Riverbender 🕸

TROY - Jason Zepeda Maclin believes in the young people he teaches, and his community believes in him. Maclin, a fourth grade teacher at Silver Creek Elementary in the Triad School District, is competing for recognition as America’s Favorite Teacher. He is currently in first place for the group division, and he hopes to eventually take the title and share his story with people from Troy and beyond. “It’s been really amazing, the support from my district and from members of the community and friends that I’ve made throughout my career,” he said. Maclin didn’t always aspire to be a teacher. He was planning to become a nurse when he fell in love with education at McKendree University. He got his emphasis in science and joined the Triad School District, where he himself had grown up. Over the past ten years in Maclin’s teaching career, there have been several powerful experiences, but one student especially stands out to him. This “amazing”

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ROXANA — The Roxana Shells Athletic Department celebrated the achievements of senior bowler Caleb Wonders, who concluded his season with an impressive average of 210. Wonders was recognized by the Southern Illinois High School Bowling Conference for his outstanding performance, finishing in the top five for both high game and high series. Wonders recorded a high game of 279 and a high series of 771 during the season, showcasing his skill and dedication to the sport. The recognition from the conference highlights his contributions to the Roxana bowling team and marks a significant accomplishment in his high school athletic career. Wonders is a Midwest Members Credit Union Male Athlete of the Month for the Shells. The announcement comes after the Shells wrap up their bowling season, with team members reflecting on their individual and collective achievements.

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GODFREY - Authorities were seeking the public's assistance in locating a missing juvenile from the Godfrey area, however, Madison County Sheriff's Office Chief Deputy Marcos Pulido reported at 3:57 p.m. on Monday, March 24, 2025, that the boy had been found "safe." Fourteen-year-old Cole Moore was last seen Sunday night, March 23, 2025, in the River Aire Subdivision in Godfrey. Cole was described as a white male, standing 5 feet 6 inches tall, with brown hair and hazel eyes. He has a thin build and was last observed wearing a gray Puma hooded sweatshirt, gray sweatpants, and white Nike shoes while riding an electric scooter.

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GRAFTON - The Great Rivers Choral Society invites the community to its Dueling Pianos Fundraiser. On Saturday, April 5, 2025, community members can come out to The Vineyards at 21028 Eckert Orchard Road in Grafton for a night of music, basket raffles, a nacho bar and more. Tickets cost $25 and all proceeds go back to the Great Rivers Choral Society (GRCS) and their mission to share music with the Riverbend. “It’s just a very fun evening. This is the fourth year we’ve been doing it,” said President Pat Stewart. “We’re going on our 25th season, which is very unheard of, something definitely that we're very proud of.” During the fundraiser, GRCS will offer a cash bar and a 50/50 drawing. The dueling pianists will accept tips and encourage sing-alongs. The choir will also perform. You can purchase tickets online or call 618-798-1492 for more information. Stewart expects the event to be “very fun.” She noted that this

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JERSEYVILLE – Jersey Community Middle School (JCMS) is proud to announce their latest lists of Honor and High Honor Roll students: High Honor Roll 7th Grade Trey N. Alich Wade R. Ball Charlie M. Charlton-Stierley Sam A. Coffman Emersyn J. Cole Lillie M. Cornelius Kaylee M. Cunningham Kyle A. Darr Kadence Dobson Cayden L. Dodson Henry D. Dohrn Ayden S. Droege Logan T. Dunham Stella M. Egelhoff Addison J. Fessler James D. Ford Charles R. Friedel Davis J. Frost Jayden L. Fry Olivia D. Funk Charlieann Gibson Cadence M. Goodey Reid K. Graham Bentley W. Grasle Maci E. Gray Fallin M. Green Emmitt M. Grizzle Ruiz Aubrey A. Hargrave Joshua G. Hartley Sophia M. Herter Harper L. Hill Charlotte F. Hinkson Brody A. Hoyt Austin Huang Harmony M. Jantzen Blake J. Jones Paige M. Jones Katelyn C. Kadell Cullan J. Kinser Kiyah B. Knoche Grace E. Latempt Bennett L.

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ALTON - Stephanie Elliott wants what’s best for the 6th Ward. In a recent conversation on “Our Daily Show!” with CJ Nasello , Elliott, who currently serves as Alton’s 6th Ward alderwoman, shared her vision for the ward and the city. She believes the 6th Ward is overdue for development and maintenance, and she wants to see the city come together to serve the public. “We’re all servants and we're all supposed to be serving to try to make this a better place and community,” she said, adding, “It’s past time for the 6th Ward. It’s our turn now.” Before taking on her role as alderwoman, Elliott served as the City of Alton’s comptroller for over ten years. The previous 6th Ward alderman encouraged her to run for the position and helped her through her campaign. She is now hoping to serve a final four-year term. Elliott collaborates with her husband to operate Stephanie’s Place , a nonprofit

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EDWARDSVILLE - Riley Nelson, a senior pitcher for the Edwardsville High softball team, is off to a tremendous start in the 2025 campaign, pitching six innings total, and has yet to allow a run, as the Tigers have won their first two games, March 18, 2025, over Freeburg 12-0, and Mar. 21 over Breese Central 19-2. In the first two games of the season, not only has Nelson yet to allow a run in eight innings of work in the circle, she's also allowed only three hits, all singles, while not walking anyone and striking out 14. She's also three-for-six at the plate, with two home runs, hit against Central, and four RBIs. It's been a great start to the season for her, and her postgame interview, she felt great, and credited her teammates. "Amazing," Nelson said. "My team had my back the whole, entire time, and our bats were actually on fire." That they have, as the Tigers have scored a total of 31 runs in their first two games, hitting four home runs as a team against the Cougars, their

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EDWARDSVILLE — Ivy Hall Cannabis Dispensary opened its doors on Saturday, March 22, 2025, welcoming a significant crowd and marking a new chapter in the local cannabis market. Located at 6197 Old Alton Edwardsville Road in Edwardsville, the dispensary aims to provide a warm and inviting atmosphere with a focus on concierge-level customer service. Ryan Betts, the general manager, was excited about the impressive grand opening day turnout, with an early line of approximately 50 people eager to experience the new establishment. “It’s awesome to get that kind of excitement early,” Betts said. “We are more focused on the customer service part of it, giving customers what they need and providing a full experience.” Betts explained that Ivy Hall emphasizes a personalized approach to cannabis retail, guiding customers through the menu to find options that best suit their individual needs rather than simply promoting high THC or expensive products. Betts

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MEDORA — The Medora Cemetery Association is launching a fundraising campaign to support the maintenance and upkeep of the Medora Cemetery, a vital community space that has served as a place of remembrance for generations. The campaign aims to address essential needs such as lawn care, tree trimming, and pathway maintenance to ensure the cemetery remains a place of beauty and peace for all visitors. The cemetery is not merely a burial ground; it serves as a gathering place for families to honor their loved ones and for the community to come together in remembrance and grief. However, the association emphasizes that maintaining the cemetery requires ongoing care and financial investment. “Your generous contribution will help us keep the grounds clean and beautiful,” the association stated in a recent communication. They expressed gratitude for community support, underscoring the importance of preserving this significant local asset. Donations can be made through an

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ALTON - When it comes to summer fun, there’s no better place for great festivals, fireworks, live music and river racing than the Great Rivers & Routes region of southwest Illinois. Dozens of annual festivals and events are planned for the region highlighting great food, America’s fascination with the Mother Road of Route 66, fireworks along the Mississippi River, the revival of an iconic music festival and so much more. “The Great Rivers & Routes region of southwest Illinois is home to some amazing summer events,” Cory Jobe, President/CEO of the Great Rivers & Routes Tourism Bureau noted. “We are the only place in America where the Mother Road of Route 66 meets the Great River Road and local events and festivals focus on our history, our legends and our natural resources. We encourage everyone to mark their calendars and attend these great activities.” Kick off the fun at these annual events: April 5: Carlinville Market Days April 26-27: Grafton

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EAST ST. LOUIS – A 36-year-old Chilean national, Maryorie Fernandez-Ormeno, also known as Guadalupe Maldanado Salinas, is facing multiple federal charges, including conspiracy to commit access device fraud and aggravated identity theft, after allegedly using a stolen credit card to purchase gift cards at a Sam’s Club in Glen Carbon. The charges stem from an incident on February 18, 2024, when Fernandez-Ormeno is accused of stealing a credit card from another woman’s purse while shopping at a Schnucks grocery store in Edwardsville. Following the theft, she reportedly used the stolen credit card to buy $2,684.24 in gift cards at Sam’s Club and attempted to make an additional purchase of $2,477.76 at the same location. Fernandez-Ormeno was previously deported from the United States on October 2, 2023, and now faces a charge for illegal reentry. She was arrested by the U.S. Marshals Service in Philadelphia. A co-conspirator is also facing charges related to

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JERSEYVILLE – A man from Highland faces a felony after attacking an elderly victim in Jersey County. Loren J. Chassels, 53, of Highland, was charged on March 18, 2025 with one count of aggravated battery, a Class 2 felony. On March 12, 2025, Chassels allegedly caused bodily harm to an elderly victim who was 60 years of age at the time of the incident. Charging documents state Chassels struck the victim in the face with a closed fist. Chassels has since been granted pretrial release from custody and issued a summons to appear in court. All individuals charged are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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JERSEYVILLE – A Jerseyville woman accused of transporting over 300 grams of methamphetamine across state lines faces a major felony charge. Dawn M. Wells, also known as Dawn M. Phillips or Dawn M. Day, 45, of Jerseyville, was charged on March 19, 2025 with a Class X felony count of methamphetamine trafficking. Wells allegedly attempted to bring approximately 329.8 grams of methamphetamine from the state of Missouri into the state of Illinois on March 17, 2025. A petition filed to deny Wells’ pretrial release notes she has an “extensive criminal history dating back to at least 2007. At the time of this incident, she was on probation for charges of theft and criminal damage to property, both also filed in Jersey County. Wells had been previously arrested for manufacturing/delivery of a controlled substance in Jersey County, which was plead down to a possession charge. She had also been charged with manufacturing methamphetamine in a criminal case from Kentucky, bu

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GRANITE CITY - Granite City police initiated a traffic stop at 2:20 a.m. early Saturday morning, March 24, 2025, that escalated into a pursuit ending in St. Louis City. Granite City Police Major Charles Bremer said officers attempted to pull over a vehicle on Iowa Street at 14th Street in Granite City at 2:20 a.m on March 24. The driver, however, refused to comply and fled the scene. The Granite City Police Department pursued the vehicle, leading to an incident in St. Louis City where shots were fired. According to Major Charles Bremer of the Granite City Police Department, no officers were struck by gunfire, and there were no reported injuries to the suspect or any members of the public during the pursuit. The St. Louis City District Six Detective Bureau is currently investigating the incident. Major Bremer stated that no further information would be released at this time.

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ALTON - Kirstan Gray wants to see a new brand for Alton. In a recent conversation on “Our Daily Show!” with CJ Nasello , Gray, a candidate for Alton’s 6th Ward alderperson seat, shared his vision for the ward and the city. He believes Alton needs a new advocate and a decisive, united City Council. “I found out that Alton’s brand is damaged, and I want to help rebuild that,” he said. “I want to be part of rebuilding that.” Gray is a DJ and business owner in Alton. He has worked with Olin’s IT department for 37 years. He believes Alton should be a “visionary place” with more development and a better “image.” He said he speaks with many people who are concerned about crime and the roads in Alton, and the city’s positives go unnoticed. He wants to see a new “headline” that advocates for Alton and encourages people to come to the city. Gray has questions about how Alton’s

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EDWARDSVILLE — EXO Lounge hosted a car show on Saturday, March 22, 2025, that attracted a diverse crowd and showcased 42 vehicles, including some rare models. Gina Gamblin, the owner of EXO Lounge, described the event as having "a fantastic turnout," and said the show brought together both car enthusiasts and families. Among the standout vehicles was a Ferrari SF90 Stradale that was once owned by model Kendall Jenner. Gamblin highlighted the car as "one of a kind" and a significant draw for attendees. Kendall Jenner is an American model and socialite. She is known for her role in the "Keeping Up With the Kardashians" television show. Another popular vehicle at the show was an Aston Martin DB-11 AMR, owned by a member of the Carbon Members Club. The DB-11 model has a 630-horsepower twin-turbo V12 engine and a 0-62 mph time in 3.7 seconds with a top speed of 208 mph. Gamblin expressed her enthusiasm for the event, and she emphasized the importance of creating a welcoming atmospher

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COLLINSVILLE — The Collinsville Area Vocational Center (CAVC) is set to break ground on a $25 million expansion and renovation project, aimed at enhancing workforce training for students across the region. The ceremonial event will take place at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, at the construction site located at the intersection of South Morrison and Caseyville Roads in Collinsville, directly across from the existing CAVC building and Collinsville High School campus. Officials from the Collinsville Community Unit School District #10, along with members of the design and construction team, local business leaders, trade unions, professional organizations, and representatives from the State of Illinois are expected to attend the ceremony. The upgraded facility will serve 10 area Metro East school districts, including Civic Memorial, Dupo, East Alton-Wood River, Edwardsville, Highland, Lebanon, Mascoutah, Roxana, and Triad high schools. The new CAVC is designed to create a more

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CHICAGO - Attorney General Kwame Raoul and New York Attorney General Letitia James today led a coalition of 16 attorneys general in filing an amicus brief supporting the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) parole pathways for certain vulnerable immigrants fleeing dangerous conditions in their home countries. On Jan. 20, the Trump administration issued an executive ordering directing DHS to terminate humanitarian parole programs. As a result, DHS stopped processing new applications for parole pathways and barred current parolees from applying for other forms of temporary or permanent immigration status. In their amicus brief, Raoul and the coalition urge the court to grant a preliminary injunction to halt the Trump administration’s actions, which have upended the lives of tens of thousands of legal immigrants and threaten to tear communities and families apart. “I am the proud son of Haitian immigrants who, like so many immigrants, worked diligently to

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SPRINGFIELD - Today, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) announced the start of the 2025 Congressional Art Competition for high school students in Illinois’ 13th Congressional District. The winning submission will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol Building for one year alongside artwork from congressional districts across the country. “I always love seeing the artistic talent and creativity of students in Central and Southern Illinois and I’m excited to launch the Congressional Art Competition for 2025,” said Congresswoman Budzinski. “This contest gives high school students across the country the chance to display their work on the national stage, with the goal of recognizing and encouraging young artists. Last year, I was so impressed by the incredible artwork that came from students in the 13th district – and I can’t wait to see what they have in store this year.” The Congressional Art Competition, first held in 1982, is a nationwide

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CHICAGO – Attorney General Kwame Raoul joined 51 other attorneys general in filing an amicus brief before the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims in support of two military veterans and their families who were unlawfully denied their full G.I. Bill education benefits by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). In this case, a U.S. Army lieutenant colonel veteran and a U.S. Air Force colonel veteran were denied crucial education benefits to which they are clearly entitled. Raoul and the bipartisan coalition argue in the brief that the VA has taken a restrictive interpretation of the G.I. Bill that contradicts the Supreme Court’s recent ruling in Rudisill v. McDonough, which confirmed veterans whose length of service separately qualifies them under both the Montgomery and Post-9/11 G.I. Bills are entitled to a full 48 months of education benefits. Despite the clear precedent, the VA has continued to limit benefits based on an erroneous reading of the ruling,

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