Riverbender 🕸

ALTON – The Illinois Department of Transportation has announced upcoming lane closures on the U.S. 67 Clark Bridge over the Mississippi River that will impact traffic flow. The lane closures will occur Thursday, June 23, Friday, June 24, and Monday, June 27, through Thursday, June 30. IDOT said these lane closures are necessary to allow for the completion of routine inspections scheduled for the structure. IDOT also said that motorists can expect delays and should allow extra time for trips through this area. "Motorists should avoid the work area, when feasible, use of alternate routes should be considered," IDOT added. "Drivers are urged to pay close attention to changed conditions and signs in the work zones, obey the posted speed limits, refrain from using mobile devices, and be alert for workers and equipment." Traffic will be reduced to one lane in the direction indicated during the following dates and times, weather permitting: June 23 - SB Left Lane Closed - 9:00

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ALTON - Aldermen in the Committee of the Whole Meeting on Tuesday agreed on a plan to proceed with the first phase of the Riverview Drive Construction project with a unanimous vote. GeoStabilization International, of Commerce, Colorado, will handle the retaining wall construction. The cost for Phase 1 of this project is estimated at $3,498,440. A total of 25 percent of the $3-million-plus cost will be paid through Rebuild Illinois funds. The issue will be presented at Wednesday night’s Alton City Council meeting for final approval. Alton Mayor David Goins said he is excited to see the Riverview Drive project moving through the council for approval. After the retaining wall part of the project is completed, he said the next step will be streets, sidewalks, and sewer work in the second phase. “This has been a long process and we are finally glad this day has arrived, and hopefully within a month or so we will begin Phase 1 of the Riverview Project,” Mayor Goins said.

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(BUZZ MAGAZINE) - As a Potager gardener (A potager is simply a vegetable plot that follows the principles of garden design to create an area that is not only ornamental but productive too. The main points to consider are rhythm, line, color, and texture, and it's important to introduce a focal point to bring the whole design together) I love saving my seeds at the end of the season for next season's garden. I was intimidated at first because I wasn't familiar with each plant's life cycle. Since then, I have come to learn that if you cannot find where the seeds come from on a plant, just wait. It will present its secrets to you in time. Every plant will produce a flower and then its seeds. Some plants take more time than others to do this. Onions, for example, will take multiple seasons to produce a flower. I prefer heirloom varieties, although I am not strictly loyal only to heirlooms. I do opt for more heirlooms than hybrids only because their seeds will produce plants just

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BETHALTO - The sign wasn't up for very long, but it did get a lot of people talking. Could the Riverbend area finally be getting a Chick-fil-a? Well, Bethalto Police Department said that it was too good to be true as the sign was put up as a prank Tuesday morning. After a public works employee notified the police about the sign, they came out quickly to take it down and confirmed that a Chick-fil-a is indeed not coming to Bethalto at the present time. The trend of putting up these "Coming Soon" signs came about from the viral video app TikTok. Such pranks could be deemed as a violation of the city ordinance, but since authorities are unsure of who put up the sign, it looks as if no further action will be taken, the Bethalto Police said. The Bethalto PD did take to their Facebook page and made the best out of the situation.

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O'FALLON, IL. - GCS Credit Union employees joined together to raise $1,045.00 in the month of May to benefit Relay for Life of Washington County through their Don’t Stop Donatin’ Jeans Program. The Don’t Stop Donatin’ Jeans Program is funded by GCS employees who make monthly, monetary donations out of their own pockets to a local organization. By donating $15 or more to a specific organization, GCS employees are able to wear jeans and tennis shoes on Fridays and Saturdays during that month. This year, GCS Credit Union is focusing on giving back to the 18 counties that they serve. May’s focus was on Washington County, IL. GCS proudly raised $1,045 for Relay for Life of Washington County. The Relay for Life movement is the American Cancer Society’s signature fundraiser dedicated to helping communities attack cancer. Visit relayforlife.org/washingtoncountyIL to help attack cancer in your community. To find out more about GCS Credit union,

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ALTON - D&R Machine Company, located in Alton, is celebrating its 25th year of business in 2022. The company was founded by David and Rene’ Gotter in 1997, residing in a modest 900-square-foot space and specializing in repairing and rebuilding customer machines. Right from its inception in 1997, the company has been offering stellar full-service machining to its customers. Because the heart of D&R focused on repairing and rebuilding machines, its full-service machining repair division, Alton Machine Works, was established in 2003. Alton Machine Works took over a 30,000-square-foot building within the Alton Steel Business Park. In 2010, D&R Machine Company moved to a new facility to accommodate and expand its machining capabilities in an emerging market. Now located in two facilities, totaling over 75,000 square feet, D&R Machine Company was even more committed to meeting the needs of its customers. Building on a reputation for quality products and service, D&R Machine Company

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ST. LOUIS - As part of its 5th annual Service Dog Salute program, Purina ® Dog Chow ® is launching the brand's first-ever Visible Impact Award in partnership with the Association of Service Dog Providers for Military Veterans, a national coalition of service dog organizations. The award will celebrate the remarkable impact service dogs have on the daily lives of veterans experiencing posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and recognize these outstanding service dogs and the organizations that trained them. How to Participate From now through July 22, 2022, veterans and their families or friends are invited to nominate their PTSD service dog for the opportunity to win the Dog Chow Visible Impact Award. Nomination requirements include a photo submission of the veteran and their service dog and sharing how the service dog has made an impact on the veteran on DogChow.com/service . Up to five service dog finalists will be selected based on those who best illustrate the life-changing

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CAPE GIRARDEAU, MO. — As summer officially begins and people gather for holiday celebrations, the American Red Cross reminds communities that patients are counting now on the generosity of blood and platelet donors, especially around the Fourth of July. The Red Cross sees about a 21% decline in blood and platelet donations during holiday weeks, including Independence Day. When blood donations drop, so does the blood supply, making it extremely challenging to ensure blood is available when hospitals need it. By scheduling and keeping appointments in July, donors can help provide for those in immediate need of lifesaving care. To schedule an appointment to donate, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). As a thank-you for helping, all those who come to give June 30-July 10 will receive an exclusive Red Cross recycled cotton tote bag, while supplies last. Upcoming blood donation opportunities June 22-July 15

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WASHINGTON — U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Senator Rob Portman (R-OH), Co-Chairs of the Senate Ukraine Caucus, along with U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Chuck Grassley (R-IA), sent a letter to Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin urging him to send more advanced artillery rocket systems and ammunition to Ukraine, as the systems are vital in Ukraine’s defense against Russia’s brutal invasion. The Senators commended the decision by the Biden administration earlier this month to send M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) to Ukraine and urged the Administration to send additional such aid given the amount of artillery Russia has at their disposal. The Senators encouraged Secretary Austin to send additional systems urgently, like HIMARS or the M270 Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS), in order to level the playing field for Ukraine and allow them to halt Russian advances in the Donbas region and strengthen their counteroffensives

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GODFREY – Lewis and Clark Community College will welcome new and returning students to campus on July 14 for Summerfest, an express registration event designed to prepare students for the Fall 2022 semester. The event will run from 3-6 p.m., in The Commons and Grove areas of the McPike Math and Science Complex on the Godfrey Campus. Students can meet with program representatives and advisors, fill out financial aid forms, tour campus and complete the work necessary to start classes this fall. According to L&C Recruiter Amy Bowling, Summerfest is designed to streamline the enrollment process as much as possible. “Summerfest is a great opportunity for new students to come and get a feel for Lewis and Clark’s campus, programs, and community,” she said. “Anyone who has just graduated from high school or wants a career change will benefit from Summerfest and enjoy themselves.” Even students who have never attended L&C before can enroll with just a

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MADISON - As a follow-up to the recent School Safety Summit held by Madison County Regional Office of Education #41 in conjunction with the Madison County State’s Attorney, The Madison County Sheriff’s Department, and Madison County Mental Health, Regional Superintendent Rob Werden is providing this list of action items and future goals. The summit provided valuable insights regarding the ongoing collaboration that already exists between local school districts and law enforcement. We were pleased with the level of interaction and planning that has been taking place well before this summit. As an actionable item, ROE #41 will host semi-annual meetings between all participants. “We also plan to facilitate increased collaboration between law enforcement and all schools who might be in need of assistance”, Werden said. Another outcome of the School Safety Summit was the sharing of resources related to both safety and mental health. To ensure all public and privat

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ALTON - Alton Deputy Police Chief Jarrett Ford today announced there are charges after a report last week on Wednesday, June 15, 2022, of gunshots and a subsequent traffic crash in the area of the Clark Bridge. "Today, the Madison County State’s Attorney’s Office reviewed the facts of the investigation and authorized a criminal charge of Aggravated Discharge of a Firearm against Jerone C. Hornbeak, 23, of St. Louis," Ford said. "Hornbeak is in custody at the Alton Jail." Ford continued: "Officers responded and located a vehicle that left the roadway and struck a tree on the southwest end of the Clark Bridge in Missouri. The driver of the vehicle sustained non-life-threatening injuries as a result of the traffic crash and was transported to a St. Louis area hospital. "Information gathered at the scene suggested the incident to have started as an apparent road rage incident involving two vehicles. Evidence of gunshots being fired was located on the Illinois side o

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BETHALTO - The Bethalto Police Department announced on Tuesday afternoon it needs the public's help in identifying a person of interest after a theft attempt at Ace Hardware on Monday, June 20, 2022. "The subject reportedly attempted to steal a lawn mower from Ace Hardware at approximately 1:10 p.m. on June 20, 2022," Bethalto Police Chief Mike Dixon said. "He entered the parking lot from the west and fled the parking lot eastbound on Illinois Route 140. "He was driving the green in color Dodge Caravan in the images. He is a person of interest at this point and has not been charged with a crime. "Anyone with information on his identity is asked to contact the Bethalto Police Department at 618-377-5266 ext. 1, or message the department on Facebook." It is important to remember the subject in the images is innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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EDWARDSVILLE - Edwardsville’s Alicia Diaz is following a family line with her major in the prestigious University of Arizona College of Engineering. Alicia finished on the Dean’s List for the Fall 2021 and Spring 2022 semesters. Her father, Jon, is a retired engineer. Roberto Diaz, her grandfather, and Octavio Diaz, her great-grandfather, were also engineers. Roberto and Octavio were both from Chile and moved to the United States in 1955. Alicia is the daughter of Sue and Jon Diaz of Edwardsville. She just recently completed her freshman year at the University of Arizona. Alicia is home for the summer and is also an active motorcyclist. This summer she is involved at SIUE as an instructor for motorcycles. Sue Diaz said her husband received his degree from Washington State University. Sue said she believes Alicia and the other students from Edwardsville School District 7 receive a strong education. "Alicia was prepared for college because of her high school education,”

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WASHINGTON, D.C. - Five years ago this week, my Republican colleagues and I were on a baseball field in Virginia practicing for the Congressional Baseball Game for Charity when a deranged, left-wing gunman opened fire at us. I was at the batter’s box when he began shooting. He was screaming “health care” at us while he was firing his rifle. He was trying to kill us because he disagreed with us politically. At the time, President Trump and Republicans were working to repeal and replace Obamacare and fix our broken health care system. By the grace of God, the only life that was lost that day was that of the shooter. There were two Capitol Police officers with us at the baseball field that day - Crystal Griner and David Bailey. They ran towards gunfire and shot back so my colleagues and I could run away from gunfire. I will never forget the thoughts that raced through my mind as we took cover to avoid the gunfire. I thought about my wife, my daughter and twin boys, my

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PESOTUM – Illinois State Police (ISP) K9 Odin will receive a bullet and stab protective vest thanks to a charitable donation from the non-profit organization Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. K9 Odin’s vest is sponsored by Don and Misty Fike of Galesburg, IL. and will be embroidered with the sentiment “Born to Love-Trained to Serve-Loyal Always.” Delivery is expected within eight to ten weeks. Vested Interest in K9s, Inc., established in 2009, is a 501(c)(3) charity whose mission is to provide bullet and stab protective vests and other assistance to dogs of law enforcement and related agencies throughout the United States. This potentially lifesaving body armor for four-legged K9 officers is U.S.-made, custom-fitted, and National Institute of Justice (NIJ) certified. Since its inception, Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. has provided more than 4,682 vests to K9s in all 50 states at a value of $6.9 million, made possible by both private and corporate donations. The

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BELLEVILLE - SIHF Healthcare and the St. Clair County Health Department are partnering to provide free HIV testing in observance of National HIV Testing Day. Testing will be available from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday, June 27, at Walgreens, located at 5890 North Belt West, Belleville, Illinois. This year’s testing is part of the Greater Than AIDS and Walgreens National HIV Community Partnership. “We provide HIV/AIDS services, including testing, provider referrals, counseling, and any additional services that a patient may qualify for,” said Larry Mayhew, Ryan White Program Manager at SIHF Healthcare. “The June 27 testing day is just another way for us to reach out to help people know their HIV status and to get healthcare and other assistance if they are positive.” To learn more about HIV services or to get more information on rapid HIV testing, call SIHF Healthcare’s Community Programs department at 618-482-7175.

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ALTON - Centerstone, a national leader in behavioral health care, will host a free Savvy Caregiver training to be held on Wednesdays from 10 a.m. – noon from August 3-31 at Centerstone, 2615 Edwards Street, Alton. The training will share valuable information and tools for people caring for individuals 60 years old or older, including those experiencing dementia or memory loss. The Savvy Caregiver provides instruction in caregiver self-care, decision making, and navigating family issues that may come up while being a caregiver. The training also addresses the need to keep the care receiver involved in daily tasks and activities to keep them active and content throughout the day. “Savvy Caregiver affords many the opportunity to hear from other caregivers and know that they are not alone in this journey of caregiving,” said Laura Kunz, Centerstone Senior Services Clinician. The training was created using a curriculum developed by the University of Minnesota and is

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JERSEYVILLE - The Jersey County Arts Council is encouraging Jersey County residents to support the upcoming Jersey County fair by producing art to be entered for judging at Exhibitors Hall. Sherry Droste, vice president of the Arts Council, said, “The fair’s Exhibitors Hall celebrates artwork in every form, from growing flowers and fruits and vegetables to textile art to paintings and photography to antiques. It’s so much fun to wander through the building and see the level of creativity and talent.” Over the next two weeks, the council will offer classes during which participants can create artwork to be entered for judging at the fair. The council will explain the process for entering and will provide the entry form. Here’s this week’s lineup of classes: Thursday, June 23, 6 -8 p.m. - Matisse self-portrait collage. Darla Cavins will lead the class, which is open to all ages and will be held in the basement of the First Presbyterian Church i

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CHICAGO – The Illinois State Police (ISP) is warning the public not to engage in aggressive driving behaviors as the number of reported road rage incidents resulting in expressway shootings is increasing. Motorists are not only at risk of being involved in a traffic crash due to road rage but there is now the danger of being involved in an expressway shooting. “Over the past year, we’ve seen an increase in reported road rage incidents escalating into violence,” said ISP Director Brendan F. Kelly. “As we head into summer, high temperatures can lead to hot tempers and people losing their cool, even the dangerous or deadly use of firearms. Getting ahead or getting even with another drive is not worth the risk of a deadly crash or violence. Keep calm and stay alive.” From January through mid-June, approximately 35% of expressway shootings ISP responded to in the Chicago area were classified as road rage incidents, according to self-admissions fro

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