Riverbender 🕸

ALTON - The Alton Amphitheater will welcome rock band Puddle of Mudd this August. On Saturday, Aug. 2, 2025, community members can come out to the Alton Amphitheater for the concert. Dan Herkert, chair of the Alton Amphitheater Commission, promises a fun night on the river. “The riverfront is going to be rocking on Aug. 2,” Herkert said. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the opener goes on at 7 p.m. Herkert said they are still working with Puddle of Mudd to finalize the opening act, but this will be announced soon. Puddle of Mudd takes the stage at 8 p.m. Tickets will go on sale at 10 a.m. on Friday, May 30, 2025, through MetroTix . General admission costs $34.25. You can grab reserved tickets for $46.50 or enjoy VIP seating, parking and private concessions at $65. Herkert added it’s likely there will be a meet-and-greet opportunity with the band, but they are still working out those details. He noted that it’s been a few years since the amphitheater

Continue Reading

BETHALTO - Civic Memorial High School teacher Charlie Brown loves songwriting almost as much as he loves his students. It was an obvious decision to write a song for them. Brown is currently working on his sixth album, with plans to record in the next year or so. The album is slowly taking shape, and it revolves around his teaching and the students who have inspired him as a singer, songwriter and human being. “It’s just cool to involve the community and the kids that I teach,” he said. “It’s just been a blast.” Brown has released one song already, and it might be one of the most personal pieces he’s ever written. “Parking Lot Prayers” details the prayer he says every morning for his students before he begins his day as the culinary arts teacher at CMHS. But it wasn’t enough to be inspired by his students; Brown decided he needed them to be involved. He found “the best singers in the school” to sing

Continue Reading

GODFREY - An 85-year-old man - Morris E. Gross - died, and another person was injured in a two-vehicle crash on Airport Road in Godfrey over the Memorial Day weekend. The collision occurred at approximately 5:24 p.m. on Saturday, May 24, 2025, near the 1100 block of Airport Road in Godfrey. Gross was a passenger in a classic Corvette involved in the crash. Godfrey Fire Protection District first responders performed CPR on Gross at the scene, fire officials said. The investigation into the cause of the crash is ongoing. Authorities have not released additional details about the other vehicle or the condition of its occupants.

Continue Reading

JERSEYVILLE - Jersey High School’s softball team secured a spot in the Illinois High School Association (IHSA) Regional Championship after a commanding 7-0 victory over Jacksonville on Wednesday, May 8, 2025. Freshman pitcher Paxton Weirich played a pivotal role in the win by throwing a no-hitter and setting a new school record with 18 strikeouts. Weirich is a Sparklight Female Athlete of the Month for the Panthers. Weirich, a left-handed pitcher and first baseman, has been a key contributor for Jersey Community Unit School District No. 100’s softball program. She has excelled both as a starter and a relief pitcher, leading the team with strikeouts on the season. Jersey head girls softball coach Chelsey Crnokrak said: "Paxton has found success coming to the mound in relief and also starting games. Paxton leads the team in strikeouts and is also an offensive threat at the plate, batting in the cleanup position."

Continue Reading

GODFREY – A Godfrey resident has been charged and released from custody after carrying a loaded firearm in Glazebrook Park. Peyton R. Pehrson, 26, of Godfrey, was charged on May 20, 2025 with a Class 3 felony count of unlawful use of a weapon and a Class 4 felony count of aggravated unlawful possession of weapons. On May 19, 2025, Pehrson allegedly knowingly carried a concealed Cranik 9mm handgun on his person “while he was at a public park,” Glazebrook Park in Godfrey. The firearm was “uncased, loaded, and immediately accessible at the time of the offense,” according to court documents. The Madison County State’s Attorney’s office filed a petition to deny Pehrson’s pretrial release in this case. According to the petition, the incident unfolded after officers “responded to a report of someone acting belligerent in the roadway, flashing a firearm.” “Witnesses reported that the suspect fled through Glazebrook Park,

Continue Reading

FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS — Three Fairview Heights police officers were shot and injured during a confrontation with a suspect on May 17, 2025. Two of the officers continue to recover after treatment. One of the officers, Molly Muennich, was shot in the face, while Herminio Raimundi was shot in the arm. Officer Andrew Ward was shot in the chest, but thankfully a bullet-resistant vest prevented serious injury and he was treated and released. The Fairview Heights mayor and police chief both spoke this week, providing an update on the situation. The two were both thankful for their enormous support the Fairview Heights Police has received since the incident not only from citizens in the community, but nationwide. At approximately 9:44 p.m. on May 17, 2025, Fairview Heights police responded to a call reporting a suspicious individual near a residence. Upon arrival, officers encountered 22-year-old Elijah Thompson of Belleville, who opened fire, striking three officers. Thompson was

Continue Reading

EDWARDSVILLE - Ark Animal Hospital has been keeping pets healthy for over a decade. Located at 6718 Goshen Road in Edwardsville, the hospital recently marked its ten-year anniversary with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Owner Dr. Sarah Smith emphasized that she plans to keep the hospital “small and petite” to curate a community-oriented “family vibe,” but she is proud to mark the tenth anniversary and plans to continue caring for animals across the Ed-Glen region for another ten years. “We definitely could not have made it without our community support,” Smith said. “We’re a smaller animal hospital focused on personal care and wellbeing for your pets as they grow and nurture from their puppyhood all the way until seniorhood.” Ark Animal Hospital offers emergency veterinary care as well as routine care for all kinds of animals. Dr. Amy Mueller, associate veterinarian, noted that the hospital sees “a good spectrum of the

Continue Reading

BETHALTO - Meadowbrook Intermediate School was recently named the Madison County Green School of the Year, and it’s all thanks to the students and staff members on the Green Team. Meadowbrook educates fourth and fifth grade students in the Bethalto Community Unit School District #8. Special education and general education students work together to collect the school’s recycling every week and promote environmental awareness. “It’s really cool because it gives them leadership roles,” explained Madelyn Ehlers, who teaches special education. “They take very good responsibility. Even when they’re outside, if they see trash, they’re picking it up. It’s really cool for both the gen ed kids and my kids because they’re just learning so much from each other. It’s really special.” Ehlers and teacher Cassie Payne worked together to lead the Green Team this year. Payne has coordinated recycling programs and environmentally-friendly

Continue Reading

CHICAGO – Attorney General Kwame Raoul issued the following statement after the U.S. Court of International Trade ruled President Trump’s attempt to implement sweeping tariffs “exceed any authority” granted by the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). Raoul and 12 attorneys general filed a lawsuit in April to halt implementation of the illegal tariffs. “Once again, a court has evaluated the Trump administration’s attempt to govern by edict. And once again, a court has ruled the president exceeded his authority granted under the law. “Since the International Emergency Economic Powers Act was enacted in 1977, no president has attempted to use it to implement such sweeping, arbitrary tariffs. In this matter, the court rightly determined the administration’s use of tariffs to ‘pressure’ the targeted countries fall short of the law’s criteria for a looming national emergency. Illinois and states around th

Continue Reading

Did you know that nearly 60% of bird species in North America have experienced significant population declines over the past 50 years? While habitat loss and climate change are major contributors, urban and suburban development also play a critical role. However, your backyard can be a small but powerful refuge for wildlife. By thoughtfully designing and managing your outdoor space, you can support local ecosystems and enjoy the beauty of nature right at home. Understanding the Role of Your Backyard in Wildlife Conservation Backyards, even small ones, collectively form a network of habitats that can sustain wildlife populations. Birds, pollinators, amphibians, and small mammals often rely on urban green spaces as stopovers during migration or as permanent homes. The challenge is to create an environment that meets their needs for food, water, shelter, and breeding. For example, research from the National Wildlife Federation shows that backyards planted with native vegetation support

Continue Reading

May 29 has witnessed some of the most pivotal moments in global history, affecting politics, culture, and society in profound ways. On May 29, 1453, after a protracted siege, Ottoman forces led by Sultan Mehmed II finally breached the formidable walls of Constantinople, the capital of the Byzantine Empire. This conquest marked the end of a millennium-old empire and the beginning of Ottoman dominance in southeastern Europe and the eastern Mediterranean. The fall of Constantinople is often cited as a significant turning point that helped usher in the Renaissance in Western Europe, as many Greek scholars fled westward, bringing with them classical knowledge and texts. But the significance of May 29 doesn’t end there. Centuries later in 1660, the same date marked the restoration of the English monarchy with King Charles II's triumphant return to London. This event ended the period of republican rule known as the Commonwealth, which had been established after the English Civil

Continue Reading

SPRINGFIELD- Today, Governor JB Pritzker joined Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski, and leaders from across the state to honor former Illinois Governor and Secretary of State Jim Edgar by dedicating the ‘Jim Edgar Reading Room’ at the Illinois State Library in Springfield. The program celebrated Edgar’s efforts to improve libraries and literacy programs across Illinois. The House Joint Resolution to rename the Reading Room, proposed by Sec. Giannoulias, was adopted in April. “Governor Jim Edgar has a relentless passion for upholding our political institutions, and a seemingly unlimited energy to continue bettering them,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “From the construction of the new Illinois State Library, to extensive rural library investments, to his nationally-renowned adult literacy program, Jim has connected so many across our state with new opportunities to learn, read, and grow. There is no more fitting

Continue Reading

ALTON – The Alton Police Department has a newly appointed Deputy Chief. Lieutenant Dustin Christner was officially appointed as Deputy Chief of Police at Wednesday’s Alton City Council meeting. Chief Jarrett Ford spoke highly of Christner not only as an officer, but as a person. “I’m extremely happy and excited to have you as the Deputy Chief of the Alton Police Department,” Ford said, describing Christner as “honest, loyal, dedicated, a hard worker, and honestly, to me, a friend.” “There are very few people that I trust as much as this man,” Ford added. “He is a man of honor and faith and I know he’s going to do a great job in this position.” Noting the fellow officers present, Ford said: “This room is filled with the men and women that keep this city safe day in and day out … I appreciate you guys taking time out of your schedule, not only for this great night for him, but also just as a showing

Continue Reading

GLEN CARBON - As temperatures rise and air conditioning use increases, Illinois families are facing yet another financial blow: higher electricity bills. At a time when households are already grappling with inflation, the latest rate increases couldn’t come at a worse time. While recent grid auctions may be the trigger, the real issue lies in flawed energy policies and bureaucratic delays that are now catching up with us. In March 2025, Ameren Illinois received updated electric rate results from the Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO), the regional grid operator for southern Illinois. These revealed a staggering spike in capacity auction prices from just $30 per megawatt to an unprecedented $666. As a result, electricity rates will increase for many customers beginning June 1. This sharp rise is not due to utility mismanagement, but rather a broader policy failure that has left our grid under-resourced and our state unprepared. These rate hikes are not inevitable.

Continue Reading

ALTON - Alton’s Parks and Recreation Department will host a day camp for eight weeks this summer. Students entering first through fifth grade are eligible to enroll in the summer camp. There are eight weeks of camp, from June 2 to July 25, 2025, and families can enroll their child by week for $130 per week. “It’s just to give another, cheaper opportunity for parents to send their kids to a fun summer camp, especially the ones that love outdoors and being at the park,” explained Lyndsey Younger, Parks and Recreation Director. “We have a lot of fun activities planned for them.” The day camp runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. For $15 a week, parents can also take advantage of a before-care option from 7:30–9 a.m., or they can pay $20 for after-care until 5 p.m. The day camp takes place at Gordon Moore Park and the Muenstermann Building. Daily activities include time on the playground, games, crafts, science experiments,

Continue Reading

JACKSONVILLE - Jersey's Dax Goetten qualified for the state boys tennis tournament in singles, while the doubles team of Jaxon Brunaugh and Issac Wargo went through in doubles as the Panthers won the IHSA Class 1A sectional tournament over the weekend at Jacksonville High. The Jersey tennis boys are Sparklight Male Athletes of the Month. The Panthers won with 25 points, with Springfield Sacred Heart-Griffin Catholic coming in second with 21 points, Quincy Notre Dame Catholic was third at 20 points, the host Crimsons were fourth at 16 points, Marquette Catholic finished fifth with eight points, and had no state qualifiers, Hillsboro was sixth with six points, Bunker Hill came in seventh with four points, Rochester was eighth with two points, and Lincoln failed to score, and finished in ninth place. The semifinalists in both singles and doubles qualified for state, and Goetten won his quarterfinal match over Adam Smith of QND to qualify for state 6-1, 6-1, In the semifinal, Goetten

Continue Reading

GRANITE CITY - Granite City High School senior Elijah Kolb was honored May 13, 2025, by the GCSD9 Board of Education and Administration as the 2024-25 Scholar-Athlete of the Year, recognizing his achievements in both academics and athletics. Kolb, a two-sport athlete excelling in football and wrestling, recorded seven tackles in a game against Quincy Notre Dame on Oct. 14, 2024. He has earned multiple athletic honors, including the two-time All-Warrior Award and the Kevin Greene Award, and has garnered eight varsity letters across football, wrestling, track, and Scholar Bowl. Kolb is a Stillwater Senior Living Male Athlete of the Month. Academically, Kolb has maintained high honors throughout his high school career and received distinctions such as the Illinois State Scholar and Academic Honors from the College Board. He plans to attend Montana State University this fall to pursue a degree in microbiology on a pre-med track. “I am very grateful and thankful to be nominated

Continue Reading

ALTON – An Alton man deemed a “violent offender against youth” faces his second domestic battery charge and more after allegedly battering someone in public. John T. Anthony, 41, of Alton, was charged on May 23, 2025 with aggravated battery, failure to report annually (both Class 3 felonies), and his second offense of domestic battery (a Class 4 felony). On April 27, 2025, Anthony reportedly struck a family or household member about the face and torso with his fists while in a public place, the parking lot of Quick Stop in Alton. As a “violent offender against youth,” Anthony was also charged with failing to report and provide his current address to the Alton Chief of Police on an annual basis as legally required. A petition to deny his pretrial release states Anthony had outstanding warrants from two previous criminal cases. In one case, he had been charged with aggravated domestic battery and unlawful restraint involving the same victim from this

Continue Reading

GLEN CARBON – Glen Carbon joins a growing list of local communities imposing their own sales taxes on groceries to offset major revenue loss before the state grocery tax expires on Jan. 1, 2026. As Finance Director Kelly Korte explained at Tuesday’s Village Board meeting, the state-imposed 1% sales tax on groceries has historically gone directly to local municipalities. Korte estimated this grocery tax generates approximately $1 million for Glen Carbon, representing a significant revenue loss if the village allowed the tax to expire. Illinois legislators have left the decision to local communities to either impose their own sales taxes on groceries and grocery “services” at the local level or accept the loss in sales tax revenue from the state. Korte said the village’s Finance Committee previously recommended the village continue collecting the grocery tax. Mayor Bob Marcus asked Korte to confirm that this is not a “new tax,” which Korte

Continue Reading

ALTON - Local artists are encouraged to create art for the Riverbend’s first “Mississippi Riverscapes: The 2025 Plein Air Art Competition.” Jacoby Arts Center and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will sponsor the competition. From June 1–22, 2025, community members can go to eight designated spots along the Mississippi River to paint or draw the landscape. “Artists work in a lot of different ways, but the idea is to go out and enjoy these locations and then have artists communicate that to the community, how beautiful these areas are that are maintained by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers,” explained Rachel Lappin with Jacoby. “This is for everybody. Whatever you go out and paint, just submit it and have fun.” A plein air art competition challenges artists to create art on location. Lappin and Elise Ratcliff, who works with the Corps of Engineers, encourage community members to bring their supplies to the eight spots and document

Continue Reading