Riverbender 🕸

ST. LOUIS — The Grow Solar St. Louis and Grow Solar Metro East programs have come to an end for the year. The limited-time program gives people access to solar education and competitive prices for solar installations on residential and commercial properties through volume purchasing. Through a competitive selection process, a local advisory committee chose St. Louis-based StraightUp Solar as the program’s solar installer. As a result of these programs, 56 households in the Metro-St.Louis region are on their way to getting clean solar energy to help meet their daily energy needs in their homes and on their properties. Grow Solar, an initiative of the Midwest Renewable Energy Association (MREA), helps make navigating the solar industry more affordable for individuals with its limited-time group buy discount program. The program is built on the belief that communities are stronger when they’re composed of informed citizens and that it’s important for each individua

Continue Reading

BELLEVILLE - Caritas Family Solutions hosted its 9 th annual Heart & Soul Gala, presented by Federico Kia, virtually on February 5, 2022. Caritas Family Solutions raised more than $150,000. The gala serves as the nonprofit’s largest fundraising event, supporting its mission of strengthening the social and emotional well-being of individuals and families in order to create healthy relationships, loving homes, and strong communities. The agency’s services include foster care, pregnancy care for women experiencing homelessness, adoption, counseling and independent living for adults with disabilities among other service lines. This year’s one-hour production was emceed by WSIL-TV’s Brooke Schlyer and included a silent auction, engaging videos about Caritas’ mission, as well as special appearances from local celebrities such as KSDK’s Rene Knott. Caritas Family Solutions CEO Gary Huelsmann said their goal is to raise awareness about all of

Continue Reading

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois State Fair is excited to announce the first six acts scheduled to perform on the Illinois Lottery Grandstand stage during the upcoming 2022 Illinois State Fair. From Grammy Award-winning artists in country, pop and reggae to rock royalty, this year’s lineup has something for everyone. Fairgoers can start planning their summer concert adventures when tickets go on sale Friday, March 11th. Multi-Platinum-selling, award-winning hitmaker Sam Hunt will kick off the first weekend of the fair on Friday, August 12. Hunt’s sophomore album SOUTHSIDE debuted to critical acclaim and was one of the top country albums of 2020 landing at number one on the Billboard country albums chart. Hunt is known for bridging multiple genres with powerhouse collaborations with artist that include Carrie Underwood (“Heartbeat”), Breland (“My Truck”), Sasha Alex Sloan (“When Was It Over”) and Ingrid Andress (“Wishful

Continue Reading

EDWARDSVILLE – Firmly believing in the transformative power of higher education, James T. Minor, PhD, officially began his appointment as Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s 10th chancellor on Tuesday, March 1. “It is my honor to join the faculty, staff and students of SIUE to define our future,” Minor said. “Higher education is a catalyst for solving pressing social problems, driving economic development, and promoting social mobility for entire families. SIUE is positioned to expand its reach and powerfully impact countless individuals’ lives.” To chart the path forward, Minor is prioritizing listening. This week, he launched a listening tour to engage with faculty, staff, students and community members from all campuses and professional schools, as well as individual units and organizations. “It was clear to me early on that SIUE is a special place ready to exert itself in the most positive way,” he shared. “It

Continue Reading

Durbin Statement On Supreme Court Nominee Judge Ketanji Brown Judge Jackson was most recently confirmed by the Senate to be Circuit Judge for the District of Columbia by a bipartisan vote of 53-44 CHICAGO – U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today released the following statement after President Joe Biden announced his intention to nominate D.C. Circuit Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson—former clerk to Justice Stephen Breyer—to be the next Associate Justice on the United States Supreme Court: “From a strong list of prospective candidates, President Biden has chosen an extraordinary nominee in D.C. Circuit Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson. To be the first to make history in our nation you need to have an exceptional life story. Judge Jackson’s achievements are well known to the Senate Judiciary Committee as we approved her to the D.C. Circuit less than a year ago with bipartisan support. We will begin immediately

Continue Reading

GREENE COUNTY - A 53-year-old Jerseyville man suffered life-threatening injuries in a two-vehicle traffic crash involving a motorcycle on Kane Road at U.S. Route 67 at approximately 4:03 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 28, 2022. Th e Following Preliminary Information is Being Released by Illinois State Police District 18 about the crash on Feb. 28, 2022, in Greene County: VEHICLES: Unit 1- 2008 Black Dodge Charger Unit 2- 1976 Bronze Harley Davidson Motorcycle DRIVERS : Unit 1- Caydn Chapman, 18-year-old male from Kane, IL Unit 2- Winfried Tasker, 53-year-old male from Jerseyville, IL – Flown to a regional hospital with life-threatening injuries. PRELIMINARY: A preliminary investigation indicates the following occurred: Unit 1 was traveling west on Kane Road at U.S. Route 67, stopped at the stop sign, in Greene County. Unit 2 was traveling south on US Route 67 approaching Kane Road. The driver of Unit 1 failed to yield to Unit 2 and proceeded through the intersection.

Continue Reading

GREENVILLE - Illinois’ Class 2A Basketball Regional Championship belongs to the Marquette Explorers. The young Explorers team had a dominating performance against the Greenville Comets with a final score of 55-24. While putting up two points in the game, #11 junior point-guard, Dre Davis, did several other key things and played a role in the Explorers championship. Davis is one of the Tucker's Automotive and Tire Explorers' Male Athletes of the Month. Davis plays small-forward, point-guard, shooting-guard, and slots for some of the Explorer’s best players like Parker Macias, Kendall Lavender, and Owen Williams. A team is only as good as its worst player and with the Explorers winning another Championship, Davis deserves a lot of credit. When asked how it felt to be sharing the championship with his teammates, Davis said, “It just feels great. We put in the work every day, so to get this outcome is awesome. We were talking about this all week and this win was something

Continue Reading

BRIGHTON - Junior MaCaylin Day is a multi-dimensional student-athlete for Southwestern High School. For the winter, Day is one of the Altonized Community Federal Credit Union Female Athletes of the Month for the Piasa Birds. Day said she has always enjoyed playing her various sports. “I love the energy sports,” she said. “I like how I can play a sport and it takes everything off my mind. I love how I can provide a positive attitude even when things don’t go my way in athletics. Sports has taught me leadership and determination.” Day is an outside hitter/outside back performer in girls volleyball and plays the wing position in girls soccer. MaCaylin also plays club soccer. She said the club sports have also helped her be positive and her best self. Day said she plans to play college soccer at a four-year school. She is an exceptional student with a 3.4 GPA. At this time, she plans to major in occupational therapy in college. She added that her mom and

Continue Reading

SPRINGFIELD – Illinois State Police (ISP) officials are reminding the public that several convoys are traversing the United States and therefore will be traveling through Illinois in the coming days. ISP would like all motorists to be mindful of increased traffic congestion in order to prevent traffic delays and traffic crashes. ISP would like all motorists traveling on Illinois roadways to arrive at their destination safely. Motorists are encouraged to pay close attention to their surroundings and obey traffic laws while driving and to share the roadways “Illinois State Troopers are dedicated to ensuring the motoring public is safe, including those traveling through Illinois as part of a peaceful protest,” stated ISP Division of Patrol Colonel Margret McGreal. She continued, “We are in contact with organizers and anticipate the convoys will enter Illinois and are able to travel safely along with other motorists on our roadways. We would like to remind the

Continue Reading

WOOD RIVER - The Wood River Police Department has released this information about a missing runaway: "At 3 p.m. on Monday, February 28, 2022, the mother of Joseph R. Heiple reported Joseph left their home, in the 700 block of Wood River Ave., in Wood River. "He left the home of his own volition and has not returned home. "He is 15 years old, 5'08, 130 pounds, blonde hair, blue eyes. "He was last seen wearing a red and black hoodie with the number 23 on it. "He was wearing dark jeans and dark high-top Nike tennis shoes. "If you have seen him or can assist with information, please contact the Wood River Police Department at 618-251-3114 or your local law enforcement." Any comment not related to assisting with this case will be deleted. Thank you in advance.

Continue Reading

ALTON - Allison Cooke is an outstanding student at Alton High School with a passion for music as a percussionist in the Marching 100 Band. She has been recognized multiple times on a statewide level. Alton H.S. students, Cooke and Melanie Parker were selected to ILMEA’s Future Music Educators program, which is a forum designed to mentor and encourage future music education students. "I am involved in the Marching 100, Alton High's Honors Chamber Singers, Wind Ensemble Band, and Symphonic Orchestra Percussion," she said. "I plan to go into music education. Alton High has been so helpful in impacting me positively and encouraging every activity. "I am a student leader for both choir and band. I coordinate the social media for the Alton High School Choir Page and I am also section leader for the Marching 100 front ensemble. I have had both of those positions for two years. Our school has continued to thrive, and I am so thankful to have the opportunities I have had, such as

Continue Reading

CHICAGO – With COVID-19 positivity rates continuing to decline and the majority of eligible Illinoisans vaccinated, today Governor Pritzker released an updated executive order lifting the mask requirement in most indoor settings. In accordance with CDC guidance, the executive order also lifts the mask requirement in K-12 schools and daycares. School districts and private businesses can continue to require masks at their discretion. “Across the state, Illinoisans are taking their masks off today knowing that most eligible adults are boosted, and our hospitals have much more capacity to save lives,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “ I’m proud that Illinoisans have done the hard work that has made our state a leader in the Midwest, with more of our residents vaccinated than any other state in the region. All Illinois residents, regardless of background or immigration status, can go to vaccines.gov to find a vaccine location near you.” To continue protecting

Continue Reading

CARLINVILLE - Carlinville High School recently participated and excelled in the Academic Challenge Regional Competition (formerly WYSE) sponsored by Eastern Illinois University in Charleston. Ten Carlinville students participated in the online competition. The contest format is that each member of the team competes in two academic subjects, chosen from Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Engineering Graphics, English, Mathematics, and Physics. CHS won the competition. Carlinville individuals who finished in the top two places were: Biology: 1 st : Eli Ratcliff 2 nd : Aaron Wills Chemistry: 1 st : Madalynn Bloome 2 nd (tie): Jacob Petrovich and Charlie Wilson Engineering Graphics: 1 st : Kyle Carriker English: 1 st : Peyton Dahler 2 nd : Owen Griffiths Mathematics: 1 st : Aaron Wills 2 nd (tie): Jacob Petrovich and Charlie Wilson Physics: 1 st : Hayden Truax 2 nd : Eli Ratcliff The members of the team are: Madalynn Bloome Kyle Carriker Peyton

Continue Reading

ALTON - Local playwright and school superintendent, Dr. Patrick Anderson, has brought his very funny new comedy to Alton Little Theater after the theater group produced his educational drama, School Secrets three years ago. This March 18th - 27th, the ALT Showplace will produce the comedy with a new name and a most delightful cast. Director, Lee Cox asked Patrick if ALT could change the name for the "birth" of this new production, since the heart of the comedy revolves around marriage, pregnancy, a couple of quirky partners, some very interfering grandparents, and a couple of adored dogs. Lee was also inspired by the movie "Zorba the Greek" and Nikos Kazantzakis's many witty observations about life. When asked what makes for a good life, Kazantzakis replies, "Oh yes, wife, children, home, everything; the full catastrophe!" And so, Sex, Dogs, and the Full Catastrophe was born. Together Anderson and Cox are creating a new staging for the show after it was performed in Waterloo,

Continue Reading

WOOD RIVER - Junior Tyler Robinson has concluded a successful season with the boys basketball team at East Alton-Wood River High School, averaging 1.9 points and 3.3 rebounds-per-game, also contributing totals of 29 assists, 33 steals and seven blocked shots, helping the Oilers finish their season with a 12-20 record. Robinson is one of the team's most tireless workers, ready to make a contribution to the team whenever and wherever he's needed. For his efforts this season, Robinson has been named one of the school's Midwest Members Credit Union Male Athlete of the Month. Robinson, who plays for head coach Steve Flowers, has been playing basketball since a young age and still very much enjoys the game, especially when he's with his friends. "I've been doing it since probably around kindergarten," Robinson said, "but began doing more than just rec ball when I was around nine. The thing I like most about it is that I've been able to do it with my friends the whole time." Robinson

Continue Reading

EDWARDSVILLE - Chris Johnson has been named the new Madison County Emergency Management Agency director by the Madison County Board after a recent vote. Johnson was nominated by Madison County Chairman Kurt Prenzler for the position. Johnson was picked as a replacement for Tony Falconio, the previous Emergency Management Agency director. Johnson has a lifetime of military and civic service experience and Prenzler and Wood River Police Chief Brad Wells both see him as the perfect choice for the important county emergency management position. Johnson has 27 years of law enforcement experience, plus was in the Marines for four years and Marine Reserves for four years. He is exceptionally trained in emergency types of situations because of his law enforcement and military experiences. “Chris will do a great job,” Prenzler said. “I am excited about him being in the position and I know he is excited. He has been in responsible positions for a long period of time. I think

Continue Reading

ALTON - Girls Circle is a model of structured support groups for girls from 9-18 years. It is designed to foster self-esteem, help girls maintain authentic connections with peers and adult women in their community. In honor of Black History Month, the YWCA, Alton Housing, Be A Bridge, and Lemay's Catering collaborated to conduct the two circles. Marqueta Goins has been the Facilitator and Amy Williams is the Co-Facilitator for the two circles held on Monday and Wednesday night each week. In honor of Black History Month, Marqueta and Amy personally invited a group of successful African American women from the Alton community to share their stories and encourage the girls. We have already had Sheila Goins as a guest speaker. The ladies looked forward to hearing from the other guests. "Since the two circles I facilitate are made up of all African American girls, I feel that it is important for the girls to see and hear from women who look like them and have had similar experiences

Continue Reading

ST. LOUIS COUNTY - St. Louis County Police Department Crimes Against Persons detectives are currently investigating a homicide in the 11000 block of Bellefontaine Road in the North County Precinct which resulted in the death of an adult male. On February 26, 2022, at approximately 11:06 AM, St. Louis County Police officers responded to the scene of a shooting in the 11000 block of Bellefontaine Road. Two adult males suffered gunshot wounds. One victim was transported to an area hospital with life threatening injuries. The second individual was pronounced deceased on the scene. Investigation revealed the two individuals fired rounds at one another after being involved in an altercation on the parking lot. The investigation is very active at this time. Additional information will be disseminated as it becomes available. Please contact the St. Louis County Police Department at 636-529-8210 to speak to investigators if you have any information regarding the incident. To remain anonymous

Continue Reading

ST. LOUIS COUNTY - The deceased has been positively identified as De’Marion Jones, 17 years of age, of the 200 block of Midlothian Road in St. Louis, Missouri, 63138, in the recent homicide in the City of Jennings. Additional information will be disseminated as it becomes available. St. Louis County Police Department Crimes Against Persons detectives are investigating a homicide in the 9300 block of Lewis and Clark Boulevard in the City of Jennings which resulted in the death of a male victim in his late teens. At 10:46 p.m. on February 26, 2022, St. Louis County Police officers from the City of Jennings Precinct responded to a call for service for an alarm sounding in the 9300 block of Lewis and Clark Boulevard. When officers arrived, they learned that a shooting had occurred inside the business. The victim was taken to an area hospital with life-threatening injuries but was pronounced deceased. The suspect fled the scene. The investigation has revealed the suspect and victim

Continue Reading

ST. LOUIS COUNTY - The deceased in a homicide in the 8300 block of Airport Road in the City of Berkeley has been positively identified as Cincere Ford, 21 years of age, of the 5300 block of Wells Avenue in St. Louis, Missouri 63112. The second victim remains in critical condition at an area hospital and is expected to survive. St. Louis County Police Department Crimes Against Persons detectives are currently investigating a homicide in the 8300 block of Airport Road in the City of Berkeley which resulted in the death of an adult male. At 10:10 p.m. on February 25, 2022, police officers from the City of Berkeley Police Department responded to the scene of a shooting in the 8300 block of Airport Road. Officers located two adult males in a vehicle suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Both victims were transported to an area hospital where one victim was pronounced deceased. The second victim suffered life-threatening injuries. City of Berkeley Police Officers requested St. Louis

Continue Reading