Riverbender 🕸

GRAFTON - Riverbend native Don Mathenia has released his first book, “Love and Blood in the Heartland.” Mathenia shared that his book is a compilation of poems, songs, artwork and memories from throughout his life. He began “writing in earnest” during his college years in the mid-60s, and the book details his life growing up, teaching, and living in the Riverbend region. “I’m excited about the book. I’ve had so many people encourage me throughout the years to get a lot of these things published,” Mathenia said. “It’s all over the map, and that’s the way I like it. I think of something, I get an idea, I grab a piece of paper, and I just start writing stuff down. Some of it’s philosophical, a lot of it’s just funny.” Mathenia’s first published poem — published by Blackburn College’s “The Vortex” literary and fine arts magazine when he was a student — is included

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EDWARDSVILLE — Mrs. Sydney Layton, a teacher at Leclaire Elementary School, has been named Teacher of the Year by the Edwardsville Chapter of the NAACP. The announcement was made recently by the school, highlighting Layton’s dedication and passion for equity in education. Layton’s commitment to her students and the broader community has been recognized as a significant factor in receiving this honor. School officials praised her for the lasting impact she has both inside the classroom and throughout the Edwardsville community. The recognition from the NAACP underscores the importance of educators who advocate for equity and inclusion in education. Leclaire Elementary School and the Edwardsville community are celebrating Layton’s achievement.

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EAST ALTON/GRANITE CITY – Two cases of domestic battery in Madison County involve residents of East Alton and Granite City accused of strangulation and more. Lindell Curtis, 64, of East Alton, was charged with a Class 2 felony count of aggravated domestic battery and a Class A misdemeanor count of domestic battery on June 4, 2025. Curtis allegedly strangled a household or family member and pushed a different household or family member to the ground on May 5, 2025. A petition was filed by the Madison County State’s Attorney’s Office to deny Curtis’s pretrial release from custody. The petition states Curtis “had been drinking” before getting into an altercation with one family member, strangling them nearly to the point of them losing consciousness. During the altercation, he pushed another family member to the floor, causing them to fall. The East Alton Police Department presented the case against Curtis, who was ordered remanded to jail for his

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From lively music performances and family-friendly festivals to engaging workshops and community celebrations, the upcoming events offer something exciting for everyone to enjoy. For a full listing of all the great happenings, be sure to visit https://www.riverbender.com/events/ If you want to make sure even more of the region is aware of your event email cj@riverbender.com and explore our range of Event Advertising Services! Featured GGCA Summer Camp invites children ages 3 to 12 to embark on an unforgettable adventure with the 2025 Summer Camp themed "Bible Explorer: Trek through Truth!" Running from June 2nd to July 25th, campers will enjoy outdoor and water games, crafts, weekly field trips including visits to local attractions and the NCG Cinema in Alton, and daily hot meals. The camp operates weekdays from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM with before and aftercare available. At $90 per student per week, this is a wonderful opportunity for kids to learn, laugh, and grow in faith together.

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ALTON - Middle schoolers have the chance to learn more about healthcare careers at an upcoming day camp at OSF St. Anthony’s Hospital. From 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, students will explore a Survival Flight helicopter, complete CPR stations, chart their vitals, play games and participate in a panel discussion with healthcare professionals. Nurses Sara Clohessy, Gina Coates and Melissa Hartnett, who organized the Health Camp, look forward to teaching students about the different career pathways in the medical field. “People tend to think ‘nurse’ and ‘doctor’ when they think ‘healthcare’ and ‘hospital.’ We just want to show that there are so many other pieces here,” said Clohessy, MSN, RN, Clinical Nurse Educator. “I did a program similarly when I was in the eighth grade, and I still remember it to this day.” The Health Camp is open to students who just completed the seventh and eight

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PIASA — Kailyn Broyles had a standout season for the Southwestern girls softball team in 2025, making significant contributions both on and off the field. Broyles, a freshman, was praised by her coach, Abby Edwards, who highlighted her leadership qualities and athletic versatility. Edwards described Broyles as an excellent basketball player who transitioned seamlessly from the basketball court to the softball diamond. “She is a tremendous leader in general,” Edwards said. Broyles is an Altonized Community Federal Credit Union Female Athlete of the Month. In addition to her leadership, Broyles was one of the better hitters for the Piasa Birds this season. Her defensive skills were also notable, as reflected in her fielding percentage of .991. Edwards expressed optimism about Broyles’ future in the sport, indicating that her potential is exceptionally bright. Southwestern’s softball team benefited from Broyles’ strong performance throughout the

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EAST ALTON - Airline Care Clinic offers an affordable alternative to urgent care and emergency rooms. When Elizabeth “Betsy” Dykeman opened Airline Care Clinic at the Rosewood Chiropractic office in East Alton, her goal was to provide testing, physicals and other outpatient services needed by the community. Dykeman is proud of how the clinic has grown and eager to welcome more patients. “I’m just trying to help out,” she said. “There are just so many people that fall through the cracks. They charge a lot of money for sports physicals and Department of Transportation physicals, and then there’s people that can’t get into their primary care provider for an earache or sore throat or sinus infection. I’m here to provide that.” Located at 33 East Airline Drive in East Alton, Airline Care Clinic offers walk-ins from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Tuesdays and, starting on June 15, 2025, 6–9 p.m. on Sundays. You can also

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BRIGHTON - This weekend, Riverbend residents are invited to the Village of Brighton for the 118th annual Betsey Ann Picnic. On June 13 and 14, 2025, community members will gather at Betsey Ann Park in Brighton to enjoy carnival rides, games, bingo, vendors, live music and Brighton’s famous burgoo soup. Darin Werts, who helps organize the event, noted that the picnic is a hometown tradition he’s proud to carry on. “It’s just a tradition that you can’t let go,” he said. “It’s a lot of work, but then again, it’s a lot of fun when it’s happening, so we just keep the tradition going the best we can. We’ve got a good group of people that put it together. It’s just one of those things you’ve got to do.” The fun starts at 4 p.m. on Friday with vendors, followed by hot food from 4:30–10 p.m. Little Egypt Shows & Carnival will open from 6–11 p.m. both nights, with rides and games for people o

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GRANITE CITY – Granite City High junior and All-State flute player Karlisa Brent was recently awarded the coveted Tomasi Flutes Scholarship to attend the Midwest Flute Institute at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE), a nationally recognized summer program for aspiring flutists. Brent stood out not only for her musical excellence but also for her genuine passion and dedication to the art of flute playing. From achieving All-State recognition to maintaining music as a heartfelt hobby, her journey is an inspiring testament to perseverance and love for music. “I want to continue in music for as long as I can,” she shared in her scholarship application. “Of all of the hobbies I've ever enjoyed ... Music has stayed close to my heart for the longest. It gives me a temporary moment of stillness and calm without the stress and realities of the world.” Her band director, Mr. Wyatt Roberds, had high praise for the standout junior: “Phenomenal

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TROY — The Troy/Maryville/St. Jacob/Marine Chamber of Commerce is hosting a series of events throughout June aimed at supporting local businesses and fostering community engagement. The month kicks off on June 12 with a Chamber Social from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. at McDonald's, 103 McDonald S. Lane, Troy. Lead Ambassador Mark VanZeyl of Bullseye Promotions will facilitate casual networking over breakfast, encouraging meaningful conversations among Chamber members. Attendees are responsible for purchasing their own breakfast. On June 14 and 15, the Chamber is offering a chance to win four tickets to the Bommarito 500 at World Wide Technology Raceway. Interested participants can enter by liking and commenting on the contest post on the Chamber’s Instagram page, @tmsmcoc. The winner will be announced on June 11 via the Chamber’s Facebook and Instagram accounts. Business networking continues on June 18 with Business Before Breakfast from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. at Brightly

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DU QUOIN – The Du Quoin State Fair is excited to welcome Tucker Wetmore to the Grandstand stage on Saturday, August 30 . With an explosive rise in the country music scene, Wetmore brings his powerhouse vocals and hit-filled setlist to one of Southern Illinois’ biggest summer stages. Wetmore has rapidly cemented himself as a breakout country star, racking up over 855 million streams in just one year. He burst onto the scene with RIAA PLATINUM-certified debut singles “Wine Into Whiskey” and “Wind Up Missin’ You”, both earning spots on the Billboard Hot 100. Fresh off his first-ever headlining Waves on a Sunset tour and recent performances with Kameron Marlowe and Luke Bryan, Wetmore’s 2025 is already on fire — including a direct support slot on Thomas Rhett’s Better In Boots tour. “Tucker Wetmore is a perfect fit for the Du Quoin crowd,” said Jerry Costello II, Director of the Illinois Department of Agriculture

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ATTORNEY GENERAL RAOUL CONDEMNS TRUMP ADMINISTRATION FOR UNLAWFULLY DEPLOYING THE CALIFORNIA NATIONAL GUARD CHICAGO – Attorney General Kwame Raoul today joined a coalition of 18 attorneys general in releasing the following statement condemning the Trump administration for unlawfully deploying the California National Guard against protestors in California over the objections of state leadership. “The president’s decision to federalize and deploy California’s National Guard without the consent of California state leaders is unlawful, unconstitutional and undemocratic. The federal administration should be working with local leaders to keep everyone safe, not mobilizing the military against the American people. “As the chief law enforcement officers of our states, we are proud to protect our communities and support Attorney General Bonta in his challenge to the Trump administration’s illegal conduct. We oppose any action from this administration

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EAST ST. LOUIS — East St. Louis School District 189 will host a community event on Thursday, June 12, 2025, to celebrate continued progress in its electric school bus initiative. The event will highlight construction of a new depot that will support 25 electric school buses and chargers. The district was awarded funding through the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Clean School Bus Program as part of a competitive, multi-district application. The project includes the deployment of 25 Thomas Built electric school buses and 25 Heliox chargers, with operations scheduled to begin in the 2025–2026 school year. “We are proud to roll out 25 new electric school buses for regular routes this coming school year—an investment in both the health of our students and our community,” said Arthur R. Culver, Superintendent of East St. Louis School District 189. “Our students deserve clean, safe, and modern transportation. These electric buses

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CARBONDALE – Following an incident in Carbondale on Tuesday evening where criminals defaced a federal building, U.S. Attorney Steven D. Weinhoeft and FBI Special Agent in Charge Christopher Johnson are vowing to protect law and order in southern Illinois. “There are bright lines separating where speech ends and criminal conduct begins. Those who committed this targeted vandalism to federal property will be pursued and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” said U.S. Attorney Steven D. Weinhoeft. “Our system protects good faith expressions of ideas and opinions, but it abhors lawlessness and violence. Any such criminality cannot, and will not, be tolerated.” In the evening on June 10, individuals gathered outside the entrance of the Senator Paul Simon Federal Building in Carbondale. During the gathering, some members defaced the outside of the building, from which any damage is being assessed at this time. “The Senator Paul Simon Federal

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COLLINSVILLE – The Illinois Department of Transportation today announced lane restrictions will be encountered at the intersection of IL 159 and Beltline Road/Pine Lake Road beginning at 7:30 a.m. on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, weather permitting. The left lane and left turn lane in both the northbound and southbound directions on IL 159 will be closed. The through lane and left turn lane on both Beltline Road and Pine Lake Road will also be closed. Traffic on Beltline Road and Pine Lake Road will be required to turn right onto IL 159. Traffic impacts could be significant, and it's recommended to avoid this area if possible. These lane closures are necessary to allow IDOT District 8 Operations forces to perform pavement patching through the intersection. All lanes are expected to re-open as soon as possible. Motorists can expect delays and should allow extra time for trips through this area. Drivers are urged to pay close attention to changing conditions and all detou

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GODFREY - Community leaders gathered at the new site of the Byway Discovery Center near Piasa Harbor for a groundbreaking ceremony. On Wednesday, June 11, 2025, the community came together to celebrate the new Byway Discovery Center, a 4,500-square-foot visitor orientation facility that will open in Spring 2026 along the Meeting of the Great Rivers National Scenic Byway. Located at 10815 Lockhaven Road in Godfrey, this center will provide recreational opportunities and generate tourism dollars. “One of our thoughts in the early days was to create a space that the public can come out and use and actually interact with the river,” said Alley Ringhausen, executive director of the Great Rivers Land Trust. Ringhausen explained that the Great Rivers Land Trust recognized the importance of the confluence area and began working to “start implementing this vision” several years ago. John Hopkins, longest-serving member of the Great Rivers and Routes Tourism

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SPRINGFIELD — Rep. Amy Elik addressed members of the North Alton-Godfrey Business Association this week, providing an overview of recent legislative developments in Illinois, including the passage of the FY 26 state budget, drug affordability efforts, and her own legislative initiatives. Elik said the FY 26 state budget, the Build Illinois Multi-Year Plan (BIMP), and the accompanying revenue package were passed just before the May 31 deadline after what she described as “Democrats conspired behind closed doors to raise taxes to pay for pork projects, raise their own pay, and fund services for illegal immigrants.” A significant portion of Elik’s remarks focused on the Prescription Drug Affordability Act (HB1697), which passed both the House and Senate. The legislation aims to lower drug costs by regulating pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs), who are often accused of inflating drug prices. Elik described the act as “extremely complex, complicated, and

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GODFREY — Senator Erica Harriss, reflecting on her third budget season at the statehouse, said the process remains rushed and opaque. “Illinois families are making tough choices to pay their bills, but the government keeps getting bigger,” she said. Harriss was a speaker with Rep. Amy Elik at the North Alton-Godfrey Business Council this week. "The 2024 budget incorporates several new revenue sources, including one-time funds such as $228 million from Tax Amnesty and $171 million from pausing the sales tax shift on motor fuel to the Road Fund," she said. "New taxes and fees also take effect: a sports betting wager tax starting July 1, 2025, expected to generate $36 million; a hotel-like tax on short-term rentals adding $10 million; an increase in tobacco taxes from 36% to 45% on wholesale prices, including e-cigarettes, projected to bring in $50 million; and a telecommunications tax hike from 7% to 8.65%, partially funding the 9-8-8 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline,

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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today hosted members of the Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce in his Washington office to discuss economic development and infrastructure investment in Central Illinois. During the meeting, Durbin and the local leaders spoke about the Springfield Rail Improvements Project , which Durbin has helped secure more than $247 million in federal funding to complete. Durbin also responded to the organization’s concerns that the Trump Administration will continue to delay or slash federal grants that have helped support the state’s education programs, airport renovations, and infrastructure upgrades for waterlines, emergency services, and the electric grid. “Rightfully, local leaders with the Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce are concerned about the future of federal funding for local projects and priorities in Central Illinois,” said Durbin. “While the Trump Administration is a force

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Combat Veteran and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL)—a member of the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC)—criticized Donald Trump’s deployment of 700 Marines into Los Angeles while questioning Commandant of the Marine Corps General Eric M. Smith during today’s hearing. Duckworth’s remarks can be found on the Senator’s YouTube . “I don’t condone violence or property destruction, but using active-duty Marines this way sets a dangerous precedent that risks damaging public trust in our military and politicizing a military force that must remain mission-focused,” said Duckworth. “President Trump is asking Marines to be away from their families for a situation that the President himself said yesterday was ‘simmering, but not very much.’ Sending troops to turn on their own communities puts our troops at risk, and it degrades our rights and the democracy every member of our military swor

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