Riverbender 🕸

ST. LOUIS – On Friday, Mayor Cara Spencer signed Executive Order 91, which resumes under a strong legal framework the City’s issuance of minority/women-owned business enterprise (“M/WBE”) certification. Following its pause on issuing new M/WBE contracts implemented in early August, the City hired legal consulting firm Griffin & Strong, recognized nationally as experts in economic development disparity programs. The firm was hired to not only analyze the City’s M/WBE program and 2024 Disparity Study , but also to craft legally sound recommendations enabling the City to fully resume all M/WBE contracting activities in the near future. Griffin & Strong conducted a thorough analysis of the City’s ordinances, the 2024 Disparity Study and case law. The firm also held numerous discussions with members of the minority contractor community, organizations including the NAACP St. Louis, and members of the Board of Aldermen. Following this process, Griffin

Continue Reading

MILLSTADT - Buttercup Ranch and Creamery has rescheduled its balloon glow. The glow, originally scheduled for Friday, Sept. 5, 2025, will now take place from 6:30–8:30 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 6, due to forecasted winds and rain. Tickets to the glow cost $20 per car. Scott Vignassi and The Big Little Big Band will still play as scheduled at 6 p.m. on Sept. 5. This is free to attend. The concert will be followed by the CiderMan Sprint Triathlon at 7 a.m. on Sept. 6. For more information about the triathlon, including how to participate, click here . A percentage of the proceeds from the balloon glow and triathlon will go to Millstadt’s first responders. “We want people to enjoy themselves,” added Mary MacKeen, who owns Buttercup Ranch and Creamery. “We’re excited.” For more information about the rescheduled balloon glow, click here .

Continue Reading

If you experience sudden, severe pain in the chest, back or shoulder, you might think heart attack. Alvise Bernabei, MD , an OSF HealthCare cardiothoracic surgeon, says a collapsed lung could also be the culprit. And he wants you to remember two main points: one, a collapsed lung is not as simple as a balloon deflating. And two, it’s a medical emergency. Get care right away. The basics Dr. Bernabei says a lung can collapse when air or fluid leaks into the space between the lung and the chest wall, preventing the lung from fully expanding. Smoking, being male, being tall and skinny and a family history of lung issues can make someone more likely to have the problem. And it can strike at young ages. Dr. Bernabei says he often sees the issue in people in their teens, 20s and 30s. He adds that pain associated with a collapsed lung (medical term: spontaneous pneumothorax) is usually toward the left or right sides of your chest. It also usually comes with shortness of breath and

Continue Reading

Diabetes: a recap Singer Lance Bass is among the people who have shared their story about a diabetes diagnosis that was later found to be Type 1.5. Now, health care providers are continuing to educate the public about this relatively new term - one that deserves as much attention as Types 1 and 2. Aminat Ogun, MD , a family medicine physician at OSF HealthCare, recaps Types 1 and 2 diabetes and where Type 1.5 fits in: Type 1: Dr. Ogun says the body’s immune system attacks insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. “Insulin is a hormone that brings glucose from food from the blood to the body’s cells for energy. So in Type 1 diabetes, the pancreas isn’t producing insulin,” Dr. Ogun explains. “This type of diabetes is usually seen in childhood and adolescence. It’s sudden onset. Symptoms are increased urination, increased thirst, weight loss and blurry vision. A lot of these people are dependent on insulin shots.” Type 2: The

Continue Reading

ALTON - Chloe Freeman of Girl Scout Troop 325 completed her Silver Award by leading a project to improve campsite latrines at Camp Warren Levis during July and August 2025. Recognizing the latrines had not been repainted in many years, Freeman organized a team of volunteers to power wash, scrape off chipping paint, and repaint five latrines serving the Illini, Ouatoga, Rotary, Optimist, and Ranger campsites. Freeman and her troop, who have spent significant time at Camp Warren Levis, aimed to make the latrines more welcoming and less intimidating for younger campers. The project took place amid the summer heat and involved several weeks of dedicated work.

Continue Reading

EAST ST. LOUIS – Federal, state, and local leaders joined the Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA), Mt. Sinai Development Corporation, and Rise Community Development in late August to celebrate the grand opening of Winstanley Park, a transformational new affordable housing development delivering 38 modern apartments and townhomes, plus a range of community amenities close to downtown East St. Louis. “Winstanley Park shows what is possible when state and local stakeholders, regional community organizations, and residents come together with a shared vision,” said Karen Davis, Deputy Executive Director of IHDA. “This development doesn’t just provide quality housing. It restores hope, stability, and opportunity to families while transforming once-abandoned property into a cornerstone of community pride.” Located at 1100 Martin Luther King Drive, Winstanley Park offers one, two, three, and four-bedroom units primarily serving families earnin

Continue Reading

ALTON/MARYVILLE – Residents of Alton and Maryville have been released from custody pending weapon-related charges in two unrelated felony cases. Cordaral D. Segrest, 34, of Maryville, was charged on Aug. 22, 2025 with one count each of unlawful possession of a stolen firearm (a Class 2 felony) and aggravated unlawful possession of weapons (a Class 4 felony), as well as two Class A misdemeanor counts of driving while under the influence. Segrest allegedly knowingly possessed a stolen Chiappa Firearms Model PAK-9 pistol on May 18, 2025. He was additionally accused of unlawfully carrying the weapon in a vehicle while it was uncased, loaded, and immediately accessible. Segrest also had no valid Firearm Owner’s Identification (FOID) card at the time of the offense. In addition to the weapon offenses, Segrest faces two DUI charges for allegedly operating a Ford Mustang on I-55 in Maryville while under the influence of alcohol. He was granted pretrial release from custody

Continue Reading

JERSEYVILLE – Jersey County Sheriff Nick Manns officially announced his plans to seek re-election in a letter to Jersey County residents. Manns, who was first elected Sheriff in 2022 to replace then-incumbent Mike Ringhausen, previously worked for the Sheriff's Office as a detective before returning to the office to serve as Sheriff. Manns plans to collect petition signatures this spring for his re-election run in the Nov. 3, 2026 elections. His letter to the community reads as follows: "Citizens of Jersey County, "I am writing to announce my candidacy for re-election as Jersey County Sheriff and am humbly asking for your continued support. It hardly seems possible that December will mark my third year as your Sheriff and 2026 will bring another election year. I am so thankful for your support and encouragement during my first term and consider myself blessed to live and serve in our community. "In my first term, I tried to use my training and experience to bring positive

Continue Reading

EDWARDSVILLE, IL (September 3, 2025) – Philly Pretzel Factory is proud to announce its grand reopening in Edwardsville under the new ownership of Justin and Kate Hawkins. The store will open its doors on Monday, September 8, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Tuesday, September 9, at 11 a.m., followed by the grand reopening celebration on Friday, September 19, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Both events are open to the community, and all are encouraged to attend. After serving 23 years in the U.S. Air Force, Justin Hawkins was ready to embark on a new chapter, one that combined his love for family, community, and tradition. He found that opportunity with Philly Pretzel Factory. “It’s long been a dream to own my own business, and Philly Pretzel Factory felt like the perfect fit—it’s a brand built on integrity, tradition, quality, and community connection,” said Justin. “Pretzels bring people together, whether it’s at school events, games, or family

Continue Reading

Did you know that Americans consume approximately 350 slices of pizza every second? Amid this staggering statistic, one particular variation reigns supreme: the cheese pizza. Its simplicity and universal appeal have earned it a dedicated celebration—National Cheese Pizza Day. But where did this day originate, and what makes it deserving of its own spotlight? Delving into the history of National Cheese Pizza Day reveals not just a tribute to a beloved dish, but a reflection of pizza’s cultural journey. The Origins of Cheese Pizza: A Culinary Foundation To understand National Cheese Pizza Day, it’s essential first to appreciate the origins of cheese pizza itself. Pizza as a concept dates back centuries, with flatbreads topped with various ingredients consumed in ancient civilizations like the Greeks and Egyptians. However, the modern pizza we recognize today was born in Naples, Italy, in the 18th and 19th centuries. The classic cheese pizza—specifically Margherita

Continue Reading

September 5th is a date rich with historical significance, spanning centuries and continents. In the realm of science, September 5th, 1977, saw the launch of Voyager 1 by NASA. This spacecraft was destined to become one of humanity’s most ambitious explorations of the solar system. Voyager 1 provided unprecedented data on the outer planets and continues to send information back to Earth from interstellar space, helping us understand the vastness beyond our solar neighborhood. In sports history, September 5th, 1936, featured the debut of the first NFL game played under lights, when the Brooklyn Dodgers hosted the Philadelphia Eagles. This innovation brought a new dimension to American football, allowing games to be played in the evening and increasing accessibility for fans. September 5th also holds significance in technological advancements. In 1978, the world's first GPS satellite was launched, signaling the dawn of a new era in navigation and geolocation that would revolutionize

Continue Reading

CHICAGO – Attorney General Kwame Raoul joined a coalition of 18 attorneys general in filing an amicus brief in support of a challenge to the Trump administration’s unlawful attempt to terminate Haiti’s Temporary Protected Status (TPS) designation and strip legal immigration status from hundreds of thousands of Haitians living and working in the United States. “Haitian Temporary Protected Status holders have been forced to flee their home country due to conflicts and environmental disasters,” Raoul said. “I am the proud son of Haitian immigrants, and I know firsthand that Haitians make key contributions to our state and national economies. TPS helps them contribute to their new communities while working toward a better life for their families. Removing their protected status would throw their lives into uncertainty and chaos. I join my colleagues in asking the court to extend these protections.” TPS is a humanitarian immigration status created

Continue Reading

CARROLLTON – For the first time in many years, volunteer staffers got to explore a second-floor storage room this summer. Not yet renovated, the room is full of artifacts and historical items from years ago. These items have been donated by families committed to artifact preservation and accurate genealogy materials about their own family legacies. In addition to seeing items not usually on display, visitors will also encounter some clutter. There is still plenty to see and a tour of the museum rooms, renovated a decade ago, are dusted, mopped and full of donated items in top condition. Everyone who comes out for Greene County Days activities are cordially invited to visit the Historical Society located in the historic Lee-Baker-Hodges House on the northwest corner of the Carrollton Public Square. It will be open to visitors on Friday, September 5 and Saturday, September 6, from 9 AM to 3 PM (or longer) both days. New displays this year include a piece of hardtack from the

Continue Reading

ALTON - The Alton Expo kicked off today and promises fun throughout the weekend. From Sept. 4–7, 2025, community members can access the Expo for free and enjoy live music on the riverfront at the Alton Amphitheater. A carnival, provided by Luehrs’ Ideal Rides, with rides, games and food vendors will be available all weekend. “It’s really just turned into another chance for the community to come together,” said Dan Herkert, Alton Amphitheater Commission Chair. “It’s a lot of family fun. It’s a safe opportunity and a positive opportunity to show off our community and our riverfront.” On Thursday, Sept. 4, the Expo opened from 5–10 p.m. and CLUless performed from 7–10 p.m. The carnival opens from 5–11 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 5. DJ She BEATz will spin tunes from 5:30–7:30 p.m., followed by Dirty Muggs from 8–11 p.m. On Saturday, Sept. 6, the fun kicks off from 1–11 p.m. NGK performs from 3:30–6:30

Continue Reading

WOOD RIVER – Separate felony cases of burglary in Wood River involve a city resident accused of breaking into a local business and a South Roxana man charged with burglarizing a vehicle. Jeffrey M. Porter, 55, of Wood River, was charged on Aug. 29, 2025 with a Class 2 felony count of burglary. On Aug. 22, 2025, Porter allegedly entered Moe’s Corner at 851 Wood River Ave. in Wood River without legal authority and with the intent to commit a theft. Randal L. Mamino, 58, of South Roxana, was charged with one count of burglary, a Class 3 felony. Mamino is accused of knowingly entering an individual’s motor vehicle, a 2012 Ford Econoline E-350, with the intention of committing a theft on July 20, 2025. The Wood River Police Department presented the cases against Porter and Mamino, both of whom were ordered released from custody pending trial. All individuals charged are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Continue Reading

BERWYN – Today, Governor Pritzker visited Prairie Oak Elementary School in Berwyn to mark the beginning of the school year and learn more about the impact of pending federal actions on school communities. The Governor visited students in classrooms and met with district and school leadership, teachers, and support staff. "Schools are anchors of the community that provide far more than a high-quality education – they provide stability, meals, and a safe space to learn and grow,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Amid unprecedented attacks on families with immigrants and escalating threats, schools continue to come together to educate and support our students while supporting the communities they serve.” Amid the Trump Administration’s constant attacks on immigrant communities, schools play a critical role in providing a stable and safe learning environment, meals, resources for families, after school programs, and more. Under the U.S. Constitution, every

Continue Reading

GODFREY – Lewis and Clark Community College welcomes seven new faculty members for the start of the Fall 2025 semester. The group includes professionals in nursing, biology, emergency management services/paramedicine, graphic design and welding. “We’re happy to welcome these professionals to the team at Lewis and Clark,” Vice President of Academic Affairs Sue Czerwinski said. “Our students will certainly benefit from the amount of experience and knowledge they bring to their respective programs." Sara Clohessy, Assistant Professor of Nursing A 2005 graduate of Lewis and Clark Community College’s Nursing program, Sara Clohessy went on to earn a Bachelor of Nursing from Goldfarb School of Nursing at Barnes-Jewish College in 2012, followed by a Master of Science in Nursing from Chamberlain University in 2022. She has over 20 years of experience in direct patient care, including critical care, emergency care, leadership and, most

Continue Reading

JERSEYVILLE/BELLEVILLE – The City of Jerseyville, in partnership with American Water Charitable Foundation & Illinois American Water, is excited to announce the grand opening of its brand-new community splash pad, located at Lion’s Club Park. A ribbon cutting celebratory event was held on Wednesday, August 20 with city officials, Illinois American Water team members, and community members in attendance. Grant funds from American Water Charitable Foundation and Illinois Department of Natural Resources’ FY 2023 Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development (OSLAD), as well as funding from The City of Jerseyville helped make the new splash pad possible. This welcoming community splash pad provides a water-based play space designed for people of all ages and abilities. It encourages playful interaction with nature, inspires environmental awareness, and nurtures a sense of connection to the natural world. As part of the city's continued efforts to expand recreational

Continue Reading

JERSEYVILLE – Jersey Community High School (JCHS) is inviting community members to hear from an FBI Special Agent next week on the growing threat of online dangers targeting students. Special Agent Jake Griffin with the FBI Springfield Office will make two presentations in the JCHS auditorium focusing on “Nihilistic Violent Extremism” (NVE) and its impact both locally and nationally. The first presentation, open to JCHS teachers and administrators, will be held from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 9, 2025. The second presentation, open to parents/guardians and community members, will follow on the same day from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. According to a description of the presentation, NVE groups focus recruitment efforts on children and teenagers through online platforms, using certain recruitment methods to introduce them to their ideology with a focus on radicalizing and eventually mobilizing them to violence. “The presentation will provide an overview

Continue Reading

ALTON - OSF St. Anthony’s has received the highest national honor for nursing excellence, placing them within the top 8% of hospitals in the U.S. The hospital was awarded Magnet Designation with Distinction. St. Anthony’s went above the benchmark for nursing excellence in 14 categories, putting them into the “with Distinction” category, which is even more exclusive. “We went well above, and we’re really raising the bar,” explained Charlotte R. Liley, DNP, CNL, Director of Professional Practice and Nursing Operations. “We couldn't do this without all of the nursing staff being on board and being involved in the care of their patients and everything we have to do.” Liley credits the hospital’s “professional practice model” and “transformational leadership” as two reasons why they achieved this status. She emphasized that none of this would be possible without the hard work of the nurses on

Continue Reading