Riverbender 🕸

ALTON - Thanks to the tremendous success of last year’s inaugural event, OSF Saint Anthony’s Health Center will host their 2 nd annual Back-to-School Celebration on Saturday, August 5, 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Due to scheduled parking lot construction at the hospital, this year’s event will be held at Alton Square Mall on the upper level. This year’s Back-to-School Celebration, sponsored exclusively by Dwight and Cheryl Werts, and Werts Welding & Tank Service, Inc., will distribute school supplies including (but not limited to) paper, pens, pencils, and crayons to the first 500 kids ages 4 to 12 – last year’s event provided school supplies to 300 students. Admission is FREE and the event is open to the public. A hot dog lunch complete with chips, cookies, and bottled water will be available while supplies last. “Last year’s Back-to-School Celebration was an overwhelming success, so we wanted to make this year’s event bigger

Continue Reading

ALTON - The Alton Municipal Band’s 133rd concert season hit a bump in the road this July, as construction at Riverview Park rendered the historic gazebo inaccessible. The remaining Thursday concerts for the 2023 summer series will take place at the Alton Amphitheater. Sunday concerts at Haskell Park are unaffected by the change. This week, director Jennifer Shenberger leads the band in “Shades of Summer,” a musical journey that takes us to summer destinations and brings back memories of warm-weather activities. Guest artist Gary Gackstaqer will join the band on the journey as he plays several compositions for brass instruments. He will then direct the band in one of his own new compositions. On Sunday, the band will pay tribute to L. Linton Luetje. Luetje directed the band for over 30 years and passed away this year. Friend and local musician Bud Schultz will join the band in remembrance of Linton and his constant dedication to music in Alton and the greater St.

Continue Reading

ALTON - Alton Police announced today the retirement of Sgt. Joel Bromaghim after 21 years of service."After 21 years with the department, Joel is retiring and will be starting a new career in security services for a professional sports club," the Alton Police Department said. "We know he will be great in his new role. "Joel has done a variety of positions within the department. He started as a corrections officer, moved on to a patrol officer, K9 handler, SWAT operator, patrol sergeant, traffic division supervisor, and is ending his career as our training supervisor."No matter the role, Joel has always been a great employee, supervisor, and leader. He’s the type of guy who can be placed in any role and he will work hard to succeed. And beyond that, he’s a great father, husband, and human." The Alton Police closed with this statement: "Thank you for your service Sgt. Bromaghim. You will be missed greatly. Wishing you and your family nothing but success, health, and happiness."

Continue Reading

EDWARDSVILLE - Madison County Coroner Stephen P. Nonn has released the identity of the three victims of the fatal Greyhound Bus crash that happened on Wednesday, July 12, 2023, at the Silver Lake Rest Area, on Interstate 70, Highland. The first victim has been identified as Juan E. Vasquez-Rodriguez, 34, of Passaic, N.J. He was pronounced deceased at the scene by Madison County Coroner’s Office Investigator Kelsey Jones at 3:15 a.m. on July 12, 2023. An autopsy examination was conducted on the decedent and the preliminary findings showed that he sustained craniocerebral, thoracic and abdominal blunt trauma as a result of the crash. The second victim has been identified as Buford Paya, 71, of Supai, Ariz. He was pronounced deceased at the scene by Madison County Coroner’s Office Investigator Kelsey Jones at 3:16 a.m. on July 12, 2023. An autopsy examination was conducted on the decedent and the preliminary findings showed that he sustained blunt head trauma as well as thoracoabdomina

Continue Reading

Name: Lee Graham Hometown: East Alton Years of Service: 1960-1964 Branch: Army Submitted By: Julie Heinemann

Continue Reading

JERSEYVILLE - The Jersey County Fair was a hit yet again this year, with thousands gathering in downtown Jerseyville on Tuesday to watch over an hour’s worth of parade floats and participants. This year’s theme was “Jersey County Fairytales” - several participants went all-out on the theme, bringing rolling castles, princesses, Disney characters, and more to the streets of Jerseyville. A panel of judges awarded some of the best floats in various categories. The following businesses received the following awards for their floats, along with plaques and award money: Best Participation - 1st MidAmerica Bank Most Complex - Glo Tan Most Appealing - Villas of Holly Brook Most Creative - CNB Bank & Trust Best Followed Theme - Julie's Graphics Best Overall - Glo Tan Andrea Ringhausen, one of the coordinators of the parade, said she had 112 participants sign up to be part of this year’s parade. “I think it went well,” Ringhausen

Continue Reading

CHICAGO - Governor Pritzker along with leaders in business and education from around the state will embark on a trade mission to the United Kingdom on July 16. The Governor will kick off the international trip by attending the Goodwood Festival of Speed from July 13-16 to discuss Illinois’ commitment to electric vehicle manufacturing with automobile, energy, and supply chain industry leaders. Following the Goodwood Festival of Speed, a delegation of business and education leaders will meet with their counterparts in London to discuss strengthening economic cooperation between the State of Illinois and the United Kingdom. Programming throughout the mission will focus on manufacturing, clean energy and technology, quantum, higher education collaboration, and other key industries. “When I first ran for Governor, I promised to be our state’s best Chief Marketing Officer—letting the world know that Illinois is the best place to live, work, and do business,”

Continue Reading

ILLINOIS - As the National Resources Conservation Service works to clear out invasive plant species, there’s no telling what they could find. The National Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, offers a conservation planning and funding program that allows them to remove invasive species from private properties. Their goal is to conserve the area and avoid disrupting nature or historic sites. “That’s what their object is, to get some funding to help offset the cost of cleaning that out,” Andy Schlichting, who works with NRCS, said. “But you have to protect all the natural resources that we have. You have to make sure that we’re not going to destroy anything.” Locally, the NRCS is mostly concerned with protecting Native American artifacts and burial sites. Sarah Fisher, Illinois’s State Cultural Resource Specialist for NRCS, explained that this part of Illinois can be a “hotspot”

Continue Reading

SPRINGFIELD — Springfield Police are investigating a stabbing of a 24-year-old woman who lived in the 1000 block of South Eighth Street on Tuesday. Springfield Police responded to the call that a male subject possibly injured his girlfriend in Springfield. When police arrived, they found the 24-year-old deceased with multiple stab wounds. Authorities said a Sangamon County 911 dispatch center received a report from a Bethalto woman who told the dispatcher her brother possibly harmed his girlfriend. No additional information has been released yet about that. The Sangamon County Coroner Jim Allmon has confirmed the woman's death and made a statement that she appeared to have sharp force injuries and that her death is being investigated by police as a homicide. An autopsy has been scheduled on the woman. More to come as it is released.

Continue Reading

JERSEYVILLE - The 62nd Annual Jersey County Fair Pageant honored the young contestants and their aspirations on Wednesday, July 12. Kyndal Price was crowned Miss Jersey County 2023. Blakely Green was crowned Little Miss Jersey County 2023. Price and Green will represent Jersey County at parades, festivals and other events throughout the year. “This is truly amazing,” Price said. “Having my mom be a queen several years ago just makes this experience so much more genuine. I’m so excited for the journey ahead.” On top of her duties as a Jersey County representative, Price is attending Lewis and Clark Community College and will transfer to Southern Illinois University Edwardsville later this year to major in elementary education with plans to eventually pursue a master’s degree. Green’s favorite moment of the pageant was the coronation. She said that she doesn’t know what she’s most excited about in the coming year, likely because

Continue Reading

ALTON - After 26 years of serving on the Alton City Council, Fifth Ward Alderman Charles Brake officially resigned before a new alderman, John Meehan, was appointed in his place at the July 12 City Council meeting. Brake said he has been “honored to serve as the fifth ward alderman since 1997,” but submitted his resignation due to “health circumstances” that are beyond his control. Alton traditionally allows resigning aldermen to suggest their replacement to serve the remainder of their term; Brake recommended Meehan, who he said he’s known for many years and knows will “do an exceptional job for the citizens of the Fifth Ward and for the City of Alton.” Between rounds of applause and standing ovations, Brake made a few comments about his time on the council over the years. “It’s been a 26-year trip I’ve been in this chair, and it’s been 99.9% good because I’ve been associated with the people,” Brak

Continue Reading

SPRINGFIELD - The Illinois Secretary of State’s office launched a redesign of its website, making it easier to navigate and adding new functions for services that users can access remotely, Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias announced today. “The revamped website is more intuitive and prioritizes our most popular programs and services so customers can find the information they want and need faster and more conveniently,” Giannoulias said. “Whether it’s renewing your driver’s license, searching for information about a business or looking for a job, making these changes and adding new functionality to the website reflect our commitment to residents and understanding their needs.” Along with creating a new and consistent look throughout the website that is easier to view and navigate, other enhancements include: Simplifying the homepage to prominently feature key services and most frequently sought information. Consolidating th

Continue Reading

This is my fifteenth update to the citizens of the 111 th district, as your State Representative. The state’s fiscal year 2024 budget took effect on July 1 st . The budget appropriates approximately $50.4 billion, including $9.8 billion (19.5%) towards pensions, $12.9 billion (25.6%) towards K-12 and higher education, and $10.3 billion (20.4%) towards human services. Fiscal year 2024 revenues are estimated to be approximately $50.6 billion, per the Governor’s office figures. As the House Republican Deputy Budgeteer, I had a very busy spring session, as we analyzed the Governor’s proposed budget, attended budget working group meetings, and advocated for our priorities to be included in the budget. While no Republicans voted for the budget, and three Senate Democrats also voted no, there are many worthy programs funded, such as investments in early childhood programs under the Governor’s Smart Start initiative, a new teacher retention program for districts

Continue Reading

ALTON - Webster Temple, COGIC, 1100 Highland Avenue in Alton will host a Vacation Bible School on Aug. 10-12. On Aug. 10-11, it will be from 6-8 p.m. and on Aug. 12, 10-3 p.m. Pastor Sancho Williams is the host pastor and Rosetta Brown is director. Ages 5 and up are welcome. "We will have children and adult classes," Brown said. "There will be crafts, food, music, lessons and fun." Please contact 618-580-2394 for more information.

Continue Reading

SPRINGFIELD - East St Louis District 189 will receive $50,000 in funding from a recent Illinois Arts Council Agency/Illinois State Board Of Education Grant. The Illinois Arts Council Agency (IACA), in cooperation with the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE), announced grant recipients today. The agencies said they have awarded thirteen grants to districts and schools across the state for arts and foreign language education. The Arts and Foreign Language Education Grant Program (AFL) is designed to assist school districts and other eligible applicants with the development or enhancement of curricular programs in the arts or foreign language. "World language and arts courses are essential to a well-rounded education, yet students’ access to these critical learning opportunities is all too often determined by affluency. This grant program will allow us to expand access to arts and world language education that all of our students deserve," said State Superintendent of Educatio

Continue Reading

CHICAGO – The Powerball jackpot has been increased from $725 million to $750 million for tonight’s drawing - making it the sixth largest Powerball jackpot and the 10th largest lottery jackpot in U.S. history. Illinois Lottery players have been lining up around the block and jumping online to grab a ticket for tonight’s draw, while some players are already celebrating after winning big in Monday night’s draw. Two lucky Illinois Lottery players matched four numbers and the Powerball to win $50,000 each in Monday’s drawing, July 10. This is also a win for the retailers that sold those winning tickets, as they will receive a bonus of 1% of the prize amount. Nearly 114,000 other prizes, ranging from $4 to $50,000, were won in Monday’s Powerball drawing. Winners have one year from the date of the winning draw in which to claim their prize. The Illinois Lottery encourages all lucky winners to write their name on the back of their ticket and keep

Continue Reading

EDWARDSVILLE - Sivia Law is addressing allegations of workplace religious discrimination made against the company in a recent legal case. As a company who exercises its right to publicly profess a business that aligns with principles of faith, Sivia Law stands firmly behind its practices of upholding the rights and respecting the beliefs of all employees. The case filed against Sivia Law alleges religious discrimination in the workplace, which the company takes very seriously. Some of the instances in question include: optional prayer prior to company meetings, a Bible verse being sent to all staff by a non-management employee on his/her own accord, and holding a meeting in a church common area not used for religious practices. “It is essential to note that our company firmly believes in respecting the beliefs and practices of its employees,” stated Attorney Todd Sivia. “Although our firm is founded on godly values, we have established policies and procedures

Continue Reading

ALTON - A vehicle crashed in the 3000 block of Brown Street in Alton at 7:40 a.m. Wednesday. The accident caused 10 customers to have their power knocked out. Ameren Illinois workers responded to the accident to restore the power. Ameren Illinois was at the scene working on the power for about three hours. The pole was replaced and the wires were repaired. There were no injuries in the accident and no other information about the cause of the crash, but Alton Police has it under investigation.

Continue Reading

EDWARDSVILLE - Mustang horses and service dogs will be the guests of honor at a fundraising event at Triangle H Farms this weekend. From 2–4 p.m. on Saturday, July 15, people can stop by, see the animals and help raise money for veterans. The event’s proceeds will go toward funding The Righteous Life Rescue Ranch (TRLRR), which will provide a home for dogs and mustangs. As plans for the ranch solidify, founder Matt Perella hopes that it will help veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) heal through nature, equine therapy and time with service dogs. “I’ve lost so many friends to suicide,” Perella said. “It’s just really dear to me to give back to the animals that have helped me. There’s so many horses that need to be rescued and so many dogs that need to be rescued and so many veterans that need to be rescued.” Perella plans to work with mistreated mustangs and “death row dogs,” or dogs that have bitte

Continue Reading

WOOD RIVER - Wood River City Councilman Jeremy Plank has issued some comments about a recent city council meeting. Plank is concerned about the tone of the public comment section of city council meetings. "There is a handful of disgruntled people who are being led and organized by 4 failed candidates for city council. Unfortunately, these folks want to ignore the will of the voters and refuse to accept the results of the election. "Meanwhile, our council is focused on economic development, fixing streets and crumbling sidewalks, and investing in our parks. That's why we were elected and we won't be distracted from that." Plank said he intends to have a conversation with the Mayor about the direction of public comments so that we can turn the page toward the progress that voters want.

Continue Reading