Riverbender 🕸

ALTON — A 28-year-old man from Alton died after being struck by a train on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024, in Godfrey. Madison County Coroner Nicholas P. Novacich identified the victim as David A. Sproull, who was pronounced dead at 9 a.m. that day on the scene. According to the Madison County Coroner's Office, Sproull was walking along the railroad tracks in the 500 block of Big Arch Road when he was hit by the train. The incident was reported to 911 at 8:30 a.m. "Preliminary investigations indicate that the cause of death was blunt head trauma, with a final determination pending the results of routine toxicology tests," the Madison County Coroner's Office said. The Madison County Sheriff’s Office and the Madison County Coroner’s Office are conducting an ongoing investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident. Funeral arrangements for Sproull are being handled by Gent Funeral Home in Alton, Illinois.

Continue Reading

GLEN CARBON — Father McGivney Catholic High School's girls cross country team has made a significant mark in the sport, with seniors Elena Rybak, Jane Cummins, and Isabella Harris contributing to the program's success. The team has qualified for the Illinois High School Association (IHSA) 1A Cross Country State Championships in Peoria for four consecutive years, a feat that head coach Jim Helton attributes to their dedication and talent. In a recent statement, Helton praised the seniors, saying, "Our seniors Elena Rybak, Jane Cummins, and Isabella Harris were part of 4-straight IHSA 1A Cross Country State Championship qualifications; excellence in the making." Cummins, who has been recognized as a Byron, Carlson, Petri & Kalb Female Athlete of the Month for the Griffins, expressed her enthusiasm for the sport in an interview earlier this season. "I always looking forward to running in Peoria," she said, highlighting the excitement surrounding the upcoming competitions. As one

Continue Reading

WOOD RIVER — Isaiah Kolmer recently wrapped up a noteworthy cross-country career with the East Alton-Wood River Oilers, demonstrating resilience and determination following the death of his mother last year. Kolmer achieved a personal record time of 17:36.2 on October 26, 2024, at the IHSA Class 1A Regional Meet held at Trenton Wesclin. His performance in the meet marked a significant highlight in a season that also included a fifth-place finish with a time of 17:46.4 at the East Alton-Wood River Invite and a 21st-place finish at the Cahokia Conference Meet, where he clocked in at 17:42.0. Kolmer is a Midwest Members Credit Union Male Athlete Of the Month for the Oilers. He was also the Alton Road Runners' Club Male Runner of the Year for East Alton-Wood River. Russ Colona, the head boys cross-country coach for the Oilers, praised Kolmer's tenacity. "He overcame a lot. It is very tough for a kid to lose their mother when they are so young," Colona said. Although Kolmer narrowly

Continue Reading

ALTON - Alton Little Theater has rescheduled their “Sing in the New Year” concert, and they can’t wait to welcome audiences to the performance in February. At 2 p.m. on Feb. 15, 2025, at ALT, community members can enjoy Broadway hits, from the Golden Age to the contemporary stage. The show will feature local singer Thomas M. Taylor IV. Lee Cox, the theater’s business manager, expressed her excitement to host the concert and share Taylor’s voice with the Riverbend region. “We decided we wanted to ‘Sing in the New Year’ and just really start it out with a bang,” she said. “Of course, the theater has some plumbing issues right now, so we need to sell a lot more tickets.” ALT recently announced that they will be closed for four to six weeks as they work to completely replace their sewer system. They are trying to raise $50,000 to replace the sewer system and make up for lost revenue; you can donate here

Continue Reading

ALTON - Alton Little Theater needs $50,000 to repair a major plumbing issue. The theater, located at 2450 Henry Street in Alton, has an aging sewer system that has "completely failed,” according to Eric Sykes, the new executive director. ALT has rescheduled several performances, and they’re asking for the community’s help to replace the sewer system. “We have the components to survive and make it, if we could just get this repair done,” said Lee Cox, business manager. “We have a beautiful building. It’s nicer than a lot of community theaters. We have costumes and we have props and we have the things that we need, except now we need 200 feet of water pipe.” According to the theater’s GoFundMe , ALT needs to replace the 70-year-old 150-foot sewer line that runs under the parking lot. The repairs will cost $30,000, and ALT anticipates they will lose $20,000 in revenue for the four to six weeks that they will be closed. Sy

Continue Reading

ALTON - Alton Little Theater is facing a temporary closure of four to six weeks to address a serious facility repair involving 70 year old pipes (some 200 feet of them) breaking down and rendering restrooms unusable. Of course, this came about during the very successful run of "A Christmas Carol" and the theater rented mobile bathrooms at an exorbitant price to finish the run of shows to full houses, but now the serious business of obtaining bids and funding repairs as soon as possible is taking place. Eric Sykes, new Executive Director and Lee Cox (currently serving as Business Manager) are working with the entire Board of Directors and have rescheduled every single show and concert for the 91st season to start up again on Feb. 14, 2025 and run through May 31, 2025. Hopefully, repairs can be made in January, while casts rehearse around town and await the joyful time when we can all be back in the Showplace, which has been home to thousands of performers and patrons for 91 years.

Continue Reading

ROXANA - Roxana junior Daisy Daugherty has made headlines with her exceptional performance on the basketball court, establishing a new school record for three-pointers in a single game. Daugherty’s sixth three-pointer marked a career-best, while her eighth set a new benchmark for the Roxana Shells, previously held by Taylor Vorhees. Athletic Director Mark Briggs confirmed the record, noting that Daugherty's performance has been a significant highlight for the team this season. "Daisy epitomizes the definition of a student-athlete," he said. "She’s solid both inside and outside of the lines, maintaining high standards on the court and in the classroom." Daisy is a Midwest Members Credit Union Female Athlete of the Month for the Shells. Daugherty's achievements extend beyond individual accolades. In the recent Waterloo Holiday Tournament, she led the Shells with 19 points in a game against Red Bud and followed that with a 17-point performance in another contest. She scored

Continue Reading

ST. LOUIS - The following statement can be attributed to me as a spokesperson for the City of St. Louis: "Earlier today, a sensor was activated on the second floor of City Hall, followed by the accidental activation of the active shooter alarm button. As a precautionary measure, first responders quickly arrived on the scene to ensure the safety of all individuals in the building. After a thorough assessment, it was confirmed that there was no active shooter or threat to public safety. City Hall operations have since resumed as normal. We commend the swift response of our first responders and appreciate the cooperation of staff and visitors during this time. Public safety remains our top priority, and we are reviewing protocols to prevent accidental alarms in the future." --

Continue Reading

Former President Jimmy Carter, who served from 1977 to 1981 and became a prominent humanitarian after leaving office, passed away recently, prompting an outpouring of tributes from political leaders across the nation. President-Elect Donald Trump issued comments on the passing of the country's 39th president in two Truth Social posts. Carter, 100, died Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024, at his home in Plains, Ga. "I just heard of the news about the passing of President Jimmy Carter. Those of us who have been fortunate to have served as President understand this is a very exclusive club, and only we can relate to the enormous responsibility of leading the Greatest Nation in History," Trump said on Truth Social. "The challenges Jimmy faced as President came at a pivotal time for our country and he did everything in his power to improve the lives of all Americans. For that, we all owe him a debt of gratitude." Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker expressed his condolences, stating, “President

Continue Reading

SHILOH — A 22-year-old woman has been charged with attempted first-degree murder following a stabbing incident that left her male partner in critical condition. The incident occurred early Saturday morning, Dec. 28, 2024, in the 2600 block of Sierra Drive in Shiloh. According to the Shiloh Police Department, officers were dispatched to the scene at approximately 1:04 a.m. in response to reports of a man who had been stabbed in the chest. Upon arrival, officers from both Shiloh and O’Fallon provided life-saving measures to the victim until emergency medical services arrived. The victim was subsequently transported to a local hospital, where he remains in critical condition. The suspect, identified as Marnequa T. Allen, was taken into custody at the scene. On Dec. 29, 2024, the St. Clair County Assistant State's Attorney Derek Smith issued a two-count warrant against Allen, charging her with attempted first-degree murder, classified as a Class X felony, and aggravated domestic

Continue Reading

As the calendar year draws to a close, many individuals and organizations begin to reflect on the past and look forward to what the New Year will bring. Preparing for the New Year isn't just about setting resolutions; it's an opportunity to evaluate where you stand, to plan for future goals, and to create a framework for success. In this article, we will explore effective strategies for preparing for the New Year, from personal reflections and goal setting to practical organizational steps. Reflect on the Past Year Before you can effectively plan for the New Year, it's essential to take stock of the year that has just passed. Reflecting on your experiences can provide valuable insights into your strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement. Journaling : Take some time to write about your experiences over the past year. What were your biggest achievements? What challenges did you face? Journaling can help you identify patterns in your behavior and decision-making processes.

Continue Reading

As the winter months roll in, the air becomes crisp, and the days grow shorter, there's nothing quite like indulging in a warm, comforting dessert. Winter desserts not only cater to our sweet cravings but also evoke feelings of nostalgia and warmth, making them a perfect treat for gatherings, holidays, or cozy nights in. This year, let’s explore some of the best winter desserts that are sure to delight your taste buds and bring joy to your palate. Classic Winter Favorites 1. Gingerbread Cookies Gingerbread cookies are a quintessential winter delight. Infused with spices like ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg, these cookies embody the essence of the season. They are not only delicious but also versatile; you can decorate them with royal icing, create festive shapes, or even make a gingerbread house for a fun family activity. Tip: For extra flavor, consider adding a touch of molasses to your dough. It enhances the depth of flavor and gives the cookies a beautiful color. 2. Chocola

Continue Reading

December 30th has witnessed a plethora of significant events throughout history, shaping the world in various ways. One of the most impactful events in history occurred on December 30, 1922, when the Soviet Union was officially established. This marked the beginning of a new political era in Russia and had far-reaching consequences for the global landscape. Following the Russian Revolution of 1917, the Bolsheviks, led by Vladimir Lenin, sought to create a socialist state. The formation of the Soviet Union united several republics under a single government, fundamentally altering the geopolitical dynamics of the 20th century. Over the next several decades, the Soviet Union would become a superpower, influencing global politics, economics, and culture. In 1953, on December 30th, another historical milestone occurred with the discovery of the structure of DNA by James Watson and Francis Crick. Their groundbreaking work unveiled the double helix structure of DNA, laying the foundation

Continue Reading

GRANITE CITY - Thirty students from Ms. Hutchings’ Computer Concepts and Advanced Computer Concepts classes at Granite City High School have earned certifications in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. This achievement was announced recently as part of the school’s initiative to enhance students' proficiency in essential digital skills. Among the certified students, 20 achieved the title of Microsoft Office Associate Specialists by successfully completing certifications in all three applications. One student advanced further, attaining the status of Word Expert, while a record three students earned expert-level certifications in both Word and Excel, thus becoming Microsoft Office Expert Specialists. The certification scores were submitted to Microsoft as part of a contest, with winners to be announced at a later date. Proficiency in Microsoft applications is increasingly vital, as the Office suite remains the industry standard for productivity tools across variou

Continue Reading

BETHALTO - Ten young women from the Civic Memorial volleyball program are being recognized for their exceptional achievements both on and off the court. This group, consisting of Kylee Jenkins, Marissa Perez, Alora Kincade, Aubrey Falk, Meredith Brueckner, Brea Farrell, Aubrey Boyles, Megan Griffith, Isabella Thien, and Lauren Hardy, has made a significant impact on their school community. The girls are Tom Lane State Farm Insurance Male Athletes Of The Month. The team, which has demonstrated outstanding athleticism and academic excellence, is noted for its membership in the National Honor Society. Their dedication to hard work and leadership has not gone unnoticed, as they have strived to create a positive culture within the volleyball program. In a recent statement, Coach Kristie Ochs, the CM girls' volleyball program head coach, praised the group for their commitment to rejuvenating the team's culture. "What a special group of young women successful in so many ways," the representative

Continue Reading

GRAFTON - As 2025 approaches, Grafton Mayor Mike Morrow is reflecting on 2024 and looking ahead at the year to come. Morrow shared that it’s been a busy but exciting year in Grafton as new businesses open up, including the Grafton Art Gallery. The city is also preparing for the construction of the National Memorial of Military Ascent, a project started by Morrow. He hopes to see many people come out to enjoy Grafton and the people who make up the city in 2025. “Grafton has had a fantastic year,” he said. “It’s just a great destination and we’ve had a lot of great events.” Morrow pointed to the opening of the Grafton Art Gallery as one example of the city’s expansion. He said that the gallery has brought in the art community, and he thanked Jackie Duty and Gene and Donna Smith for their work to make the gallery possible. He also noted that there are several new businesses in Grafton, including retail stores. He thanked the entrepreneurs,

Continue Reading

COLLINSVILLE - The Illinois State Police are investigating an officer-involved shooting that occurred on Monday, Dec. 23, 2024, in Collinsville, following a series of events that began with a residential burglary report. The Madison County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) and the Collinsville Police Department (CPD) requested the investigation after the incident unfolded in the 9000 block of Rene Avenue. At approximately 8:22 p.m., MCSO responded to a report of a burglary in unincorporated Pontoon Beach. Upon arrival, officers found that the suspects had already fled the scene. Shortly thereafter, CPD located a vehicle believed to be connected to the suspects and attempted a traffic stop; however, the vehicle fled again. The situation escalated when CPD later discovered the crashed suspect vehicle, which was unoccupied. Officers from MCSO and CPD established a perimeter in the area and subsequently located one of the suspects walking on Rene Avenue with a firearm in hand. According t

Continue Reading

COLLINSVILLE – The Collinsville Community Unit School District #10 Kahok Hall of Fame announced the 2025 class of inductees during a ceremony at the Collinsville Prairie Farms Holiday Classic Basketball Tournament in Fletcher Gymnasium at Collinsville High School. The Hall of Fame was established in May 2022 “to recognize athletic and personal accomplishments, exemplary citizenship, contributions to society and actions that brought distinction and honor to all associated with Collinsville Community Unit School District #10.” The 2025 group is the third to be enshrined in the Kahok Hall of Fame. Thirty-five individuals and teams have earned a place in the Hall of Fame since the first ceremony in February 2023. Beginning in June 2024, nominations for the 2025 class of inductees were solicited from the public. In September, members of the Hall of Fame Selection Committee - four from the school district and seven representing the community at large - chose this year’s

Continue Reading

WATERLOO HOLIDAY TOURNAMENT MARQUETTE CATHOLIC 63, RED BUD 28: In the third-place game of the Waterloo Holiday Tournament, Marquette jumped out to a big early lead, and never looked back in taking the win over Red Bud. Allie Weiner led the Explorers with 19 points, while Delaney Ortman had nine points, Laila Davis scored five points, Jami Jones had four points, Kel'c Robinson came up with three points, Kaylyn St. Peters had two points, and Izzy Hough hit for a single point. The girls went 3-1 at the tournament with victories over Columbia, Marissa, and their 43-28 win today vs Red Bed. Kel’c Robinson was named to the All-Tournament team. The Explorers have now won 6 of their last 7 games and move to 9-6 on the season. The Musketeers slip to 12-6. The 2024-2025 varsity roster for the local high school girls' basketball team has a mix of talent and experience among its players. The roster features a total of 14 players, with a blend of forwards, guards, and centers.

Continue Reading

ST. LOUIS COUNTY - St. Louis County Police are investigating a fatal pedestrian accident that occurred late Saturday night, resulting in the death of an adult male. The incident took place at approximately 11:22 p.m. on Dec. 28, 2024, in the 10100 block of Gravois Road, near the intersection with Laclede Station Road. Officers from the Affton Southwest Precinct in St. Louis County responded to a call reporting a person struck by vehicles. Upon arrival, they found the male victim who had been hit by two motor vehicles. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Preliminary investigations indicate that the victim was in the roadway when he was struck. Both drivers involved in the incident remained at the scene and are cooperating with law enforcement. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are urging anyone with information about the incident to contact the St. Louis County Police Department at 636-529-8210. Individuals wishing to remain anonymous or potentially receive a reward

Continue Reading