Riverbender 🕸

SPRINGFIELD - State and local fire safety officials gathered today at the Springfield Fire Department to emphasize the lifesaving importance of working smoke alarms and to promote a free installation program available to Springfield residents. As part of the 2nd Annual Statewide Smoke Alarm Blitz, the Springfield Fire Department joins agencies across Illinois in ensuring more families are protected. “Working smoke alarms save lives, and I cannot stress enough how vital they are in every home across Illinois,” said Illinois State Fire Marshal Michele Pankow. “Fires burn hotter and faster today than they did decades ago, giving families less than three minutes to escape safely. That’s why it’s critical to test, inspect, and replace broken or expired alarms, and don’t hesitate to reach out to your local fire department for help. Our ultimate goal is zero fire fatalities—and ensuring every home has working smoke alarms is one of the most important

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CHICAGO – Attorney General Kwame Raoul today issued a statement highlighting an appellate court ruling in Illinois Baptist State Association v. Illinois Department of Insurance. The court affirmed a previous circuit court decision , which granted Attorney General Raoul’s motion for summary judgment and preserved a provision of the Illinois Reproductive Health Act that requires Illinois health insurance products regulated by the Illinois Department of Insurance that cover pregnancy care to also cover abortion care. “I am pleased with the court’s decision. My office is committed to protecting access to comprehensive reproductive health care that includes abortion, and insurance coverage is a critical part of being able to obtain that care. My office will continue to fight for reproductive care on all fronts.”

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ST. LOUIS COUNTY, MO. — John Leb, 21, of the 8100 block of Briarhaven Trail in St. Louis, faces multiple charges after a road rage incident on Sept. 8, 2025, that left an elderly woman injured, authorities said Thursday. The St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office charged Leb with first-degree assault, two counts of armed criminal action, unlawful use of a weapon, and second-degree terrorist threat. He is being held on a $250,000 cash-only bond with no 10% option. According to the probable cause statement, Leb fired at least three rounds at the victim’s vehicle, striking it multiple times and hitting the woman in the hand. The victim, described as a woman in her eighties, was transported to Barnes-Jewish Hospital for treatment of the gunshot wound. Leb fled the scene but was later taken into custody after police identified his vehicle as the one involved. During his arrest, Leb admitted to shooting at the car because he was angry at the victim’s driving

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ALTON - Community members can enjoy a full day of music, food, craft vendors and fun at the annual Porch Café Music Festival in Honor of Bud Summers. From 1–5 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 12, 2025, bands and musicians will play at the Alton Amphitheater in memory of Summers, one of the area’s favorite music teachers. The free festival invites the community to enjoy the music, snack at local food trucks, meet vendors and crafters and enjoy a day on the riverfront. “Our goal is to just keep growing,” said Jamie, one of the festival’s organizers. “Let’s showcase all the talent. It’s the music talent, it’s the food talent, it’s the crafters, it’s all creative people in Alton coming together for one event. The more crafters we can have, the more people there, it just makes it one fun full day.” The music starts at 1 p.m. with the Alton High School Jazz Ensemble. They will be followed by Soulard Blues Band,

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JERSEYVILLE – Beginning Monday, October 6, Illinois American Water’s Jerseyville District water system will undergo its annual water main and fire hydrant flushing program that supports continued delivery of high-quality water and fire protection to homes and businesses. Throughout October, fire hydrants and water mains in Jerseyville will be flushed. Through the discharge of water from fire hydrants, water flow rates are increased to remove mineral deposits that may accumulate in the water main over time. While the majority of mineral deposits are removed from the hydrant discharge, it is not uncommon for customers to experience a temporary discoloration of water within their residence or dwelling. The removal of these deposits is critical in maintaining water quality. “Flushing is a very important maintenance program for the water system in Jerseyville,” said Brendan St. Peters, Senior Supervisor of Operations, Illinois American Water. “Our local employees

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EDWARDSVILLE - Nearly 50 years after leading Southern Illinois University Edwardsville men’s soccer to its first national championship, Cougar legend Chris Carenza is preparing for a different kind of finish line. The 1972 national title hero, SIUE Athletics Hall of Famer and lifelong Cougar supporter will run the TCS New York City Marathon in support of Team For Kids, a youth running program that promotes fitness and healthy lifestyles. Carenza, 73, has set his sights on completing the iconic 26.2-mile race on Nov. 3, 2025. For this marathon—his third—Carenza must earn his place at the starting line by raising funds that go directly toward youth programs. “Running has given me so much,” Carenza said. “Being able to channel that passion into helping kids discover the same benefits makes every mile worth it.” Carenza’s name is etched into SIUE soccer history. He scored the game-winning goal in the 1972 NCAA Championship to deliver

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COLLINSVILLE – Two area residents accused of illegally possessing weapons in unrelated cases face their latest set of felony charges after prior convictions in St. Louis and Madison County. Ronnell M. Walker, 38, of Collinsville, was charged with a Class 3 felony count of unlawful possession of a weapon on Sept. 19, 2025. Walker allegedly possessed a Hi-Point .45 caliber handgun on Sept. 18, 2025, which was unlawful for him to own as a felon previously convicted of burglary in a 2017 case from St. Louis. According to the state’s petition to deny Walker’s pretrial release from custody, the victim of a domestic incident called the police and reported Walker was yelling angrily at her while armed. Officers found the gun during a search of the home with the victim’s consent, where the weapon was reportedly found on the bathroom sink. The state’s petition was granted, and Walker currently remains in custody at the Madison County Jail. In a separate case,

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WOOD RIVER — The City of Wood River will conduct fire hydrant flushing and testing from October 6 through October 10, 2025, officials announced. During this period, residents may notice discoloration in their water supply. City officials assured that despite the discoloration, the water remains safe to drink. They advised residents to avoid doing laundry during the flushing to prevent staining clothes. If laundry is necessary, residents should check the water quality before washing. The hydrant flushing is a routine maintenance procedure intended to remove sediment buildup in the water mains and to ensure that fire hydrants are functioning properly. For questions, residents can contact the Water Division at 618-251-3133.

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MADISON COUNTY — Carol Hancock, a longtime member of the Madison County Jail Kitchen Staff, is retiring after more than 20 years of service, the Madison County Sheriff’s Office announced this week. Hancock’s two decades of dedication to the jail’s kitchen operations have been recognized by her colleagues, who extended their best wishes for her retirement. The sheriff’s office expressed gratitude for her commitment and wished her a long and happy retirement. “Please join us in wishing Carol Hancock a long, happy, and well-deserved retirement!” the office stated. “Congratulations Carol and thank you! We wish you the very best!”

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MT. OLIVE - At noon on October 12, 2025, in Union Miners’ Cemetery on the edge of Mt. Olive, IL, there will be a day of recognition for the miners who died following a gunbattle on October 12, 1898, in Virden, IL, after mine guards shot them after they were locked out of the mine when the Chicago/Virden Coal Company refused to accept a contract adopted by other area mines. Many in the Mt. Olive area thought the miners were criminals and didn’t want them buried with decent folks. Their bodies were discovered alongside a roadway. After their graves were desecrated, the United Mine Workers of America bought an acre of land and began their own cemetery. The event will feature re-enactors, labor music, a short parade, wreath laying, and speakers, including Illinois AFL-CIO President Tim Drea and Mother Jones. This cemetery is the only union-owned one in the USA, and the legendary Irish firebrand, Mother Jones, is buried there with the martyrs she called “her boys”.

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GRANITE CITY - Multicare Specialists will once again host a Multicare Market to encourage community members to learn more about their health. From 4–7 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 10, 2025, community members are invited to Multicare Specialists at 3986 Maryville Road in Granite City to talk with vendors and enjoy giveaways and more. The market, which is similar to a farmers’ market and vendor fair, aims to encourage health consciousness. “This is more than a market. It’s a health movement,” said Dr. Ashely Eavenson, owner of Multicare Specialists. “We can’t wait.” Vendors include Oaklee Rose Farms, Daddy’s Dills, Farm Truk Foodtruck, SMB Boutique, Green Gaia Essentials, Earth Candy, Meme’s Coffee Shop, Freshness in a Bottle, Wild Wolff Pastures, Christine’s Salsa, Sinfully Safe by Sarah, Nourishing Nelli, Wheelhouse Fish Co., Larder and Cupboard, Ann’s Roots Microgreens, Orthomolecular, Crowned Creations by Keri,

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ALTON – Simmons Hanly Conroy and the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO) are highly appreciative of the Alton community for its support of the successful 17th Annual Alton Miles for Meso 5K Race and 3K Fun Run/Walk. Held Sept. 20, the event raised $25,000 to continue ADAO’s mission to eliminate asbestos-related diseases. One of the nation’s largest mass torts firms and a national leader in the legal representation of mesothelioma patients and their families, Simmons Hanly Conroy hosted this year’s event along with Metro Tri Club of Edwardsville, Illinois . The event coincides with Mesothelioma Awareness Day, observed each year on Sept. 26, and is dedicated to increasing public understanding of mesothelioma — a rare and aggressive cancer linked to asbestos exposure. “It is an honor to continue supporting ADAO,” said Simmons Hanly Conroy Chairman John Simmons . “ADAO plays a crucial role in raising awareness,

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SOUTH ROXANA – A local man faces five Class X felonies after authorities linked his South Roxana address to a Discord account sharing videos of child pornography. James M. Toombs, 22, of South Roxana, was charged on Oct. 3, 2025 with five Class X felony counts of child pornography. From May 30 to June 3, 2025, Toombs allegedly disseminated multiple video files via the messaging application Discord, each depicting children under the age of 18 engaged in various sex acts with adults. According to the state’s petition to deny Toombs’s pretrial release from custody, the investigation stemmed from a cybertip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) to the Edwardsville Police Department. After receiving the tip that someone had been sharing Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM) on Discord on July 2, 2025, the Edwardsville PD submitted search warrants revealing the IP address associated with disseminating the material was linked to a South Roxana

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Letter To The Editor: As a resident of Madison County, I disagreed with the recent decision by the Madison County Board to declare a "Day of Remembrance" for Charlie Kirk. I understand that the party in power has the votes to pass any resolution they chose. I also know that the current administration has been open to dialogue about diversity, and I commend them for that. The problems is that Charlie routinely framed diversity initiatives as threats to his way of life and dismissed systemic racism myths. His statement about black pilots being qualified are insulting to say the least. I strongly encourage everyone to research the Tuskegee Airmen if they are at least a bit curious about the history of black pilots in America. I admit I must make a concerted effort to become better informed because I didn't know Charlie existed until he was assassinated. Because of the publicity surrounding his death, I decided to learn more about him. Since then, I've watched several of his interviews.

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ALTON - A local author looks forward to selling his books at the upcoming Holiday Fears Market. From 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025, community members can stop by Old Bakery Beer Co. to visit with a variety of vendors, including author Daniel Margeson. As the author of two books, Margeson looks forward to selling copies of his books and giving writing advice to those who stop by his booth. His wife’s company, Paper and Pine, will also be present with a t-shirt press. “This is our first one together,” Margeson shared. “We’ve done separately before, but this will be our first one together.” Margeson is the author of “The Life of Death,” which tells the story of the Grim Reaper, and “The Monsters We Make,” a cautionary tale about artificial intelligence. Based in the Riverbend region, Margeson loves attending vendor fairs like the Holiday Fears Market and engaging with readers one-on-one.

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MARION - The Southern Illinois Miners baseball team, based in Marion, Illinois, was the stuff of legends. Now, owner John Simmons and manager Mike Pinto have come together to immortalize the Miners legacy in a new book. “Always A Miner: The Journey of Creating Joy, Entertainment, and Legacy Through Professional Baseball” tells the story of the independent professional baseball team from 2007 through 2021. Pinto and Simmons are proud of the team they created and eager to share more about the behind-the-scenes of professional baseball and the history of Southern Illinois. “It's just a good story about baseball and Southern Illinois and the Miners,” Simmons said. The decision to develop a professional baseball team in Southern Illinois was not linear. Simmons previously owned the Savannah Sand Gnats, based in Georgia. He wanted to continue working with affiliated baseball, but he was looking for something “more convenient” that would benefit

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ALTON — A 23-year-old man suffered a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head on Thursday, Oct. 2, 2025, according to the Alton Police Department, after a thorough investigation. Officers responded to the 900 block of Bradley Street at approximately 9:33 a.m. after receiving a report of a shooting. Upon arrival, officers found the male victim with an apparent gunshot injury. He was transported to a hospital in the St. Louis area and is currently listed in stable condition. The investigation revealed that the injury was self-inflicted, and the victim is receiving proper care, police said in an update. Several individuals known to the victim were contacted at the scene during the initial investigation, which determined the incident to be isolated with no ongoing threat to the public. The Alton Police Department continues to investigate but has not released further information. Authorities have asked anyone with information about the incident to contact the Criminal Investigation

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SOUTH ROXANA - South Roxana police arrested James M. Toombs, 22, of South Roxana, on five counts of child pornography, the department announced Thursday, April 2, 2025. The arrest warrant was issued and executed under Illinois law 720 ILCS 5/11-20.1(a)(2). Toombs was taken into custody without incident at his South Roxana residence and is currently held at the Madison County Jail awaiting his initial court appearance. Chief of Police Bob Coles attributed the arrest to effective collaboration among law enforcement agencies. “This type of crime does not stop at our borders. It requires strong partnerships, and we are grateful for the assistance of Detective Hoyland of the Edwardsville Police Department,” Coles said. The South Roxana Police Department also acknowledged the support of the Madison County State’s Attorney’s Office. “State’s Attorney Tom Haine and his team have consistently demonstrated their commitment to protecting children in Madison

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COLLINSVILLE — The Collinsville Police Department is seeking the public’s help in locating Airryana Johnson, who has an active felony warrant for her arrest related to sharing private sexual images on social media. Information about Johnson was released Friday in social media on the Collinsville Police Department Facebook page. The warrant stems from charges connected to what is commonly referred to as “revenge porn,” an offense that is illegal under Illinois law. The department emphasized the seriousness with which it treats such cases. “If you have any information about her whereabouts, please contact the Collinsville Police Department at 618-344-2131 extension 5217,” officials said. They also noted that callers can remain anonymous. Authorities encourage Johnson to turn herself in to any police department. “These charges and statements made herein are based upon probable cause. The defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty,”

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ALTON — The Clark Bridge in Alton was temporarily closed Thursday night, Oct. 2, 2025, after police responded to a report of a suicidal individual sitting on the outside of the bridge railing. At approximately 9:30 p.m. on Oct. 2, 2025, Alton Police officers arrived at the scene and engaged the person in conversation. After several minutes, the individual voluntarily climbed back over the railing to safety, according to Alton Police Chief Jarrett Ford. “Officers then assisted the subject to a mental health facility for mental health assistance,” Ford said. He also commended the officers for their successful efforts in de-escalating the situation and saving a life during the crisis. The bridge closure lasted less than 30 minutes while officers worked to ensure the person’s safety, Chief Ford said. If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org .

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