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MADISON AND ST. CLAIR COUNTIES – The Metro East Park and Recreation District (MEPRD) is pleased to announce the launch of its Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) grant cycle, making a total of $6.43 million available to support the development and enhancement of public parks, trails, and recreation facilities in Madison and St. Clair Counties, Illinois. This year’s cycle introduces the new Priority Paths Grant Program , a significant initiative aimed at funding the construction of critical trail connections between the two counties, with the ultimate goal of creating a bi-county loop, uniting the Madison County and St. Clair County trail systems. Available grant opportunities under the FY26 cycle include: Park and Trail Grant Program ($3,000,000) Community Planning Grant Program ($400,000) Event Sponsorship Grant Program ($30,000) Priority Path Grant Program ($3,000,000) Applications open July 9, 2025 , and will be accepted on a rolling basis through May 29,

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EDWARDSVILLE - These three artists - Cindy Hose, Dganit Moreno and Robert Asselmeier - will have their art showcased at the upcoming Edwardsville Arts Fair Sept. 26-28. Artist #1: Cindy Hose Medium: Painting Artist Statement: "I begin by meticulously preparing my canvas, ensuring a smooth and receptive surface for the paints to flow upon. Using a combination of paints and pigments I’ve carefully selected for vibrancy and compatibility, along with my own unique pouring medium and cell activator, I manipulate the paints to form intricate cellular patterns and striking contrasts. "As I guide the paints onto the canvas, I become a conductor of color — tilting, turning, applying fire and breaths of air — watching in awe as the colors mingle and marry, creating marbled swirls and organic shapes that seem alive." Artist #2: Dganit Moreno Medium: Textiles Artist Statement: "I use cotton fabric to create architectural imagery. The softness

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Heat Advisory in effect until 7 p.m. Thursday. Today's high will reach a sizzling 95 degrees with a low tonight of 75. The day will be mostly sunny, hot, and humid, making it feel like 110 degrees at times. Winds will be light from the south-southeast with some gusts up to 15 mph. UV levels are very high, so don't forget your sunscreen! Air quality is moderate with low pollen counts for grass, ragweed, and trees, and mold is also low. Stay hydrated and avoid strenuous outdoor activities during the peak heat hours. If you must be outside, take frequent breaks in the shade or air conditioning. Tomorrow, expect another hot day with a high near 98 and a low around 76. It will be partly sunny and very humid, with a chance of isolated thunderstorms. The heat will feel dangerous again, with feels-like temperatures soaring above 100 degrees. Be prepared for sudden storms and keep an eye on the sky in the afternoon. For the latest updates, visit https://riverbender.com/weather .

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JERSEYVILLE – Two new restaurants are one step closer to opening in Jerseyville. City Council members on Tuesday unanimously approved requests to rezone the former World Finance and Imo’s Pizza locations. 218 S. State St., the current home of the Jerseyville Domino’s Pizza, and 216 S. State St., the former home of World Finance, will both be rezoned from B-2 to B-3 with intended use as a restaurant. Building and Zoning Director Jeff Soer explained at Tuesday’s meeting that the Domino’s building will be renovated while 216 S. State St. welcomes a new hibachi takeout restaurant – though few details are publicly available. “Where World Finance was, there’s an outfit that wants to put in a hibachi takeout grill,” Soer said, noting there were “no objectors” to the proposal. “We had to take it from B-2, which was offices, into B-3 for restaurants, and then clean up where Domino’s is at.” A representative

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WOOD RIVER — Wood River Police Department, assisted by Metro East S.W.A.T., executed an arrest warrant Tuesday afternoon, July 22, 2025, in the 600 block of Charles Avenue, taking Tyler Taylor into custody without incident. Taylor faces charges of aggravated domestic battery, unlawful restraint, and domestic battery with bodily harm. According to Wood River Police Chief Brad Wells, Taylor allegedly committed domestic battery against his partner, who subsequently filed a police report. “The partner told police Taylor made threats against the police if they showed up. That’s why the tactical team was called,” Wells said. The coordinated effort by local law enforcement ensured the warrant was served safely and without further incident. The investigation remains ongoing.

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COLLINSVILLE – The Collinsville Area Community Foundation (CACF) has announced a donation in recognition of Kahok great, Bogie Redmon. A 1961 graduate of Collinsville High School, George “Bogie” Redmon was an outstanding athlete and local businessman who always supported his beloved Kahoks and community. To many, Bogie was the embodiment of Kahok spirit and pride. The funds, donated in memory of Bogie by his wife, Judie, will support the Kahoks Teaching Kahoks future teachers scholarship, the Diamonds for Kahoks effort to expand the athletic complex at Collinsville High School, and the Collinsville Area Vocational Center (CAVC) endowment fund. Celebrating a Legacy Mrs. Redmon’s generosity on behalf of her late husband embodies Bogie’s deep and enduring commitment to the Collinsville community, Collinsville Community Unit School District #10 (CUSD 10) and Kahok Athletics. As a dedicated alumnus and supporter, Bogie consistently championed projects to enhance

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ALTON — The Alton Police Department announced a new plan on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, to address late-night disturbances in downtown Alton, after Alton Mayor David Goins’ announcement on Monday, July 21, 2025, about the revocation of the late-night liquor licenses for Hiram’s Bar at 314 State St. and Pour Decisions Bar at 2024 State St. The two establishments' late-night liquor licenses, which allow them to serve alcohol from 1- 3 a.m. on Friday and Saturday, were terminated with immediate effect on Monday. Hiram’s is located at 219 W. Third St. in Alton, and Pour Decisions at 2024 State Street in Alton. Additionally, Firehouse Tavern at 314 State St. and Mac’s at 315 Belle St. voluntarily agreed to close by 1 a.m. Alton Police Chief Jarrett Ford expressed support for the mayor’s decision during remarks to Riverbender.com on Tuesday. “I fully support the decision made by Mayor David Goins in his capacity as liquor commissioner to close Hiram's

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WATERLOO — The Monroe County Sheriff’s Department is investigating the fatal shooting of a 14-year-old female at a residence on State Route 3 in Waterloo, Illinois, on July 21, 2025. At approximately 1:34 p.m. on Monday, July 21, 2025, emergency responders were dispatched to 5925 State Route 3 in Waterloo for a medical emergency involving the juvenile. Monroe County EMS and the first responding deputy arrived within minutes and began life-saving measures, including CPR. The victim, identified as Emma Schultheis of Prairie Du Rocher, was transported to a St. Louis-area hospital, where she was pronounced dead despite continued efforts. Authorities determined that Schultheis died from a gunshot wound. A firearm was recovered and secured at the scene. The Illinois State Police Crime Scene Unit assisted in processing the location. The sheriff’s department confirmed there are no suspects at large and no ongoing threat to the community. Monroe County Sheriff's Office Sergean

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JERSEY - Allen Snyder of Jersey Community Unit School District 100 has been named one of the 2025 Teachers of Distinction by the Association of Illinois Rural and Small Schools. The announcement was made recently by the association, which recognized Snyder for his innovative approach to teaching. Kerry Lorton, a representative of the association, highlighted Snyder’s use of immersive, project-based learning in his Industrial Orientation classes. “Instructors like Allen Snyder play a transformative role in students’ lives by guiding them through immersive, project-based learning experiences that blend creativity, technical skill, and real-world application,” Lorton said. “In his Industrial Orientation classes, students don’t just sit at desks — they roll up their sleeves and engage directly with tools, machines, and materials, learning through doing in a dynamic workshop environment.” The Association of Illinois Rural and Small

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WATERLOO — Ten-year-old E’lynn Kuhnert was admitted to St. Louis Children’s Hospital on June 29, 2025, after experiencing prolonged seizures that would not stop. Despite several days of heavy sedation and intubation on July 3, 2025, her seizures have persisted. After consulting with her medical team, E’lynn’s family decided to proceed with surgery on July 21, 2025. The operation aims to gain better control over her epilepsy, a condition she has lived with since age 3, though it is not expected to completely cure her seizures. The family said it hopes the procedure will improve her quality of life. E’lynn’s epilepsy has no known cause, but her family describes her as a source of light and joy to those around her. Last school year, her personal goals were “to be a good helper and a great friend,” reflecting her sweet spirit and loving nature. To support E’lynn’s medical expenses, therapy costs, post-operative care,

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CARLINVILLE – Amateur radio operators from across Illinois and neighboring states will be heading to Carlinville on Saturday, August 2 for the annual West Central Illinois Hamfest, an indoor and outdoor event that includes a flea market, forums and more at the Macoupin County Fairgrounds off Route 4. The event opens at 7 a.m., rain or shine and runs until noon. Jointly sponsored by the West Central Illinois Hamfest Consortium composed of the Macoupin County Amateur Radio Club, the Springfield-based Sangamon Valley Radio Club, the Okaw Valley Radio Club in Greenville and the Hillsboro-based Montgomery County Amateur Radio Emergency Corps, the annual event draws not only federally-licensed amateur radio operators (also known as “hams”), but also the general public. This year, Hamfest-goers can attend seminars focusing on technical aspects of the hobby, wander through the indoor and outdoor flea markets, chat with amateur radio operators, and hear Illinois Section Manage

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SPRINGFIELD – Illinois Governor JB Pritzker once again waded into national politics Tuesday when he discussed a possible mid-decade redistricting of congressional maps to counteract Texas and other Republican states. Gov. Pritzker stated: “We have to see what they decide to do about Texas… I think we ought to play by the rules,” but acknowledged “counterbalance” might be necessary. “I think cheating the way the president wants to is improper. We all ought to stand up against it. People ought to be outraged.” Assistant Republican Leader C.D. Davidsmeyer (R-Murrayville) slammed Gov. Pritzker’s double-talk on redistricting and his previous flip-flop on fair maps. “What people ought to be outraged about is JB Pritzker’s flip flop on fair maps,” Davidsmeyer said. “As a candidate for governor, Pritzker said he was for an independent map and vowed to veto any map drawn by politicians. Then as governor,

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BELLEVILLE - Caritas Family Solutions will celebrate its 78th anniversary on July 31 with Caritas Day, an annual day of fundraising and awareness honoring the thousands of lives the nonprofit touches each year across Southern Illinois. To mark the milestone, Caritas will launch a 24-hour matching gift campaign from July 31 to August 1, with supporters matching $4 for every $1 donated. The goal is to raise $100,000 to directly benefit the children, families, and adults they serve. “At Caritas, we believe every life deserves love and that drives everything we do,” said Gary Huelsmann, CEO of Caritas Family Solutions. “From foster care and counseling to senior housing and disability support, our programs are designed to meet people where they are and walk alongside them toward a more stable, fulfilling life. Caritas Day is a powerful reminder of what we can accomplish when we come together as a community with every donation directly supporting the over 5,200 children,

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TROY — Downtown will be the place to be on Friday, Aug. 1, 2025, as the community gathers for another exciting First Friday celebration from 5 to 8 p.m. This month’s event will feature live music from local favorites Lanny & Julie, setting the perfect soundtrack for an evening of food, fun, and community spirit. Foodies won’t want to miss the Main Street Eats lineup, including: • Spud Shack Food Truck • C-Rations Grub Hub • That's a Wrapp • Franko's Hot Dogs & Bratz • Polar Paradis • Zanny Popz Frozen Treats • Washington Kettle Corn Thirsty? Downtown’s drink vendors will be serving up a variety of refreshments from: • The Buzzed Bee • Time Out Sports Bar & Grill • Wine for the Win • The Happy Elephant • Kokomo Joe’s • VFW Post 976 Attendees are also encouraged to explore Main Street’s unique local businesses, which will remain open during the event: • The Happy

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TROY - The Troy/Edwardsville Shrine Club will host their annual family-friendly barbecue festival to raise money for Ainad Shrine and other local nonprofits. On Aug. 16 and 17, 2025, community members are invited to Tri-Township Park in Troy for the festival, called Smoke N For The Kids. In addition to the barbecue competition and food, attendees can enjoy a car show, bounce houses, a petting zoo, live music, a bags tournament, raffles and more. “What’s better than hot rods and barbecue and beer and bands?” said Matt with the Southern Illinois Street Rod Association. “You cannot beat shade, a petting zoo, beer and bands.” Smoke N For The Kids draws barbecue competitors from across the region. John with the Shrine Club noted that they have “a world-class field,” with competitors in different divisions. The competition starts at 11 a.m. both days. On Saturday, Aug. 16, attendees can participate in a bags competition at 1 p.m.

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Today’s high will reach 90 degrees with a low of 75. Expect partly sunny skies with a chance of afternoon thunderstorms. It will be uncomfortably humid, and the heat will feel like it’s climbing to 106 degrees at times. Winds will be light from the southeast. A heat advisory is in effect until 7 p.m. Thursday for parts of southwest Illinois and southeast Missouri. The heat index could reach up to 108 degrees, so stay hydrated, avoid prolonged sun exposure, and check on family and neighbors. Tomorrow, the temperature climbs even higher with a high near 95 and a low around 75. It will be mostly sunny, hot, and humid. Caution is advised for anyone spending extended time outdoors. For more weather details, visit https://riverbender.com/weather

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CHICAGO - Today, Governor JB Pritzker joined state and national transit leaders to celebrate 100 years of Chicago’s Union Station. Alongside Amtrak leadership, Illinois Department of Transportation Secretary Gia Biagi and Regional Transit Authority Chairman Kirk Dillard, Governor Pritzker touted Chicago’s status as a critical transit hub for the Midwest and entire nation. With over 100,000 passengers passing through each day, Chicago’s Union Station is the third busiest rail terminal in the United States. Located in the heart of the nation’s busiest freight rail hub, Union Station serves as a critical nexus for economic development and connectivity. “More than just a symbol of the power and the spirit of Chicago, Union Station is the center of the most important rail hub in America for Amtrak, freight, and commercial rail,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “In partnership with our friends at Amtrak and our Congressional delegation, our rail infrastructure

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EDWARDSVILLE - The Edwardsville Municipal Concert Band continues its summer season with a free concert on Thursday, July 24 at 7:30 p.m. at the Cleaon Etzkorn Bandstand in City Park. This week’s performance, titled “A Musical Potpourri,” offers a lively mix of pieces that reflect the range and interests of the band’s musicians. The program features a blend of concert classics and stage favorites, including Holst’s Second Suite in F, the lively Amparito Roca, and Mancini Magic. Broadway medleys from Les Misérables, Phantom of the Opera, The Sound of Music, and Man of La Mancha round out the evening with familiar and beloved melodies. Concessions for the evening will be provided by the Chapter Ed of PEO Sisterhood, a local group that helps women pay for school. Audience members are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets and enjoy a relaxed evening of music in the park. Follow the Edwardsville Municipal Band on Facebook and Instagram for more

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ALTON – Food is Love is thrilled to announce our 12th Free Block Party for Good, happening this Friday, July 25th from 2–4 PM at The Soulcial Square (located at Market & 5th Street in Alton). We’re teaming up again with our incredible, award-winning partners — The St. Louis Area Foodbank, OSF Healthcare, and Theodora Farms — to deliver an afternoon of joy, nourishment, and neighborly care. This community celebration is open to everyone and will feature: Free fresh produce from Theodora Farms Grocery giveaways courtesy of the St. Louis Area Foodbank Free health screenings provided by OSF Healthcare Hot, delicious food truck meals – served with love by our Currency of Caring network “This isn’t just a block party — it’s a love letter to our community,” said John Michel, President of the Food is Love Foundation. “Every plate we serve, every bag of produce we give, every smile we share is part of our mission

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BELLEVILLE/EAST ST. LOUIS - In February 2011, Truman Smith was shot and killed in East St. Louis. Fourteen years and five months later, charges have been announced thanks in part to a few Southern Illinois University Edwardsville students. SIUE Criminal Justice students have teamed up with the Illinois State Police (ISP) to solve cold cases in the Metro East. As part of this program, students reviewed Smith’s death and worked with ISP Division of Criminal Investigation Zone 6 special agents to solve the case, which ultimately led to first-degree murder charges against 34-year-old Alan Davis of East St. Louis. “We don’t realize sometimes that these cases don’t wrap up in 52 minutes like with a television show,” said ISP Director Brendan Kelly. “It is a long process. It is a complicated process, and there’s often times where things can seem hopeless, but you just have to stay after it and hope for a break. This is an example of that.”

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