Riverbender 🕸

EAST ST. LOUIS — East St. Louis School District 189 will host a community event on Thursday, June 12, 2025, to celebrate continued progress in its electric school bus initiative. The event will highlight construction of a new depot that will support 25 electric school buses and chargers. The district was awarded funding through the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Clean School Bus Program as part of a competitive, multi-district application. The project includes the deployment of 25 Thomas Built electric school buses and 25 Heliox chargers, with operations scheduled to begin in the 2025–2026 school year. “We are proud to roll out 25 new electric school buses for regular routes this coming school year—an investment in both the health of our students and our community,” said Arthur R. Culver, Superintendent of East St. Louis School District 189. “Our students deserve clean, safe, and modern transportation. These electric buses

Continue Reading

CARBONDALE – Following an incident in Carbondale on Tuesday evening where criminals defaced a federal building, U.S. Attorney Steven D. Weinhoeft and FBI Special Agent in Charge Christopher Johnson are vowing to protect law and order in southern Illinois. “There are bright lines separating where speech ends and criminal conduct begins. Those who committed this targeted vandalism to federal property will be pursued and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” said U.S. Attorney Steven D. Weinhoeft. “Our system protects good faith expressions of ideas and opinions, but it abhors lawlessness and violence. Any such criminality cannot, and will not, be tolerated.” In the evening on June 10, individuals gathered outside the entrance of the Senator Paul Simon Federal Building in Carbondale. During the gathering, some members defaced the outside of the building, from which any damage is being assessed at this time. “The Senator Paul Simon Federal

Continue Reading

COLLINSVILLE – The Illinois Department of Transportation today announced lane restrictions will be encountered at the intersection of IL 159 and Beltline Road/Pine Lake Road beginning at 7:30 a.m. on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, weather permitting. The left lane and left turn lane in both the northbound and southbound directions on IL 159 will be closed. The through lane and left turn lane on both Beltline Road and Pine Lake Road will also be closed. Traffic on Beltline Road and Pine Lake Road will be required to turn right onto IL 159. Traffic impacts could be significant, and it's recommended to avoid this area if possible. These lane closures are necessary to allow IDOT District 8 Operations forces to perform pavement patching through the intersection. All lanes are expected to re-open as soon as possible. Motorists can expect delays and should allow extra time for trips through this area. Drivers are urged to pay close attention to changing conditions and all detou

Continue Reading

GODFREY - Community leaders gathered at the new site of the Byway Discovery Center near Piasa Harbor for a groundbreaking ceremony. On Wednesday, June 11, 2025, the community came together to celebrate the new Byway Discovery Center, a 4,500-square-foot visitor orientation facility that will open in Spring 2026 along the Meeting of the Great Rivers National Scenic Byway. Located at 10815 Lockhaven Road in Godfrey, this center will provide recreational opportunities and generate tourism dollars. “One of our thoughts in the early days was to create a space that the public can come out and use and actually interact with the river,” said Alley Ringhausen, executive director of the Great Rivers Land Trust. Ringhausen explained that the Great Rivers Land Trust recognized the importance of the confluence area and began working to “start implementing this vision” several years ago. John Hopkins, longest-serving member of the Great Rivers and Routes Tourism

Continue Reading

SPRINGFIELD — Rep. Amy Elik addressed members of the North Alton-Godfrey Business Association this week, providing an overview of recent legislative developments in Illinois, including the passage of the FY 26 state budget, drug affordability efforts, and her own legislative initiatives. Elik said the FY 26 state budget, the Build Illinois Multi-Year Plan (BIMP), and the accompanying revenue package were passed just before the May 31 deadline after what she described as “Democrats conspired behind closed doors to raise taxes to pay for pork projects, raise their own pay, and fund services for illegal immigrants.” A significant portion of Elik’s remarks focused on the Prescription Drug Affordability Act (HB1697), which passed both the House and Senate. The legislation aims to lower drug costs by regulating pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs), who are often accused of inflating drug prices. Elik described the act as “extremely complex, complicated, and

Continue Reading

GODFREY — Senator Erica Harriss, reflecting on her third budget season at the statehouse, said the process remains rushed and opaque. “Illinois families are making tough choices to pay their bills, but the government keeps getting bigger,” she said. Harriss was a speaker with Rep. Amy Elik at the North Alton-Godfrey Business Council this week. "The 2024 budget incorporates several new revenue sources, including one-time funds such as $228 million from Tax Amnesty and $171 million from pausing the sales tax shift on motor fuel to the Road Fund," she said. "New taxes and fees also take effect: a sports betting wager tax starting July 1, 2025, expected to generate $36 million; a hotel-like tax on short-term rentals adding $10 million; an increase in tobacco taxes from 36% to 45% on wholesale prices, including e-cigarettes, projected to bring in $50 million; and a telecommunications tax hike from 7% to 8.65%, partially funding the 9-8-8 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline,

Continue Reading

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today hosted members of the Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce in his Washington office to discuss economic development and infrastructure investment in Central Illinois. During the meeting, Durbin and the local leaders spoke about the Springfield Rail Improvements Project , which Durbin has helped secure more than $247 million in federal funding to complete. Durbin also responded to the organization’s concerns that the Trump Administration will continue to delay or slash federal grants that have helped support the state’s education programs, airport renovations, and infrastructure upgrades for waterlines, emergency services, and the electric grid. “Rightfully, local leaders with the Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce are concerned about the future of federal funding for local projects and priorities in Central Illinois,” said Durbin. “While the Trump Administration is a force

Continue Reading

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Combat Veteran and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL)—a member of the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC)—criticized Donald Trump’s deployment of 700 Marines into Los Angeles while questioning Commandant of the Marine Corps General Eric M. Smith during today’s hearing. Duckworth’s remarks can be found on the Senator’s YouTube . “I don’t condone violence or property destruction, but using active-duty Marines this way sets a dangerous precedent that risks damaging public trust in our military and politicizing a military force that must remain mission-focused,” said Duckworth. “President Trump is asking Marines to be away from their families for a situation that the President himself said yesterday was ‘simmering, but not very much.’ Sending troops to turn on their own communities puts our troops at risk, and it degrades our rights and the democracy every member of our military swor

Continue Reading

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today spoke by phone with leadership of BJC Health System, which has hospitals in both Illinois and Missouri, as well as UnityPoint Health, which has hospitals in both Illinois and Iowa, to discuss the impact that President Trump’s and congressional Republicans’ One Big Beautiful Bill Act will have on Medicaid, their hospitals, and the patients they serve. In short, the Republican bill will slash Medicaid coverage in order to pay for significant tax breaks for billionaires. The One Big Beautiful Bill Act cuts $800 billion from Medicaid and $300 billion from the Affordable Care Act (ACA), resulting in 16 million Americans losing health insurance coverage. Under the Republican bill, 498,674 people in Illinois, 106,781 people in Iowa, and 250,397 people in Missouri are projected to lose their health insurance coverage . “President Trump and congressional Republicans are coming for your health

Continue Reading

EDWARDSVILLE - Veteran Jared Jess recently graduated from SIUE with a master’s degree, and he’s sharing his story to inspire other military members and first-generation students. Jess’s path to SIUE wasn’t linear. After his active duty service, he knew he wanted to go to college but wasn’t sure where to begin. He credits the Warrior-Scholar Project, an “academic boot camp,” with helping him get the head start he needed. “Ultimately, I would say, if you’re a veteran and you are thinking about going back to school, or maybe you even started going to school but you’re struggling in places and you think you could benefit from an academic boot camp like this, I would say just sign up, because it’s only going to help,” Jess said. “It may seem like a big step, and a lot of times veterans can be hard-headed or stuck in their ways, however we want to put it. But it’s only going to help, and it’s goin

Continue Reading

Did you know that Father’s Day, as we know it today, was officially recognized in the United States only in 1972? Despite its relatively recent formal adoption, the celebration of fathers has roots that stretch back over a century, reflecting evolving societal values about fatherhood and family. Far from being just another commercial holiday, Father’s Day carries rich historical significance and offers a meaningful opportunity to honor the diverse roles fathers play in our lives. The Origins of Father’s Day: A Historical Overview The story of Father’s Day begins in the early 20th century, a time of growing recognition of the importance of fathers beyond traditional breadwinning roles. While Mother’s Day was officially established in 1914, Father’s Day took a bit longer to gain national traction. One of the earliest recorded celebrations occurred on June 19, 1910, in Spokane, Washington. Sonora Smart Dodd, inspired by the example of her own father—a

Continue Reading

June 11 has long been a day marked by significant events that have shaped the world in diverse ways. June 11, 1509, saw the ascension of King Henry VIII to the English throne following the death of his father, Henry VII. Henry VIII’s reign would go on to have profound religious and political implications, including the English Reformation and the establishment of the Church of England. His rule is often remembered for its dramatic shifts in governance and the complex legacy he left behind through his six marriages and break from the Catholic Church. Fast forward to the 20th century, June 11, 1963, marked a significant moment in civil rights history when President John F. Kennedy delivered a landmark speech calling for civil rights legislation. This address was a crucial step toward the eventual passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which aimed to end segregation and discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. Kennedy's speech helped galvanize

Continue Reading

GLEN CARBON – New water mains and asphalt resurfacing are coming to certain streets in Glen Carbon. The Village Board of Trustees on Tuesday approved a $712,609.14 bid from Kamex Inc. for the small main replacement program. This was the lowest of three total bids received for the project. The full scope of the project includes the replacement of 4-inch cast iron water mains along certain sections of Austin, Collinsville, Summit, and Sunset Avenues in Glen Carbon. The old water mains will be replaced with new 8-inch PVC mains before each roadway is milled and overlayed with a new hot-mix asphalt surface. Mayor Bob Marcus asked how many more phases of the small main replacement program are left, and if all the work is taking place in the village’s “Old Town” neighborhood. Public Works Director Scott Slemer gave a cost-dependent estimate that the work could be completed in one or two more phases, and confirmed it would all take place in Old Town. Trustee Ben

Continue Reading

2024-2025 SCHOOL YEAR – 2ND SEMESTER Senior High Honors: Audrey Gilman, Joy Hurley, Grant Kronable, Abby McCasland, Anna Oswald, Lacy Pohlman, Jacob Snyders, Jack Webster, Kate Zipprich Senior Honors: Luke Brannan, Seth Deffenbaugh, Jolene Fanning, Jenna Fraley, Patrick Friedel, Claire Gould, Caden Hayn, Jacob Hillen, Jackson Hinrichs Graner, Josephine Hoagland, Charles Lorsbach IV, Elaina Roth, Wyatt Sibley Junior High Honors: Hannah Klaas, Mia Krysl, Emma Rose, Mary Squier, Jack Zipprich Junior Honors: Addison Becker, Reagan Clendenny, Anabel Eilerman, Marissa Fraley, John Glynn, Jack Goode, Stella Gress, Tyler Grimes, Layla Johnson, Sadie Kiel, Karleigh Mason, Tamara Osterman, Carly Pohlman, Hudson Roth, Kiera Sievers Sophomore High Honors: Lucy Baalman, Peyton Baalman, Tanner Churchman, Ian Gilman, Jordan Hillen, Gabriella Hurley, Grace Hurley, Lucy Hurley, Elizabeth McCasland, Lilly Pelletier, Ethan Wickenhauser Sophomore Honors: Caroline Adams, Noah

Continue Reading

ALTON - Alton couple Dale and Carol Neudecker were recently honored by Pride Inc. with the Legacy Award for their decades of dedication to beautifying the community. The Neudeckers have been instrumental in numerous projects in Alton, including the creation of the Bucket Brigade, which has organized volunteers to paint more than 1,500 houses over the years. Their efforts also include installing planters and lampposts with hanging baskets, inspired by a city in Wisconsin, which have become a notable feature of the Upper Alton area. The Bucket Brigade idea has been emulated across the country by those who have heard of what Dale started here. In an interview following the award presentation, Dale Neudecker reflected on the origins and impact of their work. “One of the main things was the Bucket Brigade. I came up with that idea and we have churches, businesses involved and everyone I could corral to paint houses,” he said. “After all these years, past 1,500 houses

Continue Reading

ALTON – Summer is here, and temps are warmer, and that means one thing – more fun in the sun. Riverbend region residents will be outside enjoying time at the lake or on the river, playing in backyards or spending time at parks. But more fun in the sun can also pose health risks and dangers – particularly when speaking of skin cancer. With our calendars telling us warmer weather is on the way, OSF Moeller Cancer Center (2200 Central Ave, Alton, IL, 62002) will be hosting a FREE skin cancer screening event on Monday, June 23, 3:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. This screening event is “first come, first serve.” Individuals will be seen in order of arrival. The last person to be seen will be checked in no later than 5:30 PM. For more information, interested individuals can contact: Karen Boyd at 618-433-7609 or email Karen.K.Boyd@osfhealthcare.org Jessica Williams at 618-433-7610 or email Jessica.R.Williams@osfhealthcare.org Skin cancer is the out-of-control

Continue Reading

SWANSEA - The Rotary Club of Swansea hosted their 22nd Annual “Service Above Self” 5K Run/Walk on Saturday, May 31, 2025, which began and ended at Wolf Branch Elementary School. More than 100 participants of all ages enjoyed the beautiful weather and helped to support the Chad Wood Memorial Scholarship Fund which benefits college scholarship programs for qualifying graduates of area high schools. "For our Rotarians, this event is deeply meaningful as it allows us to perpetually honor the memory of Chad, a truly remarkable young man whose absence is still felt keenly in our community," said event organizer and Swansea Rotarian Jim Riess."My sincerest thanks go out to all the volunteers and participants whose continued support ensures this event's success." The news of Chad Wood's sudden and unexpected death on Monday morning, May 9, 2005, took the breath away from all of the Swansea Rotary Club's members. Ray Wood was the Charter President when the Rotary Club of Swansea

Continue Reading

JERSEYVILLE – Attorney General Kwame Raoul today announced that a former Jersey County Treasurer pleaded guilty to a felony theft charge after she knowingly obtained more than $50,000 in 2024 by deception for personal gain from Jersey County bank accounts while in her role as treasurer. Raoul’s office prosecuted Katie Abbey, 37, of Jerseyville, Illinois, who pleaded guilty to Class 1 felony theft by deception. Sangamon County Circuit Court Chief Judge Daniel Wright sentenced her to pay $58,453.76 in restitution and serve 45 days of home confinement and 30 months of felony probation. “Public servants are entrusted with resources that allow them to fulfill their responsibilities on behalf of the taxpayers they serve, which is why they must be held to a higher standard,” Raoul said. “It is an egregious violation of the public’s trust when any elected official takes advantage of this responsibility for their own personal gain. My office is committed

Continue Reading

ALTON - A “hippie artist” at heart, Charles Mooneyham has returned to his roots. After 20 years working in the behavioral health field, Mooneyham began painting again to manage the stress of his job at the suicide hotline. His work soon found a home in multiple galleries across the region, and he decided to open his own space in his adopted hometown of Alton. “I decided I was going to leave my job and just become a full-time hippie artist weirdo, and I couldn’t think of a better place than Alton,” he joked. Mooneyham has opened his new gallery space, called Mooneyham Art, at 305 State Street in Alton, and he is excited to be in the downtown district. He explained that the gallery features local artists alongside international names, with the goal of boosting these local artists and their work. “I’m creating an environment for intermediate emerging artists to be able to show with regional, national and international artists,”

Continue Reading

ALTON – Multiple Riverbend residents with prior felony convictions have been charged with illegally possessing firearms in separate criminal cases. Jermaine D. Stiff, 44, of Alton, was charged on June 2, 2025 with a Class X felony count of possession of a firearm by a repeat felony offender, as well as a Class 2 felony count of felon in possession of a weapon. Stiff allegedly possessed a firearm on May 28, 2025 after previously being convicted of several felony offenses, including aggravated discharge of a firearm in 1999, home invasion in 2004, felon in possession of a firearm in 2006, and residential burglary in 2006. A petition to deny Stiff’s pretrial release from custody was filed by the Madison County State’s Attorney’s Office. The petition states he was seen on surveillance video shooting the firearm he illegally possessed. “Officers were dispatched to a report of multiple shots fired,” the petition states. “Detectives began reviewing

Continue Reading