Riverbender 🕸

September 4th stands as a date marked by events that have shaped history across the globe. Arguably the most impactful event associated with September 4th is the tragic Munich Massacre of 1972. During the Summer Olympics in Munich, West Germany, a Palestinian terrorist group known as Black September took eleven members of the Israeli Olympic team hostage. The crisis unfolded over nearly a day, culminating in a disastrous rescue attempt at the Fürstenfeldbruck airbase. Sadly, all the hostages, along with five terrorists and one German police officer, lost their lives. This grim event exposed the vulnerabilities of international sporting events to terrorism and cast a long shadow over Olympic security protocols. The Munich Massacre not only affected international politics, leading to increased counterterrorism efforts worldwide, but also deeply impacted the Olympic movement and public consciousness about global conflict and violence. Moving backward in time, on September 4, 1888,

Continue Reading

BETHALTO - Bethalto Police Department has received two new ballistic shields thanks to a local business owner’s support. Nick Williams, owner of the Runway Lounge, purchased the equipment for the Bethalto Police Department. The shields were delivered through sales representative Kraig Hinson from Ray O’Herron Law Enforcement Supply. Bethalto Chief Jason Lamb expressed appreciation for the donation and said, “The amount of local support for the Police Department never ceases to amaze me. Nick, thank you for supporting the police department and we appreciate you having our back (or front in this case).” The addition of the ballistic shields aims to enhance officer safety during potentially dangerous situations.

Continue Reading

GODFREY — A pedestrian was fatally struck by a vehicle Wednesday night, Sept. 3, 2025, on MLK Drive between Godfrey Road and Northport Drive, authorities said. The Madison County Sheriff's Office and Godfrey Fire Department responded to the scene, where firefighters and Alton Memorial Ambulance personnel provided medical attention to the victim. Despite their efforts, the individual died at the scene. The Madison County Coroner’s Office and the Accident Reconstruction Unit were called to assist with the investigation. MLK Drive remains closed as officials continue their work. No further details have been released.

Continue Reading

GRANITE CITY – A Granite City man accused of robbing an elderly victim while armed with a “pellet gun” faces multiple felony charges. Austin M. Wallace, 20, of Granite City, was charged on Aug. 29, 2025 with a Class X felony count of armed robbery, a Class 1 felony count of vehicular invasion, and a Class 2 felony count of aggravated battery. On Aug. 27, 2025, Wallace reportedly stole money and a cell phone from a victim 60 years of age or older by use of force while armed with “a pellet gun,” according to charging documents. He is also accused of entering the same elderly victim’s Ford Windstar vehicle by force while the vehicle was occupied and striking the victim about the head and body, causing them to sustain a broken jaw. According to the state’s petition to deny Wallace’s pretrial release from custody, the victim reported being “accosted outside of 203 Liquor” in Madison “He reported that a younger white

Continue Reading

EDWARDSVILLE — A man who fatally shot a Maryville pastor during a church service in 2009 has been denied a request to transfer from a secure mental health facility to a non-secure treatment center. Circuit Judge Kyle Napp ruled Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2025, against Terry J. Sedlacek’s petition to move from the Alton Mental Health Center to a less restrictive facility or to receive increased privileges such as supervised off-grounds outings. Sedlacek, now 43, was found not guilty by reason of insanity in 2015 for the shooting of the Rev. Fred Winters and was ordered to be held at the secure facility operated by the Illinois Department of Human Services. Victim-impact statements were submitted to the court by Pastor Winters’ widow, Cindy Winters, and Maryville Police Chief Tony Manley. Cindy Winters wrote, “We hurt, but we do feel comfort in knowing that the man who ended his life is confined, getting appropriate treatment and not a threat to us and to anyone else.”

Continue Reading

CHICAGO – Today, Governor JB Pritzker met with leaders and volunteers from Community Violence Intervention (CVI) organizations across the Chicago area to discuss the progress of their programs in reducing crime and violence. This comes as the Trump administration has significantly cut federal funding for such programs while threatening to deploy armed military personnel into the streets of Chicago. “Community Violence Intervention Programs have a clear and demonstrated track record of reducing crime and making our communities safer – which is why my administration has invested historic amounts into them,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “President Trump’s deep cuts to these programs are another indication that his administration is not serious about fighting crime.” Governor Pritzker’s meetings were hosted at the Metropolitan Peace Academy, a program of Metropolitan Peace Initiatives, that trains individuals for community violence intervention

Continue Reading

SMITHTON, Ill. – State Representative Kevin Schmidt (R-Millstadt) donated his pay raise to the FFA Can-Do Challenge, which is a statewide initiative to work together to help those in need. Donations were collected at Smithton Grade School, Smithton Fire Department, Freeburg Country Mart, and Freeburg High School, and will be delivered to various food pantries throughout the region. Since voting against pay raises for legislators, Rep. Schmidt gives his pay raise back to community organizations each month. “The FFA is an outstanding organization, and I was thrilled to work with them to donate and collect 150 cans of food to help families in need throughout the region,” Schmidt said. “I'm passionate about fighting food insecurity and am committed to doing what I can to make a difference.” The FFA Can-Do Challenge is an annual event where FFA chapters use canned goods to build creative farm-themed structures, with all donations going to local food banks

Continue Reading

SPRINGFIELD - Building on a strong team of diverse experts in their fields, Governor JB Pritzker announced the following appointment in his administration: Michelle Gibson will continue to serve as a Member of the Illinois Pollution Control Board.* Gibson was first appointed to the board in November 2021. She is a registered environmental health specialist with over 15 years of experience in environmental consulting, waste diversion, resource management, and environmental and public health. In her time as an environmental consultant, she implemented recycling and waste-reduction programs at hospitals, universities, residential facilities, military bases, manufacturing sites, and large office complexes. She advised statewide environmental organizations on strategies for waste handling. Gibson has also managed the Dekalb County solid waste program, and she has supervised a team of Boone County environmental health inspectors enforcing clean water standards. At the height of the COVID-19

Continue Reading

EDWARDSVILLE – Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE) has announced the names of 435 graduating students for the 2025 summer term. Summer graduates traditionally participate in the fall commencement ceremony. The full list of honorees for summer 2025 is available on the SIUE News Dean’s List webpage . To explore students by location, use the dropdown menu to filter by state, then sort within the table by city or municipality. SIUE continues to foster future leaders through outstanding academic programs and dedicated faculty. Each semester, undergraduate students who achieve remarkable academic performance are recognized on the Dean’s List. To qualify, students must complete at least 12 graded credit hours and earn a semester grade point average of 3.5 or higher (an A is valued at 4.0 and a B at 3.0). Southern Illinois University Edwardsville provides students with a high-quality education that powerfully transforms the lives of all individuals who

Continue Reading

COLLINSVILLE – The American Cancer Society’s Farm to Table Metro East, presented by MRHFM, returns on Thursday, September 11, 2025, from 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM at the Gateway Convention Center in Collinsville, IL. Tickets are on sale now at www.acsfarmtotable.com . This unique tasting event features seasonal dishes from top local restaurants, live music by Corey Evitts, and a variety of interactive experiences including a wine toss, heads or tails game, key to recovery challenge, silent auction, and a Reflections of Hope tribute area. In its history, the event has raised over $650,000 to support the mission of the American Cancer Society—funding groundbreaking cancer research, patient support services, and advocacy efforts. This year’s featured speaker is Mark Joiner, Chief Firefighter of the Granite City Fire Department, who will share his personal cancer journey and experiences. 2025 Participating Restaurants Include: Bella Milano 1933 House of Bourbon

Continue Reading

BELLEVILLE – The Illinois Department of Transportation today announced that intermittent daytime lane closures will take place on Illinois 161 from Illinois 159 to Illinois 158 in St. Clair County, weather permitting, on Wednesday, Sept. 10, and Thursday, Sept. 11, 2025. 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 .

Continue Reading

CHICAGO – Attorney General Kwame Raoul announced that former Boone County Clerk and Recorder Julie Bliss pleaded guilty to charges related to the alleged theft of cash from the county and misuse of county funds on personal expenses. Bliss was sentenced to 180 days in jail after pleading guilty to one count of Class 1 felony theft of governmental property and two counts of Class 3 felony official misconduct on Tuesday. Winnebago County Circuit Court Judge Scott Paccagnini also sentenced Bliss to 48 months of probation for the charge of theft of government property and 30 months of probation for each charge of official misconduct, to be served concurrently. In addition, Bliss was ordered to pay $28,919.05 in restitution to Boone County. “Taxpayers must be able to trust that those who serve on their behalf will use their authority for the public good and not to enrich themselves,” Raoul said. “I remain committed to holding accountable public officials who abuse

Continue Reading

SPRINGFIELD – With Newborn Screening Awareness Month underway in September, the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is celebrating 60 years of the program in Illinois. Beginning in 1965 with testing for a single condition, Illinois’s newborn screening program now checks for more than 50 conditions, offering the hope of early diagnosis and intervention when needed. More than 100,000 newborns are tested annually in the state. “IDPH is proud to be a leader in supporting families with our newborn screening program,” said IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra. “For the past 60 years in Illinois, newborn screens have detected potentially life-threating conditions in healthy babies before they show symptoms. Each year, more than 500 babies in our state are diagnosed through this vital public health service. Early detection, diagnosis, and treatment of these conditions can prevent serious health outcomes, enabling Illinois’s children to reach their ful

Continue Reading

GODFREY - During the Godfrey Village Board of Trustees meeting on Sept. 2, 2025, the trustees honored Jeff Weber with this month’s Good Neighbor Award. Weber expressed his appreciation for the recognition and emphasized that the experience of giving back has been “a real pleasure.” He shared his gratitude for the Riverbend region. “You’ve got to give back to the community that allows you to make a living and get along with everybody else here and whatnot,” Weber said. “That’s the main thing, just giving back to the community that’s been so good to me and my family and my wife. That’s the whole point. Weber previously served four terms on the Godfrey Village Board of Trustees. He has made a name for himself in the community as a former president of the Alton Community Unit School District #11 Board of Education, Junior Achievement of Illinois, and the Nelson Foundation, in addition to serving on many boards and volunteering

Continue Reading

CHICAGO – Attorney General Kwame Raoul today joined a multistate coalition of 20 attorneys general in filing an amicus brief opposing a new federal policy that mandates indefinite detention of many undocumented immigrants without the opportunity for a bond hearing. In the brief filed in Bautista v. Noem , Raoul and the coalition challenge the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) unprecedented reinterpretation of immigration law, arguing it violates due process and federal statutes, and inflicts widespread harm on families, communities and state economies. “Undocumented immigrants have significantly contributed to our economy for years. This new federal policy mandating indefinite detention without an option of a bond hearing will disrupt our labor force while wasting taxpayer dollars and harming families,” Raoul said. “I will continue to work with my fellow attorneys general protecting the rights of immigrants and their families.” For

Continue Reading

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Labor (IDOL) strongly condemns actions by the Trump administration to roll back federal minimum wage and overtime protections for millions of home health care workers. “These reckless rollbacks undermine the economic security of working families across the country,” said IDOL Director Jane Flanagan. “While Illinois has robust minimum wage and overtime protections for home health care workers, if the proposed rule is adopted, it will create inconsistency and confusion across the country. As the federal government weakens worker protections, IDOL is committed to protecting and promoting the wages of all workers in Illinois.” On September 2, 2025, Illinois joined Pennsylvania and states across the country in formally opposing the U.S. Department of Labor’s Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, Application of the Fair Labor Standards Act to Domestic Service. The Trump administration’s efforts to change federal

Continue Reading

WATERLOO, Ill. — Charges have been filed in connection with the fatal shooting of 14-year-old Emma Schultheis, who died after being struck by a bullet on July 21, 2025, according to the Monroe County Sheriff’s Department. At approximately 1:34 p.m. on that day, deputies and emergency medical personnel responded to a medical emergency at 5925 State Route 3 in Waterloo, Illinois. Emma Schultheis of Prairie Du Rocher was transported to a hospital in the St. Louis area, where she was pronounced dead despite life-saving efforts. An investigation determined that the shooting resulted from David A. Schultheis, 34, of Prairie Du Rocher, discharging a handgun in an attempt to shoot a buzzard inside a brick building. Schultheis reportedly inserted only his arm into the building to avoid a ricochet before firing. The bullet passed through the bird, exited the building through a window, and struck Emma Schultheis, who was outside. On Sept. 2, 2025, Monroe County State’s

Continue Reading

JERSEYVILLE – The Jerseyville City Council underwent a change in membership on Tuesday. Commissioner of Public Property Zach Crawford submitted his resignation later, which was read by Mayor Kevin Stork at the Sept. 2, 2025 City Council meeting. “Serving as a council member has been one of the greatest honors of my life, and choosing to step away from this role is not an easy decision,” Crawford wrote in his resignation letter. “When I first took the seat, I promised myself that I would carry the voice of our community in every discussion, every vote, and every project. “I am proud of what we have accomplished together, from revitalizing spaces like Lions Club Park, supporting our city’s growth, and ensuring that Jerseyville continues to be a place where families want to live, work, and belong.” Crawford was first elected to the City Council in 2019 after filling a prior vacancy for Public Property Commissioner left by former council

Continue Reading

ALTON - Alton Community Unit School District #11 is implementing new internship and vocational training opportunities for its students. Superintendent Elaine Kane outlined plans for a new internship program that will allow students to get experience outside of the classroom. She emphasized the importance of giving students these opportunities wherever possible. “Our goal is to help students develop the skills that lead them to any opportunity they want to pursue when they graduate,” she explained. “We’re thinking about preparing our graduates. One of the things that we need to do more intentionally is create opportunities outside of the school walls.” Developed in partnership with the Alton Educational Foundation, this internship program will collaborate with local employers so students can spend 60 hours a semester in their place of work. The application process will take place during the fall semester, and the students will intern during the

Continue Reading

ALTON - Alton Community Unit School District #11 has chosen to become a phone-free district, and Superintendent Elaine Kane explains what this means and how it impacts student learning and safety. In Spring 2025, the district announced that they would be cell phone-free for the entire instructional day, including during passing periods and lunchtime. Students at the middle and high schools have been issued Yondr pouches, which have magnetic locking mechanisms. They lock their devices in the pouch during the school day and have access to their pouch all day, until dismissal, when the pouches are unlocked. Kane said that while it’s “a big adjustment,” students at both schools have quickly met the new expectations. “Our students have adjusted very quickly and very well,” she said. “We’re really happy about how things are looking and feeling at Alton High School and Alton Middle School.” She added that she has heard from many

Continue Reading