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Did you know that nearly 40% of a household’s energy consumption during colder months goes toward heating? This staggering figure underscores the importance of having a well-prepared home—not only to stay comfortable but also to manage energy costs effectively. Preparing your home for colder weather isn’t just about adding blankets or turning up the thermostat; it involves strategic steps to enhance insulation, protect your infrastructure, and maintain indoor air quality. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you optimize your living space for the colder months ahead. Inspect and Upgrade Insulation One of the most critical factors in maintaining warmth and energy efficiency is proper insulation. Heat loss through poorly insulated walls, attics, floors, and windows can significantly drive up heating bills. Why it matters: According to the U.S. Department of Energy, homeowners can save an average of 15% on heating and cooling costs by properly insulating their

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Did you know that engaging children in hands-on creative activities can significantly enhance their cognitive development and emotional well-being? Crafting with natural materials not only sparks imagination but also fosters a deeper connection with the environment. When kids use leaves, acorns, pinecones, and other organic objects in their creations, they learn to observe textures, colors, and forms in new ways. This article explores practical methods to make fall crafts with children using materials found in nature, transforming a simple walk into an opportunity for artistic discovery. Gathering Natural Materials: The First Step in Creativity Before diving into crafting, the collection of materials is an essential and educational phase. Taking children on a nature walk to gather items encourages observation skills and a sense of stewardship toward the environment. Leaves in various shapes and hues, twigs, seeds, bark pieces, pinecones, and even stones can all serve as raw materials

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October 13 stands out as a date marked by transformative moments across history, weaving a tapestry of events that have shaped the political, cultural, and scientific landscapes globally. One of the most impactful events happened in 1792 when the cornerstone for the White House was laid in Washington, D.C. This iconic building would become the official residence and workplace of the President of the United States, symbolizing American governance and leadership. The construction marked a pivotal moment for the young nation, setting the stage for over two centuries of political history within its walls. In 1881, the world of sports witnessed a notable moment when the first organized college football game in the American South took place between the University of North Carolina and the University of Virginia. This game helped lay the foundation for what would become a deeply embedded cultural tradition in the United States, with college football evolving into a major sporting and social

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October 11 and 12 have been dates marked by transformative events across the globe, spanning centuries and touching on politics, science, culture, and human achievement. In the realm of science, October 11, 1968, saw the launch of Apollo 7, the first manned mission in the United States’ Apollo program to orbit Earth. This mission was a critical step toward landing astronauts on the Moon, demonstrating the viability of spaceflight systems and crew operations. The successful mission helped restore confidence in NASA following the tragic Apollo 1 fire and paved the way for the historic Apollo 11 moon landing less than a year later. Shifting to the cultural sphere, on October 11, 1929, American author and illustrator Thornton W. Burgess published the first in his beloved series of children’s books featuring animal characters. Burgess’s stories, often set in the fictional Green Forest, enchanted generations with their blend of education and entertainment, promoting a

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Bipartisan legislation led by combat Veteran and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL)—a member of the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC)—and U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) to help expand leave benefits for the devoted health professionals serving in the U.S. Public Health Service (PHS) Commissioned Corps passed the Senate last night by unanimous consent. Despite being responsible for leading our nation’s emergency response to dangerous public health crises and natural disasters, PHS officers are still the only federal entity—civilian or uniformed—without access to essential leave benefits, including extended parental leave, emergency leave, court appearance leave and rest and recuperation leave. The Senators’ Uniformed Services Leave Parity Act would rectify this issue by ensuring PHS officers have access to the same authorized leave that is available to members of the Armed Services. “When disease or disaster

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GRAFTON – The Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice (IDJJ) will host employment screening events for its Juvenile Justice Specialist Intern positions. The positions are full-time, year-round, shift-work positions and there are job openings at the following Illinois youth centers: Chicago, Warrenville, St. Charles, Grafton, and Lincoln . The position has a starting salary of $65,004; and interested applicants must attend an upcoming required screening event to be considered. The screening dates and locations are listed below: Phoenix Emerging Adults Career & Education (PEACE) Center at St. Charles- 3825 Campton Hills Rd., St. Charles, IL ( Applicants for Chicago and Warrenville youth centers should also attend this screening.) October 21, 2025 November 18, 2025 Monarch Youth Center- 861 S. State St., Lincoln, IL November 13, 2025 December 10, 2025 Illinois Youth Center Pere Marquette- 17808 State Highway 100W, Grafton, IL October 17, 2025 November 14,

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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Co-Chair of the Senate Ukraine Caucus, met with Ukrainian Ambassador to the U.S., Olga Stefanishyna, along with a bipartisan group of Senators to discuss Russia’s ongoing war and how the United States and its allies can continue to help Ukraine defend itself and address Ukrainian children kidnapped by Russia. During the meeting, they also discussed Durbin’s bipartisan resolution condemning Russian incursions into NATO territory and reaffirming Article 5 of the North Atlantic Treaty. “I don’t blame President Trump for trying to engage Russian President Putin to end this war, but it is now clear that Putin isn’t interested and only responds with more deadly attacks on Ukraine, incursions into NATO airspace, and mayhem across Europe,” said Durbin. “We need to increase military assistance to our Ukrainian allies and allied pressure on Russia—which I reiterated to Ms. Stefanishyna.

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GREENE COUNTY — The Greene County Health Department is proud to announce that Amanda McKinley, one of our exceptional team members, has been honored with the Community Health Worker of the Year Award by the Illinois Public Health Association (IPHA). This prestigious award recognizes Amanda’s outstanding achievements, dedication, and compassion in her role as a Community Health Worker (CHW). Her commitment to supporting individuals and families, addressing barriers to care, and improving community well-being has made a lasting difference across Greene County. The Illinois Public Health Association (IPHA), established in 1940, is the oldest and largest public health association in the state. IPHA works to strengthen public health infrastructure, promote policies that improve health outcomes, and advance the professional development of Illinois’ public health workforce. Community Health Workers are trusted frontline professionals who bridge the gap between

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RIVERBEND - Halloween is creeping up on us, but it’s all treats — no tricks — this spooky season. Several parades are scheduled over the next few weeks. Check it out! ALTON With one of the longest-running Halloween parades in the country, Alton’s 108th annual celebration will run from 7–10 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 31, 2025. The parade begins downtown at the intersection of Washington Avenue and Broadway and will continue on Broadway to Piasa Street, where it will end at 9th Street. If you are unable to get out to view the Alton Halloween Parade in-person, keep an eye out for the live stream on Riverbender.com . BETHALTO The Bethalto Rotary Club will host their annual Halloween parade on Monday, Oct. 27, 2025 . The parade starts at 6:30 p.m. and travels from Rose Lawn Memory Garden to Erwin Plegge Boulevard to Central Park. BRIGHTON The Village of Brighton will host their annual Frighten Brighton event from 3 to 7 p.m. o

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Did you know that nearly 33% of the world’s population depends on agriculture for their livelihood? Despite this staggering figure, farmers are often the least recognized contributors to our daily lives. National Farmers Day serves as a vital reminder to acknowledge the hard work, dedication, and resilience of farmers who sustain our food systems and economies worldwide. The Importance of National Farmers Day National Farmers Day is more than just a date on the calendar; it is a tribute to the backbone of society—the farmers. In many countries, this day is observed to honor the role farmers play in food production, rural development, and environmental stewardship. The significance of this day lies in raising public awareness about the challenges faced by farmers, such as climate change, market volatility, and access to resources. For example, in India, where over 50% of the workforce is engaged in agriculture, National Farmers Day (celebrated on December 23) commemorates

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CHICAGO – Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul co-led a coalition of 18 attorneys general in filing an amicus brief supporting a legal challenge to President Trump’s executive orders targeting diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility initiatives and programs that support transgender individuals. Raoul and the coalition filed their brief in San Francisco AIDS Foundation v. Trump before the United States Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit. At issue on appeal are several provisions in the executive orders that direct agencies to terminate federal funding for “equity-related” grants and grants that promote “gender ideology.” The plaintiffs in the case argue that these funding provisions impose illegal burdens on organizations that provide critical services to LGBTQ communities – many specifically supporting transgender individuals. “The Trump administration’s attacks on the rights of transgender individuals and lawful diversity

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ALTON — The Alton Police Department is investigating a shooting that occurred shortly after midnight on Saturday, Oct. 11, 2025. At approximately 12:09 a.m., officers responded to a report in the 1100 block of Belle Street of a male subject suffering from gunshot wounds. The individual was found at the scene and transported to a local hospital before being transferred to a hospital in the St. Louis area. He is currently listed in stable condition. The department’s Criminal Investigations Division is actively investigating the incident. Authorities are asking anyone with information related to the case to contact the Alton Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Division at (618) 463-3505 Ext. 634.

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EDWARDSVILLE - Madison County State’s Attorney Tom Haine announced Friday, Oct. 10, 2025, that a jury found Timothy P. Rodgers, 40, of Edwardsville, guilty of felony charges related to an attack on a Glen Carbon doctor. Rodgers was convicted of home invasion, a Class X felony, and aggravated battery of a person 60 or older, a Class 3 felony, for an incident that occurred Dec. 20, 2021. According to evidence and testimony presented during the trial, Rodgers entered the victim’s home without authorization, despite being told to leave via a video doorbell. He gained entry through a garage door and attacked the 67-year-old victim in a bathroom by slamming the victim’s head against a tile floor, head-butting him, and body-slamming him. The victim sustained bruising, cuts, and permanent hearing loss. Assistant State’s Attorneys Gina McNabnay and Sean Williams presented the prosecution’s case, which included refuting the defense’s claim that Rodgers was

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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, released the following statement on the indictment of New York Attorney General Letitia James in federal court: “President Trump has successfully turned the Department of Justice into a shield to protect himself and his MAGA allies and a sword to attack his opponents, enabled by an Attorney General who follows orders. “This Administration shows no allegiance to our country nor the rule of law. They’re deploying troops in American cities, gutting government services, suppressing the right to free speech, and refusing negotiations to lower health care costs, because they’d rather protect billionaires from paying their fair share and block the release of the Epstein files. “First, it’s James Comey. Now, it’s Letitia James. Next, it could be anybody who ever crossed Donald Trump. If any elected Republican actually gives a damn

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EDWARDSVILLE – A man from Edwardsville faces felony charges after allegedly sharing an explicit photo online without the victim’s consent and threatening to harm the victim and her reputation. Lorenzo M. Barlow, 21, of Edwardsville, was charged with one count each of stalking and nonconsensual dissemination of a sex image, both Class 4 felonies. On Oct. 7, 2025, Barlow allegedly engaged in a course of conduct directed at a victim which he knew or should have known would cause the victim to fear for their safety, resulting in the stalking charge. Barlow reportedly sent the victim a video from outside her home while threatening to harm her, called the victim over 30 times via multiple platforms, sent multiple messages threatening to harm the victim and her reputation, threatened to send the victim’s employer videos of her engaged in sex acts, claimed he had sent such videos to a third party, and posted a nude photo of the victim to his Instagram profile. The state’s

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ALTON - Riverbend residents are invited to the City of Alton’s 108th annual Halloween Parade. Hosted by the city and the East End Improvement Association, the parade will start at 7 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 31, 2025. Hundreds of spectators will be in attendance. Steve and Greg with the East End Improvement Association look forward to another fun, spooky night for the city. “Halloween is really a big night in Alton,” Steve said. “We have people who come back every year. We have individuals that watch the parade that are in the same spot every year. Get there early.” Since August, the East End Improvement Association has been planning the parade and accepting participant applications. Greg noted that their ten-person committee runs like “a machine,” with everyone working together to make sure the parade goes off without a hitch. This year’s parade marshal is Karen Wilson. Steve and Greg thanked the Alton and Godfrey first responders,

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ALTON - Marquette Catholic High School has announced the candidates for its 2025 Homecoming Court. The king candidates include Jack Beaber, Maicol Gonzalez, Ethan Dempsey, Keller Jacobs, Carson Jones, Eli Rodgers, and Jack Rea. The queen candidates are Annie Rea, Alana Taylor, Melanie Marshall, Caroline Cain, Juliana Urhahn, Emma Dempsey, and Maddie Waters. The king and queen will be revealed at the Homecoming Dance scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025. The event marks a traditional celebration for the school community.

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ROXANA – Midwest Members Credit Union is proud to sponsor the “Shell of the Month” program at Roxana High School. Students from each grade level are selected each month by members of RHS faculty. Each student is awarded a certificate and a Subway gift card. The Seniors selected each month will have the opportunity to compete for a “Shell of the Year” scholarship at the end of the school year. September's Shell of the Month winners are: Senior- Miranda Williams & Max Autery Junior- Jamyra Allen & Easton Johnston Sophomore- Mia Skinner & Dayton Fleenor Freshman- Kaylee Kane & Myles Bertoletti Congratulations to all the recipients Midwest Members Credit Union has been serving your community for over 90 years. To find out more information about Midwest Members Credit Union and what they are doing in your community, please visit www.midmembers.org

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SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Labor’s (IDOL) On-Site Safety and Health Consultation Program (On-Site) is celebrating the Staunton Fire Protection District (SFPD) for earning the 2025 International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) Health, Safety and Survival Section Billy Goldfeder Fire Service Organizational Safety Award. The award recognizes people and organizations that demonstrate an outstanding commitment to fire service health and safety. SFPD’s collaboration with On-Site, and its inclusion in federal OSHA’s Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program (SHARP) were highlighted by the IAFC as key factors in the district’s selection. SFPD achieved SHARP designation in May 2017 and remains the only volunteer fire department in the nation to hold the certification. It is also one of only four SHARP-designated fire departments in Illinois. SHARP is a federal recognition program that acknowledges small employers with exemplary safety

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ST. LOUIS - With October marking National Manufacturing Month, a time when communities across the country celebrate modern manufacturing, the St. Louis region stands out as a hub for manufacturing education and workforce development with a well-established network of programs and centers of excellence that continue to grow in both in scale and impact. These programs are helping to address the rising demand for skilled workers in advanced manufacturing, aerospace and avionics, and the St. Louis Regional Freightway is continuing its efforts to promote their availability and educate students and career seekers about the tremendous career opportunities they lead to. “Advanced manufacturing is a thriving, targeted industry sector in the St. Louis region, and the strength of the aerospace subsector is particularly noteworthy,” said Mary Lamie. Lamie is head of St. Louis Regional Freightway, which launched the St. Louis Regional Aerospace and Aviation Task Force in 2024 to hel

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