Riverbender 🕸

VIRDEN — Martin Alvarez, 37, of Virden, was charged with residential burglary after entering a home on the 600 block of Emmerson Street without permission. Alvarez is accused of knowingly entering the residence with the intent to commit theft. The incident occurred recently in Virden, Illinois. If convicted, Alvarez faces a prison sentence ranging from four to 15 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections. All individuals charged are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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ALTON — Friends, family, classmates and teammates of Jack Warren gathered recently for Wifflefest, an event honoring and remembering the late Marquette Catholic High School graduate and athlete. Jack Warren died on Dec. 20, 2021, at the age of 21 years old. Warren was known for his leadership and spirit at Marquette Catholic, where he graduated in 2019. He served as “Captain Marquette,” leading the Blue Crew student cheer section, and participated in both baseball and golf teams. Warren later earned an AAS degree from Lewis and Clark Community College in 2021, where he also worked as a teacher’s aide in the College for Life program for students with special needs and pitched for the Trailblazers baseball team. The Wifflefest event, held at the home of Warren’s former baseball coach, Tim Fahnestock, was organized by Warren’s classmates to celebrate his life. “Stories were shared, memories relived, and laughter filled the day — just

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STAUNTON — Brendon M. Reiman, 19, of Staunton, has been charged with aggravated battery causing great bodily harm, a class 3 felony. Reiman allegedly struck a victim on the head with a cinder block. The incident resulted in a large laceration extending from the victim's eyelid to the upper forehead. Authorities have not released additional details regarding the circumstances of the incident. All individuals charged are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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MEDORA — An Alton man was charged with aggravated driving under the influence resulting in death following a fatal crash on July 7, 2025, in Medora. Anthony G. Ford Jr., 45, faces a Class 2 felony charge after the death of Taylor Cummines. According to the Illinois State Police, Ford was driving a 2020 Ford F4G box truck on Illinois Route 267 near FS Road when authorities found cocaine in his system. Troop 8 units of the Illinois State Police responded to a two-vehicle crash involving a box truck and a passenger car. The incident resulted in the death of Cummines. If convicted, Ford could face a prison sentence ranging from three to 14 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections. All individuals charged are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Previous Story: https://www.riverbender.com/news/details/gofundme-launched-to-support-family-of-area-woman-after-fatal-crash-84181.cfm

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EDWARDSVILLE - Three Edwardsville School District #7 educators, including Literacy Coach Becky Artime and reading specialists Molly Deist and Holly Hampton, recently achieved a significant milestone in their careers by becoming IMSE Orton-Gillingham (OG) Certified. The accomplishment followed a rigorous year-long process that included 120 hours of intensive lesson planning, practical application, and mentorship from a practicum supervisor. After months of delivering individualized lessons, each educator sat for the national Knowledge and Practice Examination for Effective Reading Instruction (KPEERI), which assesses educators’ understanding of the Science of Reading, structured literacy, and evidence-based reading instruction. The certification, administered by the Center for Effective Reading Instruction—an affiliate of the International Dyslexia Association—represents a deep commitment to helping students develop essential reading skills. Each now proudly displays

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JERSEYVILLE - Three generations of women came together to work on a quilt, almost 100 years apart. Joan Dougherty loves quilting, and she recently entered her favorite quilt in Jacksonville’s River Country Quilt Show. She was “immediately in tears” when she learned the quilt had won the People’s Choice Award. But this quilt is special, because Dougherty had help from her grandmother and a beloved great-great aunt she never met. “I worked on this quilt on and off during lots of stressful times in my life,” Dougherty shared. “They always tell you, when you’re a quilter, that you should document the history of it. You should always keep a label on the back…I’m so glad I got that information from my grandma before she passed so that I could get that information to put on there.” Dougherty’s grandmother, Eileen Ribble, taught her how to quilt when she was in college. As they worked together on this special project

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ST. LOUIS, Mo. — A nine-vehicle crash sparked closures of lanes of Interstate 270 near Interstate 64 on Tuesday morning, Aug. 12, 2025. The Missouri Department of Transportation reported the crash occurred around 6 a.m. in the northbound lanes of I-270. MODOT said left lanes and the left shoulder were closed to allow emergency response and clearance of the scene. The Missouri State Highway Patrol confirmed that no injuries resulted from the collision. The area where I-270 and I-64 intersect is heavily traveled during morning and evening commutes by area drivers. Traffic has since returned to normal, according to MODOT. Authorities continue to monitor the area to ensure safety during peak travel times.

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CASEYVILLE — The Caseyville Police Department has announced the lateral hiring of three experienced officers and the promotion of a sergeant. Officer Adam Howell, Officer Marlyn Jackson, and Officer Matt Jany have joined the department, bringing a combined 41 years of law enforcement experience. Howell has more than six years of experience and is a U.S. Marine Corps veteran; he also serves as a Juvenile Officer and a certified Taser instructor. Jackson returns to Caseyville after previously serving part-time with the department and later as Chief of Police for the Village of Marissa, bringing 10 years of experience. Jany is a retired captain from the St. Clair County Sheriff's Department with 25 years of service, having worked as a lead homicide investigator with the Major Case Squad and director of the Metro East Auto Theft Task Force. In addition, Sergeant Dylan Prather has been promoted and is now the department’s K-9 handler, working with “Doc,” an 11-month-old

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ALTON - During a recent episode of “You’re Beautiful” with Brian Trust , Danny shared how his relationship with God has inspired him through difficult times. Danny explained that we are all “children of God,” but that God allows us to go through storms. If you are “anchored in God,” then these storms become a lot easier to weather. “They strengthen you when you get down and discouraged. Sickness comes, disease, finances, you name it. But God will take you through it. Nothing’s too hard for God,” Danny said. “I’ve been through storms, but guess what? God’s been there with me. If you can stay focused not on the storm but on Jesus, on God, on the Holy Spirit, He’ll take you through.” Danny shared that he tries to be obedient to God. He believes he lost his job at Boeing because he did not follow God’s original calling for him to become a pastor, and God closed that door to reveal

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EDWARDSVILLE – The Madison County Third Judicial Circuit is implementing a series of improvements to its jury selection process in response to the Final Report of the Illinois Judicial Conference Juror Experience Task Force, issued in October 2024. The new measures are designed to enhance fairness, accessibility, and overall juror satisfaction, aligning with the statewide effort to modernize and strengthen public trust in the jury system. Key changes include the introduction of compliance mechanisms to ensure consistent participation, expanded online access to juror questionnaires, the development of short YouTube videos to answer frequently asked questions about jury service in Madison County, and the establishment of a compliance docket for individuals who fail to appear after being summoned for jury duty. "Juries are a cornerstone of our justice system, and we are committed to ensuring that all citizens have equal opportunity and access to serve," said Chief Judge Chris Threlkeld.

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SHILOH – Newly elected officers of the Looking Glass Prairie Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, were installed and are looking forward to a new year of service. Pictured are: Regent Kimberly Dalrymple, Vice Regent Margaret Truitt, Chaplain Amy Chrisenberry, Secretary Carol Gorecki, Treasurer Cori Croteau, and Historian Peggy Sternberg. Also elected but not available for the photo was Librarian Mary Kearney. Officers and members of the Looking Glass Prairie Chapter, as well as citizens around the country, are gearing up for the United States 250th anniversary celebration in July 2026. The DAR, founded in 1890, and headquartered in Washington, D.C., is a nonprofit, nonpolitical volunteer women's service organization dedicated to promoting patriotism, preserving American history, and securing America's future through better education for children. Looking Glass Prairie Chapter members come from several nearby towns with service concentrated in O’Fallon,

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WOOD RIVER — Abby Lou, a 13-year-old rescue dog who was found malnourished and abused eight years ago and rescued by an area family, now faces a critical health challenge. Kayla Stanton, Abby Lou’s owner, has launched a GoFundMe fundraiser to raise $1,000 for urgent surgery to repair a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in Abby Lou’s back left leg. The injury has left Abby Lou unable to walk, requiring her family to carry her for basic needs such as bathroom trips and feeding. Stanton described Abby Lou as still spirited despite her age, saying she “thinks she’s a spry young pup.” The surgery is considered necessary to alleviate Abby Lou’s pain and improve her mobility. Stanton said the family’s financial situation has been strained due to rising living costs, making the unexpected veterinary expense difficult to cover. “We are asking please for our Abby Lou-Lou, help us achieve our goal to get the procedure she needs to be

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Did you know that skin cancer is the most common cancer worldwide, with over 5 million cases diagnosed annually in the United States alone? This alarming statistic underscores the critical role of sun protection in our daily lives. While many associate sunscreen with beach days or prolonged outdoor activities, the importance of sun protection—and subsequent after-sun care—extends far beyond those moments. Understanding how to effectively shield your skin from ultraviolet (UV) damage and properly care for it afterward is essential for long-term skin health and overall wellbeing. Understanding the Impact of UV Radiation on the Skin Ultraviolet radiation from the sun is divided into UVA and UVB rays, each impacting the skin differently. UVA rays penetrate deeply, accelerating skin aging and contributing to wrinkles and sunspots, while UVB rays primarily cause sunburn and play a more direct role in causing skin cancer. Both types contribute to DNA damage in skin cells, increasing

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August 12 has marked many significant moments throughout history, spanning the realms of science, politics, culture, and more. In 1851, on this same day, the first edition of the 'New-York Daily Times' was published, which would later become 'The New York Times.' This publication has played a pivotal role in journalism and shaping public discourse globally, emphasizing the importance of press freedom and investigative reporting. August 12, 1898, saw a significant event in the Spanish-American War when U.S. forces captured Guam. This marked an important territorial acquisition for the United States as it expanded its influence into the Pacific, signaling new geopolitical dynamics and the country's emergence as a global power. In the realm of culture and entertainment, August 12, 1949, is remembered as the birthdate of British icon, Mark Knopfler, whose music with the band Dire Straits left a lasting impact on rock music worldwide. While more recent, his contributions highlight how

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Today in the Riverbend area, expect a high around 89°F and a low near 69°F. The day starts off mostly cloudy with a passing morning shower. Later this afternoon, a heavy thunderstorm is likely. These storms may bring heavy rain and possible flooding in low-lying and poor drainage areas. Humidity will be high, making it feel very hot during storms, with feels like temperatures reaching up to 101°F. Winds will be light and variable. Allergy indexes show moderate ragweed levels at 30, low mold and grass counts, and good air quality. Tonight, partly cloudy skies continue with more chances for thunderstorms and humid conditions. Some evening storms could bring additional rainfall. Lows will hover around 69°F, feeling like 71°F. Tomorrow's Outlook: Partly Sunny and Humid Tomorrow's weather will bring a bit of a break from storms with partly sunny skies and highs near 85°F. Lows will drop to about 64°F. Despite the sun, humidity remains noticeable; surfaces

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BETHALTO - Roma’s Pizza will be hosting the Second Annual “Dine to Donate” fundraiser benefitting Madison County Catholic Charities on Wednesday, August 27, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. Mention Madison County Catholic Charities or show the flyer at checkout and the charity earns 10% of sales. Roma’s Pizza is located at 121 E Bethalto Dr in Bethalto. “We are incredibly grateful for the generosity of our community for over 70 years now. Support a great cause and join us at Roma’s for some of the best pizza in the Midwest,” said Area Director Denise Burton. Proceeds from the Dine to Donate event will go towards supporting our programs, including Professional Counseling Solutions, MedAssist, Guardian Angel Food Pantry, Mobile Food Pantry, Homeless Prevention, Transportation and Identification assistance, and Legal Services. Since 1941, Catholic Charities has provided services in Madison, Bond, Jersey, and Calhoun counties, with offices

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ALTON – A proposal to eliminate late night liquor licenses for all Alton bars is on hold for now after several local bar owners spoke out against it. A resolution on Monday’s Committee of the Whole agenda called for an ordinance to remove a section of the city code allowing for “late night liquor licenses,” which currently allow businesses to sell alcohol as late as 2 a.m. on weekdays and 3 a.m. on weekends. If passed, this would effectively ban all Alton bars from selling alcohol later than 1 a.m. Michelle Oerter, a bartender at Danny’s Lounge, presented city officials with a petition that gained 367 signatures calling on the city not to revoke every bar’s late night liquor license. She said the ordinance would create an unfair financial burden local bars can’t afford. “Those late night hours, especially after 1 a.m., they make up a significant portion of our revenue,” Oerter said. “You don’t punish an entire

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DECATUR — A former substitute teacher in Decatur has pleaded guilty to predatory criminal sexual assault after admitting to having sex with an 11-year-old student during multiple visits to her home, authorities said. Alley Bardfield, 34, who worked for Decatur Public Schools, is scheduled to be sentenced in September 2025.The incidents occurred during what were described as “play dates” at Bardfield’s residence in Mt. Zion throughout 2023 and 2024, according to a lawsuit filed by the victim’s parents. The boy’s mother became concerned after noticing changes in her son’s behavior following a visit to Bardfield’s home. Upon reviewing his phone and social media accounts, she found messages between the student and Bardfield and discovered that Bardfield had sent $700 to the boy via CashApp. During a subsequent conversation, the child disclosed a sexual encounter with Bardfield on March 29, 2024, Mt. Zion Police said. The victim was a sixth-grade

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EDWARDSVILLE — Officials are warning Edwardsville residents about a telephone scam involving false jury service notifications, according to Ryan M. Anderson, Trial Court Administrator. The scam involves callers leaving messages claiming the recipient missed jury duty. The caller provides a fictitious name, phone number, and email address, urging the recipient to respond. Authorities advise people to hang up immediately and avoid sharing any personal information. “If you have missed jury duty, you would receive a letter from the Circuit Court requesting you to come into court in front of a judge to explain why you were unable to make it to a scheduled jury service,” Anderson said. The warning comes amid an increase in reports from residents receiving these fraudulent calls in Edwardsville. Court officials emphasize that official jury notifications are sent by mail and do not involve phone messages requesting personal details.

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SPRINGFIELD — Today, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) , a member of the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee and Congressional Labor Caucus, sent a letter to Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Doug Collins expressing outrage over the Department’s decision to terminate collective bargaining agreements for the majority of VA bargaining-unit employees. To view the letter, click HERE . In her letter, Congresswoman Budzinski questioned the rationale behind the decision and emphasized its potential consequences on both the VA workforce and the quality of care and services provided to our nation’s veterans. Budzinski is requesting data on all employee departures from January 1, 2025 through August 8, 2025 within the VA Iliana and St. Louis Health Care Systems, as well as the VBA and NCA facilities serving Illinois’s 13th district. The Congresswoman wrote, “Your announcement on August 6, 2025, that VA is terminating most collective

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