Riverbender 🕸

Today in the Riverbend area, the high will reach a warm 84 degrees with a low of 57 degrees. Expect partly sunny skies and a beautiful day overall. Winds will be light, coming from the west-northwest at around 6 mph with occasional gusts up to 8 mph. The air quality is good, but ragweed levels are high, so allergy sufferers should be prepared. Mold levels are moderate. Tonight, skies will remain mostly clear to partly cloudy with lows cooling back down to the upper 50s. It will feel cool at night with gentle north-northeast winds around 5 mph. Looking ahead to tomorrow, expect a high of 82 degrees and a low around 56 degrees. The day will be mostly sunny and pleasant with light northeast winds. Ragweed levels will remain high, and the UV index is very high, so be sure to protect yourself if you'll be outdoors. For up-to-date weather information, visit https://riverbender.com/weather .

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ALTON – Stacey Roach, co-owner of Pour Decisions in downtown Alton, announced at Wednesday’s City Council meeting the bar will likely be forced to close its doors after its late night liquor license was revoked. A late night liquor license allows an Alton business to sell alcohol as late as 2 a.m. on weekdays and 3 a.m. on weekends. Pour Decisions is one of two downtown bars which had their late night liquor licenses revoked after a hearing before Mayor and Liquor Commissioner David Goins in July. According to Roach, the effects on the business have been devastating. “We went from being open seven days a week, employing a full staff, to being forced down to just three nights a week. We had to lay off our entire staff, including family members and my son,” Roach said. “Today, it leaves only me there doing three night shifts a week, doing what I can just to keep the doors open. “The financial hit has been severe. Where we were once ringing

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CARLYLE – The Illinois Department of Transportation today announced that intermittent daytime lane closures will take place on U.S. 50 at Prairie Branch Creek, 1.1 miles east of Huey Road in Clinton County, weather permitting, on Tuesday, Sept. 2. The lane closures are necessary for the evaluation of pavement conditions. Drivers are urged to reduce speed, be alert for changing conditions, obey all signage and refrain from using mobile devices while approaching and traveling through the work zone. For IDOT District 8 updates, follow us on the social media platform X at @IDOTDistrict8 or view area construction details on IDOT’s traveler information map on GettingAroundIllinois.com.

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ALTON - The City of Alton is excited to announce the return of the annual Alton Expo, set to take place at the Alton Amphitheater from Thursday, September 4 through Sunday, September 7, 2025. The Expo will once again feature live entertainment, carnival rides, games, and a variety of fair food favorites, bringing families and visitors together for a weekend of fun. As with every major event in Alton, the safety and security of attendees remain a top priority. The Alton Police Department will have a large police presence at the Expo, supplemented by private security staff provided for all Amphitheater events. In addition, the City of Alton is continuing a security measure that has been in place for the past few years: • Anyone 17 years of age and under must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian while attending the Expo. • Individuals under 18 who arrive unaccompanied will not be permitted to stay at the event. This policy was first implemented in 2023 and has consistently

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CHICAGO – Attorney General Kwame Raoul joined a coalition of 20 attorneys general defending a Colorado law that prohibits licensed health care professionals from practicing conversion “therapy” on minors. Conversion “therapy,” also called sexual orientation or gender identity change efforts, is a harmful and ineffective practice that attempts to change a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity. In an amicus brief filed in the U.S. Supreme Court in support of Colorado’s law, Raoul and the coalition argue that conversion therapy is not a safe or effective treatment for any condition, puts youth at risk of serious harms, including increased risks of suicide and depression, and falls below the standard of care for mental health practitioners. “Leading medical organizations all agree – conversion therapy is a dangerous practice that jeopardizes the safety and health of LGBTQ+ youth,” Raoul said. “I will continue

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WOOD RIVER — East Alton-Wood River High School will honor the newest inductees to the Oiler Alumni Hall of Fame at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025. The event will take place in Memorial Gym and will include a dinner and awards presentation. The 2025 Hall of Fame class includes Doug Booten (Class of 1987), Neil Enloe (Class of 1956), Tyler Martin (Class of 1987), Col. Dustin Richards (Class of 1997), Dr. Katie Richards (Class of 2002), Mike Ringering (Class of 1984), Dave Sever (Class of 1977), and Dr. Kerry Studnicki (Class of 1999). Tickets for the dinner are available to the general public for $20 each. They may be purchased starting Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2025, at the EAWR High School Main Office from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on student attendance days. This year’s ceremony will differ from previous inductions by featuring informal interviews with each inductee. Additionally, the event venue has been moved to Memorial Gym.

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HIGHLAND — Ralph Korte, founder of The Korte Company and a pivotal figure in the construction industry, died on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, surrounded by family. Born in 1934 in rural Highland, Illinois, Korte built a legacy that influenced both his community and the nation’s approach to design-build construction. Korte grew up as one of 14 children on a small family farm and left formal schooling after the eighth grade. He developed a passion for building by assisting neighbors with farm projects. During boot camp in Arkansas, he earned his GED, which motivated him to continue learning. He served in the Korean War, returning with a veteran’s perspective that emphasized hard work, learning, and courage. In 1958, armed with a $79 electric saw and a simple business philosophy — “Don’t charge too much, and work hard” — Korte founded The Korte Company. What began as a side job evolved into a nationally recognized Design-Build firm known for

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BELLEVILLE - The Belleville Area Humane Society will host their annual “Wine for Whiskers” fall festival event to support animals. From 5:30–9 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 18, 2025, community members can enjoy dinner, drinks, carnival games, a silent auction, raffles and more fun at The Weingarten in Belleville. Geared towards adults, this fall festival promises a fun evening to benefit local animals. “It’s just going to be a really good night,” said Chelsea Erxleben with Belleville Area Humane Society (BAHS). “The community always just wraps their arms around us and they support us so much. We couldn’t do it without our community because obviously we’re a nonprofit running on donations. We’re here because the community believes in us, and we believe in them.” Tickets to the event cost $50 each and include dinner from Tavern on Main and two drink tickets. In addition to the dinner, live music, raffles and silent

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SPRINGFIELD, IL. - Retired police K9s in Illinois may soon receive the veterinary support they deserve, thanks to a new law sponsored by Senator Erica Harriss (56th-Glen Carbon). “Our police K9s give everything they have to keep our communities safe,” said Senator Harriss. “After years of dangerous and demanding work, many face costly health challenges. This law makes sure they’re cared for in retirement, just as they cared for us.” House Bill 3140 creates the Care for Retired Police Dogs Grant Program, providing up to $1,500 each year to reimburse handlers or adoptive families for veterinary expenses. To qualify, a K9 must have served at least five years, or three years if injured in the line of duty. “Most retired K9s are adopted by their handlers, who already share a deep bond with them,” said Senator Harriss. “By helping cover the cost of veterinary care, this program not only eases the burden on families but also honors these

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GRANITE CITY – A Granite City man with a serious criminal past faces new charges after breaking into an apartment on Cleveland Boulevard. Deshawn L. Bell, 34, of Granite City, was charged on Aug. 21, 2025 with one count each of residential burglary (a Class 1 felony) and criminal trespass to property (a Class A misdemeanor). Bell allegedly knowingly entered a Granite City residence in the 2000 block of Cleveland Boulevard without authority, intending to commit a theft and causing less than $500 worth of damage to the victim’s property on June 13, 2025. Bell reportedly tried entering the victim’s residence earlier that day while the victim was at work before Officer James Hart of the Granite City Police Department arrived on scene. The victim had already made it clear to police that Bell “no longer resided at the apartment and had been kicked out, requiring police supervision for any entry,” according to the state’s petition to deny Bell’s

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ALHAMBRA, Ill. — The Legendary Mustang Sanctuary, a nonprofit organization dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating wild mustangs and burros, is seeking urgent assistance after a fire damaged their home and essential supplies on Monday, Aug. 25, 2025. The fire occurred on Monday, destroying one room and causing widespread smoke damage throughout the residence. The sanctuary’s feed supply, stored in the basement, was also compromised, leaving the organization without food for its animals. “We desperately need some help! Our house caught on fire on Monday. Luckily, only 1 room was burnt. However, everything is smoke-damaged, so we have nothing until the insurance takes care of it, which we don't know how long it will take,” the sanctuary owners said in an official statement. The Legendary Mustang Sanctuary owners are requesting donations of personal items, kitchen supplies such as pots and pans, and animal feed, including dog, cat, chicken, and horse food.

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MILLSTADT - Buttercup Ranch and Creamery invites the community to join them for their annual balloon glow and CiderMan Triathlon. At 6 p.m. on Sept. 5, 2025, community members can come out to the farm for a balloon glow and concert by Scott Vignassi’s Big Little Big Band. This will be followed by the triathlon at 7 a.m. on Sept. 6, 2025. Mary MacKeen, who owns the farm, can’t wait to share the experience with people from across the Millstadt region. “We’re excited,” MacKeen said. “Of course, we’re a little frazzled, but we're getting ready. It’s looking great.” MacKeen explained that both the balloon glow and the triathlon are fun, family-friendly experiences that aim to bring the community together. MacKeen’s family started these events in honor of John Ogonowski, the pilot of Flight 11, who died on Sept. 11, 2001. Proceeds from both events will go toward the local police department and fire department in honor

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SWANSEA/O'FALLON — Authorities continue to search for Bill Crispin, who went missing after walking eastbound on Frank Scott Parkway East on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025. The last confirmed sighting of Crispin was near Old Collinsville Road, but his whereabouts remain unknown. The Swansea Police Department, in collaboration with the O’Fallon Police Department and four other agencies, is urging residents in the area to review any security camera footage from 3:40 p.m. onward on that day. Officials specifically request that residents check cameras covering outbuildings, sheds, wooded areas, and other locations near Frank Scott Parkway East and Old Collinsville Road. Crispin is described as a taller white male last seen wearing a light grey short-sleeve t-shirt, blue jeans, and a black hat. Anyone with information or relevant video footage is asked to contact the Swansea Police Department at 618-233-8114. Video evidence can also be uploaded to the department’s website.

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MADISON COUNTY — The Madison County Coroner’s Office announced the promotion of Senior Investigator Kelsey Jones, recognizing her years of dedicated service and commitment to the community. Jones, who has been with the office since 2013, has been praised for her investigative expertise and advocacy for victims and their families. The office described Jones as “an invaluable part of our team” and noted that her promotion reflects her outstanding contributions. Officials expressed pride in having Jones as a key member of their staff.

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CHICAGO – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) today sent 46 letters to companies that operate online marketplaces requesting information on the implementation and enforcement of the Senators’ Integrity, Notification, and Fairness in Online Retail Marketplaces for Consumers (INFORM Consumers) Act, which went into effect on June 27, 2023. The Senators sent a letter to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) inquiring about the same information last week. The Senators wrote, “We write to request information regarding your ongoing compliance with the Act and any additional steps has taken to ensure that stolen, counterfeit, or unsafe items are not being sold through your marketplace.” The legislation, which was sponsored by Durbin and Cassidy and signed into law in December 2022, combats the online sale of stolen, counterfeit, and dangerous consumer products

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GLEN CARBON – Glen Carbon trustees have officially capped the number of short-term rental properties allowed in the village at one time to 15. At the Tuesday, Aug. 26, 2025, Village Board meeting, trustees unanimously approved an ordinance limiting short-term rentals in the Village of Glen Carbon. The Glen Carbon Village Code defines a “short-term rental property” as “a building or portion thereof that is held out or offered for rent, for overnight lodging for non-permanent or transient guest, for a period shorter than 30 consecutive days.” Erika Heil, the village’s Director of Community Development, said the limit of 15 was formed in comparison to Edwardsville’s population and short-term rental limits. She noted Glen Carbon will only allow properties currently unoccupied by the property owners to be used as short-term rentals. “Edwardsville allows for 30 owner-occupied as well as 30 owner-unoccupied ,” Heil said. “We

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ALTON - Centerstone offers mental health and substance use disorder treatment services throughout Illinois, including an intensive outpatient program. Stacy Seitz, VP of Clinical Services, noted that Centerstone’s intensive outpatient program (IOP) is designed for individuals who are experiencing a substance use disorder. This program might be useful for people who are stepping down from a residential treatment program, or for others who could use additional support in the community. “We’ve offered IOP services for a while, but we did a revamp of the program within the last year,” Seitz explained. “I think the biggest thing that we recognize is we needed a level of support that was in-between.” Centerstone clients can participate in the residential treatment program in Anna, Illinois. This program is extremely structured, with programs “every single hour of every single day,” Seitz said. Centerstone realized that a “middle

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ALTON – Alton High School FCCLA Students earn recognition at the Alton School District school board meeting for their accomplishment of making it to FCCLA (Family, Career and Community Leaders of America) National Convention this past summer in Orlando, Florida with their STAR events projects. Lillian Fazio, AHS Senior, Alton FCCLA President and IL FCCLA State Officer won gold at nationals. Lilly Burns, AHS Junior, Alton FCCLA Community Service Chair won silver at nationals. Carter Stahl, AHS Junior, Alton FCCLA Vice President won bronze at nationals. They were presented certificates of achievement by the Alton School District Board and Superintendent Elaine Kane. FCCLA (Family, Career and Community Leaders of America) is a nonprofit national career and technical student organization for young men and women involved in Family and Consumer Sciences education, aiming to develop leadership and life skills. Founded in 1945 as the Future Homemakers of America, FCCLA provides members

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SPRINGFIELD – More than 285 south suburban residents took part in Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias’ second virtual Town Hall Tuesday evening to discuss the skyrocketing cost of auto insurance. Between the first two virtual Town Halls, over 500 Illinoisans have participated to learn more about the issue and share their stories. Residents shared their first-hand accounts of auto insurance rates increasing due to a recent move, a poor credit score or advanced age – reasons that have nothing to do with their driving record. This was the second of a series of virtual Town Hall meetings that the Secretary of State’s office is conducting over the next several weeks to gather feedback from Illinoisans to help inform state legislation for members of the General Assembly to consider. “As Secretary of State, I strongly believe that an individual’s driving record should serve as the primary factor that’s analyzed when setting auto insuranc

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VALMEYER, Ill. — The Monroe County Sheriff’s Department has completed its investigation into a fatal single-vehicle crash that occurred early Tuesday, Aug. 26, 2025, near the intersection of Fountain Road and Levee Road, resulting in the death of a Valmeyer man. At approximately 6:18 a.m. Tuesday, deputies responded to reports of a vehicle off the roadway at the base of the levee. Upon arrival, they found a 2012 Jeep Wrangler that had left Levee Road and overturned down the embankment. The sole occupant, 46-year-old Nicholas D. Wittenbrink, was discovered unresponsive nearby. Deputies immediately began CPR and used an automated external defibrillator until Monroe County EMS arrived. Despite these efforts, Wittenbrink was pronounced dead at about 7:53 a.m. by the Monroe County Coroner’s Office. The Monroe Sheriff's Department investigation determined that extreme fog conditions contributed to the crash. According to the report, Wittenbrink’s vehicle left the

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