Riverbender 🕸

WOOD RIVER – Changes to redevelopment agreements for three Wood River properties face scrutiny from City Councilman Bill Dettmers, who claims city officials have failed to enforce certain guidelines. At Monday’s City Council meeting, Dettmers vocally opposed a series of amendments to TIF agreements for three properties, claiming the amendments would eliminate protections defending the city against waste, fraud, and abuse. City Manager Steve Palen said the city was simply amending each of its TIF agreements to be consistent with each other. Councilman Jeremy Plank has previously voiced support for simplifying the city’s TIF agreements to encourage developers to invest in Wood River. Of concern for Dettmers were three agreements for redevelopment using Tax Increment Financing (TIF). The properties in question include 1 E. Ferguson Ave., 10 W. Ferguson Ave., and 62 E. Ferguson Ave. For 1 E. Ferguson Ave., Dettmers claimed an amendment was made to the TIF agreement

Continue Reading

GODFREY - The Beem Family Foundation is looking forward to hosting their second annual event, an 80s-themed night. From 5–10 p.m. on Saturday, April 5, 2025, the community is invited to The Commons at Lewis and Clark Community College for dinner, entertainment by Porch Cafe, an auction, and more fun throughout the evening. Tickets cost $65 a person or $120 per couple, and all proceeds go back to the Beem Family Foundation and the LCCC scholarships they have founded in honor of three deceased family members. “It means a lot,” said Nicholas Wittman, the organization’s president. “The three family members we lost did a lot of things for a lot of different local organizations over the years, and being able to give back to our community in some form or fashion in their name means a lot to our family. We always appreciate the community coming out to help make that happen.” The Beem Family Foundation was founded in 2022 in honor of Sharilyn Beem,

Continue Reading

ST. LOUIS, MO. — The American Red Cross has opened shelters for residents in Missouri affected by recent severe, widespread storm damage which severely damaged homes, uprooted trees, and left many without power. If you or someone you know needs help, call 1-800-Red-Cross. Disasters are stressful for all, if you or someone you know needs mental health support, please call the Disaster Distress Helpline 1-800-985-5990, operators are available 24hrs/day in multiple languages. Missouri Shelter Locations: · Franklin County: Moose Lodge, 905 Highway 50, Union, Missouri 63084 · Howell County: 1st United Methodist Church at 503 W Main St, West Plains, MO 65775 · Jefferson County: St David’s Catholic Church, 2334 Tenbrook Rd., Arnold, MO. 63010 · Phelps County: First Baptist Church, 801 N Cedar St, Rolla, MO 65401 · St. Louis County: North County Rec Plex, 2577 Redman Avenue, St Louis MO 63136 Respite Center Locations: · Butler

Continue Reading

ST. LOUIS – New data from the Census Bureau show that the St. Louis metro area grew by 6,420 residents in 2024. However, the City of St. Louis lost about 3,000 residents, falling to just under 280,000 residents, according to the estimate. “The City of St. Louis is the core of the St. Louis region, and these numbers are encouraging for our metro area,” said Mayor Tishaura O. Jones. “While our city has experienced population loss for decades, these numbers show that we continue to slow that decline, with the goal of reversing it. People want to move to a city that is safe, welcoming, fun, and has a successful school system. My administration will continue to do the work of making St. Louis an appealing place to live. Despite what is happening under the Trump administration, St. Louis remains a welcoming city for our immigrant neighbors, who are crucial to the formula for reversing negative population trends.”

Continue Reading

EDWARDSVILLE – A third-party contractor working in the 7300 block of Marine Road was using a boring machine when the operator hit a one-inch Ameren Illinois natural gas pipeline line. Ameren Illinois received a call about a natural gas service line being struck. A crew arrived on the scene and safely secured the area. The crew was able to safely repair the damage to the pipeline in about 20 minutes. The natural gas outage impacted only one customer. No one had to be evacuated. As a safety reminder, it is important to call 811 before digging – 811 is the national number for utility locating and marking. In the Ameren Illinois service territory, the number connects directly to a nonprofit organization called Joint Utility Locating Information for Excavators (J.U.L.I.E). When a call is placed to J.U.L.I.E., the caller must include the digging location (address), as well as the specific area (e.g. left/right side of the house, front, back) If J.U.L.I.E determines that Ameren

Continue Reading

ALTON — A powerful storm swept through Alton this past Friday, March 14, 2025, causing strong winds that resulted in significant damage to an Alton home. Marissa Kudelka's grandparents in Alton were affected when a large tree fell onto their residence, severely damaging the roof. The incident occurred during a period of severe weather that has prompted concern among residents about the impact of storms in the area. Kudelka has launched a GoFundMe campaign to assist her grandparents with the urgent repairs needed to restore their home. "We are reaching out for help to get them back on their feet," Kudelka said in a statement regarding the situation. The GoFundMe page aims to raise funds for the necessary repairs and has been shared widely within the community, she said. For those interested in supporting Kudelka's grandparents, the GoFundMe can be found at: https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-marissas-grandparents-after-storm

Continue Reading

ST. LOUIS — The National Weather Service in St. Louis confirmed today (Monday, March 17, 2025) that two tornadoes struck St. Clair County on Friday, March 14, 2025. An EF-1 tornado began on the northeast side of O’Fallon and moved into northern Lebanon, while an EF-2 tornado originated in northern Mascoutah and continued northeast into Clinton County. Alex Elmore, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in St. Louis, provided details on the tornadoes, stating that the EF-1 tornado had peak winds of 109 mph. The EF-2 tornado reached even higher wind speeds, with gusts up to 120 mph as it tracked northeast of Mascoutah, passing south of Summerfield and Trenton. Elmore noted that two teams are currently in the field assessing damage and searching for additional tornadoes. One team has been dispatched to Randolph County, IL., while another is heading to the Arnold, MO., area to survey reported tornado damage. The National Weather Service is expected to release full

Continue Reading

ALTON — As always, Johnson's Corner is celebrating St. Patrick's Day today on Monday, March 17, 2025. Monday marks the first such event since the death of co-owner Jimmie Johnson. Jimmie died on Sept. 18, 2024. The celebration, a cherished tradition for the Alton community, will feature the preparation of 500 pounds of corned beef and cabbage, according to Jimmie’s son, Nash Johnson, who discussed the menu for the big day on a recent "Our Daily Show!" episode with host C.J. Nasello. Nash Johnson has stepped into a leadership role to continue the family legacy. "We do it every year," he said. "I will make sure everyone is having a good time." His mother, Cathy Johnson, expressed her pride in her son’s commitment to honoring his father’s memory. "St. Paddy's Day was Jimmie's biggest day," she said. "Nash is now carrying on that tradition with the other employees." The menu for the celebration will also include Irish stew and Reuben sandwiches, with specials

Continue Reading

EDWARDSVILLE - Taylor Weber, who, along with her twin sister, Alexis, are considered the two most important players for an improved Metro-East Lutheran High softball team, and is looking forward to starting the 2025 season on March 17, 2025, with a game against Dupo. Taylor, a senior pitcher, last year went 1-0, with a 2.33 ERA in 42 innings pitched, allowing nine walks while fanning 85 batters. She's seen much improvement among her teammates this season, and is hopeful of helping the Knights improve on their 6-8 record a year ago. Taylor is a BJ's Printables Female Athlete of the Month. "I think things have been going really well," Taylor said during a recent interview. "I've seen lots of improvement, but mainly, we've all came out here with really positive attitudes, we're all building one another up, and I think that's the most important thing we can do right now." Taylor does feel that her and her sister are not only the key players on the team, but leaders on the club,

Continue Reading

EDWARDSVILLE - Zach Cohn, who was a senior forward and captain for the Edwardsville High club hockey team, had another successful season in helping the Tigers win their 15th Mississippi Valley Club Hockey Association Class 2A championship recently. On Feb. 20, 2025, Cohn had a goal and an assist in helping Edwardsville defeat St. John Vianney Catholic 4-2 in a key win at the RP Lumber Center in Edwardsville, sweeping the Golden Griffins in their best-of-three semifinal series 2-0. The Tigers would go on to sweep O'Fallon in the finals 2-0, to win the championship a week later. It was a very good season for Cohn himself, as he scored 20 goals, and also handed out 22 assists for 42 points, only being called for 14 minutes in penalties. Cohn was one of the key players on the Tigers' top line in another championship season for the team. He is a Spencer Homes Male Athlete of the Month for the Tigers. Cohn said he was excited to capture another Mississippi Valley Club Hockey Association

Continue Reading

EDWARDSVILLE - Maddie Aldrich is a senior utility infielder/outfielder who will fit in a variety of roles for the Edwardsville High softball team as the Tigers prepare for the 2025 season, which begins March 18, 2025, at Freeburg. During last season, Aldrich filled in for players as a late-inning replacement and filled in very admirably when she was called upon. This season will be different, as Aldrich looks ahead to the new season. Maddie is a Spencer Homes Female Athlete of the Month. "I think things are going really well," Aldrich said during an interview conducted at the Tigers' softball field during preseason practice. "The girls are working so hard, and we're working so hard to get to get ready for our first game." Aldrich will see her role on the team as a player who will support her teammates through thick and thin. "Some of the keys are just cheering each other on," Aldrich said, "with fielding and hitting, trying to get everyone to keep talking through hard times

Continue Reading

O'FALLON, Ill. — Michelle Chaplin is organizing a fundraiser to support her grandmother, Tonya Monzella, whose home was destroyed by severe storms and a tornado that struck O'Fallon on Friday night, March 14, 2025. The tornado left Monzella and her spouse fortunate to escape with their lives, but they now face significant challenges. Both are dealing with various health issues stemming from the incident and are currently unable to work. In addition to losing their home, they have also lost their vehicles, which were totaled during the storm. Chaplin is reaching out to the community for support, emphasizing that any donations would be greatly appreciated. "Thank you and God bless," she added in her message seeking assistance for her family. Michelle Chaplin is organizing this fundraiser. The GoFundMe can be accessed by clicking here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-tonya-rebuild-after-tornado-loss

Continue Reading

ALTON — An Alton family is seeking community support after losing both of their vehicles during severe storms that recently swept through Southern Illinois on Friday, March 14, 2025. Becca Cantrell is organizing a GoFundMe campaign on behalf of Laurie and Matt Rahmberg, whose 1995 Ford F350 and 2011 Dodge Durango were crushed by a fallen tree. The storm's impact has left the Rahmberg family in a challenging position, as they require transportation to manage daily responsibilities, including transporting their children. “They have kids to transport, life to take care of, and have been nothing but good to me and many other patrons, locals, and friends,” Cantrell said. The fundraiser aims to assist the family in replacing their vehicles, which have been deemed total losses. The community is encouraged to contribute or share the campaign to help the Rahmbergs regain their mobility and stability. For those interested in supporting the Rahmberg family, the GoFundMe

Continue Reading

ALTON – On Monday, March 17, 2025, the Madison County State’s Attorney’s Office formally charged Nicholas E. Apel, a 24-year-old male from Alton, with Aggravated Robbery. The Honorable Judge Nielsen signed an arrest warrant for Apel and ordered that he be held for a detention hearing. At 4:15 p.m. on March 13, 2025, officers from the Alton Police Department were dispatched to the Puff Zone Smoke Shop, located at 317 Homer Adams Parkway, Suite B, in response to an apparent armed robbery. Apel was taken into custody by the Alton Police Department during the early stages of the investigation. Alton Police Chief Jarrett Ford commended the officers involved and said: "I want to recognize our officers and detectives for their immediate and thorough response to this dangerous situation. Their efforts not only led to a quick apprehension but also reinforced our commitment to keeping Alton safe. The Honorable Judge Nielsen signed an arrest warrant for Apel and ordered that

Continue Reading

ALTON - Innovation ecosystems thrive when visionary leadership connects diverse communities, resources, and ideas. The greater Alton Metro Region is poised for unprecedented economic transformation as The Wedge, in partnership with Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE), prepares to open its doors on April 7, 2025. Today, The Wedge announces the appointment of J. Scot Heathman, a distinguished servant-leader and retired Air Force Colonel, as its inaugural Chief Executive Officer. Heathman brings over 25 years of military leadership experience to this pivotal role, where he will guide The Wedge's mission as a 55,000-square-foot social impact hub, research lab, think tank, and workspace. "In searching for our first CEO, we needed someone who could not only manage operations but truly embody The Wedge's vision of fostering innovation across state lines," said John Simmons, AltonWorks CEO. "Scot's proven ability to build learning cultures, lead cross-functional teams, and

Continue Reading

MADISON COUNTY - As the consolidated election approaches, voters have the option to vote early in Madison County. Election Day is Tuesday, April 1, 2025, but any qualified voter can vote starting on Monday, March 17, 2025, at eligible locations. Alton Alton’s early voting will begin on March 18, 2025. You can vote at the Scott Bibb Center, located at 1004 East 5th Street, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. March 17–21. From March 24–28, you can vote from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. On Saturday, March 22, and Saturday, March 29, you can vote from 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. Bethalto At Bethalto Village Hall at 213 N. Prairie Street, you can vote from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. March 17–21 and March 24–28, 2025. Collinsville You can go to the Collinsville Senior Citizen Center at 420 E. Main Street from 12–6 p.m. on March 17–21 and March 24–28. On Saturday, March 22, and Saturday, March 29, 2025, you can vote from 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. Edwardsville

Continue Reading

ST. LOUIS – National Weather Service in St. Louis Meteorologist Alex Elmore said on Monday, March 17, 2025, that survey teams are currently assessing the damage and tornado tracks. “We confirmed tornadoes across our entire area from Quincy and Hannibal in Missouri east toward Salem, Illinois, and far Reynolds and Iron counties in Missouri,” Elmore said. A series of severe storms, including at least six confirmed tornadoes, swept through Missouri on Friday evening, Elmore said. The storms resulted in 10 fatalities and extensive damage across multiple counties. The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported fatalities in Wayne, Ozark, Jefferson, and Butler counties as the storms brought gusts up to 90 mph, hail, and heavy rain. The strongest tornado identified so far was in the Desarc area of southern Iron County, Mo., with maximum wind speeds reaching 150 mph, classified as an EF3. Elmore noted that there were also several EF2 tornadoes reported closer to St. Louis, includin

Continue Reading

ALTON - OSF St. Anthony’s Moeller Cancer Center will host low-dose CT clinics to identify and diagnose lung cancer. Dana Matesa, RN, and Brandy Baxley, APRN, CNP, stopped by “Our Daily Show!” with C.J. Nasello to talk about the importance of early detection and regular screenings. They explained that the low-dose CT clinic is available to anyone between 50–80 years or age who has a 20-year smoking history or who has quit smoking in the last 15 years. “If you meet those criteria, then you qualify for a low-dose CT,” explained Matesa. “Most insurance will cover it as a screening, but if not, sometimes there are other options.” OSF St. Anthony’s Moeller Cancer Center began offering these screenings earlier this month. Patients can self-refer or be referred by a primary care doctor. Baxley noted that the low-dose CT clinic is the only way to detect lung cancer. If they identify other masses or nodules, the team at the

Continue Reading

O’FALLON, Ill. — A powerful storm that swept through the region late Friday night, March 14, 2025, caused significant damage in the Keck Ridge Subdivision, adjacent to the Parkview Mobile Home Park. The storm left homes in the area with extensive wind and hail damage, as observed during an assessment on Sunday afternoon, March 16, 2025. In addition to the residential damage, New Life in Christ Church, located at 689 Scott Troy Road, canceled its in-person worship services on Sunday after the storm resulted in the loss of its steeple and some siding. The St. Clair County Emergency Management Agency reported that restoration efforts are underway, with utility crews working around the clock since the storms passed. On Monday morning, March 17, 2025, a large group of out-of-area utility workers arrived at the Belle Clair Fairgrounds to receive assignments from Ameren, a utility company, as part of the ongoing recovery efforts. "Crews have worked around the clock since the

Continue Reading

O’FALLON, IL. - The National Weather Service in St. Louis reported that it has representatives out surveying possible tornado touchdowns in both O’Fallon, IL., and Alton from Friday, March 15, 2025. Alex Elmore, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service, said it is hoped some results will be available by late in the day about those possible tornado situations. Elmore said a tornado tract is being followed into West Alton, where there was significant damage, and over to Alton. Elmore said the wind speed slowed as it crossed the Mississippi River into Alton. “A team is out checking the damage, especially in the O’Fallon area and further east to New Baden and Trenton area,” he said. "The team will also be surveying West Alton and on into Alton today." The entrance to the Parkview Mobile Home Park in O'Fallon, IL., encountered snapped power lines in the storm. One of the mobile homes was completely destroyed by the wind blast that occurred after

Continue Reading