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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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ALTON — The Alton Police Department received a donation of three tactical trauma bags filled with lifesaving medical supplies from Justin Chapman, Regional Manager of Ground EMS Services with Survival Flight, and his son, Grayson Chapman, a student at Alton Middle School. The donation was made to ensure that officers and staff at Alton Middle School have immediate access to critical medical tools during emergencies. The kits will be kept on hand at the school to assist in the event of a critical incident where rapid response is essential. School Resource Officer Ashley Clare will oversee the placement and readiness of the trauma bags. The Alton Police Department expressed gratitude to the Chapman family and Survival Flight for their commitment to student and community safety.

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October 21 has been a day marked by significant events that have shaped our world across centuries and continents. Turning back the clock to the 18th century, October 21, 1805, stands out with the Battle of Trafalgar, a naval engagement during the Napoleonic Wars. The British Royal Navy, under Admiral Lord Nelson, defeated the combined fleets of France and Spain, decisively asserting British naval dominance. This victory not only prevented Napoleon’s invasion plans of Britain but also shaped European geopolitics for years to come. Nelson’s leadership and sacrifice during the battle have become iconic symbols in naval history. In the realm of politics and governance, October 21, 1965, marks the establishment of the Indo-Pakistani ceasefire after the intense and brief conflict known as the Second Kashmir War. The ceasefire, brokered by international actors, helped de-escalate tensions on the Indian subcontinent, although the underlying issues remained unresolved for decades.

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You can expect a mostly sunny day in the River Bend and Metro East areas with a high of 61 and a low of 40. Winds will be quite breezy, coming from the west at 17 mph with gusts up to 43 mph. Despite the sunshine, the afternoon will feel a bit cooler with a feels like temperature around 57. This morning starts out clear and crisp, then the afternoon stays mostly sunny but windy. The wind will be strong enough to remind you to hold onto your hats. Evening brings clear skies and a chilly feel with temperatures dropping into the 40s and wind gusts still around 25 mph. Overnight remains clear and chilly with lows around 40. The allergy outlook shows moderate mold levels and low ragweed, with air quality considered moderate for particle pollution. Tomorrow will be sunny and breezy as well, with a high near 61 and a low around 38. Expect another cool but bright day. For live updates throughout the day, visit RiverBender.com/weather .

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ALTON – Plans to repair six ramps at Hellrung Skate Park are moving forward with approval from the Alton Committee of the Whole. Committee members on Monday night unanimously approved a resolution awarding a $34,100 bid for the skate park repairs to Stutz Excavating, Inc. The item now goes to the Alton City Council for final approval this Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2025 . Parks and Recreation Director Lyndsey Younger said that after going an estimated 20 years without repairs, all six ramps throughout the Hellrung Skate Park will be restored to their original condition. Alderman Chris Bohn suggested that going forward, the Parks and Recreation Department take a more “proactive” approach to ensure preventative maintenance is performed on a more regular basis. Aldermen Rosetta Brown and Martha Pfister emphasized how heavily the skate park is used by local children, underscoring the need for these repairs and future maintenance. Stutz Excavating representatives

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ALTON — Alton Police Department, with assistance from Madison County Sheriff's Office authorities, responded to a disturbance in the 800 block of Highland Avenue in Alton in the evening of Sunday, Oct. 19, 2025. The call came in at 8:40 p.m. to the Alton Police Department. Alton Police Chief Jarrett Ford said, "The disturbance involved a male subject who fled on foot, prompting a search of the area. The individual was located and taken into custody. Madison County Sheriff's Office assisted us in the situation." Chief Ford stated the case will be reviewed by the Madison County State’s Attorney’s Office on Tuesday, Oct. 21, 2025, to determine appropriate charges.

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MADISON COUNTY — Robert P. Glover, 53, was charged Thursday with multiple felonies related to alleged sexual solicitation and abuse of a minor, according to court documents filed in Madison County. The charges, filed Oct. 20, 2025, by the Madison County State’s Attorney’s Office, accuse Glover of indecent solicitation of a child, traveling to meet a minor, solicitation to meet a child, and grooming. The alleged offenses occurred on or about Oct. 16, 2025, in Madison County. According to the information filed by State’s Attorney Thomas A. Haine, Glover is accused of knowingly soliciting a person he believed to be a 14-year-old male to engage in sexual penetration involving the defendant’s mouth and the child’s sex organ. The charges further allege that Glover traveled within Illinois for the purpose of engaging in aggravated criminal sexual abuse after using electronic devices to solicit the minor. One count specifies that Glover arranged to meet th

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EAST ALTON — Adam E. Walters is charged with attempted first-degree murder and multiple felony counts following a motor vehicle incident on Friday, Oct. 17, 2025, in Madison County, Illinois, according to court documents. Walters allegedly drove a Hyundai Sonata into a man on East Main Street in East Alton, striking him with the vehicle. Prosecutors say Walters acted with the intent to kill or cause great bodily harm and took a substantial step toward committing first-degree murder by knowingly hitting the person. The incident resulted in serious injuries to the person who was struck. In addition to attempted first-degree murder, Walters faces charges of failure to report an accident involving personal injury, aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, and aggravated driving under the influence. Authorities allege Walters left the scene without reporting the crash to the East Alton Police Department within the required half-hour timeframe. Court records state Walters was under th

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SMITHTON - State Representative Kevin Schmidt (R-Millstadt) is hosting Mobile Office Hours in Smithton on October 21. This free event gives his constituents the opportunity to discuss topics regarding the state legislature and to talk about changes they would like to see in Illinois. “I look forward to meeting my constituents to have open conversations about what matters most to them and their families,” said Schmidt. “This event is designed to give individuals the time to share their thoughts with me so I can better serve them in Springfield.” Mobile Office Hours Details: When: October 21, 2025 Where: Smithton Village Hall Address : 101 S. Main Street, Smithton Time: 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. For more information, please contact Rep. Schmidt’s office at (618)-215-1050, or his website, repschmidt.com Representative Kevin Schmidt represents the 114th District, which includes a portion of St. Clair County.

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ALTON — Centerstone announced the installation of a new NARCAN vending machine at its Alton office. Anyone can receive and carry doses of naloxone nasal spray, a medication that rapidly reduces the effects of opioids used to treat persons suspected of overdosing on opioid drugs. This lifesaving resource was made possible through a grant from Chestnut Health Systems. In collaboration with Centerstone, Chestnut will supply and restock the machine, while Centerstone ensures naloxone is available for Madison County residents in need. Centerstone Vice President of Clinical Services Stacy Seitz says the machine takes the element of asking another person for NARCAN out of the picture. It can help create awareness and knowledge of a life-saving treatment. “We have been giving out NARCAN for free for years, but people have to come to the front desk, and people might not want to come in and ask for it,” Seitz said. “That’s where the vending machine in a great

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FAIRMONT CITY — Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) today joined local officials, transportation stakeholders and labor leaders to celebrate another historic round of investments in Metro East infrastructure. As part of $400 million specifically identified to support 223 projects localities, Illinois announced a $670,000 commitment to Fairmont City to complete improvements to the North 42nd and 44th street corridors, as well as other investments in localities across the Metro East region. This investment is part of the largest infrastructure program in state history , totaling $50.6 billion over six years. “Across the state, our Rebuild Illinois program is getting shovels in the ground and putting Illinoisans to work on projects that are vital to community interest and helping grow the entire state,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Starting with improvements to major streets and corridors in Fairview Heights, Granite

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