Riverbender 🕸

Did you know that Mardi Gras is celebrated in over 50 countries around the world? While the festival is often synonymous with New Orleans, its origins stretch far beyond the vibrant streets of the Big Easy. This global celebration, marked by parades, masquerade balls, and indulgent feasting, offers a unique glimpse into the intersection of culture, tradition, and spirituality. As we peel back the layers of this exuberant festival, we discover the historical and cultural roots that give Mardi Gras its distinctive flavor. The Historical Tapestry of Mardi Gras To fully appreciate Mardi Gras, one must delve into its historical context. The term "Mardi Gras" translates to "Fat Tuesday" in French, referring to the last day before the Christian season of Lent begins. Traditionally, Lent is a period of fasting and penance leading up to Easter, but Mardi Gras represents a final chance to indulge in rich foods and festivities. The earliest traces of this celebration can be linked to ancient

Continue Reading

February 25th is a date that has witnessed a multitude of significant events throughout history, each leaving a lasting impact on our world. One of the most impactful events associated with February 25th occurred in 1964 when the world of sports and civil rights collided as Muhammad Ali, then known as Cassius Clay, won the heavyweight boxing title. This victory was not just a personal achievement for Ali; it was a moment that resonated deeply within the broader civil rights movement. Ali's triumph over Sonny Liston was a declaration of his prowess as a boxer and a statement of self-identity and empowerment for African Americans at a time when racial tensions were palpable across the United States. His post-fight announcement of being a proud member of the Nation of Islam further solidified his role as a cultural icon, one who used his platform to address issues of race and justice. On this date in 1986, history took another turn when Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos was ouste

Continue Reading

ALTON – Alton Committee of the Whole members on Monday delayed voting on a resolution to negotiate an agreement for a $27 million “mixed-income” rental housing project in the city. After public comments, a presentation, a question-and-answer session, and more discussion surrounding the proposal, Alderman David Gan asked to refer the item to the city’s Plan Commission for future consideration. Joe Weatherly and Anne Stevenson of development firm McCormack, Baron and Salazar (MBS) gave a presentation at Monday’s meeting aiming to clear up “disinformation” surrounding the Lovejoy project. Weatherly said any rumors of the project being “Section 8” or public housing are false. The Lovejoy would consist of 70 units – the vast majority, around 90%, would be “market rate units” with rents subject to increase every year based on the market and demand. These units would have starting rents ranging from $790 to $895

Continue Reading

ST. LOUIS - Beneful is declaring February 27, 2025, as 'National Small Dog Day,' celebrating the small dogs in the pack, their mighty personalities, and the huge impact they have on our lives. Small dog owners are invited to join the celebration on social media by posting pics of their favorite pint-sized pups with the hashtag #SmallDogDay and tagging @beneful. Small dogs have unique attributes and bring their owners endless joy, whether they are showing off two-footed dance moves, confidently protecting their homes, or curling up on their owners' laps. With 'National Small Dog Day,' Beneful celebrates everything there is to love about small dogs and aims to educate humans on the importance of providing nutrition that supports their specific needs. Small Dogs, Big Personalities, and Unique Needs According to Purina veterinarian Dr. RuthAnn Lobos, dogs who weigh 20 pounds or less fall under the small dog or toy dog breed category. "Despite their stature, small dogs are anything

Continue Reading

MEMPHIS, TENN. – Alee Goodman, a cheerleader from Civic Memorial High School in Bethalto, has been selected to perform in the 2025 Varsity Spirit Spring Break Performance at the Walt Disney World® Resort in Orlando, Fla. The event is scheduled for Monday, March 10, 2025, and will feature over 300 performers from across the United States. Goodman is among a distinguished group of school cheerleaders, all-star cheerleaders, studio dancers, and aspiring cheerleaders and dancers invited to take part in this exclusive event. She will perform at Disney’s Magic Kingdom Park in front of hundreds of fans, showcasing her skills in a vibrant and celebratory atmosphere. Goodman is a Tom Lane State Farm Insurance Female Athlete Of The Month for CM. In addition to the performance, participants will have the opportunity to connect with fellow cheerleaders and dancers from around the country, making the experience not only a showcase of talent but also a chance for camaraderie

Continue Reading

EDWARDSVILLE — Madison County State’s Attorney Tom Haine provided a full statement on Monday, Feb. 24, 2025, after a defendant has been found guilty of first-degree murder in the fatal stabbing of two victims, one of whom was the perpetrator’s adoptive father. Bryce V. Andrews, 26, formerly of unincorporated Alton, was found guilty of first-degree murder for fatally stabbing Robert Andrews, 59, and Leonard “Jim” Ebrey, 67, in February 2021. Robert Andrews was the adoptive father of Bryce Andrews. Ebrey was the legal spouse of Robert Andrews. Haine said the victims were stabbed a combined 115 times. Bryce Andrews will be sentenced later. He faces a mandatory sentence of life in prison, due to being convicted of murdering two victims. Associate Judge Neil Schroeder announced the verdict Monday following a bench trial that took place last week in Circuit Court in Madison County. The murders were discovered by emergency personnel who responded to a fire a

Continue Reading

EDWARDSVILLE — Derek Ruehl, a junior diver for the Edwardsville Tigers, won the one-meter springboard diving competition on Saturday, Feb. 22, 2025, securing a spot at the state championships with a score of 428.25 points. Andrew Kotner of Springfield also qualified for state by finishing second with 389.30 points. Micah Finckbone, another diver from Edwardsville, placed fourth with 207.10 points. Derek is a Spencer Homes Male Athlete Of the Month for the Tigers. Ruehl, who has made his debut in springboard diving this year, has transitioned from a successful career in tumbling. He began tumbling at the age of nine and has had incredible success on both a national and international level. Derek described his experience in diving as "really fun" and a "new thing to figure out." He expressed enthusiasm for the challenges the sport presents. "This was my first year in diving, and it has been great," Ruehl said. "I love a challenge." His coach, Gayle Lindsay, has played a significant

Continue Reading

GODFREY - Madison County Chief Deputy Sheriff Marcos Pulido addressed the North Alton-Godfrey Business Council this past week at the Godfrey Meat Market, discussing the role and operations of the sheriff's office in the region. Pulido's presentation was aimed at informing local business leaders about law enforcement coverage in the region and the sheriff's office's collaboration with the Alton Police Department and other area departments. Prior to his position with the Madison County Sheriff's Office, Pulido was the Alton Police Chief and he has years of experience in law enforcement. Pulido emphasized the expansive jurisdiction of the Madison County Sheriff's Office, noting that the county encompasses nearly 700 square miles and has a population of approximately 260,000 residents. "I frequently say our deputies do also cover unincorporated areas of Madison County, which can be pretty far," he said, highlighting the challenges of law enforcement in both urban and rural settings. Th

Continue Reading

EDWARDSVILLE — Bryce Andrews was found guilty of all eight charges related to the homicides of his adoptive father and husband, with a judge determining that he suffers from mental illness. The ruling was made by Judge Neil Schroeder on Monday, Feb. 24, 2025, following a trial that centered on the events of February 1, 2021, when Robert “Bob” Andrews and Leonard “Jim” Ebrey were killed at their residence in Godfrey. Andrews faced serious charges, including four counts of First Degree Murder, one count of Aggravated Arson, one count of Offenses Related to Motor Vehicle, and two counts of Concealment of a Homicidal Death. Despite the judge's acknowledgment of Andrews' mental health issues, Madison County State Attorney Tom Haine said that this finding would not affect the sentencing. Bryce Andrews will be sentenced later. He faces a mandatory sentence of life in prison, due to being convicted of murdering two victims. Madison County Assistant State

Continue Reading

Letter To The Editor: In light of the current request by Mr Dettmers I would like to make a statement. As Mayor of the City of Wood River I believe it is fiscally irresponsible to pursue a Forensic Audit and independent investigation of our accounting and TIF program. We have many safeguards in place as well as yearly audits from reputable accounting firms that keep our accounts current and running efficiently. I am highly offended that Mr. Dettmers continues with his actions, due to a vendetta against the City and the City Manager. Mr. Dettmers continues to cost our taxpayers thousands of dollars through frivolous calls to our city attorney, day of demands for information from department heads and continues to cause chaos to the work environment at City Hall while our dedicated city employees try to efficiently do their jobs. I would also like to point out that we have a forensic auditor on our City Council, Jeremy Plank. If I had any issue about accounting I would speak with

Continue Reading

ALTON – As the Mayor of the City of Alton I feel compelled to express my thoughts regarding the proposed Lovejoy Housing Development, which has sparked passionate debate within our community. In recent discussions, my opponents, Aldermen Strebel and Brant Walker, have firmly opposed this development, a stance they are entitled to take. However, their approach fails to consider the broader implications for our community’s future. It is my unwavering duty to prioritize the long-term revitalization of our neighborhoods, particularly the Broadway corridor and Downtown. Unfortunately, the opposition seems focused on using this housing development as a political tool rather than recognizing its potential benefits to our residents. Tonight’s Committee of the Whole meeting will feature an important presentation by McCormack and Baron and eventually voted on by the council members. Furthermore, the subject resolution is not an endorsement of the project by my administration.

Continue Reading

GODFREY – Lewis and Clark Community College’s Criminal Justice program is hosting an open house event for potential students in honor of National Criminal Justice Month next March. “It’s the perfect time to learn about careers in this dynamic field,” said Program Coordinator Jessica Noble. The event will run from 5-6:30 p.m., Thursday, March 6, in Haskell Hall, where the program is located. Visitors can stop by on their own schedule to check out information about the program, take tours of the facilities, ask questions about potential career paths, interact with exhibits and pick up free L&C swag, while supplies last. Students graduating from Lewis and Clark’s Criminal Justice program can pursue careers in a wide variety of fields, including law enforcement, corrections, probation/parole, court administration, private security, and more. “Criminal Justice careers allow students to serve their communities and make a positive impact o

Continue Reading

ALTON - OSF St. Anthony’s Psychological Services department will offer a new therapy group for individuals living with chronic illnesses. Starting on Feb. 26, 2025, the group will meet every Wednesday from 10:30–11:30 a.m. on the third floor of the hospital in the Psychological Services meeting room. Lea Anne Varble, LCSW, shared that the therapist-led group aims to provide support for people and their loved ones. “In a group setting, such as the chronic illness group, they will be able to hear and see what other people are doing,” Varble explained. “That helps you not to feel so alone, because the isolation is an issue for folks with chronic illnesses.” Varble noted that the chronic illness group is different from a typical support group because each session is led by a licensed therapist. The therapist will guide the group through coping strategies and conversations about their challenges and achievements. “Our groups are therapy

Continue Reading

ALTON - In a collaborative effort to combat food insecurity, several local businesses have come together to host the "Have a Heart" Food Drive for the Salvation Army, responding to reports of dwindling supplies. The initiative, which began recently, aims to support community members in need. After learning about the Salvation Army's critical situation, the Mustache March 4PD organization and the other businssess joined forces to allocate funds and items to aid the food drive. MM4PD provided food items and gift certificates from Schwegels Market to assist in replenishing the Salvation Army's shelves. Freer Auto Body was also a large contributor to the Have A Heart Campaign. Alton Memorial Hospital's Gift Shop was also a significant contributor. Margaret Freer of Freer Auto Body thanked all the residents who participated and the other businesses who joined the effort. The Salvation Army, expressed gratitude for the support, highlighting the importance of community involvement in

Continue Reading

WASHINGTON – On the third anniversary of the Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee and Co-Chair of the Senate Ukraine Caucus, today introduced the Protecting our Guests During Hostilities in Ukraine Act , legislation that would provide temporary guest status to Ukrainians and their immediate family members who are already in the United States through the “Uniting for Ukraine” parole process. The bill allows Ukrainians to stay and work in the U.S. until the Secretary of State determines that hostilities in Ukraine have ceased and it is safe for them to return. U.S. Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Peter Welch (D-VT), and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) are original cosponsors of the legislation. “Three years ago today, Putin began his brutal, criminal, full-scale invasion of Ukraine—which

Continue Reading

GODFREY - In consideration of the onset of nicer weather, the Village of Godfrey’s yard waste drop-off location, located at 1433 Stamper Lane, will reopen to Godfrey residents on Saturday, March 1st. The site will be open and accepting yard waste on Tuesdays and Saturdays from 9:00 am – noon. Located to the west of Glazebrook Park, residents can enter the fenced area where an employee will then verify residency and assist in unloaded the bagged yard waste from the vehicle before proceeding around the circular drive and exiting back onto Stamper Lane. All yard waste (leaves, grass clippings, foliage, small branches, etc.) must be bagged in brown recyclable yard waste bags found at area hardware stores. Village of Godfrey yard waste stickers must be applied to each bag. These stickers are available for purchase for $1.75 at St. Peter’s Hardware in Alton and at Godfrey Village Hall in the Clerk’s office. There is no limit to the number of bags that

Continue Reading

ALTON - A focus on economic and community development will continue to drive a financially stable tourism economy in southwest Illinois, Cory Jobe, President/CEO of the Great Rivers & Routes Tourism Bureau said during the Bureau’s annual Tourism Summit held today at Lewis & Clark Community College in Godfrey. Speaking to a sold-out venue of over 500 attendees, Mr. Jobe noted that over the last four years, tourism has contributed nearly $92 million in new spending and in 2024 there was another increase in travelers visiting the region. But it’s the power of tourism, as both an economic and community development engine, that will enhance the southwest Illinois economy and create a strong visitor destination in 2025, Mr. Jobe said in his remarks. “That is why we embarked on developing a 10 year Tourism Master Plan – to guide a holistic approach to destination development,” Mr. Jobe pointed out. “With this plan, we have begun the journey t

Continue Reading

Letter To The Editor: WOOD RIVER - Last week, Councilman Bill Dettmers requested a special meeting to further discuss matters related to TIF agreements and a forensic audit of the TIF process. As a CPA and Certified Fraud Examiner, I believe this is unnecessary and would result in additional professional expenses on top of the increase in legal fees already incurred due to Councilman Dettmers' numerous attorney meetings and legal requests. Consequently, I will not participate in it. I informed Mayor Stalcup of my decision and he is in agreement. TIF funds undergo an annual audit and testing by an independent audit firm. I am confident in the integrity of the process. Additionally, our attorneys have thoroughly reviewed our TIF agreements and addressed the numerous questions from Councilman Dettmers, which have cost the city considerable time and legal fees. As a comparative, fiscal year-to-date through January of each fiscal year, 2023 legal fees were $23,931, fiscal year-to-date

Continue Reading

MADISON COUNTY — A fatal accident occurred early Sunday morning, Feb. 23, 2025, at the Homestead Rest Area along northbound Interstate 55 near Hamel, involving a pedestrian and a Ford F150 truck pulling a trailer. Illinois State Police Troop 8 responded to the scene at approximately 2:29 a.m. on Sunday. ISP said preliminary reports indicate that a 66-year-old male pedestrian from Wetumka, Okla., was standing outside the Ford F150, which was identified as Unit 2. The pedestrian appeared to be working on the vehicle when it began to move forward, resulting in the pedestrian being struck. Emergency responders pronounced the man deceased at the scene. As of now, no further information has been released regarding the incident. The investigation is ongoing.

Continue Reading

JERSEYVILLE – Anyone interested in learning sewing machine basics is invited to the Jersey County Arts Council space in Jerseyville, where classes begin this evening and later this spring. “Getting T o Know Your Sewing Machine” will be taught by Joannie and Meredith Dougherty at the Jersey County Arts Council space at the First Presbyterian Church, located at 400 S. State St. in Jerseyville. Tonight’s class on Monday, Feb. 24, 2025 will be held from 6-8 p.m., with another class set for April 7. T hese classes will cover the basics of using a sewing machine; while you’re welcome to bring your own sewing machine, other machines will be provided. Class sizes are limited and intended for ages 8 to adult. To secure your spot, a non-refundable $20 donation to the Jersey County Arts Council is required. To learn more, register, and/or receive a supply list for these classes, email sewingismysuperpower8@gmail.com .

Continue Reading