Riverbender 🕸

ALTON - Jacoby Arts Center had a busy year, but they’re gearing up for an even better 2025. Executive Director Rachel Lappin and Operations Manager Chantel Morrigan stopped by “Our Daily Show!” with C.J. Nasello to talk about the support they’ve received from the community and their plans for the coming year, with several art classes and events on the horizon. Through the challenges Jacoby faced in 2024, Lappin and Morrigan emphasize that they never strayed from the center’s purpose. “Our board and our staff really stuck together to just stay future-focused and focused on our mission. That’s the most important thing,” Lappin said. “Enriching lives through art in the community, that’s what we do. So we stay focused on that. We’re continuing to do that out in the community via our wonderful partnerships.” Lappin said they “always felt the love” when community members stepped forward to voice

Continue Reading

RIVERBEND - Local grocery stores are feeling the impact of the winter storm. With heavy snowfall and ice throughout the weekend, many shoppers stopped by the grocery store in the days leading up to the storm. Now, as the roads are cleared, the stores expect minor delays as they wait to receive their products. “It was total chaos in here, but fortunately, I think that we were able to stay stocked with everything that anybody needed,” said Monica Schwegel, manager of Schwegel’s in downtown Alton. “We get a truck tomorrow, so we should be completely fine, and our shelves should be restocked and reloaded tomorrow.” Located at 901 Alby Street in Alton, Schwegel’s did more business on Saturday, Jan. 4, 2025, than they did in the two days leading up to Christmas, Schwegel said. She added that it was "completely crazy,” but the employees enjoyed helping the community find the staples they needed before the storm. David Wittman, manager of

Continue Reading

MARION — Ameren Illinois is mobilizing approximately 800 personnel to restore power to customers affected by a winter storm that struck Southern Illinois over the weekend. As of Monday morning, Jan. 6, 2025, around 22,000 customers in Jackson, Williamson, Saline, and Gallatin Counties in Southern Illinois remain without electricity. Brian Bretsch, a communications representative for Ameren Illinois, addressed the ongoing restoration efforts during a press conference held at 11 a.m. Monday in Marion. He noted that while the Metro East and Riverbend areas largely avoided significant ice accumulation, other regions faced challenging conditions due to ice build-up, below-freezing temperatures, and high winds. "Ameren Illinois crews are continuing their restoration efforts throughout the Southern Illinois region," Bretsch stated. He explained that ice storms pose unique challenges for utility crews, as the combination of severe weather can cause extensive damage to power lines and

Continue Reading

JERSEYVILLE - The Jersey County Highway Department reports road conditions are mostly clear as of Monday afternoon, Jan. 6, 2025, following heavy snowfall which has accumulated since Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025. County road crews got started on Saturday night by pre-treating the roads with a salt mixture, which County Engineer Thomas Klasner said has greatly helped with their snow-removal response. While there were some overnight reports of drifting, Klasner said conditions have improved as the day continues into Monday afternoon. “They were actually kind of bad first thing this morning,” Klasner said of county road conditions. “Now that the wind has laid down, it’s actually quit snowing, and the sun peeking out through the clouds a little bit has actually helped out things. “Our county roads, everything is passable within the county highways,” he said, adding that any remaining snowy patches will be cleared by this evening. “We did have

Continue Reading

The National Weather Service reported significant snowfall across the Metro East region on Monday, Jan. 6, 2025, with Godfrey recording the highest total of 12 inches. This information was confirmed by meteorologist Marshall Pfahler during an afternoon briefing. Lambert Airport in St. Louis had a snowfall report of 8.5 inches, while other locations reported varying totals: St. Rose received 10.3 inches, Glen Carbon and Jerseyville both recorded 8.5 inches, Belleville had 7.1 inches, Columbia reported 6.0 inches, and Freeburg saw 5.8 inches. Pfahler explained that the differences in snowfall totals were influenced by variations in precipitation types across the region. "When you look at the snowfall totals on a map it gives you an idea where there was less snow in the southeast and more in the northwest," he said. He noted that in some areas, precipitation fluctuated between snow and sleet, leading to the observed discrepancies. Looking ahead, Pfahler indicated that another weather

Continue Reading

ILLINOIS/MISSOURI - The American Red Cross urges donors to make an appointment to give lifesaving blood or platelets in the new year to help keep the blood supply strong this winter. Type O negative blood donors and those giving platelets are especially urged to give now to keep critical blood products on the shelves for patients in need. The start of the new year is one of the most challenging times to collect blood products as the threat of severe winter weather builds and can often lead to widespread blood drive cancellations.?Additionally, an active cold and flu season may prevent people from keeping donation appointments as they rest and recover from illness.?During National Blood Donor Month, the Red Cross celebrates those who generously roll up a sleeve to help save lives and urges those who are feeling well to make and keep donation appointments to help the blood supply stay on track throughout the winter.? ? Don’t sit on the sidelines − kick off 2025 with

Continue Reading

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) was sworn into the 119th Congress. This marks her second term serving the constituents of Illinois’ 13th Congressional District. “Today, I took an oath to support and defend the Constitution and faithfully represent the people of Illinois' 13th Congressional District. It has been the honor of my lifetime serving as your Congresswoman, and I am humbled by this incredible responsibility,” said Congresswoman Budzinski . “In my second term, I will continue to prioritize the issues that matter most to Central and Southern Illinoisans — working across the aisle to lower costs, fight for underserved communities, improve postal standards, and support our family farmers. I promise to do this while never compromising on the values we hold dear. Fighting for working people is my life’s work and I look forward to continuing to deliver results for our communities in the 119th Congress.”

Continue Reading

BRIGHTON - Brighton Mayor Matt Kasten encourages residents to stay inside and be patient as the Public Works Department works to clear the roads. Following heavy snowfall and ice on Sunday, Jan. 5 and Monday, Jan. 6, 2025, Kasten expressed his appreciation for the four members of Brighton’s Public Works Department. He urged residents to be understanding and help each other as much as possible. “For a small village with 2,200 , we do the best we can with what we have,” Kasten said. “I am very pleased with our Public Works as well as our police department. With the roads being the way they were, we still have had 24/7 coverage for police and Public Works. The citizens just have to be understanding that there’s limited resources.” Kasten explained that the Public Works Department has four shift workers, who have worked through the past two nights to clear the roads. He added that the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) had two trucks stuc

Continue Reading

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Representative Mike Bost (IL-12) released the following statement today upon being sworn in to serve in the 119th Congress: “This kid from Murphysboro, Illinois, has been blessed beyond measure to serve the people and land I love. House Republicans, in partnership with President Trump, are ready to address our biggest challenges head on, from securing the border and keeping America safe to extending tax relief and reducing the bloated size of government. Through it all, Southern Illinoisans have my word I’ll always fight for the values that make our district and our country great. I’m ready to roll up my sleeves and get back to work.”

Continue Reading

CHICAGO - The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) is currently accepting applications for the 2025 DCFS Scholarship Program. Through the program, a minimum of 53 academic scholarships will be awarded to current and former youth in care for the upcoming school year, with four awards reserved for the children of veterans and two awards presented to students pursuing degrees in social work in honor of Pamela Knight and Deidre Silas, two DCFS caseworkers who succumbed to injuries sustained in the line of duty. Scholarship recipients receive up to five consecutive years of tuition and academic fee waivers if they attend an Illinois public university or community college including a monthly grant of $1,577 to offset other expenses and a medical card. In 2024, DCFS awarded scholarships to 334 college-bound youth, the most in the agency’s history. “It is my priority as governor to ensure that all Illinois students, including youth in DCFS care, have the

Continue Reading

ORLAND PARK – On Jan. 3, 2025, the Illinois State Police (ISP) joined Trooper Clay M. Carns’ family and friends, along with officers from law enforcement agencies across the country, to honor and pay respects to Trooper Carns, who was killed in the line of duty on December 23, 2024. Trooper Carns was laid to rest on Jan. 3. “Today, and every day going forward, we honor Illinois State Police Trooper Clay Carns for his sacrifice, and the sacrifice made by his family,” said ISP Director Brendan F. Kelly. “While ISP is hurting as we lay to rest the second trooper killed on Illinois highways in just three months, we will not falter. To honor Trooper Carns means to preserve and uphold that which he stood for – Integrity, Service, and Pride. Trooper Carns will remain in our hearts and in our sacred work of protecting public safety and pursuing justice.” Trooper Carns entered the ISP Academy on November 10, 2013, as part of Cadet Class 123, an

Continue Reading

CHICAGO – Illinois State Police (ISP) officials investigated two separate traffic crashes that occurred in DuPage and Cook counties involving ISP troopers who were handling separate vehicle crashes when their squad cars were struck by drivers who failed to move over. On December 31, 2024, at approximately 1:57 p.m., an ISP trooper was outside of their squad car handling a crash with their emergency lights activated on Interstate 55 northbound near Woodward Avenue. A Hyundai sedan failed to move over and rear-ended the parked squad car. The parked squad car blocked three troopers on scene from being hit. No injuries were reported. The ISP squad car was towed from the scene due to damage sustained during the crash. The driver of the Hyundai, 23-year-old Alyssa M. Ceballos of Lockport, Illinois, was charged with driving Too Fast for Conditions and a Scott’s Law violation. On January 1, 2025, at approximately 3:09 a.m., two ISP troopers were enroute to assist with a previous

Continue Reading

GRANITE CITY – Granite City Elks Lodge #1063 recognized four seniors from Granite City High School as Students of the Month for November and December. The Elks Student of the Month Program is designed to recognize outstanding young men and women for achievements in school and community life-fine arts, hobbies, athletics, church, school, club and community service, industry and farming. Nominees are judged on multiple achievements including leadership skills, good moral character, community involvement, extracurricular activities, honors and award and scholastic ability. Each student receives a $100 U.S. savings bond and an Elks certificate of achievement. LYDIA HARRIS - November Two-time Girls Cross Country Captain and Most Valuable Athlete ... Two-time Girls Track Most Valuable Athlete ... The Rock Youth Group volunteer ... Rotary Student of the Month ... Member of National Honor Society and Varsity Club ... Secondary Honors ... St. Louis Rowing Club member ... Daughter

Continue Reading

O’FALLON, Ill. — HSHS St. Elizabeth’s Hospital recently welcomed 40 high school students from across Southern Illinois for its sixth and largest High School Healthcare Bootcamp on Monday, Dec. 30. The bootcamp for juniors and seniors interested in a career in health care gives students a realistic look into various health care roles, while also allowing an opportunity to make connections in the field. “Through these job shadowing experiences, students are able to learn the role of the career, the type of education that is required, skills that are performed and network with our medical professionals,” shared Ericka Mulroy, Nursing Professional Development Specialist for Hospital Sisters Health System (HSHS). “These students were able to experience hands-on skill sessions during their time at St. Elizabeth’s and speak directly with HSHS employment specialists about opportunities available to them in the field.” The bootcamp included

Continue Reading

CHICAGO – As 2025 begins and millions of Americans start working to keep their New Year’s resolutions, Attorney General Kwame Raoul is reminding Illinois residents who are seeking GLP-1 medications – including Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro and Zepbound – to be aware that many sellers advertising these name brand medications are instead offering unapproved versions of these products that may put people’s health at risk. Weight loss continues to be one of the top New Year’s resolutions among Americans, and Raoul is strongly urging people to obtain prescriptions for GLP-1 medications from a trusted health care provider and to fill those prescriptions at an appropriately-licensed pharmacy. Attorney General Raoul is warning consumers about misleading advertising by med spas, wellness centers, online retailers and social media sellers that states or implies they are offering name brand GLP-1 medications or generic versions of name brand medications, when

Continue Reading

ST. LOUIS - The City of St. Louis has opened three additional warming centers during the ongoing winter storm. 211 has been alerted to these locations and will direct those who call to them. Please see a list of warming centers below. Gamble Recreation Center 2907 Gamble St, St. Louis, MO 63106 Open 7 a.m. - 5 p.m. Cherokee Recreation Center 3200 S Jefferson Ave #3102, St. Louis, MO 63118 Open 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. St. Louis City Office Building 1520 Market St, St. Louis, MO 63103 Open 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. --

Continue Reading

Martha Pfister announces her candidacy for Alderwoman of Alton’s 2nd Ward with a vision that is values-driven and solutions-oriented. “Every citizen deserves quality from their neighborhood," stated Pfister, "and I am dedicated to making that an expectation in the second ward." Born and raised in Alton, Martha Pfister spent some years living in Chicago but ultimately decided with her husband that Alton was the best place to raise their kids. A self-proclaimed “Altonian by birth and Altonian by choice,” Pfister has found value both in what she learned living in other communities and as well as in the characteristics of Alton that drew her back to her hometown. As a mom of young kids, Pfister sees opportunities for improvement in the 2nd Ward for families. “Sidewalks are overgrown and crumbling, and neighborhood parks are neglected while funding and resources are allocated elsewhere,” said Pfister. She believes in prioritizing the parks that serve

Continue Reading

GODFREY - After over 24 hours of work, the Village of Godfrey roads are passable, said Public Works Director Jim Lewis. Lewis shared that the Public Works Department has been busy since midnight on Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025, in addition to several hours of preparation leading up to the snow. He thanked the Public Works Department for their hard work to make the streets as safe as possible after the Riverbend region experienced several inches of snow and ice over the weekend. “They’ve done a super job, because this has really been quite a storm,” Lewis said. “These guys have done a wonderful job, and the streets in Godfrey are passable pretty much everywhere right now. Hopefully in a couple of hours here, I’m going to get to let these guys go home and go to bed, and then tomorrow morning, come in and go again.” The Public Works Department salted the roads in the days leading up to the storm. As soon as snow started to fall on Sunday, the department

Continue Reading

GODFREY - Community members gathered at Glazebrook Park in Godfrey for the third annual Freezing for Funds fundraiser this weekend.On Jan. 4, 2025, Freezing for Funds attendees participated in a polar plunge at Glazebrook Park to raise money for a local nonprofit. The YWCA received approximately $5,000 as a result of the fundraiser. “It's always a fun time for everybody,” said Craig Lombardi, who helped organize the event. “We just love helping the community.” Freezing for Funds is sponsored by the Alton High School Class of 1986. Lombardi, Cami Beaber Giertz, Tawnya Hooper and Trisha Deanne Perks decided to create Freezing for Funds as a way to give back to the community. People donated $35 to participate in the plunge. They also chose a nonprofit that they want to donate to. All of these nonprofits were entered for the chance to win the money. Godfrey Mayor Mike McCormick drew the YWCA as the winning charity. McCormick noted that the Freezing for

Continue Reading

Welcome to This Day in History for January 6, 2025! 2021: The U.S. Capitol Riot On January 6, 2021, the United States experienced an unprecedented event when a mob stormed the Capitol building in Washington, D.C. This incident occurred on the day that Congress was set to certify the Electoral College results of the presidential election held in November 2020. The riot was fueled by claims of widespread election fraud, despite a lack of evidence supporting such allegations. As rioters breached the Capitol, they aimed to overturn the election results and disrupt the certification process for President Joe Biden's victory over then-incumbent Donald Trump. Lawmakers were evacuated, and the National Guard was deployed to restore order. By the end of the day, five people had died, and many others were injured. The aftermath of the riot led to widespread condemnation, discussions about security failures, and political ramifications that would echo throughout the subsequent years.

Continue Reading