Riverbender 🕸

BLOOMINGTON – U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, released the following statement regarding ProPublica reporting providing the fullest public account yet of Justice Clarence Thomas’ undisclosed gifts and troubling ethical conduct, to the tune of at least 38 destination vacations, 26 private jet flights, and numerous other luxury gifts: “The latest ProPublica revelation of unreported lavish gifts to Justice Clarence Thomas makes it clear: these are not merely ethical lapses. This is a shameless lifestyle underwritten for years by a gaggle of fawning billionaires. “Justices Thomas and Alito have made it clear that they are oblivious to the embarrassment they have visited on the highest court in the land. Now, it is up to Chief Justice Roberts and the other Justices to act on ethics reform to save their own reputations and the integrity of the Court. If the Court will not act, then Congress must continue

Continue Reading

GRANITE CITY - Granite City Police have resolved a report of a missing juvenile and charged a California, Mo., man with multiple aggravated criminal sexual abuse counts. On Tuesday, Aug. 8, 2023, the Granite City Police Department received a report of a missing juvenile. Also on Aug. 8, the Granite City Police Department received additional information and through an investigation, detectives were able to identify a suspect involved in the juvenile’s disappearance and their possible location. Detectives contacted the California, Mo., Police Department and the suspect was taken into custody. The juvenile was recovered and later returned to their family. Detectives from the Granite City Police Department then responded to the Moniteau County Sheriff’s Department, where the suspect was being held. An interview was conducted and a request was made to hold the suspect pending investigation and charges. The suspect has been identified as Naresh Bass-Ocasio, 22, of California,

Continue Reading

EDWARDSVILLE - Civic Memorial softball player Bryleigh Ward emerged as a key part of the Eagles' girls' softball lineup this past spring, being described as a second leadoff hitter who can reach base and hits the ball hard, putting it in play at key moments. One highlight was early in the season when Ward smashed a game-tying two-run homer in the top of the fifth in CM's win at Edwardsville 6-4 on April 3, which is a signature win for the program over one of the best teams in both the Metro-East and St. Louis area. Ward is also an honors student at Civic Memorial. For her efforts both on and off the field, Ward has been named a CM Tom Lane State Farm Female Athlete of the Month. Ward said the Eagles' team came a long way in 2023, especially from 2022, and she thinks the whole team worked hard since November of 2022 for the success this past spring. "We got off to a really early start and I'm just really proud of the team," she said. Ward had a great feeling when she saw her game-tying

Continue Reading

WOOD RIVER - Mayor Tom Stalcup made several announcements at the Wood River City Council meeting on Monday, including congratulations he gave to two local businesses, an upcoming event from the Wood River Public Library, and repairs that have been made to state highways in the city with the help of State Representative Amy Elik. Mayor Stalcup congratulated Atomic Pinball Arcade for their grand opening last Saturday, Aug. 5, which featured over 100 pinball machines, video games, shuffleboard, skeeball, and more. “Good luck to Chuck and John , who made major renovations to this very nice facility,” Mayor Stalcup said. Sanderson said in a previous story on Riverbender.com that they spent $650,000 in total transforming the building into a pinball arcade. Stalcup also congratulated Missy Bell-Yates, founder of Rustic Roots in Wood River, for being chosen as the Business of the Year by the Rotary Club. Stalcup said the Bell-Yates family has “been a business

Continue Reading

SPRINGFIELD - Land of Lincoln Honor Flight (LLHF) Mission #68 takes off on Tuesday, August 22, 2023 with 2 Korean-era veterans and 91 Vietnam era veterans. These veterans will report to Springfield Abraham Lincoln Capitol Airport from 54 Illinois towns of Assumption, Beardstown, Belleville, Bloomington, Bunker Hill, Canton, Cantrall, Carlyle, Champaign, Chatham, Decatur, Divernon, Franklin, Freeburg, Gifford, Godfrey, Grafton, Greenup, Harvel, Havana, Hillsboro, Hoopeston, Jerseyville, Kansas, Kenney, Lincoln, Lovington, Marine, Mascoutah, Morrisonville, Mt. Zion, Neoga, Niantic, Nilwood, Normal, Oakley, Petersburg Pleasant Plains, Pontiac, Rantoul, Raymond, Rochester, Rushville, Sherman, Shipman, Sigel, Sparta, Springfield, Stonington, Taylorville, Urbana, Varna, Waterloo as well as Springfield, MO and Florissant, MO. These 93 veterans and their 86 Guardians arrive at the airport Tuesday morning at 4:00 AM to travel to Washington DC on a chartered Sun Country 737 aircraft to visit

Continue Reading

ALTON - The Alton High School Class of 1968 is planning its 55th class reunion in September, where they will catch up with each other and reflect on their high school years during the Civil Rights Movement and Vietnam War. On Saturday, Sept. 23, class members are invited to Alton Sports Tap to enjoy food, drinks and music from the 60s. Earline Hopkins, a member of the planning committee, explained that she has known her classmates for so long that she considers them family. “The class has always been very close,” Hopkins said. “They’re like brothers and sisters. They really are. I mean, I can recall every house they lived in, their old phone numbers…I remember their parents because we were in and out of their houses so often. It’s family. It’s like having extended brothers and sisters.” Over 600 people graduated from Alton High School in 1968. While many of them have spread out across the country, there are still classmates who

Continue Reading

EDWARDSVILLE – The Latino Roundtable of Southwestern Illinois (LRT), The Illinois Small Business Development Center (SBDC) for the Metro East at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE), SIUE’s Office of Online Services and Educational Outreach, and sponsors Busey Bank, FCB Banks, AJ Legal Services, and Revity Credit Union, along with additional partners will host the Immigrants in Our Midst Conference on Friday, September 22. The conference focuses on how to better serve the U.S. Immigrant Workforce. The event will take place from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at SIUE’s Morris University Center Conference Center. SIUE alumnus Raffi Mikaelian and LRT member is leading the coordination of this annual event that includes presentations by regional specialists in the fields of immigration law, immigrant demographics, Latino outreach, employment services and state resources. Professionals and students, who seek to increase their involvement with immigrant communities in and

Continue Reading

EDWARDSVILLE – The recipients of the Graduate School’s 2023 Research Grants for Research Doctoral Students (RGRDS) awards have been selected. The RGRDS program awards grants of up to $1,000 on a competitive basis to support research/projects initiated and conducted by students of the SIUE EdD programs, DNP programs, and the co-operative PhD programs to enhance their academic progress. The purpose of this program is to support the research of doctoral students under the guidance of faculty advisors. The following is a list of the 2023 RGRDS award recipients: School of Engineering Ryan Cafarelli of Engineering Sciences, “Robot Leg Self-Defined Proprioception for Injury Recovery in Dangerous Environments” College of Arts and Sciences Charlette Jauch of Environmental Resources and Policy, “Locally Available Produce in St. Louis: An Evaluation of Access and Distribution” School of Nursing Carly McCleland of Nurse Anesthesiology, “Application

Continue Reading

ALTON - Stephanie’s Place is hosting a back-to-school event where kids can play carnival games, snack on fair food and get school supplies for the coming year. From 4–7 p.m. on Aug. 12, kids and parents are invited to the space at 2526 Johnson Street in Alton to kick off the school year right. A bounce house and popsicle truck will round out the night. Stephanie Elliott, an Alton alderwoman who founded the organization with her husband Joe, explained that the event aims to introduce kids to each other and give them what they need for a successful year. “My goal is to make sure that the children that come see us are prepared for school, but in the process, they get a big push and something that makes them feel good and something that they can remember,” Elliott said. “Going to give out a lot of smiles on that day, too, because I have a lot of volunteers.” The organization will also be handing out backpacks and other school supplies. Elliott thanke

Continue Reading

LEBANON - For over 15+ years the Lebanon Emerald Mound Fire Department has been serving savory Ribeye Steak Sandwiches that leave picnic attendees demanding more. At the Lebanon Firemen’s Picnic, this year will be no different, as the fire department is excited to embark on another year of providing entertainment, activities, and your favorite picnic foods to families throughout the Lebanon community and beyond. Andria’s Steak Sauce has been chosen as a department and attendee favorite. “We think it’s important to work with a local longstanding family-owned business-like Andria’s. They resemble and reflect our community just like us, not to mention the dynamic flavor of our steak sandwiches,” says Kevin Schwaegel, volunteer firefighter and food stand chairman. “Every year our department looks forward to connecting with the community, giving families a place to have fun, providing entertainment, and showing our gratitude to our local communities.

Continue Reading

ALTON – OSF Saint Anthony’s Health Center recently bestowed its Mission Partner of the Month Award to Nancy Robeen, a physical therapy assistant for OSF Rehabilitation Services in Alton. Her nomination states that Nancy equally demonstrates care and compassion for her patients and fellow Mission Partners. Robeen’s nomination reads in its entirety: “Her patients have nothing but positive things to say about her bedside manner and professionalism. She always maintains a professional demeanor while adding personal touches to make her patients feel safe and well-cared for. Nancy is also a ray of sunshine every morning when she comes in, and if she were having a bad day, you’d never know it!” Winners of the Mission Partner of the Month Award are noted for their exceptional manner by exemplifying the hospital’s Values, providing outstanding service through his or her work, and exhibiting a positive and supportive attitude. Winners also

Continue Reading

ALTON - An Alton woman is facing multiple charges after Alton Police responded to a criminal trespass report in the 1500 block of Clawson Street in Alton on Friday, Aug. 4, 2023. Alton Police Chief Jarrett Ford said an investigation revealed several subjects trespassing at the residence. One of those subjects, Kelsey A. Deardeuff, 29, was taken into custody for active arrest warrants. "Upon being taken into custody, illegal narcotics were located in her possession," Chief Ford said. "After arriving at the Alton Police Department Jail, additional illegal narcotics were located hidden on her person. "Based on the facts of the case, the Madison County State’s Attorney’s Office charged Deardeuff with unlawful possession of contraband in a penal institution, a Class 1 felony, and unlawful possession of a controlled substance, a Class 1 felony; and unlawful possession of a controlled substance, a Class 4 felony." Bail was set at $75,000.

Continue Reading

GLEN CARBON - Whether your child is a pro player or hitting the field for the first time, Elite Fitness Training will offer fall soccer camps to help all athletes reach the next level. Elite FT is a high-performance fitness training center for kids throughout the Metro East area. Classes for kids ages 2 and up are available. They have several strength and conditioning classes that can benefit any athlete, but many of their programs are designed for soccer. “lt’s a program that is built to where anybody can join,” Roxie Strange, program director, explained. “One thing that we pride ourselves on is focusing on making sure they get individual needs met. So if there’s one kid that played a couple seasons of rec, as opposed to the kid that’s a beginner, we make sure to give them individual attention so they actually take from the class as well as the kid that’s just learning to touch the soccer ball.” Fall soccer classes start on Aug.

Continue Reading

WOOD RIVER - East Alton-Wood River football senior Dillon Gerner is expected to be a key player for the Oilers in the 2023 football season. Dillon is a Midwest Members Credit Union Male Athlete of the Month for the Oilers. He said his parents have helped him succeed, made sure he is always on time to every practice and keep motivating him in sports and the classroom. Garry Herron is Dillon's head football coach for the Oilers. Dillon believes that working hard and making sure everyone is on task and pays attention at practice are a few of his strong points in football. "I have been playing football since I was four years old," he said. "The thing I like about football the most is getting to know other players along with new coaches and creating a strong friendship with people, and obviously winning." In his free time, Dillon can often be found on a local golf course playing with friends. "Being involved with sports has definitely helped me be more responsible and has kept me out

Continue Reading

GODFREY - Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) required Pilot Ground School Classes are now forming for the Fall Semester at LEWIS & CLARK COMMUNITY COLLEGE , Godfrey. (Students must have Ground Training to qualify for Flight Training.) These are classes on the Lewis and Clark College campus and not at St. Louis Regional Airport. The following classes for Private Pilot, Instrument Pilot and Commercial Pilot, are FAA Exam Preparation Courses that will satisfy the mandatory requirements for passing the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) written tests as first steps for a hobby or a career in aviation, or, to update “rusty pilots” who want to get back into flying. The courses may be taken in conjunction with or totally independent of additional airplane flight training lessons not provided by LCCC. Optional field trips outside of the classes may be offered. Registration of $350.00 each for PRIVATE, INSTRUMENT or COMMERCIAL PILOT for the following classes

Continue Reading

MACOUPIN COUNTY - Dick Ferrando started working on cars at a Macoupin County body shop when he was just 16 years old. He bought his first Corvette in 1962 in Bunker Hill. Rescued from a junkyard where it was discarded by its third owner, the 1958 model was badly damaged. Dick paid $150 for the car. At the time, Dick was an engineering tech/design draftsman for the State of Illinois, so restoring the Corvette was something that could not take priority. In fact, it took Dick three years to repair the car, but the process ignited a flame in him that just grew brighter over time, and he started repairing other Corvettes as time allowed. When restoring Corvettes started making more money for him than his full-time job, he decided to repair Corvettes on a full-time basis. D&A Corvette in Mt. Clare opened in 1974. From 1974 to 1980 D&A Corvette was a typical Corvette repair shop. But a declining moment came in the late ‘70s when Illinois tinkered with vehicle title laws, ruining th

Continue Reading

ALTON - You might have met Dorothy McCoy before. After all, when she’s riding her Mo’z Sweet Treats tricycle through Alton and selling artisan popsicles, lemonades and ice creams to the people she passes, she’s pretty hard to miss. Mo’z Sweet Treats has garnered a lot of local love over the years. It’s been a great ride, but even better things are coming with McCoy’s plans to open a storefront this fall. “This journey has been amazing, and the support — oh my God — has blown my mind,” McCoy said. August is Black Business Month, which aims to recognize Black-owned businesses and encourage shoppers to support them. The Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity highlighted Mo’z Sweet Treats on their Facebook page earlier this week as their first Black Business Month feature, adding that the business is also woman- and veteran-owned To the people of Alton, McCoy is best known for her innovation

Continue Reading

GLEN CARBON - The Glen Carbon Centennial Library has had a successful past year according to Director Christine Gerrish, who presented an overview of the library’s past fiscal year and upcoming projects to village trustees on Tuesday, including some impressive statistics. Library visits are up overall compared to last year, though they haven’t quite reached pre-pandemic levels. However, Gerrish noted this isn’t due to people not using the library, as the number of books checked out and e-resources used both exceeded pre-pandemic levels. Checked out books totaled 99,350 over the past year - substantially more than 85,928 books the year prior and just over the pre-pandemic total of 98,008. E-resources (including electronic journals, books, online databases, and more) were used substantially more this past year at a total of 26,029, a steady increase from 21,281 the year prior and 14,616 before the pandemic. The total number of library cards was also much higher tha

Continue Reading

EDWARDSVILLE - As Edwardsville Community Unit School District 7 (ECUSD7) prepares for the first day of school on Aug. 16, Superintendent Dr. Patrick Shelton explains summer renovations and plans for the upcoming year. Edwardsville High School underwent a major renovation this summer when the media center that was previously housed in the high school was torn down and replaced with classrooms and offices. Shelton explained that this will allow freshmen students to stay at the high school all day instead of traveling between campuses. “That’s probably the biggest one,” he said. “They had to fill in part of and then build up from there. They ripped it all down except for exterior walls and started over. So we’ve got eight classrooms, four offices, a little collaboration space. It’s going to be a great space for kids." The ECUSD7 Board approved the renovation last March, accepting a bid of approximately $680,000 from C. Rallo Contracting Co.,

Continue Reading

EDWARDSVILLE – Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s Adriana E. Martinez, PhD, associate professor in the College of Arts and Sciences’ Departments of Geography and Geographic Information Sciences and Environmental Sciences, participated in the River-based ImmersiVe Education & Research (RIVER) Field Studies Network river rendezvous this summer along the San Juan River in southern Utah. “The RIVER Rendezvous was a great opportunity to further develop my skills regarding field education,” Martinez said. “I developed and tested a field lesson on how logjams influence channel dynamics and macroinvertebrate habitat and learned the workings behind organizing a river trip focused on inclusion.” The RIVER Field Studies Network is designed to strengthen undergraduate education in and around rivers by creating a network of educators who develop field lessons throughout the year, practice those lessons in the field with students, and participate

Continue Reading