Riverbender 🕸

BETHALTO - Jill Griffin’s office is filled with photographs. The Bethalto Community Unit School District #8 superintendent invited her first-ever first grade class to her wedding; there’s a picture from the ceremony with 20 kids smiling gap-toothed beside the bride. On another wall in her office hangs a picture of her two children standing under an Eagle Nation sign — her “three greatest loves,” her husband often teases. And on her computer, a picture of a child being lifted by several hands. To her, this is what education is all about. “I think part of my why is, I do believe that our children are our greatest asset. And I think if we can instill a love of learning in the next generation, it’s one of the greatest gifts that we can give them,” Griffin said. “It’s truly a field where all of these people come together around this idea of helping raise our children and being a part of their story. It’s something tha

Continue Reading

GRAFTON – Simmons Hanly Conroy LLP founder, chairman, U.S. Army veteran, and longtime veterans’ advocate John Simmons has announced his support as Co-Chair of the National Memorial of Military Ascent (NMMA), a transformative project that will honor America’s veterans with a world-class memorial and museum in Grafton, Illinois. “Honoring our nation’s veterans and their sacrifices is one of my life’s passions,” said Simmons. “The National Memorial of Military Ascent will be a sanctuary of remembrance and respect, uniting Americans to reflect on the selflessness of those who served.” About the National Memorial of Military Ascent Set against the stunning limestone bluffs along the Great River Road overlooking the Mississippi River, the NMMA will serve as a national symbol of courage, dedication, and the sacrifices made by members of the U.S. Armed Forces. The NMMA’s striking design will feature life-sized bronze

Continue Reading

COLLINSVILLE — Collinsville High School senior Danielle Cary has been recognized as the 2024 Leader of Tomorrow by C3, an award that honors young individuals who have positively impacted their community and inspired others through their actions. Cary, who began her high school journey in the Fall of 2020 amid the COVID-19 pandemic, quickly distinguished herself through her commitment to community service. Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, she completed 400 hours of volunteer work for local organizations during her first two years at Collinsville High. As she approaches graduation, her volunteer efforts have continued to grow, with significant contributions to the local library, hospital, and Disabled Veterans Association. Active in Girl Scouts since the age of five, Cary has embraced the organization’s values of service, personal enrichment, and cultural appreciation. She has earned the highest awards in Girl Scouts—Bronze, Silver, and Gold—and was

Continue Reading

EDWARDSVILLE – The Gori Law Firm is proud to announce it was recently named a 2024 Women-Led Top Workplace. This award is one of several within Energage’s Top Workplaces National Culture Excellence Awards, which were revealed on October 16, 2024. Energage is a Philadelphia-based workplace survey and performance-certified B Corporation. In addition to featuring women-led organizations, the Culture Excellence Awards also recognize winners in DE&I Practices, Employee Appreciation, Employee Well-Being and Professional Development. The awarded organizations, including The Gori Law Firm, are all recognized for prioritizing people-first cultures and workplace experiences. “We are incredibly honored to be recognized as a Women-Led Top Workplace,” said Sara Salger, managing partner of The Gori Law Firm. “We believe this award reflects the supportive and inclusive culture we strive to create for our employees, and it is rewarding to know that our efforts

Continue Reading

EAST ALTON - Joshua Roe, a Senior Airman in the U.S. Air Force, served his country from 1998 to 2006, primarily as a firefighter at Malstrom Air Force Base. Originally from East Alton, Illinois, Roe's military career included deployments to Kuwait and Korea, as well as time spent at McChord Air Force Base. Roe's father, William L. Roe, submitted a message highlighting his son's service and dedication to the Air Force. The message reflects a sense of pride in Joshua Roe’s commitment, stating, "Our son served in the U.S. Air Force and was stationed at Malstrom AFB, Kuwait, Korea, and McChord AFB." During his years of service, Roe achieved the rank of Senior Airman (E-4) but did not serve in combat. His contributions as a firefighter were critical in supporting the operations of the Air Force during his tenure. To contribute a Veterans Salute, click here.

Continue Reading

EAST ST. LOUIS — The East St. Louis School District 189 recognized the commitment of its students and their families during a recent event celebrating perfect attendance for the first quarter of the school year. Dunbar Elementary School in East St. Louis honored its scholars who maintained perfect attendance over the nine-week period. The celebration highlighted the dedication of both the students and their parents, with all scholars present at school every day, on time, and remaining for the full duration of each school day. In appreciation, the school held a raffle for the students and their parents, with prizes aimed at encouraging continued attendance. Two students were awarded bikes as part of the raffle for perfect attendance. The winners were identified as Keyounte Gibson from the third grade and Zyonna Wheaton from the second grade. Additionally, two parents were selected to receive tablets, with the winners being the parents of Koriyon Thomas and Miracle Davis.

Continue Reading

ALTON - Ralph “Buzz” Ullrich has officially announced his campaign for Alton’s mayor. On Friday, Nov. 8, 2024, Ullrich met with press and constituents to talk about his platform and his goals for the mayoral race. He outlined Alton’s streets and the “customer service” at City Hall as two of his top priorities. “It’s all about public service,” Ullrich said. “City Hall should be customer service-friendly, and it’s not always that way. In this day and age, if you’re customer service-friendly, the residents respond to that positively. If you notice on online media, there hasn’t been a lot of positive response lately…We’re hoping that with a new administration, we can have more customer service and friendliness of the City Hall can be part of what people see.” Ullrich said that residents have been “denigrating” City Hall in recent years. He emphasized that he is not a politician,

Continue Reading

As the days grow shorter and the air turns crisp, there’s a unique magic in the autumn season. The vibrant hues of the leaves, the scent of pumpkin spice in the air, and the soft rustle of fallen foliage create the perfect backdrop for a cozy night in. What better way to embrace the essence of fall than by curling up with a good book? In this article, we’ll explore some of the best books to read on those cozy fall nights, spanning various genres to cater to every reader's taste. The Comfort of Fiction 1. "The Night Circus" by Erin Morgenstern A mesmerizing tale that transports readers to a magical competition between two young illusionists, "The Night Circus" is both enchanting and atmospheric. The story is set against the backdrop of a mysterious circus that only opens at night, creating a dreamlike quality that fits perfectly with the fall ambiance. Morgenstern’s rich, descriptive prose invites readers to lose themselves in the world of wonder and whimsy, making

Continue Reading

Welcome to this day in history! On November 8, we witness a tapestry of significant events that have shaped our world. One of the most impactful events that occurred on November 8 was the election of Barack Obama as President of the United States in 2008. This marked a historic moment, as Obama became the first African American to hold the office. His victory not only symbolized progress in the fight for civil rights but also inspired millions around the globe. Obama's campaign focused on uniting the country and addressing pressing issues such as healthcare, the economy, and climate change. His presidency would go on to influence U.S. politics and global relations significantly. November 8, 2016, was another significant date, as it was the day Donald Trump was elected as the 45th President of the United States. Trump's victory was surprising to many, as he ran a campaign focused on populist themes, challenging the political establishment. His presidency was marked by controversies,

Continue Reading

EDWARDSVILLE - Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE) and the Friends of Art is excited to announce its Annual Art Auction on Nov. 8, 2024, with funds raised supporting the Art & Design department’s visiting artist program as well as student scholarships, assistantships, and awards. This long-standing annual event (since 1979) will take place in the Art & Design West Gallery at SIUE, starting with a Preview at 5 p.m. and the Live Auction at 7 p.m. by local auctioneer Gary Niemeier. This year’s auction will showcase a diverse array of artworks from both local and national artists, faculty, alumni and current students. Some highlights include pieces by Alexander Calder, Pablo Picasso, Victor Vasarely, Thomas Gipe, Daniel Raedeke, Andy Magee, JaimeJo Fisher and many more! Proceeds from the auction provide a unique opportunity for attendees to acquire unique and original pieces while contributing to the growth of the SIUE art community. The auction directly benefits

Continue Reading

This weekend, a vibrant array of events awaits, showcasing everything from plant-themed bingo and holiday bazaars to live music and community fundraisers, ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy. For a full listing of events and to discover more about what’s happening in your area, visit https://www.riverbender.com/events/ . If you want to ensure even more of the region is aware of your event email cj@riverbender.com and explore our range of Event Promotion Services! Featured Money Shot will perform at Alton VFW Post 1308 from 7 to 11 p.m. on Friday, November 8. Come early for a hot fish dinner from Fish Haven food truck, served from 4 to 9 p.m. Open to the public. Visit vfwpost1308.org for more information! Bluey Party invites you to join lovable Heeler puppies Bluey and Bingo along with the KidsSpace staff for a magical hour filled with games, snacks, and crafting activities. Limited space is available, so be sure to register by calling (618) 433-2881.

Continue Reading

ROXANA — Roxana High School sophomore Bailey Schallenberg-Decker has earned a spot at the state cross country meet after finishing in 30th place sectional time of 19:48.2. She qualified for the sectional from the IHSA Class 1A Regional Meet, where she posted a time of 20:54.0. Schallenberg-Decker's performance this season has been noteworthy. On Oct. 8, 2024, she secured eighth place at the Madison County Cross Country Championships with a time of 21:51.3. Earlier in the season, she finished 12th at the Wesclin Invitational with a time of 21:24.5, and she recorded a time of 21:25.9 at the Granite City Invite, the season opener. In recognition of her achievements, Schallenberg-Decker has been named the Midwest Members Credit Union Female Athlete of the Month. "I am a sophomore," she said in an earlier interview. "I love running; it is my whole life right now. I will also be on the track team. As she prepares for the state meet, her dedication to the sport remains evident, an

Continue Reading

ROXANA - Gianna Stassi, a standout sophomore athlete from the Shells, has qualified for the Illinois High School Association (IHSA) State Cross Country Meet with an impressive sectional time of 18:25.8. This achievement comes as part of her ongoing success in multiple sports, highlighting her versatility as an athlete. Gianna's dedication and versatility have earned her recognition as the Midwest Members Credit Union Female Athlete of the Month for the Shells. Stassi's journey to the state meet includes a notable performance at the Cahokia Conference Championships, where she secured a victory in the 1,600 meters with a time of 6:06.19. In addition to her accomplishments in cross country and track, she has also made her mark in soccer, demonstrating her diverse athletic abilities. On October 26, Stassi recorded a time of 18:58.3 at the IHSA 1A regional, further solidifying her place among the top competitors in her sport. She also triumphed at the Cahokia Conference Meet, finishing

Continue Reading

BELLEVILLE - The City of Belleville has expanded its ban on public camping, giving city officials more guidelines and authority as the issue of homelessness persists throughout the Riverbend. The Belleville City Code previously devoted a single paragraph to public camping, which has since been repealed and expanded. The updated 10-page ordinance deems the act a “nuisance within the city” in need of further regulation to address “public health concerns.” At their meeting on Monday, Nov. 4, 2024, the Belleville City Council voted 16-0 to pass the amended ordinance, which follows a similar structure to public camping bans passed in Alton , Wood River , Glen Carbon and more. The ordinance essentially defines “public camping” as establishing or remaining in a temporary living space where any material used for sleeping or cooking is present. This includes but is not limited to the use of sleeping bags, tents, vehicles, and more. It

Continue Reading

PIASA — Southwestern High School junior Vivian Zurheide has made a significant impact both on and off the field as an athlete and student. She is an Altonized Community Federal Union Female Athlete of the Month for the Piasa Birds. Zurheide just completed a successful varsity volleyball season and is now poised to continue excelling in basketball in the winter and softball in the spring. Zurheide's athletic prowess extends beyond her performance in games; she has demonstrated a commitment to mentoring younger athletes. This fall, she volunteered alongside fellow students to assist head girls' softball coach Amanda Edwards in coaching the middle school team. “If you want to build a program up, you have to start at the bottom,” Zurheide said. “Supporting Coach Edwards and the Piasa Birds is something that I enjoy doing. Giving back to our younger players is always something I look forward to.” Her contributions have not gone unnoticed. Coach Edwards praised

Continue Reading

ST. LOUIS – Earlier today, Mayor Jones and Lt. Governor Mike Kehoe spoke on the phone after Kehoe’s election as Missouri’s next governor. After their call, during a press conference announcing his transition , Kehoe discussed his desire to pursue a state takeover of SLMPD. Mayor Jones issued the following statement in response: "Every year since l've been in office, St. Louis has seen a significant reduction in crime and homicides, and a state takeover threatens that progress," said Mayor Tishaura O. Jones. "I’ve repeatedly made it very clear that a state takeover does not make cities safer. If a state-controlled police department was the model for law enforcement, then Kansas City should be the safest place on Earth. Yet, Kansas City saw more deaths by homicide in 2023 than any year ever recorded while St. Louis saw a 10-year low. I'll continue to work with Chief Tracy, our Office of Violence Prevention, Circuit Attorney Gabe Gore, and our community partners

Continue Reading

EDWARDSVILLE - After a successful 26-year career in local government, including 18 years as a Judge, Chief Judge Stephen Stobbs announced his retirement from the bench, effective December 31, 2024. Judge Stobbs, 56, will return full-time to the private practice of law. “It was the honor of my life to spend the past 18 years serving the people of Madison and Bond Counties, as a Judge. I will especially miss my friends and colleagues here at the courthouse, including all the wonderful employees that work tirelessly, every day, to serve the people”, Stobbs said. Chief Judge Stobbs was elected Circuit Judge as a Republican in 2020 after first serving as an Associate Judge for 14 years. Prior to his judicial career, Stobbs served as a Republican member of the Madison County Board representing Godfrey for eight years, having been elected three times. Throughout his judicial career, Chief Judge Stobbs has presided over every type of case in the Third Judicial Circuit, including

Continue Reading

ALTON - The Hayner Public Library District has a busy month ahead as they prepare for November’s programs. “There is so much going on,” said Mary Cordes, the library’s executive director. “It’s busy, but it’s going well.” Hayner will host a special Story Time at Lucy’s Playhouse from 10–11 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 15 and Dec. 13, 2024. Located at the Lucy Haskell Playhouse at 1211 Henry Street, these events invite kids to enjoy an interactive story with Ms. Mary Kay and Panda Bear. The second Teen Graphic Novel Writers Guild is scheduled for 5 p.m. on Nov. 13, 2024, at the Alton Square Mall Hayner location. This program invites teens to write and illustrate their own graphic novels. Cordes noted that graphic novels are “their own art form” and help a lot of young readers fall in love with reading. “You can look at them for the art and the artistry of the creation, but it’s also the

Continue Reading

SPRINGFIELD — This week, Nikki Budzinski secured a decisive victory in the race for Illinois’ 13th Congressional District. With more than 95 percent of votes reported, Budzinski defeated her opponent 57.6 percent to 42.4 percent — a 15.2 percent margin . Budzinski was elected to Congress by a 13.2 percent margin in 2022 . Budzinski flipped Macon County and won a higher share of the vote in all seven of the counties she represents in the 13th District. A breakdown of her county-level gains over her 2022 results can be found below: Macon County: Budzinski gained 8.04% of the vote Sangamon County: Budzinski gained 4.8% of the vote Piatt County: Budzinski gained 2.58% of the vote Champaign County: Budzinski gained 2.4% of the vote Macoupin County: Budzinski gained 1.1% of the vote St. Clair County: Budzinski gained 0.76% of the vote Madison County: Budzinski gained 0.64% of the vote “Two years ago, voters in Central and

Continue Reading

BETHALTO — Lynn Rives, a veteran who served in the U.S. Army from 1968 to 1988, was honored by his family through a recent submission to the Veteran Salute program. The submission, made by Michele Ohlson, expresses gratitude for Rives' dedicated years of service. Rives, who attained the rank of Sergeant during his military career, did not serve in combat. The heartfelt message submitted alongside the salute reads, “Thank you for all your dedicated service years of service in the Army - Lynn Rives - Love - your family!” The Veteran Salute program aims to recognize and honor the contributions of military veterans and their families. To submit a Veteran Salute form submission to Riverbender.com, click here.

Continue Reading