Riverbender 🕸

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Joe Cunningham, a former United States congressman and the national director of No Labels , has plenty of experience bringing both sides of the aisle together. In 2018, he became the first Democrat to flip the red First Congressional District of South Carolina in over 40 years - now, he’s leading a movement of over 1 million Republicans, Democrats, and Independents alike to find bipartisan solutions to America’s problems. “No Labels” is a nonprofit organization which has been around for over 12 years, Cunningham said. He added that other than high-ranking members like the Speaker of the House and Senate Majority Leader, most congresspeople didn’t meet with colleagues outside of their party until No Labels created a group for that exact purpose. “When I got to D.C., I realized there weren’t any groups that put Democrats and Republicans at a table regularly together to try to work on our problems - save for the Problem

Continue Reading

EDWARDSVILLE – A fresh coat of paint brightens any room, and this fall Edwardsville Children’s Museum will refresh its learning environment with 20 gallons of donated paint. Edwardsville Children’s Museum was selected as the winner of a paint grant through True Value Rental - Edwardsville’s partnership with True Value Foundation’s Painting a Brighter Future program. A True Value Foundation paint grant helps improve learning environments and can have an impact on youth attitudes and performance. Over 2,300 schools and youth-development-focused organizations across the country have been awarded paint since the program’s inception in 2009, covering over 25 million square feet of learning space. Partnering with True Value Foundation, True Value Rental - Edwardsville nominated Edwardsville Children’s Museum for a 20-gallon paint grant to help refresh youth learning spaces. “The Edwardsville Children's Museum will be using the paint to give

Continue Reading

EDWARDSVILLE - Edwardsville Police on Thursday announced its Labor Day impaired driving and occupant protection campaign results. Lt. Brandn Whittaker said the Edwardsville Police made 5 DUI arrests during the recent Labor Day impaired driving and occupant protection campaigns. In addition, 22 seat belt citations were written – 5 of which occurred during nighttime hours. Whittaker said other citations and arrests included 12 citations for unlawful use of an electronic transmission device, 12 speeding citations, 2 arrests for driving suspended/revoked, 20 other citations, 1 arrest for unlawful use of a weapon, and 4 consumption of alcohol by a minor violations. “Through the Labor Day enforcement effort, we helped to make our roads safer and remind motorists that impaired driving is not a game,” Lt. Whittaker said. "Edwardsville Police joined forces with other law enforcement agencies and highway safety partners throughout the state for the Illinois Labor Day 'Drive

Continue Reading

EDWARDSVILLE — Governor JB Pritzker today joined local and state officials along with Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE) leadership to announce the beginning of construction on a new health science building on campus. Situated at the intersection of South University Drive and University Park Drive, the $105 million building will provide groundbreaking educational opportunities in a state-of-the-art facility. The building construction, which is set to be completed by summer 2025, will seamlessly connect two existing facilities at 200 and 220 University Park Drive into one structure, weaving together the School of Nursing and the School of Pharmacy. Funding is made possible by the bipartisan Rebuild Illinois Capital program, the largest capital plan in the State’s history. “As we make college tuition more affordable for students, we are also investing in university facilities — ensuring these engines of success for local economies are running

Continue Reading

ALTON - Alton Community Unit School District #11 (ACUSD11) has released statements about increased safety measures following student altercations on Aug. 30. In a letter to parents sent on Sept. 5, Superintendent Dr. Kristie Baumgartner explained that the school district has enacted several new policies and procedures to maintain student and staff safety. This includes the installation of new concealed weapons detection systems and an increased law enforcement presence at Alton High School. “The multiple physical altercations that took place on Aug. 30 were deeply concerning,” Baumgartner said in her letter. “The extreme disruption to the learning environment caused by these incidents was inexcusable and unacceptable. Please know we are in the process of administering school consequences to the students involved and working with our law enforcement partners regarding any legal consequences. While we cannot share the discipline of other students, please know these

Continue Reading

JERSEY COUNTY - The 32nd annual Apple Festival will be held Saturday, Oct. 7, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Jersey County Historical Society, located at 601 N. State St. in Jerseyville. More than 30 vendors will be located throughout the grounds, selling pottery, jewelry, fall crafts, honey, and other goods. There is no charge to enter the grounds. Live entertainment will be offered from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and includes Jersey Community High School students at 10 a.m., Anya Alexis Wilkie at 11:30 a.m., the Gibson Girls at noon, and Back in the Saddle at 1:30 p.m. Jerseyville’s oldest home, the Cheney House (which pre-dates both Jerseyville and Jersey County and includes a stop on the Underground Railroad) will be open for tours, as will the one-room Lone Star School (built in 1877), Union Forest Church (built in 1920), log cabins and the 10-room museum. The museum is full of local artifacts and historical photos, including a racing sleigh and buggy, four vintage cards (including

Continue Reading

JERSEYVILLE - Chris Lorton never expected to own George’s Local Brew, but he has loved every part of it. As he prepares to pass the bar to new owners Andy and Betsy Prehn, he plans “to go out with a home run.” The Lorton family will finish their tenure at George’s with several fun events throughout the month of September. “There’s no relaxing in the restaurant business,” Chris said. “Doing the business with the kids and meeting all the great people that we’ve met over the years and getting to know them has been the best, the highlight.” Over the past eight years, Chris and his wife Brenda have operated the business with their four adult children. It’s always been a family-oriented project and a Nashville-style bar, complete with specialty steaks, chilled drafts and hometown charm. Chris explained that his kids were the reason why they opened George’s, and the whole family played a big part in the bar’s

Continue Reading

EDWARDSVILLE - First-degree murder charges were filed Wednesday against a Troy man - Michael S. Perham. Perham, 52, has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder, Madison County State's Attorney Thomas Haine announced today. Haine said the charges allege that Perham, without lawful justification, shot Maha Tiimob on Tuesday, Sept. 5, causing her death. Perham and Tiimob had been in a relationship. "On Tuesday morning, Troy Police responded to Perham’s residence at 2146 Tramore for a report of a shooting," Haine said. "Officers arrived and took Perham into custody at the scene. Inside the apartment, officers located Tiimob, who suffered multiple gunshots and was unresponsive. "Officers performed life-saving measures until an ambulance crew arrived, but the efforts were unsuccessful, and the victim was pronounced deceased at the scene." Bail for Perham was set at $1 million by Associate Judge Ryan Jumper. Perham remained in custody Wednesday afternoon at the Madison

Continue Reading

GRANITE CITY – The Illinois Department of Transportation announced today that road repairs will require lane closures in both directions of Interstate 270 between Illinois 3 and Riverview Drive in Missouri starting, weather permitting, Friday, Sept. 8, at 9 p.m. One lane will always remain open in each direction. All lanes will reopen by 5 a.m. Monday, Sept. 11. Motorists should expect delays and are encouraged to use alternate routes during this closure. Drivers are urged to reduce speed, be alert for changing conditions, obey all construction 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 @IDOTDistrict8 or view area construction details on IDOT’s traveler information map on GettingAroundIllinois.com.

Continue Reading

ALTON – Alton Memorial Health Services Foundation is gearing up for the 14 th annual Duck Pluckers, Deer Skinners, and Fish Hookers Ball that will be held at NILO Farms on Saturday, Sept. 16. The event raises funds for a new Alton Memorial Hospital ambulance. The Duck Pluckers committee has come up with four amazing raffles as well as an online auction at www.virtualauction.bid/DUCKPLUCKERS to help raise funds for the purchase of a new ambulance for Alton Memorial. There will be a raffle for each of the following, with tickets available now: Quarter beef and freezer donated by B&M Livestock. Blanton’s Bourbon Collection, donated by Colman’s Country Campers. Crossbow donated by Alton Memorial Health Services Foundation. Booze Boat, donated by numerous Riverbend Area bars and restaurants. All raffle tickets must be purchased online. The online auction, featuring many experiences for family fun and services to make life easier for bidders, will go live for bid

Continue Reading

Centerstone, a national leader in behavioral health care, named its inaugural Life;Story Champion Award winners. The Life;Story Champion Award honors Illinoisans who have positively impacted mental health in their community. The inaugural winners are: Cherie Wright, Southern Illinois Healthcare School Health Coordinator Deborah Humphrey, Madison County Mental Health Board Executive Director The winners will be honored on Saturday, September 9 during Centerstone’s inaugural Life;Story 5K walk/run for suicide awareness and prevention, which begins at 7 a.m. at Harry L. Crisp Sports Complex, 1606 South Carbon Street, Marion. Everyone is welcome. “The Life;Story 5K promotes community awareness and unites us all in our desire to support people impacted by suicide and thoughts of suicide,” said Anne Tyree, Centerstone Regional Chief Executive Officer. “Both the Life;Story 5K and Champion Award recognize that there is more to every life; there is more to every

Continue Reading

EAST ST. LOUIS – The Illinois Department of Transportation announced today that a full closure on Illinois Avenue (Martin Luther King Bridge) from the Interstate 55/64/70 exit ramps to the MLK bridge and Third Street in Missouri is scheduled to take place, weather permitting, from 9 p.m., Friday, Sept. 8, to 5 a.m., Monday, Sept. 11. During that time, motorists will have to use an alternate route. Drivers are urged to reduce speed, be alert for changing conditions, obey all construction signage, and refrain from using mobile devices while approaching and traveling through the work zone. The closure is necessary to accommodate deck sealing work. The work is anticipated to be completed Monday morning. For IDOT District 8 updates, follow us on Twitter at @IDOTDistrict8 or view area construction details on IDOT’s traveler information map on GettingAroundIllinois.com.

Continue Reading

EDWARDSVILLE - Madison County Chairman Kurt Prenzler formally announced today that he is running for re-election as Chairman. Prenzler made his decision based upon the urging of many citizens and his belief that he must continue his advocacy for the working families of Madison County. “I must continue to fight against “higher taxes, government interference, corruption, and erosion of our values," he said. “As an elected official, I have consistently fought against higher taxes,” Prenzler said, “This has been good for both families and businesses, and taxpayers know we must continue this fight.” Prenzler was elected treasurer in 2010, and kept his campaign promises by reforming the tax sale process and reducing his budget by 30 percent. He also reformed the investments, after finding the county was purchasing all bonds through only one bond salesman, with no bidding, and investing outside the county policy. The county made a claim, resulting in

Continue Reading

EDWARDSVILLE – Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is pleased to announce the renaming of its esteemed University Honors Program to the John Martinson Honors Program in recognition of a generous $4 million gift from SIUE 1975 Master of Business Administration alumnus John Martinson. This transformative gift will expand and enhance the Honors experience at SIUE for students for years to come. "The renaming of the Honors Program and the generous gift from Mr. Martinson exemplifies his innovative spirit and commitment to excellence in undergraduate education. This forward-thinking gift allows SIUE to grow an outstanding program into one that can be a national exemplar,” said SIUE Chancellor James T. Minor, PhD. "This transformative investment will empower future scholars to make critical contributions in current and future career fields positioning them as leaders in the global marketplace." A venture capitalist and software industry leader for 40 years, Martinson

Continue Reading

JERSEY - Jersey County Veterans’ Assistance Commission Superintendent Greg Breden announced today that the Gold Star Mothers Day ceremony will be on Sunday, September 24, 2023, at the Jersey County Courthouse in Jerseyville. The ceremony will be conducted at the Jersey County War Memorial starting at 2 p.m. The ceremony is held each year on the last Sunday in September, National Gold Star Mothers Day. Breden said the ceremony is to respect the mothers and families who lost their U.S. Armed Forces members' sons and daughters who died in battle or in support of certain military activities. "The local Marine Corps League Robert Windle Detachment #1031 will host the ceremony," he said. "If you are a Gold Star Mother or Family and plan on attending, please call 618-946-2834 and leave your R.S.V.P. by September 15, 2023. If no answer please leave a message. You need not be a Jersey County resident to attend. We encourage the public to attend to show support for the families."

Continue Reading

GODFREY - The Village of Godfrey may be considering a new study to gauge interest in a hotel opening in the village following conversations between village officials, a realtor, hotel company representatives, and more. Economic Development Director Jim Mager said at Tuesday’s Finance Committee meeting that Godfrey is missing out on revenue from visitors having to stay overnight in Alton or elsewhere - but the first step in bringing a hotel to Godfrey would be to conduct a new hotel study, since the last one was conducted in 2017. “We ought to maybe reconsider doing an updated study,” Mager said. “In 2017, we had just set up the Business District, but now we are in a position that if we did come up with a positive hotel study, that we certainly could be aggressive in improvement and also incentivizing if we had to. “I think it would be a good idea, given the wonderful park that we have, we now have some degree of athletic tourism. The shame of it

Continue Reading

GILMAN— Today, Governor JB Pritzker joined state and local leaders along with the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) to celebrate the groundbreaking of Incobrasa Industries LTD’s expanded manufacturing facility. The expansion represents more than $250 million capital investment and will create 40 new full-time jobs while retaining 200 jobs - generating economic benefit for the region and state. “With Incobrasa’s announced expansion today, the company will more than double its production capacity by 2030. That’s a win for Gilman, for Illinois, and for the nation,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “In addition to sustaining and creating new, permanent, good-paying careers, this new $250 million expansion will mean dozens of construction and installation jobs for workers here in Iroquois County and across the region. We’re making it easier for companies to do business in Illinois. We’re investing in our skilled

Continue Reading

EAST ALTON - Madison County Transit (MCT) Board of Trustees and staff commemorated the completion of two Riverbend-area MCT Trails projects with ribbon cuttings on Thursday, August 31. New MCT Riverbend Trail The first ribbon cutting opened a new extension of the MCT Riverbend Trail in East Alton. The 0.25-mile, 10-foot-wide asphalt extension starts at the MCT Eastgate Park & Ride facility located next to Eastgate Plaza on IL-3 in East Alton and extends to the intersection of Niagara and South Streets, where a one-block on-road connector takes trailgoers to the MCT Riverbend Trail. From here, the MCT Riverbend Trail runs south on the levee next to Wood River Creek, crosses beneath IL-3, and connects to the MCT Confluence Trail. The contractor for the Riverbend Trail extension was Stutz Excavating, and the project engineer was Oates Associates. MCT Confluence Trail Improvements The second MCT Trails project, which opened on Thursday, was the reconstruction of a 0.5-mile segmen

Continue Reading

CHICAGO - Attorney General Kwame Raoul, as part of a bipartisan coalition of 54 attorneys general, issued a letter on Tuesday urging Congress to study how artificial intelligence (AI) can and is being used to exploit children through child sexual abuse material (CSAM). In their comment letter , Raoul and the attorneys general highlight the dangers of AI as it relates to CSAM in three main categories: a child’s likeness who has not been physically abused being digitally altered in a depiction of abuse; a child who has been physically abused being digitally recreated in other depictions of abuse; and a child who does not exist being digitally created in a depiction of abuse that feeds the market for CSAM. “AI technology has the potential to transform nearly every segment of our economy and the way we live,” Raoul said. “It also presents new threats, including to our children’s safety. Congress must act now to ensure the dangers of AI are fully understood

Continue Reading

PIASA - Senior Hunter Newell is proving to be a key piece of the Piasa Southwestern football team's offense so far this season. Through two games he is the Piasa Birds' leading receiver with 162 yards and three touch downs. Friday night, in a 27-21 win over the Litchfield Purple Panthers, Newell had 145 yards on just seven catches. He also finished up with 24 yards rushing, eight tackles, and an interception. For his stellar performance, Hunter Newell is an Altonized Community Federal Credit Union Athlete of the Month for Southwestern High School. Newell knew he had to step things up this season when the Piasa Birds lost one of their go-to receivers, junior Greyson Brewer, in week one against Gillespie. Brewer went down and was later confirmed to be out for the season with a broken clavicle. “All the guys knew that we had to put the extra load on our back and step up, make some plays,” Newell said Friday night. That's exactly what he and sophomore quarterback Blake

Continue Reading