Riverbender 🕸

ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo. — An adult male bicyclist was fatally struck by a vehicle Thursday afternoon, June 19, 2025, in the 9900 block of Big Bend Boulevard near Grant’s Trail, St. Louis County Police said. Officers from the Affton Southwest Precinct responded at 12:27 p.m.Thursday to a report of a motor vehicle crash. Upon arrival, they found the bicyclist with life-threatening injuries. He was transported to a nearby hospital, where he later died, according to the St. Louis County Police Department Bureau of Crimes Against Persons and Accident Reconstruction detectives. The investigation remains ongoing. Authorities ask anyone with information about the incident to contact the St. Louis County Police Department at 636-529-8210. Additional details will be released as they become available.

Continue Reading

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) wrote to U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., pressing him on his recent reckless decisions to slash funding for critical vaccine development. In May, the Trump Administration announced that it would cut off millions of dollars that the federal government had committed to the development of the critical bird flu vaccine, and HHS abruptly ended an over-$250 million program to develop an AIDS vaccine. “This is a grievous mistake that threatens to leave the country unprepared for what experts fear might be the next pandemic – and there appears to be no rationale for this decision other than your ill-informed and dangerous war on vaccines,” wrote the Senators. In January, HHS championed the development of new vaccines to make sure "Americans have the tools they need to stay safe.” Now, the RFK Jr.-led HHS is ripping those tools

Continue Reading

GLEN CARBON – Glen Carbon Police have charged a Fenton, Mo., man in a domestic battery case involving an elderly victim. David M. Pace, 46, was charged on June 9, 2025, with a Class 3 felony count of aggravated battery and one count each of domestic battery and violation of pretrial release, both Class A misdemeanors. On June 8, 2025, Pace allegedly threw an object which shattered, causing bodily harm to a 65-year-old victim. Pace was charged with violating the conditions of his pretrial release from a domestic violence case filed earlier this year, as he contacted the protected party and was present at the protected residence. The state’s petition to deny Pace’s pretrial release in this latest case states Pace “began damaging property around the residence” before throwing the object, which struck the victim in the face and shattered. After being placed under arrest, Pace reportedly admitted to throwing the object. The petition notes that at the time

Continue Reading

EDWARDSVILLE - Abby Packer, a graduated senior for Metro East Lutheran High School, qualified for the 100 meters at the Class 1A IHSA State Track and Field Meet with a time of 12.69. Packer was sixth in the Riverton Sectional in the 200 meters with a time of 29.51. The MELHS star sprinter placed 31st at state with a time of 13.10 for the 100 meters. Abby is a BJ's Printables Female Athlete of the Month. Coach Mike Cook was exceptionally proud of Packer's efforts this season. He said that Abby was his best sprinter and a leader for the team in 2025. Rob Stock, an assistant principal for MELHS, who is involved in coaching multiple Knights girls' sports, said he was very proud of Abby's efforts this year to obtain a state berth. He said her strong work ethic was an inspiration to all the MELHS female athletes this past year.

Continue Reading

WOOD RIVER - Wood River’s Farmers’ Market opens today and runs through the end of the summer. The farmers’ market is open from 4–7 p.m. every Thursday starting on June 19 through Aug. 28, 2025, in downtown Wood River. Kristen Burns, director of Wood River Main Street, expressed her excitement to kick off the season. “We’re excited to have our first one this week on Thursday,” Burns said. “Hopefully the weather is going to be great.” To start the farmers’ market fun, Spencer McDole will perform throughout the evening on June 19. Klausti’s Kitchen and Downtown’s WestEnd & Courtyard will both be out with food and drinks for community members to enjoy. Burns noted that she is especially excited for The Rolling Honeysuckle, a mobile flower shop where you can make your own bouquets or purchase pre-made bouquets. This “cute little concept” will be out at the market every week. Burns acknowledged

Continue Reading

WOOD RIVER - Wood River Main Street has unveiled a new website with the goal of helping promote local businesses. Kristen Burns, director of Wood River Main Street, said the website launched last week. The website allows business owners to build their own profile pages, with a directory that can take users to all the pages for businesses in Wood River. Burns explained that the design aims to promote these local businesses. “It’s really geared toward all of our downtown businesses and all of our businesses in Wood River. It’s a really, really cool concept,” Burns said. “I’m super, super excited to have this up and running. It’s been a long time coming and it was a lot of work to get it going, but it’s going now.” Every business can input information about their hours, services and more on their individual profile pages. They can also upload coupons or job postings. This free profile is similar to a website for eac

Continue Reading

ROXANA - Jenny Brown emerged as the ace pitcher for Roxana's girls' softball team, which closed with a big regional win. Roxana beat Marquette Catholic 8-7 in a regional game before losing in its next game. In an April 6-5 loss on April 7, 2025, to Jersey, Brown recorded nine strikeouts, one of her best games on the mound over the season. Jenny is a Midwest Members Credit Union Female Athlete of Month. "Jenny has a lot of pitches and keeps the ball low," Pat Brannon, Roxana head girls' softball coach, said. "Jenny became our ace as the season moved on." Brannon said Jenny has "unlimited potential" for the future and he said this past year should be a "confidence builder" for the pitcher.

Continue Reading

EAST ALTON - Women are invited to enjoy a prom night while supporting local kids in foster care. On June 28, 2025, community members can check out “Mom Prom,” a prom night for women 21 and older complete with a meal, DJ, silent auction, raffles, carriage rides, photo ops and more. Proceeds from the night will go to Dream Home Charities, a local nonprofit that provides Christmas gifts for families impacted by the foster care system. “We just need people now, honestly,” said Sherry Gilleland, founder of Dream Home Charities, who organized the Mom Prom. “It’s just going to be so much fun. We just really, really, really need the community to help us, support us. Buy tickets and just come and have a fantastic time.” The Mom Prom will run from 5–11 p.m. on Saturday, June 28, at Julia’s Banquet Center in East Alton. Gilleland promises the prom’s “A Night to Remember” theme will ring true. She noted that some

Continue Reading

BETHALTO — Lucky S. Nance, 20, of Bethalto, was charged Wednesday, June 18, 2025, with multiple counts related to child pornography and unauthorized video recording, according to the Madison County State’s Attorney’s Office. The charges, filed on June 18, 2025, include four counts of child pornography classified as felonies ranging from Class 3 to Class X, as well as one count of unauthorized video recording, a Class 3 felony. The full list of charges against Nance is as follows: Count I: Child Pornography (Class X Felony) Count II: Child Pornography (Class X Felony) Count III: Child Pornography (Class 1 Felony) Count IV: Child Pornography (Class 1 Felony) Count V: Child Pornography (Class 3 Felony) Count VI: Child Pornography (Class 2 Felony) Count VII: Unauthorized Video Recording (Class 3 Felony) The investigation began on May 15, 2025, when the Bethalto Police Investigation Division received information from the Illinois Department of Children and Family

Continue Reading

ALTON - Oasis Women’s Center has lost a force in the passing of Margarette Trushel, the center’s executive director for the last 40 years. Trushel was part of the team of women who founded the shelter in the 1970s. She worked hard all her life to protect and support survivors of domestic violence. As the center grew, so did Trushel’s devotion to the community. She leaves behind a legacy of kindness. “She was whip-smart, stubborn as a mule, but she had a big heart and she worked incredibly hard all her life for this agency and for the community,” said Marcy Jacobs. “She was really fierce in her belief in this work and her belief that victims could be safe and that our community needed to change so that victims could be safe.” Jacobs joined Oasis Women’s Center five years after Trushel. She has spent her career working with Trushel to advocate for survivors. The original Oasis Women’s Center team “worked really hard”

Continue Reading

O'FALLON - The O'Fallon-Shiloh EMS announced the promotion of Nick Fensom to EMS Supervisor and Officer Benjamin Callahan to Sergeant, recognizing their dedication and leadership within the organization. The announcement, made recently by O'Fallon-Shiloh EMS, highlighted Fensom’s commitment to the team and community, noting his work ethic and contributions. “We’re incredibly proud and excited to see Nick step into this well-deserved role,” the O'Fallon-EMS statement said. “Thank you, Nick, for everything you’ve already done — and we can’t wait to see the amazing things you’ll accomplish in this new chapter.” In addition, Officer Callahan received a promotion to Sergeant. The EMS expressed appreciation for his service, and said, “Your commitment to protecting and serving never goes unnoticed, and we’re proud to see you take this next step.” O'Fallon-Shiloh EMS emphasized the value of both individuals’

Continue Reading

CHICAGO HEIGHTS – Illinois State Comptroller Susana Mendoza announced Thursday that the Heights Crematory of Chicago Heights has had its license permanently revoked through a consent order. “The practical effect of this order is that Heights and its owners will never operate a crematorium in the state of Illinois again,” Comptroller Mendoza said. The consent order comes in response to a complaint from the Office of Comptroller alleging that Heights misrepresented and concealed material facts, engaged in dishonorable, unethical, and unprofessional conduct of character likely to deceive, defraud, or harm the public, acted in an incompetent manner, and committed gross malpractice, in violation of state law. In February, the IOC was notified that Heights had bodies piled on top of each other, not in proper containers. Arriving at the crematory, our auditors confirmed they were storing bodies in inoperable refrigerated trailers and coolers, and/or were stacked in improper

Continue Reading

ALTON - Logan Hickman, an upcoming senior at Alton High School, has a bright future ahead as a Redbirds baseball player. Hickman, an infielder and pitcher, played a big part in the Redbirds' success this season. He was strong at the plate and in all his roles for the team and an exceptional base runner. Alton's baseball squad posted a 20-15 overall record under head coach Scott Harper in 2025. Hickman is an Auto Butler Male Athlete of the Month. He is a 6-foot-2, 190-pound prospect. "He was a junior this past year so he is coming back again for next year," coach Harper said. "I expect him to come back and play an even bigger role next year for the team."

Continue Reading

EDWARDSVILLE — The Madison County Democratic Party elected Andy Asadorian as its new Chair during a special election held on Wednesday, June 18, 2025. Asadorian, who served as Chair of the Tri-Cities Democrats Township Committee, secured an overwhelming victory. Halfway through the vote, challenger Diana McGinness conceded due to Asadorian’s lead. Approximately 120 precinct committee people gathered to cast their votes in accordance with the organization's bylaws, which required a leadership election following the resignation of former Chair Debbie Mendoza. First Vice Chair Dean Webb has been serving as interim chair since Mendoza stepped down earlier this year; Webb did not seek election to the permanent role. Asadorian brings more than 15 years of experience with the Madison County Democratic Party, having first been elected as a precinct committee person in 2008. Over the years, he has held multiple leadership positions within the organization, contributing to candidate

Continue Reading

GODFREY – Beverly Farm Foundation is excited to announce that it will host its annual fireworks display on the evening of Friday, June 27, 2025, on its campus in Godfrey. The event is open to the public and promises an evening full of fun, entertainment, and patriotic celebration. Event Details : Date : Friday, June 27, 2025 Time : Arrive as early as 7:30 p.m. TLC & Co. Performance begins at 8 p.m. Quick Bite Frozen Treats ice cream truck arrives at 8:30 p.m. Fireworks display begins at approx. 9:30 p.m. Location : Beverly Farm Foundation, 6301 Humbert Rd., Godfrey, IL 62035 Admission : Free Festivities will begin at 8:00 p.m. at the Beverly Farm Pavilion with a special performance by TLC & Co., Beverly Farm’s talented resident performance group. Guests are invited to come early, bring lawn chairs or blankets, and enjoy the show and the fireworks. Following the performance, guests can treat themselves to a sweet, frosty snack from the Quick Bite Frozen

Continue Reading

EDWARDSVILLE - Assistant County Engineer Greg Schuette is retiring after a 39-year career in Madison County. During the regular meeting of the Madison County Board on June 18, 2025, the Board recognized Schuette for his dedication and hard work over the past few decades. County Engineer Adam Walden noted that Schuette is “a thorough engineer” who shows a deep devotion to Madison County. “Greg didn’t just work for the county. He served her citizens,” Walden said. “His leaving will be felt for a long time as he takes with him a wealth of knowledge and history.” Schuette graduated from Southern Illinois University in 1985 with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering. Within a few weeks, he received a job with the Madison County Highway Department, where he has stayed ever since. Walden said Schuette designed and oversaw at least 25 projects over the years. He commended Schuette for his attention to detail, his passion for engineering,

Continue Reading

What does it truly mean to be free? The answer to this question resonates deeply within the story of Juneteenth, a day that memorializes both a historical milestone and the enduring pursuit of liberty. Often overlooked in mainstream narratives, Juneteenth marks a pivotal moment in American history when the last enslaved African Americans in the United States were finally informed of their emancipation—two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed. The Origins of Juneteenth: A Delayed Promise of Freedom On June 19, 1865, Union General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, and issued General Order No. 3, declaring that all enslaved people were free. This announcement came more than two years after President Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation took effect on January 1, 1863. The delay was due to the minimal presence of Union troops in Texas, which allowed slavery to persist longer there than in other Confederate states. This moment was

Continue Reading

June 19 has witnessed some of the most transformative events in world history, spanning social justice milestones, groundbreaking scientific achievements, and significant cultural moments. Let's embark on a journey through time, starting with one of the most impactful global events associated with this date: the announcement of the end of slavery in the United States, an event that resonates deeply not just in America but across the globe as a symbol of freedom and human dignity. In 1865, on June 19, Union General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, with a proclamation that would change the lives of thousands. This announcement declared that all enslaved people in Texas were free, effectively enforcing the Emancipation Proclamation that had been issued more than two years earlier by President Abraham Lincoln. This day came to be known as Juneteenth and is now celebrated annually as a powerful reminder of the long struggle for freedom and equality. The importance of Juneteenth

Continue Reading

ST. LOUIS - The 2026 Priority Project List , compiled for the bi-state St. Louis region by the St. Louis Regional Freightway, includes 29 projects totaling nearly $8.9 billion. The list was released at the Freightway’s annual Freight Summit on Wednesday, June 4, the signature event of FreightWeekSTL. As of May 2024, more than $560 million in projects on the list had been completed and more $2.6 billion in funding had been allocated for additional projects on the list, with many of those under construction or soon to be. The list highlights the top infrastructure needs of manufacturing and logistics industries in Eastern Missouri and Southwestern Illinois. “The numbers highlighted in this year’s report, which continue to grow year over year, underscore the tremendous commitment to improving freight infrastructure in the bi-state St. Louis region by securing funding and advancing major projects through the development pipeline,” said Mary Lamie, Executive Vic

Continue Reading

SPRINGFIELD - As we enter the summer, the Illinois Liquor Control Commission (ILCC) reminds Illinois boaters to be responsible and understand the dangers associated with Boating Under the Influence (BUI). Drinking while boating significantly increases the risk of accidents, injuries, and fatalities. The ILCC urges boaters to stay responsible and recognize the serious risks of mixing alcohol with boating. It is illegal to operate a boat with a Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) of 0.08 or higher, or while under the influence of drugs. The ILCC strongly encourages Illinoisans to avoid consuming alcohol while operating a boat to reduce the risk of bodily harm caused by BUI. Illinois’ rivers and lakes are beautiful, but any body of water can quickly become dangerous when alcohol is involved. Below are some important safety tips all boaters should know. Boat Safety Tips: Always wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket. Never operate a boat under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Continue Reading