no words for the kind of monster who lies in wait and fires into a crowd of families with children celebrating a holiday with their community. There are no words for the kind of evil that robs our neighbors of their hopes, their dreams, their futures. There are no words I can offer to lift the pain of those they leave behind. Please know that our state grieves with you, that MK and I grieve with you. But grief will not bring the victims back, and prayers alone will not put a stop to the terror of rampant gun violence in our country. I will stand firm with Illinoisans and

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BELLEVILLE - SIHF Healthcare is pleased to announce the addition of three providers in the Belleville area: Jenna Churnock, DNP, FNP-C; Sydney Cooper, PA-C; and Matthew Wilkinson, MD, have joined our healthcare teams at 7210 West Main Street and 2900 Frank Scott Parkway West Suite 980 in Belleville. Churnock has her Doctorate of Nursing Practice and Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing and is a member of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners. She will practice family medicine and will see patients of all ages at our health center located at 7210 West Main Street, Belleville. Cooper has her Master of Medical Science in Physician Assistant Studies from Saint Louis University. She will see patients of all ages as well as specialize in women’s health issues at our health center located at 7210 West Main Street, Belleville. Appointments for Churnock and Cooper may be made by calling 618.398.8840. Dr. Wilkinson has his undergraduate degree in biology and psychology from Rockhurs

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COLLINSVILLE - Illinois State Police (ISP) District 11 Commander, Captain Casey Faro, announces the ISP will conduct Alcohol Countermeasure Enforcement (ACE) patrols in Madison and St. Clair County during July. ACE patrols allow the ISP to focus on preventing, detecting, and taking enforcement action in response to violations associated with impaired driving and illegal transportation or consumption of alcohol or drugs. The ISP has zero tolerance for impaired driving in Illinois. Officers working the detail will be watchful for drivers who are operating vehicles in an unsafe manner, driving with a suspended or revoked driver’s license, transporting open alcoholic beverages, and most importantly: Driving Under the Influence (DUI); Safety Belt and Child Restraint use; Speeding; Distracted Driving; and, All Illinois Vehicle Code and Criminal Violations. Alcohol and drug impairment are factors in more than 30% of all fatal motor vehicle crashes in Illinois. There is one alcohol-relate

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ALTON - The Alton Police Department is investigating a shooting incident that occurred in the 800 block of Oakwood Estates in Alton, at approximately 10:15 p.m. Monday (07/04/22). During the incident, two individuals were injured by gunfire. Both were taken to St. Louis area hospitals for further treatment. One person of interest was immediately detained at the scene. The subjects involved in the incident are all generally familiar with each other. Alton Deputy Police Chief Jarrett Ford said: "Detectives with the Alton Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Division have been and continue to follow up on all leads. Other area police agencies assisted the Alton Police Department in securing the primary scene as well as secondary locations. Their presence and assistance are appreciated. "The investigation is still ongoing. Any further information will be released when available."

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CHICAGO - Attorney General Kwame Raoul today issued a statement on the mass shooting that occurred at an Independence Day parade in Highland Park, Illinois. “Our country is once again rocked by another devastating mass shooting, this time at what should have been a joyous event. My heart is broken for the families and community that came together today in Highland Park to celebrate the birth of our nation. I am praying for those who lost loved ones today and for the survivors who experienced unimaginable trauma. “Statements like these are becoming too frequent, which is why I remain committed to working with our law enforcement partners to prevent the mass tragedies that have devastated too many families. I will continue to collaborate with federal law enforcement, such as the U.S. Secret Service National Threat Assessment Center to ensure that community and faith leaders have access to training that can help prevent these horrific mass casualty events. “I would

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CAHOKIA - 6:30–8:00 PM You can join us online on July 12, 2022, on ZOOM via https://bit.ly/3yk0acS . To Register to attend this event (in-person or via Zoom), go to https://www.sierraclub.org/illinois/piasa-palisades Bill Iseminger is an archaeologist and well-known author who recently retired as Assistant Site Manager at Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site in Collinsville, IL. His presentation will cover the previous cultural traditions and the rise, fluorescence, and demise of Cahokia, the largest prehistoric settlement north of Mexico, and discuss the many site features and results of past and current archaeological research as well as the development of a world-class Interpretive Center. Cultural change is represented from the earliest Paleo-Indian nomads who hunted mammoths and mastodons, then the Archaic period with its introduction of horticulture and mound-building, to the Woodland period that introduced pottery, the bow and arrow, and corn agriculture, and then the

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ALTON - Alton Police Department is investigating a shooting in the Oakwood Estates Housing Complex that was called in at about 10:15 p.m. on Monday, July 4. Police say two were found injured outside an apartment and transported to a local hospital for care. Both were later transported to St. Louis for additional treatment. No other information about the suspect or those injured in the incident has yet been released. More to come.

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GODFREY - The Village of Godfrey Fun Fest at Glazebrook Park closed the Fourth of July festivities Monday around the area in style with strong attendance and fun. Godfrey's event featured vendors, face painting, food trucks, inflatables and so much more. Another bright spot was the t-ball and pitching machine awards at 5:30 p.m. Monday at the park, a proud moment for parents and children. The fireworks display started at 9:15 p.m. on Monday and was rated outstanding by those in attendance. Village of Godfrey Mayor Mike McCormick said the Family Fun Fest is always a great way for residents to celebrate Independence Day and see what he called "one of the best fireworks shows in the area."

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EDWARDSVILLE - Edwardsville Legion Post 199 Commander Ron Swaim issued a huge thanks to a sponsor iCAN Clinic, the Legion members, and the numerous volunteers and city personnel who made the 2022 Fireworks Celebration such a success. "The large donation by iCAN Clinic really helped with the fireworks," Swaim said. "We also give a big thank you out to the community for coming out and making it a great evening for our fireworks event. It was a great evening Saturday night for the community." Swaim says the Edwardsville Fireworks Display and Fourth of July Celebration at the Legion carries an "awesome tradition." "We always get great cooperation from the City of Edwardsville Police Department, Fire Department, and Street Department, which helps make the event safe," he added. "Those departments work so well with us at the Legion."

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SOUTH ROXANA - Illinois State Representative Amy Elik (R-Fosterburg) and the Village of South Roxana hosted a beautiful Saturday morning ceremony to designate Illinois Route 111 from New Poag Road to Madison Avenue as “Chief Todd Werner Memorial Highway.” The ceremony was open to the public and was very well attended by both the public and fellow first responders. The sign is positioned on Highway 111 and Madison Avenue. “Chief Werner dedicated his life to public service in Madison County by serving as a first responder. He made a positive impact on the people who were fortunate to call him a friend,” said Rep. Elik. “Dedicating a portion of Route 111 in his honor will serve as a reminder that his selfless commitment to the community will not be forgotten.” Chief Werner worked in the fire service for 30 years. He joined the South Roxana Fire Department in 1996 and became the Fire Chief in 2013. Chief Werner had been employed by the Madison

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