Riverbender 🕸

GODFREY - In just a few years, Brittney Lehr of Carrollton took the degree she earned from Lewis and Clark Community College and used it as a first step on the way to earning a Juris Doctorate from SIU Carbondale and an assistant state’s attorney position with Sangamon County. After graduating as valedictorian of Carrollton High School’s Class of 2015, Lehr enrolled at Lewis & Clark Community College, where she earned an associate in applied science in 2016. According to Lehr, there were several reasons she chose L&C. “L&C is affordable and there are some great scholarships available,” she said. “I found some excellent networking opportunities with law enforcement agencies, professors and institutions.” Lehr credits Professor and Criminal Justice Program Coordinator Jessica Noble as a mentor who helped her navigate L&C as well as all the transfer programs at other institutions. “She cares about each of her students,” Lehr said. “She

Continue Reading

JERSEYVILLE - In an exciting display of creativity and scientific understanding, seventh grade science students at St. Francis Holy Ghost Catholic School recently completed a hands-on Science project, where they built interactive models of the solar system. This engaging initiative not only allowed students to explore the celestial bodies of the solar system but also to present their findings to their peers, enhancing their public speaking skills and collaborative learning. The project not only reinforced the students’ understanding of the solar system but also fostered a sense of community and shared learning. Under the guidance of their Science Teacher Joan Dougherty, students were tasked with creating dynamic models that accurately represented the planets, their orbits, and other features of our solar system. These interactive displays demonstrated the scale and distance of our known solar system. Each model was designed to illustrate key concepts of planetary motion,

Continue Reading

CHICAGO - Today, the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) announced that the 19 Certified Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHC) participating in a federal Medicaid Demonstration Program are now offering mental health care and substance use treatment services under this new model. The model significantly increases access to behavioral health care, including crisis care, for individuals who may otherwise experience challenges accessing the services they need. “Thanks to the close collaboration with the participating providers and our sister agency, the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS), enhanced behavioral health services are now available to individuals at 19 locations across Illinois,” said HFS Director Elizabeth Whitehorn. “Access to high-quality behavioral health services is critical, and this program will help us to serve individuals who are in crisis and have previously struggled to access the services they need to be well.”

Continue Reading

ELSAH - Principia College students and faculty are focused on sustainability. Principia was recently recognized as a top performer in Sustainability Research by the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education. Two professors break down what this means for students and the Riverbend community. “Being one of the smallest colleges in the country, it’s pretty neat to be recognized for research!” said Dr. Karen Eckert, Director of the Center for Sustainability. Eckert and Dr. Nick Johnson, Chair of the Sustainability Department, noted that students do a lot of work with sustainability initiatives both on campus and in the surrounding area. Students have completed several research projects to promote more environmentally-friendly practices at Principia. But some of these students have also expanded their work to address sustainability in Elsah, Alton and beyond. Eckert and Johnson noted the importance of students working off campus to connect to the communities

Continue Reading

SPRINGFIELD — During Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Hospital Sisters Health System (HSHS) wants to shed a light on common myths concerning breast cancer and mammogram detection screenings. Recent research compiled by the American Cancer Society indicates breast cancer cases have continually risen, by 1% annually, from 2012-2021 . During this time frame, researchers also discovered that the demographic seeing the largest increase in breast cancer diagnosis was women under the age of 50. HSHS encourages all women 40 years and older to put yourself first and schedule your mammogram . Myth : I don’t have symptoms of breast cancer, and it does not run in my family, so I don’t need a mammogram. Truth : Only 15% of women with a breast cancer diagnosis have a family member who has a history of breast cancer. Besides family history, other factors that lead to breast cancer are having dense breasts, never having been pregnant, higher body weight, lower physical

Continue Reading

COLLINSVILLE – Lane restrictions will be implemented on northbound I-55/70 between mile markers 13 and 14 starting Monday, October 28, 2024, at 7:00 a.m., as the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) conducts emergency bridge deck patching on the bridge over Keebler Avenue. The right lane will be closed, and all lanes are expected to reopen by 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday, October 30, 2024, weather permitting. Motorists are advised to anticipate delays and to allow extra time for travel in this area. IDOT encourages drivers to consider using alternate routes when feasible to avoid the work zone. They also urge the public to pay close attention to changing conditions and signage in the area, adhere to posted speed limits, avoid using mobile devices, and remain vigilant for workers and equipment on site. For updates on IDOT District 8 activities, residents can follow the department on the social media platform X at @IDOTDistrict8 or check area construction details on IDOT’s

Continue Reading

JERSEY COUNTY - Jersey County voters won’t see many contested races, but will have a few ballot questions to consider as they cast their votes in the Presidential election on Nov. 5, 2024. Here’s a look at what Jersey County voters can expect to see on their ballots: Local Candidates See No Competition This election, there aren’t any contested local races on the ballot in Jersey County. Republican candidates will be running unopposed for almost every local position except the State’s Attorney, which will see Ben Goetten run for re-election unopposed as an Independent candidate. Republican Mitchell P. "Mitch" Reynolds is running unopposed to become the next Jersey County Circuit Clerk. He will replace current Circuit Clerk Daniel P. Schetter. Ballot Questions, Local Referendum While these ballots will see a lack of contested races, there are a few state-level ballot questions, as well as a county-level referendum, for voters to consider. The count

Continue Reading

ROSEWOOD HEIGHTS—The Rosewood Heights Fire Department responded to a two-car accident on Friday night in the 500 block of East Airline, where one vehicle had rolled over. Upon arrival, firefighters discovered a truck that had overturned and another vehicle with significant front-end damage. Alton Memorial Ambulance was also dispatched to the scene, where it was reported that minor injuries occurred as a result of the collision. The Madison County Sheriff's Department is currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the accident.

Continue Reading

PEORIA - Father McGivney is known for having a strong group of boys and girls distance runners, but another emerged this past week at the Peoria Heights Patriot Invitational. The Peoria meet saw 14 complete JV boys teams/136 runners; 34 varsity boys (284 runners) who competed on the legendary Detweiller Park. The future looks bright for the Griffins as the junior varsity team placed fourth. Eli Germann led the JV boys with a 20th place time of 18:35 for three miles and Andrew Leonelli was 26th with a time of 18:56 and Eric Rybak was 289th with a time of 19:02. Nolan Schmieder was 50th with a time of 19:45 and Harrison Siegel was 59th with a clocking of 20 minutes. Caleb Payne came in at 20:05 and Gabe Thiems in a time of 20:57. The JV performance was magnificent, Head McGivney Cross Country Coach Jim Helton said. Germann, Leonelli, and the JV boys are Byron, Carlson, Petri & Kalb Male Athletes of the Month for Father McGivney. The varsity boys were again outstanding and raced to

Continue Reading

GLEN CARBON - The Father McGivney Catholic girls tennis team had an incredible season in 2024 under head coach Brian Taylor and two girls - Kennedi Taylor and Natalie Beck - emerged as state qualifiers in doubles. Kennedi is Brian's daughter. The two girls recorded two state wins at the IHSA 1A Tournament in Chicago. Beck and Kennedi Taylor are Byron, Carlson, Petri & Kalb Female Athletes of the Month for the Griffins. In the first round at state, Kennedi Taylor and Natalie Beck of Father McGivney defeated Flora’s Elise Duke and Jenny Powlless 6-0, 6-4. Taylor-Beck won their second match 6-0, 6-3, over Ana Dujurosvic and Margaret Anos of Lagrange Park (Nazarene Academy). In round three, the Griffins pair lost to Mia Kinkelaar and Ellie Link of Effingham (St. Anthony) 6-4, 5-7, 6-4 in a highly competitive match. In the third round of the championship bracket, Kenndi and Natalie lost 6-4, 5-7, 7-6 to Miaa Kinkelaar and Ellie Link of Effingham St. Anthony. Taylor said he was "extremel

Continue Reading

ALTON - Alton’s monthly Block Party for Good has relocated. The block party, scheduled for 2:30–4:30 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 25, 2024, is now located at its permanent location between Morning Star Church and The Salvation Army in Alton. Community members can stop by the block party to pick up free groceries and learn about services and resources in the area. “We come in, we deliver hot food, we provide free groceries, no questions asked, produce and everything,” said John Michel with Currency of Caring. “It’s challenging to build infrastructure at places where people can get to them consistently, so we said, ‘Hey, what if we use the power of mobility?’ We started with the food truck movement to effectively replace soup kitchens, but we said, ‘What if we can start to layer in a whole series of services, increasing the access to the things people need?’” The block parties are scheduled for the last Friday of every

Continue Reading

This October, the Riverbend region is buzzing with an exciting array of events, from library crawls and scavenger hunts to haunted trails and festive trunk-or-treats, offering something for everyone to enjoy. For a complete list of events and to plan your perfect autumn outing, visit https://www.riverbender.com/events/ . If you want to make sure even more of the region is aware of your event email cj@riverbender.com and explore our range of Event Promotion Services! Featured 9th Annual Holy Family School Golf Classic invites you to join Holy Family Catholic School for their exciting event on October 25, 2024, at Legacy Golf Course in Granite City. This fun-filled day features a 4-Person Scramble Format, with registration starting at 7:00 am and a shotgun start at 8:00 am. Participants can look forward to highlights such as Senior Tee Boxes, a Closest to the Pin Contest, and a Longest Drive Contest, along with refreshments all day and lunch after the tournament. Don't miss out

Continue Reading

GODFREY - Village Dispensary will host its first Fall Bash for a Cause, complete with discounts, vendors, a costume contest, and a canned food drive. From 12–5 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024, community members are invited to Village Dispensary to take advantage of deals and learn more about the cannabis industry. There will be several craft and food vendors onsite, as well as pop-up booths for cultivators. “We’re stoked,” said Alli with Village Dispensary. “Dang near anything you could ever want is on sale tomorrow. You’ve got to stop by.” Alli and Allison, another representative with Village Dispensary, noted that they’ve been planning the Fall Bash for several months now. They’re eager to see the culmination of their efforts on Oct. 26 and share the fun at Village with the community. There are several sales and discounts available. Additionally, attendees can bring a bag of five nonperishable food items to receive

Continue Reading

ALTON - The Alton Symphony Orchestra, under the direction of Shane Williams, is gearing up for its first concert of the season, titled “Ghost Busters: No Trick, Just Treats,” set for 7 p.m. on Saturday night, Oct. 26, 2024, at Hatheway Hall. The concert, which will feature music from iconic films such as "Psycho" and selections from Disney's "Fantasia," marks the beginning of the orchestra's tenth year, a milestone that Williams describes as a significant achievement for the ensemble and the community. Come listen to a spine-tingling experience with ASO. Dive into the supernatural with the iconic “Ghostbusters!” theme and try to survive the night with more chilling tunes such as “Danse Macabre,” “Requiem,” and “Toccata and Fugue” (arr. Stokowski)! Rehearsals for the concert began at the end of August, with the orchestra aiming to engage the audience by allowing them to participate in the performance. “It will

Continue Reading

BETHALTO - Civic Memorial High School students are preparing to become certified nursing assistants (CNAs). Students in Medical Careers 2, a new class at CMHS , have spent the semester learning the skills to become CNA-certified. Now, they’re hosting a fundraiser to fundraise for additional supplies and equipment so more students can take the class and learn about the healthcare industry. “It’s freaking amazing. Absolutely amazing,” said Angie Parish, who teaches Medical Careers 1 and 2. “These kids are knocking it out of the park.” The classes will host a golf scramble at Grip & Sip on Dec. 14, 2024. Attendees can also enjoy a putting contest and a silent auction. All proceeds will benefit the Medical Careers 1 and 2 classes. Parish noted that the classes are attracting more students, so they need more supplies to accommodate the increasing interest. During the regular Bethalto Community Unit School District #8 Board of Education meeting

Continue Reading

EDWARDSVILLE — Madison County State's Attorney Tom Haine announced today that a Belleville man has been convicted of first-degree murder in connection with the stabbing death of a Collinsville man. This marks two murder convictions obtained this week in Madison County. Carlos G. Mosley, 24, received a sentence of 25 years after pleading guilty to fatally stabbing Tyrese L. Owens, 21. Mosley is required to serve 100 percent of his sentence under Illinois law. "We continue to pray for Tyrese Owens and his grieving family, and hope this first-degree murder conviction brings them some measure of closure and justice,” Haine said. "We are grateful to the Collinsville Police, the Major Case Squad of Greater St. Louis, and all the law enforcement officers who helped bring Mr. Mosley to justice.” The victim was found unresponsive in a ditch near his residence on Loop Street in Collinsville on the morning of Nov. 8, 2023. An investigation revealed that Mosley and a co-defendant

Continue Reading

BETHALTO - Civic Memorial High School's head boys basketball coach and physical education teacher, Jared Reynolds, was honored with an All-In recognition this week for his exemplary commitment to students and the school community. The award highlights Reynolds’ dedication to going above and beyond in his role. According to school administrators, Reynolds has consistently demonstrated a willingness to make a difference in the lives of his students and colleagues. "Being ALL-IN means going above and beyond for our students, colleagues, and school community — showing dedication, commitment, and a willingness to make a difference, no matter what," they stated. This past week, Reynolds showcased his commitment by adjusting his own schedule to better serve students and reduce class sizes. His efforts ensure that every student receives the support and attention necessary for their success. Before long, the Civic Memorial High boys will be taking to the hardwoods for the 2024-2025

Continue Reading

BELLEVILLE - The Belleville Police Department recognized the promotions of Lieutenant Barfield, Sergeant Kallal, and Sergeant Wright during a City Council meeting this week. The department expressed gratitude for their service and dedication to both the department and the City of Belleville. The promotions were celebrated as a significant achievement within the department, highlighting the commitment of these individuals to their roles and the community they serve. The Belleville Police Department continues to emphasize its mission to ensure safety and service in the community, and the promotions are seen as a reflection of this ongoing commitment.

Continue Reading

BETHALTO – Four athletes from the Civic Memorial High School boys cross country team have made headlines after their impressive performances at the Mississippi Valley Conference meet held at Principia College. Max Weber, Landon Kearbey, Jacob Cranford, and Tullio Zampieri each achieved All-Conference status, contributing to the team's strong second-place finish. The boys as a group are Tom Lane State Farm Insurance Male Athletes Of The Month for the Eagles. Weber, a standout performer all season, broke a 51-year-old school record with a remarkable time of 14 minutes 48.60 seconds. The previous record was set in 1973 by Layne Law at the Detweiler Park state meet. With this achievement, Weber joins Law as the only athletes in school history to complete a three-mile race in under 15 minutes while wearing a CM uniform. In addition to Weber's record-breaking run, Landon Kearbey, a junior, finished eighth with a time of 15:45.80. Fellow junior Jacob Cranford secured ninth place, clocking

Continue Reading

Charles D. Batson, a proud Army veteran from Granite City, Illinois, served his country honorably from 1962 to 1966, including time spent in Vietnam. Rising to the rank of E5, Batson’s commitment to duty and dedication to his family and friends left a lasting legacy. Fondly remembered as the best son, brother, father, grandfather, and husband anyone could ask for, Batson lived a full life and enjoyed simple pleasures, famously saying, “I had a good life, and I caught a lot of fish.” His family cherishes his memory and his joyful outlook, celebrating the warmth and love he brought to everyone who knew him. Thank you, Charles D. Batson, for your service and the wonderful memories you leave behind.

Continue Reading