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CARLINVILLE - DaNautica Williams, a sophomore justice administration major from East St. Louis, is the recipient of Blackburn College’s 2025 Martin Luther King (MLK) Student Leadership Award. Presented annually, this award honors students who have demonstrated outstanding commitment and service to the ideals of diversity, equity, and inclusion at the College. Williams was announced as the recipient during Blackburn’s annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Convocation on Monday, January 27. Blackburn’s MLK Student Leadership Award was first presented in 2014 to celebrate the exceptional community-based work Blackburn students undertake. To be eligible for the award, a student must meet one or more criteria, including exhibiting leadership that has significantly impacted the Blackburn community, extraordinary commitment and dedication to service, volunteerism, or perseverance to overcome challenges. Nominations praised Williams for her exceptional engagement and dedication t

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EDWARDSVILLE – A GoFundMe campaign has been established for a pediatric G.I. nurse from Edwardsville known as “G.I. Jen.” Jen Kvale, also known as "G.I. Jen," has spent over 25 years caring for children at Cardinal Glennon Children's Hospital in St. Louis. Now, she’s counting on the community’s support as she faces ongoing medical costs from a devastating stroke. “Beyond her career, Jen is a devoted mother to her two daughters, Ava (16) and Claire (8), who are the light of her life,” fundraiser organizer Nisha Mangalat stated on the GoFundMe page. “She is also a loving wife to her husband Tim, a devoted daughter, a caring sister, and a loyal friend. Jen’s kindness and selflessness have touched everyone who knows her. “On August 10, 2023, Jen’s world was turned upside down when she suffered a devastating stroke, the cause of which remains unclear. Since then, she has embarked on a challenging journey of recovery,

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"My name is Susan Robbins and I am announcing my intention to run for the office of Godfrey Village Clerk in the upcoming municipal election scheduled for April 1, 2025. As the current Village Clerk, I have had the privilege of serving the residents of Godfrey for the last year and a half. I began working for Godfrey Township in 2001, starting in the Godfrey Township Supervisor’s office and worked for Godfrey Township until it was dissolved in 2019. I transferred to the Village of Godfrey in January of 2019 to serve as Deputy Clerk for 4 years, with the previous Village Clerk, Bethany Bohn. I was appointed in April 2023 by The Mayor and The Village Board of Trustees to fill the remaining term of Village Clerk after Mrs. Bohn passed away. I have the knowledge and experience to effectively perform the duties of the Village Clerk, having worked in the Village Clerk’s office for the past 6 years. I have completed extensive Municipal Clerk training over the years and have earne

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ALTON – Alton Little Theater is thrilled to announce an exciting addition to its entertainment lineup: Steve Shininger and The ShinSings Orchestra for one performance only! Join us on Sunday, February 23rd at 2:30 PM for an unforgettable afternoon of live music featuring the very best in timeless classics and beloved hits. The ShinSings Orchestra, a 13-piece "little big band," brings an incredible repertoire spanning artists such as Frank Sinatra, Michael Bublé, Brian Setzer, James Taylor, Gordon Lightfoot, Glenn Miller, Count Basie, Duke Ellington, and more! The remarkable vocal talents of Steve Shininger will transport audiences with renditions of iconic songs that have stood the test of time. "We’re ecstatic to host Steve Shininger and The ShinSings Orchestra at Alton Little Theater," says Eric Sykes, Executive Director. "This concert is a one-of-a-kind opportunity to experience exceptional live music in an intimate setting. It's a perfect way to brighten u

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Did you know that Super Bowl Sunday is the second-largest day for food consumption in the United States, right after Thanksgiving? Each year, Americans consume an average of 1.4 billion chicken wings, 11 million pounds of chips, and an astounding 8 million pounds of guacamole. This gastronomic extravaganza is just one facet of a day that has evolved from a mere championship game into a cultural spectacle that captivates millions around the globe. How did the Super Bowl become such a significant part of American culture, and what does it say about us as a society? The Birth of the Super Bowl The Super Bowl traces its roots back to the merger of the National Football League (NFL) and the American Football League (AFL) in the late 1960s. The inaugural Super Bowl, played on January 15, 1967, featured the Green Bay Packers and the Kansas City Chiefs, drawing a modest audience of around 60 million viewers. At that time, the event was simply the championship game between the two leagues,

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January 30th has witnessed a series of significant events that have left lasting impacts on the world. 1968: The Tet Offensive Begins Perhaps one of the most significant events in the history of the Vietnam War, January 30, 1968, marked the beginning of the Tet Offensive. Coordinated by North Vietnamese and Viet Cong forces, this surprise attack during the Vietnamese New Year (Tet) caught U.S. and South Vietnamese forces off guard. The offensive aimed to strike key military and civilian locations throughout South Vietnam, including the U.S. Embassy in Saigon. Although the offensive was ultimately repelled, it drastically changed public perception of the war in the United States, leading to increased anti-war sentiment and a reevaluation of American involvement in Vietnam. 1948: Assassination of Mahatma Gandhi On this day in 1948, India faced a profound loss as Mahatma Gandhi, a leader of the Indian independence movement and a proponent of non-violent resistance, was assassinated

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EDWARDSVILLE - Madison County State’s Attorney Tom Haine announced on Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025, that a juvenile has been detained on charges of aggravated unlawful use of a weapon and defacing the identification marks of a firearm. The juvenile, a 17-year-old male from Belleville, is charged in a Delinquency Petition with possession of a 9mm pistol. The charges allege that, on Dec. 20, 2024, in the area of Interstate 255 and North Bluff Road in Collinsville, the juvenile possessed a handgun that was uncased, loaded and immediately accessible, and that the serial number had been removed from the firearm. The case has been investigated by the Collinsville Police Department. This charge and the statements made herein are based upon probable cause. The defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.

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ALTON – The results of the 2024 Financial Audit for the City of Alton shows that the financial records are free from material misstatement and provide a true and fair view of the financial statements of the City. The Financial Audit for the year ending March 31, 2024, reported an excess of revenues over expenditures for the General Fund in the amount of $7,754,295. This is the third consecutive year that the City has improved on the prior year’s financial condition for the General Fund. Mayor David Goins indicated he was pleased with strengthening the City’s financial position. He stated, “One of my priorities when taking office, was to halt deficit spending within the General Fund. By carefully balancing financial resources with services rendered, we are able to restore the City’s financial footing. I am thankful and proud of the outstanding work of our City employees. Given the size and complexity of our City, this is a major accomplishment”. Debbi

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EDWARDSVILLE - Neighbors Bakeshop, a beloved local establishment in Edwardsville, is entering its final week of operations, inviting customers to enjoy its offerings one last time. The bakeshop, located at 1010 Enclave, Suite B, has announced that it will provide complimentary items with every purchase during its final week, aiming to celebrate its loyal customer base. The bakeshop has long been a community staple, emphasizing its mission to create a welcoming environment through the joy of baking. "At Neighbors Bakeshop, we believe in the magic of baking to bring people together," the organization said. "Our mission is to create a cozy corner where everyone feels at home, brought together by the aroma of freshly baked sweet treats that warm the heart." The decision to close comes after years of service in the community. Neighbors Bakeshop expressed gratitude for the support it has received, and said: "Thank you for all of the wonderful support." The bakeshop's final week i

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OSHKOSH, Wis. (January 29, 2025) - University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh officials have released the names of students who qualified for the Dean's List and Honor Roll in fall 2024 across its Oshkosh and Fox Cities campuses. Edwardsville's Ethan Stukenberg was included on the Honor Roll list. The term grade-point average (GPA) requirement for University Honor Roll is 3.3; the term GPA requirement for Dean's List is 3.75, out of a possible 4.0. To qualify, a student must have been enrolled in a minimum of 12 credits. There can be no individual grades below a "C" and no incomplete or non-reported grades at the time the process is run.

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GRAFTON - Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, and the City of Grafton has several events planned for their “Grafton is for Lovers” promotion. On the weekend of Feb. 14, 2025, residents of the Riverbend and beyond are invited to Grafton for a weekend of meals, deals and specials. Dan Ebbing, president of the Grafton Chamber of Commerce, said that the community has come together to sponsor several promotions and bring people into Grafton to celebrate the holiday. “Valentine’s Day is on a Friday this year, folks, so you need to come to Grafton,” he said. “We have a whole list of activities and programs that the different businesses are doing.” As of this writing, there are a few hotels and Airbnbs in Grafton that still have availability for Valentine’s Day weekend, including Grafton Inn, Grafton Getaway Guesthouse, Acres Inn, GoGo-May’s Cherry on Top, Divine Guesthouse, Heaven’s Gate Guesthouse and Reubel

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GRANITE CITY – A convicted felon from Granite City faces several new felony charges related to weapons and drugs discovered during a traffic stop. Kenneth R. Nicol, 42, listed as homeless out of Granite City, was charged with the following: Armed violence (Class X felony) Unlawful possession of a firearm by a repeat felony offender (Class X felony) Possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance (Class 1 felony) Unlawful possession of a stolen firearm (Class 2 felony) Felon in possession of a weapon (Class 3 felony) Felon in possession of a weapon (Class 3 felony) Felon in possession of a weapon (Class 3 felony) Unlawful possession of methamphetamine (Class 3 felony) On Jan. 16, 2025, Nicol was allegedly found in possession of multiple firearms, including a Sig Sauer 1911 .45 caliber handgun, a Rami 9mm handgun, and a Taurus 9mm handgun. According to descriptions of the charges in this case, the Rami 9mm handgun had been stolen. Nicol’s

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In a speech on the Senate floor, Durbin listed the critical programs – VAWA funding, veterans’ support, early education programs – that were throw n into chaos by the OMB memo that put a hold on federal funding WASHINGTON – In a speech on the Senate floor last night, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) denounced the Trump Administration’s decision to issue an Office of Management and Budget (OMB) memo to “temporarily pause all activities related to obligation or disbursement of trillions of dollars of Federal financial assistance,” which caused mass confusion about the funding and operations of hundreds of government-funded programs ranging from Medicaid, to Head Start, to Violence Against Women Act grants. Shortly before the federal funding freeze began, U.S. District Court Judge Loren L. Alikhan, who was confirmed under Durbin’s tenure as Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, temporarily blocked the move by the Trum

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From engaging community initiatives like the Project Homeless Connect to fun-filled festivities such as Harry Potter Night at Skate City, the upcoming events in the Riverbend area offer a delightful variety that caters to all interests and ages. For a complete listing of these exciting happenings, be sure to visit https://www.riverbender.com/events/ . Featured Winter Reading Retreat invites you to grab a book and your favorite sweater and head to Hayner Library at Alton Square Mall for the one-year anniversary of our reading retreat! While here, you can sip on hot cocoa, eat a snack, create your own winter scene in a jar, chat about books, and read too! You are welcome to bring your own drinks and treats as well. Not sure what to read? Clear up your “to be read” list, check out a library book before you join us, use this time to finish a super-long book you’ve been intimidated by, read a few short stories, or cycle through a few books four or five chapters at a

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FREEBURG — A pedestrian was struck and killed by a vehicle in Freeburg at 10:29 p.m. on Tuesday, January 28, 2025, according to the Illinois State Police (ISP) Troop 8. The incident occurred on Illinois State Route 13, where a 2012 black Jeep Wrangler was traveling south when a 35-year-old male pedestrian from Freeburg entered the roadway. The vehicle struck the pedestrian, who sustained life-threatening injuries and was transported to a regional hospital. He was later pronounced deceased at the hospital. The driver of the Jeep, a 31-year-old female also from Freeburg, reported no injuries at the scene. ISP is actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash, and no further information is available at this time.

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JERSEYVILLE - Today, Governor JB Pritzker joined the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) and local leaders to announce Regional Site Readiness Program awards totaling $31 million to support site readiness activities at 24 sites across the state. The program includes two competitive funding opportunities: Planning grants to support due diligence activities, studies and site plans, and Capital Ready grants to support capital infrastructure improvements. Through this funding, 13 Planning grantees and 11 Capital Ready grantees will undertake due diligence and development projects to better prepared sites to attract future investment and new job opportunities in the industrial sector across Illinois’ Economic Development Regions. “Readiness planning, assessments, infrastructure improvements – these things are all the fundamental work that must be done for businesses and investments to flourish and jobs to grow across the state,” said Governo

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WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), along with U.S. Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and Cory Booker (D-NJ), today introduced the Mentoring to Succeed Act in recognition of January as National Mentoring Month. U.S. Representatives Jan Schakowsky (D-IL-09), Jesús “Chuy” García (D-IL-04), and Lori Trahan (D-MA-03) introduced companion legislation in the House earlier this week. This legislation creates a strong, sustainable support system through mentorship to ensure that children who experience barriers like poverty, disability, adverse childhood experiences, or drug or alcohol abuse, can successfully transition to high school, college, and the workforce. The Mentoring to Succeed Act would strengthen investments in mentorship programs to help youth facing risk develop the academic, social, and workforce skills that lead to success. “Across Illinois and the country, young kids, especially from underserved communities, fac

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EDWARDSVILLE - Jazz artists from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s Concert Jazz Band and four featured SIUE alumni will take the stage in both Edwardsville and midtown St. Louis in February for two stellar evenings. Opening night on the Edwardsville campus will precede “An Evening with the Chancellor at Jazz St. Louis.” The Edwardsville concert will also feature the inaugural Brett Stamps Jazz Alumni Award. Performances are scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2025 at 7:30 p.m. and Thursday, Feb. 6 at 6 p.m. Alumni musicians scheduled to appear include saxophonist and organist Austin Cebulske (’12), jazz pianist Kara Baldus-Mehrmann (’03, ’05), bassist and Grammy nominee Nick Jost (’08, ’12) and drummer Marty Morrison (’09, ’12). “I’m beyond thrilled to return to SIUE, a place that was so crucial to my development as a musician and pivotal in my career as an educator,” said Cebulske, who teaches

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ALTON - The Three Rivers Project of Sierra Club Illinois, Alton YWCA, and Hayner Public Library District are hosting two Seed Swaps this winter to provide community members with a space to swap and share quality seeds, cuttings, and bulbs. Join fellow farmers and gardeners in celebration of the start of the spring gardening season at this community event, which is free and open to all. The first seed swap will be held at the Alton YWCA on Sunday, Feb. 16, 2025 from 12 to 2 p.m. To register for the first Seed Swap at the Alton YWCA, visit https://sc.org/seedswap-YWCA . The second seed swap will be held at the Downtown Alton location of the Hayner Library on Saturday, March 8 from 12 to 2 p.m. To register for the Seed Swap at the Hayner Library, visit https://sc.org/seedswap-library . If you are sharing self-collected seeds, please label the homegrown seeds with the common or species name, year, and your name. If you are sharing commercial seed packets, there is no need to label the

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SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Christopher Belt will serve as the chair of the Senate Appropriations-Public Safety and Infrastructure Committee for the 104th General Assembly. “My number one focus is to hold the line on funding for law enforcement and gun violence prevention,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “We need to make public safety a priority, and I will advocate for state spending to reflect that.” Prior to serving in the Illinois Senate, Belt enjoyed an 18-year career as a law enforcement officer. He spent 16 years with the St. Clair County Probation and Detention Center and two years as the regional deputy administrator of aftercare for the central and southern regions of Illinois. Since taking office, Belt has passed laws to advance public safety, develop pre-apprenticeship programs across the state and secure funding to upgrade roads and bridges. Under Belt’s leadership, the Illinois State Police saw historic funding to hire and train 200 new

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