Riverbender 🕸

GRAFTON — At the Monday night, Aug. 18, 2025, Grafton City Council meeting, Chris Spanton, accompanied by family and friends, presented a $15,000 donation to the Grafton Police Department in honor of the late Chief Eric Spanton. The funds were raised during the inaugural Spankyfest, an event organized by Christine Spanton, the chief’s wife, in collaboration with the Grafton Pub. “Everyone there participated in the silent auctions,” Grafton Mayor Mike Morrow said. “It was packed that night, and we are very grateful for the support.” The Spankyfest event aimed to raise money for mandated protection items for the police department. Grafton Police Department Chief Dave Womack, who succeeded Spanton, expressed his appreciation for the donation at the Grafton Council Meeting. “We are constantly shifting budgets, and every donation helps. This helps quite a bit. I was very shocked when I saw the check,” Mayor Morrow said. He also noted tha

Continue Reading

STAUNTON — The Staunton Police Department announced Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2025, the arrest of three men in connection with an alleged battery that occurred early Sunday, Aug. 17, 2025, morning at Skeeter's bar. The Staunton Police Department was contacted on Aug. 18, 2025, by the victim’s sister regarding the incident. After launching an investigation and speaking with the victim, authorities identified three suspects: Logan Hemp, Joshua Revisky, and Jeffery Schoen. The Staunton Police information release states Hemp and Revisky are employees of the Macoupin County Sheriff’s Department, while Schoen serves as a police officer in Bunker Hill. Both Macoupin County Sheriff Shawn Kahl and Bunker Hill Police Chief Zach Girth were notified of the incident. Following the collection of statements and evidence, the suspects were arrested and booked into Montgomery County Jail by the Staunton Police Department and Macoupin County Sheriff’s Department. They face

Continue Reading

ALTON - The Alton Marina will celebrate its 29th anniversary with a party, complete with live music, a food truck, giveaways and dockage deals. From 6–10 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025, community members are invited to the marina for an evening of 60s and 70s-themed fun. Rob Honke, who manages the marina, looks forward to sharing the space with the community. “Come on down. Everybody come down. Come one, come all,” Honke said. “We’ve got plenty of parking down there, plenty of space, plenty of booze.” KSHE’s Mark Klose and The Klose Kaurters Band will play from 7–10 p.m. Rollin’ Dogs Food Truck will sell hot dogs, and there will be drink specials available for purchase at the marina’s bar. Coolers are not allowed. Honke promises plenty of “swag” for the giveaways, from shirts and shot glasses to flags and Stanley Cups. He added that the marina is currently running a buy-one, get-one dockage deal.

Continue Reading

State Farm® and the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) have teamed up for the second year to support local volunteer fire departments with funding to secure needed equipment to help keep their responders safe and protect their communities. Through this year’s Good Neighbor Firefighter Safety Program, 150 departments in 44 states received a $10,000 grant, including seven departments in Illinois. The announcement was made on August 18, a date many celebrate as Volunteer Firefighters Recognition Day. Volunteer firefighters make up 65% of the U.S. fire service, and communities across the country rely on volunteers to respond to emergencies of all kinds – from structure and wildland fires, to vehicle crashes and medical emergencies, to natural disasters and hazmat incidents. Many of these small-town and rural fire departments operate with limited budgets, making it difficult to meet the rising costs of the equipment and gear they need to best serve their community.

Continue Reading

ALTON — The Catholic Children’s Home will mark its 146th anniversary with a Pancake Breakfast and Open House on Saturday, Sept. 27, 2025, at its current location, 1400 State Street, Alton. The event, which will run from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., includes a pancake breakfast from 8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. Attendees can also tour the facility, meet staff members, and learn about the programs and services offered. Refreshments will be served throughout the open house. The Catholic Children’s Home traces its origins to September 1879, when a group of Precious Blood Sisters from Ruma, Illinois, opened the Pio Nono Orphan Asylum in Piopolis, Illinois. In 1884, Bishop Peter J. Baltus of the Alton Diocese requested the sisters relocate the orphanage to Alton to serve more children within the diocese. As the number of children under care grew, Bishop James Ryan initiated plans for a larger residence. Responding to his appeal, the local community contributed generously, leading to the

Continue Reading

EDWARDSVILLE - You can check out a vendor and craft fair while supporting local cancer patients. From 1–4:30 p.m. on Oct. 5, 2025, at the Edwardsville Knights of Columbus Hall, Stridin’ and Survivin’ will host their “Shop the Town Pink” Sip and Shop event. Attendees can enjoy a wide variety of vendors and craft items, specialty cocktails, attendance prizes, and more fun, with proceeds benefiting the Stridin’ and Survivin’ mission to support patients at local cancer centers with gas cards and gifts. “We just need our community to come out and support all these vendors and enjoy the day,” said Alice with Stridin’ and Survivin’. “We do have quite a few, but we could definitely use some more vendors, and I know they’re out there.” The fair will have a wide variety of vendors, including essential oils, wreaths, Mary Kay products, candles, stained glass, hair accessories, permanent jewelry, pet

Continue Reading

SPRINGFIELD — Today, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) announced that her office was selected as the winner for “Excellence in Congressional Management” by the Congressional Management Foundation (CMF). Each year, CMF chooses just one Republican and one Democratic office between both the House and Senate for this special recognition. The office of Rep. Budzinski was the only office of a Democratic woman selected for the honor. This prestigious award highlights a congressional office that has demonstrated exceptional management skills in creating a supportive, motivated, and high-performing workplace. The winning office sets the standard for leadership, best management and organizational practices, professional staff development, open communication, and collaboration, ensuring a positive experience for staff while achieving the office’s goals. “This award is a reflection of the incredible work my staff does every single day—not only mentoring

Continue Reading

MARYVILLE/MASCOUTAH - The Home Builders and Remodelers Metro East Association is once again planning to raffle off a house to a lucky winner, all while raising money for the Make-A-Wish Foundation. The house, located in Mascoutah and valued at $800,000, is currently under construction. Shannon Stelling with HBRMEA expressed her excitement to raffle off the home and additional prizes, with all proceeds going to Make-A-Wish Illinois and Make-A-Wish Missouri/Kansas. “We have so many people making donations to make this house happen,” Stelling said. “The goal is to have it built by the end of December and finished, and then the program will launch in January.” Construction started four weeks ago, with HBD Homes serving as the general contractor and The Haire Corporation as the builder. Stelling noted that the local unions have “stepped up immensely” to help with the project. IBEW will do all the electrical work on the home, with the plumbers’

Continue Reading

GRANITE CITY – A Granite City man with a history of domestic violence faces felonies in his latest domestic battery case after an argument about social media turned violent. Antonio C. Gambrell Jr., 31, of Granite City, was charged on Aug. 13, 2025, with a Class 2 felony count of domestic battery and his second or subsequent count of domestic battery, a Class 4 felony. Gambrell allegedly intentionally strangled a household or family member on July 30, 2025. He was further accused of grabbing the same victim by the shirt, pushing them against a wall, and slamming their head against the wall. According to the state’s petition to deny Gambrell’s pretrial release from custody, the incident escalated after Gambrell went to the victim’s home after the two had been “arguing about social media all morning.” “Defendant chased victim to her car and she left the residence,” the petition states. “Fearing the defendant would damage her

Continue Reading

MARYVILLE - The Home Builders and Remodelers Metro East Association hopes to encourage more people to join the trades industry. HBRMEA connects consumers with local builders, developers and remodeling contractors. Shannon Stelling with HBRMEA explained that the industry needs more people to begin their careers in the trades, as the median age of people in the trades industry in Illinois is 56, and many companies are currently backed up with projects. “There’s just not enough people to get the work done these days,” Stelling said. “That’s why we need more people in the trades.” She added that a lot of local schools are building up their trades programs. She believes college is a great option for some students, but trades careers are another viable alternative. Southwestern Illinois College (SWIC) in Belleville recently built a manufacturing building, with plans to also expand their trades center. Collinsville High School has a great vocationa

Continue Reading

EDWARDSVILLE - Edwardsville High School Principal Alex Fox described the first day of school as a smooth and positive experience for students and staff on Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2025. On opening day, Fox said students returned with enthusiasm, quickly reconnecting with friends and settling into their routines. Fox noted that about 95 percent of students arrived with their IDs, indicating strong preparedness. “Kids were actually outstanding today, jumped right in excitement early, saw friends not seen in a while, great,” Fox said. He was particularly impressed by how students adapted by the third hour, observing that they were “right back into business as usual.” Despite ongoing construction projects, Fox reported that the school is in a good position overall. “Still obviously tying up a few loose ends when we have construction and movement, quite frankly, in a good spot, everything ready to go,” he said. Efforts are focused on ensuring all system

Continue Reading

LA FOX – Governor JB Pritzker, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), and Richardson Electronics, Ltd. – a leading global manufacturer of engineered solutions, green energy products, power grid and microwave tubes and more – today announced the Company will expand its operations at its manufacturing headquarters in La Fox, Illinois. Richardson Electronics plans to make a capital investment of more than $8.5 million over the next four years with support from the Reimagining Energy and Vehicles in Illinois (REV Illinois) program. The Company plans to expand its operations, retain nearly 200 skilled employees, and create 54 new full-time jobs in the region. “Here in Illinois, we’re committed to building a clean energy economy to help power our planet while supercharging the state’s economy,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “With unmatched infrastructure, a qualified workforce, and competitive incentives, Illinois

Continue Reading

COLLINSVILLE - Collinsville Community Unit School District #10 honored employees for their long-term dedication, recognizing staff members who have reached 10, 20, and 30 years of service to the district’s students and families. Among those celebrated were 16 employees marking 30 years with the district, reflecting decades of commitment across multiple schools and district offices. The district specifically highlighted the achievements of these 30-year veterans, inviting the community to congratulate them as part of the Kahok Family. The employees recognized for three decades of service include Stacy Oxendine from Unit 10 Webster Elementary, Stacy Tienes from Caseyville Elementary, Amanda Mason and Stacey Lauenstein from John A. Renfro Elementary School, Mary “Jill” Witte and Jill Bryant from Dorris Intermediate School, Susan Bohler from Twin Echo Elementary School, Elizabeth Bancroft from Collinsville High School, Judy Madura from John A. Renfro Elementary

Continue Reading

EAST ST. LOUIS – To enter the building, there was no escaping it – the hip-hop tunes playing from the speaker, amplified personal messages, supporters lined up cheering, shaking pom-poms and holding signs and finally – the long red carpet. On Monday, Aug. 18, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville East St. Louis Charter High School (CHS) welcomed its scholars to the first day of classes with exhilaration. The powerful tradition known as "Red Carpet Day” at the SIUE East St. Louis Charter High School is designed to welcome students with enthusiasm, recognition and a sense of belonging, as they walk into a new school year, according to new CHS Director Kim Allen. “This tradition sends a clear message: ‘You are seen. You are valued. You belong here,’” said Allen. “The red-carpet experience immediately immerses students in a school-wide culture of encouragement and excitement. It also helps build that culture while making students

Continue Reading

ALTON - During the quarterly “What’s Up Downtown” meeting, entrepreneurs shared more about their businesses in downtown Alton. On Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2025, the community gathered at the RiverBender.com Building to hear from local business owners and community leaders. Hosted by Alton Main Street , these quarterly meetings allow people to share information about their businesses and organizations. Natalie Steinacher, the venue director of The Teller Room 1925 , shared that she and her husband, Keith, have reopened in the iMerge Community Center space on the ground floor of the RiverBender.com building . “The space has always been about people gathering. It’s always been about connection, community, and a little bit of fun,” Steinacher said. “The Teller Room is a place that blends history with possibility, where almost a century of stories have already been told, and now we get to write the next ones together.” Ch

Continue Reading

O’FALLON – The Illinois Department of Transportation today announced a closure of the westbound Interstate 64 entrance ramp from Highway 50 in St. Clair County. Beginning at 3 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 21, traffic will be restricted at this location to allow for road construction. The ramp is scheduled to reopen at 5 a.m. Friday, Aug. 22. Motorists should expect delays and are encouraged to use alternate routes during this closure. Drivers are urged to reduce speed, be alert for changing conditions, obey all construction signage, and refrain from using mobile devices while approaching and traveling through the work zone. For IDOT District 8 updates, follow us on the social media platform X at @IDOTDistrict8 or view area construction details on IDOT’s traveler information map on GettingAroundIllinois.com .

Continue Reading

ALTON – State Representative Amy Elik (R-Alton) and State Senator Erica Harriss (R-Glen Carbon) are teaming up with local and state employers to host a free job fair in Alton. “I’m thrilled to team up with Senator Harriss to host our first Job Fair,” said Rep. Elik. “We’ve worked hard to bring together a wide array of employers to provide an opportunity for anyone, and hope that you’ll find your next adventure because of the connections you’ll make.” Attendees are encouraged to bring plenty of resumes and dress for success. “Whether you’re just starting out or looking to take the next step in your career, this event is a great chance to explore what’s out there,” said Senator Harriss. “We invite anyone eager to grow their career to come out, bring a friend, and connect with the many employers who will be joining us.” The event is free and open to the public. Friday, Sept.

Continue Reading

EDWARDSVILLE - This is another group of artists to be featured at the upcoming Edwardsville Arts Fair on Sept. 26-28, 2025 at Edwardsville City Park. Today, the featured artists are Ryan Brown, Doris Trojcak and Gavin Otteson. Artist #1: Ryan Brown – RAB Woodworking Medium: Wood Artist Statement: "My work focuses on the beauty of practical objects. I use traditional hardwoods to make functional items for the home — cutting boards, clocks, trays, and picture frames—that highlight the natural beauty of the wood." Website Artist #2: Doris Trojcak – Clay Play Medium: Sculpture Artist Statement: "I love music, nature, science, art, and problem-solving. After many years of teaching and becoming a university administrator, I realized I needed a therapeutic outlet. In 1993, I chose clay — first on the wheel, then hand-building, which eventually evolved into teaching myself how to make clay flutes in the shape of animals.

Continue Reading

SPRINGFIELD — The Illinois Stewardship Alliance today celebrated the signing of House Bill 2196 into law, a groundbreaking reform that expands on-farm poultry processing opportunities for small-scale farmers and brings Illinois regulations closer to federal standards and neighboring states. Championed by Senator Sally Turner (R-Beason) and Representative Charlie Meier (R-Okawville), HB2196 increases the annual poultry processing limit from 5,000 to 7,500 birds, permits direct-to-consumer sales at farmers markets, and eliminates the 30-day ownership requirement previously imposed on consumers wishing to process poultry and livestock for personal or cultural purposes. “This is a transformative win for our members,” said Liz Moran Stelk, Executive Director of the Illinois Stewardship Alliance. “It gives small farmers the tools they need to succeed while respecting food safety and community traditions.” One such farmer is Bethany Salisbury of Saratoga Homestead

Continue Reading

SPRINGFIELD – Teachers will soon see mental health resources on their school IDs under a new measure supported by State Senator Christopher Belt that was signed into law Friday. “This ensures every adult working with our students has direct access to life-saving crisis resources,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “This will help reinforce a culture of awareness and support.” House Bill 3000 requires all school districts serving students in grades 6-12 to have the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (988), the Crisis Text Line and the Safe2Help Illinois helpline on all employee IDs. The law builds on a 2021 law expanding suicide and crisis helpline awareness in schools by ensuring all employees in school districts have this information on their ID cards. Currently, this information is required to be in student handbooks or planners and on student IDs if schools issue them. “This new law is a crucial next step in strengthening mental health safety nets

Continue Reading