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GODFREY - If Beth Smilack’s American Sign Language class isn’t using their hands to sign, they’re probably playing air guitar. Lewis and Clark Community College (LCCC) sponsors a College for Kids program every summer, which offers a series of weeklong classes in a variety of subjects to different age groups. When they contacted Smilack and asked her to teach a course on American Sign Language (ASL), she immediately said yes. “It’s important because children who are going to school with others, maybe Deaf children, they could possibly rely on an interpreter. But it would just be so much better if they were able to actually communicate with their friends in their same language,” Smilack said. “It just gives them another option to be able to connect with somebody.” This week’s class is for kids aged 7–10, and it’s off to a great start. Next week, ages 11–15 will be able to try their hand (literally) at sign language.

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ALTON/GODFREY - The North Alton-Godfrey Business Council has exciting plans for business owners and community members. The Council is a nonprofit volunteer organization made up of business owners, education and healthcare entities, individual members and more throughout the Riverbend region. They meet every month to discuss community development initiatives, and there are several in the works. “It’s community, and that’s what we try to promote,” Zeke Jabusch, the council’s president, said. “We try to feature good speakers, and we try to feature all the members in terms of allowing them to present to our membership who they are and what they do and how they got involved and what they’re doing in terms of perpetuating their own business. That’s what it’s all about.” The organization started in 1945 as a collaboration between North Alton business owners. Jabusch, who became involved in the 1990s, helped expand the

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SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois State Police (ISP) is targeting vehicle theft, hijacking, and related violence crimes using a $10 million Illinois Vehicle Hijacking and Motor Vehicle Theft Prevention and Insurance Verification Council grant from the Illinois Secretary of State. “The Illinois State Police is focusing on solving and stopping vehicular theft and hijacking crimes using an increased patrol presence, air operations support, automated license plate readers, investigations, and forensic services,” said ISP Director Brendan F. Kelly. From April through June 2023, ISP missions resulted in the following: Vehicles recovered – stolen and/or hijacked 204 Stolen vehicle arrests 32 Hijacked vehicle arrests 3 Firearms seized as a result of stolen/hijacked vehicle recovery 12 Missions targeting stolen/hijacked vehicle recovery and related violent

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WOOD RIVER - Several public commenters at the July 17 Wood River City Council meeting used their five minutes to respond to recent Letters to the Editor on Riverbender.com that were written by Councilmen Bill Dettmers and Jeremy Plank . Members of the public also echoed previously voiced sentiments of dissatisfaction with the council and again called for the resignations of Bill Dettmers, David Ayres, and Jeremy Plank. “I want to start out about the statement Jeremy Plank made on the Riverbender. You said, ‘There is a handful of disgruntled people who are being led and organized by four failed candidates for city council,’” Pastor Dave Landry said. “I’d like to clarify - it’s not a ‘handful,’ it’s at least 1,000 and it’s rapidly growing.” Landry added that Councilman Dettmers told him before Dettmers was elected that he would not support a cannabis dispensary in Wood River, and said “wanting

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BENTON – A U.S. District judge sentenced the final defendant of five total co-conspirators for his involvement in a large-scale methamphetamine operation in southern Illinois. Robert Smith, 42, of Los Angeles, California, was sentenced to 27 years in federal prison. Smith pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and one count of conspiracy to launder money. The case involved more than 100 pounds of methamphetamine distributed in the Southern District of Illinois. Co-conspirator William Moore, 39, of East St. Louis, pled guilty to five counts of distributing methamphetamine, one count of attempted possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine, one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, and one count of conspiracy to launder money. He received a 30-year federal prison sentence on April 20, 2022, and he will serve five years of supervised release. Michael Huffman, 37, of Salem, Illinois, pled guilty to one count of distributing methamphetamine,

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ALTON - Alton’s newest Alderman, John Meehan, discussed his recent appointment to the City Council, his love for the city and its history, and more on a recent episode of Our Daily Show! on Riverbender.com . Meehan was appointed as 5th Ward Alderman to serve the remainder of former Alderman Charles Brake’s term after Brake resigned last week. Meehan said that Brake, who he’s known for decades, personally requested his appointment to Mayor David Goins. “I’ve known Charlie for 30 years, and Charlie was having more and more health troubles,” Meehan said. “He was asking if I would be interested in possibly being an alderman if he had to step down, so that’s the way it kind of came along. He and I talked, and he wrote a letter to the mayor and asked that in the event that he was forced to retire because of health reasons, if the mayor would appoint me, and the mayor said yes. “Since I’ve known Charles for such a long time

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GLEN CARBON – The Illinois Department of Transportation will hold a public informational meeting to discuss traffic management for the proposed intersection reconstruction of Illinois 162 at Illinois 157 in Glen Carbon. The meeting will be held: Tuesday, July 25 4-7 p.m. Glen Carbon Senior Center 157 N. Main St., Glen Carbon The project involves the realignment of the west leg of Illinois 162 to tie in with the east leg of Illinois 162 at a proposed traffic signal, thus eliminating the offset intersections of Illinois 162 with stop control. The project also involves reconstruction of the bridge that carries Illinois 157 over Judy’s Branch, construction of a new bridge to carry Illinois 162 over Judy’s Branch and construction of a pedestrian bridge parallel to Illinois 157 over Judy’s Branch. The purpose of the meeting is to discuss traffic management for the project during construction. Handouts and display boards will be available for public

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EDWARDSVILLE - The baseball team of American Legion Post #199 wrapped up their first season back on the field after a hiatus following their coach’s death. Nick Steele, who restarted the team this year under the name “Blacksox,” is looking forward to rebuilding the program in coming years while honoring the man who started it. He hopes the kids who played this season have enjoyed Legion Baseball as an alternative to high school or travel ball, all while giving back to local veterans. “As a Legion, we represent veterans,” Coach Steele said. “And to have the boys come out and show the gentlemen respect, be a part of the Legion, it breathes life back into the local Legion…Those kids are going to be a part of the Legion growing up.” American Legion Baseball is a major tradition in the organization. Steele said he was excited to restart the program at Post #199 because it’s affordable and fun for kids who “have the passion

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EDWARDSVILLE - A man convicted of murder for intentionally striking a woman with his truck has been sentenced to 60 years in prison. Madison County State’s Attorney Tom Haine announced Tuesday that Richard D. Mayor, 60, of East St. Louis, had received the sentence. In June, a jury found Mayor guilty of first-degree murder in the death of Lisa M. Dunnavant-Polach, 46, of Washington Park. The two had been in a relationship but became involved in a dispute. Mayor struck Dunnavant-Polach with his pickup as she walked along Illinois Route 111 on Feb. 21, 2023. The impact nearly severed one of her legs, and she died later at a hospital. “This was a cowardly yet cruel act by a criminal who has no regard for others,” Haine said. “To this day, this perpetrator refuses to take responsibility for his actions.” Evidence and testimony at trial showed that Dunnavant-Polach was on foot along Illinois 111 and trying to evade Mayor, who was driving a pickup. The driver

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SOUTH ROXANA — Mayor Barbara Overton has announced her resignation from her position due to health-related concerns. "We express our deepest gratitude to Mayor Overton for her commitment to the village and we wish her a fast and full recovery," South Roxana City Administration/Police Chief Bob Coles of South Roxana, said on Tuesday. "We are pleased to announce T.J. Callahan will assume the role of Mayor Pro Tempore. Mr. Callahan is looking forward to working closely with our community and current board members to move South Roxana forward in the right direction. He brings a wealth of experience and passion to the role, and we're confident in his ability to continue leading South Roxana. "In other exciting community news, our new Recreation Committee of trustee Greg Adams and Anna Broadfoot, have been preparing for a lot of community events slated over the next couple of years. We eagerly anticipate the enthusiasm, fellowship, and shared community spirit these events will foster.

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SPRINGFIELD - The Illinois Supreme Court ruled 5-2 on Tuesday that eliminating cash bail for defendants awaiting trial does not violate the Illinois Constitution. This allows a historic change to the criminal justice system to go forward over objections from county prosecutors who challenged the law. Illinois became the first state in the nation to eliminate cash bail as a condition of pretrial release from jail. “The Illinois Constitution of 1970 does not mandate that monetary bail is the only means to ensure criminal defendants appear for trials or the only means to protect the public,” Chief Justice Mary Jane Theis wrote in the majority opinion. “Our constitution creates a balance between the individual rights of defendants and the individual rights of crime victims.” The law eliminating cash bail creates a system “commensurate with that balance,” the court ruled. The Illinois Supreme Court decision came more than four months after the high

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JERSEYVILLE - A man from Jerseyville who reportedly kicked a pregnant woman in the stomach and strangled her last month is facing two felony counts for battery, according to recent Jersey County court filings. Michael W. Steinacher, 22, of Jerseyville, was charged with one count of aggravated battery and one count of aggravated domestic battery. The description for the second count alleges Steinacher, while “knowing” the victim “to be pregnant … kicked her in the stomach.” The description of the first count alleges he “intentionally strangled” the victim, “in that he impeded the normal breathing or circulation of the victim’s blood by applying pressure on the throat or neck of the victim.” Steinacher was charged with a Class 2 felony for Count 1 - aggravated battery, and a Class 3 felony for Count 2 - aggravated domestic battery. The incident allegedly took place on or about June 15, 2023. Bail for Steinacher was se

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EDWARDSVILLE - The Edwardsville Municipal Band is thrilled to announce its upcoming concert, "Jazz, Sing, and More," scheduled to take place on Thursday, July 20, at 8:00 PM on the Cleaon Etzkorn Bandstand at City Park. Under the direction of co-conductor Dr. Rubén Darío Gómez, the band pays homage to the legends of jazz and features an eclectic lineup of composers. From the unforgettable sound of Glenn Miller's big band hits to the timeless ragtime melodies of Scott Joplin, the audience will be transported on a nostalgic journey through the history of American music. The concert will also include selections from the renowned Henry Mancini, whose cinematic compositions have left an indelible mark on the world of music. Furthermore, the infectious rhythms and energy of Miami Sound Machine will infuse the evening with a vibrant Latin flavor, bringing a touch of tropical heat to the park. Concessions available during the event will directly benefit the Glen Ed

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CHICAGO – Gov. JB Pritzker announced today that individuals and businesses devastated by the severe weather and tornadoes on June 29th through July 4th may request waivers of penalties and interest on state taxes if they cannot file their returns or make payments on time. Those impacted in the counties declared a disaster are eligible to request a waiver of penalties and interest for income, withholding, sales, specialty, and excise taxes. The counties covered by the Disaster Proclamation include: Coles, Cook, Edgar, Hancock, McDonough, Morgan, Sangamon, and Washington. “Many Illinois communities suffered extensive damage due to the recent torrential rain and severe weather,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “To support those impacted across the state, I have signed a disaster proclamation and the state will waive the penalties for impacted taxpayers who need more time to file their state taxes.” Taxpayers seeking waivers of penalties and interest for taxes

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CHICAGO — Today, Governor JB Pritzker continued the delegation phase of his trade mission to the United Kingdom with meetings with government and education leaders as well as a meeting with U.S. Ambassador to the United Kingdom. The Governor and President of the University of Illinois system, Dr. Timothy Killeen, met with Sir Gerry McCormac, Principal and Vice Chancellor of the University of Stirling, and Sir Peter Mathieson, the Principal and Vice Chancellor of the University of Edinburgh. In addition to his leadership at the University of Stirling, Sir Gerry McCormac currently serves as the international policy lead for Universities UK, a collective of 140 universities. The Governor discussed opportunities to strengthen the transatlantic connection between post-secondary institutions in the United Kingdom and Illinois. In particular, they discussed expanding mobility of distinguished researchers and students from the United Kingdom to Illinois, allowing for increased funding

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WOOD RIVER - Wood River Police Sgt. Aaron Burns and two others represented the Wood River Police Department in the 19th Annual Cycle Across Illinois benefiting Illinois Concerns of Police Survivors. The cycle across the state took place from June 12 to June 16. Sgt. Burns, wife, Kristen, and sister, Riana Whitehead, completed the entire 368-mile bike ride. Aaron escorted the two with a Wood River Police Department vehicle on the road, Wood River Chief Brad Wells said. Sgt. Burns and the two women represented the Wood River Police Department to honor those who lost their life in the line of duty and in honor of his brother, while his wife and sister rode in the 368-mile bicycle ride to honor the fallen. Det. Sgt. Burns lost his brother, Caruthersville Officer Evan Burns, in the line of duty, on Aug. 11, 2011. Wood River Police Chief Brad Wells said the members of the Wood River Police Department and community are very thankful for their dedication to honor those who have made the

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EDWARDSVILLE - Longtime Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE) professor Allison Funk was named a Guggenheim Fellow last year, one of only five poets to receive that prestigious recognition in 2022. One year later and another fellowship from the Illinois Arts Council under her belt, Funk is reflecting on her career as a professor and poet as she gathers her poems into a new collection that connects grief, womanhood and nature. A self-described “old feminist,” Funk noted that this book feels especially poignant at this point in her career, which started at a time when very few women were published. “We look for models,” Funk said. “Obviously, all women are not alike, but there is some commonality in terms of our life experiences. That was especially important to me when I was young, to have my own sort of authorized in some way…We have to write out of our own bodies and our own experiences, to a large degree.” Funk studied

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CHICAGO – If you purchased a Lucky Day Lotto ticket at a 7-Eleven store in Elgin, you may want to check it right away. That’s because you could be holding a winning ticket worth $900,000. The winning ticket was purchased at a 7-Eleven store, located at 811 E. Chicago St. in Elgin, IL. The lucky winner hit all five numbers in the Lucky Day Lotto midday draw on Sunday, July 16 to win the jackpot. The $900,000 grand prize was won with the winning numbers: 11-13-14-23-26. This is also a win for the retailer that sold the winning ticket, as the retailer will receive a bonus of 1% of the prize amount. In total, nearly 24,000 other prizes, ranging from $1 to $200, were won in this Lucky Day Lotto drawing. Anyone could be next - with two massive jackpots up for grabs tonight. The Powerball jackpot has swelled to a staggering $900 million for tonight’s drawing - making it the third largest Powerball jackpot and seventh largest lottery jackpot in U.S. history. And the

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ALTON - Alton Little Theater released a reminder of the upcoming Monty Python's Spamalot that begins July 21 and runs to July 30 at the Showplace. The July 21, 22, 26 and 26 shows are at 7:30 p.m. evenings. The July 23 and 30 shows are matinees at 2 p.m. Kevin Frakes is the director of "Spamalot" at ALT. Tickets are $25. Spamalot tells the legendary tale of King Arthur's quest to find the Holy Grail. Inspired by the classic comedy film, Monty Python and the Holy Grail, the musical also diverts a bit from more traditional versions of this legend. Lee Cox, of Alton Little Theater said she wants everyone to have a summer blast of fun at Spamalot. "We have 22 of our best performers to give it their all - so you can enjoy laughing again," she said. "Everyone sings and dances and creates a summer spectacular of grand theater." Cox closed: "So don't delay - Call 618-462-3205 today or go online: altonlittletheater.org. ...We promise you will have so much fun. Let ALT transport

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EDWARDSVILLE - A man, a horse and a dog paused their cross-country travels for a fundraiser this weekend at Triangle H Farms. The trio, known as the Three Amigos, have walked across the U.S. twice to raise awareness about PTSD in veterans. This weekend’s fundraiser benefited The Righteous Life Rescue Ranch, an organization that will connect veterans with rescued mustang horses and dogs. “There’s a lot of animals that need to be rescued out there,” Matt Perella, who leads the Three Amigos, said. “And most importantly, there’s a lot of veterans that need to be rescued out there, as well.” Perella is a former U.S. Marine and the founder of The Righteous Life Rescue Ranch. He has seen firsthand how animals can save lives; he speaks openly of how his rescue animals, a horse named Buck and service dog named Raffe, have saved him, many times over. The Righteous Life Rescue Ranch will do that for other people and the animals they plan to

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