Riverbender 🕸

GODFREY — Mike McCormick, the incumbent candidate for Mayor of Godfrey, discussed his vision recently for the village during an appearance on CJ Nasello's " Our Daily Show ." McCormick emphasized the importance of community engagement and financial management as he campaigns for the upcoming election. McCormick expressed pride in the performance of the Public Works Department, particularly during winter weather events. "Not once have any of them called off," he said, highlighting the commitment of his team during significant snowfalls this past winter. He acknowledged Jim Lewis, who oversees the department, and said: "'Air on side of safety' was always our motto." Looking ahead, McCormick shared his thoughts on economic development in Godfrey. "We need more rooftops with our population," he said, adding that there has been notable development along Godfrey Road and Delmar. Regarding future projects, McCormick mentioned ongoing efforts to acquire land and navigate obstacles

Continue Reading

GODFREY – Lewis and Clark Community College enrollment continues to climb amid a changing landscape and ongoing struggles permeating U.S. higher education. In Spring 2025, Lewis and Clark had 4,547 unduplicated students, compared to 4,240 the previous year—an increase of 7.24 percent. Those students took a total of 36,296.5 credit hours. “Lewis and Clark, like other community colleges, is naturally resilient,” said Vice President of Student Affairs Cherise Jackson. “Our commitments to meeting students where they are, keeping costs low and providing access to education and training for in-demand career paths are all central to our identity as an institution. Our investments in innovative methods of instruction and new programs provide numerous options for students at all points in their educational journey.” The semester’s total includes full-time, part-time, concurrent enrollment and dual credit enrollment. Concurrent enrollment

Continue Reading

EDWARDSVILLE – Mayor Art Risavy and the City Council will welcome the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Cougars men’s basketball team, coaches and Athletic Department to City Hall on Tuesday, April 1, to honor and celebrate their historic achievements during the 2024-25 season. Student athletes, coaches, support staff and representatives of the SIUE administration will attend the City Council meeting at 7 p.m. in City Hall, 118 Hillsboro Avenue, on the heels of the men’s basketball team’s debut in the NCAA Division I tournament in March. Mayor Risavy will issue a proclamation in honor of the team and its exhilarating season. “Our City is beaming with Cougar pride, and we are thrilled for the opportunity to recognize this terrific accomplishment,” Mayor Risavy said. “There’s so much hard work, determination and dedication that is put forth each and every season by everyone involved, and in particular by these amazing student athletes.”

Continue Reading

EDWARDSVILLE - The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Meridian Society has announced the recipients of its 2025 awards, providing $22,794 in funding to seven innovative projects that serve the campus and broader Metro East community. “The most distinctive aspect of our 2025 awards is that we go beyond donating to known community organizations,” said Marian Smithson, Meridian Society member and Awards Committee chair. “We’re providing funds to launch unique events and projects that will open new experiences for youth and adults in the Metro East, as well as SIUE students.” The Meridian Society received 11 applications totaling more than $47,000 in funding requests. The awarded projects reflect careful consideration by the Society’s committee, which prioritized mission alignment, long-term impact and sustainability. “The Meridian Awards committee faces a challenging task with limited funding,” said Julie Babington, senior director

Continue Reading

EDWARDSVILLE - Senior catcher and designated hitter Max Waltenberger is off to a great start with the Edwardsville baseball team, showing tremendous leadership skills as well as a good eye at the plate as the Tigers are once again off to another solid start to the new season. In the season opener, Waltenberger drove home the first two runs of the season in an 11-0 win over Normal Community at Tom Pile Field, and after the game, he felt very good about what happened during the game, and is also optimistic about the season ahead. "I feel great, man," Waltenberger said during his postgame interview. "It's been a long offseason, really, but we've all been ready to get on the field, and show everybody what we can do. We're really excited to be out there." Waltenberger is a Spencer Homes Male Athlete of the Month for the Tigers. The pitch Waltenberger hit to knock home the first two runs of the game was something he was looking for, and he took advantage of it when he saw it. "It wa

Continue Reading

BELLEVILLE — Pope Francis has appointed Bishop Michael McGovern of the Belleville Diocese as the new Archbishop of Omaha, Nebraska, a transition that will take effect with his installation on May 7, 2025, at the Cathedral of St. Cecilia. In a letter addressing the announcement, McGovern expressed gratitude and humility for the appointment. “I thank the Pope for the confidence he has placed in me,” he said. He also acknowledged Pope Francis's leadership and renewed his commitment to serve the Catholic Church. “Please join me in asking God to bless our Holy Father and restore his health during the coming weeks,” he added. Bishop McGovern has served as the Bishop of Belleville since April 2020, overseeing a diocese that encompasses 28 counties in Southern Illinois. Reflecting on his time in Belleville, he noted the challenges and responsibilities of his role, stating, “While I had been pastor of 16 years, the ministry of bishop was new to me.”

Continue Reading

Dear Alton, As Election Day draws near, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has supported me throughout this campaign for Alton City Clerk. It has been a true pleasure traveling to every ward and neighborhood over these past months, meeting my fellow Altonians on front porches, steps, and sidewalks. These moments have reminded me of the strength of our community and the importance of staying connected as we move forward together. The conversations, the questions, and the encouragement I’ve received have all strengthened my resolve to serve our community with integrity and dedication. I especially want to thank retired City Clerk Mary Boulds for her generous support, mentorship, and endorsement. My commitment to transparency, efficiency, and open communication has been at the heart of my campaign. As your City Clerk, I will work tirelessly to ensure that every resident’s voice is heard and that our city’s operations remain smooth and accessible.

Continue Reading

ALTON — The Wedge Innovation Center is set to officially open its doors with a VIP ribbon-cutting ceremony at 3 p.m. on Tuesday, April 1, 2025. Located at 620 E Broadway in Alton, the center represents a collaboration between The Wedge and Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE) aimed at transforming the economic landscape of the greater Alton Metro and St. Louis regions. The partnership, branded as "The Wedge Powered by SIUE," seeks to create a dynamic ecosystem focused on innovation, education, and community development. The Wedge will officially begin operations on April 7, 2025, serving as a 55,000-square-foot social impact hub, research lab, think tank, and workspace designed to drive innovation across Illinois and Missouri, with aspirations to extend its influence throughout the Midwest. The facility will house the Midwest AI Network (MAIN) Labs, the SIUE GeoMarc Office, and the SIUE Center for Predictive Analytics. By bringing together entrepreneurs, researchers,

Continue Reading

HARTFORD – The Lewis and Clark State Historic Site will host “Prince Maximilian and Karl Bodmer: Touring the Wilderness of North America” at 2 p.m. Saturday, April 12, 2025 in the Lewis and Clark State Historic Site Interpretive Center Theater. Historian and author Brain “Fox” Ellis will portray the Prince of Wied, Maximilian, as he takes you on his journey with Karl Bodmer across North America in the 1830s. Their travels focus on the diverse cultures and natural wonders of the Great Plains and the American West. Ellis is an internationally renowned storyteller, author, and naturalist. He is also a museum consultant who has worked with Chicago’s Field Museum and the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library in Springfield. He is the author of more than 20 books including a series of biographies based on his one-man shows. “We are tremendously excited to again be partnering with the Illinois Humanities Road Scholars program to bring Brian ‘Fox’

Continue Reading

As Saturday Night Live celebrated its 50th anniversary, one thing it has been known for over the decades is the use of comedy to make a commentary on what’s happening in the world. Recently, it was a skit about how the only way to get a young man to an annual physical is to pretend it’s a podcast appearance. OSF HealthCare primary care physician, Mfowethu Langeni , DO, said he heard about the skit and then watched it with appreciation. “So hopefully this can help encourage people to change that mindset and change the framing and letting them know that we will see you even if you have no symptoms, no issues. Preventive health is equally as important as any other aspect of health care.” Nearly 40% of Generation Z men (age 20-29) don’t have a primary care provider and millennial men (age 29-43) make up the second-highest number of men without regular primary care according to one study . Using comedy to tell hard truths can be an effective tool so

Continue Reading

BELLEVILLE — Rebecca Losli, President of Illinois American Water, issued the following statement in response to the grades of C- for water and D+ wastewater in the American Society of Civil Engineers' (ASCE) 2025 Report Card for America’s Infrastructure. “The ASCE 2025 Report Card reveals no change or improvement over the last four years – America's drinking water and wastewater infrastructure is stagnant. The Report Card highlights the urgent need for significant investment in water and wastewater infrastructure, not just across the nation, but also here in Illinois,” said Losli. “Our state continues to face challenges when it comes to investing in critical infrastructure, particularly in these sectors.” With over a trillion dollars in infrastructure investments needed in water and wastewater across the country over the next two decades, American Water continues to work with local, state and federal leaders to provide expertise and investment

Continue Reading

CHICAGO – Attorney General Kwame Raoul charged a Bluffs, Illinois man for allegedly producing and disseminating child sexual abuse material. The case is part of Raoul’s ongoing work, in collaboration with federal law enforcement agencies and local law enforcement officials throughout Illinois, to apprehend offenders who download and trade child sexual abuse material online. The Attorney General’s office charged Bobby H. Xiong, 27, in Greene County Circuit Court with three counts of dissemination of child pornography, Class X felonies punishable by up to 30 years in prison; and two counts of possession of child pornography, Class 2 felonies punishable by up to seven years in prison. Sentences are ultimately determined by the court. Xiong is currently detained at the Greene County Jail, and his next court date is scheduled for April 28. “Holding child predators who exploit children accountable can help survivors and their families heal from the trauma they unnecessarily

Continue Reading

CARLINVILLE – Carlinville Area Hospital & Clinics will host a Community Blood Drive with ImpactLife, the provider of blood components for local hospitals. The blood drive will be from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Monday, April 14, 2025 at Carlinville Hospital, 20733 North Broad, inside the Donor Bus. What: Carlinville Area Hospital & Clinics Community Blood Drive When: Monday, April 14th, 11:00 am - 2:30 pm Where: ImpactLife Donor Bus, 20733 North Broad, Carlinville, IL Appointments: To donate, please contact Vicki Walker at (217) 854-3141 or visit www.bloodcenter.org and use code 60352 to locate the drive. Appointments are requested. You may also call ImpactLife to schedule at 800-747-5401. 2801 South 10th Street | Springfield, Illinois | (217) 753-1530 Donor Eligibility Criteria: Potential donors must be at least 17 years of age (16 with parental permission form available through www.bloodcenter.org ) and weigh more than 110 pounds. A photo I.D. is required to donate.

Continue Reading

CHICAGO – Attorney General Kwame Raoul today joined a coalition of six attorneys general in sending a letter to Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Secretary Doug Collins and Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Russell Vought requesting a meeting on a federal rule that provides veterans and their families access to vital reproductive health services. The rule at issue, “Reproductive Health Services,” permits the VA medical benefits package and the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs to provide abortion counseling for all pregnancies and abortion services in situations where the patient’s life or health is threatened and in cases of self-reported rape or incest. The Trump administration has indicated it is currently reviewing the rule and has held meetings with other stakeholders. “Those who have served in the military have made countless sacrifices to protect our freedoms. In return, our military

Continue Reading

CHICAGO – Governor JB Pritzker has proclaimed March 31st as Transgender Day of Visibility in Illinois, highlighting the state human rights law that protects transgender people from discrimination. To mark the occasion, the Illinois Department of Human Rights (IDHR) today issued non-regulatory guidance on the right to be free from discrimination on the basis of gender identity. “As Governor, it has been my mission to ensure that every Illinoisan lives without the fear of violence, prejudice, or discrimination,” said Governor JB Pritzker . “If you’re looking for a place to be authentically yourself, come to Illinois—a state where, regardless of who you are, we celebrate all Illinoisians, recognize their accomplishments, and fight to protect rights to live with dignity and respect.” “In Illinois you have a right to safely exist and be your most authentic self. We don’t just talk about inclusion—we put it into law,”

Continue Reading

CHICAGO – Attorney General Kwame Raoul today announced that a Carlyle, Illinois man was sentenced to 100 years in prison after pleading guilty to sexually assaulting children and producing child sexual abuse material. The case is part of Raoul’s ongoing work, in collaboration with federal law enforcement agencies and local law enforcement officials throughout Illinois, to apprehend offenders who download and trade child sexual abuse material online. The Attorney General’s office prosecuted Mickail S. Cranford, 24, who was sentenced on Thursday by Clinton County Circuit Court Judge Joshua Morrison after previously pleading guilty to two Class X felony charges of predatory criminal sexual assault of a child under 13 and two Class X felony charges of manufacturing child pornography. “This sentence represents justice for victims who have been exploited and abused,” Raoul said. “I will continue to partner with local law enforcement agencies and prosecutors

Continue Reading

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, along with U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), and Alex Padilla (D-CA), sent a letter to the Deputy Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Dan Bongino, raising serious concerns over his ability to lead the Bureau with FBI Director Kash Patel. Deputy Director Bongino is a former conservative political commentator, podcast host, and conspiracy theorist peddler. The position of the FBI Deputy Director is not Senate-confirmed. The Senators wrote, “As the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) finalizes its new leadership structure, we are deeply concerned that Director Kash Patel’s senior leadership team is unprepared for the challenges of managing our nation’s premier law enforcement agency and its approximately 38,000 public servants.” “As the newly appointed Deputy Director, your past public

Continue Reading

PEKIN – Governor JB Pritzker, Epic Medical and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) today announced the company will open its first U.S. facility in the Riverway Business Park in Pekin. Epic Medical, which will operate as Epic Pharma Solutions Inc. in Illinois, will make a $25 million capital investment with support from an Economic Development for a Growing Economy (EDGE) agreement with DCEO, which will enable the company to expand into the U.S., construct an intravenous (IV) solutions manufacturing facility, and initially create 50 new full-time jobs. “Illinois is one of the best places in the world for manufacturing companies to operate, and we are thrilled to welcome Epic Medical to Pekin,” said Governor JB Pritzker . “With the $25 million investment, the Central Illinois facility will create good-paying jobs for working families in the region while strengthening the medical device supply chain to increase the availability

Continue Reading

GODFREY - Now in its third year, the Community Garden at Resurrection Lutheran Church in Godfrey. is welcoming Spring. For many of us this is our favorite time of the year. What makes a garden a community garden? Mark Groh, co-chair says “we listen to the needs of the community. The produce is shared with the Alton Crisis Food Center, Oasis Women’s Center and others in the Riverbend area facing food insecurity. We asked them what vegetables are popular for those receiving food from their programs, and less available from other sources”. Karen Sullivan, Alton Crisis Food Center acknowledged okra, Chinese cabbage, and sweet potatoes were among the favorites provided by the Community Garden from those picking up food items in previous years. Traditional fresh vegetables such as peppers, green beans, eggplant, lettuce, squash, zucchini, and tomatoes supplement the non-perishable food donations of the congregation to both organizations throughout the long growing

Continue Reading

ALTON – Spring is in the air, and the Easter Bunny is on his way! Families are invited to celebrate the season with an unforgettable Easter experience at Alton Square Mall, filled with joy, smiles, and festive fun. Starting on April 4, 2025, guests can visit Alton Square Mall to meet the Easter Bunny, capture memorable photos, and soak in the vibrant springtime atmosphere. This beloved tradition brings the magic of the season to life with beautifully themed photos, creating cherished memories for all. "Springtime is about making joyful memories with loved ones," said Rosanna Frisch, Senior Marketing Manager. "We’re delighted to welcome the Easter Bunny back to Alton Square Mall and invite families to join us for a fun, festive photo experience that celebrates the magic of the season." For more information please email mallevents@hullpg.com or contact the Mall Management Office at (618) 300-3164

Continue Reading