Riverbender 🕸

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is preparing to make COVID-19 vaccine available to those ages 6 months through 4 years after Pfizer-BioNTech submitted data yesterday to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) asking to amend its emergency use authorization (EUA) to allow children younger than 5 years to receive its COVID-19 vaccine. The request for authorization of the first two doses of a planned three-dose primary series will still need to be reviewed by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). “We are looking forward to the availability of a COVID-19 vaccine for our youngest population once it is reviewed by CDC,” said IDPH Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike. “We have many tools to slow and control the spread of COVID-19, the best of all being vaccine. As we move towards coexisting with COVID-19, it is important that we are able to offer as much protection as

Continue Reading

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Christopher Belt (D-Swansea) released the following statement regarding the governor’s budget address Wednesday afternoon: “ I support Governor Pritzker’s increase in education funding for K-12 students, as well as increasing tuition assistance for higher education, which will allow more students to receive financial aid. As chair of the Senate Education Committee and a former school board member, I have seen how essential it is that we continue to put money into our education system. During my time in the General Assembly, we have seen education funding double allowing all students to flourish. “ Reducing the backlog of bills and increasing Illinois' overall credit rating, keeps the state financially accountable. As a state, we are moving forward and investing in the people of Illinois. By freezing the grocery and liquor license taxes, we are putting residents’ needs first and keeping money in their pockets.

Continue Reading

JACKSONVILLE - C.D. Davidsmeyer (R-Jacksonville) released the following reaction statement to Governor J.B. Pritzker’s (D-Chicago) joint Budget and State of the State Address. “The Governor has been ruling over Illinoisans using his political polling for the last three years. Obviously, his polling now says that Illinoisans are really hurting. After proposing the largest tax increase in our State's history and spending $50 million of his personal money to support it, he now pretends to care about one-time, temporary tax cuts that poll well but won’t help working families in the long run. “The reality is that without the federal bailouts, the State wouldn't have been able to pay off long-term debt. The facts are that in this year's budget, we will see an increase of $468 million in revenue, much of which is due to inflation and the increased costs of products, and the Governor is proposing an increase of $2.5 billion in annual spending. This isn't one-time

Continue Reading

HARDIN - Calhoun County Sheriff William “Bill” Heffington said that continuously-blowing snow is affecting some county roads more than others as Winter Storm Landon blows through Illinois. “They’re all snow-packed, winds keep blowing snow on the roads,” Heffington said. “The county road guys are after it non-stop, but with more snow and all this wind, the areas underneath hills and stuff’s going to be okay, but places like on the ridges and the banks and everything else is going to have a heck of a tough time keeping them opened up.” Heffington said regardless of where you live in the county, the safest bet is to stay inside. “You’re better off to just hunker down with a cup of coffee and stay home - best advice I can give people,” Heffington said. “Best they just stay put where you’re safe and warm, got plenty to eat and just weather it out, that’s the safest way.” Heffinton added the

Continue Reading

CENTRALIA — A 53-year-old Centralia man was sentenced Monday in federal court to five years in prison after earlier pleading guilty to maintaining a drug-involved premise within 1,000 feet of a school. John Fodero admitted to maintaining a place of residence located in the 600 block of East 7th from June 2020 to February 2021 where he would distribute and use fentanyl as well as a mixture of substances containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine, all within 1,000 feet of Centralia Junior High School. According to Centralia Police Chief Greg Dodson, at the time a search warrant was executed, Fodero’s residence was as part of an ongoing drug investigation after the home was identified as a hub for drug activity and a congregating point for drug users who used the residence as a flophouse to consume drugs. Police had responded to the address for over 12 opioid overdose calls and 94 calls for police service since January 2020. 14 people not related to each other were identified

Continue Reading

SPRINGFIELD – After years of working with the General Assembly to make fiscally responsible choices, protect working families, and pay down Illinois’ debt, Governor JB Pritzker today proposed his fourth balanced budget, delivering $1 billion in relief from grocery, gas, and property taxes as well as making unprecedented payments to state pensions and the rainy day fund. With revenues from corporate taxes, cannabis, online sales taxes and income far exceeding initial projections, the proposed budget provides significant one-time relief to families, while continuing the responsible fiscal decisions that led to two credit upgrades for the state. Building on the administration’s previous efficiencies, the budget invests in critical areas of growth and services, including education, public safety and small businesses. Select highlights include: Family Relief Plan $475 million in property tax rebates for families, with a one -time property tax rebate payment

Continue Reading

ALTON - State Representative Amy Elik (R-Fosterburg) issued the following statement after Governor Pritzker’s annual budget address to the Illinois General Assembly: “Governor Pritzker’s budget address is nothing more than a mirage. It may seem appealing but once you find out the details, his proposal fails to address the fiscal crisis the state of Illinois is faced with today. It was just two years ago when Pritzker went all-in to support the graduated income tax hike and when it failed, he threatened Illinoisans with a large income tax increase or massive loss of services. "And now during an election year, he is dangling tax cuts in the hopes that voters forget his desperation to increase taxes over the last couple years? Keep in mind, his proposal is only temporary to get through the election, how about he support making these tax cuts permanent? But let us not forget Governor Pritzker signed 24 tax and fee increases into law since he first took office. I support

Continue Reading

Our Love Story: The Couple: Lauren & Kyle (aka boo) from Alton/Belleville Date Met/Started Dating: February 16, 2018 Briefly Describe First Date: Had Maevas coffee and conversation. As soon as I met him I knew I was in trouble! Took one date before I told all my friends I was going to marry this man! Name Something You Enjoy Doing Together: We both love music, food, laughing, dancing.. just hanging around the house with the kids, and watching the bird feeder. Share Advice For A Happy Relationship: Honesty, communication, and vulnerability. We started our relationship on these principles and they’ve gotten us through tough times for sure!

Continue Reading

GRANITE CITY – Granite City High School will be celebrating National Career and Technical Education month in February. GCHS Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs have a very strong history and these programs continue to thrive today. Classes offered in the business and vocational departments have over 800 students enrolled in them. In addition, 14 CTE classes have an opportunity for students to earn dual credit through SWIC. In the Fall, the vocational department received the Illinois Technology Education Association “Program of the Year”. Each Friday during the month of February, be sure to check the GCSD9 website - www.gcsd9.net - to view a CTE student spotlight.

Continue Reading

GREENE COUNTY - As Winter Storm Landon takes hold of the Midwest, Greene County road conditions are getting more dangerous. “Right now, most of the roads seem to be somewhat passable - they are snow-packed and dangerous, though,” said Greene County Chief Deputy Cale Hoesman. “They are starting to drift some, too.” Hoesman said he would advise Greene County residents to “stay home” - but if they must go out, to be adequately prepared. “If people are going out for emergency purposes, they need to be prepared: charged cell phone, blankets, things of that nature,” Hoesman said. “And know where they’re at - know their location, so they can tell us to get them help.” The latest road conditions for Illinois can be found at gettingaroundillinois.com .

Continue Reading

WOODSTOCK - Gary Rabine: “Today we witnessed how out of touch our billionaire Governor, JB Pritzker, is with the people of Illinois. In his State of the State/Budget address, he described the State of Illinois in terms that only someone who spends his days in the cocoon of a North-side mansion or private jet could use.” “JB Pritzker has not done one thing to improve the fundamental fiscal trajectory of the state. Biden paid off JB’s Illinois credit cards last year, but we are still in a fiscal death spiral. A one-time bailout from the federal government does not equate with sound fiscal management. Millions of dollars spent on TV and digital ads don’t turn fantasy into reality either.” “The truth is that Illinois, outside of the Astor Street Mansion, is far different than what JB described. Chicago and its suburbs are the crime capitols of the country. Our unfunded public pension liability is at $130 billion – the worst in the nation.

Continue Reading

ST. LOUIS – The Fox Performing Arts Charitable Foundation is excited to announce the 18 th Annual Kids’ Night at the Fabulous Fox will take place Tuesday, March 8, 2022, at 7:30 PM for a fun-filled evening for the performance of Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory at the Fabulous Fox Theatre. For this performance of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory adults will have the opportunity to purchase an adult ticket and receive a kid’s ticket free! Tickets are on sale now. The BOGO offer applies to kids ages 17 & under. BOGO offer is valid on all seating and price levels except front row, premium, and price A orchestra seating. Tickets must be purchased by calling MetroTix at 314-534-1111 or at the Fox Theatre Box Office to receive the BOGO offer. The offer is not available through online purchases. The Fox Theatre Box Office is located at 531 North Grand Blvd. St. Louis, MO 63103 and hours are limited. This program is presented by the Fox Performing

Continue Reading

CARLINVILLE - Blackburn College has named Jody Sturgeon as the Marguerite Steffey Snyder Endowed Dean of Work. One of ten federally-recognized Work Colleges, Blackburn has the only program managed by a team of student leaders. In her role as the Dean of Work, Sturgeon will coach and mentor the Student Work Committee managing their peers and classmates while maintaining operations across 12 work departments. She will also serve as a key member and advisor on the President’s leadership team. For more than a century, Blackburn’s Work Program has added an incredible dimension to the traditional college experience. Established in 1913, the program began as a means to help reduce tuition costs and make higher education more affordable. Today, Blackburn students help plan and manage day-to-day operations on campus, fully recognizing that their success and the College’s success go hand-in-hand. In turn, Blackburn also offers tangible benefits, like four years of resume-building

Continue Reading

WEST FRANKFORT – Addiction is one of the hardest things a person might go through in their life. It can also be challenging for friends and loved ones to watch the people they love struggle with addiction. No one’s journey is the same when it comes to recovery, and that is why building a support system is a huge proponent in achieving and maintaining sobriety. Recovery is a unique learning process for those who are sober and for those who are supporting their loved one’s sobriety. “Go where you feel supported,” says Shane Kuhlman, Chief Psychology Officer at Centerstone, “Advocate for yourself and limit your contact or get away from people who don’t support you in your recovery.” Boundaries are essential for sober living—you can’t assume that everyone is aware or supportive of your sobriety so you need to make your needs known to those who want to be there for you and to disconnect from those who are unsupportive of your recovery.

Continue Reading

WASHINGTON – In a speech on the Senate floor, U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today reiterated that the United States stands with Ukraine and the surrounding countries against increasing Russian aggression. During his speech, Durbin reflected on the contributions of Ukrainian-Americans such as Sgt. Michael Strank, a Marine who fought in WWII and one of the Iwo Jima flag raisers. Durbin also condemned Russian leader Vladimir Putin’s actions, including ongoing belligerence against NATO allies in the Baltics and Poland. “The Ukrainian people have made it clear: They want to be free and independent, they want to chart their own future, they want to choose their own leaders in the elections that they conduct,” Durbin said. “This is the future that more than 92 percent of Ukrainians chose in a referendum in 1991, after Ukraine declared its independence from the crumbling and corrupt Soviet Union. But Russian President Vladimir Putin—the old

Continue Reading

EDWARDSVILLE - Chief Judge William Mudge issued an administrative order today that due to inclement weather in Madison County, the courts and offices of the Circuit Clerk for Madison County will be closed on Wednesday, February 2, 2022. However, Mudge said, that matter noticed for remote proceed as planned from home, where possible.

Continue Reading

The Jersey County Highway Department offered motorists some advice as snow begins to accumulate at the start of Winter Storm Landon : stay home. “I really advise to stay home until we can get through these events that are going to be taking place,” said Thomas Klasner, county engineer with the Jersey County Highway Department. “My guys, I’ve talked to them. They said there’s hardly anybody out on the roads, so I mean, people are taking the advice of staying home.” In Jersey County, where snowfall was predicted to reach 12-18” , Klasner said the Highway Department has been working steadily to address the issue as much as possible - but drivers should still be careful if they have to venture out. “We’re actually out there plowing the roads as we speak to keep them open. The roads are passable, the county highways are passable from that standpoint,” Klasner said. “Snow’s not piled up on them - there i

Continue Reading

EDWARDSVILLE – For the sake of some distinguishing factors like slave practices affecting African American lineage tracing, efforts towards researching their genealogy have been faced with challenging situations. An upcoming Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s Sankofa Lecture and Dialogue Series presentation will examine the uniqueness of genealogy research and accompanying challenges. The ongoing series features robust conversations surrounding the history of slavery and its lasting legacies, and is organized through SIUE’s Truth, Racial Healing and Transformation (TRHT) Campus Center, specifically its membership of the international Universities Studying Slavery (USS) consortium. Prince Wells III, associate professor in the Department of Music in the College of Arts and Sciences, will present “The Challenges of African American Genealogy” at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 2 via Zoom. Registration is available at https://siue.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Kwi9TYWpTS6pgM_OlkuQoQ

Continue Reading

ST. LOUIS - Thousands of area residents rely on public transportation on a daily basis as it offers a safe, convenient, cost-effective, and relaxing means to get them where they need to go. To reinforce this message, Citizens for Modern Transit, Metro Transit, and St. Clair County Transit District are hosting a “Crushing on Transit” Valentine’s Day campaign, encouraging transit riders to take a selfie at a Transit Center or on board MetroLink, MetroBus or Metro Call-A-Ride on Monday, February 14, 2022, and post it to social media for the opportunity to receive a free day pass good for use on a future transit trip. The photo must be posted to either Instagram, Facebook or Twitter, and the rider must include #CrushingonTransit and #CMTSTL to be eligible. The partnering organizations will reach out via direct message to the first 200 transit riders who post a selfie to determine if each individual would like the free day pass valued at $5 to be mailed or uploaded to

Continue Reading

ST. LOUIS - National Weather Service Meteorologist Jon Carney said early Wednesday that so far the winter storm has gone as the weather forecasters had envisioned. "I think it is about what we were expecting," he said this morning. "The forecast had mixed precipitation of sleet, snow, and ice before 6 a.m. Wednesday and that is what we received. Driving on the roads is not great from what we are hearing." Carney had been there throughout the night on the weather post. "The ice moved in from west to east about 2 a.m. to 3 a.m.," he said. "The forecast of snowfall looks at about 7 to 11 inches for your area. You will see two waves of snow, one this morning to early afternoon and shutting off about 1 to 2 p.m. Wednesday, and then will come back about 8 to 9 p.m. in the early evening. It will be overspread from the southwest. It will continue to Thursday." This is the updated National Weather Service in St. Louis forecast: Today Snow, mainly before 4 pm. Steady temperature

Continue Reading