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CHICAGO – Today, U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, spoke at the Department of Justice’s annual Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) National Joint Training Conference. In 2021, President Biden signed Durbin’s VOCA Fix to Sustain the Crime Victims Fund Act into law, which has resulted nearly $1 billion in additional deposits into the Crime Victims Fund established by the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) . The conference provides an opportunity for discussions with VOCA -funded victim assistance and victim compensation state administering agencies. Durbin delivered remarks following an introduction by Director of DOJ OVC Kristina Rose. Key Durbin quotes as prepared for delivery: “VOCA programs and grants provide survivors and their families with the justice and support they deserve, and these services would not be possible without the tireless efforts of leaders like all of you here today.” “State

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ALTON - The ten schools in Alton Community Unit School District 11 welcomed students today for the start of the 2023-2024 school year. Blue skies and a few teary-eyed parents set the scene at Lovejoy Elementary, located at 1043 Tremont Street. Principal John Ducey greeted students at the front doors. One excited second-grader paused to give his dad a fistbump before heading in to find his new classroom. At Alton Middle School, a line of cars on College Avenue came to a stop as students were ushered across the crosswalk and onto campus. Alton High School was also bustling, with a row of buses at the sidewalk and dozens of upperclassmen pouring in from the parking lot. “We’re looking forward to a great school year,” Superintendent Dr. Kristie Baumgartner said. RiverBender.com wishes all students and teachers a safe, happy year!

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ALTON - A 21-year-old Alton man - Demetrius D. Elliott, of the 700 block of Hampton Avenue - faces four charges including driving under the influence of alcohol and reckless homicide after an incident on April 15, 2023, which resulted in the death of Jakhari R. Alexander, 20, of Maryville. On April 15, 2023, Elliott allegedly committed the offense of Aggravated Driving With A Blood Alcohol Level of .08 or More Resulting in Death. He was charged with two counts of that offense on the same date, according to charges released on Wednesday by the Madison County State's Attorney's Office. Both the first and second counts are Enhanced Class 2 charges, both of which carry a penalty of 3-14 years in prison if convicted. Elliott also faces a Class 4 charge of Aggravated Driving Under The Influence of Alcohol While License Suspended and a Class 3 felony charge for Reckless Homicide. Elliott faces these charges after he reportedly drove a motor vehicle, a 2011 Chevrolet Equinox on th

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ALTON - Med Resources wants to let the public know that it remains open despite a serious accident that occurred at 3:30 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 6, 2023. The business itself remains open except for the retail showroom, where the bulk of the accident occurred, which is closed. Med Resources Manager Chris Nicholson said the crash was shocking. The vehicle struck with such force a piece of the license plate of the car wrapped around a pole. The vehicle smashed through windows and bent the frame of the showroom and caused other structural damages to the building. Jun Construction is in charge of the repair operation for the building, Nicholson said. The building has already been shored up in a structural sense and Nicholson said it will take between three to six months to completely finish the changes that have to occur. Nicholson said only about 10 percent of the Med Resources business takes place in the showroom. “I got the call at 3:30 the morning of Aug. 6 that someone had gone

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MARYVILLE - You never know where the day will take you. Case in point, this morning I stuffed two rolled-up pairs of socks into the toes of my dad’s work boots and headed to Ameren Illinois’s Maryville Operating Center to experience a day in the life of a lineman. Ameren linemen install and repair electrical lines every day, and they work intense hours after storms to restore power to the area. I’ve seen linemen all my life, but until 10 a.m. this morning, I knew very little about what their job actually entails. “You will get sweaty and dirty,” the email invitation had warned. Bring it. Upon arrival, I was outfitted with a hardhat, goggles, work vest and cut-resistant gloves. The gloves help linemen avoid splinters or other injuries, like if a nail is sticking out of a utility pole. But for someone unused to wearing them, the gloves introduced a new challenge, and I fumbled putting on my goggles. “These vests are unforgiving,” Brian Bretsch,

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EDWARDSVILLE - The Edwardsville City Council has expanded the list of events where alcohol consumption is allowed in City Park after amending an ordinance at their meeting on Tuesday, Aug. 15. Edwardsville Fire Captain Robert Morgan also received the Edwardsville Employee Excellence Award at the meeting, though he was not in attendance. Alcohol consumption is now officially legal during the following events at City Park: Movies in the Park, Concerts in the Park, Opera Edwardsville, Shakespeare in the Park, Edwardsville Symphony, and Muni Band. According to the amended ordinance, the public is also allowed to “transport alcoholic liquor in unsealed containers” during these events. Alderwoman Elizabeth Grant, who chairs the Administrative & Community Services committee which presented this item, said Alderman Chris Farrar suggested adding these events to avoid having them all come back to the City Council for approval down the road. This month’s Edwardsville

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EDWARDSVILLE – Southern Illinois University Edwardsville celebrated the arrival of first-year students as they moved into their residence halls on Wednesday, Aug. 16. Move-in marks the beginning of their journey pursuing higher education at SIUE. "We are thrilled that these students have chosen to come here and that we get to be part of the beginning of their journey as they work towards graduation,” said University Housing Director Mallory Sidarous. “It is a joy to be a welcoming face to our students and families and help as they turn the page on this new exciting chapter.” The campus was alive with energy and a strong sense of community as volunteers united to assist incoming students during the move-in process. More than 300 volunteers, including students, faculty and staff, supported the move-in process. Kurt Strullmeyer, father of first-year College of Arts and Sciences student Annie, was enjoying the move-in day energy and savoring the moments of moving

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BETHALTO - A man injured in a small scooter crash around 6 p.m. Monday is reported to be in stable condition in the ICU at St. Louis University Hospital, Bethalto Fire Chief Brian Buhs said on Wednesday afternoon. Buhs said the crash occurred at the end of Timberwood Drive in Bethalto and when the 21-year-old victim was found, he was discovered at the bottom of a hill and had sustained significant injuries and trauma. He was quickly tended to by Bethalto Fire Department first responders and transported to St. Louis Regional Airport where he could be airlifted to St. Louis University Hospital. Buhs praised the first responders for their valiant efforts with the man and said the quick actions of the Bethalto and Alton Memorial staff definitely were life-saving in this case. Buhs said it had not yet been determined exactly what happened in the crash because of the man's condition at the time of the crash and there were no eyewitnesses. "The man definitely required a lot of care at the

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MARYVILLE - Following a stormy summer, local linemen explain their jobs at Ameren and how they work to restore power after bad weather. Linemen install and repair electric lines throughout the year, but their job has additional risks after heavy rain or snow. When storms knock out power across the region, a crew will work a 17/7 schedule — 17 hours on, seven hours off — until it’s restored, often taking them away from their families for days at a time. The job itself is intense, but many linemen agree that they wouldn’t want to work anywhere else. “It’s very hard and demanding and rewarding at the same time,” John Dowell, a crew leader with Ameren, said. “To see that expression on people’s faces when we get the power back on, that’s the best part of it.” But getting the power back on is often a lot of hard work. Linemen usually have to climb utility poles so they can repair the primary wires or transformers at th

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WOOD RIVER - Steve Davis, a long time Elvis Presley impersonator from Wood River, recently reflected on his journey to becoming internationally recognized as Elvis on stages around the world. Today - August 16, 2023 - marks the 46th anniversary of Elvis’s death, and the 49th year of Davis performing as him. “I make my living for the last 49 years as Elvis on stage in a variety of large and small venues,” Davis said. “I do about 500 shows a year.” Like Elvis himself, Davis spent some time in the U.S. Army - but unlike Elvis, Davis served before performing on stage. Elvis entered the U.S. Army in 1958 , two years after his hit singles “Don’t Be Cruel,” “Love Me Tender,” and his cover of Big Mama Thornton’s “Hound Dog,” peaked at #1 on the Billboard Pop charts. For Davis, an abrupt end to his military service is what sent him on the path to become The King. “I was a 2nd Lieutenant in the Army, and

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WOOD RIVER - The Jordan Hooks Memorial Terrace was dedicated at Belk Park Golf Course on Tuesday, Aug. 15, in memory of golfer Jordan Hooks. The terrace includes furniture, barstools and a television. The space will serve as a spot for people to relax after a round of golf or enjoy a drink overlooking the golf course. Tuesday marked its official opening, but the crowd agreed that the night was really about Jordan. “It’s kind of bittersweet. Jordan would golf every Tuesday, and I’d rather have Jordan than the patio,” said Mickey Sabolo, Belk Park Golf Course manager. “He loved being out here and we loved having him.” Hooks passed away in May 2022 at the age of 39. He loved playing golf and enjoyed participating in the Amateur Players Tour. Off the green, he worked as a letter carrier with the United States Postal Service. Jordan’s family approached Sabolo about installing the terrace in Jordan’s memory. His brother Aaron donated

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COLLINSVILLE – The Madison County Conservative Caucus is proud to announce the addition of former NFL offensive tackle Marcus DeWayne Spears to its parents distinguished Board of Advisors. Marcus brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the organization, and his commitment to conservative principles will undoubtedly contribute to the Caucus's mission of promoting and advancing conservative values throughout the nation. Marcus DeWayne Spears, renowned for his outstanding career in professional football, has now shifted his focus to the realm of politics and civic engagement. With his remarkable talent on the field and dedication to community involvement, Marcus has long demonstrated the traits of a true leader. Now, he is poised to make a significant impact on America's Conservative Caucus, contributing his unique insights and passion for conservative ideals. As a member of the Board of Advisors, Marcus Spears will play a crucial role in shaping the direction of America's

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ALTON – Current U.S. census data shows that 7.1 million American grandparents are living with their grandchildren under 18. An estimated 2.3 million of those grandparents are responsible for their grandchildren. Roughly a third of grandchildren living with grandparents who are responsible for them are younger than 6. About half of the grandparents who are responsible for their grandchildren are 60 and over, according to census data. So, what do these 7.1 million American grandparents have in common: the unexpected role of becoming a child caregiver long after they thought those years were behind them. They depict a social trend in America: the high number of “grandfamilies” — grandparents raising grandchildren. And that specific social trend exists right here in the Riverbend region. OSF Saint Anthony’s Health Center is introducing its Grandparents Support Group because there are extra challenges for people who are navigating these dual roles. Participants

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EDWARDSVILLE – The Edwardsville Police Department announced it is partnering with the Illinois State Police and law enforcement across the state to step up efforts to stop impaired driving and help save lives as we near the end of summer and the busy Labor Day weekend. No matter how you plan to celebrate summer’s end, make sure you do it safely. “Our first priority is to keep people safe, so we’re asking everyone to plan ahead for a sober ride home if they’ll be drinking or using another impairing substance,” said Lt. Brandn Whittaker. “Let’s make this a partnership between law enforcement and motorists: Help us protect the community and put an end to the dangers of impaired driving.” The high-visibility “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” enforcement campaign runs from Friday, August. 18 through the early-morning hours of Tuesday, September. 5. During this period, motorists can expect to see roadside safety checks, more

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GRANITE CITY – The Illinois Department of Transportation announced today that road repairs will require lane closures in both directions of Interstate 270 between Illinois 3 and Riverview Drive in Missouri starting, weather permitting, at 9 p.m., Friday, Aug. 18. One lane will always remain open in each direction. All lanes will reopen by 5 a.m. Monday, Aug. 21. Motorists should expect delays and are encouraged to use alternate routes during this closure. Drivers are urged to reduce speed, be alert for changing conditions, obey all construction signage, and refrain from using mobile devices while approaching and traveling through the work zone. For IDOT District 8 updates, follow us on Twitter at @IDOTDistrict8 or view area construction details on IDOT’s traveler information map on GettingAroundIllinois.com.

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O’FALLON — HSHS St. Elizabeth’s Hospital Cancer Care Center is hosting its 2 nd Annual Breast Cancer Awareness Fun Walk on Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023, from 8:30 a.m.-Noon at Moody (Longacre) Park in Fairview Heights and early registration is now open. The event honors and celebrates the brave patients of the oncology center, as well as the supporters who have provided invaluable aid and assistance during these difficult times. This event is FREE for everyone. It is a 1.5-mile walk through the park (rain or shine). Participants will receive an event bag and other health information. This year, a special event t-shirt is available for purchase for $25 as a donation to our patient transportation fund. This dedicated fund assists with vital transportation needs for cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy, which is often daily for several weeks at a time and can be a financial hardship for those traveling long distances. Donations can also be mailed to HSHS St.

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EDWARDSVILLE - The Edwardsville City Council approved the purchases of a few new utility vehicles and moved forward plans for two road improvement projects at their meeting on Tuesday, August 15. Council members approved the purchase of a 2022 Ford F-550 Crew Cab 4x4 with a service body and associated equipment for no more than $85,889. The new vehicle will be used by the Fire Department and will replace an older vehicle in need of costly repairs. Alderman Chris Farrar said with supply issues the way they’ve been, they’re lucky to have found a vehicle that’s ready to be purchased and picked up. “The good thing about this is that it’s actually available, whereas some things have been put on hold,” Farrar said. “So that’s good, we’ll have that pretty quick.” Farrar added that the actual cost of the new truck will be closer to $90,000, but he expects to get at least $5,000 worth of trade-in value from the department's

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GODFREY – “Unfiltered Lens,” a photo exhibit featuring images from the Civil Rights Movement and Vietnam War through the eyes of acclaimed photographer Robert J. Ellison, is open in the Hatheway Cultural Center Gallery at Lewis and Clark Community College. Ellison, who was killed in Vietnam at the age of 23, was a graduate of Alton’s Western Military Academy and the son of a Monticello College alumna. He was posthumously recognized with the Overseas Press Club’s award for the best coverage from abroad. A commemoration event featuring Emcee Art Holliday, KSDK; Webster University History Professor John Chappell; Western Military graduate Bill Kaune; Monticello College alumna Linda Nevlin; and Judge Luther Simmons, Civil Rights expert, will be held from 2-4 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 26, in the Ann Whitney Olin Theatre. The exhibit runs through Aug. 31. Both are free and open to the public. “Unfiltered Lens” is co-sponsored by The Hayner Public

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PIASA/ST. LOUIS - Southwestern School District teacher Andrea Moore has been crowned Mrs. Educator 2023. The Miss American Diamonds 3rd Annual First Responders & Educators Pageant invited teachers, police officers, firefighters, paramedics, EMTs and nurses from across the nation to compete for the crown on July 14 in St. Louis. Moore, who teaches English at Southwestern Middle School, took first in the educators’ portion and third in the talent competition. She plans to spend the prize money on supplies for her classroom. “It was just all about making us feel important and like we are meaningful in our jobs,” Moore said. “It was a neat pageant, but what was really cool about it was it was Christian-based, which was awesome. They just had a really unique way of honoring workers, so I really felt like, win or lose, that we were all there to be honored.” Contestants competed in four categories, with an introduction, interview, on-stage question and elegant

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ALTON - A new organization is working to connect people with mental health and community resources. Sacred Spaces of CARE is a nonprofit “one-stop shop” that provides information about mental health professionals and substance use programs in the Alton area. When someone is experiencing a mental health crisis, it can be difficult to find the time and energy needed to seek out local resources; even knowing where to start can be a daunting task. Sacred Spaces of CARE aims to make it easier. “Our systems are very hard to navigate, and when people are in crisis, they’re even more difficult. So how do we reduce those barriers? We can’t eliminate them, but how do we help?” Executive Director Megan Tyler said. “I just kind of looked at the community and tried to see…where are some gaps that we could potentially fill? And really, the biggest was just kind of being like a connector organization, like a network. Not a provider of services,

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