Riverbender 🕸

EDWARDSVILLE – The Successful Communities Collaborative (SCC) at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is hosting the inaugural Speakers Series at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 31 in the Meridian Ballroom in the Morris University Center. The Speaker Series will focus on food systems, including production, distribution, access, and consumption. Designed to complement SCC partnerships, the series will elevate expert voices from both local communities and the region to launch dialogue and spark action around our region’s food systems. Yves Doumen, founder of the Motherland Community Project in Springfield, will present, “Strengthening Community Capacity and Increasing Access to Healthy Food Through Sustainable Urban Agricultural Systems.” Doumen recognizes that access to healthy food among Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) and communities affected by poverty is limited, but urban agriculture has the potential to change this dynamic by boosting access to

Continue Reading

SPRINGFIELD - There will be no PEEPEE, SUKIT, or DUCKYOU for Illinois drivers. Those are just a few of the nearly 400 requests for vanity and personalized license plates that were rejected by the Illinois Secretary of State’s office in 2022, according to Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias. Last year, 54,236 Illinoisans requested vanity and personalized plate requests and 383 were shot down due to their tawdry, lewd or offensive nature or because they were difficult to read. "We love the creativity and pride Illinoisans take in choosing their personalized license plates,” said Secretary Giannoulias. “Most plate requests are approved, but a small percentage fail to meet the standards of good taste and decency and are rejected because they violate the state’s vehicle code." The Secretary of State’s Office oversees the process by which Illinoisans may request specific vanity or personalized license plates for their vehicles. Many use the office’s

Continue Reading

THE CONVERSATION - Across the U.S., children and adults are increasingly exposed to harmful chemicals from a source few people are even aware of. It begins on a street outside a home or school, where a worker in a manhole is repairing a sewer pipe. The contractor inserts a resin-soaked sleeve into the buried pipe, then heats it, transforming the resin into a hard plastic pipe. This is one of the cheapest , most common pipe repair methods, but it comes with a serious risk: Heating the resin generates harmful fumes that can travel through the sewer lines and into surrounding buildings, sometimes several blocks away. These chemicals have made hundreds of people ill , forced building evacuations, and even led to hospitalizations. Playgrounds , daycare centers, and schools in several states have been affected, including Colorado , Connecticut , Massachusetts , Michigan , Pennsylvania , Washington , and Wisconsin . With the 2022 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law now

Continue Reading

COLLINSVILLE - Alton High sophomore bowler Sam Ottwell qualified as an individual for the IHSA state bowling tournament on Jan. 27-28 by throwing a six-game series of 1,255, which tied him with Collinsville's Ben Sloan for the last two individual berths at the sectional tournament at Camelot Bowl in Collinsville Jan. 21. Ottwell had a high game of 257 in the morning session, and in the afternoon half, had three games of 195, 191, and 199 to help him go through to state as the only Redbird bowler to qualify. At the time of a post-tournament interview, the final team and individual standings had yet to be announced, but Ottwell felt that he bowled well enough to qualify. "I did pretty well the first block," Ottwell said. "I think I shot a 670 (series) and then, the last block, I was just kind of trying to hold on. I never really shot a 200, but a lot of high 190s. So I was really happy with my first sectional." At the time, Ottwell was very hopeful that he and the Redbirds would advance

Continue Reading

EAST ST. LOUIS – To express love and lift the spirits of local seniors, State Senator Christopher Belt is collecting store-bought or handmade cards to deliver to long-term care facility residents for Valentine’s Day. “It’s important for us to take time out of our day to show appreciation for people in our community,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “A little act of kindness can go a long way and make someone’s day. Let’s show our seniors that we appreciate them.” Belt is collecting store-bought and handmade cards for local seniors. People are encouraged to write kind notes and drop them off or mail them to his district office, located at Kenneth Hall Regional Office Bldg. #10 Collinsville Ave., Suite 201A, East St. Louis, IL 62201. He is collecting cards until Feb. 10 and then will deliver them to local long-term care facilities. People with questions can reach out to Belt’s office at 618-875-1212.

Continue Reading

ALTON - Today I would like to formally announce my candidacy for the Alton Community Unit School Board - District 11. As a long-standing resident and member of the community, I have a vested interest in our children’s future. Having 2 young girls attending school in the district and as a 2005 graduate of Alton High School, I currently serve our community as the Information Technology Director for the City of Alton and in Law Enforcement as a Part-Time Police Officer in our area. As a member of the Alton Community Unit School Board - District 11, I will promote an agenda to establish a plan with goals centered on preparing our children for a successful future, and bring forth transparency, honesty, respect, and accountability to establish trust with our community. By serving as a member of the School Board, I will demonstrate integrity, and responsibility in the allocation of tax dollars to restore the confidence of our taxpayers while serving as an advocate for the community by

Continue Reading

CHICAGO – The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) announced today that the CDC is reporting 28 counties in the state are at an elevated level for COVID-19, compared to 61 in the previous week. Of those, three Illinois counties are at a High Community Level , compared to five the previous week; and 25 counties are at Medium Level, compared to 56 the previous week. IDPH is reporting 10,967 new confirmed and probable cases of COVID-19 in Illinois in the week ending January 15, and 78 deaths. “I am encouraged to see COVID-19 community levels continuing to decrease across Illinois,” said IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra. “Rates of the XBB ‘Kraken’ variant, spreading throughout the East Coast, are slowly increasing in the Midwest, and we continue to monitor this new variant closely. However, we are fortunate at this time to see no increase in hospitalizations. IDPH is continuing to focus our efforts on preserving hospital capacity and protecting

Continue Reading

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) announced today that the unemployment rate was unchanged at 4.7 percent, while nonfarm payrolls were almost unchanged, down by just -800 in December, based on preliminary data provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and released by IDES. The November monthly change in payrolls was revised from the preliminary report, from +17,500 to +12,100 jobs. The November unemployment rate was unchanged from the preliminary report, remaining at 4.7 percent. The December payroll jobs estimate and unemployment rate reflect activity for the week including the 12th. In December, the industry sectors with the largest over-the-month gains in employment included: Educational and Health Services (+5,200), Trade, Transportation and Utilities (+3,300), and Government (+1,800). The industry sectors with the largest monthly payroll declines included: Professional and Business Services (-3,000), Leisure and Hospitality (-2,500)

Continue Reading

CHICAGO - Governor JB Pritzker issued the following statement on the decision by Effingham County Judge Morrison on the Protect Illinois Communities Act: “This decision is not surprising. Although disappointing, it is the initial result we’ve seen in many cases brought by plaintiffs whose goal is to advance ideology over public safety. We are well aware that this is only the first step in defending this important legislation. I remain confident that the courts will uphold the constitutionality of Illinois’ law, which aligns with the eight other states with similar laws and was written in collaboration with lawmakers, advocates, and legal experts. Illinoisans have a right to feel safe in their front yards, at school, while eating at bars and restaurants or celebrating with their family and friends. The Protect Illinois Communities Act takes weapons of war and mass destruction off the street while allowing law-abiding gun owners to retain their collections. I look

Continue Reading

ALTON - At 4:36 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 20, 2023, the Alton Police Department received a report of gunshots fired in the area of East 20th Street and North Henry Street. Alton Police Chief Jarrett Ford said when officers arrived they determined that an occupied vehicle had been struck by gunfire but no injuries occurred. "Investigation revealed that the gunshots had been fired from a vehicle as it drove through the area," the chief said. "A description of that vehicle was obtained and officers located it a short time later. "Officers were able to stop the suspect vehicle and detained the driver/sole occupant. The suspect was taken into custody and brought to the Alton Jail. A firearm was located inside the suspect vehicle." The investigation is ongoing at this time. Chief Ford said the facts of the case will be presented to the Madison County State’s Attorney’s Office this coming week.

Continue Reading

EDWARDSVILLE – The College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville awarded Gary Hicks, PhD, professor in the Department of Mass Communications, with the William and Margaret Going Endowed Professorship Award, the most distinguished faculty award of the College. A member of the LGBTQ+ community with more than 25 years of work experience as a media and communications academic, Hicks’ research has focused on the impact of media on society’s marginalized communities. “My research covers what once were considered taboo topics whose study was clearly not valued by many universities,” explained Hicks. “There are a relatively small number of scholars who do this kind of research. I find one reason for that is the historical lack of embrace by academia.” “While I was working on my doctorate many years ago, I was warned by several of my professors that I might have a hard time even being hired due to prejudice

Continue Reading

CARLINVILLE - The marriages and romances of American Presidents will be the topic of a free program at the Carlinville Public Library on Thursday, Jan. 26 at 5:30 p.m. The public is invited to attend the one-hour discussion, which will be presented by Tom Emery, a freelance writer and historical researcher from Carlinville. Emery has won fifteen awards from the Illinois State Historical Society in his career. He has been published in over 150 newspapers in his career, and has created thirty-nine book and booklet titles. An experienced speaker and public-address announcer, Emery has lectured on his research across the region, and has been in particular demand in recent years. He is known for his informal presentations, which encourage audience participation. The Presidential Marriages program is one of his most popular discussions, and usually attracts large audiences. The program will offer an entertaining look at the marriages, romances, and love lives of the Presidents. While som

Continue Reading

EDWARDSVILLE - Work on the buildings for Drunken Fish, Kimchi Guys, Nothing Bundt Cakes, and Eskimo Hut Frozen Daiquiris To-Go is making great progress, both Edwardsville Mayor Art Risavy and Economic and Community Development Director James Arnold said Friday. Drunken Fish is a St. Louis-area staple for sushi and Japanese cuisine, and Kimchi Guys offers fast-casual Korean food. Another Kimchi Guys is located in Laclede’s Landing area of St. Louis. Nothing Bundt Cakes are handcrafted in a variety of flavors and sizes and offer a wide selection. Eskimo Hut Frozen Daiquiris To-Go will specialize in its signature frozen daiquiris and margaritas to go among convenience store options. Mayor Risavy said these additions will be “amazing” for Edwardsville to go with the wide assortment of businesses already available. “They will have a huge impact and are just more additions to our great supplement of things we already have,” he said. “These are all

Continue Reading

ALTON - Eddie Sholar Jr., the owner of Fast Eddie’s Bon Air, one of Alton’s landmark businesses, expressed excitement about the new cannabis dispensary to be located at the former Winnelson Plumbing & Pipe Supply building near his establishment. Sholar, the previous owner of the old Winnelson building, said he sold the building at 1400 Broadway to the new owners of the cannabis dispensary. He said he believes the new dispensary will be huge for Broadway and Alton. On Tuesday, Stutz Excavating razed the former Hawks Vending Building. The space that was torn down will become a new joint parking lot for the dispensary and Fast Eddie’s. Sholar said he will be in partnership with the new dispensary “moving forward.” More about that will be released soon, he added. He said he believes this is all in the best interests of Alton’s future. “This will be huge for Alton and its tax revenue,” he said. “I am all about what is best for Alton."

Continue Reading

EDWARDSVILLE - The former Annie’s Frozen Custard location at 245 S. Buchanan St. in Edwardsville will be the site of a new Carrollton Bank drive-thru later this year. Carrollton Bank Regional President Bill Barlow said the new location will have three drive-thru lanes, two for drive-thru banking service and one for an Automated Teller Machine (ATM). This location will be drive-thru-only with no walk-in service. “Some local real estate investors … knew we were wanting a drive-up facility, and there was no way to do one at our current location there, so we preferably wanted something nearby,” Barlow said. “They secured the site and approached us to see if that was an acceptable site for us, and we really liked it because it’s in the same block as our main bank there at Park Street. “It’s a lighted intersection with a stoplight and it’s highly visible, so we thought it was a great location.” Demolition of the former

Continue Reading

EDWARDSVILLE – Metro-East Lutheran High School has received a $30,000 grant to support its growing robotics program. The funds were awarded by an Oregon-based foundation that supports Christian educational opportunities and will allow MELHS to continue to grow its STEM programming. The robotics team plans to use the grant money to purchase equipment such as updated computers and engineering lab stations, a new 3D printer, robot parts and other supplies. They also plan to update the school’s robotics classroom with new furniture, including desks, chairs and storage units. This is just the second year the MELHS robotics team has been competing as part of the Southern Illinois division for the FIRST Tech Challenge. Last year the team won two rookie awards, including highest-scoring rookie. “We started our rookie year with nothing,” said Dan Staake, one of the team’s coaches. “I told the students last year that all the other teams started the year wit

Continue Reading

SHILOH - The Shiloh Police Department announced aggravated battery to a child charges against a Shiloh man on Thursday. St. Clair County Assistant State’s Attorney Judy Dalan issued a four-count warrant for Aggravated Battery to a Child, a Class X Felony, for aggravated domestic battery, a Class 2 Felony, for aggravated battery to a child with bodily harm, a Class 3 Felony, and for domestic battery, a Class A misdemeanor, each charging Jason R. Homrig, 42, of the 400 block of Downing Court in Shiloh with the above crimes. The warrants were reviewed by St. Clair County Judge Jeffrey Watson who set Homrig’s bond at $150,000.00 with 10% applying. Homrig is currently in custody at the St. Clair C A report on the case by Shiloh Police read as follows: "At 3:11 p.m. on Monday, December 12, 2022, the Shiloh Police Department took a report for injuries to a child that previously occurred at a residence in the 400 block of Downing Court in Shiloh. The child had been taken

Continue Reading

WATERLOO - The jackpot for the Waterloo Queen of Hearts drawing has reached $1,397,265 the highest amount the drawing has ever reached since it began in 2017. 20% of the funds raised will benefit the Saints Peter and Paul Catholic School in Waterloo . The most recent drawing was held Tuesday, Jan. 17 at Outsider pub in Waterloo, when Card #9, the Four of Diamonds, was pulled. Drawings will take place each Tuesday night at 7 p.m. until somebody pulls the jackpot-winning card, the Queen of Hearts. Fifteen cards in total remain and the drawing is expected to reach its $2 million limit in the next week or two. Once the limit is reached, ticket sales will stop, according to the event’s official Facebook page . “When this happens, we will draw until a winner is found,” they wrote in a post . “You won’t want to miss it!” Smaller winnings are also paid out to those who pull certain card suits, including $1,000 for Jokers and $500

Continue Reading

ST. LOUIS - The critical incident briefing for the officer-involved shooting below which occurred on December 7, 2022, in the City of Maryland Heights can be found at https://youtu.be/37RW6rrsHlk . St. Louis County Public Information Officer Adrian Washington said the critical incident briefing is intended to show information about the officer-involved shooting. Viewer discretion is strongly advised. As part of St. Louis County Police's transparency policy, the video is released to show the incident, evidence and St. Louis County Police's response to the situation, Washington said. "Because the investigation is ongoing the information is to show what we know up to this point," Officer Washington said. The deceased in the incident has been identified as Mark Davenport, 48 years of age, of the 400 block of Lanning Lane in Rolla, Missouri 65401. The incident occurred at 4:19 p.m. on December 7, 2022. Detectives from the City of Maryland Heights Police Department were searching

Continue Reading

EDWARDSVILLE – Two Southern Illinois University Edwardsville students, Tyler Evans and Chase Horton, have received the National Health Information Scholarship from the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) Foundation. Evans and Horton are two of 15 students in the country to receive the scholarship. Evans and Horton are pursuing a master’s in healthcare informatics at SIUE. The pair will each receive a $7,000 scholarship from the nonprofit organization recognizing their excellence and promising future contribution in the field of health information. “I was overjoyed by the news that I received the scholarship,” said Evans, a Chicago native. “The scholarship will impact my academic career at SIUE by giving me the opportunity to focus on classes with less financial burden on my shoulders.” “I plan to use my informatics degree to become an electronic health record (EHR) trainer, developer and analyst,” added Horton,

Continue Reading