Riverbender 🕸

GRAFTON – One man’s mission to sail the 6,000 mile Great Loop in record time has taken him from Florida to New York City and beyond – including a recent stop in the Riverbend region. Austin, Texas native Robert Youens is attempting to set the new solo speed record in a jon boat normally designed for duck hunting in bayous. Since his July 12, 2025 departure from Pensacola, Fla., he’s been cheered on by a growing number of supporters from around the country – both in-person and on his Facebook page , where followers express their support under each new post updating them on his progress. Youens stopped in Grafton on Monday, July 28, 2025, for a trip to the Grafton Oyster Bar and to take shelter at a local residence. He told his followers there was a “rocking party at the Grafton Oyster Bar upon arrival,” remarking the night before: “I'm going to bed in a beautiful home in Grafton.” Following an overnight stay,

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WOOD RIVER - Adyson Bunt of East Alton-Wood River High School is being recognized for her dedication and leadership in cheerleading as she prepares to enter her senior year. Adyson is a Midwest Members Credit Union Female Athlete of the Month for the Oilers. Bunt, who has been cheering for six years, credits her success to her commitment to the sport and her ability to motivate her teammates. “I would like to thank my teammates for always supporting and motivating me to gain new skills,” she said. Under the guidance of Coach Alison Beachum, Bunt has developed qualities that have contributed to this recognition. What Bunt appreciates most about cheerleading is the strong bond shared among team members. She explained that her involvement in the sport has taught her valuable lessons in collaboration and the importance of having heart. These experiences have contributed to her personal growth throughout high school. Outside of cheer, Bunt enjoys spending time with family

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MONROE COUNTY — Emergency responders rushed to a rural Monroe County neighborhood Monday afternoon, July 28, 2025, after a one-year-old child was found unresponsive in a swimming pool, authorities said. At approximately 3:32 p.m. on July 28, 2025, Monroe County Sheriff’s Deputies, Monroe County EMS, and the Waterloo Police Department were dispatched to the Country Lake Subdivision following a report of the child’s drowning. While en route, dispatchers informed officers that the child’s family had placed the infant in a vehicle and was driving toward town to meet emergency medical services. Within two minutes of dispatch, officers located the vehicle in the 500 block of East 4th Street in Waterloo and immediately removed the child. Deputies and police officers began administering CPR and applied an automated external defibrillator. The child briefly showed signs of possible responsiveness and expelled what appeared to be water during the rescue efforts. Life-saving

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EDWARDSVILLE – In July 2025, Revity Credit Union came together to raise $1,545 for the Glen-Ed Pantry 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 Glen-Ed Pantry was nominated as the recipient of our July Threads of Kindness donation, receiving $1,545. The Glen-Ed Pantry was not only the recipient of the jeans donation but also benefited from a food drive organized by Revity’s Edwardsville branch. In collaboration with the Ed-Glen Chamber of Commerce, Revity hosted a "Business

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GODFREY - The Village of Godfrey is welcoming a tattoo studio for the first time in 24 years with the opening of Iron Will Tattoo, a new shop founded by award-winning artist Devon Plopper. Located at 202 W Homer Adams Parkway, Plopper says Iron Will Tattoo will offer high-quality, custom tattooing back to the Riverbend area. Plopper, who spent the past decade honing his craft across Missouri, returned to his hometown with a vision to create a professional, inclusive space where creativity and craftsmanship are prioritized. Joining him is fellow award-winning artist Walt Ruesler, who brings 10 years of experience and artistic skill to the team. Iron Will Tattoo emphasizes a clean, comfortable environment designed to welcome clients of all backgrounds. The shop aims to break stereotypes associated with tattoo parlors by fostering a judgment-free atmosphere focused on respect and personalized service. Specializing in custom tattoos, Iron Will collaborates closely with clients to create

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JERSEYVILLE — Nearly 10 inches of rain fell in Jerseyville during a severe storm that began late Saturday night, July 26, 2025, and continued into early Sunday morning, July 27, leaving hundreds of residents with significant basement flooding and water damage. According to residents, more than 600 homes experienced major basement damage after the city’s sewer and storm drain systems failed to handle the intense rainfall. Diane Dugger, a Jerseyville resident who moved into her home on Maple Avenue just six weeks prior, described waking up to 20 inches of standing sewer water in her basement on Sunday morning, July 27. “We lost our HVAC system and woke up at 6 a.m. to discover 20 inches of standing sewer drain water in our basement,” Dugger said. She shared photos showing the extent of the damage and recounted how personal belongings stored in plastic bags and totes were destroyed. “Everything we held dear and all our basic household goods in the basement

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ALTON - Community members are invited to the second annual All 80s Alton Mixer. At 5 p.m. on Sept. 6, 2025, at Mac’s Downtown, folks from across the region will convene to celebrate the 80s era, enjoy food, listen to live music, and reminisce. Organizers emphasized that the event is not limited to Alton High School alumni but open to everybody who wants to come out and have a fun night. They hope to welcome over 2,000 people. “Last year was a blast and I am so happy all my friends came out,” said Thomas, one of the organizers. “Having everybody show up and play was wonderful.” The block party will take up 4th and Belle Streets in downtown Alton, with bands playing on the new Mac’s stage. Porch Cafe will take the stage at 6 p.m., followed by The Undecided at 8 p.m. and Fritz and the Bishops at 10 p.m. “This came up and we’re like, ‘A festival? Oh my God, yeah. This is perfect,’” said Fritz, who plans to play

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EDWARDSVILLE — A judge has granted the state’s motion to transfer the case of a 17-year-old charged in a shooting near a school bus stop to adult court, Madison County State’s Attorney Tom Haine has announced. Jayvon R. Walton, who was 16 at the time of the incident, was initially charged in juvenile court after a Delinquency Petition was filed in March. At a hearing Monday, July 28, 2025, Assistant State’s Attorney Sarah Voudrie successfully argued for the transfer to adult court. Associate Judge John Hackett approved the request. Walton now faces charges in adult court including one count of Attempted First-Degree Murder, one count of Aggravated Discharge of a Firearm, and two counts of Aggravated Unlawful Possession of Weapons. Attempted First-Degree Murder is a Class X felony that carries a potential sentence of up to 30 years in prison. Alton Police responded to the 1200 block of Central Avenue on the evening of Feb. 26, 2025, following reports of gunfire

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EDWARDSVILLE - These are profiles of artists featured at the upcoming Edwardsville Arts Fair Sept. 26-28 at Edwardsville City Park. The artists featured today are David Bailey, Shannon Roman and Bradford Pollack. Artist #1: David Bailey Medium: Jewelry Artist Statement: "Being able to pull a rabbit out of a hat is a thrill for the magician; being able to pull artwork out of the cosmos between my ears is extremely thrilling for me as an artist. The risk of success reaps the reward of delighting the onlooker, the risk of failure reaps the reward of turned backs. The magician, just as the artist, chances success or failure with every illusion or creation; however, the compulsion persists, and the show or the creation must go on. "Since about 1988, I have been making sterling silver, stone, and bronze jewelry. I have been making steel sculptures and other artwork even longer. "I am fascinated with the process of visualizing a “shape” in my mind’s

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ALTON - After a long journey, Quick Bite Side Street Market is coming home to Alton. Quick Bite started as a hotdog cart in St. Louis in 2017. They then crossed the river back to Alton and began operating an ice cream truck in the community. Now, they’re opening a storefront at 4134 Alby Street in Alton and celebrating with a grand opening on Friday, Aug. 1, 2025. “A hotdog cart turned into a storefront, and we’re just going from here, just looking to keep moving forward as a family business, a growing business, and providing good food for the community,” Davis said. “We’re thinking of a menu that could work for someone, for everyone, and just good hotdogs with music and a good vibe, good, fun times.” Quick Bite Side Street Market previously had a storefront at this location in Alton before closing in 2022. Davis and her customers are eager to be back in their spot on Alby. While hotdogs and snacks are the main pull, Davis promises

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Did you know that community sports tournaments can increase local engagement by up to 40%, according to a recent study by the National Recreation and Park Association? Beyond bringing people together for fun and competition, these events foster community pride, promote health, and even boost small business activity. But organizing such a tournament is no small feat—it requires thoughtful planning, effective coordination, and a clear vision. Whether you’re a passionate volunteer, a local sports club leader, or a community organizer, understanding how to plan a successful tournament can transform your idea into a memorable event that resonates long after the final whistle. Define the Purpose and Scope Before jumping into logistics, clarify why you’re organizing the tournament. Is it to promote youth engagement, raise funds for a cause, or simply encourage healthy lifestyles? The purpose will guide many decisions—from the sports you choose to the scale of the

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July 30 has been a date marked by remarkable events throughout history. Traveling back in time, on July 30, 1619, the first General Assembly of the Virginia House convened, marking a foundational moment in American colonial governance. This assembly was the first representative legislative body in the English colonies, setting a precedent for democratic governance in what would eventually become the United States. The establishment of this assembly laid the groundwork for the development of legislative institutions that emphasized the importance of representation and lawmaking by elected officials. Shifting to the cultural domain, July 30, 1965, marked the opening of the Beatles' iconic Shea Stadium concert in New York City. This event was groundbreaking as it was one of the first major stadium concerts in music history, attracting an audience of over 55,000 fans. The concert illustrated the immense popularity of the Beatles and symbolized the rising influence of rock and roll music

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TRENTON — A family home in Trenton was severely damaged by two flash floods in less than a week, leaving the basement nearly submerged and destroying the living space used by the homeowner’s mother and daughter, according to a fundraising page created by the homeowner’s daughter. Stephen Hart’s basement flooded on July 19, 2025, with water rising nearly to the ceiling and submerging the furnace, water heater, and all appliances. The finished basement included two bedrooms, a bathroom, kitchen, living room, and laundry area, which served as the primary living quarters for Hart’s mother and daughter. Police evacuated the residents during the flooding, and Hart narrowly escaped harm while attempting to salvage belongings. The flood caused more than $100,000 in damage, including loss of furniture, appliances, personal items, and essential medical supplies. Hart’s shed was also flooded, destroying his lawn mower, snow blower, and tools. The family’s

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Extreme Heat Warning remains in effect until 7 p.m. today. Today in the Riverbend area, expect a high of 91 degrees and a low of 72 with mostly sunny skies in the morning turning to partly sunny with thunderstorms in the afternoon. The heat will feel dangerous, hitting a "feels like" temperature of up to 108 degrees. It will be humid, and storms this afternoon could bring heavy rain, flooding downpours, and damaging wind gusts. Air quality is good, but mold and grass pollen are at moderate levels, so allergy sufferers should take note. If you plan to be outside today, drink plenty of fluids, stay in air-conditioned places as much as possible, avoid the sun during peak hours, and check on neighbors and family. Reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening to avoid the extreme heat. Looking ahead to tomorrow, the high will drop to a more comfortable 78 degrees with a low of 63. Expect cloudy and humid conditions with a couple of showers and thunderstorms. Winds will

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MADISON, Ill. — Rayontae M. Pearson, 22, of Madison, Illinois, was arrested in connection with the July 26 homicide of a 16-year-old male at the intersection of Washington Avenue and Wayne Lanter Avenue, the Major Case Squad of Greater St. Louis has announced. After investigating approximately 58 leads over three days, Madison County State’s Attorney Tom Haine filed four charges against Pearson, including two counts of first-degree murder, unlawful use of weapons for possession of a machine gun, and felon in possession of a weapon. Pearson is currently held pending a detention hearing. The investigation involved cooperation from multiple agencies, including the Illinois State Police Crime Scene Investigators, the Madison County Coroner’s Office, and the Madison County State’s Attorney’s Office. Haine praised the regional teamwork and the swift response by law enforcement. “I want to commend Chief Jeff Bridick and the dedicated officers of the Madison

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MARYVILLE, Ill. — Maryville Mayor Wayne White has addressed resident concerns regarding the condition of certain properties with high weeds, abandoned vehicles, trash and other unsightly items in and around the Village of Maryville. White acknowledged that several problematic properties are located just outside the Maryville village limits and fall under the jurisdiction of Madison County. Because those properties are not within the village boundaries, Maryville does not have the legal authority to enforce its codes or issue citations. “Please know we are not ignoring the problem,” White said in a statement. “The Village Administration is actively and aggressively working to address these concerns. We are in communication with Madison County officials and are pressing for enforcement action on their part. We have also contacted the property owners directly and, in some cases, met with them in person to encourage compliance and cleanup.” Within th

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SPRINGFIELD - The Illinois Department of Natural Resources will conduct a drawing on Aug. 26 for youth to hunt deer during the Illinois youth firearm deer season Oct. 11 to 13 at Jim Edgar Panther Creek State Fish and Wildlife Area (JEPC) in Cass County and Sangamon County State Conservation Area. To be eligible for the Aug. 26 drawing, the youth's name, mailing address, telephone number, and preferred hunting site location must be mailed on a postcard and received at the JEPC office by close of business Aug. 25. Successful applicants will be notified and eligible to purchase a 2025 youth either-sex deer permit in person at any Illinois hunting license vendor beginning on August 5. Youth deer hunting during the youth firearm deer season is allowed only in the open units at the site locations and only to those who have not reached 18 years of age prior to the start of the season. Please note that the controlled unit and the quail management unit are both closed to youth deer hunters

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We all know some men who’d rather fight off sharks than deal with issues that affect their health. They don’t like talking about it, they put symptoms on the back burner, and they don’t see a health care provider unless it’s at the urging of a persistent wife who might schedule the appointment. According to Ben Guth, an advanced practice nurse with OSF HealthCare, the reasons for putting off medical care vary. For some men, they’re too busy working to find the time to book, for example, an eye exam or dentist appointment. Some are willing to wait out a nagging pain or a lingering headache. And for others it’s simply a case of “‘if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.’” “Men will often tell me, ‘I don't have any problems. Everything feels fine. I don't need to see you,’” Guth says. “Unfortunately, all issues won't really present as a symptom until they're in the more moderate to severe stages.”

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WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, delivered a speech on the Senate floor denouncing the nomination of Emil Bove to serve as a judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit. In his remarks, Durbin summarized Mr. Bove’s disqualifying record, from ordering the dismissal of career federal prosecutors who worked on January 6 cases to striking a corrupt deal with New York City Mayor Eric Adams to further President Trump’s extremist agenda. Three whistleblowers have come forward with credible allegations of Mr. Bove’s disqualifying conduct, including his suggestion that the Trump Administration is not required to comply with federal court orders. “He came and answered a questionnaire, as he should, for the White House as well as for the Judiciary Committee and then appeared before us under oath and answered questions. What was unusual about this situation is tha

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SPRINGFIELD — Today, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13), Congressman Jack Bergman (MI-01), Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01), and Congressman Andrew Garbarino (NY-02) announced the launch of a new bipartisan caucus aimed at improving the postal service. The Congressional Postal Service Caucus will focus on improving on-time delivery rates, protecting postal employees, and stopping harmful facility consolidations that reduce access in rural and underserved areas. “For years, rural communities like the ones I represent in Central and Southern Illinois have faced lagging delivery rates, facility closures, and neglect from the top leadership from USPS,” said Congresswoman Budzinski . “I’m excited to launch this bipartisan group alongside Congressman Bergman, Congressman Pappas, and Congressman Garbarino to push back against postal privatization, improve speed and service, and protect good-paying union jobs at USPS. I look forward to working together

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