Riverbender 🕸

ALTON - Alton Music Exchange will offer workshops for guitar maintenance. Located at 556 E. Broadway in Alton, Alton Music Exchange buys, trades and sells music equipment and offers rentals and music lessons. They will host four-hour workshops to teach basic guitar maintenance and repair. “People love this instrument, and it’s therapeutic,” said owner Jared Unfried. “It’s grown beyond this quote-unquote rockstar thing. It probably was always more than that. That’s just the vision that some of us had when we were teenagers. You see this music for what it is, guitar-playing for what it is, and it’s this therapeutic way of life. It’s a medium to create. It’s a medium to be social with other people. And for those people who are into that, they have to be able to maintain the instrument.” Alton Music Exchange has six workbenches with all the tools you need to perform this maintenance. For $10 an hour, you can rent the

Continue Reading

ALTON – A new martial arts program is launching in Alton this August, offering families a fun, fitness-focused way to grow stronger in body, mind, and spirit. Christian Karate Alton opens with a full lineup of age-specific and family-friendly classes that blend traditional karate training with Biblical character development. Classes include Cubs & Tiny Tigers (ages 2–3 and 4–5), a dedicated Adult Class (ages 15+), Golden Eagles for seniors (55+), and a Homeschool Family Karate program with optional open gym time for fellowship and activity after class. At the heart of the program is the Family Class (ages 4–104), where parents and kids can train side-by-side—building unity, coordination, and Christ-centered confidence together. Students train in the Shotokan style of karate, a traditional Japanese form known for its strong stances, structured techniques, and emphasis on discipline. Classes are led by Chief Instructors Steve and Jennifer

Continue Reading

ALTON — The Alton Parks and Recreation Department announced temporary closures of the Splash Pad near the Alton Amphitheater to accommodate major upcoming events and ensure public safety. The Splash Pad will be closed from Friday, July 18, through Sunday, July 20, 2025, for the F1 Powerboat Races. It will also be closed on Saturday, July 26, 2025, for the A-Tilla Festival. During these closures, the Splash Pad will operate with limited hours from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., with parking available at the Argosy Casino parking lot. Regular business hours of 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. will resume the day following each event. “These closures are necessary to manage large crowds and maintain a safe environment for all attendees,” said Sabrina Kalips, Parks and Recreation Supervisor for the Alton Parks and Recreation Department. The department thanked the community for its understanding as it supports these events along the riverfront.

Continue Reading

What if a simple shift in where and how you exercise could transform not only your physical health but also your mental clarity, social connections, and overall sense of well-being? Outdoor summer sports offer this multifaceted benefit, engaging individuals across all ages in ways that indoor activities often cannot replicate. From toddlers learning coordination to seniors maintaining mobility, the advantages of participating in sports under the open sky extend far beyond the obvious. Physical Health Benefits Across the Lifespan Engaging in outdoor summer sports promotes cardiovascular health, muscular strength, flexibility, and endurance. For children, activities such as swimming, soccer, and cycling support healthy growth and motor skill development. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), children who participate in regular physical activity are more likely to maintain a healthy weight and reduce the risk of chronic diseases later in life. Adolescents

Continue Reading

HARDIN - On Thursday, July 3, 2025, Calhoun County Sheriff Bill Heffington hosted a luncheon to honor law enforcement personnel from Jersey, Pike, and Calhoun counties for their roles in a multi-agency investigation that led to an arrest following a series of burglaries in Pike and Calhoun counties in June. Sheriffs Nick Manns of Jersey County and Dave Greenwood of Pike County joined Heffington in recognizing several members of their teams for their contributions to the case. Pike County Sheriff’s Chief Deputy Zack Orr received the Meritorious Service Award for his leadership and dedication. Orr led the investigation that identified and apprehended the suspect in less than a week. In addition to his role in Pike County, Orr serves as a part-time deputy for the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office and has shared his expertise with the agency. Sergeant Matt Frazier of the Pike County Sheriff’s Department was awarded the Sheriff’s Service Award for his initiative and

Continue Reading

Did you know that nearly 50% of household water use in the summer goes toward outdoor irrigation? Efficient watering isn’t just about keeping plants alive; it’s about conserving resources, reducing costs, and fostering a thriving garden ecosystem. Setting up a well-designed irrigation system can transform your garden care routine, saving you time and effort while ensuring your plants receive exactly what they need. Understanding Your Garden’s Water Needs Before diving into installation, it’s essential to assess your garden’s specific watering requirements. Different plants have varying moisture needs. For instance, succulents and drought-tolerant plants require less frequent watering than vegetables or flowering shrubs. Soil type also plays a crucial role: sandy soils drain quickly, demanding more frequent irrigation, whereas clay soils retain moisture longer. Mapping your garden with these considerations in mind will help determine the type and placement

Continue Reading

July 7th has long been a date marked by events that have shaped cultures, nations, and the course of world history. One of the most widely recognized global events tied to July 7th is the 2005 London bombings. On this day, a series of coordinated terrorist attacks struck the London public transport system during the morning rush hour. Four suicide bombers targeted three trains and a double-decker bus, tragically taking 52 lives and injuring hundreds more. This event not only shook the United Kingdom but resonated worldwide, highlighting the ongoing challenges of global terrorism and prompting extensive security reforms and community resilience initiatives. The attacks also led to a significant increase in international cooperation against extremist groups, underscoring the interconnected nature of modern security concerns. Stepping back in time, July 7th, 1928, marked a milestone in the world of sports with the opening of the 1928 Summer Olympics in Amsterdam. This was the first Olympi

Continue Reading

COLUMBIA - Jeff Leuty, a father from Columbia, is seeking financial support for an experimental stem cell therapy to treat his 10-year-old daughter Gracie’s Type 1 diabetes. The family aims to raise $27,000 to cover the cost of the treatment offered by a clinic in Florida. Gracie Leuty, who currently manages Type 1 diabetes, faces increased health risks as she continues her growth and development. The stem cell therapy being considered has shown promising results in reducing insulin dependence or potentially reversing the condition, though it remains experimental and outcomes are not guaranteed. Leuty emphasized that the family is carefully researching the clinic and consulting with medical professionals to ensure the treatment is appropriate. “Your generous support, no matter the amount, will bring us closer to giving Gracie the opportunity for a life without the constant demands of diabetes,” he said in a statement. The fundraising campaign is hosted on GoFundMe,

Continue Reading

EAST ALTON - Allen Hale honored two East Alton community leaders with Paul Harris Fellowship awards during the recent Installation of Officers event for the Riverbend East Rotary Club. Hale, recognized for his 50 years of service to the club, presented the awards to Debbie Angleton and Denny Weber. The event also marked the selection of Mark Smith as the club’s president for the 2025-26 term. The Paul Harris Fellowship award, named after Rotary’s founder, acknowledges individuals who have shown dedication to community service, peace, goodwill and international understanding. Angleton and Weber were recognized for their contributions to the East Alton community through this prestigious honor.

Continue Reading

July 6th has been a date packed with remarkable events across centuries, continents, and disciplines. One of the most impactful global events on July 6th came in 1415, when Jan Hus, a Czech theologian and reformer, was burned at the stake for heresy against the doctrines of the Catholic Church. Hus’s execution in Konstanz, Germany, was a pivotal moment that fueled the Hussite Wars and eventually contributed to the broader Protestant Reformation. His courage to challenge religious orthodoxy and advocate for church reform resonates through history as an early fight for religious freedom and intellectual independence. Moving forward into the Age of Exploration, July 6th, 1535, marks the departure of Jacques Cartier from Saint-Malo, France, on his second voyage to the New World. Cartier’s explorations of the St. Lawrence River laid the foundation for French claims in North America and the eventual development of Canada. His journeys opened new pathways for trade, cultural

Continue Reading

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) issued the following statement after FCC Chair Brendan Carr announced a unilateral delay in all rules implementing her historic, bipartisan Martha Wright-Reed Just and Reasonable Communications Act , which Congress required to be implemented by January 5, 2025. Chair Carr previously voted in favor of adopting the legally-required implementation rules last year—the very rules Chair Carr is now refusing to enforce. “This is yet another illegal hit-job by one of Trump’s henchmen that defies Congress and prioritizes profits over people. It makes no sense to delay rules that the FCC—comprising both Trump and Biden appointees—unanimously adopted after Democrats and Republicans worked together to pass my bill unanimously through Congress. In fact, FCC Chair Brendan Carr himself voted in favor of them. Why? Because this is commonsense policy that seeks to eliminate astronomical prison phone rates,

Continue Reading

CHICAGO – Attorney General Kwame Raoul today co-led a coalition of 18 state attorneys general and the city and county of San Francisco in filing an amicus brief in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 1st Circuit in Doe v. Noem, urging the court to uphold the lower court’s decision and recognize the lawful parole program for Cuban, Haitian, Nicaraguan and Venezuelan (CHNV) immigrants. The program allows over 500,000 CHNV immigrants, who fled dangerous conditions in their home countries, to maintain legal status in the United States. “I am the proud son of Haitian immigrants who, like so many immigrants, worked diligently to better their communities,” Raoul said. “Immigrants have long been the backbone of the United States, and we are a country that provides safe harbor to those fleeing dangerous conditions in their home countries. These individuals are key contributors to our state and national economies. Abruptly removing their legal status and ability

Continue Reading

EDWARDSVILLE - The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Police Department has hit yet another bull’s-eye in excellence and distinction. The Department recently achieved Gold Level in the Lexipol Connect Program – for the fifth year in a row. Lexipol is a leading content, policy, and training platform for public safety agencies. The Lexipol Connect Program tracks performance on the following five metrics to measure success in policy management: policy updates pending, policies issued, policies acknowledged, data training bulletins issued and data training bulletins taken. “The SIUE Police Department has once again earned national recognition for its dedication to professional excellence, receiving the Lexipol Gold Award for Excellence in Policy Management for the fifth consecutive year,” said SIUE Police Capt. Justin Lieberman. “This prestigious honor reflects the department’s unwavering commitment to maintaining the highest standards

Continue Reading

CHICAGO – The Illinois Department of Revenue (IDOR) is reminding taxpayers who missed the April 15, 2025, income tax filing deadline that it is not too late to file and that prompt action can help minimize penalties and interest if a balance is owed. “While the filing deadline has passed, the longer you wait, the more it could potentially cost you due to penalties and interest,” explained IDOR Director David Harris. “Whether you owe money or are due a refund, it is important to get your return filed and take that first step.” The original due date to file and pay Illinois individual income tax for calendar year filers is April 15, 2025. IDOR grants an automatic six-month extension of time to file a return and for those who file on a calendar-year basis, the new due date is October 15, 2025. If taxpayers receive a federal extension of more than six months, they are automatically allowed that extension for Illinois. An extension of time to file does not

Continue Reading

CHICAGO – Attorney General Kwame Raoul, as part of a coalition of 22 attorneys general, filed an amicus brief in support of a proposed class of plaintiffs challenging the unlawful termination of Job Corps, a national program that offers career training and housing to young Americans from low-income backgrounds. “For more than 60 years, Job Corps has offered vocational and academic training to teenagers and young adults who often lack the support and skills necessary to transition to the workforce and provide for themselves and their families,” Raoul said. “President Trump’s decision to dismantle this vital program is illegal, and I will continue to work with my fellow attorneys general to protect our residents from the Trump administration’s unlawful actions.” Last week, the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York issued a preliminary injunction in favor of the plaintiffs in National Job Corps Association et al. v. Department

Continue Reading

ST. LIBORY – The Illinois Department of Transportation today announced that road repairs on Illinois 4 from Illinois 15 to Illinois 13 in St. Clair County will require daily lane closures beginning, weather permitting, Monday, July 7. Flaggers will maintain two-way traffic. Motorists should expect delays and are encouraged to use alternate routes during this closure. Drivers are urged to reduce speed, be alert for changing conditions, obey all construction signage, and refrain from using mobile devices while approaching and traveling through the work zone. The project is anticipated to be completed this fall. For IDOT District 8 updates, follow us on Twitter at @IDOTDistrict8 or view area construction details on IDOT’s traveler information map on GettingAroundIllinois.com.

Continue Reading

ST. LOUIS - For nearly the past two decades, the St. Louis region’s transit advocacy agency Citizens for Modern Transit (CMT) – in conjunction with AARP in St. Louis and the St. Clair County Transit District – has helped more than 10,000 older adults integrate walking and public transit use to explore area attractions in a group setting through its Ten Toes + Transit Program. Walk leaders are a key component of the ongoing success of this award-winning program, and CMT is seeking additional individuals willing to lead a walking group for its 12-week-long Fall 2025 session getting underway in August. “I was a walk leader for 17 years and enjoyed every minute of it,” stated Mary Fran Balmer, who led more than 400 walks over the years and now walks as part of a group. “I’ve made lifelong friends and visited amazing places as part of this program. I encourage others to consider being a walk leader.” Walk leaders guide a group of

Continue Reading

Food sizzling on the grill is one of the classic sounds of summer — right up there with kids splashing in sprinklers and the crack of a bat at the ballpark. That sizzling can also be a good stand-in for how we might feel outside on a sweltering day. With a little planning, though, we can make our time in the sun feel cooler and more comfortable — and much better for our skin. “Any amount of tan, and certainly sunburn, represents damage to the DNA of our skin cells,” said Dr. Aubriana McEvoy, a dermatologist at WashU Medicine in St. Louis. “And the more sun people get over their lives, the more of a chance there is for damaged cells to turn into skin cancer, which can affect our quality of life and, in some cases, the length of our lives.” Too much sun can also lead to wrinkles, coarse skin and discoloration, making our skin look older than it is, she added. Some simple steps can go a long way toward lowering the risk of skin cancer while keeping

Continue Reading

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has announced an expansion of its list of ZIP codes where lead exposure testing is required for children who live within those areas. 180 new zip codes, representing parts of 47 Illinois counties, have been added to the list this year, bringing the total of high-risk ZIP codes to more than 1,350. By this time next year, all remaining ZIP codes in the state will be included, implementing universal childhood lead testing statewide. “IDPH is committed to building brighter futures for our children and families,” said IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra. “This latest expansion of lead testing list brings us closer to achieving the ambitious goal of universal statewide testing. There is no safe level of lead in the blood. Early detection and intervention are critical tools to help protect Illinois’s kids from the serious health and developmental challenges caused from lead exposure.” Lead

Continue Reading

GODFREY - The Greater Godfrey Democrats will host a special meeting with the opportunity to meet two local candidates. At 6 p.m. on Monday, July 14, 2025, community members are invited to IBEW Local 649 in Godfrey for the regular Greater Godfrey Democrats meeting, followed by presentations by Randy Raley and Lexy Dona. Raley, a former KSHE DJ, hopes to run against Congresswoman Mary Miller in Illinois’s 15th District. Lexy Dona intends to run for the Madison County Board. “What has been interesting is I’m 56 years old, and I never really understood how to get involved in politics. How do you get involved in the process? I’ve always kind of been interested but never really knew how to participate,” said Craig Rathgeb, the organization's chair. “There are avenues for folks to participate, and my goal as chairman is to teach and pass along the information that I’ve learned and how to participate in the political process and share your views,

Continue Reading