Riverbender 🕸

MASCOUTAH - State Representative Kevin Schmidt (R-Millstadt) is proud to announce Wisper ISP as his “Business of The Month” for March. Rep. Schmidt presented an official certificate to CEO Nathan Stooke while visiting his company for a meeting and tour. In 2003, Nathan Stooke helped his neighbor obtain internet access and realized several others around his rural area were in demand too. Twenty-one years and six states later, Wisper is still connecting those that need reliable, high-speed internet. “Wisper ISP is an honest company that strives to deliver affordable and reliable services to individuals who need high-speed internet, specifically in rural locations,” said Schmidt. “Nathan Stooke basically started his company from scratch over twenty years ago and now he has created good paying jobs in Mascoutah. The company’s success comes from their core values of focusing on solutions, serving one another, and becoming life-long learners.”

Continue Reading

For the morning coffee drinkers out there, a recent study found there may be one more reason to enjoy that first cup of the day. In a study of over 40,000 people in a national health survey, researchers found that morning coffee drinkers had a lower risk of dying prematurely than non-coffee drinkers. And the biggest beneficiaries might be those who drank coffee only in the morning rather than throughout the day. Of course, these findings are from a single study, so further research is needed on the timing of coffee drinking. At the same time, this new study adds to a large and growing amount of research showing that coffee drinking overall can have many health benefits. That could sound a little surprising. For whatever reason, coffee can still feel like one of those things we enjoy but that may not be good for us. Yet coffee has over 1,000 compounds that could aid health. Among other possible benefits, these compounds could help improve the gut microbiome, ease inflammation, hel

Continue Reading

Letter To The Editor: National Library Week, April 6-12, 2025, is a celebration highlighting the valuable role libraries, librarians, and library workers play in transforming lives and strengthening our communities. In 1958, President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed a proclamation declaring March 16 – 22 as National Library Week. In his proclamation, President Eisenhower declared National Library Week as, “A time for the appraisal of community needs for library services and of the means for meeting them, for encouraging the development of a better-read, better-informed citizenry, and for rededication to that fine public service that has always been characteristic of the libraries of America.” Now more than ever, libraries provide a place for communities to learn, work, and play. Yes, we still offer books, but we also offer so much more. Step inside your library to see a hive of information, community, entertainment, and technology. This year’s National Library

Continue Reading

April 5 and 6 have witnessed a plethora of significant events throughout history, spanning various realms such as politics, science, arts, and humanitarian efforts. The year 1965 marked a transformative moment in the realm of international diplomacy. On April 5, the United States escalated its military involvement in Vietnam, sending additional troops to support the South Vietnamese government against the communist North. This decision, part of the larger context of the Cold War, would lead to an intense and controversial conflict that shaped American foreign policy and domestic politics for years to come. The Vietnam War sparked protests and debates over military intervention, civil rights, and the moral implications of warfare, leaving an indelible mark on American society. Fast forward to 1976, when the world witnessed another significant event: the launch of the first-ever portable computer, the IBM 5100. This groundbreaking piece of technology was a precursor to the personal

Continue Reading

EDWARDSVILLE - The man with an ingenious ecological and humanitarian idea that became a movement, caused his concepts to travel around the world and earn him the title, “Father of the Modern Sustainability Movement.” The pioneering legacy of the renowned visionary inventor R. Buckminster Fuller was applauded and his theories and beliefs revisited and discussed during a five-day conference at the Fuller Dome, Center for Spirituality and Sustainability (CSS) on the campus of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, according to CSS Manager Tovia Black. The Fuller Dome observed 90th Day programs that began Thursday, March 27 and culminated on Monday, March 31, the 90th day of the year on the planet’s 90th meridian. The event was supported by the SIUE Chancellor’s Office. The Fuller Dome’s miniature-earth geodesic dome was designed by Fuller, a Southern Illinois University professor from 1959-1975, to straddle the planet’s 90th longitudinal meridian

Continue Reading

SPRINGFIELD – As spring sets in and more people head outside, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) is reminding everyone to leave baby birds and young animals alone when they encounter them in the wild. Well-intentioned people may believe they’re helping nature by taking possession of young rabbits, fawn deer, baby birds and other animals that appear to be orphaned or abandoned. However, in nearly all cases, human intervention does more to hurt animals than to help. Young birds and animals are still being fed and cared for by their parents, who usually stay away from nests and dens if humans are nearby. “The most helpful thing people can do for wildlife is to enjoy the animals through observation, not interference,” said IDNR Director Natalie Phelps Finnie. “If you really care about the animals, just leave them alone when you come across them in nature.” The Illinois Wildlife Code provides legal protection for wildlife. Keeping

Continue Reading

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, combat Veteran and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL)—a member of the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) and U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee (SFRC)—issued the following statement in response to the Department of Defense (DoD) Acting Inspector General Steven Stebbins announcing an investigation into Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth’s use of Signal, an unclassified, commercially-available messaging app, to discuss specific details about a U.S. military strike in Yemen: “Of course, this obvious leak of classified information by the Secretary of Defense himself must be investigated. Not just by the DoD Inspector General, but by the FBI and Congress as well—and I'll keep pushing for accountability from these senior Trump officials who continue to put our troops and national security at risk.” Since he was first nominated and throughout his confirmation hearing , Duckworth has made it clear that Secretary

Continue Reading

PONTOON BEACH – In response to the upcoming IL-111 & I-270 interchange reconstruction, Madison County Transit (MCT) will implement several service adjustments beginning Sunday, May 11, 2025, to preserve reliable, convenient transit access throughout the construction period. Construction is expected to impact travel from May through October 2025. To minimize disruption and enhance service flexibility, MCT is expanding its MCT Micro service and restructuring routes serving affected areas. These updates aim to ensure passengers can continue reaching their destinations with as much ease as possible. Building on the success of last fall’s new MCT Micro service in Collinsville, MCT will be launching MCT Micro – Bethalto | Cottage Hills, an on-demand microtransit zone creating more convenient access to transit within Bethalto and Cottage Hills, as well as the introduction of service in Rosewood Heights. Passengers will also have the flexibility to schedule rides to the Mai

Continue Reading

SPRINGFIELD - Patients in central and southern Illinois will now have expanded access to expert kidney care, as SIU Medicine expands its nephrology specialty services. SIU Medicine Nephrology will provide high-quality kidney care, supported by the strength of academic medicine and a team-based approach to treatment. SIU Medicine Nephrology will offer comprehensive kidney health services, including management of chronic kidney disease, oversight of dialysis treatments and referrals for transplant care. Patients will continue to receive care from their trusted providers, who were previously affiliated with Central Illinois Kidney and Dialysis: Oritsegbubemi Adekola, MD Vikram Bhatti, MD Xueguang G. Chen, MD Max Nutt, MD Nirali Ramani, MD “The integration of kidney care services with our existing service lines allows us to provide seamless, highly coordinated care to SIU Medicine patients needing specialized kidney care,” said John Flack, MD, MPH, chair of the Department

Continue Reading

GODFREY – Lewis and Clark Community College is excited to host its inaugural comic and pop culture convention, Blazer Con, from 1-8 p.m., Saturday, April 12, 2025, in the George C. Terry River Bend Arena on the Godfrey Campus. The event is free and open to the public. Register today at https://lcedu.jotform.com/team/blazer-con/attendee-registration to secure your limited edition Blazer Con 2025 badge and lanyard featuring student-designed artwork. Badges are required for entry. “Blazer Con is the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in a world of sci-fi, fantasy, and pop culture,” Blazer Con creator and Media Specialist Jared Smilack said. “Whether you’re a die-hard D&D enthusiast, a video game aficionado, or someone who loves great food and socializing, there’s something for everyone.” Blazer Con will feature a diverse range of vendors and activities. Attendees can enjoy a variety of food options to satisfy their cravings, providing

Continue Reading

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois State Museum (ISM) is excited to announce the donation of a collection of items from President Abraham Lincoln’s extended family in Springfield. These family belongings are donated by descendants of the Hickox-Edwards families in memory of Catharine Officer Saxe Loucks. Passed down through five generations, they offer an exciting glimpse into the social and familial relationships of Lincoln’s Springfield. “These items tell the story of people who helped shape Illinois history,” said ISM Director Jenn Edginton. “The Illinois State Museum is thrilled to receive such an amazing donation. We cannot wait to share it with the people of Illinois.” The donated items represent the families of Virgil and Catharine Hickox and Ninian and Elizabeth Todd Edwards. They were passed down through the descendants of Charles and Mary Hickox Edwards, who married in 1868. Elizabeth Todd Edwards was the oldest sister of Mary Todd Lincoln;

Continue Reading

WASHINGTON, D.C. – This morning, the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee advanced six bipartisan bills to help lower the price of prescription drugs. U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, released the following statement: “Families are struggling to afford their medications. Congress must take an all-options approach to lowering prescription drug prices, and the bills we advanced today embody that spirit. The legislative package will improve coordination between agencies, bring generic drugs to market more quickly, and foster competition in the pharmaceutical industry. Notably, every bill advanced today was bipartisan. There’s real momentum here, and the Senate needs to pass these bills to help make progress on pocketbook issues facing the American people.” The following bills advanced to the full Senate by voice vote: S. 527, Prescription Pricing for the People Act of 2025 (Grassley, Welch, Coons,

Continue Reading

ALTON - Join us for our April Sierra Club Speaker Series featuring TreeHouse Wildlife Center on April 8, 2025 at 6:30 p.m. Meet some of their education animals, learn about summer internships, and a new job opening. Find out how you can help support their mission. Get all the details about their annual Baby Shower on Saturday, April 26, 2025. TreeHouse Wildlife Center is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to the rehabilitation of sick, injured, and orphaned wildlife and the educational promotion of environmental stewardship and awareness. Established in 1979, TreeHouse has been serving the southwestern Illinois community for over 40 years as a professional resource for those who encounter a wild animal in need. Come early at 5:30 p.m. to join us for dinner at Old Bakery Beer Company. Questions, contact Craig Heaton at 618-345-4822 or Chris Krusa at 410-490-5024.

Continue Reading

ALTON - Centerstone’s Rural Communities Opioid Response Program (RCORP) aims to prevent substance use before it starts by supporting children. Alexandria, the clinical coordinator for the Illinois RCORP, explained that the federally-funded grant program provides free mental health support for youth ages 3–18. The program also connects parents and families with other services through their coordinated care approach. “Our theory is if children receive the mental health support they deserve at an early age, they are less likely to engage in substances,” Alexandria said. “We just want to let everybody know what we are here to help, and our goal is to help each individual who connects with Centerstone to have a transformative experience so that they can thrive.” In Illinois, RCORP serves families in Bond, Calhoun, Clinton, Greene, Franklin, Macoupin, Montgomery, Perry, Saline, Union and Washington counties. These counties experience higher

Continue Reading

BETHALTO – Riverbender.com is excited to announce the latest expansion to our live coverage of local government. Starting Monday, April 14, 2025 , all Bethalto Village Board meetings will be streamed live on Riverbender.com/video/live . The Village Board meets on the second Monday of every month at 7 p.m. As seen on the Riverbender.com Live Video page and the Village of Bethalto website , the next Village Board meeting is set for April 14, 2025 at 7 p.m. The village website also features a full meeting calendar for 2025 , as well as relevant meeting agendas and minutes . Village Trustees include Brady Dugger, Rachel Sontag, Maria Perkhiser, Tim Tweedy, Terri Keister, and Jeff Mull. As the leading source for news in the Riverbend region, Riverbender.com has long made our livestreams of local government meetings available to the public. While Bethalto is the latest municipality to join our live coverage lineup, Riverbender.com also broadcasts meetings for the Alto

Continue Reading

TROY — A gasoline spill occurred at the 4-0 Quick Shop on South Main Street on Saturday, April 5, 2025, prompting a swift response from multiple agencies to contain the incident and monitor environmental impacts. Rob Hancock, the Director of Public Works for the City of Troy, confirmed that the spill does not pose a threat to the public water supply. He emphasized that the city's water wells are not located in the vicinity of the spill. Officials are currently on the scene managing the cleanup efforts and ensuring safety. Residents are advised to avoid the area while crews work to address the situation. The City of Troy continues to prioritize public safety and environmental protection during this incident. A 4-0 Quick Shop representative said it is hoped the business will reopen as of Monday, April 7, 2025, but nothing definite has been determined yet. As of Saturday morning, Troy Police said all businesses and roads one block north, east and west of 804 South Main Street

Continue Reading

GRANITE CITY – A man from Granite City faces five felony charges after a series of vehicle break-ins. Jeremy A. Mitchell Jr., 27, of Granite City, was charged with five Class 3 felony counts of burglary and a misdemeanor count of obstructing justice on April 4, 2025. On Sept. 30, 202 3 , Mitchell allegedly entered a series of motor vehicles with the intent to commit theft, including a 2018 GMC Sierra, a 2019 GMC Sierra, a 2019 Ford F-150, a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado, and a 2022 Jeep Gladiator. Mitchell was additionally charged with obstructing justice for providing a Pontoon Beach Police Officer with a false name. The case against Mitchell was presented by the Pontoon Beach Police Department, and he was granted pretrial release from custody. All individuals charged are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Continue Reading

WOOD RIVER — A 31-year-old woman from Wood River will remain in custody following a ruling by Associate Judge Emily Nielsen, who granted the State’s petition to deny pretrial release in a case involving serious drug-related charges. Madison County State’s Attorney Tom Haine announced the decision on Friday, stating that the continued detention of Valerie N. Hartkopf was necessary for public safety. Hartkopf faces multiple charges, including fentanyl trafficking, aggravated battery, and resisting or obstructing an officer. The charges stem from incidents that allegedly occurred on March 31, 2025, when Hartkopf is accused of bringing more than one gram of fentanyl into Illinois from Missouri and possessing between 15 to 100 grams of methamphetamine. In a separate incident, she is alleged to have deliberately exposed a State Police trooper to fentanyl by emptying capsules of the substance inside the trooper’s vehicle. After being taken to a hospital, Hartkopf reportedl

Continue Reading

CHICAGO – Attorney General Kwame Raoul, as part of a coalition of 21 attorneys general, is suing the Trump administration to stop the dismantling of three federal agencies that provide services and funding supporting public libraries and museums, workers and minority-owned businesses nationwide. In March, the Trump administration issued an executive order that would dismantle federal agencies created by Congress that collectively provide hundreds of millions of dollars for programs in every state. As a result of this executive order, the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) – one of the targeted agencies – has placed almost its entire staff on administrative leave and will cut hundreds of grants for state libraries and museums. The lawsuit filed today by Attorney General Raoul and the coalition seeks to stop the targeted destruction of the IMLS and two other agencies targeted in the administration’s order that millions of Americans rely on, especially

Continue Reading

EDWARDSVILLE - The first week of April marks Global Asbestos Awareness Week, and in its efforts to advocate for victims of asbestos exposure, The Gori Law Firm is proud to once again partner with the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO) to reinforce the importance of education, prevention and action. Throughout April 1-7, the ADAO offers unique opportunities for participation and champions initiatives that share the life-changing effects of asbestos and push for policy changes that protect everyday citizens from future exposure. This week is also a time of remembrance for victims of diseases caused by dangerous asbestos exposure, with a special candlelight vigil held on day seven to honor those individuals around the world. The 21st Annual Global Asbestos Awareness Week will also preview the launch of ADAO's new AI-powered chatbot, which will deliver on-demand, accurate, accessible and actionable information about asbestos exposure, prevention and policy in more than 100

Continue Reading