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GODFREY - Larry Niel Moehn, an educator and longtime gymnastics coach and business owner who spent more than three decades as a professor at Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville and operated Mid-Illinois Gymnastics and Dance Academy for more than 60 years, died Monday, March 30, 2026. He was 87. Moehn, who was born in Alton, built a career in education and athletics that included founding a gymnastics and dance program that expanded from Alton to Godfrey. Moehn was born Feb. 18, 1939,

Key takeaways: A study associates hot drinks with an increased risk of esophageal cancer. But experts say a cup of coffee or tea is fine. Just avoid scalding hot beverages multiple times a day. Esophageal cancer is tough to treat, so prevention and early intervention is key. Alcohol use, smoking and obesity put you at a higher risk. Symptoms of esophageal cancer include reflux or trouble swallowing. Scientists are constantly learning more about cancer – what causes

GRANITE CITY – Two Granite City men who were charged on the same day with attempting to flee from police across state lines are now in custody. Louis P. Campbell, 48, of Granite City, was charged on March 23, 2026 with one count each of aggravated fleeing or attempting to elude a peace officer (a Class 4 felony) and driving while license is suspended (a Class A misdemeanor). On March 22, 2026, Campbell allegedly knowingly attempted to elude a Madison County Sheriff’s deputy after

PIASA — Southwestern boys soccer senior Eben Makler has signed a letter of intent to play soccer for Greenville University, said head boys soccer coach Steve Mitchell. Coach Mitchell said Makler, a center midfielder who also plays “back and front,” will be a boost to the Greenville University program. Makler is an Altonized Community Federal Credit Union Male Athlete of the Month. “Eben Makler signed his letter of intent to play soccer for Greenville University,”

ALTON - Dozens of demonstrators gathered Saturday, March 28, 2026, at Lincoln-Douglas Square in Alton for a "No Kings" peaceful protest aimed at opposing what they described as authoritarian leadership and criticizing President Donald Trump. It was estimated that more than 200 people participated in the "No Kings" protest. Participants carried signs and American flags under the message “No Kings,” assembling around the historic site and spreading across nearby sidewalks and

FERGUSON, MO. - A track meet involving 20 schools was ending Tuesday evening, March 31, 2026, at the STEAM Academy at McCluer South Berkeley High School in Ferguson when gunfire erupted in the parking lot as people were leaving, killing a 14-year-old boy and critically injuring a 15-year-old boy. A 13-year-old suspect was taken into custody nearby, and officials said there was no ongoing threat to the school community. The shooting happened just after 7 p.m. on Tuesday at the campu

WOOD RIVER — In recognition of Earth Month, State Senator Erica Harriss (56th- Glen Carbon) and Representative Amy Elik (111th- Alton) are inviting residents to take part in a FREE Community Shred Event and Clean Up Day on Saturday, April 25, 2026, from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the Wood River Police Department parking lot (550 Madison Ave., Wood River, IL — entrance on IL Route 143). The event will provide secure, on-site document shredding to help residents safely dispose of sensitive

Key Takeaways: A newer endoscopic technique available at OSF HealthCare allows surgeons to treat certain spinal conditions with smaller incisions and faster recovery times. Tyler Stratman of Clinton, Illinois experienced near-immediate pain relief following surgery for a bulging disc. Full recovery times vary depending on a person's age and severity of the condition. After years of chronic pain stripped away his active lifestyle, 36-year-old Tyler Stratman of Clinton, Illinois,

CHICAGO – Attorney General Kwame Raoul today joined 24 attorneys general in issuing a statement on Barbara v. Trump, a challenge to President Trump’s executive order purporting to end birthright citizenship for countless children born in the United States to immigrant parents, in violation of the 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. Raoul and a coalition filed an amicus brief in the case, in which the U.S. Supreme Court will hear arguments today. “The president’s

EDWARDSVILLE - Captain Jerry Endicott has retired from the Madison County Sheriff’s Office, the agency has announced. The Madison County Sheriff’s Office said Endicott served in multiple roles, including as a Patrol Division deputy sheriff and as jail administrator. Madison County Sheriff Jeff Connor described Endicott as having “led with integrity and a commitment to keeping our community safe.” “Congratulations to Captain Jerry Endicott on his retiremen

SPRINGFIELD – Governor JB Pritzker has proclaimed April as Innovation and Technology Month in Illinois, recognizing the state’s leadership in emerging technologies and its commitment to preparing students for careers in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics). “Illinois is a nation-leading innovation hub that drives technological progress. Innovation and Technology Month is a reflection of our commitment to emerging technologies and our efforts empower

GRANITE CITY – Granite City High School has announced its 2026 Summer Camp Schedule with available camps in eight sports: baseball, boys basketball, boys soccer, cross country, football, girls basketball, girls volleyball and softball. GCHS Camps are designed to instruct athletes on fundamental skills involved in their sport in a fun and enthusiastic atmosphere. Athletes will be divided by their grade level and skill level receiving individual instruction. These camps will be directed

Key takeaways: Some people put off health screenings and appointments in the winter. Spring is the perfect time to do a reset and see what you need. Everyone should get a yearly physical. Talk to your primary care provider about what other screenings and vaccines you need. Spring can also be a time to recommit to health habits at home, like diet, exercise and quitting unhealthy behaviors. Winter means cold, snowy conditions and a desire to stay in. It’s fine to be

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Natural Resources is sharing the following upcoming events and noteworthy items for April 2026. April 2 Tot Time: Totally Turtles Dickson Mounds Museum Lewistown | Fulton County Families are invited to learn about the different types of turtles found in Illinois, presented by Jake Wolf Memorial Fish Hatchery’s natural resources coordinator Kayleigh Smith. Registration is not required, but groups of eight or more are encouraged to

WOOD RIVER - Local organizations gathered for the annual Child Abuse Prevention Month Kickoff event. On Wednesday, April 1, 2026, stakeholders and community members came together for speeches and a resource fair hosted by Refuge 4 Kids at Riverbend Family Ministries . The goal was to encourage attendees to look out for the kids in their lives and support families. People from across the county were in attendance and spoke about the importance of preventing child abuse. “I've

ALTON - The Alton Police Department has named Patrolman First Class Zach Travis its 2025 Field Training Officer of the Year, citing his work training three new officers throughout 2025 and his commitment to mentorship and professional development, Police Chief Jarrett Ford said. Ford said Travis served as the field training officer for three new officers during the year and “dedicated himself to their development, mentorship, and success without hesitation.” “PFC

ALTON - Alton Police Officer Steven Vaughn has embraced his role with energy, positivity, and a strong commitment to service in his first year. Officer Vaughn and Officer Luke Atkinson are the 2025 Alton Police Rookie Officers of the Year, citing their performance during their first year on the job, including responses to high-risk calls in Alton. Vaughn has excelled on multiple shifts, bringing fresh ideas and teamwork to both A and C platoons. Vaughn with Atkinson are Difference Makers in

ALTON - The Alton Police Department has named Officers Luke Atkinson and Steven Vaughn as its 2025 Rookie Officers of the Year, citing their performance during their first year on the job, including responses to high-risk calls in Alton. More about Vaughn in a separate story on Riverbender.com. Atkinson and Vaughn are both Difference Makers in their community. Alton Police Chief Jarrett Ford described Atkinson as “a dependable and respected member of the department.” In one high-ris

EAST ST. LOUIS — A 62-year-old man accused of robbing a federally insured bank in O’Fallon, Illinois, appeared in federal court last week to face a bank robbery charge, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Illinois. George E. Habermehl Jr. is charged with one count of bank robbery. The U.S. Attorney’s Office said the alleged robbery occurred around 11:10 a.m. March 20, 2026, at FCB Bank on Highway 50 in O’Fallon. Authorities said

CHICAGO - An Illinois law firm filed a federal insurance bad faith lawsuit Tuesday seeking more than $2 billion in damages against Travelers Property Casualty Company of America, alleging the insurer violated its duty of good faith and failed to protect its insured, Prairie Farms Dairy Inc., from catastrophic financial exposure tied to a Madison County wrongful death case. Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C. said the lawsuit was filed March 31, 2026, in the U.S. District Court for the Southern Distric