Riverbender 🕸

ALTON – State Representative Amy Elik is celebrating the passage of House Bill 222 through both chambers of the Illinois Legislature. On November 20, the bill passed the Illinois Senate and is awaiting Governor J.B. Pritzker’s signature. As Chief Co-sponsor of HB222, Rep. Elik continues her efforts to protect children from child sexual abuse. The bill builds on language Rep. Elik filed in 2023 in House Bill 1275 and makes two major changes to Illinois statute. The new provisions acknowledge that childhood sexual abuse is inherently traumatic and harmful, and includes provisions to prevent defendants in civil lawsuits from shifting blame onto childhood sexual abuse survivors. While Rep. Elik’s original legislation was filed upon the request of a downstate survivor, sadly, abuse cases happen throughout Illinois. During court hearings, victims have been accused of being at fault and not traumatized from child sexual abuse, which HB222 aims to correct. “Victims

Continue Reading

EDWARDSVILLE - The Edwardsville Rotary Club has chosen to honor Edwardsville High School student Marian Morby with the Student of the Month Award for November. Marian was nominated by Edwardsville High School history teacher Mr. Keith Baker. Mary is the daughter of Steve and Amy Morby and a senior at EHS. In addition to being selected as the Student of the Month from the Social Science Department as an outstanding student, Mary is also a member of the Thespian Honors Society and an active participant in the EHS Drama Club. Additionally, she participates in Journalism and currently serves as Culture Editor for The Claw, our student publication at Edwardsville High School. Mary is also in orchestra and sits as the first chair cello. In fact, she went to All-District Orchestra in both 2023 and 2024. Finally, Mary participated in the Women’s History and Empowerment Club for the last two years. Outside of school, Mary enjoys writing poetry and books, in addition to creating digita

Continue Reading

GRANITE CITY - Three individuals from Granite City were charged recently in separate but related cases of mob action. The following individuals were each charged with mob action, a Class 4 felony: Christopher W. Jones, 42, Heather R. Jones, 41, and Heather R. Blake, 31. All three reside in Granite City, with both Joneses sharing an address. Christopher was additionally charged with two counts of aggravated battery, both Class 3 felonies. On Oct. 28, 2024, Christopher allegedly caused “great bodily harm” to a victim by striking them in the head and face with a closed fist. The victim in this case reportedly sustained a “severe laceration to the head” and suffered a concussion. Court documents state all three individuals were “acting together” in striking the victim, resulting in the mob action charges against each of them. The Granite City Police Department presented the cases against all three individuals, who have each been granted pretria

Continue Reading

ALTON - A woman from Edwardsville has been accused of passing a bad check at Schwegel’s Market in Alton, marking the location’s fourth case of forgery in recent years. Dannielle K. Hindelang, 31, of Edwardsville, was charged on Nov. 21, 2024, with one count of forgery, a Class 3 felony. On Oct. 22, 2024, Hindelang reportedly attempted to pass a bad check written out in the amount of $950 at Schwegel’s Market in Alton. This comes as the fourth forgery case to occur at Schwegel’s Market since November of 2023. The first case on Nov. 9, 2023, concerned another Edwardsville woman, Marquitta M. Davis, 43, who wrote a bad check for $1,514.54. Three months later on Feb. 11, 2024, Duane A. Reams, 37, of Bethalto, attempted to pass a bad check for $2,204.63. More recently , Dwight R. Donley, 37, of O’Fallon was charged multiple times from Sept. 6 to Sept. 9, 2024, for passing a series of bad checks totaling $9,958.52. The Alton Police Department

Continue Reading

EDWARDSVILLE - Amy Ferguson, a reading teacher in the Edwardsville Community Unit School District #7, has received the Emerson Excellence in Teaching Award. Ferguson has worked in District #7 for 34 years. She currently serves as a reading teacher for kindergarten through second grade in Hamel and Midway Elementary Schools. She is one of 100 teachers throughout the Greater St. Louis area who were recognized with the 2024 Emerson Excellence in Teaching Award. “I just feel very lucky to work in this district, and I love every day,” Ferguson said. “It’s very special. It feels very special.” Matthew Sidarous, principal of Midway and Hamel schools, said that he has worked closely with Ferguson over the past ten years. Ferguson will retire at the end of the 2024–2025 school year, and Sidarous said she will be missed. He noted that Ferguson is a devoted professional, and students love learning from her. He added that he receives many emails from

Continue Reading

ALTON — This year, 39 students from Alton High School have been recognized as Illinois State Scholars, a program that honors the top academically performing high school seniors across the state. Nearly every high school in Illinois participates in this initiative, which acknowledges student excellence. Alton High School released a statement expressing pride in the achievements of the honored students. "Alton High School takes great pride in the students who have received this prestigious recognition. Their hard work and dedication have led to this significant achievement, and we extend our heartfelt congratulations to them and their families," the statement read. The Illinois State Scholars program highlights the academic accomplishments of students who have demonstrated exceptional performance in their studies. The list of this year's scholars from Alton High School includes: Madelyn Bearley Chad Betlach Elizabeth Blackmon Ava Boley Eric Braundmeier Keyser Butler Kristina

Continue Reading

As the vibrant hues of autumn emerge and the days grow shorter, the holiday season approaches, bringing joy, festivity, and often an overwhelming to-do list. While this time of year is filled with gatherings, celebrations, and cherished traditions, it can also be a source of stress and fatigue. The key to enjoying the season lies in prioritizing self-care, allowing you to embrace the festivities with a refreshed spirit. Here are some practical self-care tips tailored for the busy holiday season. Establish a Routine During the holiday chaos, maintaining a consistent routine can provide a much-needed sense of normalcy. Establishing a daily structure helps in managing your time effectively and minimizing stress levels. Morning Rituals Start your day with a morning ritual that includes activities like meditation, stretching, or journaling. Even dedicating just 10-15 minutes can set a positive tone for the day. For example, a quick meditation session can enhance your focus and reduce

Continue Reading

On November 26th, history has witnessed a remarkable array of events that have shaped our world in profound ways. Starting with one of the most monumental events in contemporary history, November 26, 1989, marked a pivotal moment in the aftermath of the Cold War. On this day, the Berlin Wall, a symbol of division and oppression, had already begun to crumble just weeks earlier. The Wall, which had stood since 1961, separated East and West Berlin, embodying the ideological rift between communist and capitalist worlds. By late November 1989, the momentum for change was palpable. Citizens from both sides were uniting in their desire for freedom and reunification. The fall of the Berlin Wall not only heralded the end of an era but also sparked a wave of democratic movements across Eastern Europe. This day serves as a reminder of the power of collective action and the enduring human spirit that seeks liberty. Fast forward to November 26, 2008, when the world was shaken by a series of

Continue Reading

SPRINGFIELD – U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) joined U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-VT) and U.S. Representatives Delia Ramirez (D-IL-03) and Raúl Grijalva (D-AZ-07) in introducing the CBP Guidance on Personal Belongings Act , bicameral legislation to require the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to develop guidance for the handling of personal property of individuals arrested, restrained, or confined by the Agency. The legislation would expand protections for all individuals traveling through CBP custody to ensure they can retain and retrieve their essential personal belongings if confiscated. The bill would also help to ensure that individuals can maintain access to their medications unless CBP officials have identified a specific safety concern or provided an equivalent replacement medication. The bill comes after several nongovernmental organizations identified hundred

Continue Reading

ALTON - Improvement projects at two Alton parks are moving forward following approval from the Alton Committee of the Whole on Monday . The following amounts have been set aside for upgrades to Rock Springs Park and Gordon Moore Park: $23,885.10 to purchase picnic tables and a picnic pavilion at Rock Springs Park $13,492.76 for a shade structure for the new pickleball courts and to purchase picnic tables for Gordon Moore Park Committee members unanimously approved two intergovernmental agreements between the City of Alton and Alton Township related to the park projects. According to the Rock Springs Park agreement, Alton Township will provide the $23,885.10 in funding for the picnic tables and a pavilion. If the City of Alton fails to complete the project “in a timely manner,” the city will be required to return those funds to the township, though the agreement sets no specific deadline. The agreement for Gordon Moore Park appears nearly identical, with

Continue Reading

ALTON - Laila Janae Davis, a junior at Marquette Catholic High School, has made a significant impact on her school's girls varsity basketball team, earning recognition for her performance during the Columbia High School Girls Basketball Tournament held on Nov. 23, 2024. Davis led her team with 16 points in a standout game and was selected for the all-tournament team, showcasing her skills and determination on the court. She is a Tucker's Automotive Repair & Tire Female Athlete of the Month for the Explorers. Davis has been playing basketball for approximately seven years and credits her success to the support of her mother and the influence of her coaches and teammates. "I would like to thank my mom for constantly encouraging me to stick with basketball even through the ups and downs," she said. "I also want to mention all my past coaches and teammates and my current coaches and teammates for believing in me and making the experience 10 times better." Her coach, Whitney Sykes-Rogers,

Continue Reading

SWANSEA – Attorney General Kwame Raoul charged a Belleville man with disseminating child sexual abuse material. The case is part of Raoul’s ongoing work, in collaboration with federal law enforcement agencies and local law enforcement officials throughout Illinois, to apprehend offenders who download and trade child sexual abuse material online. The Attorney General’s office charged Austin A. Wheat, 23, in St. Clair County Circuit Court with seven counts of disseminating child pornography, each Class X felonies punishable by up to 30 years in prison. Sentences are ultimately determined by the court. Wheat is currently detained at the St. Clair County jail. “Survivors of child abuse and exploitation are revictimized each and every time an individual trades or downloads one of these heinous images or videos,” Raoul said. “I will continue to partner with law enforcement to investigate and hold alleged perpetrators accountable, and I thank the Swanse

Continue Reading

ALTON - Local families and community members received 100 turkeys for Thanksgiving. On Monday, Nov. 25, 2024, Meridian Health donated 100 turkeys to families who utilize the Crisis Food Center in Alton. State Senator Erica Harriss was present to distribute the turkeys, and she noted her enthusiasm for helping local families while sharing more resources with the community. “I think people don’t always know what their state legislators do,” she said. “They know that we maybe go to Springfield and work on bills and laws, but this is, to me, the very fun and great part of being able to be connected in our district and meeting people and seeing what their needs are, and, if we can meet those, getting to do that. That, to me, is a great part of this job.” Harriss shared that her office has received more calls than last year from people who are seeking resources, including people experiencing food insecurity. She said the turkey giveaway was “a

Continue Reading

O'FALLON - A shooting of a teen in South St. Louis on Saturday evening, Nov. 23, 2024, has riveted the Metro East region. Colin Brown, 16, was critically injured in a shooting after a hockey game for his team Christian Brothers College High School on Interstate 55 in South St. Louis. Colin is the son of Calvin Brown. The Brown family issued this statement: "First, we would like to express our gratitude to the SLMPD and the Illinois State Police, as well as the broader public safety community, for their continued efforts in apprehending the perpetrators of this senseless crime against our beloved son, Colin. "As a family and a former law enforcement official with over 28 years of experience, we believe that greater efforts are needed in the City of St. Louis and the surrounding region to support the police and equip them with the necessary tools to combat such senseless, violent gun crimes. Additionally, we want to thank the St. Louis and Chicago hockey communities for their overwhelming

Continue Reading

EAST ST. LOUIS – Three men from the Metro East area have been indicted by a federal grand jury for their alleged involvement in a scheme to defraud the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Dana C. Howard, 52, of O’Fallon, Richard Scott Myers, 63, of Edwardsville, and Glenn Sunnquist, 53, of Swansea, face multiple charges, including conspiracy to commit wire fraud and wire fraud. The indictment, which was returned recently, accuses Howard and Myers of misusing a PPP loan of $1,426,500 obtained in April 2020. The loan was purportedly intended to support their construction company, Zoie, LLC, and freight company, Zade Trucking, both based in East St. Louis. Instead, it is alleged that the funds were diverted for personal use and for the benefit of another business they owned. U.S. Attorney Rachelle Aud Crowe stated, “In one of the most prevalent and widespread fraud crimes in American history, any greedy individuals who sought to steal from

Continue Reading

ALTON — Jason Harrison and his family are set to continue their tradition of community support with a significant giveaway event planned for Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2024, at LaMay's Catering, located at 909 E. Broadway in Alton. The event will take place just prior to Thanksgiving Day, with a goal of serving over 700 people in the Alton area. The community giveaway aims to provide meals to those in need, including seniors and students. Harrison stated that the effort will include delivering turkeys to senior homes and Lewis and Clark Community College for students who may not have access to meals during the holiday season. "This year, we are preparing to distribute 200 turkeys along with boxes of side dishes," Harrison said. "Our plan is to serve as many people as possible, whether they choose to eat in or take out." The event will begin at noon and is open to anyone in the community who wishes to participate. Harrison emphasized the importance of the initiative, saying, "We just lov

Continue Reading

GRAFTON - Bundle up and bring your family at 5 p.m. this Friday, Nov. 29, 2024, and join Santa and Mrs. Claus as Grafton’s Christmas tree in Grove Memorial Park springs to light. The City Of Grafton invites everyone to help “sing in” the 2024 Christmas Season with carols led by Nicki Brooks. Come join us for hot chocolate and s’mores, frosty noses and tingling toes as well as photo opps with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Between greeting old friends and new friends, be sure to sign up for the giveaway of four $25 Walmart gift cards. The drawing will be held at the event, and you must be present to win. ”We hope to see you all there to help us welcome Christmas, exchange hugs and handshakes and light Grafton’s Christmas tree to be shared with all who travel our river and our highway,” Grafton Mayor Mike Morrow said.

Continue Reading

EAST ALTON/WOOD RIVER - Local communities have received $5.8 million for water infrastructure projects. On Monday, Nov. 25, 2024, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski traveled to East Alton to present the Village of East Alton with a $5 million check for improvements at the East Alton Water Treatment Plant. Budzinski also presented the City of Wood River with a $850,000 check to construct a detention pond. “In our communities, water infrastructure is something that is so critically important,” Budzinski said. “It’s why I was so glad to submit two of my 15 community project funds right here, one in East Alton and then also the other in Wood River.” The East Alton Water Treatment Plant upgrade funding was requested by Budzinski and Senators Dick Durbin and Tammy Duckworth. These funds will be used to bring the East Alton Water Treatment Plant up to current Environmental Protection Agency standards and increase its production from 3 million gallons per day

Continue Reading

SIU Medicine’s Pelvic Wellness Center and Samuel Grampsas, MD, earned the distinction as an InterStim™ Center of Excellence by Medtronic (NYSE: MDT), the world’s largest medical device manufacturer. The honor is awarded to providers with expertise in using the InterStim™ system to treat overactive bladder, non-obstructive urinary retention and chronic fecal incontinence. SIU Medicine is the only provider within a 50-mile radius of Springfield to hold this distinction. According to the National Association for Continence, more than 33 million Americans live with incontinence, and many of them don’t realize their condition may be treatable. Of those patients who do seek treatment, many choose the InterStim™ system. This technology provides relief by gently stimulating the patient’s sacral nerves through a small device implanted in the lower back. In the 20 years since its debut, more than 300,000 patients worldwide have benefitted from it.

Continue Reading

ALTON — State Senator Erica Harriss, in collaboration with Meridian Health and the Crisis Food Center, plans to distribute 100 turkeys to individuals and families in need this Thanksgiving season. The event is scheduled for Monday, November 25, 2024, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the Crisis Food Center located at 21 East 6th Street in Alton. This initiative aims to support local residents during the holiday season, providing a crucial resource for those facing food insecurity. The turkeys have already been accounted for, and the event is designed to ensure that they reach the intended recipients effectively.

Continue Reading