ALTON - In the span of a few months in 2014, Christina Stanford-Harvey retired after 20 years in the military, graduated from culinary school and had a baby. What was the next step after such a monumental, stressful year? She started a business, of course. But the risk clearly paid off. Nine years after Christina began her catering service, she’s the proud owner of C-Rations Grub Hub Food Truck, a Riverbend favorite. Alongside her husband Hoover and their children, Christina’s business is doing better than ever and giving back to the Alton community. “It’s good to see the fruits of your labor after a while,” Christina said. “I’ve been able to keep it a family business. It’s been really good.” The family bought the food truck in February 2019. They were still fixing it up when the COVID-19 Pandemic hit, which brought the entire business to a standstill. Both Christina and Hoover are 20-year veterans, so they’re
Hip-hop celebrates half a century in existence this year, and the Saint Louis Art Museum (1 Fine Arts Drive, 314-721-0072) is joining the celebration with an entire exhibit based on the emceeing, DJing, breakdancing and graffiti that make up the pillars of hip-hop. Its exhibit The Culture: Hip Hop and Contemporary Art in the 21st Century looks at the history of hip-hop worldwide, and includes paintings from artists such as Jean-Michel Basquiat, Mark Bradford, Julie Mehretu, Carrie Mae Weems and more; fashion from Virgil Abloh’s Louis Vuitton collection and streetwear brand Cross Colours; and plenty of other “music ephemera,” as it’s described in promotional materials. The exhibit opens at noon on Saturday, August 19, with the SLAM Block Party, a free festival that will be held in SLAM’s parking and will feature performances by a bevy of St. Louis’ finest hip-hop artists, including Run the Jewels DJ Trackstar, who will be joined by the likes of Rockwell Knuckles, Daemon & T-Dubb-O; Preacher in the Trap, a collaboration between Blvck Spvde and Tef Poe; the Beat Street DJs and many more.
WOOD RIVER - Madison County Coroner Stephen P. Nonn has identified the victim who died as a result of a single-vehicle motorcycle crash occurring in Alton on Saturday, August 12, 2023, as Larry M. Patton, 33, of Wood River. "Per witness statements and evidence examined at the scene, the decedent was eastbound on Broadway traveling at a high rate of speed when his 2005 Harley Davidson Road King motorcycle left the roadway to the south and struck a yellow pole causing him to be ejected," Nonn said. "His body came to rest near a wall on the Ardent Mills property. "Coroner’s Office Investigator Kelsey M. Jones, DSN 1579 pronounced his death at the scene at 6:10 p.m., August 12, 2023. The preliminary cause of death appears to be from blunt head trauma. He was not wearing a helmet at the time of the crash. Routine toxicology testing for the presence of drugs and alcohol remains pending. A final cause of death will not be issued until all reports are complete." The case remains under
On Monday morning, neighbors of Grace United Church of Christ in Holly Hills woke up to find someone had spray painted “White Lives Matter” in large letters across the church's red brick wall. The slogan, which came to reactionary prominence in the wake of the 2014 Black Lives Matter movement, is described by the Anti-Defamation League as a white supremacist phrase.
Letter to the editor: Imagine a husband who applies for a credit card – without telling his wife. In some states and circumstances, she will be liable for the debt, even if she didn’t know. But she finds out – before he gets the loan – and she notifies the credit card company that she needs a say in the matter. That’s what just happened between the East Alton-Wood River High School district and its taxpayers. Last week, petitions with more than 1,100 signatures were submitted to the EA-WR district office, in response to its July 12 “backdoor referendum” that gave citizens 30 days to gather 832 signatures to put a $2.4 million bond issue on the March 19, 2024 ballot. Going door to door, I gathered 300 of these signatures myself. Without the signatures, the district could issue the bonds without voter approval – with taxpayers none the wiser – until their tax bills arrive in the mail. How many people read the legal notices?
EDWARDSVILLE - Walter D. Williams was recognized for his leadership and accomplishments, and a new president - Traci S. Daniels, MSL, was announced at a special meeting of the NAACP Edwardsville Branch. Williams recently resigned as branch president after accepting a position with the City of Racine, Wisc. Traci S. Daniels, MSL, has served as 1st Vice President of the NAACP Edwardsville Branch for three years. She is the assistant pastor of Anchored In Truth Ministries in Edwardsville and now will assume a new role. Daniels is also an Ambassador for the Edwardsville/Glen Carbon Chamber of Commerce and a devoted wife. “I am ready to take on the responsibilities and challenges that come with this esteemed position," Daniels said. "I am committed to continuing the vital work of the NAACP in advocating for equality, justice, and civil rights for all. "With the support of our dedicated members and the community, I am confident that we can make a significant impact and create positive
PIASA - Southwestern football head coach Pat Keith has a couple options for his team's starting quarterback this season. One option is his son, senior Logan Keith, the other is sophomore Blake Rimbey. Both could be seen in a practice last Friday acting as the QB in offensive drills as the two are seemingly fighting for the starting spot. Regardless of what happens, one thing is for sure, Blake's heading into the new season confident in himself and his team. "I feel like we've got some guys that are going to do some pretty good things. I feel like we can get a pretty good season going." Blake is an Altonized Community Federal Credit Union Athlete of the Month for Southwestern. He believes his team has what it takes to get back to the playoffs and is just looking forward to having fun this season. "We don't have any doubts," he said about being able to make the playoffs. "We lost some pretty good guys, but I feel like we got better at catching balls, got better at blocking." T
Through the fusion of regional traditions, the festival on August 26 and 27 creates a platform for participants to learn about, appreciate, and embrace cultural attributes that are both shared and uniquely distinct.
LITCHFIELD - Registration is open for art and craft vendor booth space at the final 2023 Litchfield Pickers Market on October 8. This market will feature juried vintage, antique and refurbished items, and also the wares of talented artisans and crafters, creating a unique shopping experience in one convenient and fun location. The City of Litchfield hosts the Litchfield Pickers Market on the second Sunday of each month, May through October, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in downtown Litchfield. During the market, the streets are filled with around 100 vendors specializing in items from prior to 1985. During the October 8 market, a section will be allocated to contemporary art and craft items. All items must be handcrafted by participants, and no buy/sell or retail mass marketed merchandise is allowed. Registration information can be found at visitlitchfield.com, and is also available at 120 East Ryder Street in Litchfield. Call the Litchfield Tourism Office at 217-324-8147 with any questions.
EAST ALTON – Community members, legislators, Girl Scouts and staff from the National Great Rivers Research and Education Center (NGRREC) gathered Tuesday, Aug. 8, at the Jerry F. Costello Field Station to celebrate female leadership in policy and science. Among the speakers was Rep. Amy Elik, District 111, who gave the Scouts some advice. “Try new things to open your eyes to new experiences,” she said. “Even if it is something you may not be good at." Also in attendance was Rep. Katie Stuart, District 112, who told the girls what she likes best about her position. “Knowing what I do benefits people in a positive way,” she said. Everyone enjoyed pizza and s'mores while learning about Girl Scout Troop 325's community and nature-based projects, how to create seed-balls for spreading native plants and about the important research happening at the station. The event concluded with a female leadership discussion panel, which was led by Girl Scout
CHICAGO - Attorney General Kwame Raoul, along with seven attorneys general, is urging a federal court to strengthen a private, consumer class-action settlement with Hyundai and Kia by requiring the companies to recall or buy back the theft-prone vehicles and equip them with engine-immobilizer technology. In a letter to the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, Raoul and the coalition argue that the current proposed settlement requirements are insufficient and will not resolve the ongoing Hyundai and Kia thefts that continue to jeopardize public safety in Illinois and across the country. While Illinois is not part of this settlement, Raoul signed onto the letter because in 2022, there were over 7,000 Hyundai and Kia thefts in Chicago, which account for 10% of all registered Kia vehicles and 7% of all registered Hyundai vehicles in the city. “I am urging the court to strengthen its current settlement with Hyundai and Kia to ensure consumers’ vehicles
This one will take a bit of background to explain where things stand. As you likely know, two years ago first Florida and then Texas each signed laws that would restrict social media companies and how they moderate content on their platforms. Both laws were quickly challenged by two trade associations for internet companies: NetChoice […]
CHICAGO – U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today released the following statement regarding the indictment of former President Donald Trump by a Georgia grand jury for his alleged efforts to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election: “In America, every person indicted or accused of a crime is entitled to a presumption of innocence and the full spectrum of rights under due process. Former President Donald J. Trump deserves no less. “But this is not routine political fare or just another day in American politics as former President Trump would have us believe. Donald Trump stands accused of some of the most serious charges ever leveled against an American public figure. “Former President Trump is accused of concealing top secret intelligence documents; destroying evidence; provoking a mob to storm the Capitol building and subvert the counting of votes in a Presidential election; and attempting
EDWARDSVILLE - The Edwardsville Municipal Band is proud to announce its upcoming "The High Seas" concert, scheduled to take place on Thursday, August 17, at 8 p.m. The performance will be held at the Cleaon Etzkorn Bandstand located in City Park. Under the baton of co-conductor, Dr. Rubén Darío Gómez, the Edwardsville Municipal Band will immerse listeners in a musical journey inspired by the vast oceans and waterways. The performance will feature a repertoire of music composed with water, particularly the ocean in mind and will include pieces such as "Of Sailors and Whales," "Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End," and "Sailing Songs," among others. Concessions available during the event will directly benefit the Main Street Community Center. Admission to the concert is free of charge, and all are welcome to bring their lawn chairs and blankets for a relaxing and memorable musical experience. For more information about the Edwardsville Municipal Band
Rookie outfielder Jordan Walker delivered one of the biggest hits of his young professional career on Monday, a two-out, three-run triple that sparked a St. Louis Cardinals comeback victory.
No entertainment strip of bars and restaurants is truly complete until there is at least one establishment serving up amazing pizza. The Grove has Pie Guys.
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