Riverbender 🕸

EAST ST. LOUIS – A federal jury convicted four leaders of the Gangster Disciples on Tuesday for their participation in a years-long interstate racketeering conspiracy involving drug trafficking, witness tampering, and multiple murders. According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, the four defendants were members of the Gangster Disciples, a gang with a decades-long history of lawlessness and violence. The Gangster Disciples have a presence throughout the United States, including in state and federal prisons. The gang employs a structured hierarchy, with leadership positions such as national “Board Members” and state “Governors.” As part of their efforts to maintain control of the gang, the defendants murdered two other members who opposed their regime. On May 18, 2018, Warren Griffin, aka GG, aka Big Head, 53, of Glenwood, Illinois, drove to the south side of Chicago with fellow Gangster Disciples Board Member Anthony Dobbins to murder

Continue Reading

ROXANA - Abbrey DeWerffs was a state qualifier this past wrestling season, capturing third place at sectionals. She made history as the Shells’ first female state qualifier in girls wrestling. Abbrey qualified in the 190-pound weight category, although she weighs 170 pounds. For her wrestling accomplishments, Abbrey is a Midwest Members Credit Union Female Athlete of the Month for the Shells. This is a recap of her record with significant wins on Trackwrestling.com in her career: She won IKWF Girls State in 2015, 2016, 2017, and placed fifth in 2018 after some tough weight changes, and won again in 2019. She made it to state in 2020 but it was canceled due to COVID. She was also a boys state qualifier in 2020 as well but it was canceled for COVID. In 2019, Abbey was also the Girls Freestyle State Champ as well. So in 2019, she won Girls Folkstyle and Freestyle Girls State Championships. In 2018 she won fifth at U.S. Marine Corps Girls Nationals. Most of these tournaments

Continue Reading

PIASA - Sophomore Gracie Darr played a big role for Southwestern's girls' basketball team this season and has a bright future ahead. She is the point guard and handles the ball a considerable amount for the Piasa Birds. Gracie is an Altonized Community Federal Credit Union Female Athlete of the Month for the Piasa Birds. Southwestern head girls basketball coach Darren Mosley said Gracie has "a great attitude and works very hard." "Gracie is good at involving her teammates in the offense," Coach Mosley said. "Gracie always does whatever is best for the team with a very good attitude." Gracie is also a good volleyball player for the Piasa Birds and was a starter on the varsity team for the last two years as a setter. Gracie also helps coach her sister's fourth-grade basketball team in her spare time. Coach Mosley said Gracie is the definition of a point guard. "She is always trying to set up her teammates for success and is extremely unselfish," he said. "She is the daughter of

Continue Reading

ALTON - The Alton Committee of the Whole approved several items at their brief meeting on Monday, March 6, many of which were laid over from the last City Council meeting - including a lease and scheduling agreement with Viking USA, American Rescue Plan Act fund spending on priority projects, several property bids/demolitions and more. A resolution authorizing the City of Alton to enter into a Lease Agreement and Scheduling Agreement with Viking USA, LLC was unanimously approved by the Committee after being laid over at the last City Council meeting. At that previous meeting, Alderman Ray Strebel indicated he had been in talks with Viking and they agreed to concede certain terms of the original agreement before the Committee voted on it again at this most recent meeting. The Committee also voted to approve two resolutions regarding the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) spending for priority projects within the City of Alton. The first resolution was to approve reimbursing the company

Continue Reading

EDWARDSVILLE – The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Graduate School has recognized Cedric Harville, II, PhD, MPH, with the 2022-23 Vaughnie Lindsay New Investigator Award for his exemplary scholarship and commitment to conducting outstanding and timely research. Harville is an assistant professor in the School of Education, Health and Human Behavior’s (SEHHB) Department of Applied Health. His research interests include men’s health, weight management, health disparities and food insecurity. "I am humbled to receive such a prestigious award,” said Harville. “My proposed project aims to address obesity-related health disparities among African Americans by addressing food access and understanding food choices in East St. Louis.” Harville will receive a combined $12,500 from the SIUE Graduate School and SEHHB to be used in a one-year period. The funding will support his research project entitled, “Understanding Grocery Shopping Habits

Continue Reading

GODFREY - Two documentaries produced for and in conjunction with the National Great Rivers Research and Education Center (NGRREC sm ) are hitting the national stage this month at the Inaugural World Water Film Festival in New York City. “Mussel Grubbing: A Citizen Science Treasure Hunt,” focusing on the Illinois RiverWatch program’s citizen science work, will kick off the festival. The film’s star, Nina Carmichael, a volunteer and citizen scientist, will be a keynote speaker for the event. “When we began planning ‘Mussel Grubbing,’ we were hoping to demystify the process of scientific research and to empower members of the local community to know that they can make a real contribution to science and environmental quality in their own neighborhoods,” said RiverWatch Director and Stream Ecologist Danelle Haake, who is also featured in the film. “The completed film has surpassed our expectations and is helping us grow our RiverWatch

Continue Reading

JERSEYVILLE - Jersey State Bank continued its long-standing tradition of the Scholarship Essay Contest and recently announced the winners. The 2023 winner was Jack Dohrn of Jersey Community High School, son of Chris and Heather Dohrn, and he received $1,000. Morgan Klaas from Brussels High School, daughter of Timothy and Angela Klaas, received $750 for second place and Drake Goetten from Jersey Community High School, son of Aaron and Kelly, received $500 for third place. The topic for this year’s essay was “How are fintechs impacting the banking industry?” Check presentations to the winners and their parents were held at the bank on February 23. Mark Schaefer, President and CEO, and Anna Fessler, Trust Administrator congratulated the students on a job well done and wished them every success for a bright future as they pursue their educational goals at the college level. The top three essays have been sent on to the Community Bankers Association of Illinois Foundation

Continue Reading

GODFREY - One lucky person won $350,000 Sunday evening from a Lucky Day Lotto ticket sold at a Godfrey gas station. Godfrey MotoMart, located at 5311 Godfrey Rd. sold the winning ticket. The lucky winner hit all five numbers in the evening draw: 7-18-20-26-34 to win the $350,000 cash prize. Winners have one year from the date of the winning draw in which to claim their prize. The Illinois Lottery encourages all lucky winners to write their name on the back of their ticket and keep it in a safe place until they’re ready to claim their prize. Lucky Day Lotto is played twice a day, seven days a week. For more information or to buy tickets online, please visit IllinoisLottery.com .

Continue Reading

CHICAGO - In recognition of National Consumer Protection Week, Attorney General Kwame Raoul today shared the Top 10 consumer complaints his office received last year and highlighted his office’s work to protect consumers’ personal data online. “During National Consumer Protection Week, I encourage Illinois residents to visit my office’s website and social media channels to learn more about common consumer complaints and how to protect themselves,” Raoul said. “Identity theft was among our top three consumer complaints last year. As we increasingly shop online and use apps that collect personal data, my office is working to help consumers protect their information by educating them about best practices and holding accountable those who violate their privacy or do not reasonably protect their personal information.” The Attorney General’s office took several actions last year to safeguard digital privacy. Raoul announced a more than $391

Continue Reading

CHICAGO - Attorney General Kwame Raoul announced today the Attorney General’s office obtained a guilty plea in a case against a Williamson County woman who unlawfully possessed fentanyl. In a case Raoul’s office prosecuted in Williamson County Circuit Court, Linnea O’Neal, 46, of Norris City, Illinois pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of a controlled substance, a Class 4 felony. As a first time offender, O’Neal will serve two years of probation in which she must perform 30 hours of community service, submit to drug treatment and testing, and pay $3,500 for fines and fees. Additionally, O’Neal can no longer have employment with access to controlled substances. “The opioid epidemic has tragically affected too many people in Illinois, and we must take a comprehensive approach to addressing it,” Raoul said. “I am committed to holding accountable individuals who distribute fentanyl in our communities. Health care professionals who have

Continue Reading

SPRINGFIELD - The Purple Heart awarded to Army Specialist Kenneth R. Wiest was returned to his family as part of Operation Purple Heart, an unprecedented mission to return 11 Purple Heart medals to their rightful owners, Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs announced today. Wiest earned the medal while serving in Vietnam. He also served in Desert Storm, sometimes called the Gulf War. Mr. Wiest died in O’Fallon, Illinois, on Sept. 4, 1998, at age 48. Like many combat veterans, Mr. Wiest rarely spoke about his service and the injuries he suffered taking fire while inside a helicopter. “Army Specialist Wiest served his country, and it is our duty to honor this soldier no matter how many years have passed,” Frerichs said during a somber ceremony in Springfield with Mr. Wiest’s children. “Dad was a good soldier, a loyal friend and dedicated father,” said Andrea Wiest Schone, the youngest of four siblings who initiated the process that led to

Continue Reading

ALTON - The Three Rivers Project of Sierra Club Illinois held its first Seed Swap event of the year at the Milton Schoolhouse in Alton last week to help local gardeners prepare for the growing season this spring. They also hosted a second Seed Swap at the Alton YWCA on Saturday, March 4. “It’s something that has been done for generations,” Three Rivers Project Co-Coordinator Christine Favilla said at the first event. “People just literally collect their own seed, dry them, and bring it to share - but also, we have plenty of extra seeds.” Favilla said despite the current cold weather, it’s already time to start planning for what you’ll be planting this season. “While it may be really cold outside … it is time to start planning for your garden. So whether you start the seeds in your house or in a greenhouse, or maybe out in the yard underneath some old windows and then make your own little cold frame, now’s the time

Continue Reading

EDWARDSVILLE – All too often, St. Patrick’s Day celebrations turn deadly because of impaired driving. However you celebrate, make sure you and your friends stay safe this St. Patrick’s Day by remembering one important piece of advice: If you’ll be drinking alcohol, using cannabis or any other impairing substance, remember “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” and “Drive High. Get a DUI.” “This year, St. Patrick’s Day falls on a Friday, and that means more parties throughout the weekend,” said Lt. Brandn Whittaker. “If you’ve been drinking, using cannabis or any other impairing drug, make the smart choice and plan for a sober driver to get you and your friends home safely. Before you put your keys in the ignition, remind yourself: “Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving.” “We want everyone to enjoy St. Patrick’s Day, but safe driving is everyone’s responsibility,” Lt. Whitaker continued.

Continue Reading

GODFREY – The Illinois Department of Transportation announced today that intermittent daytime lane closures will take place in both directions of Godfrey Road, from Airport Road to Homer Adams Parkway, beginning, weather permitting, Wednesday, March 8. The closures are necessary to complete sidewalk repairs for this portion of the project. The project is part of a larger improvement that will require additional closures throughout the summer. This project is expected to be completed by the end of August. Drivers are urged to reduce speed, be alert for changing conditions, obey all construction signage, and refrain from using mobile devices while approaching and traveling through the work zone. 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 - Melissa Skinner, center, of the Family Care Pharmacy, who is Alton Memorial Hospital's March Employee of the Month. Melissa received the honor March 6 from pharmacy manager Andrew Kramer, left, and AMH President Dave Braasch. Melissa has worked at Family Care Pharmacy for 15 years. The nomination from co-worker Amanda William says that Melissa “is an amazing role model and co-worker. All of the clients love her and it’s easy to see why. Melissa is always positive and caring. She will stop whatever she is doing to help anyone she can. I am a fairly new member of the pharmacy team, and she didn’t hesitate to show me the ropes and immediately help me to feel at home. Melissa is always smiling and cheerful. She has so much knowledge and will willingly share it. She is also a very selfless person. Melissa is not only an asset to this pharmacy but to this entire hospital. We are all very lucky to have her.”

Continue Reading

ALTON - Two Marquette Catholic High School sophomores were seriously injured in a crash around 11:30 Friday night on Fosterburg Road near the Drexelius Lane intersection and the Dollar General store. A 44-year-old man was also injured in the crash in another vehicle. The two students are ages 16 and 15 and are juveniles, so their names will not be released at this time. Marquette Catholic Principal Tim Harmon issued this statement about the two injured in the crash: "I wanted to share a brief update with everyone about the students that were involved in the car accident on Friday evening. Thanks be to God, I can share that we are seeing improvements with both students, but continued prayer for their healing is being asked for. I will continue to be in communication with the families and ask for you to give your support in prayer. "Beyond that, to try to help support this part of our Marquette Catholic family, I am also going to ask that if anyone would like to donate a gift card, pleas

Continue Reading

ALTON - Competitors from across the country came to Alton's riverfront and the nearby Mississippi River to compete in the Annual Twisted Cat Outdoors event. Dan Alewelt of Pleasant Plains had the largest fish catch of 67.62 pounds, while Will Ash of Alton caught a 65.95-pounder for second place biggest fish. Alex Nagy, tournament director of the Twisted Cat Outdoors event, said 68 teams from all over the country were fishing for some of the biggest catfish in the U.S. "It was really exciting," he said. "We had some different weather patterns, but overall anglers brought us some big fish. What is really cool about this event is they are taking their boat and ramp and going to a couple of different ramps and catching those fish, and bringing them back here to Liberty Bank Amphitheater area and weighing their biggest three of the day. People really enjoy fishing in this area because it holds such big catfish." Nagy said there are a lot of reasons for the big catfish in this area. "Yo

Continue Reading

JERSEYVILLE - A Jerseyville man was charged with criminal damage to property after damaging someone’s vehicle in a Dollar Tree parking lot, according to the latest felony filing report from the Jersey County Circuit Clerk’s Office. Brett W. Benson, 38, of Jerseyville, was charged with one count of criminal damage to property after damaging a 2002 Chevrolet Blazer located at the Dollar General at 17930 US Highway 67 in Delhi on Feb. 24. The total amount of damage was “in excess of $500,” according to the report from Assistant State’s Attorney Kevin Tellor. Benson was charged with a Class 4 felony. A warrant was issued for his arrest on Feb. 27 and his bail was set at $10,000. As a condition of his pre-trial release, he was ordered to have no contact with the owner of the vehicle he damaged. A bond of $380 was posted on March 2. Benson’s preliminary and arraignment hearings were set for March 6 at 9 a.m., but no plea has been entered as of this

Continue Reading

ST. LOUIS COUNTY - The deceased in a pedestrian hit accident has been identified as Lavon Carthen, 45 years of age, of the 1700 block of Derhake Road in Florissant, Missouri, 63033. St. Louis County Police Crimes Against Persons detectives are investigating a pedestrian struck at the intersection of New Halls Ferry Road and Dunn Road that resulted in the death of a male. At 8:02 p.m. on March 1, 2023, St. Louis County Police officers from the North County precinct responded to a call for service at the intersection New Halls Ferry Road and Dunn Road for a person struck. Responding officers located a male who had been struck by a motor vehicle. The male was transported to an area hospital for treatment of life-threatening injuries and was later pronounced deceased. Preliminary investigation has revealed the victim who was in a wheelchair was in the roadway when he was struck by a vehicle. Please contact the St. Louis County Police Department at 636-529-8210 to speak with investigators

Continue Reading

ALTON – The Alton-Godfrey Rotary Club hosted the 37th Annual Chili Chowdown, Monday afternoon and evening at Main Street United Methodist Church in Upper Alton. Lunch was served from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Anyone who didn’t make it can join for dinner tonight (March 6) from 4:30-7 p.m. It is $10 for all-you-can-eat chili, a drink, and a dessert with proceeds being fundraised for the Rotary Club. Dinners may eat in or carry out. Antione Williams, President of the Alton-Godfrey Rotary Club, said that the proceeds help fund things like scholarships such as the recurring Students of the Month campaign. “It’s a very good public attended event,” he said. Williams was appointed President of the Rotary Club back in June. Some of his goals were to finish some ongoing projects such as the soccer mini-pitch located near Alton Middle School and the brand-new pickleball courts in Glazebrook Park. Funds raised by fundraisers such as the Chili Chowdown help makes thing

Continue Reading