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ALTON - Samara Helton, a senior at Edwardsville High School, is one of Alton Memorial Hospital's first two Health Equity Scholarships winners. Samara was raised by a single mother who has been a steady influence in her life. Taryn Wallace, an Alton High School senior, is the other to receive a scholarship and there is a separate feature on Riverbender.com about her. Samara’s mother, Nova, had Samara when she was 18 years old, and Samara said that her mom sacrificed a lot of her personal goals for her children. “She worked so hard to make sure we had everything we would need,” Samara said. “When her classmates were packing up to move to college, my mother was changing my diapers. I work very hard to make sure that she knows that my hard work is not only for me but for her as well to show how far her sacrifice has come. In a way, her having me so young has become my biggest drive to become the most successful person I can be to show her what she could have been.”

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WOOD RIVER — Madison County’s Emergency Management Agency (EMA) has chosen their volunteer of the year. On Wednesday, Cory Heuchert, a longtime volunteer for EMA was presented with the agency’s 2 nd annual award. A dinner was held to thank the agency’s team of 33 registered volunteers and Heuchert was singled out for his service and dedication. “Cory has been with EMA since the volunteer team began,” said Chris Johnson, Director of Madison County EMA. “The team plays a vital role in our ability to provide services to the citizens of Madison County. We couldn’t do all that we do without them and Cory is a prime example.” Heuchert first got involved with Emergency Management in 2012 as a founding member of the agency’s communications support team. Since then he has deployed to incidents all over Madison County providing communications support as well as serving as a member of the agency’s Unified Command Post Deployment

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ALTON – Friends of Pam Kaizer are joining together to raise needed funds for their dear friend as she continues her battle against an aggressive cancer. Santino’s Steak and Pasta House, 180 E. Center Dr., Alton, will host a dining event from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Tuesday, May 17, 2022. Reservations are suggested, but not required, and carry-outs will also be available. Owner Sonny Asani, one of Kaizer’s good friends, will be donating a percentage of the profits from sales on that day to help Kaizer with the expenses she is facing for her ongoing cancer treatments. Kaizer continues her courageous fight with the help of doctors and staff at OSF Moeller Cancer Center in Alton. “I love the staff there, and I am receiving excellent care,” she said. “Many people know Pam from her former days as the travel program coordinator at Senior Services Plus,” said long-time friend Melissa Meske. “She has traveled with thousands all over the world. But

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HARDIN - A Fieldon man was arrested and now faces multiple charges after a traffic stop at 12:04 a.m. on May 6, 2022. The Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office conducted a traffic stop on a Green GMC Yukon XL on Illinois River Road at the intersection of Golden Eagle Road in Golden Eagle, Calhoun County, Illinois. Subsequent to an investigation, the driver, Paul D. Cummines, 51, of Fieldon, was arrested on charges of Unlawful Possession of Methamphetamine, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Possession of Firearm While FOID Revoked, and Unlawful Use of a Weapon (Handgun). Cummines was transported to the Greene County Jail.

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PEORIA - Research reveals $100 billion a year is spent on health care that is only necessary because individuals don’t follow medical advice. For example, patients with chronic illnesses are estimated to comply with medication schedules only 50% of the time. Now researchers are working to find a way to help patients reach their health needs and goals through positive reinforcement and rewards. A new Jump ARCHES project will explore the feasibility of a blockchain-based digital app as a viable way to enable OSF HealthCare and others help patients improve their health while attempting to meet the spirit of important government regulations. The project is informed by many studies that show incentives, such as cash prizes or other rewards, work in changing behavior such as to stop smoking or exercise more. But, federal consumer protection regulations currently prohibit health systems from offering rewards for healthy behavior because they are viewed as an inducement to use a product

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BELLEVILLE - Wheat variety and seed treatment trials will highlight the 2022 Southern Illinois Wheat Tour sponsored by the Illinois Wheat Association. The May 24 tour will give Illinois wheat growers an opportunity to tour wheat fields and estimate yields for the 2021/22 winter wheat crop. The tour will include field checks during the day, with a late afternoon reporting session at the Southern Illinois University Belleville Research Center, 2036 Charles Lane in Belleville. Tour participants will hear scouting results and the wheat yield estimates. Two guest speakers will join the IWA board to answer questions. Jessica Rutkoski, assistant professor of small grains breeding, will discuss the status of wheat development and challenges from wheat diseases. A USDA-ARS wheat disease expert is also expected to join. A group dinner and meeting at the Belleville Research Center will follow the tours. Tour participants are asked to call one of the four following crop scouting group leaders

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ST. LOUIS - The St. Louis Blues have teamed with retail partner Rank + Rally , DBK Studio , and Mantis XR to introduce Blues Experiential Reality (BXR), the first Metaverse shopping experience in sports & live entertainment in North America. The first phase launches in time for the 2022 Blues playoff run and features an immersive Metaverse experience that is easily accessible by web link from any device without the need for extra equipment. Fans can go behind the scenes of the legendary hockey team by visiting a 3D, photorealistic locker room. Once inside, fans can browse a selection of Blues merchandise that is available for purchase. Fans can access BXR by going to stlouisblues.com/xr or by scanning QR codes located on the concourse and in STL Authentics locations at Enterprise Center. Initially, the merchandise selection includes four newly released Series Six line products - three t-shirts and one sweater - as well as the Blues’ home, road, Winter Classic and retro

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ALTON - It’s likely no surprise to hear that whole grains are a key part of a healthy diet. They’re filled with fiber, vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients. Studies have found that regularly eating whole grains can lower the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. And they may even help people live longer. But while the benefits of whole grains are clear, it can be hard for many of us to fit them into our meals. On average in the U.S., we eat only about a third of the recommended amount of whole grains each day. This may be, in part, because it’s not always easy to know which grains and grain foods actually count as whole grains. So, what are whole grains exactly? They’re grains that include the three key parts of the natural grain kernel – bran, germ, and endosperm. This differs from refined grains, like white rice and white flour, which have the bran and germ removed during processing. Bran and germ are rich in many healthy nutrients and

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URBANA – Willow trees are most well known for their long, draping branches that give them a refined and graceful appearance. That is unless it is a corkscrew willow. The unique branching and twisting features of the Salix genus curly willow not only adds visual interest to the winter landscape but it can also be harvested and used for unique decorative arrangements says University of Illinois Extension horticulture educator Christina Lueking . “Curly willow has beautifully curled branches that have led to some crazy common names such as corkscrew willow, twisted willow, and snake willow,” Lueking says. Woody varieties generally prefer fertile, well-drained soil and full sun throughout the day. However, willows are a perfect fit for filter strips between annual crops or wet areas with their mature branches that are upright with a few sweeping younger branches that droop until they become more mature. These trees are easily propagated and can have a long lifespan a

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GALESBURG - Spring means baseball season is gearing up – that is, if it has not yet already started. A recent study by the Sports and Fitness Industry Association (SFIA) found that nearly 16 million Americans spanning all age groups play baseball. The popularity of baseball started to grow in the early 1800s and has earned the title of “America’s Pastime” over the years. However, whether you are a rookie or play for the Major League, anyone who plays is at risk for injury down the line. According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS), the most common baseball-related injuries include mild soft tissue injuries, such as muscle strains, ligament sprains, cuts, and contusions (bruises) – and although baseball is a non-contact sport, most serious injuries are due to contact either with a ball, bat, or another player. Additionally, the repetitive nature of baseball – throwing, catching, squatting, batting, sliding – often results in

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A LOOK INSIDE THE NEW RP Lumber CENTER Development: EDWARDSVILLE - The RP Lumber CENTER Ice Rink Development next to Edwardsville High School is close to completion, S.K. Wilson & Co. representative Kerry Lorts said Thursday. S.K. Wilson is the general contractor on the RP Lumber CENTER project. The new RP Lumber CENTER is part of the City of Edwardsville's "A Better Place To Play" initiative. The new center will include an ice rink, a teen center, an indoor track, and a recreational facility. The indoor track surface will be installed within the next two weeks, Kerry Lorts said. "We will charge the system next week and within two to three weeks make ice, then get it painted," he said. "The workout area is ready. The equipment still has to be installed. We are wrapping up rubber flooring, cleaning up, and putting the final touches of paint on everything." The indoor track appears to be magnificent in its structure and it appears it will take about 8 laps to equal a mile on

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EDWARDSVILLE - A 5-year-old black Labrador Retriever - Fitz - has had an amazing impact in his time at the Madison County Courthouse in Edwardsville. Fitz arrived at the courthouse in 2019 from Duo Dogs in St. Louis as a fully trained courthouse facility dog. Courthouse facility dogs assist litigants, victims, kids, and families during stressful stages of the legal process. They can be used in case management, forensic interviews, and criminal or civil proceedings and are handled by professionals in these fields. The dogs are specially trained by assistance dog organizations that are members of Assistance Dogs International. Fitz’s handlers are Tiffany Brooks and Emily Bell. Madison County State's Attorney Thomas Haine is a dog lover himself and in his time at the courthouse, he has come to also love Fitz. He said Fitz is a tremendous help with victims and kids during stressful parts of the legal process. Here is some additional background on Fitz from Victim Services Coordinator

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BENTON – Dr. Mingqing Xiao, 60, of Makanda, Illinois, was convicted by a federal jury on Wednesday, May 4, 2022, in connection with lying to federal authorities about a foreign bank account in China in 2017, 2018, and 2019. Dr. Xiao, a mathematics professor and researcher at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale, was convicted of three counts of Making a False or Fraudulent Statement to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) on his tax returns and one count of Failure to File a report of a Foreign Bank Account (FBAR). Evidence presented at the trial established that Xiao opened a foreign bank account at Ping An Bank in China in 2016 and received monthly deposits into the account from Shenzhenalo University in Shenzhen, China, from 2016 to 2020. Some of the funds were linked to additional sources in China. By 2020, Xiao had accumulated more than $100,000 in the Chinese account. U.S. taxpayers are required to report the existence of any foreign bank account on their federal income

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ST. LOUIS COUNTY - On Friday, May 6, 2022, the St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office issued warrants on suspect David A. Taylor, 28 years of age, of the 9900 block of Linn Avenue in St. Louis, Missouri 63125, for one count of Unlawful Possession of Explosive Weapon. A mugshot for Taylor is attached. Taylor is being held on a $50,000 cash only, no 10% bond. Please note, charges are merely an accusation and Defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law. The probable cause statement reads: On or about May 5, 2022, officers conducted a traffic stop on the Defendant’s vehicle for following a school bus too closely. The Defendant was arrested for an outstanding warrant. An inventory search of the vehicle revealed two pipe bombs in the center console. Post Miranda, the Defendant admitted to knowing the pipe bombs were in the car and he also knew what was inside the pipes. Defendant said he had purchased them. These devices are capable

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SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Natural Resources State Historic Preservation Office today announced the approval of $117,250 in federal funding to Certified Local Governments (CLG) in the state for five historic preservation projects through the National Park Services’ Historic Preservation Fund. The program is open to all 84 Certified Local Governments throughout Illinois with funds available to reimburse participating CLG communities for projects that focus on Surveys, Public Education, Planning, and National Register of Historic Places nominations. The approved projects are: City of Collinsville – The project is the creation of Historic Preservation Design Guidelines for the city’s historic landmarks and potential preservation district to establish a clear set of professionally developed guidelines. The City of Collinsville was awarded $7,000 in federal Historic Preservation Funds, with the city providing $3,220 in matching funds. City of Carbondale

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EAST ST. LOUIS – Over 30 businesses in Madison and St. Clair Counties were awarded more than $1.4 million in funding from the Back to Business program thanks to advocacy and support from State Senator Christopher Belt (D-Swansea). “Metro East businesses have fought to keep their doors open,” Belt said. “Local businesses are deserving of this funding to continue getting back on their feet after the unprecedented times we have had.” A total of $1.415 million was awarded to 34 businesses in the 57 th District. The B2B grants are awarded by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity using funds allocated to them by the American Rescue Plan through last year’s state budget. DCEO has provided $250 million in B2B grants – thanks to strong support from Senator Belt – to small businesses throughout the state, with an emphasis on hard-hit sectors, such as hotels, restaurants, bars, barbershops, and salons, and disproportionately

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STAUNTON - For the first time, The Macoupin Art Collective has combined their annual Spring Art Bazaar and Spring Plant Sale/Swap into one large event. Both events are now being held for one day, Saturday, May 14, 2022; however, the times will be slightly staggered: Art Maker’s Mart 10 am-5 pm and Plant Sale 9 am-2 pm. The Maker’s Mart will feature 15 different artists set up in outside tents and in their gallery space indoors from 10 am to 5 pm. You will find a variety of items for sale from jewelry to ceramics, paintings and other wall art, stained glass and fused glass, wreaths, epoxy resin, and much more. The Plant Sale/Swap will be located outside beginning at 9 am and running until 2 pm. Jared and Lisa Wirth will be bringing a large selection of vegetable seedlings and some house plants, too. This event is special in that they are open to trades. If you have extras of one plant and would like to share, bring them with you. If you have nothing to share then

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ALTON - Mac's Kentucky Derby Party is planned to be bigger and better than ever, Rob Lenhardt of Mac's, said Friday. The massive Mac's Derby event is scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. Saturday at Mac's at 315 Belle St. in Alton. The Kentucky Derby race is called "the most exciting two minutes in sports." The Block Party Concert will feature The Fabulous Thunderbirds at 7 p.m. The band's most famous hit is "Tuff Enuff," which was a Top 40 hit and peaked at No. 10 on the Billboard Hot 100. "Tuff Enuff," was featured in the 1986 film "Gung Ho," and also featured in the movie "Tough Guys." The band also had music featured in the 1987 movie "Hot Pursuit." Lenhardt said, "The Fabulous Thunderbirds" will put on quite a high-energy, captivating show and is a great way to kick off the summer in Alton. "This is the biggest party every year and it is good to have a national act like 'The Fabulous Thunderbirds.'" Rob Lenhardt said about noon things are rocking on Belle Street for the Derby Party

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ALTON - Alton Little Theater is hosting a Volunteer Invite & Appreciation Party on May 22nd at 2 pm. All those who would like to get more involved in community theater are invited to attend. There is no charge for this event. The Theater group is launching its 89th season and is seeking over 400 Volunteers who earn FREE Tickets while serving as ushers, set workers, backstage crews, costume help, and more. Comedian Michael Arthur will appear at the showplace on May 22nd and remind us of the joys of volunteering for a great organization. Light refreshments will be served and attendees will have the first chance to get the inside scoop on new shows and speak with directors and actors who will announce audition dates, explore all the volunteer functions available, and learn how easy it is to earn free tickets for mainstage shows! The event is free, but please call 618-462-3205 to make a reservation to attend. The staff at Alton Little Theater would love to meet you!

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SPRINGFIELD - Today, the Democratic Party of Illinois formally indicated it intends to submit an application to the Democratic National Committee for Illinois to be selected as a “pre-window” state for the 2024 presidential nominating process, meaning it would be one of the first five states to hold its primary election. Click HERE to see the letter of intent sent to the DNC by the Democratic Party of Illinois today. “There is no better state in the country for Democratic presidential candidates to make the case to voters than Illinois,” said Democratic Party of Illinois Chair Rep. Robin Kelly. “Illinois looks like America, with ethnic, geographic, racial, economic and ideological diversity that is core to our party’s success. Illinois has also led the way for Democrats in passing progressive policies, including promoting green energy, supporting workers’ rights, raising the minimum wage, protecting reproductive health, expanding access

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