Riverbender 🕸

ALTON – After years of building a following with its bold flavors, signature Nashville-style heat, and unmatched customer experience, Heaterz Hot Chicken is proud to announce it is officially launching franchise opportunities across the United States. Founded in Alton, Illinois , with a second location in Normal, Illinois , Heaterz has quickly become a staple in the local food scene, known for its crave-worthy hot chicken sandwiches, sidewinder fries, and irresistible Nashville street corn. Voted “People’s Choice” at Illinois State Fair and praised for its unapologetically bold branding, Heaterz has proven it’s not just a restaurant, it’s a movement. “We’ve built something special, and we’re ready to share it,” said Dan King, founder and owner of Heaterz . “This isn’t your average chicken concept, we bring heat, hype, and heart to everything we do. People don’t just love our food, they love the experience,

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EDWARDSVILLE – In September, Revity Credit Union employees came together to raise $1,410.00 for the Oasis Women’s Center through the Revity Threads of Kindness Program. This program, funded by employees, allows Revity Credit Union staff to embody the credit union's philosophy of people helping people. By contributing a monthly monetary donation to a local organization, employees can enjoy wearing jeans and tennis shoes on Fridays and Saturdays throughout that month. In 2025, Revity Credit Union is committed to impactful giving and community support, weaving kindness into the fabric of our daily lives and ensuring that every “jeans day” makes a difference. The Oasis Women’s Center was nominated as the recipient of our September Threads of Kindness donation, receiving $1,410.00 that will support adults and children in our local community who are affected by domestic violence. Revity Credit Union’s donation will help fund the Oasis Women’s Center’s

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ALTON – OSF Saint Anthony’s Health Center has bolstered its orthopedics specialty services program by adding a new orthopedic surgeon. Major Erin R. Swan, M.D., an active-duty officer who currently serves in a similar role with the United States Air Force, stationed at Scott Air Force Base (Mascoutah, IL), is accepting new patients through OSF Saint Anthony’s orthopedics specialty services located in Suite 305 within the OSF Saint Anthony’s Medical Office Building (#2 Saint Anthony’s Way, Alton) on the hospital campus. Dr. Swan sees patients 18 years and older - and appointments with Dr. Swan can be made by calling (618) 474-6595. “The addition of Major Dr. Swan strengthens our orthopedic specialty services program by addressing a primary strategic initiative for OSF Saint Anthony’s here in the Riverbend region,” says Dennis Sands, M.D., chief medical officer, OSF Saint Anthony’s Health Center. “Major Dr. Swan believes

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ALTON – Alton Committee of the Whole members on Monday voted 4-3 to send a resolution allocating $10,000 for a six-week program aimed at curbing youth violence to the City Council for final approval this Wednesday, Sept. 24, 2025. The resolution calls for $10,000 in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds for the 40 Days of Nonviolence Initiative . The $10,000 total represents $2,000 for two weeks of planning at $100 per hour, $2,000 for two weeks of outreach in the form of stakeholder meetings and data analysis, and $6,000 for six weeks worth of programming, including $1,100 for food and $1,900 for promotional costs. This comes two weeks after committee members laid the item over so representatives of the 40 Days of Nonviolence Initiative could present more detailed information about the program’s purpose and funding. Joe Lewis and Sherri Miller, executive committee members of 40 Days of Nonviolence and Beyond, shared more details with – and answered several

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ALTON — A rally drawing an estimated 750 to 1,000 people was held Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025, at the Alton Visitor’s Center to honor the memory of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, who was assassinated on Sept. 10, 2025, while speaking at Utah Valley University. Michelle Nitzsche, one of the event’s organizers, described the gathering as a peaceful demonstration marked by expressions of unity and remembrance. “The crowd went down the street and kept getting longer and longer,” she said, noting the turnout exceeded initial expectations. Participants shared personal testimonies during an open microphone session, and some attendees offered bottles of water to passersby as a gesture of goodwill. “I hope Charlie and God were pleased how it went,” Nitzsche said. “I was proud that the people that went were peaceful.” Nitzsche emphasized the rally’s focus on peace and love, values she attributed to both Kirk and a higher spiritual

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ALTON - Alton People’s United has continued to hold their weekly protests in Alton, and they look forward to hosting a march with speakers in October. At 1 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025, community members can join the march from the Alton Amphitheater to Lincoln-Douglas Square. Clayton Monroe said that their goal is to support Riverbend residents with mutual aid while protesting the current federal administration. “We want to show people in Alton and Madison County that, moving forward, Alton People’s United will be a name that people will recognize and people will know means support and care and love,” he said. Monroe, who organizes Alton People’s United alongside Amy Monroe and Missy Johnson, noted that their mission is shifting from the weekly protests to mutual aid that can help people in the community. They believe this work is important. “At the end of the day, community is stronger than anything else,” Monroe explained. “I’ve

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ST. LOUIS — Homicide detectives are seeking help identifying a suspect connected to a deadly shooting at 3:05 p.m. Sunday afternoon, Sept. 21, 2025, at a Schnucks grocery store in the 3400 block of Union Boulevard in St. Louis. The shooting incident began when two men began fighting inside the store, according to the St. Louis Metropolitan Police. One of the men pulled out a gun and fired multiple shots, striking a 20-year-old man who later died at a hospital. The Schnucks store, located in the Wells-Goodfellow neighborhood, reopened on Monday, September 22, 2025, with what authorities described as a subdued atmosphere. Police are urging anyone who recognizes the person of interest shown above to contact the Homicide Division directly at 314-444-5371. Those wishing to remain anonymous and potentially receive a cash reward for tips leading to a felony arrest can call CrimeStoppers at 866-371-TIPS (8477).

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BELLEVILLE — The St. Clair County Transit District announced Tuesday it has received $450,000 in federal Transportation Alternatives Program funds to develop Phase 1 of the Fairview Heights-Swansea Trail. This initial phase will construct a 0.25-mile connector trail extending from Illinois 161 and Sullivan Drive/Union Hill Road north to the existing MetroBikeLink System of trails. The project, located in Fairview Heights, is part of a three-phase effort that will ultimately create a 4.2-mile bike trail corridor stretching from the intersection of Highway 161 and Sullivan Drive/Union Hill Road to Longacre Drive. The corridor will integrate into the St. Clair County Transit District’s MetroBikeLink System, which currently comprises 39 miles of interconnected trails and bike paths throughout St. Clair County, linking six Metro Transit Centers. Phase 1 will feature a separated, 10-foot-wide paved shared-use path running parallel to Sullivan Drive/Union Hill Road within the county’

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ALTON - The Alton Fitness Court is officially open. On Sept. 23, 2025, the community came together for a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the installation of the fitness court at Riverfront Park. The Alton Parks and Recreation Department collaborated with the National Fitness Campaign and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois to fund and install the court. “This is a wonderful, wonderful thing for our community,” said Mayor David Goins. “We’re so proud to see this down here. It’s such a beautiful venue, the river, the bridge, the amphitheater, the marina. It’s just a wonderful, wonderful thing that we have for our community.” The fitness court has several stations where community members can complete exercises, as well as an open space for fitness classes. Lyndsey Younger, executive director of the Alton Parks and Recreation Department, shared that the project has been in the works since December 2024 when Goins received an email from

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LEBANON - After receiving submissions from across the 114th District, State Representative Kevin Schmidt (R-Millstadt) selected Minerva Boutique to be his “Business of the Month” for September. Rep. Schmidt presented the owner, Catherine Donelle Gress, with an official certificate of recognition for sharing her vision and boutique style apparel with the Lebanon community. “Minerva Boutique is very unique and brings creative life to the city of Lebanon,” said Schmidt. “C. Donelle has turned her business into a special gathering place for customers. She affectionately refers to her customers as goddesses. For almost ten years, she has transformed her passion for style into services for women with high quality clothing, full-service styling, impeccable customer service and her own private label, Goddess Melange & Goddess Provisions.” Minerva Boutique offers a high-end eclectic collection of carefully curated clothing, leather handbags & artisan

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ROXANA - Roxana Senior High Principal Jason Dandurand, of Roxana Senior High School announced today that Gavin Springer has been named a Commended Student in the 2026 National Merit Scholarship Program. A Letter of Commendation from the school and the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC), which conducts the program, will be presented by the principal to this scholastically talented senior. About 34,000 Commended Students throughout the nation are being recognized for their exceptional academic promise. Although he will not continue in the 2026 competition for National Merit Scholarship Awards, Commended Students placed among the top 50,000 students who entered the 2026 competition by taking the 2024 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT). “Those being named Commended Students have demonstrated outstanding potential for academic success," commented a spokesperson for NMSC. “These students represent a valuable national resource; recognizin

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FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS — Zachariah Yinger, 37, owner of High Life at 122 Lincoln Highway in Fairview Heights, was arrested Sept. 19, 2025, following a multi-month investigation led by the Illinois State Police and Fairview Heights Police into the illegal sale of nitrous oxide, authorities said. A search warrant executed at High Life resulted in the seizure of nitrous oxide canisters and related paraphernalia. Following the investigation, the St. Clair County State’s Attorney’s Office issued an arrest warrant charging Yinger with unlawful possession with intent to deliver nitrous oxide (case number 2025CF001545). On the same day, Yinger was also charged in Madison County in connection with a separate store he owns, facing the same charge (case number 25CF2319). Fairview Heights Chief of Police Steve Johnson said the department is dedicated to protecting community health and safety and condemned the illegal sale of nitrous oxide disguised as legitimate business practices.

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EDWARDSVILLE - During their regular meeting on Sept. 22, 2025, the Edwardsville Community Unit School District #7 discussed where to host graduation for the Class of 2026. Superintendent Dr. Patrick Shelton explained that the district released “a brief survey” to parents and students of the Class of 2026 asking if they would prefer to experience graduation at the SIUE Vadalabene Center or the Edwardsville High School gymnasium. “As we mentioned at the last meeting, it’s pretty much a cost-neutral move,” he said. During the Board work session earlier in the month, Shelton explained that the SIUE Vadalabene Center holds more people than the EHS gymnasium. The Class of 2025 graduation was held at the SIUE Vadalabene Center due to construction at the high school. Shelton asked the Board to consider where graduation should be held moving forward. The Board asked the district to put out a survey to parents and students so they could decide. They

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Did you know that the average person spends over 6 hours per week reading for pleasure, yet many do so in spaces that fail to inspire or comfort? The environment in which you read can dramatically influence your focus, relaxation, and overall enjoyment. Designing a cozy reading nook isn’t merely about aesthetics—it’s about crafting a personal sanctuary that invites you to unwind and immerse yourself in stories or knowledge. Whether your reading habits are occasional escapes or daily rituals, a thoughtfully arranged nook can transform those moments into richer, more satisfying experiences. Here’s how to create a reading space that combines comfort, functionality, and style. Selecting the Ideal Location The foundation of any effective reading nook lies in its placement. The right spot can enhance natural light, reduce distractions, and cater to your comfort needs. Consider Natural Light and Privacy Studies show that natural light improves mood and focus,

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September 23 has long been a date marked by significant events across the globe, shaping history in profound ways. Moving back through history on this day, September 23 has been witness to a variety of pivotal moments spanning politics, science, culture, and exploration. In 1846, the planet Neptune was discovered by astronomers Johann Galle and Heinrich d'Arrest, based on predictions by Urbain Le Verrier. This discovery expanded our understanding of the solar system and marked a triumph of mathematical prediction in astronomy. It was a milestone that underscored human curiosity and the relentless pursuit of knowledge about our universe. Fast forward to 1932, when the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia was officially proclaimed by Abdulaziz Ibn Saud. This unification of disparate regions laid the foundation for the modern state of Saudi Arabia, a country that would soon become a key player in global geopolitics and energy markets. The announcement on September 23 was a turning point in Middle

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ALTON - The Riverbend community has the opportunity to come together for community beautification. From 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025, community members can join the Alton Fall City-Wide Litter Clean-Up sponsored by Pride, Inc. Pat Stewart noted that Pride, Inc. hosts the clean-ups to beautify the community and unite people under the common goal of taking care of their city. “It’s just a great way to get people together,” Stewart said. “All we can do is do our part to keep the streets clean and make people kind of take a look at the city and go, ‘This really is a cute little town.’ I think it makes us very proud.” Pride, Inc. has sponsored biannual litter clean-ups for years, and they’re starting to see a major difference. Each clean-up collects 50–100 bags of trash, but Stewart has noticed that 80% of the streets “don’t look nearly as bad as they used to” year-round. She believes this differenc

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Today will bring a high of 80 degrees and a low of 66 degrees with cloudy and humid conditions. Periods of rain and thunderstorms will start this afternoon and continue into the night. It will feel very warm with afternoon highs feeling like 84 degrees. Overnight, heavy rain and thunderstorms are possible, bringing beneficial rain but also a risk of localized flooding. Allergy alert: Mold levels are moderate, with ragweed and grass pollen low. Tomorrow's outlook calls for a high of 74 and a low of 59. Expect mostly cloudy skies with a couple of showers and a thunderstorm possible. It will remain humid with temperatures feeling pleasant but cooler, feeling like 74 degrees. For the latest updates, visit https://riverbender.com/weather .

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ALTON – A resolution to allocate nearly $184,000 to design “streetscape and transportation improvements” on East Broadway is on its way to the Alton City Council. Committee of the Whole members on Monday approved a resolution appropriating $183,914 in Riverfront Tax Increment Financing (TIF) District Funds, or as much is needed to complete the design portion of the project. According to the resolution, the project requires additional funding through the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), resulting in a Joint Funding Agreement between the city and IDOT. The full scope of the project consists of “professional design services including civil engineering, land surveying, and landscape architecture for the design of streetscape and transportation improvements,” according to the Joint Funding Agreement. The designed improvements are set to span 0.59 miles of East Broadway from Market Street to Ridge Street. Also passed on Monday was an Engineering

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EDWARDSVILLE - Edwardsville High School has announced that seven of its students have been recognized as National Merit Scholarship Program Commended Students for their exceptional academic performance. The following students received this honor: Kaan Demirer Maya Hatch Ian McGinness Josie Proctor Myurie Suthan Logan Szymanski Andrew Wang The National Merit Scholarship Program recognizes students based on their performance on the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT). Each of these students posted scores among the top 50,000 in the nation out of roughly 1.5 million juniors who take the PSAT each year, placing them in the top 2–3 percent nationally and reflecting exceptional academic ability and potential for future success.

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ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo. — An 8-year-old boy died Sunday evening, Sept. 21, 2025, after a backyard swing set collapsed and trapped him beneath a crossbar in the 11300 block of Larimore Road, authorities said. St. Louis County Police Department Bureau of Crimes Against Persons detectives are investigating the accidental death of Cortez Williams Jr., who was found unresponsive at approximately 6 p.m. on September 21, 2025. Officers from the North County Precinct responded to a call for a sick case at the residence. According to a preliminary investigation, Cortez was playing on the swing set when it collapsed. Family members were able to free him, and he initially appeared to have minor injuries. However, he later became unresponsive and was transported to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Police said additional information will be released as it becomes available.

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