Riverbender 🕸

CHICAGO – Attorney General Kwame Raoul today announced the Attorney General’s office has charged a Granite City man with allegedly possessing and reproducing child pornography. Raoul’s office charged Ralph D. Hailey III, 46, of Granite City, in Madison County Circuit Court with reproduction of child pornography, a Class X felony punishable by up to 30 years in prison; and possession of child pornography, a Class 2 felony punishable by up to seven years in prison. Hailey’s bond was set at $300,000. Raoul’s investigators, with the assistance of the Granite City Police Department and the United States Secret Service, conducted a search of Hailey’s residence in the 30 block of Steelecrest Drive in Granite City and arrested him after discovering evidence of child pornography. Attorney General Raoul’s office will prosecute the case. Hailey is employed as a computer science teacher for Gibson Elementary School in St. Louis. The case is part o

Continue Reading

CHICAGO – Attorney General Kwame Raoul today announced criminal charges against a Centreville man over the alleged possession, purchase and sale of purported stolen retail merchandise including tools, electronics and lawn equipment. The charges result from a multi-jurisdictional investigation facilitated by Raoul’s Organized Retail Crime Task Force. Raoul’s office charged Gerald Crenshaw, 70, of Centreville, with Class 2 felony organized retail crime, punishable by up to seven years in prison; two counts of Class 2 felony money laundering, each punishable by up to seven years in prison, Class 2 felony theft, punishable by up to seven years in prison; and five counts of Class 3 felony theft, each punishable by up to five years in prison. “Buying and reselling stolen items creates a market that encourages retail crime and makes communities less safe,” Raoul said. “Today’s charges demonstrate the importance of the collaborative work that my office’

Continue Reading

EDWARDSVILLE — Madison County Community Development is offering college and occupational training scholarships for low-income students who plan to attend school during the upcoming school year starting this fall. The Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) scholarships will be awarded to low-income students who are or will be attending an accredited Illinois university, community college, technical or vocational school. The CSBG will select five students to receive a $4,000 ($2,000 per semester) scholarship for the 2023-2024 school year. Those interested in applying for the scholarship should contact the college’s financial aid offices, their high school guidance counselor or visit Community Development’s website at https://www.madisoncountyil.gov/departments/community_development/community_services.php . To be eligible, students must meet the block grant income guidelines as well as the other requirements as follows: Candidates must provide proof of Madison

Continue Reading

EDWARDSVILLE - The Edwardsville YMCA Meyer Center will be closed on Saturday, April 15, for the Wonderland Gala. The YWCA Niebur Center will, however, be open on Saturday. The Wonderland Gala is a semi-formal or Alice In Wonderland-inspired event for those 21 years of age and older. "We appreciate your understanding," YMCA officials said on Thursday. All proceeds from the Wonderland Gala at the Meyer go to decrease the original Meyer Center YMCA debt. VIP Cocktail Hour is from 6-7 p.m. on Saturday and Gala doors open at 7 p.m. There will be heavy hors d'oeuvres, desserts and a cash bar after the first two cocktails. The band Fountain City 45's will be featured. There also will be a silent auction. For tickets, click here: https://edwardsville.recliquecore.com/programs/148?locations=15

Continue Reading

ALTON/EDWARDSVILLE - Paper Planes Ministries and New Hope Church partnered for successful Easter egg hunts in both Alton and Edwardsville this past Saturday. The Alton hunt was held at Riverfront Park and the Edwardsville hunt was held at Lincoln Middle School. David Bosarge, a spokesperson for Paper Planes Ministries, said the hunts were well-attended and something both groups hope to have again next year because of their success. “We are very grateful for the partnership with New Hope Church for this event and we had 15,000 Easter eggs distributed at both locations,” he said. “We appreciate the children and families who attended and are very glad we did this.” The idea for Paper Planes Ministries began with David being told the simple yet life-changing story of the Gospel at the age of 15. Since then he has had a passion to go to different communities to tell others about the story of Jesus Christ. “We believe that God will use Paper Planes Ministries

Continue Reading

GRANITE CITY - Granite City Superintendent Stephanie Cann has issued a follow-up statement to the false alert for an active shooter at Granite City High School on Wednesday. Cann said the following: "As communicated earlier today, the Granite City Police Department was alerted to a possible threat at Granite City High School. GCPD responded, swept the complex, and found the threat to be non-credible. At no time were any students or staff in danger. There are no words to describe the appreciation we have for our local first responders, as well as responders from across the area. "Their response demonstrated how seriously the district and our partners take the safety of our students and staff. It is comforting to know how dedicated these men and women are to the protection and service of our community. This afternoon we were informed that the Statewide Terrorism and Intelligence Center (STIC) received hoax active shooter calls at seven Illinois schools this morning." Cann continued an

Continue Reading

NEW BADEN – One lucky Illinois Lottery player’s week is looking up after they purchased a Lucky Day Lotto ticket yesterday in Clinton County that hit the jackpot and won $400,000. The winning ticket matched all five numbers, 6-13-37-42-45, in the Wednesday, April 12 midday drawing. The ticket was purchased at the Motomart at 409 E. Hanover St. in New Baden. It is the second Lucky Day Lotto jackpot-winning ticket to be purchased at a Motomart in the Metro East area in as many months. The other winning ticket was sold at the Godfrey Motomart for the March 5 evening drawing. It is also the third Lucky Day Lotto jackpot won in less than a week. A $1 million jackpot was won on April 7 and $150,000 the next day on April 8. It’s the first big win for the store, says Stephanie Bondaruk, manager of the New Baden Motomart, since the store opened in May of last year. She doesn’t know who won, but has a feeling it’s one of her regulars, “I really do hope

Continue Reading

EDWARDSVILLE - A Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Community Oriented Digital Engagement Scholars (CODES) research team, in collaboration with the Alton Section National Council of Negro Women, Inc. (NCNW) was recently awarded a $1,000 Student United Way of Greater St. Louis grant that will be used to support 8th grade students of color in realizing their potential. The initiative was led by two CODE Scholars, Joyce Tawdros and Juan Pizano, and overseen by Stephanie Batson, CODES research team leader and applied communication studies instructor. "I am quite pleased with my CODES research team for creating the mentor program and writing the United Way grant to have an impact in the lives of younger generations," said Batson. Tawdros and Pizano based their proposal on research that demonstrates a significant decrease in educational attainment among students of color. "I was driven to this idea because I, myself, needed a mentor,” said Tawdros. “I am originally

Continue Reading

EDWARDSVILLE - Timothy Banowetz, who is serving a 70-year sentence for the murder of attorney Randy Gori, had an appearance via video Thursday morning from Pontiac Correctional Center with Circuit Judge Kyle Napp. Banowetz has filed a motion to withdraw his guilty plea. Banowtez entered a guilty plea in October 2021 to one count of first-degree murder and two counts of armed robbery. Judge Napp sentenced Banowetz to 70 years in prison in December 2021. Gori was found deceased at his Edwardsville home on Jan. 4, 2020. He died from multiple stab wounds. Gori's two children who were ages 15 and 13 were held captive and tied up at the time of the murder. The family had been out for dinner when they returned home and were met by Banowetz, who appeared to have a gun and forced them to the ground, then later in the house the children were tied up and Gori murdered. Banowetz was found later by law enforcement in the woods with blood on his clothing. Brian Brueggemann, Madison County State's

Continue Reading

EDWARDSVILLE - A towering historic maple tree in Edwardsville City Park had to be removed on Thursday morning because of safety concerns. Mark’s Tree Service was hired by the city to bring the tree down and by lunchtime, all that remained was a stump. The tree has been in the eyes of the City’s Beautification and Tree Commission and Parks and Recreation staff for about five years and Sarah Cundiff, the chair of the commission, said they knew the tree was declining, but tried to keep it in the park for as long as possible. She said now because of all the people that visit City Park, it was “a safety concern" and had to be removed. “Given the size and length of the tree’s limbs and the number of people who pass through City Park, the city officials thought we would see limbs fall or the whole tree could tumble, so they decided this was the time to give the tree a graceful farewell,” City of Edwardsville spokesperson Cathy A. Hensley said. When Hensley

Continue Reading

WOOD RIVER - Multi-sport athlete Lucas Moore has been a standout for East Alton-Wood River High School in multiple sports. Now, Moore is spending his time on the baseball field, but he also is a wide receiver-kicker in football, point guard in basketball, was previously a forward in soccer, and a golfer. Lucas is a Midwest Members Credit Union Male Athlete of the Month. He said he would like to thank his mom for always supporting him through all of school and sports. "She sacrifices so much of her own time to come to watch me play and all the times she’s had to drive me all over for games," he said. Lucas' baseball coach is Nick Dorsey. He said his best attribute is his work ethic and just trying to be the best player, student, and person he can be. He has played baseball for about 12 years. He said his favorite part of the sport is the friendships he has made along the way. "My high school athletic career has completely shaped who I am today in the way of my work ethic

Continue Reading

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Transportation today announced that applications are now being accepted for a competitive grant program that aims to expand safe, equitable access to public transportation throughout the state. Selected projects will feature transit opportunities while furthering the goals of IDOT’s Illinois Long-Range Transportation Plan . The grants will fund studies on planning and preliminary engineering issues regarding public multimodal, intermodal and non-motorized transportation. Previously chosen projects focused on topics ranging from bus-on-shoulder travel to transit equity, trails and bikeways, transit system expansion, travel behavior of people with disabilities and transportation for veterans. The program’s total funding is $2.5 million, with awards averaging $200,000 and requiring a 20% non-federal match. Applicants can request IDOT provide this match, particularly if the study benefits a historically disadvantaged community.

Continue Reading

EAST ALTON - United Way’s Illinois Region will host its annual Power of the Purse event on Thursday, April 27 to help local people. The event will begin at 5:00 p.m. at Lewis and Clark Community College – N.O. Nelson Campus, 600 Troy Road, Edwardsville, IL, 62025. Those in attendance will enjoy appetizers from Bella Milano, a cash bar, silent and live purse, and accessory auction, and a showcase of designer handbags highlighted by local community leaders and United Way-funded agencies. Admission is $35 per person, and additional sponsorship opportunities are also available. All proceeds will help local people through the 9 Illinois counties served by United Way of Greater St. Louis. To purchase tickets or become a sponsor, visit Helpingpeople.org/purse or contact Millie Bond at 618-258-9800. Some of the high-end live auction handbags that will be up for bid include items from Kate Spade, Nanette Lepore, Michael Kors, Dooney & Burke, Coach, Brahmin, Tory Birch,

Continue Reading

State Representative Amy Elik (R-Alton) passed several bills out of the Illinois House of Representatives during the first half of the legislative session so far this year. Rep. Amy Elik’s legislative proposals include addressing the teacher shortage, improving background checks on contractors providing transportation for foster children, and honoring Constitution Day in the state. With nearly 3,000 teaching positions left unfilled as of February 2023, State Representative Amy Elik’s legislation (House Bill 1297) would allow a private school teacher or administrator the option to purchase up to 2 years of service credit if a teacher completed at least 10 years of service as a teacher. “With the ongoing teacher shortage in our state, this is another incentive to encourage former teachers to come back to teach in our schools,” said Rep. Elik. “With almost 3,000 educator positions unfilled, the legislature needs to continue to find ways to help recruit mor

Continue Reading

JERSEYVILLE - The Unified Child Advocacy Network, a local organization which assists child victims of abuse, is hosting an Open House this Friday, April 14 from 1 to 4 p.m. to debut their new office at 101 N. State Street in Jerseyville to the public. “Unified Child Advocacy Network (UCAN) is an organization which was developed to bring together a community effort to ensure the safety and well being of our children,” said Melissa Dandino with the organization. “Our mission is to serve, protect and advocate for children affected by sexual and serious physical abuse, and to educate the community about child abuse.” UCAN conducts forensic interviews with children to allow them to tell their story one time in a comfortable environment, for those interviews to be used in investigating their case of abuse. At the Open House, attendees will be able to tour the interview room as well as the rest of the new office space, and meet the UCAN staff. Food and drink

Continue Reading

ALTON - Karen Wilson with Pride, Inc. made a public comment at last night’s Alton City Council meeting raising concerns about the increasing traffic accidents and diminishing condition of the historic State House Square landmark in Alton, which is technically a circle currently functioning as a roundabout. “It’s a very historic place - and as you all know, it’s a source of pride for the city,” Wilson said. “It’s a focal point. It’s an entryway to our city for visitors to the hospital or those entering the city from Martin Luther King Boulevard. We give directions based on it … most importantly, it’s a very important historical location.” Wilson also expressed a need for enhanced traffic safety measures around the square, citing an “ever-increasing number” of accidents in the area. “That circle has seen an ever-increasing number of traffic incidents that have caused damage to the circle,”

Continue Reading

PIASA - After an exciting, back-and-forth game against the Marquette Explorers Wednesday afternoon, the Piasa Birds came out with an 11-8 win. Lots of good things happened offensively for the team, but it was sophomore pitcher Ian Brantley who left with the game ball. Brantley made his first career start on the mound and threw the first four frames. While he wasn't awarded the win, that would go to Quinten Strohbeck who came in to relieve him, Brantley still had an impressive outing against a "very good hitting" Marquette team according to Southwestern head coach Brian Hanslow. For the achievement, Ian Brantley is an Altonized Federal Credit Union Athlete of the Month for Piasa Southwestern. Brantley wouldn't have typically made the start, but because of a busy schedule this week, six games in six days, he got the nod. “We got six games this week, so we started a sophomore, his first varsity start in his career, and he pitched pretty well,” coach Hanslow said abou

Continue Reading

CHICAGO - Attorney General Kwame Raoul today, along with six other attorneys general, announced a $462 million settlement with Juul Labs Inc. (Juul), one of the nation’s largest manufacturers of e-cigarettes. The settlement provides critical injunctive relief to prevent Juul from marketing and selling its products to youth. In 2019, Illinois was among the first states in the nation to sue Juul alleging the company marketed its harmful nicotine products to minors. Attorney General Raoul’s office co-led negotiations resulting in the largest settlement any states have reached with Juul to hold the company accountable for contributing to the youth vaping epidemic. Illinois will receive approximately $67.6 million under the agreement. “Juul has intentionally targeted minors for the sale of its e-cigarettes. After inappropriately marketing its product as a smoking cessation device, Juul products actually served as a gateway to cigarette use for youth who had never smoked

Continue Reading

GRANITE CITY - GCS Credit Union recently held its 82 nd Annual Meeting Tuesday, March 21 st announcing plans to rebrand this year. Chairman Jim Devine addressed the meeting attendees by saying, “This will be an exciting year! We will be rebranding the credit union as we strive to connect with our entire field of membership. This has been a decision that the Board has taken very seriously as we are all proud of our roots and want to honor our history.” Devine continued by adding, “In order for our longevity to continue, we feel we must continue to be growth-minded as we provide products and services that are relevant to today’s demands. While we will have a new name and look, please know that our values will not change.” In addition, a new branch is under construction for GCS in Edwardsville. The new branch will serve as an expansion of products and services to the Edwardsville community, in which GCS has supported for over 20 years. That project is expected

Continue Reading

BENTON - The former president of the Alton chapter of the AFSCME labor union admitted involvement in the transportation of stolen money after he was caught embezzling more than $200,000 from the organization. Byron Clemons, Sr., 35, of Alton, pled guilty Tuesday in a U.S. District courtroom to one count of Interstate Transportation of Stolen Money. “Labor unions exist to promote the interests of the working men and women who make up their ranks. But instead of promoting the interests of his members, Clemons used his position to enrich himself and get cash to gamble at casinos,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney Jim Cutchin. “I commend the efforts of our partners at the U.S. Department of Labor for their diligent work in investigating this case and ensuring that Clemons is brought to justice.” “Byron Clemons, Sr. personally enriched himself at the expense of dues-paying AFSCME members. Tuesday’s conviction affirms the U.S. Department of Labor Office

Continue Reading