Riverbender 🕸

ALTON - Community members are invited to the second annual Drug Overdose Awareness Day Candlelight Vigil to promote help, hope and recovery. From 4–8 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 31, 2025, Riverbend residents will gather at Russell Commons Park in Alton for the event. In addition to a white dove release and the vigil, there will be several resource tables and organizations available to speak about their services, in addition to testimonials and the reading of names of people who have been lost. “This is so important. We have each other to get through this,” said Christina Foster, who organized the event. “Everybody has been affected by this in some way, shape or form. It used to be a stigma where people didn’t want to talk about it and were ashamed. And everybody coming together just shows me that their hearts are changing. They’re all coming together from different backgrounds, but we’re there for the same reason.” Foster created the

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BETHALTO – Senator Erica Harriss & Representative Amy Elik recently released the following joint statement on Bethalto area water concerns: “Since learning of the brown water concerns in Bethalto, we have met with the Village of Bethalto and other local officials, contacted the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) and requested information and action from them, and consulted with outside water quality experts - all with the goal of determining the best course forward to be absolutely sure that Bethalto’s water is safe and clean. Village officials have given us the details on their planned infrastructure improvements and steps they have been taking to ensure the water is safe. This week, when we saw that the citizens had conducted their own tests - with concerning results - we, again, requested action from the IEPA. The IEPA has responded with their own water quality tests being done this week. We are very appreciative that IEPA is listening to our and

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SPRINGFIELD – The State Treasurer’s Office made a record $1.57 billion in investment earnings from the state investment portfolio during Fiscal Year 2025, Illinois Treasurer Michael Frerichs announced today. Treasurer Frerichs is the state’s Chief Investment and Banking Officer. He is responsible for investing state revenue in the state investment portfolio . “Every dollar we earn in interest for the people of Illinois is a dollar that lawmakers don’t have to raise in taxes,” Frerichs said. “We are trying to maximize earnings for our state at a time when the Trump administration is looking to strip away health care for working families to give billionaires a tax cut.” Also in Fiscal Year 2025, the Treasurer’s Office made $998 million in gross investment earnings for cities, villages, school districts, counties and other units of government that take part in the highly rated Illinois Funds local government investment pool the

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O'FALLON – The connection between agriculture, technology and aviation was front and center during a Global Aerospace Summit held in the St. Louis region in mid-August. During an engaging session titled “Ag Sector Innovations – Powering Sustainable Solutions in the Aviation Industry,” the audience learned how crops and ethanol are being developed into sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) to help reduce emissions in one of the hardest-to-decarbonize sectors. Panelists highlighted innovations originating in the St. Louis region that are fueling progress on these efforts. The inaugural Global Aerospace Summit was presented by the Leadership Council Southwestern Illinois in partnership with Madison County, St. Clair County, and Bi-State Development’s St. Louis Regional Freightway. It drew 400-plus industry leaders, educators, government officials, workforce development experts and career seekers who also learned about the St. Louis region’s aerospace assets,

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HIGHLAND - Lola Schlarmann is organizing a fundraiser to support her family following the death of her brother, Gavin Schlarmann, who died recently in a motorcycle accident. The family is seeking assistance to cover medical bills, funeral expenses, and ongoing support for Gavin’s two siblings currently attending college. Gavin Schlarmann was a full-time member of Highland EMS and had served with the Highland Fire Department (HFD). According to Lola Schlarmann, Gavin was known for his dedication, perseverance, and a big heart that touched many lives through his public service. “Our family is now facing overwhelming medical bills, funeral expenses, and the challenge of supporting Gavin’s two other siblings who are currently in college,” Lola Schlarmann said in a message accompanying the fundraiser. “Any help, no matter how big or small, would mean so much to us during this difficult time.” Lola Schlarmann described her brother as someone who

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GODFREY - My Antique Store is celebrating 35 years in the community with a 35% off sale of the entire store. From Sept. 10 through 20, 2025, you can shop the store at a 35% discount for all items. Located at 1007 W. Delmar Avenue in Godfrey, the store has seen a wide range of trends and customers over the years, and owner Mark Stewart couldn’t be happier with his experience over the past three decades. “We do everything right there. We take care of our customers,” Stewart said. “I liked the people. I liked what I was doing. It was always interesting to me, and I guess I’ve done it because I’ve not only made money, but I’ve had fun.” Stewart owns the shop alongside his wife, Audrey, who he called “the worker bee” who handles everything behind the scenes. The duo often goes to estate sales and auctions to find items to sell in the store. They have everything from furniture to seasonal decor, and Stewart said glassware

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EAST ST. LOUIS - The Citizens Utility Board is calling on Ameren Illinois gas customers to attend a public forum Thursday night, Aug. 28, 2025, in East St. Louis to oppose the utility’s proposed gas rate increase. The Illinois Commerce Commission is hosting the event from 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at New Life Community Church, 1919 State Street. Ameren Illinois has requested a $131.1 million rate hike, which consumer advocates say is nearly three times what the company can justify under state law. If approved, this would be the fourth gas rate increase imposed by Ameren Illinois in less than a decade. Since 2018, Ameren Illinois customers have faced three rate hikes that have raised delivery rates by $202 million, or 50 percent. Meanwhile, Ameren’s parent company has increased its profits by 45 percent over the same period, reaching $6.9 billion. The utility’s gas segment profits have more than doubled during this time. The forum provides an opportunity for customers to

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ALTON – Yesterday, Lewis and Clark Community College (LC) and the Illinois Environmental Council (IEC) hosted a tour of LC’s training facilities at the Scott Bibb Center, where students are enrolled in programs that will equip them with the skills needed to support Illinois’ clean energy transition. These programs were made possible through the 2021 Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA) and are providing training and certification for entry-level positions in solar, HVAC, and more. “The success of workforce training hubs like LC’s has only grown more critical amidst burgeoning threats from the federal government on climate action and a complicated energy market, and we’re thrilled to highlight the progress at the LC workforce hub,” said Samira Hanessian, Energy Policy Director with the Illinois Environmental Council. “Illinois staked its flag as a leader on climate action with the 2021 passage of CEJA because we knew we needed to address

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DU QUOIN – Illinois State Police (ISP) Division of Criminal Investigations Zone 7 Major Crimes Special Agents arrested 36-year-old Christopher B. Davis of Du Quoin, IL for Aggravated Criminal Sexual Abuse (Class 2 Felony). In December of 2024, ISP Special Agents were requested by the Du Quoin Police Department and Perry Jackson County Child Advocacy Center to investigate possible sexual abuse of a minor involving Davis. An extensive investigation was conducted over the next several months. On August 22, 2025, a warrant was issued for Davis’s arrest. On August 25, 2025, the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office took Davis into custody. Davis was held at Jackson County pending his first court appearance. ISP Special Agents were assisted by the Du Quoin Police Department, Perry Jackson County Child Advocacy Center, the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, and the Jackson County State’s Attorney’s Office.

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Did you know that gardens receiving just a little extra attention during the transition from summer to fall can yield up to 30% more blooms and healthier plants the following spring? This often-overlooked window of opportunity is crucial for preserving the vibrancy and longevity of your garden. Preparing your summer garden for the upcoming months not only safeguards your investment in plants and landscaping but also sets the stage for a flourishing garden next year. Assessing Your Garden’s Health Before the Shift The first step in maintaining your summer garden is a thorough evaluation of its current condition. Identifying stressed plants, pests, or diseases early can prevent problems from escalating and ensure a smoother transition into fall. Inspect for Pests and Diseases: Examine leaves, stems, and soil for signs of aphids, spider mites, fungal infections, or other common summer garden issues. Early detection allows for targeted treatments that minimize damage. Evaluat

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August 28th holds a special place in history, marked by events that have shaped societies, inspired movements, and changed the course of nations. One of the most globally resonant events occurred in 1963 when over 200,000 Americans gathered in Washington, D.C., for the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. This monumental civil rights rally was a defining moment in the struggle for racial equality in the United States. It was here, at the Lincoln Memorial, that Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his legendary "I Have a Dream" speech. His words painted a vision of a future where people would be judged by the content of their character rather than the color of their skin. The march not only galvanized public opinion but also contributed to the eventual passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, a landmark law outlawing discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. In the realm of exploration and innovation, August 28, 1930, saw the first publication of

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EAST ALTON - Riverbend Christian Leadership Academy (RCLA) will open its 2025–26 school year on September 2, 2025, at a new location: a leased portion of the River Bend Calvary Chapel facility at 4 St. Kevins Dr., East Alton, IL 62024. The 501(c)(3) nonprofit Christian school says the move follows months of prayerful planning to discern God’s leading and has energized families, students, and staff. RCLA originally planned to operate on the Western Military Academy campus owned by Faith Baptist Church (2009 Seminary St., Alton, IL 62002). After careful evaluation, the school determined the historic campus’s maintenance and utility costs were prohibitive for a young nonprofit. RCLA expressed gratitude to Faith Baptist Church for its generous partnership throughout the transition. The East Alton site is a better fit for the nonprofit’s stewardship goals. The new facility requires less maintenance, is in excellent condition, and offers significantly lower utilities

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Today in the Riverbend area, the high will reach a warm 84 degrees with a low of 57 degrees. Expect partly sunny skies and a beautiful day overall. Winds will be light, coming from the west-northwest at around 6 mph with occasional gusts up to 8 mph. The air quality is good, but ragweed levels are high, so allergy sufferers should be prepared. Mold levels are moderate. Tonight, skies will remain mostly clear to partly cloudy with lows cooling back down to the upper 50s. It will feel cool at night with gentle north-northeast winds around 5 mph. Looking ahead to tomorrow, expect a high of 82 degrees and a low around 56 degrees. The day will be mostly sunny and pleasant with light northeast winds. Ragweed levels will remain high, and the UV index is very high, so be sure to protect yourself if you'll be outdoors. For up-to-date weather information, visit https://riverbender.com/weather .

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ALTON – Stacey Roach, co-owner of Pour Decisions in downtown Alton, announced at Wednesday’s City Council meeting the bar will likely be forced to close its doors after its late night liquor license was revoked. A late night liquor license allows an Alton business to sell alcohol as late as 2 a.m. on weekdays and 3 a.m. on weekends. Pour Decisions is one of two downtown bars which had their late night liquor licenses revoked after a hearing before Mayor and Liquor Commissioner David Goins in July. According to Roach, the effects on the business have been devastating. “We went from being open seven days a week, employing a full staff, to being forced down to just three nights a week. We had to lay off our entire staff, including family members and my son,” Roach said. “Today, it leaves only me there doing three night shifts a week, doing what I can just to keep the doors open. “The financial hit has been severe. Where we were once ringing

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CARLYLE – The Illinois Department of Transportation today announced that intermittent daytime lane closures will take place on U.S. 50 at Prairie Branch Creek, 1.1 miles east of Huey Road in Clinton County, weather permitting, on Tuesday, Sept. 2. 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.

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ALTON - The City of Alton is excited to announce the return of the annual Alton Expo, set to take place at the Alton Amphitheater from Thursday, September 4 through Sunday, September 7, 2025. The Expo will once again feature live entertainment, carnival rides, games, and a variety of fair food favorites, bringing families and visitors together for a weekend of fun. As with every major event in Alton, the safety and security of attendees remain a top priority. The Alton Police Department will have a large police presence at the Expo, supplemented by private security staff provided for all Amphitheater events. In addition, the City of Alton is continuing a security measure that has been in place for the past few years: • Anyone 17 years of age and under must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian while attending the Expo. • Individuals under 18 who arrive unaccompanied will not be permitted to stay at the event. This policy was first implemented in 2023 and has consistently

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CHICAGO – Attorney General Kwame Raoul joined a coalition of 20 attorneys general defending a Colorado law that prohibits licensed health care professionals from practicing conversion “therapy” on minors. Conversion “therapy,” also called sexual orientation or gender identity change efforts, is a harmful and ineffective practice that attempts to change a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity. In an amicus brief filed in the U.S. Supreme Court in support of Colorado’s law, Raoul and the coalition argue that conversion therapy is not a safe or effective treatment for any condition, puts youth at risk of serious harms, including increased risks of suicide and depression, and falls below the standard of care for mental health practitioners. “Leading medical organizations all agree – conversion therapy is a dangerous practice that jeopardizes the safety and health of LGBTQ+ youth,” Raoul said. “I will continue

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WOOD RIVER — East Alton-Wood River High School will honor the newest inductees to the Oiler Alumni Hall of Fame at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025. The event will take place in Memorial Gym and will include a dinner and awards presentation. The 2025 Hall of Fame class includes Doug Booten (Class of 1987), Neil Enloe (Class of 1956), Tyler Martin (Class of 1987), Col. Dustin Richards (Class of 1997), Dr. Katie Richards (Class of 2002), Mike Ringering (Class of 1984), Dave Sever (Class of 1977), and Dr. Kerry Studnicki (Class of 1999). Tickets for the dinner are available to the general public for $20 each. They may be purchased starting Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2025, at the EAWR High School Main Office from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on student attendance days. This year’s ceremony will differ from previous inductions by featuring informal interviews with each inductee. Additionally, the event venue has been moved to Memorial Gym.

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HIGHLAND — Ralph Korte, founder of The Korte Company and a pivotal figure in the construction industry, died on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, surrounded by family. Born in 1934 in rural Highland, Illinois, Korte built a legacy that influenced both his community and the nation’s approach to design-build construction. Korte grew up as one of 14 children on a small family farm and left formal schooling after the eighth grade. He developed a passion for building by assisting neighbors with farm projects. During boot camp in Arkansas, he earned his GED, which motivated him to continue learning. He served in the Korean War, returning with a veteran’s perspective that emphasized hard work, learning, and courage. In 1958, armed with a $79 electric saw and a simple business philosophy — “Don’t charge too much, and work hard” — Korte founded The Korte Company. What began as a side job evolved into a nationally recognized Design-Build firm known for

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BELLEVILLE - The Belleville Area Humane Society will host their annual “Wine for Whiskers” fall festival event to support animals. From 5:30–9 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 18, 2025, community members can enjoy dinner, drinks, carnival games, a silent auction, raffles and more fun at The Weingarten in Belleville. Geared towards adults, this fall festival promises a fun evening to benefit local animals. “It’s just going to be a really good night,” said Chelsea Erxleben with Belleville Area Humane Society (BAHS). “The community always just wraps their arms around us and they support us so much. We couldn’t do it without our community because obviously we’re a nonprofit running on donations. We’re here because the community believes in us, and we believe in them.” Tickets to the event cost $50 each and include dinner from Tavern on Main and two drink tickets. In addition to the dinner, live music, raffles and silent

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