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ST. LOUIS - Independence Center, a local nonprofit dedicated to helping adults living with mental illness, is spreading awareness during May as part of Mental Health Awareness Month. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the pandemic has drastically impacted the number of people suffering from anxiety and depression, making Independence Center’s services more important than ever. “You never know what someone could be struggling with behind closed doors,” said Independence Center Business Development Manager Abby Berger. “If you know someone living with a mental illness, it is important to be a resource for them. We have programs and help available for anyone trying to battle their mental health on their own and we’re here to support them.” Jim Pace, a member of the Independence Center, has dealt with his diagnosis of schizophrenia for most of his life. He said his involvement with the Independence Center has brought him an

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SPRINGFIELD - Tickets for the highly anticipated Willie Nelson & Family went on sale Saturday, May 7 at 10:00 a.m. on the Ticketmaster website . Fairgoers are reminded that Ticketmaster is the only authorized ticket broker for the Illinois State Fair. All other websites and offers may be fraudulent and buyers should beware. “Willie Nelson & Family is a great addition to an already amazing grandstand lineup,” said Illinois State Fair Manager Rebecca Clark. “Fairgoers can sing along with classics like ‘Always on my Mind’ to hits from his most recent album First Rose of Spring. This truly is a concert that will have something for every generation.” In addition to Willie Nelson & Family, Sam Hunt, Demi Lovato, Brooks & Dunn, TLC, Shaggy, Jon Pardi, Lainey Wilson, Chapel Hart, Disturbed, Nita Strauss, and Sammy Hagar and The Circle will headline the Illinois Lottery Grandstand stage. Look for an announcement soon on the final act. Friday, August 12

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“The 'Lost Speech' Found: ” Part of the Looking for Lincoln Conversations live online events SPRINGFIELD - On May 29, 1856, Lincoln gave the keynote address at a convention held in downtown Bloomington to establish a new political party opposed to the expansion of slavery—the Republican Party. The McLean County Museum of History and Looking for Lincoln are proud to collaborate on a public program about this pivotal moment in US history on Wednesday, May 18, 2022, at 7 pm. During the online presentation, learn why this speech came to be known as the “Lost Speech,” its impact on the creation of the Republican Party, and how the speech is not really “lost.” The program will be presented by Bill Kemp. Mr. Kemp has served as a librarian for the not-for-profit McLean County Museum of History for nineteen years. He has graduate degrees from the University of Illinois Springfield and Illinois State University. Viewers can watch and participate i

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ALTON - Illinois American Water’s work to separate the Alton combined sewer system and install new sanitary sewers continues. Below is information about this week’s road closures –May 9, 2022 Piasa Valley Area: Asphalt paving will begin at 6am on the morning of 5/9/22 on 6th Street between Alby and George Street, and Alby Street between 6th Street north to 12th Street. DURING THIS TIME, THE ROAD WILL BE CLOSED TO ALL TRAFFIC. Residents need to park on side streets adjacent to these two roads during that time. 12th Street is closed east to George Street. A common detour of using 13th Street and Alton Street will not be allowed, and traffic will need to use Blair Avenue east to Henry Street during this closure on 12th Street. 10th Street is closed between Alby Street and George Street. Brick pavement restoration is currently happening on 8th Street. Please drive carefully in this area, as there is a lot of construction equipment moving around the different work areas.

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COLLINSVILLE - The Illinois State Police is investigating a fatal single-vehicle traffic crash that occurred at 4:20 p.m. on Friday, May 6, 2022, at Interstate 55 northbound exit ramp to Interstate 255 southbound near Collinsville. The operator of a 2017 Black Harley Davidson motorcycle - 73-year-old Dwayne T. Wendell - of Marshfield, Wisc., died in the accident. The Following Preliminary Information is Being Released by the Illinois State Police District 11 PRELIMINARY: Preliminary investigative details indicate the following occurred: Unit 1 was traveling on the exit ramp from Interstate 55 northbound to Interstate 255 southbound, near Collinsville, Madison County. For unknown reasons, the driver of Unit 1 left the roadway to the left and overturned in the median. The driver of unit 1 was ejected and fatally injured. The driver of Unit 1 was pronounced deceased on scene by the Madison County Coroner’s office. This is an open and on-going investigation and no other details

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Gallery photos may be purchased for personal use at: https://www.randymanning.com/Kentucky-Derby-at-Macs ALTON - As expected, Mac's Derby Day Party on Saturday attracted thousands of race fans to 315 Belle St. in Alton on Saturday. Rich Strike was the Derby surprise winner. The Block Party Concert that featured The Fabulous Thunderbirds Saturday night was also a big hit with the famous rock band. Tom Tojo of Eureka, Mo., said Mac's Derby Day Party is fantastic and is the next best thing to being at the Derby. He said he has also gone to the Derby three times. "The party here at Mac's has all the pomp and circumstance of the Derby." "It is a blast here and I love it here," he said. "Everybody is here to have fun. I think we will come back next year if we don't go to the Derby itself." Jerry and Janet Husgen of West County St. Louis said they come to Mac's Derby Day event every year. The couple said they love to watch the horses, but also the people at Mac's Party, especially

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ALTON - Marqueta Goins has five children and two with special needs on the autism spectrum, but even with sometimes difficult situations, she and her husband with their faith, live an incredible life. “We try to make things as normal as possible,” she said. “We make sure our kids don’t let that diagnosis keep us from being super resilient.” Marqueta and her husband have made sure her children have the proper resources to confront every situation they encounter. “It means a lot to me to have a large family," she said. "I also try to embrace the mission of motherhood with other children. I wear it, embrace it, and love it, it is just a gift.” “My husband, Mark is my rock,” she said. “All our kids have different personalities. We always include the two children with special needs in all the others’ activities. I also take time every morning to take time and meditate with the Lord. I always talk to God about the stuff

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ALTON - Anna Haine and her daughter, Alice Stirton, both know something about motherhood. Anna and her husband, Bill, successfully raised seven children including Alice. Tom Haine, the current Madison County State’s Attorney, is one of their children. Alice said her mother and father set excellent examples for her and their other children to follow. Alice lives close to her mother in Alton and said they are expecting their eighth baby in three weeks. “I think it is a lot of love and patience and continual forgiveness when you have a family this size,” Alice said. “Alice said the kids have to pitch in and help.” Both Alice and Anna praised their husbands, John and Bill, for always being a rock in their families and standing by them through everything. Alice and Anna were home with their children and John is a doctor, and Bill was an attorney, a state’s attorney, and ultimately a longtime state legislator. The Haine family has had a huge impact o

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ALTON – The Alton High School girls soccer team boosted their record to 15-3 after a 9-0 win over the Highland Bulldogs. The game Friday night (May 6) was Senior Night for the Redbirds as they celebrated five seniors: Josie Paniagua, Caroline Hobbs, Tori Schrimpf, Haylie Butler, and Taylor Freer. Paniagua scored the second goal against Highland in the 13 th minute. It was her third goal of the season. Josie has been on the varsity team since her freshman year where she had a goal and assists back in the 2018-19 season. Hobbs, who hasn’t seen a lot of playing time this season, made the start against Highland and played a lot of minutes. The other three seniors all wore captains' armbands against the Bulldogs and have all been four-year varsity starters. Starting off with Freer who got to play with her little sister Lily for a season and also had a goal on Senior Night. She’s been running the midfield for Alton alongside her sister. “I’m so proud of

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ROXANA – Roxana High School's girls' soccer team recently celebrated Senior Night. One of those five seniors who were saluted just also so happened to be one of the captains, Kalee Ward. Head coach Lori Yates mentioned that she’s been a four-year starter for the Shells playing a key role in the defensive line. This year she’s got a goal and two assists to her name and has helped play a part in six shutouts this season. The latest one was on Senior Night against the Jerseyville Panthers by a score of 5-0. She missed out on the scoresheet but was just happy to be out there with some of her best friends. “I had a lot of fun. I’m glad that I got to be out there,” ward said. “Five goals, that’s a good game and I’m glad I was a part of it, a little sad it’s almost over, but I’m proud of the outcome tonight.” One of her best friends is junior midfielder Kendall Kamp. The two swapped cleats that night, something that

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ROXANA – The Warriors baseball team picked up an 8-1 victory in game one of a doubleheader against the Roxana Shells last Saturday (May 7) to improve their record to an even 10-10. Sophomore Lucas Haddix started on the mound for Granite City and tossed all seven innings picking up five strikeouts while only allowing a single run. He was humble after the win, giving credit to his teammates’ defensive efforts. “I really had my 'A' stuff, but I just had to throw strikes and let my defense do work,” Lucas said. It was his fourth win of the season bringing his record to 4-3. He has also picked up a couple of saves this year. “It’s fun when you win the first one,” he said about the Saturday double-header. “You go out and have the momentum for the second one and it makes for a fun day.” Lucas and the Warriors have a lot of baseball left to play, seven games before the postseason to be exact. Their last regular-season game will be at

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EVERGREEN PARK - May is High Blood Pressure Education Month. According to the American Heart Association (AHA), more than half of American adults have high blood pressure, also known as hypertension. Contrary to many who believe hypertension is an “old person disease,” it actually can occur in young adults, too. The ideal blood pressure for adults is a systolic pressure (top number) of less than 120 and a diastolic pressure (bottom number) of less than 80. According to the AHA, Hypertension Stage 1 is when blood pressure consistently ranges from 130-139 systolic or 80-89 diastolic, Hypertension Stage 2 is when blood pressure consistently ranges at 140/90 or higher, and a hypertensive crisis occurs if your blood pressure readings suddenly exceed 180/120. A hypertensive crisis requires medical attention. Modifiable risk factors for hypertension include an unhealthy diet, a sedentary lifestyle, obesity, tobacco use, overconsumption of alcohol, and a consistent lack of sleep.

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SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) today reported 30,633 new confirmed and probable cases of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Illinois, including 46 deaths since April 29, 2022. According to the CDC, 14 counties in Illinois are now rated at the Medium Community Level, including nine counties in the northeast part of the state and five in the central part. At the Medium Community Level, people at risk of severe health outcomes are advised to take additional precautions to protect themselves from the virus, including masking up in indoor spaces. Currently, IDPH is reporting a total of 3,169,315 cases, including 33,660 deaths, in 102 counties in Illinois since the beginning of the pandemic. As of last night, 808 individuals in Illinois were reported to be in the hospital with COVID-19. Of those, 66 patients were in the ICU and 24 patients with COVID-19 were on ventilators. The preliminary seven-day statewide case rate is 240 COVID-19 cases per 100,000

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This month is National Military Appreciation Month. We also celebrate Military Spouse Day, Mother’s Day, Armed Forces Day, and Memorial Day. Let me begin by sincerely thanking our veterans for the work they do and have done for this great country we live in. I am humbled when I say anything to them to express my gratitude for their successful journey while serving in this country - not just for this month, but also every time I explain to my children about this great and free country in which we have to enjoy all of our lives. When I think about patriotism and what it means to me, it consists not in the waving of the flag, but in striving that our country shall be righteous, as well as strong. I think patriotism is like charity. It begins at home. I do not apologize for my support of our military, our country, and my devotion to God. You see, our country is not the only thing to which we owe our allegiance. It is also owed to justice and to humanity. We honor those who are serving

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CARLINVILLE - For more than a century, being a Blackburn student has meant more than just going to college. Students attending Blackburn not only earn valuable four-year degrees but are also given responsibilities with on-campus jobs to build resumes with real-world work experience. One of ten federally-recognized Work Colleges, Blackburn is the only school in the nation with a program managed exclusively by students. The students who attend are a living part of the College, helping to plan, manage and run the facilities of an institution fully invested in them. But the relationship doesn't fade after graduation. Blackburn alumni constantly search for and create opportunities to support the College, including traveling back to the picturesque campus and rolling up their sleeves to clock in again. The annual Campus Beautification Day event is a perfect example of how the bonds, connections, and relationships forged at Blackburn only grow stronger. Now in its fourth year, Blackburn’s

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ST. LOUIS - “April showers bring May flowers,” is a phrase that dates back to the 1500s, conveying how the snow is finally gone, rain is in full force, and warmer weather is upon us. As temperatures rise and rain slows down, May brings the opportunity for new growth. While “April showers bring May flowers” refers to growth in nature, May is also a timely reminder to grow healthy minds and bodies. The human body needs adequate calories, along with specific nutrients for optimal growth. Milk and dairy products offer 13 essential nutrients, all of which play a role in specific functions of the body. Dairy consumption typically begins around the age of 6 months, allowing babies to absorb nutrients like calcium, vitamin D, and phosphorus. Introducing whole milk after a baby’s first birthday continues the process of nutrient absorption, along with setting the foundation for building muscle, bones, and teeth. “During infancy, the brain uses over 50% of consumed

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ALTON - Alton Memorial Hospital’s first two Health Equity Scholarships will consider those honors a very special Mother’s Day gift this year. One of those honored with the scholarship is Taryn Wallace, an Alton High School senior. Samara Helton, a senior at Edwardsville High School, is also being honored. There is a separate feature on Samara on Riverbender.com. Wallace was raised by a single mother who has been a steady influence in her life. Taryn’s mother is Amanda Wallace, a nurse in Alton Memorial Hospital’s Intermediate Care Unit. “My mom has been raising me on her own, with some help from family on occasion, since I was born,” Taryn said. “She went back to school and got her nursing degree when I was 8 years old to not only better our lives but also to help people. My mom is the epitome of a hard-working and amazing individual. I will forever look up to her and her strong qualities. “Growing up, I’ve always had great role

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ALTON - Samara Helton, a senior at Edwardsville High School, is one of Alton Memorial Hospital's first two Health Equity Scholarships winners. Samara was raised by a single mother who has been a steady influence in her life. Taryn Wallace, an Alton High School senior, is the other to receive a scholarship and there is a separate feature on Riverbender.com about her. Samara’s mother, Nova, had Samara when she was 18 years old, and Samara said that her mom sacrificed a lot of her personal goals for her children. “She worked so hard to make sure we had everything we would need,” Samara said. “When her classmates were packing up to move to college, my mother was changing my diapers. I work very hard to make sure that she knows that my hard work is not only for me but for her as well to show how far her sacrifice has come. In a way, her having me so young has become my biggest drive to become the most successful person I can be to show her what she could have been.”

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WOOD RIVER — Madison County’s Emergency Management Agency (EMA) has chosen their volunteer of the year. On Wednesday, Cory Heuchert, a longtime volunteer for EMA was presented with the agency’s 2 nd annual award. A dinner was held to thank the agency’s team of 33 registered volunteers and Heuchert was singled out for his service and dedication. “Cory has been with EMA since the volunteer team began,” said Chris Johnson, Director of Madison County EMA. “The team plays a vital role in our ability to provide services to the citizens of Madison County. We couldn’t do all that we do without them and Cory is a prime example.” Heuchert first got involved with Emergency Management in 2012 as a founding member of the agency’s communications support team. Since then he has deployed to incidents all over Madison County providing communications support as well as serving as a member of the agency’s Unified Command Post Deployment

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ALTON – Friends of Pam Kaizer are joining together to raise needed funds for their dear friend as she continues her battle against an aggressive cancer. Santino’s Steak and Pasta House, 180 E. Center Dr., Alton, will host a dining event from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Tuesday, May 17, 2022. Reservations are suggested, but not required, and carry-outs will also be available. Owner Sonny Asani, one of Kaizer’s good friends, will be donating a percentage of the profits from sales on that day to help Kaizer with the expenses she is facing for her ongoing cancer treatments. Kaizer continues her courageous fight with the help of doctors and staff at OSF Moeller Cancer Center in Alton. “I love the staff there, and I am receiving excellent care,” she said. “Many people know Pam from her former days as the travel program coordinator at Senior Services Plus,” said long-time friend Melissa Meske. “She has traveled with thousands all over the world. But

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