Riverbender 🕸

EDWARDSVILLE - After a nationwide and highly competitive application process, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), has awarded the Madison County Drug Court a $2,000,000 grant, Project Reclaiming Hope. Chief Criminal Judge Kyle Napp, who has been the presiding judge of the drug court since 2010, announced the exciting news on Monday, Oct. 28, 2024. The Project Reclaiming Hope grant will last five years, and it will allow the courts to increase the number of participants accepted into drug court. The grant will provide funding for two vital staff positions, both a probation officer specialist and a high-risk probation officer. The grant will also provide much-needed funding for additional drug and mental health treatment, parenting classes, the hiring of three more treatment providers, housing vouchers, funding for GED classes and additional training. Judge Napp praised the work of Deputy Chief Probation Officer Mike Wilkinson. “Mike spent countles

Continue Reading

ST. LOUIS COUNTY - On Saturday, October 26, 2024, the St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office issued charges on suspect Justin Bradshaw, 34 years of age, of the 2900 block of Lemay Ferry Road in St. Louis, Missouri, 63125, for Resisting/Interfering with Arrest for a Felony, Unlawful Possession of a Firearm, Assault Third Degree of a Special Victim, and Assault Fourth Degree. A booking photo of Bradshaw is attached. Bradshaw is being held on $100,000 cash only, no 10%, bond. Please note, charges are merely an accusation, and Defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law. The probable cause statement reads: "On October 26, 2024, Officer #1 on patrol in the area of South Broadway Avenue and Vincent Avenue observed a silver Pontiac G6 driving on South Broadway Avenue. License plate check comes back to a Chevrolet vehicle. Officer #1 initiated a traffic stop for license plate violation. Upon contacting the occupants of the vehicle, Officer

Continue Reading

HARDIN - At 7:46 p.m. on Sept. 20, 2024, a deputy with the Calhoun County Sheriff's Office conducted a traffic stop on Illinois River Road, near Meyer Lane in Calhoun County. Subsequent to an investigation, the driver, Benjamin K. Brummett, aged 46, of St. Louis was arrested for the following offenses: Possession of Methamphetamine (Less than 5 Grams), Possession of Controlled Substance, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Operating Uninsured. Brummett was arrested without incident and transported to the Calhoun County Sheriff's Office. As is now required under the provisions of the new House Bill 3653, known as the SAFE-T Act; Brummett was booked and released with a Notice to Appear at a later date at the Calhoun County Courthouse. All suspect(s) are innocent until proven guilty.

Continue Reading

MADISON COUNTY - Illinois State Police Troop 8 responded to a fatal traffic crash early Monday morning, Oct. 28, 2024, on Interstate 55 northbound near milepost 3. The incident occurred at approximately 4:31 a.m. on October 28, 2024. ISP said preliminary reports indicate that the crash involved two vehicles, resulting in one person being pronounced deceased at the scene. In response to the accident, authorities closed the northbound lanes of I-55 and diverted traffic to I-64 eastbound. The roadway was reopened around 8:30 a.m. As of now, no further information has been released regarding the circumstances of the crash or the identity of the deceased. The investigation is ongoing.

Continue Reading

ST. LOUIS - St. Louisans are invited to honor Veterans and military service members at the 41st Annual St. Louis Regional Veterans Day Observance in Downtown St. Louis on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024. This special parade and ceremony celebrates the bravery and dedication of those who have served the nation, and all are welcome to join the festivities and express their gratitude. The St. Louis Veterans Day Parade starts at 10:30 a.m. at 18th and Olive. Lieutenant General Jared Helwig , Deputy Director of United States Transportation Command stationed at Scott Air Force Base, will be the grand marshal for this year’s parade. He will give keynote remarks during the 11:30 a.m. ceremony and will be on hand to salute all military related units participating in the parade as they pass by. Over 50 groups, with over 500 individuals, are expected to march in this year’s parade. The parade will feature Junior ROTC cadets, local American Legions, local classic car clubs, Shriners mini-cars,

Continue Reading

On July 31, 2024, the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office received a complaint of a stolen motor vehicle from a residence on Main Street in Brussels, Calhoun County, Illinois. The Calhoun County Sheriff's Office began an investigation and attempted to locate the stolen vehicle; which was identified as a black 2003 Dodge truck. Deputy Nic McCall was assigned the case and began an investigation. Subsequently, Crystal J. Hillis, age 56, of Alton, was arrested on the following charges: Possession of Stolen Motor Vehicle, Theft ($500 - $10,000), Driving While Revoked. Hillis was arrested without incident and subsequently released with a Notice to Appear at the Calhoun County Courthouse; As is now required under the provisions of the new House Bill 3653, known as the SAFE-T Act. All suspect(s) are innocent until proven guilty.

Continue Reading

SPRINGFIELD - The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is reminding Illinoisans to be aware of the ongoing potential for health risks from lead exposure. The reminder comes during Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Week, October 20-26. As part of the observance, Governor JB Pritzker recently issued a proclamation encouraging greater public awareness of the dangers of exposure to lead. In the proclamation, the governor noted that the main source of lead exposure in the state remains lead-contaminated dust and lead-based paint found in homes constructed prior to 1978, the year that such paint was banned for use in Illinois. “Lead poisoning can cause long term harm and the sooner it is identified, the better chance we have of treating it and reversing its effects,” said IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra . “There is no safe level of lead exposure. During this Child Lead Poisoning Prevention Week and every week, IDPH will remain vigilant with our local partners

Continue Reading

MICHAEL - On October 5, 2024, the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a Disturbance at a wedding reception located on Michael-Hamburg Road, Michael, in Calhoun County, Illinois. Subsequent to an investigation, Austin M Newell, aged 29, of Moro, for the following offense: Aggravated Battery - Person 60 Years or Older Battery (Two Counts) Newell was taken into custody without incident and transported to the Greene County Jail. All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Continue Reading

As the sun sets on October 31st, the streets come alive with the sounds of laughter and excitement. Children dressed in costumes eagerly traverse neighborhoods, while adults partake in festivities that may include the consumption of alcohol. While Halloween is a beloved tradition, it’s also one of the most dangerous nights of the year for pedestrians. At Glisson Law , we believe it's crucial to raise awareness about the risks associated with this spooky holiday, particularly regarding pedestrian injuries and crashes. A Night of Increased Risk Halloween is synonymous with increased foot traffic, particularly among young children who are out trick-or-treating. Unfortunately, this surge in activity coincides with a spike in pedestrian fatalities . Between 4:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m.—the peak hours for Halloween activities—children aged 5 to 14 are particularly vulnerable. Statistics reveal a staggering 15% of childhood pedestrian deaths occurred during Halloween from

Continue Reading

At 6:15 p.m. on Oct. 8, 2024, deputies with the Calhoun County Sheriff's Office were assisting on a medical call in Kampsville, Calhoun County, when they observed a truck driving in a reckless manner past the incident scene. Once the medical emergency was taken care of, Deputies made contact with the driver of the aforementioned truck and conducted an investigation. As a result of the investigation, Andrew H. Phillips, age 29, of Hardin, Illinois was arrested for the following offenses: Aggravated Driving Under the Influence (While License Suspended), Driving While License Suspended, Unlawful Possession of Alcohol by Driver, Squeeling/Screeching Tires. Phillips was arrested without incident and transported to the Calhoun County Sheriff's Office. As is now required under the provisions of the new House Bill 3653, known as the SAFE-T Act; Phillips was booked and released with a Notice to Appear at a later date at the Calhoun County Courthouse. All suspect(s) are innocent

Continue Reading

HARTFORD – The Hartford Fire Department responded to a structure fire on the 100 block of East Forest on Monday afternoon. Firefighters encountered significant fire and smoke upon arrival, prompting an immediate assessment of the situation. As the firefighters entered the house, they quickly determined that conditions were hazardous due to the potential for collapse. This led them to withdraw and reassess their approach to battling the blaze. In response to the escalating situation, Hartford requested assistance from several neighboring fire departments, including Roxana, South Roxana, Wood River, Mitchell, and East Alton. Rosewood Heights Fire Department relocated to the Hartford station to ensure coverage in the area while the incident was managed. East Alton Fire Department deployed its aerial truck to assist in fighting the fire from above, while Alton Memorial Ambulance was on standby in case of any emergencies. Madison County Emergency Management also provided support

Continue Reading

FERGUSON, MO. - Ferguson police investigated the disappearance of 45-year-old Marcus Broadway, who was last seen in the 1500 block of Dade. However, at 11:45 a.m. on Monday, Oct. 28, 2024, the Ferguson Police and CrimeStoppers announced the man had been found "alive and well." His family had offered a $5,000 reward for information leading to his whereabouts. Broadway, stands 5 feet 8 inches tall and weighs approximately 340 pounds, was last reported wearing a black T-shirt and capri pants. His vehicle, a silver 2018 Kia Sportage, was located in a parking lot at the 9600 block of Vickie in Ferguson. CrimeStoppers thanked the public for their help in the case.

Continue Reading

SPRINGFIELD – In the 2024 youth deer hunting season, which took place from October 12 to 14, Macoupin County led the region with 78 deer harvested, according to preliminary totals released by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. This figure marks a decrease from the previous year when Macoupin County reported 85 deer harvested. Following Macoupin County, Greene County recorded 57 deer harvested, while Madison County saw 47, Jersey County had 39, and Calhoun County reported 38 deer taken during the youth season. In 2023, Greene County had 82 deer harvested, Calhoun 64, Madison 46, and Jersey 36. Overall, youth hunters in Illinois harvested a preliminary total of 4,057 deer during this year's youth season, a decline from the 4,576 deer taken in 2023. Youth hunters who possess an unfilled, valid youth deer permit will have the opportunity to continue hunting during the upcoming first firearm deer season scheduled for November 24-26. The data reflects trends in youth hunting

Continue Reading

RIVERBEND - Riverbender Radio will play a spooky soundtrack from 6 p.m. to midnight on Oct. 30 and 31, 2024, on The Bridge radio station. Listeners can enjoy a mix of Halloween favorites, including music from classic horror films and television shows. David Ollenbittle, who oversees Riverbender Radio, noted that the music comes on just in time for trick-or-treating and the Halloween parades happening around the Riverbend on Oct. 30 and 31. “Halloween in the Riverbend is huge around here, so everybody’s out trick-or-treating, everybody’s out at the parades, everybody’s out having a great time,” he explained. “We just want to help you have the soundtrack and not have to worry about it, and you can go out and just have fun and eat a bunch of candy with your family.” Halloween has always been an important holiday for Riverbender.com since the site launched on Halloween Day in 2005. This year, Riverbender Radio is continuing the tradition

Continue Reading

ALTON - Great Rivers and Routes Tourism Bureau will host its first Craft Beverage Festival to celebrate local craft beverage culture. From 12–4 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024, community members are invited to Old Bakery Beer Company in Alton for a day of sampling beverages and food from across the Riverbend region. Several local craft beverage vendors will be present, as will a few restaurants. “In the Great Rivers and Routes region, there’s amazing wineries, breweries, distilleries, and we even have some nonalcoholic options, too,” said Lindsey Laird, sales manager with Great Rivers and Routes. “This year, it is beer, wine, spirits and nonalcoholic drinks in addition to some really cool food options.” Laird explained that Great Rivers and Routes previously hosted a Craft Beer Festival, but they quickly realized that the area has “a lot more than just craft beer to offer.” This new iteration of the festival will highlight a wide

Continue Reading

EAST ST. LOUIS – The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) announced that lane closures will affect eastbound I-64 from 15th Street to IL 111 starting Tuesday, October 29, 2024, at 7 a.m. and continuing through Friday, November 1, 2024, at 3 p.m., weather permitting. During this period, the right lane will be closed for pavement maintenance, and the adjacent lane will also be closed daily from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. All entrance and exit ramps in the area will remain open, allowing for continued access. IDOT officials indicated that these restrictions are necessary for the maintenance work to improve the roadway. Full access to the lanes will be restored as soon as possible. Motorists are advised to expect delays and to allow extra time for travel through the affected area. To minimize disruptions, IDOT encourages the use of alternate routes when feasible. Drivers are reminded to pay close attention to changing conditions and signs in the work zones, obey posted speed limits,

Continue Reading

As the leaves begin to change color and the air turns crisper, fall invites us to gather with friends and family to celebrate the season. One of the best ways to embrace this cozy time of year is by hosting a fall-themed potluck. This informal gathering allows everyone to contribute their favorite dishes, making it a delightful culinary experience. Whether you’re a seasoned host or a first-timer, here are some practical tips to ensure your fall potluck is a success. Setting the Date and Time Before diving into the culinary details, it’s essential to choose a suitable date and time for your potluck. Consider the following factors: Availability : Check with your potential guests to find a date that works for most. A weekend evening often works best. Weather : Fall weather can be unpredictable. If you plan to host outdoors, have a backup plan in case of rain or chilly temperatures. Time of Day : Afternoon or evening gatherings can influence the type of dishes served.

Continue Reading

Introduction National Make a Difference Day is observed annually on the fourth Saturday of October. This day invites individuals, communities, and organizations to engage in acts of kindness and service to uplift those around them. It serves as a reminder that even small actions can have a significant impact on the lives of others. This article explores the origins of National Make a Difference Day, its significance, and actionable ways to participate in making a difference. Understanding National Make a Difference Day The Origins National Make a Difference Day was founded by the USA Weekend magazine in 1992, with the intent of encouraging volunteerism and community service. The initiative has since gained traction, with millions of Americans participating annually. The day emphasizes the importance of collective effort in addressing societal challenges and enhancing community well-being. Significance of the Day The significance of National Make a Difference Day lies in its focus

Continue Reading

October 28th has been a significant date throughout history, marked by events that have shaped nations, cultures, and societies. We find ourselves in the year 1972, when the first-ever video game, Pong, was released by Atari. This simple yet revolutionary game marked the beginning of the modern video game industry, paving the way for an entertainment medium that would grow into a multi-billion dollar industry. Today, gaming is an integral part of global culture, influencing art, storytelling, and even social interactions. October 28th thus holds a special place in the hearts of gamers and serves as a testament to the innovation and creativity that can emerge from seemingly simple beginnings. On this date in 2009, a significant step was taken toward addressing climate change when the United Nations Climate Change Conference, also known as COP15, was announced to take place in Copenhagen the following year. This conference aimed to create a global agreement on climate change and

Continue Reading

ST. LOUIS, MO. – The powerful and transformative voices of over 30 Latina authors take center stage in Calladitas Rising: Reclaiming Your Power, Strength, and Voice, now available at the Grafton Art Gallery and on Amazon. This deeply personal and inspiring anthology, co-authored by Gabriela Ramírez-Arellano and Esmeralda Aharon, and edited by Jackie Duty, challenges the cultural saying "Calladita te ves más bonita" — “You are prettier when you are quiet” — by amplifying the stories of Latina women who are breaking free from societal limitations and reclaiming their voices. Through heartfelt narratives, each author shares her journey of navigating cultural expectations, gender norms, and systemic inequities, offering insight, wisdom, and practical advice. These stories are more than personal testimonies; they serve as a collective rallying cry for women everywhere to embrace their authentic selves, advocate for their worth, and rise above

Continue Reading