Riverbender 🕸

ST. LOUIS, MO – Katie’s Pizza & Pasta Osteria , an award-winning artisan Italian restaurant and bar owned by husband-and-wife team Ted and Katie Collier, is announcing that construction of its newest restaurant has begun. The restaurant, located at 751 Clark Street, is the company’s 3rd location in St. Louis, Missouri, and is set to be open to the public by spring 2023, in time for the start of the upcoming MLB season. This is fitting, as it’s located in Ballpark Village, directly across from Gate 4 at Busch Stadium. Executive Chef Jake Sanderson leads the culinary team and Head Bartender Hayley AuBuchon is in charge of the cocktail program. The menu, which includes appetizers, burrata, salads, pastas, pizzas, and seasonal specials, will expand to include location-specific items. At this location, they’ll serve steak, seafood, and grilled vegetables from their wood-fired grill. Spiegelglass Construction Company is the general contractor and TAO + LEE

Continue Reading

ALTON - After successful 2020 and 2021 virtual events, the highly anticipated in-person return of the Alton Miles for Meso 5k Run and 3K Fun Run and Walk is being held on Saturday, September 24. More than 1,000 participants will gather in person and virtually to fundraise and spread awareness about mesothelioma . Started in 2009 by Simmons Hanly Conroy, the Alton Miles for Meso event takes place every September in recognition of National Mesothelioma Awareness Day . Race day festivities begin at 7:30 a.m. at Simmons Hanly Conroy headquarters at One Court Street in Alton, across from Marquette High School. The race starts at 9 a.m. Registration is still available for $45 the morning of the race. All registration fees benefit the charity and include a long-sleeve, moisture-wicking shirt. Over the past 13 years, Miles for Meso events nationwide have raised over $850,000 to benefit mesothelioma awareness and research. For the ninth straight year, proceeds from the Alton event will

Continue Reading

ST. LOUIS - Reedy Press is pleased to announce the release of its newest local interest book, St. Louis Sports Memories: Forgotten Teams and Moments from America’s Best Sports Town , by Ed Wheatley. What city broke barriers by welcoming some of the first African-American baseball players in addition to the first female owners of both an MLB and NFL team? Where have local colleges dominated a specific sport, winning dozens of national titles over as many years? The answer, of course, lies in St. Louis, a hotbed of professional and amateur sports with a diverse history and an evolving legacy of success. In St. Louis Sports Memories: Forgotten Teams and Moments from America’s Best Sports Town , relive the highlights from the championships to the crossroads of social change that have characterized St. Louis’s sports scene for more than a century. Learn about the tennis legend who found an accepting environment to master his game during the racial turmoil of the 1960s.

Continue Reading

ST. LOUIS - From Hurricane Fiona to Typhoon Merbok, and wildfires across the West Coast, American Red Cross volunteers from across the Missouri and Arkansas Region continue to answer the call. Dedicated American Red Cross workers have been providing critical aid to wildfire evacuees and are now assisting those in Puerto Rico and Alaska. The American Red Cross of Missouri and Arkansas has stepped up to deploy volunteers to assist as wildfires continue to ravish multiple areas. As of Wednesday morning, 20 volunteers from across the region have raised their hands to respond, with 11 volunteers on the ground in impacted areas, while nine are headed to Puerto Rico. “As disasters wreak havoc from coast to coast and beyond, volunteers from the Missouri and Arkansas Region continue to step up to help,” said Chris Harmon, Regional Disaster Officer for American Red Cross of Missouri-Arkansas. “Disasters come in all shapes and sizes, and we need more volunteers to not only

Continue Reading

ALTON - The ongoing sewer separation project has roads opening and closing on a weekly basis, but headway is being made in the Downtown Alton district. After being closed for a few weeks, West 3rd Street is back open to through traffic from Piasa Street to State Street in Alton. Illinois American Water started sewer separation system work on U.S. 67 from 20th Street/College Avenue south to 3rd Street in Alton on July 5, 2022. The sewer separation project should improve the efficiency of the system in the Downtown Alton area and make a large difference during flooding conditions. Work continues to be done on Belle Street and is still closed from West 3rd Street leading up to West 9th Street. Work is being done as fast as possible to re-open the area. The pictures above are of Belle Street right outside of Mac's.

Continue Reading

STAMFORD, CT. - Charter Communications, Inc. (NASDAQ: CHTR) (“Charter” or “Charter Communications”) today announced that Chris Winfrey has been named President and Chief Executive Officer of Charter Communications, effective December 1, 2022. Mr. Winfrey has most recently served as Charter’s Chief Operating Officer after more than a decade as Charter’s Chief Financial Officer. As CEO, Mr. Winfrey will report to Charter’s Board of Directors. Tom Rutledge, who announced his plans to retire as CEO after a storied 50-year career beginning as a technician in 1972 while in college, will serve as Executive Chairman of the Company and its Board of Directors through the end of his contract in November of 2023. Mr. Rutledge will maintain oversight of Charter’s Government Affairs during that time and provide his guidance and expertise to ensure a smooth and successful transition. “It has been an honor and a pleasure to lead Charter and

Continue Reading

SPRINGFIELD – A national organization of college savings plans today recognized Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs with its highest honor. The College Savings Plans Network (CSPN) , the national network of 529 plans, states, and private-sector partners, honored Frerichs with the Distinguished Service Award. The award is the highest honor bestowed by CSPN and is given each year to those who have shown national leadership in the college savings industry. Past award winners include U.S. senators from both parties such as Florida Sen. Bob Graham and Iowa Sen. Chuck Grassley; state treasurers; and prominent leaders of 529 college savings plans. “Treasurer Frerichs’ sincere desire to chart the future course of the College Savings Plans Network by making CSPN a more data-driven organization, and his collaboration on initiatives to promote new leaders and members within the Network are commendable,” said Rachel Biar, Chair of the College Savings Plans Network

Continue Reading

COLLINSVILLE - Edwardsville senior midfielder Axton Anom played very well for the Tigers in their 2-1 loss at Collinsville Tuesday night at Kahok Stadium, as did the entire team. After the loss, the Tigers' spirits were still up and positive, and Anom felt the Tigers did play as well as they could in the second match of the year against Collinsville. "I'm always feeling bad after the loss," Anom said in a post-match interview, "but I think the boys gutted it out from the beginning to the end. I think we worked hard on defense, but we sat out. We had a mission coming into this game to work hard and play our soccer and I think we did that. A little mistake for the goal, but I'll take the blame for that one on that one, but I think we just move on after this." It was a very clinical, goal-scorers type of goal that Reiniger score to give the Kahoks the three points, but the Tigers still worked hard throughout the 80 minutes, just falling short in the end. "Yeah, we went out there, we

Continue Reading

EAST ST. LOUIS – The U.S. District Court in St. Louis announced today that Antonio M. Brown, 38, of St. Louis, Missouri, was sentenced to 151 months in prison for the distribution of methamphetamine on Monday, September 19, 2022. Following his release from federal prison, Brown must complete five years of supervised release. The offense occurred in early February 2021, while Brown was on supervised release for federal firearms offenses. A federal grand jury indicted Brown on September 21, 2021, for one count of distribution of a controlled substance. Brown was indicted for distributing crystal methamphetamine in Sauget, Ill., but evidence showed that Brown was also selling the drug in bulk from his residence in south St. Louis, Missouri. “Crystal methamphetamine is dangerous in any amount, no matter where it comes from,” United States Attorney Rachelle Aud Crowe said. “With the assistance of our state and local partners, federal law enforcement officials will

Continue Reading

ALTON - The St. Mary's Chuch Annual Oktoberfest will be back to full scale this year on the weekend of October 7-9. A spokesperson Carolyn Simansky, a spokesperson for Oktoberfest, said “all activities are back to normal this year” for the highly regarded event. The Annual St. Mary’s Oktoberfest celebrates the parish’s German heritage and this year the 164th anniversary of the congregation. The Oktoberfest is held on the grounds of St. Mary’s Church at the corner of Henry Street and East 3rd Street, Alton. The event is open to the public and free of charge. Funds raised from the event benefit both St. Mary’s Church and the school. It is one of the parish’s largest fundraisers of the year. Simanksy pointed out some of the new or special changes for this year: “Join us for a festive, 1-mile fun run at 5:30 p.m. Friday, October 7, to kick off the start of Oktoberfest 2022. There will be finisher swag (a stein) for the top two male an

Continue Reading

ALTON - The fast reaction of Alton Fire Department members prevented a battery spill of sulfuric acid going into nearby drains on Wednesday morning at Argosy Casino. Alton Deputy Fire Chief Matt Fischer said there was a portable jack in place to unload semis and something happened causing a large battery to fall to the ground spilling sulfuric acid. “Our firefighters arrived on the scene quickly and were able to stop it before it went into any drains,” he said. “They did an excellent job of stopping it from the drains.” Fischer said an area HAZMAT team brought a neutralizing agent to also stop the spill. “We are in a holding pattern until a mitigation team hired by Argosy gets to the scene, Fisher said around 10 a.m. Wednesday. “The battery was oversized and it runs the portable jack. We checked the drains and they are dry. The spill occurred not at the entrance for employees but the one right in the middle.” Fischer was not certain whe

Continue Reading

NEW YORK - U.S. President Joe Biden addressed several leaders from throughout the world today at the United Nations General Assembly on Wednesday in New York. Biden's speech was only a few hours after Russia discussed expanding its war effort in Ukraine. He described the Russia-Ukraine War as extinguishing Ukraine's "right to exist as a state." Biden also stressed "horrifying evidence" of Russian war crimes in the situation. "The world's blood should run cold" over the invasion, he said. Biden stressed theSE key points: "Each of us in this body who is determined to uphold the principles and beliefs we pledge to defend as members of the United Nations — must be clear, firm, and unwavering in our resolve. "Ukraine has the same rights that belong to every sovereign nation. We will stand in solidarity with Ukraine. We will stand in solidarity against Russia’s aggression, period. The United States is also working closely with our allies and partners to impose costs

Continue Reading

GRAFTON - Robert ‘Bob’ Sanders received a Certificate of Appreciation for the exceptional service he and his waste services company have provided to the City of Grafton. Mayor Mike Morrow presented the certificate on behalf of the Grafton City Council at their meeting on September 20. Robert Sanders Waste Systems, Inc. was recently sold to Republic Services, who is now servicing the City of Grafton. “I am grateful for the recognition and for this award,” Bob said. “I will humbly receive it on behalf of the dedicated employees who worked for me.” Robert Sanders Waste Systems, Inc., was established in Alton in 1936 and was the oldest, privately owned, waste disposal service in the southwest Illinois region. “Bob and his team have always provided exceptional waste collection services to our city,” said Mayor Morrow. “We are grateful for all Bob has personally done for Grafton, such as regularly donating money in support of our police

Continue Reading

ST. CLAIR COUNTY - Illinois State Police is investigating a one-vehicle fatal traffic crash that occurred at 4:08 a.m. on Tuesday, September 20, 2022, on Interstate 64 westbound at Interstate 55 southbound in St. Clair County. A Gray 2017 Mercedes C300 driven by a Bellfontaine, Mo., man and a passenger Makenze L. Coulter, 23, of Table Grove, IL., were involved in the crash. The passenger sustained life-threatening injuries and was pronounced deceased. ISP released this preliminary report: "Unit 1 was traveling westbound on Interstate 64 near Interstate 55 southbound. The front seat passenger was standing through the sunroof and fell out of the top of the vehicle as the driver was navigating a curve on the interstate. Interstate 64 westbound was closed for approximately four hours for the investigation. All lanes were reopened at 8:45 a.m. The investigation is ongoing and there is no further information available at this time."

Continue Reading

GODFREY - The Godfrey Village Board of Trustees held a brief meeting on Tuesday evening, passing a number of motions and tabling one for their next meeting on October 4. Among the motions passed were the approval of a liquor license for the Eclipse Car Wash being built in Godfrey, approval for IDOT to construct gates and a sidewalk on Pearl Street, and more. After the pledge of allegiance and taking roll call, the village board began the meeting by approving the minutes from their last meeting on August 30 - no corrections or additions were made, so those meeting minutes are now on file with the Clerk’s office. Next, a proclamation was made regarding Beverly Farm’s 125th anniversary. A motion to make a presentation to Beverly Farms on October 1 celebrating this anniversary was approved with no comments, questions, or board members opposed. Ben Allen was not present to make the Public Safety Committee report, but he will be present at the next meeting on October

Continue Reading

ST. LOUIS COUNTY - St. Louis County Police Crimes Against Persons detectives are investigating a homicide in the 4500 block of Edgewood Boulevard in the City of Northwoods which resulted in the death of an adult female. On September 21, 2022, at 10:47 AM, City of Northwoods police officers responded to a call for service for a shooting in the 4500 block of Edgewood Boulevard. Responding officers located an adult female suffering from apparent gunshot injuries. The victim was pronounced deceased at the scene. City of Northwoods Police requested St. Louis County Police Department’s Crimes Against Persons detectives who are now leading the investigation. Preliminary investigation has revealed the shooting to be the result of a domestic incident. A suspect is in custody. The investigation is very active at this time. Additional information will be disseminated as it becomes available. Please contact the St. Louis County Police Department at 636-529-8210 to speak with

Continue Reading

SPRINGFIELD – At 1:02 a.m. on Wednesday, September 21, 2022, an Illinois State Police District 11 Trooper was investigating a traffic crash on Interstate 270 westbound at milepost 0.5, Madison County. The squad car was stationary with emergency lights activated, Illinois State Police said. "A Truck Tractor Semi-Trailer (TTST) failed to yield to the stationary emergency vehicle and almost struck the Trooper," State Police explained. "The Trooper was able to jump out of the way of the TTST and sustained minor abrasions. "The TTST continued traveling westbound on Interstate 270. Another Trooper, in the area, was able to stop the driver of the TTST and issue the driver a citation for a violation of Scott’s Law – Improper Passing of an Emergency Vehicle." Illinois State Police (ISP) officials investigated two separate Scott’s Law Violations that occurred within a few hours apart. One violation involved a traffic crash with an ISP squad car in Chicago, and in th

Continue Reading

GRANITE CITY - GCS Credit Union employees joined together to raise $760.00 in the month of August to benefit Jersey County CEO through their Don’t Stop Donatin’ Jeans Program. The Don’t Stop Donatin’ Jeans Program is funded by GCS employees who make monthly, monetary donations out of their own pockets to a local organization. B By donating $15 or more to a specific organization, GCS employees are able to wear jeans and tennis shoes on Fridays and Saturdays during that month. This year, GCS Credit Union is focusing on giving back to the 18 counties that they serve. During the month of August, GCS focused on giving back to Jersey County, IL. GCS proudly raised $760.00 for Jersey County CEO. Jersey County CEO is a high school program sponsored and funded by local investors to encourage future entrepreneurs to start their small businesses. Visit jerseycountyceo.com to find out more about Jersey County CEO or to become an investor. To find out more about GCS

Continue Reading

GODFREY - Automotive and agriculture educators from Alton High School brought their students to Lewis and Clark Community College, Wednesday, Sept. 21, to participate in technical training on natural fuel variations from MEG Corp. Founder and President Hoon Ge. The event was sponsored by The B20 Club, Illinois Soybean Association, Illinois American Lung Association and National Science Foundation. Following the presentation, students were treated to lunch and an interactive tour of L&C Automotive Technology facilities. To learn more about the Automotive Technology program at L&C, visit www.lc.edu/program/autotech.

Continue Reading

JERSEYVILLE - The fourth and final installment of the Journey to Jerseyville “Rock the Block” concert series for this year is scheduled for Friday, October 7 from 5-8 p.m. at City Center Plaza, located at 403 N. State St. in Jerseyville. Live musical entertainment will be performed by Captain Geech & the Shrimp Shack Shooters, and Amy Pointer with Explore Jerseyville tourism said they’re sure to be a hit with the crowd. “Captain Geech will take the stage from 5-8 p.m., bringing visitors to their feet with some of the great classics,” Pointer said. “Their great sound and wonderful audience involvement will have people dancing in the street!” Several food and drink options including Pig on Wing, Los Tres Amigos, and Germania Brew Haus will be at the event, and several other restaurants can be found within walking distance around City Center, including George’s Local Brew, Brossio Tavern, and more. The U.S. Veterans Foundation

Continue Reading