Riverbender 🕸

GODFREY – The start of a new school year means another new year for the RiverBend Growth Association’s Young Adults Committee. The Young Adults Committee (YAC) consists of student representatives participating from Alton, Civic Memorial, East Alton-Wood River, Marquette Catholic, and Roxana high schools. Senior student representatives are Adie Bemis and Seana Grey from Alton High School, Bella Murray and Marissa Perez from Civic Memorial High School, Mayonna Jaggie and Isaac Thornton from East Alton-Wood River High School, Tyra Wells and Rodger Zawodniak from Marquette Catholic High School, and Wyatt Doyle and Macy Hart from Roxana High School. Representing the junior class are Eden Hough and Kennedy Lacey from Alton High School, Natalee Belcher and Jacob Cranford from Civic Memorial High School, Landon Bomkamp and Adyson Bunt from East Alton-Wood River High School, Brianne Bagwill and Jami Jones from Marquette Catholic High School, and Anthony Hardin and Noah Smit

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EDWARDSVILLE - High school students, transfer students and their guests are invited to explore the next steps in their academic career as Southern Illinois University Edwardsville hosts the Illinois Regional College Fair (IRCF) from 6-7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 28, in the Morris University Center on the Edwardsville campus. The event, sponsored by the Illinois Association for College Admission Counseling and in conjunction with SIUE, allows prospective students to meet with representatives from in-state and out of state-colleges and universities to learn about academic programs and other aspects of the student experience. Alicia Taylor, assistant director of admissions for campus visits in the Office of Admissions, shared that SIUE is thrilled to host this dynamic higher education recruitment event once again. “The fair is a collaborative effort between SIUE and staff from high schools around the region to expand access to and visibility of higher education options for

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GRANITE CITY - A first wellness-based marketplace gathering is being organized by Dr. Ashley Eavenson & the MCS team to be held from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 16, 2024, at 3986 Maryville Road in Granite City. The event will be located in the Multicare Specialists Building. Over a dozen wellness-based vendors will be on site with major gift giveaways. Gift giveaways include an Infrared sauna blanket, red light face mask, reverse osmosis water filter, top-of-the-line skincare and more. The FARM TRUK food truck will be selling delicious burgers, tacos, and brisket sandwiches as well as gluten-free and vegan options…so bring your appetite! After earning her doctorate in 2011 and taking over her father’s Multicare practice in Granite City in 2019, Dr. Ashley Eavenson has been on a constant search to continue her education on wellness, diet and functional medicine. In a world showing a continual decline in overall health, Dr. Eavenson & the MCS team aim

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EDWARDSVILLE - High school students, transfer students and their guests are invited to explore the next steps in their academic career as Southern Illinois University Edwardsville hosts the Illinois Regional College Fair (IRCF) from 6-7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 28, in the Morris University Center on the Edwardsville campus. The event, sponsored by the Illinois Association for College Admission Counseling and in conjunction with SIUE, allows prospective students to meet with representatives from in-state and out of state-colleges and universities to learn about academic programs and other aspects of the student experience. Alicia Taylor, assistant director of admissions for campus visits in the Office of Admissions, shared that SIUE is thrilled to host this dynamic higher education recruitment event once again. “The fair is a collaborative effort between SIUE and staff from high schools around the region to expand access to and visibility of higher education options for

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GRANITE CITY - A first wellness-based marketplace gathering is being organized by Dr. Ashley Eavenson & the MCS team to be held from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 16, 2024, at 3986 Maryville Road in Granite City. The event will be located in the Multicare Specialists Building. Over a dozen wellness-based vendors will be on site with major gift giveaways. Gift giveaways include an Infrared sauna blanket, red light face mask, reverse osmosis water filter, top-of-the-line skincare and more. The FARM TRUK food truck will be selling delicious burgers, tacos, and brisket sandwiches as well as gluten-free and vegan options…so bring your appetite! After earning her doctorate in 2011 and taking over her father’s Multicare practice in Granite City in 2019, Dr. Ashley Eavenson has been on a constant search to continue her education on wellness, diet and functional medicine. In a world showing a continual decline in overall health, Dr. Eavenson & the MCS team aim

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ALTON – The Alton Area Landmarks Association (AALA) invites the Alton community to its 52nd Annual Historic Building Tour Saturday, October 12, noon to 3:00 p.m. This free historic walking tour will cover East Broadway from Market Street to Ridge Street perched on the hillside overlooking the Mississippi River. Architectural styles include Italianate, Victorian, Classical Revival, Renaissance Revival, Craftsman and Mid-Century Modern designs. According to AALA President Terry Sharp, “By having our event on Saturday, people from Alton Main Street’s Farmer’s Market can come up the hill and enjoy the tour. Many restaurants and shops will be open and ready to serve. The tour will go rain or shine.” “We are thrilled to participate in sharing the historic beauty of Alton with everyone who is interested,” said Chad Brigham of AltonWorks. “A huge part of our vision is to revitalize Alton by preserving the rich history on which this city

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ALTON – The Alton Area Landmarks Association (AALA) invites the Alton community to its 52nd Annual Historic Building Tour Saturday, October 12, noon to 3:00 p.m. This free historic walking tour will cover East Broadway from Market Street to Ridge Street perched on the hillside overlooking the Mississippi River. Architectural styles include Italianate, Victorian, Classical Revival, Renaissance Revival, Craftsman and Mid-Century Modern designs. According to AALA President Terry Sharp, “By having our event on Saturday, people from Alton Main Street’s Farmer’s Market can come up the hill and enjoy the tour. Many restaurants and shops will be open and ready to serve. The tour will go rain or shine.” “We are thrilled to participate in sharing the historic beauty of Alton with everyone who is interested,” said Chad Brigham of AltonWorks. “A huge part of our vision is to revitalize Alton by preserving the rich history on which this city

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EAST ALTON – A juvenile was injured Wednesday afternoon after being struck by a vehicle while riding a bicycle at the intersection of Goulding Street and West St. Louis Avenue. The East Alton Fire Department and East Alton Police Department responded to the scene shortly after the incident was reported. Upon arrival, firefighters found the juvenile, who was able to get up and walk to a gurney with assistance from paramedics. Survival Flight Ambulance was dispatched to the location, and the juvenile was subsequently transported to an area hospital for further evaluation and treatment. The circumstances surrounding the incident remain under investigation by local authorities.

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EAST ALTON – A juvenile was injured Wednesday afternoon after being struck by a vehicle while riding a bicycle at the intersection of Goulding Street and West St. Louis Avenue. The East Alton Fire Department and East Alton Police Department responded to the scene shortly after the incident was reported. Upon arrival, firefighters found the juvenile, who was able to get up and walk to a gurney with assistance from paramedics. Survival Flight Ambulance was dispatched to the location, and the juvenile was subsequently transported to an area hospital for further evaluation and treatment. The circumstances surrounding the incident remain under investigation by local authorities.

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CHICAGO – Today, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) released information about this year's Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) to support income eligible households with utility costs. LIHEAP will begin accepting applications on October 1, 2024, through August 15, 2025, or until funds are exhausted. “Every Illinoisan deserves to be able to keep the lights on and stay warm as we head into winter,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Thanks to $226 million from our Help Illinois Families Program, thousands of households will be eligible for LIHEAP assistance to manage utility costs. As always, equity remains at the core of our efforts and we’re prioritizing vulnerable residents to ensure they receive the support they need. I highly encourage all eligible families to apply.” The energy bill assistance program offered through Help Illinois Families will provide $226 million to eligible families to assist with

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CHICAGO – Today, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) released information about this year's Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) to support income eligible households with utility costs. LIHEAP will begin accepting applications on October 1, 2024, through August 15, 2025, or until funds are exhausted. “Every Illinoisan deserves to be able to keep the lights on and stay warm as we head into winter,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Thanks to $226 million from our Help Illinois Families Program, thousands of households will be eligible for LIHEAP assistance to manage utility costs. As always, equity remains at the core of our efforts and we’re prioritizing vulnerable residents to ensure they receive the support they need. I highly encourage all eligible families to apply.” The energy bill assistance program offered through Help Illinois Families will provide $226 million to eligible families to assist with

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EAST ALTON - Community members can enjoy food trucks, a car cruise, a cornhole tournament, games, activities and more at East Alton’s second annual Food Truck/Fall Festival. From 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 6, 2024, East Alton and surrounding communities are invited to Van Preter Park for a day of fun and fall festivities. Sponsored by Mayor Darren Carlton and the trustees, the event aims to bring East Alton together while providing a fun, family-friendly experience for residents. “We just want people to get out and experience the community,” Carlton said. “The village isn’t making any money off this, and we’re not in it to make money. We just want the citizens to have a good time and have things that they can remember doing and their kids will remember growing up.” Kids can enjoy bounce houses, face painting, Foamzees and more. But the event also targets adults with the cornhole tournament and car cruise. The car cruise will includ

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EAST ALTON - Community members can enjoy food trucks, a car cruise, a cornhole tournament, games, activities and more at East Alton’s second annual Food Truck/Fall Festival. From 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 6, 2024, East Alton and surrounding communities are invited to Van Preter Park for a day of fun and fall festivities. Sponsored by Mayor Darren Carlton and the trustees, the event aims to bring East Alton together while providing a fun, family-friendly experience for residents. “We just want people to get out and experience the community,” Carlton said. “The village isn’t making any money off this, and we’re not in it to make money. We just want the citizens to have a good time and have things that they can remember doing and their kids will remember growing up.” Kids can enjoy bounce houses, face painting, Foamzees and more. But the event also targets adults with the cornhole tournament and car cruise. The car cruise will includ

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AURORA - Today, Governor JB Pritzker joined the CyrusOne team, ComEd, and local elected officials to break ground on the new data center in Aurora. The new campus, which consists of two buildings totaling 446,000 square feet, will serve local communities and national networks through the creation of state-of-the-art digital infrastructure solutions. “When I became governor, I pledged to make Illinois a home for the high-tech, high-growth industries of the future,” said Illinois Governor JB Pritzker. “This groundbreaking is the culmination of years of work with our partners at CyrusOne, and secures hundreds of construction jobs as well as over twenty data center positions for the people of our state. CyrusOne’s new data center joins the ecosystem of high-tech sectors that are flourishing in Illinois– from electric vehicles to quantum computing to chip manufacturers – that form the foundation of sustainable economic growth.” CyrusOne

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AURORA - Today, Governor JB Pritzker joined the CyrusOne team, ComEd, and local elected officials to break ground on the new data center in Aurora. The new campus, which consists of two buildings totaling 446,000 square feet, will serve local communities and national networks through the creation of state-of-the-art digital infrastructure solutions. “When I became governor, I pledged to make Illinois a home for the high-tech, high-growth industries of the future,” said Illinois Governor JB Pritzker. “This groundbreaking is the culmination of years of work with our partners at CyrusOne, and secures hundreds of construction jobs as well as over twenty data center positions for the people of our state. CyrusOne’s new data center joins the ecosystem of high-tech sectors that are flourishing in Illinois– from electric vehicles to quantum computing to chip manufacturers – that form the foundation of sustainable economic growth.” CyrusOne

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To All Godfrey Citizens: I would like to announce that I have decided to run for Godfrey Mayor. After many conversations with resident’s, they expressed to me that they would like to have an option on the ballot for the mayor’s position. The current mayor has been in office since 2009 the residents of Godfrey would like to elect someone who brings a fresh perspective to the position. I am a lifelong resident of the Godfrey/Alton area, have raised three daughters who have been very successful in their careers and I have worked in the area for numerous years. Godfrey is a wonderful place to live and I will strive to keep it that way by continuing to secure state and federal funds, focus on growth and development while still maintaining the quaint village that Godfrey is. I bring the table a strong background in business, finance, construction and have owned and managed a business. I am also the Vice President of the Madison County Catholic Charities Board. I did not decid

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To All Godfrey Citizens: I would like to announce that I have decided to run for Godfrey Mayor. After many conversations with resident’s, they expressed to me that they would like to have an option on the ballot for the mayor’s position. The current mayor has been in office since 2009 the residents of Godfrey would like to elect someone who brings a fresh perspective to the position. I am a lifelong resident of the Godfrey/Alton area, have raised three daughters who have been very successful in their careers and I have worked in the area for numerous years. Godfrey is a wonderful place to live and I will strive to keep it that way by continuing to secure state and federal funds, focus on growth and development while still maintaining the quaint village that Godfrey is. I bring the table a strong background in business, finance, construction and have owned and managed a business. I am also the Vice President of the Madison County Catholic Charities Board. I did not decid

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BELLEVILLE - Belleville’s unemployment mark is down to 5.0 percent in August 2024, compared to the same time in 2023, the most recent Illinois Department Of Employment Security stats revealed. The Belleville rate in August 2023 was 5.7 percent. Collinsville had a low 4.7 percent rate in August 2024 compared to 5.2 percent in 2023 in the most recent stats. Granite City had a 5.7 percent mark in August 2024 compared to a year ago at 5.3 percent. O’Fallon had a solid rate of 4.8 percent compared to the same time last year of 4.8 percent. St. Clair County recorded a rate of 5.1 percent in August 2024, compared to 5.4 percent in August 2023. Deputy Governor Andy Manar said: “IDES and its essential workforce partners are working throughout the state to offer critical employment services to enthusiastic jobseekers.”

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BELLEVILLE - Belleville’s unemployment mark is down to 5.0 percent in August 2024, compared to the same time in 2023, the most recent Illinois Department Of Employment Security stats revealed. The Belleville rate in August 2023 was 5.7 percent. Collinsville had a low 4.7 percent rate in August 2024 compared to 5.2 percent in 2023 in the most recent stats. Granite City had a 5.7 percent mark in August 2024 compared to a year ago at 5.3 percent. O’Fallon had a solid rate of 4.8 percent compared to the same time last year of 4.8 percent. St. Clair County recorded a rate of 5.1 percent in August 2024, compared to 5.4 percent in August 2023. Deputy Governor Andy Manar said: “IDES and its essential workforce partners are working throughout the state to offer critical employment services to enthusiastic jobseekers.”

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EDWARDSVILLE - Edwardsville’s unemployment mark dipped from 4.1 percent in August 2023 to 4.0 in 2024. Madison County has a rate of 4.6 percent in August 2024 compared to 4.9 percent in 2023. Edwardsville has the lowest unemployment rate in the Metro East. Alton’s unemployment rate dipped from 7.0 a year ago in August to 6.4 percent in 2024, Illinois Department of Employment Security stats showed. Greene County reported a rate of 4.3 percent compared to 4.9 percent a significant drop year to year. Jersey is also at 4.3 percent compared to 4.4 percent a year ago in August and Calhoun County is at 4.0 percent compared to 4.5 percent in 2023 in August. Macoupin County recorded a 4.3 percent rate compared to 4.6 percent in August 2023. “Stable, consistent job growth across the state continues to position jobseekers and employers to leverage new and developing opportunities,” said Deputy Governor Andy Manar.

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