Riverbender 🕸

SPRINGFIELD – The 2021-2022 Illinois bobcat season concluded on Feb. 15 with 290 bobcats harvested by hunters and trappers. A total of 174 (56%) of bobcats were taken by hunting, while trapping accounted for 116 (37%) of the harvest. Twenty-three (7%) were salvaged by permit holders from circumstances such as roadkill. Hunters and trappers in Jefferson County reported 17 bobcats, which was the most for any county this year. There were more than 6,000 bobcat lottery applicants in 2021, and 1,000 permits were issued for the season. The bobcat harvest from the 2020-2021 season was 339, with 22 salvaged. The IDNR appreciates the support of hunters, trappers and IDNR staff who collected jaws for the bobcat research project at Southern Illinois University at Carbondale. The IDNR continues to monitor the status of bobcats and will evaluate the program as new data become available from ongoing research. For more information about bobcat hunting and trapping, visit https://www2.illinois.gov/dnr/trapping/Pages/Bobcat-Hunting-and-Trapping.aspx

Continue Reading

History has seen some fiercely intelligent, powerful, and inspirational women who have been pioneers for women’s rights and racial equality and have defined the worlds of science, mathematics, aviation, and literature. Some were inventors, scientists, leaders, politicians, and queens - literally. The list of inspirational women in history is endless, but these 12 strong women undeniably changed the world for the better. They were the rule-breakers and pioneers that showed their male peers what it means to be role models. Jane Austen defined an entire literary genre with her shrewd social observations and wit. Born into a family of eight children in England, Austen started writing her now-classic novels, such as Pride and Prejudice and Sense and Sensibility, in her teens. Her novels are funny, endearing, and question women’s roles within society. Austen had to hide her identity as the author of some of the most popular novels of her day and it wasn’t until her death

Continue Reading

TAYLORVILLE - John Mollet, a Taylorville resident, had some “bumps” in the road a few years back. Bumps that could have caused him to make some poor decisions that would not have been conducive to his personal, physical, or spiritual well-being. But as a former Marine, his mind was strong enough to steer him on a better path. Instead of adapting a lifestyle that would have most likely numbed his pain temporarily, but have lasting detrimental effects, he decided to go completely in the opposite direction. The first thing he did was open his own business, Zone Nutrition (2014) on Taylorville’s downtown square. Mollet didn’t just sell nutritional products, he lived them. Soon, some friends used a guest pass and took him to “their” gym, The Lock-Up Gym, also on the Taylorville square. The Lock-Up was opened in 2002 by Don Broaddus, a law enforcement officer, and was strictly for law enforcement personnel when it first opened. After only about a year,

Continue Reading

ALTON – Centerstone, a national leader in behavioral health care, is teaming up with the Illinois Council on Problem Gambling (ICPG) to host the 3 rd annual Problem and Compulsive Gambling Symposium on Thursday, March 24 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. via Zoom. CEUs are available. “March is Problem Gambling Awareness Month. And, Centerstone is honored to host this free event with an exciting lineup of speakers to start conversations about gambling disorder issues and educate those in attendance about prevention, treatment and recovery services available,” said Angela Quigley-Ragland, clinical coordinator at Centerstone. Symposium speakers include: Deborah G. Haskins, Ph.D., LCPC, ACS, MAC, ICGC II, BACC, ICGSO - “Guess Who’s Coming to Problem Gambling Treatment, Prevention, and Community Wellness? What’s On Your Menu?” o Remember Sidney Portier in the amazing “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner?” Well, over 50 years later while there

Continue Reading

ST. LOUIS – A federal grand jury indicted Cornelius M. Green and Phillip J. Cutler on March 9, 2022, for conspiracy to commit murder for hire and murder for hire that resulted in the death of Jocelyn Peters and her unborn child in 2016. The indictment alleges that Green and Cutler had a longstanding and close friendship and Green, already legally married to another was involved in an ongoing romantic relationship with Jocelyn Peters. In 2015, Ms. Peters became pregnant, with Green being the father of the unborn child. Cornelius Green was the principal at Carr Lane Visual and Performing Arts School just outside downtown St. Louis at the time of the alleged crime. Beginning at an exact time unknown but including February 29, 2016, through October 11, 2016, within the Eastern District of Missouri and elsewhere, Green devised a plan to murder Peters and her unborn child. Part of that plan was that Green offered cash to Cutler for the murder of Peters and her unborn child. It

Continue Reading

EDWARDSVILLE - Marathon Pipe Line (MPL) released more late Saturday morning about the crude oil spill near Edwardsville. MPL Communications Director Jamil T. Kheiry released these comments: Upon detecting the release Friday morning, March 11, MPL shut down the pipeline and deployed response resources. Crude oil reached the Cahokia diversion channel, and MPL has deployed boom at several locations along the channel to contain it. No injuries have been reported. MPL has deployed air monitoring in the area as a precaution and has detected no hazardous level of emissions. There are no water intakes or private wells in the immediate vicinity of the release. MPL resources deployed to the area for cleanup activities include boom, vacuum trucks, skimmers, and excavating equipment. Additional personnel and equipment are en route to the location to assist in cleanup activities. We are working with local, state, and federal agencies as we respond. MPL’s top priorities are to ensure

Continue Reading

SPRINGFIELD – The estimate of the Madison County crude oil release on Friday, March 11, 2022, in a crude oil spill from a pipeline, which impacted Cahokia Creek, is 3,000 barrels or 165,000 gallons. The spill occurred near Illinois Route 143 and Old Alton-Edwardsville Road in Edwardsville. The National Response Center and Illinois Emergency Management Agency received the initial reports regarding the crude oil release. The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (Illinois EPA) has referred an enforcement action to the Illinois Attorney General’s Office against Marathon Pipe Line LLC (Marathon) for a release of crude oil from a pipeline near Edwardsville (Madison County). The referral cites violations of the Illinois Environmental Protection Act and the Illinois Pollution Control Board’s regulations. The Marathon pipeline runs parallel to Cahokia Creek, and the release was observed flowing out of the bank on the creek along the pipeline right-of-way. Emergency

Continue Reading

SPRINGFIELD - Governor J.B. Pritzker on Friday announced the appointment of Sangamon County State’s Attorney Dan Wright to the newly-formed Illinois Forensic Science Commission, subject to confirmation by Senate. Wright is an Alton native and 1997 graduate of Marquette Catholic High School. The Forensic Science Commission will provide guidance to the General Assembly and other forensic science stakeholders in the criminal justice system to ensure the efficient delivery of forensic services and the sound practice of forensic science. Illinois is one of 11 states to establish a Forensic Science Commission. Wright said: “As State’s Attorney, I am deeply committed to the fair and equal administration of justice in Sangamon County. Forensic evidence plays a critical role in our criminal justice system. Service on the Illinois Forensic Science Commission alongside experts in the field to ensure the sound practice of forensic science supports the ability of prosecutors

Continue Reading

O’FALLON - Hospital Sisters Health System (HSHS) Illinois Division recently announced a scholarship opportunity for students pursuing a career in nursing. The HSHS Scholars program is open to qualifying students attending an accredited nursing program. Students can earn up to $20,000 of funding for educational expenses. In addition to financial help, recipients will have a job upon graduating and passing boards in an HSHS Illinois Division hospital. “St. Elizabeth’s and the other HSHS ministries in Illinois have many education and career development programs with partners in our area. This scholarship is another way we can support nursing students and continue to develop a strong, highly-competent workforce for our hospitals and patients,” said Regina Peterson, DNP, RN, chief nursing officer at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in O’Fallon, IL. Interested students can apply at hshs.org/ILnursingscholarship . The deadline to apply is May 1, 2022. Applications

Continue Reading

GLEN CARBON - The village of Glen Carbon is tucked into river bluffs in southwestern Illinois. European immigrants working at a brickyard and coal mines incorporated the village in 1892 and elected some of their peers to organize protection and services. It was a thriving village with a population of 1,200 in 1900 that fell to just 300 residents when the coal mines closed during the Great Depression. Families stayed together by buying company houses for $50 per room, and neighborhood and government programs helped them survive. As the economy improved, Glen Carbon’s leaders annexed affluent and well-planned subdivisions. Glen Carbon families, including the Yanda, Primas, Wieduwilt, Pizzini, Harris, and dozens of others persevered so that Glen Carbon could become the community it is today. Saving historic buildings and venues – along with planning newer subdivisions and shopping centers – helped create a peaceful village that unites the past and present. While developing

Continue Reading

SPRINGFIELD - Roberts Seafood Market, in the heart of Springfield, has been an institution and pillar in the community for more than 100-years. Family-owned and operated, the fifth generation of Roberts is knee-high and already playing their part in the business. You can spot the youngest family member on social media from time to time – or in the store helping her parents. Whether you share the Robert family’s stories on social media, through radio, or you’re a frequent visitor to the market, you can’t help but want to learn more. Robert’s Seafood Market was launched in 1916 by Henry Robert. The market was located downtown on West Washington Street until it moved to its current location at 1615 W. Jefferson in 1966. The family business grew most significantly in the foodservice distribution from the mid-1970s until it sold that division to Sysco Foods in 2004. The seafood market, however, remained in the family and has since grown to include many categories

Continue Reading

CARLINVILLE - The Blackburn College Department of Music & Theatre will present a studio voice recital on Sunday, March 20 at 2:00 pm in Bothwell Auditorium. The concert is free and open to the public but reservations are required. Masks are required, as well. This inaugural event will feature students participating in Blackburn’s Music program working with Grace Fisher, instructor of voice, and Dr. Joseph Welch, professor of music. A variety of solo pieces will be performed and will offer a chance for students to showcase their work throughout the year. Tim Conner, a senior from Carlinville, IL, will be one of the students performing in the recital. He also serves as the concert producer as part of Blackburn’s unique student Work Program - a program where students can build a full resume with relevant, professional experience all while earning their degree. ”This is an opportunity to recognize and support the work of our vocal students,” Conner said. “We’re

Continue Reading

EDWARDSVILLE – The largest technical dairy competition in the world was held in Madison, Wisconsin, last week, with representatives from 29 nations around the globe bringing their best cheeses for a panel of industry-renowned judges to review. Following three days of intense taste judging and scrutiny, Prairie Farms cheeses earned top spots in a trio of categories, including a ‘Best of Class’ award and a 99.475 score in the Cottage Cheese category for its 4% Small Curd Cottage Cheese made at Quincy, Illinois. The Quincy plant also earned a third-place award in the same category for its 2% Small Curd Cottage cheese and a fourth-place finish for Whole Milk Peach yogurt in the Yogurt, Cow’s Milk, Flavored category. In the Blue Veined Cheeses with Exterior Molding category, Prairie Farms’ Caves of Faribault team in Faribault, Minnesota earned a solid third place with its Felix® blue cheese. Felix® earned a very respectable score of 99.145 against more

Continue Reading

URBANA – Another Illinois winter has gone with the promise of spring to soon arrive. Garden catalogs have been arriving for months allowing gardeners to look forward to spring 2022 - the fresh air, energic wildlife, and the gardening. While many have already bought seeds and started to sow them, what if you’re just now thumbing through seed and plant catalogs looking for inspiration, warmth, and a new challenge? “Start by keeping good garden records from previous years to aid in the planning for the new spring. I always like to test a new plant or six, that is suited for USDA hardiness zone 5, which can sometimes be a challenge without a plan or a map,” says University of Illinois Horticulture educator Bruce J. Black . “After mapping out your existing perennials, think about what new plants could be added to your landscape and their space requirements. After covering this topic now for seven years, my starting place is the All-America Selections.”

Continue Reading

EDWARDSVILLE - Marathon Petroleum Corporation issued a statement about a leak Friday afternoon from a portion of the Marathon Pipeline near the intersection of Illinois State Route 143 and Illinois State 159 in Edwardsville. The break is leaking crude oil into the Cahokia Canal. First responders are at the scene near the intersection of Illinois State Route 143 and Illinois State Route 159. Marathon Petroleum Corporation released this statement: “Upon detecting the release, MPL shut down the pipeline and deployed response resources, including personnel and equipment that are on site. Crude oil has reached the Cahokia diversion channel, and MPL has deployed a boom to contain it. "MPL has made relevant regulatory notifications. No injuries have been reported. MPL’s top priorities are to ensure the safety of responders, the community and to limit the environmental impact as we respond to the crude oil release.” Wanda Road from New Poag Road to Wagon Wheel Road is

Continue Reading

ALTON - There will be a lot of St. Patrick’s Day in the air in Downtown Alton on Saturday, March 12, even though the official date of St. Pat’s Day is Thursday, March 17, 2022. The annual St. Pat’s Day Crawl in Alton is from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, March 12. For many of the Downtown Alton bars and restaurants, this is a new Irish beginning after two years of the COVID-19 Pandemic. Mary Morrison, one of the owners of Morrison’s Pub in Downtown Alton, said she can’t wait to open the doors for Saturday’s St. Pat’s Day Crawl. “It is the biggest day of the year for us and it is a true Irish celebration,” Morrison said. “We are very happy to still be here after the COVID-19 Pandemic. One thing about the Irish, is we are used to struggling. I think this year is going to be a good year. We are all still here downtown and we encourage people to come out and enjoy our company!” One of the day’s highlights will be a

Continue Reading

GODFREY - The estate of a former Godfrey resident has filed suit against a nursing home, claiming the staff failed to prevent sores, which resulted in a fatal infection. Chris Vaughn, the administrator of the estate of Kate Vaughn, 71, claims the deceased was admitted to Integrity of Godfrey, where she developed severe infections and developed sores and ulcers, on her heels, sacrum, and buttocks, according to the suit. She was a resident of the home from Sept. 9, 2020, through Dec. 2, 2020, when she was discharged from there to Alton Memorial Hospital. “At the time of her Sept. 9, 2020, admission to, and her stay at, Integrity of Godfrey, the defendant, through its agents or employees, knew or should have known, that descendant was at high risk for developing pressure and other sores and wounds because of her medical conditions, treatment, and history,” the suit alleges. At the hospital, her condition continued to deteriorate until she died on Dec. 17, 2020, the suit alleges

Continue Reading

EDWARDSVILLE - Edwardsville Mayor Art Risavy shared on Friday that So Hospitality Group will expand two restaurant concepts to Edwardsville by March 2023 in front of the Trace On The Parkway. Munsok So is the entrepreneur and chef behind the efforts. Drunken Fish’s specialty is sushi, and Kimchi Guys specializes in Korean fried chicken. The building will be in the Trace on the Parkway area at the intersection of Governors Parkway and Illinois Route 157. So Hospitality Group will have half of the new 10,000-square-foot building and the remainder will be available to other businesses. Edwardsville Mayor Art Risavy said the city is “really excited” to have both new businesses. “I think they will both be great additions to the city,” he said. “It will also be a great addition for the many living in the Trace on the Parkway area,” he added. “We have so many great community partners and these businesses will just add to that.” “There

Continue Reading

LIVINGSTON - A Belleville woman has pleaded guilty to driving under the influence causing death and driving under the influence causing great bodily harm in the traffic death of a child and severe injury to another. Laura Schmittling, 28, pleaded guilty to the two counts with no agreement as to her sentence. The crimes each carry a sentence of between three and 14 years in prison. A sentencing hearing will be held at a later date. Schmittling was southbound on Interstate 55 when the Chevrolet Malibu she was driving went off the road and hit a guardrail, then ended up on the left lane. A tractor-trailer truck swerved to avoid the Malibu but side-swiped a Ford Focus in an adjacent lane. Another big truck then hit the Malibu. Court documents said tests showed she had methamphetamine, amphetamine, and marijuana in her system. A 4-year-old and a 6-year-old in the Focus were also injured. Schmittling was originally charged with three counts of aggravated driving causing death, three counts

Continue Reading

Simmons Hanly Conroy attorneys represented 76-year-old Missouri man diagnosed with mesothelioma cancer decades after replacing asbestos-containing brakes ST LOUIS – Simmons Hanly Conroy , one of the nation’s largest mesothelioma law firms, has secured a $20 million verdict against Ford Motor Company on behalf of Missouri resident William “Bill” Trokey who was diagnosed in 2020 with mesothelioma, a rare and fatal cancer caused by asbestos exposure. Mr. Trokey was exposed to asbestos starting in high school during the 1960s while working at a service station in St. Louis. He suffered repeated asbestos exposures to the toxic dust while servicing asbestos-containing brakes manufactured by Ford Motor Company. The jury found that Ford failed to warn Mr. Trokey about the dangers of asbestos and awarded him $10 million in compensatory damages and $10 million to his wife, Cathy, for loss of consortium. “After examining hundreds of pieces of evidence,

Continue Reading