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ST. LOUIS COUNTY - The summer just got sunnier with the first wave of sunflower blooms at Columbia Bottom Conservation Area. The beloved sunflower fields attract people from all over the region to take pictures and enjoy the once-in-a-lifetime view. The sunflower season also highlights the organization’s messages about conservation. “It’s just an incredible sight to see them,” Dan Zarlenga, who works with the Missouri Department of Conservation, said. “We’re not talking about a couple sunflowers here and there, like some people might put in their landscaping or around their homes. We’re talking about fields of hundreds or maybe even thousands of these sunflowers. And that is quite a sight, seeing them all in a row like that.” Zarlenga explained there are multiple fields throughout the Conservation Area. The planting times are staggered, so several “waves” of sunflowers will bloom through August. The first wave blooms around

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GRAFTON - Rosemary Ritchie received a plaque of appreciation presented by Mayor Mike Morrow and Alderman Rus Roy during the Grafton Historical Society meeting at the Visitor’s Center on Sunday, July 9, 2023. The mayor expressed the city’s sincere thanks to Rosemary for her years of service at the historical museum since 2007. Her friendly smile welcomed both national and international visitors and she was always willing to answer questions, sharing her extensive knowledge of Grafton past and present. “It’s been a privilege to be here,” Rosemary said. Asked what she will miss most, she stated, “I’ll miss the people! Visitors come here from all over the world—they come from Elsah and St. Louis, from every state in the Union, and even from as far away as Japan and other countries.” “Rosemary is a true ambassador for Grafton,” said Mayor Morrow. “We will miss her and wish her well.” Displays and artifacts integral

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SPRINGFIELD – If you’re looking to strike it rich - the Illinois Lottery has a few life-changing jackpots up for grabs tonight and tomorrow, with a combined prize total of $1.174 million. The Powerball jackpot for tonight’s drawing has ballooned to an eye-watering $675 million - the ninth largest in the game’s history, while the Mega Millions jackpot has climbed to a mouth-watering $480 million for tomorrow night’s drawing - the second largest jackpot of 2023. Also for tonight’s draw, the Lotto jackpot is now at a whopping $19.1 million - the largest Lotto jackpot of the year and the second largest in nearly five years. On Saturday, a lucky Illinois Lottery player became a newly-minted millionaire after matching all five Powerball numbers to win $1 million. The winning ticket was purchased at Fas Mart, located at 15766 Manchester Rd. in South Beloit, IL. The winning numbers in the Saturday, July 8 draw were: 7-23-24-32-43. So far this year,

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SPRINGFIELD - One of the rising stars of the Statehouse pressroom in the era (see accompanying story) had local roots. “He was, as far as I see it, the best investigative reporter in America in his prime,” said Taylor Pensoneau, a former St. Louis Post-Dispatch political reporter who worked closely with Pound in the Statehouse, in an exclusive interview. “And his prime lasted a long time.” Pound graduated from Affton High School in St. Louis in 1961, a product of a working-class family who struggled to make ends meet. As Pound once said, “a nickel was a big thing when I was a kid.” “Ed was a classic example of a gritty kid coming from nowhere to make good,” reflected Pensoneau. "In his case, really big-time success.” “Ed and I were out to save the world,” laughed Pensoneau. “That sounds crazy, but that’s really how we thought. We had different personalities, but we were like-minded individuals, and w

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JERSEYVILLE - A Jerseyville woman has been charged with failing to register as a sex offender in Jersey County, while a Godfrey man with three prior DUIs has been charged with a fourth and several other charges, according to recent Jersey County court filings. Tiffany L. Ford, 43, of Jerseyville, was charged with unlawful failure to register as a sex offender. Court records state Ford failed to register with the Jersey County Sheriff’s Department within three days after she established a residence in the county - specifically, from June 13 to July 6. Ford was charged with a Class 3 felony and her bail was set at $30,000. Jon G. Deneef, 37, of Godfrey, was charged with aggravated driving under the influence of alcohol on July 3. Court records state that he drove intoxicated on Beltrees Road, west of State Highway 3 in Jersey County. He was also charged with unlawful possession of less than five grams of methamphetamine and unlawful possession of less than 15 grams of

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EDWARDSVILLE - The Annual Trailnet "I Scream For Ice Cream" July bike ride Sunday morning was a hit again, with more than 600 participants. The ride started and finished at The Cyclery at 2427 Troy Road in Edwardsville and was co-spored by Trailnet Racing and The Cyclery. Fitz's Root Beer provided delicious beverages and Ice Caps Creamery was also there with ice cream scoops. Prairie Farms provided mini dip cones and Urban Chestnut was there with ice-cold beer. There were also food trucks on hand for the delight of participants. The bike courses ranged from 10 miles to 51 miles, including 10-mile, 23-mile, 35-mile, and 51-mile courses. The Cyclery also had a sale with many discounted items for those in attendance. A police escort took participants to a nearby trail and back."We always do our big sales event with this," The Cyclery Manager David Parks said. "Trailnet does a phenomenal job of putting on so many rides around here."Parks added: "We had 624 people out there riding. The

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EDWARDSVILLE - It officially feels like summer in St. Louis and the Metro East now that the humidity and extreme heat have arrived. As temperatures rise, Joe’s Market Basket is educating people on how to best maintain your yard. Hot weather and humidity can be tough on plants, which can sometimes mean extra maintenance and care. General Manager of Joe’s Market Basket, Andy Klos, has several simple stress-free tips on how to protect your greenery from the heat. “Even with adequate watering, plants can suffer with the hot, humid conditions,” said Klos. “I advise people to water when they’re drinking their morning coffee, between 6 and 8 a.m. before it starts to get too hot. If you get out there midday, the sun can evaporate the water before it gets to the roots. I also tell our customers to be mindful of overwatering and to follow the recommended amount of water for each plant.” Mulching is another way to help protect your plants from the

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ALTON - Pride Month is over, but resources for LGBTQ+ youth are available year-round in the Riverbend community. Alton Pride, a local LGBTQ+ organization, is preparing for their second annual Alton Pride Festival in September. In the meantime, they offer a support group with plans of eventually opening a youth center. “It is not just about a one-day party. It is about giving back to the community,” Michael Paynic, a member of the Alton Pride organization and owner of Bubby and Sissy’s , said. “It’s more about support for kids these days that really feel like they’re not accepted in their families or in the community… support for people trying to just be themselves.” Alton’s first Pride celebration was last year. There were bands, drag performances, vendors, food trucks and a “youth zone” for younger kids with bounce houses and crafts. Paynic said that an estimated 1,500–2,000 people attended the event,

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ROXANA - The Roxana School District has a major fundraiser ongoing to purchase a 12-foot by 18-foot flag that will electronically roll down in the middle of Larry Milazzo Gymnasium when the National Anthem is played. Bob Coles, the South Roxana Chief of Police and a current board member of the Roxana, said: "We at Roxana Community Unit School District #1 want to emphasize and promote patriotism and respect for our nation’s flag. Our flag represents the sacrifices made by many men and women and is a unifying symbol of our freedom and liberty. "Donations of any amount will help make this flag a reality. Please make your check payable to Roxana Schools Foundation or pay here electronically." Coles continued and said, speaking as a chief of police and former military service member, his personal viewpoint about the flag is it is a testament to "our shared values and the unwavering dedication to our nation." "The sight of our nation's flag waving high in the sky represents the principles

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SPRINGFIELD - Today, the pressroom of the Illinois State Capitol is a barren place, with few reporters and minimal coverage of the important workings of state government. A half-century ago, it was a far different story. The Statehouse pressroom of the 1960s and 1970s was a hive of activity, a smoke-filled room full of scribes clicking away on ink-ribbon typewriters, while nursing cups of lukewarm coffee. With little money and even less sleep, everyone was stretched to their limits, going to any length to scoop the competition. News was breaking all the time, and there were always stories to be found – many that shaped the course of Illinois politics. It was the wild and wacky world of the Statehouse pressroom in the era, which produced some of the best journalism and investigative reporting in Illinois history. For Taylor Pensoneau, it is a time of pride and wonder. “Those years were just remarkable,” said Pensoneau, a political writer for the St. Louis Post-Dispatch

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ALTON - The Collinsville Police Department responded to the 500 block of Belt Lane in reference to a report of an armed robbery on Thursday, July 6. Collinsville Police provided this report: "Responding officers met with the victim who had been battered and his cell phone taken. The male victim reported that while preparing to enter his own vehicle parked near Club Fitness, he was struck in the head with a blunt object. The suspect made no specific demands to the victim, but took and the victim's cell phone after it fell to the ground. The victim was not seriously injured." The suspect is described as a Hispanic male, approximately 5'8'' and possibly in his 30s. The suspect was last seen entering a white panel type van. Anyone with any information related to the identity of the suspect is asked to contact Detective Sergeant Brad Akers at (618) 344-2131, extension 143.

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CARROLLTON - A few individuals are facing a range of charges out of Greene County from the past couple of weeks, including one individual who attempted to flee police with six other charges from Scott County prior to his arrest. Isiah M.E. Barham, 24, of Springfield, was charged with aggravated fleeing/eluding an officer and manufacturing/delivering 30-500 grams of cannabis. He was arrested by the Scott County Sheriff’s Office after being previously charged in Scott County with six total counts, including: Aggravated fleeing/eluding an officer at 21+ mph over the limit Reckless driving Possession of 100-500 grams of cannabis Driving on a suspended license Speeding 35+ mph over the limit Operating an uninsured motor vehicle Barham was charged on June 29. Court filings indicate that he remains in custody. Dusty L. Crannell, 42, of Ankeny, Iowa, was charged with violating an order of protection and driving on a revoked/suspended license. He was arrested

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EAST ALTON – Last week, the National Great Rivers Research and Education Center (NGRREC) of Lewis and Clark Community College welcomed non-profit representatives from around the nation to a two-day Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) workshop focused on the benefits of natural infrastructure. “The recent science workshop, hosted by NGRREC, served as a reminder of the complexity and urgency to address flooding, drought, water pollution and other basin-wide issues,” EDF Senior Director of Climate Resilient Coasts and Watersheds Will McDow said. “Through improved data, monitoring and modeling at the local, watershed and basin level, we can better quantify the benefits of projects that have been initiated by stakeholders and accelerate the implementation of additional investments across the Mississippi River Basin.” Natural infrastructure protects the landscape from processes like erosion and flooding. They can be natural or engineered and offer additional benefit

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SPRINGFIELD – Governor JB Pritzker joined state and local officials at the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) headquarters today to announce the largest multi-year program to fix and repair infrastructure in state history: $40.99 billion over six years, showcasing the reach and impact of the governor’s historic, bipartisan Rebuild Illinois capital program. The new multi-year program is the first time in more than a decade that IDOT is releasing a comprehensive approach to invest in all modes of transportation: roads and bridges, aviation, transit, freight and passenger rail, waterways, as well as bicycle and pedestrian accommodations. “Over the next six years, we’re investing over $40 billion to improve all modes of transportation across our great state. That means better roads and bridges, modernized transit and aviation, and expanded and faster passenger rail service,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Rebuild Illinois has increased safety,

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ROXANA - Evan Wells, a senior-to-be running back for Roxana High's Football Team, will be a key contributor this coming season as the Shells look to go farther in the IHSA playoffs. Wells is a Midwest Members Credit Union Male Athlete of the Month for the Shells. The Shells went 7-4 this past season and qualified for the Class 3A playoffs, defeating Hillsboro in the first round before falling in the second round to Fairbury Prairie Central. Wells ran for 874 yards and 10 touchdowns, breaking into triple figures four times in the season, and also caught 10 passes for 115 yards and another touchdown in helping the Shells to their successful season. At a seven-on-seven passing competition recently at Charlie Raich Field in Roxana, Wells felt that things were going well on that night and both he and his teammates were having fun. "They're going pretty good," Wells said in an interview during the competition. "We're able to expand our offense, keep it outside of tackles, just having

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ALTON - Alton Little Theater is preparing to kick off its 90th season later this month with its production of “Monty Python’s Spamalot.” They promise a killer bunny, Excalibur and a lot of fun. “Monty Python’s Spamalot,” a musical based on the movie “Monty Python and the Holy Grail,” is directed by Kevin Frakes. With 12 dances and 25 songs, the show has been a chance for local actors to come together and do what they love most: perform. “In the community theater realm, most people are pretty welcoming and pretty friendly,” If you got skills, people are happy to have you,” said Therese Melnykov, who has been involved in community theater for over 20 years and will play the Lady of the Lake. In a lot of ways, the power of community theater connects to the main themes of the show itself. “Monty Python’s Spamalot” encourages audiences to find their dream and follow it. Alton Little Theater has

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SOUTHERN ILLINOIS - Everybody has a favorite Girl Scouts cookie flavor, but most people don’t know the scope of what the Girl Scouts organization does or how it can affect the lives of local young women. Loretta Graham, the CEO of the Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois, is hoping to change that. “We are investing in our future and in our world by investing in our girls,” Graham said. “When people think about Girl Scouts, they say, ‘Cookies, camping, crafts! That’s Girl Scouting.’ Well, there’s more. Building girls of courage, confidence, and character, that’s going to make our world a better place. And these girls, some of the projects that they have done in these communities, they’re not only going to lead our world. They’re going to change it.” Graham has spent much of her professional life with the Girl Scouts organization, working with scouts in North Dakota and South Carolina before coming to Illinois.

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JERSEYVILLE - Nathan Bishop, co-founder and EMS coordinator with the JCH Ambulance Association, recently announced an upcoming lecture series from Bob Page, who he said makes typically mundane medical topics fun, entertaining, and educational. Those classes will be held later this month and are a great way for healthcare professionals to earn several Continuing Education Units (CEUs) in just two days. Bishop appeared on a recent episode of Our Daily Show! on Riverbender.com to discuss the upcoming lecture series, as well as the JCH Ambulance Association and the work they do. “Bob Page is a phenomenal educator and lecturer, he’s been doing this for four decades around the world, he’s internationally renowned,” Bishop said. “He takes two of what we might call the most ‘boring’ subjects or ‘tedious’ subjects in healthcare and makes them fun, and makes them entertaining, and makes them educational. Those two subjects are

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It seems almost everyone has a story about how long they had to wait to receive care in an emergency department due to overcrowding. In fact, research shows patient congestion is one of the main factors threatening efficiency, safety and quality of care. The pressure is even greater following the COVID-19 pandemic, as more people feel comfortable returning to hospital emergency departments at the same time many health systems are dealing with a nursing shortage. William Bond, MD, is an emergency department (ED) physician at OSF HealthCare Saint Francis Medical Center in Peoria, Illinois. He also directs simulation research at Jump Simulation , a collaborative effort between OSF and the University of Illinois College of Medicine Peoria (UICOMP). Dr. Bond and fellow researchers, including co-lead Hyojung Kang, PhD, a visiting assistant professor at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC), will use a nearly $100,000 Jump ARCHES grant to develop innovative models aimed

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EDWARDSVILLE - Madison County State’s Attorney Tom Haine announced he has charged a 32-year-old man with felony sexual exploitation of a child and disorderly conduct in connection with the man’s actions at a water park. The charges filed Friday by Haine’s office allege that, on Thursday, July 6, 2023, Chad A. Green engaged in an act of masturbation while in the presence of children at Collinsville Aqua Park. Bail for Green, a resident of Madison, was set at $50,000 by Associate Judge Ryan Jumper. Green remained in custody as of Friday afternoon. The judge also granted a prosecution request that, in the event, Green is released on bond, Green is prohibited from having contact with anyone younger than 18. Collinsville Police Department is conducting the investigation. The case is assigned to Assistant State’s Attorney Ali Foley, head of the Children’s Justice Division. Haine asked that anyone with information about this defendant or this case contact Collinsville

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