Riverbender 🕸

EDWARDSVILLE – The Edwardsville Police Department released the results of additional enforcement efforts conducted via the Federal Fiscal Year 2024 Sustained Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP). The STEP grant year ran from Oct. 1, 2023, through Sept. 30, 2024. Edwardsville Officers issued the following citations during this campaign: 77 speeding citations 8 seat belt citations 26 electronic communication device citations 5 driving under the influence arrests 27 other citations 2 driving while suspended/revoked traffic arrests The Edwardsville Police participated in this effort to save lives by focusing on the leading contributory causes of crashes: speeding, impaired driving, electronic device use, failure to yield and disobeying traffic control signals, as well as occupant restraint violations. The STEP campaign was funded by federal highway safety funds administered by the Illinois Department of Transportation.

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BELLEVILLE — The American Water Charitable Foundation (AWCF), a 501(c)(3) organization established by American Water, the largest regulated U.S. water and wastewater utility company, along with Illinois American Water, announced today that applications are now being accepted for the Inclusion, Diversity & Equity Grant. Through this program, funding will be provided to community organizations and schools for the purpose of advancing inclusion, diversity and equity related initiatives within communities across Illinois. “Illinois American Water is committed to fostering inclusion, diversity and equity not only in the workplace, but also in the communities we serve,” said Rebecca Losli, president of Illinois American Water. “By focusing on meaningful partnerships which support inclusion, diversity and equity, we can help make a difference for our customers – our friends and neighbors. This is important to us as a company, as well as to our employees

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BETHALTO — Mya Walker, a sophomore runner for the Civic Memorial Eagles, has made significant strides in her cross-country season, showcasing her potential as a standout athlete. With a personal best of 22:10.5 for three miles at the Granite City Robinson/Long Cross Country Invite on Sept. 7, 2024, Walker has emerged as a key competitor for her team. In addition to her impressive performance at the Granite City event, Walker finished 14th at the Civic Memorial Twilight Invite with a time of 23:18.0 and clocked 23:41.2 at the Freeburg Invite on Sept. 28. These results highlight her consistent improvement and dedication to the sport. Eagles Head Cross Country Coach Jake Peal expressed confidence in Walker's abilities, noting her progression from last year when she served as the team's third runner. "She was our No. 3 runner last year and has stepped up this fall," Peal said. "She has a lot of potential. I know she definitely can go faster as the season progresses." Walker is als

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COLLINSVILLE — Collinsville High School has recognized Gracie Howard and Brion Brown as the September Senior Students of the Month, celebrating their outstanding contributions to the school community. Gracie Howard, an honor student, is actively involved in several clubs, including the National Honor Society, Childhood Cancer Awareness, and Student Council. In addition to her academic pursuits, she plays softball for Collinsville High. According to her nomination, Howard is described as organized, dedicated, and possessing a positive attitude, making her a reliable presence among her peers. Brion Brown also demonstrates significant engagement at Collinsville High. He serves as the School Board Student Advisor and is the Drum Major for the CHS Band. Additionally, Brown participates in the Madison County Ambassador program, showcasing his leadership skills and commitment to his school and community. The recognition of these students highlights the importance of involvement and

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GRAFTON - The Grafton Oyster Bar will host a benefit for Lindsay Blair’s 10-year-old daughter Sailor. Starting at 3 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, community members are invited to Grafton Oyster Bar to raise money for Sailor to support her after her mother Lindsay’s passing in June . There will be a live auction, silent auction, duck splash and more. “I have a wonderful friend that passed away this past June. She was a single mom with a 10-year-old daughter,” explained Tracy Clarkson, who helped organize the event. “We’re having a benefit at the Grafton Oyster Bar to raise funds for Sailor.” Lindsay was the general manager at the Grafton Oyster Bar. She was a beloved community member in the Riverbend region. “Just a super nice lady,” Clarkson said. “Everybody loved her and knew her one way or another. She was definitely a woman of faith, and her legacy lives on with the wisdom that she shared.” After her

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GRANITE CITY — A $5,000 donation from United States Steel Corporation is set to enhance student hygiene initiatives for Granite City School District 9 during the 2024-2025 school year. The contribution was recently presented by U.S. Steel Granite City Works General Manager Mike Patton. The funds will enable social workers within the district to purchase personal hygiene products, addressing the needs of students who have reported a lack of access to basic items such as soap and shampoo. Patton emphasized the importance of supporting the community, stating, “We’re a part of the community, they’re part of us, they’re the future. I can’t imagine having to come to school where you’re ashamed, where you can’t even concentrate on what you’re trying to learn.” In addition to the donation, the school district is installing washers and dryers in each facility to assist students who may not have laundry facilities at home. Social workers

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EAST ALTON - The National Great Rivers Museum is getting into the spooky spirit with their first-ever "Haunted Night at the NGRM" on Friday, Oct. 4, 2024 from 6 to 9 p.m. Featuring multiple haunted tours, a costume contest, and much more, the event offers a rare nighttime look inside the depths of the dam and free Halloween fun for the whole family. Park Ranger and Event Coordinator Corrinne O’Brien from the National Great Rivers Museum said they’re excited to host their first-ever Halloween event as a festive way to bring people to the museum during the fall season. “It’s got a little bit of everything,” O’Brien said of the Haunted Night event. “It’s family-friendly, but also some more adult-type activities.” The “Haunted Night at the NGRM” features two types of haunted tours. The “Haunted Dam Tours” will take visitors 80 feet to the top of the Melvin Price Locks and Dam for a rare nighttime experience

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BETHALTO — Max Weber, a distance runner for Civic Memorial High School, is making headlines this season as he earns recognition as the Tom Lane State Farm Male Athlete of the Month. This accolade comes on the heels of his impressive performances, including a time of 15:33.5 at the Freeburg Invitational held over the weekend, where he finished ahead of Triad's Drew Twyman, who clocked in at 15:48.3. Earlier this month, on Sept. 7, 2024, Weber achieved a personal record of 15:03.3 at the Granite City Robinson/Long Cross Country Invite, showcasing his potential as a standout athlete. With the cross country season still in progress, head coach Jake Peal expressed optimism about Weber's chances of breaking the school's three-mile cross country record of 14:52, held by Layne Law. "Max is a hard worker," Peal said. "He races with a high-level IQ and works really hard. He is extremely dedicated and coachable. He is highly coachable." Peal also emphasized his pride in Weber's contributions

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BETHALTO – The Illinois Department of Transportation today announced that intermittent daytime lane closures will take place on Fosterburg Road from Drexelius Road to Macoupin County line in Madison County, weather permitting, on Wednesday, Oct. 2, and Thursday, Oct. 3. The lane closures are necessary for the evaluation of pavement conditions. Drivers are urged to reduce speed, be alert for changing conditions, obey all signage and refrain from using mobile devices while approaching and traveling through the work zone. For IDOT District 8 updates, follow us on the social media platform X at @IDOTDistrict8 or view area construction details on IDOT’s traveler information map on GettingAroundIllinois.com.

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ALTON — The Alton Police Department has welcomed three new officers to its ranks. Jacob Fedderke, Austin Carrico, and Terrence Stokes took their official oath of office at a ceremony held at the department. Chief Ford introduced the new officers, who are set to attend the Illinois State Police Academy starting next week. "We’re excited to see them grow in their service to our community and look forward to their contributions in keeping Alton safe," Ford said. The new officers will begin their training shortly, marking the next step in their careers. The community is encouraged to join the department in welcoming Fedderke, Carrico, and Stokes to the team.

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October 1st has witnessed a plethora of significant events that have shaped our world in countless ways. 1908: Ford Model T Hits the Market October 1, 1908, saw the introduction of the Ford Model T, a vehicle that would revolutionize the automotive industry and American society. Priced at an affordable $850, the Model T made car ownership accessible to the average American. Henry Ford's innovative assembly line production method drastically reduced manufacturing costs and time, paving the way for mass production. The Model T's impact was profound, transforming the American landscape, economy, and culture. It symbolized the dawn of modern personal transportation and set the standard for future automobile manufacturing. 1949: The People's Republic of China is Founded On this day in 1949, Mao Zedong proclaimed the establishment of the People's Republic of China (PRC) from Tiananmen Square in Beijing. This monumental event marked the culmination of the Chinese Civil War an

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EDWARDSVILLE - After negotiations, a historic tax agreement has been reached governing a Wood River refinery, a key component of our local economy and one of the largest refineries in the country. This settlement, which has been agreed to by all parties, will bring financial predictability to the refinery as well as multiple taxing bodies — such as schools, fire departments and road districts — while avoiding litigation expenses. Under the agreement, the WRB Refinery’s assessed property valuation will increase from $447.9 million in 2023 to $461.5 million in 2027. “It is a testament to the good faith of all those involved that we were able to secure the largest tax agreement in our county’s history through negotiation rather than continued expensive litigation,” Haine said. “I’m hopeful that the respectful and cooperative process that produced this agreement will further cement Madison County’s reputation as a place which recognizes

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ALTON — Mayor David Goins is excited to announce a major step toward a bright future for Alton as the city embarks on the development of a new 20-year Comprehensive Plan. This initiative, led by the city’s Planning & Development Department, will help shape the community’s growth, development, and policies. “Alton is moving in the right direction,” Mayor Goins shared. “As we work to strengthen our local economy, improve our infrastructure, and elevate the quality of life for all residents, this Comprehensive Plan will serve as our blueprint for success. We’ve seen remarkable progress, but we are committed to building a stronger, more vibrant city for the future.” This initiative comes at a critical time for Alton, which has undergone significant changes in recent years. Economic and population shifts have rendered the current Comprehensive Plan, adopted in 2003, outdated. While various smaller-scale plans like the Alton Great Streets Initiativ

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BELLEVILLE – The St. Clair County Sheriff's Department recognized the achievements of four of its members in a promotional ceremony held last week in Belleville. The ceremony honored Sgt. Grant Garner and Lt. Michael Kempf from the Corrections Division, as well as Sgt. Dane Brueggemann and Sgt. John Kennedy from the Patrol Division. These promotions highlight the officers' dedication and service to the community. "We would like to thank these officers and their families for their dedication to our community," a representative from the St. Clair County Sheriff's Office said in a statement.

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EDWARDSVILLE - Sophomore outside hitter Madelyn Ohlau had a big match for Edwardsville's girls volleyball team in their 25-18, 25-22 win over Belleville West on Sept. 26, 2024, at Lincoln Middle School, as Ohlau continues her breakout season. She's emerging as an important part of the Tigers, and so far in the 2024 season, Ohlau has served for 113 points and 51 aces, delivering 98 kills and a combined 12 assists, seven blocks and 136 digs as Edwardsville currently has a 10-7 record, with more big tests ahead. Ohlau is a Spencer Homes Female Athlete Of The Month for the Tigers. In her post-match interview, Ohlau felt that the team has played well together, and felt good about the win against a quality opponents in the Maroons. "Belleville West is always pretty tough, but it was good that we beat them in two, which really was a big confidence boost, since we've taken most teams in our conference in three (sets)," she said. The Maroons also deserved much credit for sticking with

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ALTON - On the most recent episode of “You’re Beautiful” with Brian Trust, Kathy Wagner shared her faith journey. Wagner previously worked as a detective but currently works in medicine. She explained that God helped her find this path, and she believes that He has led her here so that she can help others. She encourages people to give themselves over to God and trust in His path for them. “God will equip you for where He’s about to send you,” Wagner said. “The closer you get to God, the more you release. That veil drops, and you’re in front of all His glory. You can’t ever lose it.” Wagner pointed to Hebrews 11:1 — “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen” — as an example of how faith can bring comfort and peace. She noted that it’s easy to feel lost, but God has plans for every person. She lives by this scripture every day. “It’s

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GRANITE CITY – Granite City Community Unit School District #9 today (Monday, Sept. 30, 2024) mourns the loss of Granite City High School guidance counselor administrative assistant Marilyn Chrusciel, who died on Friday, Sept. 27, 2024. She was 69 years old. Chrusciel spent 30 years of dedicated service to the Granite City School District as an administrative assistant. She is survived by her former husband and friend, Billy Chrusciel of Granite City; a daughter, Brianna J. Lang of Crestwood, Missouri; step-daughter, Nikki Bernaix of Granite City; grandchildren, Gavyn Chrusciel, Talyn Quinn and Grant Lang; step-grandchildren, Ian Narvaez and Dax Bernaix; two brothers and sister-in-law, Roger Stagner of Sarasota, Florida and Ron and Carol Stagner of Lenexa, Kansas; brother-in-law, Chris Dowd of Overland Park, Kansas; nieces; nephews; other extended family and friends. In celebration of her life, visitation will be at Irwin Chapel, 3060 Maryville Road in Granite City at 4 p.m. o

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SAUGET – Governor JB Pritzker, Crysalis Biosciences Inc. and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) today announced a Reimagining Energy and Vehicles in Illinois (REV Illinois) agreement for Crysalis’ $239.5 million investment to develop a first-of-its-kind sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) plant. The investment, which creates at least 35 new jobs in Sauget, will transform the fuel and chemical industry while reducing the carbon footprint in Illinois by manufacturing SAF, an alternative jet fuel made with a smaller carbon footprint. “There is no better state equipped for the sustainable fuel industry than Illinois,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “With a $239.5m investment through REV Illinois, Crysalis Biosciences will build a groundbreaking sustainable aviation fuel plant right here in our state – advancing our mission to drive economic growth while reducing our carbon footprint. This marks a new era of clean energy production

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ST. LOUIS COUNTY - On Saturday, September 28, 2024, the St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office announced charges against Anthony Naceanceno, 26, of Houston, Texas, for Robbery First Degree and three counts of Kidnapping. Naceanceno, who resides in the 6600 block of Westover Street, is currently being held without bond. According to the probable cause statement, at 4:52 p.m. on September 26, 2024, Naceanceno allegedly entered a business located in the 4200 block of Bayless Avenue. "He reportedly informed staff members that he was armed and ordered them into another room. Naceanceno is accused of stealing over $2,000 in U.S. currency, surveillance equipment, and the staff members' cell phones," the St. Louis County probable cause statement said in this case. Naceanceno was arrested the following day inside the vehicle believed to have been used in the crime. Police recovered the victims' cell phones and a substantial amount of U.S. currency during the arrest. The investigation

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ALTON - Marquette Catholic High School graduate Henry E. Maul was a prisoner of war in Germany during World War II. Now, his daughter is telling his story. Diana Halstead compiled her father’s diary into a book titled “Writings from the Barbed Wire Hotel.” But she knew she wasn’t done yet. She decided to start a podcast called “Welcome to the Barbed Wire Hotel,” set to premiere on Nov. 11, 2024, where veterans and current service members can talk about their experiences in the military. “After I put together my dad’s book, it was like, there is something I still need to do,” Halstead said. “This is how I can get stories out like my dad’s.” The podcast invites veterans to talk about why they decided to enlist and what they experienced. Halstead wants to hear all of these stories, and she plans to write the interviews into a book in the next few years. Halstead wasn’t always interested in military

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