Riverbender 🕸

RIVERBEND - Ameren is urging residents to celebrate thoughtfully this summer to mitigate power outages. Brian Bretsch, a spokesperson for Ameren Illinois, shared that the company often sees power outages due to released balloons. Though Bretsch emphasized that Ameren wants people to celebrate and have fun, they’re asking folks to dispose of balloons properly and avoid releasing them. “Ameren is not the balloon police,” Bretsch joked. “We do want you to celebrate. We just want you to properly dispose of your balloons, especially the Mylar ones. The issue with the Mylar balloons is there’s a metallic coating on the balloons. When they’re released, if they come in contact with the power lines or anywhere on a substation, that metal property on the balloon can come in contact with an energized area. It can go around the balloon, spark, and then if it pops and the debris goes into our system, then it can cause an outage.” Bretsch noted

Continue Reading

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Transportation is asking the public to provide feedback on the state's transportation system and the agency’s overall performance by taking the annual Traveler Opinion Survey. Conducted through May 30, the survey is available online at https://go.uis.edu/traveler2025 or visiting by idot.illinois.gov . Done in partnership with the University of Illinois Springfield, the survey is an opportunity for people who live in Illinois to provide feedback on a wide range of topics, giving IDOT valuable insight and information to continue being a national leader in transportation services. This year’s survey takes less than 10 minutes to complete and asks for input on commuting habits, passenger rail, ice and snow removal, planning priorities, electric vehicles and more. In 2024, more than 1,700 responses were received. The Traveler Opinion Survey has been a staple of IDOT since 2001. Copies of previous surveys and results can be

Continue Reading

EAST ST. LOUIS - Specialist Maria White Burton recognized that Kiyara Conrad, a teacher at Dr. Katie Harper-Wright Elementary School in East St Louis School District 189, has been saluted for her dedication to student growth and professional excellence in the district. During Teacher Appreciation Week, East St. Louis School District 189 highlighted educators who positively impact student outcomes. Research indicates that students with access to high-quality teachers are more likely to graduate from high school and attend college, regardless of their background. Ms. Conrad exemplifies this standard through her student-centered approach, setting high expectations and encouraging students to reach their full potential, Burton said. “Ms. Conrad is a student-centered educator at Dr. Katie Harper-Wright Elementary School in East St. Louis who consistently prioritizes the academic and personal growth of her students,” Burton said. “She sets high expectations and encourages

Continue Reading

EDWARDSVILLE — The City of Edwardsville’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee marked the completion of the second week of its Bike Bus initiative on Friday, May 9, 2025, encouraging students to bike or walk to school in groups rather than relying on cars or traditional bus transportation. On that morning, 18 students participated on the Columbus Elementary route, 10 students joined from Woodland Elementary, and additional riders from Cassens Elementary and several Walk Bus participants from Columbus participated. The event, which has been held for several years each spring and fall, aims to promote active transportation among schoolchildren while fostering a sense of community. The committee noted that the strong participation has led them to describe the program more as a “Bike Train” than a Bike Bus. The final session for this spring is scheduled for Friday, May 16, 2025. The Bike Bus and Walk Bus programs have grown in popularity nationwide,

Continue Reading

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, combat Veteran and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL)—a member of both the U.S. Senate Armed Services (SASC) and Veterans’ Affairs Committees (SVAC)—and U.S. Representatives April McClain Delaney (D-MD-06) and James Moylan (R-GU-AL) introduced legislation to modernize the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) in order to help ensure that military caregiver benefits are available to more people who selflessly care for their servicemember or Veteran family member in medical need. The Making it Likely for Families of the Military to Live with Leave Access (MIL FMLA) Act would expand FMLA leave benefits for military family members who aren’t currently covered under the FMLA. “It’s long overdue that Congress expands leave benefits for the selfless Americans who care for their servicemember or Veteran loved ones—who often have complex and unique medical needs as a result of their service,” said Senator Duckworth

Continue Reading

SPRINGFIELD – With warmer weather comes “tick season” and the annual observance of National Lyme Disease Awareness Month throughout the month of May. The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is urging the public to learn how to protect themselves from ticks and Lyme disease. “Lyme disease is a serious bacterial infection transmitted through the bite of infected ticks,” said IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra. “Lyme Disease is the most common vector-borne illness in the United States affecting more than 500,000 people nationally each year. As the summer approaches, I encourage our residents to learn to ‘Fight the Bite’ and protect yourself and your loved ones from tickborne illnesses. If you have been in wooded or high grassy areas and are experiencing symptoms – fever, fatigue, headache and a circular rash – see your health care provider immediately.” IDPH has created Pocket Cards , a Tick Defense Knowledge

Continue Reading

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (Illinois EPA) is providing notification to the owners and operators of ten Community Water Systems (CWS) that have been identified as having an emergency connection to a CWS that was previously notified of the detection of one or more Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) at levels exceeding newly enacted groundwater quality standards. The ten CWS only utilize the emergency connection in the event of a water emergency. A list of the ten systems is included with this notification. Illinois Right-to-Know laws require CWSs to notify all end users if groundwater contamination poses a threat of exposure to the public above the Class I groundwater quality standards. This law establishes methods of notification and strict time frames for providing notice. Groundwater routinely utilized by the ten CWS specified in this release does not exceed the newly adopted groundwater quality standards; however, the systems are authorized

Continue Reading

CHICAGO — Governor JB Pritzker announced that the State of Illinois received the necessary assurances from the federal government to move toward completion of the Brandon Road Interbasin Project. This afternoon, the Trump Administration issued a memorandum expressing their support for continuation of the project, which aims to prevent invasive carp from infiltrating the Great Lakes. After months of uncertainty around the withholding of federal infrastructure funding from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR), the Administration has reversed course and given the certainty required for the State of Illinois to continue as previously planned. “I am glad that the Trump Administration heard our calls about the importance of delivering federal funds for the Brandon Road Project and decided to finally meet their obligations to the State of Illinois and the Great Lakes region,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “I have made clear that – in the interest

Continue Reading

EDWARDSVILLE — A reported incident involving a suspicious individual on a bike trail near Illinois Highway 157 and Commerce Drive in Edwardsville has prompted Edwardsville Police to remind residents to remain vigilant while using local trails. The incident occurred on Thursday, May 8, 2025, when a woman walking on the trail reported feeling uneasy after encountering a man. Edwardsville Police Chief Mike Fillback said the man did not physically touch her, but she came forward to share that she had “a strange feeling about it.” The male was reported to have encroached on the woman's space while she was on the trail for 10 or 15 minutes this past Thursday. Authorities have not yet identified or spoken with the individual involved. Chief Fillback urged trail users to carry cell phones and to contact police immediately if they experience any unusual encounters. “We encourage people to be mindful of their surroundings, always,” Fillback said. “This typ

Continue Reading

SPRINGFIELD - Madison County has been issued a final property assessment equalization factor of 1.0000, according to David Harris, director of the Illinois Department of Revenue (IDOR). The property assessment equalization factor, often called the "multiplier," is the method used to achieve uniform property assessments among counties, as required by law. This equalization is particularly important because some of the state's 6,600 local taxing districts overlap into two or more counties (e.g., school districts, junior college districts, fire protection districts). If there was no equalization among counties, substantial inequities among taxpayers with comparable properties would result. Under a law passed in 1975, property in Illinois should be assessed at one-third (1/3) of its market value. Farm property is assessed differently with farm homesites and dwellings subject to regular assessing and equalization procedures. Farmland is assessed at one-third of its agriculture economic

Continue Reading

ALTON — The Small Business Development Center (SBDC) and the Southern Illinois University (SIU) System Office of Community Engagement (OCE) will host a series of free events this May at The Wedge and SIUE, located at 620 E Broadway, Alton, aimed at supporting local entrepreneurs and community members through education, collaboration, and innovation. The events begin Friday, May 16, with “Capital Connections: Bootstrapping for Your Business,” a session led by the SBDC from 12 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. This workshop will guide aspiring and early-stage entrepreneurs through self-funding strategies and alternative financial tools, focusing on ways to grow a business without giving up equity. Jo Ann Di Maggio May, director of the Illinois SBDC for the Metro East at SIUE, said, “Learn your financing options as a new entrepreneur from venture capital to bootstrapping. If you are starting your journey or looking to grow this series is for you.” On Wednesday, May

Continue Reading

JERSEY COUNTY - A serious accident occurred on Illinois Route 16/100 on Sunday morning, May 11, 2025, Jersey County Sheriff Nick Manns reported on Monday, May 12, 2025. Sheriff Manns said there was no fire or entrapment in the accident but it was a very serious crash. He also said the man, who was 60 years old, was airlifted out to a St. Louis hospital from the scene. The sheriff said the accident occurred at 8:44 a.m. on Sunday, May 11, 2025. The accident remains under investigation by the Jersey County Sheriff's Office and no other information will be released at this time.

Continue Reading

ALTON - With 74 years in the business, Duke Bakery is just as beloved as ever in the Alton community. Located at 819 Henry Street in Alton, Duke Bakery is a staple in the Middletown neighborhood. Ben Hollis, who owns the bakery with his wife, shared that they have enjoyed welcoming generations of customers, and they are looking forward to celebrating the 75th anniversary of the business next year. “To be able to operate that business in this town on the same street corner for 74 years is a testament not to us. It’s a testament to the community, because they’re the ones that stood behind us,” Hollis said. “I think it all lies in the customers and the community more than it does in anything we have done.” Hollis began working at the store 25 years ago, when his in-laws owned it and needed help after losing one of their bakers. He quickly fell in love with the job. He noted that a lot has changed since he took on his role in 2000, though there’

Continue Reading

BELLEVILLE — The College of Consultors of the Catholic Diocese of Belleville elected Very Reverend Godfrey Mullen, OSB, as the diocesan administrator on May 9, 2025. He will lead the diocese until Pope Leo XIV appoints the tenth Bishop of Belleville. The election followed the departure of Archbishop Michael McGovern, who served as diocesan administrator from March 31, 2025, after Pope Francis named him archbishop of the Archdiocese of Omaha. Archbishop McGovern officially took possession of that archdiocese on May 7. Father Mullen, a native of Salem within the Diocese of Belleville, entered Saint Meinrad Archabbey in 1988. Since 2022, he has served the diocese in multiple roles, including Rector of the Cathedral of St. Peter, Director of the Office of Worship, pastor of Blessed Sacrament and Our Lady Queen of Peace Parishes, and Moderator of the Curia. He also briefly held the position of Vicar General in 2025. In his new role, Father Mullen will oversee diocesan operations

Continue Reading

MARYVILLE - Anderson Hospital Surgical Services is proud to announce the successful completion of its first surgical procedure using the advanced 7D FLASH™ Navigation System—a cutting-edge technology that enhances surgical precision and elevates patient care. The procedure was performed by Dr. Brendan Fong, a neurosurgeon with Neurosurgery of St. Louis and a member of Anderson Medical Group. Dr. Fong and his colleagues see patients at their Maryville office, conveniently located on the Anderson Hospital campus. As the only image-guided system on the market to combine novel, proprietary camera-based technology with machine-vision algorithms, the 7D FLASH Navigation System contributes to faster, more efficient spinal procedures while decreasing radiation exposure. In seconds, a flash of radiation-free visible light projects a 2D pattern onto the patient, providing nearly 1,000,000 data points and automatically generating a 3D image for surgical navigation. "Intraoperative

Continue Reading

Did you know that even mild dehydration—losing as little as 2% of your body weight in water—can impair cognitive function, reduce physical endurance, and negatively affect mood? Despite its importance, hydration is often overlooked, particularly during periods when the body loses water more rapidly. Understanding the importance of proper hydration, especially in warmer conditions, is essential for preserving health, optimizing performance, and preventing serious complications. Why Hydration Matters Beyond Quenching Thirst Water constitutes approximately 60% of the human body and is vital for nearly every physiological process. It regulates body temperature, lubricates joints, transports nutrients, and removes waste. When the body loses water faster than it is replenished, dehydration sets in, compromising these critical functions. Even slight dehydration can cause symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, dizziness, and impaired concentration. More severe dehydration can lea

Continue Reading

Did you know that over 80% of the world’s population relies on herbal remedies for primary healthcare? Herbal teas, a simple yet powerful way to harness the healing properties of plants, have been consumed for millennia. Beyond their soothing flavors, these infusions can support digestion, reduce stress, and boost immunity. But why settle for store-bought sachets when you can create your own blends from fresh, vibrant ingredients right at home? This article explores the art and science of making homemade herbal teas using fresh herbs, flowers, and roots, empowering you to craft personalized brews tailored to your taste and wellness needs. Understanding Herbal Teas: What Sets Them Apart? Herbal teas, also known as tisanes, differ from traditional teas because they do not contain leaves from the Camellia sinensis plant. Instead, they are made from a variety of fresh or dried herbs, flowers, seeds, or roots steeped in hot water. This distinction means herbal teas are naturally

Continue Reading

O’FALLON, Ill. — HSHS Medical Group is pleased to welcome Allison Harris, PA-C, to HSHS Medical Group Multispecialty Care – St. Elizabeth’s at 3 St. Elizabeth Blvd., Suite 5000, in O’Fallon, Illinois. Harris is a certified physician assistant with a clinical focus in gastroenterology. She provides compassionate, patient-centered care through open communication, trust and individualized attention. Harris takes time to listen, educate and partner with her patients to develop care plans tailored to their unique needs and long-term health goals. She earned a Master of Science in physician assistant studies from Franklin College in Franklin, Indiana. She holds a Master of Science in biology from Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis and a Bachelor of Arts in biology from Anderson University in Anderson, Indiana. Harris resides in O’Fallon. In her free time, she enjoys strength training, reading, meal prepping and exploring the local

Continue Reading

ALTON — Alton Pride is proud to announce the recipients of its 2025 High School Scholarships, awarded to four outstanding students who have demonstrated a deep commitment to community service, leadership, and advocacy within and beyond the LGBTQ+ community. This year’s scholarships are awarded as follows: Roadecker “Roe” Watts Award ($1,500) – Bailey Rardin, Alton High School Debbie Paynic Award ($1,000) – Jamie Postlewait, Alton High School Harvey Milk Award ($750) – Adelia, Sandifer, Alton High School RuPaul Charles Award ($500) – Jake Sims, Civic Memorial High School Applicants were evaluated by the Alton Pride Board of Directors through an anonymous review process that considered a written essay, demonstrated volunteerism (20+ hours), and overall alignment with the organization’s mission. The 2025 awards mark a new milestone with a record number of applications submitted, reflecting the growing impact and reach of

Continue Reading

BETHALTO - Paula Howell loves children, plain and simple. Howell is a special education teacher for second and third grades at Parkside Primary School in the Bethalto Community Unit School District #8. She has taught in a variety of classrooms since 1992, and she is the mother to five boys who she and her husband adopted through the foster care program. This Teacher Appreciation Week, she’s reflecting on her decision to devote her life to caring for kids. “I love seeing a child’s face light up when he or she makes accomplishments that they’ve worked diligently on. In my classroom, I have the privilege to work with my students for two years, which allows me to build very special relationships with both students and their families,” she shared. “It’s so rewarding seeing the accomplishments they make in a school year.” Howell didn’t always want to become a teacher. When she went away to college, she wasn’t certain where

Continue Reading