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GRANITE CITY - When the Labor Day Parade officially rolls through Granite City, Mayor Mike Parkinson ranks as one of the proudest participants. The Granite City Labor Day Parade on Monday, September 5 was well-attended as the community marked the holiday again. “What a great day for Granite City to honor the working man and women of our region," Mayor Parkinson said afterward. Parkinson said his reason to get into the political race for mayor was simple: “I want to be a voice for the city. It’s important to me to mark this holiday. I was born and raised here; I am a third-generation in Granite City. Granite City has always been about supporting labor and the working man. That is why we are geared up to support the steelworkers in their fight right now for jobs at U.S. Steel.” The mayor said the U.S. Steel situation doesn’t have a short-term solution and it will be a “long-term battle” to preserve the jobs. The parade had a little of everything

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EAST ST. LOUIS — Governor JB Pritzker along with state and local leaders today announced the location of a new state-of-the-art Illinois State Police (ISP) Metro East Regional Headquarters and the release of capital funding to begin the design process. The regional multi-mission facility will house ISP patrol, investigations, communications, and Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) resources. Strategically relocating patrol and investigative personnel will increase preventive patrol presence, help solve violent crime, and improve regional safety. “Today, we take a significant step forward in ensuring the safety and opportunity of Metro East reflects what its residents deserve – what all of Illinois deserves: a community where all our families can thrive,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “This state-of-the-art facility will take a holistic approach to violent crime reduction, making the community safer and establishing an anchor for residential and business investment.”

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EAST ALTON – Over the next two years, scientists at the National Great Rivers Research and Education Center (NGRREC sm ) are investigating dragonflies and damselflies (Odonata) throughout Central and Southern Illinois. “Odonata are a relatively well-known and charismatic group of insects and have key functional roles both within terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems and across terrestrial-aquatic boundaries,” Wildlife Ecologist John Crawford said. “They are also important indicators of water quality and overall ecosystem health.” The primary goal of this project is to address current knowledge gaps and develop a baseline of population data as well as determine possible species of conservation concern for state and regional agencies. These data are needed to develop future conservation and management plans. “More research is needed to understand current population distributions, rarity, and vulnerabilities of Odonata throughout Illinois,”

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ALTON - From doughnuts to movie themes or just a fun round on the links, Riverbend residents and businesses can support OSF HealthCare Moeller Cancer Center this month by taking part in the OSF Foundation’s annual golf outing. This year’s tournament will be on Friday, September 23, at Spencer T. Olin Community Golf Course in Alton. Lunch and registration begins at 10:30 a.m. followed by a 12 p.m. shotgun start. The event will conclude with a steak and chicken dinner and the announcement of winning golfers. Golfers looking to spice up their round can also sample snacks and have some Caddyshack and Jimmy Buffett-themed fun. On the Duke Bakery hole, the player who lands their ball closest to the pin gets a year’s supply of doughnut holes from the bakery. Proceeds from this year’s golf outing will support programs and services at Moeller Cancer Center on the campus of OSF Saint Anthony’s Health Center . The tournament’s title sponsor is Moeller

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EAST ST. LOUIS — Governor JB Pritzker along with state and local leaders today announced the location of a new state-of-the-art Illinois State Police (ISP) Metro East Regional Headquarters and the release of capital funding to begin the design process. The regional multi-mission facility will house ISP patrol, investigations, communications, and Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) resources. Strategically relocating patrol and investigative personnel will increase preventive patrol presence, help solve violent crime, and improve regional safety. “Today, we take a significant step forward in ensuring the safety and opportunity of Metro East reflects what its residents deserve – what all of Illinois deserves: a community where all our families can thrive,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “This state-of-the-art facility will take a holistic approach to violent crime reduction, making the community safer and establishing an anchor for residential and business investment.&rdquo

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GODFREY – Lewis and Clark Community College welcomed about 250 guests to a culminating celebration of the Monticello Sculpture Gardens’ 10 th annual summer garden show, “Budding Masterpieces,” Thursday evening. The event featured free food, drinks, music, garden tours, crafts with The MAC (Macoupin Art Collective) bus, and a chance to play games on the Hatheway Cultural Center lawn with Trailblazers athletes. Guests were invited to take home a cut flower from Rudy’s Flower Truck, of St. Louis, as a souvenir. “Budding Masterpieces” is open to the public for self-guided tours through September. Maps are available at the Campus Safety building at L&C’s north entrance. To learn more about L&C’s Monticello Sculpture Gardens, contact Horticulture Manager Ethan Braasch at ebraasch@lc.edu or visit www.lc.edu/gardens .

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WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) wrote to U.S. Chair of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Lina Khan, U.S. Chair of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) Charlotte Burrows, and U.S. Secretary of the Department of Labor (DoL) Martin Walsh to call for a thorough review of how artificial intelligence (AI), algorithms and algorithmic bias might play a role in discriminating against people with disabilities when it comes to employment opportunities and hiring practices. Joining Duckworth in this letter are U.S. Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), and Ed Markey (D-MA). “We write to respectfully request that the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), and the Department of Labor (DoL) undergo a thorough review of artificial intelligence (AI), algorithms and algorithmic bias, including but not limited

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Norm and Shirley Halcom are celebrating 67 years of marriage. The two were married in 1955. The family gathered on the two's anniversary on September 3, 2022, for a surprise celebration for Norman & Shirley Halcom's 67th wedding anniversary and Shirley's 90th Birthday later this month. They were married in Meadowbrook by the Justice of the Peace on September 03, 1955. Shirley will be 90 on September 29th.

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MARYVILLE – In partnership with the Illinois Treasurer’s office, State Senator Kris Tharp is bringing the popular I-Cash services to Metro East residents in Granite City and Roxana. “Unclaimed property is commonly intangible and thus more difficult for families to know what is owed to them,” said Tharp (D-Bethalto). “I encourage any Illinois resident to visit an I-Cash event to check if they have any unclaimed property.” The Treasurer’s office has more than $3.5 billion in unclaimed funds for Illinois residents. To offer families an opportunity to search the database and file a claim, the first event will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 13 on the second floor of Royal Banks of Granite City, located at 3600 Nameoki Rd. Elevators will be available. The second event will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 22 at the Roxana Public Library, 200 N. Central Ave. “It’s worth the few minutes it takes to stop by an event

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EDWARDSVILLE - This is another in a series of articles of entries in the Edwardsville Art Fair at City Park on September 23-25. Today, Edwardsville, Worden, and Caseyville entries are featured. A rtist Name: Ana Sumner Location: Edwardsville Artist Statement: Ana Sumner's Sew Unique Art merges traditional art and fiber techniques together to portray nature as realism using mixed media fiber art, so that she may convey the textural beauty that is in the world. Artist Name: Annette Cummins Location: Caseyville Artist Statement: "I like road trips! When painting abstracts I am on a road trip with no destination in mind. I don't follow a map but rather my inner guide, excited to see where I may end up!" Artist Name : Deborrah Jones Location : Worden Artist Statement: "Jewelry is a form of intimate self-expression and a symbol of personal meaning. The wearer can use their body as a canvas to express their feelings, desires, and thoughts. I create jewelry

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VENICE - Venice CUSD #3 was awarded $26 million in funding, provided by the Capital Development Board through an emergency school construction grant. In September 2020, Venice Elementary School in Venice, Illinois was condemned due to structural issues. Students and staff attending Venice Elementary vacated the building, attending school virtually for the entire 2020-2021 school year. “It was a difficult year,” stated Superintendent Cynthia Tolbert. “We were not only dealing with the challenges of the COVID-19 Pandemic and virtual learning, but the Board of Education was also trying to locate a temporary school to house students.” For the 2021-2022 school year, Venice Elementary school was in a temporary location at the Melvin Price Depot located in Granite City. Tolbert successfully led the district in the demolition of the condemned elementary school in 2021, located on 300 South 4th Street. Assisted by Venice Board of Education officials, the Venice Unit

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Photographs may be purchased for personal use at: https://www.randymanning.com/Alton-Wine-and-Jazz-Festival ALTON - The Alton Jazz & Wine Festival continues to grow each year and once again Saturday night, it showcased some incredible talent, both from the area and also with some nationally recognized artists. Liberty Bank Alton Amphitheater Chair Dan Herkert said you couldn’t have asked for better weather and such a great crowd. “I am an old trumpet player and the Alton Jazz Confluence Band already blows me out of the water," Herkert said. "They are tremendous. “This is the birthplace of Miles Davis and we always hold trumpet players in the highest esteem. The Jazz & Wine Festival has been growing every year. We have some absolutely amazing performers this year. I don’t think there is a better outdoor venue than the Alton Amphitheater. For jazz, it is the best setup I have seen.” Ken Whiteside has been affiliated with the Alton Jazz & Wine Festival

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GLEN CARBON - Father McGivney Catholic High School student Sam Chounarid recently presented a donation check to Gail Marchbanks from Kellsie’s Hope. Sam organized a cornhole tournament on Aug. 13, 2022, to benefit this organization. Kellsie’s Hope was started by Kellsie Marchbanks during her second round of cancer treatment. After her passing in June 2011 of Osteosarcoma, the Marchbanks family formed Kellsie’s Hope Foundation Inc, to celebrate the life of this remarkable young woman and to continue the work she started from her hospital bed. The Kellise's Hope mission is to provide hope to families that have children suffering from cancer by offering support for trips and gifts that might otherwise be unattainable. We are also dedicated to raising awareness and funds to support childhood cancer research and support the education of healthcare providers with an annual nursing scholarship. Kellsie’s Hope Foundation is an exempt organization as described in

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WICHITA FALLS, Texas - An Edwardsville student - Stephanie Ann Worley - graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Care, magna cum laude - recently at Midwestern State University in Wichita Falls, Texas, in August. MSU Texas awarded degrees to 226 undergraduate and graduate students. Honor graduates receiving bachelor degrees included 30 summa cum laude, 26 magna cum laude, and 17 cum laude. Honor requirements are a grade point average of 3.9-4.0 for summa cum laude, 3.7-3.89 for magna cum laude, and 3.5-3.69 for cum laude.

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According to the National Bullying Prevention Center, one in five students reports being bullied – but the actual number is believed to be even higher, perhaps even one in three kids, as some cases are not reported. Bullying can be verbal, emotional, or physical and can be based on a variety of aspects – from looks and size to academics and athleticism, and more. During the peak of the pandemic, a decline in bullying was seen as so many kids were learning from home. Now, with schools back in full swing and in person, kids are spending more time with classmates than they have since early 2020. Talking to your kids at home each day is important to not only learn more about what is going on in their lives, but it also helps to identify potential bullying. “A good 10 to 15-minute conversation every day about what happened during the day, what was good, what was bad, and what did they struggle with. Use open-ended questions and don’t necessarily try to solve

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SAN DIEGO - Ashtin Linton, a 2022 Civic Memorial High School graduate, recently graduated from Marine Boot Camp, San Diego CA. Ashtin will soon know where he will be stationed once he returns to San Diego to finish up the final camp details after a brief leave. He was a Civic Memorial High football player while at the school. If you have a military accomplishment, e-mail them to news@riverbender.com and include a photo.

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ALTON - State Representative Amy Elik (R-Fosterburg) and the Wood River Police Department will be hosting a drive-through Prescription Drug Drop-Off event in Wood River on Wednesday, September 7 from 11:00 am-1:00 pm. The event collects unwanted or expired prescription drugs and safely disposes of them for FREE. The free Rx drop-off will take place at the Wood River Police Department, located at 550 E. Madison Ave. in Wood River from 11:00 am-1:00 pm on Wednesday, September 7. “Following a successful prescription drug disposal event last year, I am proud to partner up again with the Wood River Police Department in hosting another drop-off event,” said Rep. Elik. “This free service is a good opportunity for people to safely dispose of their expired and unwanted medications as it is unsafe to throw way or flush many medications. Accepted Medications include prescription medications, prescription ointments & patches, pet medications, and vitamins. Prohibited Items

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NATIONAL CITY – The Illinois Department of Transportation today announced that Eastbound Interstate 70, one mile east of the Stan Musical Veterans Memorial Bridge in St. Clair County will be restricted to one lane beginning Tuesday, September 6, 2022, weather permitting. This work is necessary to complete bridge repairs. This work is expected to be completed by the end of October 2022. 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. The contractor on this project is The Kilian Corporation of Mascoutah, Illinois. 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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ALTON - There is something special when a group of high school players lead off a prestigious event - the Alton Jazz and Wine Festival. The Alton Jazz Confluence Band did that this year on Saturday night. The group was a huge hit at the Liberty Bank Alton Amphitheater. The group of Alton High jazz players - Will Hussey, bass, Nik Tuetken, trumpet, Joseph Hicks, keys, Spencer Leonard, saxophone, and Alex Tuetken, drums, bustle with talent and impressed the large crowd once again at the Alton Jazz and Wine Fest. The Jazz and Wine Festival is always a celebration of the great Miles Davis, born in Alton on May 26, 1926. A statue is positioned in Downtown Alton in memory of the jazz legend. The boys are following in his footsteps and will help preserve the Davis legacy as the future unfolds. The boys give Robert Stephan, a former head of the Alton Amphitheater Commission, credit for discovering them and putting them together as a group on stage at the jazz festival first. Ken Whiteside,

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ALTON - The 16th annual Mississippi Earthtones festival is returning to the Alton riverfront in a couple of weeks on September 17. The free, family-friendly event will be held at the Liberty Bank Alton Amphitheater at #1 Riverfront Drive from noon to 10 p.m., with live music acts, artisan craft vendors, local food and drink options, and much more. The live musical entertainment lineup includes Alternative Indie Jazz band Loftys Comet from 12-2 p.m., one-man band Jason “Gordo” Gordon from 2-3 p.m. and 6-7 pm, Nonstop Reggae Band from 3-6 p.m., and Grateful Dead tribute band Jake’s Leg from 7-10 p.m. There will also be more than 50 eco-friendly vendors and educational booths offering everything from hand-made crafts to tips on living more sustainably. “Dozens of local artists and upcyclers will offer their nature-inspired, hand-made, and environmentally-friendly wares, and several agencies will be teaching consumers how to incorporate more sustainable practices

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