Riverbender 🕸

EDWARDSVILLE: Bella Milano celebrated 20 years in business with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at their Edwardsville location on Tuesday. Tom Guarino, director of sales and hospitality for Bella Milano, said he appreciated the community’s turnout to the ribbon cutting and their support over the past two decades. “ just kind of throwing a party for our 20th and the community has been amazing, they’ve responded tonight and everybody’s been so gracious about our 20 years,” Guarino said at the event. “It’s because of the community that we’re here 20 years, so we definitely appreciate that.” Guarino’s father and his father’s business partner, Craig Kalogerou, started Bella Milano 20 years ago after meeting through both owning Dairy Queens. Both Guarino and Kalogerou came from Italian heritage and had the vision to bring a proper Italian restaurant to Edwardsville - specifically along Route 157, which has seen lots of developmen

Continue Reading

GREENVILLE - The Panther 5K returned to Greenville University’s Homecoming celebration in 2022 after a COVID hiatus and received a welcome response. This year, runners will take their mark on Saturday, October 21, 2023, during GU’s Homecoming and Family Weekend celebration. Runners and walkers of all ages are invited to participate in the annual Panther 5K. Awards will be presented to various age groups. Participation cost for the 5k Run/Walk is $37.99. Early bird pricing increases after September 30. Participation in The Kids Fun Run is $5. Registrations are taken through the day of the event. Greenville University Student charge is $10. Price increases after October 10. “It’s fun for the whole family! The Panther 5k is a great tradition to add to Homecoming Weekend. There's something for everyone to enjoy between the fall weather, the community, the food, and the athletic events,” says Tina Watterson, Coordinator of Advancement and Alumni Engagement

Continue Reading

ALTON - Sheppard, Morgan & Schwaab, Inc. (SMS) is a local civil engineering and land surveying firm that has served clients throughout the Metro East and Metropolitan St. Louis area since 1892. SMS has announced changes within the company’s leadership roles that reflect the retirement of President Cas Sheppard, P.E. Cas retired from full-time duty on June 30, 2023, after more than 40 years at SMS, most recently serving as President since May 2001. Sheppard will continue to be involved with the company by serving as Chairman of the Board of Directors. Scott Weiner, P.E., has been named the new President of SMS. Scott has been at SMS since 1995, most recently serving as Vice President and Treasurer. Weiner holds a civil engineering degree from the University of Missouri-Rolla and an MBA from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. He has over 28 years of experience in the civil engineering field. His focus is on civil infrastructure projects that include water, wastewater, stormwater

Continue Reading

EDWARDSVILLE - The Edwardsville Police Department has conducted a criminal investigation in which evidence of child pornography was discovered. Derek L. Jones, 20, has been charged with six child pornography counts listed below. The investigation began on Jan. 23, 2023. On September 13, 2023, the Madison County State’s Attorney’s Office issued criminal information about Jones on the following offenses: COUNT 1 – Child Pornography, a class 1 felony COUNT 2 – Child Pornography, a class 2 felony COUNT 3 - Child Pornography, a class 2 felony COUNT 4 - Child Pornography, a class 2 felony COUNT 5 - Child Pornography, a class 2 felony COUNT 6 - Child Pornography, a class 2 felony Jones turned himself in to the Edwardsville Police Department on September 20, 2023, and is currently in custody at the Madison County Jail. Bond was set at $150,000. These charges, as well as the statements made herein, are based upon probable cause. The defendant is presumed innocent

Continue Reading

EDWARDSVILLE/GLEN CARBON - For organizers of the Randy Gori 2023 Memorial Kicks on 66 Car Show & Cruise, the event is about more than just checking out cool cars (though there’s plenty of that, too). Ultimately, it’s a chance for them to remember their friend Randy Gori, a well-known Edwardsville attorney whose 2020 murder rocked the community. Gori loved attending car shows, and he was a prolific philanthropist. His friends decided to organize this event, which showcases cars and raises funds for local organizations, in his honor. “After Randy was murdered, it was like, we got to do something and let his legacy live on,” organizer Alex Rosenberger said. “He was such a good philanthropist, so good in the community, such a good car guy…The guy was a saint.” Saturday, Sept. 16 marked the fourth year of the car show, and Rosenberger said it was the best one yet. Approximately 600 cars parked at Schon Park in Glen Carbon, including some

Continue Reading

WASHINGTON DC - U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today reintroduced their legislation to establish the Prairie du Rocher French Colonial National Historic Park. This bill would recognize the cultural importance of the village, one of the oldest communities founded as a French settlement, as a nationally significant architectural village that embodies the cultural heritage of the United States. This National Historical Park would serve as the focus of interpretive and educational programs relating to the history of the French Colonial Historic District and assist in the preservation of historic sites within the French Colonial Historic District. “Preserving our state and our nation’s history is critically important,” Duckworth said. “With more than 300 years of history, I’m proud to reintroduce this legislation to commemorate the rich history of Prairie du Rocher and establish the Prairie du Rocher French

Continue Reading

COLLINSVILLE – The Illinois Department of Transportation announced today that emergency repairs by the Norfolk Southern Railway Company to a crossing on Illinois 4 between Interstate 64 and Illinois 161 in Mascoutah will require a full closure starting, weather permitting, Thursday, Sept. 21, at 6 a.m. A posted detour will be in place to safely guide motorists around the closure. The work is expected to be complete by 9 p.m. Friday, Sept. 22. Motorists can expect delays and should allow extra time for trips through this area. Drivers are urged to pay close attention to detour signs in work zones, obey the posted speed limits, refrain from using mobile devices and be alert for workers and equipment. 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 - Two students were recognized for their good character at the Alton Community Unit School District #11 (ACUSD11) Board of Education meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 20. Alton Middle School student Thea Niemeyer and North Elementary School student Jacob Wilson were named the district’s Optimist Students of the Month for September. They were commended for their hard work, positive attitudes and kindness. Alton Middle School Principal Cindy Inman introduced Niemeyer and noted her accomplishments. She is a talented student and member of the Alton Middle School Theater Club, and she also plays basketball and softball outside of school. “Thea is not only an excellent student, but she is also a caring young woman who strives to lead by example for her peers,” Inman said. “She deserves to be recognized for her hard work and leadership within the classroom.” Inman also read a few comments from Niemeyer’s teachers, who characterized Niemeyer as “an

Continue Reading

ALTON - The Alton Community Unit School District #11 (ACUSD11) Board of Education recognized two Alton High School students at their meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 19. Keion Lacey, Jr. and Clara Velloff were named Students of the Month for September by the Rotary Club of Alton-Godfrey. At Tuesday's Board of Education meeting, both students gave a speech and accepted a certificate from Board President David Lauschke. “Receiving this award is not just recognition for my efforts, but a testament to the incredible community that surrounds me,” Lacey said in his speech to the Board. “I’m honored to accept this recognition and will cherish it as a reminder of the endless possibilities that await us all. I will continue to fly high like a Redbird.” Lacey is a senior with plans to study civil engineering at Tennessee State University. At Alton High School (AHS), he is involved in the Student Council and Pathways to Manhood program and was recently named the National

Continue Reading

ST. LOUIS - On National Voter Registration Day this Tuesday, Mayor Tishaura O. Jones, alongside the Board of Election Commissioners and sponsor Ald. Shane Cohn (3), announced a new plan to further expand ballot access for St. Louis voters. Through an investment of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, the City is upgrading its voting technology, keeping elections secure while giving St. Louisans the opportunity to vote at any precinct across the city - regardless of their registered address or neighborhood. “As voting rights and our democracy face unprecedented attacks, I am proud of how the City of St. Louis made it easier for residents to make their voice heard at the polls,” said Mayor Tishaura O. Jones. “Government works best when we work together. My administration collaborated with the Board of Aldermen and Board of Election Commissioners to make this much-needed investment to upgrade our technology. It’s a great way to celebrate National Voter Registration

Continue Reading

EDWARDSVILLE - Sales taxes in Edwardsville will increase by 0.25% to fund greenspace acquisition and public safety pensions following approval from the City Council at Tuesday’s meeting. The increase means an increase of 0.25% or 25 cents for every $100 or it will go to 0.75% overall. Several public comments were made in support of the sales tax, with many hoping to preserve Edwardsville’s remaining greenspace from the city’s rapid development. Edwardsville High School Senior Jake Essner said at the meeting he thinks the sales tax is a “big step forward” in preserving greenspace for future generations. “I think that this is a really big step forward for Edwardsville in terms of ensuring that our greenspace is protected for future generations, including my own,” Essner said. “I know that my peers and I have had plenty of good experiences with our current greenspaces and our current parks, such as the Watershed or Township Park.”

Continue Reading

EDWARDSVILLE — Madison County State’s Attorney Tom Haine announced Tuesday that the county’s first detention hearing under the SAFE-T Act resulted in a judge granting prosecutors’ request to detain a Swansea man who faces charges of aggravated stalking. At a hearing Tuesday, the judge granted a petition by Haine’s office for the pretrial detention of Matthew S. Kelly, 34. Prosecutors on Monday charged Kelly with one count of aggravated stalking, a class 3 felony, and one count of criminal damage to property, a class 4 felony. The detention petition argued that aggravated stalking is one of the offenses for which a defendant can be detained while awaiting trial. At the hearing, Assistant State’s Attorney Ryan Kemper argued that the defendant poses an ongoing threat to the victim. Kemper is the Chief of the Warrant Division within the State’s Attorney’s Office, which has been re-tooled with additional staff to coordinate all pretrial detention

Continue Reading

ALTON - Marquette has emerged as one of the region's top soccer teams with eight wins, one loss and a tie. Goalie Will Fahnestock, No. 99, has been one of the key reasons for the abundance of Marquette wins. The Explorers are also 3-1 in the Gateway Metro Conference, according to Max Preps. Fahnestock was an asset in Marquette's boys' soccer win Monday night over arch-rival Alton 2-0, shutting out the Redbirds while in goal. Will said this has definitely been one of the best soccer seasons of his career. Will is a Tucker's Automotive Repair and Tire Male Athlete of Month for the Explorers. "Defensively I really like our group," Will said. "We had some questions when we lost 11 seniors, but we started to connect and this is a good group." Tim Fahnestock, Will's father, said he couldn't be more proud of his son with his efforts both on the field and in the classroom. "It is tough to put it into words tough because I coach him in baseball, too," he said. "I feel both of my boys have

Continue Reading

GODFREY - Cheryl Houck is an 80-year-old musician, teacher, therapist and, now, author. Houck’s first book, “Roses and Broken Sidewalks: My Musical Journey through Life,” will be in stores on Oct. 4 through Trilogy Christian Publishing. The book shares Houck’s love of music as a pianist, singer, handbell choir director and music therapist in the Riverbend area, as well as God’s presence in her life through those experiences. “I think music is the greatest gift God has given mankind,” Houck said. “While we’re going through life, it keeps us encouraged. It keeps our hearts open.” Houck will celebrate the book’s release with a book signing at Abundant Church in Alton on Saturday, Sept. 23. From 10 a.m. to noon, attendees can chat with Houck and buy a copy of “Roses and Broken Sidewalks” before it’s released in stores. While writing the book, Houck said she relied on God and her friends. She also

Continue Reading

EDWARDSVILLE — Madison County and the Leadership Council of Southwestern Illinois are partnering on Nov. 1 to host an event to assist small business owners. The event — A Small Business Seminar: From Startup to Succession — will be held from 9 a.m. to noon, Wednesday, Nov. 1, at the Collinsville Convention Center. The seminar is aimed at connecting current and aspiring business owners with the resources and programs available to them locally. “Our goal with this event is to provide small business owners with the tools and info they need to start a business and the goal is to help them be successful,” HOME/Economic Development Program Coordinator Holly Klausing said. According to the U.S. Small business administration, small businesses are defined as those that employ fewer than 500 people. Small businesses account for half of America’s workforce, and more new jobs come from small businesses than any other source. “A majority of businesses

Continue Reading

ALTON – When Fred and Rose Lammers’ children tried to plan a “surprise” 50 th wedding anniversary party for their parents this summer, they made one mistake – asking their mother for her address book. But that “mistake” turned into a great blessing – to the tune of more than $16,000 for Alton Memorial Health Services Foundation. “I knew something must be up when our daughters asked for the book!” said Rose, a longtime volunteer for Alton Memorial Hospital’s White Cross Auxiliary. Once the surprise was out, Rose and Fred had one request of their daughters -- no gifts! However, they had another idea. Fred and Rose attended the AMHSF Ribbon of Strength event in March of this year. The event is a fundraiser for patients who are receiving cancer treatments at Alton Memorial. The couple purchased “ribbons” in memory of their family members – both of Rose’s parents and one of Fred’s parents

Continue Reading

GODFREY – Illinois American Water announced Tuesday afternoon it has issued a boil water order today for water customers in the following areas only: • Godfrey • Grafton • Elsah • Chautauqua • Jersey County Rural Water Company (sale for resale) Terry Mackin, who handles external communications for Illinois American, said the boil water order is necessary due to a loss in water pressure during an important maintenance procedure in the water distribution system. "During the boil water order, customers should bring their water to a rolling boil for five minutes before using water for drinking or cooking. Water is OK for bathing, washing and other common uses. A boil water order is being issued in accordance with Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations. Anytime water pressure drops below 20 pounds per square inch (PSI) in any part of a community’s distribution system, a boil water order must be issued. When the boil water order

Continue Reading

CHICAGO – U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) released the following statement on the news that the United Auto Workers (UAW) has announced a targeted strike against the Big Three auto manufacturers—General Motors, Stellantis, and Ford: “Since it was founded nearly 90 years ago, UAW has fought for—and won—victories that have helped to strengthen America’s working families, including better pay for its members, employer-funded pensions, health insurance, educational benefits—and more. Today, thousands of UAW workers are fighting for better wages, better benefits, and safer working conditions. I urge the Big Three and UAW to work in good faith to reach an agreement that is fair to workers, and includes a restoration of the benefits that autoworkers sacrificed more than a decade ago to keep these families afloat.”

Continue Reading

ALTON - Alton Little Theater has postponed the final five shows of “Beer for Breakfast.” The play was set to run through this week. Lee Cox, the theater’s executive director, explained that the decision was made because two cast members are ill. Shows will resume on Wednesday, Sept. 27 and run every night through Sunday, Oct. 1. “All ticket holders who have tickets for this week will be able to see the show in all its comedic glory next week,” Lee Cox, executive director, said. “Thank you all for your understanding!” For more information about "Beer for Breakfast," watch our interview with Cox on Our Daily Show! at RiverBender.com

Continue Reading

EDWARDSVILLE – Nick Gagliano successfully completed Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s Laboratory Technician Alternative Digital Credential Program last spring. His efforts paid dividends, as he was hired at International Food Products Corporation as a quality control laboratory technician. “I was hoping the credential would get my foot in the door for a career in science,” said Gagliano. “The program helped me achieve that.” Gagliano enjoyed the hands-on approach of the program and worked through the challenges he encountered thanks to the teaching from his instructors. Gagliano’s instructor, Shea Hastings, described how the credential program offers outstanding opportunities for dedicated participants. “A strong work ethic and willingness to learn and be wrong are the most important things a student can bring to a classroom,” Hastings added. SIUE’s Laboratory Technician Alternative Digital Credential

Continue Reading