Riverbender 🕸

ALTON - Visitors flocked to Christmas Wonderland in Alton in record numbers during the 2024 holiday season and that success means the volunteer organization was able to increase its donations to local organizations. Nearly $73,000 in donations has been distributed to over 70 civic organizations courtesy of the Grandpa Gang and Christmas Wonderland, a direct result of strong holiday seasonal visitors to the landmark Alton attraction. Christmas Wonderland, spearheaded by the volunteer Grandpa Gang, features more than 4 million lights strung throughout Rock Spring Park and also includes the Enchanted Forest and visits with Santa Claus. “The financial support we received in 2024 means we can help others in our surrounding communities and that is the true meaning of the holiday season,” Dick Alford, of the Grandpa Gang, noted. The “Grandpa Gang”, a group of retirees and volunteers, organizes and designs the Christmas spectacular of cascading lights, tunnels

Continue Reading

MARINE – A man from Marine faces multiple felonies after a police search of his home yielded various stolen items and a pipe bomb. Chad W. Vaughn, 40, of Marine, was charged with possession of explosive or incendiary devices (a Class 1 felony), unlawful possession of a weapon by a felon (a Class 2 felony), residential burglary (a Class 1 felony), and theft (a Class 3 felony). Charging documents state that on April 9, 2025, Vaughn knowingly possessed an explosive compound in the form of a “pipe bomb.” His possession of the explosive carried additional penalties as a felon previously convicted in 2021 of unlawful possession with the intent to deliver methamphetamine, also in Madison County. Vaughn was additionally charged in this case with offenses stemming from Oct. 23, 2024, when he is accused of burglarizing a residence in Marine and stealing “assorted tools, musical instruments, appliances, and assorted home goods” worth over $500 from the residence.

Continue Reading

BUNKER HILL - A local cafeteria worker is advocating for free school lunches for all kids. Shelly Wuellner, Food Service Director at Bunker Hill Community Unit School District #8, recently traveled to Springfield, Illinois, and Washington, D.C., to speak with legislators about providing free meals for all students. She serves as the Illinois Public Spokesperson for Healthy Meals for All and as a member of the School Nutrition Association. “Kids do matter and school food matters,” Wuellner said. “Come to school, eat your food, be full, enjoy it. How are we going to educate our kids if we’re not setting them up to be educated?” BHCUSD8, Wuellner’s district, participates in the Community Eligibility Provision, which provides free breakfast and lunch to all students regardless of their ability to pay. She said some districts make it into that program “by the skin of their teeth,” and she believes it’s a great resource for

Continue Reading

ALTON - Alton Police Chief Jarrett Ford reported two separate crashes in Alton on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, occurring within 10 minutes of each other. The first incident took place at 3:25 p.m. on Wednesday at the intersection of Martin Luther King Drive and West 10th Street. According to Chief Ford, there were no injuries, and the crash caused minimal traffic disruption. A citation was issued to the at-fault driver for failure to reduce speed, with no other citations issued. Shortly after, at 3:36 p.m., a second crash occurred in the 3000 block of Brown Street. A 60-year-old female driver, determined not to be at fault, was transported by ambulance for minor injuries. The driver found to be at fault received a citation for failure to reduce speed, with no additional citations issued. Chief Ford’s statements highlight speed as a common factor in both crashes, emphasizing the importance of cautious driving to prevent such incidents.

Continue Reading

MADISON COUNTY — Hayley A. Ditzler, 18, and Olivia J. Brown, 18, have been charged with a Mob Action Class 4 felony for allegedly participating in an incident on April 18, 2025. According to the Madison County State’s Attorney’s Office, both defendants are accused of forcibly dragging the victim into the woods and repeatedly punching and kicking her in multiple areas of her body. The charges, filed on April 23, 2025, state that Ditzler and Brown acted together without legal authority, using force or violence that disturbed the public peace. The official charge reads that the defendants knowingly engaged in this conduct in violation of Illinois law, specifically 720 ILCS 5/25-1(a)(1). The incident is under investigation by local authorities, and no further details have been released at this time. Both defendants are expected to appear in court for proceedings related to the charges.

Continue Reading

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is reporting the first confirmed measles case of 2025 in Illinois. The case, involving an adult in far southern Illinois, was confirmed through laboratory testing on April 23. This is the only case IDPH is aware of and this is not considered an outbreak at this time. IDPH will update the public should there be any notable developments. The risk of community transmission for the general public in Illinois remains low. IDPH is working with local health officials to identify all potential exposure locations. The clinic in southern Illinois where the patient sought care is working to identify any possible exposed patients and check immune status of those individuals. All exposed healthcare staff were wearing masks and are considered immune. Anyone exposed and not immune to measles should stay alert for any signs and symptoms of measles such as rash, high fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes, and notify their

Continue Reading

CHICAGO – Attorney General Kwame Raoul, as part of a coalition of 12 attorneys general, today filed a lawsuit to block the Trump administration’s illegal tariffs. The case challenges several executive orders that claim the power to increase tariffs without congressional action. The lawsuit filed by Raoul and the coalition challenges the Trump administration’s executive orders calling for higher tariffs on most products worldwide. These tariffs impose a 145% tariff on most products from China, a 25% tariff on most types of products from Canada and Mexico, and 10% tariffs on most products from the rest of the world. Raoul’s lawsuit also challenges the administration’s plan to raise tariffs on imports from 56 other trading partners on July 9. “International trade is essential to states’ economies, and the administration’s tariffs will make it more difficult for our residents to purchase the basic goods they need at affordable prices,”

Continue Reading

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) joined U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-HI), Patty Murray (D-WA) and 10 Senate Democratic colleagues in condemning the Trump Administration’s cuts to federal funding that for decades helped address child labor, forced labor and human trafficking globally. “These cuts are inconsistent with bipartisan laws passed by Congress providing federal funds to combat child labor, forced labor, human trafficking, and enforce labor standards in over 40 countries,” the Senators wrote in a letter to Labor Secretary Lori M. Chavez-DeRemer. “Cancelling all existing cooperative agreements will only harm American workers, lower international labor standards, and hurt children.” The Senators continued, “ILAB grants level the playing field for American workers and ensure businesses cannot profit from labor abuses by stopping the problems at their source. Offshoring work will only drive down wages, incentivize

Continue Reading

CHICAGO - Today, Governor JB Pritzker announced a series of measures against El Salvador in response to its role in aiding the Trump Administration’s defiance of court orders and violations of due process. As laid out in the Fifth and Fourteenth Amendments of the United States Constitution, no one should be deprived of life and liberty without due process of law. However, Kilmar Abrego Garcia, who was legally residing in the United States, did not receive any due process before the Trump Administration illegally deported him to El Salvador -- even though the first Trump Administration granted a withholding of removal order in 2019. Additionally, the Trump Administration admitted it sent Abrego Garcia to El Salvador because of an administrative error . Despite a unanimous decision from the Supreme Court of the United States ordering the Trump Administration to facilitate Abrego Garcia’s return because of his wrongful deportation, he continues to be held in illegal

Continue Reading

DECATUR - Governor JB Pritzker joined TCCI Manufacturing today to announce the grand opening of its Clean Energy Innovation Hub . The new state-of-the-art hub is a $45 million project which strengthens the North American supply chain by onshoring critical electric vehicle (EV) component manufacturing, providing training and cutting edge research opportunities. As part of the project, TCCI invested more than $20 million to revamp their Decatur facility, creating 50 new jobs in the process. TCCI is the first recipient of the state’s groundbreaking Reimagining Energy and Vehicles in Illinois (REV Illinois) incentive program. “From workforce development to innovation to manufacturing expansion, we are building an engine of opportunity. That starts with strategic projects like the Clean Energy Innovation Hub,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “This has been years in the making, and it took collaboration to get here — collaboration between a company committed to

Continue Reading

ELSAH – To build stronger communities and positive relationships with law enforcement, the Illinois State Police (ISP) is hosting three, Team Illinois Youth Police Camps (TIYPC) this summer in Carbondale, Elsah, and Romeoville. Each week-long, overnight camp is geared for teenagers 13-17 years and focuses on providing personal development opportunities to challenge young people to reach their full potential. The TIYPCs are based upon a military model and attendees, or cadets, learn military drills and participate in physical fitness exercises. Cadets also attend classroom instruction on leadership development, substance abuse resistance, team building principles, and other life enhancing skills. TIYPCs promote positive rapport and interactions between law enforcement and attendees. The Metro East TIYPC will be held at Principia College in Elsah, Illinois from July 13-19, 2025. More than 900 cadets have graduated from this camp since 2006. Local sheriff and police departments,

Continue Reading

SWANSEA — State Senator Christopher Belt announced that school libraries across St. Clair and Madison counties will receive more than $30,000 in state grant funding. “School libraries are a safe place for many kids to expand their knowledge and prepare for their future,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “The funding will help our school libraries keep up with times by helping them upgrade to new technology used to help kids learn.” The grants, awarded throughout Illinois, included annual per capita grant funding, public library construction grants and newly created technology grants to help libraries most in need upgrade their technology infrastructure. School districts receiving funding in the 57th Senate District include: Belle Valley School District 119 - $850 Belleville Township High School District 201 - $4,072 Cahokia Community Unit School District 187 - $2,374 Dupo Community Unit School District 196 - $850 East Saint Louis School District 189 -

Continue Reading

What if a single day dedicated to planting trees could transform landscapes, communities, and even national identities? Arbor Day, a celebration that might seem simple at first glance, holds a profound legacy of environmental stewardship, civic pride, and global influence. Beyond the act of planting saplings, Arbor Day has inspired millions to reconsider humanity’s relationship with nature and the critical role trees play in our lives. The Origins of Arbor Day: A Vision Rooted in Conservation Arbor Day began in the United States in the late 19th century, a period marked by rapid industrialization and environmental change. The holiday was founded by J. Sterling Morton, a Nebraska journalist and politician, who recognized the urgent need to address deforestation and soil erosion in the Great Plains. On April 10, 1872, Morton proposed a statewide tree-planting day to encourage residents to plant trees, not only to beautify the landscape but also to provide practical benefits like

Continue Reading

April 24 has marked some of the most significant and varied moments in global history. The most impactful event associated with April 24 is undoubtedly the beginning of the Armenian Genocide in 1915. On this day, the Ottoman Empire initiated a systematic campaign against its Armenian population, resulting in the deaths of an estimated 1.5 million Armenians. This tragic event is widely recognized by historians and many countries as one of the first modern genocides. It remains a deeply significant and somber moment in history, highlighting the devastating consequences of ethnic hatred and political turmoil. The Armenian Genocide has had lasting effects on Armenian diaspora communities worldwide and continues to influence international discussions on human rights and genocide recognition. Moving back in time, on April 24, 1607, English settlers aboard the Susan Constant landed at Jamestown, Virginia, marking the establishment of the first permanent English settlement in North America.

Continue Reading

COLLINSVILLE — Webster Elementary’s third-grade students recently delivered a captivating performance of The Boy Who Spoke to the Earth, showcasing their musical and theatrical talents. The production, based on the book by Chris Burkard and David McClellen, tells the story of a boy who can communicate with the earth and embarks on a magical journey through various landforms in search of happiness. The adaptation was written by Webster music teacher Jennifer Bhooshan, alongside Katie Brown and Rachel Puleo. Bhooshan emphasized that the students were actively involved in shaping the show’s creative elements. “The students chose songs, created movements and provided input on everything in the production,” she said. During the performance, the third graders played instruments such as drums and small xylophones. They also provided narration, sang songs, and performed synchronized movements representing diverse areas of the earth, from oceans to mountaintops.

Continue Reading

ALTON – After hearing comments for and against the proposed Lovejoy mixed-use development , the Alton City Council laid the item over until new council members are sworn in next month. At issue is a proposed 70-unit mixed-use, mixed-income apartment complex at 324 Ridge Street in Alton, known as “The Lovejoy.” Estimated at $27 million , the project is being led by firm McCormack, Baron and Salazar (MBS). Voicing their concerns about the Lovejoy project were residents Cheryl and Douglas Kellum. Cheryl said that while she understands the need for more housing in Alton, she doesn't think the Lovejoy project would be a good fit for area families. She noted the Lovejoy would only consist of one and two-bedroom apartments, while many local families are seeking three and four-bedroom living spaces. She also voiced concerns about crime in the neighborhood near Ridge Street. Another major concern of hers was parking – the original proposal for the Lovejoy

Continue Reading

WOOD RIVER — On Tuesday afternoon, April 22, 2025, the Wood River Police Department, with assistance from neighboring agencies and OnStar, apprehended two individuals wanted in connection with a homicide in Greer, South Carolina. At approximately 1:25 p.m., the Wood River Police Department Dispatch Center was notified by an OnStar representative that a stolen white Chevrolet 6500 dump truck was being actively tracked within the city limits. The vehicle was believed to be operated by a male suspect wanted for homicide in Greer. Wood River officers were immediately alerted and began searching for the vehicle. OnStar later reported that the truck had exited Wood River and was traveling southbound on Illinois 255. Officers from the Hartford, Roxana, and South Roxana Police Departments joined the search effort. The vehicle was located north of Interstate 270 on Illinois 255, where officers successfully conducted a felony traffic stop. Two individuals were taken into custody a

Continue Reading

COLUMBIA - Grieving mothers are invited to a Bereaved Mother’s Day event to experience healing and support. From 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, May 3, 2025, a group of women will meet at Toddhall Retreat and Conference Center in Columbia for a day of self-care, pampering and grief breakout sessions. Teresa and Lawayna, who organized the event, explained that the goal is to provide a space for mothers to heal, whether they lost a child in pregnancy or childhood, no matter how long ago the loss occurred. “These are women that I always want to pamper,” Teresa said. “I want to honor them for what they’ve endured.” Tickets to the Bereaved Mother’s Day event cost $35, or you can pay an additional $10 to participate in a breathwork session from 4–5 p.m. on May 3. Teresa and Lawayna explained that the day will begin with an icebreaker and a speaker who will talk about the importance of self-care. Lawayna will share her story of navigating

Continue Reading

Letter To The Editor: The East Alton School District 13 is pleased to announce the conclusion of a review by the Public Access Bureau of the Office of the Attorney General, which affirmed the District’s adherence to the Open Meetings Act. The review was initiated following a request by the East Alton Education Association through the IEA UniServe Director on March 21, 2025, concerning a closed session meeting held February 18, 2025. The Public Access Bureau’s decision received today, confirmed that the allegations of improper conduct were not substantiated and that the topics in question were not discussed during the closed session. This finding was further supported by the IEA UniServe Director, Fred Glover, who collaborated with the EAEA and independently concurred with the Bureau’s conclusion after reviewing the information. The District appreciates the thoroughness of the Public Access Bureau’s review. This file is now closed. The District remains

Continue Reading

ALTON - As a result of last week’s Alton First Responders Springfest, the Alton Fire Department and Police Department both received approximately $7,500. On April 23, 2025, Mayor David Goins presented Fire Chief Jesse Jemison and Police Chief Jarrett Ford with checks for $7,487.92 each. This money was donated by Luehrs’ Ideal Rides, who held the Springfest at the Alton Riverfront from April 11–19, 2025. “It was for a good cause, a good, clean, family-fun event, that was also giving back to our community. I thought that was very special,” Goins said. “It’s an honor to be here today to present these checks on behalf of Luehrs’ Ideal Rides. This donation reflects our community’s appreciation for the hard work and dedication of our first responders.” The Springfest was conceptualized by Andy Schoendienst, who owns Luehrs’ Ideal Rides. Through Luehrs’, Schoendienst wanted to offer an event to support local first

Continue Reading