Riverbender 🕸

EDWARDSVILLE - The baseball team of American Legion Post #199 wrapped up their first season back on the field after a hiatus following their coach’s death. Nick Steele, who restarted the team this year under the name “Blacksox,” is looking forward to rebuilding the program in coming years while honoring the man who started it. He hopes the kids who played this season have enjoyed Legion Baseball as an alternative to high school or travel ball, all while giving back to local veterans. “As a Legion, we represent veterans,” Coach Steele said. “And to have the boys come out and show the gentlemen respect, be a part of the Legion, it breathes life back into the local Legion…Those kids are going to be a part of the Legion growing up.” American Legion Baseball is a major tradition in the organization. Steele said he was excited to restart the program at Post #199 because it’s affordable and fun for kids who “have the passion

Continue Reading

EDWARDSVILLE - A man convicted of murder for intentionally striking a woman with his truck has been sentenced to 60 years in prison. Madison County State’s Attorney Tom Haine announced Tuesday that Richard D. Mayor, 60, of East St. Louis, had received the sentence. In June, a jury found Mayor guilty of first-degree murder in the death of Lisa M. Dunnavant-Polach, 46, of Washington Park. The two had been in a relationship but became involved in a dispute. Mayor struck Dunnavant-Polach with his pickup as she walked along Illinois Route 111 on Feb. 21, 2023. The impact nearly severed one of her legs, and she died later at a hospital. “This was a cowardly yet cruel act by a criminal who has no regard for others,” Haine said. “To this day, this perpetrator refuses to take responsibility for his actions.” Evidence and testimony at trial showed that Dunnavant-Polach was on foot along Illinois 111 and trying to evade Mayor, who was driving a pickup. The driver

Continue Reading

SOUTH ROXANA — Mayor Barbara Overton has announced her resignation from her position due to health-related concerns. "We express our deepest gratitude to Mayor Overton for her commitment to the village and we wish her a fast and full recovery," South Roxana City Administration/Police Chief Bob Coles of South Roxana, said on Tuesday. "We are pleased to announce T.J. Callahan will assume the role of Mayor Pro Tempore. Mr. Callahan is looking forward to working closely with our community and current board members to move South Roxana forward in the right direction. He brings a wealth of experience and passion to the role, and we're confident in his ability to continue leading South Roxana. "In other exciting community news, our new Recreation Committee of trustee Greg Adams and Anna Broadfoot, have been preparing for a lot of community events slated over the next couple of years. We eagerly anticipate the enthusiasm, fellowship, and shared community spirit these events will foster.

Continue Reading

SPRINGFIELD - The Illinois Supreme Court ruled 5-2 on Tuesday that eliminating cash bail for defendants awaiting trial does not violate the Illinois Constitution. This allows a historic change to the criminal justice system to go forward over objections from county prosecutors who challenged the law. Illinois became the first state in the nation to eliminate cash bail as a condition of pretrial release from jail. “The Illinois Constitution of 1970 does not mandate that monetary bail is the only means to ensure criminal defendants appear for trials or the only means to protect the public,” Chief Justice Mary Jane Theis wrote in the majority opinion. “Our constitution creates a balance between the individual rights of defendants and the individual rights of crime victims.” The law eliminating cash bail creates a system “commensurate with that balance,” the court ruled. The Illinois Supreme Court decision came more than four months after the high

Continue Reading

JERSEYVILLE - A man from Jerseyville who reportedly kicked a pregnant woman in the stomach and strangled her last month is facing two felony counts for battery, according to recent Jersey County court filings. Michael W. Steinacher, 22, of Jerseyville, was charged with one count of aggravated battery and one count of aggravated domestic battery. The description for the second count alleges Steinacher, while “knowing” the victim “to be pregnant … kicked her in the stomach.” The description of the first count alleges he “intentionally strangled” the victim, “in that he impeded the normal breathing or circulation of the victim’s blood by applying pressure on the throat or neck of the victim.” Steinacher was charged with a Class 2 felony for Count 1 - aggravated battery, and a Class 3 felony for Count 2 - aggravated domestic battery. The incident allegedly took place on or about June 15, 2023. Bail for Steinacher was se

Continue Reading

EDWARDSVILLE - The Edwardsville Municipal Band is thrilled to announce its upcoming concert, "Jazz, Sing, and More," scheduled to take place on Thursday, July 20, at 8:00 PM on the Cleaon Etzkorn Bandstand at City Park. Under the direction of co-conductor Dr. Rubén Darío Gómez, the band pays homage to the legends of jazz and features an eclectic lineup of composers. From the unforgettable sound of Glenn Miller's big band hits to the timeless ragtime melodies of Scott Joplin, the audience will be transported on a nostalgic journey through the history of American music. The concert will also include selections from the renowned Henry Mancini, whose cinematic compositions have left an indelible mark on the world of music. Furthermore, the infectious rhythms and energy of Miami Sound Machine will infuse the evening with a vibrant Latin flavor, bringing a touch of tropical heat to the park. Concessions available during the event will directly benefit the Glen Ed

Continue Reading

CHICAGO – Gov. JB Pritzker announced today that individuals and businesses devastated by the severe weather and tornadoes on June 29th through July 4th may request waivers of penalties and interest on state taxes if they cannot file their returns or make payments on time. Those impacted in the counties declared a disaster are eligible to request a waiver of penalties and interest for income, withholding, sales, specialty, and excise taxes. The counties covered by the Disaster Proclamation include: Coles, Cook, Edgar, Hancock, McDonough, Morgan, Sangamon, and Washington. “Many Illinois communities suffered extensive damage due to the recent torrential rain and severe weather,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “To support those impacted across the state, I have signed a disaster proclamation and the state will waive the penalties for impacted taxpayers who need more time to file their state taxes.” Taxpayers seeking waivers of penalties and interest for taxes

Continue Reading

CHICAGO — Today, Governor JB Pritzker continued the delegation phase of his trade mission to the United Kingdom with meetings with government and education leaders as well as a meeting with U.S. Ambassador to the United Kingdom. The Governor and President of the University of Illinois system, Dr. Timothy Killeen, met with Sir Gerry McCormac, Principal and Vice Chancellor of the University of Stirling, and Sir Peter Mathieson, the Principal and Vice Chancellor of the University of Edinburgh. In addition to his leadership at the University of Stirling, Sir Gerry McCormac currently serves as the international policy lead for Universities UK, a collective of 140 universities. The Governor discussed opportunities to strengthen the transatlantic connection between post-secondary institutions in the United Kingdom and Illinois. In particular, they discussed expanding mobility of distinguished researchers and students from the United Kingdom to Illinois, allowing for increased funding

Continue Reading

WOOD RIVER - Wood River Police Sgt. Aaron Burns and two others represented the Wood River Police Department in the 19th Annual Cycle Across Illinois benefiting Illinois Concerns of Police Survivors. The cycle across the state took place from June 12 to June 16. Sgt. Burns, wife, Kristen, and sister, Riana Whitehead, completed the entire 368-mile bike ride. Aaron escorted the two with a Wood River Police Department vehicle on the road, Wood River Chief Brad Wells said. Sgt. Burns and the two women represented the Wood River Police Department to honor those who lost their life in the line of duty and in honor of his brother, while his wife and sister rode in the 368-mile bicycle ride to honor the fallen. Det. Sgt. Burns lost his brother, Caruthersville Officer Evan Burns, in the line of duty, on Aug. 11, 2011. Wood River Police Chief Brad Wells said the members of the Wood River Police Department and community are very thankful for their dedication to honor those who have made the

Continue Reading

EDWARDSVILLE - Longtime Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE) professor Allison Funk was named a Guggenheim Fellow last year, one of only five poets to receive that prestigious recognition in 2022. One year later and another fellowship from the Illinois Arts Council under her belt, Funk is reflecting on her career as a professor and poet as she gathers her poems into a new collection that connects grief, womanhood and nature. A self-described “old feminist,” Funk noted that this book feels especially poignant at this point in her career, which started at a time when very few women were published. “We look for models,” Funk said. “Obviously, all women are not alike, but there is some commonality in terms of our life experiences. That was especially important to me when I was young, to have my own sort of authorized in some way…We have to write out of our own bodies and our own experiences, to a large degree.” Funk studied

Continue Reading

CHICAGO – If you purchased a Lucky Day Lotto ticket at a 7-Eleven store in Elgin, you may want to check it right away. That’s because you could be holding a winning ticket worth $900,000. The winning ticket was purchased at a 7-Eleven store, located at 811 E. Chicago St. in Elgin, IL. The lucky winner hit all five numbers in the Lucky Day Lotto midday draw on Sunday, July 16 to win the jackpot. The $900,000 grand prize was won with the winning numbers: 11-13-14-23-26. This is also a win for the retailer that sold the winning ticket, as the retailer will receive a bonus of 1% of the prize amount. In total, nearly 24,000 other prizes, ranging from $1 to $200, were won in this Lucky Day Lotto drawing. Anyone could be next - with two massive jackpots up for grabs tonight. The Powerball jackpot has swelled to a staggering $900 million for tonight’s drawing - making it the third largest Powerball jackpot and seventh largest lottery jackpot in U.S. history. And the

Continue Reading

ALTON - Alton Little Theater released a reminder of the upcoming Monty Python's Spamalot that begins July 21 and runs to July 30 at the Showplace. The July 21, 22, 26 and 26 shows are at 7:30 p.m. evenings. The July 23 and 30 shows are matinees at 2 p.m. Kevin Frakes is the director of "Spamalot" at ALT. Tickets are $25. Spamalot tells the legendary tale of King Arthur's quest to find the Holy Grail. Inspired by the classic comedy film, Monty Python and the Holy Grail, the musical also diverts a bit from more traditional versions of this legend. Lee Cox, of Alton Little Theater said she wants everyone to have a summer blast of fun at Spamalot. "We have 22 of our best performers to give it their all - so you can enjoy laughing again," she said. "Everyone sings and dances and creates a summer spectacular of grand theater." Cox closed: "So don't delay - Call 618-462-3205 today or go online: altonlittletheater.org. ...We promise you will have so much fun. Let ALT transport

Continue Reading

EDWARDSVILLE - A man, a horse and a dog paused their cross-country travels for a fundraiser this weekend at Triangle H Farms. The trio, known as the Three Amigos, have walked across the U.S. twice to raise awareness about PTSD in veterans. This weekend’s fundraiser benefited The Righteous Life Rescue Ranch, an organization that will connect veterans with rescued mustang horses and dogs. “There’s a lot of animals that need to be rescued out there,” Matt Perella, who leads the Three Amigos, said. “And most importantly, there’s a lot of veterans that need to be rescued out there, as well.” Perella is a former U.S. Marine and the founder of The Righteous Life Rescue Ranch. He has seen firsthand how animals can save lives; he speaks openly of how his rescue animals, a horse named Buck and service dog named Raffe, have saved him, many times over. The Righteous Life Rescue Ranch will do that for other people and the animals they plan to

Continue Reading

WOOD RIVER - 22-year-old Ethan S. Harrell is facing multiple charges after an alleged break-in of the Wood River Street Department, three motor vehicles, and a Gulf Stream trailer on Wednesday, July 12, 2023. Wood River Police Chief Brad Wells praised the efforts of Officer Fester and Officer Wright with the South Roxana and Roxana Police Department in making a quick arrest in the case. “Our patrol people did a great job that night responding to that call,” he said. “We got the call at about 11 that night and we were able to have him in custody within the hour. I am proud of the officers for their work.” Harrell faces five total burglary charges. One count said he knowingly entered without authority a building for the Wood River Street Department, located at 312 Linton Street in Wood River, with the intent to commit a theft. Another burglary count alleges that Harrell entered a 2002 Dodge Ram motor vehicle belonging to the Street Department with an attempt

Continue Reading

GODFREY - Mike Logan Ministries is hosting the “Catch The Wave” Revival Across America starting this Thursday, July 20, through Sunday, July 23rd, each night from 6 to 9 p.m. The event will see local church members and people of all religious affiliations gather at the Tim Rooney Stadium on the Lewis & Clark Community College campus in Godfrey. Mike and Carol Logan appeared on an episode of Our Daily Show! on Riverbender.com to discuss the upcoming revival event, the message behind it, and much more. While the revival is starting in Godfrey for now, Mike said he plans to expand the event “from town to town” including East St. Louis, with future plans for a stadium event with all the attendees from each town. Carol said the goal behind this revival is to get people back into the “fellowship” of in-person worship after the pandemic. “We wanted to say to the people that quit coming to church from COVID, they got kind of used to staying

Continue Reading

BUNKER HILL - Bunker Hill Realtor Lisa Webb of Third Street Realty is a person who tries to represent all of her customers, clients, and agents with what she describes as the "highest levels of professionalism, honesty, and integrity." Recently, someone told Lisa they had heard she only handles "low-end homes." "This statement has stuck with me," she said. "It actually stuck with me in a bad way. Yes, I was saddened by the lack of knowledge. "So... who do we represent? First, we don't handle anything - we represent, and that is you. We represent your parents - they may be downsizing or moving to a new area. We represent your child, a child that is now an adult and buying their first home. We represent the young family that is now purchasing a bigger home. We represent that investor that needs to know their bottom line. "We represent the homeowner selling their long-time home to relocate. We represent a family struggling with their current mortgage trying to figure out

Continue Reading

EDWARDSVILLE – Angela Andrews, PhD, RN-BC, CNE, assistant professor and coordinator of undergraduate programs in the School of Nursing (SON), has been named to the 40 Under 40 Emerging Nurse Leaders in Illinois. The award was established by the Illinois Nurses Foundation to highlight and celebrate young nurse leaders who are impacting healthcare and the nursing profession. “I am so honored to be among such exemplary professionals and grateful for the recognition,” said Andrews. Award winners were chosen by a panel of their peers based on their achievement in the profession, leadership, and community and association involvement. Andrews and her fellow recipients will be recognized in Naperville in September. “Dr. Andrews’ teaching, service and scholarship contributions to the SIUE SON and to the nursing profession are significant,” said Judy Liesveld, PhD, PPCNP-BC, CNE, FAAN, dean of the SON. “She is seen as a true leader and mentor by

Continue Reading

WOOD RIVER - Kaidence Reef had a stellar girls' soccer season for the Oilers in 2023 as a sophomore. The future looks bright for the 2023 All-Conference Cahokia Conference selection. Reef is also a Midwest Members Athlete of the Month selection for the Oilers. She thanked her parents for all their support and her coach Jesse Daniels for his mentorship. "I’ve played for 10-plus years and I like the competitive nature of the sport," she said. "My involvement in sports has taught me that I need to work hard for things I'd like to achieve in life." She said she would like to attend college possibly at SEMO or somewhere in Hawaii. "I would like to do something in business or be a marine biologist," she said of her future plans. Kaidence is also a setter-right-side player on the Oilers girls' volleyball team. Kaidence is a straight-A student and is on the high honor roll at her school.

Continue Reading

WOOD RIVER - Wood River Police Sgt. Aaron Burns and two others represented the Wood River Police Department in the 19th Annual Cycle Across Illinois benefiting Illinois Concerns of Police Survivors. The cycle across the state took place from June 12 to June 16. Sgt. Burns, wife, Kristen, and sister-in-law Riana Whitehead completed the entire 368-mile bike ride. Aaron escorted the two with a Wood River Police Department vehicle on the road, Wood River Chief Brad Wells said. Sgt. Burns and the two women represented the Wood River Police Department to honor those who lost their life in the line of duty and in honor of his brother, while his wife and sister rode in the 368-mile bicycle ride to honor the fallen. Det. Sgt. Burns lost his brother, Caruthersville Officer Evan Burns, in the line of duty, on Aug. 11, 2011. Wood River Police Chief Brad Wells said the members of the Wood River Police Department and community are very thankful for their dedication to honor those who have mad

Continue Reading

JERSEYVILLE - Possession of a stolen vehicle, possession of burglary equipment, and possession of methamphetamine are just a few of the criminal charges filed by Jersey County authorities over the past week, according to recent court filings. Heath E. Blaine, 51, of Jerseyville, was charged with unlawful possession of a stolen vehicle on July 7. Court records state Blaine “knowingly exerted unauthorized control” over a “2005 BMW motorcycle,” with the intent to permanently deprive its owner of their property. Blaine was charged with a Class 2 felony and his bail was set at $25,000. Danny J. Harbison, 38, of Columbia, Mo., was charged with possession of burglary tools, obstructing identification, unlawful possession of methamphetamine and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia. Court records indicate each of these offenses were committed on July 8. Harbison “possessed a long flathead screwdriver and a pair of channel locks, suitable for breaking

Continue Reading