Riverbender 🕸

ALTON — Chris Kusnerick, athletic director at Alton High School, announced he will retire at the conclusion of the 2025-2026 school year, ending a 38-year career in education marked by leadership and service to students. Kusnerick’s tenure at Alton has been defined by his role as a teacher, coach, and athletic director, during which he has advocated for integrity, opportunity, and excellence in student programs. Under his guidance, the Alton School District has undergone significant

GODFREY – Godfrey trustees took action this week to place a temporary pause on applications to develop a data center within the village. At their Jan. 20, 2026 meeting , Village Board members unanimously approved a resolution placing a moratorium of up to 180 days on the acceptance of data center applications pending further study. “I don’t think anybody’s opposed to it, but we all realize we don’t know enough about the pros and cons of this thing,” Trustee

EDWARDSVILLE – Edwardsville High School has announced that 106 senior students have been recognized as Illinois State Scholars, representing nearly 20 percent of the class. Illinois State Scholars are selected based on the combination of the students’ exemplary college entrance exam scores (ACT/SAT) and class rank and GPA at the end of their junior year. The award is non-monetary; each student receives a congratulatory letter and a certificate of achievement from the Illinois

ST. LOUIS - A meteorologist with the National Weather Service in St. Louis on Thursday afternoon, Jan. 22, 2026, confirmed that a winter storm warning and cold weather advisory are both items that should be taken seriously over the next three days. Mark Fuchs, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in St. Louis, provided additional insight into the storm’s progression. He noted that the St. Louis Metro area could receive about 5 inches of snow, with some locations around St. Loui

ST. LOUIS — A winter storm shifting northward has increased the likelihood of snowfall in the St. Louis area this weekend, according to local officials and weather forecasts. The upcoming winter storm’s track has shifted in the past day, prompting heightened preparations by transportation and public safety agencies. Joe Monroe, operations engineer for the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), provided insight into the department’s response on Thursday, Jan. 22, 2026.

SPRINGFIELD - Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias’ office processed 1,123 REAL IDs and the Cook County Clerk’s office issued 412 vital records during the first Saturday of expanded hours at the REAL ID Supercenter and the Clerk’s downtown office. The expanded Saturday hours launched January 17 ahead of TSA’s new $45 REAL ID penalty, which takes effect on February 1. The effort is aimed at reducing wait times, minimizing hassle and ensuring Illinoisans can secure

GRAFTON – The National Memorial of Military Ascent being built in Grafton recently got a $50,000 boost from the Jersey County Board. At the Jan. 20, 2026 Grafton City Council meeting , members of the Jersey County Board donated $50,000 towards the completion and promotion of the National Memorial of Military Ascent. Jersey County Board members in attendance included Chairman Gary Krueger and Finance Chairman Kara Ontis, as well as Jersey County Tourism Board Chairman Mark Wagner.

ALTON – Illinois State Representative Amy Elik (R-Alton) is collecting “Valentines for Veterans” for the sixth year in a row at her district office in Alton. Representative Elik is encouraging students and residents to make valentine cards with a special thank you, including well-wishes to veterans who served our nation in the U.S. Armed Forces. “I always look forward to seeing the community join together to create valentine cards for our veterans,” said Elik. “It’

ROXANA — Phillips 66 Wood River Refinery continued its strong tradition of community support in 2025, investing $1,362,800 in the Metro East region through corporate contributions, employee giving, and volunteer programs. “Our community partnerships are a reflection of the people who work here,” said Melissa Erker, Manager of Public Affairs West Region for Phillips 66. “When you see this level of investment—more than $1.3 million—you’re really

EDWARDSVILLE — The Edwardsville Police Department responded for a second time in two weeks to a reported burglary in progress at a vacant former medical building at 1261 University Drive in Edwardsville, taking two suspects into custody Tuesday morning, Jan. 20, 2026. Officers arrived just after 7 a.m. Jan. 20, 2026, following a report of a burglary at the site. Upon arrival, police observed one female retreating into the building and another leaving on foot. After establishing a perimeter

MASCOUTAH - Community members have the chance to win an $800,000 custom union-built home in Mascoutah. The Home Builders and Remodelers Metro East Association has collaborated with local unions to build the house, which will be raffled off this spring. Proceeds from the raffle will go to Make-A-Wish Illinois and Make-A-Wish Missouri to support kids with critical illnesses. “The house is still under construction. It’s not completed yet. But tickets are on sale,” said

A diary is often treated like a private little habit—something you do when you’re emotional, bored, or trying to “be more mindful.” But for much of history, keeping a journal wasn’t about feelings at all. It was a tool: to track money, record weather, log ship routes, confess sins, or prove you were telling the truth. That shift—from record-keeping to self-keeping—is the real story behind journals and diaries. The pages people filled over centuries sho

On January 22, 1905, a peaceful march in St. Petersburg turned into a turning point for Russia and, in time, for much of the world. Thousands of workers and their families, led by a priest named Georgy Gapon, walked toward the Winter Palace to ask Tsar Nicholas II for better wages, safer working conditions, and a voice in government. Soldiers fired on the crowd in what became known as “Bloody Sunday.” The shock broke the long-held belief that the tsar was a protective father figure

ROXANA — Grace Huch and Raegan Martin were named all-Cahokia Conference selections after helping the Roxana High School varsity cheer team secure third place at the conference competition last weekend. The Shells finished third overall, with Huch and Martin playing key roles in the team’s performance. The two girls are Midwest Members Credit Union Female Athletes of the Month. The competition showcased the results of extensive preparation, as the team’s routine lasted three

JERSEYVILLE – Two firefighters were honored at this week’s Jerseyville City Council meeting, where Fire Chief Keith Norman also gave an overview of fire statistics from 2025. Firefighter Kyle Fessler received a Service Award for serving 15 years with the Jerseyville Fire Department, as did Firefighter Randy Roentz for his 10 years of service with the department. Neither were present at the meeting. Norman spoke highly of both, describing them as “very good firefighters”

ALTON - Alton Elite Jiu-Jitsu is known for its community feel, and the gym’s leaders are working to encourage more people to start training. General Manager Jacqueline noted that the gym and its members have grown a lot in the past few months after their rebranding and relocation to 2716 Corner Court in Alton. She is proud of everything Alton Elite offers and the welcoming energy they exude. “We’re not just a gym. We’re a community,” Jacqueline said. “These

This morning begins partly cloudy with temperatures around 17 degrees. The day will slowly warm up to a high of 38 degrees with intermittent clouds and sunshine peeking through. Winds will be light from the west around 6 mph, gusting up to 10 mph. By evening, clouds will increase and temperatures will drop quickly as the low settles to a chilly 4 degrees. It will turn breezy late into the night with winds picking up from the north-northwest at about 12 mph and gusts reaching 24 mph, making it fee

EDWARDSVILLE - During their regular meeting on Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2026, the Madison County Board voted 17–4 against having a “day of unity” in honor of Renee Nicole Good. The resolution, brought forth by Alison Lamothe and the Government Relations Committee, asked that Jan. 30, 2026, be recognized as a “Day of Unity” in honor of Good because “now is a time to mourn together in peace, unity, and service” and people should “observe this moment

ALTON- Soulcial Kitchen, the nationally recognized social enterprise known for its innovative Currency of Caring ® and Dignity on Demand initiatives, is proud to announce its first monthly Block Party for Good of 2026. WHAT: Alton Block Party for Good WHEN: January 23 | 2:00–4:00 PM WHERE: Soulcial Square | Market & 5th Street, Alton, IL The January Block Party for Good will once again transform The Alton Soulcial Square into a hub of care, connection, and community support,

ALTON — Sheila Goins, wife of Alton Mayor David Goins, led a tribute Sunday, Jan. 18, 2026, at Tabernacle Baptist Church honoring Jesse Prather Jr. during the NAACP’s Dr. King Salute event. The gathering on Jan. 18, 2026, recognized Prather, a self-taught musician and longtime member of the Riverbend Community Gospel Choir, who died on May 11, 2025. Prather, born Aug. 16, 1978, was remembered for his resilience and musical talent that deeply impacted the local community. “As