Riverbender 🕸

GODFREY - Earline Hopkins started sewing Barbie doll dresses when she was 8 and was wearing her own handmade clothing by the time she was in middle school. These days, she is the premier seamstress for heirloom and children’s clothing in the Riverbend region. Hopkins owns Earline’s Originals, which recently moved to Godfrey. She loves taking on custom sewing projects and teaching smocking and sewing classes. As she grows her business, she hopes to instill her passion for custom and heirloom sewing into her students and clients, who love the clothes she creates for them. “Sewing for special clothes and special dresses, that is something that becomes a keepsake, an heirloom,” Hopkins explained. “You pass it on down to your family, and you feel like it’s worthwhile to pay the price for the fabric and the way to put it in there, because it’s more than a one-time dress, it’s a keepsake.” Hopkins’s passion is children’s

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EAST ST. LOUIS — Residents with outstanding warrants or in need of record expungement or sealing can access free legal and social services Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025, at the T.A.K.E. Center. The event will take place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the T.A.K.E. Center, located at 1798 Summit Avenue in East St. Louis. Organizers aim to provide convenient access to resources that assist with clearing criminal records and addressing warrants. “We’re bringing the resources to you, don’t miss your chance to get your record cleared up and connect with people who want to help,” event organizers said. In addition to legal assistance for expungement and warrant issues, attendees can receive free haircuts, clothing, mental health support, insurance guidance, and enjoy live entertainment. The event is hosted by a coalition of local organizations including The Chosen Ones (ESTL), Land of Lincoln Lawyers, CSSJ, OBK, Pure Living, T.A.K.E Center, I Am ESL The Magazine, Muhammad

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SPRINGFIELD – Governor JB Pritzker signed House Bill 2907 into law today, creating the Child Welfare Disclosure to Parents Act. The bi-partisan bill strengthens the rights of birth parents by empowering birth parents at the time of their first contact with the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS), at which time a case is open. A parent has an open case with DCFS if they are subject to investigation or receive intact or placement services. Parents will be informed of their right to participate in their open case, which will help improve services to children and families in Illinois. HB 2907 was created with input from the DCFS parent advisory group with the goal of ensuring that parents who were experiencing an open case with DCFS could better understand their role and expectation as it relates to the care of their child. This bill represents a major shift in how Illinois approaches family involvement, recognizing that birth parents, when supported, are

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SPRINGFIELD – Today, Governor JB Pritzker took the following bill action: Bill Number: HB3756 Description: Creates an Easy Enrollment process to the Illinois Health Benefits Exchange by allowing a special enrollment period for uninsured taxpayers who voluntarily seek health insurance information through their tax forms. Action: Signed Effective: Immediately Bill Number: HB0079 Description: Deems that a retired sheriff returning to work is once again a participating employee as a school security guard if they are employed by a participating employer and work more than 999 hours annually. Action: Signed Effective: Immediately Bill Number: HB1226 Description: Raises the minimum age that drivers in Illinois are required to take annual driving tests from 75 to 79. Action: Signed Effective: July 1, 2026 Bill Number: HB1270 Description: Enables a health care professional to place their active license into a fee-exempt, volunteer status.

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SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois State Police (ISP) is announcing major updates to several laws impacting the ability to combat human trafficking and help those who have been trafficked with the signing of Senate Bill 2323 , the Illinois Statewide Trauma-Informed Response to Human Trafficking Act. The Act addresses human trafficking through prevention, intervention, and establishing standards for survivor support, and impacts laws governing ISP, Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS), Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS), Illinois Department of Labor (IDOL), Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice (IDJJ), Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC), Illinois Law Enforcement Training Standards Board (ILETSB), Children’s Advocacy Centers (CACs), the Office of the State’s Attorneys Appellate Prosecutor, the Illinois Secretary of State, and other stakeholders. “As Illinois continues to enhance its strategies to combat human trafficking, it’s

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EDWARDSVILLE - In a highly competitive process, forty-one public policy leaders from across Illinois, including Madison County Board Member Chris Guy, were selected for the 2025 class of the Edgar Fellows Program. Chris Guy recently completed the program, a bipartisan initiative designed to improve the effectiveness of Illinois' government and political leadership. "The Edgar Fellows Program was an invaluable experience, packed with policy sessions on the issues impacting every Illinois resident," said Chris Guy. "It's given me new perspectives and tools to tackle the issues that matter most to Madison County taxpayers, from fiscal responsibility to effective governance. I am proud to represent Madison County in this year's class of Edgar Fellows." Established in 2012, the Edgar Fellows Program is a leadership initiative designed by former Illinois Gov. Jim Edgar to inspire respectful collaboration in addressing the state's major challenges. The Fellows selected for the class

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SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Christopher Belt’s measure to stop gyms and fitness centers from canceling or changing benefits of a promised lifetime membership has been signed into law. “When gyms offer lifetime memberships, they shouldn’t penalize members for actually using the facility,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “If you sign up for a lifetime membership at a set price, the gym shouldn’t be able to come back a year later and raise your fees.” Gyms and fitness centers advertise lifetime memberships, but under state law, gym contracts can only be a maximum of one year. Functionally, these lifetime memberships are just one-year contracts that auto-renew. This is where the hidden price increases or benefit reductions can happen without the consumer knowing. Belt’s law is designed to prevent fitness centers and gyms from changing prices or reducing benefits for any lifetime membership price they advertise. Under the new law, if

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EAST ALTON – A man from East Alton accused of sharing child pornography via the Kik messaging application remains in custody on a Class X felony charge. Dalton Stahlhut, 23, of the 400 block of Washington Ave. in East Alton, was charged on Aug. 8, 2025 with a Class X felony count of child pornography. On Jan. 3, 2025, Stahlhut allegedly disseminated child pornography via Kik in the form of a video depicting a child under the age of 13 engaged in a sex act. The investigation began after the East Alton Police Department received a report on Jan. 30, 2025 from the Madison County Sheriff’s Office, originating from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC). The initial report from NCMEC stated a Kik user was using the application to share child pornography. The email address associated with the Kik account in question contained Stahlhut’s entire first and last names, and the associated IP address was linked to Stahlhut’s East Alton address.

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ALTON - The Marquette Catholic High School community enjoyed their first day at school for the 2025–2026 school year. On Friday, Aug. 15, 2025, teachers and staff members welcomed Marquette students back to school bright and early. Principal Tim Harmon noted that the excitement in the morning “very much carried on through the day,” and he looks forward to another great year. “It just felt exciting to have the kids back in school. I think that the kids are excited to be back in school as well,” he said. “It’s always exciting seeing different groups of people coming from all over the area, coming together and kind of learning the Marquette way, so to speak.” Harmon joked that while there was “some groaning here and there” about the end of summer break, the students were generally eager to return and start the day. He said he is “really enthusiastic” to welcome one of the largest freshmen classes of the

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WEST ALTON, Mo. — Federal investigators released an initial report Friday, Aug. 15, 2025, on the helicopter crash that killed two people near West Alton, MO., on Aug. 7, 2025. The National Transportation Safety Board said an eyewitness reported that the helicopter pilot and a lineman were attempting to attach an orange aviation warning marker to power lines above the Mississippi River. The pilot brought the helicopter close to the lines, and the aircraft’s tail struck one of the wires, causing it to dangle and pivot the cockpit into the power line. The two victims in the crash were 35-year-old Nicholas R. Fulton of Salem, MO., and 37-year-old Michael C. Curry of Ashley, IL. The NTSB said the collision produced sparks before the helicopter fell onto the deck of a nearby barge and caught fire, according to the preliminary report. The crew of a tow vessel moved alongside the barge and used its pilothouse fire station to extinguish the flames. Officials said a subsequent inspectio

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ST. LOUIS - Ameren will make available an additional $4 million for bill payment assistance to community action agencies dedicated to energy assistance for residential customers in need of financial assistance across Missouri and Illinois. This follows the $1 million in support for victims of the May 16 tornado that Ameren announced earlier this year, which local area agencies continue to distribute. "We've experienced prolonged periods of extreme heat throughout the summer, leading to increased use of energy and air conditioners," said Joe Solari , vice president of customer experience for Ameren. "We understand the economic hardships families living in our communities are facing each day which is why we want customers to know additional help will soon be available from Ameren through our community partners." Throughout 2025, Ameren has partnered with hundreds of agencies to make more than $75 million available in energy assistance and LIHEAP for its customers. The company continue

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JERSEYVILLE - Jim Nanney, 65, has been bodybuilding for decades, and he’s proud to share his discipline and passion for the sport. “It’s probably the single longest thing I’ve ever done in my entire life,” Nanney said. “I’m extremely competitive by nature. I’m mediocre in every other sport that I compete in. But bodybuilding, somehow, I seem to have a knack for it.” Nanney started bodybuilding in his early 20s, after he saw his brother’s success in the sport. He quickly fell in love with the discipline of diet and exercise. To this day, Nanney works out six days a week at JerseyFit Barbell in Jerseyville or Planet Fitness in Alton. He still gets a thrill out of pushing himself as hard as he can. “I think the workouts are the thing that I enjoy the most, the discipline of the dieting. It’s kind of a weird enjoyment to have, but I do. It’s fun to see how disciplined you can make yourself. And then,

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EAST ST. LOUIS — Classes have begun for the 2025-2026 school year in East St. Louis School District 189, ushering in a new chapter marked by fresh leadership with an emphasis on a positive school culture from the high school to kindergarten grade levels. Lincoln Middle School welcomed Quanshanda Nicholson as its new principal this week. Nicholson and other district officials highlighted strong expectations of the students and the importance of fostering a supportive and positive environment. In addition to leadership changes, the district has welcomed 12 international educators this fall, further diversifying its teaching staff. Social-emotional well-being for the students is also a top priority as schools across East St. Louis open their doors. Photos from the high school, middle school, kindergarten, and other district schools capture students and staff with smiles, reflecting an optimistic start to the academic year.

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ALTON — The young parents of a 6-month-old baby girl who died earlier this month are seeking community support to provide a peaceful burial and memorial for their daughter. Karma Perry and her partner, both 16 years old, lost their daughter, Leilani Blake Outsey, at 6:55 a.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 13, 2025. Perry described Leilani as a joyful child who brought happiness to those around her. “She had a smile on her face every day from the day she was born. She was so smart, so strong, and loved is an understatement,” Perry said. The young couple has launched a GoFundMe campaign with a goal of raising $6,000 to cover burial expenses, including a memorial and tombstone. As of this week, the fundraiser has raised over $1,000. Perry, who works a minimum wage job, said she and her partner are doing their best to cope with the loss while relying on family support. “Our baby was taken from us way too soon,” she said. “A beautiful girl, a beautiful life,

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EDWARDSVILLE – An Edwarsdville man accused of fleeing from police while under the influence of alcohol with a child passenger, both in a vehicle and on foot, now faces multiple felony charges. Anthony J. Greco, 35, of Edwardsville, was charged with the following offenses: Aggravated driving while under the influence (Class 2 felony) Aggravated fleeing or attempting to elude a peace officer (Class 4 felony) Endangering the life or health of a child (Two counts, both Class A misdemeanors) Illegal transportation or possession of alcoholic liquor (petty offense) Greco allegedly drove a motor vehicle on Route 157 in Edwardsville while under the influence of alcohol on Aug. 6, 2025. Charging documents state he was transporting a 7-year-old child while committing his latest DUI offense, having previously committed the same offense in Madison County in 2009. Greco also reportedly fled from police at more than 21 miles per hour over the legal speed limit, ignoring visual

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ALTON - The Alton Community Unit School District #11 had a successful first day. On Thursday, Aug. 14, 2025, children and teenagers in ACUSD11 returned to school for the 2025–2026 school year. Superintendent Elaine Kane expressed her appreciation for the teachers, administrators and staff members who made it a positive start to the year. “It was a fabulous day in the Alton School District!” Kane said. “Every school was buzzing with excitement as our students returned.” The school district was eager to welcome back students. Teachers are looking forward to returning to their classrooms, and many students were excited to see their friends once again. While the district had a productive summer, Kane noted that the real fun begins now as students return. “The best part was seeing the warm welcome our staff provided and the joyful hugs as friendships were rekindled after the summer break,” she added.

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ST. CHARLES, Mo. — A St. Charles High School teacher has been charged with possession of child pornography. Louis N. Saubers was charged on Aug. 13, 2025, in St. Charles County, Mo., with one count of possession of child pornography. Following his arrest, Saubers was placed on administrative leave by the school district. In a letter to families and staff, Superintendent Dr. Jason Sefrit emphasized that there is no reason to believe any student was involved. “The safety of our students and staff is our number one priority,” Sefrit wrote. He also noted that all district employees must complete the Family Care Safety Registry and pass background and fingerprint checks through the Missouri State Highway Patrol. Dr. Sefrit encouraged families to reach out with any concerns or questions and assured the community that the district remains focused on providing a safe and supportive educational environment. He added that social workers and counselors are available to suppor

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CASEYVILLE — Police departments from Caseyville, Collinsville, and Maryville will team up this evening to raise funds for the Shop with a Cop program, aiming to support local children during the holiday season. The event, called Cones with a Cop, will take place from 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 15, 2025, at Dairy Haven in Caseyville. During the fundraiser, all proceeds from Dairy Haven purchases will be donated directly to Shop with a Cop, a program designed to provide holiday gifts for children in the community. Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in a Dunk-a-Cop Dunk Tank, where donations of any amount allowed participants to dunk police officers, including Caseyville Police Chief Woodrow Hall, who volunteered to be in the tank for part of the evening. Other officers will take turns in the dunk tank throughout the event. Additional activities will be face painting, music provided by a DJ, and the distribution of snap-on police bracelets and fun stickers

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SHILOH/GRANITE CITY — The Shiloh Police Department will mark the retirement of Sergeant Sean Joy, who has served the community for 25 years, with his final working day on Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025. Throughout his career, Joy has held various roles within the department, including Patrolman, DEA Hotel Motel Task Force Officer, DARE Instructor, Field Training Officer, Field Training Manager, and Patrol Sergeant. The Shiloh Police Department recognized his contributions and leadership, describing him as both a friend to many in the community and a mentor to numerous colleagues. “Please join us in celebrating the career of Sergeant Sean Joy! We thank him for a job well done and congratulate him on his upcoming retirement,” the department said in a statement. “Thank you for everything, Sean!” Joy’s retirement marks the end of a quarter-century of service dedicated to law enforcement and community engagement in Shiloh. Lt. Schulz Retires From

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GODFREY - Complete with a bar and a drive-thru, Top Shelf in Godfrey is officially open. On Friday, Aug. 15, 2025, village officials gathered to commemorate the soft opening of Top Shelf at 6529 Godfrey Road. The store will have a grand opening celebration at 9 a.m. on Aug. 22, 2025. In the meantime, they are open and ready to serve the Godfrey community. “Everyone really welcomed us with open arms, it seemed like,” said owner Patrick Schutzbach. “We’re just really excited to be here.” Top Shelf has a drive-thru, making it “neat, quick, easy and efficient” to pick up your products. They also secured a pour license, so customers can enjoy a single-serve beverage while in the store. Schutzbach hopes to welcome many people who will come out, have a drink, and “watch the game.” They also plan to offer classes and sampling events every week. Schutzbach explained that experts will go over PowerPoints and coordinate tastings an

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