Riverbender 🕸

ALTON - A focus on economic and community development will continue to drive a financially stable tourism economy in southwest Illinois, Cory Jobe, President/CEO of the Great Rivers & Routes Tourism Bureau said during the Bureau’s annual Tourism Summit held today at Lewis & Clark Community College in Godfrey. Speaking to a sold-out venue of over 500 attendees, Mr. Jobe noted that over the last four years, tourism has contributed nearly $92 million in new spending and in 2024 there was another increase in travelers visiting the region. But it’s the power of tourism, as both an economic and community development engine, that will enhance the southwest Illinois economy and create a strong visitor destination in 2025, Mr. Jobe said in his remarks. “That is why we embarked on developing a 10 year Tourism Master Plan – to guide a holistic approach to destination development,” Mr. Jobe pointed out. “With this plan, we have begun the journey t

Continue Reading

Letter To The Editor: WOOD RIVER - Last week, Councilman Bill Dettmers requested a special meeting to further discuss matters related to TIF agreements and a forensic audit of the TIF process. As a CPA and Certified Fraud Examiner, I believe this is unnecessary and would result in additional professional expenses on top of the increase in legal fees already incurred due to Councilman Dettmers' numerous attorney meetings and legal requests. Consequently, I will not participate in it. I informed Mayor Stalcup of my decision and he is in agreement. TIF funds undergo an annual audit and testing by an independent audit firm. I am confident in the integrity of the process. Additionally, our attorneys have thoroughly reviewed our TIF agreements and addressed the numerous questions from Councilman Dettmers, which have cost the city considerable time and legal fees. As a comparative, fiscal year-to-date through January of each fiscal year, 2023 legal fees were $23,931, fiscal year-to-date

Continue Reading

MADISON COUNTY — A fatal accident occurred early Sunday morning, Feb. 23, 2025, at the Homestead Rest Area along northbound Interstate 55 near Hamel, involving a pedestrian and a Ford F150 truck pulling a trailer. Illinois State Police Troop 8 responded to the scene at approximately 2:29 a.m. on Sunday. ISP said preliminary reports indicate that a 66-year-old male pedestrian from Wetumka, Okla., was standing outside the Ford F150, which was identified as Unit 2. The pedestrian appeared to be working on the vehicle when it began to move forward, resulting in the pedestrian being struck. Emergency responders pronounced the man deceased at the scene. As of now, no further information has been released regarding the incident. The investigation is ongoing.

Continue Reading

JERSEYVILLE – Anyone interested in learning sewing machine basics is invited to the Jersey County Arts Council space in Jerseyville, where classes begin this evening and later this spring. “Getting T o Know Your Sewing Machine” will be taught by Joannie and Meredith Dougherty at the Jersey County Arts Council space at the First Presbyterian Church, located at 400 S. State St. in Jerseyville. Tonight’s class on Monday, Feb. 24, 2025 will be held from 6-8 p.m., with another class set for April 7. T hese classes will cover the basics of using a sewing machine; while you’re welcome to bring your own sewing machine, other machines will be provided. Class sizes are limited and intended for ages 8 to adult. To secure your spot, a non-refundable $20 donation to the Jersey County Arts Council is required. To learn more, register, and/or receive a supply list for these classes, email sewingismysuperpower8@gmail.com .

Continue Reading

COLLINSVILLE – a benefit concert featuring some of the area’s top musicians will raise funds and awareness for Lewis & Clark Habitat for Humanity and its mission to provide decent, affordable housing for families in need. The event is scheduled for Thursday, March 20 at the Old Herald Brewery & Distillery’s Soulcial Space at 115 E. Clay St. in Collinsville, and will be hosted by Old Herald. Ironically, the space formerly housed the Lewis & Clark Habitat for Humanity ReStore, a resale shop that raises funds to help support Habitat’s mission, from July 2008 to February 2020. The ReStore is currently located at 1950 Vandalia Street, in the Orchards Center. Performing at the benefit will be: Deez Notes featuring Scott Marlin on guitar and vocals, and Scott’s son Carter on keyboards and vocals. Jeremy Drake, lead singer and guitarist of the St. Louis-based Shotgun Creek band, which features a unique brand of Midwest country music that’s straight fro

Continue Reading

MADISON COUNTY - A local beauty queen will represent Madison County in an upcoming pageant in Nashville. Aubrianna Cox was recently named Tiny Miss Madison County through America’s Best Pageant. The 3-year-old queen loves dressing up and participating in pageants, and she’s excited to travel to Nashville for the Toyfest Nationals Pageant in September. “I like the pink dress and the pink crown,” Aubrianna said. The granddaughter of Gerald Jr. and Maude Cox Wilson, Aubrianna already stands out for her vibrant personality. She has been participating in pageants for a little over a year now, starting with online pageants and eventually graduating to the in-person America’s Best Pageant, where she was named Tiny Miss Madison County. Maude noted that the pageants aim to build character, and she hopes Aubrianna can learn more about being a good person through her participation. She believes the pageants encourage self-esteem and community service. “It&rsquo

Continue Reading

JERSEYVILLE – After attacking two people, including an elderly individual, a man from Jerseyville faces multiple criminal charges. Trevor A. Gettings, 21, of Jerseyville, was charged on Feb. 19, 2025 with aggravated battery, a Class 3 felony, and domestic battery/bodily harm, a Class A misdemeanor. On Feb. 18, 2025, Gettings allegedly struck a victim 60 years of age or older “in the head and about the body multiple times,” according to court documents. He was also charged with striking a different victim in the face. A petition was filed to deny Gettings’s pretrial release, adding he has a history of domestic violence and alcohol/substance abuse. The petition also states Gettings “has shown an escalation in his violent tendencies.” Gettings was arrested by the Jerseyville Police Department. Jersey County Sheriff’s Office records indicate he currently remains in custody. All individuals charged are presumed innocent until proven guilty

Continue Reading

EDWARDSVILLE - The City of Edwardsville will host their first-ever Choco-Lotta-Fun Crawl for community members and businesses to connect and enjoy sweet treats. On Saturday, March 1, 2025, the community is invited to stop by several businesses throughout the city for chocolate-themed specials, deals, discounts and more. Communications Coordinator Cathy Hensley and Economic and Community Development Coordinator James Arnold look forward to sharing the experience with people throughout the Riverbend region. “There’s something for everyone. You can make a whole marathon of it,” Hensley said. “The response has been so creative.” The City of Edwardsville reached out to businesses and organizations to see if they’d be interested in participating in the crawl, and they were pleasantly surprised to sign up so many participants. Hensley and Arnold noted that community members can spend the entire day traveling to the businesses and enjoying the

Continue Reading

GRANITE CITY/WORDEN - The Mardi Gras party is coming to southwest Illinois on Saturday, March 1 when the Granite City Mardi Gras Celebration returns to the city and the popular ‘redneck party’ – Wordi Gras - takes to the streets of Worden. Granite City’s Mardi Gras fun starts with a parade at 1 p.m. winding through downtown ending at Civic Park. The Civic Park Block Party starts after the parade from 2 to 6 p.m. and includes family-friendly fun at Alligator Alley, food and drink vendors and live music by Sweetie and The Toothaches and Baywolfe. There will also be vendors on site for those who want to shop. Wordi Gras, the self-proclaimed ‘Redneck Mardi Gras’ brings the party to Worden, a small Route 66 community in Madison County. The event kicks off at Noon with live music and food and drink vendors. The famous Wordi Gras parade steps off at 3 p.m. and includes a procession of floats, tractors, trucks cars and more.

Continue Reading

NORMAL - Illinois State University has earned full reaccreditation from the Institutional Action Committee (IAC) of the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). The accreditation is continuous through the 2034-2035 academic year and reaffirms that the University meets established higher education standards. Accreditation ensures recognition by state and federal bodies and is an important assurance for students and families, as well as employers. “Accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission shows that Illinois State not only meets but exceeds nationally established higher education standards and is engaged in continuous improvement,” said Illinois State University President, Dr. Aondover Tarhule. “I congratulate and extend my gratitude to the Accreditation Steering Committee work teams, as well as our stakeholders and community members who actively contributed to the reaccreditation process over the past two years.” The University received positive

Continue Reading

Each February youth-serving organizations and schools celebrate Youth Leadership Month, a time to inspire young people to take up leadership roles and shine a light on those already contributing to their communities in impactful ways. Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri (GSEM) Cadette, Kaelyn Krysowaty, developed a multi-faceted service project, collecting glasses for those in need to earn her Girl Scout Silver Award. Kaelyn created a series of collection boxes titled the Pink Box Drive. These boxes collected sunglasses, reading glasses, and eyeglasses individuals no longer used, that could be repurposed and given to community members in need. Kaelyn joined forces with local businesses, churches, and other organizations to set up collection locations. Then, she collaborated with the Maplewood Lion’s Club to sort and process the donations. Every pair of glasses she collected was restored and then distributed to people in need of visual support throughout the area. “After completing

Continue Reading

Approximately 28 percent of all public employees nationwide are affected by the provisions of the Social Security Fairness Act, and a free video from the Illinois Public Pension Fund Association (IPPFA) explains those new benefits in an easy-to-understand way. The new video includes the major changes under the Social Security Fairness Act, including the increased benefits for state and local government employees who have pensions from non-Social-Security-covered work. Those employees include most of the nation’s police, fire and emergency services workers and public-school educators in Illinois, Missouri, Georgia, Kentucky, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Texas and California. The new provisions affect public employees in almost all professions in Alaska, Colorado, Louisiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Nevada and Ohio The video may be accessed at (56) Social Security and Public Pensions (Updated for 2025!) - YouTube or by going to YouTube and searching for IPPFA TV. “The

Continue Reading

SPRINGFIELD - For the first time in Illinois, the Secretary of State’s office is making Electronic Lien and Titling (ELT) available when purchasing a vehicle from a participating dealer, Secretary Alexi Giannoulias announced. Illinois joins 25 other states that have active ELT programs. This new program allows vehicle titles to be processed, stored and released digitally, eliminating the need for arduous paperwork, physical document mailing or in-person visits to a DMV facility. “An electronic lien and titling program will make the process of buying a car significantly faster, more convenient and more secure than the paper system. What used to take months can be done with a few clicks, dramatically reducing the ‘Time Tax’ customers were forced to pay when titling a vehicle,” said Giannoulias. “Implementing new technology strategically enables our office to create efficiencies and benefit consumers. These investments are crucial to providing convenience,

Continue Reading

BELLEVILLE — Belleville Police Detectives have charged a local man in connection with a stabbing incident that occurred at a Wal-Mart in the 2600 block of Green Mount Road on Thursday, Feb. 20, 2025. The incident, which left two individuals hospitalized, has raised concerns about public safety in the area. Kyon J. Williams, 20, of Belleville, faces serious charges following the attack, which was described by authorities as violent and unprovoked. The St. Clair County State’s Attorney’s office has filed one count of Attempted Murder, a Class M felony, along with two counts of Aggravated Battery with Great Bodily Harm and two counts of Aggravated Battery with a Deadly Weapon, all classified as Class 3 felonies. The victims of the stabbing are currently hospitalized with serious injuries; however, authorities have indicated that their injuries do not appear to be life-threatening. Belleville Police Department (BPD) detectives are actively collaborating with the

Continue Reading

CAHOKIA HEIGHTS — The Major Case Squad of Greater St. Louis has been activated to investigate a double shooting involving two juveniles that occurred Saturday evening in Cahokia Heights. Authorities were dispatched to the 100 block of Lazarcheff between 6:30 and 7 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 22, 2025, where they found two 15-year-old boys had sustained gunshot wounds. Both juveniles were taken to local hospitals for treatment. One juvenile has since been treated and released, while the other remains in critical condition, according to the Major Case Squad. Sgt. Andrew Pierson, the public information officer for the Major Case Squad, said that investigators are seeking any information regarding the incident. The Major Case Squad Command Post for this case is located at the Cahokia Heights Police Department, and information can be provided by calling (618) 332-4277 or through Crime Stoppers at 1-866-371-8477. The investigation continues as authorities work to gather details surrounding

Continue Reading

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) is seeking campground hosts for the 2025 camping season for state parks, recreation areas, and historic sites across Illinois. Campground hosting is a perfect position for anyone who enjoys camping and helping other people. Hosts are often the first face to greet state park visitors. They check on arrivals and departures, write camping permits, acquaint campers with park facilities and regulations, answer questions about local and statewide attractions, help visitors plan outings, and more. Campground hosts have the privilege of free camping in their own RVs, motor homes, or trailers at designated spots within state parks. “Above all, the quality all campground hosts possess is a passion for working with the public,” said Calvin Beckmann, chief of parks and recreation for IDNR. “If hosting sounds appealing to you, we would love to hear from you.” Anyone interested in being a campground

Continue Reading

CARLINVILLE - The Carlinville High School math team achieved notable success at the Illinois Council of Teachers of Mathematics (ICTM) regional competition held at Southwestern Illinois College (SWIC) on Saturday. Competing against various schools, the team secured a second-place finish overall, trailing only Highland High School. Among the standout individual performances, C.J. Matthews earned a third-place finish in Algebra I, while the Algebra I team claimed first place. In the Algebra II category, Riley Owsley took first place, with Elyse Eldred finishing third, contributing to the team's overall second-place finish in that category. Sam Wilson also excelled, securing first place in PreCalculus, and Gurveer Singh finished third, helping the PreCalculus team to a second-place finish. In addition to individual honors, the competition featured a variety of team events. The junior/senior eight-person team finished in second place, while the calculator team, consisting of Sam Wilson,

Continue Reading

BUNKER HILL - On a recent episode of “Our Daily Show!” with CJ Nasello , Shelly Wuellner provided insight as to how school lunches are prepared and the federal programs that aim to help kids access healthy meals. Wuellner works as the Food Service Director for Bunker Hill Community Unit School District #8. She also serves as the Illinois Public Spokesperson for Healthy Meals for All, and she regularly advocates for students to have the best meals possible. “Every item we serve is made 100% with love,” she said. “Your kids are our kids. We’re feeding your kids just like we would feed our own kids. That’s how every lunch person approaches each day. They want kids to eat. Our goal each day is to get kids to eat.” Wuellner shared that she will soon be traveling to Springfield, IL, to speak with legislators about the Healthy School Meals for All Kids bill, which provides free breakfast and lunch to all students who want the

Continue Reading

EAST ST. LOUIS - Wren Crawford, a senior attending Alton High School was recently celebrated as the winner of the Judge Ora Polk Oratorical Contest. Crawford competed against three other contestants Willis Wright, Jr. (Belleville East High School), Isaac Rameriz (Cahokia High School) and Van O’Neal (Belleville West High School). Crawford spoke from the oratorical theme, “The Preservation of Teaching Black History in The Classroom: A Charge We Must Keep.” Her powerful speech set the tone of why Black History must continue to be taught in the classroom. She received thunderous applause for her thought provoking oration. She received a $350.00 check for her winning and later during the program a surprise announcement was made that she will receive a $500 scholarship upon her completion of high school. In 2003 during the leadership of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity’s 14th Chapter President Reginald Riddle-Young, the Delta Epsilon Lambda Chapter spearheaded the Judge

Continue Reading

ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo. — Shawn Singer, a 31-year-old resident of St. Louis, faces charges of Assault Motivated by Discrimination in the fourth degree following an incident that occurred on February 21, 2025, at a local grocery store. The St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office announced the charges on February 22, stating that Singer is being held on a cash bond of $40,000. According to the probable cause statement, police responded to a report of a fight at the Dierbergs market located at 12595 Olive Boulevard around 5:57 p.m. on the day of the incident. Upon arrival, officers identified Singer as the assailant. He initially declined to provide further information, and said, “It was just me. I'm not saying anything else.” However, after being placed in handcuffs, Singer made several remarks, including expressing frustration with immigrants and their perceived impact on the economy. He stated, “I'm tired of foreigners, man. Walking all over the

Continue Reading