Riverbender 🕸

CHAMPAIGN - On Friday, July 11, 2025, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) led an important discussion on the future of the Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) Program in Illinois, held at Wagner Machine Company, a local business participating in the program. The event brought together key stakeholders to address concerns over the Trump Administration’s proposal to eliminate the program, which has been a cornerstone of economic growth and job creation in the district. “The impact the MEP program has had on our district cannot be overstated,” said Congresswoman Budzinski . “MEP has aided local business, generating millions in new investments and creating and maintaining good-paying jobs right here at home. Threats to this program are yet another attempt by the administration to cut funding that is doing real good in our communities. Today's tour made clear that if we are going to truly support small and mid-sized manufacturers like Wagner, we must

Continue Reading

ALTON – A 72-year-old Alton man remains in custody on criminal charges of sexual abuse and more against a 14-year-old victim. David A. Gray, 72, of the 100 block of East 14th Street in Alton, was charged on July 3, 2025 with the following offenses: Attempted criminal sexual assault (Class 2 felony) Aggravated criminal sexual abuse (Class 2 felony) Indecent solicitation of a child (two counts, both Class 3 felonies) Battery (two counts, both Class A misdemeanors) Gray is accused of committing and attempting to commit acts of sexual abuse by use of force against a female victim who was 14 years old at the time of the offenses. He is also accused of soliciting the same victim and asking them to perform sexual acts on at least two occasions, as well as inappropriately touching and forcibly kissing the same victim. The investigation began after the victim reported the sexual abuse to the Alton Police Department on June 5, 2025, according to the state’s petition

Continue Reading

JERSEYVILLE — The Jersey County Fair rodeo on Thursday night, July 10, 2025, drew one of the largest crowds in recent memory, according to Phil Ringhausen of the fair. The event nearly reached a sellout. This year’s rodeo featured Whippoorwill, a new rodeo company brought in to elevate the quality of the show. Whippoorwill Rodeo of Macedonia, Illinois, is owned and operated by past, present, and future rodeo champions. With over 25 years of rodeo experience on both sides of the arena as rodeo contestants & stock contractor’s the company's overall mission is to keep the legacy of America’s original extreme sport alive for generations to come. The company's other part of the mission is to preserve the values of Western heritage and the cowboy way of life. “We had changed rodeo companies not because of any issues, but because we wanted a different grade of show,” Ringhausen said. “They did a phenomenal job with entertainment. Rated No. 1 in

Continue Reading

ALTON - Residents of the 1st Ward are invited to attend a community meeting scheduled for Wednesday, July 16, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. The meeting will take place at City Hall. Chris Bohn, the 1st Ward alderman, announced the gathering and said John Mitchell, the newly appointed Public Works Director, will be present to address questions about upcoming projects, road conditions, and other related concerns. The meeting offers an opportunity for residents to engage directly with local officials regarding public works and community issues. Bohn expressed anticipation for the event, encouraging attendance.

Continue Reading

O’FALLON – An ordinance to keep a 1% sales tax on groceries in place to offset over $1 million in potential revenue loss is set for a final vote from the O’Fallon City Council. The ordinance received a first reading at this week’s City Council meeting and is set for a second reading and vote for final approval at their next meeting on Monday, July 21, 2025. The need for such an ordinance stems from the Illinois General Assembly’s vote in 2024 to repeal the state grocery tax effective Jan. 1, 2026. Since 100% of the proceeds from the state grocery tax went directly to local municipalities, O’Fallon joins a growing list of communities faced with either replacing the state grocery tax with a local version or finding another way to make up for the significant revenue loss. “If the grocery tax is not retained, the General Fund would experience a loss of approximately $1.2 million per year,” according to the City Council meeting documents

Continue Reading

ALTON - Felyncia Matlock has launched a fundraiser to support the family of 17-year-old Shabrya L. Hudson, who died in a tragic shooting incident on the early morning of July 4, 2025. The fundraiser, hosted on GoFundMe , aims to assist the grieving family with financial burdens during this difficult time. Shabrya was described by Matlock and her family as, "Our loving, and beautiful 17-year-old babygirl, was taken from us far too soon. Her loss has left her family devastated, heartbroken, and overwhelmed by grief. She was a sweet, joyful spirit who loved music and spending time with her family. A young life full of promise, taken far too soon." Matlock said the fundraiser was created in response to numerous inquiries from people wanting to help. "Donations will be used to ease immediate expenses, allowing the family to focus on healing without additional financial stress," she said. "The campaign emphasizes that any contribution, regardless of size, will be deeply appreciated."

Continue Reading

CHICAGO/TROY, IL. – Today, Governor JB Pritzker joined the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (Illinois EPA) to announce seven grant awards totaling more than $13 million for 46 new all-electric school buses. Triad Community Unit School District 2 was named in the grants and will receive $767,325 as part of the program, the governor's office said. The full list of those receiving grants is below. The funding will allow school districts and student transportation companies to retire older diesel-powered buses and provide e the necessary charging infrastructure for the new electric buses, helping improve air quality to students and the surrounding communities. "Electric school buses are major win for our children, our schools, and our communities," said Governor JB Pritzker . "I'm proud that the investment from the State of Illinois is helping put these vehicles on the road, get our kids an education, and keep our air clean." The grants are funded by Illinois’

Continue Reading

WEST ALTON, MO – Annually, the US Army Corps of Engineers selects a single partner to bestow the national Excellence in Partnership (EIP) Award. The EIP Award recognizes exceptional contributions by a partner supporting the recreation and environmental stewardship programs within the Corps of Engineers. At the Audubon Center at Riverlands annual “Ahhh-dubon” event on July 3rd, the award was presented to the Mississippi River Water Trail Association (MRWTA) by the St. Louis District USACE Commander, COL Pannier. The MRWTA is a St. Louis based group made up entirely of volunteers who are passionate about developing safe recreation opportunities on the Mississippi River. Since forming in 2005, MRWTA has contributed over 20,000 volunteer hours by providing skills training and public paddling events, promoting water safety, picking up trash, and bringing together people and organizations who want to recreate on big rivers and their backwater sloughs. The trail itself

Continue Reading

EDWARDSVILLE — Edwardsville High School science teacher Sara Chapman has received the ACS-Hach High School Chemistry Grant from the American Chemical Society, the Edwardsville School District 7 announced this week. The competitive grant, which provides up to $1,500 to high school chemistry educators in the U.S. and its territories, will fund the purchase of two safety shields for the high school’s chemistry department. These shields are designed to enhance laboratory safety and improve the hands-on learning experience for students. “Thank you for your continued commitment to student safety and science education at EHS,” the district said in a statement recognizing Chapman’s achievement. The grant highlights the district’s ongoing focus on maintaining safe and effective environments for science instruction.

Continue Reading

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois State Police (ISP) today graduated the largest cadet class in the last 25 years. ISP welcomed 95 new troopers today from Cadet Class 150 at a graduation ceremony at the Westside Christian Church in Springfield. The new troopers will report to all ten ISP Troop locations throughout the state on Sunday, July 13, 2025. Cadet Class 150 marks the 22nd cadet class graduation under Governor JB Pritzker and ISP Director Brendan F. Kelly. Since 2019, 692 troopers have joined ISP. “I am proud to congratulate Cadet Class 150 on their graduation and commend them on their commitment to the people of Illinois,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “As the largest class in 25 years, the brave men and women of Cadet Class 150 exemplify the core values of the Illinois State Police and will serve our state with honor, integrity, and pride.” “It’s a privilege to swear in the largest ISP cadet class in the past 25 years,” said ISP

Continue Reading

COLLINSVILLE - Collinsville Police is attempting to execute two new felony warrants for Demarco Robinson, who is accused of check kiting across the Metro East area and defrauding UMB Bank of more than $65,000. The warrants, filed this week, charge Robinson with Financial Institution Fraud involving amounts between $10,000 and $100,000. Robinson is making his second appearance on the Collinsville Police Department's "Fugitive Friday" Facebook series. Investigators from the Collinsville Police Department and UMB Bank have been focusing on Robinson for several months. Despite being on pre-trial release, authorities say Robinson continues to commit fraud against the bank. Separately, Robinson, who was arrested a few weeks ago following his first appearance on the police department's Fugitive Friday, is again wanted after failing to appear in court. Officials urge anyone with information on Robinson’s whereabouts to contact the Collinsville Police Department at 618-344-2131, extensio

Continue Reading

ST. LOUIS, MO (July 10, 2025) —The American Red Cross shelter located at Crossroads College Prep School, 500 DeBaliviere Ave. in St. Louis, will close at noon on Friday, July 11. Since opening, Crossroads was one of several shelters the Red Cross opened that served as a vital resource for individuals and families displaced by the May 16th tornado. Red Cross Shelter Transition Teams are working closely with all remaining families in the shelter to ensure everyone has a safe and appropriate house solution prior to the closure of the shelter. During the peak of the disaster response at the latter part of May and beginning of June, we had five shelters open serving nearly 260 people. Over the course of the response, since May 16th, we have served 912 different individuals in our shelters. That represents 510 families. In addition, Red Cross has provided help to individuals who our partner, Urban League of Metropolitan Saint Louis, Inc., has supported with housing solutions.

Continue Reading

CARROLLTON – Michelle Berg, director of the McCully Heritage Project in Kampsville, IL, will tell about the development of this destination recreational area located in the scenic hills and valleys of Calhoun County. Her presentation will follow a brief business meeting scheduled to start at 2 p.m. on Sunday, July 20, 2025, in the historic Lee-Baker-Hodges House on the Carrollton Public Square. The McCully Heritage Project was started in the 1970s by the late Howard and Eva McCully, after they sold their St. Louis area plant nursery business and moved to Calhoun. Both passed away in the mid-1990s and are buried on site. The 940-acre area offers miles of hiking and horseback riding trails, two ponds for fishing and turtle watching, a wetland, forests, native grasslands and natural beauty overlooks. Camping facilities, including the Watkins Place Cabin, are available to groups of nature lovers, but some do require a reservation. The well-maintained property offers restrooms,

Continue Reading

ST. LOUIS - The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department is investigating an incident involving a man who intentionally threw fireworks at people and property over the recent holiday weekend. The police department was alerted earlier this week after a video showing the man’s actions was posted on social media. According to the SLMPD, the suspect was seen near The Wheelhouse and on Washington Avenue in St. Louis setting off fireworks into a crowd. In one part of the video, the man, who was a passenger in a car, threw a firework at a vehicle at an intersection. The police have launched a Bomb and Arson investigation, which remains ongoing. Authorities are urging anyone who was injured or believes they were a victim of the suspect to contact a Bomb and Arson detective at (314) 444-5380.

Continue Reading

BRENTWOOD, Mo. — Panera Bread plans to close its fresh dough facility in Brentwood, Mo., by Sept. 12, 2025, resulting in the loss of 72 jobs, according to a notice filed with the State of Missouri. The facility, located at 2511 S. Hanley Ave. in Brentwood, will shut down permanently as part of Panera’s nationwide shift from traditional fresh-dough production to a “par-baked” model, the company confirmed in a letter from Chief People Officer Alycia Gonzalez. The layoffs will affect 17 tractor-trailer drivers, as well as bread mixers, packers, panners and management staff. Under the par-baked system, bread and other baked goods are partially baked off-site by partner companies and then finished in Panera stores throughout the day. The transition began last year and is expected to be completed by 2026. Panera has stated that the change aims to streamline operations and improve product consistency. Founded in the St. Louis region in 1987 as the St. Louis Bread

Continue Reading

GODFREY – The Village of Godfrey would like to remind our residents that a ‘No Knock Registry’ has been created in an effort to reduce door-to-door solicitation. “It seems that solicitation is more of a problem than ever, and while we can’t legally prohibit it, we have taken steps to regulate solicitation in Godfrey as much as possible” said Mayor Mike McCormick. These steps include a vigorous permitting policy for companies and individuals who solicit in Godfrey. Each door-to-door solicitor is required to undergo a background check completed by the Madison County Sheriff’s Department and is given a photo I.D. badge that must be on their person. “Anytime a solicitor comes to your door, the first thing you should ask is to see their I.D.” reminds McCormick. In responding to complaints about the persistence and frequency of solicitation, the ‘No Knock Registry’ was initiated. Residents can visit Village Hall

Continue Reading

EAST ST. LOUIS – State Senator Christopher Belt announced 13 libraries across St. Clair and Madison counties are set to receive a combined total of over $400,000 for library services and programming. Belleville Public Library will receive $62,546 and East St. Louis Public Library $127,530. “Libraries are essential learning environments where children and students can explore, grow and thrive,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “Investing in libraries means investing in the next generation, giving them the tools and opportunities they need to succeed.” Through the Illinois Secretary of State’s Public Library Per Capita and Equalization Aid Grants program, 639 public libraries statewide received nearly $18 million in grants. Libraries may use the funds to support resources and services for their communities, including books, e-books, online resources and internet access, personnel, public programming and capital expenditures. Thirteen libraries

Continue Reading

GRAFTON - The Kurt Allen Band will travel to Grafton for a show at Hawg Pit BBQ this weekend. From 2–6 p.m. on Sunday, July 13, 2025, the band will pause their cross-country travels for a show in Grafton. Kurt Allen himself shared that he looks forward to exploring Grafton and sharing their “Rockin’ the Blues Across America” tour with the Riverbend region. “We’re going to go all different directions,” Allen said. “We’re going to give you some soul, we’re going to give you some funk, we’re going to give you some hard rock, we’re going to give you some blues and everything in between. My thing has always been, I kind of want to groove first. Got to be a little funky. It’s got to have groove to it, you know?” Allen expressed his excitement to visit Grafton and experience the town. He noted that he has played in St. Louis before but has never spent much time in Grafton or the Riverbend region.

Continue Reading

MORO – An East Alton woman faces felony charges in connection to two alleged burglaries in Moro. Joanne M. Hibbs, 37, of East Alton, was charged on July 1, 2025 with two count of burglary, both Class 2 felonies. On May 5, 2025, Hibbs allegedly entered a residence in Moro without authority and with the intent to commit a theft. Just over a week later on May 16, Hibbs allegedly entered the same Moro residence without authority, intending to commit another theft. The case against Hibbs was presented by the Madison County Sheriff’s Office, and she was granted pretrial release from custody. All individuals charged are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Continue Reading

ALTON - A candlelight vigil invites the community to come together against gun violence. At 8:15 p.m. on Sunday, July 13, 2025, community members can come out to the 800 block of Oakwood Estates for the second annual Gun Violence Awareness Event. Organized by Patricia Brown and Alton United, the event aims to start conversations about gun violence and offer healing to the community. “What people can expect is for people in the community, all different races of people, coming together to love on each other, to interact with one another, to just love and heal each other and educate one another about gun violence,” Brown said. “That’s what we can expect on that night: compassion, encouragement, hope and unity. Unity is the number one thing we’re hoping for.” June is Gun Violence Awareness Month, which is what encouraged Brown to organize the event last year. The event will include a candlelight vigil to honor those who have been lost to gun violence

Continue Reading