Riverbender 🕸

ALTON – From doughnuts to movie themes or just a fun round on the links, Riverbend residents and businesses can support OSF HealthCare Moeller Cancer Center this month by taking part in the OSF Foundation’s annual golf outing. This year’s tournament will be on Friday, September 23, at Spencer T. Olin Community Golf Course in Alton. Lunch and registration begins at 10:30 a.m. followed by a 12 p.m. shotgun start. The event will conclude with a steak and chicken dinner and the announcement of winning golfers. Golfers looking to spice up their round can also sample snacks and have some Caddyshack and Jimmy Buffett-themed fun. On the Duke Bakery hole, the player who lands their ball closest to the pin gets a year’s supply of doughnut holes from the bakery. Proceeds from this year’s golf outing will support programs and services at Moeller Cancer Center on the campus of OSF Saint Anthony’s Health Center . The tournament’s title sponsor is Moeller

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and Jerry Moran (R-KS) introduced and passed by voice vote a bipartisan resolution recognizing September 2022 as National Student Parent Month. The resolution highlights the contributions and achievements of the nearly 4 million Americans with children who attend postsecondary educational institutions. “By passing this bipartisan resolution to recognize September 2022 as National Student Parent Month, the Senate is sending an important message to the millions of Americans who are both raising children and trying to balance college coursework that we have their backs—especially those who face unique challenges, like single parents, military families or first-generation college students,” said Duckworth. “I’m proud to lead this resolution alongside Senator Moran, and we will continue supporting student parents as they work to provide a better future for their families.” “Being

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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) joined Senator Bob Menendez (D-NJ) and Congresswoman Nydia Velazquez (D-NY-07) in a bicameral letter to President Joe Biden urging him to issue a Major Disaster Declaration for all of Puerto Rico’s municipalities in response to Hurricane Fiona. Just days before the fifth anniversary of Hurricane Maria, the deadliest natural disaster in U.S. history, Hurricane Fiona ravaged the island with catastrophic flash flooding, unprecedented rainfall, and high-speed winds. “Governor Pierluisi has formally requested a Major Disaster Declaration for all of Puerto Rico’s municipalities in response to Hurricane Fiona. We strongly urge you to approve this request to ensure Puerto Rico has all the federal resources available to respond to this disaster,” wrote the bicameral group of lawmakers to President Biden. “Furthermore, 750,000 homes remain without potable water.

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CHICAGO - Attorney General Kwame Raoul, along with the city of Chicago and the Citizens Utility Board (CUB), filed an application for rehearing requesting the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) revisit its Aug. 17 decision ordering Commonwealth Edison (ComEd) to refund $38 million to customers. Raoul, the city of Chicago and CUB argued that customers should receive larger refunds after ComEd financed a $200 million contribution from its parent company, Exelon Corporation, as an equity infusion to pay a criminal penalty from a July 2020 deferred prosecution agreement (DPA) ComEd entered into to resolve a federal criminal investigation. ComEd’s accounting treatment is argued to have permanently increased ComEd’s equity capitalization, resulting in the electric utility collecting $7 million more in revenues from its customers. In the DPA, ComEd admitted to engaging in an unprecedented, eight-year bribery scheme to influence and reward former speaker of the Illinois House

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CHICAGO - Attorney General Raoul today joined a coalition of 17 attorneys general in filing an amicus brief in support of guidance issued by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to prioritize immigration enforcement efforts around those who pose the greatest threat to national security, public safety and border security. Given DHS’ limited enforcement resources, the guidance focuses efforts on direct threats to public safety and reasonably accounts for mitigating factors like a noncitizen’s ties to family members and communities in the United States. In the friend-of-the-court brief filed with the U.S. Supreme Court, Raoul and the coalition make it clear that the enforcement guidance is consistent with longstanding practice and supports family unity, as well as community and economic stability. “DHS should be able to prioritize its immigration enforcement efforts to ensure our communities are as safe as possible. Illinois is home to thousands of immigrants

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WASHINGTON – In a speech on the Senate floor, U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today spoke about the increased violence and threats of violence Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) employees have faced since the August 8 search executed at former President Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort—and the need for swift Senate action condemning such behavior and the rhetoric that contributes to it. “I have repeatedly made clear that violence against law enforcement is never—never—acceptable, no matter what ideology motivates it,” Durbin said. “But here is the reality: in the past month, following the FBI's execution of a search warrant at Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort, the FBI has faced a flood of threats against its employees and its facilities—and these threats have been egged on by the former President and his allies.” Last month, the FBI and the Department of Homeland Security

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SPRINGFIELD - The Illinois State Police (ISP) is in the process of awarding $1 million in grants to 32 local law enforcement agencies across Illinois to conduct firearm enforcement efforts to help keep firearms out of the hand of individuals who pose a significant threat to themselves or others. “While the Illinois State Police has had great success in reducing expressway shootings in the Chicago area compared to this time last year, we continue to face a gun violence epidemic in this country and we need every possible resource at our disposal to combat it,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “These grants to local law enforcement agencies can help prevent a potential tragedy in our communities and I want to thank agencies across the state who have signed up to help with enforcement efforts.” In July, ISP offered grants to law enforcement agencies to conduct enforcement operations for individuals whose Firearm Owner Identification Card have been revoked or suspended

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ALTON - The Illinois Daughters of American Revolution Alton Ninian Edwards Chapter received some sensational news that they are chosen to represent the State of Illinois in the America 250 Quilt display. An announcement was made at the Illinois Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) State Conference that the Alton Ninian Edwards DAR Chapter's quilt block design was chosen. The embroidered quilt block was crafted by six members of the Alton DAR Chapter. It will be shipped to the NSDAR in Washington, D.C., and will be sewn into an America 250 Quilt with other state quilt blocks. The quilt block is bordered by the beautiful wildflowers of Illinois, in red, gold, and blue. Carol Borner, Regent Ninian Edwards, NSDAR Alton, said the quilt will travel the country to prepare for the America 250 Semiquicentennial Celebration that will take place in July 2026 to celebrate the 250th Anniversary of the founding of the country. Shown in the photo above is from the left, Debbie Killebrew,

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ST. LOUIS COUNTY - On Friday, September 16, 2022, the St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office issued warrants on suspect Marvin Bailey, Jr., 22 years of age, of the 8800 block of Alva Avenue in St. Louis, Missouri 63121, for Burglary First Degree and Stealing $750 or More. A mugshot of Bailey is attached. Bailey is being held on $50,000 cash only, no 10% bond. Please note, charges are merely an accusation and Defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law. The probable cause statement reads: On September 15, 2022, at 2:38 AM, the Defendant, acting with others, threw a rock through the window of Bloc Dispensary located at 2093 Smizer Station Road. They then entered and proceeded to steal hundreds of pieces of merchandise with an aggregate value over $750. Surveillance footage of the burglary shows that the thieves used a khaki brown Glock handgun with a light attachment as a flashlight during the burglary. The Defendant’s phone was

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EDWARDSVILLE – Nearly 300 third and fourth graders from nine area elementary schools gathered on the campus of Metro-East Lutheran High School this week for the annual MELHS Field Day. Metro-East Lutheran High School (MELHS) has hosted the annual Field Day event for third and fourth-grade students for many years, but due to the pandemic has not been able to hold the event for the past few years. “We were glad to be able to bring Field Day back this year,” said Dr. Jay Krause, principal of MELHS. “This event is just one more way we strive to be partners in education with the many high-quality elementary schools in the surrounding area.” During this year’s event, students competed in activities ranging from tug-of-war and relay races to basketball shootouts, jump rope contests and sack races. MELHS students volunteered their time to help make the event a success. Elementary schools from Edwardsville, Collinsville, Hamel, Prairietown, Bethalto,

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JERSEYVILLE - This year’s Gold Star Mothers & Family Ceremony is scheduled for 2-3 p.m. Sunday, September 25, on the grounds of the Jersey County Courthouse, located at 201 W. Pearl St. in Jerseyville. A Gold Star mother/family is one that has lost a son or daughter in active service to the U.S. Armed Forces, and the ceremony is meant to honor those lost loved ones. Teresa Molloy-Burkman, a Gold Star family member, said it’s always “heartwarming” to see the community show their support. “It’s very heartwarming to see the folks that turn out to honor the mothers and the families of our fallen. It’s a different sort of Mother’s Day … it’s just a way to let folks know that you haven’t forgotten,” she said. “It’s an honor, but it’s not one you wish on everybody. Nobody wants to be a Gold Star family member, that’s for sure. But it’s an honor to remember, and it’s very humbling

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WOOD RIVER - Paid-On-Call firefighter Jeremy Strohmeier has devoted a lot of his life to service in the Wood River community. The Wood River City Council on September 19 recognized Strohmeier as he plans to retire after 20 years of service to the department. Wood River Fire Department Chief Todd Stahlhut said: "We are forever grateful for the time Jeremy dedicated to the department and appreciate his efforts and commitment to the job! "A special thank you to Jeremy’s family for their support during the years. "We recognize their sacrifices and appreciate all you’ve done and allowed Jeremy to do." Chief Stahlhut closed by saying: "We greatly appreciate your time, commitment, and dedication to the city and hope you enjoy the extra time, job well done!"

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ALTON - Dick Bold, owner/operator of six local McDonald's stores located in Alton, Bethalto, Godfrey, Edwardsville, and Hamel was honored by the North Alton Godfrey Business Council Tuesday morning. He was awarded a commemorable plaque from the president of the NAGBC, Zeke Jabusch. The plaque reads: In recognition of the numerous contributions to consumers and community inspired activities in Alton, Bethalto, Edwardsville, Godfrey, and Hamel, we salute Dick Bold of the Bold Enterprises Inc dba McDonald's Restaurants. Born in Alton with residency in Bethalto, Wood River, and Edwardsville, Dick acquired his first McDonald's franchise in Bethalto in 1992 and now is the proud owner of five additional stores in the named communities. An inspiration to all who choose to work hard in their quest for success. Dick stands as a model of astute businessman, entrepreneur and a fine gentleman living by the guiding principle of "Always delivering more than expected, quality is the best business

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GRANITE CITY - Granite City Community Unit School District #9 announced a Special Meeting of the Board of Education on Tuesday, September 27, at 4 p.m. at the James J. Greenwald Administration Building at 3200 Maryville Road in Granite City, Ill. Pursuant to the Illinois Open Meetings Act, the Board of Education will immediately go into Closed Session for the purposes of conducting interviews for a Board Member vacancy. The regularly-scheduled Board Meeting will follow at 6 p.m. and will be streamed live on the GCSD9 Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/GCSD9.net . For more information about Granite City School District #9, visit www.gcsd9.net .

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CHICAGO - As part of his continuing plan to carefully unwind the state’s COVID-19 executive orders, Governor Pritzker today updated testing requirements for school and childcare personnel, rescinding the requirement that unvaccinated employees in these sectors test twice weekly. This change goes into effect Friday and is made on the advice of medical experts, based on their careful consideration of the current conditions of the COVID-19 pandemic and is in line with Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidance. “Vaccination continues to be the most effective tool we have against COVID-19, and I’m proud that millions of Illinoisans have taken advantage of these life-saving vaccines – they have given us the ability to adjust these requirements,” said Governor JB Pritzker . “I continue to urge everyone in the state to stay up to date on vaccines and boosters, including getting the recently released bivalent booster shot. Although the current state of the

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Note: Kateryna Savienkova is a Jersey Community High School senior and Future Leaders Exchange Program student from Ukraine. JERSEY COUNTY - Over the years, people from countries far from Ukraine have been treating it with a particular misconception, established by misleading news, articles, books, and political views. The point of this article is not to shame somebody for lack of knowledge or a different opinion but to tell the truth from the perspective of a Ukrainian. Here’s the list of mistakes that I’ve heard the most during my exchange year. 1. Ukraine has always been a part of Russia and got its independence only in 1991 No. The best way to prove this is to find a map of Europe in the 5-10th centuries. It can be seen that Kyivan Rus’ existed in its shape in the years 882-1240, separately from the Moscov Kingdom. Kyivan Rus’ is the Ukrainian oldest cultural ancestor, this state was almost twice as big as modern Ukraine and was ruled by Rurik Dynasty

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ALTON - For only the ninth time in its more than 100-year history, the Alton Godfrey Rotary Club has announced that it will honor a person with the Service Above Self Award this fall. The 2022 winner is a long-time community volunteer and current head of the Grandpa Gang, Dick Alford. The award will be presented at a dinner at 6 p.m. on Thursday, October 20, 2022, at the Best Western Premier Hotel in Alton. The Alton-Godfrey Rotary honor, named after legendary community leader Dr. Gordon Moore, incorporates the Rotary watchwords and is presented to a non-Rotarian who exemplifies the spirit of placing service to others over personal gain. This year’s winner, while presently serving as the head of the Grandpas Gang, the Christmas volunteer group that raises over $50,000 a year for various Riverbend charities, has a long history of service. Starting with his time in Vietnam where he earned a Purple Heart, to efforts in Haskell Park, the Alton Park Board, the American Legion, as

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WOOD RIVER - For St. Louis Metro residents, the long wait is nearly over for authentic New York-style boiled bagels at C and B Boiled Bagels, a new wholesale bakery and retail “Bagel Bar” based in the heart of Downtown Wood River with “Bagel Bar” locations in the works for St. Louis, MO. Opening on 62 E Ferguson Avenue in Wood River, Illinois, C and B Boiled Bagels will open its doors to the community in December of 2022, serving up exceptional Bagels, Schmears, and Bagel sandwiches as well as wholesale delivery to Local Cafes and Coffee shops throughout the St. Louis metropolitan area. Launching with the mission to deliver not only traditional NY Style Boiled Bagels but a myriad of composed cream cheese “schmears” C and B Boiled Bagels will also have over a dozen composed vegan Schmears from Plant Based Pantry available both on sandwiches and to go. But what also distinguishes C and B Boiled Bagels from other bagel bakeries is the ownership. Working

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CENTER SQUARE - A shortage of nurses has been developing in Illinois for many years and officials say things could get worse. The COVID-19 pandemic caused nurses to retire or leave the profession, but there were regional shortages before then, especially in downstate rural Illinois. According to the 2022 Trends in Nurse Staffing survey, more than 25% of respondents said they have more than 100 current openings for nursing positions. In 2019, only 9% reported over 100 openings. “Hospitals need cost-effective solutions to assist with the nursing shortage, including temporary and permanent recruitment, better and flexible shifts, and the increased usage of international nurses,” the report said. Susan Swart, executive director of the Illinois Nurses Foundation, said with fewer nursing students coming into the pipeline, the shortage will be compounding. “We are not producing enough nurses to fill the vacancies, so by 2025, the estimation is we are going to be short

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O'FALLON, IL. - September is Healthy Aging Month and HSHS St. Elizabeth’s Hospital and HSHS Medical Group are recommending ways that you and your loved ones can age healthfully. The way our bodies and minds age is not always out of our hands. While we may not be able to completely control the physical environments that we live and work in, such as home, office, school, or the grocery store, we can still choose to engage in regular physical activity, healthy eating, and forming strong social connections, all of which can help us to age healthily. “As you age, it is important to be consistent with your checkups to minimize the number of hospital stays and admissions that you experience,” said HSHS Medical Group Family Nurse Practitioner Deanna Weinacht, APRN. “It can also assist in the early diagnosis of many chronic health conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease, and dementia.” Healthy aging is also about maintaining a healthy brain. According to th

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