Riverbender 🕸

EAST ST. LOUIS – To promote economic welfare and ensure residents have support, the City of Cahokia Heights was awarded nearly $75,000 in relief grants thanks to advocacy from State Senator Christopher Belt. “Funding our communities allows local governments to support families and businesses,” said Senator Belt (D-Swansea). “These grant funds awarded to Cahokia Heights will help develop and implement plans to address the pandemic’s impact and provide meaningful steps forward for an equitable recovery.” Through the Research in Illinois to Spur Economic Recovery program, Cahokia Heights will receive $74,840 to help economic development organizations improve plans to promote economic recovery. RISE empowers local governments to create meaningful plans with a focus on specific initiatives and investments that support recovery from the pandemic. The grants are funded through ARPA and will help improve the quality of life for community members by taking

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ALTON – The deluge of rain that arrived during the 13 th annual Duck Pluckers, Deer Skinners & Fish Hookers Ball on Sept. 10 was nothing compared to the flood of generosity by the community. The Alton Memorial Hospital Services Foundation easily set a record with $203,000 raised – at least 50 percent more than any other year. “On behalf of the entire EMS staff, we would like to say thank you to our sponsors, donors, and everyone who contributed to the Duck Pluckers, Deer Skinners, and Fish Hookers Ball,” said AMH EMS manager Jason Bowman. “This event would not have been a success without your continued support.” A humid Saturday evening at NILO Farms in Brighton turned into thunder, lightning, wind and rain around 8 p.m., but auctioneer Mark Harman kept the live auction going without a stop, and the donations continued at a record pace. More than 350 people attended the event, which included the ever-popular Homer Clark Quail Flush Championship,

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WOOD RIVER — Madison County will hold a vehicle surplus sale on Saturday at Sheriff’s Office. The auction, which will start at 9 a.m., Sept. 17, at 405 Randall St. Edwardsville, to sell six retired sheriff's office vehicles —two Ford Explorers; three Chevrolet Impalas, Chevrolet Impala, and a Ford Expedition. The vehicles will be sold to the highest bidder. The public can also view vehicles and submit bids online at www.legacysells4u.hibid.com until 8 p.m., Friday. Live bidding resumes on Saturday. Criteria for designating items as surplus includes evaluating their condition, mileage and age of the vehicle. “By auctioning unused property, we generate revenue for the county and encourage fiscal responsibility,” Chairman Kurt Prenzler said. The county tries to recycle or re-use equipment and materials no longer needed by its county departments before disposing of them. The county initiated a program 16 years ago to sell vehicles to governmental entities

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COTTAGE HILLS - The Madison County Sheriff's Office announced today that an alleged Cottage Hills Drug House has been shut down. At about 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, September 13, 2022, the Madison County Sheriff’s Office; Sheriff’s Enforcement Team (SET) executed a search warrant in the 100 Block of Lenora Street, Cottage Hills. The investigation was initiated after receiving several neighborhood complaints and anonymous tips of ongoing drug activity at the residence, which were confirmed through proactive policing by the Madison County Sheriff’s Office Patrol Division and Bethalto Police Department Patrol Division. Further investigation by SET, Bethalto Police Department, and Glen Carbon Police Department led to the issuance of a search warrant. The warrant was executed by the aforementioned personnel along with the Madison County Patrol Division. The primary target of the investigation, David M. Walker, was taken into custody without incident. The search warrant yielde

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EDWARDSVILLE – Southern Illinois University’s School of Dental Medicine (SDM) is celebrating its opening 50 years ago having welcomed its first class of 24 students on Sept. 11, 1972. SIU SDM was the first dental school to open outside of the Chicago area and helped fill the need for dentists in the central and southern Illinois regions. The SIU SDM was dedicated on Oct. 3, 1972, with an event welcoming the governor’s wife, state senators and representatives and area dentists to the Alton campus. At the dedication, the school’s first dean, Frank Sobkowski, DDS, remarked, “Because of the unusual opportunity extended to the faculty of this school and by virtue of the efforts of the graduates of our programs, this school will achieve national eminence and will provide leadership for the future." “I wish Dean Sobkowski could see the dental school as we have indeed grown and surpassed even his expectations,” said SIU SDM Interim Dean Duane Douglas,

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ALTON - The Alton-Godfrey Rotary has been behind so many focal points in the community's history. The group has a new signature project in the heart of Downtown Alton with the Alton-Godfrey Rotary Park on Third and Easton Streets. The park will become another crown jewel for the City of Alton and Andy Bowen - a past Rotary president from 2020-2021 - and current president Antione Williams, could not be more proud of the work. Bowen said the new park was done as a service project in conjunction with the Rotary’s 100th anniversary. Bowen pointed out that the new park will have amphitheater-style seating for up to 200 people. He added there will be a circular plaza in the middle with greenery and trees on the hillside. Stutz Excavating has been seen hard at work in the park in recent days. The past Rotary Club president said this idea came about roughly three years ago and has been worked on ever since. “The history of the Alton-Godfrey Rotary Club shows it has done such

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ALTON – OSF HealthCare Saint Anthony’s Health Center is pleased to add a new primary care provider to its staff to better serve the community of Alton and surrounding areas. The addition of Deena Brown, APRN, on September 18 will ensure increased access for patients in need of primary care at OSF Medical Group, 2 Saint Anthony’s Way, Ste. 205. Brown joins the care team of Dr. Shawn Fry at OSF Medical Group and offers a number of services but is particularly passionate about women’s health. She received a Bachelor of Science from McKendree University and Master of Science degree from Chamberlain College of Nursing. She is a board-certified family nurse practitioner. Patient appointments for primary care with Brown can be made by calling (618) 462-2222. About OSF HealthCare Saint Anthony’s Health Center: A 49-bed Rural Health designated acute care hospital in Alton, Illinois, OSF Saint Anthony’s serves the residents of Madison, Jersey and Macoupin

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SPRINGFIELD – Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) announced that more than 1,200 small cities, towns, and villages across Illinois - Non-Entitlement Units (NEUs) - will receive $371 million as part of the second round of funding through the federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) specifically designated for NEUs. The full list of recipients and funding amounts can be found here: NEU Master.pdf (illinois.gov). NEUs are receiving a total of $742 million between the first and second funding allocations. “As communities continue to recover from the pandemic, we are issuing the second round of federal funding for a total of $742 million specifically designated for smaller localities,” said Governor JB Pritzker. "This critical funding will help localities cover remaining pandemic-related costs incurred while supporting communities in every region of the state.” Through ARPA, in accordance with federal rules,

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This is the full statement from Thomas Haine about the SAFE-T Act scheduled to be instituted on January 1, 2023: The greatest jailbreak in Madison County history will occur on January 1, 2023. On that date, approximately half of our present jail population must be released under the terms of the new SAFE-T Act, and cash bail will be eliminated throughout Illinois. That translates to well over 100 criminal defendants walking free in Madison County alone without paying a dime as they await trial for alleged crimes including aggravated DUI, aggravated battery, failure to register as a sex offender, burglary, and aggravated fleeing and eluding from a police officer. Many who will be released are repeat offenders with multiple pending felonies. Many have previously failed to appear in court or violated some other condition of release. Now they will be automatically released again. This is all thanks to the Illinois SAFE-T Act, which was passed back in 2020 with only Democratic support

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ST. CLAIR COUNTY – A train and vehicle collided in St. Clair County Wednesday afternoon and Metro Link officials have said service between Emerson Park to Fairview Heights stations is not operating because of the crash. Officials so far have said only the crash is in St. Clair County and there are no reports about any injuries. MetroLink station shuttles are transporting passengers by bus between the stations with closed routes. Metro Link officials say delays of up to an hour could be possible. Drivers are urged to take different routes away from this area. More to come.

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ALTON - Superstar artist Rocky Pardo is back at the Edwardsville Art Show again this year. The Art Show is scheduled for September 23-25 at City Park. Rocky graduated from SIUE in 2014. She always wanted to be an artist and by age 14 was working with metals. She fell in love with metals work at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. Rocky said she loves the Edwardsville Art Fair and being around the various artists. “It is great talking to the different artists at the art fair,” she said. “Last year everyone seemed to have a great time and the artists seemed to do very well.” Rocky Pardo Jewelry is handcrafted and a collection of high-quality mixed precious metal jewelry. Her designs showcase her split roots from both St. Louis and Spain, where she was born. “I fell in love with metals as a teen," she said. "I received a BFA in Metalsmithing from SIU. I worked full time at a jewelry store in Kirkwood, MO., before going out on my own in 2016." Rocky

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ALTON - The Mississippi Earthtones Festival, presented by Alton Main Street and the Sierra Club, is a celebration of our river through art, music, and conservation. The 16th Annual event will be held at Liberty Bank Alton Amphitheater on Saturday, September 17th from 12:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m., and there is no charge for admission. This year’s theme is Amplify the River, and local artists have been commissioned to build large installations that will enhance the festival grounds. The Riverbend Yarn Bombers are knitting & crocheting a colorful textile sculpture that will encompass the fountain at Riverfront Park, entitled “Eyes on the River”. Kooliverse will present eye-opening artworks of wonder and intrigue, including a 16-foot kaleidoscope. An amazing light show is in store from local projection artists, and there will be a meet and greet with a river mermaid. Jacoby Arts Center has lined up an amazing art playground of performances and interactive experiences, featurin

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PONTIAC - The Seventh Annual Miles of Possibility Route 66 Conference will be held Thursday – Sunday, October 20 – 23, in Pontiac, Illinois, with the theme “America's Main Street Welcomes the World.” Four days of speakers, tours, museums, shopping, networking, a Classic Rock band, a comedy show, a 1980s film featuring Pontiac, plus great food and fun await Route 66 enthusiasts, Illinois historians, tourism professionals, and anyone just wanting to have a great weekend of fun on Illinois Route 66! This year's event is dedicated to the legacy of Route 66 and Chicago historian and author, David Clark, who passed away in January 2022. David was a great friend to the Miles of Possibility conference, and his program from last year's event will be re-played at this year's conference, followed by a panel of friends and colleagues sharing reminiscences and stories of David and his contributions to Route 66. The Miles of Possibility Route 66 Conference was founded in

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ALTON - Marquette Catholic’s Paige Rister has been a consistent force for Marquette’s girls' cross country and track and field programs for several years. Paige was Marquette Catholic’s top finisher in the Granite City Invitational with a time of 22:25.1. In both cross country and track and field, she is always consistent in her finishes. Paige is one of the Tucker’s Automotive Repair and Tire Female Athletes of the Month for the Explorers. “I felt amazing to finish first for Marquette in the Granite City Meet,” she said. “The rain and mud were very challenging. Having positive support from my parents, teammates, and coaches is the key to my ability to succeed. “I have always loved running since I was in grade school, and when I got the chance to run my freshman year for cross country, I was very excited. My future plans this year are to get better to continue to take off more time off the clock, and to maintain my grades.” Paig

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EDWARDSVILLE — Madison County State’s Attorney Thomas A. Haine on Wednesday said the implementation of a new state law known as the SAFE-T Act will result in the “greatest jailbreak” in county history. Haine issued a full statement (below) in response to concern from the public about the law, which on Jan. 1 will result in the elimination of Illinois’ longstanding system of requiring certain defendants to post cash bail in order to be released from jail while awaiting trial. “The greatest jailbreak in Madison County history will occur on Jan. 1, 2023,” Haine said. “On that date, approximately half of our present jail population must be released under the terms of the new SAFE-T Act, and cash bail will be eliminated throughout Illinois.” Haine said defendants charged under entire categories of serious crimes – such as second-degree murder, robbery, burglary, arson, and aggravated battery -- will be “non-detainable”

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ALTON - At the 16th annual Mississippi Earthtones Festival on Saturday, September 17, Sierra Club Illinois’ Three Rivers Project and Alton Main Street will award three local activists with the 2022 Confluence Conservation Leadership Award. Since 2007, the festival organizers recognize community members who have made significant contributions to environmental conservation in the Riverbend region. This year’s Confluence Conservation Leadership awardees include: Dr. Connie Frey Spurlock, Rachel Lappin, and Emily Ehley. Dr. Connie Frey Spurlock is a sociologist committed to dismantling hierarchies of oppression and building flourishing relationships in their place. She does this work by centering community-identified goals with meaningful learning experiences for area students. Frey Spurlock is founding director of the SIUE Successful Communities Collaborative (SSCC), a cross-disciplinary program based on the EPIC-N model—an award-winning university-community partnership

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CHICAGO — Governor JB Pritzker today issued an emergency disaster proclamation and activated approximately 75 members of the Illinois National Guard to ensure all state resources are available to support asylum seekers arriving nearly daily to Chicago from the State of Texas. The proclamation enables the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) and other state agencies, in close coordination with the City of Chicago, Cook County, and other local governments, to ensure the individuals and families receive the assistance they need. This includes transport, emergency shelter and housing, food, health screenings, medical assessments, treatments, and other necessary care and services. “Today, I signed a disaster proclamation allowing the state to speed up the procurement of the immediate resources needed to help Chicago, Cook County, and other jurisdictions provide humanitarian assistance to the asylum seekers who are being sent to our state with no official advance notice

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GODFREY – Lewis and Clark Community College is offering a free pre-apprenticeship construction course for those considering a career in the construction trades. This class is open to anyone, 18 and over, who has an interest in a career in construction. Students will receive expert training, a stipend, tools, personal protective equipment, construction-specific math instruction, as well as guidance in exploring construction careers and job placement assistance. According to L&C Adult Education Outreach Specialist Jill Dupy, students will become OSHA-10 certified, CPR/First Aid certified and will earn an industry-recognized carpentry certificate, as well as forklift certification. “There is a significant need for the trades in the Madison County area and we want to prepare the workforce to be ready to go to work in just a few months,” Dupy said. “This training program will put a candidate at the head of the line to jump into this career.” Students

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ALTON - Tammy Smith has been an advocate for sickle cell awareness for 10 years and is the founder of A Precious Organization. The organization and the walk both have a special place in her heart. Tammy’s 10th Annual Walk for Sickle Cell is at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 17, at Rock Spring Park in Alton near the tennis court. Registration starts at 8 a.m. It is a one-mile walk up the sidewalk of College Avenue and through the park on paved roads. Tammy's daughter, Precious, was diagnosed with sickle cell disease at a young age and nearly died before she was diagnosed. Sickle Cell Disease causes red blood cells to morph into a crescent, or sickle, shape and get stuck in small blood vessels. This blockage inhibits blood flow, which deprives tissues of oxygen and causes severe pain and tissue damage. In this region, Tammy and her daughter, Precious, have helped raise thousands of dollars to assist others living with the disease. Alton Mayor David Goins will read a proclamation before

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GODFREY - Lewis and Clark Community College’s Godfrey Campus was the site of the Bike MS: Gateway Getaway Ride 2022, held Sept. 10-11. This year’s ride featured 957 riders who raised $878,563. To date, Bike MS donors have raised more than $1.4 billion in the fight against multiple sclerosis. For more information about the National Multiple Sclerosis Society and Bike MS, visit www.nationalmssociety.org . Photo by Jan Dona, L&C Marketing/PR.

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