Riverbender 🕸

GRANITE CITY – Three individuals from around the Riverbend have been charged in separate cases with burglarizing local homes and a Granite City business. Dustin W. Thebeau, 37, of Granite City, was charged on July 31, 2025 with a Class 2 felony count of burglary. Thebeau reportedly entered a Granite City residence on June 24, 2025 without authority and with the intent to commit a theft. The Granite City Police Department presented the case against Thebeau, who was granted pretrial release from custody. In a separate case, 38-year-old Jimmy L. Harrison of Collinsville was also charged with a Class 2 felony count of burglary on July 31, 2025. Harrison reportedly entered a Wood River residence with the intent to commit a theft on June 26, 2025. He was also ordered released from custody pending trial in the case presented by the Wood River Police Department. Dennis M. Sinskey, 60, of O’Fallon, Ill., was charged in another separate case on Aug. 1, 2025 with one count of

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EAST ST. LOUIS – State Senator Christopher Belt announced that 24 school districts across the Metro East will receive over $6 million in evidence-based funding, in addition to the base funding that the state provides. “Investing in our public schools means investing in the future of Metro East students,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “This evidence-based funding gives our local school districts the resources they need to deliver quality education our communities expect and deserve.” The funding comes from the 2017 Illinois Senate Democrat-backed evidence-based funding formula — an overhaul of the way the state funds K-12 education. The law made school funding more equitable by calculating the needs of individual school districts and basing state revenue on those needs. The formula takes into account a district’s total enrollment, poverty rate and number of special education or English language learners, among other factors. School districts

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ALTON - Whether you want houseplants, plant accessories, or yoga classes, GreenLens in Alton might be the spot for you. Located at 2511 B State Street in Alton, GreenLens opened in March. The experience has been “transformative” for owners Hunter and Katie, who expressed their appreciation for the Alton community and their excitement to continue growing the business. “It’s a very aesthetic business,” Hunter said. “We try to have things look good and feel good in the shop. We put a lot of effort into creating a nice, cool space.” A year ago, six team members came together to start GreenLens. They have a major online presence at their website , and they also host live sales on the Palmstreet app. But people can always pop into their shop in Alton, browse, and meet Katie, Hunter and their “beloved” store mascot, Carl the golden retriever. Katie noted that people come from far away to check out the store for themselves,

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CAHOKIA — Construction of the new Cahokia High School is advancing with significant progress on the building’s exterior and structural elements, officials said recently. Precast wall panels and steel roof structures have been installed for the theater, main gym and auxiliary gym, marking a visible milestone in the project. These sections of the building, visible from the nearby highway, utilize precast concrete panels made off-site to provide a cost-effective, durable, and aesthetically distinctive design, according to FGM Architects, the firm overseeing the project. Steel framing is also being erected for the central commons, library, cafeteria, kitchen, gym lobby and weight room. Meanwhile, underground utility installation and grading work continue for the athletic fields and the north parking lot. Inside the classroom and career and technical education wings, walls are being framed and utilities roughed in. Exterior sheathing and air barriers are being applied t

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ALTON - Logo It has been in the Alton community for years, and owner Carley is gearing up for another busy back-to-school and wedding season. Logo It creates personalized clothing, water bottles, koozies, and plenty of other items for community members, schools, sports teams and businesses. Carley shared that the business is entering its busiest time of year, but she loves every minute of their work. “Really anything and everything that you can personalize, ,” Carley said. “My wedding was a personalized nightmare. Everything had our name on it. But it was great to see everything we could do.” Logo It recently purchased the private label water business from Folsom Distributing in Wood River. This means they can now personalize water bottles in-house. Logo It can make a case of water (24 bottles) or a couple of pallets for your next event, and Carley said this new side of the business has been “great.” While she loves the back-to-school

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Did you know that the average American family spends over $600 annually on back-to-school clothing? Beyond the financial strain, this consumption contributes to the fashion industry’s significant environmental footprint, including textile waste and carbon emissions. Organizing a back-to-school clothing swap not only alleviates financial pressures but also promotes sustainability and community engagement. This article explores how to successfully plan and execute a clothing swap that benefits families, schools, and the environment. Understanding the Benefits of a Clothing Swap A clothing swap is more than just a thrift event—it’s a strategic approach to reduce waste while fostering social connections. For families preparing for the school year, it offers an opportunity to refresh wardrobes without the expense of new purchases. Additionally, it encourages mindful consumption and introduces children to the value of sharing and recycling. Research indicates that textile

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August 7 has long been a date marked by events that have shaped the course of history across the globe. Perhaps the most impactful event tied to August 7 is the Battle of Khalkhin Gol in 1939, a decisive conflict between the Soviet Union and Japan. This fierce battle in the borderlands of Mongolia and Manchuria played a crucial role in shaping World War II's eastern front. The Soviet victory here effectively ended Japanese ambitions to expand northwards into Soviet territories, influencing Japan's strategic decisions to focus instead on the Pacific and Southeast Asia. This shift had far-reaching consequences for global geopolitics during the war and beyond. Moving back in time, August 7, 1782, witnessed a remarkable moment in the abolitionist movement. The British Parliament passed the Dolben's Act, named after Sir William Dolben, marking the first legislation to regulate the conditions aboard slave ships. This act was a significant early attempt to address the horrific abuses of

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Today will be warm and mostly sunny with a high of 93 degrees. The morning low started at 70 degrees. It feels very hot this afternoon, with temperatures feeling like 103 degrees in the shade. Expect partly sunny skies with a chance of thunderstorms late this afternoon into the evening. Winds will come from the south-southeast at about 7 mph, gusting up to 15 mph. Humidity will be high, making it feel sticky and warm. Allergy conditions show moderate ragweed levels, low grass and mold, and good air quality overall. The UV index is very high at 9, so sun protection is advised if you are outdoors. Tomorrow's outlook: The heat continues with a high near 93 and a low around 73 degrees. It will be sunny and hot with plenty of sunshine and a slight breeze from the south-southeast. Be cautious of dehydration and heatstroke if you plan on strenuous outdoor activities. Tips for today: Stay hydrated and avoid spending too much time outside during the hottest part of the day. Keep an eye out

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ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo. — The St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office charged 19-year-old Me’Kel Walker on Tuesday, Aug. 5, 2025, with second-degree murder, armed criminal action and unlawful use of a weapon for a shooting that occurred March 8, 2024, near Jennings Station Road in St. Louis County. Walker, who resides in the 7100 block of Idlewild Avenue in St. Louis, was arrested and is being held at the St. Louis City Justice Center on a $1 million cash-only bond. No booking photo has been released. According to the probable cause statement, the incident began when multiple individuals arrived separately at a convenience store in the 8300 block of Jennings Station Road and became involved in an altercation. Surveillance footage shows victim Jeremiah Latimore fleeing the gas station, followed by Walker raising a firearm, aiming it in Latimore’s direction and firing across West Florissant Road. Latimore sustained a gunshot wound to the back and die

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TROY, Ill. — The City of Troy Water Department lifted a boil order issued on Aug. 4, 2025, Troy Public Works Director Robert Hancock announced on Wednesday, Aug. 6, 2025. The boil order was issued following a water main break that caused low or no water pressure. The boil order was initially put in place to ensure public safety while the city addressed the disruption. Hancock confirmed that water samples tested by a certified laboratory showed no presence of coliform bacteria, allowing residents to resume normal use of their water service. “Water samples have been confirmed to be free of coliform bacteria by a certified laboratory,” Hancock said. “You may return to normal use of your water service.” Residents with questions or needing additional information can contact the water department at (618) 667-9924, extension 2, during normal business hours, or call (618) 667-6731 after hours.

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EAST ST. LOUIS — The Illinois Department of Transportation today announced ramp closures on eastbound and westbound Interstate 55/64 at the following locations: I-55/64 eastbound exit ramp to Barack Obama Avenue I-55/64 westbound exit ramp to 3rd Street Beginning Saturday, Aug. 9, at 5 a.m., traffic will be restricted at these locations to allow for road construction. All lanes will reopen to traffic by 5 p.m. the same day. Motorists should expect delays and are encouraged to use alternate routes during this closure. Drivers are urged to reduce speed, be alert for changing conditions, obey all construction 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 www.GettingAroundIllinois.com .

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ALTON - The Marquette Catholic trap shooting team secured first place in an area league this past spring. The team, coached by Abby Bagwill and Chip Morgan, includes Adam Elik, Thomas Masterson, Aden Rulo, Brianne Bagwill, Evan Kentch, Jon McGill, Evan Brown, Mason Widman, and Joseph Gaither. The team’s success was highlighted by senior captains Aden Rulo and Adam Elik, both recognized for their shooting skills. Rulo, who graduated this year, served as team captain, while Elik was noted as a strong shooter. Thomas Masterson was another senior trap squad member with junior Brianne Bagwill and sophomore Evan Kentch also contributing significantly. Jon McGill, a sophomore moving into his junior year, and freshmen this past season - Mason Widman, Evan Brown, and Joseph Gaither - are expected to return for the next season and played pivotal roles this season. The Marquette trap squad participates in a youth league based at the Winchester Complex, which holds competitions in the spring

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ALTON/BETHALTO – Two local residents have been charged in separate cases with driving under the influence, including an Alton man accused of injuring someone in a motor vehicle accident before leaving the scene. Deshon R. Womack, 30, of Alton, was charged on July 30, 2025 with leaving the scene of an accident involving injury (a Class 4 felony) and two counts of driving while under the influence (both Class A misdemeanors). Womack is accused of driving on Piasa Street in Alton while under the influence of alcohol on March 19, 2025. He was reportedly involved in a motor vehicle accident at Piasa and West 3rd Street, which resulted in personal injury to the victim, before unlawfully leaving the scene of the accident. The Alton Police Department presented the case against Womack, who was ordered released from custody. A 61-year-old Bethalto resident was charged in an unrelated case filed on July 31, 2025 with a Class 2 felony count of aggravated driving while under the influence.

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ALTON – The Alton Educational Foundation is pleased to announce that seven individuals will be inducted into the Alton High School Wall of Fame for 2025. This year’s induction class includes: Katie Ammann, Richard Baird, David Elson, David Goins, J. Richard (Dick) Miller, Steve Thompson and Karen Wilson. Baird and Miller are being posthumously inducted. The recipients and their families will be honored on Thursday, August 7 at the Foundation’s “Partners in Education” Luncheon hosted at 11:30 a.m. in the Lewis and Clark Community College Commons. The Alton High Wall of Fame recognizes excellence in a wide array of areas and individuals from any one or more of the following groups: 1) Graduates of Alton High School (must have graduated prior to 2015 for consideration as a Class of 2025 Inductee) AND/OR 2) Retired employees of the Alton School District AND/OR 3) Community members who have achieved excellence in their respective field and/or community

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ALTON - Marquette Catholic’s Brianne Bagwill has emerged as a standout trap shooter since joining the school’s squad. Bagwill is a Tucker's Automotive Repair & Tire Female Athlete of the Month for Marquette after another strong season in 2025. Bagwill, who lives in Godfrey, discovered her interest in shooting after accompanying her family to a gun range. “She went and shot handguns at the range and really liked it,” said her mom and trap coach Abby Bagwill. After learning about Marquette’s trap team, she attended her first practice and has been committed ever since. Brianne has developed a passion for the sport and a strong connection with her team. She is currently exploring colleges that offer trap shooting programs as she prepares to make her choices for her future outside Marquette Catholic High School. Marquette Catholic has expressed strong support for Bagwill’s involvement on the team, highlighting her dedication and contributions. As she

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ALTON - Halpin Music can help all aspiring musicians find the instruments they need. As the school year starts up, Halpin’s instrument rentals will become even more popular among students, parents and music teachers. With different rent-to-own options, these rentals are a great way to help your hopeful instrumentalist be successful. “Our rental program is really the product of all of those years and refining the program to make it the absolute best for not only the student, but the parents and the music educator as well,” said Mark with Halpin. The instrument rentals are divided into three tiers. Group A — flutes, clarinets, trumpets, trombones, snare kits, percussion/bell kits, violins and violas — cost $35 per month or $216 per school year. Group B — alto saxes, single French horns, cellos, oboes, combo percussion/snare kits, student baritones — cost $55 per month or $360 per school year. Group C — tenor saxes, double French

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ALTON – Madison County prosecutors plan to present evidence and testimony showing a dispute between rival gang members lead to the 2024 fatal shooting of 13-year-old Ra'Niya Steward of Alton . Two aspiring gang members are accused of carrying out the shooting to “earn their stripes” and membership into the Alton-based “Little Mexico” gang. Five individuals have been charged in connection to Steward’s murder: Keith A. Sanders, Vito Crowder, Alvin Perry III, Dakota Perry, and Raysean Colvin. Colvin pleaded guilty last month to first degree murder and was sentenced to 35 years in prison, but trials have not yet taken place for the other four defendants. Madison County prosecutors expect Crowder and Dakota to testify in the first degree murder trial against Sanders. On Aug. 1, 2025, the Madison County State’s Attorney’s Office filed a motion to “allow the introduction of defendant Keith Sanders’ gang affiliation or membership.”

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EDWARDSVILLE — An Alton man was sentenced to 14 years in prison for a May 2024 shooting that endangered residents of a Belle Street neighborhood. Rondell L. Sanders, 32, was found guilty in May on three counts related to the incident. After about two hours of jury deliberation, Sanders was convicted of aggravated discharge of a weapon on two counts and obstruction on a third count. He received a 14-year sentence on Wednesday, Aug. 6, 2025, for the first count, seven years for the second count, and three years for obstruction, all to be served concurrently. Sanders must serve 85% of the sentence before eligibility for release. According to court evidence and testimony, Sanders was involved in a feud with an individual living at a Belle Street residence. On May 22, 2024, gunfire was directed from a vehicle toward that home and a neighboring property. Although no injuries were reported, some bullets narrowly missed a 3-year-old child inside one of the homes. At the sentencing

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ALTON - Alton has a long-standing Juneteenth Celebration tradition and the Juneteenth Committee is already in preparation for the 35th Annual Celebration in 2026. Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day or Emancipation Day, is observed annually on June 19. It honors the day in 1865 when Union soldiers informed enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas, of their freedom, more than two years after President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation on Jan. 1, 1863. Abe Lee Barham, one of those involved with the celebration to start and also a member of the Alton Juneteenth Committee, said: "We are preparing for our 35th Annual Celebration. This is a reminder that the Alton Parks and Recreation Department has requested all food vendors have food licenses from the Illinois Department of Public Health. The IDPH regulates food vendors to prevent foodborne illness and ensure safe food handling practices. "Ensuring proper licensing not only ensures legal compliance but also

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GRAFTON - Raging Rivers WaterPark guests can enjoy a visit from a NASCAR Truck courtesy of World Wide Technology Raceway. From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 7, 2025, community members can take photos with a NASCAR Truck and visit with WWTR staff while at the waterpark. Raging Rivers staff members are looking forward to welcoming the community for a unique experience. “The more memories we can create, the more we’ll draw people back,” said General Manager Jeremy Hayes. “That’s ultimately the goal, to continue the legacy of Raging Rivers for many years to come.” Hayes believes the parents and kids will be “super stoked” to see the NASCAR Truck. You can touch the truck and take photos with it, but no one will be allowed to sit inside. Additionally, World Wide Technology Raceway staff members will be onsite with “tchotchkes and giveaways” for kids to enjoy, Hayes said. He emphasized the value of partnerships like

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