Riverbender 🕸

ST. LOUIS - The Bike MS: Gateway Getaway 2023 fundraiser and bike ride recently welcomed 1,000 bicyclists to the Riverbend area to raise funds and awareness for multiple sclerosis (MS). “It was such a great weekend full of hugs, high-fives and mission-inspired moments,” Marisa Hacker, senior manager for Bike MS, said. “Definitely an emotion-filled weekend, with the excitement and the inspiration of the progress that we’ve made so far and then always knowing there’s still work to be done until we find a cure for this thing.” On Sept. 9 and 10, bicyclists tackled 25-, 50-, 75- or 100-mile routes through local communities with Lewis and Clark Community College (LCCC) in Godfrey as their home base. There are 50 Bike MS events across the U.S., and this ride in the St. Louis region is in the top 15. The bicycle rides aim to raise a collective $1.3 million for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society . The Bike MS: Gateway Getaway in the Riverbend

Continue Reading

EDWARDSVILLE — A man has been sentenced to 10 years in an aggravated DUI case. Madison County State's Attorney Thomas Haine made the announcement on Monday that Wayne A. Stayton, 41, of Collinsville, received the sentence at a hearing on Friday. The crash happened at about 4 a.m. on Feb. 23, 2018. In June, following a week-long trial, a jury convicted Stayton of aggravated DUI, finding that he was under the influence of cannabis when his pickup crossed the center line of U.S. 40 in Highland and crashed into a truck driven by Charlene Johnson, 45, of Highland. Witnesses at the trial included experts from Colorado, Florida and Chicago. “This prosecution involved highly scientific evidence and testimony from medical experts. This is an area of criminal law that continues to evolve,” Haine said. “In the end, the jury’s diligent analysis led them to the conclusion that this defendant chose to become impaired, then got behind the wheel – and in fact

Continue Reading

Illinois Poison Center Offers Parents & Caregivers Suicide Prevention Resources, Ways to Mitigate Risk During Suicide Prevention Awareness Month CHICAGO – Suicide is a leading cause of death in the United States, and the 3 rd leading cause of death among youth ages 10-19 in Illinois. September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. With the school year underway for Illinois students, the Illinois Poison Center (IPC) is offering tips to teachers, parents, and caregivers to help prevent suicide attempts. “Suicide attempts by overdose rise during the back-to-school period and throughout the school year,” said IPC Medical Director Michael Wahl, M.D. “For some students, going back to school appears to trigger stress and anxiety, making it even more important that teachers, parents and caregivers are on the lookout for behavioral changes.” According to the latest Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) data, 186 Illinois youth and young adults

Continue Reading

FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS – The Illinois Department of Transportation announced today that the the right lane in both directions of Interstate 64 from 0.2 miles west of Illinois 157 to 0.3 miles west of Greenmount Road will require intermittent daytime lane closures beginning, weather permitting, Wednesday, Sept. 20, through Thursday, Sept. 21. Work will be suspended between the hours of 6-9 a.m. on the westbound lanes and 3-6 p.m. on the eastbound lanes. The lane closures are necessary for the evaluation of pavement conditions. Drivers are urged to reduce speed, be alert for changing conditions, obey all signage, and refrain from using mobile devices while approaching and traveling through the work zone. For IDOT District 8 updates, follow us on Twitter at @IDOTDistrict 8 or view area construction details on IDOT’s traveler information map on GettingAroundIllinois.com

Continue Reading

JERSEYVILLE - Four individuals are facing various battery charges in Jersey County, including two who were also charged with mob action. Recent court filings indicate these batteries took place across a two-day span from Sept. 8 to Sept. 9. Casey C. McGee, 24, of Jerseyville, was charged with one count of aggravated battery in a public place and one count of mob action. According to court documents, McGee allegedly struck someone in the face at the Jerseyville MotoMart on Sept. 8. with a set of plastic brass knuckles. McGee was additionally charged with one count of mob action; court documents allege he “disturbed the public peace in that he, while acting together with” Timothy D. Sunderland, 25, of Jerseyville, committed the battery. According to Illinois law , someone commits “mob action” by engaging in “the knowing or reckless use of force or violence disturbing the public peace by two or more persons acting together and without authority

Continue Reading

ALTON - Student disciplinary hearings will begin this week for students who were involved in last month’s altercations at Alton High School. On Aug. 30, Alton High School was put on soft lockdown following multiple student fights on school grounds. School officials implemented virtual learning for a few days and placed restrictions on student attendance at athletic events. When students returned to in-person classes on Sept. 6, they were met with new policies and procedures , including concealed weapons detection systems and an increased law enforcement presence on campus. Today, Sept. 18, the Alton Community Unit School District #11 Board of Education will begin disciplinary hearings for students who were involved in the altercations. Several Special Board of Education Meetings are scheduled this week “to conduct closed sessions for the purpose of student discipline hearings,” according to a public notice. Each meeting will begin in open session with

Continue Reading

The hugely popular Edwardsville Art Fair will return to City Park in Edwardsville for three days of festival fun Sept. 22–24. More than 90 artists from around the U.S. will be showcasing their work. This free family-friendly event local performing arts, a children’s art gallery, and children-friendly activities. These are some of the artists who will have displays. Look for additional profiles as the week continues. Artist #1 Name: Kristin McDonough Location: Saint Louis MO Medium: Textiles Artist's Statement: "I craft leather handbags and accessories that seamlessly blend form and function. Utilizing time-honored leather working techniques, and high-quality U.S. hides, each piece is carefully hand-cut and stitched. With a focus on showcasing the natural beauty of leather, I use minimalist designs that highlight the material's unique characteristics." Artist #2 Name: William and Susan Pasetti Location: Cortland IL Medium: Glass Artist's Statement

Continue Reading

EDWARDSVILLE – Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is thrilled to announce the fusion of two beloved traditions, Homecoming and Family Weekend, that promises to captivate alumni, families and community members alike. Under the theme "Cougar State of Mind," this year's celebration will take place Wednesday-Sunday, Oct. 11-15. “The traditions surrounding Homecoming at SIUE are continuing to grow,” said Maggie Krumwiede, PharmD, board president of the SIUE Alumni Association. “This year, more than ever, it gives legacy families the opportunity to not only celebrate their students during Family Weekend, but to also engage in spirited Homecoming activities, while reflecting on time spent at SIUE and reconnecting with other fellow alums.” “Homecoming and Family Weekend provides the opportunity for SIUE alumni, parents and families to come together with current students for a weekend packed with more than 20 exciting events,” said Miriam

Continue Reading

ALTON - Office Depot at 303 East Homer Adams Parkway in Alton has announced it will close its doors. A sign on the Office Depot doors said the closing is for the Alton location only. Alton Mayor David Goins said it is "disappointing to hear that Office Depot is closing." "My hope is that space will not sit vacant long and be occupied soon by another retail establishment," he added. The store remains open in Alton with clearance sales on items. Office Depot is closing its Alton store permanently on Nov. 11, 2023.

Continue Reading

ALTON - This weekend, the 17th annual Mississippi Earthtones Festival celebrated the Mississippi River with a day of live music, art and conservation education. Attendees flooded the Alton Amphitheater from noon to 10 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 16. They could enjoy eco-friendly craft vendors and art exhibits while learning about the river and ways to help the environment. The many family-friendly activities and interactive art booths attracted a big crowd. “Our goal is to bring locals and tourists alike to Downtown Alton to celebrate life on the Mississippi River and learn about ways that we can all be good stewards of our environment,” explained the festival’s webpage . The Mississippi Earthtones Festival was presented by Alton Main Street , an organization that aims to revitalize downtown Alton, as well as Jacoby Arts Center and the Sierra Club . Local bands rocked the riverfront from 2–10 p.m. Jason “Gordo” Gordon , Mattie

Continue Reading

CHICAGO - The Illinois State Bar Association (ISBA) has awarded the John C. McAndrews Pro Bono Service Award to the Madison County Bar Association (MCBA). John Hanson, MCBA president, accepted the award on behalf of MCBA on Thursday during the ISBA Member Appreciation and Recognition Reception, which was held in Chicago. The McAndrews Award includes a charitable gift given by the ISBA to provide free legal services on behalf of the award recipient. MCBA chose the Land of Lincoln Legal Aid as the recipient of their gift. Land of Lincoln Legal Aid provides pro bono legal assistance with civil issues (including family law, housing, and elder law matters) in Metro-East, southern, and western Illinois. Hanson announced that MCBA would make a matching gift to support the Public Interest Law Initiative, a group advancing equal access to justice by connecting members of the legal community with those in need of legal assistance throughout Illinois. The John C. McAndrews Pro Bono Service

Continue Reading

ALTON - Centerstone, a national leader in behavioral health care, will host a free, virtual Secondary Trauma training on September 27 from 10-11:30 a.m. CT. Objectives of the training include: Develop a deeper understanding of what secondary trauma is and how it affects your professional and personal life Learn various conditions related to secondary trauma Reflect on your own experiences and how to manage your own stress Reflect on your own organizations and how to establish a trauma sensitive culture “Secondary trauma can be very harmful,” said Hannah Chapman, Centerstone Trauma Treatment and Training grant coordinator. “During this time of COVID, social unrest, isolation, uncertainty, and so many other stressors, it’s important to realize that you matter and learn self-care strategies.” The presenter of the training will be Rachel Chruszczyk, prevention specialist with Prevent Child Abuse Illinois. This training has 1.5 hours of continuing

Continue Reading

CHICAGO - Governor JB Pritzker has proclaimed September 18-24, 2023, Rail Safety Week in Illinois, marking the 10th year of the statewide awareness initiative. In recognition, the Illinois Commerce Commission and Operation Lifesaver, a national rail safety non-profit, will be conducting a week-long safety blitz across the state to share rail safety facts, tips, and resources to keep motorists and pedestrians safe around railroad tracks. “As Governor, there’s nothing more important than keeping Illinoisans safe,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “This Rail Safety Week, my administration and the Illinois Commerce Commission are proud to partner with Operation Lifesaver to raise awareness about rail safety throughout the state—from Cook County and Sangamon County to Dupage County and Kane County—so that motorists, pedestrians, and train passengers alike have the information and resources they need to keep themselves and their families safe.” “Track

Continue Reading

WASHINGTON DC - Combat Veteran and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), along with U.S. Representative Eric Sorensen (D-IL-17) today applauded the Air National Guard’s decision in selecting Peoria’s 182 nd Airlift Wing as one of four preferred locations for new C-130J aircraft to replace the aging C-130H models. This announcement ensures the mission of the182 nd Airlift Wing is safeguarded, protecting the jobs of 1,200 Airmen and approximately 370 full-time employees. The consistent exceptional performance of the 182 nd Airlift Wing helped boost its competitiveness and led to its ultimate selection. “C-130s are so essential to the National Guard in carrying out work both at home and abroad,” Duckworth said. “They bring Americans into combat, provide humanitarian relief around the globe and support domestic responses throughout the nation—and have done so reliably for more than 50 years,” Duckwort

Continue Reading

As children head back to school, doctor’s offices are always filled with kids needing check-ups, immunizations, and in some cases, heart screenings. This is particularly the case for athletes, according to Frank Han, MD, pediatric cardiologist with OSF HealthCare. “Every time people go back to school, there is a need for heart screenings to help look for heart problems in children,” Dr. Han says. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) conducted a 10-year review of sudden death during sporting activities. The objective was to characterize the demographics and causes of sudden cardiac death during sports played in Australia. Nearly 20,000 autopsies were conducted between 2006 and 2015. Most deaths were from adults. The findings showed the small number of children who died from heart conditions either were arrhythmogenic or presumed arrhythmogenic, producing or tending to produce cardiac arrhythmia. Or the kids had inherited cardiomyopathies, an acquired or hereditary

Continue Reading

ALTON - Work on the new “Alton Flyway Mural” started this week at 136 Front Street in Alton. The organization Alton Main Street commissioned Robert Fishbone and On the Wall Productions to create a mural recreation of a painting by local artist James K. Schmidt. On Friday morning, Sept. 15, Fishbone was hard at work applying the first prime coat to the wall. “Every mural brings life to its location, each one differently,” Fishbone said at the recent “What’s Up Downtown” information exchange in late August. During the meeting, Fishbone shared his plans for the mural and photos of the nearly 200 murals he has painted in his 50-year career. On the Wall Productions has already devoted a day to cleaning the wall at 136 Front Street. After they complete two prime coats, Fishbone and his daughter will lay out the design and apply two coats of paint to recreate Schmidt’s painting. For more information about the mural, check

Continue Reading

ST. LOUIS - The Great Forest Park Balloon Race included two days of food, music, fireworks and hot air balloons. On Friday, Sept. 15, visitors stopped by Emerson Central Fields in Forest Park for a festival and balloon glow. The pilots inflated the hot air balloons with fire, which made the balloons “glow,” and attendees walked around, chatted with the pilots and checked out the balloons up close. Saturday concluded the event with more live music and activities before the big hot air balloon race. “This free event brings families and friends together for two days of outdoor fun, ‘wow’ moments, new experiences and memories to last a lifetime,” The Great Forest Park Balloon Race organization said. “The Great Forest Park Balloon Race is one of the longest-running hot air balloon races in the country, and one of the few that takes place in a large metropolitan city.” Emerson Central Fields atendees enjoyed food trucks, inflatables, game

Continue Reading

MADISON COUNTY - The Illinois State Police District 8 announced three died in a two-vehicle accident at 3:44 a.m. on Sept. 15, 2023, on Illinois Route 4, just north of Old State Route 4 in Madison County. Chase Bowles, a 21-year-old male from Alton, was one of the victims. Emily K. Norton, a 21-year-old female from Nixa, Mo., and Jayda N. Fulkerson, a 21-year-old female from Marine, also died in the crash in another vehicle. Illinois State Police issued this preliminary report: "The preliminary investigation indicates the following: One unit was traveling southbound on Illinois Route 4 just north of Old State Route 4 in Madison County. Another unit was traveling northbound at the same location. "For unknown reasons, one unit crossed the center line, causing a head-on collision with the other unit. All occupants were pronounced deceased at the scene. No further information is available at this time." All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Continue Reading

RIVERBEND - Sometimes you have a bad day, and other times that bad day can build into a crisis where you feel like you need immediate help. That’s a scary thought, but there are some local leaders in the mental health community who are redefining what it means to be in crisis and what the community response looks like. They take us through what a crisis is, what local resources are available and what happens when you ask for help. “Crisis is a scary word, and I get that. It’s a very scary word,” David Hunter, a counselor with Centerstone, said. “But I look at it as an opportunity. It’s an opportunity for things to get better. It’s hitting that point where, okay, enough is enough. I need help. And there’s no shame in wanting to get out. There’s no shame in advocating for yourself.” Centerstone offers a variety of behavioral health services at their Alton location. Hunter works specifically with their Crisis Response Team

Continue Reading

ALTON - Danny Jones’s art is incredibly personal, and that’s what makes it relatable. Jones, a barista who formerly worked at Maeva’s Coffee, has returned to Milton Schoolhouse as the September Artist of the Month. Their paintings and collages take on different subjects and styles, but each one is colored by Jones’s experiences. Still, there’s an honesty that every viewer can relate to. “Art is this way to get a message across to where people can interpret it in different ways,” Jones said. “Throughout time, different generations can extract different meanings from it, and that’s all very valid even if it’s not the artist’s original intent. I always think it’s important, especially for queer artists, to get out there and be seen.” True to their word, Jones was excited to display their multimedia art at Milton Schoolhouse, though they admit it’s “intimidating” to have so much of themself

Continue Reading