Riverbender 🕸

ALTON – A proposal to eliminate late night liquor licenses for all Alton bars is on hold for now after several local bar owners spoke out against it. A resolution on Monday’s Committee of the Whole agenda called for an ordinance to remove a section of the city code allowing for “late night liquor licenses,” which currently allow businesses to sell alcohol as late as 2 a.m. on weekdays and 3 a.m. on weekends. If passed, this would effectively ban all Alton bars from selling alcohol later than 1 a.m. Michelle Oerter, a bartender at Danny’s Lounge, presented city officials with a petition that gained 367 signatures calling on the city not to revoke every bar’s late night liquor license. She said the ordinance would create an unfair financial burden local bars can’t afford. “Those late night hours, especially after 1 a.m., they make up a significant portion of our revenue,” Oerter said. “You don’t punish an entire

Continue Reading

DECATUR — A former substitute teacher in Decatur has pleaded guilty to predatory criminal sexual assault after admitting to having sex with an 11-year-old student during multiple visits to her home, authorities said. Alley Bardfield, 34, who worked for Decatur Public Schools, is scheduled to be sentenced in September 2025.The incidents occurred during what were described as “play dates” at Bardfield’s residence in Mt. Zion throughout 2023 and 2024, according to a lawsuit filed by the victim’s parents. The boy’s mother became concerned after noticing changes in her son’s behavior following a visit to Bardfield’s home. Upon reviewing his phone and social media accounts, she found messages between the student and Bardfield and discovered that Bardfield had sent $700 to the boy via CashApp. During a subsequent conversation, the child disclosed a sexual encounter with Bardfield on March 29, 2024, Mt. Zion Police said. The victim was a sixth-grade

Continue Reading

EDWARDSVILLE — Officials are warning Edwardsville residents about a telephone scam involving false jury service notifications, according to Ryan M. Anderson, Trial Court Administrator. The scam involves callers leaving messages claiming the recipient missed jury duty. The caller provides a fictitious name, phone number, and email address, urging the recipient to respond. Authorities advise people to hang up immediately and avoid sharing any personal information. “If you have missed jury duty, you would receive a letter from the Circuit Court requesting you to come into court in front of a judge to explain why you were unable to make it to a scheduled jury service,” Anderson said. The warning comes amid an increase in reports from residents receiving these fraudulent calls in Edwardsville. Court officials emphasize that official jury notifications are sent by mail and do not involve phone messages requesting personal details.

Continue Reading

SPRINGFIELD — Today, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) , a member of the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee and Congressional Labor Caucus, sent a letter to Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Doug Collins expressing outrage over the Department’s decision to terminate collective bargaining agreements for the majority of VA bargaining-unit employees. To view the letter, click HERE . In her letter, Congresswoman Budzinski questioned the rationale behind the decision and emphasized its potential consequences on both the VA workforce and the quality of care and services provided to our nation’s veterans. Budzinski is requesting data on all employee departures from January 1, 2025 through August 8, 2025 within the VA Iliana and St. Louis Health Care Systems, as well as the VBA and NCA facilities serving Illinois’s 13th district. The Congresswoman wrote, “Your announcement on August 6, 2025, that VA is terminating most collective

Continue Reading

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois State Police (ISP) is celebrating the signing of House Bill 2586 , known as Alicia’s Law, named after Alicia “Kozak” Kozakiewicz , the first widely reported internet-related child abduction victim. Internet crimes against children involve crimes that exploit or endanger children through the use of the internet, including luring children online to meet for sexual activity, cyberstalking to harass or intimidate children, creating child sexual abuse materials, and soliciting children for sex through online chat rooms or social media. Alicia’s Law ensures the State of Illinois will devote resources and support ISP’s continued investigation of internet crimes against children, making the investigations a permanent function of ISP that will be sustained over time with consistent resources. “The internet is ubiquitous and not going anywhere, which means internet crimes against children can proliferate, and ISP

Continue Reading

EDWARDSVILLE - These are three additional artists who will be featured at the upcoming Edwardsville Arts Fair Sept. 26-28, 2025, at Edwardsville's City Park. The artists featured today are Kara Hayes, Allison Norfleet Bruenger and Kimberlyn Renee. Artist #1: Kara Hayes Medium: Jewelry Artist Statement: "My intention is to create timeless, wearable art that strikes an emotion and sparks a conversation of wonder. These conversations are meant to connect strangers through the shared admiration of art. I challenge my medium to include layers of precious metals fused into hand cut and individually designed fused glass stones. I am a dual artist marrying my metal fabrication skills with my fused glass stones. "Through my many techniques, I create an illusion within my stone work and strong durable metal designs that stand the test of time. This year's collection is inspired by time. How time is measured & valued shows repetitively through each design. Time is our only true

Continue Reading

MADISON COUNTY - At 8:06 a.m. on Monday, Aug. 11, 2025, Madison County Sheriff's deputies were dispatched to the area of the Mississippi River near Interstate 270, regarding a report of a body found. Sheriff's deputies and detectives met with employees from a construction company who directed law enforcement to a body floating at this location, Chief Deputy Marcos Pulido said later on Monday. Madison County Sheriff's detectives and Madison County Coroner's Office investigators recovered the body, Chief Deputy Pulido said. The investigation remains active, and attempts to identify the body are ongoing.

Continue Reading

ALTON — Alton Police Officer Jacob Beuttel has been awarded the Life Saving Award for his swift and courageous actions that prevented potential injury or death in a dangerous situation that developed on July 5, 2025. At approximately 5:43 a.m. on July 5, 2025, Officer Jacob Beuttel responded to a structure fire in the 3400 block of Meridocia Street in Alton, where two individuals were reported trapped inside. Upon arrival, the officer found heavy smoke and large flames emanating from the rear of the residence and discovered Deborah J. Richardson and Steven M. Harris stranded on a deteriorated second-story deck with no safe means of escape. The Alton Police said the deck of the home involved was missing steps, lacked a handrail, and had rotted boards, posing a significant danger to anyone attempting to descend. "Officer Beuttel bypassed the missing stairs, removed lattice from the side of the deck, and climbed the unstable structure to reach the trapped occupants and their two

Continue Reading

ALTON - On a recent episode of “You’re Beautiful” with Brian Trust , Mike Roper spoke about his philosophy on life based on his relationship with God. Roper shared that he doesn’t regularly go to church, but he grew up in the church and still has a close relationship with God. He explained that he mostly tries to emulate Christ through his interactions with others by being kind. “At the end of the day, I just try to be a good person,” he said. Roper believes that he has “some bigger purpose,” and he is “constantly trying to figure out” what that purpose is. He feels he was “spared” by God. This is why Jeremiah 29:11 — “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” — resonates so strongly with him. Roper isn’t afraid to talk about his past, and he hopes his story helps other people

Continue Reading

WOOD RIVER – A man from Wood River remains in custody on felony domestic battery charges, his latest in a history of domestic violence against the same victim. Jonathon E. Harszy Sr., 32, of Wood River, was charged on Aug. 5, 2025 with one count each of aggravated domestic battery (a Class 2 felony) and his second offense of domestic battery (a Class 4 felony). On Aug. 4, 2025, Harszy allegedly intentionally strangled a household or family member by wrapping his arm around the victim’s neck and applying pressure to impede the victim’s normal breathing. He was additionally accused of pushing the same victim to the ground and kicking them while on the ground. The Madison County State’s Attorney’s Office filed a petition to deny Harszy’s pretrial release from custody, noting he was previously convicted of domestic battery in 2021, also in Madison County. The petition states Harszy claimed he needed “a place to stay” and was allowed back

Continue Reading

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois State Police (ISP) is reminding motorists about school zone speed laws and sharing the road safely with buses as schools around the state prepare to open their doors for the new academic year. ISP reminds motorists they are required to slow down in school zones. Posted school zones have a speed limit of 20 miles per hour and are in effect from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. on school days when children are present. Driving while talking or texting on a hand-held cellular device is strictly prohibited and fines are increased within a school zone. ? Adults are encouraged to promote safe walking habits with their children, including using sidewalks, crossing the street at designated crosswalks, and not walking in-between cars. The majority of students transported by bus to or from school are injured or killed while outside the bus. Most children injured in the area around the bus, often called the “danger zone,” are struck by motorists who fail to stop

Continue Reading

A new study reveals that Illinois ranks eighth for juvenile drug abuse arrests in the U.S. The research conducted by Florida-based personal injury lawyers Anidjar & Levine analyzed juvenile arrest data from 2016 to 2020, sourced from the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP). The average annual juvenile arrest rates for drug abuse were calculated to identify the top 10 states with the highest rates per 100,000 youths. Illinois ranks eighth with an average of 442 arrests per 100,000 youths, which is 49.5% higher than the national average of 295.7. Between 2016 and 2020, Illinois recorded its peak rate of 822 arrests in 2019 and a low of 281 in 2018. Looking at the study, a spokesperson at Anidjar & Levine commented, “The data shows that Illinois reported the eighth-highest juvenile arrest rates for drug abuse in the U.S. “These figures highlight a growing trend of substance exposure among children and teenagers. Factors such as peer pressure,

Continue Reading

ST. LOUIS, MO. — During National Wellness Month, the American Red Cross encourages people to prioritize their personal health and well-being while helping to save lives with a blood or platelet donation. Donors of all blood types – especially those with type O positive or B negative blood – are asked to make an appointment now to prevent a further drop in donor turnout. In August, the Red Cross will provide free A1C screening – a test commonly used to screen for prediabetes and diabetes – for all donors who make a successful blood, platelet or plasma donation. Fasting is not required for this test, and donors will be able to view their confidential results one to two weeks after their donation in the Blood Donor App or their donor account at RedCrossBlood.org. Donors will receive one A1C test result in a 12-month period. August also brings changes in routines. Back-to-school plans, the start of fall sports and final summer vacations may be top of min

Continue Reading

EDWARDSVILLE – The Edwardsville Police are proud to be one of over 200 law enforcement agencies across Illinois participating in the statewide “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over,” “Drive High Get a DUI,” and “Click It or Ticket” campaigns this Labor Day. From Aug. 15 through the early morning hours of Sept. 2, officers will be out in force, focused on stopping impaired driving, enforcing seat belt laws, and reducing other dangerous driving behaviors. “Driving under the influence — whether it is alcohol, cannabis, or any impairing drug — is not just risky, it’s illegal. We’ll be patrolling for impaired driving and seatbelt violations, because our goal is to protect the people of Edwardsville. We want our community to enjoy the holiday weekend safely and responsibly,” said Lt. Matt Senci. This local effort is part of a larger statewide campaign supported by the Illinois Department of Transportation, which administer

Continue Reading

ALTON – Alderwoman Martha Pfister’s proposal to ban Alton bars from selling alcohol later than 1 a.m. is up for consideration at tonight’s Committee of the Whole meeting. The resolution would introduce an ordinance to remove the entire section of the Alton City Code allowing for “late night liquor licenses,” effectively banning all bars in the city from selling alcohol past 1 a.m. Currently, bars with a late night liquor license are allowed to sell alcohol from 1 to 2 a.m. on Monday through Friday, and from 1 to 3 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday. If the ordinance receives final approval, the late night liquor sale ban would go into effect on Dec. 31, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. Last month , two downtown bars had their late night liquor licenses revoked after a hearing with Mayor David Goins. Prior to the hearing, Pour Decisions Co-Owner Brian Trust claimed the city was unfairly targeting his business and called for them to either allow his bar to keep its

Continue Reading

NEW ATHENS - New Athens residents will have the opportunity to meet with State Representatives Kevin Schmidt and David Friees during a Coffee Talk event scheduled for Tuesday morning, Aug. 12, 2025. The event, hosted by Rep. Kevin Schmidt (R-Millstadt) alongside Rep. David Friees (R-Red Bud), will take place on Aug. 12 from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. at the New Athens Community Hall, located at 406 Chester St., New Athens. The informal gathering is designed to allow constituents to engage directly with their elected officials and discuss state legislation in a relaxed setting. The event is free and open to the public. For additional details, interested individuals can contact Rep. Schmidt’s office at (618) 215-1050 or visit his website at repschmidt.com.

Continue Reading

ROXANA - Rusty Wheat, known for his trash cleanup efforts along Illinois Route 143 in Wood River and Roxana, noted that there’s plenty of “good, bad and ugly” in his work. Wheat started the one-man Chain Gang initiative, which picks up trash along the road once a week. He explained that he has fought hard to keep the roads clean, and he hopes the community helps him continue his efforts. “Not everybody gets as fired up about trash as I do,” he laughed. Wheat has worked closely with the Madison County Board, including Board Chairman Chris Slusser, to advocate for trash cleanup in the county. He noted that the Village of Roxana recently secured a $5,000 grant to help with cleanup efforts, and while Wheat is pleased about this, he is disappointed that more local municipalities did not apply for the grant. He urges County Board members to collaborate with the mayors in their towns and push for more concentrated efforts to clean up or prevent the

Continue Reading

ALTON - Chestnut Health Systems is offering free virtual training on the use of NARCAN®, a medication that can reverse opioid overdoses. The training sessions, conducted via Zoom, are designed to be user-friendly and accessible, allowing participants to join anonymously from home. The trainings take place every third Thursday of the month at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., with the next session scheduled for Aug. 21, 2025. There are no tests or quizzes involved, making the experience straightforward and engaging. In addition to the virtual sessions, Chestnut Health Systems also provides free in-person training for individuals and groups, including families, churches, offices, book clubs, libraries, food pantries, homeless shelters, and businesses. Those interested in attending the Zoom training or seeking more information can register by emailing Marianne Drainer at mdrainer@chestnut.org. To sign up for the next training, or for more information, email mdrainer@chestnut.org . Chestnut als

Continue Reading

EDWARDSVILLE, Ill. –August 10, 2025 -- The Edwardsville High School Marching Band has officially kicked off its 2025-2026 season with its annual summer band camp, marking the beginning of what promises to be the longest and most exciting season in the program’s history. In addition to competing at major national events, the award-winning ensemble will represent the United States on the international stage by performing in the prestigious 40th annual London New Year’s Day Parade in January 2026. The season began with the band’s first community performance held Friday, August 8 and culminates with the highly anticipated trip to London. With nearly 150 students participating this year, the EHS Marching Band continues to thrive thanks to the commitment and dedication to the members, directors, staff, boosters and parents. “The dedication these students show is truly remarkable,” said Band Director Ryan Lipscomb. “Band camp is an intense and rewarding

Continue Reading

GRANITE CITY — Granite City students appear ready for the 2025-2026 academic school year to begin after a Back To School Bash late last week. Precoat Metals hosted the Back to School Bash, providing free bookbags, school supplies, and refreshments to students in the Granite City School District #9 as the 2025-26 academic year begins. The event took place at Granite City High School and included hot dogs, snow cones, cotton candy, and other treats for attendees. The celebration aimed to support students and ensure they start the school year prepared. Volunteers from the Granite City High School Student Council, National Honor Society, and Renaissance program assisted in organizing and running the event. Granite City School District officials expressed gratitude for the partnership with Precoat Metals and the student volunteers. “We are so grateful for your support and partnership in our mission to uplift and prepare our students,” the district said in a statement.

Continue Reading