Riverbender 🕸

EDWARDSVILLE - The Edwardsville Community Unit School District #7 is launching an effort to bring the entire D7 community together to develop goals and priorities to improve its schools. ENGAGE District 7, created as part of the implementation of District 7’s strategic plan, is a team of district employees and stakeholders. Engage District 7 is hosting a series of community engagement meetings for your input on how to meet the facility needs for all District 7 students now and in the future. The program is designed to ensure the district’s work in the future is guided by a facility improvement plan developed “ For Our Community By Our Community .” Parents, staff, and community members are encouraged to participate in ENGAGE District 7. As part of the program, a two-part series of community engagement sessions will kick off on Wednesday, Oct. 12. During these sessions, participants will learn more about planning priorities for D7 facilities and will engage wit

Continue Reading

WEST CENTRAL – Greene and Scott Counties have joined the ever-growing number of Illinois Counties to file a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of the controversial SAFE-T Act. The SAFE-T Act, set to take effect January 1, 2023, eliminates cash bail and designates only a limited number of offenses for which the person arrested may be held in custody prior to trial. The complaints, filed by both Caleb Briscoe in Greene County, and Richard Crews in Scott County seek a permanent injunction of the SAFE-T Act claiming the Act is unconstitutional, that it violates the single subject rule, violates the separation of powers clause, is unconstitutionally vague, and violated the three (3) readings requirement. The goal of the lawsuit for the Counties would be to stop the law, as written, from going into effect on January 1, 2023. “The Act was voted on and passed in a lame duck legislative session at 4:30 in the morning, with limited opportunity for comment, or debate. Prosecutors,

Continue Reading

BETHALTO - Senior runner Jackson Collman overcame the challenges of the Collinsville Cross Country Course during his three-mile run at the Madison County Meet Tuesday afternoon. Runners had to deal with some poor footing in areas and some killer hills. The course is one of the most difficult he will take on this season. But it didn't slow him down any. He ran a time of 16 minutes 29.5 seconds which won him first place in the small schools division and first place in the race overall beating out 75 other competitors. That's why Jackson is a Tom Lane State Farm Male Athlete of the Month for Civic Memorial. He's now won this event in back-to-back years. With last year's MadCo event being held at CM he ran a time of 16 minutes 10.5 seconds. Bethalto went 1-2-3 in the boy's small schools division in that race. Jackson went on to say that last season was a "funky year." He mentioned that the team had a lot of runners out for various reasons. "This was definitely a good time to have

Continue Reading

ALTON - Enjoy a thrill ride like no other in Illinois when Aerie’s Resort in Grafton celebrates the Grand Opening of the Aerie’s Alpine Coaster, 600 Timber Ridge Rd., Grafton at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 11. Aerie’s will host a ribbon cutting for the much-anticipated Alpine Coaster which officially opened for business Sept. 29. State and local officials will be on hand to commemorate the opening of the only Alpine Coaster ride in Illinois. “This is truly an attraction like no other in Illinois,” JD Lorton, Director of Operations for Aerie’s Resort noted. “We have worked to build the coaster with the help of Wiegand Sports USA during the winter and now we have a world-class attraction open in Grafton that will give visitors and residents alike year-round fun.” Riders board a two-person coaster sled and fly down the Aerie’s limestone bluff on over 3,000 feet of a stainless-steel rail system. The natural landscape of the river bluff

Continue Reading

ST. LOUIS - The transit advocacy organization Citizens for Modern Transit (CMT) has announced plans for its next virtual “Talking Transit” event, which is set for Tuesday, October 18, at 8:30 a.m. via ZOOM. This event will highlight the Secure Platform Plan for the MetroLink system. Pre-registration is required and can be completed online at www.cmt-stl.org . The Bi-State Development Board of Commissioners approved a contract with HNTB for $6,948,587 for professional engineering design services for the MetroLink Secure Platform Plan. The Secure Platform Plan (SPP) encompasses fare gates, fencing and cameras for the 38 Metro Transit Centers throughout the region. Financial support for this project includes funding from St. Louis County, the City of St. Louis and St. Clair County Transit District. Private donations total more than $10 million towards the cost of this important project. In addition, federal stimulus funds will be utilized. The panel will feature Kevin Scott,

Continue Reading

MARYVILLE – In partnership with the Southern Illinois Area Police Chiefs Association, State Senator Kris Tharp hosted a meeting Tuesday for Metro East police officials to discuss their concerns with the SAFE-T Act. “With my background as a law enforcement officer, my priorities as a senator remain ensuring that our communities are safe, keeping violent criminals off our streets and supporting police officers to effectively perform their duties,” said Senator Tharp (D-Bethalto). “Tuesday’s conversation was vital to addressing concerns in the SAFE-T Act, and I thank the chiefs for their participation.” To give members of SIPCA an opportunity to voice their concerns and propose changes to the SAFE-T Act, Senator Tharp hosted a meeting Tuesday morning with 30 police officials from around southern Illinois at the Edwardsville Public Safety Building. In an effort to improve public safety, Senator Tharp plans bring their concerns to the negotiating table

Continue Reading

GODFREY - Highlights of the Tuesday Village of Godfrey Board meeting included approval of a new electric sign at the corner of Lars Hoffman Crossing and Godfrey Road and underneath the main portion of the sign, people will be informed of present events and other information about the village. Godfrey Mayor Mike McCormick said right now, the sign would be advertising the Godfrey Maze and especially the Haunted Maze, which he said has become “very popular.” He said it would be a great place to advertise different events occurring in the village and provide other needed information. “The Haunted Maze seems to be really popular right now,” he said. "I encourage everyone to visit it during the Halloween season." Approval was given to put mulch around the all-inclusive playground area. A business grant was also approved for Scooter’s Coffee, which will locate at 5330 Godfrey Road. The board approved a business grant of $20,000 for the construction.

Continue Reading

ST. LOUIS - On Tuesday, October 4, 2022, the St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office issued warrants on suspect Scott Ellis, 36 years of age, of the 9700 block of Concord Hills Court in St. Louis, Missouri 63123, for six counts of Possession of Child Pornography. A photo of Ellis is included. Ellis is being held on $750,000 cash only, no 10% bond. Please note, charges are merely an accusation and defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law. The probable cause statement reads: On or between October 4, 2021, and October 4, 2022, defendant, a former middle school teacher at Rogers Middle School (Affton School District), downloaded and possessed thousands of videos of child pornography. St. Louis County received a cybertip from NCMEC (National Center for Missing & Exploited Children) regarding a Google Account registered in the defendant's full name, phone number, date of birth, and two email addresses that included his full name within

Continue Reading

ALTON - Senior Services Plus (SSP) is hosting a Fraud Education Seminar on Wednesday, October 26 th , 2022 inside the School House Grill in Alton. SSP is excited to partner with AARP Illinois to host a Fraud Education Seminar on Wednesday, October 26 th , 2022. Information will be presented by the Fraud & Corruption Section Chief for the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Illinois, Scott Verseman. Mr. Verseman is a fraud education expert and will explain what to look for and what to do when it comes to fraud. Lunch will be provided, and RSVPs are required as seats are limited. To RSVP visit: https://bit.ly/3ecXB54 or call 618-465-3298 ext. 123. Please register by calling Senior Services Plus at 618-465-3298 x 123. For event inquiries, please contact SSP by phone at 618-465-3298 x 123.

Continue Reading

GODFREY – Prospective students are invited to learn more about becoming a Trailblazer and experience campus during Lewis and Clark Community College’s Fall Discover Day, Monday, Oct. 10. Future Trailblazers will be able to speak with financial aid and academic advisors, tour campus, find info on the programs they’re interested in, and even experience a taste of student life with free fun and giveaways. “Discover Day is one of the biggest days on our campus,” Recruiter Daniel Nosce said. “It’s a chance for the public to learn about the amazing programs and support that are available for our Trailblazer family. Come and get an in-depth look at experiences the college has to offer and discover the opportunities that await you at Lewis and Clark Community College.” Guests are encouraged to participate in tours of the college’s programs, classrooms and labs. Although many of the high schools are closed for the holiday, Lewis and

Continue Reading

ST. LOUIS COUNTY - The St. Louis County Police Department is seeking the public’s assistance regarding the investigation of a recent stealing incident. Between September 28, 2022 at 7:00 PM and September 29, 2022 at 3:00 AM, unknown subjects broke into the maintenance shed at Sioux Passage Park located at 17930 Old Jamestown Road. Several locks of a gated maintenance shed were cut and the following items were stolen: 2016 Big Tex flatbed trailer (black in color) 2022 Toro 72” Zero turn mower (red in color) 2015 Bad Boy 72” Zero turn mower (orange in color) Numerous gas powered lawn equipment – trimmers, blowers, chainsaws, pruners, tiller, hedge trimmer (most items were Stihl Brand) Variety of hand tools, (Wrenches, socket sets, ratchets) New in box bathroom vanity and toilet Shown are actual photos of the stolen trailer and mowers. The stolen equipment’s value is estimated over $30,000. Any information concerning possible involved subject(s),

Continue Reading

ST. LOUIS COUNTY - On Monday, September 26, 2022, the St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office issued warrants on suspect Ramon Lapid, 45 years of age, of the 9500 block of Abaco Court in St. Louis, Missouri 63136, for one count of Murder Second Degree and one count of Armed Criminal Action. Lapid was arrested on October 4, 2022. A mugshot of Lapid is shown. Lapid is being held on $500,000 cash only, no 10% bond. Please note, charges are merely an accusation and Defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law. The probable cause statement reads: On September 23, 2022, Defendant and Co-Defendant, acting together, went to the Victim’s home with the intent to steal a green leafy substance from the occupants. During the commission of this crime, the victim was shot several times in the chest and is deceased. The co-defendant remains at large. St. Louis County detectives from the Bureau of Crimes Against Persons are leading this investigation.

Continue Reading

CARLINVILLE - Local youngsters may develop, and express, their artistic talents with a new event at the Carlinville Public Library. Art Day For Kids will be held at the library on Monday, Oct. 10, with two sessions. From 10 a.m. to noon, children will create monster stuffies. From 2-4 p.m., youngsters will make spin art machines. Youngsters may come to one or both sessions, which are for ages 7 and up, because beginning sewing and beginning circuits will be involved. Do-it-yourself art tables will be available all day. All activities are free. For more information, contact the library at 217-854-3505 or mail@carlinvillelibrary.org .

Continue Reading

EDWARDSVILLE - Liberty Middle School seventh grade language arts teacher Diana Lockwood did not consider a career as a teacher until she and her husband had a son. 25 years later, it is still a decision she is happy she made. “When I became a regular part of Nick’s school and classroom, I decided I wanted to return to school to get an education degree. It was a great decision!” The students are the main reason Lockwood has stayed in education. “They have kept me in the classroom, enjoying every aspect of my role in their academic lives. I love watching them learn and all the varied processes they go through as they acquire new information and skills,” said Lockwood, who added that she has also been privileged to work alongside some of the most outstanding faculty and staff of District 7, both in and outside her building. Seventh graders are especially interesting to Lockwood. “They change so much over the course of the school year, academically

Continue Reading

FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS – In connection with the Department of Justice’s announcement of its Elder Justice Sweep earlier today, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Rachelle Aud Crowe, made the following announcement: “Combating fraud against the elderly is the number one priority of our Fraud & Corruption section,” U.S. Attorney Crowe stated. “Anytime a senior is victimized, we work very hard to find the responsible criminals and bring them to justice.” Six federal prosecutors are assigned to the district’s Fraud & Corruption section. They are Assistant United States Attorneys: Scott Verseman, Chief; Kevin Burke, Zoe Gross, Peter Reed, Steve Weinhoeft and Luke Weissler. As an example of the office’s efforts to hold accountable those who harm the elderly, U.S. Attorney Crowe cited to the recent guilty plea of Ashley McKinney, 39, of Cahokia, Illinois. McKinney’s codefendant, Erica Rose, 33, of East St. Louis, Illinois,

Continue Reading

GLEN CARBON - Cara Markunas, the director of Storehouse Provisions of Grace, has a love of being positive in others’ lives. She is the founder of a moms' Facebook page that is extremely popular and now she has helped open the Storehouse Provisions of Grace, a ministry of Gateway Family Church in Glen Carbon. Dena Jonessmith also helps run the new charity. Provisions of Grace is located at 97 Oak Lawn Road in the Gateway Family Church facilities. Storehouse, which opened in August, serves anyone in need in the St. Louis Metropolitan area with a focus on single-parent households. “I have always been one to help people,” Cara said. “I know a lot of people are going through hard times right now. I reached out to my church and they asked me to make a storehouse or a group to help other women. Our mission is to show the love of God by providing household and personal items with respect and dignity. "We have cleaning supplies, hygiene items for women and baby items,

Continue Reading

ALTON - A charity drive that Alderwoman Rosetta “Rosie” Brown holds close to her heart is the "Socks for Tots, LLC, event in Alton. Rosie, the founder of “Socks for Tots, LLC” announces today that her Annual Socks for Tots Drive” will begin November through December 2022. "It’s time to replenish the socks inventory for our youth," she said. "My mission is to “Heat the Feet” of our school-age children. Last year with the help of our community I was able to provide over $3,500 pairs of socks to schools, daycares, the Oasis Women Center, Boys and Girls Club, and Catholic Children’s Home. Let’s really make an impact on the lives of our children by collectively donating toward this initiative." Boxes will be placed in several venues in our community including the Alton-Godfrey and Wood River Rotary Clubs, Alton Democratic Party, YWCA, City Hall, Today’s Beauty, Bluff City, US Nails, Lovettes, Athletico, New Beginning, Turning

Continue Reading

EAST ST. LOUIS - Delon Echols, 31, of Belleville, was convicted by a federal jury on Thursday, September 29, 2022, for sending MDMA through the mail with the intent to later distribute it. According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Echols utilized the Dark Web to order MDMA from the Netherlands. Echols shipped the drugs through the U.S. Postal service to an unwitting individual in Mascoutah, Illinois. In August of 2019, the individual learned about the package containing narcotics and immediately went to the Mascoutah Police Department. Police discovered that 911.5 grams of MDMA was concealed in vacuum-sealed bags inside whey protein jugs to avoid detection. People who use MDMA usually take it as a capsule or tablet, though some swallow it in liquid form or snort the powder. The popular nickname Molly (slang for "molecular") often refers to the supposedly "pure" crystalline powder form of MDMA, usually sold in capsules. At trial, the individual discussed how Echol's

Continue Reading

EDWARDSVILLE - The fifth annual “Voices of Our Past” historical re-enactment event at Woodlawn Cemetery in Edwardsville will be held on Saturday, Oct. 8. The one-day special event will feature portrayals of citizens from Edwardsville’s past and the connections they have to the town today - proceeds will benefit the maintenance of Woodlawn Cemetery. Craig Becker, the creative director of this event, said Woodlawn Cemetery is “the oldest active cemetery in Edwardsville, and most of anybody who’s anybody is buried there.” “Seven citizens were selected and researched and a brief biography was written for each one, and then members of Alumni Players! who are all Edwardsville High School graduates - mostly from long ago and far away - are going to be portraying these characters based on the historical facts, but then really developing characters that come to life,” Becker said. With this year’s theme centering around professions,

Continue Reading

MARYVILLE – In partnership with the Illinois Treasurer’s office, State Senator Kris Tharp is bringing the popular I-Cash services to Metro East residents in Wood River and Caseyville. “Unclaimed property is commonly intangible and thus more difficult for families to know what is owed to them,” said Tharp (D-Bethalto). “I encourage any Illinois resident to visit an I-Cash event to check if they have any unclaimed property.” The Treasurer’s office has more than $3.5 billion in unclaimed funds for Illinois residents. To offer families an opportunity to search the database and file a claim, the first event will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 4 at the Wood River Library, 326 E. Ferguson Ave. The second event will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 5 at the Caseyville Public Library, 419 S. Second St. A final I-Cash event is scheduled for 12 to 4 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 27 at Wood River City Hall, 111 N. Wood River Ave. “It’s

Continue Reading