Riverbend April 2023

OBITUARIES

Rose Nevels

88 | Anna, Ill.

February 14, 2023

arrangements by Rendleman and Hileman Funeral Home

Rose Alice Nevels, beloved mother and grandmother, passed away February 14, 2023, at Memorial Hospital of Carbondale. She was 88 years old. Rose was born on December 12, 1934, in Pulaski County, IL, the oldest daughter of Elvis Miller and Nellie Anderson Miller. She married Grover Leonard Nevels on December 19, 1955, in Granite City, IL. Rose was a retired Federal Government employee, where she worked as an officer for OSHA.

Rose was a very faithful woman who loved the Lord, and she read her bible every day. In her earlier days, she enjoyed sewing and textiles as well as gardening and raising chickens and guineas.

Rose was very proud of her grandchildren and great grandchildren, especially her Autistic grandson, Landon. She kept every card and piece of artwork that they had given her over the years. She is survived by her Daughter, Karen (Mike) Hicks of Anna;

grandchildren, Ashley (Sean) O’Neill, Jacob Eudy, Lindsey (Ryan) Sadler, Hailey (Jay) New; great-grandchildren, Addie, Shannon, Liam O’Neill; Landon Sadler; Paisley, Holden, and Anistyn New; step greatgranddaughter, Kailey New; one brother, Dean Miller; sisters, Jane Estes, JoAnn Mucho and Janice Hammers; other relatives and many friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband of 65 years, Grover Leonard Nevels, and one daughter, Sherry Eudy. Private graveside services will be held for the immediate family. Rendleman and Hileman Funeral Home in Anna is in charge of arrangements. Memorials can be made to the Autism Society of Southern Illinois. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

To visit Rose’s memorial page and leave online condolences for her family, please visit the Rendleman and Hileman Funeral Home website at rendlemanhilemanfh.com.

Michael Lombardi 100 | Edwardsville

March 15, 2023

arrangements by Irwin Chapel

Kathy Kammien

72 | Affton, Mo.

February 15, 2023 arrangements by St Louis Cremation

VILLAGE OF BETHALTO WATER SYSTEM FLUSHING

The Village of Bethalto will begin flushing its entire water system starting Monday, April 3, 2023 and continuing until completed. Customers can expect occasional stained water and periods of low pressure throughout this process. During periods of discoloration, you may want to refrain from laundering clothes. Any questions, please contact Water Plant Operator Jim Williams at (618) 570-5098. We appreciate your patience and cooperation as we complete this necessary task.

Michael A. Lombardi, 100 of Edwardsville, Illinois passed away on Wednesday, March 15, 2023 at Stillwater Senior Living in Edwardsville.

Michael was born on August 21, 1922 in Granite City, Illinois; the son of the late Arthur and Libby (Santagato) Lombardi.

Michael was a retired machinist for Anheuser Busch and a member of St. Boniface Catholic Church in Edwardsville. Michael proudly served his country in the Army Air Corp in WW II and was an active member in the Granite City Knights of Columbus. Michael and his wife, Lora Mae had a passion for dancing and often could be seen at the Fireman’s Hall in Collinsville dancing every Saturday night. He was an avid bowler and was always ready for a round of golf. He loved to spend his free time with his family and started his day with the reading of the St. Louis Post Dispatch. Michael will be remembered for the love of his family and all the special times they shared together.

Michael is survived by and will be missed by his children; James Lombardi of Troy, Illinois, Jason and Dustie Lombardi of St. Charles, Missouri, Leah and Dennis Page of St. Louis, Missouri, Suzanne and Mike Houston of Nineveh, Indiana, Michele and Tom

Grieve of Edwardsville, Illinois; grandchildren, Jessica and Steven Kolisch, Derek Page, Jack Grieve, Lily Anne Grieve, Margaret Grieve, Sam Houston and fiance’ Andria Shook, Max Houston Doug Butteiger, Eleanora Lombardi, Giovanna Lombardi; brother, Robert and Kathy Lombardi and many other close family members and friends.

In addition to his parents, Michael was preceded in death by his loving wife; Lora Mae (Coffman) Lombardi, whom he married on February 11, 1961; sisters, Ann Hamilos, Delores Mort, Mary Germanese, Virginia Roberts.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, March 21, 2023 from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Irwin Chapel, 591 Glen Crossing Road in Glen Carbon. In celebration of Michael’s life, funeral services will be held on Wednesday, March 22, 2023 at 1:00 p.m. at St. Boniface Catholic Church, 110 North Buchanan Street in Edwardsville with Fr. Jeffrey Goeckner officiating. Burial will follow with full military rites at Sunset Hill Memorial Estates in Glen Carbon. Memorial donations are suggested to Wounded Warriors www.support. woundedwarriorproject.org or to PGA First Tee www. firsttee.org.

Marks Mortuary

Funeral Directors

Since 1901

633 E. Lorena Avenue, Wood River 618-254-5544

Kathleen “Kathy” (Jouett) Kammien, age 72, died at her home in Affton, MO on February 15, 2023. She was born April 6, 1950, to the late Truman and Jan (Finfrock) Jouett of Wood River, IL. Kathy was a graduate of the East Alton Wood River High School class of 1968. Shortly after graduating she moved to St Louis, MO.

For over 30 years, Kathy worked as a Professional Employment Consultant for several companies, including her own. Following this, she was the Program Director for the Ethical Society in St Louis for over 10 years.

Kathy then enjoyed over 10 years of retirement, filling her days with grandchildren, family, friends, traveling, and creating beautiful art. Kathy’s love for art resulted in many different types of art pieces which she created, sold, and gifted to loved ones.

Throughout her life, Kathy had a free, loving and generous spirit. She always rooted for the underdog, saw people for who they were, and was there for anyone who needed her help or just a listening ear. As a recent pastime, she enjoyed finding pictures of exotic birds and Georgia O’Keeffe paintings to post to her Facebook page.

Kathy will be greatly missed by her husband of 20 years, Michael Kammien, but he is comforted with the hope of seeing her again in heaven. A week prior to her passing,

Mike led Kathy in a prayer to receive Jesus Christ as her Savior.

In addition to Mike, Kathy was cherished by her surviving sons, Jack (Brooke) Noecker of St. Louis, MO; Scott (Shannon) Duff of Collinsville, IL; stepson Dakota (Jo’kierra)) Preis, of FL; grandchildren Stella, Evie, and Leo Noecker of St. Louis; Brendan and Aleah Duff of Collinsville; great granddaughter, Olivia Kundiff of Collinsville; brother, Jeff Jouett of Carrollton, IL; sisters Kris (Scott) Davis of College Station, TX, and Robyn (Curtis) Smith of Bethalto, IL; sister-in-law Kelly (Rick) Nowacki; brother-in-law Scott Kammien; aunt Mary Scott of Peoria, IL; and many nephews, great nieces and nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

Kathy was preceded in death by her parents, sister Jennifer, and grandson Cody Duff.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Sunday, April 16th at the Old Carriage Pavilion in Tower Grove Park in St Louis, MO from 1-5 pm. The service will begin at 1:30. After the service, those attending are welcome to stay to enjoy one another’s company and share stories and memories of their times with Kathy. Seating in the pavilion is limited, so feel free to bring lawn chairs along with any beverages you would like.

Vincent Gerard Schranck

January 16, 2023, 7:15pm

8 pounds, 1 ounce, 20 inches

St. Luke’s Hospital-Chesterfield, Mo.

Son of Stephen Schranck and Jacki

Spies Schranck of Richmond Heights, Mo. Grandparents are Chuck and Julie Schranck of Alton, Roland and Beth Spies of Imperial, Mo., and Terri Chappell of Godfrey. Elder child is Josephine Frances “JoJo”.

Florence Selena Lou Warner

February 7, 2023, 12:36am

6 pounds, 1 ounce, 18 ¼ inches

Mercy Hospital, St. Louis Mo.

Daughter of Steven and Sarah Warner of Godfrey. Older sisters are 10-year-old

Evelynn Infinity Opal Warner, 6-year-old

Clementine Honey Bea Warner, 2-year-old

Penelope Rosalina Pearl Warner, and younger twin sister Felicity Saphira Faye Warner. Grandparents are Ranson Kessinger of Dorsey, Nancy Kessinger of Fosterburg, Jim and Lori Smith of Hardin, and Cary and Jennifer Warner of St. Louis. Great grandparents are Patricia Helmkamp of Moro, and Doug and Donna Warner of Park Hills, Mo.

Felicity Saphira Faye Warner

February 7, 2023, 12:46am

5 pounds, 3 ounces, 17 ¾ inches

Mercy Hospital, St. Louis Mo.

Daughter of Steven and Sarah Warner of Godfrey. Older sisters are 10-year-old

Evelynn Infinity Opal Warner, 6-year-old

Clementine Honey Bea Warner, 2-year-old

Penelope Rosalina Pearl Warner, and twin sister Florence Selena Lou Warner. Grandparents are Ranson Kessinger of Dorsey, Nancy Kessinger of Fosterburg, Jim and Lori Smith of Hardin, and Cary and Jennifer Warner of St. Louis. Great grandparents are Patricia Helmkamp of Moro, and Doug and Donna Warner of Park Hills, Mo.

“Our family loving and caring for your family in the time of need has always been our motto.”

Trailer camping is for all ages and lifestyles

COLMAN’S COUNTRY CAMPERS SELLS WIDE VARIETY OF MODELS AND STYLES

By Frank Prager Big Z Media

The arrival of spring and warmer weather is an incentive for many who love the outdoors to head for their favorite camping spot or simply travel across the country to explore. There is no better way to pursue these activities than in a travel trailer. Colman’s Country Campers in Hartford offers a selection of camping vehicles to fit anyone’s budget or feature preferences.

Brian Campbell and Matt Diamond have owned and operated Colman Country Campers since January 2019. Both grew up in the local area and have extensive backgrounds and experience in travel campers. They explain they can help both new and existing customers find exactly the right vehicle for their needs.

The business carries a wide variety of travel trailers, expandables, fifth wheels, toy haulers and pop-ups as well as preowned trailers. Travel trailers are bumperpulled and hook up to a receiver on the back of a truck or other vehicle. Fifth wheels attach to a hitch in the bed of the truck itself. Expandables provide a smaller form factor but allow owners to add extra living space once they are parked. Toy haulers provide not only living space but also additional room for carrying four-wheelers, motorcycles and other recreational vehicles people may want to take with them to their destination.

Diamond explains the sales staff can assist buyers in understanding how to have their vehicles set up properly so they do not experience a lot of wear and tear on them.

“We’re a full-service sales and repair facility,” he says. He notes they can help customers understand not only what type of vehicle they will need to tow the trailer in which they are interested but can also provide all services and maintenance for the trailers after the sale.

“When we sell a unit, we prep that unit,” Diamond says. “We go through that unit and make sure all operations work properly. We go through everything with the customer and make sure they thoroughly understand all of it before they leave here.”

“We actually encourage customers to videotape the overview,” says Campbell. “We walk through things like how to work the air conditioner or the water heater and cover all of the camper’s features.” He notes that for many people, a trailer is a lifestyle change so there can be a lot of things they need to understand.

The two emphasize their focus is on supporting the customer during and after the sale. “People have full access to Brian and I if they have a question,” says Diamond. “We give them our cell phone numbers and they can call us anytime

from anywhere they are at.”

Customer reviews on the business’ website emphasize the friendliness, availability and accessibility of the business after the sale.

The pair explain that the demographic for trailer sales has gradually changed. “It used to be retired couples but more and more younger people and families are now buying them,” says Diamond. He notes they have become popular with all ages. He also points out camping has become extremely affordable.

The comfort and convenience of modern campers surprises many people. Amenities include refrigerators, microwaves, bathrooms, showers, beds, sinks and televisions. Campers are also available with air conditioning and full wi-fi connectivity. Many campers accommodate full size beds and can comfortably sleep up to eight people.

Campbell says they can help people understand not only what features are

available in a camper but also what they will need to tow it. “Some people come in and don’t know what they will need to tow the camper,” he says. “We can help them understand all of that and make sure they are comfortable that they can accommodate whatever they are buying. We see it as our job to educate them.”

“When a customer leaves here, they are fully ready to go camping,” says Campbell. “They get a starter kit. We fill their propane. We put a new battery in their camper. They’re ready to go camping when they leave.”

Colman’s Country Campers carries numerous brands of campers, including Flagstaff, Puma, Avenger, Salem, Salem FXS, Salem Cruise Lite, Sandpiper, Crusader and Crusader Lite.

The company also offers full financing on all the trailers they sell.

Part of the business is also a campground adjacent to

the sales lot.

The campsite can be used for trailer parking not only by people traveling across the country but also by workers who are temporarily in the area such as construction and refinery workers as well as traveling nurses. Diamond and Campbell say they have even had couples use the campground for their trailers while they are in the area using the bike trails.

The business also has a complete parts center where customers can walk in to purchase anything they need.

The business is hosting an open house April 21, 22 & 23. The public can come see the latest camper models, walk through demonstration units and find out about the latest features and accessories available. Free food, games and giveaways will be featured as well as activities for kids. 3 colmanscampers.com

OSF Saint Anthony’s announces three Mission Partner award winners

OSF Saint Anthony’s Health Center today bestowed its inaugural Mission Partner of the Month Award to Cindy Stamper, a Mission Partner with more than 20+ years of service at the hospital.

Stamper, who currently serves as transporter in the surgery department, received multiple nominations detailing her exemplary attitude and work ethic.

“Cindy is consistently complimented by her fellow

Mission Partners and there truly is no one more deserving than Cindy to be honored as the first ‘Mission Partner of the Month’ award winner,” Shawn Schroeder, Manager, Surgical Services, said.

Winners of the Mission Partner of the Month Award are noted for their exceptional manner by exemplifying the hospital’s values, providing outstanding service

Stamper Schroeder Tilson

through his or her work, and exhibiting a positive and supportive attitude. Winners also receive a designated parking spot for their use during the month.

OSF Saint Anthony’s also recently honored two Mission Partners within its nursing ranks for their service in administering care to patients as part of its quarterly

recognition program.

Chris Tilson, RN, Medical/ Surgical Unit, received the DAISY Award. The DAISY Award is a recognition program that honors the super-human work nurses do for patients and families every day. For more information, visit daisyfoundation. org.

Shyanna Hill, CNA, Medical/Surgical Unit, was the recipient of the most recent quarter’s Sunflower Award. Sunflower Award honorees exemplify the remarkable patient experience received at OSF HealthCare. More information about OSF’s Sunflower Award can be found at osfhealthcarefoundation.org/ sunflower-award. 3

TRIVIA TEST

ARIES (March 21 to April 19) The adventurous Aries won’t be disappointed with taking on a new challenge, despite some initial misgivings. Look for this move to open other opportunities down the line.

TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) Let that beautiful Bovine smile not only put you at ease, but also show that you’re ready, willing and more than able to confound the naysayers around you. Also, a new admirer has important news.

GEMINI (May 21 to June 20)

Be careful how you handle a relationship that you’re hoping to save. You already have the facts on your side. Avoid weakening your position by embellishing it with unnecessary dramatics.

CANCER (June 21 to July 22) Taking definitive stands isn’t easy for the oftenwavering Moon Child. But you not only need to stay with your decision, but also reassure others that it was the right thing to do.

LEO (July 23 to August 22)

As a proud Lion, you’re right to be upset about those who might be lying about you to others. But the best revenge is proving them wrong by succeeding at what you set out to do.

3.

4.

when two

5. INVENTIONS: What is

BernersLee credited with inventing?

6. ANATOMY: Where are the quadriceps located?

7. LITERATURE: Which poet wrote a six-volume biography of President Lincoln?

8. TELEVISION: Timothy Lovejoy is a minister on which animated TV series?

9. ANIMAL KINGDOM: Yaks are native to which region?

10. U.S. PRESIDENTS: Before he was elected president, which of the founding fathers attended the coronation of Napoleon at Notre Dame Cathedral? (answers in puzzle solutions)

VIRGO (August 23 to September 22) Caution is still advised before making a financial commitment to a “promising” project. Look for the facts behind the fluff. Meanwhile, devote the

weekend to loved ones.

LIBRA (September 23 to October 22) A Taurus offers comfort and advice as you deal with an upsetting event. Use this as a learning experience that will help you avoid similar problems in the future.

SCORPIO (October 23 to November 21) A romantic situation creates some chaos for single Scorpions. But it’s well worth the effort to work things out. A trusted friend can offer some helpful advice.

SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to December 21) Expect to make new friends as your social circle expands. Also, remember to tell that family member how proud you are of their achievements.

CAPRICORN (December 22 to January 19) New ventures continue to be favored. With your self-confidence rising all the time, you’ll want to see how well you can do with a new challenge. So, go to it.

AQUARIUS (January 20 to February 18) This is a good time for the usually seriousminded Aquarian to let loose and enjoy some fun times. Expect to get good news about a workplace issue.

PISCES (February 19 to March 20) Changed plans might upset some people, but your needs should be respected. Offer explanations when necessary. Don’t let yourself get talked into changing your decisions.

Do you remember your first concert? Most of you have probably been to a show or two (or many) in your life, but are there concerts that stand out?

Bruce Springstein has been famous for 3-hour-plus shows for years with his many hits. Jam bands like Phish have made a career out of nearly 3-hour shows, although that might only include a total of 20 songs. They have been selling out shows around the country since the early 1990s. Pop singer Taylor Swift recently launched her new tour and opening night was over 3 hours and included more than 40 songs. My wife and I took our girls to see Taylor Swift when they were in grade school and she put on a good show! (A newcomer at the time by the name of Ed Sheeran was the opening act).

My first concert was seeing the Monkees on their 20th anniversary tour in 1986 at Powell Symphony Hall (Mike Nesmith skipped the tour that year). Opening acts were Gary Puckett and the Union Gap and the Grass Roots.

The Fox Theater in St. Louis is where I’ve seen some of my favorite shows…R.E.M., Midnight Oil, and Tears for

TOWN OF THE

By Mark Ellebracht

Fears with Debbie Harry. R.E.M. is my favorite band and I also got to see them at the Kiel Center and also at the old Riverport. Saw Midnight Oil again there too, along with They Might Be Giants at a PointFest.

I saw Metallica at The Arena (Checkerdome) and thought the place was going to collapse with the noise (still the loudest show I’ve attended). Speaking of loud, and fast, ever heard of ALL?

I had not but a college friend was a fan so we ventured to Mississippi Nights with the opening band, Alton’s very own, Judge Nothing. (if memory serves me).

On my 21st birthday, I saw the Violent Femmes and the B-52s at the Illinois State Fair, which still ranks up there as one of my favorites.

I also saw the B-52s with Ziggy Marley at The Muny, and the Bs also played Fair St. Louis one year.

A show of hands if you’ve seen REO Speedwagon? I think it comes with living in Illinois or the St. Louis area to at least see them once. Mine was at Fair St. Louis.

Two shows at Busch Stadium…U2 both times.

The 360 Tour was great but during the hottest summer ever. The Zoo TV

tour was just OK. The best show though was at the Checkerdome, 1987, game 7 of the World Series, and lead singer Bono walked out on stage with a Cardinals jacket on. It was wild! I almost didn’t go to that show. Some high school friends and I stood in line for tickets at Famous Barr in Alton but they sold out before we got to the front. Luckily, my friend’s brother had two extra tickets and sold them to us for $30 each. ROBBERY! But we wanted to go, so we paid for it and then he drove us.

I saw Chubby Checker on the old Alton Belle Casino in my early 20s and remember seeing a mom of some classmates of mine get up on a table to dance during The Twist. She shall remain nameless.

At the Alton Amphitheater, we weren’t going to go, then we changed our mind and went to see Kenny Rogers a few years back. I’m glad we did. He played the hits and put on a good show.

More music talk next month!

If you have a concert story, a ticket story or maybe you were a member of a fan club, let me know your story and we’ll share it. 3 markellebracht@bigz.media

Boys & Girls Club of Bethalto T-ball & Coach Pitch registration

Register now for the Boys & Girls Club of Bethalto’s 2023

T-ball/Coach Pitch season.

Registration ends April 28, 2023.

Registration will be taken at the Club, 324 E. Central St. in Bethalto Monday through Friday from 9am to 6:30pm.

Register early to increase your odds of getting

the team you request.

Registration ends on April 28. Late applicants will be placed on a waiting list and charged a $10 late fee. Ball is open to all youth regardless of where they live.

Youth are put into divisions based on their age as of Sept. 1, 2023. The divisions are T-Ball (ages 4 & 5)

and Coach Pitch (ages 6 & 7). Teams are co-ed and instructional, teaching basic skills and good sportsmanship.

The program fee for T-ball/Coach Pitch is $45. Fundraising options are available.

For more information, call 618-377-6030. 3

Pettman

Each

TRIVIA TEST

By Fifi Rodriguez

1. AD SLOGANS: What company advertises its clothing with the ad slogan, “Quality never goes out of style”?

2. SCIENCE: What is the tallest grass in the world?

Unscramble the letters within each rectangle to form four ordinary words. Then rearrange the boxed letters to form the mystery word, which will complete the gag!

3. MOVIES: What is the name of the camp in “Friday the 13th”?

4. GEOGRAPHY: What is the term when two water streams join to form a larger stream?

5. INVENTIONS: What is Tim BernersLee credited with inventing?

6. ANATOMY: Where are the quadriceps located?

7. LITERATURE: Which poet wrote a six-volume biography of President Lincoln?

8. TELEVISION: Timothy Lovejoy is a minister on which animated TV series?

9. ANIMAL KINGDOM: Yaks are native to which region?

10. U.S. PRESIDENTS: Before he was elected president, which of the founding fathers attended the coronation of Napoleon at Notre Dame Cathedral? (answers in puzzle solutions)

numbered row contains two clues and two 6-letter answers. The two answers differ from each other by only one letter, which has already been inserted. For example, if you exchange the A from MA STER for an I, you get MISTER. Do not change the order of the letters.

HU is the Sound of Soul… Come and Experience e HU…

Go Figure

Arrive at the figures given at the bottom and right columns of the diagram by following the arithmetic signs in the order they are given (that is, from left to right and top to bottom). Use only the numbers below the diagram to complete its blank squares and use each of the nine numbers only once.

by Mike Ostresh

CryptoQuip

This is a simple substitution cipher in which each letter used stands for another. If you think that X equals O, it will equal O throughout the puzzle. Solution is accomplished by trial and error.

My Visa was declined at the sweater store, so the cashier asked me for my cardigan. Which type of melon will never run away to get married? Cantaloupe.

I got a new job in a factory that makes chess pieces. I mostly work knights.

I can’t sleep at night because of a loud ticking noise outside. I think it must be the neighborhood watch.

Dad Jokes.

—

Today’s Special

Kids’ Maze

Phillips 66 Wood River

Refinery focuses on people and community

REFINERY HAS BEEN IN OPERATION SINCE 1917

By Frank Prager Big Z Media

Anyone who has lived or spent time in the Riverbend area is familiar with the presence of the Phillips 66 Wood River Refinery. The sprawling crude oil processing complex with its massive white storage tanks and its glittering steel infrastructure is as iconic to the area as Robert Wadlow or the Piasa Bird.

Established in 1917, the Wood River operation currently covers 2,200 acres and is the 10th largest facility of its type in the United States. It employs over a thousand combined payroll and contract employees and can process over 340,000 barrels of crude oil per day.

Melissa Erker is the Director of Government and Community Relations for the refinery. Herself a third-generation refinery employee, she understands as well as anyone the benefits the operation

has brought to families in the local community over the past century. “I could not be more proud of this company,” she says. “Healthy communities are places we can live, work and play. This refinery, for over 100 years, has provided stable jobs for this region so people can live here and enjoy life here.”

The refinery operations transform crude oil into various usable petroleum products such as diesel fuel, gasoline and aviation fuel. In addition it produces petrochemical feedstocks which other companies use as ingredients in the production of goods such as plastics and synthetic materials. Asphalt for road construction as well as propane and coke are also produced. Erker says that even though ownership and technology have changed over the years, the goal of the refinery has always remained the same – providing energy to

the Midwest through the products they produce.

Crude oil is brought into the plant mainly through pipelines. It is shipped out through pipelines as well as by barge, tank truck and railcar. The location of the facility near the Mississippi River and in the heart of the Midwest rail corridor makes the location ideal for supplying products across Illinois and as far as Indiana and Ohio.

The economic benefit the company brings to the community is undeniable.

Erker explains an economic impact study was performed in 2018 in conjunction with SIUE. She says the results showed that just in Jersey, Madison and St. Clair counties, the refinery’s economic impact was $7.2 billion per year.

“The employee base lives here and spends money in the community,” she says. “Local businesses are used and supported by the refinery. Restaurants and other businesses in the area are supported by the money the employees

spend.” She notes the company also supports the community through direct monetary donations, United Way campaigns, employee volunteer projects and matching gifts to charities. Dealing with an industrial environment as well as combustible materials, safety is obviously the number one priority for the company. “It’s the discussions we have every day around everything we do, from simply crossing the street to the most complex job tasks,” says Erker. “Everyone is given the authority to stop work if they recognize anything that might be unsafe.”

Erker points out the plant works with numerous unions, including operating engineers, pipefitters, electricians, boilermakers and carpenters. She says the refinery has good relations with union leadership and is proud of its ability to work

together to benefit everyone involved.

The company affords local residents the opportunity for jobs that pay well and provide good careers. “There is tremendous opportunity here for people who want good jobs,” says Erker. “They are good, safe jobs that provide great income.” She emphasizes that a college education is not required for many jobs at the company.

“There are programs at Lewis and Clark College like the Process Technology program that help people position themselves for these jobs but it’s not required.” Available job opportunities are posted online at phillips66. jobs. Applications can be submitted on the website, also.

The company sees interaction with and feedback from the community as essential to its success. It conducts a monthly advisory panel

consisting of representatives from adjacent communities involved with education, health care, small business, not-for-profit businesses, emergency response and others. The refinery manager along with safety, environmental, internal emergency response, security and community relations managers participate for the company. Erker explains the objective of the panel is to educate the community about the refinery and get feedback and input about refinery operations. She points out a community hotline is available 24 hours a day at 618-255-3375. People can call the hotline for anything from emergencies to general questions.

Phillips 66 Wood River Refinery looks to the future with optimism and plans to continue working with the community in bringing good jobs and economic strength

Erker

The sprawling Phillips 66 Wood River refinery complex is an icon of the Riverbend area. [photo by Frank Prager]

SECRET DINER

By Bill Roseberry

Long tradition, excellent menu worth a visit

Visiting a landmark restaurant in north central Madison County recently, I decided to try the masterpiece on their menu for the first time and I definitely wasn’t disappointed.

It’s hard to miss this place, sitting along the main drag through town as it has since 1942. The large paved parking lot wraps around the gray stone building.

There have been some upgrades to this place in recent years, including an outside deck for dining in good weather. A ramp leading up to the patio area also offers an entrance into the back of the restaurant.

On my recent visit I entered through the bar, which has just always been the entrance I have used. There is a tiny vestibule with large wooden doors which lead you into the bar area. The bar is situated on the right side of the room, with several tables in the middle and booths along the left wall. Walk straight back and you’ll see the entrance to the kitchen, another entrance from the backside of the parking lot and then a hallway to the right leading to the restrooms and more seating.

This joint is big and it needs to be, because it stays busy. The business is from that long tradition, but also of course the excellent menu.

I’ve eaten here many times through the years, but this time I wanted to order their heavyweight menu item which I had actually never tried previously. That all-star is the 10-ounce pepperloin which I’ve heard bragged about locally forever, so I had to finally see what all the fuss was about.

Accompanying my steak I got a side of green beans and also ordered an appetizer of fried mushrooms. I added grilled onions to my steak, too. We’ll start with the fried mushrooms. They were definitely GBD (golden brown delicious) and plump as heck. They were popping in flavor and so plentiful. I had to get a to-go box for a big portion of them. They were just as good the second time around also.

As for my pepperloin, just looking at it I was stoked. I ordered it medium and it was cooked to perfection. It was perfectly pink and oh-so succulent. The pepper on the steak added a slight kick, but nothing overwhelming, just adding to the overall flavor. All of the boasting and bragging I’ve heard through the years are well warranted, this steak is worth the visit.

If I had one complaint, it’s the amount of onions they threw on top. Flavor-wise they were scrumptiously caramelized and added another level to the experience, but I did have to discard a few to the side. I asked for steak sauce just in case, too, but quickly realized there was no need for that. This treat just melted in my mouth and didn’t need any assistance.

Overall:

Cleanliness:

Service:

Food:

Price: Any idea of the name of this restaurant?

Check the puzzle solutions to see if you are right.

Not to forget the green beans, they were big ole honkers mixed with bacon and very good.

My dining companion ordered a small bacon and black olives pizza for her meal and was satisfied. I pilfered one piece and it was good and totally driven by the taste of bacon, which you can never go wrong with in my opinion. Bacon is king. If steak and pizza aren’t your bag, there are plenty of other options here also. There’s goodies like the brown sugar pork chop, fried chicken, burgers, the pepperloin sandwich, a pork tenderloin sandwich, a horseshoe, pastas, salads and their famous strombolis to name a few choices. 3

FRAY BEYOND THE

pitch. He plugged the TV back in and I asked if I should turn it on. Surely the apprentice brain surgeon would be given the honor of flipping the switch. And sure enough, Dad gave me a nod and I did the deed.

white dot in the middle of the picture tube. Disaster. Why did I bother to plow through my homework right after dinner? The reward was to be an hour or two of prime time TV. But now this. How soon could the TV repairman be summoned? Would he have to haul the TV to the shop for repairs? How long would it take? All weighty questions for an adolescent in the ’60s. What if we had to go all weekend without TV? No Wrestling at the Chase? Unthinkable. But I was way ahead of myself. Dad sprung into action. After I fetched a Phillips screwdriver, he soon had the fiberboard cover off the back of the TV. I watched, mesmerized, as he removed the tubes one-byone from the chassis of the TV, recording the number off each tube on a schematic he was sketching as he worked. I resisted the urge to ask questions for fear of breaking his concentration. Working deep inside the maze of wires

and tubes surely was akin to brain surgery. Once the tubes were out and the schematic complete, Dad said, “Sam, get your coat. We’re going to Thrifty to test these tubes.” Thrifty? Thrifty Drug Store? To test TV tubes? It just didn’t compute in my young mind. But I was too excited to ask for an explanation. After all, I had been elevated to apprentice brain surgeon. Sure enough, Thrifty had a tube-tester, a giant console with various tube receptors and a meter with red, yellow, and green fields. Dad commenced to work, finding the proper receptor for each tube, then pushing the test button. As the tube warmed up, the needle on the meter began to move. Most often it lurched up to green, and Dad would set that tube aside. It was captivating. Then, as Dad pushed the test button on the next tube, the needle started moving as before, but faltered and stopped dead in the red zone. Dad let out an “ah-hah” and summoned to clerk who retrieved a replacement from the locked cabinet below the console. We raced home, and referring to his schematic, Dad fastidiously re-seated all the tubes and re-attached the fiberboard back. My excitement was at a fever

First, the white dot in the middle of the picture tube. Then an agonizing moment or two of uncertainty. Was the operation a success or did the patient expire? Then, some squiggly lines. The tension mounts, and a roll or two of the picture. C’mon baby, pull through! And almost miraculously, the most beautiful black and white picture a television had ever displayed. It was magical! We did it! We resurrected that old Sylvania from the dead.

As Dad settled back into his easy chair the next prime time show’s opening theme began to play. But I paid little attention. I couldn’t take my eyes off Dad, who in the last hour had elevated himself in status far above mere mortal. The neighbors have to call the TV repairman, but not us. Dad is a genius and, with the able assistance of his apprentice, anything is possible.

Tube TVs and tube testing stations are things of the past. But dads of this generation don’t need tube testers to impress their children. Because it wasn’t the tube testing that made me so proud that night. No, I was proud because I got to be Dad’s apprentice. And every dad can do that. 3

Sam Stemm is the President of Big Z Media.

Brighton Mayor Matt Kasten

By Mark Ellebracht Big Z Media

Brighton Mayor Matt

Kasten has done a little bit of everything in his hometown and hopes to do more as its mayor. He was elected in April 2021 after having already served as a part-time police officer and volunteer fireman in the community earlier in his life. He’s a small business owner, a member of a few boards, and wanted to give back and try to improve the town he grew up in. Kasten, and village board member John Bramley, recently visited the Big Z Media studios for an appearance on Let’s Talk.

Talk about getting

involved in local politics

I’ve lived here all my life and have already been on the police force and been a volunteer firefighter, then served on committees and then that turned into being on the village board, and then the opportunity to run for mayor came open and John and others encouraged me to run. I got the blessing of my family and got in the race and thankfully was elected.

Like many small towns the size of Brighton, being the mayor is technically not a full time job is it?

No it’s not, but it really should be. There’s a lot that goes into being the mayor (Village President) of Brighton, more than most people think. I have a small business that I own in Chesterfield, Missouri, but I set aside one day a week that I spend in Brighton, plus evenings, weekends or any other time people have

questions or need to meet with me. I do the best I can, but every Thursday I devote myself to Brighton and I can certainly say it could easily be a full-time job.

What sets Brighton apart from other towns?

There are great people in Brighton! We’ve got a good police force, good schools, the fire and paramedic teams are wonderful, and while we may lack in some areas when it comes to small businesses, we’re trying to change that. We are close enough to local highways that you can get to other places quickly if you want, like Godfrey or Jerseyville, but we have that small town feel a lot of people like. Plus it’s a great place to raise a family.

What’s on your small business wish list?

The economy right now unfortunately is not in favor of the small town and we’re trying to change that. We lost our only grocery store a few years ago because most people in town preferred to shop somewhere else. However, we are working with a developer at the old Tom’s Market site and hopefully that will turn into something good for Brighton. The key is local support. Whatever type of business we have in town, people that live here need to support it if they want to see it grow and possibly bring additional businesses to Brighton. 3

Hear the full interview with Mayor Kasten and board member Bramley at advantagenews.com under the LISTEN tab.

Two honored by Alton Godfrey Rotary Club

Jackson Pranger of Marquette Catholic High School and Summer Collman of Alton High School were honored as Students of the Month of March at a recent meeting of the Rotary Club of Alton-Godfrey held at Gentelin’s on Broadway Restaurant.

Jackson Pranger is the son of Rick and Sara Pranger of Jerseyville. He is a senior at Marquette Catholic High School and plans to attend Lewis and Clark Community College and then transfer to the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, majoring in Ag Accounting.

While attending Marquette, Jackson has been a member of the National Honors Society for two years. He has earned High Honor Roll all four years while taking honors, AP, and dual credit classes and holds a GPA of 4.4. Jackson played basketball, soccer and tennis at Marquette.

Summer Collman is a senior at Alton High School and works at Asbury Village as a server after school. She currently has a 4.1 GPA and has taken multiple honors and dual credit classes. Summer was recognized this year as an Illinois State Scholar. She was also recognized as a High Honor Roll student and named to Lewis and Clark’s President’s List for the fall semester.

She is currently an FCCLA State Officer and formerly the president of the Alton FCCLA chapter. She is a member of Alton High’s National Honor Society and also a member of the Interact Club, the Robotics Club, and is a two-year member of the Redbird Nest.

Summer and Jackson each received plaques recognizing their achievement from Alton-Godfrey Rotary Club President Antione Williams 3

Collman

Pranger

Doctor’s buggy on display at Grafton Museum

A buggy owned by Dr. Frank Brecht arrived at the Edward Amburg History Museum, 950 E. Main St., Grafton and is now on display for the visiting public.

Dr. Brecht was educated in Chicago public schools

before attending St. Louis University in St. Louis. He received his Doctor of Medicine in 1895. He and his family resided in Brussels and Grafton for most of his professional career.

Dr. Brecht used the buggy

as he visited his patients in Jersey and Calhoun Counties. He died in 1942 and is buried in Scenic Hills Cemetery in Grafton.

Dr. Brecht’s buggy was driven in the 1965 Dedication of the River

Road parade and was also driven in the 1968 Sesquicentennial of Illinois parade in Grafton. The buggy was completely restored by the Amish Yoder family in Arthur. Illinois. Linda and Larry Burton of rural Grafton have donated it to the Grafton Historical Society for display at the Museum.

The Edward Amburg History Museum is open Thursday through Sunday and holiday Mondays from 10am. to 4pm. Additional information about the museum is available on the GraftonIL app on both Apple and Google platforms.

NEW SENIOR CITIZEN CENTER

The Village of South Roxana is getting a new Senior Citizen Center. Mayor Barbara Overton has been a huge supporter of the project, and tells AdVantage it has been her major focus since being elected as mayor, and even before when she was a trustee. She thanks everyone that helped bring this project to fruition, including state Rep. Amy Elik and former state Sen. Rachelle Crowe. The cost of the building, which she says will be approximately the size of the Dad’s Club building in town, is estimated to be around $400,000. Overton hopes to see construction wrapped up by the fall.

The United Methodist Village is now Asbury Village! Here, you’ll find a countryside neighborhood that bustles with activities and opportunities. Along with our new name comes a fresh focus on good health and wellness, and exciting, new services, amenities and programs. We invite you to come be a part of it all, to discover what’s next for you. Call us at (618) 466-8662 today to learn more!

The United Methodist Village is now Asbury Village! Here, you’ll find a countryside neighborhood that bustles with activities and opportunities. Along with our new name comes a fresh focus on good health and wellness, and exciting, new services, amenities and programs. We invite you to come be a part of it all, to discover what’s next for you. Call us at (618) 466-8662 today to learn more!

New name, new amenities, same great community!

New name, new amenities, same great community!

The United Methodist Village is now Asbury Village! Here, you’ll find a countryside neighborhood that bustles with activities and opportunities. Along with our new name comes a fresh focus on good health and wellness, and exciting, new services, amenities and programs. We invite you to come be a part of it all, to discover what’s next for you. Call us at (618) 466-8662 today to learn more!

New name, new amenities, same great community!

Roller skating

The dead of a February winter. A deep-snow Monday. School canceled. A ringing phone. My mother answered it. It was for me.

Elizabeth Lowe was calling.

I’m pretty sure my grade school crush on Lisa Tarpley was over and I had moved on to my cute little classmate Elizabeth Lowe who lived just a block from my house— up Asbury to Elm and hang a right.

In my youthful, inexperienced eyes, the Lowe house looked like a mansion. It was a mansion … for Greenville. I took the phone receiver from my mom.

“Hello.”

Elizabeth wanted to know if I wished to go roller skating.

“You mean ice skating?”

“No. Roller skating.”

I was confused. Greenville didn’t have a roller rink, and wouldn’t have until my parents opened one when I was in Junior High. I think, maybe, Edwardsville had one, but I knew the Lowes weren’t about to get one of their two Ford Thunderbird convertibles out in the snow, ice, and shivering temps of an off-school Monday.

“Where?” I asked.

“In my house,” she answered.

By Pat Heston

“Okay,” I said. On went the galoshes and gloves, the stocking hat and snow suit, and up the steep sidewalk I plodded.

Upon arrival, I rang the front doorbell. Elizabeth ushered me inside where I was quickly and warmly greeted by a smiling Mrs. Lowe.

I handed over my winter attire to the lady of the house, was handed a pair of skates by Elizabeth, and the two of us took off skating all around the kitchen in one big circle after one big circle.

The place was huge and we had a blast, for probably 20 to 30 minutes, until Mrs. Lowe had work to do and sent us upstairs to skate.

The upstairs was massive and, if I recall correctly, consisted of only two rooms. On the far North was the bedroom of Mr. & Mrs. Lowe.

The rest of the upstairs was the bedroom of the Lowe girls. It was like something straight out of “Peter Pan” or “Goldilocks and the Three Bears.” I would guess the girl’s bedroom was roughly the size of the state of Indiana. Maybe California. And the smooth wooden floors were ideal for a couple of first-graders on skates.

Because the room was so long and wide, we were able to skate at break-neck speed, making

the end turns without getting dizzy. The place put to shame any roller rink I had ever or would ever be in. It was immense but cozy, and we had to have spent an hour-and-a-half—maybe two—racing its length and breadth, occasionally even holding hands. I wasn’t really into holding hands with girls, but this was Elizabeth Lowe, remember. We were lost in our own big world when Mrs. Lowe yelled up the stairs that she had fixed breakfast for us and we needed to come down and eat. With full belly, I donned my winter gear, thanked my host, and headed home with memories … still vivid. 3

Pat Heston is co-host of Let’s

Illinois spring trout fishing season opens April 1 at 58 locations statewide

The 2023 Illinois spring trout fishing season will open Saturday, April 1, at 58 ponds, lakes, and streams throughout the state.

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) stocks more than 80,000

rainbow trout each year in bodies of water where trout fishing is permitted during the spring season.

An additional 80,000 trout will be stocked for the fall trout fishing season, which begins in October.

For the 2023 spring trout season, no trout may be taken from any of the stocked sites until the season opens at 5am April 1. Anyone attempting to harvest trout before the legal harvest season opening will be issued citations.

All anglers, including those who intend to release fish caught before April 1, must have a fishing license and an Inland Trout Stamp unless they are under the age of 16, blind or disabled, or are an Illinois resident on leave from active duty in

the Armed Forces. The daily harvest limit for each angler is five trout.

For more information on trout seasons and other Illinois fishing opportunities, go to ifishillinois.org.

Illinois 2023 fishing licenses

and Inland Trout Stamps are available now at IDNR license and permit locations, including many bait shops, sporting goods stores, and other retail outlets. For a list of locations, visit exploremoreil.com/ agentlocator. 3

YWCA announces 2023

Women of Distinction honorees

YWCA Southwestern Illinois is pleased to announce the 2023 Women of Distinction honorees:

Felicia Alexander, Erin Bickle, Lisa Brown, Creola Davis, Christine M. Favilla, Bonnie Hindelang, Dr. Dorothy Mosby, Dr. Ameera Nauman, Stephanie Schrage and Maura Wuellner. The new honorees will join the prestigious Women of Distinction (WOD) Academy, a group of 300 plus outstanding female leaders from Madison and Jersey County, at the annual Women of Distinction Gala.

“YWCA annually recognizes extraordinary women for their contributions to their communities, for fostering the development of women and girls, for creating programs that positively impact families and for supporting the YWCA mission of eliminating

racism and empowering women. The 2023 WOD honorees are exceptional leaders, innovators and role models and we are truly looking forward to sharing their stories with the community during our lead up to our WOD Gala on May 4, 2023.” said Dorothy Hummel, Executive Director.

The YWCA WOD Event Committee Co-Chairs

Desira Caffey and Yolanda Crochrell are grateful to all persons who submitted Women of Distinction Nominations and to the WOD Selection Committee for their outstanding efforts in choosing the this year’s honorees.

A gala event honoring the 2023 Women of Distinction will be held Thursday, May 4 at Julia’s Banquet Center,

East Gate Plaza, East Alton. Tickets are $65 per person, or $520 per table of eight. Reservations can be made online at altonywca.com, or by calling YWCA at 618465-7774.

Sponsorship and advertising opportunities for this 300 plus person event are available. Area businesses and individuals may purchase advertisements or well-wisher advs for the WOD Honorees or for individual WOD honorees.

YWCA is conducting its annual WOD Raffle with winners being announced at the WOD Gala event on May 4, 2023. Raffle prizes are $1,000, $500, $250 and $125. Winners need not be present at the WOD Gala to win a prize. Raffle tickets can be purchased at YWCA, by contacting Board members or visiting altonywca.com. 3

MCT donates patrol bicycles to SIUE and LCCC

In an effort to facilitate the development of bicycle patrol programs in Madison County, Madison County Transit (MCT) donated RECON Interceptor Power Bicycles to the police department at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE) and the campus safety office at Lewis and Clark Community

College (LCCC) before the Thursday, February 23 MCT Board Meeting. The new ruggedized bikes will allow employees at the university and college to patrol the campuses and nearby trails.

In the last five years, MCT has donated similar patrol bicycles to police departments in Alton, East Alton,

A cancer diagnosis changes everything.

Edwardsville, Granite City, Maryville, Highland, Troy, South Roxana, and Venice.

RECON is a law enforcement ebike company specializing in patrol bikes. The allterrain bicycles donated to SIUE and LCCC have a heavy-duty frame and durable, puncture resistant 4-inch tires. 3

AdVantage Athletes sponsored by Simmons Hanly Conroy

Trimpe Eagles 7th grade volleyball team went 24-3 this season Sports writer Steve Porter inducted into St. Louis Sports Hall of Fame

EAWR Freshman Gina Truax sets a school record in the indoor 400m Roxana’s Jackson Garman takes a shot against Valmeyer

Marquette Catholic Boys Basketball celebrate a regional championship Alton Lady Redbirds celebrate a regional title

St. Louis Regional Freightway offers riverboat cruises for students and educators

The St. Louis Regional Freightway is inviting students and educators to sign up now to take advantage of curated riverboat cruises in 2023 that will provide tours through a portion of the Ag Coast of America. Offered the first Wednesday of the month beginning in April 2023, the cruises will be open to high school and college student groups, educators and educational administrators, and others interested in learning about the Ag Coast and the many career opportunities available in the region’s transportation, manufacturing and logistics

industries. The cost per person varies based on age, group size and whether the group is participating in a regularly scheduled tour or a private, chartered tour.

Participants will get an up-close look at critical elements of the region’s multimodal freight network, including roads and bridges, rail and barge facilities and multimodal freight transfer services and ports, all of which have garnered recognition for a 15-mile stretch of the Mississippi River running through the St. Louis region as the Ag Coast of America. The Ag Coast is home to 16 barge

Senior Services Plus, Metro East Humane Society to distribute pet food

Metro East Humane Society’s (MEHS) Riverbend Pet Food Pantry is teaming up with Senior Services Plus (SSP) in Alton to provide pet food for more families in Madison County through SSP’s Meals on Wheels program. The partnership is set to begin in late March and will distribute pet food to an additional 40 families in the Metro East.

“Senior Services Plus is excited to continue growing its Meals on Wheels pet food program through this new collaboration with the Metro East Humane Society,” said Emily Jackson, Development Director for Senior Services Plus. “Many Meals on Wheels recipients live on a fixed income and have reported sharing their meals with their pets. We hope to increase both senior and pet food security through the pet food program.”

According to MEHS

Executive Director Anne Schmidt, the humane society approached Senior Services Plus with the offer to supply pet food through the MEHS Riverbend Pet Food Pantry when the program restructured in early 2023. Once offering monthly delivery to a select number of recipients, MEHS’ pantry has expanded to a walk-in style pantry that is open to all Metro East residents, regardless of income eligibility. This new collaboration with Senior Services Plus will allow

home-bound recipients in Madison County to continue receiving benefits.

“We’re thrilled to have the opportunity to collaborate with our friends at Senior Services Plus by providing pet food to owners receiving their Meals on Wheels service,” said Schmidt. “We know that pets play such an important role in anyone’s life, but they especially provide a homebound senior with social connection and can enhance their social and mental health.”

Recipients of the newly structured MEHS Riverbend Pet Food Pantry are asked only to provide proof of their pets’ spay/neuter status after the first month and will have access to pet food, litter and miscellaneous pet supplies once a month per household.

Anyone interested in donating or receiving pet food through the MEHS Riverbend Pet Food Pantry can stop in either of Metro East Humane Society’s locations in Edwardsville or Highland, Ill. Wednesday through Saturday from 11:30am to 5pm and Sundays from 11:30am to 3pm.

To register for Senior Services Plus’ extension of the Riverbend Pet Food Pantry or for more information on Senior Services Plus please call 618-465-3298 or email pmack@seniorservicesplus. org. 3

transfer facilities that at total capacity, can handle more than 150 barges per day, providing the highest level of barge-handling capacity anywhere along the Mississippi River. Routinely handling approximately 436,000 tons per mile,

the barge industry in this section of the Mississippi River is nearly two-and-ahalf times more efficient than its closest competitors, according to the most recent rankings by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Participants will gain an

Ding Dong Ding Dong

By Marc Camoletti

Tudor Gatesi

awareness of the impact transportation has on the local economy, and a deeper understanding of the St. Louis region’s role as a world-class logistics hub offering global access from a central location at the nexus of America’s freight network.

A visit to the Gateway Arch museum can be included to learn about the St. Louis Region’s Riverfront Era –highlighting its early role as a distribution point for U.S. goods and an entryway for global imports. 3

April 4 is Election Day! The Village has three trustee seats open for election, with seven candidates running for those spots. Current Trustees Tim Lowrance, Maria Perkhiser, and Jeff Mull have terms expiring in May; candidates Maria Perkhiser, Tim Vogel, Jeff Mull, Rachel Sontag, Brian Frier, Kenneth “Ed” Slayden, and Chrissy Wiley have thrown their names into the hat, hoping to be elected.

To cast your vote, early voting is being offered at Village Hall from March 20 through March 31 from 9am5pm. Polls will be open on Election Day, April 4, from 6am-7pm. Not registered to vote? You can register and vote at an early voting location or register and vote on election day—two forms of identification are required, one must show your current address.

The Bethalto Chamber of Commerce hosted a “Meet the Candidate” night on March 14 at the Bethalto Senior Citizens Building. This forum gave Trustee candidates the opportunity to answer pre-determined questions from the Chamber’s moderator and allowed those in attendance to learn more about the candidates and their concerns and vision for the Village. If you missed the chance to attend the forum, you will find a video of the event on the Chamber Facebook page “Bethalto Chamber of Commerce” (posted March 14).

The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency has mandated that municipalities survey residents within their boundaries to determine the makeup of water service lines entering homes. To satisfy this requirement, the Village has a link to our survey on our website. Residents are asked to visit Bethalto.com to find the link at the bottom of the home page under “Quick Links”. Please answer the questions as they pertain to your residence; instructions are attached to the online survey.

The Bethalto Rotary Club is hosting their annual Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, April 8 in Central Park. This family fun event will feature candy, games, bounce

By Gary Bost Bethalto Mayor

Spring is in the air — and here’s what’s going on in Bethalto

houses and a visit by the Easter Bunny himself!

The event runs from 10am1:30pm, with the Egg Hunt at 12:00pm. Bring the kids and enjoy free fun & treats, courtesy of Bethalto Rotary. Looking forward to summer already? The Bethalto Jaycees will kick off the summer season with their annual carnival in Central Park from May 18-21. Rides, games, and festival food will entice the young and young at heart. This is the Jaycees biggest fundraiser of the year, so be sure to come out, have some fun, and support a great cause. Interested in being a vendor at the fair? Contact the Jaycees through their Facebook page “Bethalto Jaycees Country Fair” for more information.

Speaking of summer, Bethalto Splash Landing, our splash pad, will open for the season on Saturday, May 27. Open daily from 10am5pm with free admission, you can bring the kids out for a splashing good time!

Concessions are available as well. Looking to book a private splash pad party?

Visit our website Bethalto. com, on the home page under “Quick Links”, for more Splash Pad information and how to reserve your date.

Bethalto Spirit will once again sponsor Music in the Park every Thursday in Central Park beginning May 25. This year will see the return of Elvis, Flip the Frog, and a visit by the Scott Air Force Base band as well as many other great entertainers. Be sure to follow Bethalto Spirit on Facebook for more details on all their events. Their weekly Farmers Markets are also set to start in June, and we look forward to hosting their great local vendors!

Did you know that Bethalto offers a Senior Bus Program? Through a collaboration with Fort Russell Township, Wood River Township, and the Village of Bethalto, anyone aged 62+ can catch a free ride on the Senior Bus to doctor’s appointments, hair salons, grocery shopping, and more. The bus will pick you up at your door, safely drive you to your destination (specified distances within Bethalto, Alton, Godfrey, Wood River, East Alton), and

get you home quickly and efficiently, all at no cost to the rider. All you need to do is call one day in advance between 9am-11:30am to schedule a ride; the dispatch number is 618-377-5263. The program is always seeking volunteer drivers & dispatchers—anyone interested can contact Bill Ambrose at 618-792-8971.

As a reminder, all Village Board meetings are open to the public; regular meetings are the second Monday of the month beginning at 7pm and are held in our Council Chambers inside Village Hall. We encourage residents to attend and to stay informed of all the happenings in town. Also

be sure to follow our Village Facebook page (Bethalto Village) and visit our website Bethalto.com.

Tom Lane Ins and Fin Svcs, Inc

Village of Bethalto page sponsored by Allstate - John Standefer and Tom Lane Ins and Fin Svcs, Inc

More information about the RiverBend Growth Association and all these events can be found at growthassociation.com

Reservations are requested for all of our events so that we have adequate accommodations for our members. Call us at 618-467-2280.

SMALL BUSINESS OF THE MONTH Alton River Dragons

The RiverBend Growth Association has chosen to honor the Alton River Dragons with its March 2023 Small Business of the Month award, as the baseball team gets ready for Season 3 at the ballpark.

The Alton River Dragons are a collegiate summer baseball team, founded in 2020 as part of the Prospect League, Western Conference, Prairie Land Division. The team began playing in 2021 at Alton’s Lloyd Hopkins Field, located at Gordon Moore Park and were division champions in 2022. “The idea and mission/concept of the Alton River Dragons Baseball Team started in 2019,” noted Owner Steve Marso. “I began exploring cities for a potential expansion franchise in the Prospect League.

I had worked in baseball prior for around 25 years or so but had been out of the business for about four years. I had the idea to get back into the business, and after looking at a couple of other markets, our league commissioner called and said, ‘What about Alton, Illinois?’”

“I was unfamiliar with Alton but decided to check it out. I had owned a team in Waterloo, Iowa,” Marso continued. “When I had bought that team, I recalled walking into the ballpark and having a real ‘a-ha’ moment. When I first walked into Lloyd Hopkins Field, I had that same feeling, so I

Alton River Dragons

618-433-3665

alton@prospectleague.com

altonbaseball.com

knew there was something there.”

Marso then began a search for a general manager. “I put it out on social media that I was looking, and I reached out to many of my old ‘baseball friends’ to see if they had anybody in mind. I also had an old friend from Waterloo, Iowa, who had posted about a friend of his who did logo design. As I was in need of a logo, I reached out.” That old friend from Waterloo, Iowa was Dallas Martz.

“One day, he [Martz] sent me an email asking, ‘Do you have a general manager yet?’ I said no and asked if he had someone in mind. His response was, ‘Yes, me.’ We talked and I immediately knew it would be a good fit.” Martz came and visited Alton and immediately loved it, Marso shared. Martz later moved and became a resident of Alton.

“We then began the process of starting the team from the ground up. It has been a fantastic experience, getting the River Dragons going, and going into Season 3 we are even more excited than we started,” Marso added.

Since the Alton River Dragons came into the ballpark, it has had

SCHOLARSHIP FUND RAFFLE

a nearly complete transformation. Ballpark turf was installed, which Marso said was “a tremendous game changer.” An $80,000 video board has also been installed, and there’s further development including a new party structure valued at about a $100,000 value, a speed pitch in the left field, new concessions equipment, upgraded sound, and a locker room that is brought in during each season.

“We plan to continually make improvements to the ballpark to enhance the fan experience,” Marso noted, “but also to make it a better place for the players as well.”

With Martz as the GM and sole full-time employee currently, the River Dragons further employ over 30 during the season and are evaluating at what point they will need to increase those numbers.

“We see ourselves not so much as just a sports team, but more about family entertainment. We feel we are in competition for the family entertainment dollar, so we really ‘step up our game’ in terms of value in our product – high quality both in terms of the product on the field and in the products we serve from our concession and merchandise areas. Cleanliness throughout the ballpark is also of utmost importance because it undoubtedly impacts the fan and family experiences,” Marso said.

Marso pointed out how the River Dragons team impacts the Riverbend area economy as well.

“In addition to all the products and services the River Dragons purchase, we also bring a great economic impact to the area through hotel stays, restaurant visits, grocery store purchases, etcetera. For example, in addition to the team bringing in money to the region, we brought in a college tournament that created over $250,000 in economic impact.

For 2023, we already have a Division 2 tournament schedule that is estimated to bring in over $420,000 in economic impact and are currently working on a Division 1 tournament that should bring in significantly more.”

“We really want our organization to not only be a baseball team but to really benefit the community as a whole. At the River Dragons, we feel that we are truly a part of the community and want to give back in any way we can,” Marso said further.

Factory Direct Mattress opens in Bethalto and joins RiverBend Growth Association

The RiverBend Growth Association (RBGA) held a ribbon cutting for Factory Direct Mattress-Bethalto to welcome the retail store to its membership. The RBGA team, committee members, and community members joined the owners, Travis and Rachel Bricker, and their family to cut the ribbon officially welcome the store to the Riverbend community.

Factory Direct Mattress-Bethalto is a local mom-and-pop mattress store that offers quality mattresses and foundations, made in the USA for local pick up or delivery. The store is at 64 Airport Plaza in Bethalto.

Some of their services: enjoy FREE shipping! AMISH made box springs with mattress purchases; rent to own available in store with only $10 down, 100 days same as cash or up to 12-month lease, no credit needed; old mattress haul away

Owner Travis Bricker said, “I grew up in Bethalto, my wife in Holiday Shores, and now we are raising our boys in Bethalto as

well. We are available 24/6 for appointments to help work around the schedules of those who might work midnights or swing shifts.”

Joining the RBGA to grow its contacts and help improve the community as well as network with others on a larger scale, Bricker added that Factory Direct MattressBethalto “hoped to gain knowledge from other small business owners that we can use to grow our business and improve our services.”

Hours are Sunday: Closed; Monday: Appointment only; Tue-Thu: 10am-5pm; FriSat: 10am-6pm. To learn more, visit online at fdmbethalto.com or call 618-980-3901.

For the last two seasons, the Alton River Dragons have contributed over $2,500 to the Boys and Girls Club of Alton through its 50/50 tennis ball toss during games. The team has also contributed hundreds of tickets and other packages to churches, schools, youth, and any organization in need. The River Dragons team also offers a fundraising package in which organizations needing to raise funds can sell game tickets and keep 50 percent of the sales proceeds. Marso added, “In terms of volunteering, we are looking to grow that this year through getting our players, mascot, and staff out to help with various causes and organizations. We have a season ticketholder/host family that works with a nonprofit providing beds to youth in need, so we will be doing some volunteer work with them. We are currently evaluating any other opportunities that can get our group out into the community in an impactful way.”

NEW MEMBERS:

ABS Workout Plans Personal Training Center 6118 Godfrey Road, Godfrey 618-530-8407 | Abigail Kreitner-Thurman absworkoutplans.com

Scooter’s Coffee 5330 Godfrey Rd, Godfrey – coming soon! 402-680-4593 | Robert Semptimphelter, Jr. scooterscoffee.com

MARK YOUR CALENDARS

4/12 Member Mingle, Child Advocacy Center, 8:00-9:30am

5/10 Member Mingle, Wood River Chiropractic, 4:30-6:30pm

6/16 RiverBend Golf Classic, Woodlands Golf Course, 9:00am shotgun start

RBGA page sponsored by 1st MidAmerica Credit Union

(from left) Owner Steve Marso and General Manager Dallas Martz

Riverbend Family Ministries grand opening

In 2006, conversation with friends started at a table in our current location that was then TR’s Café. The thought was what if we pulled small nonprofits that were doing great work together under one roof, we could share all the operational cost that most times, prohibits a small nonprofit from growing. In August of 2007 we celebrated the grand opening at 131 E Ferguson Ave, Wood River with 3 small nonprofits. After knocking out as many walls as we could, we still quickly ran out of room. In 2019 we purchased a building (where the conversation first started) with 8 nonprofits and no room to do services. Covid shut down the project for 2 years, however, we are so thankful for the commitment we have seen from area business and trades to complete this large project. In 2021 we moved into the lower level of the new 24,000 sq. ft. building located at 144 E Ferguson Ave. Wood River and continued renovations.

“This expansion has been a vision for a long time, and to see it come to fruition is such a blessing”, said Executive Director Tammy Iskarous. “So many trades, volunteers, and community groups have come together to get this expansion completed. I cannot begin to thank them enough”. With the enlarged space we are going to be able to expand current services, add new organizations, conduct

county wide trainings, serve more individuals, and families in crisis. RFM now has 10 nonprofits all under one roof that have become family and holistically wrap around our families in crisis due to violence, addiction, homeless and poverty… which is unlike any other organization we know.

We are pleased to announce the completion of this project and have planned our grand opening for April 14 11-1pm with the ribbon cutting at 12. We are so excited to be able to showcase all the various organizations that provide incredible services and pour into our families every day. Tours of the facility will be available before and after the ceremony. A light lunch will be available and RSVPs would be appreciated. Please call 618-251-9790. 3

Melissa Skinner earns March employee honor

Tammy Iskarous began the demolition and remodel project in 2019 when the building was first purchased.

The comparison between office space and what it looked like during the project versus what it looks like today.

Skinner

LOCAL EXPERTS

Can a bankruptcy stop a garnishment?

YES.

You go to work every day, you work hard for your paycheck and it still doesn’t go as far as you need it to.

Gas prices are rising, groceries prices are rising, the cost of living for everyone is more expensive than it used to be. In this economy, every penny counts.

Longtime mathematics professor joins L&C as newest dean

Lewis and Clark Community College’s newest dean isn’t new to the college at all – he’s been teaching mathematics there since 1997.

INSURANCE

When should I buy Life Insurance?

This is a very good question. Many people realize the need for life insurance but for many it is too late. Here are the three most common incorrect assumptions I see:

Shari Murphy

Then your employer notifies you that they have received a wage garnishment order and will begin garnishing your already-stretched-too-thin paycheck.

Can bankruptcy stop the garnishment?

Bankruptcy is a legal proceeding designed to give you a fresh financial start by allowing you a “discharge” of most unsecured debts, including credit card debt, medical bills, and past due utility bills. Once bankruptcy is filed, all collection efforts by creditors, including garnishments, must stop.

Your paycheck will be restored and, without the burden of other, now-discharged debts, will go even farther than it did before the garnishment.

BANKRUPTCY SHARI L. MURPHY

Attorney at Law • FREE CONSULTATION

P.O. Box 136, Wood River 618-797-8888

1) I’ll always be able to buy life insurance. This is not necessarily true. Health conditions could arise that may render a person uninsurable or make a policy costprohibitive.

Tom Lane

2) My family and I are covered by the life insurance I have through work. To best meet the future financial needs of your family it is suggested to have coverage for 7-10 times your annual income. Very few work insurance policies meet this need.

3) Life insurance is only for those who are raising a family. Life insurance may be needed at ALL stages of life. Whether married, single, male, female, with children or without, you may still have financial obligations that need to be met.

There is an old saying that states “the best kind of life insurance policy is the one that is in force on the day it is needed.” The best plan is to meet with your agent and evaluate your situation. Waiting too long could be financially devastating to those you love and care about.

Randy Gallaher, of Brighton, celebrated his 25th anniversary at Lewis and Clark in 2022 as a professor of mathematics, then started the new year in his new role – Dean of Liberal Arts, Business, and Information Technology.

Gallaher began his run at L&C as a mathematics instructor, working his way up to the position of professor and serving

Gallaher

as coordinator of the Mathematics Department for 15 years. He has taught at nearly every level of education, including middle and high school, and has served on the Board of Education for the Southwestern School District since 2011, a seat he will vacate after his term ends in April.

Summer enrollment is underway at L&C. For more information on our degree and career programs, contact the Enrollment Center at 618468-2222 or enroll@lc.edu. 3

116 W. Bethalto Blvd, Bethalto 618-377-8912 tomlaneagency.net

6. Bellow, Billow 7. Parka, Parks

8. Locket, Rocket 9. Crunch, Crutch 10. Pouch, Touch

Phone, Phony

Trivia Test

1. Levi’s.

2. Bamboo.

3. Camp Crystal Lake.

4. Confluence.

5. World Wide Web.

6. Thighs.

7. Carl Sandburg.

8. “The Simpsons.”

9. Tibet, China.

10. James Monroe and his wife Elizabeth.

Flashback

1. Anne Shelton, who had a Top Ten version with “Sailor (Your Home is the Sea).” Then Anne Murray released a chart topper with her own version.

2. Michael Jackson, in 1987. The song first appeared on his album “Bad.”

3. Bill Withers, in 1972. It came in at No. 208 on The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time list in 2010. The list has been updated periodically, most recently in 2021.

4. The Who. Daltrey made his first guitar when he was 13 years old and modeled it after a red Stratocaster.

Diaz & Sons

NOW HIRING

Experience preferred but will train if needed. Must have valid driver’s license, be able to climb ladders and lift up to 50lbs. Please call to apply. 618-208-7443 618-581-5171 OR

NOW HIRING ALL POSITIONS!

Local construction company needs carpenters and installers immediately!

Competitive pay, fully insured. Call for details. 618-251-8070 renownremodeling.com

Secret Diner Geno’s 140 Club 120 West Bethalto Blvd., Bethalto

Closure of Foxpoint Dialysis

DaVita Inc. and Total Renal Care, Inc. (collectively, “DaVita”) intend to discontinue Foxpoint Dialysis after approval to do so is issued by the Illinois Health Facilities and Services Review Board (“HFSRB”). DaVita will file the required Certificate of Need application with the HFSRB on or about March 30, 2023. The expected closure date will be April 30, 2023. A copy of the application will be available on the HFSRB website (https://www2.illinois.gov/sites/hfsrb/Pages/default.aspx) after the application has been deemed complete by the HFSRB.

W Delmar, Godfrey $360,000 Nick Schranck 978-1619 Opportunity to acquire high traffic location. Average daily traffic roughly 13,000. Parcels are zoned commercial B-2 for general business.

5008 Southwood, Godfrey $259,000 Ashley Smith 567-7135

Stunning 3BR/3BA property features unique sunken living room with a fireplace, perfect for those chilly evenings, and much more!

1209 Cherry Tree, Godfrey $235,000 Matt Horn 560-8201

Great Godfrey location! This 1 story 3BR/2BA home located in desirable heritage gardens subdivision. Spacious open floor plan.

904 McKinley, Alton $124,000 Cheri Horn 791-5933

Spacious and cute 2 2BR/1BA home in a great North Alton location. Beautiful hardwood floors. Full partially finished basement.

4806 Azalea Pl, Godfrey $245,000 Matt Horn 560-8201 Azalea Gardens 2BR/2BA condominium. New construction available August 2023.

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