Riverbender 🕸

GRANITE CITY – An 18-year-old from Granite City faces six felonies after striking a juvenile with a firearm, firing the weapon near an occupied parking lot, and more. Leiland O. Ruckel, 18, of Granite City, was charged on April 25, 2025 with the following offenses: Armed Violence (Class X felony) Aggravated Battery (Class 3 felony) Aggravated Battery (Class 3 felony) Reckless Discharge of a Firearm (Class 4 felony) Aggravated Unlawful Possession of Weapons (Class 4 felony) Mob Action (Class 4 felony) On April 18, 2025, Ruckel and a juvenile allegedly struck a 14-year-old victim about the head and body at a public place in the 4200 block of West Chain of Rocks Road in Chouteau Island, Ill. Ruckel was reportedly armed with a 9mm handgun during the incident, which he is accused of firing recklessly in the vicinity of an occupied parking lot. A petition was filed to deny Ruckel’s pretrial release, adding the situation quickly escalated after Ruckel approached

Continue Reading

BELLVILLE - The American Water Charitable Foundation , a philanthropic non-profit organization established by American Water (NYSE: AWK), the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the U.S., recently announced 11 organizations were awarded a 2025 Water and Environment grant, supporting communities served by Illinois American Water. "We are thankful to the American Water Charitable Foundation for this funding opportunity,” said Kristie Baumgartner, Executive Director, Alton Educational Foundation. “The Alton Summer Watershed Academy will provide our high school students with hands-on experiences in studying regional watersheds and ecosystems." The Water and Environment grant is part of the American Water Charitable Foundation’s Keep Communities Flowing Grant Program, focusing on three pillars of giving: Water, People and Communities. Due to the volume of grant applications received, each application was evaluated on a competitive basis. The Foundatio

Continue Reading

ALTON - You can join a free conversation about spirituality and developing your relationship with God. At 1 p.m. on Thursday, May 1, 2025, community members are invited to River Bend Yoga in Alton for “Soul Travel Explorations,” the final installment of the three-part “Raise Your Spiritual IQ!” series. This final conversation will talk about who you are as Soul, an “eternal, creative spark of God,” and how to grow closer to God on your spiritual journey. “ our true identity,” explained organizer Flora Van Koten. “We’re all individual sparks of God, on our own divine journey back to the heart of God. So Soul Travel, in its simplest terms, is an individual moving closer to the heart of God.” The May 1 conversation invites attendees to “discover the wonder of you” by discussing the meaning of Soul and how you can develop your relationship with the Holy Spirit. Van Koten and organizer Sheila

Continue Reading

GRANITE CITY – Granite City Community Unit School District #9 is collaborating with the Granite City Tree Advisory Board to celebrate Arbor Day on Friday, May 2, 2025. The celebration and tree planting at Maryville 1-2 Education Center begins at 9:30 a.m., followed by a luncheon. Activities will continue at Wilson 1-2 Education Center at 1 p.m. "We are excited to partner with GCSD9 to celebrate Arbor Day by planting native trees at Maryville and Wilson School," said Carole Valencia, Granite City Tree Advisory Board Committee member. "The trees that we plant at these schools will bring beauty, shade, and happiness to children for years to come." Nine trees will be planted at each school for a total of 18, and a proclamation will be read by the City of Granite City Mayor Mike Parkinson. "We are thrilled to partner with the Granite City Tree Advisory Board for this year’s Arbor Day celebration," said GCSD9 Superintendent Dr. Don J. Harris. "Collaborating to plant trees

Continue Reading

CHICAGO - Today, Governor JB Pritzker and Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton joined students, University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) leadership, the Project on Predatory Student Lending, and the non-profit Young Invincibles for a rally in support of students and student loan borrowers across Illinois. Continuing the ‘Standing Up for Illinois’ tour, the Governor joined education leaders and students in calling attention to the harmful impact of Trump’s dangerous education agenda while pledging support for the Illinoisans and Illinois institutions that are under attack. “The dream of an affordable, accessible education as a pathway to a better life – one that was already out of reach for too many – is under attack by the Trump administration,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Student borrowers were made promises that are being rescinded. Education cannot just be a privilege reserved for those who can afford it. When we open up pathways to education

Continue Reading

RIVERBEND - The sun is out and gardens are planted, which means it’s time for farmers markets in the Riverbend region! We have a list of farmers markets starting in the next few weeks. This list will grow as we learn of more markets in the area. Check back often for updates! ALTON What: Alton Farmers’ & Artisans’ Market Where: The parking lot at the corner of Landmarks Boulevard and Henry Street in Alton When: Saturday mornings, May 10 through Oct. 18 Time: 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. BETHALTO What: B ethalto Farmers Market Where: Central Park in Bethalto When: Sundays from June 8 to Sept. 28 Time: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. BRIGHTON What: Village of Brighton Farmers Market Where: 414 N. Maple Street in Brighton When: Thursdays from June 19 to Sept. 11 Time: 4–7 p.m. CARLINVILLE What: Carlinville Market Days Where: 112 N. Side Square in Carlinville When: First Saturday of each month,

Continue Reading

WOOD RIVER – State Representative Amy Elik (R-Alton) is joining an expert from the Illinois Attorney General’s Office and the Illinois Department on Aging to host a Free Senior Fraud Protection and Advocacy Seminar at the Wood River City Hall this Friday. They will give a presentation and take questions from seniors on how to better protect themselves from fraud. This event is free and open to seniors. The event details are: Friday, May 2, 2025 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. (noon) Wood River City Hall 111 N. Wood River Avenue, Wood River This seminar will help seniors understand how to recognize potential fraud attempts, learn how to be ready and stop them, and how to use the Attorney General’s Senior Help Line. The Department on Aging will give an overview of some of the services they provide to seniors. “It’s important that we empower our seniors to recognize and defend against the increasingly sophisticated scams that target them,” said

Continue Reading

GLEN CARBON — Elena Rybak of Father McGivney Catholic High School is setting records and establishing times in middle and long-distance running that are expected to stand for years in the region. The standout athlete has already secured multiple state championships and is poised for continued success in 2025. On Friday, Rybak dominated the Edwardsville Invite 800-meter race, finishing with a time of 2:13.06, well ahead of her competitors. Earlier this season, on April 21, 2025, at McGivney’s inaugural home track meet, she recorded a 4:57.11 in the 1,600 meters, a mark that may remain unbreakable on the new track for years to come. Rybak, recognized as the Byron, Carlson, Petri & Kalb Female Athlete of the Month for the Griffins, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to compete on her school’s new track this season. “It was so awesome we could pull the new track together for my last season and all the parents did such an amazing job, my parents included, to

Continue Reading

EDWARDSVILLE — Sophie Shapiro, a sophomore at Edwardsville High School, has emerged as one of the area's premier athletes in track and field in 2025, capturing first place in both the 100- and 300-meter hurdles at the Edwardsville Invite held recently. Shapiro posted a personal record of 14.10 seconds in the 100 hurdles in the event, one of the best in Illinois and the country. She also won the 300 hurdles last Friday at Edwardsville with a time of 44.45 seconds. Shapiro had an outstanding indoor season for the Tigers. She is a Spencer Homes Female Athlete of the Month for the Tigers. Shapiro’s performance at the Edwardsville Invite follows a recent 57.40-second run in the 400 meters at the O’Fallon Invite. In addition to her individual events, she plays a key role on several of the Tigers’ relay teams, contributing to the success of the Edwardsville girls' track and field program this season. Reflecting on her achievements, Shapiro said, “It felt

Continue Reading

ALTON - Alton's boys tennis team continues to improve under Coach Jesse Macias and this past weekend, they achieved the biggest accomplishment of the season. Alton High School captured the championship in the Nadal division at the JD Sinnock Springfield Invitational on Saturday, April 26, 2025, highlighted by strong singles and doubles performances from its tennis team. The Alton tennis boys are Auto Butler Male Athletes of Month. The Redbirds' Alex Tuetken secured the championship in the number one singles bracket, while his brother, Nick Tuetken, finished as runner-up in the number two singles for the Redbirds. Freshman Carter Hanebutt and sophomore Erick Humphrey also earned second place in the number two doubles competition, narrowly losing in a third-set tiebreak to Peoria Richwoods. Alton coach Jesse Macias praised the contributions of the Tuetken brothers, saying, "Alex has been the constant all year. He battles every night and puts in the work as a captain in practice. He'

Continue Reading

NORMAL - Illinois State University Police Department (ISUPD) asks for the public’s assistance identifying a person of interest in the shots fired incident that occurred on Sunday, April 27, 2025, at approximately 7:40 p.m., in the Bone Student Center. In an isolated incident, a fight started between two groups of people that ended with a non-life threatening gunshot wound to a non-student. The victim was transported to an area hospital. The person of interest, seen in the attached pictures, fled the scene. ISUPD responded with all available resources, and we are grateful for the assistance of Normal Police, Bloomington Police, McLean County Sheriff, Illinois State Police, and Normal Fire Department who rapidly responded to support our community. Dozens of officers worked through the night processing evidence, responding to calls and tips, and providing an extra presence on campus. We ask the public to review two photos of a person of interest. Information can be provided by

Continue Reading

Granite City Girls Soccer Goalie Katie Gartner Is Key Part Of Warriors, Makes Tremendous Saves To Preserve Draw Against Edwardsville Bu COLIN FEENEY EDWARDSVILLE - Katie Gartner is a sophomore goalkeeper for the girls soccer team at Granite City High School, and her solid work in the net for the Warriors has helped the team achieve a good season thus far - with the potential for more good things ahead. She is a Stillwater Senior Living Female Athlete of the Month for the Warriors. Gartner made some astonishing saves for Granite during a 1-1 draw against Edwardsville at Tiger Stadium on Apr. 24, including a pair of big saves against Gabby Thompson, one of the area's most exciting and dangerous players. Her saves in goal helped the Warriors gain a vital point on the road. For the season, she's played 1,000 minutes in goal, conceding 15 goals for a 1.20 goals-against-average and an .870 save percentage in helping Granite go to a 4-4-5 record so far this season. With the crucial

Continue Reading

EDWARDSVILLE A woman was airlifted to a St. Louis-area hospital after her vehicle flipped down a steep embankment near a bike trail on Illinois Route 157 on Monday afternoon, April 28, 2025, just north of Gephardt Lane in Edwardsville. Edwardsville Fire Chief Brendan McKee said the woman’s injuries were serious and required air transportation. McKee added that the rescue operation involved cutting the roof off the vehicle and using a utility terrain vehicle to transport her to the helicopter. The Edwardsville Police Department is investigating the crash and responded quickly to the scene. Chief McKee did not provide additional details about the cause of the crash or the woman’s condition. No further information has been released at this time. More to come.

Continue Reading

ALTON — The Alton Fire Department and Alton Police Department responded to a traffic crash at the intersection of East Broadway and Homer Adams Parkway Monday afternoon, April 28, 2025. Upon arrival, first responders found two SUVs that had collided in the intersection. Traffic was disrupted as emergency personnel managed the scene. No injuries were reported in the incident.

Continue Reading

GRANITE CITY - Granite City Police arrested Donte T. Pryor Sr. on April 24, 2025, following a home invasion and kidnapping incident that led to a vehicle pursuit ending in a crash in St. Charles County, Mo. At approximately 6:39 p.m. on Thursday, officers were dispatched to the 2100 block of Edison Avenue in Granite City after receiving a report of a home invasion and kidnapping. Upon arrival, they observed Pryor driving a vehicle with an adult female and two juvenile victims inside. When officers attempted to stop the vehicle, Pryor refused and fled, prompting a pursuit that concluded with a traffic crash. Pryor and the adult female were transported to a medical facility for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries. The two juvenile victims were also inside the vehicle but no injuries were reported. The following day, April 25, Granite City Police detectives presented the case to the Madison County State’s Attorney’s Office. Pryor was charged with seven felonies, including

Continue Reading

GRANITE CITY – Granite City Police have arrested a local man on multiple child pornography charges after someone found the disturbing material in an alleyway. Tyler J. Sheppard, 31, listed as homeless out of Granite City, was charged on April 23, 2025, with five counts of child pornography, each Class 2 felonies. On June 30, 2022, Sheppard allegedly possessed multiple photos of child pornography depicting children under the age of 13. According to a petition to deny Sheppard’s pretrial release, the investigation began on July 1, 2022, after the Granite City Police Department received a report of “excessive refuse and belongings in an alleyway.” "The complainant reported that she saw the refuse and looked at it closer,” the petition states. “Upon closer inspection, she noticed a computer, printer, and several printed photographs containing child pornography. “Officers seized the computer and printed images. The belongings were infested wit

Continue Reading

EAST ALTON - After an extensive investigation by the East Alton Police Department, Jessica A. Wyatt, 44, was charged with multiple counts of identity theft and deceptive practices, the Madison County State’s Attorney's Office announced. Wyatt faces four counts of aggravated identity theft for illegally obtaining personal information from victims over the age of 60, and 10 counts of identity theft involving victims under 60. Additionally, she was charged with one count of deceptive practices for possessing information with the intent to illegally obtain funds from a financial institution. The investigation, conducted by the patrol and investigations divisions of the East Alton Police Department, led to an arrest warrant. Wyatt was taken into custody on April 23, 2025, by the patrol division and subsequently released on pretrial conditions. The Madison County State’s Attorney's Office emphasized that all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court o

Continue Reading

GODFREY/EDWARDSVILLE - Joe’s Market Basket has the plants and advice you need for a successful garden. With locations in Godfrey and Edwardsville, Joe’s Market Basket is a garden and landscape center with a wide selection of herbs, vegetables, perennials, annuals, trees and shrubs. Andy Klos stopped by “Our Daily Show!” with C.J. Nasello to share some tips on how to prepare and sustain your plants this spring. “We are absolutely bursting at the seams,” Klos said. “I think people are just excited to see the sunshine, just as you and I are. It was kind of a nasty winter and rainy spring. Everything’s just going out the door. People are really getting their vegetable gardens going, herbs, their annuals planted. We have a huge, huge selection of spring annuals and perennials just ready to go in your pots and in your yards.” At this point in the spring, most people are planting their plants and gearing up for their summer

Continue Reading

Facebook video link is here. LOUISVILLE, KY. - On Saturday, April 26, 2025, my daughter, Savannah Brannan, posted perhaps her greatest running accomplishment - topping 3 hours for a 26.2-mile marathon, an incredible feat. Savannah, 26, set this goal a while back and I hoped she would get it on Saturday and the good thing is she did, recording a time of 2 hours, 59 minutes and 46 seconds. She accomplished the goal through grit and determination. The 26.2-mile course was mostly flat, but there was a point of 3-4 miles of hills which made it more difficult, she said. When Savannah could see the finish line, she said she accelerated as fast as she could. Her last mile was 6:10, which I think at the end of a marathon is nearly impossible. She knew she had a chance and did it! It was so cool to hear the announcer recognize her and say that Savannah had broken the 3-hour mark, a huge plateau in female distance running. Savannah is incredibly humble, but she was thrilled to have broke

Continue Reading

ALTON – Women’s Health Month is observed annually in May with the goal to empower women in such a way that they can make health a priority. This specific recognition month also equips women with the knowledge to help other women on their journeys to improve their health. In the spirit of individuals and health care workers aligned so that every woman can live a healthy and happy life, Mission Partners at OSF Moeller Cancer Center in Alton (2200 Central Avenue) are hosting their first-ever Women’s Health Fair on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, 3–5 p.m. Women of all ages throughout the Riverbend region are invited to attend this FREE event to get pampered inside and out featuring a variety of women’s health-related activities encompassing screenings, assessments, and education. The Women’s Health Fair will also provide attendees with the opportunity to potentially walk away with gift baskets and raffle prizes while also enjoying food and drinks. Among the

Continue Reading