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WOOD RIVER - Unhoused community members and local nonprofits are invited to engage with one another at Project Homeless Connect. From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 31, 2025, at Riverbend Family Ministries in Wood River, approximately 30 nonprofit organizations will be available to answer questions, connect people with resources and provide services for individuals experiencing homelessness. Unhoused community members and those who want to learn more about local nonprofits and how to help are all invited. “We want to connect homeless folks. We’re trying to connect them with resources,” said David Kerr, Madison County’s Homeless Program Coordinator. “It's also an opportunity for other agencies to network with each other. There can be so many agencies that it’s difficult to keep up, and there’s new ones popping up all the time, so it’s kind of hard to know at times. But this is a chance to try and get together in one place.”

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There’s a misperception that cancer mostly impacts older people. Not so. Cancer is on the rise in people 50 and under. Actor Paul Teal, best known for his role on “One Tree Hill” recently died after a bout with cancer. Teal was 35. There are many reasons for the spike, especially lifestyle factors starting early in life and adulthood which are likely to increase the risk of cancer. Factors include poor diets, sedentary lifestyles, and obesity. The rise isn’t limited to just one type of cancer. Since 1990, there has been a significant increase in cancers of the breast, colon, esophagus, kidney, liver, and pancreas around the world. For example, according to the American Cancer Society, the rate of people diagnosed with colorectal cancer in the U.S. is dropping in those 65 and older but increasing in younger people. Deborah Oyelowo is a family nurse practitioner who specializes in hematology/oncology for OSF HealthCare. She points to the lack of screening, especiall

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COLLINSVILLE — Chief Steve Evans retired from the Collinsville Police Department this week, concluding an 11-year tenure marked by community engagement and significant departmental achievements. Evans, who was appointed Chief of Police on Nov. 27, 2013, previously served as a Lieutenant with the Fairview Heights Police Department. Throughout his time in Collinsville, he became known for his commitment to both the department and the local community, actively participating in various service organizations. Under Evans' leadership, the Collinsville Police Department (CPD) reached several milestones, including the establishment of a Youth Academy and the implementation of an officer wellness program. The department also achieved Tier 1 accreditation through the Illinois Law Enforcement Accreditation Program, a recognition of its adherence to professional standards. "Chief Evans has left the department in a much better place as it heads into 2025," said CPD in a statement. "His

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EDWARDSVILLE - State Senator Erica Harriss (56th-Glen Carbon) is excited to announce her annual “Valentines for Seniors” Card Drive is now underway, and she needs your help in making cards for area seniors. “This card drive is a simple but meaningful way for our community to spread love and joy to those who may feel overlooked on a day centered around love,” said Senator Harriss. “Through this initiative, we hope to brighten the day of local seniors in nursing homes, assisted-living, and long-term care facilities.” Senator Harriss invites students, scout troops, churches, families, and community groups to participate by crafting heartfelt, homemade Valentine’s Day cards. These cards will be hand-delivered to residents in facilities across the 56th District. Cards can be dropped off at Senator Harriss’ District Office, located at 120 North Main Street, Suite 1B, Edwardsville through Feb. 7, 2025. Drop-offs are welcome during

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EAST ST. LOUIS — East St. Louis School District 189 announced the closure of its schools on Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025, due to ongoing icy conditions affecting side roads in the community. The district said the decision comes as it prioritizes the safety of its students and staff. The district confirmed that no virtual instruction would occur, as it has already utilized all state-allowed eLearning days for the current school year. In-person classes are scheduled to resume on Friday, Jan. 17, 2025. The district expressed gratitude to local municipalities, including East St. Louis, Washington Park, Cahokia Heights, Fairview Heights, and Caseyville, for their efforts in clearing the icy roads. St. Clair County Board Chair Mark Kern was also acknowledged for activating county resources to assist in these road-clearing efforts, which have been deemed essential for ensuring a safe return to in-person learning. "The past two weeks have been very challenging for our students, parents and

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Coughing can be normal, but coughing up things like vomit and blood should be looked into quickly Key takeaways: Coughing can be a normal way our body protects your lungs and airways from irritants. But if you cough up thick mucus, vomit or blood, it could be a sign of something serious. You should see a health care provider quickly. Vaccines and good hygiene can help prevent illnesses that bring about coughing fits. Fall and winter could be renamed “coughing season” with seasonal illnesses in the air. But there’s more to coughing than the brief but annoying impact on your day. Some coughing is normal. But you should see a health care provider quickly when you cough up things you shouldn’t. The basics: Why do you cough? Aminat Ogun, MD , a family medicine physician at OSF HealthCare, says coughing is one way your body protects your lungs and airways from irritants. You expel the bad stuff out of our system, she says. Some everyday

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SPRINGFIELD - The Smith Alzheimer’s Center at SIU Medicine is offering two new lab internship opportunities for undergraduate college students in 2025. Selected students will explore cutting-edge research associated with Alzheimer’s disease. The nine-week internships run from June 2 through Aug. 1. “We’re excited to launch this new opportunity for young researchers interested in learning more about aging and Alzheimer’s disease,” said Erin Hascup, PhD, executive director of the Smith Alzheimer’s Center. “This provides a direct, hands-on experience for future scientists to advance their journey toward translational research or medicine.” Applications will be accepted through February 28, 2025, and internships will be based at the Springfield campus. Travel and housing are not provided. Qualified applicants will have completed their freshman year of college by June 2025, and not graduated. Applicants must be U.S. citizens. Applicants

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SPRINGFIELD - Following the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) order banning the use of Red Dye No. 3 in food products, Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias renewed his call for an overhaul of the rules governing food additives to eliminate toxic chemicals from the food supply, including candy, snacks and soda. Last year, Giannoulias pushed for the Illinois Food Safety Act to ensure a healthier food marketplace for Illinois families. The bill called for prohibiting the use of brominated vegetable oil, potassium bromate, propylparaben, Red Dye No. 3 and titanium dioxide – all of which have been linked to serious health problems, including hyperactivity, nervous system damage, reproductive issues, hormonal damage and increased risk of cancer. Prior to its action on Red Dye No. 3, the FDA banned the use of Brominated Vegetable Oil (BVO) last July, citing links to thyroid issues. The FDA had authorized the use of Red Dye No. 3 and BVO since the 1960s, equating

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COLLINSVILLE — The Collinsville Police Department officially welcomed its new chief during a transfer of command ceremony Tuesday night, Jan. 14, 2025, marking a significant transition in leadership. Collinsville Mayor Jeff Stehman administered the oath of office to Major Brett Boerm, who succeeds Chief Steve Evans, recognized for his 11 years of service in the role. Chief Boerm, who has served as the Assistant Chief of Police for the past nine years, has deep ties to the Collinsville community. A 1993 graduate of Collinsville High School, he was a member of the state championship soccer teams in 1991 and 1992. His law enforcement journey began in 1997 at the O’Fallon Police Department before he returned to Collinsville in 2000 as a police officer. Over the years, he has held various positions within the department, including Patrol Sergeant, Lieutenant, and Assistant Chief. Chief Boerm is also a graduate of the Southern Police Institute’s Administrative Officers

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GLEN CARBON - The Glen Carbon Police Department will get two new vehicles following unanimous Village Board approval on Tuesday. Also approved was the sale of a service weapon as a “parting gift” to a retiring officer who carried it throughout his career. As previously reported on Riverbender.com , the purchase of two 2025 Ford Explorer Interceptors for a total of $96,426 was on the agenda for this week’s Village Board meeting. Also on the agenda was a separate resolution concerning “upfitting” costs of $35,178 to equip both vehicles with various police equipment. Police Chief Todd Link said these new vehicles will replace former Units 29 and 36, which were deemed surplus property and auctioned off by the department. The proceeds from that sale went into the village’s General Fund, and Link said both new vehicles have been budgeted for. As for the upfitting costs, Link said the total would include “all wiring, all lights, all radios,

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EDWARDSVILLE — Frances Gregg, the founder of Faith in Action Edwardsville/Glen Carbon and a dedicated community member, has died at the age of 95. Her commitment to community service and leadership was instrumental in establishing an organization that provides vital support to individuals in need. Born in Tennessee, Gregg served as the Director of Christian Education before relocating to Edwardsville. In 1998, she founded Faith in Action Edwardsville/Glen Carbon in the basement of the First Presbyterian Church of Edwardsville, starting with a grant of $25,000 from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. Under Frances' guidance, the organization launched a transportation service aimed at assisting senior and disabled residents in the Edwardsville District #7 community. Gregg remained involved with Faith in Action even after stepping down from her leadership role, participating on the Advisory Committee and attending annual meetings regularly, except for 2024. In 2023, the organization

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SWANSEA - The Swansea Fire Department responded to 695 calls for service in 2024, reflecting the ongoing commitment of its 24 personnel to the safety and well-being of residents and visitors. The department’s activities included a range of incidents, from fires to emergency medical responses, underscoring the diverse challenges faced by firefighters and emergency responders in the community. Among the calls, the department recorded 55 fire-related incidents, 148 rescue and emergency medical services (EMS) responses, and 71 hazardous condition calls. Additionally, there were 119 service calls, 111 good intent calls, and 143 false alarms. The department also responded to four weather-related incidents and two special calls, along with 42 other types of calls. In terms of professional development, the Swansea Fire Department completed several State Fire Marshal certifications in 2024. These included one Basic Operations Firefighter, two Vehicle and Machinery Operations, one Instructor

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EDWARDSVILLE - Southern Illinois University Edwardsville announces the 100th birthday of Ruth Slenczynska, College of Arts and Sciences’ professor emerita and pianist. Slenczynska is the last surviving pupil of composer-pianist Sergei Rachmaninov. To honor Ruth Slenczynska's life, talent, and accomplishments, SIUE will host the Ruth Slenczynska Centennial Celebration Concert at Dunham Hall Theater, Sunday, May 4, at 3 p.m. “Ruth Slenczynska, has led a distinguished, inspiring musical life and career, with a public performance career that spanned 93 years,” said Therese Dickman, AMLS, Fine Arts Librarian and associate professor of Library and Information Services. “For 37 of those years, Ruth taught diverse students at SIUE who came from throughout the country and world.” Born in Sacramento, California in 1925, Slenczynska’s father, Josef Slenczynski, a violinist, imposed a rigorous and disciplinary practice routine beginning at age three.

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BETHALTO - Zion Lutheran School in Bethalto, IL is proud to announce and celebrate the exceptional achievements of our Honor Roll students for their hard work and dedication to their studies during the 2nd quarter. High Honor Roll Paolo Scheffel, Avery Boots, Leticia Lorenz, Hunter Turner, Maelene Wright, Claire Epps, Grace Koch, Kylie Pfeiffer, Aidan Wheeler Honor Roll Gavin Martin, Josh Liefer, Jeremy Jones, Carter Whipple, Annabelle Bean, Isaiah Hanson, Amelia Johnson, Jackson Rider These students have demonstrated a commitment to excellence and a passion for learning that truly exemplifies the spirit of Zion Saints. We commend their efforts and look forward to their continued success. Congratulations to all of our Honor Roll students! Keep striving for greatness. If you would like more information about Zion Lutheran School Bethalto Middle School join us for Kindergarten Preview Night on January 23rd 5pm or 6pm or schedule a private tour. Meet the Teachers, Classroo

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This weekend offers a delightful array of events that cater to diverse interests, from live music performances to engaging workshops and community gatherings, ensuring there's something for everyone to enjoy. For a complete listing of all events, visit RiverBender.com . 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 Harvest Drive at Alton VFW Post 1308 invites you to enjoy a night of great food, drinks, and live music at the Alton VFW Post 1308. Bring your friends and come out for a fun evening filled with your favorite tunes and good vibes! Plotting a Future for Historic River Towns with Dean Klinkenberg—Reimagining Places of the Past: Historic Preservation Lecture Series, Part 1 is a captivating lecture hosted by the Genealogy & Local History Library in partnership with the Alton Area Landmarks Association. This presentation aims to explore the rich histor

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GRANITE CITY - Granite City has officially opened its own Overnight Warming Location. The OWL is located at Mt. Zion Church at 2827 Mockingbird Lane in Granite City. Unhoused community members, people with insufficient heating, or anyone who needs a warm place to sleep can utilize the OWL when overnight temperatures are forecasted to drop below 20 degrees Fahrenheit. The OWLs are asking for help stocking the new location. “Granite City has joined the OWLs and we need volunteers and supplies,” the OWLs said in a Facebook post . “Pastor Phil and Mt. Zion Church launched the Granite City OWL last week. Since then, a small group of volunteers has been there almost every night to offer sanctuary to their neighbors. If we want to keep this going, we need 40 new volunteers, especially overnight monitors who can cover three-hour shifts on rotating teams.” The local OWLs now have three locations — Deliverance Temple in Alton, First Baptist Church in

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EDWARDSVILLE - Metro-East Lutheran High School Metro-East Lutheran High School Second Quarter Honor Roll 2024-2025 The following students have been named to the Honor Roll at Metro-East Lutheran High School for the second quarter of the 2024-2025 school year. Grade Honor Roll with High Distinction (g.p.a. 4.0) 9 Abby Ayer, Shiloh 9 Caitlyn Hardage, Caseyville 9 Liam Hazelwonder, Godfrey 9 Marion Hemmer, Fairview Heights 9 Claire Houck, Maryville 9 Collin Hudzik, Edwardsville 9 Cole Payne, Edwardsville 9 Matthew Redden, Edwardsville 9 Calista Stults, Collinsville 9 Ryan Sullivan, New Douglas Honor Roll with Distinction (g.p.a. 3.75-3.99 ) 9 Elijah Ball, Worden 9 Luke Bright, Trenton 9 Madison Dunn, Edwardsville 9 Lyla Eggebrecht, Wood River 9 Noah Gray, Collinsville 9 Lily Hartzel, Troy 9 Moira Krueger, Glen Carbon 9 Laynie Menard, Glen Carbon 9 Preston Menossi, Edwardsville 9 Rhett Neathery, Wood River 9 Ally Packer, Edwardsville 9 Henry Reiseck, Hamel 9 Molly

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GODFREY - Whether a new structure is needed to handle equipment, operate a business, store your lawn care tools or a place to live, think Countryside Builders. They are committed to serving customers with time-tested designs, construction methods and proven high-quality material while maintaining an open mind to new ideas and construction techniques as the industry continues to evolve. Countryside Builders has eight full-time employees consisting of experienced sales staff, designers, and skilled construction people. They also work with a select number of contractors to assist with site preparation. The locally-owned business was started by Ron Conrad and Barry Seiler in 1979. Both are retired, but they hold a presence at Countryside and have helped manage the completion of thousands of projects over the years. In 2009, Wade Seiler joined the business. He, along with Patty Hoyt, manage the day-to-day operations of the business. Wade is fully involved with both inside sales,

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EDWARDSVILLE – The Gori Law Firm announced its recipients of the 2024-2025 Leading and Emerging Lawyers distinctions. This year, 11 attorneys from the firm were recognized. The list of Leading Lawyers includes Managing Partner Sara Salger, along with Partners David Aubrey, Erin Beavers, Jason Epps, Chris Layloff, Bob Marcus, Gregory Sandifer and Jason Steinmeyer. Senior Counsel James Stever and Of Counsel Evan Buxner were also recognized. Partner Ivan Cason was named an Emerging Lawyer. Lawyers throughout the state nominate Leading and Emerging Lawyers through peer surveys. Leading Lawyers are recommended as among the top in their practice area, with less than 5 percent of all lawyers licensed to practice in each state receiving the distinction. Emerging Lawyers are identified by their peers as among the top lawyers who are 40 years old or younger unless they have practiced for less than 10 years. Less than 2 percent of all lawyers licensed to practice in each state have

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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) released the following statement after reports that Israel and Hamas agreed to a deal to halt fighting in Gaza and exchange Israeli hostages for Palestinian prisoners, as well as surge humanitarian aid to the enclave: “After 15 months and thousands of innocent lives lost, I am relieved and heartened to hear about a ceasefire and hostage deal between Israel and Gaza. The widespread suffering, death, and destruction on all sides has been heartbreaking and desperately needed to end. “Thanks to President Biden and Secretary Blinken’s steadfast leadership, we are nearing the end of this brutal war. They have worked every day toward this goal, and I’m pleased it is a reality before the President leaves office. I know it will be hard, but I hope out of the ashes and pain of this current crisis that there will be a renewed focus on the future: long-term security for Israel, rebuilding Gaza, a

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