Riverbender 🕸

EDWARDSVILLE - Edwardsville Legion Post 199 Commander Ron Swaim issued a huge thanks to a sponsor iCAN Clinic, the Legion members, and the numerous volunteers and city personnel who made the 2022 Fireworks Celebration such a success. "The large donation by iCAN Clinic really helped with the fireworks," Swaim said. "We also give a big thank you out to the community for coming out and making it a great evening for our fireworks event. It was a great evening Saturday night for the community." Swaim says the Edwardsville Fireworks Display and Fourth of July Celebration at the Legion carries an "awesome tradition." "We always get great cooperation from the City of Edwardsville Police Department, Fire Department, and Street Department, which helps make the event safe," he added. "Those departments work so well with us at the Legion."

Continue Reading

SOUTH ROXANA - Illinois State Representative Amy Elik (R-Fosterburg) and the Village of South Roxana hosted a beautiful Saturday morning ceremony to designate Illinois Route 111 from New Poag Road to Madison Avenue as “Chief Todd Werner Memorial Highway.” The ceremony was open to the public and was very well attended by both the public and fellow first responders. The sign is positioned on Highway 111 and Madison Avenue. “Chief Werner dedicated his life to public service in Madison County by serving as a first responder. He made a positive impact on the people who were fortunate to call him a friend,” said Rep. Elik. “Dedicating a portion of Route 111 in his honor will serve as a reminder that his selfless commitment to the community will not be forgotten.” Chief Werner worked in the fire service for 30 years. He joined the South Roxana Fire Department in 1996 and became the Fire Chief in 2013. Chief Werner had been employed by the Madison

Continue Reading

GRAFTON - The City of Grafton and the Grafton Chamber of Commerce hosted what Mayor Mike Morrow describes as "a spectacular 4th of July fireworks show" at the Lighthouse Park on the Mississippi River Saturday evening. "Hundreds of people viewed the stunning display of multi-colored lights and explosions from numerous vantage points throughout the city and from boats on the Mississippi River," the mayor said. “The city was packed with people walking the streets and enjoying the shops in the late afternoon as they worked their way towards their favorite vantage points to view the fireworks." The Grafton Police Department worked the traffic flow smoothly and efficiently throughout the day, keeping the cars moving and the pedestrians safe as they wandered throughout the town. “Late in the afternoon Officer Jim Scroggins had to ask an unpermitted ice cream truck to leave,” said Police Chief Eric Spanton. “The kids in line were sad that they didn’t get any

Continue Reading

Letter To The Editor: Over the weekend I was made aware that twelve Madison County board members have quickly called a Special Meeting of the County Board to be conducted on July 6, 5:00 p.m. at the County Administration Building. The sole purpose of this rushed meeting is to diminish the powers and duties of County Board Chairman, Kurt Prenzler. Attached to the request for a Special Meeting of the County Board was a brief summary of charges made against the Chairman. Since the Summary of Charges bore no signatory I can only conclude some, if not all, twelve Board members, drafted the charges in support of their Special Meeting. The charges levied against the Chairman are poorly written and confusing, specious, and categorically false. The charges are unsupported by facts, data or evidence rendering the charges and Special Meeting akin to a high-tech lynching by a small group of Republicans against a two-time elected Chairman, who is also a Republican. You may wonder, as Republicans,

Continue Reading

Robert E. Crimo III, has been identified as a person of interest in the Highland Park shooting that occurred on the Fourth of July morning. An "armed and dangerous" person of interest was identified in the Highland Park Independence Parade mass shooting that left at least six people dead and dozens of others "seriously injured" Monday morning, police said. The person of interest was taken into custody without incident at Wesley and Route 41 at Lake Forest, police said at 6:45 p.m. Monday. Authorities described his car as a silver Honda Fit with an Illinois license plate DM 80653. The parade route in Highland Park remains an active crime scene, Highland Park Police reported. Several in the Chicago area today canceled Fourth of July celebrations and parades because of the mass shooting. "It is devastating that a celebration of America was ripped apart by our uniquely American plague,” Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker said at a news conference. Police declined to answer questions

Continue Reading

CHICAGO - Good afternoon. I want to begin by honoring the heroic actions of law enforcement who ran toward the gunshots they heard today. In particular, lives were saved because the Highland Park Police courageously protected and served their community. I also want to thank our Illinois State Police who have been coordinating on the ground since this morning with Highland Park PD, neighboring police forces, the County Task force, FBI and ATF. Our troopers will continue the investigation and search until the job is done. To the residents of Highland Park and surrounding communities: This murderer will be brought to justice. But until that happens, please follow instructions from local authorities on how best to keep you and your family safe. And please know that every resource at the state’s disposal will be available to you in the days and weeks ahead as you recover from this horrific tragedy. A little while ago, I spoke with President Biden who pledged all support

Continue Reading

ALTON - A large crowd attended the annual Fireworks On The Mississippi Celebration in Alton on Sunday, July 3, and event organizers said they were “thrilled” at the turnout and the fireworks display. “A special thanks to the volunteers, the Alton Park and Rec Staff, Alton Police and Fire Departments and Evntiv for all their hard work to put on this fantastic event,” Alton Amphitheater Board Chair Dan Herkert said. “The Air Force Band of Mid America also brought their full 60-piece orchestra and they were great.” The Air Force Band of Mid America played from 8 to 9:30 p.m., just prior to the fireworks at 9:30 p.m. Gates at the Alton Amphitheater area opened at 5 p.m. Pig On A Wing and Quick Bite provided some food options and DJ James Biko was on from 5 to 7:30 p.m.

Continue Reading

ST. LOUIS COUNTY - St. Louis County Police Crimes Against Persons Detectives are currently investigating a house fire that resulted in the death of one individual. On July 1, 2022, at 11:38 PM, St. Louis County police officers from the North County Precinct responded to a call for service for a house fire in the 10000 block of Count Drive. Responding officers located a home partially engulfed in flames. Fire personnel were able to extinguish the flames and upon entry into the residence, found an unresponsive individual in a rear bathroom. The individual was immediately transported to an area hospital and was later pronounced deceased. Preliminary investigation has revealed the fire to not be criminal in nature. Additional information will be disseminated as it become available.

Continue Reading

FAYETTE, IOWA - Matthew Moore, a 2020 graduate from Civic Memorial High School, has been recognized for being on the Dean's List at Upper Iowa University for the Spring 2022 Semester. Moore is also a key member of the Men's Bowling Team, the Shot Gun Sports Team, and a Resident Assistant for the university. Matthew is majoring in Industrial Technology Education and Business. Upper Iowa University is located in Fayette, Iowa. Matthew is the son of Shelly and Eric Moore. This is a brief bio of Matthew's bowling career at Upper Iowa University: 2021-22: Moore appeared in 16 games combined for UIU's varsity and JV teams... averaged 148.2 pins per round... competed as an individual at USBC Sectionals. 2020-21: Bowled in seven games where he averaged 156.3 pins per contest... missed the majority of the year due to injury. High School: 2020 Team MVP and Captain... Second Place Individual at 2019-20 Regional. If you have a college academic or athletic accomplishment or

Continue Reading

GODFREY – Roll up your sleeves with the home of Real Rock Radio, KSHE-95, and the Lewis and Clark Community College Veterans Club and donate blood to help ImpactLife save lives. The L&C Veterans Club will host the KSHE-95 Summer Blood Drive from 10 a.m.- 6 p.m., Friday, July 8, and 9 a.m.- 3 p.m., Saturday, July 9, in the Hatheway Cultural Center Gallery on the college’s Godfrey Campus. “We are proud to be working with KSHE-95 and ImpactLife on this great campus and community event,” said Terry Lane, L&C Director of Career and Veteran Services and Vets Club Advisor. “By taking part, you just might save a life. Please make an effort to donate and please share this information with your family and friends.” Everyone who attempts to give blood during this drive will receive a KSHE-95 Summer Blood Drive T-shirt and will be entered to win a pair of tickets to the KSHE 55th Birthday Party featuring Sammy Hagar & The Circle w/George Thorogood &

Continue Reading

EDWARDSVILLE – The Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine (SIU SDM) has announced its annual Dean’s Scholarship and Dr. Larry A. Lowe Memorial Scholarship recipients. The Dean’s Scholarship was created to reward academic merit, assist financial aid, and increase student diversity within the SIU SDM. This year’s Dean’s Scholarship recipients include Talia Just, of Oak Brook, Noah Kippenbrock, of Carbondale, Mitchell Muller, of Petersburg, and Jesse Snyder, of Aledo. Each has been awarded $10,000 for the 2022-23 academic year. The awards represent the most generous Dean’s Scholarship Awards to date. In response to her scholarship award, Just expressed her gratitude and thanked her fellow classmates, professors, and family for their support. The scholarship allows her to focus on finishing her last year strong before pursuing a specialization in orofacial pain. “Dental school is challenging,” she said. “The SDM community

Continue Reading

FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS – With the help of over thirty sponsors and one hundred twenty-four golfers, GCS Credit Union raised $32,961 during their sixth annual Tee Up Fore Veterans Golf Tournament. The money raised during this event at Stonewolf Golf Club in Fairview Heights was donated to the Greater St. Louis Honor Flight and Got Your Six PTSD Support Dogs. The Greater St. Louis Honor Flight received $25,000 of the tournament proceeds. This donation will sponsor an entire flight of veterans on a one-day, all-expenses-paid trip to Washington, D.C. to visit the memorials that were built in their honor. This year marks a milestone for the Greater St. Louis Honor Flight as they take their 100th mission escorting veterans to Washington, D.C. for a day of honor at our nation’s memorials. For more details about the Greater St. Louis Honor Flight please visit gslhonorflight.org. Got Your Six PTSD Support Dogs received $7,961 of the tournament proceeds. Got Your Six is committed to

Continue Reading

ST. JACOB - Illinois State Police has released more information on a single airplane fatal crash today in rural St. Jacob at Keck Road, just west of Illinois Route 4 in Madison County. The crash occurred at approximately 11:39 a.m. A 60-year-old Lake City, Florida, man died in the accident and a 39-year-old man from Edwardsville suffered life-threatening injuries. These are the details from the ISP Report: AIRCRAFT: Unit 1 – White Piper Comanche 250 PILOT: Unit 1 – Buck E. Martin, a 39-year-old male from Edwardsville, IL – Transported to a regional hospital with life-threatening injuries. CO-PILOT: Unit 1 – Robert L. Binger, a 60-year-old male from Lake City, FL – Deceased PRELIMINARY: Preliminary information indicates the following occurred: The aircraft took off from St. Louis Metro East Airport. For unknown reasons, the aircraft lost altitude and crashed on Keck Road just west of Illinois Route 4. The pilot of the aircraft was

Continue Reading

ST. JACOB - A small plane crashed at the edge of a field near Keck Road in St. Jacob, IL., on Saturday. There was one fatality in the crash, and one person was transported to the hospital with life-threatening injuries, law enforcement said. The co-pilot died in the crash and the pilot was taken to the hospital from the scene. The plane crash was near St. Louis Metro East/Shafer Field. Police said the small plane lost altitude and crashed. Illinois State Police was handling the investigation of the plane crash and the Madison County Sheriff's Office was assisting. The Madison County Coroner's Office has been called to the scene. More to come.

Continue Reading

You will find a comprehensive list of fireworks and Independence Day celebrations around the area this weekend below. SATURDAY, JULY 2 BRIGHTON: Brighton Fourth Of July Celebration at Schneider Park. Fireworks start at dusk. There will be food, events, vendors, and music going on throughout the day, and organizers promise one of the best fireworks displays in the area. CARLINVILLE: At Macoupin County Fairgrounds. Enter through the south entrance at 8:30 p.m. Grandstand seating is available. Fireworks will begin at 9:30 p.m. EDWARDSVILLE: Edwardsville American Legion Post 199, 58 S. State Route 157, Edwardsville. Fireworks start at 9 p.m. Food service opens at 4 p.m. with barbecue, brats, hot dogs, chips, and more at the American Legion. Parking is available at the schools and Eden Church. Edwardsville Muny Band performs at 7 p.m. Shuttle bus is provided from schools. GILLESPIE: A family fireworks show at dusk is set over Gillespie Lake at Carney Drive. Attendees

Continue Reading

MADISON COUNTY - Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White announced that all offices and facilities will be closed on Monday, July 4, in observance of Independence Day. Offices and Driver Services facilities operating on a Tuesday through Saturday schedule will be closed on Saturday, July 2, and reopen for business on Tuesday, July 5. Offices and Driver Services facilities operating on a Monday through Friday schedule will be closed on Monday, July 4, and reopen for business on Tuesday, July 5. As a reminder, Secretary White has extended all driver’s licenses, ID cards, and learner’s permit expiration dates to July 31, 2022. This extension does not apply to commercial driver’s licenses (CDL) and CDL learner’s permits. In addition, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security has extended the federal REAL ID deadline to May 3, 2023. Individuals can visit the Secretary of State’s website at ilsos.gov for online services including checking eligibility to

Continue Reading

Your toddler spent the day in the pool and now has a weird rash that’s kept her up all night. You’re feeling a familiar pain and you just know it’s a urinary tract infection but you’re leaving for vacation in the morning. These are typical summertime scenarios, and instead of having to wait until a walk-in clinic opens, OSF OnCall Urgent Care offers virtual care options that are available 24/7 year-round, including holidays and weekends. Kate Barth, vice president/chief nursing officer for On-Demand Services, OSF OnCall, says consumers want health care options that are convenient, like what they’re used to experiencing with online shopping and banking, so OSF is responding with lower-cost, easy virtual urgent care options, especially when a minor illness or injury happens after hours. “It’s the mom with multiple children who are sleeping and (she thinks) ‘I have a sick kiddo who I cannot console and what do I do?’ Seeking

Continue Reading

Non-emergency closures suspended; motorists should still expect work zones SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Transportation announced today that lanes that have been closed for construction will reopen, where possible, for the Independence Day holiday to minimize travel disruption. Non-emergency closures will be suspended from 3 p.m. Friday, July 1, to 11:59 p.m. Monday, July 4. The following lane closures will remain in place during the holiday weekend. Motorists can expect delays and should allow extra time for trips through these areas. Drivers are urged to pay close attention to changed conditions and signs in the work zones, obey the posted speed limits, refrain from using mobile devices and stay alert for workers and equipment. At all times, please buckle and drive sober. District 1 City of Chicago•Northbound Pulaski Road between 76th and 77th streets; lane reductions continue. Southbound DuSable Lake Shore Drive along Jackson Park; lane reductions

Continue Reading

ST. LOUIS — Independence Day is coming soon and many people plan to attend fireworks displays, a backyard picnic, or just enjoy the outdoors. The American Red Cross wants you to enjoy a fun-packed, safe holiday and offers these tips you can follow over the upcoming holiday: FIREWORKS SAFETY The safest way to enjoy fireworks is to attend a public firework show put on by professionals. Stay at least 500 feet away from the show. Leave any area immediately where untrained amateurs are using fireworks. If you are setting fireworks off at home, follow these safety steps: Never give fireworks to small children, and never throw or point a firework toward people, animals, vehicles, structures or flammable materials. Always follow the instructions on the packaging. Keep a supply of water close by as a precaution. Make sure the person lighting fireworks always wears eye protection. Light only one firework at a time and never attempt to relight "a dud." Store fireworks i

Continue Reading

ALTON - On Saturday, July 9, the Three Rivers Project of Sierra Club Illinois, Community Cultivators, and the Village of Godfrey will host a Pollinator Party at the Jaime Hines Prairie at LaVista Park in Godfrey in honor of the region’s ongoing work to protect pollinators and create a culture of conservation. During the Pollinator Party, community artists will unveil the Prairie Portal—an outdoor sculpture designed by Merrilyn Shoemaker and Tom Cundiff—and guests will have the opportunity to learn about the importance of prairies and pollinators like Monarch butterflies. Community members and activists are invited to register for the pollinator party at bit.ly/pollinatorparty22 . “The Jaime Hines Prairie at LaVista is in its third year of growth thanks to Godfrey resident and native plant enthusiast Trevor Bennett. He worked with the Village of Godfrey's Parks and Recreation Department to establish phase one of the prairie,” said Christine Favilla, co-Coordinator

Continue Reading