Riverbender 🕸

MARION - Illinois State Police (ISP) Division of Criminal Investigation Trafficking Enforcement Group arrested eight individuals during a two-day human trafficking demand suppression operation in the Marion area of Williamson County on October 14 - 15, 2025. The operation focused on identifying individuals seeking to engage in commercial sex acts. As a result of the operation, the following individuals were arrested and charged: Nicholas A. Love (44) of Marion, IL – Traveling to Meet a Minor (Class 3), Indecent Solicitation of a Minor (Class 3), Solicitation to Meet a Child (Class 4). Michael L. Beltz (66) of Herrin, IL – Traveling to Meet a Minor (Class 3), Indecent Solicitation of a Minor (Class 3), Solicitation to Meet a Child (Class 4). Jason R. Fox (51) of Alto Pass, IL – Traveling to Meet a Minor (Class 3), Indecent Solicitation of a Minor (Class 3), Solicitation to Meet a Child (Class 4). Willie A. Huddson (50) of Colp, IL – Traveling to Meet a Minor

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ALTON – Alton city officials received an update on the city’s comprehensive planning efforts last night after a well-attended community workshop was held last week to gather input from residents. Adam Jones with Stantec Consulting Services gave Alton Committee of the Whole members a presentation on the city’s “existing conditions” regarding demographics, zoning, and other trends observed over the past 10 years. Jones said this marks the “first phase” of the project since Alton hired Stantec three months ago to update its Comprehensive Plan – a document which aims to guide the city’s growth and development for the next 20 years and keep it competitive among other local cities. Jones said he expects the new Comprehensive Plan to be complete by next year. In the meantime, Stantec plans to host more “vision and goal-setting events” to gather public input in the future and will soon publish

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SPRINGFIELD - Women business owners looking to expand sales and win government contracts should consider the Illinois Office of Comptroller’s (IOC) SMART Business program, which provides free counseling and guidance on how to become certified as a small business or a women-owned business with the state. “Getting certified means our hard-working business owners can take advantage of procurement opportunities with the State of Illinois, bidding on contracts specifically set aside for businesses in these specific categories,” said Comptroller Mendoza. There are several advantages to doing business with the state. Business owners can count on a steady demand, create a track record of service to help win more clients, and grow revenue. The SMART Business program has staff available to consult with business owners one-on-one throughout the process of becoming a certified vendor. Interested business owners can sign up here: Smart Business Illinois - The Illinois

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CHICAGO - As families prepare to celebrate Halloween, the Illinois Poison Center (IPC) is reminding parents and caregivers about the growing number of accidental poisonings reported during the season, including cases involving dry ice, glow sticks, cosmetics, and occasionally candy. In 2024, IPC managed 4,062 exposures to cosmetics, 244 exposures to glow stick products and 3 exposures to dry ice. Most calls related to the exposure of cosmetics and glow sticks were children 5 and under, and most exposures to dry ice were adults. “IPC rarely manages calls about Halloween candy, but still recommend parents and caregivers check their child’s candy as a safety precaution, especially with the use of gummies and other candy-like products that contain THC,” said IPC Medical Director, Michael Wahl, MD. “Each year, IPC receives calls about internal and external exposures to glow sticks, dry ice, and Halloween makeup.” IPC encourages everyone to follow these Halloween

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ALTON - The Riverbender Building will celebrate its 100th anniversary with a special reception. At 10 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 24, 2025, the building’s tenants and the larger community are invited to a gathering on the first floor to celebrate the anniversary and honor long-time tenant Robert Ryan with cookies and coffee. Diane Flavan with Skyline Commercial Real Estate expressed the building owners’ appreciation for the community and culture that has developed in the building over the past ten decades. “My owners are committed to community growth as a whole. They love Alton,” Flavan said. The Riverbender Building opened in 1925 as First National Bank, and there are still bank vaults in the basement. These days, the building is home to office space and a wide range of tenants, including the Riverbender.com offices. While the building has undergone a few renovations in recent years, the preservation of its history is important. Flavan highlighted the

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CAHOKIA HEIGHTS – The Illinois Department of Transportation today announced that rehabilitation of a crossing by Norfolk Southern railroad on Illinois 157 between Illinois 13 and Chase Lane in St. Clair County will require a full closure beginning, weather permitting, Monday, Oct. 27. A posted detour will be in place to safely guide motorists around the closure, which is expected to conclude Friday, Oct. 31. Motorists can expect delays and should allow extra time for trips through this area. Drivers are urged to pay close attention to detour signs in work zones, obey the posted speed limits, refrain from using mobile devices and be alert for workers and equipment. For IDOT District 8 updates, follow us on X at @IDOTDistrict8 or view area construction details on IDOT’s traveler information map on GettingAroundIllinois.com.

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WOOD RIVER — Drake Champlin, a recent graduate of East Alton Wood River High School and current McKendree University wrestler, has been named parade marshal for the 40th Annual Wood River Halloween Parade in 2025. Champlin earned the honor following a standout high school athletic career, highlighted by his achievement as the 2025 Illinois High School Association Class 1A state wrestling champion at 215 pounds. He finished his senior season with a 43-1 record and previously placed second at the state tournament as a junior. Champlin holds the school record for most wrestling wins with 172. In addition to wrestling, Champlin was a key contributor to the EAWR football team, playing since age five. He served as team captain during his junior and senior seasons and received All-Conference honors as a sophomore and junior. During his senior year, he recorded 63 tackles. “Coaching him these past four years has been the highlight of my coaching career,” said EAWR wrestling

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ALTON - If you think you have a medical malpractice case on your hands, attorney Keith Short has a few pieces of advice. Short, with Keith Short & Associates, P.C., in Alton, shared that whether you’re in Illinois or Missouri, you have only two years before the statute of limitations expires. He urges potential clients to find a lawyer quickly, but make sure your lawyer is experienced in medical malpractice. “Number one thing is, understand there’s a clock running,” he said. “If your two years are over, your two years are over in Illinois or Missouri. There are some exceptions, but that’s pretty much it. So first thing is, you get to somebody as quickly as you can. Second thing is, you have to get to somebody who actually knows what they’re doing.” Short noted that “time is being wasted” if you don’t choose a lawyer who, like him, specializes in medical malpractice. He urges clients to choose someone who i

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CALHOUN COUNTY — On July 30, 2025, at approximately 8:16 p.m., a deputy with the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office stopped a vehicle on Illinois Highway 100 near Hidden Valley Road for speeding. During the traffic stop, suspected illegal substances and contraband were found in the vehicle and later submitted to the Illinois State Police crime lab for analysis. Following the investigation, James V. Breen, 34, of Nebo, Illinois, was charged on September 26 with felon in possession of a weapon, unlawful possession of methamphetamine (less than 5 grams), and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia. Breen was arrested without incident on the day of the traffic stop and taken to the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office. He was released with a Notice to Appear at the Calhoun County Courthouse, in accordance with House Bill 3653, also known as the SAFE-T Act. All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

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CARLINVILLE — Dakota L. Jones, 21, of Carlinville, was charged with one count of violation of a monitoring device and one count of criminal damage to property, according to court documents. Jones allegedly left the interior of his home on October 7, 2025, without his mother present, violating the terms of home monitoring imposed after a 2024 charge of giving a false fire alarm. On the same day, Jones is accused of throwing a brick through a window, resulting in the criminal damage to property charge. The charges stem from actions that occurred while Jones was under court-ordered supervision at his residence. All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

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BUNKER HILL — Firefighters responded early Tuesday morning, Oct. 21, 2025, to a fully involved barn fire on the 7300 block of Miles Station Road in Macoupin County. The Bunker Hill Fire Protection District, along with crews from Shipman, arrived on scene around 12:30 a.m. to find the barn fully engulfed in flames with multiple nearby exposures at risk. Firefighters contained the blaze to the building of origin, and no injuries were reported. Mutual aid was provided by Brighton Betsey Ann Fire Protection District, Unit 7 Fire Protection District, and Medora Fire Protection District, all of whom assisted in controlling the fire. The Bunker Hill Fire Protection District is currently seeking volunteers. Those interested in joining the department are encouraged to reach out for more information. The Bunker Hill Fire Protection District phone number is (618) 585-3516.

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COLLINSVILLE – Lineworkers representing Ameren Illinois at the 2025 International Lineman's Rodeo in Bonner Springs, Kansas, brought home some hardware from this year's competition, Oct. 18. The reigning "Best of the Best" journeyman champs from last year – Jason Novak, Clayton Gulley and Austin Lewis – had an exceptional day of competing with a second-place finish in the pole climb, fifth-place finish in the hurtman rescue and a sixth-place finish in the second mystery event. The trio representing Marion were eighth overall in the best of the best competition. The journeyman team of Clayton Tanner (Marion), Buck Rodgers (Champaign) and Milton Draper (Alton) finished ninth in the second mystery event. Jakob Weder representing the Danville Operating Center had a strong showing in the apprentice lineman competition. Weder had a fifth-place finish in the pole climbing event and a fourth-place finish in the first mystery event. In addition to competing in

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GRANITE CITY - The Granite City Police Department has announced the addition of Cody Wiley to its team. Wiley, who brings over a decade of law enforcement experience, will immediately begin field training with the department. The Granite City Police Department welcomed Wiley as part of its ongoing efforts to strengthen its force.

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ALTON - Community members can stop by St. Paul’s Episcopal Church before the 108th Alton Halloween Parade to enjoy a chili supper. From 5–7 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 31, 2025, the Episcopal Parish of Alton will host their annual chili fundraiser for the church. It costs $10 for adults or $5 for children under age 10, and you can choose between a bowl of chili, a hot dog, or a chili dog, and also enjoy a piece of homemade pie and a drink. “It is something we look forward to every year. It’s just a great event,” said Jeany Downey, one of the organizers. “Get warm inside. And, I think, get warm outside, because if it’s a nice evening, we hope to have a firepit in our garden where people, after they enjoy their chili, can come out to the garden and stand around a firepit waiting for the parade, maybe have a glass of hot cider, just enjoy the evening.” The parade starts at 7 p.m. and will draw hundreds of people to downtown Alton. Downey

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GODFREY - The Lewis and Clark Community College Board of Trustees has passed a special tax levy. During their regular meeting on Oct. 14, 2025, the LCCC Board approved the special tax levy of 2.80 cents. The Board heard from President Dr. Ken Trzaska on why the college recommended the levy. “This decision marks a pivotal step in our commitment to sustaining and strengthening the digital infrastructure that underpins teaching, learning, and campus operations,” Trzaska said. This year, the recent state average is 27.80 cents. The Illinois Community College Board recently approved a special tax levy for LCCC of 2.80 cents per $100. This new levy will bring in an estimated $1,734,453 when applied to the actual 2024 equalized assessed valuations, contributing to LCCC’s operating revenues. For taxpayers, this means taxes would likely increase just under $15 for a $160,000 home. Trzaska explained that the college has chosen not to exercise a levy for the past

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ST. LOUIS COUNTY - St. Louis County police are investigating a homicide after a shooting Monday evening, Oct. 20, 2025, in the 9200 block of Worlds Fair Drive left one man dead and another injured. Officers from the North County Precinct responded at 8:58 p.m. Oct. 20 to reports of a shooting. Upon arrival, they found an adult male suffering from life-threatening gunshot wounds. The man was pronounced dead at the scene. The deceased has been identified as Jonathan Peebles, 37 years of age, of the 9200 block of Worlds Fair Drive, St. Louis, MO 63136. Police were also informed that a second adult male, who sustained a gunshot wound, had transported himself to a nearby hospital. Officers later located the man at the hospital, where he was receiving treatment for non-life-threatening injuries. A person of interest has been identified and taken into custody, according to the St. Louis County Police Department Bureau of Crimes Against Persons. The investigation remains active as detectives

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EDWARDSVILLE — Madison County’s law enforcement agencies, in cooperation with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, will operate a drop-off site for Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, Oct. 25, in Edwardsville. Madison County State’s Attorney Thomas A. Haine, Sheriff Jeff Connor, Coroner Nick Novacich and Emergency Management Agency Director Fred Patterson will be operating the drop-off site in coordination with the DEA. The drop-off site, open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., offers drive-up service. The site will be in the Madison County Administration Building’s back parking lot on Second Street in Edwardsville. The address for the Administration Building is: 157 North Main Street, Edwardsville, IL 62025. Coroner Novacich said: “By reducing the number of prescription medications on our streets and in our homes, we are helping ensure these drugs don’t fall into the wrong hands. Properly disposing of unneeded and expired medications is a simple

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The Edwardsville Rotary Club has chosen to honor Edwardsville High School student Savannah Jackson with the Student of the Month Award for October. Savannah was nominated by Edwardsville High School teacher Heather Haskins. Savannah is the daughter of Cyleste and Adrian Barry. She is 17 years old and this is the second time she has been honored with the Student of the Month award. She has many other achievements including the receiving the AP Scholar Award, an Honorable Mention for the National Spanish Exam, and the Award of Merit at the Art on the Square Competition. Savannah also won 1st place in Overall Student Performance at the Howard University Actuarial Science Program. Savannah is very involved in school as she is the Head Drum Major of the EHS marching band, an officer of the EHS Debate Club, and is an art editor for the EHS Literary Magazine. She is the Student Leader of the EHS Pit Orchestra and is a member of Tri-M. She is secretary for National Honor Society, is an officer

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HARDIN - Calhoun County Fair Queen Abby Johnes couldn’t be more excited to be the face of her hometown. “I love Calhoun and everybody in it, so of course, it’s great to be able to represent them,” she said. Johnes, 18, recently won the Calhoun County Fair and was named Miss Calhoun for the 2025–2026 year. With this title, Johnes will represent Calhoun County at events and area fairs until September 2026. She looks forward to advocating for her county and representing the community. Beyond her fair queen duties, Johnes works 30 hours a week as a bank teller in Brussels. She also attends Lewis and Clark Community College, where she is studying architecture. While her schedule keeps her busy, she loves everything she is doing. She shared that she decided to enter the Miss Calhoun pageant on a whim. She “always knew” she wanted to compete, but it was a last-minute decision to enter this year. “It sounded exciting, something that

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Did you know that Oktoberfest attracts over six million visitors annually, making it the world’s largest folk festival? But beyond the sea of frothy beer steins and traditional Bavarian garb lies a rich tapestry of history, cultural identity, and communal spirit. Oktoberfest is not merely a party; it is a living tradition that reflects the values and heritage of Bavaria while inviting the world to partake in its joyous customs. The Origins and Cultural Roots of Oktoberfest Oktoberfest began in 1810 as a royal wedding celebration in Munich, Bavaria, to honor the marriage of Crown Prince Ludwig and Princess Therese of Saxony-Hildburghausen. The citizens of Munich were invited to join the festivities, which included horse races and agricultural shows. The event was so popular that it evolved into an annual celebration. Over the years, Oktoberfest grew beyond its initial festivities, incorporating Bavarian music, dance, traditional clothing like lederhosen and dirndls, and, of

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