Riverbender 🕸

SPRINGFIELD – The 88th annual National American Legion Pilgrimage to the Tomb of Abraham Lincoln will take place Friday and Saturday, Feb. 11-12, in Springfield. Springfield Post 32, the American Legion and its Auxiliary organizations are sponsoring this event in commemoration of the 16th President’s birthday. Springfield Post 32 is the only organization that has honored Lincoln on his birthday annually for 88 consecutive years. Paul Dillard of Texas, the national commander of the American Legion, representing 2.4 million American war veterans, will lead this year’s pilgrimage. He will be joined at the event by officers from national and state veterans organizations, as well as local elected officials and others. The commemoration will begin with an open house at 5 p.m. Friday at Springfield Post 32, 1120 Sangamon Ave. The Mess Hall Restaurant will provide dinner service from 4-8:30 p.m. The public is welcome. The ceremony at the Lincoln Tomb at Oak Ridge Cemetery

Continue Reading

ST. LOUIS COUNTY - The St. Louis County Police Department Highway Safety Unit will be participating in a state-wide speed enforcement campaign on Friday, February 11, 2022. Recent crash statistics are as follows: • In 2020, 404 people were killed in Missouri traffic crashes that involved at least one driver speeding or driving too fast for conditions. Preliminary data indicates 365 people were killed in speed-related crashes in 2021. • Speed involved fatalities increased by 30% from 2019 to 2020, but preliminary data shows there has been a 10% decrease in 2021. • Speed is the most common cited contributing circumstances in Missouri fatal crashes. In 2021, it was cited as a contributing circumstance nearly one and a half times as often as substance-impaired driving. For more information about the Speed Awareness campaign, visit: https://www.savemolives.com/mcrs/speed-awareness-campaign

Continue Reading

Our Love Story: The Couple: Samuel & Christain from Jerseyville Date Met/Started Dating: September 16, 2018 Briefly Describe First Date: Sam met me at the end of my sister's wedding reception, then we went out for drinks with my mom and her husband. It felt like I had known him my whole life, even though we had just met about a week earlier. We have been inseparable since! Name Something You Enjoy Doing Together: We enjoy going to Arkansas to dig for diamonds and trips to Florida!

Continue Reading

JERSEYVILLE - In conjunction with Jerseyville Banking Center, J.C.H.S. has selected their “Students of the Month”. The recipients for the month of January are Cole Martinez (12th grade), Lucy Fritz (11th grade), Mary Higgins (10th grade), Katreona Benedict (9th grade), and Abigail Behl (8th grade). The selection of a “Student of the Month” is based upon the number of F.O.C.U.S. nominations, which a student receives for a given month. F.O.C.U.S. (Finding One Clearly Unique Student) is a program, which acknowledges a student each week for academic or kindness. Each week teachers may recognize students who have performed well in their classes by selecting them as F.O.C.U.S. students for that particular week. During January, these students received the most F.O.C.U.S. nominations. Because they received the most nominations, they were named “Students of the Month” at JCHS.

Continue Reading

Our Love Story: The Couple: John and Becky Goulart from Brighton Date Met/Started Dating: May 14, 2010 Briefly Describe First Date: First date was actually just a casual hangout with a movie at John’s house. Date Married: August 30, 2014 Name Something You Enjoy Doing Together: We enjoying anything really. Vacations, family time, movies, dinners, nerdy things (lol). We are both big nerds at heart and the best of friends. Share Advice For A Happy Relationship: Never go to bed or leave the house angry, always say I love you, admit when you’re wrong even if you don’t want to, and always let them know how much you love and appreciate them.

Continue Reading

DES MOINES - The following local students have been named to the Deans' List at Drake University: Brynn Miracle from Edwardsville, and Grant Morgan from Jerseyville. To be eligible for the Deans' List, students must have earned a GPA of 3.5 or higher during the Fall 2021 semester at Drake. Drake University is a midsize, private university in Des Moines, Iowa, enrolling nearly 3,000 undergraduate and more than 1,800 graduate students. Students choose from over 70 majors, minors, and concentrations and 20 graduate degrees offered through six colleges and schools. Drake students, faculty, and staff take advantage of the wealth of cultural, recreational, and business opportunities found in Iowa's capital city. In return, Drake enriches the city through its own cultural offerings, considerable economic impact, and many service-learning endeavors, which channel the talent and energy of the Drake students toward meeting the needs of the community.

Continue Reading

MEQUON, Wis. – Concordia University Wisconsin officials have recognized Sidney Vetter of East Alton for making the Fall Honors List for the 2021-2022 academic year. To be eligible for the honor, students must achieve a minimum 3.60 GPA. Sidney Vetter is a Junior pursuing her Nursing-Tradit Undergrad. Founded in 1881, Concordia University Wisconsin, 12800 North Lake Shore Drive, Mequon, offers over 75 undergraduate majors and is affiliated with The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod. The school is located on 200 acres of Lake Michigan shoreline, only 15 minutes north of downtown Milwaukee.

Continue Reading

SPRINGFIELD - Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White announced that all offices and facilities will be closed on Friday, Feb. 11, in observance of President Abraham Lincoln’s Birthday. • Offices and Driver Services facilities operating on a Tuesday through Saturday schedule will be open for business on Saturday, Feb. 12. • Offices and Driver Services facilities operating on a Monday through Friday schedule will be open for business on Monday, Feb. 14. As a reminder, Secretary White has extended all driver’s license and ID card and learner’s permit expiration dates to March 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 renew their driver’s

Continue Reading

SPRINGFIELD – To recruit more volunteer firefighters, a measure sponsored by State Senator Christopher Belt (D-Swansea) that would provide an income tax credit for volunteer firefighters and EMS personnel passed the Senate Revenue Committee Wednesday. “After hearing from local fire departments, it is clear we need to find a way to get more people to sign up to join our volunteer fire departments,” Belt said. “It is my hope that providing a tax credit for volunteers who serve at least nine months will encourage more long-term volunteers.” Senate Bill 3027 would provide a $500 income tax credit for volunteer firefighters and EMS personnel who are a member or work for a fire department or fire protection district for at least nine months and do not receive more than $10,000 for their volunteer services during the taxable year. Current law does not provide a tax credit. Other states that offer a similar credit include New York, Iowa and Maryland. The

Continue Reading

EDWARDSVILLE - In response to the COVID-19 pandemic and an ongoing charge to effectively service students, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville has focused on student coaching to meet changing and growing needs. SIUE coaches shared their expertise as well as gained insights during the national “The Connecting Conference,” held virtually from Wednesday-Thursday, Feb. 2-3. Attending the conference were Makesha Harris Lee, EdD, director of CORE TEAM; Joseph Southerland, director of Student Services; Kelly Atkins, assistant director of Student Success; and Stephanie Simpson, assistant director of Online Student Services. “We were delighted to give our presentation, ‘From Implementation to Practice: Perspectives on Academic Coaching,’” said Atkins. “We introduced our student success coaches, and their mission, outreach, strategies and projects.” “The idea of the conference was to find new and effective ideas for supporting students

Continue Reading

SPRINGFIELD – A historical marker will be erected later this year on the grounds of the Old State Capitol to commemorate Barack Obama’s momentous 2007 and 2008 presidential campaign announcements from the building’s lawn. The Old State Capitol Foundation and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources announced the plan today, the 15th anniversary of Obama’s Feb. 10, 2007, announcement in Springfield that he would seek the presidency. He went on to make history as the first African American elected president of the United States and the fourth Illinoisan elected to the office. “From his official presidential announcement to his service in the Statehouse, President Obama’s legacy of leadership began with his service to the people of Illinois,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “This marker of Obama’s historic announcement at the Old State Capitol will ensure his story will forever be a part of Illinois’ history. And alongside the

Continue Reading

It was called the slap heard around the world and I am sure if you were to stop and listen, you can still hear that sound echoing and reverberating from every corner of the earth. It probably went into orbit circling the galaxies. This inspirational sound that I speak of came from the unforgettable moment in the Oscar-winning 1967 drama, In the Heat of the Night , when a righteous bigot slaps Sidney Poitier’s character, Detective Tibbs, in the greenhouse, and Poitier, without missing a beat, slaps the man right back. It was a pivotal scene as well as a pivotal moment in time. It was called the slap heard around the world and if it weren’t for Poitier, audiences would have heard nothing at all. The script called for the white bigot to slap Tibbs without retaliation, a response that did not sit well for him. He told producers to change it or find a new actor. They changed it and a cinematic cultural milestone occurred. Poitier made it clear he would not appear weak or less

Continue Reading

Our Love Story: The Couple: Scott and Paula Steiner from Bethalto Date Met/Started Dating: January 1, 1990 Briefly Describe First Date: We met thru her brother and started dating around Christmas of 1990. Date Married: May 30, 1992 Name Something You Enjoy Doing Together: We love to watch series on Netflix. We also have a side hustle called Killer Kups & Twisted Tumblers. We enjoy working together, for the most part, LoL. We LOVE spending time with our 2 grandchildren, Myra and Kaizen. Share Advice For A Happy Relationship: Happy Wife, Happy Life!

Continue Reading

Do paper piles line your countertops? Does the need to find a form send you into a panic? Are you constantly losing papers that you put in a ‘safe place’ where you are sure to find them, only to lose them? If so, you’re not alone. Papers are the bane of my existence. Nothing screams to me, “I may need this one day”, more than paper. And, because of that, I accumulate piles for that elusive day. I know I’m not alone. Papers are a problem for a lot of people, professional organizers included. At least this one. Yes, I have a strategy for my incoming papers, and a place to file them, but I am still inclined to hold onto too many. I know it, acknowledge it, and claim it. I also know better. But letting them go can be difficult. I’ve gotten much better. It’s easier for me to get rid of papers now, but it has taken me a while to get to this point. If I’m not diligent, I can amass a stack of “I might need that” papers

Continue Reading

ST. LOUIS COUNTY - St. Louis County Police Department Crimes Against Persons detectives are currently investigating a homicide in the 7200 block of Norstead Walk in the Central County Precinct which resulted in the death of an adult male. At 1:45 a.m. on February 10, 2022, St. Louis County Police officers from the Central County Precinct responded to a call for service for a shooting in the 7200 block of Norstead Walk. Responding officers located an adult male suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. The victim was pronounced deceased on the scene. The investigation is very active at this time. Additional information will be disseminated as it becomes available. Please contact the St. Louis County Police Department at 636-529-8210 to speak to investigators if you have any information regarding the incident. To remain anonymous or potentially receive a reward, please contact CrimeStoppers at 1-866-371-TIPS (8477) if you have any information regarding the incident.

Continue Reading

GLEN CARBON - The Father McGivney girl’s basketball team are having themselves a season to remember. One of the players that have a lot to look back on is junior forward Alexis Bond. In the emphatic 60-28 win over the East Alton-Wood River Oilers Wednesday night, Bond scored seven and pulled down three rebounds. Alexis is the Byron, Carlson, Petri and Kalp Female Athlete Of Month for Father McGivney Catholic High School. She did not particularly play a lot of minutes, but when she was in, she made it count on Wednesday night at McGivney against East Alton-Wood River. When asked about her performance, Bond was very humble and gave most of the credit to her teammates for finding her while she was open and having her back. While Bond is only a junior, it was still important to cheer on her friends on Senior Night. “It meant a lot because I’ve known them for three years of my life, and I’m really sad to see them go, but also really happy to see how much they’ve

Continue Reading

CHICAGO – With statewide COVID-19 hospitalization rates declining faster than any other point in the pandemic, Illinois is on track to lift the statewide indoor mask requirement on Monday, February 28, 2022. Mask requirements will continue where federally mandated, such as on public transit and in high-risk settings including healthcare facilities and congregate care. Masking requirements will also continue to apply in all daycare settings. The state intends to continue masking requirements in P-12 schools subject to pending litigation which impacts a number of schools. As the CDC reaffirmed just today, masks remain a critical tool to keep schools safe and open. The state reaches this point with more than 21.4 million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine administered to Illinois residents. Per the CDC , Illinois continues to lead the Midwest in people who have received at least one shot, with 75.7% of people having received their first dose. Illinois also has the most fully vaccinated

Continue Reading

BETHALTO - The Bethalto Secretary of State facility location has announced it now requires appointments for driver services. The Bethalto Secretary of State location joins other locations throughout the state that already have this in place for driver-related services. The Bethalto facility is located at 20 Terminal Drive, Suite 103, East Alton, IL. "This facility provides driver services by appointment only," the Bethalto Secretary of State Office stated on its website. "Seniors, veterans, people with disabilities, and expectant mothers are welcome as walk-ins but are encouraged to make an appointment. Customers who need assistance in scheduling an appointment may call (844) 817-4649." The Bethalto location says to schedule an appointment, click below: Schedule an appointment at this or another facility that has available appointments.

Continue Reading

WOOD RIVER - ReClaim Inc. is a local, family-owned, and operated junk removal company that has a great motto - to provide honest, affordable, and hassle-free service every time. “We’ll haul anything from single items, garage or attic clutter, construction and yard debris, hoarding clean-ups, you name it, we likely haul it,” said the owners of ReClaim Inc. David and Sherri Henson opened ReClaim’s doors in 2020 after recognizing the need for all-inclusive junk removal services. “After losing family members who lived in North Carolina, we experienced the daunting task of organizing affairs, cleaning out properties, ordering dumpsters to discard items, and figuring out where to donate others – all while grieving. We realized the need for all-inclusive, compassionate property cleanouts to lift that burden off the families who were already going through enough.” Adrianna Lock and Abram Henson are the sibling duo that runs the day-to-day operations.

Continue Reading

ALTON - A judge Wednesday sentenced sexual predator Keith L. Hare, 52, to 60 years in prison after a prosecutor argued Hare’s bad conduct began years ago and progressed to Nov. 16, 2019, when he contacted an Alton woman via the Internet and set up a “threesome.” Assistant State’s Attorney Jake Harlow argued that a tape of the victim shortly after the crimes shows the damage Hare, a former police officer, had done. “You can clearly see she was shell-shocked. How can we expect a 6-year-old girl to recover after being sexually assaulted two times,” Harlow said in a sentencing hearing. “When she testified, she clearly remained traumatized. We can only hope and pray the trauma will make her resilient,” the prosecutor added. Harlow noted that Hare used his position as an East St. Louis police officer to get access to victims. He was charged in 2017 in St. Clair County, with felony predatory sexual assault of a child but was allowed to plead

Continue Reading