Riverbender 🕸

GODFREY - The Nature Institute is rolling out the welcome mat for adults this year! Known for its awesome kids’ programs, TNI is ready to sprinkle some nature magic on the grown-ups too. Get ready for two exciting events in January: a cozy book club and the kick-off of the Wilderness Wisdom series. First up, the Naturally Curious Book Club is here to save you from freezing your toes off! There is no need to brave the chill for this winter adventure. Grab a warm drink and dive into Slow Birding by Joan E. Strassman, where you’ll discover tales about our feathered friends that you might have overlooked. Join us at the Mississippi Sanctuary office on January 15 at 5:30 p.m. for an evening chat, or swing by on January 16 at 10 am for a morning meetup. This free gathering is a perfect chance to mingle with fellow nature lovers and maybe even spot an eagle. Also, TNI is launching the Wilderness Wisdom series, responding to the buzz around our Bushcraft for Teens program. Get read

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EDWARDSVILLE - The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Office of Undergraduate Admissions invites students who are interested in transferring to SIUE from a community college or another university to attend Transfer Preview. Designed specifically for prospective transfer students and their guests, the event, slated for Friday, Feb. 7, will provide insights into the transfer process, including admission requirements, transfer credits, student support services, and financial aid. “Transfer Preview will be a great opportunity for prospective transfer students to get a feel for what SIUE has to offer,” said Alicia Taylor, associate director of admissions in the Office of Admissions. Transfer Preview is more than just an informational session; it is a chance for transfer students to begin envisioning the next chapter of their educational journey at SIUE. Attendees will connect with faculty, staff, and current SIUE students to learn more about academic programs, transfer-friendly

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GODFREY – The Village of Godfrey has announced the suspension of its yard waste drop-off site on Stamper Lane, effective today. The site will remain closed for the winter season. Residents of Godfrey who have full bags of yard waste ready for disposal are encouraged to contact the Mayor’s office at (618) 466-3324, extension 1, to arrange for drop-off over the next week. The village has stated that any stickers purchased for yard waste bags will be honored when the site reopens in the spring. This seasonal closure is part of the village's ongoing efforts to manage waste disposal efficiently during the colder months.

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A GoFundMe campaign has been established to assist the family of 19-year-old Elijah Madison, who recently died tragically. The fundraiser, organized by Trenton Saettele, aims to alleviate the financial burden associated with funeral arrangements and memorial services. Elijah Madison's unexpected death has prompted an outpouring of grief from friends and community members, who remember him as a kind and vibrant individual. "His loss has left an immense void in our hearts," Saettele stated in the campaign description. The fundraiser seeks to provide support during this difficult time, with all donations designated for the family’s immediate needs. The GoFundMe page highlights the importance of community support, inviting contributions as well as thoughts and prayers from those unable to donate. "Your generosity, love, and support are greatly appreciated as we honor Elijah’s memory and celebrate the beautiful life he lived," the campaign states. As of now, the community

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GODFREY - The 47th Annual Harman Family Bluegrass Show is slated for this weekend, and Mike Harman promises old-fashioned fun and toe-tapping tunes. Hosted by the Harman Family Bluegrass Band, the show is a beloved January tradition for many people in the Riverbend region. This year’s performance is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025, at Lewis and Clark Community College. Mike, the family’s patriarch, can’t wait to share music with the community for the 47th year in a row. “People long for just the simple things in life, it seems like, more than the high-falootin’ stuff. That’s kind of what we are, simple, and we just hope that other people enjoy it,” he said. “There are several family bands in the bluegrass world and have been for a long time, but I don’t think any of them have been together for 47 years.” The Harman Family Bluegrass Band is made up of Mike, his siblings, their spouses, and their children.

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WOOD RIVER - Kaylynn Buttry, a junior at East Alton-Wood River High School, has garnered recognition for her exceptional performance in girls' basketball, specifically for scoring 32 points in a game recently against Bunker Hill, marking the sixth-highest scoring output in Oiler girls basketball history. She has also led the Oilers in scoring several games over the 2024-2025 season. Buttry has been playing basketball since the third grade and expresses a deep passion for the sport, citing its intensity and competitiveness as her favorite aspects. In addition to her basketball achievements, Buttry maintains a perfect GPA, demonstrating her commitment to academics alongside athletics. She is also involved in tennis, softball as an outfielder, and track. Kaylynn is a Midwest Members Female Athlete of the Month for the Oilers. Buttry credits her success to her family, particularly her mother, Janet, who provides emotional support after challenging games, and her cousin, Lydia, who encourages

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WOOD RIVER - East Alton-Wood River junior Tamarion Marshall has been recognized for his outstanding achievements in basketball. Marshall, who has been immersed in the sport since childhood, credits his success to a combination of hard work, family support, and a passion for the game. Marshall is a Midwest Members Credit Union Male Athlete of the Month for the Oilers. Marshall’s journey in basketball began early, as he grew up in a family that valued the sport. “I’ve been playing this sport for as long as I can remember,” he said. “I like just the mentality when I get onto the court; it gives me something to go after.” His dedication extends beyond regular practice, as he consistently puts in extra time honing his skills. Under the guidance of Coach Eric DeWerff, Marshall has developed into a leader on and off the court. He acknowledges the importance of his coaches and mentors in his growth as a player. “I also want to thank all of my coaches.

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ALTON — The community is coming together to support the family of Dreya Mackenzie Colley, a 16-year-old student who died following a severe car accident on Dec. 23, 2024. Jeralyn Colley is organizing a fundraiser on behalf of Bryan Colley, to help cover funeral expenses after Dreya's passing. Dreya, an 11th-grade student at Alton High School, succumbed to her injuries at 4:39 p.m. on Jan. 2, 2025, at St. Louis University Hospital. Despite extensive medical efforts, Dreya was unable to recover after the tragic accident. In her final act of generosity, Dreya's family noted that she donated her organs, which they hope will help save others. A visitation for Dreya is scheduled for 9 a.m. until the funeral service at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025, at Gent Funeral Home in Alton. Reverend Daniel Sternquist will officiate the service for Dreya, and burial will take place at Upper Alton Cemetery. The family is also accepting memorial contributions to Mid America Transplant in Dreya's

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EDWARDSVILLE - Republic Services announced that it will resume its trash collection services on Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025, following a one-day delay due to inclement weather. The company will begin with the collection routes scheduled for Monday and will extend operations through Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025, to accommodate the backlog. Rhonda Breslin, the Municipal Sales Manager for Republic Services, indicated that some rural areas and subdivisions with hilly terrain after the winter storm may pose challenges for collection if conditions are unsafe. Residents in those affected areas will be notified through a call blast to ensure their safety and that of the drivers. Breslin encouraged residents to share this information on social media to help spread the word about the service updates. “Thank you for your patience,” she added in her communication.

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EAST ST. LOUIS - East St. Louis School District 189 has announced the opening of a community Warming Center at Mason/Clark Middle School that started at 7 a.m. Monday, Jan. 6, 2025, and continues through Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025. The East St. Louis School District said this initiative aims to provide shelter from the extreme cold conditions affecting the area. Located at 5510 State St. in East St. Louis, the Warming Center is designed to offer relief for those seeking protection from the harsh winter weather. However, officials emphasized that the center is not intended to serve as a day-care facility for children, the elderly, or individuals who cannot care for themselves. Sydney Stigge-Kaufman, the Executive Director of Communications and Strategic Partnerships for the district, stated, “You are welcome to seek shelter from excessive cold conditions at Mason/Clark Middle School.” In addition to the opening of the Warming Center, the district announced that there will

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EAST ST. LOUIS — Volunteers are invited to make a meaningful impact in the lives of young children by leading weekly story times in the East St. Louis School District 189 area. The initiative targets children under age five and aims to foster a love for reading through engaging storytelling. Story times, which last 30 minutes, are scheduled for the same day and time each week at various East St. Louis locations, including the Vivian Adams Early Childhood Center and Dr. Katie Harper Wright Elementary School. The program is supported by Ready Readers, which provides training and resources to volunteers. “Your storytelling can spark imaginations and inspire the next generation of readers,” a spokesperson for Ready Readers stated. The organization emphasizes that this volunteer opportunity is both flexible and rewarding, allowing individuals to contribute to the educational development of children in their community. Those interested in participating can find more

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CHICAGO - Today, the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) announced it has been chosen by the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to participate in the new Transforming Maternal Health ( TMaH ) Model, which seeks to improve maternal health outcomes by implementing a more whole-person approach to care. The federal program will provide $17 million in critical funding over 10 years to help Illinois Medicaid and other awarded state Medicaid agencies develop and pilot a more comprehensive and integrated approach to addressing physical health, mental health and social needs throughout the pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum care continuum. “We are honored to be chosen to participate in this new, innovative model, which will allow us to focus directly on improving maternal and child health outcomes in two underserved areas of the state,” said Acting HFS Director Elizabeth M. Whitehorn. “This support will go a long way to promoting

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WOOD RIVER - Wood River City Council members are moving forward with plans for a downtown dog park after accepting a $73,000 bid for concrete work on the project. Councilmen unanimously accepted a bid from Stutz Excavating, Inc. to perform concrete work for the Downtown Dog Park. The proposal from Stutz Excavating calls for 2,246 square feet of concrete sidewalk, 570 feet of concrete curb, and more at a total cost of $73,321. This amount was the lowest of three total bids received. Councilman Bill Dettmers said while he wasn’t sure building the dog park was “the right thing to do” for the city, his opinion on the matter has been swayed by a dog-owning constituent who emailed him in support of the project. “It’s not because I’m against dogs or anything like that, I’m just not 100% sure this is the right thing for the city to be doing, but I’m going to support it anyway,” he said. Councilman David Ayres asked who would b

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In an increasingly complex world, where interactions—both personal and professional—are often fraught with challenges, the concept of emotional intelligence (EI) has emerged as a pivotal factor in achieving success. Defined as the ability to recognize, understand, and manage our own emotions while also being able to recognize and influence the emotions of others, emotional intelligence plays a critical role in communication, conflict resolution, and leadership. This article explores the significance of emotional intelligence, its various components, and practical strategies for enhancing EI in daily life. Understanding Emotional Intelligence Emotional intelligence is typically broken down into five key components: Self-awareness : This is the ability to recognize one’s emotions and how they affect thoughts and behavior. A self-aware individual can accurately assess their strengths and weaknesses and possess a well-grounded sense of self-confidence. Self-regulation

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Welcome to This Day in History! Today, we take a journey through time, exploring significant events that have shaped the world on January 7th. The Iranian Revolution: A Defining Moment in Modern History (1978) On January 7, 1978, a significant turning point occurred in Iran. The Iranian Revolution, which would eventually lead to the overthrow of the Pahlavi monarchy, began gaining momentum with the publication of an article in a Tehran newspaper. This article criticized Ayatollah Khomeini and called for the regime’s crackdown on dissent. The response was unprecedented; it sparked a series of protests that would culminate in the Islamic Revolution of 1979. The revolution was primarily fueled by a combination of political, social, and economic discontent. Many Iranians were frustrated with the westernization and secular policies of the Shah, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi. Khomeini, who had been exiled, became the face of the opposition. His return to Iran in early 1979 marked

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ALTON - Jacoby Arts Center had a busy year, but they’re gearing up for an even better 2025. Executive Director Rachel Lappin and Operations Manager Chantel Morrigan stopped by “Our Daily Show!” with C.J. Nasello to talk about the support they’ve received from the community and their plans for the coming year, with several art classes and events on the horizon. Through the challenges Jacoby faced in 2024, Lappin and Morrigan emphasize that they never strayed from the center’s purpose. “Our board and our staff really stuck together to just stay future-focused and focused on our mission. That’s the most important thing,” Lappin said. “Enriching lives through art in the community, that’s what we do. So we stay focused on that. We’re continuing to do that out in the community via our wonderful partnerships.” Lappin said they “always felt the love” when community members stepped forward to voice

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RIVERBEND - Local grocery stores are feeling the impact of the winter storm. With heavy snowfall and ice throughout the weekend, many shoppers stopped by the grocery store in the days leading up to the storm. Now, as the roads are cleared, the stores expect minor delays as they wait to receive their products. “It was total chaos in here, but fortunately, I think that we were able to stay stocked with everything that anybody needed,” said Monica Schwegel, manager of Schwegel’s in downtown Alton. “We get a truck tomorrow, so we should be completely fine, and our shelves should be restocked and reloaded tomorrow.” Located at 901 Alby Street in Alton, Schwegel’s did more business on Saturday, Jan. 4, 2025, than they did in the two days leading up to Christmas, Schwegel said. She added that it was "completely crazy,” but the employees enjoyed helping the community find the staples they needed before the storm. David Wittman, manager of

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MARION — Ameren Illinois is mobilizing approximately 800 personnel to restore power to customers affected by a winter storm that struck Southern Illinois over the weekend. As of Monday morning, Jan. 6, 2025, around 22,000 customers in Jackson, Williamson, Saline, and Gallatin Counties in Southern Illinois remain without electricity. Brian Bretsch, a communications representative for Ameren Illinois, addressed the ongoing restoration efforts during a press conference held at 11 a.m. Monday in Marion. He noted that while the Metro East and Riverbend areas largely avoided significant ice accumulation, other regions faced challenging conditions due to ice build-up, below-freezing temperatures, and high winds. "Ameren Illinois crews are continuing their restoration efforts throughout the Southern Illinois region," Bretsch stated. He explained that ice storms pose unique challenges for utility crews, as the combination of severe weather can cause extensive damage to power lines and

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JERSEYVILLE - The Jersey County Highway Department reports road conditions are mostly clear as of Monday afternoon, Jan. 6, 2025, following heavy snowfall which has accumulated since Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025. County road crews got started on Saturday night by pre-treating the roads with a salt mixture, which County Engineer Thomas Klasner said has greatly helped with their snow-removal response. While there were some overnight reports of drifting, Klasner said conditions have improved as the day continues into Monday afternoon. “They were actually kind of bad first thing this morning,” Klasner said of county road conditions. “Now that the wind has laid down, it’s actually quit snowing, and the sun peeking out through the clouds a little bit has actually helped out things. “Our county roads, everything is passable within the county highways,” he said, adding that any remaining snowy patches will be cleared by this evening. “We did have

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The National Weather Service reported significant snowfall across the Metro East region on Monday, Jan. 6, 2025, with Godfrey recording the highest total of 12 inches. This information was confirmed by meteorologist Marshall Pfahler during an afternoon briefing. Lambert Airport in St. Louis had a snowfall report of 8.5 inches, while other locations reported varying totals: St. Rose received 10.3 inches, Glen Carbon and Jerseyville both recorded 8.5 inches, Belleville had 7.1 inches, Columbia reported 6.0 inches, and Freeburg saw 5.8 inches. Pfahler explained that the differences in snowfall totals were influenced by variations in precipitation types across the region. "When you look at the snowfall totals on a map it gives you an idea where there was less snow in the southeast and more in the northwest," he said. He noted that in some areas, precipitation fluctuated between snow and sleet, leading to the observed discrepancies. Looking ahead, Pfahler indicated that another weather

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