Riverbender 🕸

ALTON - The City of Alton , Three Rivers Project of Sierra Club Illinois , National Great Rivers Research and Education Center (NGRREC) and Lowe’s completed a fall tree planting project in several different Alton parks, as well as at the Alton Marina and along Broadway Street in downtown Alton. Building on their successful spring tree planting project, Alton acquired free trees thanks to a Recover, Replant, Restore! (RRR) grant secured by NGRREC from Trees Forever and the Swarovski Waterschool, along with private foundation funding obtained by the Three Rivers Project. The City of Alton secured additional support for this project from Ameren Illinois’ “Right Tree Right Place” program along with encouraging City employees to participate in the fall tree planting sessions. Mayor David Goins helped plant Bald Cypress trees at the Alton Marina, on October 28th, to replace trees that were lost during the Flood of 2019. Alderman Nate Keener helped plan

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ALTON - The historic Riverbender Building at 200 W. Third St. in Downtown Alton has been greatly improved over the past year, with a rooftop community area overlooking the City of Alton and newly renovated offices available for local business tenants seeking affordable, modernized office space with free WIFI. Developers Mark Jaffe and John Muller discussed some of the improvements that have been made at an Alton Main Street "What’s Up Downtown" meeting earlier this year. Jaffe and Muller purchased the Riverbender building from Riverbender.com owner John Hentrich in July of 2021. Jaffe said Hentrich had done an “amazing job of keeping this historic building running”, and Jaffe and Muller aim to do the same going forward with added improvements. “We’ve done many things to improve and add value to this landmark building,” Jaffe said, including fresh renovations of the exterior, lobby, hallways, and private office spaces. Jaffe and Muller also preserved

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ALTON – An intergovernmental agreement with the Illinois Emergency Management Association (IEMA) passed unanimously at Alton City Council on Wednesday night to move forward with various flood mitigation improvements. The project's estimated cost is $5.4 million, which includes a local match of $2.9 million with funds in the Riverfront TIF District. The improvements will include a new flood wall. Local stakeholders – Doug Bader, chair of the Alton Historical Commission, Sara McGibany, executive director of Alton Main Street, Terry Sharp, president of the Alton Landmarks Association, and Jennifer Doody, community engagement and development for Alton Forward – all appeared at the Monday night Alton Committee of the Whole meeting so the council received their input. McGibany and Sharp expressed a desire to be consultants on the project. The wall has been described as a five-foot tall, 1,000-foot wall from the Greater Rivers and Routes Tourism Bureau Office on Piasa Street

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JERSEYVILLE - Jersey Community High School held its 2022 Veterans Day Assembly on Thursday, Nov 10 at 9 a.m. in the JCHS Main Gym, and the assembly was well-attended by students, veterans, and their families alike. Guest speaker Lieutenant Colonel Anthony K. Krueger, Jr. spoke about his military experience, and school officials thanked attendees for showing their support to veterans in the community. The assembly began with two student speakers, Brooke Stockstill and Thomas Kuehnel, who presented a brief history of Veteran’s Day. Two more student speakers, Gavin Goff and Mackenzie Jones, took turns presenting a tribute of appreciation for veterans. “Our veterans are extraordinary people. They’re loyal, dedicated, true, and brave,” Goff and Jones said. “We owe our freedom - and our very lives - to our veterans who served in uniform. Our veterans should be celebrities. They’re exceptional - no other group compares.” Another student, Emily

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EDWARDSVILLE - Prairie Farms Dairy and its joint venture partner, Hiland Dairy, won over 40 awards at the QCS Purchasing Cooperative Annual Leadership Conference in San Diego. In October, QCS members from around the country gathered for educational sessions, networking events, and an awards celebration to honor member and supply partner companies. The Prairie Farms plant in Dubuque, Iowa, won the QCS Dairy Quality Excellence Fluid Milk Award (DQE). This is one of QCS’ highest quality honors, trailing only behind the Irving B. Weber Award for Total Quality Excellence. The Dubuque plant was also instrumental in working with The Chocolate Shoppe Ice Cream Company on a joint effort for a new cream program. QCS recognized this partnership with the Best Collaboration Award. “I am so proud of our quality and management teams for receiving over 40 awards at this year’s conference. They work tirelessly to prioritize quality in our operations, and because of their dedication

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ALTON – YouthBuild AmeriCorps students from Lewis and Clark Community College’s Scott Bibb Center helped an area senior citizen by constructing a wheelchair ramp at his home. Jeff Richards suffers from body myositis, a rare, non-life-threatening genetic condition similar to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Pictured with Richards are Jada Johnson, Isaiah Slater, Kaden Conreux, Carrick Waggener, Kadin Hauseman-Brown, Alec Schultze, Cayan Moore, Jason Gill and L&C’s Adult Education Construction Trainer Mitch Fletcher. To learn more about L&C’s Adult Education program and YouthBuild AmeriCorps, contact Pathway Resource Development Director Sabrina Davis at (618) 468-4150 or sdavis@lc.edu

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CHICAGO - Attorney General Kwame Raoul is warning veterans, spouses and family members to be on the lookout for scammers this Veterans Day. With the recent passing of the Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act, which expands U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits and health care for veterans exposed to military toxins, Raoul warns veterans that they may be targeted due to their eligibility to receive monetary benefits or other VA benefits. Along with VA benefits, Raoul said veterans are often victim to other frauds, scams or identity theft. A recent report by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) disclosed that more than 162,000 reports of various frauds or scams were filed by veterans and military retirees, resulting in a total loss of $177 million in 2021. “On Veterans Day and every day, my office is dedicated to ensuring veterans and their families receive the benefits they have earned through their military service,” Raoul said. “I encourage

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ALTON - Retiring Alton Police Chief Marcos Pulido is a man who has earned his way up the ladder in law enforcement. Pulido started as a patrol officer and has been involved in law enforcement since he was 16 years old as an Alton High School sophomore. In early December, Pulido will achieve his next mark as the new chief deputy sheriff under the new Madison County Sheriff Jeff Connor. Marcos became the Alton Police Chief in October 2020 when Jason Simmons retired as police chief. Improving the quality of life in the city has always been at the foremost of retiring Chief Pulido's mind as an officer all the way to the police chief and now he will have the same goal for Madison County. "I have had such a blessed and wonderful career at the Alton Police Department," he said. "Throughout my life and my career, I have met so many wonderful people and leaders that have made such an impact on my life. I have so many memories that I will never forget." Pulido said it is an honor for him to

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ALTON - The City of Alton provides a leaf vacuum service for leaves to be raked to the edge of the yard. Leaves should not be raked into the street, as this causes clogging issues within the city’s stormwater drainage system. Those who rake leaves into the street or along the curb are in violation of city ordinance and subject to citation. Alton Public Works will operate the vacuum trucks in each ward according to the following schedule: WARDS 3 & 4: November 28 – December 2, 2022 WARDS 5 & 6: December 5 – December 9, 2022 WARDS 1 & 2: December 12 – December 16, 2022 WARD 7: December 19 – December 23, 2022 In the event of winter weather, the leaf vacuum service will be suspended. Leaf vacuum trucks may not return once they have provided service to a particular street. YARD WASTE COLLECTION Residents living in City limits are not permitted to bring yard debris to the city dumpsters. This includes tree limbs, grass cuttings, leaves, recycling,

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GODFREY – Godfrey Fire Protection District Assistant Chief David Bellitto recently marked his 28 th anniversary as a member of the fire district. Godfrey Fire Protection District Chief Eric Cranmer praised Bellitto for his longtime dedication and commitment to the fire service. The two consider themselves part of the long-time veteran group of the agency. Cranmer also said he has always enjoyed his time working with Bellitto. David said working as a fire department team member and first responder is something he always wanted to do. He said he feels there aren’t many people who get to say they always wanted to be in a certain craft or occupation. David’s main reason for being a member of the firefighter team is “helping people.” “It is enjoyable helping the public,” he said. “I feel being part of a group of firefighters is like a brotherhood.” Chief Cranmer closed with the following statement: “Thank you Assistant Chief

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GODFREY – A man suffered serious injuries and was airlifted in a morning motorcycle crash on West Delmar Avenue close to D’Adrian Subdivision in Godfrey. The accident occurred at 5:30 a.m. Thursday morning when the driver hit a deer, Godfrey Fire Protection District Assistant Chief David Bellitto said. The man is reported to have multiple injuries. Assistant Chief Bellitto confirmed the man was airlifted from the scene to a St. Louis hospital.

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PITTSBURGH - The United Steelworkers (USW) has announced that the union has reached a tentative agreement on a new, four-year contract on behalf of roughly 13,000 members of 13 local unions at U.S. Steel facilities featuring major economic and contract language improvements. U.S. Steel represents workers at Granite City Steel. There are fears hundreds of workers could lose their jobs at Granite City Steel if U.S. Steel changes the operation through proposed repurposing and the company sells the blast furnaces. Granite City Mayor Mike Parkinson said recently that negotiations continue on many fronts with U.S. Steel about those proposed changes with hopes of preserving the jobs in the city. USW District 7 Director Michael Millsap, who chaired the negotiations, said that the bargaining committee unanimously recommended the tentative agreement for ratification and thanked union members for standing together in solidarity for a fair contract. USW District 9 Director Daniel Flippo,

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SPRINGFIELD – As Veterans Day approaches and we honor all who have served in the Armed Forces, Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs urges people to assist with Operation Purple Heart, an unprecedented mission to return 11 Purple Heart medals to their rightful owners. The military honors were submitted to the Illinois State Treasurer’s Office for safekeeping and return as part of the Unclaimed Property program, also known as I-Cash or missing money. “These medals personify honor, sacrifice, duty. We call today on the citizens of Illinois to help us return these medals into the loving care of their families,” Frerichs said. The treasurer’s office hopes attention to the upcoming Veterans Day observances will spark a memory or provide a clue so that these medals can be returned. Frerichs’ office has an unparalleled record in returning military honors, especially the Purple Heart. (A full list is below. Military medals are among the most difficult

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ALTON - The Alton City Council accepted Police Chief Marcos Pulido's retirement at the Wednesday night meeting and also approved the appointments of Jarrett Ford as Police Chief and John Franke as Deputy Chief of Police. Shown above are: Newly appointed Deputy Chief John Franke Soon-to-be-retired Police Chief Marcos Pulido Newly appointed Police Chief Jarrett Ford Former Chief Pulido said it has been "an absolute honor to be the Alton Police Chief." An interview today with Chief Pulido and new Chief Ford to come.

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GLEN CARBON - Wednesday afternoon, seniors Gabe Smith and Jackson Rodgers became the baseball program's first Division I commits at Father McGivney. According to McGivney head coach Chris Erwin, there aren't two other guys more deserving to get to continue their baseball careers. “It starts with their work ethic. There isn’t anyone working harder than they are,” Erwin said. He mentioned that Jack is more of a “vocal leader” while Gabe is “kind of quiet and goes about his work.” When asked about what he’ll miss the most about Jackson and Gabe, Erwin jokingly said “the wins.” “The wins are fun, but to see the kids develop and achieve their dreams, there’s nothing better," he said. Smith and Rodgers' freshman season was canceled due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, but when they came back for their sophomore season, they were ready to work. In just two years they compiled 63 wins with their team. They started

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Name: David Farmer and Phillip Stephens Hometown: East Alton Years of Service: 1960-1982 KIA: No Branch: U.S. Army and U.S. Navy Rank: Chief Petty Officer Wars: Vietnam Message: GIRL SCOUT TROOP 45 INVITED VETERANS FROM EAST ALTON AMERICAN LEGION POST 794 TO TEACH THE FLAG ETIQUETTE AND HOW TO FOLD THE AMERICAN FLAG. AFTER THE SESSION THE TROOP PRESENTED A BANNER CRAFTED BY THE TROOP TO COMMANDER DAVE FARMER (RIGHT) AND ADJUTANT PHIL STEPHENS. THE BANNER READS "THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE).TROOP 45 MEMBER FROM LEFT TO RIGHT; CARLIE DARDEN, AMELIA WOODARD, LENNON THIEN AND AVERY WILSON.

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ALTON - A new video series focusing on the heart and soul of southwest Illinois will debut in January – but a sneak peek is available on the Great Rivers & Routes Tourism Bureau’s Facebook page starting today. “Heartbeats” showcases ordinary people across southwest Illinois who have a passion and dedication to their communities and the region. Eight episodes will make up the ‘Heartbeats’ series focusing on residents, business owners, the fine arts, live music and healthy living. Each episode will be five to seven minutes long. The Bureau is planning an extensive ad campaign around the videos including paid social and digital ad buys. “Southwest Illinois is a special place. And what makes it so special is the people who live here, raise their families here and do business here,” said Cory Jobe, President/CEO of the Great Rivers & Routes Tourism Bureau. “Because of these people, we have a destination that people not only want to

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EDWARDSVILLE — A 35-year-old Granite City man received a 55-year prison sentence on Wednesday for his role in a highway shooting that killed one man and injured a woman, according to Madison County State’s Attorney Tom Haine. The defendant, Mantia Johnson Jr., was sentenced to 30 years in prison on a charge of first-degree murder, 15 years in prison on a charge of attempted first-degree murder and 10 years in prison on a charge of aggravated discharge of a firearm. “This sentence ensures that Mantia Johnson will be an old man if he’s ever released from prison,” Haine said. “Hopefully, he’ll never again be a threat to our community or a menace to motorists.” A jury in August convicted Johnson of the three charges. Evidence showed that the shooting, which happened on Illinois 3 in Granite City in 2021, may have been in retaliation for a previous shooting. A flurry of gunfire from one vehicle to another resulted in the death of Ahmaad Nunley

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BUZZ MAGAZINE - My family is a tad more country than most, and quite a bit more city than I care to admit. The redneck that I am, combined with my squishy soul, created a quirky hybrid way of doing things. For example, we keep chickens… but they wait at the back door like dogs, and come inside to watch TV with snacks. I dote on my country neighbors' pets behind their backs because I simply can’t help myself. So, if your cat mysteriously comes home wearing a paisley sweater, or your dog inexplicably gains 4 pounds and shows up smelling like shampoo? You know who the culprit is. I ordered six baby chicks for my youngest daughter, Bella. Well, I wanted four, so I ordered five...knowing one would die. They sent me six...knowing one would die. We have six chickens. They were shipped from the hatchery the minute they emerged from their shells and sent to my local feed store. They were packed for transport in what appeared to be a Kentucky Fried Chicken to-go container.

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EDWARDSVILLE – Senior Nicole Johnson, Edwardsville High School’s latest IHSA State Champion, signed to continue her education and athletic journey into college. She signed to play golf at Middle Tennessee State University, a Division I school. She signed in front of her friends, family, teammates, and coach Wednesday evening. It meant a lot to her to have all of her family by her side on the big day. “They’re always out there supporting me and it’s just great to always have people that have my back,” Nicole said. Nicole is an iCAN Clinic Female Athlete of the Month for the Tigers. Nicole will forever be remembered for winning the IHSA Class 2A state championship back on October 10 th . She was the first person to win a state championship in program history and the 12 th to earn state medalist. She finished the two-round event shooting 6-under 138, winning by four strokes. “It’s starting to feel kind of real,” she said almost

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