Riverbender 🕸

GRANITE CITY - Granite City School District continues to expand horizons for students in the arts field with some dynamic performers for their children in multiple grade levels this past week. Students and staff enjoyed a pair of performances by Beyond Measure Dance, LLC called "Africa to America" on Thursday, Feb. 8, 2024, as part of a celebration of #BlackHistoryMonth at Prather Pre-K/Kindergraten Center . The Dancers delivered a dynamic performance involving the history, culture, language and creation of three dance styles: West African, Jazz Swing and Hip Hop. Through the use of song, dance, and poetry written by the creator, Alicia “Sunshine” Gbaho, students participated in an educational and interactive celebration. Memorable Day At Coolidge Junior High With National Jazz Artists It was a memorable day for Granite City School and Coolidge Junior High band students at Coolidge Junior High School who joined national jazz artists Michael Dease a

Continue Reading

Citizens Utility Board (CUB) Executive Director Sarah Moskowitz released a statement today about Illinois American Water’s $152 million rate-hike request before the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC): Illinois American’s $152 million rate-hike request is severe and greedy—the company is pushing for an excessive profit rate for its shareholders—and CUB will do everything it can to reduce it. We often hear complaints from Illinois American customers about painfully high bills, fueled by the utility’s aggressive strategy of buying up municipal systems across Illinois, along with winning legislative approval to add a "Qualifying Infrastructure Plant" surcharge to bills. While water customers struggle, Illinois American’s parent company has pulled in about $1.6 billion in profits over the last two years. This punishing rate hike will be a hardship to consumers who depend on the utility for a vital service–and that’s why we’re challenging

Continue Reading

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, joined U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ), John Kennedy (R-LA), and Thom Tillis (R-NC), also members of the Senate Judiciary Committee, to reintroduce the bipartisan Violent Incident Clearance and Technological Investigative Methods Act ( VICTIM Act ), a bill to help improve the clearance rate for murders and violent gun crimes. The legislation would establish a grant program at the Department of Justice (DOJ) to provide funding to State, Tribal, and local law enforcement agencies to hire, retain, and train detectives and victim services personnel to investigate unsolved homicides and support victims. The national clearance rate for murders – or the percentage of murder cases solved by law enforcement agencies— has been in continual decline for decades and, in recent years, has reached its lowest point. Between 2019 and 2022, murder clearance rates fell from

Continue Reading

WASHGINTON, D.C. – Combat Veteran and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL)—a member of both the U.S. Senate Armed Services and Foreign Relations Committees—issued the following statement after the Senate voted to proceed on the package to bolster U.S. national security that will provide additional support for our partners and allies: “With our nation confronting increasingly complex and escalating threats to global security, I’m relieved that Senate Republicans have finally joined Democrats to enable us to strengthen our own national security—including by investing in our military industrial base, replenishing critical U.S. military equipment and creating good-paying jobs here at home—while helping Ukraine defend themselves from Putin’s forces, expanding life-saving humanitarian assistance to the innocent civilians suffering in Gaza, supporting our Indo-Pacific partners as we work together to counter China and helping Israel eliminate

Continue Reading

WASHINGTON – During today’s Senate Judiciary Committee hearing, U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, questioned Amir Ali, nominated to be U.S. District Judge for the District of Columbia; Judge Sunil Harjani, nominated to be U.S. District Judge for the Northern District of Illinois; and Jasmine Yoon, nominated to be U.S. District Judge for the Western District of Virginia. Durbin began his questions by asking Mr. Ali about his work that bridges organizations with opposing ideologies. “You submitted numerous amicus briefs over the course of your career as a litigator. In some of those briefs, you’ve been joined by organizations across the political spectrum, including the Cato Institute. Speak about some of the issues that you worked on, bringing together unusual political allies, as well as why you think these issues are so important,”Durbin said. Mr. Ali first noted that the work Durbin referred t

Continue Reading

ALTON - It was an emotional night on Thursday, Feb. 8, 2024, for the friends, family and community members who gathered for a candlelight vigil in honor of a 13-year-old girl who was shot in Alton. Organized by Fourth Ward Alderwoman Rosetta Brown and concerned citizen Missy Johnson, the vigil invited community members to speak against gun violence and pray for the 13-year-old who was shot on Saturday, Feb. 3, 2024. Mayor David Goins, Police Chief Jarrett Ford and others offered prayers for the child and her family. “This senseless incident, this senseless act of violence has brought us all together to unify us and to cause us to come together, hold up one another and be there for one another and support one another as we deal with this tragic, tragic incident and continue to pray for this young lady and the family and everybody who’s been affected,” Goins said. “Lord, even though we don't understand why, we trust You…We look to You for strength.

Continue Reading

GODFREY - While salt may do wonders for food, it is definitely not something you want on your vehicle. With that in mind, how fortunate to have Gorilla Car Wash here in Godfrey. They are a business built from a passion for friendly customer service, where team members and manager Mike Kiffmeyer work hard to make sure customers have a great experience and a clean car. Gary and Susan Chappel got into the car wash business in 2011. Gary owned an auto glass business when developing health issues made it impossible to continue working in that industry. Looking for an income opportunity that would accommodate Gary’s health condition, they decided to purchase a self-service car wash facility in Greenville. In 2013, they bought their second unit in Collinsville. In 2014, they purchased (what is now) the Gorilla Car Wash in Cottage Hills. At the time the “automated” car wash facility was closed. When the facility was purchased, they had to renovate the washing mechanisms

Continue Reading

SPRINGFIELD - At the Illinois Gaming Board’s (the “IGB” or “Board”) first meeting of the year, it reported that the State and local governments earned more than $1.5 billion in tax revenue from Illinois’ 15 licensed casinos, more than 46,000 video gaming terminals and 13 sports wagering operators statewide in 2023. Total revenue from January 1, 2023 through December 31, 2023: State taxes - $1,307,113,715 Local taxes - $243,253,726 Total taxes - $1,550,367,441 “None of the tax revenue and other economic benefits from legal casino gambling, video gaming and sports wagering would have been possible without the IGB’s tireless work to protect the integrity and public confidence in Illinois gaming,” said IGB Administrator Marcus D. Fruchter. “The IGB looks forward to continued cooperation and partnership with our licensees and stakeholders to ensure continued success, revenue generation, accountability, compliance, and the

Continue Reading

COLLINSVILLE - A man from Collinsville has been banned from all Walmart locations after allegedly stealing multiple bottles of Fireball whiskey from the Glen Carbon Walmart, his second or subsequent offense of retail theft. James J. Willie, 40, of Collinsville, was charged on Jan. 28, 2024, with retail theft under $300, his second or subsequent offense, after stealing said Fireball from the Walmart at 400 Junction Dr. in Glen Carbon. According to Madison County court documents, the value of the stolen merchandise was less than $300 in total. Willie had previously been convicted of retail theft under $300 on Nov. 16, 2023 in Madison County. Willie faces a Class 4 felony in this latest case, which was presented by the Glen Carbon Police Department. Court documents indicate he was remanded to jail to be held until his initial appearance in court, but a Release Order was later filed with additional conditions listed for his release. As part of his release conditions, Willie

Continue Reading

Three, two, one. Jack Sandford is 14, and his world is about to turn upside down as the gate flings open on his first bull ride. “I’m an adrenaline junkie. I like to push stuff to the limit,” Sandford says with a smile. Fast forward to June of 2023, and Sandford’s world is about to change again. Three, two, one. The door at OSF Moeller Cancer Center in Alton, Illinois, opens, and Dr. Manpreet Sandhu walks in. She tells Sanford he has cancer in his upper intestine, liver and lymph nodes. It’s in an advanced state and not curable. Devastating news for anyone. But cancer wasn’t about to slow down the 67-year-old from Brighton, Illinois. He’s still bull riding on a senior tour during chemotherapy, making him a prime example of why staying active during cancer can help in the fight. Jack’s journey A Virginia native and Army veteran, Sandford came to southern Illinois around a decade ago to take a manufacturing job. He rode bulls

Continue Reading

EDWARDSVILLE - Four individuals face a range of felony and misdemeanor charges filed in Madison County, including aggravated fleeing or attempting to elude a peace officer, resisting a peace officer, and more, according to county court documents. Jody C. Wesley, 64, of Wood River, was charged with aggravated fleeing or attempting to elude a peace officer and unlawful possession of methamphetamine on Jan .28, 2024. According to court documents, Wesley disobeyed two or more traffic control devices and “knowingly failed to obey” a visual or audible signal given to him by a Madison County Sheriff’s Deputy to stop his vehicle. A petition to deny Wesley’s pretrial release states that his “dangerous flight shows both his danger to the community and risk of flight.” “Defendant led police on a high speed chase, disregarding multiple traffic control devices on Fosterburg Road and McCoy Road,” the petition states. “Defendant eventually

Continue Reading

GLEN CARBON - Six-foot-3 sophomore Chase Jansen has had a big impact this season on the Father McGivney Catholic varsity team. Chase moved to starting varsity at mid-season and has averaged 7.6 points a game and about 3.0 rebounds per game for the Griffins. Chase is a Byron, Carlson, Petri and Kalb Male Athlete of the Month for the Griffins. Chase poured in 14 points in his first-ever start against Maryville Christian. His biggest game point-wise was a 27-point outburst against Ramsey in December. "He just keeps making strides," McGivney head boys coach Cory Clouser said. "He has a bright future for Father McGivney." Again, congrats to Chase Jansen on his recognition as Byron, Carlson, Petri and Kalb Male Athlete of the Month.

Continue Reading

RIVERBEND - The Great Rivers and Routes Tourism Bureau hosted its annual Tourism Summit on Thursday, Feb. 8, 2024. Great Rivers and Routes Tourism Bureau President Corey Jobe spoke about new projects that will be completed throughout the year. These initiatives aim to increase tourism in the Riverbend region and bring more people to Alton, Grafton and surrounding areas. “We must continue to invest in destination marketing, sales and promotion,” Jobe said during the Tourism Summit. “We need more public sector investment to be competitive in the tourism landscape…We need to address and raise our own situational awareness of how important our public lands, natural assets and outdoor recreation facilities are and the expanded economic contribution they could drive. We need to ensure we effectively steward these assets to their full potential.” Among other projects, there will be ten self-service “Kayak Kiosks” located along the Mississippi

Continue Reading

EDWARDSVILLE - Three individuals have been charged with weapon-related felonies and other charges in recent months, according to Madison County court documents. Lateef S. Hobbs, 52, of Alton, was charged with unlawful possession of weapons by a felon and driving on a license that had been suspended on Jan. 27, 2024. In a case presented by the Alton Police Department, Hobbs allegedly possessed a stun gun after previously being convicted of aggravated battery in Madison County in 1997, according to court documents. He also reportedly drove a vehicle on State Street in Alton at a time when his license had been revoked. Hobbs faces a Class 3 felony for unlawful possession of weapons by a felon and a Class A misdemeanor for driving on a suspended license. Court documents indicate he was released upon his signature of a Conditions of Pretrial Release Order. Rashod L. Wesley, 20, of Belleville, was charged with aggravated unlawful use of weapons on Dec. 29, 2023. Court documents

Continue Reading

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) released the following statement calling on Congressional leaders to take action before the Affordable Connectivity Program runs out of funding. This week, the program stopped accepting new applicants ahead of the looming funding deadline in April. “Access to high-speed internet isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity,” said Congresswoman Budzinski. “For nearly three years, the Affordable Connectivity Program’s $30 monthly credit has helped connect nearly 23 million low-income households to internet access. This includes 50,000 in Illinois’ 13th Congressional District. But despite its success, House leadership has failed to bring forward legislation to keep this transformative program funded. Today, I’m urging Speaker Johnson to let us vote on additional funding for the Affordable Connectivity Program before families in Central and Southern Illinois lose this critical support

Continue Reading

GRANITE CITY – The Illinois Department of Transportation announced today that repairs on eastbound Interstate 270 between Illinois 3 and Riverview Drive in Missouri will require lane closures starting, weather permitting, at 9 p.m., Friday, Feb. 9. One lane will always remain open. All lanes will reopen by 5 a.m. Monday, Feb. 12. Motorists should expect delays and are encouraged to use alternate routes during this closure. Drivers are urged to reduce speed, be alert for changing conditions, obey all construction signage, and refrain from using mobile devices while approaching and traveling through the work zone. For IDOT District 8 updates, follow us on Twitter at @IDOTDistrict8 or view area construction details on IDOT’s traveler information map on GettingAroundIllinois.com.

Continue Reading

ST. LOUIS COUNTY - On Wednesday, February 7, 2024, the St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office issued charges on suspect William Hampton, 44 years of age, of the 6800 block of Waterleigh Drive in St. Louis, Missouri 63134, with Attempted Assault First Degree on a Special Victim, Armed Criminal Action, Resisting Arrest by Fleeing, Endangering the Welfare of a Child, and Resisting Arrest for a Felony. A booking photo of Hampton is attached. Hampton is being held on a $200,000 cash only, no 10%, bond. The probable cause statement reads: On February 6, 2024, at 3:15 PM, police observed a 2016 Nissan Maxima in the 10600 block of Lewis and Clark Boulevard, traveling at a high rate of speed and violating a steady red electric signal. Detective Sergeant #1 activated his emergency lights and siren in an attempt to stop the vehicle. The vehicle, being operated by the defendant, fled the attempted stop and continued at a high rate of speed, weaving in and out of traffic and driving

Continue Reading

ALTON - A male subject is in custody after a domestic incident in the River Reach Apartment Complex in Alton that was reported at 6:07 a.m. on Feb. 8, 2024. A female involved in the situation sustained serious injuries during the domestic violence incident. She was transported to a local hospital and then moved to a St. Louis area hospital for further treatment. Alton Police Chief Jarrett Ford said the female is currently in "critical condition." "A male subject at the apartment was taken into custody as a result of his involvement in the incident," Chief Ford said. "The male and female are family members. There is no threat to the public." The investigation is ongoing. The case will be presented to the Madison County State’s Attorney’s Office for criminal charges.

Continue Reading

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Doris Turner has announced she is standing alongside families impacted by the Carlinville funeral home’s insufficient handling of human remains , with a plan to reestablish integrity and trust in the death care industry. Senate Bill 2643 would require the death care industry in the state as well as state regulators to implement a mandatory unique identification tagging system for all human remains. It also would establish a chain of custody system that tracks the human remains of a deceased individual whose death occurred in the state from death to final disposition, if the final disposition is in Illinois. “The status quo isn’t working,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “These are people who deserve dignity and respect. This legislation will ensure that no family will have to worry that the death of their loved ones aren’t handled with dignity and respect.” Turner’s measure would put procedures and protocols

Continue Reading

GODFREY/WOOD RIVER - Hope Animal Rescues will host their second annual pasta dinner fundraiser to prevent dogs from being euthanized. From 4–7:30 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 25, 2024, community members can enjoy pasta from Bella Milano at the Wood River Moose Lodge. All proceeds go back to Hope Animal Rescues, which rescues dogs from animal control facilities on the day they are to be euthanized. “That’s how we get all our dogs. Our rescue stays full, obviously,” said co-founder Jackie Spiker. “If we have an empty room, we let somebody die. So as soon as a dog is adopted, we go pull another dog out of animal control.” The rescue has operated in Godfrey since 2005. Spiker explained that it costs approximately $250,000 a year to run the shelter, and every donation goes to the dogs’ care. If a dog is healthy, it costs $300 for the preventative veterinary care that every dog receives. But throughout the years, the rescue has spent up to $10,000

Continue Reading