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EAST ALTON – After its 22nd Annual Water Festival was rained out in September, the National Great Rivers Research and Education Center took the experience on the road. NGRREC’s Education team launched the first Water Festival on Wheels (WOW), a mobile version of the popular event, and visited North Elementary School in Godfrey on Nov. 1, engaging around 150 fifth grade students across six different classes. "While we were disappointed to cancel the original Water Festival, we were excited to launch WOW and continue offering engaging water education opportunities for students," Environmental Educator Jolena Pang said. "The support from our partners and the teachers and staff at North Elementary made this first mobile Water Festival a great success." Pang worked closely with seven local partner organizations to create a hands-on educational experience, bringing water education directly to students on North’s football field, just next door to NGRREC’s

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ALTON - Jayden Snow is a well-rounded student athlete and performer. For his hard work, Jayden Snow is a Hayner Public Library District Student of the Month for Alton High School. As a senior at Alton High School, Snow has had the opportunity to get involved in a variety of programs and extracurriculars. He has been a thespian since his freshman year, and he joined the chamber choir during his sophomore year. He has been recognized by the Illinois Music Education Association two times as a member of their auditioned performance choir. Snow also plays tennis, and he was tapped to join the varsity team as a sophomore. In the past few months, Snow has discovered a new passion as a member of Scholar Bowl. He enjoys challenging himself as a member of the Math Team and the Physics Club. He was also recently inducted into National Honor Society and Mu Alpha Theta, a mathematics honor society. These memberships require high grades and many hours of community service. Snow often

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ALTON - The Alton Band and Orchestra Builders will host their 35th annual Olde Alton Arts and Craft Fair. On Saturday, Dec. 7, and Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024, community members are invited to Alton High School to shop handmade products, including jewelry, decor, clothing, and more. Proceeds from the fair go to the Alton Band and Orchestra Builders (ABOB) to boost the Alton Community Unit School District #11 music program. “The event supports Alton's music programs and is a wonderful way to celebrate the arts while contributing to a meaningful cause,” said Amy Macias, who organized this year’s fair alongside her husband Brian. “The Craft Fair is truly instrumental (pun intended) in ensuring all Alton School District students have access to the exceptional music program. Every dollar raised supports the district’s band and orchestra programs, allowing ABOB to fund essential resources so no student is left behind.” Breakfast starts at 8 a.m. on both

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BELLEVILLE - A Belleville man was charged with domestic battery and more after pursuing the victim and threatening witnesses with a weapon he claims was a toy borrowed from a nearby child. Xavier S. Lacey, 19, of Belleville, was charged with one count of aggravated domestic battery (a Class 2 felony), domestic battery (a Class A misdemeanor), and three counts of aggravated assault (each Class A misdemeanors). The victim in this case reported that Lacey “forcefully grabbed her by the collar of her sweatshirt, pushing her against a wall, choking her,” according to a petition to deny Lacey’s pretrial release. “She was able to break free and fled, and was observed by the victim and witnesses, pursuing her with a firearm in hand,” the petition states “Victim and witnesses report that stated he intended to kill the victim.” Lacey then reportedly “turned his attention to two witnesses, also pointing the firearm at them, before fleeing

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SPRINGFIELD — Illinois hunters reported a preliminary total of 54,661 deer harvested during the first weekend of the 2024 firearm deer season, which took place from Nov. 22 to Nov. 24. This figure reflects an increase from 53,348 deer harvested during the same period in 2023 and 52,354 in 2022. The seven-day firearm deer season in Illinois will continue through Dec. 5-8, with additional hunting opportunities scheduled for the remainder of the 2024-2025 season. These include a muzzleloader-only deer season from Dec. 13-15, as well as late-winter antlerless-only and chronic wasting disease deer seasons in select counties from Dec. 26-29 and Jan. 17-19. The archery deer season remains open through Jan. 19, though it will be closed in counties that are open for firearm deer hunting from Dec. 5-8. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources provides further details on deer hunting regulations and opportunities on its website. Preliminary harvest totals by county for the first weeken

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GRANITE CITY – Lane restrictions will be in place on westbound I-270 over the Mississippi River near Granite City on December 2, 2024, as the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) conducts inspections of the structure. The right lane will be closed from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., weather permitting, reducing traffic to one lane. IDOT officials indicated that all entrance and exit ramps will remain open during this time. Motorists are advised to expect delays and to allow extra time for their travels in the area. Drivers are urged to pay close attention to flaggers and signs in the work zones, adhere to posted speed limits, and remain vigilant for workers and equipment. IDOT recommends using public transportation or traveling during non-peak hours when possible.

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JERSEYVILLE - The grand reopening date for the Susnig Center in Jerseyville has been made official. A Rededication Ceremony for the complex will be held on Saturday, Dec. 14, 2024, starting at 8 a.m. Mayor Kevin Stork made the announcement at Tuesday’s City Council meeting. As previously reported on Riverbender.com , the Susnig Center underwent a major renovation last year, seeing the installation of new gym flooring, new ADA-compliant bleachers, new restroom facilities, and much more. The facility, which is located at 401 Mound St. in Jerseyville, also houses the Jerseyville Parks & Recreation Department and the Illinois Valley Economic Development Corporation’s Senior Center. The Rededication plans come amid news of the Susnig Center getting a new neighbor in the future, as Illinois Valley seeks to expand their adult education and workforce training programs into a new building nearby. More details on those plans are available in our previous coverage o

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ST. LOUIS - An arts foundation is planning to build and arts and entertainment facility in St. Louis' Downtown West neighborhood. On Thursday, the St. Louis Development Corporation (SLDC) Board of Directors approved $5 million in New Markets Tax Credits to develop Delmar Stage and Studios at 2233 Delmar Blvd. A project totaling $6.25 million. In the coming months, the current tenant in the space will vacate, allowing the Kranzberg Arts Foundation (KAF) to buy the property and develop the building. KAF intends to lease the property to Logic Systems Holdings, which owns an audio, lighting, and video production company based in Valley Park, Missouri. Logic Systems Holdings will relocate roughly 150 employees to the City of St. Louis, including up to 100 more part-time employees depending on the season. Future phases and plans include new stages for film, television, and music. KAF will embed its workforce development program in the facility as well. “This is a transformative

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The holiday season can serve as a wonderful time when family and friends gather to give thanks, reflect on the year, and celebrate. And while this can be an exciting time, for some, the financial stress can have a profound impact on mental health and can cause depression, anxiety, feelings of hopelessness, and can even put a strain on relationships. These feelings may intensify during the holiday season for a number of reasons including gift-giving expectations or entertaining and travel expenses. Families may feel pressured to keep up with holiday traditions, which may include elaborate meals, decor, and holiday activities. These costs can add up quickly. However, this doesn’t mean the fun has to stop! Below, we discuss a few tips for enjoying the holiday season on a budget: Delay buying: If you wait at least 30 minutes before making a purchase, this could result in you buying less. Share the load: If you’re hosting a meal, prepare the main dish and one side

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GLEN CARBON - Kellerman Investigations will once again host a Toys for Tots drive. From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024, community members are invited to stop by Kellerman Investigations at 60 S. Main Street in Glen Carbon to donate toys and enjoy games, a photo booth, raffles and more. Kimberly Brown, who helped organize the event, noted that the goal is to assist local families while providing a fun time for attendees. “We’re all blessed in our own way,” Brown said. “But to see people that are still struggling be able to contribute toys for children, that is bigger than one person. That’s a feeling, and that’s what this is about. It’s about donating for the children who don’t know any better, who should not have to worry about whether they’re going to get a toy to open up or not.” While the goal of the event is to collect donations, Brown noted that there will also be games and activities for attendees,

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November 28 holds a significant place in history, marked by a multitude of impactful events that have influenced the world across various fields. One of the most notable events on November 28 occurred in 1943, during World War II, when the Tehran Conference began. This landmark meeting brought together the leaders of the Allied Powers: Franklin D. Roosevelt of the United States, Winston Churchill of the United Kingdom, and Joseph Stalin of the Soviet Union. The conference aimed to strategize the next phases of the war against the Axis powers and laid the groundwork for the post-war order. The discussions at Tehran were critical in shaping the course of the war, leading to the eventual defeat of Nazi Germany and establishing the foundations for the United Nations. The collaborative spirit witnessed during this conference exemplified the importance of diplomacy in resolving global conflicts. Fast forward to 1979, when the United States and China took a momentous step towards normalization

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WOOD RIVER - This Thanksgiving, one of the many things Riverbend residents have to be thankful for are the countless volunteers who make our communities cleaner, better places to live. Rusty Wheat, a one-man cleanup crew and outspoken advocate against roadway litter, is one of those volunteers taking action and making a difference in his community. Wheat has a well-documented history of not only advocating for a cleaner community, but taking action to make it happen. In 2023, he told the Madison County Board to “ do a better job ” regulating garbage trucks with loose netting that were spilling trash along county highways towards the Roxana landfill. Frustrated by the lack of local government action, he took matters into his own hands and formed the “Chain Gang,” the name of his not-for-profit charter under the Illinois Adopt-A-Highway code. In a recent Letter to the Editor , Wheat said the name refers to his “ties to the community,”

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GODFREY - Students at Evangelical School recently enjoyed a Thanksgiving meal together. Along with the parent group EPIC, students helped prepare a Thanksgiving feast to share last week. Students made side dishes in the days leading up to the meal, and then all 350 students ate together in the gym on Nov. 20, 2024. “It embodies a sense of community,” said Jamie Milligan, who chairs the event with EPIC. “We’re a small community here. It's important to develop those relationships across the age timeline. I think it’s important for the older kids and the younger kids to interact.” Middle school students were paired with kindergarteners and pre-schoolers to help the younger kids decorate placemats and collect their meals. Many students wore hand-made turkey hats and enjoyed sampling the food they prepared. Principal Amanda Macias noted that the tradition is a fun way to bring the school community together. She said the Student Council also

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JERSEYVILLE - Jerseyville’s tenth annual Downtown Country Christmas Festival promises a fun day for families this weekend. On Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024, kids of all ages and their loved ones can come out to City Center Park in Jerseyville. The festivities kick off at 1 p.m., and Santa Claus will be arriving by helicopter at 1:30 p.m. Kids can enjoy a movie, bounce houses, activities and Elf School, all for free. The event will conclude with a City of Jerseyville tree lighting ceremony at 5 p.m. and a parade to Dolan Park at 5:30 p.m. “It’s going to be great,” said organizer Michael Ward. “Honestly, it’s good to see everybody enjoying themselves and getting out in Jerseyville. There’s a lot going on that day.” Ward said that the Downtown Country Christmas Festival is often compared to a Hallmark movie. The entire community comes out to kick off the holiday season. The Stadium Theater will be showing “The Polar Express”

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ALTON - Prerak Patel, owner of Milton Food and Liquor in Alton, provided a meaningful Thanksgiving contribution to each Alton Police Department and Fire Department member. The Alton Police Department expressed gratitude this holiday season for Patel's generous contribution and the generosity of local business owners who contributed to their festive celebrations. The initiative was announced by the Alton Police Department, highlighting Patel's significant contribution as a gesture of appreciation for the hard work of local law enforcement and fire personnel. In addition to Patel's generosity, the department also acknowledged Mike Schwegel and Schwegel's Market for their role in facilitating the smooth pickup of the turkeys. "This kindness and community spirit are truly appreciated and mean so much to all of us," the department stated in their announcement. The collaboration reflects a commitment to fostering community relationships and supporting those who serve the public.

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CHICAGO – Ahead of Black Friday and Cyber Monday, Attorney General Kwame Raoul is reminding Illinois residents to exercise caution when shopping both online and in person to avoid fraud and scams. “Black Friday and Cyber Monday are two of the biggest shopping days of the year, but it is important that shoppers not inadvertently become victims of scams or purchase unsafe products in their rush to chase down the best deal,” Raoul said. “My office provides advice and free resources to help avoid scams while shopping for loved ones. I encourage all Illinois residents to visit my office’s website for free tips to a safe holiday shopping season.” Attorney General Raoul also encouraged shoppers to take steps to protect themselves from scams, such as those involving drained gift cards. Scammers steal gift cards to copy the card number and then put the cards back on the shelf. Once the card has been purchased and a consumer’s funds are loaded o

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SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Transportation, Illinois State Police and law enforcement agencies throughout the state are ramping up patrols and reminding the public to buckle up and drive sober this Thanksgiving. Hundreds of enforcement zones and other enforcement patrols will be looking for seat belt law violators and impaired drivers through Dec. 2. “Buckling your seat belt is the law in Illinois – and your best defense if you’re in a crash,” said Stephane B. Seck-Birhame, IDOT’s bureau chief of Safety Programs and Engineering. “If you think you might drink or use drugs, plan to designate a sober driver so your and everyone else’s Thanksgiving holiday is safe and filled with memories you’ll cherish for a lifetime.” During the Thanksgiving holiday period from Nov. 22-26 in Illinois last year, IDOT reported 2,842 crashes, including 16 people killed in 16 crashes, six of which involved alcohol. “The

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CHICAGO – The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is reminding Illinoisans to celebrate the 2024 Thanksgiving holiday safely by taking precautions to protect everyone from foodborne illnesses as well as uninvited guests - those seasonal viruses that may be circulating. Hosts can protect their guests by following basic food safety steps, including keeping hot foods hot, cold foods cold, and properly thawing frozen turkeys before roasting them. “Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays,” said IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra. “I love the food, spending time with family and friends, and the football. As we gather in community this week, I want to remind everybody, and especially those preparing food, that we can prevent unwanted illnesses by following proven food safety tips. Two of the most important are: thoroughly thaw frozen turkeys in the fridge and make sure the turkey and stuffing are cooked to a safe temperature of 165° Fahrenheit.”

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WOOD RIVER - During this Thanksgiving holiday time, Wood River residents are saluting a cherished man who recently celebrated his 100th birthday. Jacob Miller, a World War II veteran in the U.S. Army, was honored recently at the Wood River City Council meeting. To celebrate a century of life and service to his community, Wood River resident Jacob Miller was honored this week as Mayor Tom Stalcup recently proclaimed Nov. 18, 2024 “Jacob Miller Day.” “I have known him practically all my life,” Stalcup said of Miller. “He raised his family in Wood River, he came from Arkansas. All the kids were born in Wood River - they had two boys and a girl, and Jacob’s wife was a cook at Roxana High for forever. Really, really nice family.” The official proclamation describes Miller as “an individual whose journey has inspired and touched the lives of family, friends, and community.” “Jacob has witnessed a century of change

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As dinner plates get filled this holiday season, it’s important to decide what to, and what not to add to your meal. Health experts say moderation is key. “Make sure you choose a little bit of everything you want and savor those foods you enjoy. Don’t fill your plate with foods you don’t like to eat,” says OSF HealthCare registered dietitian Sara Umphfleet. “When referring to moderation, also think about alcohol. It’s typically one drink for women and two drinks for men is the definition of moderation. It’s important that if you’re going to have alcohol, to have a glass of water every time you have a drink, because alcohol can really dehydrate you.” Surrounded by holiday staples like turkey, casseroles, stuffing and more, it’s an easy time to overeat and break any healthy eating habits. Umphfleet shares some ways you can combat this. “If you know it’s going to be some time after breakfast before you have

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