Riverbender 🕸

CARROLLTON - The Carrollton Fire Protection District firefighters and other departments continued through Tuesday morning and into the afternoon attacking a multiple alarm fire that broke out and destroyed the Oasis bar and restaurant at 1221 Fifth St. in Carrollton. Carrollton Fire Protection District Chief Tim Thaxton has described the situation as a “total loss” and said the state fire marshal’s office did come out to investigate at the request of the Carrollton Police Department. However, Chief Thaxton said the determination at this point is that the fire broke out at a food-warming table. He said that will likely conclude any criminal investigation in the matter. “The potential dollar loss was so much that we also wanted to have the state professionals investigate the situation,” Thaxton said. “It took us about five hours to get the fire contained,” he said. “We started on it around 11:30 Monday night. It was close to

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Local gas prices have continued to climb in several communities around the Riverbend despite actions by the Biden administration aimed at keeping gas prices under control. In his State of the Union address on March 1, President Joe Biden announced the United States would join its allies in releasing 60 million barrels of oil from global reserves, including 30 million barrels from the United States. “We stand ready to do more if necessary, unified with our allies,” Biden said. “These steps will help blunt gas prices here at home.” Since then, gas prices have increased by more than 50 cents per gallon for regular unleaded in some local communities. Riza Demirer, a professor of Economics and Finance at SIUE, said this was a temporary measure from the start. He also said fuel prices are driven by global predictions of supply, which aren’t exactly optimistic as Ukrainian-Russian unrest continues. “Strategic reserves are limited, and oil traders

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EDWARDSVILLE – Academic excellence, dedicated service and outstanding leadership were celebrated during the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Engineering’s (SOE) 16th Annual Awards Banquet held Tuesday, March 1 via Zoom. “The advancement of the SIUE School of Engineering is propelled by the outstanding contributions and accomplishments of our students, faculty, staff and alumni,” said Dean Cem Karacal, PhD. “We are proud to celebrate their incredible work, and realize the significant potential our engineering community has for future achievement.” Chancellor James T. Minor, PhD, joined the celebration, which aligned with his first official day as the University’s senior leader. He shared his great ambition for the University’s advancement and underscored his belief in the transformative power of higher education. “Higher education has the power to transform your lives, and because of what you’ll do, it has

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EDWARDSVILLE – The sound of rigorous applause and cheering filled Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s Goshen Lounge on Thursday, March 3 as Distinguished Research Professor Howard Rambsy II, PhD, made his way into a surprise celebration in his honor. Rambsy is the first Black faculty member to be honored with the University’s highest academic rank for scholarly excellence. While this historic achievement launched the community gathering, his tremendous impact on students, mentorship and friendship to colleagues, and acts of advocacy and accountability were also highlighted. “It is my great fortune to witness your talents and gifts up close,” shared Earleen Patterson, PhD, associate vice chancellor for Student Opportunities, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion. “Not only are you an innovative scholar, illustrious educator, culturally-based researcher and creative teacher, author of several books, and recipient of more than $1 million in grant

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EDWARDSVILLE — Madison County State’s Attorney Tom Haine announced today that the county has filed a Notice of Appeal on Illinois’ Seventh Judicial Circuit’s ruling on the recently-passed judicial subcircuit legislation. “This subcircuit law is unjust, unconstitutional, and riddled with problems,” Haine said. “We can discern no legitimate reason why it needs to be implemented on such a rushed timeframe in Madison County but not elsewhere in the state. This sudden, unexplained rush has forced Madison County into court, where a bipartisan and overwhelming majority of the County Board resolved to defend our fundamental commitment to a fair and equal justice system. That legal fight continues with this appeal.” Madison County is joined on this appeal by all plaintiffs, Christina Wiley, Daniel McConchie, and Judges Amy Sholar and Christopher Threlkeld. On January 21, Haine filed a lawsuit on behalf of the citizens of Madison County challenging

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BETHALTO – 1 st MidAmerica Credit Union is always looking for ways to help members improve their financial health and reach their financial goals. In 2016, the Savings Tracker Program was instituted to track the amount of money members saved just by doing their business at the credit union. Since the program’s inception in 2016, members have saved over $33,000,000. In 2021, members saved over $9.3 million. Over 870 savings stories were submitted by team members. Success stories ranged from a car loan refinance that led to $6,872 in savings, to a debt consolidation through a home equity loan that saved a member $3,649. Tracking is already in full swing for 2022. In January alone, members saved $244,069 through refinancing their car loans, debt consolidation, high rate credit card balance transfers and more. 1 st MidAmerica Credit Union has a mission of exceeding member expectations. Additional information can be found at www.1stMidAmerica.org.

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CHICAGO - Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) today recognized March as Problem Gambling Awareness Month in Illinois. To raise awareness around gambling disorders and honor those in recovery, participating buildings in downtown Chicago will be lit teal. Throughout the month, IDHS will partner with providers across the state to raise awareness around disorders as well as support and treatment options for those in need. Awareness events will include gambling screenings, gambling presentations, workshops, and other events. A full list of related events can be found here . "Individuals who struggle with gambling disorders seldom seek help and often hide their behavior from family members. This month is an opportunity for IDHS and our providers to come together to continue to get the word out about the recovery support services that are available,” said IDHS Secretary Grace B. Hou. The IDHS Division of Substance Use Prevention and Recovery

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ST. LOUIS – As prices at the pump continue to rise, Citizens for Modern Transit (CMT) is encouraging area residents to consider utilizing public transit. The organization has a FREE Try & Ride program that makes it easy for those who are new to MetroLink or MetroBus to familiarize themselves with the region’s integrated system to get them where they need to go. “Public transit is a safe, convenient and cost-effective transportation option, but many shy away from it because of the unknowns – including which route or line to take, how to purchase tickets and more,” commented Kimberly Cella, executive director of Citizens for Modern Transit. “The Try & Ride program addresses these concerns head-on. It has helped more than 6,000 individuals familiarize themselves with the system and has been credited with turning many first-time transit users into regular transit commuters.” The Try & Ride program is open to any Missouri or Illinois residents

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GRANITE CITY - Caylie McElroy has not only skills as an athlete, but she is an outstanding student for Granite City High School. Caylie is the Stillwater Senior Living Female Athlete of the Month for the Warriors. Caylie's top sport of the season is about ready to unfold - girls soccer. She has been a three-year member of the Warriors girls soccer squad. She also played girl's golf in 2021. Recently, Caylie also earned the Granite City Rotary Club Student of the Month honor with Lauren Wilson. Students for that honor were chosen on the basis of academics, as well as scholastic, extracurricular, and civic honors and awards and organization membership and leadership. She is a three-year youth vocalist and a Sunday service vocalist. The Granite City High School student is very involved in school activities from Member of Fellowship Of Christian Athletes, Renaissance Club, Spirit Club, and Varsity Club.

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ST. LOUIS COUNTY - On Tuesday, March 8, 2022, the St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office issued warrants on suspect Joeron Mottley, 19 years of age, of the 1100 block of Grenshaw Drive in St. Louis, Missouri 63137, for Murder 1 st Degree and Armed Criminal Action. A mugshot of Mottley is attached. Mottley is being held on a $500,000 cash only, no 10%, bond. Please note, charges are merely an accusation, and Defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law. The probable cause statement for Mottley reads: The Defendant was inside J’s Wireless when the Victim entered the store. When the Defendant witnessed the Victim enter the store, he shot him, striking him in the torso. The Victim then fled the store into the parking lot where the Defendant chased him and fired at him several more times. The Victim died due to his injuries. The incident was captured on video surveillance and the Defendant confessed to police that he shot the victim.

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EAST ST. LOUIS – Benny Davis, 37, of Granite City, was sentenced in federal court on Monday, March 7, 2022, to 10 years in prison for possessing firearms while being a convicted felon. Davis was also ordered to serve three years of supervised release upon his release from prison. According to court documents and statements made in court, Davis was a passenger in a vehicle that was stopped by the Hartford Police Department for traffic infractions. Police officers discovered a rifle, three shotguns, and a stolen handgun during a search of the vehicle. The recovered firearms were all loaded at the time of the traffic stop. The officers also obtained videos of Davis firing the guns the day prior to his arrest. Davis admitted to being a convicted felon at the time of his arrest which prevented him from legally possessing firearms or ammunition. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction

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ALTON - Alton Police and Fire Departments responded to a two-vehicle crash around 9 a.m. Tuesday near the Clark Bridge on Landmarks Boulevard in Alton. The area has been one of many collisions over the years. The Alton Fire Department reported there were no injuries in the crash and the vehicles appeared to encounter moderate damage. A fertilizer truck and another vehicle collided in the accident. There was some fertilizer spilled on the road and certain protocols had to be taken to ensure safety, the fire department said. There was only a minor amount of fertilizer released to the road, so it was relatively easy to clean up. The crash was still under investigation by the Alton Police Department and no other details were provided.

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EDWARDSVILLE – The Junior Service of Edwardsville Glen Carbon is excited to bring an event like nothing our area has seen before! On March 19, 2022, The Moose Lodge in Edwardsville will be the place to be! Co-chairs Sara Colvin, Kate Grahek, Robyn Wendt & Michelle Chitwood state “The chairs of Brisket and Brews are so excited for this event. We are grateful for the support that local businesses have given us in preparing for this event.” Moussalli’s Prime, 1818 Chophouse, Doc’s Smokehouse, Edley’s BBQ, and Pig on a Wing have amazing tasting options that are sure to please. Don’t eat meat? No worries! For those needing a vegetarian option, Clean Eatz has that covered. Catfish Seminar is coming in from Nashville to knock everyone’s socks off. The band is not solely a country music band, but plays a variety of genres, which will lead to an overall enjoyable experience for everyone present. Junior Service Club would not be able to have suc

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ALTON - Community murals, a new Route 66 Visitor Center, Mother Road monuments and reopening the historic Cannonball Jail are interlocking pieces of a revitalized Route 66 envisioned by the Great Rivers & Routes Tourism Bureau of Southwest Illinois The Tourism Bureau has applied for a grant under the Route 66 Grant Program administered by DCEO and the Illinois Office of Tourism. If approved, the grant would fund the projects throughout communities along the Last 100 Miles of the historic highway in Illinois. The grant funds are available to certified Destination Marketing Organizations in Illinois who represent and promote the Mother Road. “In four years, Route 66 will celebrate its centennial birthday. We want to be part of the Illinois and national celebration with a new and exciting stretch of the Mother Road in southwest Illinois,” Cory Jobe, President/CEO of the Tourism Bureau said. “We have plans that include investing in four interlinking projects that highlight

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EAST ST. LOUIS – March 6-12, 2022, is National School Social Work Week, an opportunity for schools, communities, and partners to acknowledge and recognize the impactful work social workers do to support students, families, and their communities. School social workers focus on the whole child, link families to community resources, and serve as a valuable voice as part of a school’s multi-disciplinary team. “School social workers are powerful. Not because they have magic wands, but because they deeply care and support our youth,” said School District 189 Executive Director of Communications Sydney Kaufman, MSW. Kaufman, herself a social worker, noted that the East St. Louis School District has multiple school social workers at each campus that assist with advice, support, and resources for students and their families. “They help solve problems that may negatively impact student learning, equip students with social-emotional learning skills, and foster

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CARLINVILLE - The Illinois State Board of Education has announced Blackburn College as one of the recipients of the fiscal year 2022 Teacher Residency Planning Grant. The Teacher Residency Planning Grant is a critical tool to combat the teacher shortage. This third round of funding for the initiative prioritized programs that would serve rural areas or that would focus on preparing teachers in early childhood, bilingual education, or special education – the teaching areas experiencing the highest demand. This grant provides funding for colleges and universities to partner with local school districts to design and implement a teacher residency. Like a medical residency for future doctors, in a teaching residency, the teacher candidate embeds at a school for a full year, shadowing a veteran teacher and taking classes at the school – compared to one semester of student teaching typically offered in teacher preparation program. Research shows that residency programs are

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ALTON — Olga’s Kitchen is celebrating International Women’s Day, on March 8 by giving women a free side of Olga’s Snackers® with any purchase. Rewards members can redeem the offer via the Olga’s Kitchen mobile app when placing an order online or by using their account number when dining in. Those who do not currently use the app and rewards program will be able to download it at Apple or Google Play to immediately receive the offer or can sign up online at olgas.com. Free Olga’s Snackers® are available for dine-in, delivery, and carryout orders placed through olgas.com. In an effort to support and spotlight local female entrepreneurs, Olga’s Kitchen is hosting a $200 Olga’s gift card giveaway on Instagram . To enter a women-owned business, users can tag their favorite local female entrepreneur’s business account on the Olga’s Kitchen post to be entered for the chance to win. The winner will be selected and announced

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CHICAGO – In recognition of Women’s History Month, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) is kicking off 'HERstory' – an initiative to celebrate and elevate Illinois and Illinois women-owned businesses . As part of this, DCEO is spotlighting women-owned businesses, resources, and hosting events with women trailblazers designed to provide tools and guidance for women in business to succeed. “During the month of March, and every day of the year, DCEO is focused on delivering resources that women-owned businesses need to grow and thrive,” said Acting Director of DCEO, Sylvia I. Garcia. “I'm proud to recognize the significant economic contributions that women entrepreneurs provide to Illinois’ economy, generating over $74 billion in economic activity each year.” Illinois has a vibrant community of 47,000 women-owned businesses that employ close to 411,000 employees across the state, in addition to 408,000 Illinois

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EAST ALTON – A series of upcoming training opportunities will prepare the next wave of citizen scientists to help shape stream health across the state of Illinois this spring. The Illinois RiverWatch Network will host a series of statewide trainings throughout March and April, which will educate community members on how to monitor the health of their local streams. RiverWatch, a community science initiative, is coordinated by the National Great Rivers esearch and Education Center (NGRREC SM ) at Lewis and Clark Community College. Each spring, RiverWatch offers workshops where volunteers learn to collect and identify stream macroinvertebrates (water bugs) and describe the physical condition of the stream habitat. Upon completing training and becoming certified, volunteers may adopt a stream site where they can monitor water quality and contribute to a state-wide dataset using these RiverWatch survey methods. “Macroinvertebrates are easy to collect and can tell us a lo

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GRANITE CITY – Granite City Community Unit School District #9 will host a public hearing on Tuesday, March 22 at 6 p.m. at the James J. Greenwald Administration Building in Granite City. In relation to school code 105 ILCS5/10-19.05 with the Illinois State Board of Education, GCSD9 would like to request permission to utilize three full days of school improvement (code WFS) instead of six half days of school improvement (code XHS). For more information about Granite City School District #9, visit www.gcsd9.net .

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