Riverbender 🕸

BELLEVILLE - Though 2-year-old Oliviana lives in Arizona, she has many people from the Riverbend region cheering her on in the Toddler of the Year competition. Oliviana currently ranks first in her group in the Toddler of the Year competition. Merric Meehan, a family friend, shared more about Oliviana and her family, who are from Belleville. Meehan noted that Oliviana is learning who she is and loves her family. “She is into anything and everything right now,” Meehan said. “She’s at that fun age where she’s still exploring stuff, figuring out what she likes, what she doesn't like.” Oliviana loves swinging, being outside, reading, and baking cookies and pizza with her mom and dad. Her parents describe her as “so bubbly and affectionate,” quick to greet people with hugs, and “very independent.” She is the first to laugh at her own jokes and enjoys eating snacks and coloring at the same time. Meehan recently babysat Oliviana

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ALTON – In another split vote, Alton aldermen approved $14,616 in ARPA funds to hire an SIUE graduate student to conduct a data study as the city aims to earn “Child Friendly City” status. Alton City Council members on Wednesday voted 5-2 to approve the disbursement of $14,616 in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to pay an SIUE graduate student to collect and analyze data as part of the city’s effort to become a UNICEF -certified Child Friendly City . This follows Monday’s 5-2 vote from the Committee of the Whole after some debate over the item’s benefit to the city, as previously reported on Riverbender.com . Each member voted the same way at both meetings, with Ward 1 Alderman Chris Bohn and Ward 3 Alderman Michael Velloff consistently voting against the resolution . A graduate research assistant ( GRA ) from SIUE will be tasked with collecting and analyzing data about Alton’s

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MOUNT VERNON – Governor JB Pritzker, Manner Polymers, and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) today joined local leaders and partners to cut the ribbon on the company’s new 108,000-square-foot, 100% solar-powered manufacturing facility in Mount Vernon. The plant will manufacture electric vehicle (EV) PVC compounds, components for solar panels, and materials for a wide range of industries. This will expand the company’s production capacity to 100 million pounds and create more than 60 high-quality jobs in Southern Illinois. “Powered by clean energy and serving a variety of industries, Manner Polymers will serve as a catalyst for an exciting new era for economic development in Southern Illinois—one built on high-growth industries of the 21st Century,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “The company’s investment in Illinois speaks to our highly qualified and skilled workers, strong manufacturing ecosystem and supply

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BETHALTO — Illinois Senator Harris and Representative Amy Elik issued a joint statement Thursday, Aug. 28, 2025, addressing ongoing concerns about brown and discolored water in the Bethalto area, signaling increased involvement from state officials and the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) amid residents’ complaints. Since residents began reporting brown water coming from taps, showers, and toilets, state leaders said they have met with Village of Bethalto officials, reached out to the IEPA, and consulted outside water quality experts to assess the situation and determine appropriate next steps. The Elik-Harriss statement confirmed that the IEPA is conducting water quality testing this week in response to citizen-led tests that revealed concerning results. “Since learning of the brown water concerns in Bethalto, we have met with the Village of Bethalto and other local officials, contacted the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) and requested

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ALTON – An Alton man previously convicted of domestic battery has been released from custody while facing a felony in his latest domestic battery case. Roger S. Lawver, 33, of Alton, was charged on Aug. 21, 2025 with his second or subsequent offense of domestic battery, a Class 4 felony. On Aug. 19, 2025, Lawver allegedly struck a family or household member about the face and head with his hands. He had previously been convicted of domestic battery in another Madison County case filed earlier this year. The Alton Police Department presented the latest case against Lawver, who was ordered released from custody pending trial. All individuals charged are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Transportation announced today that lanes that have been closed for construction will reopen, where possible, for Labor Day holiday to minimize travel disruption. Non-emergency closures will be suspended from 3 p.m. Friday, Aug. 29, to 11:59 p.m. Monday, Sept. 1. The following lane closures will remain in place during the holiday weekend. Motorists can expect delays and should allow extra time for trips through these areas. Drivers are urged to pay close attention to changed conditions and signs in the work zones, obey the posted speed limits, refrain from using mobile devices and stay alert for workers and equipment. At all times, please buckle and drive sober. District 8 Bond County I-70 west of Greenville; lane reductions continue. Madison County Illinois 111 at the I-270 interchange; closed, with periodic ramp closures. Ramp from eastbound I-270 to southbound Illinois 111; closed. Illinois 100 over Elsah Creek; lane

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ST. LOUIS – Late Tuesday afternoon, Aug. 26, 2025, FEMA informed the City of St. Louis that Mayor Cara Spencer’s request to extend the application deadline for FEMA individual assistance for 30 days has been denied. “I strongly disagree with this denial, as we have seen hundreds of St. Louisans continue to apply for FEMA individual assistance each week,” said Mayor Spencer. “I share Mayor Spencer’s disappointment. Regardless of this decision, the Recovery Office will continue to work with impacted residents and FEMA to advocate for approval of late registrations and ensure that residents get access to much-needed support,” said Chief Recovery Officer Julian Nicks. Apply now at DisasterAssistance.gov , the FEMA app, 800-621-3362, or in person at one of the Disaster Recovery Centers, which remain open until 7 p.m. The Disaster Recovery Centers are located at: Union Tabernacle M.B. Church - 626 N. Newstead Ave. Urban League Entrepreneurship

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DU QUOIN, IL – Governor JB Pritzker announces a $16.4 million investment in road repairs on the Du Quoin State Fairgrounds, bringing much needed upgrades to one of southern Illinois’ most beloved venues. With over $30 million in Rebuild Illinois funds allocated by Governor JB Pritzker and his administration—alongside support from the Illinois General Assembly—the fairgrounds have seen sweeping upgrades across the 750-acre footprint. An additional $21.7 million in repairs have been completed by the Du Quoin Buildings and Grounds team for a total investment topping $50 million. “Thanks to the leadership of Governor Pritzker and the Rebuild Illinois initiative, we’ve been able to address decades of deferred maintenance and work toward restoring the fairgrounds to their full potential,” said Jerry Costello II, Director of the Illinois Department of Agriculture. “These upgrades not only enhance the visitor experience but also reaffirm the D

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ALTON - Community members are invited to the second annual Drug Overdose Awareness Day Candlelight Vigil to promote help, hope and recovery. From 4–8 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 31, 2025, Riverbend residents will gather at Russell Commons Park in Alton for the event. In addition to a white dove release and the vigil, there will be several resource tables and organizations available to speak about their services, in addition to testimonials and the reading of names of people who have been lost. “This is so important. We have each other to get through this,” said Christina Foster, who organized the event. “Everybody has been affected by this in some way, shape or form. It used to be a stigma where people didn’t want to talk about it and were ashamed. And everybody coming together just shows me that their hearts are changing. They’re all coming together from different backgrounds, but we’re there for the same reason.” Foster created the

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BETHALTO – Senator Erica Harriss & Representative Amy Elik recently released the following joint statement on Bethalto area water concerns: “Since learning of the brown water concerns in Bethalto, we have met with the Village of Bethalto and other local officials, contacted the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) and requested information and action from them, and consulted with outside water quality experts - all with the goal of determining the best course forward to be absolutely sure that Bethalto’s water is safe and clean. Village officials have given us the details on their planned infrastructure improvements and steps they have been taking to ensure the water is safe. This week, when we saw that the citizens had conducted their own tests - with concerning results - we, again, requested action from the IEPA. The IEPA has responded with their own water quality tests being done this week. We are very appreciative that IEPA is listening to our and

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SPRINGFIELD – The State Treasurer’s Office made a record $1.57 billion in investment earnings from the state investment portfolio during Fiscal Year 2025, Illinois Treasurer Michael Frerichs announced today. Treasurer Frerichs is the state’s Chief Investment and Banking Officer. He is responsible for investing state revenue in the state investment portfolio . “Every dollar we earn in interest for the people of Illinois is a dollar that lawmakers don’t have to raise in taxes,” Frerichs said. “We are trying to maximize earnings for our state at a time when the Trump administration is looking to strip away health care for working families to give billionaires a tax cut.” Also in Fiscal Year 2025, the Treasurer’s Office made $998 million in gross investment earnings for cities, villages, school districts, counties and other units of government that take part in the highly rated Illinois Funds local government investment pool the

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O'FALLON – The connection between agriculture, technology and aviation was front and center during a Global Aerospace Summit held in the St. Louis region in mid-August. During an engaging session titled “Ag Sector Innovations – Powering Sustainable Solutions in the Aviation Industry,” the audience learned how crops and ethanol are being developed into sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) to help reduce emissions in one of the hardest-to-decarbonize sectors. Panelists highlighted innovations originating in the St. Louis region that are fueling progress on these efforts. The inaugural Global Aerospace Summit was presented by the Leadership Council Southwestern Illinois in partnership with Madison County, St. Clair County, and Bi-State Development’s St. Louis Regional Freightway. It drew 400-plus industry leaders, educators, government officials, workforce development experts and career seekers who also learned about the St. Louis region’s aerospace assets,

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HIGHLAND - Lola Schlarmann is organizing a fundraiser to support her family following the death of her brother, Gavin Schlarmann, who died recently in a motorcycle accident. The family is seeking assistance to cover medical bills, funeral expenses, and ongoing support for Gavin’s two siblings currently attending college. Gavin Schlarmann was a full-time member of Highland EMS and had served with the Highland Fire Department (HFD). According to Lola Schlarmann, Gavin was known for his dedication, perseverance, and a big heart that touched many lives through his public service. “Our family is now facing overwhelming medical bills, funeral expenses, and the challenge of supporting Gavin’s two other siblings who are currently in college,” Lola Schlarmann said in a message accompanying the fundraiser. “Any help, no matter how big or small, would mean so much to us during this difficult time.” Lola Schlarmann described her brother as someone who

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GODFREY - My Antique Store is celebrating 35 years in the community with a 35% off sale of the entire store. From Sept. 10 through 20, 2025, you can shop the store at a 35% discount for all items. Located at 1007 W. Delmar Avenue in Godfrey, the store has seen a wide range of trends and customers over the years, and owner Mark Stewart couldn’t be happier with his experience over the past three decades. “We do everything right there. We take care of our customers,” Stewart said. “I liked the people. I liked what I was doing. It was always interesting to me, and I guess I’ve done it because I’ve not only made money, but I’ve had fun.” Stewart owns the shop alongside his wife, Audrey, who he called “the worker bee” who handles everything behind the scenes. The duo often goes to estate sales and auctions to find items to sell in the store. They have everything from furniture to seasonal decor, and Stewart said glassware

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EAST ST. LOUIS - The Citizens Utility Board is calling on Ameren Illinois gas customers to attend a public forum Thursday night, Aug. 28, 2025, in East St. Louis to oppose the utility’s proposed gas rate increase. The Illinois Commerce Commission is hosting the event from 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at New Life Community Church, 1919 State Street. Ameren Illinois has requested a $131.1 million rate hike, which consumer advocates say is nearly three times what the company can justify under state law. If approved, this would be the fourth gas rate increase imposed by Ameren Illinois in less than a decade. Since 2018, Ameren Illinois customers have faced three rate hikes that have raised delivery rates by $202 million, or 50 percent. Meanwhile, Ameren’s parent company has increased its profits by 45 percent over the same period, reaching $6.9 billion. The utility’s gas segment profits have more than doubled during this time. The forum provides an opportunity for customers to

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ALTON – Yesterday, Lewis and Clark Community College (LC) and the Illinois Environmental Council (IEC) hosted a tour of LC’s training facilities at the Scott Bibb Center, where students are enrolled in programs that will equip them with the skills needed to support Illinois’ clean energy transition. These programs were made possible through the 2021 Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA) and are providing training and certification for entry-level positions in solar, HVAC, and more. “The success of workforce training hubs like LC’s has only grown more critical amidst burgeoning threats from the federal government on climate action and a complicated energy market, and we’re thrilled to highlight the progress at the LC workforce hub,” said Samira Hanessian, Energy Policy Director with the Illinois Environmental Council. “Illinois staked its flag as a leader on climate action with the 2021 passage of CEJA because we knew we needed to address

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DU QUOIN – Illinois State Police (ISP) Division of Criminal Investigations Zone 7 Major Crimes Special Agents arrested 36-year-old Christopher B. Davis of Du Quoin, IL for Aggravated Criminal Sexual Abuse (Class 2 Felony). In December of 2024, ISP Special Agents were requested by the Du Quoin Police Department and Perry Jackson County Child Advocacy Center to investigate possible sexual abuse of a minor involving Davis. An extensive investigation was conducted over the next several months. On August 22, 2025, a warrant was issued for Davis’s arrest. On August 25, 2025, the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office took Davis into custody. Davis was held at Jackson County pending his first court appearance. ISP Special Agents were assisted by the Du Quoin Police Department, Perry Jackson County Child Advocacy Center, the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, and the Jackson County State’s Attorney’s Office.

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Did you know that gardens receiving just a little extra attention during the transition from summer to fall can yield up to 30% more blooms and healthier plants the following spring? This often-overlooked window of opportunity is crucial for preserving the vibrancy and longevity of your garden. Preparing your summer garden for the upcoming months not only safeguards your investment in plants and landscaping but also sets the stage for a flourishing garden next year. Assessing Your Garden’s Health Before the Shift The first step in maintaining your summer garden is a thorough evaluation of its current condition. Identifying stressed plants, pests, or diseases early can prevent problems from escalating and ensure a smoother transition into fall. Inspect for Pests and Diseases: Examine leaves, stems, and soil for signs of aphids, spider mites, fungal infections, or other common summer garden issues. Early detection allows for targeted treatments that minimize damage. Evaluat

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August 28th holds a special place in history, marked by events that have shaped societies, inspired movements, and changed the course of nations. One of the most globally resonant events occurred in 1963 when over 200,000 Americans gathered in Washington, D.C., for the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. This monumental civil rights rally was a defining moment in the struggle for racial equality in the United States. It was here, at the Lincoln Memorial, that Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his legendary "I Have a Dream" speech. His words painted a vision of a future where people would be judged by the content of their character rather than the color of their skin. The march not only galvanized public opinion but also contributed to the eventual passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, a landmark law outlawing discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. In the realm of exploration and innovation, August 28, 1930, saw the first publication of

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EAST ALTON - Riverbend Christian Leadership Academy (RCLA) will open its 2025–26 school year on September 2, 2025, at a new location: a leased portion of the River Bend Calvary Chapel facility at 4 St. Kevins Dr., East Alton, IL 62024. The 501(c)(3) nonprofit Christian school says the move follows months of prayerful planning to discern God’s leading and has energized families, students, and staff. RCLA originally planned to operate on the Western Military Academy campus owned by Faith Baptist Church (2009 Seminary St., Alton, IL 62002). After careful evaluation, the school determined the historic campus’s maintenance and utility costs were prohibitive for a young nonprofit. RCLA expressed gratitude to Faith Baptist Church for its generous partnership throughout the transition. The East Alton site is a better fit for the nonprofit’s stewardship goals. The new facility requires less maintenance, is in excellent condition, and offers significantly lower utilities

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