Riverbender 🕸

EDWARDSVILLE – One block of East Schwarz Street is scheduled to be closed beginning Monday, January 30, for a sanitary sewer installation project. The closure will shut down East Schwarz Street between South Buchanan Street and South Kansas Street. The intersections on both sides of the closure will remain open to traffic. The closure is expected to last from Monday, January 30, through Wednesday, February 1. The work is dependent on the weather. Signs will be posted to alert drivers to the closure. The sanitary sewer installation is a project of Pfund Construction. Please contact Public Works at (618) 692-7535 with any questions.

Continue Reading

HOLIDAY SHORES - Law enforcement says all the time that seat belts and car seats save lives, but an incident on Friday in the area showed it crystal clear. A vehicle overturned at the intersection of Illinois Route 159 and Illinois Route 140 in the Holiday Shores Protection District on Friday, but thanks to seat belts and a proper car seat, a man and young child did not have to be taken for medical treatment beyond at the scene. Holiday Shores Fire Chief Jim O’Brien said when they arrived for the call that came in at 2:30 p.m. Friday, Alton Memorial Ambulance was on the scene. The driver and child had been cared for by first responders and did not have life-threatening injuries, and no one was transported. The male did suffer some facial cuts from the accident. "The vehicle was towed away," Chief O’Brien said. The chief said all accidents are terrible, but this was the best possible outcome because no one was hurt. "Car seats are so important," he said. "The car seats

Continue Reading

ST. LOUIS COUNTY - On Friday, January 20, 2023, the St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office issued “At Large” charges on suspect Julian Jones Sr., 48 years of age, of the 2400 block of Princess Drive in St. Louis, Missouri, 63136, for Statutory Rape Second Degree. A photo of Jones is attached. Jones is not currently in custody. The probable cause statement reads: Defendant is forty-eight years old. The victim was under the age of seventeen when she and the defendant engaged in sexual activity. The victim got pregnant as a result and had a child. Police obtained a search warrant for DNA from the victim and defendant. Paternity testing indicates that the defendant is the father of the child. St. Louis County Police Crimes Against Persons detectives are leading this investigation. Please note, charges are merely an accusation and defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law.

Continue Reading

WASHINGTON PARK - A 58-year-old Belleville man died in a two-vehicle traffic crash at 3:37 a.m. on Friday, January 27, 2023. The crash occurred on Interstate 64 eastbound at milepost 6 in Washington Park in St. Clair County. The vehicles involved in the crash were a 2010 tan Ford F250 and a 2013 white Freightliner truck-tractor. The preliminary ISP investigation indicates the following: Unit 2 (the 2013 white Freightliner Truck-Tractor) was parked on the right shoulder of Interstate 64 eastbound at milepost 6. Unit 1 (a 2010 tan Ford F250) was traveling eastbound on Interstate 64 near milepost 6, drove off the right side of the roadway, and struck the rear end of Unit 2. The passenger of Unit 2 was lying in the sleeper birth at the time of the crash and reported no injuries on the scene. The driver of Unit 1 was pronounced deceased on the scene. ISP said no further information is now available.

Continue Reading

EDWARDSVILLE - Edwardsville Police are investigating a social media posting from a non-student of EHS that created significant attention on Thursday afternoon. Edwardsville Superintendent Dr. Patrick Shelton said the following: “Late this afternoon, District #7 and Edwardsville High School became aware of a threatening photo from a non-EHS student that had been widely shared. We promptly worked with the Edwardsville Police Department to ensure the safety of all our students and have determined that there is no active threat to any of our students. “As always, the safety and security of our students, staff, and schools remain the highest priorities for EHS and District 7 and we will continue to investigate any threat." Edwardsville Police Chief Mike Fillback said: “Late yesterday afternoon the Edwardsville School District alerted us to a social media posting from a non-student of EHS. School resource officers were promptly notified and started an investigation, which

Continue Reading

ALTON - The past year, the My Just Just Desserts ownership, family, and employees have had a lot to handle with the death of previous owner Yvonne Campbell in a fatal traffic crash on July 9, 2022. Yvonne was beloved in the community, and her sister, Evelyn, and the others regrouped and continued on with the popular Downtown Alton eatery. Another one of those who were in the vehicle that day is now paralyzed, Evelyn said. Evelyn also suffered injuries in the accident and has had to recover since that date. On Sunday, Jan. 29, Evelyn and the others at My Just Desserts will open back on that particular day of the week with its popular brunch. Right now, My Just Desserts is open from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday and the brunch this Sunday will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Evelyn said My Just Desserts will be open after this Sunday 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., except when they have brunch. She said they will announce the dates of their brunch in the future. Evelyn said the brunch

Continue Reading

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) today introduced the Protecting Children with Food Allergies Act , which would require school food personnel to complete a food allergy training, so that they are better equipped to prevent and respond to emergency situations involving allergic food reactions. Over the past two decades, the number of children with food allergies in the U.S. has more than doubled. Now, more than eight percent of children, about two students per classroom, have food allergies, and more than 15 percent of them will have an allergic reaction at school. Because common allergens are often present in school meals, school food personnel must understand how to prevent, identify, and respond to a food-related allergic reaction. “When parents drop their kids off at school, they should have the peace of mind knowing that their children are in a safe environment with personnel that are trained to look

Continue Reading

CHICAGO — Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) today awarded $13 million to 30 recipients to expand the Illinois Works Pre-apprenticeship Program, which creates a qualified talent pipeline of diverse candidates in construction and the building trades. The program’s second year expands access to the program across the state and will serve up to 1,400 pre-apprentices – a 40 percent increase from the program’s inaugural year. “The Illinois Works program aims to break barriers down for more women and people of color to take advantage of the thousands of jobs created by our state’s nation-leading infrastructure investments, while simultaneously creating a sustainable pipeline of qualified workers for an industry that is booming,” said Governor JB Pritzker . “These are the types of strategic investments that ensure we have a workforce ready to take the jobs available right now in fields

Continue Reading

WASHINGTON D.C. - U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) joined U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) and U.S. Representative Debbie Dingell (D-MI-6) in introducing legislation to expand access to home and community-based services for older adults, people with disabilities and injured workers, while increasing pay and improving benefits for the caregivers who provide this life-sustaining care. The Better Care Better Jobs Act would enhance Medicaid funding for home care, helping many of the over 650,000 people on waiting lists nationally finally receive care in the setting of their choice, allowing them to stay active in their communities and live independently. This legislation would also strengthen the caregiving workforce, improve quality of life for families and boost the economy by creating good-paying jobs to make it possible for families and workers alike to thrive economically. “The Better Care Better Jobs Act would help protect

Continue Reading

CHICAGO - With thousands of Illinoisans failing to take advantage of savings offered by the federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and state Earned Income Credit (EIC) each tax season, Governor JB Pritzker is reminding qualifying taxpayers to claim these valuable benefits. “My administration’s first focus will always be supporting Illinois’ working families—and that means putting money back into the pockets of those who need it most,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “With tax season well underway, I encourage all eligible Illinoisans to take advantage of our state Earned Income Credit and federal Earned Income Tax Credit.” To be eligible for tax year 2022 (tax returns filed in 2023), taxpayers must have received “earned income” in 2022, meet certain income and residency qualifications, and file a tax return even if they do not owe any tax or are not required to file. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) recommends that all workers who

Continue Reading

CHICAGO - Today Governor JB Pritzker announced the upcoming departure of Deputy Governor Christian Mitchell, who has overseen Environment, Infrastructure, and Public Safety since the beginning of the Governor’s first term. Prior to serving as Deputy Governor, Mitchell served for six years in the Illinois House of Representatives and as Interim Executive Director of the Democratic Party of Illinois, the first African American to do so. He will be leaving at the beginning of March. “I am proud to have had a driven, passionate public servant like Christian Mitchell on our team as we worked to improve the lives of Illinoisans across the state,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Although we will be sad to see him go, there is no doubt in my mind that his work ethic and commitment to equity, progress, and public service will be an asset to any organization that has the honor of working with him.” Deputy Governor Mitchell played a pivotal role in negotiating landmark

Continue Reading

GODFREY – Lewis and Clark Community College has released the lists of full- and part-time honors students for the Fall 2022 semester. Students earning a cumulative grade point average of 3.75 or higher out of a possible 4.0 are named to the President’s List. Those students earning a grade point average between 3.25 and 3.74 are recognized each semester on the Dean’s List. Further requirements are listed in the college’s online catalog at http://catalog.lc.edu . Questions should be directed to the Enrollment Center at (618) 468-2222. President's List ALHAMBRA – Webb M. Slifka ALTON – Hunter M. Bailey; Juliana Barnerd Jelsumina D. Biciocchi; Rebekah A. Blackmon; Anna S. Brady; Robyn D. Brandon; Xavier P. Carter; Isaiah B. Christner; Brett A. Clardy; Summer M. Collman; Rylee Crane; Mary A. Curvey; Alyssa N. Eagleton; Samantha N. Eales; Ethan L. Eddy; Jane A. Edelman; Nicole R. Ezeagu; Elizabeth R. Grossheim; Azure C. Hall; Isabella M. Hall;

Continue Reading

ST. LOUIS - 2022 proved to be a solid year for St. Louis Downtown Airport, with highlights ranging from the arrival of a new director and continuation of strong flight operations to the return of in-person events aimed at growing the aviation industry workforce. Add in the groundbreaking for a significant new project and expansion plans revealed for its largest tenant, and the airport is looking to the future with an eye on continued growth. To help lead operations at the busiest airport in Illinois outside of Chicago, Bi-State Development welcomed Sandra Shore as the new director of St. Louis Downtown Airport in February. With the airport’s enviable location just minutes from downtown St. Louis making it a popular choice for those flying into the bi-state area for business and major events, overall flight operations remained strong and steady last year under Shore’s leadership. A substantial increase in charter flights can be directly correlated to the NASCAR Cup Series

Continue Reading

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Mike Bost (IL-12) today led 193 of his colleagues in urging the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Army Corps of Engineers to rescind their recent Waters of the U.S. rule and postpone any additional agency action until the U.S. Supreme Court issues an opinion on the EPA’s full scope of authority. “Farmers, landowners, and job creators depend on clear, consistent, and manageable regulatory guidance,” said Bost. “This would be the fourth time in eight years they’ve been forced to change course to avoid criminal penalties and financial hardship as WOTUS is continually redefined. There is absolutely no reason to burden them with additional regulations simply to appease liberal Green New Deal special interests. The EPA and Army Corps should rescind this definition immediately and give Americans the certainty they need.” The text of the letter is available here .

Continue Reading

CHICAGO - Attorney General Kwame Raoul today announced he charged a former assistant Coles County state’s attorney with 32 counts of misconduct over interactions he had in his official capacity with three Coles County women between the ages of 18 and 35. Formerly from Charleston, Illinois, Brady Allen, 33, now resides in Missouri but turned himself in to the Coles County Sheriff’s Office on Jan. 26 after a warrant was issued for his arrest. Raoul’s office charged Allen with nine counts of bribery, all Class 2 felonies; one count of witness harassment, a Class 2 felony; 21 counts of official misconduct, all Class 3 felonies; and one count of witness intimidation, a Class 3 felony. If convicted, Allen could face up to 7 years in prison and up to $25,000 in fines. “As a prosecutor who has sworn to uphold the law, I am shocked and outraged that a fellow prosecutor would allegedly use that authority to manipulate and victimize women in the community,” Raoul

Continue Reading

ALTON - Illinois State Representative Amy Elik (R-Alton) was selected to serve on the House Republican’s budget team. Elik was appointed on Friday by House Republican Leader Tony McCombie (R-Savanna) to serve as the Deputy Budgeteer along with Deputy Leader Norine Hammond (R-Macomb) as Chief Budgeteer for the caucus during the 103rd General Assembly. “Illinois’ budgeting process needs an overhaul,” said Rep. Elik. “As a CPA, I am ready to get to work as the Deputy Budgeteer for the House Republicans. The budgeting gimmicks and shell games must stop – the process has to be transparent. Families are doing the best they can to balance their checkbooks during a time when just about everything costs more. The people of Illinois deserve a budget that is balanced without higher taxes as we continue to endure record inflation.” Rep. Elik has previously served on the House Republican budget team, the Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability,

Continue Reading

SPRINGFIELD – Jobs increased over-the-year in all fourteen Illinois metropolitan areas in December according to preliminary data released today by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES). The unemployment rate decreased in thirteen metropolitan areas and increased in one. “For nearly two years, Illinois has seen consistent job growth across the state throughout industry sectors,” said Deputy Governor Andy Manar. “IDES continues to help jobseekers and employers connect with one another as more people enter the labor force and look to take advantage of newly created and expanded job opportunities in the labor market.” The metro areas which had the largest over-the-year percentage increases in total nonfarm jobs were the Lake-Kenosha IL/WI Metro (+3.8%, +15,700), the Davenport-Moline-Rock Island IA-IL MSA (+3.5%, +6,400), the Rockford MSA (+3.1%, +4,500) and the Chicago Metro Division (+2.9%, +108,800).

Continue Reading

EDWARDSVILLE - By unanimous vote Wednesday, the Edwardsville Township Board appointed Glen Carbon resident Sitsofe Luh Nutsukpui to fill a vacant trustee position. The vacancy was created with the resignation of board member Charles “Skip” Schmidt in December. Ms. Nutskupui currently works at Madison County Community Development with assistance programs like LIHEAP & ERAP, programs that the Township has processed for years. In terms of community service she is currently on Glen Carbon Events Committee, Edwardsville School District’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion committee, she is a member of the Edwardsville NAACP, has been involved in several school PTOs, among many others. "Sitso Luh Nutsukpui stood out from the beginning with her experienced background and passion for our community. She has served on committees for the Village of Glen Carbon and the Edwardsville School District and volunteered with many local organizations," said Township Supervisor Kevin

Continue Reading

The couple: Bill and Vicki Ivester from Delhi; I call him Mr. Bill and he calls me his right hand Date met: September 18, 1996 Date married: January 31, 1998 What makes your relationship special? We have an 18-year age difference and very different skill sets, but our love for each other and our desire to serve the Lord together in the local church and overseas as missionaries brought us together and has kept our marriage strong over these 25 years. Share a memory you have made together: We served together as missionaries in Togo, West Africa for several years after marrying. Mr. Bill was the maintenance and new construction guy (including building "bush" churches as pictured above) and I was a linguist/Bible translation specialist. One of our most exciting adventures together was a safari in Kenya (Masai Mara)... As we sat in the open-top Land Rover, a pride of lions walked right past our vehicle. One of the males stopped, made eye contact with me, and just stared...

Continue Reading

AMES, Iowa – Edwardsville student Taryn Leigh Trauernicht, an industrial engineering student was named to the fall semester Dean's List at Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa. More than 10,200 Iowa State University students have been recognized for outstanding academic achievement by being named to the fall semester 2022 Dean's List. Students named to the Dean's List must have earned a grade point average of at least 3.50 on a 4.00 scale while carrying a minimum of 12 credit hours of graded coursework.

Continue Reading