Riverbender 🕸

PIASA — Sophomore Thor Springman, a cross-country runner for Southwestern High School, has made headlines recently by breaking a longstanding course record with a time of 16:51.1 for three miles. This achievement comes as Springman continues to demonstrate significant improvement in his performance, showcasing his potential as a rising athlete. In recognition of his accomplishments, Springman has been named the Altonized Community Federal Credit Union Male Athlete of the Month for the Piasa Birds. The Southwestern course record he surpassed was established in 2006, before Springman was born. His recent performance not only broke the previous record by 20 seconds but also positioned him at the top of the list for the top 10 all-time Southwestern cross country runners. Springman had a best of 4:52.57 in the 1,600 meters in track and field as a freshman for Southwestern and 11:01.34 in the 3,200 meters. Springman’s boys cross country coach Gary Bowker described Thor as

Continue Reading

GRANITE CITY, Ill. — The Granite City Police Department responded to a report of a male experiencing a mental health crisis on Glen Drive at approximately 3:15 p.m. on Thursday. Upon arrival at the 2100 block, officers learned that the individual had possibly barricaded himself inside a residence with a weapon and was refusing to exit. In response to the situation, police established a perimeter around the home and evacuated nearby residences. During the standoff, officers attempted to deliver a cell phone to facilitate communication, but the individual declined to retrieve it from the porch. The situation escalated when the male briefly opened the door. Officers attempted to subdue him with a taser, but the effort was unsuccessful, prompting him to retreat back inside the house. In an effort to encourage his exit, police broke multiple windows and deployed pepper balls into the residence. Despite these actions, the individual did not emerge. Throughout the standoff,

Continue Reading

TAMPA, Fla. — Joseph Malinowski, a 54-year-old sailor who gained significant attention on social media as “Lieutenant Dan,” has weathered Hurricane Milton in Tampa aboard his 20-foot sailboat despite widespread concern and official warnings. Malinowski chose to remain on his vessel, tied to the dock at Tampa Bay Harbor, even after officials attempted to evacuate him. Malinowski's decision drew national interest, particularly after TikTok creator Terrence Concannon shared videos of his experience during Hurricane Helene, which preceded Milton. As Hurricane Milton approached, Malinowski communicated with his followers, reassuring them of his safety even as the storm intensified. Despite the life-threatening conditions forecasted for the area, including storm surges and high winds, Malinowski remained nonchalant. He provided updates throughout the night, including a TikTok post around 10:30 p.m. where he stated, “I haven’t even spilled my coffee yet,”

Continue Reading

The Internet Archive, a well-known digital library recognized for its Wayback Machine, experienced a significant data breach this week, exposing approximately 31 million user accounts. The breach was confirmed by founder Brewster Kahle, who reported on the social media platform X that a cyberattack on Tuesday rendered the website inaccessible. In a Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, update, Kahle disclosed that usernames, emails, and encrypted passwords had been compromised during the attack. "Services are currently stopped to upgrade internal systems," he wrote. "We are working to restore services as quickly and safely as possible. Sorry for this disruption." The attack was characterized as a Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) assault, which inundates a website with excessive traffic, causing it to crash or become unreachable, according to the Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency. Users began to notice issues when a peculiar message appeared on the Internet Archive's website earlier

Continue Reading

O’FALLON, Ill. — At a recent O'Fallon City Council meeting, several members of the O’Fallon Police Department, paramedics, and telecommunicators received Lifesaving Awards and Chief's Commendations for their roles in a critical incident involving a cardiac arrest on Aug. 17, 2024. The meeting was attended by Matthew Burke, the individual whose life was saved, along with his wife Tiffany and their family and friends. Matthew Burke, who had been experiencing shortness of breath for several weeks, collapsed while driving his truck after leaving a yard sale at O’Fallon Township High School. As Burke drove along West Highway 50, he felt disoriented, describing the experience as everything going "blurry" and "in slow motion." His truck eventually came to a stop on the curb, leaving his wife, Tiffany, desperate to reach him. An off-duty O’Fallon police officer, Gavin Gonzalez, happened to be passing by and noticed Burke unconscious behind the wheel. Unable

Continue Reading

EDWARDSVILLE - City Of Edwardsville Assistant City Engineer David Sirko has announced that improvements to Berkshire Drive, Gloucester Drive, Nottingham Drive, Surrey Drive and Surrey Court are scheduled to begin Oct. 15, 2024, weather dependent. The contractor for the project is Christ Brothers Asphalt. There will be local access only while improvements to each road are being made, and the overall project is expected to take about two weeks to complete; however, this work is weather dependent. During this work, residents are asked to avoid parking any vehicles on the roadways to avoid delays and conflicts. “All residents who live on, or must utilize these roadways to access their properties, will be allowed to travel on the roadways during construction,” Sirko said. “There will be times, as construction progresses, where alternate routes will need to be utilized.” Any questions can be answered by contacting the Edwardsville Public Works Department at 618-692-7535.

Continue Reading

COLLINSVILLE - A woman from East St. Louis faces multiple charges after driving under the influence with a 6-year-old passenger. Hazel R. Jamerson, 33, of East St. Louis, was charged on Oct. 3, 2024 with aggravated driving under the influence (a Class 4 felony) and endangering the life or health of a child (a Class A misdemeanor). On May 15, 2024, Jamerson allegedly drove a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol with a six-year-old child as a passenger. She reportedly drove a Chevrolet Impala on North Bluff Road in Collinsville when her driving privileges had already been revoked or suspended for driving under the influence. Jamerson’s case was presented by the Collinsville Police Department, and she was granted pretrial release from custody. The issuance of charges is based solely upon probable cause and is not an indication of guilt. All subjects charged with criminal offenses are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Continue Reading

ALTON - Mayoral candidate Ray Strebel hosted a meet-and-greet with community leaders. On Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, community members gathered at Simmons Hanly Conroy in Alton for a conversation with Strebel, who currently serves as the Third Ward Alderman. During the meet-and-greet, Strebel gave a speech that outlined his hopes for the City of Alton and his plan if elected to office. “I understand the responsibilities of a mayor, so I don’t take it lightly,” Strebel said. “I want to be very methodical about approaching it, and I want to make sure the things that matter to me are the same things that matter to all of Alton.” He introduced himself as a third-generation Altonian who grew up in “a very modest household.” Strebel worked full-time for several municipalities, then began buying and restoring houses in Alton. He became the Third Ward Alderman in 2021. “I do feel that the fact that we have this many people in here, that

Continue Reading

October 11th has been a day that has witnessed a multitude of significant historical events across various categories. In 1975, a noteworthy moment occurred when the first-ever International Day of the Girl Child was celebrated. This day was established by the United Nations to highlight the unique challenges girls face around the world and to promote their empowerment and fulfillment of their rights. The celebration emphasizes the importance of gender equality and the need to address issues such as education, health, and violence against girls. Each year, the observance serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for girls' rights and the progress that still needs to be made. Turning back the clock to 1962, we find that on this day, the United States was on the brink of the Cuban Missile Crisis. President John F. Kennedy announced the discovery of Soviet nuclear missiles in Cuba, leading to a tense 13-day standoff between the United States and the Soviet Union. This period marked

Continue Reading

EAST ALTON - The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Rivers Project Office is announcing a single-day closure of its National Great Rivers Museum, Wednesday Oct. 16, 2024 to accommodate a special career fair event for surrounding high school students. The Museum will re-open for normal operations Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024. For more information, please contact the National Great Rivers Museum at 618-462-6979.

Continue Reading

SPRINGFIELD – Numerous Illinois state parks, state fish and wildlife areas, state conservation areas, and state recreation areas will be open to youth waterfowl hunting during the 2024 North Zone, Central Zone, South Central Zone, and South Zone youth waterfowl hunts. Federal sites that fall under the Illinois Department of Natural Resources’ (IDNR) waterfowl administrative rule that will be open for the youth hunts also are listed below. At most sites, regulations that apply during the regular waterfowl hunting season apply during the youth hunt. Hunters should check for changes to site-specific regulations and procedures. During the youth hunt, the bag limits are the same as during regular seasons. Per federal regulations, youth waterfowl hunters aged 17 or younger may hunt ducks, geese, coots, and mergansers if they are accompanied by an adult at least 18 years old. The accompanying adult cannot hunt these species but may participate in other open season hunts

Continue Reading

EDWARDSVILLE - The need to amplify and listen to student voices was one of the most critical points of the third annual Illinois Higher Education Equity Symposium, according to Jessica C. Harris, PhD, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Vice Chancellor for Anti-racism, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Harris was a panelist at the Southern Illinois University (SIU) System’s conference, “Gathering and Strengthening Historically Underrepresented Students,” held October 3-4 in Carbondale. Also on program were Gov. J.B. Pritzker, SIU System President Mahony, PhD, and SIU System Chief Diversity Officer and Vice President for Antiracism, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Sheila Caldwell, EdD. Reflecting on how important it is to gauge student achievement, Harris noted, “As much as quantitative data can drive and inform decisions and strategies related to student success, the stories and perspectives of our students are just as instructive," she said. Harris

Continue Reading

ROXANA - Roxana sophomore Will Stevens is preparing to compete in the IHSA state golf tournament after a standout performance at the Anna-Jonesboro Boys Golf Sectional, where he earned a fourth-place medal with a score of 75. The sectional showcased the talents of high school golfers from the region. Will is a Midwest Members Credit Union Male Athlete of the Month for the Roxana Shells. Roxana head boys golf coach Rob Milazzo praised Stevens for his performance this season, noting that he has been striking the ball well and maintaining a consistent approach to the game. "Will has had an excellent season thus far," Milazzo said. "His approach to the game is phenomenal. It is hard to believe he is just a sophomore." Milazzo highlighted Stevens’ dedication to improving his game, emphasizing his understanding of nutrition, training, and mindset. "He knows the importance of nutrition, training, and mindset and uses those and other elements of his game to improve every week," Milazzo

Continue Reading

WOOD RIVER - A motorcycle collision involving a vehicle occurred on a roadway in Wood River, resulting in first responders attending to the motorcyclist at Sixth and Madison. The incident took place just after 3 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, prompting a response from Wood River Police and Fire departments, along with Alton Memorial Ambulance services. The motorcyclist was receiving medical attention at the scene from first responders. Details about the crash, including the specific circumstances leading up to the incident, have not been released. Wood River Police are currently investigating the situation and have not yet released information regarding the cause of the collision. As the investigation continues, authorities are working to gather more information and assess the events surrounding the crash. Further updates are expected as the situation develops.

Continue Reading

WOOD RIVER - A local organization is collecting donations for hurricane relief. Churches on the Streets is collecting nonperishables, hygiene products, water, first aid items and more, which volunteers will then drive to North Carolina and Florida. Angela Valdes, executive director of Churches on the Streets, explained how the community can help them help the people impacted by recent hurricanes. “We have a truck, and my husband and I and another couple of volunteers are leaving tomorrow for North Carolina,” Valdes said. “We just got back, and we’re going again with a truckload and a truck and trailer. And then Sunday, we’ve got our son-in-law and a volunteer heading down to Florida, taking supplies and doing relief and connecting with our teams down there.” You can drop off supplies at Home Town Storage at 209 Old St. Louis Road in Wood River until 6 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024. The organization will also be collecting items from 3–6

Continue Reading

SOUTHWESTERN — Southwestern High School's Audrey Vollintine achieved a personal milestone in her cross country career by finishing 10th in a recent meet, earning her a placing ribbon in the sport. The meet recognized the top 10 finishers with ribbons, and Vollintine’s performance stood out among her peers. Southwestern Girls Cross Country Coach Gary Bowker praised her dedication, noting that while many of her teammates opted out of the race due to homecoming festivities, Vollintine was eager to compete. “She is starting to figure it out very honestly,” Bowker said. Vollintine’s strong performance in cross country follows a successful track and field season, where she participated in multiple events, including the 400 meters, 4 x 100 relay, 4 x 200 relay, 4 x 400 relay, and triple jump. Her determination and commitment to her athletic pursuits have been evident, as she continues to excel in various disciplines. After her finish, Vollintine was visibly

Continue Reading

ALTON - Registration is now open for YWCA's Soul Sista Saturday: A Celebration of Mind, Body, and Soul on Saturday, October 26, 2024, 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM, at YWCA Lobby, 304 E. Third St, Alton, IL. YWCA is thrilled to announce the return of Soul Sista Saturday—a transformative and empowering experience exclusively for women of color! This highly anticipated event will be held on Saturday, October 26 from 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM in the YWCA lobby, and we can’t wait to welcome you. Soul Sista Saturday offers a dedicated space where women of color come together to uplift, heal, and nurture their minds, bodies, and spiriAts. Developed by women of color, for women of color, the event focuses on holistic self-care through a dynamic blend of wellness activities, insightful discussions, and restorative practices. This session’s theme is “More Life, Less Medicine,” featuring powerful presentations from Dr. D’Adrienne Jones. In addition, Dr. Nana Becoat

Continue Reading

WOOD RIVER – Noah Willeford, a runner for the East Alton-Wood River boys cross country team, faced an unusual challenge during a recent race when one of his shoes became stuck in the mud. Despite the setback, he completed the three-mile course in the muddy Freeburg Invitational with a commendable time of 21:01 for three miles, earning recognition as the Midwest Members Credit Union Male Athlete of the Month for the Oilers. The cross-country race took place on a wet course, prompting warnings from coaches about the conditions. Willeford described the moment his shoe became trapped, saying, “They told us to be careful before the race because the course was wet, but when my shoe was stuck in the mud, I knew I would lose my pace if I didn't continue. I didn't stop because I wanted to have a good time. I just kept on going and finished in 21 minutes.” Willeford expressed gratitude towards his head coach, Russ Colona, and the rest of the coaching staff, noting their significant

Continue Reading

ALTON - A bicyclist suffered serious but non-life-threatening injuries Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024, afternoon after being struck by a vehicle in Alton. The collision took place around 4:26 p.m. on Fosterburg Road at the intersection with Wonderland Drive. Emergency responders from the Alton Fire Department arrived at the scene and found the victim, who was subsequently transported to an area hospital for treatment. As of now, authorities have not disclosed the identities of those involved in the incident or provided details regarding the circumstances of the collision. The Alton Police Department is currently investigating the crash.

Continue Reading

ALHAMBRA — The Father McGivney girls cross country team achieved a significant milestone on Tuesday, Oct. 8, 2024, securing their fourth consecutive championship at the meet held at Alhambra Fireman's Park. McGivney head girls cross country coach Jim Helton has been very pleased with the squad's development this season and is excited with the post-season ahead. The Father McGivney girls cross country team members are Byron, Carlson, Petri & Kalb Females Athletes of the Month for the Griffins. Elena Ryabk led the team with a standout performance, finishing first in the three-mile race with a time of 18 minutes and 34 seconds. Her victory was complemented by strong finishes from her teammates, including McKenzie Jones, who placed third with a time of 21:11, and Isabella Harris, who finished fourth in 21:31. Ainsley Turkington rounded out the top five for McGivney, crossing the finish line in 21:40. The team's overall performance was bolstered by Bella Redenius, who secured ninth

Continue Reading