stLouISTRiverbender 🕸
Jorden & Emma's Love Story
Couples names: Jorden & Emma City: Alton Date met or started dating: August 9, 2021 What makes your relationship special? I believe what makes our relationship so special is that no matter what we go through we still love each other as if nothing were happening and at the end of every day we still love and hold each other like no other. Share a memory you have made together: My favorite memory is there was one time I was trying to think of a name of someone, and I got two people very confused and came up with “bart baker”. he cracked up so hard, and months later he still talks and teases me about it!
Paul & Casey's Love Story
Couples names: Paul & Casey City: Jerseyville Date met or started dating: January 1, 2010 Date married: June 22, 2013 What makes your relationship special? We rarely go anywhere without each other because we’d rather share experiences with each other. Share a memory you have made together: We took a short weekend anniversary trip to Gatlinburg. We went moonshine tasting and sightseeing.
Alfredo & Tracie Figueroa's Love Story
Couples names: Alfredo & Tracie Figueroa City: Alton Date met or started dating: November 20, 1994 Date married: April 10, 1996 What makes your relationship special? We actually like each other. We know that sounds funny but we are each others favorite person to be with. We always have each others backs. We help each other. We are truly in love. Share a memory you have made together: We lived in Orlando, FL at the time. We were newly married, had very little money but needed a car. We bought a Nissan pickup. That night we put 500 miles on it. We drove to the beach and hung out talking and laughing. This was a huge purchase for two kids just starting out. It was a great night.
Jake & Katie Pruitt's Love Story
Couples names: Jake & Katie Pruitt City: Greenfield Date met or started dating: November 13, 2010 Date married: September 28, 2019 What makes your relationship special? We have been through so much from sickness to health. What makes it very special is when I was going through a lot Jake stuck right by me. Our bond together gets stronger every day. We are able to be ourselves around each other which is a huge thing. Share a memory you have made together: We have made countless memories together, we have done so many firsts and able to mark a lot off of our bucket list together. Making memories by going to blues games and doing things we have always wanted to do growing up.
Thomas & Nyki's Love Story
Couples names: Thomas & Nyki City: Wood River Date met or started dating: June 21, 2019 What makes your relationship special? We met at a cardinals game our friends were brother and sister and they chose us as their plus 1s. We both were in a toxic relationship and had a spark the very first time just seeing eachother. Share a memory you have made together: A good memory we have is at that cardinals game I (Thomas) liked her so much I was wiggling my but and dancing in my seat and trying to get her to dance too.
Kenny & Shelly Sievets' Love Story
Couples names: Kenny & Shelly Sievets City: Batchtown Date met or started dating: August 8, 1979 Date married: February 20, 1981 What makes your relationship special? That we our each others best friend and enjoy each other’s company! Share a memory you have made together: We make memories everyday , we enjoy being together and each other company, but our favorite memory would be when we renewed our wedding vows in Las Vegas on our 25th anniversary.
Emily & Andrew's Love Story
Couples names: Emily & Andrew City: Hardin Date met or started dating: December 3, 2016 Date married: December 3, 2022 What makes your relationship special? We are best friends & knew from the moment we e met that we were meant to be. In the beginning of our relationship we were long distance for several months and still made our relationship work! He was living in florida and I was living in Illinois. Share a memory you have made together: Getting our new puppies Cooper and Crew (IG: @CoopThePortie & @Crew.ThePortie in 2022 and getting married on our 6 year anniversary! ?? 2022 has been one of the best years we’ve had yet and we are excited to see what’s in store for us in 2023!
New Japanese Restaurant Opening in Godfrey
GODFREY - A new Japanese restaurant will be opening in Godfrey sometime over the next few months. Toko Sushi & Boba will open in Godfrey’s Monticello Plaza at 5775 Godfrey Road, Suite D. “We have not done a final inspection with them yet, but I do know they’ve been talking with the mayor and the clerk to get a few more permits lined up,” Godfrey Building and Zoning Assistant Erica Schmeig said. “About a week or so ago, they were shooting for 30 days.” At last night’s Godfrey Village Board of Trustees meeting , Godfrey Economic Development Director Jim Mager said that based on his conversations with the owner, they would be looking at a “March or April” opening date. During that meeting, the Village Board conducted the first reading of an ordinance that would grant the new restaurant a liquor license to serve sake and wine. The board will officially vote on that ordinance at their next meeting on Feb. 21. Schmeig said th
HSHS Illinois Hospitals Encourage Frequent Hand Washing to Avoid Spreading Illnesses
SPRINGFIELD — Health care providers at HSHS Illinois hospitals encourage everyone to frequently wash their hands when exposed to highly touched surfaces to aid in reducing the spread of these illnesses like RSV, Influenza, COVID and more. “COVID, flu and RSV primarily spread through droplets in the air but could also be spread by our hands,” said Stephanie Thannum, HSHS Illinois manager of quality and infection prevention. “Germs can be spread by hands coming into contact with a hard surface contaminated by the cough or sneeze of an infected person. Washing your hands often, especially before eating or touching your face and after using the restroom, can help prevent many illnesses including COVID, flu and RSV.” Depending on the type of illness, some germs can live on non-porous surfaces from a few hours to a few days. Most cold and viral respiratory germs can live on hard surfaces for up to one week, but they lose their effectiveness after the first
Alton City Council Appoints New Police Chaplains, Passes Several Resolutions
ALTON - The Alton City Council passed several resolutions and approved the resignations of two members of the Alton Municipal Band, as well as the appointment of two new Police Chaplains, at their Feb. 8th, 2023 meeting at 6:30 p.m. The Alton City Council unanimously approved the resignations of both Mike and Linda Ferguson from the Alton Municipal Band after 40 years of service. “They are retiring, stepping down from this volunteer position after 40 years of service, so we’d like to thank and congratulate Mike and Linda for their service to the Alton Municipal band,” Alton Mayor David Goins said. They also approved the appointment of two new Alton Police Department Chaplains, Lewis “Ray” Vajda and Harrell “Eddie” West. “Our Chaplain program is very important to us, they do a variety of things … internally, they’re there for offices and their families for counseling and emotional support,” Alton Police Chief
Durbin Hosts OSF's Chris Manson For Biden's State Of Union Address After His Ukraine Ambulance Work
WASHINGTON — U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Co-Chair of the Senate Ukraine Caucus, had Chris Manson as his guest for President Biden’s State of the Union Address. Chris, who is Vice President of Government Relations for OSF HealthCare in Peoria, Illinois, and founder of U.S. Ambulances for Ukraine, has helped deliver 28 ambulances and one fire engine to Ukraine and works with volunteers across Illinois to collect hundreds of thousands of dollars’ worth of medical supplies, clothing, and nonperishable food for the Ukrainian people amid Putin’s illegal war. In October, Durbin saw firsthand the vehicles and goods that Chris helped deliver to Ukraine at a Chicago-area warehouse. Durbin’s office has helped Chris and his group connect with a variety of governmental and nongovernmental groups to help with their notable effort. “Chris’s story is an inspiration to us all and really proves no matter where you are in the world, you
Deceased Identified In City Of Bellefontaine Neighbors Homicide
ST. LOUIS COUNTY - The deceased has been identified in a homicide in the 800 block of Surrey Lane in the City of Bellefontaine Neighbors as Denzel Williams, 27 years of age, of the 800 block of Surrey Lane Court in Bellefontaine, Missouri, 63137. At 6 p.m. on February 7, 2023, City of Bellefontaine Neighbors Police officers responded to a call for service for shots fired in the 800 block of Surrey Lane. Officers located an adult male suffering from an apparent gunshot wound inside a residence. The victim was pronounced deceased at the scene. City of Bellefontaine Neighbors police officers requested St. Louis County Police Crimes Against Persons Detectives lead the investigation. The investigation is active at this time. Additional information will be disseminated as it becomes available. Please contact the St. Louis County Police Department at 636-529-8210 to speak to investigators with information regarding the incident. To remain anonymous or potentially receive a reward, pleas
St. Louis Regional Bomb and Arson Detectives Probe Fatal House Fire On Watchel Avenue
ST. LOUIS COUNTY - St. Louis Regional Bomb and Arson detectives are currently investigating a fatal house fire in the 1200 block of Wachtel Avenue of the South County Precinct which resulted in the death of an adult male and an adult female. On Wednesday, February 8, 2023 at 9:54 AM, St. Louis County Police officers from the South County precinct responded to a call for service for a house fire in the 1200 block of Wachtel Avenue. Arriving officers observed the house to be fully engulfed and were unable to make entry. Responding Fire personnel located two adults—one male and one female—deceased in the front interior of the residence. No other injuries were reported. The investigation is active at this time, a cause has not been determined. Please contact the St. Louis County Police Department at 636-529-8210 to speak with investigators if you have any information regarding this incident. To remain anonymous or potentially receive a reward, please contact CrimeStoppers
View From Skycam: New Holiday Inn Express Construction Makes Progress As Walls Rise
ALTON - The Holiday Inn Express construction is moving along in rapid fashion from a view of the Riverbender.com Skycam on Wednesday morning. The walls are going up and it appears the roof will be added soon to the new facility. The new Holiday Inn Express is located on Golf Road near the Alton Amtrak station on Golf Road. Alton Mayor David Goins continued to be excited about the addition of the new hotel. "Any time you bring in lodging like this one you will attract tourists and visitors to this region," the mayor said. "It is great it is located so close to the Amtrak station. People can stay at the hotel and go around the Alton area or head easily to St. Louis. It is a perfect location. It should be another added opportunity that should help business in the area." The Holiday Inn Express should be completed in 2023.
City's R.P. Lumber Center to Debut Program for Children with Disabilities
EDWARDSVILLE – The R.P. Lumber Center is launching a program designed to help children with disabilities experience the joy of an ice rink. “Shine on Ice” will debut in April at the City’s ice rink and recreation center as a series of classes created specifically for people with disabilities ages 17 and younger. “We just want to give everyone the opportunity to be on the ice,” said Phil Zamora, the R.P. Lumber Center superintendent. “It’s so rewarding, and some people just don’t have that chance.” The program has been made possible by a $15,000 grant from the Dana Brown Charitable Trust, U.S. Bank Trustee. The grant was secured by the Edwardsville Community Foundation on behalf of the City’s R.P. Lumber Center. It was a collaborative effort involving the Foundation; the City’s Parks and Recreation Department; Edwardsville Economic and Community Development Coordinator James Arnold; and former Alderman Tom Butts,
With Skycam Video: Mayor Goins Says Anticipation Grows For New Alton Starbucks
ALTON - One of the most talked about business entries into Alton - Starbucks - appears on its way at 1725 Homer Adams Parkway. Serious groundwork with multiple trucks has been going on this week at the location. The video and photos included here were taken Tuesday by the Riverbender.com Skycam. The behind-the-scenes foundational things have been completed and they are now getting close to construction," Alton Mayor Goins said. Mayor Goins added that he is extremely excited about the new Starbucks location here and said there is a lot of anticipation about the new business across the community. He said he has been asked about the new Starbucks many times over the past year and when it would locate and open. “The development will provide a big boost to our area,” he said. “It will take a long-standing eyesore, and it will be a great business there.” Mayor Goins said he expects Starbucks to open sometime this year. The Starbucks will be positioned where the
Bethalto Police Seeks Help Apprehending Thief of Bronze Headstone Vases From Cemetery
BETHALTO - Bethalto Police Chief Mike Dixon put out a request today on social media to help solve the case of someone who stole several bronze headstone vases at Rose Lawn Memory Gardens Cemetery. "Today we took a report of an absolutely despicable crime that we’d love to solve, and are seeking your help in doing so," Chief Dixon said. "In recent days an unknown subject(s) entered Rose Lawn Memory Gardens Cemetery and stole several bronze vases off headstones. "These vases have little monetary value when scrapped, but will cost thousands to replace, and will sadden those families involved immensely when burdened with this pathetic act of selfishness. If you hear about or see anyone with vases like the one in the attached image, please message us here on Facebook and/or call us directly at 618-377-5266, ext. 1 and help us bring the offender(s) to justice." Chief Dixon continued and said to the offender, who he said he knows will read this post at some point in th
Groundbreaking Ceremony Announced for New Godfrey Firehouse Building
GODFREY - Gerard Fischer with the Godfrey Fire Protection District gave an update on the progress and groundbreaking ceremony for the new Godfrey firehouse and administrative building during the public comment portion of the Feb. 7 Godfrey Village Board meeting . The new firehouse and administrative building will be located at 3023 Godfrey Road in Godfrey. Fischer announced they’ll be hosting a ground-breaking ceremony on Thursday, Feb. 16, and the public is invited to attend. “ want to just give you an update with what’s happened with the firehouse. I’m sure going up and down Godfrey Road, you’re seeing a lot of construction from Walmart all the way up to QuickTrip, so we’re joining the fun up here,” he said. “There’s stakes out there already, some pipes are out there and everything. “We are having our groundbreaking ceremony next Thursday, Feb. 16 at 10 a.m.,” he continued. “Everybody’s invited.
Bethalto Police Report Four Individuals Face Various Charges
BETHALTO - The Bethalto Police reported today the past week has been busy with multiple calls for service and arrests throughout the village. Bethalto Police Chief Mike Dixon said this criminal information accounts for just four of the felony-related investigations and arrests Bethalto Officers have made in the past few days. The chief added that is important to know that all the individuals charged and noted and/or associated with this post are innocent of the charge(s) filed, until such time as they are proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The issuance of a charge/information or a warrant is based solely upon probable cause and is not proof of guilt. These are the released charges: Carlos Boles faces a charge of Aggravated Fleeing Or Attempting To Elude A Police Officer and a count of Failure To Stop After Having An Accident Involving Personal Injury Or Death. Boles' bond is set at $100,000. Joshua Harcourt is charged with one count of Unlawful Possession