Riverbender 🕸

RIVERBEND - Suicide rates spike in spring. How can you support your community, and what do you do if you’re experiencing suicidal thoughts? Kristina Sandidge, a local Mental Health First Aid instructor, explained there are several warning signs that you might notice before someone attempts to take their life. Whether you’re dealing with a loved one or you’ve encountered a stranger who needs help, there are ways you can intervene. “One of the things we can do as better supports for individuals who might be thinking about suicide is being educated,” Sandidge said. “There’s a lot of stigma associated with mental health and suicide, and when we break down those barriers and we bring in a little bit of education, we get a little bit more comfortable. People are more willing to open up to us.” Sandidge noted that while there are “actually quite a few” warning signs that you might notice, every individual’s experience

Continue Reading

May 14 has been a day marked by pivotal moments that have shaped the course of history across the globe. Whether in politics, science, culture, or exploration, this date offers a fascinating glimpse into humanity's journey through time. Let's explore some of the most significant events that took place on May 14 throughout history. Arguably the most impactful event to occur on May 14 is the declaration of the independence of the State of Israel in 1948. After decades of Zionist efforts and following the end of British Mandate rule in Palestine, David Ben-Gurion, the head of the Jewish Agency, proclaimed the establishment of the State of Israel on May 14, 1948. This declaration came just hours before the British Mandate officially ended. The announcement marked the culmination of a complex political and social struggle for a Jewish homeland in the aftermath of the Holocaust and World War II. The declaration was met with immediate recognition by the United States and several other nations,

Continue Reading

What if owning less could actually make you feel richer? In a world overwhelmed by consumerism and constant digital noise, the minimalist lifestyle offers a compelling alternative—one where simplicity leads to clarity, freedom, and well-being. Far from being a mere trend or aesthetic choice, minimalism is rooted in intentionally focusing on what truly matters, cutting through clutter in both physical and mental spaces. Reclaiming Time and Mental Space One of the most profound benefits of minimalism is the restoration of time and mental clarity. Studies show that the average American spends over 2 hours a day shopping online or browsing through products, often driven by impulse rather than need. This constant engagement with material consumption can overwhelm cognitive resources and increase stress. By paring down possessions and commitments, minimalists reduce decision fatigue—the mental exhaustion that comes from making too many trivial choices. For example, Steve Jobs

Continue Reading

JERSEYVILLE – The next phase of the Hollow Avenue Improvement Project is officially set to enter the “construction” stage with full approval from the Jerseyville City Council. City Council members on Tuesday unanimously approved an agreement between the city and Bartlett & West Inc. for Phase 3 (the “construction stage”) of the Hollow Avenue Roadway Improvements Phase 2 project. Roadway improvements made during this stage will span from West Hickory Street to Waggoner Avenue, as previously reported on Riverbender.com . Baxmeyer Construction was awarded the project after submitting the lowest bid of $2,064,000. Streets Commissioner John Miles said construction is expected to begin next month, June 2025, after the city participates in a “pre-construction meeting” required by the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT). Before the “pre-construction meeting” can be held, Miles said the city needed to ensure an on-site inspector

Continue Reading

GODFREY – Lewis and Clark Community College will celebrate its 54th annual Commencement, May 21, 2025, featuring 2016 alumna Brittney Lehr as the event’s keynote speaker. The ceremony will take place at 6 p.m. at the Hatheway Cultural Center’s Ann Whitney Olin Theatre. “Commencement is a time to honor the hard work and achievements of our students,” said L&C President Ken Trzaska. “We are thrilled to welcome Brittney Lehr back to campus to share her inspiring journey with our graduates.” Lehr, a Carrollton native, graduated from L&C with an Associate in Applied Science degree in 2016. She went on to earn a Bachelor of Criminal Justice and Homeland Security from MacMurray College in 2018 and a Juris Doctorate from Southern Illinois University Carbondale in 2022. She currently serves as a felony assistant state’s attorney and DUI attorney in Sangamon County. "Lewis and Clark had the hardest class that I ever took throughout

Continue Reading

ALTON - The M.O.T.H.E.R.S. Unique group - Moms Obligated To Healing, Encouragement, Recovery and Support - hosted a moving and meaningful ceremony on Sunday, May 4, 2025, at James Killion Park to honor mothers who have experienced the unimaginable loss of a child. This solemn and supportive event brought together nearly two dozen mothers to commemorate the lives of their children through a Bench Dedication and a White Dove Release. The organization donated a new bench to the park to offer a quiet, peaceful space where grieving mothers and family members can sit in remembrance and reflection. The ceremony was emceed by Mrs. Vernetta Caffey, introduced by Shirley Ann Thomas, and featured opening scripture and prayer by Minister Annette Campbell, a welcome by Ms. Rita Young, and heartfelt remarks from Ms. Mary Jason, President of M.O.T.H.E.R.S. Unique. Mayor David Goins offered words of comfort during the bench dedication, followed by a moving poem read by Mrs. Michelle Rounds, Hospitality

Continue Reading

HIGHLAND - Melissa Perkes has been honored as the CTE Teacher of the Year in Madison County. Perkes has taught business and technology at Highland High School for the past 22 years. She teaches a variety of computer classes, including Computer Concepts, Photo Manipulation, Electronic Publishing and more. She noted that while she is grateful for the CTE Teacher of the Year honor, she is mostly proud of her students. “I truly appreciate the recognition, but the credit belongs to my students,” Perkes said. “Their creativity, dedication, and hard work are what make the program what it is.” Perkes teaches traditional semester-long classes, but she also oversees students who take courses independently in her classroom. The Media Production class has four students who work independently to create the stadium video board graphics and animations, as well as any graphic or video work that the school needs. Perkes noted that these are “truly exceptional students”

Continue Reading

GRANITE CITY - Junior Antonio Dean aims to break the 50-second barrier in the 400-meter dash by the end of the season, building on a series of strong performances for the Warriors. Dean recently set a personal best of 50.71 seconds at the Collinsville Invite, where he placed seventh, and earlier won the Granite City Invite with a time of 50.92. Dean's ultimate goal is to break 49 seconds in the 400-meter run. He is a Stillwater Senior Living Male Athlete of the Month for the Warriors. “I just drive strong and work the last 200 meters in the 400-meter races,” Dean said of his approach to the event. In addition to the 400 meters, he competes in the open 4x400 relay and high jump, where he cleared 6 feet 2 inches most recently. His previous high jump best was 6 feet 1.5 inches, achieved when he won the O’Fallon Boys Relays. Dean is considered an integral member of the Warriors’ 4x400 relay team as they continue their season.

Continue Reading

GLEN CARBON — Mia Range secured first place in the high jump at the Gateway Metro Conference meet held recently at Althoff Catholic, marking a nearly unheard of fourth consecutive year winning the event. Range cleared a height of 5 feet 2 inches, continuing a strong season that includes a personal best of 5 feet 2.25 inches at the Edwardsville Invite on April 25, 2025. The senior athlete from McGivney has set clear goals for the remainder of her final high school season. “My goals are first or second at sectional, then past prelims at state," she said. "My main goal is to get 5-4 at state. I have worked hard this season.” In addition to her high jump accomplishments, Range has posted times of 13.74 seconds in the 100 meters and 28.93 seconds in the 200 meters this season. She is also a key member of the Griffins’ 4x200 relay team, which has performed well throughout the spring. Range’s achievements have earned her recognition as the Byron, Carlson, Petri

Continue Reading

EDWARDSVILLE - Southern Illinois University Edwardsville East St. Louis Charter High School (CHS) provided pomp, circumstance and a chance for graduating seniors to revel, strut and shine during the school’s 2025 Commencement Ceremony. CHS graduated 28 seniors on Friday, May 9 in the middle of campus at the Wyvetter H. Younge Higher Education Center. The commencement speaker was Nate Williams, PhD, Associate Professor and Department Chair of Teaching and Learning in the SIUE School of Education Health and Human Behavior. The SIUE East St. Louis Charter High School is a school-of-choice for families in the East St. Louis School District 189. The mission of the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville East St. Louis Charter High School is to prepare students who are career- and college-ready upon graduation. To achieve this mission, the school and its staff will positively impact the educational and economic lives of East St. Louis, Illinois youth through individualized

Continue Reading

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) and Congresswoman Young Kim (CA-40) sent a letter to Secretary of Veterans Affairs Doug Collins expressing their support for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to continue health research focused on women veterans. This week marks VA Research Week and celebrates the 100th anniversary of VA research. The Congresswomen write, “Women are the fastest growing segment of the veteran population. Today, over 2 million women veterans live in the United States, and they are expected to make up 18% of all veterans by 2040. However, women veterans face unique barriers in accessing care, especially in the areas of behavioral health, reproductive care, and tailored services for survivors of military sexual trauma (MST). “VA’s significant investments in research over the last several years have been crucial in improving our understanding of the unique barriers women veterans face. Initiatives such as the

Continue Reading

SPRINGFIEL D – Gov. JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Transportation today announced that $400 million is available for local transportation projects, with the goal of enhancing mobility and quality of life in communities throughout the state. The deadline to apply is June 1. “Over the past six years, we’ve made bold, historic investments to strengthen transportation across Illinois, improving mobility and quality of life in every region,” said Gov. Pritzker. “This $400 million investment builds on that progress by supporting local projects that connect communities and helping Illinoisans get where they need to go safely and efficiently. I highly encourage local entities to apply for this funding and bring critical projects that improve the lives of Illinoisans in every corner of the state.” Successful projects will be chosen based on cost-effectiveness, feasibility and safety across multiple categories, including highways, bike and pedestrian

Continue Reading

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Representative Rosa DeLauro (D-CT-03) today reintroduced legislation to protect child workers from the dangers of exposure to tobacco plants, including nicotine poisoning. The Children Don’t Belong on Tobacco Farms Act amends the Fair Labor Standards Act to prohibit children under the age of 18 from working in tobacco fields and coming into direct contact with tobacco plants or dried tobacco leaves by deeming this type of work as oppressive child labor. “Kids as young as 12 can be recruited to work on tobacco farms where they are exposed to toxic tobacco plants containing nicotine and may experience common symptoms of nicotine poisoning like nausea, vomiting, headaches, and dizziness. Putting a stop to this disgraceful labor practice is simple and common sense,” Durbin said. “With the Children Don’t Belong on Tobacco Farms Act , Congress can finally act to protect these kids

Continue Reading

CHICAGO – Attorney General Kwame Raoul, California Attorney General Rob Bonta, New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin and Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha, as part of a coalition of 20 attorneys general, announced today they will file two separate lawsuits against the Trump administration for attempting to illegally coerce their states into sweeping immigration enforcement by threatening to withhold billions in federal funding for emergency services and infrastructure. Raoul and the coalition will file a lawsuit against the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and DHS Secretary Kristi Noem. Raoul, Bonta, Platkin, Neronha and Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown, along with the coalition, will file a second lawsuit against the Department of Transportation (DOT) and DOT Secretary Sean Duffy. Each agency has imposed sweeping new conditions that would require the states and state agencies to cooperate with federal

Continue Reading

EDWARDSVILLE – Southern Illinois University Edwardsville and Universidad Central del Ecuador (UCE) have formalized a strategic academic partnership aimed at expanding international collaboration and advancing global graduate education. The signed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) establishes the foundation for a dual Master of Business Administration (MBA) program, enabling students to complete coursework at both institutions and earn degrees from each. The signing ceremony was marked by the participation of UCE’s Chancellor, Patricio Espinosa del Pozo, MD, and Denise Cobb, PhD, Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, highlighting the mutual commitment at the highest levels of leadership. “This agreement represents a shared vision for academic excellence and global collaboration. Together with Universidad Central del Ecuador, we are opening pathways for students to gain international business competencies and cultural insight that will distinguish them

Continue Reading

SPRINGFIELD - State Fire Marshal James A. Rivera and members from the Illinois Fire Service gathered today to honor and remember a fallen Aurora firefighter and recognize those who went above and beyond their duties at the 32nd Annual Fallen Firefighter Memorial and Medal of Honor Ceremony. “Today, we gather with gratitude in our hearts as we honor the brave firefighters of Illinois—those who are serving every day and those who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty, said Governor JB Pritzker. “To the families who have lost loved ones, your sacrifice is not forgotten. We hold their memories close and vow to carry their legacies forward with dignity and respect as we support, invest in, and stand beside the fire service.” “Today, we gather to honor and remember our brothers and sisters who have made the ultimate sacrifice, and to celebrate the remarkable legacy they have left behind for others to follow,” said Illinois State Fire Marshal

Continue Reading

ALTON – Two men from Alton remain in custody following separate cases of domestic battery. Brandon L. Laughlin, 27, of Alton, was charged on May 8, 2025 with aggravated battery (a Class 3 felony), unlawful restraint (a Class 4 felony), domestic battery, and battery (both Class A misdemeanors). On May 7, 2025, Laughlin allegedly struck two individuals about the body with his fist, one of them being a household or family member who he was also accused of unlawfully detaining. In a separate case filed on May 8, 2025, Keith B. Perry, 26, also of Alton, was charged with a Class 4 felony count of criminal damage to property and a Class A misdemeanor count of domestic battery. Perry is accused of causing bodily harm to a household or family member on April 3, 2025 after striking them with a closed fist in the back of the head, continuously hitting the victim and pinning them down on a couch. He was additionally charged with causing over $500 worth of damage to the victim’s

Continue Reading

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is reporting that the first mosquito pool of the year to test positive for West Nile virus (WNV) this year was collected on May 9 in Rockford by the Winnebago County Health Department. The specimen tested positive for WNV on May 12. “The news of the first batch of mosquitos carrying West Nile virus is a reminder for Illinois residents to begin protecting themselves from diseases caused by mosquito and tick bites,” said IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra. “The best defense against West Nile virus is to practice the ‘Three R’s’: reduce, repel, and report’. IDPH urges everyone, and especially those who are older or have weakened immune systems, to ‘Fight the Bite’ and protect themselves and their families from mosquitoes and the viruses they carry.” Last year in Illinois, IDPH reported that 72 counties around the state reported positive tests for WNV in mosquitos,

Continue Reading

DU QUOIN – Get ready for a night of unforgettable music and timeless classics as the Little River Band is set to perform at the Du Quoin State Fair Grandstand on Sunday, August 24, 2025. With sales topping 35 million, and a legacy that includes being the first band to have Top 10 hits for six consecutive years, Little River Band has secured its place as one of the most successful bands of the late 20th century. Their live concerts showcase the pristine harmony vocals known worldwide and deliver moments that spark back memories while making new ones with the next generation. “This is a phenomenal addition to the 2025 Du Quoin State Fair lineup,” said Illinois Department of Agriculture Director Jerry Costello II . “Little River Band’s music transcends generations and continues to captivate audiences. Fairgoers are in for a memorable experience.” Little River Band has undergone an evolution or two since its origins as an Australian rock band

Continue Reading

BETHALTO/EAST ALTON - Community members are invited to an all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast featuring airplanes. From 7:30–11:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 17, 2025, EAA Chapter 864 will host their annual pancake breakfast at Piston Aviation at the St. Louis Regional Airport. Attendees can enjoy a breakfast buffet with the local aviation community while supporting educational opportunities for students in the region. “We have a good time when we have everybody out at the airport to see the airplanes and just learn about aviation,” said Jan with EAA Chapter 864. Jan and Randy explained that several pilots will fly in for the breakfast, and the public can check out the airplanes at the St. Louis Regional Airport during the event. Breakfast costs $10 for adults and $5 for kids ages 4–12; kids under age 3 eat free. The proceeds go to EAA Chapter 864 programs, including many educational opportunities for local kids. In addition to offering a scholarship

Continue Reading