Riverbender 🕸

SPRINGFIELD - Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias’ office has transformed its Melrose Park facility into a DMV+ and “One-Stop-Shop” design, offering new services and reduced wait times. The Melrose Park location marks the first DMV+ facility, which includes Secretary of State services that have never been accessible at an Illinois DMV location. These include specialized services from its Business, Index and Personnel Departments that would otherwise require an in-person visit to a Secretary of State’s office located in downtown Chicago or Springfield. In addition, the DMV+ also includes a One-Stop-Shop design that combines both driver and vehicle services, allowing customers to access service at a single customer service counter and reducing the number of steps to create a more intuitive flow. It also frees up space for additional service stations and appointments to accommodate more customers. “Our continued effort to modernize the office allow

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FIELDON - A Fieldon man faces multiple felonies after throwing a brick through the window of a moving vehicle and striking the driver. Joseph D. East, 25, of Fieldon, was charged with aggravated battery (a Class 3 felony), criminal damage to property (a Class 4 felony), and reckless driving (a Class A misdemeanor). On July 13, 2024, East allegedly “threw a brick” at the victim’s vehicle as they drove by the Pour House Bar in Fieldon, according to Jersey County court documents. The brick went “through the driver’s side window,” striking the victim in the arm and resulting in both the battery and criminal damage charges against East. The vehicle damage totaled over $500. He also reportedly “endangered the bodily safety of the general public while driving in a reckless manner,” resulting in the misdemeanor charge in this case. East has since been granted pretrial release and was issued a summons to appear in court on Sept. 3,

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ALTON - In a ceremony held recently, Police Chief Jarrett Ford swore in the four newest members of the Alton Police Department. The new officers, Isaiah Hampton, Jordan Picklesimer, Steven Vaughn, and Joshua Saucedo-Hernandez, stood side by side as they took their oaths of office. "We are very excited to have them join the department," Chief Ford said during the ceremony. "They will soon depart for the police academy. We look forward to their successful academy training and having them join us in serving Alton." The new officers are set to begin their training at the police academy in the coming weeks. Their addition to the force is seen as a positive step toward bolstering the department’s capabilities and enhancing public safety in Alton.

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ALTON - In the summer of 1924, Altonians were excited about driving automobiles. Auto clubs sprang up all over the place, there was a car column in the Alton Telegraph, and there were picnic fundraisers to cinder dirt roads all over town. On August 11, 1924, an Alton Automobile Club presentation on automobile safety at Riverview Park drew a large crowd. It was a cold night for August, and many of the attendees wore their winter coats. At this time, there were 3,600 automobiles in the district and approximately 36,000 residents, one auto or truck for every ten people. Speakers at the automobile safety meeting included G. C. Varnum, secretary and manager of the St. Louis Safety Council, and Roy Rauschkolb, chairman of the development services of the St. Louis Chamber of Commerce. They recommended measures such as a safe drivers’ club and a vigilance committee and encouraged pedestrians to use street crossings and drivers to follow traffic guidelines. Varnum recited a little

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BELLEVILLE — In a recent ceremony, the Belleville Police Department officially welcomed two new recruits, Officer Headen and Officer Ortiz. Both officers took their oath to protect and serve the citizens of Belleville and will soon begin their training at the police academy. The swearing-in event marks a significant step in the careers of Headen and Ortiz, who are set to join the ranks of the Belleville Police Department. "We would like you to join us in welcoming them to our department," stated a representative from the department. The new recruits will undergo rigorous training at the academy, preparing them for the challenges and responsibilities that come with their roles in law enforcement.

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EDWARDSVILLE – Alex Fox, the new interim principal of Edwardsville High School, joined other school officials outside the school to greet students on their first official day on Wednesday, Aug. 14, 2024. The greeting by administrators and teaching staff was aimed to set a positive tone for the upcoming academic year. Fox expressed enthusiasm about the student body, stating, "These kids are probably the best overall student body in the state of Illinois. If you don’t think that way, just look at our overall high-level academic performances, our performing arts kids, athletes, and regular general students." The interim principal highlighted the importance of all students, including those who may feel undervalued, and said some of those people set the tone for the rest of the students and are as critical to the success of the school as anyone else. The first day was marked by excitement and optimism from both students and staff. "Seeing the smiles and waves is wonderful,

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BELLEVILLE – A bobcat sighting in Brookhill Estates, near Green Mount Road in Belleville, has garnered significant attention this past weekend. The wildcat was first spotted on Saturday, Aug. 10, 2024, when a person let a dog out in the backyard. Brookhill Estates, located just east of Green Mount Road and north of Illinois 177 in Belleville, is bordered by agricultural land to the south and east, and a thick wood line to the north and west. The area’s proximity to both natural and residential spaces makes it a conducive environment for wildlife sightings. Don Schachner, an Illinois conservation officer, verified that the animal in question from a photo submitted to him was indeed a bobcat. “Bobcats are far more common than people realize,” Schachner explained. “They are more secretive than most animals and could live in an area without being noticed.” Schachner noted that bobcats typically appear larger than they are due to their long legs and

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JERSEYVILLE - Following a benefit for 14-year-old Hayden Eberlin Brown , his family could not be more thankful for the community’s support. They’re asking for help to raise $3,000 more. The money donated by the community will go toward the purchase of a van with a lift so Hayden’s mother can transport him to appointments. Hayden was diagnosed with metachromatic leukodystrophy (MLD), a terminal disease with progressive neurological decline. As he nears the end of his life, his family hopes the money will help them pay for Hayden’s care, comfort and funeral expenses. “It’s so that he’s comfortable. The poor thing. I can’t imagine living like he’s living, you know?” said Tammy Schaaf, Hayden’s aunt, who organized the benefit and GoFundMe . “He did laugh the other day, and we did get it on video. That’s the first time in, oh my gosh, I couldn’t tell you how long. He had a big old smile and he

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ALTON - Marquette Catholic High School students and teachers are gearing up for another great year as they returned to school on Wednesday, Aug. 15, 2024. Principal Tim Harmon expressed his excitement for the upcoming school year. He noted that he is especially looking forward to welcoming the seniors and freshmen, and he can’t wait to start the year on a positive note. “I am just extremely excited for the incoming freshman class to get to be part of the Marquette family and, I’ll say, even more excited for the seniors,” Harmon said. “It’s hard to be more excited than I am for the freshmen, but I’m more excited even for the seniors that they’re getting to enjoy their last year of four years at Marquette and getting to enjoy being part of our family, but then also getting ready to go out into the big grand world of college or the military or the workforce. I’m just really excited. I feel like there’s a lot of joy and anxiou

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ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo. — On Wednesday, August 14, 2024, the St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office issued charges against Christopher Woodard, 40, of Florissant, Missouri, for endangering the welfare of a child and unlawful use of a weapon. Woodard, who resides on the 2300 block of Battlefield Drive, is being held on a $100,000 cash-only bond. According to the probable cause statement, police responded to a call regarding a child overdose at approximately 8 p.m. on August 13, 2024, at Woodard’s residence. Upon arrival, officers found a 1-year-old child exhibiting signs of an overdose. In a post-Miranda interview, Woodard admitted to using methamphetamine with his wife in their bedroom before placing the child in the same bed. Further investigation revealed a jar containing a crystal-like substance in the bedroom, which Woodard identified as methamphetamine. The child subsequently tested positive for methamphetamine. Officers also observed a black .45 caliber

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ALTON - After another successful Rock the Hops festival in downtown Alton, organizer Hope Mader is reflecting on the arts and music scene she wants to see in the Riverbend. On Aug. 10, 2024, hundreds of people flooded Bossanova Martini Lounge, Old Bakery Beer Co., The Conservatory, Flock Food Truck Park and Bar, and Ragin’ Cajun Piano Bar for a day of live music and craft beers. Twenty-seven bands and over 40 styles of craft beer were available, and Mader said the day went “very well.” “Our mission is to uplift, engage and encourage local creative culture and to help music and art and culture become active and honored participants in our community,” she said. “Here are the musicians. Here are the artists who live and work and create here. They have something to say. They have something to show us. It’s just a way to give them our full attention.” Mader thanked Lauren Pattan with Old Bakery Beer Co. for her help in developing the

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ALTON - Senior Services Plus, Inc., located at 2603 N. Rodgers Ave. in Alton, IL will be hosting a lunch and presentation entitled Public Safety, sponsored by AARP IL on Friday, August 30th, 2024 from 12-1 p.m. in the School House Grill. During this presentation, officers from the Madison County Sheriff’s Department and the Alton Police Department will discuss public safety concerning older adults, including the measures and conditions that ensure their well-being and protection from harm, both in public spaces and within their homes and will cover a variety of factors, including physical safety, emotional security, and access to essential services. Doors open for check-in at 11 a.m., lunch is served at 11:45 a.m., and the presentation begins at 12 p.m. This lunch and presentation is free and open to the public, but space is limited. To reserve your seat, please call Leslie, SSP’s Marketing and Development Coordinator at 618-465-3298 ext. 123. About SENIOR SERVICES

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ALTON - The rain couldn’t dampen the excitement of students and teachers at Alton Community Unit School District #11 as they returned to school on Thursday, Aug. 15, 2024. At Alton High School, Eunice Smith Elementary School, and the other schools in the district, teachers and staff members were eager to welcome students back from summer vacation. Stacie Franke, the new principal at Alton High School, noted that the staff has been busy over the summer and can’t wait to begin the school year on a positive note. “We look forward to a year full of possibilities and success,” she said. “The administrative team and faculty have worked diligently over the summer to enhance instructional practices, ensure safety, and foster a culture of belonging for our staff and students. The administrative team analyzed data from the previous year, focusing on academics, discipline, attendance, well-being, teacher-student relationships, and other metrics. This analysis

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August 15th is a date that has witnessed some of the most profound and far-reaching events in human history. 79 AD: The Eruption of Mount Vesuvius One of the most catastrophic events in ancient history occurred on August 15, 79 AD, when Mount Vesuvius erupted, obliterating the Roman cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum. The eruption released a lethal cloud of stones, ashes, and fumes, burying the cities under meters of volcanic material and killing thousands. The suddenness of the disaster was so great that many residents were unable to flee, resulting in remarkably well-preserved ruins that give us a unique glimpse into Roman life. 1969: Woodstock Music Festival Begins The iconic Woodstock Music & Art Fair, often simply referred to as Woodstock, began on August 15, 1969. Held on a dairy farm in Bethel, New York, the festival became a cultural landmark of the 1960s counterculture. Featuring performances by legendary artists such as Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, and The Who, Woodstoc

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ALTON - The Alton City Council quickly and unanimously passed the latest version of the decorative holiday lighting schedule for the Clark Bridge on Wednesday. While excluding non-federal holidays like Valentine’s Day and Halloween, the new schedule still calls for school colors on homecoming and graduation for Marquette Catholic and Alton High Schools. July 3 was also included in the final list, seemingly to accommodate Alton’s “ Fireworks on the Mississippi ” event held each year on July 3. The resolution, given preliminary approval by the Committee of the Whole on Monday , features a list of holidays initially expanded - then slightly trimmed down - following a series of discussions and amendments over multiple meetings. The finalized holiday lighting schedule was approved as follows: Martin Luther King Jr.’s Birthday (Jan. 15): Red/white/blue President’s Day (third Monday of February): Red/white/blue Memorial Day Weekend

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ALTON - A few Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine students spent the evening chalking the sidewalks in front of Alton elementary schools. On Wednesday, Aug. 14, 2024, the School of Dental Medicine (SDM) Pediatric Dentistry Club went to seven of the Alton Community Unit School District #11 elementary schools to chalk the sidewalks before the first day of school on Thursday, Aug. 15. Kayla Ringo, president of the club, explained that this is the second year they have chalked the sidewalks, and they enjoy bonding with each other while providing a fun welcome for the elementary students. “All the kiddos really loved it,” Ringo said. “It was a good way to just welcome them into school for their first day.” Not only is it a positive bonding experience for the SDM students, but Ringo pointed out that it allows the kids to have fun when they come to school. In addition to “welcome back” signs and illustrations, the SDM students

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ALTON - Alton Main Street hosted its quarterly “What’s Up Downtown” meeting on Aug. 13, 2024, to share information about businesses and happenings in downtown Alton. Business owners spoke about plans for their shops and new businesses coming to downtown Alton. Markus Boyd discussed his decision to buy and reopen My Just Desserts . Jen Farley introduced her new business, Persnickety by Jen Farley . Lasse Sorenson explained how his TV show, “Food is Love,” helps fight food insecurity in the Riverbend. Lisa Brown shared information about her new restaurant and lounge, The Renaissance X . Sparkle Sims spoke about the new Precious Diamond Boutique in Alton. Markus Boyd began the evening by talking about why he wanted to purchase My Just Desserts . He noted that the restaurant will have the same taste and feel as it did under previous ownership, but he hopes to grow the menu and building going forward. “I love and support

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JERSEYVILLE - Thomas Leslie, the newest principal at Jersey Community High School, said the 2024-2025 school year is off to “an amazing start” as JCHS students were welcomed on their first day. Leslie said the day began with “Link Crew,” a new orientation program connecting underclassmen and upperclassmen as they navigated their first day at JCHS - or their first day back. “We began with several orientations which included a brand new program called Link Crew that provided our incoming and new students with a fun and engaging orientation to the school and connection with junior and senior leaders that will continue as the year progresses,” Leslie said. “ All of these opportunities have provided our students with the confidence to walk in the door today and hit the ground running.” Leslie, who was appointed JCHS’s new principal at the start of this year , said he’s “ecstatic to join the JCHS family” as

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WOOD RIVER - Residents and businesses across several towns in Illinois, including Roxana, Wood River, Hartford, East Alton, Alton, and Godfrey, have reported an odor throughout the area. The smell, which many have compared to gas, has resulted in numerous reports to Ameren Gas. As a precautionary measure, the Wood River Walmart was evacuated. However, after a thorough inspection, it was determined that there was no gas leak at the store, and shoppers and employees were allowed to return shortly thereafter. Ameren is aware of the widespread reports and is actively investigating the source of the odor. Wood River Fire Chief Wade Stahlhut said Wednesday afternoon that his firefighters are still searching to find answers about the odor. He said the odor came from the west side of Wood River initially. "It had just a heavy pungent natural gas odor," he said. "We had a number of 911 calls and we are still in the midst of the investigation. The odor has dissipated off from the city an

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PONTOON BEACH/BELLEVILLE - A pair of local licensed cannabis dispensaries will receive a significant amount of funds from Round II of the Cannabis Social Equity Loan Program, Gov. J.B. Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity announced on Wednesday, Aug. 14, 2024. Cookies in Pontoon Beach with an application from Project Equity Illinois, will receive $240,000 in the loan awards. Market 96 in Belleville, with an application from Blunts&Moore, LLC, also will receive a $240,000 loan. The second round of loans will total $5.5 million overall throughout the state. Through the program, 23 qualified, licensed social equity dispensaries are receiving $240,000 Direct Forgivable Loans (DFL) financed by the State of Illinois. Second round of Cannabis Social Equity Loan Program provides $5.5 million in loans to social equity dispensaries “Since day one, my administration has put equity at the forefront of building the most accessible cannabis industry

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