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GRANITE CITY – A Granite City man has been charged for his role in an alleged vehicle burglary which resulted in a shot being fired towards a juvenile victim. James H. Dickson, 27, of Granite City, was charged on Oct. 6, 2025 with aggravated discharge of a firearm (a Class 1 felony), felon in possession of a weapon (a Class 3 felony), burglary (a Class 3 felony), and possession of burglary tools (a Class 4 felony). Dickson, or an individual for whom Dickson is legally accountable, allegedly discharged a firearm in the direction of a 17-year-old juvenile victim on Oct. 3, 2025. The weapon, a Taurus G3C 9mm handgun, was unlawful for Dickson to possess as a felon previously convicted of aggravated unlawful use of weapons in a Madison County case from 2024, for which he was on probation during these latest offenses. Dickson was additionally accused of entering a Chevrolet Malibu located on Poplar Street in Granite City with the intent to commit a theft while in possession of

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CARLINVILLE — Travis L. Fanning, 30, of Carlinville, was charged with aggravated battery on a peace officer after an incident on September 23, 2025, in Macoupin County. According to charging documents filed on October 10, 2025, Fanning allegedly struck a Macoupin County deputy in the face with his hand, causing a laceration. Earlier this year, Fanning was also charged with robbery and aggravated battery. All individuals charged are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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NAPLES, Fla. — Jim Hart, an 81-year-old former NFL quarterback best known for his lengthy career with the St. Louis Cardinals, reflected on his life and football journey during a recent interview from his home in Naples, Fla. Hart played professionally from 1966 to 1984, primarily with the Cardinals, after an unexpected start when no team selected him in the 1966 NFL Draft. “No team picked me in the 1966 NFL draft,” Hart said. “My former coach invited me to a tryout with the Cardinals. I impressed the team and was signed soon after.” During his 18 seasons in the NFL, Hart earned four Pro Bowl selections and helped lead the Cardinals to several division titles in the mid-1970s. He recalled the team’s 38-0 victory over the Dallas Cowboys in 1970 as a standout moment. The Cardinals earned the nickname “Cardiac Cards” during a streak of close games and comebacks throughout the 1970s. Hart was a Wizard White Man of the Year recipient in his

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ALTON — A group of longtime Alton fans has maintained a unique connection with former St. Louis Cardinals quarterback Jim Hart through a fan club that has been meeting regularly in Naples, Florida, over the years. Steve Tassinari, a member of the Alton Jim Hart Fan Club, said Floyd Raglin, a former Alton High School football star, informed him that Hart was living in Naples. Tassinari reached out to Hart to attend one of their weekly gatherings, and the club took off from there. The other members of the Alton Naples Jim Hart Fan Club have been Dave Carlson, Bob Dixon, Jim Brown, Sam Villa, Mike Funk, Bob Abbot, Steve Mottaz, Paul Maley, Steve Pope, Fred Whitworth and Steve Daniel, plus many guests. The fan club often gathers for lunch every Thursday during the winter months in Naples. Tassinari said Hart has attended these lunches regularly over the past several years. “We meet every Thursday in the winter. Jim normally makes most of them,” Tassinari said. “Everybody

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MOUNT OLIVE — Chad P. Madeline, 43, of Mount Olive, was charged with aggravated battery using a deadly weapon and violation of an order of protection. According to the charging documents, Madeline allegedly struck the victim in the head with a chain wrapped around his fist on September 13, 2025. He was also charged with violating an order of protection after making in-person contact with the protected party. The charges were filed on October 10, 2025. All individuals charged are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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COTTAGE HILLS - This weekend, Grip & Sip will host a party to celebrate the grand opening of their indoor pickleball courts. On Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025, community members can check out the courts and play pickleball at a discounted rate throughout the day. From 5–8 p.m., attendees can also enjoy live music and barbecue. Jose Silva, Grip & Sip owner, noted that their goal is to share the courts with the community and encourage people to come out to experience everything the Cottage Hill business has to offer. “We’ll just have an open house so that people can take a look at everything,” Silva said. “We have something for everybody, and I think that’s what we’re most excited about, just expanding on something in our area, on this side of the river.” Silva explained that Grip & Sip opened originally as a golf simulator facility, but the goal was always to build pickleball courts on the property. There are three golf simulators that

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ST. LOUIS - Ameren Corporation (NYSE: AEE) today announced organizational changes designed to drive consistent and continuously improving operating performance and enhance the breadth and depth of experience of its executive team, strengthening the company for the future. The changes are effective Jan. 1, 2026. Michael Moehn, currently senior executive vice president and chief financial officer of Ameren Corporation and chairman and president of Ameren Services, as well as interim chairman and president of Ameren Missouri, will assume the newly created role of group president, Ameren Utilities. In this role, Moehn will oversee each of Ameren's operating utilities, with the presidents of Ameren Missouri, Ameren Illinois, and Ameren Transmission Company of Illinois reporting to him. Lenny Singh, currently chairman and president of Ameren Illinois, will assume the role of executive vice president and chief financial officer of Ameren Corporation and chairman and president of Ameren

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TROY, Ill. — The Illinois State Police announced the results of a violent crime suppression detail conducted from October 6 to 9, 2025, targeting the I-55, I-64, and I-70 corridors in Bond, Clinton, Madison, and St. Clair counties. The operation aimed to enhance traffic safety, reduce fatalities, and apprehend individuals using the highway systems for criminal activities. During the multi-day detail, officers issued 177 written warnings and seven citations, inspected 90 commercial motor vehicles, made five arrests, and seized one vehicle. The operation also resulted in the recovery of 17 felonies and one stolen firearm. Two significant incidents occurred during the detail. Near Pocahontas, troopers stopped a vehicle for an Illinois Vehicle Code violation and arrested the driver on suspicion of driving under the influence. Near New Baden, a traffic stop for a similar violation led to a probable cause search that uncovered cannabis, methamphetamine, and a stolen firearm. Two occupant

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ALTON - The St. Mary’s Oktoberfest announced its $10,000 Sweepstakes winners on Sunday, Oct. 12, 2025, recognizing Kathy Budde as the first-place prize recipient. The event, held annually at St. Mary’s, featured a sweepstakes drawing that awarded cash prizes to the top ten participants. Budde secured the grand prize of $10,000, followed by Monica Schwegel in second place and Karen Crites in third. The full list of winners includes Teresa Smith in fourth, Bob and Cindy Roth in fifth, Trina Messmer in sixth, Steven White in seventh, John Meehan in eighth, Cheyanne Kelly in ninth, and Robert Metzmaker in tenth. Carolyn Simansky, Publicity Chair for St. Mary’s Oktoberfest, provided the list of winners along with a photograph of the first-place winner. The sweepstakes is part of the festival’s fundraising activities, supporting community initiatives associated with St. Mary’s. The Oktoberfest continues to draw participants and attendees each year, combining

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ALTON - Alton Main Street invites you to join the fun at the Downtown Alton Chili Cook-Off, to be held on Sunday, October 19th from Noon until 3:00 p.m. at Flock Food Truck Park & Bar, located at 210 Ridge St. in Alton. The Chili Cook-Off is a great civic event that encourages local chefs, both amateur and professional, to match their favorite recipe with others in similar categories. Organizers look forward to greeting returning teams and welcoming new participants to this fiery competition. Tickets are $10.00 for adults or $5.00 for kids 10 & under, and will be available at the door. Beverages will be available for purchase, and you’ll enjoy live classic rock music from Number4Combo. There are 17 teams registered this year; and judges will award $100 prizes to winners in 4 categories: RESTAURANTS – The Old Bakery Beer Company, Riverside Grille Argosy Casino Alton, Bossanova Restaurant, and My Just Desserts. INDIVIDUALS - Brett Demond, Anthony Thorstad, Cassie Tarter,

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ALTON – An Alton man accused of leading police on two high-speed chases within days of each other faces multiple felony charges. Joshua J. Butkovich, 45, of Alton, was charged on Oct. 10, 2025 with unlawful possession of methamphetamine, a Class 3 felony, and two counts of aggravated fleeting or attempting to elude a peace officer, both Class 4 felonies. Butkovich allegedly failed to obey visual or audible signals from police to stop his vehicle on two separate occasions – first on Oct. 4, then again on Oct. 9, 2025. He was reportedly found in possession of less than five grams of methamphetamine during the second incident. The state’s petition to deny Butkovich’s pretrial release from custody states that on Oct. 4, 2025, Butkovich was reportedly seen driving a convertible while his driver’s license had been revoked. “When officers attempted a stop, he accelerated to 80 mph in a 30 mph zone, then over 100 mph on Homer Adams Parkway,” th

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COLUMBIA - Grieving community members can join the second annual Emotional Freedom After Loss Retreat. From Nov. 14–16, 2025, at the Toddhall Retreat and Conference Center in Columbia, 15 women will come together for the weekend retreat. You will receive a discount code if you register by Oct. 20, 2025. Teresa Reiniger, who organized the event, is a grief coach who works with people year-round, but she hopes the retreat is a special time for women who need to heal. “We do not, as a society, take time to grieve,” Reiniger said. “This is perfect for that. Step away from everything else and go into a weekend where you’re working on your grief. I say ‘working on your grief’ because grief is work. It is hard to go through. There’s so much that goes along with it.” During the retreat, women will come together for a weekend of nature walks, massages, yoga, breathwork, journaling and pampering. All meals and accommodations are

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EDWARDSVILLE - Edwardsville's girls tennis squad appears primed and ready for the Friday and Saturday, Oct. 17 and 18, 2025, girls sectional at EHS after a dominant Southwestern Conference Tennis Tournament win on Friday and Saturday, Oct. 10-11, 2025. Edwardsville girls tennis coach Dave Lipe said the Southwestern Conference championship was "a great way to end the conference season." "Our girls were very tough," he said. "It was a total team effort; I know they are proud of themselves." The Tigers tennis team is Spencer Homes' Female Athletes Of the Month for EHS. At No. 1 singles for the Tigers, Dia Kannan topped her Belleville West opponent Annabelle Bruner 6-4, 6-4. Katie Woods won the No. 2 singles final 6-0, 6-0 over Belleville East's Caroline Sterling. Woods-Bina Selimi topped West's combo of Brunner-Abby Treadway 4-6, 5-4, 10-3 in the championship round for No. 1 doubles. Dia Kannan and Grace Hohmon defeated Belleville West's Morgan Seagle and Gabrielle Patterson 6-3, 6-4

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RIVERBEND - Little monsters love trick-or-treating, and we have the perfect guide of all the best spots in the Riverbend region. Whether you’re looking for traditional community trick-or-treating or fun new trunk-or-treating, there are lots of opportunities throughout the month of October for fall fun! For more information about Halloween events and parades, check out our Ultimate 2025 Halloween Parade Guide . If you have a Halloween event you’d like to see included in this list, email news@riverbender.com . CITY-WIDE TRICK-OR-TREAT TIMES Friday, Oct. 24, 2025 Belleville: 5:30–7:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025 Brighton: 6–9 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 30, 2025 Alton: 6–8 p.m. Bethalto: 6–9 p.m. East Alton: 6–8 p.m. Edwardsville: 12–9 p.m. Godfrey: 6–8 p.m. Hartford: 6–8 p.m. South Roxana: 6–8 p.m. Wood River: 6–8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 31, 2025 Alton: 6–8 p.m.

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GRANITE CITY - Granite City Police Department announced the addition of two new officers, Josh Rozell and Tom Hefele, who will begin their training at the Illinois State Police Academy in November. The academy program spans 16 weeks, after which the officers will proceed to a field training program. The department extended its best wishes to the new officers as they embark on their law enforcement careers.

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EAST ALTON – The National Great Rivers Research and Education Center (NGRREC) will welcome naturalist Mark H.X. Glenshaw, widely known for his work with great horned owls in St. Louis’ Forest Park, for an upcoming STREAM Series event, Oct. 15. Glenshaw’s presentation, “Forest Park Owls: Hiding in Plain Sight,” will go from 5-7 p.m., and include stories and insights from nearly two decades of studying the park’s owls. His presentation will highlight the fascinating lives of these nocturnal neighbors and how people can observe similar wildlife in their own communities. Doors will open to the public at 5 p.m. Guests can kick off the event with a seasonal craft activity in the NGRREC lobby before heading into the Riverview Room for Glenshaw’s presentation. After the talk, guests will be invited to join NGRREC staff for a twilight rooftop tour. As the sun sets at 6:22 p.m., participants can enjoy a breathtaking view of the Mississippi River.

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GLEN CARBON – Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois (GSofSI) held their annual United We Lead Gala on Friday, September 12 in Edwardsville, Illinois. Thanks to the generous support of the community, the event raised nearly $110,000 for the organization. The United We Lead Gala, themed “Building a Sweeter Future” in 2025, brings together a wide range of people who share a common goal – to empower today’s girls to become tomorrow’s leaders. Guests were entertained by musicians Mel Goot and Marguerita Page, listened to first-hand experiences, participated in various auctions, and heard about the organization’s mission to empower the lives of girls in Southern Illinois. A highlight of the evening was presenting the annual Distinguished Community Leader Award to Agency for Community Transit (ACT). ACT has been a catalyst in making Camp Torqua more accessible. The 72-acre Girl Scout camp, which is located outside of Edwardsville, has been greatly

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COLLINSVILLE - A local woman was honored with the Congressional Gold Medal, the highest honor a civilian can achieve. On Monday, Oct. 13, 2025, at the Collinsville VFW, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski presented Betty Wrigley with the medal in recognition of her service during World War II. Wrigley, 98, was a “Rosie the Riveter” and joined the workforce during WWII. “I’m grateful for the honor, really,” Wrigley said. “At the time, I didn’t think it was that important.” Peter Stehman, museum manager at the Collinsville Historical Museum, shared information about the Rosie the Riveter program. He noted that six million women joined the workforce, half of whom left school, like Wrigley. Less than 10% of these women actually worked in the war industry. At age 15, Wrigley left her home in St. Louis and traveled to Washington State to work in the Puget Sound Navy Yard. She worked as a shipfitter’s helper and helped repair ships

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GRAFTON - It’s harvest season and the grapes at Grafton Winery The Vineyards are now off the vine which means it is time for the vineyard’s annual Harvest Festival. Head to this scenic full production winery nestled in the rustic countryside outside of Grafton for fun, food and drinks Sunday, Oct. 19 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. The free family friendly event highlights the delights of local wine production. Spend the day at the scenic winery located in rural Grafton at 21028 Eckert Orchard Rd. Sip award winning wines from the Grafton Winery. Beer cocktails and soft drinks are also available. A special events food menu will also be offered. All food and beverages must be purchased on site. A variety of local arts and crafts vendors will also be in attendance at the festival. Enjoy live music by the popular Porch Café Band from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. The Porch Café Band is an Alton-Godfrey cover band that brings energy, passion and great sounds to every performance.

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JERSEYVILLE – A Jerseyville man accused of intentionally setting a local residence on fire and damaging its windows faces multiple charges in his latest felony case. Franklin M. Heindricks, 37, of Jerseyville, was charged on Oct. 7, 2025 with a Class 1 felony count of residential arson and two counts of criminal damage to property, both Class 4 felonies. Heindricks allegedly knowingly damaged a Jersey County residence by means of fire on Oct. 3, 2025. Charging documents state he “used a lighter and scrap of cardboard to light a fire under a scrap piece of siding on the exterior portion of residence.” In addition to over $500 in damage caused by the fire, Heindricks is also accused of causing over $500 worth of damage to an exterior window and storm door window on the same residence. The state’s petition to deny his pretrial release from custody states Heindricks “has a significant criminal history dating back to at least 2005.” Heindricks has

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