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HARDIN - At 7:55 p.m. on Sept. 24, 2022, the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a red Chevrolet truck with a four-wheeler in the back, driving erratically and causing damage at a business located near the Mozier Junction in Mozier, Calhoun County, Illinois. The caller advised that the vehicle sped north on Illinois Route 96 at a high rate of speed. A deputy with the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office observed a vehicle matching that description traveling northbound on Route 96. The deputy attempted to conduct a traffic stop, but the vehicle began fleeing once the deputy activated his emergency lights and siren. The truck then continued northbound on Route 96 at a high rate of speed. The vehicle then entered Pike County. A Pike County Deputy then joined and took over as the lead in the pursuit. Due to Pleasant Hill Homecoming, the pursuit was terminated prior to entering Pleasant Hill, Illinois. The vehicle continued north, passing the Pleasant Hill High Schoo

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EDWARDSVILLE - Edwardsville High School senior Jonathan Stumpf has been named a 2023 National Merit Scholarship Semifinalist, while fellow seniors Grace Ramsey and Selin Aktuna were named 2023 National Merit Scholarship Commended Students. Stumpf is one of 16,000 students across the country who qualified as a semifinalist based on his PSAT/NMSQT scores in the 68 th annual National Merit Scholarship Program. He will continue in the competition for some 7,250 National Merit Scholarships worth nearly $28 million that will be offered next spring. To be considered for a Merit Scholarship award, a semifinalist must fulfill several requirements to advance to the finalist level of the competition. About 95 percent of the semifinalists are expected to attain a finalist standing, and approximately half of the finalists will win a National Merit Scholarship and earn the Merit Scholar title. “This means a lot in terms of achieving something outside of the normal academic classroom that

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HARDIN - At 10:21 p.m. on September 23, 2022, deputies with the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office attempted to conduct a traffic stop on Illinois Route 100, near North Side Grocery, on a black 2008 GMC truck. The driver of the truck refused to stop, increased speed, and then fled from the deputies. The truck then continued northbound on Route 100, passing the Calhoun High School at speeds near 100 miles per hour, the Calhoun Sheriff's Office said. The deputies continued to pursue the vehicle. Eventually, the vehicle came to a stop on Illinois Route 100 in Michael, Illinois. A traffic stop and subsequent investigation then resulted in the arrest of the driver, Eric D. Brown, age 20, of White Hall, Illinois, for the following offenses: • Aggravated Fleeing or Attempting to Elude a Police Officer, • DUI - Alcohol, • DUI - Alcohol (Over 0.08), • Illegal Transportation of Alcoholic Beverage - Driver, • Unlawful Consumption of Alcohol Under 21 • Reckless

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ALTON - The Upper Alton Association is proud to announce the return of the Bud Summers Tribute concert. This year it will be held from 3-6 p.m. on October 9th at the Alton Amphitheater. This free concert will again have food trucks, drinks, and a 50/50 raffle. Bud Summers was a huge supporter of the Upper Alton Association and played numerous times at their yearly Rockin’ with Robert concert. After his death in 2019, many wanted to pay tribute to him. Upper Alton and his former band got together and decided to have a tribute concert in his honor. Rob McDonnell, singer and bass guitarist of the band said that “It is a privilege to honor our fellow comrade. Bud was one of the best.” Jason McAtee, singer, and guitarist, agrees, “I can’t express to you how special it is for me to get to share the stage with these great musicians to honor one of the best guitar players we knew. It’s going to be a great time.” McAtee adds, “This one’s fo

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O'FALLON — Nearly 800,000 people die by suicide every year, which is one person every 40 seconds, according to the World Health Organization. In addition, for each completed suicide, there are more than 20 attempts. Navigating a pandemic and national unrest may contribute to these troubling statistics, as fear and anxiety may overcome us as we’re trying to understand what’s happening around us. People of all genders, ages and ethnicities can be at risk for suicidal thoughts and behaviors. During September’s National Suicide Prevention Month, HSHS St. Elizabeth’s Hospital reminds everyone that if you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts, there are resources available. In July, a new, nationwide Suicide and Crisis Lifeline was launched: 988. You can call, text or chat this three-digit number which connects people to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline where free and confidential help is available 24/7. Local activities: St. Clair County Ou

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ALTON - A food drive is set to begin at 6 p.m. Friday at Millennium Temple Church at 801 Blair Ave. in Alton. The food drive is being done by the church with Alderwoman Rosie Brown of the Fourth Ward in Alton. Brown said in times like today "we can’t take for granted everyone is comfortable with food items, etc." She said these items should help families who are needing some assistance at this time. The items include baby formula, cereal, fruit, snacks, and many nutritional items. Brown said the food will be distributed through the evening while supplies last.

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JERSEYVILLE - Jersey County Sheriff Mike Ringhausen announced early Thursday afternoon that a wanted man - Devin A. Kreuger of Jerseyville - is in U.S. Marshals' custody in St. Louis. Krueger, 26, was wanted on multiple felony warrants in Jersey, Greene, Macoupin, and Madison County. He was wanted for questioning in multiple residential burglaries and possession of a stolen vehicle. Krueger’s last address was in the 20000 block of Tuetken Road in Jerseyville. Sheriff Ringhausen said now the judicial process will begin and eventually, Krueger will be tried on this side of the river. “We are very happy U.S. Marshals got him in custody in St. Louis,” he said. “We can’t thank them enough. He seemed to have an almost ‘catch me if you can philosophy.’ People’s last hope of safety is their home and when you violate the sanctity of someone’s home, a person doesn’t feel safe anymore. It is up to us to ensure things like that don’t

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CHICAGO – The Illinois Department of Transportation today announced that the Federal Highway Administration has approved its plan to build a reliable electric vehicle charging network throughout the state. The State of Illinois Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Deployment Plan addresses potential challenges and proposes locations for charging stations to ensure motorists can confidently traverse the state in electric vehicles. “Because of my administration’s work on the nation-leading Climate and Equitable Jobs Act and Reimagining Electric Vehicles Act, Illinois stands at the forefront of the emerging electric vehicle industry,” said Governor JB Pritzker . “This funding serves as a vital complement to that work and will ensure we meet our goal of putting one million electric vehicles on the road by 2030. In every corner of the state, we have invested in our infrastructure and our workers, making it clear to vehicle, charging station, and auto parts manufacturers

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ALTON - Abe Lee Barham, a civic activist, was the lead host in a candidate’s forum this past weekend at the Flood Memorial in Alton. He said he was pleased with the turnout and that individuals from both sides turned out and had some good questions for the candidates who were present. “I have always felt it is good to hear from both sides and question both sides,” he said. “I think our country needs to be united and come together to solve problems. It is all right to disagree, but we have to come together on issues that benefit our country and our towns.”’ Debbie Mendoza, Ryan Jumpers, Kris Tharp, Joe Silkwood, Ebony Huddleston, and Barry Julian turned out for the event. A video of the candidate’s event is above.

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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and Senator Chris Coons (D-DE) were joined by Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ), Patrick Leahy (D-VT), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Chris Murphy (D-CT), and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) today to introduce legislation to reduce the Federal Bureau of Prisons’ (BOP) use of solitary confinement and improve conditions for inmates separated from the general prison population. The Solitary Confinement Reform Act limits solitary confinement to the briefest term and under the least restrictive conditions possible, because the overuse of solitary confinement threatens public safety, strains prison budgets, and violates fundamental human rights. The bill also improves access to mental health services for BOP prisoners in solitary confinement, and provides resources to state and local jurisdictions to assist them in reforming their own confinement practices. Additionally, the bill protects inmates’

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JERSEYVILLE - The Jerseyville Parks & Recreation Department is asking the public for help securing grant funding for Phase 2 of their Lions Club/Wittman Park improvement project, and has launched an online petition in support of the cause. With Phase 1 complete, Phase 2 could include the addition of a splash pad and bathhouse, open-air pavilion, sand volleyball courts, and more. The department is applying for this funding from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR). Tyler Hermens, director of the Jerseyville Parks and Recreation Department, said that the community showing their support behind this project can help secure this funding. “Community support is a large piece of that grant application, and so we started a change.org petition hoping to reach more people because the deadline was fast approaching for this grant application,” Hermens said. Community members can show their support for the project by signing the online petition on change.org

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EDWARDSVILLE - Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Business two-time alumnus Tony Fuhrmann, director of the Madison County Employment and Training Department (MCETD), will lead the development of the Gateway Registered Apprenticeship Programs Hub (Gateway Hub) supported by a $5.8 million award from the U.S. Department of Labor Apprenticeship Building America (ABA) grant program. The first of its kind joint initiative between Illinois and Missouri workforce areas anticipates the registration of at least 750 new apprentices across the region. Target industries will include education, healthcare and social assistance, bioscience manufacturing and research and development. According to a MCETD press release , the Gateway Hub, includes six local workforce innovation areas (LWIA): St. Louis City, St. Louis County, St. Charles County and the Jefferson/Franklin Consortium in Missouri, as well as Madison County Employment and Training and the St. Clair County Intergovernmental

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ALTON - Mayor David Goins announced today he will honor Alton-native Jesse White, the Illinois Secretary of State, at 5:30 p.m. Saturday, October 8, 2022, at Lewis & Clark Community College. Goins said it is an honor to recognize the retirement of Secretary of State Jesse White "for his services to our country and state and for his humanitarian contributions to our youth, particularly his work with the International Jesse White Tumbling Team, which serves as a positive alternative for at-risk children residing in public housing." Mayor Goins said Jesse White is an absolute legend and has done so much in his lifetime in politics around the state. “It is an honor he chose to come for the event,” Mayor Goins added. “He was born here and he is definitely an absolute Alton hero.” Goins added: "We are also pleased to announce that some of the proceeds from the Motown Mayor’s Ball will support the Oasis Women's Center.” More than 400 guests are planning

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GODFREY – Two new member expansions celebrated opening occasions in September, complete with kick-off ribbon-cutting ceremonies led by the RiverBend Growth Association staff and members. Celebrating were CEFCU at its new Godfrey location and Senior Services Plus in Alton. The RBGA led a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Sept. 15, 2022, to celebrate CEFCU’s Godfrey facility, its first location in the Riverbend community, at 2810 Godfrey Road. There were approximately 50 people on hand for the special occasion, with a grand opening hosted by the credit union from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The ribbon-cutting ceremony was held at 11:30 a.m. Remarks were shared by Member Engagement Director Stefanie Withers on behalf of the RBGA, along with CEFCU President/CEO Matt Mamer. There was also a drawing held for a $250 Amazon gift card, a catered buffet from Nicky G’s, and featured floral arrangements by Petaled Pail. CEFCU shared branded items with those in attendance as well. CEFCU,

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GODFREY – Lewis and Clark Community College welcomed autumn’s arrival during Fall Fest 2022 on Wednesday, Sept. 28. Students celebrated with music, food, contests and lots of giveaways. The Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) Club was just one of the many represented at the event. Pictured, from left to right, are OTA students Krystal Roller, Gaby Hall, Madison Wallace and Sidney Ellsworth. To learn more about L&C OTA program and other degree and career programs, call or text the Enrollment Center at (618) 468-2222 or visit the website at www.lc.edu/enroll .

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JERSEY – While senior defender Jacob Wagner would say that baseball is his preferred sport, he does have a good time out on the soccer field. He certainly did Wednesday night when he scored his first goal for the Panther’s soccer team in a 7-0 win over Roxana on Senior Night. “Getting it on Senior Night means a lot. There’s nothing like it, a one-of-a-kind experience,” Jacob said after the game. Afterward, Jacob was nominated by his team as the player of the game. It was his first goal to go along with his two assists throughout his time playing. He doesn’t get on the scoresheet very often as he’s one of Jersey’s go-to defenders. Wagner is a Riverbender.com Jersey Male Athlete Of The Month. The three-sport athlete doesn’t get much time off between sports seasons. He mentioned that he also plays basketball in the winter and baseball in the spring, baseball being the sport he says he’s best at. He had a batting average

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GRAFTON - The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) announced that $210,000 has been included in the 2023 Statewide Planning & Research Program (SPR/PL) to conduct a study of the ferry systems in Grafton / Calhoun Region. The City of Grafton and the Great Rivers and Routes Tourism Bureau worked with the America’s Central Port District to create the grant request titled “Ferry Landing Operations Attract Tourists” (FLOAT). The funding breakdown for the FLOAT was $168,000 federal and $42,000 State Matching Funds. “This is a much-needed study for our tourism-based city,” said Mayor Morrow. “In order to improve and expand our transportation network we need to quantify how important this ferry system is to our region and the state. This study will do that, and it will give us a roadmap for future development and targeted grants.” The study will provide an overview of transportation networks in the Great River Road Corridor that connects the

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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and Senator Alex Padilla (D-CA), Chair of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Immigration, Citizenship, and Border Safety, introduced legislation to expand a pathway to legal permanent resident (LPR) status for millions of long-term U.S. residents. The Renewing Immigration Provisions of the Immigration Act of 1929 would update the existing Registry statute so that an immigrant may qualify for LPR status if they have lived in the U.S. continuously for at least seven years and are of good moral character. The bill is also cosponsored by Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) and Ben Ray Luján (D-NM). The legislation would provide a much-needed pathway to a green card for up to eight million people, including Dreamers, forcibly displaced people, Temporary Protected Status holders, children of long-term visa holders who face deportation, essential workers, and highly skilled members

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ST. LOUIS - As we gear up for the fall season, it is inevitable that chillier temperatures will find their way to our doorstep, making homemade comfort meals sound especially inviting. When deciding what seasonable dishes to prepare, consider recipes that include ingredients grown and produced locally. The farm-to-table philosophy continues to be popular, as many farmers' markets and local grocery stores have become fixtures in communities. Many refrigerator staples are foods that are made and sourced close to home. Real dairy milk is a great example of this. It takes 48 hours for milk to travel from the farm to the store, ensuring it is truly farm fresh when purchased. Not only is milk a local grocery item, but it contains thirteen essential nutrients, including high-quality protein. “Dairy foods are the top source of calcium and vitamin D in the American diet, and are critical for building healthy bones and teeth,” states registered dietitian Maggie Cimarolli. “These

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CHICAGO – Attorney General Kwame Raoul and Nevada Attorney General Aaron Ford presented an oral argument today in their lawsuit asking the federal government to acknowledge the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) as the 28th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. The ERA guarantees equal rights for all Americans regardless of their sex. In the argument before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia, Solicitor General Jane Notz of the Illinois Attorney General’s office represented Illinois and Nevada and contended that the federal archivist should be ordered to certify and publish the ERA in the official U.S. Constitution. According to Raoul and Ford, a lower court overlooked the special role that Article V of the Constitution gives states in the amendment process, improperly discounted the actions of their state legislatures in ratifying the Equal Rights Amendment, and gave too much weight to a seven-year ratification deadline that Congress included in its language

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