Riverbender 🕸

Welcome to another edition of 'This Day in History,' where we take a journey through time to revisit some of the most impactful events that have taken place on August 21. The Lincoln-Douglas Debates Begin - 1858 Jumping back to the 19th century, August 21, 1858, marked the beginning of the famous Lincoln-Douglas debates. These debates were a series of seven encounters between Abraham Lincoln, the Republican candidate for the U.S. Senate from Illinois, and incumbent Senator Stephen A. Douglas, the Democratic Party candidate. The debates were primarily about the issue of slavery and its expansion into the territories. Lincoln's eloquence and moral stance against slavery, although he lost the Senate race, set the stage for his eventual presidential run and the broader national dialogue leading to the Civil War. Hawaii Becomes the 50th State - 1959 Fast forward to the mid-20th century, where August 21, 1959, saw Hawaii officially becoming the 50th state of the United States.

Continue Reading

EDWARDSVILLE - A new challenge discussed at this week’s Edwardsville City Council meeting raises a question for the city’s drivers: could you go a week without driving anywhere? To give local commuters a firsthand look at the challenges faced every day by those who can’t drive (or choose not to), the city’s Bicycle & Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC) is encouraging residents to participate in the “Week Without Driving Challenge” from Monday, Sept. 30 to Sunday, Oct. 6, 2024. The local effort is inspired by a similar national movement led by America Walks , a nonprofit advocacy group that promotes safer, more walkable communities. BPAC member Aaron Newcom shared more about the challenge and its purpose at Tuesday’s City Council meeting. “This is part of a national movement that was started a few years ago to bring attention to the challenges, the opportunities, and the realities that millions of Americans face every day b

Continue Reading

ALTON - Illinois Central School Bus and the Alton Community Unit School District #11 (ACUSD11) have issued statements following bussing complications on the first day of school. On Thursday, Aug. 15, 2024, confusion about the bus routes resulted in some ACUSD11 students riding the bus after school and others being kept at school until parents picked them up. Parents have taken to social media to express their frustration. Many parents said they didn’t know where their kids were for up to two hours after school let out on Thursday. During the ACUSD11 Board of Education regular meeting on Aug. 20, 2024, Scott Allen identified himself as the regional operations manager for Illinois Central School Bus (ICSB). He apologized for the complications and said ICSB took “full responsibility” for the issues. “As you're aware, Illinois Central has had a particularly difficult start to the 24–25 school year,” Allen said. “On behalf of your student

Continue Reading

CHEYENNE, Wyo. — A relic of American railroad history, Big Boy No. 4014, continues to captivate train enthusiasts and history buffs alike. Originally delivered to Union Pacific Railroad in December 1941, this colossal locomotive has a storied past, having traveled over a million miles in its 20 years of service before its retirement in December 1961. Big Boy No. 4014 will depart on the "Heartland of America Tour" on Wednesday, Aug. 28, 2024, from Cheyenne, Wyoming, and travel across nine additional states: Arkansas, Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma and Texas. The eight-week tour concludes in late October. No. 4014 will be on display in the following locations: Sunday, Sept. 8: Rochelle, Illinois (Chicago metro area) Sunday, Oct. 6: Houston, Texas Thursday/Friday, Oct. 10-11: Fort Worth, Texas Big Boy No. 4014, part of a fleet of 25 locomotives built exclusively for Union Pacific, is notable for its immense size and engineering prowess.

Continue Reading

BETHALTO – Marlee Durbin, a standout athlete at Civic Memorial High School, is gearing up for the 2024-2025 girls basketball season, fine-tuning her skills over the summer. Durbin, a junior, has been recognized as a Tom Lane State Farm Insurance Female Athlete of the Month for the Eagles. "Marlee is a tremendous ballhandler," said Jeff Durbin, head coach of the CM girls basketball team. "She played a lot of varsity her freshman year when Aubrey Wallace had a torn ACL. She was thrown into the fire her freshman year and did fine. I think that made her so much better and ready for varsity basketball." In addition to her basketball prowess, Marlee Durbin is expected to be a key contributor to the CM girls volleyball team this season. Her dual-sport dedication underscores her versatility and commitment to excellence in athletics. Coach Durbin highlighted Marlee's leadership qualities on the basketball court, noting her ability to get everyone in the proper position during offensive

Continue Reading

FOSTERBURG - A single-vehicle crash on I-255 in Madison County resulted in one fatality Tuesday afternoon, according to local authorities. The incident occurred shortly after 4 p.m. on the southbound lanes of I-255 near Stutz Road. Police reported that the vehicle veered off the roadway, crashed through a fence, and ultimately came to rest upside down. Emergency responders from the Fosterburg Fire Department, Madison County Sheriff's Department, Illinois State Police, and Madison County Coroner's Office arrived at the scene to assist. Further details about the crash were not immediately available.

Continue Reading

ST. LOUIS, MO. — O'Fallon Band Director Dr. Melissa Gustafson-Hinds has a significant reason to celebrate as she heads into the 2024-2025 school year. Prior to a recent concert at the Enterprise Center in St. Louis, legendary singer and songwriter Barry Manilow presented her with a $10,000 donation. This honor is part of the Manilow Teacher Award, recognizing her contributions to music education. Dr. Gustafson-Hinds' O'Fallon Marching Band also finished with a strong summer and is anticipating a big year ahead. Half of the Manilow $10,000 grant goes directly to high school band musical instruments and the other half to Gustafson-Hinds. O'Fallon Township High School lauded her achievement, stating, "Congratulations to Dr. G., who was selected for the Manilow Teacher Award! This is a special recognition from legendary singer and songwriter Barry Manilow." The donation is part of the broader Manilow Music Project, which aims to support music education programs across the nation.

Continue Reading

BETHALTO - As the school year begins, Meadowbrook Intermediate School fourth and fifth graders are experimenting with departmentalized classrooms. This model means that students’ days are divided between two classrooms. They work with one teacher for science and math and another teacher for language arts and social studies. Shelby Norris, the new principal at Meadowbrook, explained that the goal is to provide more comprehensive instruction and help students prepare for middle school. “What an opportunity, right? We’re all about what opportunities we can provide for kiddos, and we’re really excited about that,” she said. “Plus, it helps with that transition to middle school. They’re going to be moving between six classes, so if we can start that planning and preparation a little bit earlier for that smooth transition and success in the middle school, why not? Why not give them this opportunity when we can provide it?” As part of

Continue Reading

BETHALTO - A Bethalto man is facing multiple felonies after he allegedly admitted to stabbing his dog repeatedly. Nikolas G. Duley, 25, of Bethalto, was charged with animal torture, a Class 3 felony, and aggravated cruelty to animals, a Class 4 felony. Descriptions of the charges state that he “repeatedly stabbed a boxer-type dog in the neck and rib cage with a knife, inflicting pain on the animal." On Aug. 8, 2024, Duley was reportedly seen with lacerations on his hands at Alton Memorial Hospital, where he indicated to nearby security officers “that he had killed his dog,” according to a petition to deny his pretrial release. “Officers went to his apartment, finding a dog deceased from multiple stab wounds to the ribs and neck,” the petition states. “The animal was left on the couch, with blood throughout the apartment.” The petition concluded by adding Duley “has been involuntarily committed in the past, and shows signs of

Continue Reading

ALTON - After a years-long series of abusive incidents, an Alton couple faces several counts of battery against children and weapon-related charges. Anthony L. Glen, 55, and Jazmin S. Keyhea, 36, both of Alton, were both charged with aggravated domestic battery (both Class 2 felonies), with each separately facing additional charges. Keyhea faces an additional Class 2 felony count of aggravated domestic battery, as well as one count of possession of a firearm with no valid Firearm Owners’ Identification (FOID) card (a Class A misdemeanor). Glen was additionally charged with unlawful use or possession of weapons by a felon, his second or subsequent such offense and a Class 2 felony, as well as one count of domestic battery (a Class A misdemeanor). The two aggravated domestic battery charges against Keyhea concern two incidents from years prior. She allegedly “beat” a 16-year-old family or household member “with an extension cord, leaving a raised scar”

Continue Reading

ALTON - AP Cigar will host its first “AP After-Hours at Mac’s Downtown” event next week. On the last Thursday of every month, AP Cigar will take over the patio at Mac’s Downtown for a night of cigars, free appetizers and conversation. The first AP After-Hours event is scheduled for 6:30–9:30 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 29, 2024, and AP Cigar owner Mike Weller couldn’t be more excited to share his love of cigars with the Alton community. “Name a better patio to enjoy cigars on,” Weller said. “It’s such a beautiful thing. It’s really not so much about cigars, but it’s supposed to be elevating what you’re already doing. If it’s a conversation with somebody new or somebody that you’ve known your whole lifetime, that’s what it’s about. It’s just elevating that experience.” Located at 202 State Street in downtown Alton, AP Cigar sells premium hand-rolled cigars from around

Continue Reading

A previous Our Daily Show! interview dedicated to Staunton's Rich Henry with host C.J. Nasello. STAUNTON — Route 66 has lost a beloved figure with the death of Rich Henry, the operator of the renowned Henry's Rabbit Ranch. Henry, who was known for his unique blend of Volkswagen Rabbits and his affection for the animal namesake, died suddenly on Friday, according to local sources and Route 66 enthusiasts. Henry’s Rabbit Ranch, also known as Henry’s Ra66it Ranch, has been a popular stop for Mother Road travelers for nearly 30 years. Located on a historic alignment of Route 66 on the southeast side of Staunton, Illinois, the ranch has attracted visitors from around the globe. Henry's Facebook page indicates he graduated from high school in 1965. Tributes from friends and visitors began pouring in on social media following the news of his death. Cheryl Eichar Jett, a fellow Route 66 enthusiast, reflected on Henry's contributions to the community. "Sad news from

Continue Reading

Swim lessons and adult supervision are crucial to avoid tragedies in the pool. After decades of decline, drowning deaths are on the rise in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Over 4,500 people died each year from drowning from 2020-2022, reported in the CDC’s Vital Signs study . The study shows drowning to be the number one cause of death for children ages 1-4. The research points out that 55% of American adults have never taken a swimming lesson, and that drowning death rates for Black people were 28% higher in 2021 than 2019. Jon Gehlbach, MD, is the medical director of the Pediatric Critical Care Unit at OSF HealthCare Children’s Hospital of Illinois. He says swim lessons and adult supervision are two of the most important things for kids getting in the water. “The best thing we can do to keep kids safe around the water is getting them comfortable with swim lessons. A common misconception among young,

Continue Reading

ST. LOUIS COUNTY – Detectives from the St. Louis County Police Department Bureau of Crimes Against Persons are investigating the death of a teenage male in the 300 block of Goetz Avenue. The incident has been classified as suspicious. When officers from the South County Precinct responded to a report of a shooting in the area. Upon arrival, they discovered a teenage male suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. The victim was pronounced dead at the scene. The investigation is currently ongoing, and authorities are working to gather more information. No further details have been released at this time. Residents with any information regarding the incident are encouraged to contact the St. Louis County Police Department at 636-529-8210. Those wishing to remain anonymous or potentially receive a reward can reach out to CrimeStoppers at 1-866-371-TIPS (8477).

Continue Reading

GODFREY – This fall, The Nature Institute (TNI) is joining Monarch Watch, a citizen science initiative aimed at aiding scientists in understanding the migration patterns of monarch butterflies. The Monarch Watch Tagging Program, established in 1992, focuses on marking and recapturing monarchs to study their fall migration dynamics. On September 10, 2024, TNI staff will be at Heartland Prairie, located across from Gordon Moore Park, at 5:30 p.m. to facilitate this project. They will provide butterfly nets and offer training on how to safely catch the butterflies. Once tagged, participants will release the monarchs to continue their journey. "This program is free for TNI Members and $10 for non-members," TNI stated. The organization encourages participants to register in advance to ensure there is sufficient equipment available. "The Monarch Watch Tagging Program was initiated in 1992 to help understand the dynamics of the monarch's spectacular fall migration through mark and

Continue Reading

HARDIN - Installation of a sodium permanganate chemical feed system at Illinois American Water’s water treatment plant in the Village of Hardin was completed this summer. The sodium permanganate feed system has been operating successfully for the past month. Early indications show a noticeable improvement in the historic aesthetic discoloration issues throughout the community’s water system. The installation of the sodium permanganate feed system is an important step to strategically address aesthetic issues in the Hardin community’s water system. Sodium permanganate is a chemical oxidant commonly used in community water treatment systems to control taste, odors, biological growth, zebra mussels, and to remove manganese and iron. It allows for better control of the natural iron and manganese levels that are present in the raw groundwater. Removing iron and manganese will help address the water’s historic aesthetic issues, including taste and appearance which

Continue Reading

EDWARDSVILLE - State Rep. Katie Stuart and Mayor Art Risavy on Tuesday, August 20, announced that the City of Edwardsville will receive a $2 million grant to transform a section of St. Louis Street in the heart of downtown into a community-centric public commons area. The Goshen Commons project will create a pedestrian-friendly public courtyard that encompasses the one-block area of St. Louis Street between North Main Street and North Second Street. When completed, the inviting streetscape will incorporate greenspace, an expansive gathering area and walkways framed overhead by a network of string lights. Other potential amenities could include oversize game boards for chess and checkers and a pavilion to accommodate performances and events. “Investing in our communities is essential in order to keep us on the path to a thriving, prosperous future with enhanced quality of life for residents and visitors alike,” Rep. Stuart said. “The upgrades we’ve secured fo

Continue Reading

SWANSEA — State Senator Christopher Belt announced that 25 school districts across the area will receive over $12 million in additional funding to help address the financial challenges of recent years. From state evidence-based funding, Belleville Township High School District 201 will receive $3,044,940, while the Belleville School District 118 will receive $630,379, and the Cahokia Community Unit School District 187 will receive $182,264. Dupo Community Unit School District will receive $138,373 and East St. Louis School District will receive $4,450. In this evidence-based funding, the O’Fallon Community Consolidated School District 90 nets $1,888,753 in this funding while O’Fallon Township High School District 203 receives a total of $1,438,918. Shiloh Village School District 85 will get $144,022 and the St. Clair Regional Office of Education Safe School will receive $111,027. “Evidence-based funding makes a world of difference in school districts tha

Continue Reading

ALTON - Sgt. Manny Espinoza and Officer Steven Vaughn of the Alton Police Department engaged with local youths at the Alton YWCA’s “Career Cruisin” event recently. The officers participated in the event, aimed at providing career insights to young attendees. Held at the Alton YWCA, the “Career Cruisin” event offered an opportunity for the community's youth to explore various career paths. Sgt. Espinoza and Officer Vaughn represented the Alton Police Department, sharing their experiences and answering questions about careers in law enforcement. "We had a great time being there and interacting with area youths," Sgt. Espinoza said. The officers emphasized the department's continuous search for new recruits, hoping to inspire some of the young attendees to consider a future in policing. The Alton Police Department frequently engages in community events like these to build relationships and foster interest in public service careers.

Continue Reading

EAST ALTON – The East Alton Fire Department is set to host a blood drive at the Keasler Recreation Complex, located at 615 3rd St., on Friday, Aug. 30, 2024. The event will take place in the auditorium from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. This initiative comes in response to a critical blood shortage that has been widely reported in the media. East Alton Fire Chief Tim Quigley highlighted the urgency of the situation, noting that "the blood shortage is visible on TV and in the news." He emphasized that this drive is particularly crucial during a time of year when blood supplies are typically low due to factors like snow and ice-related car accidents. “We haven’t had a blood drive here since I’ve been with the department, and I’m hoping this will be a very successful event,” Quigley said. “It’s important for the community to come together and help.” Gabriel Parker, who is actively promoting the event, expressed optimism about the turnout. “We’re

Continue Reading