Riverbender 🕸

Winter is quickly approaching. For people who live in the Midwest, it may even feel like winter is already here. This time of year consists of colder weather, traveling, holiday gatherings, family get-togethers, and more time spent cooped up indoors – all of which can become the perfect storm for seasonal illnesses to brew. This year, health experts are advising individuals to be extra diligent. Flu season historically peaks between December and February each year. However, according to a recent report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), an early increase in seasonal flu activity is happening nationwide – and it is estimated that just in the United States, there already have been at least 2.8 million cases, 23,000 hospitalizations, and 1,300 deaths. This early and drastic spike in flu cases, combined with the current spread of other illnesses like RSV (respiratory syncytial virus), COVID-19, and the common cold, has people wondering what they

Continue Reading

EDWARDSVILLE - Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s nationally-recognized Office of Military and Veteran Services is committed to providing support through education and resources to military-connected students as well as civilian campus community members for the mutually beneficial growth and understanding of all. Critical to that work is raising awareness of both strengths and necessary improvements in the military. Throughout October, the Office of Military and Veteran Services brought civilians, veterans and current servicemembers together through a book group to shed light on military sexual trauma (MST). The reading and discussion came two years after the murder of Army soldier specialist Vanessa Guillen at the hands of an alleged fellow soldier. “The murder of Guillen disturbed me to my core, and still bothers me to this day,” said Telisha Reinhardt, assistant director of Military and Veteran Services, who coordinated and facilitated the MST discussions.

Continue Reading

WOOD RIVER - Jenny Scoggins has a love of cats and it has led to the building of Bubble Kitties Cat Grooming at 17A East Ferguson in Wood River. "I have the love and passion for their pets as if they were my own and I take time to get to know each individual pet," she said. "We are a dog-free cat-only facility. This puts less stress on the groomer and the cat. Your cat will be in a calm, quiet environment and does not have to put up with other barking dogs. We also schedule only one cat at a time. We are the only dog-free facility in the area." Jenny said she believes those who visit her place see the love she has for their pets and the knowledge she has about animals in general. "I am proud of the fact that my new clients trust me with their beloved pet cats," she said. "My favorite part of my job is getting to know the different types and personalities of each and every cat that comes through our doors. The community has been supportive and most of them are excited to see a new smal

Continue Reading

COLLINSVILLE – In response to continued high energy prices, Ameren Illinois is introducing a package of energy efficiency solutions, flexible payment programs, and financial options to help its customers manage their energy costs during the heating season. "Our customers count on us every day to deliver the electricity and natural gas they need, and no one wants to see higher energy bills," said Joe Solari, Vice President, Customer Experience, Ameren Illinois. "With our Energy Care Plan, we're providing our customers with low- and no-cost, easy-to-implement solutions to help them to take more control over their energy usage and save money." Information on energy management solutions in the Energy Care Plan is available at AmerenIllinois.com/ EnergyCarePlan. Highlights include: Home Energy Assessment – A team of energy efficiency experts will conduct a thorough examination of a customer's home to look for changes that can reduce energy usage and shave dollars off their monthl

Continue Reading

BELLEVILLE – If you’re looking to add a touch of European flair to your holiday plans, look no further than the 9 th Annual Belleville Christkindlmarkt. Modeled after Christmas markets in Germany, this open-air market opens on November 25 th at the Public Square and runs through December 23 rd . The Christkindlmarkt features European food and beverages and unique items from 30 different vendors. “I like shopping at the Belleville Christkindlmarkt because there is a wide variety of vendors, tasty food and beverages, and my kids have fun trying to find Gustav the Elf in each chalet while I browse.” a Christkindlmarkt shopper says. Along with shopping, you can enjoy live entertainment, visit Santa, and even a free horse-drawn trolley ride! Since its start in 2014, Belleville’s Christkindlmarkt has drawn people from far and wide, including many shoppers who come back year after year. “It’s so authentic; it’s a little taste of Germany right

Continue Reading

More pics at: https://www.randymanning.com/Alton-Tree-Lighting-Ceremony ALTON - It was a brisk night Friday for the Annual Community Tree Lighting at Lincoln-Douglas Square in Alton, but it was packed with people who were ready to get into the holiday spirit. The arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus kicked the celebration off at 6 p.m. Friday. The free festivities included caroling, cookies, and hot cocoa and continued until 6:45 p.m. when Mayor David Goins flipped the lights on the beautiful tree, which is provided by the Alton-Godfrey Rotary Club. Many took pictures with Santa and costumed holiday characters. Sarah McGibany, Alton Main Street executive director, said it was cold but those in attendance were definitely in the holiday spirit Friday night. "It was a little cold but people started filling up Lincoln Douglas Square by 6 p.m.," she said. "By 6 p.m. it was filled with people. It was an excellent turnout and has such a great tradition. I want to remind everyone

Continue Reading

ALTON - Popular hair stylist Andrea Guthrie accomplished a dream for her entire career on Friday afternoon with a ribbon cutting hosted by the RiverBend Growth Association and opening of The Mirage Salon and Barbershop at 222 Herbert Street in Alton. “I am really excited about it,” Guthrie said. “This has been a dream my entire career and seeing it take shape as quickly as it has is a dream come true. I have always loved doing hair even as a kid. As a kid, I cut my friends' hair. My vision has always been having a salon where the entire family could get their hair done.” Guthrie has hired girls who specialize in barbering and also hired others who specialize in colors and women’s hair. She also has eyelash extension girls and waxing in the mix at her new salon, along with several other services. Guthrie has entered her 12th year as a professional stylist. She said she has such a special relationship with her clients and she gets excited talking to each

Continue Reading

ALTON – According to Marquette Catholic seniors Myles Paniagua and Charlie Fahnestock, they aren’t quite tired of each other yet. The two have been playing soccer together for most of their lives, playing together for the Explorers and their club team, Alton Fighting Irish SC. Now they get to continue to be teammates in college because they’ll both be heading to Southwestern Illinois College (SWIC) come August. It all happened after the SWIC head coach Lindsay Eversmeyer popped over to Gordon Moore Park to catch a home game against Belleville East. “She came to one of our games, and really liked what she saw in us, so I figured why not, I get to go with my best buddy too,” Paniagua said. “She reached out to us both, we both went out and visited it and liked it. We’re going there with a couple of other buddies from CM so it should be fun,” Fahnestock added. Marquette soccer head coach Brian Hoener only had good things to say about

Continue Reading

COLLINSVILLE - The 19th annual Cahokia Mounds Annual Holiday Market will showcase the artwork of over 35 Native American artists who will also teach attendees about their heritage. The event is being held at the Gateway Convention Center in Collinsville next weekend, November 25-27, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. Cahokia Mounds Executive Director Linda Krieg described the event as “full of activity.” “The Holiday Market is full of activity - it’s a very busy day, it goes by very quickly,” Krieg said. “The Native American artists that are here from across the United States, they’re really involved with explaining their heritage, their traditional ways, and their traditional arts.” She said the event will feature several unique items and help spread awareness of Native American culture from its history to the modern day. “They’re all Native American, handmade, one-of-a-kind pieces,” Krieg said of the items at th

Continue Reading

JERSEYVILLE - Students of Jersey Community High School’s Advanced Welding class were given a challenging task by Ben Poletti, division manager of the Sydenstricker Nobbe John Deere tractor dealership in Jerseyville. He needed an adjustable ramp for loading/unloading lawn and garden equipment from trucks and trailers and tasked the JCHS students with getting the job done - which they did. Poletti said he got the idea to ask the JCHS Advanced Welding class from his daughter, who also attends the school. “I was talking to my daughter, who’s a sophomore now at the high school here in Jerseyville, and she suggested I get in touch with Allen Snyder who leads the Advanced Welding course and that they’re always looking for those sorts of projects,” he said. “I got on a call and that same day, he came out and looked at an example of one of the ramps that we have at the Jerseyville store and he said, ‘Absolutely. This is the sort of project this tea

Continue Reading

ALTON - The Overnight Warming Center of Alton is activating tonight, Friday, November 18 – doors open at 5 p.m. We are located at the Deliverance Temple Church at 1125 East 6th St. in Alton. Doors are located on Cherry Street. Please share the attached flyer so that anyone in need of a warm place can join us this evening. We also post our activations on our Facebook page: Overnight Warming Centers Alton .

Continue Reading

O'FALLON, IL. - HSHS St. Elizabeth’s Hospital received an “A” Hospital Safety Grade from The Leapfrog Group. This national distinction celebrates St. Elizabeth’s Hospital’s achievements in protecting hospital patients from preventable harm and errors. “HSHS St. Elizabeth’s Hospital is dedicated to improving patient care by adhering to the latest evidence-based safety guidelines,” said Chris Klay, president and CEO at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital. “I’m very proud of the work our colleagues do to prioritize patient safety to deliver high-quality care to the communities we serve.” The Leapfrog Group is an independent national watchdog organization with a 10-year history of assigning letter grades to general hospitals throughout the United States, based on a hospital’s ability to prevent medical errors and harm to patients. The grading system is peer-reviewed, fully transparent, and free to the public. Hospital

Continue Reading

SPRINGFIELD - State Superintendent of Education Dr. Carmen Ayala has announced plans to retire at the end of her current contract, which concludes January 31 st , 2023. Dr. Ayala has served as State Superintendent since early 2019, shepherding Illinois schools through COVID-19 and kickstarting their academic recovery – leading most recently to a decade-high in the state’s graduation rate. As the capstone of her nearly four-decade career in education, Ayala was the first woman and the first person of color to serve as permanent superintendent for the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE). “Dr. Ayala represents the highest level of dedication to public service, and over her long career she has positively impacted thousands of Illinois students,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Not only did Dr. Ayala’s steadfast leadership guide our schools through an unprecedented pandemic, but she also kick-started students’ academic recovery. Under her leadership,

Continue Reading

GRAFTON - All aboard Santa’s Chocolate Express in Grafton! The popular event will return on Saturday, Dec. 3, 2022. All participants will receive a starter bag of chocolate at registration at the Grafton Visitor Center from 10:30 am to 1:30 pm. Participants will collect additional chocolate at participating businesses. Tickets are $15.00 in advance or $20.00 on the day of the event. Only a limited number of tickets will be available! The tickets include free shuttle service throughout town, a complimentary treat at each participating business, and a holiday shopping bag with a selection of chocolates and a holiday wine glass. Advance tickets can be purchased at graftonilchamber.com/ chocolate-express Stroll through Grafton and stop at local shops and businesses to sample chocolate holiday treats and also shop sales. You can take in views of the majestic bluffs and the confluence of the Illinois and Mississippi Rivers or stop for a bite to eat and a beverage of your choice

Continue Reading

FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS - United States Attorney Rachelle Aud Crowe announced the recipients of the 2022 Law Enforcement Public Service Awards on Thursday, November 17, 2022. Personnel from several federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies who contributed to the success of federal cases were recognized for their commitment to pursuing justice and public safety. These awards recognize law enforcement officers and support personnel for exceptional leadership, outstanding collaboration, investigative achievement and excellence, victim assistance, and community engagement. “Today we honor exceptional law enforcement officers and the vital public service they provide. These women and men engage in an unrelenting and often unacknowledged fight to keep our communities safe every day. It is an honor today to recognize each of you for your service and successful investigations,” said United States Attorney Rachelle Aud Crowe. “Each law enforcement partner was nominated by

Continue Reading

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Mike Bost (IL-12), the Ranking Member of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, applauded House passage of several pieces of veterans legislation this week, including his VA Infrastructure Powers Exceptional Research (VIPER) Act. This bill will give the Department of Veterans Affairs resources to improve its research programs. “This week the House passed a number of veterans’ bills, including 4 bipartisan proposals to bolster VA medical research, expand VA cybersecurity, and improve oversight of IT projects and the community care program,” said Bost. “I am especially glad to see my bill, the VIPER Act, pass out of the House with overwhelming bipartisan support. VA has long been a leader in medical and prosthetic research, and our bill will help VA continue that mission.”

Continue Reading

EDWARDSVILLE - Metro East Humane Society (MEHS) announced today the kick off of its annual holiday fundraising campaign “Yappy Pawlidays” with a fee-waived Black Friday adoption event on November 25 th sponsored by Judy Streif and Trouw Nutrition USA. This is the fifth year that MEHS has been able to offer fee waived-adoptions on Black Friday, placing homeless animals into loving homes before the holidays. Yappy Pawlidays gives residents and business leaders throughout the Metro East region the opportunity to get involved and support MEHS’ mission in various ways throughout the giving season. "We're thrilled to be partnering with so many local businesses around the Metro East throughout the Holiday Giving Season. We really hope these partnerships not only bring awareness to our cause, but also greatly benefit these amazing businesses in our community," said Mady O’Reilly, MEHS development manager. The current lineup of Yappy Pawlidays fundraising events an

Continue Reading

BETHALTO - SIHF Healthcare is hosting a free HIV testing event on Thursday, December 1, 2022, from 8 am – 4 pm at SIHF Healthcare, 2 Terminal Drive, Suite 8, Bethalto, Illinois. “Ending the HIV epidemic requires us to first recognize and address the social challenges our patients face and to increase access to services in our communities,” says Lawrence Mayhew, Program Manager. “We are here to serve those in need of our services, by providing the tools they need to stay healthy, regardless of their HIV status,” notes Mayhew. Our team aims to be sensitive, non-judgmental, and supportive of anyone participating in this event regardless of age, gender, lifestyle, religion, or sexual orientation. Our services are completely confidential. For more information or to register for this event, call 618.258.8460.

Continue Reading

BETHALTO - Jared and Tabitha Kloempken came into the Bethalto Police Department today unprompted and announced that they would like to donate to the Bethalto Police Department Christmas for All event, Bethalto Police Chief Mike Dixon said. The Bethalto Police were nearly overwhelmed with their donation of $3,150. "The Kloempkens didn’t ask for any recognition and were clearly just donating to the program to pay good fortune forward, expressing a true desire to help those in need, but I wanted to publicly tell them to thank you on behalf of all the children that will experience the true joy of the holiday season because of their generosity," Chief Dixon said. "I have said it many times before, but it can’t be said enough, we are truly fortunate to live in such a caring and giving community. This donation brings the total raised funds for this year’s event to $12,500. "Last year we raised more than $17,000 and were able to help more than 75 children i

Continue Reading

O’FALLON — Lung cancer continues to be one of the most common cancers worldwide, claiming more lives yearly than breast, colon and prostate cancers combined. Many people consider lung cancer a “smoker’s disease” as well as assume it is mostly a cancer found in men. However, while it is true that smoking is the top cause of lung cancer by a large margin, approximately 15 to 20% of cases in the U.S. happen in people who have never smoked or have smoked fewer than 100 cigarettes in their life. Being exposed to secondhand smoke can play a part, as nonsmokers have a 20 to 30% greater chance of developing lung cancer if they are exposed to secondhand smoke at home or work. Other factors may include radon, occupational exposures to carcinogens and outdoor air pollution. Being typically considered a disease found mostly in men, recent statistics from the American Lung Association reveal that more women are getting lung cancer, even if they have never smoked.

Continue Reading