Riverbender 🕸

HIGHLAND — Jennifer (Isaak) Korte, a Republican, has declared her candidacy to represent County Board District 1 in Highland. This district is currently served by Fred Michael, who has decided to not seek reelection. “I want to thank Fred for his service on the county board. He has been a conscientious voice for Highland,” stated Korte. Korte’s campaign is focused on fiscal responsibility, economic development and transparency. “I understand the need for funding services, while evaluating programs that are less effective,” said Korte. “Madison County deserves leadership that is fiscally responsible, listens, acts and leads with integrity.” Korte has her Master’s Degree in Social work and has been a strong community advocate for senior citizens, people who are disabled, children and small businesses. Korte was appointed to the Madison County Mental Health Board in 2023 and was recently appointed as the Vice President of th

Continue Reading

EAST ST. LOUIS – A district judge sentenced a Centralia man to 204 months of federal imprisonment after he admitted to distributing pound quantities of meth and fentanyl. Jackie T. Scanlan, 54, pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute controlled substances: meth and fentanyl and one count of possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance: meth. “This career offender built a life around selling dangerous narcotics and has a criminal history spanning over three decades of drug distribution,” said U.S. Attorney Steven D. Weinhoeft. “While he continued to make poor decisions following previous stints of incarceration, Scanlan’s 17-year federal prison sentence will help to protect the public from any further crimes.” According to court documents, law enforcement began investigating Scanlan for distributing meth and fentanyl from a motel room in February 2024. Initially, agents recovered 79 grams of meth, 2

Continue Reading

PACIFIC OCEAN — Aviation Electronics Technician Airman Apprentice Zachary Raymond, a native of Collinsville, performed maintenance on a stores management upgrade system aboard the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) on Friday, Aug. 8, 2025. The maintenance work supports the operational readiness of the ship during its routine training operations in the U.S. 3rd Fleet area of operations. The USS Abraham Lincoln, a Nimitz-class nuclear-powered aircraft carrier and the flagship of Carrier Strike Group Three, is currently conducting training exercises under the command of the U.S. Pacific Fleet. The fleet oversees naval forces in the Indo-Pacific region, with the 3rd Fleet focusing on realistic and relevant training to ensure readiness across a broad spectrum of military operations, Navy officials said. Named after the 16th U.S. president, the USS Abraham Lincoln is the fifth ship in the Nimitz class and serves as a floating airfield capable of launching multiple aircraft

Continue Reading

EDWARDSVILLE - A local organization will host their annual "Shop the Town Pink Sip and Shop" vendor and craft fair to raise money for cancer patients. Stridin’ and Survivin’ supports cancer research and patient services at local cancer centers. From 1–4:30 p.m. on Oct. 5, 2025, at the Edwardsville Knights of Columbus Hall, community members can shop local vendors, enjoy signature drinks, and support the organization’s cause. Stridin’ and Survivin’ encourages people to save the date and reach out about becoming a vendor. “We are definitely looking for some more vendors,” said Alice Bartels with Stridin’ and Survivin’. “We have a nice base, but we could always use more, and we just need our community to come out and support all these vendors and enjoy the day.” Bartels said attendees can expect “vendors and crafters of all types,” including Mary Kay vendors, Christmas crafts, permanent jewelry

Continue Reading

VIRDEN - Macoupin County Coroner Anthony Kravanya pronounced 16-year-old Nolan C. Kiel dead at the scene of a farm implement accident Tuesday morning, Aug. 12, 2025, in Virden, Illinois. The incident occurred on Virden Road at approximately 11:56 a.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 12, 2025. Kiel, a Virden resident, was operating the farm equipment when the accident took place, the coroner said. Emergency responders from the Virden Fire Department, Virden Police Department, Prairieland Ambulance Service, Girard Fire Department, Auburn Fire Department, and the Macoupin County Sheriff’s Department responded to the scene. An autopsy conducted on Wednesday, Aug. 13, 2025, revealed preliminary findings indicating that Kiel died from asphyxiation, the coroner said. Kiel was a North Mac High School student, and a candlelight vigil was scheduled at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 13, 2025, at North Mac in his memory. The North Mac School District described Kiel as having a "positive attitude" and that

Continue Reading

ASHLEY - Chris Hankins is organizing a fundraiser to support the family of Michael Cody Curry, of Ashley, a lineman with IBEW Local 702 who died in a work-related helicopter accident on Thursday, Aug. 7, 2025 . The accident occurred while Curry was replacing marker balls over the Mississippi River. Curry was described by his colleagues as a natural-born leader who had a positive impact on those around him. He is survived by his son, Gavin Curry. The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) is extending its full support to Curry’s family. Cody was a graduate of Carlyle High School and was also known for his passion for the outdoors, particularly for hunting and fishing. He was a dedicated member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, serving as a lineman for Local 702. Cody found great joy in his work and valued the friendships he made through it. A memorial service to honor Cody's life will take place at 2 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 15, 2025, at

Continue Reading

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) will host public meetings throughout northern and west-central Illinois to provide information on the status of chronic wasting disease (CWD), its effect on free-ranging deer populations and the department’s ongoing efforts to manage the disease. IDNR staff will be available to discuss current management strategies and answer questions about CWD. Landowners, hunters and concerned citizens are encouraged to attend. CWD remains an important issue and a priority in Illinois’ future deer management discussions. CWD is a fatal neurological disease that threatens the long-term health of white-tailed deer in Illinois. First documented in Illinois in 2002 near Roscoe, CWD has been detected in 25 counties across the northern edge and northeastern portions of Illinois, and as far south as west-central Illinois. Affected counties now include Adams, Boone, Bureau, Carroll, Cook, DeKalb, DuPage, Ford, Grundy,

Continue Reading

ST. LOUIS - The Missouri Historical Society (MHS) will soon become the steward of an extraordinary private collection of Josephine Baker memorabilia, thanks to a generous charitable bequest from longtime St. Louis philanthropist Mary Strauss. The gift ensures that the legacy of the legendary entertainer and civil rights activist– born Freda Josephine McDonald in St. Louis’ Mill Creek neighborhood– will be preserved and shared for generations to come. The collection includes rare and significant artifacts such as a 1970s-era performance costume complete with boots, an original plywood theater cutout from Baker’s 1935 film Zouzou, a striking oversized French poster featuring Baker’s signature “banana dance” imagery, and an intricately designed 1926–27 show program with a cutout cover revealing a portrait of Baker in her prime. Also included are original photographs and other historical ephemera assembled over decades. Portions of th

Continue Reading

CBT skills group to provide an educational, supportive environment for individuals seeking reflection ALTON – Individuals looking for answers and solutions to address negative outcome patterns in their relationships now have access to a therapeutic approach that can empower themselves to take control of their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, leading to positive changes in their lives. Psychological Services Department at OSF Saint Anthony’s Health Services is offering a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Skills Group to provide an educational, supportive environment for individuals seeking to reflect on their relationships, talk about negative outcome patterns, learn communication strategies, build awareness of self-talk, strengthen self-care and work toward healthier relationships. Led by Lisa Lawrence, M.S.W., licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), psychotherapist, the CBT Skills Group is fostered by a collaborative approach whereby therapists and clients

Continue Reading

JERSEYVILLE - Jerseyville native Byron Beiermann is returning to his hometown as a country star’s “right-hand man.” Beiermann plays bass guitar alongside Matt Jordan, who will be headlining Jerseyville’s Rock the Block concert on Aug. 22, 2025. He looks forward to coming home and sharing his career with the community that raised him. “It’s a pretty full-circle moment,” Beiermann said. “When I grew up there, there weren't really any concerts going on that I can remember. I started playing music because of my dad. I probably started in middle school, and just watching him play with friends around town, in different bars or whatever, and then now here I am, later in life, playing a show in Jerseyville myself. It’s kind of cool.” Rock the Block is scheduled from 7–10 p.m. on Aug. 22 at the corner of Washington and Arch Streets in Jerseyville. Cash Goetten will open for Jordan. Beiermann noted this is another “small

Continue Reading

CLINTON COUNTY — Authorities took a suspect into custody on Aug. 11, 2025, in connection with two video recording devices found in portable bathrooms at the St. Rose Church Picnic held earlier this month, Clinton County Sheriff Dan Travous announced. Officials from St. Rose contacted Clinton County Dispatch on Aug. 9, 2025, after discovering the devices on the north side of the school gymnasium during the event. The Clinton County Sheriff’s Office Detective Division began an investigation into what Sheriff Travous described as a “gross violation of privacy.” “As of late Monday, Aug. 11, 2025, a subject was taken into custody and placed on felony hold,” Travous said. He explained that the announcement was delayed to prevent the suspect from fleeing the area. “I am confident we have the person responsible in custody, and thus, releasing the statement.” Travous emphasized that the investigation remains active and that only limited information

Continue Reading

BETHALTO – Bethalto residents on Monday raised safety concerns and questioned village officials amid ongoing water discoloration. Resident Shaun Flatt was among four residents who spoke on the subject during the public comment portion of this week’s Village Board meeting. Flatt said when other communities have struggled with water discoloration, they provided clean drinking water to their residents, and asked if Bethalto would do the same. “We’re paying for clean water, we’re not getting it, now we’re having to buy water on top of that,” Flatt said. “Will Bethalto provide clean water for the community to drink?” Mayor Gary Bost said they will not, but emphasized the village’s water is safe to drink as efforts are ongoing. “We’re moving forward, things are getting better, and while this is discolored and not sightly, it’s not unsafe,” Bost said. “We’re drinking it, we drink it, we drink

Continue Reading

HARDIN - The annual Calhoun County Fair is coming up soon, and organizers can’t wait to celebrate the Calhoun community. The fair runs from Sept. 4–7, 2025, in Hardin. With a queen pageant, a parade, a demolition derby, a carnival and plenty more scheduled, the fair promises to be another fun weekend for the community to enjoy. “Our county is great,” said Brianna Sibley, one of the organizers. “We’re just a big, huge community. We’re all one big family. So it’s nice just to get together and celebrate each other.” The fair kicks off on Thursday, Sept. 4, with a concert featuring Nashville headliner Jake Maurer and an opening performance by Cash Goetten. This will be followed by the Illinois Farm Pullers Truck Pull and the Jr. Miss Calhoun Pageant at 7 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 5. From 12–4 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 6, it’s Ag/Family Day at the fair, with plenty of free activities for kids and families to enjoy. Bounce

Continue Reading

O’FALLON, Ill. — The O’Fallon Police Department is asking for the public’s help in identifying the driver of a silver Ford Fusion involved in a recent collision with a bicyclist. The accident occurred at approximately 6:57 p.m. on July 29, 2025, at the intersection of West State Street and South Lincoln Avenue in O'Fallon. According to police, the vehicle involved was a silver Ford Fusion with an unknown Illinois temporary registration. The driver was described as a white female with blonde hair featuring a pink stripe on the left side. Authorities are requesting that anyone who witnessed the accident or has information about the driver contact Officer Dan Hesselbacher at 618-624-4545 or via email at dhesselbacher@ofallon.org . The O’Fallon Police Department expressed appreciation for any assistance provided in this matter.

Continue Reading

EDWARDSVILLE - Senior wide receiver Devyon Hill-Lomax is expected to be the top target for quarterback Yale Weaver's passes this year for the Edwardsville football team as the Tigers opened practice on Aug. 11, 2025, to prepare for the 2025 season. Hill-Lomax had a good season last year in Edwardsville's 6-4 campaign, catching 18 passes for 341 yards and four touchdowns, and also made contributions on special teams, returning one kickoff for 27 yards and three punts for 47 yards, and assisted defensively on two tackles. He is a Spencer Homes Male Athlete of the Month for the Tigers. In an interview conducted following the first practice session, Hill-Lomax felt things went well for the Tigers, as they were just getting started for their preparations for the season. "I feel like they went great," Hill-Lomax said. "We're just installing stuff today, just learning. We weren't doing anything crazy." Needless to say, he's looking ahead for the upcoming season, which starts with

Continue Reading

HIGHLAND — As students return to classrooms in the Highland School District, local law enforcement is emphasizing the importance of safe driving in school zones. The Highland Police Department has assigned two School Resource Officers (SROs) to support the district’s schools this academic year. Officer Chris Clewis, who joined the department in June 2008, serves as the SRO for Highland Elementary and Primary Schools. A Southern Illinois University Edwardsville graduate with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, Clewis brings a diverse set of skills to his role, including certifications as a Crisis Intervention Team member, Defensive Tactics Instructor, Taser Instructor, Drone Pilot, Gracie Ground Fighting Instructor, and Knife Defense Instructor. He is also an investigator with the Major Case Squad and an instructor at the Southwestern Illinois Police Academy. Officer Nathan Biggs serves as the SRO for Highland High and Middle Schools. Biggs earned a bachelor’s

Continue Reading

EDWARDSVILLE - During their monthly work session on Monday, Aug. 11, 2025, the Edwardsville Community Unit School District #7 Board of Education discussed plans to abate and renovate Hamel Elementary School. In 2023, District #7 voters approved a $100 million bond proposal to improve district facilities. As part of this bond, Hamel Elementary School is to undergo asbestos abatement and renovations. On Aug. 11, 2025, Justin Placek with BLDD Architects and Ryan Savage with Holland Construction provided an update to the Board about potential projects to abate and renovate Hamel. They explained that these plans were “conceptual” and could be adjusted as needed. Superintendent Dr. Patrick Shelton said that construction is projected to cost $4.2 million. He said there are a few options that the Board can consider, including building a new classroom wing or using part of a pod as a cafeteria space. Board member Matt Breihan said the renditions “look great on paper,”

Continue Reading

ALTON - The American Diabetes Association (ADA) announced the recognition of Alton Memorial Hospital through their Education Recognition Program (ERP). The ADA’s ERP certificate assures that educational services meet the National Standards for diabetes self-management education and support. The corresponding intervention provided is evidence-based and outcome driven. Services apply for recognition voluntarily and ADA-ERP recognition lasts for four years. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC’s) National Diabetes Fact Sheet, there are over 38 million people, or 11.6%, of the U.S. population who have diabetes. While an estimated 29.7 million have been diagnosed, unfortunately 8.7 million people are not aware they have this disease. Each day, nearly 3,300 Americans are diagnosed with diabetes. Many will first learn they have diabetes when they are treated for one of its life-threatening complications—heart disease, stroke, kidney

Continue Reading

The LST 325 lands on the city riverfront Sept. 18-22 ALTON - A piece of world maritime history, the LST 325, will dock at the Alton Riverfront Sept. 18-22 and be open for public tours from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. Admission for these self-guided tours is $20 for adults, $10 for those 6 – 17 years of age and free for kids 5 and under. Visitors to the LST 325 will meet the ship’s crew who will provide detailed descriptions of the role the LST ships played during U.S. wars and honor the men who served on the ships. The ship, which was used in the invasion at Omaha Beach on D Day, is one of 1,051 LSTs built in the U.S. during World War II, and is the only remaining working LST in the country. “This is an important piece of our World War II history and we are pleased to welcome the LST 325 to Alton,” Cory Jobe, President/CEO of the Great Rivers & Routes Tourism Bureau said. The LST ships could carry 20 Sherman tanks in the hold of the ship and 30 to

Continue Reading

ST. CLAIR COUNTY – Combat Veteran and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) today met with and received a briefing at Scott Air Force Base from U.S. Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM) leadership, including Deputy Commander Lieutenant General Jered Helwig and Director of Global Patient Movement Operations and Command Surgeon Colonel (Dr.) Christopher Backus. She also met with Commanders of the 126th Air Refueling Wing, 932nd Airlift Wing and the 375th Air Mobility Wing. During her meetings, Duckworth emphasized her steadfast support for the base’s missions and discussed transportation and mobility priorities. Photos from today’s visit are available on Senator Duckworth’s website. “Scott Air Force Base is an important driver of our state’s economy, a key component of our country’s national security efforts and a critical support network for the individuals who serve—along with their families,” Duckworth said. “The work

Continue Reading