Riverbender 🕸

JERSEYVILLE - The Jersey Community High School Class of 2023 celebrated their graduation ceremony on Mother’s Day last Sunday, and Principal Jason Brunaugh congratulated the students and their friends and families on their achievement. “It has been a true pleasure to watch all of you - whether you come to us from the middle school, St. Francis, or transferred to JCHS - to watch you grow and develop into the young men and women sitting before us today,” Brunaugh said at the ceremony. “Parents, grandparents, family, and friends, please know that your love, devotion, and commitment are the main reasons for this once-in-a-lifetime achievement,” he added. “And parents, please never forget that you were your child’s first teacher and will always be their most important teacher. Congratulations on a job well done.” After all the graduates had been called on stage to receive their degrees, Brunaugh spoke further on the many “talents”

Continue Reading

GRANITE CITY – Seniors Ingrid Galeana and Xavier Paul of Granite City High School were selected as Granite City Elks Lodge #1063 Students of the Month for April. The Elks Student of the Month Program is designed to recognize outstanding young men and women for achievements in school and community life-fine arts, hobbies, athletics, church, school, club and community service, industry and farming.Nominees are judged on multiple achievements including leadership skills, good moral character, community involvement, extracurricular activities, honors and award and scholastic ability. Each student receives a $100 U.S. savings bond and an Elks certificate of achievement. INGRID GALEANA Color Guard and Dance Team Captain ... Four-year member of Color Guard and three-year member of Dance Team ... Renaissance Top-10 and Secondary Honors Award ... Best Color Guard Marcher in 2022 and Color Guard Award in 2023 ... Member of Foreign Language Club, National Honor Society, Spirit Club,

Continue Reading

FARMERSVILLE – The Illinois State Police (ISP) announced the death of another victim in multiple crashes that occurred on May 1, 2023, at approximately 10:55 a.m. on both northbound and southbound Interstate 55, between mile markers 72 and 78 near Farmersville in Montgomery County. Ruth M. Rau, 81-year-old from Sorento, succumbed to injuries last evening while in the hospital. A total of 72 vehicles are known to be involved in the crashes and 37 people were transported to area hospitals with injuries ranging from minor to critical. There are now eight fatalities associated with the crashes, including the following names previously released. Shirley Harper, 88-year-old from Franklin, WI. Joseph Bates, 73-year-old from Crystal Lake, IL Donna Bates, 71-year-old from Crystal Lake, IL Earl LeGrand, 64-year-old from Florissant, MO Michael Zinchuk, 55-year-old from Champaign, IL Amy Zinchuk, 54-year-old from Champaign, IL Otto Medina-Salazar, 58-year-old from Carthage,

Continue Reading

WOOD RIVER - Wood River City Council members narrowly voted to rescind an ordinance that would have allowed a dispensary to open in downtown Wood River after hearing several residents speak in favor of the business. The decision will now go to the voters in the form of a binding referendum on the ballot next spring. At a special meeting that was called to discuss the topic on May 17, several people made public comments in favor of allowing the dispensary. One such resident suffered from lupus, and said while she herself didn’t use cannabis, it could benefit others with the same or worse illnesses. “By stopping the progress of a cannabis dispensary in Wood River, you are denying access a more natural pain relief for people like me who suffer from chronic, long-term illness,” she said. “Cannabis has been long proven to offer medical benefits to those who suffer from this affliction, and some have worse afflictions than I do." She added that she wants

Continue Reading

ROXANA - The USA Swimming “Make a Splash Tour,” presented by Phillips 66, traveled to Roxana, IL on Monday, May 15. Wood River Refinery facilitated a visit to Central Intermediate Elementary School as part of the agenda. “Safety is our top priority at Phillips 66,” says Melissa Erker, Director of Government and Community Relations. “We welcomed the opportunity to help bring lifesaving information to our fenceline community.” Olympic swimmers Rowdy Gaines and Elizabeth Beisel hosted a morning assembly for Central students to teach the importance of learning how to swim. The athletes presented the four rules for water safety: learn to swim, get an adult if you go near the water, always swim with a buddy, and if someone is in trouble in the water, call for help, don’t go in. After talking about water safety, Gaines and Beisel pulled out their Olympic medals they earned during their Olympic swimming careers. Gaines showed his gold medal from

Continue Reading

ALTON - Dust off your disco pants and tease your hair up high! This 80’s Themed Adult Summer Camp will be a nostalgic blast-from-the-past weekend of creative fun planned for our 21+ crowd. Jacoby Arts Center brings you a visual, tactile, & auditory experience of fine arts & fun crafts taught by some of our best teachers and artists in the area. From reverse tie-dye to printmaking, swing dance to clay, this weekend offers something for every creative, new or experienced! Bring your girlfriends, your date or your grown kids for some cool memories! Choose from 1 or both days, Friday June 23 at 6pm and/or Saturday June 24 at 1pm. Did we mention, this Summer Camp is 80s themed? Come dressed in your best 80s get up for a chance to win the costume contest for a prize from Jacoby. We're looking for the biggest hair, the brightest neon, sweatbands, chunky jewelry, acid washed denim, jumpsuits, mesh, you name it! And if you can pull off a mullet -- be my guest! Check out the full schedul

Continue Reading

CHICAGO - Attorney General Kwame Raoul today announced a Vandalia, Illinois couple pleaded guilty in Fayette County Circuit Court to possessing and disseminating child pornography. The 2021 case was a result of an investigation Raoul’s office conducted into an alleged child pornography ring operating in Fayette County and is part of Raoul’s ongoing work, in collaboration with federal law enforcement agencies and local law enforcement officials throughout Illinois, to apprehend offenders who download and trade child pornography online. Andrew Wehrle, 39, pleaded guilty to two counts of dissemination of child pornography and one count of production of child pornography. He could face up to 26 years in prison. Amber Wehrle, 38, pleaded guilty to two counts of possession of child pornography and one count of indecent solicitation of an adult. She could face up to 13 years in prison. Both individuals will be sentenced at a future date. “Child pornography is a heinous

Continue Reading

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) today released the following statement after the U.S. Senate confirmed the nomination of Jeremy Daniel to serve as a District Court Judge on the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois: “We are pleased that the Senate has confirmed Jeremy Daniel to serve as a District Court Judge for the Northern District of Illinois. He was highly regarded by our screening committee and brings strong qualifications and a wealth of courtroom experience—including serving as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the Northern District—that will strengthen our federal bench.” In October 2021, the Senators announced that they would begin accepting applications from those interested in serving as a Federal District Court Judge in the Northern District of Illinois. The Senators were assisted by a screening committee whose

Continue Reading

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina), Senate Judiciary Committee Ranking Member, and U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-Illinois), Senate Judiciary Committee Chair, introduced a resolution designating the week of May 14 through 20, 2023 as National Police Week. The resolution was cosponsored by 77 of their colleagues. “It is now more important than ever to honor those who choose to serve in law enforcement. The world in which we live gets more dangerous every day, and we face rising crime and difficulty recruiting the next generation of law enforcement,” said Graham.“They risk their lives every day for our safety. This resolution is a small way to show our appreciation.” “Police Week is a time when law enforcement officers across the country travel to Washington to meet with lawmakers and honor their peers who have lost their lives in the line of duty,” Durbin said. “As our country continues to discuss how to make our

Continue Reading

SPRINGFIELD - Attorney General Kwame Raoul today joined a coalition of 12 attorneys general in support of robust anti-discrimination protections for transgender students. Raoul and the coalition submitted a comment letter to U.S. Department of Education Secretary Miguel Cardona expressing support for aspects of a proposed national rule that would prohibit schools from excluding transgender students from school sports at institutions that receive federal funding. The Department of Education has proposed a rule that would clarify how schools receiving federal funding can remain in compliance with Title IX, a federal civil rights statute, when determining a transgender student’s eligibility to participate on school athletic teams. “Transgender students should be afforded the same extracurricular opportunities as their peers,” Raoul said. “I will continue to fight to ensure young people who are transgender can join and participate in the full spectrum of school

Continue Reading

SPRINGFIELD - Fulfilling a campaign promise, Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias has established the first-ever Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Officer position in the Secretary of State’s office. Dr. Margaret “Margie” Lawler, who joins the office today, will fill this important inaugural role, Giannoulias announced. Dr. Lawler brings significant experience, most recently serving as Blackburn College’s inaugural DEI Officer. She has been engaged in diversity, equity and inclusion efforts for over 12 years at institutions of higher learning, including key roles at Illinois Central College and the University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana. She also brings private sector experience from her years with Caterpillar, Inc. in Peoria. “I want to ensure the Secretary of State’s office implements equitable hiring strategies and promotes an inclusive culture that will improve interactions with customers and the public,” said Giannoulias. “This

Continue Reading

ALTON - Alton Main Street invites you to a fun event which spans seventeen pet-friendly patios and businesses on Saturday, May 20 th from Noon-8:00 p.m. Join us for the Pup Crawl, and yes you read that correctly - it’s a pub crawl with dogs! Tickets are on sale now at all participating locations, or you can get your ticket at the Alton Dog Park on the day of the event while supplies last. With your $10 ticket you will receive a bandana for your pet, a passport listing food & beverage specials and pet-friendly activities, shuttle service from Noon-8pm, all-day access to the Alton Dog Park, and a chance to win great prizes! Check in will take place at the Alton Dog Park from Noon-5:00 p.m. The Alton Dog Park can be found within Russell Commons Park, which is located under the Clark Bridge; enter via Ridge Street and follow the signs. During the event you can pick up information about how to purchase an annual pass. For a traditional pub crawl experience, grab a bite or a beverage

Continue Reading

ALTON - A 17-year-old Alton male has been charged with a count of Aggravated Battery With A Firearm in regard to the shooting incident that occurred at 2:59 p.m. on Tuesday in the 2600 block of Maxey Street in Alton. The Madison County State’s Attorney’s Office reviewed the facts of the case today and issued the following charges against the suspect: Jaylen T. Elliott, 17 years old, of Alton-Count I: Aggravated Battery with a Firearm. The arrest warrant was signed by the Honorable Judge Maher and the bond was set at $250,000. Alton Police Chief Jarrett Ford said today that Elliott remains in custody at this time.

Continue Reading

OTTERVILLE - By day, Maggie Bick is a Jerseyville West Elementary School teacher, but in her free time, she loves spending time doing outdoor activities on a family farm - recently, she and her daughter Olivia had a mushroom hunt to remember. Some of the Morrell mushrooms found on that day are showcased above, held by Maggie and her daughter on their farm in Otterville. Maggie said they ended up discovering 42 total mushrooms in the one particular day of hunting. To make the day even more special, it was Olivia's first time mushroom hunting at the age of 3 years old. Maggie said her daughter could barely contain her excitement when she found the huge mushroom. "One of the mushrooms weighed 7.5 ounces. We have never found any this big," she said. "We found most of these next to an Elm tree that was dying. We found a whole hill just covered by mushrooms. Four or five years ago, we found a great batch, but nothing like this. We were really excited to prepare them and eat them." Morel

Continue Reading

WOOD RIVER - During a heated Public Comment portion of the last Wood River City Council meeting , residents heavily criticized three councilmen - Jeremy Plank and newly-elected David Ayres and Bill Dettmers - for their behavior and obstruction of Mayor Tom Stalcup’s appointments at the last meeting. Pastor Dave Landry, who ran for City Council last election, referred to the councilmen as “The Angry Three.” “It’s time to stand up to these bully tactics of Jeremy, Dave, and Bill, and take our city back from outsiders who never grew up in Wood River and have no interest in Wood River’s success,” Landry said. “I’m not scared of bullies. I’m not scared of your money, I’m not scared of your tactics, I’m not scared of the anger that you stir up. “‘The Angry Three’ have no clue and haven’t even asked what great things are being developed in Wood River - only their own personal agenda …

Continue Reading

ALTON - A vibrant and courageous little girl named Maelani has captured the hearts of the Alton community. At just five years old, Maelani's life took an unexpected turn when she was diagnosed with stage 4 Ganglioneuroblastoma on March 8, 2023. The "Benefit for Mighty Mae" hopes to make a difference, providing Maelani with the support and resources she needs to overcome her battle with cancer and shine brighter than ever before. Mae's diagnosis sent shockwaves through her family, but amidst the darkness, a glimmer of hope emerged. Many locals are familiar with Maelani's devoted mother, Kennedy Barnett, who is known for her warm heart and infectious smile. Kennedy, who works at Sonny's Main Street in Brighton and Josephine's Tea Room in Godfrey, had to put her work on hold to be by her daughter's side during this trying time. To support the family during this challenging journey, a benefit is being organized in Maelani's honor. At noon on Saturday, June 10, 2023, the community will

Continue Reading

WOOD RIVER - Some members of the Wood River City Council have responded to public comments criticizing them at their meeting last Monday. The councilmen were accused of being “outsiders” stopping the city’s success and much more, but claim these and other comments were not exactly true. Pastor Dave Landry referred to councilmen Bill Dettmers, David Ayres, and Jeremy Plank as “outsiders who never grew up in Wood River and have no interest in Wood River’s success.” Councilman Jeremy Plank said that in his case, that is only partially true. “I’ve lived here since 2005 - I did not grow up here, that is true, but I’ve had a long footprint in Wood River and want to respect all opinions in the community, but certainly that does not negate my ability to make effective decisions for our voters.” Councilman Bill Dettmers said he’s also lived in Wood River since 2005, but his wife was born and raised there, he has several

Continue Reading

O'FALLON - Since 1978 Andria’s Steakhouse-O’Fallon, Illinois has touched many lives - from patrons dining at the establishment to employees building roots within their community. Each year members of Andria’s staff take off to spread their wings onto their next adventure after graduating high school. Not only do these graduates leave a mark on the establishment during their time working, but Andria’s has also given them the opportunity to extend their roots in the community. “Before working at Andria’s, I did not realize how many people that I personally knew would be dining at my tables. I have lived in O’Fallon for most of my life, and being at Andria’s has made me realize how connected I am with my community. Having a job here has shown me that the residents of O’Fallon are my family, and I will be leaving many of the people that have made me the person I am today,” says Jackson Glover, busser with Andria’s. “Jackson’s

Continue Reading

ULLIN – The Illinois State Police arrested 42-year-old Samuel L. Lewis from Cairo, IL, on charges approved by the Alexander County State’s Attorney’s Office (ACSO) for First Degree Murder (Class X Felony). On May 9, 2023, at approximately 11:58 p.m., the Illinois State Police (ISP), Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) Zone 7 was requested by the Cairo Police Department to investigate a shooting which occurred on the 2400 block of Sycamore Street in Cairo, IL. Lafayette D. Woods, a 34-year-old male from Cairo, IL, was pronounced deceased as a result of the shooting. On May 16, 2023, following a thorough investigation, Samuel Lewis was arrested on First Degree Murder charges by ISP DCI Zone 7, with the assistance of the Alexander County Sheriff’s Department, and the Cairo Police Department. Lewis is currently in custody at the Tri-County Detention Center in Pulaski County on a $2,000,000 bond warrant. If you have any information on the events that

Continue Reading

GRAFTON - Aerie's Resort is proud to announce that they are now offering online bookings for all of their attractions. This exciting news means that families looking for summer fun can easily plan their visit to the Midwest's best resort with just a few clicks of a button. Aerie’s opened Illinois’ first Zipline Canopy Tour in 2012, and the Grafton SkyTour aerial lift has been wowing visitors with incredible views since 2019. In the fall of 2022, we opened the first Alpine Coaster in the state, and more exciting attractions are on the way. Now, with the convenience of online booking, guests can reserve their spot at any of these amazing attractions with ease via smartphone, laptop, or any internet-connected device. The online booking process is simple and user-friendly. Customers can easily navigate the Aerie's Resort website and select their desired attraction, date, and time. Once their booking is confirmed, they can sit back and relax, knowing that their adventure at

Continue Reading