Riverbender 🕸

ALTON - The wildfires in Los Angeles have taken on pretty deep meaning over the last few days for my family. Sierra Brannan, my 24-year-old daughter, has been in the middle of much of the chaos. Last night she had to evacuate her apartment because of close-by explosions and fire mayhem. She stayed the night last night at her other roommate's brother's home about 30 minutes away. I am greatly appreciative of his protection of both girls and opening his home. Sierra returned to her apartment with her roommate Thursday morning as the evacuation order was, for now, halted. Thankfully, her apartment had not been damaged despite how close the wildfires had spread near her. She was so appreciative her home wasn't damaged and how nice her employers had been. Sierra packed her trunk with her most cherished keepsakes last night to escape the area. I also wanted to salute the firefighters who are battling this atrocity. Firefighters and first responders redefine what it means be brave and have

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CHICAGO – Landmarks Illinois will once again welcome the preservation community for its annual fundraiser and networking event, Preservation Forward , on March 6, 2025. The 2025 event will return to The Old Post Office in Chicago, the nation’s largest adaptive reuse project that transformed a long-endangered and vacant former government building into an extraordinary event venue and office space. Long billed as the biggest night in preservation, Preservation Forward annually attracts nearly 800 professionals in the design, real estate and building industries, as well as tradespeople, community artists and activists and community development professionals. Tickets and sponsorships are now on sale for the inspiring evening event, which takes place from 5:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. and features a cocktail reception and a main program honoring the 2025 Landmarks Illinois Influencers , followed by dinner and an after-party. Landmarks Illinois is proud to honor the following 2025

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ALTON - YWCA Southwestern Illinois Women of Distinction is pleased to announce that the nomination period for the Women of Distinction program is now open. Nomination materials may be accessed at www.ywcaswil.org or by calling YWCA at 618.465.7774. Each year, some of the most influential women have been honored at the YWCA‘s Women of Distinction (WOD) celebration. Honorees are women who have demonstrated outstanding leadership and achievement in their professional, civic and personal lives. The WOD Academy has grown into a dynamic and diverse group of over 300 women representing a wide range accomplishments and contributions. YWCA is requesting the public’s help in soliciting nominations for 2025 Women of Distinction. The community is urged to nominate exceptional women who create real change in our communities. Nomination packets are available now at YWCA, online at www.ywcaswil.org, via email at info@ywcaswil.org, or by calling (618) 465-7774. Nomination deadline

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SPRINGFIELD – Today, Kevin Schmidt (R-Millstadt) was sworn in for his second term as State Representative for the 114th District of Illinois. “I’m so honored that the 114th District has placed their trust in me once again,” said Rep. Schmidt. “I’m going to continue working tirelessly to be a true voice for our community, not a cog in the Springfield machine.” Rep. Schmidt has a bipartisan voting record during his first term, consistently supporting fiscally responsible decisions and initiatives that directly impact the 114th district. “We have big challenges ahead in Illinois and I will work every day to find solutions that will bring jobs back, lower the tax burden, and support our first responders,” Schmidt said. “This is a public service, not self-service. This is why I voted against the legislator pay raises last year, and donate it back to my community each month.” Schmidt says his office has prioritized

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SPRINGFIELD — Hospital Sisters Health System (HSHS) hospitals in Illinois are pleased to announce the top names chosen for babies born at these southern Illinois hospitals in 2024. HSHS St. Elizabeth’s Hospital, O’Fallon Top Boy Name Oliver, which has been the top baby boy name since 2020. Top Girl Name Amelia, which has been the top baby girl name since 2022. HSHS St. Joseph’s Hospital Breese Top Boy Names Oliver and Theodore (tied) Top Girl Name Ivy These names were part of the over 1,200 babies delivered at these hospitals in 2024. For others expecting in 2025, St. Elizabeth’s and St. Joseph’s hospitals offers a wide range of services for mothers and infants, including prenatal classes which can be found on St. Elizabeth's and St. Joseph's websites under Classes and Events. Both hospitals focus on offering safe, quality care for mothers and babies. St. Elizabeth’s Hospital recently launche

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GODFREY - Abs Workout Plans will host a wellness open house this weekend to promote holistic wellness. From 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025, community members are invited to Abs Workout Plans at 620 Armsway Court in Godfrey to meet with vendors and learn more about wellness initiatives in the Riverbend. Abby Thurman, owner of Abs Workout Plans, noted that the event encourages healthy eating, fitness and more wellness opportunities. “I wanted to make sure I got every portion of health and wellness and holistic approach I could,” Thurman said. “I think it's a really good way to meet everybody and see the gym and see all the health and wellness vendors that we have in the area to really help get your health and wellness journey started as soon as possible.” Vendors include AC Aesthetics, Fitness for the Soul, Trio Boutique, One Stop Supplements, IV Drip, Just Right Organizing, Busy Body Meals, Amber Childress, Jessica Grace Skin and Permanent

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On January 7, 1925, Henry M. (Harry) Schweppe and Angie Rand Schweppe celebrated their golden wedding anniversary. An Alton Evening Telegraph article described Mr. and Mrs. Schweppe as “two of the most useful people in Alton…neither has allowed to escape a chance to do something for an individual, or for their city.” On the day of their celebration, “flowers in great numbers decorated the home, floods of cards and written greetings for the couple congested the mails, while a constant stream of callers went in and out of the Schweppe residence to express their good wishes, and their admiration for the couple.” Mr. and Mrs. Schweppe’s living children, Annette Schweppe Rodgers (Mrs. Eben Rodgers) and Nelson Schweppe, along with grandsons Eben Rodgers, Jr. and Rand Rodgers, entertained guests as well. The dining room was decorated in yellow and white, with a large wedding cake with yellow icing. Harry Schweppe owned the H.M. Schweppe Clothing Company

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ST. LOUIS — Residents of the St. Louis Metro area should prepare for a light snowfall early Friday morning, Jan. 10, 2025, with accumulation expected to reach between 2 to 3 inches. The snowfall is anticipated to begin around 3 to 4 a.m. from the west, impacting the western fringes of the Metro area and lasting until mid-afternoon on Friday. Matt Beitscher, lead meteorologist for the National Weather Service in St. Louis, noted that while the snowfall will not be particularly heavy, it could still pose some challenges for the morning commute. A Winter Weather Advisory has been issued for Friday. “There probably will be some degree of minor impact,” Beitscher said. He advised commuters to take their time and ensure they have plenty of room to navigate safely, as some roads may be partly covered. Temperatures are expected to rise slightly above freezing during the day, with cooler conditions on the eastern side of the river, where temperatures may be a degree below

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ALTON — Frances “Mary Jo” Goree, known for her unwavering support and kindness to those in need, died on Friday, Jan. 3, 2025, following complications from a stroke. She was 68 years old. Mary Jo’s family announced her death with a heartfelt tribute, highlighting her commitment to helping others throughout her life. “She would give her last to help others and never hesitated to be of assistance,” Jabrea Curry, the organizer of the GoFundMe for Goree, stated in a message to the community. In light of her passing, the family is facing unexpected financial challenges due to medical expenses and a lapsed life insurance policy. They are seeking support from the community to cover the costs of her funeral services, emphasizing that no contribution is too small. The viewing and funeral service for Mary Jo will be held on Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025, at Deliverance Temple, located at 1125 E 6th St., Alton. The viewing is scheduled for 9 a.m., followed by

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ALTON – Today State Representative Amy Elik (R-Alton) was officially sworn in for a third term as the State Representative for District 111 in the 104th General Assembly. Elik won reelection in the 2024 General Election. “I am so grateful to the people of the 111th district for putting their trust in me to serve them for two more years,” said Rep. Elik. “I am honored to serve as your voice in Springfield and am committed to fighting for the issues that matter most to the people of the 111th district.” “My focus is making Illinois a safer and more affordable place to raise a family start a business, and retire,” Rep. Elik said. “I’m going to continue to hold Springfield accountable on policies that affect safety and affordability.” Rep. Elik also pointed out the success of her District Office. “Since I was first elected, I’ve placed a strong emphasis on helping constituents through my District Office,&rdquo

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Mental health encompasses a broad range of emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It influences how we think, feel, and act, as well as how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices. Awareness of mental health has become increasingly crucial in today's fast-paced, often overwhelming society. This article will explore the significance of mental health awareness, the stigma surrounding mental health issues, key statistics, practical steps for improving mental health, and how individuals and communities can foster a supportive environment. Understanding Mental Health Mental health is a vital component of overall well-being. It affects every aspect of our lives, from relationships and work performance to physical health. Issues such as anxiety, depression, and stress can arise from various factors, including genetics, environment, and lifestyle choices. Understanding these issues is the first step toward fostering a culture of awareness and acceptance. Key Statistics

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January 9th has seen some remarkable events throughout history, marking significant moments in politics, culture, and science. Moving back in time, January 9th, 2007, marked the launch of the first iPhone by Apple Inc. This revolutionary device transformed the way people communicate, access information, and interact with technology. The iPhone's introduction not only changed the smartphone market but also set the stage for a new era of mobile computing. With its sleek design, user-friendly interface, and groundbreaking features, the iPhone quickly became a cultural phenomenon, influencing everything from social media to mobile apps. Today, the legacy of the iPhone is evident in the smartphones that dominate our lives, making it one of the most significant technological advancements of the 21st century. On January 9th, 1961, the United States experienced a critical moment in space exploration. President John F. Kennedy announced the ambitious goal of sending an American astronaut

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The area's upcoming events offer a diverse array of activities that cater to all interests and ages. For a full listing of these exciting events, be sure to visit https://www.riverbender.com/events/ . Featured Rum Boogie LIVE is set to kick off the New Year with an electrifying night of music and dancing. Join the lively band Rum Boogie at Alton VFW for a high-energy performance that promises great music and good vibes. Dust off your boogie shoes and don't miss this exciting evening filled with fun! Midwest Wrestling Coalition Night of Champions invites you to experience an action-packed evening at the Alton Wood River Sportsman Club. On January 11th, doors will open at 6 PM for family-friendly activities, followed by nonstop wrestling action starting at 7 PM. This event showcases the Midwest's top wrestling talent and promises to be an unforgettable experience for fans of all ages! 47th Annual Harmans Bluegrass LCCC Show Featuring The Cox Family is an event you won't want

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EDWARDSVILLE - Students at Edwardsville High School have come together to raise money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Casey Stover, a junior at EHS, was nominated for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s (LLS) 2025 Student Visionaries of the Year campaign. This seven-week leadership development program encourages students across the Greater St. Louis region to raise money for blood cancer research. Several EHS students have stepped forward to join Casey’s campaign, known as “Team Moving Mountains.” “My motivation for my campaign is my grandpa,” Casey said. “He’s a non-Hodgkin lymphoma survivor, and luckily for him, he was able to receive effective treatment. But I know a lot of cancer patients out there aren’t able to receive effective treatment, so my big mission pillar is research. I want to be able to support new research to develop more effective cancer treatments.” To do so, Casey and her team have organized

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BETHALTO - Jacob Cranford, a Civic Memorial High School junior runner, is a Tom Lane State Farm Insurance Male Athlete of the Month for his efforts in boys cross country and his performance at the recent Great River Road Run in Alton in November. Cranford showcased his talent in the annual 10-mile Great River Road Run, held in November, where he placed third with a remarkable time of 1:00.9. Despite the cold conditions during the final three miles, Cranford’s performance stood out in the highly competitive event. Cranford's achievements this season for CM boys cross country have been notable, as he also secured fifth place in the Madison County Cross Country Championships on October 8, 2024, finishing with a time of 16:23.0. He recorded a time of 15:46.8 for 2.9 miles at the Jacksonville Regional and followed that with a time of 16:21 at the sectional in Olney. At the state meet in Peoria, he completed the race with a time of 15:57.4, finishing in 124th place overall. Reflecting

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MADISON – Four individuals have been indicted by a federal grand jury for their alleged roles in an armed robbery of a Brink’s truck in Madison, according to a statement released on Wednesday. The incident, which occurred on Dec. 5, 2024, involved two Brink’s employees who were reportedly robbed while servicing an ATM. Lee O. Griffin, Jr., 23, of Cahokia Heights, faces multiple charges, including conspiracy to interfere with commerce by robbery, interference with commerce by robbery, arson, and possession of a weapon in furtherance of a crime of violence. Antonio T. Harris, 23, and Patrick D. Johnson, 26, both of St. Louis, are charged with conspiracy to interfere with commerce by robbery. Taneisha M. Davis, 29, of East St. Louis, is charged with arson for allegedly setting fire to the getaway vehicle. U.S. Attorney Rachelle Aud Crowe emphasized the commitment of her office to prosecute those who target employees in violent crimes. “I applaud this multijurisdictional

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EDWARDSVILLE — Madison County State’s Attorney Tom Haine announced on Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025, that a 16-year-old from Columbia, Mo., has been detained on juvenile charges involving alleged possession of a handgun. The juvenile is charged in a Delinquency Petition with Armed Violence, Possession of Cannabis With Intent to Deliver, Unlawful Possession of a Weapon by a Delinquent Minor and Resisting a Peace Officer. The charges allege the juvenile had a 9mm handgun and 30 to 500 grams of cannabis in his possession, and attempted to run from a police officer, on Jan. 2, 2025. Alton Police Department investigated the case. This charge and the statements made herein are based upon probable cause. The defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.

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ALTON - Art Henry Tours has a new office in Alton, and Laura Scarborough is eager to help you plan your next trip. Art Henry Tours plans group tours for people across the U.S. The company joined the North Alton-Godfrey Business Council (NAGBC) two months ago. Since then, Scarborough said it’s been an exciting time at Art Henry Tours as she settles into her role and prepares for an upcoming trip to Nashville. She loves group travel and can’t wait to help more people in Alton experience it. “You’re enriching that destination,” she explained. “You’re excited about the place you’re going because you’re paying to go there and taking your time out, and you’re excited about going on this trip. Then the next layer is the people that you meet while you’re sharing those experiences.” Started in 1978, Art Henry Tours is a small company based out of Nashville. They coordinate tours across the U.S. They plan their

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SPRINGFIELD - Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias’ office rejected more than 300 vanity and personalized license plates in 2024. The office received 60,537 requests for vanity and personalized plates last year, including the 335 that were denied because of their inflammatory or offensive nature or because they were difficult to read. The rejected plate requests this year include: HOKTUAH, GYATT, MUNCH, BICHIN, JAGWEED, BADARSE, AXEHOLE, ILLCUTU, HOHOHOE, ABADMF, WEENIE, DUCKOFF, SHIDDED, UGEWANG, and THICCAF. “Illinoisans consistently display a great deal of creativity when choosing their customized license plates, but the plates that hit the road must meet the standards of good taste and decency,” Giannoulias said. “Our team are well-versed in lecherous language and sneaky swearing, all of which are rejected and placed on our permanent prohibited list.” The Secretary of State’s Office oversees the process that allows Illinoisans

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EDWARDSVILLE – Scott Credit Union (SCU) is proud to announce the promotion of Jeff Roderick to Chief Information Officer (CIO), effective January 1, 2025. Roderick, who most recently served as Vice President of Information Technology, brings more than 28 years of experience in information technology, including 25 years in leadership, to this critical role. During his tenure at SCU, Jeff Roderick successfully led initiatives that have significantly enhanced the credit union’s technological capabilities. His leadership in the data warehouse rollout, digital banking enhancements, and the development of SCU’s Artificial Intelligence strategy has strengthened the credit union’s commitment to delivering innovative, member-focused solutions. “Jeff’s forward-thinking approach and dedication to excellence make him an outstanding choice for CIO,” said Frank Padak, President and CEO of Scott Credit Union. “He has consistently demonstrated his

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