Riverbender 🕸

SAINT LOUIS - A local doctor and her research team are using artificial intelligence to change the outcomes for children diagnosed with cancer. Dr. Kim Johnson, PhD, and PhD student Cindy Kang work at Washington University in St. Louis. They recently received a Summer Fellows Grant from the St. Baldrick’s Foundation to advance their research into pediatric cancer, the ways this cancer spreads, and how social factors affect survival rates. “We definitely know that social factors do influence survival outcomes,” Johnson said. “Hopefully it can lead someday to less children getting diagnosed at a later-stage disease if we can start addressing these social factors, which impact the ability for a family to receive optimal cancer care.” Johnson and Kang are interested in metastasis, the process by which cancer spreads. Metastasis is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths in kids. In their research, they have found that children from certain

Continue Reading

SPRINGFIELD – For just a few hours a month, you can build joy that lasts a lifetime for children in your community fighting critical illnesses. Make-A-Wish Illinois looking to recruit more than 200 new WishMakers to serve as wish celebration volunteers, working directly with families to transform lives through wishes. Working in pairs, wish celebration volunteers partner to establish a meaningful connection with the wish child and family, building hope and anticipation leading up to the child’s wish. Working with staff and generous local donors and businesses, these volunteers plan and carry out meetings, boosts, and send-offs or parties for their assigned wish kids. Join on your own or double the impact by registering with a friend to share this life-changing experience together. Make-A-Wish provides training and ongoing guidance as well as the opportunity to network with other volunteers. For just a few hours a month, you can craft joy that lasts a lifetime. To become

Continue Reading

EAST ALTON — Firefighters responded early Saturday to a mobile home fire on Melody Lane that resulted in the total loss of the trailer but no injuries. The Rosewood Heights Fire Department arrived at around 3 a.m. to find heavy smoke and flames coming from the mobile home. A box alarm was requested, prompting additional crews from Cottage Hills, Bethalto, East Alton, and Wood River to assist. Alton Memorial Ambulance was also on scene for fire standby. Firefighters were able to contain the blaze to the single trailer, preventing it from spreading to a nearby trailer. The mobile home was vacant at the time of the fire, and no injuries were reported. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Continue Reading

MADISON – The Illinois Department of Transportation today announced lane restrictions will be encountered on eastbound Interstate I-55/70 between Exchange Avenue and Illinois 203. There will be lane closures starting at 6 a.m. on Tuesday, June 24 to perform bridge repairs, weather permitting. One lane will remain open. All lanes are expected to re-open by 7 p.m., Tuesday, June 24. Motorists should expect long delays and are encouraged to use alternate routes during this closure. Drivers are urged to reduce speed, be alert for changing conditions, obey all construction signage, and refrain from using mobile devices while approaching and traveling through the work zone. For IDOT District 8 updates, follow us on the social media platform X at @IDOTDistrict8 or view area construction details on IDOT’s traveler information map on GettingAroundIllinois.com.

Continue Reading

GLEN CARBON - On Friday, June 20, 2025, SJ Morrison, managing director of MCT, toured the MCT Ronald J. Foster Heritage Trail in Glen Carbon alongside Joan Foster, widow of the trail’s namesake and former Glen Carbon Mayor Ronald J. Foster. The visit included Glen Carbon Historical Society volunteers Carol Dappert and Christine McMahon, as well as staff from the Agency for Community Transit (ACT). The group explored the trail, which was built on the former right-of-way of the Illinois Central Railroad — a route that historically served local coal mines and brick yards integral to Glen Carbon’s development. In a special exception to the trail’s usual “no vehicles” rule, the group traveled by MCT golf cart to visit the full-color historic interpretive panels that Foster helped write and compile. Joan Foster provided detailed context, stories, and personal recollections at each panel, offering insight into the history commemorated along the

Continue Reading

BELLEVILLE – A man from Belleville faces multiple felonies after stealing over $372,000 from a Hartford business by deception for nearly two years. Matthew D. Howard, 29, of Belleville, was charged on June 17, 2025 with two Class 1 felony counts of theft and one count of use of a credit or debit card with intent to defraud, a Class 3 felony. From June 1, 2023 to March 19, 2025, Howard allegedly stole more than $372,000 from a Hartford-based transportation business by means of deception. He is accused of falsely representing himself to a bank as the cardholder of four different debit cards which were issued to the business. The case against Howard was presented by the Hartford Police Department, and he was granted pretrial release from custody. All individuals charged are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Continue Reading

BETHALTO - Slugger Bella Thien finished at the top of the Civic Memorial High School charts for RBIs this past softball season, and a remarkable 468 batting average with eight home runs. Raigen Linton, the CM girls' softball coach, described Bella as a "great hitter for CM" and noted her value to the team. "She was a power hitter on the season," Linton said. "She was a very valuable player." Bella, a shortstop, is a Tom Lane State Farm Insurance Female Athlete of the Month. She is a multi-sport athlete, participating in softball, volleyball, and basketball. Bella earned several honors in volleyball and was named an all-conference player as shortstop in softball. Outside of athletics, Bella was a member of the National Honor Society and the CM student council. She has signed to play collegiate softball and plans to study nursing in college.

Continue Reading

EDWARDSVILLE — Alexa Stock, a junior at Metro East Lutheran High School, has been recognized as BJ’s Printables Female Athlete of the Month for her contributions to the school’s girls' soccer team this spring. Stock, a multi-sport athlete, also competes in volleyball and basketball. Rob Stock, head coach of the girls' soccer team, highlighted Alexa’s versatility and leadership on the field. “She played all over the soccer field in the spring as a defender and midfielder,” he said. “At one point, when the two captains were gone, she helped lead the team. She is a very hard worker.” In addition to soccer, Alexa participates in basketball during the winter season and plans to play volleyball in the upcoming fall. Her involvement in multiple sports demonstrates her athletic commitment and ability to contribute across various teams at Metro East Lutheran High School.

Continue Reading

ALTON - In May 2025, 95-year-old Bob Becker experienced a memorable turkey hunt on his family’s property in Calhoun County. Despite some early distractions from hens attacking decoys and several jakes passing by without a clear shot, Becker ultimately succeeded in harvesting a turkey after spotting it near the edge of the woods. Becker, who will turn 96 in September 2025, has maintained an active hunting lifestyle throughout his life, focusing primarily on waterfowl, deer, and turkey. His family’s land in Calhoun County has been in their possession for over a century. Becker’s extensive involvement in outdoor activities includes a career at Winchester and leadership roles as president of the Migratory Waterfowl Federation and the Illinois Federation for Outdoor Resources. Cheryl Roberts, his daughter, reflecting on Becker’s recent hunt, noted that he always says this "could be his last hunt." "You never know at 95," she said. Despite his age, Becker has continue

Continue Reading

EDWARDSVILLE - Southern Illinois University Edwardsville brought science and justice to life during the inaugural Forensic Murder Mystery Camp, held June 9–13 at the Southwestern Illinois Justice & Workforce Development Campus in Belleville. The immersive summer program welcomed high school students to explore the real-world intersection of forensic science and law through lab work, courtroom simulations, and mentorship from leading professionals. The camp marked a successful multi-institutional collaboration among SIUE’s Department of Forensic Sciences, SIU Carbondale’s Simmons Law School, the Southwestern Illinois Police Academy, Saint Louis University, and the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy (IMSA). It was designed to activate the Belleville site with high-impact learning experiences that introduce students to the critical thinking, communication, and investigative techniques central to careers in forensic science and legal studies. Participants include

Continue Reading

ALTON - During their regular meeting on June 17, 2025, the Alton Community Unit School District #11 Board of Education unanimously approved the resignation of Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services Dr. Tron Young. Young took on the Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services position in 2024 and served in this role for the 2024–2025 school year. He is leaving the district to take on the principal position at Fulton Junior High School in O’Fallon. “We wish him the best as the new principal at Fulton Junior High School,” said Elaine Kane, superintendent of the Alton School District. Prior to his work at Alton, Young was a principal at Central School District 104 in O’Fallon, where he was named 2020 Middle School Principal of the Year in Illinois. He has served as a principal in several schools over the years. Young accepted the position in the Alton School District last summer. His resignation takes effect on June 30, 2025. Alton

Continue Reading

ALTON - On a recent episode of “You’re Beautiful” with Brian Trust , P.J. shared his journey of faith. P.J. said he grew up in the church, but left for a while when he was younger before finding his way back home. Nowadays, he attends St. James in Alton and sings in the choir. He believes God can guide you through difficult times as long as you trust Him. “Believe in yourself. Believe in God,” he said. “Keep going forward. Let go and let God.” P.J. sings with the Great Rivers Choral Society as well as his church. He loves to sing hymns, and he carries a book of Psalms with him. He said the experience has been “healing and uplifting” as he works on “getting voice back.” He points to Psalms 118:22 — “The stone the builders refuse has become the headstone of the corner. This is the Lord’s doing. It is marvelous in our eyes. Amen” — as an example of the powerful lessons to be

Continue Reading

KAMPSVILLE - Wade Gibson, co-owner of Papa Toodles in Godfrey and a beloved hairdresser, died June 19, 2025, after complications from a pancreatic cancer diagnosis. He was 58 years old at the time of his death. Wade was a long-time resident of Kampsville, with his husband, James. Wade was a loving father and grandfather. More information about his family and funeral information will be released in a later obituary. In an April social media post, Gibson shared the difficult news of his cancer diagnosis, writing, "This is the most difficult announcement I've ever had to make." He detailed his symptoms, including weakness, fatigue, and pain, which were initially attributed to medication and aging. Following the diagnosis, Wade said he would focus on his health and spending meaningful time with loved ones, adding that he would no longer be working as a hairdresser. James, his husband, reflected on Wade’s character and final days. "One of life's greatest challenges is bidding farewell

Continue Reading

GODFREY – A proposal to raise Godfrey’s sales tax rate instead of replacing the Illinois sales tax on groceries aims to ease grocery costs for residents while boosting tax revenue from visitors. Village Engineer Rich Beran suggested raising the village’s sales tax by 0.5% at the June 17, 2025 Village Board meeting. This would effectively cut the sales tax on groceries in half from the state’s 1% grocery tax to the new 0.5% Godfrey sales tax, while raising the village’s sales tax on all other goods and services from 6.85% to 7.35%. Beran said this strategy would be “the right combination to get the most for Godfrey residents.” “More than half of Godfrey residents get their groceries locally, but then a lot of the sale tax revenue that’s generated, it’s mostly from outside – someone coming into Godfrey and doing some shopping,” Beran said. “Lowering the grocery tax would help the Godfrey residents, while

Continue Reading

ALTON - Honeybee Vintage has celebrated one year in their downtown Alton location, and owner Melissa Bland is pleased to continue her work within the community. Located at 114 E. Broadway in Alton, Honeybee Vintage sells clothing, antiques, “upscale resale” items, home decor, local art, gifts and more. Bland explained that she houses 20 vendors and curates the remainder of her store to appeal to every customer. She encourages people to come out and see everything Honeybee Vintage has to offer. “There’s tons of heart in these products,” Bland said. “I curate for quality. I curate for style. I curate for price. If we get that mix right, then it works well.” The store is open year-round, seven days a week, which Bland feels provides more consistency for vendors than other markets. They have a variety of seasonal products in addition to their regular items. The store also sells several local and historic items, such as Alton-themed t-shirts.

Continue Reading

PLEASANT HILL — A burglary investigation in Pike County led to the arrest of a man connected to a multi-county crime spree spanning Calhoun, Jersey, Macoupin, and Pike counties, authorities said. On June 9, 2025, at approximately 3:55 a.m., the Pike County Sheriff’s Department responded to an alarm activation at the Jiffi Stop convenience store in Pleasant Hill, where deputies found the glass entry door shattered and merchandise stolen. Chief Deputy Zack Orr and Sergeant Matt Frazier launched an immediate investigation. Through analysis of extensive surveillance footage and coordination with surrounding law enforcement agencies, investigators identified two additional burglaries at businesses in Calhoun County. Evidence recovered by the Jersey County Sheriff’s Office linked the crimes to a location in Jersey County. Detective Sally Arbuthnot of the Jersey County Sheriff’s Office identified the owner of the suspect vehicle involved in the burglaries. With assistance

Continue Reading

O’FALLON, IL. — Detective Benjamin Callahan was promoted to sergeant during a joint promotional ceremony with O’Fallon-Shiloh EMS on Tuesday, June 17, 2025. The O’Fallon Police Department recognized Callahan for his service since joining the department in 2016. Sergeant Callahan currently serves in the Criminal Investigations Division and is a member of the Major Case Squad of Greater St. Louis. He also participates on the SWAT Team as part of the Illinois Law Enforcement Alarm System’s Weapons of Mass Destruction Special Response Team. In addition, Callahan advises the O’Fallon Police Explorer Post and is a member of the department’s Honor Guard. Prior to his assignment in Criminal Investigations, he served as a Field Training Officer and Senior Officer. Before his law enforcement career, Callahan served more than eight years in the United States Marine Corps. The department expressed confidence in Callahan’s leadership as he assumes

Continue Reading

ALTON — Despite being cut short by weather on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, the Alton River Dragons game became a memorable community event that celebrated local first responders. Before the rain interrupted play at Gordon Moore Park, Officer Allen Averbeck, Illinois State Senator Erica Harriss and State Representative Amy Elik took the mound together for a ceremonial first pitch. The event was followed by a tribute honoring Officer Averbeck’s K-9 partner, Odin, who was presented with a retirement jersey by Steve Marso and the River Dragons organization. The shootout involving the K-9 Odin occurred on Aug. 22, 2024. In a gesture of respect, the team announced that Odin’s number 19 would be retired and never issued again. The tribute underscored the strong partnership between the Alton community and its first responders. Organizers thanked attendees for their support of the Alton Police K-9 Division and the Alton Fire Department during the event.

Continue Reading

ALTON - On a recent episode of “You’re Beautiful” with Brian Trust , Sarah Crane shared her belief in God and her advice to new Christians who want to develop a relationship with Him. Crane believes that God shows grace, but people must work hard to learn from their sins and not repeat them. She feels the only way to grow and find peace is through your relationship with God, and she encourages people to focus on building that relationship through prayer, studying scripture, and putting your trust in Him. “You can search all day long for peace. You will not find it because God is the only one who is going to give you the peace that you’re looking for,” Crane said. “Jesus didn’t call us to be Christians. He called us to be disciples. That just means to live out what Jesus did. Live it out. Read your Word. Apply your Word to your life every single day. Let it resonate to everyone else around you.” Crane urges people to

Continue Reading

Did you know that the first day of summer has been celebrated in some form for thousands of years, with ancient cultures marking it as a moment of renewal, abundance, and community? This day, often overlooked as simply the start of warmer months, offers a unique opportunity to embrace joy, creativity, and connection. Whether you’re seeking ways to gather with friends, indulge in outdoor activities, or simply refresh your routine, the first day of summer invites a vibrant celebration that goes beyond tradition. Embracing the Spirit of Celebration The first day of summer is more than a calendar milestone—it’s a chance to pause and honor the potential of the season ahead. Across the globe, people have historically used this day to gather, reflect, and energize themselves for the coming months. Today, this spirit can be captured in various ways that suit different lifestyles and preferences. Example: In Scandinavia, Midsummer festivals bring communities together wit

Continue Reading