Riverbender 🕸

ST. LOUIS - The legendary “Beatle Bob” Robert Matonis recently ended his concert streak around the St. Louis area that started on Christmas Day, 1996. Matonis has always been visible at the side of the stage dancing at concert venues across the St. Louis region. If “Beatle Bob” attended a concert, a band knew they were on the right track and in some ways, had made it. Beatle Bob’s streak continued for 9,439 days, which does not include 85 days during the COVID-19 Pandemic when concerts were not happening in town. The feat, when one thinks about it, is beyond remarkable. Matonis is a huge part of the St. Louis entertainment culture and folklore. Bob is now 70 years old and announced recently he had to spend a few days at Barnes-Jewish Hospital for treatment, which sidelined his concert streak. He also said he has been diagnosed with Lou Gehrig’s Disease in February 2021 and has not been able to dance at some of the recent concerts he attended. A

Continue Reading

JERSEYVILLE/CARLINVILLE - Melissa Dandino, fundraising coordinator at the Unified Child Advocacy Network, recently appeared on an episode of Our Daily Show! on Riverbender.com to discuss the work the organization does for local child victims of abuse, as well as their upcoming fundraiser at Reno's Pizza in Carlinville. “We’re a nonprofit organization representing Calhoun, Greene, Jersey, Macoupin, and Montgomery counties," Dandino said. "We help children tell their stories in a child-friendly environment - from there, we help them to seek out medical doctors and counseling, and we also help the families receive and find services that will help them all move on with their healing.” She said the organization has a Child Advocate who works with families and children to get them medical attention and counseling and make sure the counselors are “doing what they should do to help the child.” They also have a forensic interviewer named Holly who conducts

Continue Reading

GODFREY - Tami Berkel, a local dog rescuer, has a favorite phrase about the process involved in saving the lives of dogs who need immediate compassion and assistance for survival: "it takes a village," she says. Tami's latest rescue dog is Gretchen, who appears to be a lab-hound and blue healer breed. An area rescue group - Lost Paws Trapping - found Gretchen after she was hit by a truck in Belleville, and thanks to some kind area individuals and contributors, is on her way to living a happy life. Despite her serious injury, she still has a long journey to go. Recently, Gretchen had a successful Femoral Head Ostectomy (FHO) surgery. Lisa Lewis and Found A Hound Rescue took interest in Gretchen and one of their volunteers - Tami Berkel - decided to foster Gretchen. Gretchen was struck by the truck nearly two weeks ago and left for dead with severe breaks and a shifted pelvis. Local animal hospitals felt the surgery was too complicated and encouraged the rescuers to contact

Continue Reading

ALTON/GLEN CARBON - Bishop Thomas John Paprocki of the Catholic Diocese of Springfield in Illinois will pay a visit to both Marquette Catholic High School and Father McGivney Catholic High School on Thursday. Bishop Paprocki will visit with both students and staff as part of the weeklong celebration of National Catholic Schools Week (Jan. 29-Feb. 4). The bishop will visit Father McGivney first at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, Feb. 2, at 7190 Bouse Road in Glen Carbon, then celebrate with a Mass at Marquette Catholic at 1:30 p.m. at 219 E. Fourth St. in Alton. The Diocese of Springfield serves 124,000 Catholics in 28 counties in Central Illinois. There are 43 Catholic schools in the diocese (36 elementary, and 7 high schools).

Continue Reading

WATERLOO - Sam Houston walked away a millionaire after finding the Queen of Hearts card during the final drawing of the long-running Waterloo Queen of Hearts drawing on Tuesday night, Jan. 31, 2023. The total jackpot amount was $1,886,536. With just three cards left - #28, #49, or #53 - Houston picked card #28, which was revealed to be the Queen of Hearts. The crowd surrounding Outsider Pub in Waterloo erupted in cheers and applause. A total of 20% of the funds raised from this drawing will benefit the Saints Peter and Paul Catholic School in Waterloo . Music and Band Teacher Chad Minier revealed the winning card and made the announcement. “Number 28 is … Queen of Hearts! Queen of Hearts, congratulations,” Minier said. “We have a winner!” He went on to say that due to safety concerns, a cash prize would not be given out to the winners of the Queen of Hearts and 50/50 drawings that night, but a check would be written to the winners on Feb.

Continue Reading

Couples names: Jeff and Jody City: Bethalto Date met pr started dating: August 25, 1983 Date married: June 25, 1988 What makes your relationship special? We met in high school and immediately fell in love. We have been through so much together and have made many wonderful memories. We still face challenges- I am battling cancer and he is recovering from a stroke- but we are facing it together and growing closer in our relationship every day. Share a memory you have made together: Our favorite memory is the birth of our beautiful daughter 26 years ago. After several unsuccessful attempts, she is our miracle.

Continue Reading

Couples names: Jeremy and Tonia Chapman City: Bethalto Date met pr started dating: March 2, 2015 Date married: March 14, 2017 What makes your relationship special? We have the utmost respect for each other. Share a memory you have made together: Took our first cruise together in 2016.

Continue Reading

Couples names: Travis and Rachel, babe, baby, hun, City: Bethalto Date met pr started dating: January 24, 2011 Date married: October 7, 2017 What makes your relationship special? Our connection. We may bicker and argue a lot but we really know each other. We know what the other is usually thinking or about to do, we've finished each other sentences and said the exact same thing at the same time more times than we can count. She has always supported and encouraged me through all of my adventures and ideas regardless if we agreed on it or not she still supported them from briefly joining a motorcycle group in my early 20s to recently quitting my job and opening a store of our own in Bethalto it didn't matter she has supported me. Share a memory you have made together: The first time we went camping together was right after we got our dog Rebel. We loaded up ourselves, 2 dogs and 2 of my brothers to go to Bennett Springs for a few days. It was opening week but colder

Continue Reading

CHICAGO - Someone could jump-start February 2023 as a multi-millionaire. The Powerball jackpot for tonight’s drawing has swelled to a staggering $653 million. If won, it would be the eighth-largest Powerball jackpot and the 13th-largest lottery jackpot won in U.S. history. The Powerball jackpot was last struck on November 19, 2022, when a lucky lottery player in Kansas won $92.9 million. If you’re feeling lucky, today might be a good day to snatch up a ticket. That’s because Wednesday was the ‘luckiest’ Powerball draw day for Illinois Lottery players last year. More Illinois Lottery players won prizes of $1 million or more on Wednesday draws than on Monday or Saturday draws in 2022. DRAW DAY POWERBALL PRIZE OF $1M+ WON IN ILLINOIS, 2022 Monday 2 Wednesday 4 Saturday 1 Every Powerball ticket is a chance to win - and a chance to dream. With over 7,000 Illinois Lottery retailers across the State, lottery players

Continue Reading

CARROLLTON - The case against Austin L. Bishop on an “Unlawful Grooming” charge was continued last Friday to 1:30 p.m. on March 17, 2023, the Greene County State's Attorney's Office said. Bishop has entered a not-guilty plea in the case. He appeared at a pre-trial status hearing in Greene County Court this past Friday. Bishop is a former assistant baseball coach at Greenfield-Northwestern High School and also was a sports official by the Illinois High School Association. In the charge filed by Greene County State’s Attorney Caleb L. Biscoe on September 2, 2021, he alleges that Austin L. Bishop on or about September 2, 2021, committed the offense of “Unlawful Grooming,” in violation of 720 ILCS 5.11-25, in that "said defendant knowingly used a cell phone to solicit a child under the age of 17, requested via text message nude photos and videos of a minor." Greene County Sheriff's deputies and the Greenfield Police arrested Bishop in September 2021.

Continue Reading

WOOD RIVER - Today, former Wood River Mayor Dr. David Ayres announced his campaign for city council, citing a renewed call to public service and enthusiasm to increase transparency and promote local business investment in the city he led from 2001-2005. “Wood River’s economic development continues to be my priority,” said David Ayres. “Three of the current city council members are roadblocks to expansion and job creation, and I am compelled to re-engage in city government to ensure the growth and prosperity in our community.” As Mayor, Ayres worked to expand businesses and restaurants in the city. In addition, he worked with area leaders to preserve Olin Rimfire and Alton Steel. “Like many of you, I am concerned about the reckless decisions of the recent past, including the destruction of the Wood River Aquatic Center based on cost concerns. Then, turn around and spend MILLIONS on a recreation center that was overwhelmingly rejected by the voters,”

Continue Reading

ALTON - Since 1964, February has been recognized as American Heart Month thanks in part to the first official proclamation from President Lyndon B. Johnson. Therefore, during the past 59 years, the month of February has been a time when the nation spotlights heart disease. It’s estimated that more than 600,000 Americans die from heart disease every year. Recognized as the number one cause of deaths for most groups, heart disease affects all ages, genders, and ethnicities. Risk factors include high cholesterol, high blood pressure, smoking, diabetes, and excessive alcohol use. The human heart is responsible for pumping blood throughout the body, supplying oxygen and nutrients and removing toxins and waste. Weighing between 8 and 12 ounces, the heart is a powerful organ comprised of four chambers that work together to pump blood in and out. The heart gets oxygenated blood from the lungs and pumps it throughout the rest of the body. It does this by contracting at a rhythmic pace,

Continue Reading

CHICAGO — Governor JB Pritzker announced the state’s public health emergency will end on May 11, 2023, aligning the state with the federal government’s decision to end the national public health emergency. Ensuring Illinois’ and the federal government’s health emergencies were linked brought in additional federal funding and expanded healthcare access for residents across the state. “Since COVID-19 first emerged nearly three years ago, my administration has worked diligently alongside the federal government to battle this once-in-a-generation pandemic by following scientific and medical guidance to support frontline workers and save lives. Our state’s disaster proclamation and executive orders enabled us to use every resource at our disposal from building up testing capacity and expanding our healthcare workforce to supporting our vaccine rollout and mutual aid efforts,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Let me be clear: COVID-19 has

Continue Reading

ST. LOUIS - For the third consecutive year, as part of Black History Month in February, Schnuck Markets, Inc. will offer customers the opportunity to “Round Up at the Register” to support the Urban League. Starting today and continuing through Tuesday, Feb. 14, 100% of donations in the St. Louis area will support the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis (ULSTL) - specifically the non-profit organization’s Save Our Sons program. Round ups in Schnucks stores in other markets will support the Urban League chapter in each respective area. In 2022, Schnucks and its customers donated $150,000 to the Urban League as part of the Round Up campaign. Those customers who use self-checkouts and wish to donate may choose a $1, $3 or $5 “Scan and Give” option. Schnucks Rewards members also have the opportunity to donate their rewards points to the Urban League as part of the Donate Your Rewards program. “Schnucks is proud of the partnerships that we have

Continue Reading

ST. LOUIS - Famed musician and singer-songwriter Bryan Adams announced his 2023 So Happy It Hurts Tour with iconic group Joan Jett and the Blackhearts on last night’s episode of The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. Produced by Live Nation, the notable run will hit 26 cities across the U.S. this summer, with stops in New York City, Boston, Tampa, Denver, Phoenix, San Francisco and more. The tour kicks off on Tuesday, June 6 in Baltimore at CFG Bank Arena and wraps on Thursday, August 3 in Seattle at Climate Pledge Arena. The upcoming tour is in support of Bryan Adams’ 15th studio album, “So Happy It Hurts,” which was released March 11, 2022 via BMG. “So Happy It Hurts” is also nominated for Best Rock Performance at the upcoming 2023 Grammy awards, taking place this Sunday, February 5. TICKETS: Tickets go on sale starting Friday, February 3rd at 12pm local time. Check your local event listings on ticketmaster.com for more information. SO

Continue Reading

ST. LOUIS COUNTY - The deceased in a homicide in the 900 block of Raford Court, in the City of Bellefontaine Neighbors has been identified Richod Paul, 24 years of age, of the 100 block of Grotto Court in Hazelwood, MO, 63031. St. Louis County Police Department Crimes Against Persons detectives continue to investigate the homicide in the City of Bellefontaine Neighbors which resulted in the death of an adult male. At 11:56 a.m. on January 30, 2023, police officers from the City of Bellefontaine Neighbors responded to the scene of a shooting in the 900 block of Raford Court. Officers located an adult male suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. The victim was pronounced deceased at the scene. City of Bellefontaine Neighbors Police Officers requested St. Louis County Police Crimes Against Persons Detectives lead the investigation. The investigation is very active at this time. Additional information will be disseminated as it becomes available. Please contact the St. Louis County

Continue Reading

GRANITE CITY - The 2023 Granite city Mardis Gras Bar Crawl routes have officially been announced by the City of Granite City Office of Arts, Entertainment & Tourism. Twenty-three different local bars and organizations will participate in this year’s Bar Crawl. The event will take place from 5 to 10 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 18. There will be three different routes, each of which will have three or four buses running exclusively on their own routes. Wristbands are $10 each and can be purchased at all participating locations, which are listed below: Route 1 (Purple Line): Tegan's Pub House Nick's Bar Hooch & Sixteens Elk's Lodge Sue's Corner Columbus Home DAV (Disabled American Veterans) Route 2 (Green Line) DAV Lenny's Bar Mexican Honorary Commission Ernie & Annie's Elgato Tavern American Legion TJ's Bar Ken's Lounge Pavia's Place Route 3 (Gold Line): Pavia's Place O'Connell's Pub Fraternal Order of Eagles Jacobmeyer's Tavern

Continue Reading

CARROLLTON - The Carrollton School District has removed a math teacher from its online instruction program. On Jan. 19, parents received a letter informing them that Kristy L. Sicard has been permanently removed as the Carrollton School District’s online math instructor. She worked with Chicago-based ELEVATE K-12. The Carrollton School School superintendent asked ELEVATE to permanently remove Sicard after an individual provided information that Sicard’s Missouri State Teaching Certificate had been surrendered after a guilty plea to felony assault in Maries County, MO. On August 20, 2018, Sicard entered a guilty plea to third-degree assault and in 2019, her teaching certificate was surrendered.

Continue Reading

ALTON - The Chocolate Festival is returning for 2023 from 2 to 4 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 12, at the Upper Alton Baptist Church, located at 2726 College Ave. in Alton. All proceeds will benefit the Upper Alton Baptist Preschool. Preschool Committee Chair Alison Donoho said there will be a wide variety of chocolate items at the festival, which are all-you-can-eat for $5 (cash only). “There’s going to be brownies and fudge, I’ve heard of a hot chocolate bar. I’ve also heard some rumblings of chocolate-covered potato chips and chocolate-covered bacon,” she said. “There will be some candies and cakes, which all have some sort of chocolate with them.” Donoho said this year marks the festival’s return since it stopped in 2020 due to COVID-19. Previous Chocolate Festivals benefited different charities each year, so this is the first year the festival will benefit the preschool. For more information and updates about this year’s

Continue Reading

WOOD RIVER - Midwest Members Credit Union is proud to sponsor the “Eagles of the Month” program at Civic Memorial High School. Senior students are selected each month by members of the Civic Memorial faculty to represent each department. All students are awarded a certificate and a Subway gift card. Two Seniors (1 female student and 1 male student) that were selected each month will have the opportunity to compete for a $500.00 “Eagles of the Year” scholarship each at the end of the school year. 2023 January’s Eagles of the Month winners: Math - Charly Bellanca Fine Arts - P.J. Postlewait Social Studies - Avery Wilson PE/Health - Caleb Scott Choir - Madelyn Fitzgerald Band - Josaline Stewart Science - Anaiah Dabney English - Olivia Garcia C.T.E. - Eyon Johnson Teacher of the Month winner: Strength and Conditioning - Jared Reynolds Congratulations to all the Civic Memorial “Eagles of the Month”

Continue Reading