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SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is observing Lead Poisoning Prevention Week, October 19-25, and reminding all parents and caregivers of young children to be aware of risk factors for lead poisoning and how to prevent it. IDPH has been steadily expanding the state’s testing regimen for lead exposure in children, gradually increasing the number of high-risk ZIP codes where blood testing is required, as the state moves toward universal lead testing in 2026. Additionally, Illinois has adopted a more stringent standard, which requires medical intervention for tests that show a confirmed blood lead level of 3.5 micrograms per deciliter (µg/dL). In those cases, a home inspection is conducted to determine the source of the lead contamination. If lead is found, the inspector works with the homeowner to remove the sources of lead. In addition, a public health nurse will contact the family about ways to protect children from the harmful effects

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CHICAGO – The Illinois Department of Insurance (IDOI) is calling on insurance companies to provide relief to policyholders who are experiencing financial hardship during the federal government shutdown (CB 2025-17), in an effort to ensure that Illinoisans do not lose insurance coverage. “The lapse in federal appropriations since October 1, impacts more than 153,000 Illinoisans who are employees of the federal government,” said IDOI Director Ann Gillespie. “These consumers should not have the added burden of losing insurance coverage because they are not being paid and cannot pay their auto or homeowners insurance premiums.” The Department is urging all insurers to immediately consider implementing protective measures for their policyholders who are federal employees. 1. Moratorium on cancellations. Insurers should seek to postpone or withdraw any previous notice of cancellation or nonrenewal in which the cancellation or nonrenewal occurs on o

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GODFREY – Godfrey trustees are considering an ordinance which would establish a new way to limit the number of video gaming licenses in the village. For any business in Illinois to legally operate video gaming terminals (except for truck stops), they must first obtain a liquor license . Trustee Sarah Woodman said she suspects many of the businesses who have applied for liquor licenses in Godfrey have only done so to get approval for video gaming. Under the village’s current ordinance, if an establishment with a liquor and/or video gaming license goes out of business, that license could potentially be transferred to another entity as the number of licenses allowed in Godfrey would remain the same. This new ordinance would prevent that from happening by decreasing the number of liquor licenses allowed in the village by one each time such a licensed establishment goes out of business. The 21 Godfrey businesses which currently offer video gaming will be allowed to continue

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ALTON - Cloverleaf Golf Course will host a two-man scramble with over $5,000 available in prizes. On Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025, golfers of all skill levels can join the scramble for the chance to win and enjoy a day on America’s oldest family-owned and operated golf course. Located at 3555 Fosterburg Road in Alton, Cloverleaf Golf Course is known for its “rich history” and fun environment for events, charity scrambles, and days of golfing, explained Kim. “This is just one that we wrap up the year with and we have a lot of fun with it, so we’re very excited,” Kim said of the Nov. 1 scramble. “It’s always a good time. We want you to get lucky. We want you to bring your dream team.” Up to 72 teams will compete in flights on Nov. 1. There is a shotgun start at 10 a.m. Entry costs $160 per team and includes lunch, a practice round, and an additional walking round in addition to the scramble’s 18 holes. There are also several

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ALTON – A man from Godfrey faces multiple felonies after allegedly sexually abusing a nun at a convent in Alton. Logan J. Strack, 22, of Godfrey, was charged on Oct. 21, 2025, with a Class 3 felony count of aggravated battery and a Class 4 felony count of criminal sexual abuse. On Oct. 18, 2025, Strack allegedly entered the Sisters of Saint Francis Convent in Alton and forcibly grabbed the victim’s clothed breasts without her consent. A petition to deny Strack’s pretrial release from custody was filed by the Madison County State’s Attorney’s Office. According to the petition, the victim was “a nun at the Convent.” The petition states Strack entered the Convent through an unlocked side door at approximately 8:45 p.m. on Oct. 18, 2025. He had previously tried entering through the front door, but after finding it was locked, he reportedly began checking other doors until finding the unlocked side door. “Upon entering the building, he

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MADISON – The Illinois Department of Transportation today announced that road repairs on Illinois 203 between Collinsville Road and the Madison County line in St. Clair County will require daily lane closures beginning, weather permitting, Monday, Oct. 27. The closures will affect both northbound and southbound lanes. 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. The project is expected to be completed in summer 2026. For IDOT District 8 updates, follow us on Twitter at @IDOTDistrict8 or view area construction details on IDOT’s traveler information map on GettingAroundIllinois.com.

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EAST ALTON/WOOD RIVER - The Riverbend East Rotary will host their Pints 4 Polio bar crawl to continue their efforts to eradicate polio. From 5–10 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 23, 2025, community members can stop by five bars in East Alton and Wood River to enjoy food and drink specials while raising money for the Rotary International mission to eradicate polio worldwide. Participating venues include Don’s No Man Land, Joe’s Pizza and Pasta in East Alton, The Airliner Bar & Grill, The Franchise Sports Bar and Grill, and The Refinery Bar & Grill. “This is going to be such a big event for us,” said Mark Smith, president of Riverbend East Rotary. “It’s our big polio push right now. Friday is actually World Polio Day.” Tickets cost $30 and you can purchase tickets online or register at participating venues on Oct. 23. A ticket includes a souvenir pint glass, four beer tickets, and a punch card. If you stamp your punch card at all five

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COLLINSVILLE - Caseyville Road near Collinsville High School will be closed to through traffic from Monday, October 27, 2025, through Friday, October 31, 2025, to accommodate water main work connected to the construction of the new Collinsville Area Vocational Center, officials with Collinsville Community Unit School District #10 announced. The closure affects the area near Collinsville High School in Kahok Community. During this period, drivers are advised to use detours via Illinois 157 and St. Louis Road and to allow extra travel time. The work is part of ongoing efforts to build the Collinsville Area Vocational Center, aimed at expanding career and technical education opportunities for students.

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SPRINGFIELD - Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias issued a stern warning to federal ICE agents that swapping or altering license plates is illegal and will not be tolerated in Illinois. Giannoulias is also asking for the public’s help and created a Plate Watch Hotline to allow people to report instances of license plate tampering. Giannoulias stressed that it’s illegal for anyone to switch or modify license plates on Illinois vehicles. The warning comes amid reports that Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents are flipping and modifying state-issued license plates on vehicles to carry out their military-style deportation efforts. In a video circulating on social media, an ICE agent is recorded telling a bystander filming their vehicle’s license plate that: “You can record all you want. We change the plates out every day.” “Swapping out license plates or tampering with them to avoid or conceal detection is illegal, unsafe and will not be tolerated

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ALTON - Community members and nonprofit leaders gathered for the 13th annual Domestic Violence Memorial Service to honor local victims of abuse. On Tuesday, Oct. 21, 2025, Alton Memorial Hospital hosted the annual service, which included several guest speakers and music by Great Rivers Choral Society. This year, the memorial service remembered Jarred Hayes, Kiya Holt-Biggs, Portia Rowland and Charles “Chuck” Parrino. “We don’t want this to happen to anyone else,” said Deputy Chief Marcos Pulido with the Madison County Sheriff’s Office. “In Madison County, we definitely still stand at the forefront of our commitment to doing our best to try to protect everyone, but more importantly, we’re also going to remember our victims.” Pastors Joyce Elliott and Bill Pyatt provided the opening prayer. Mary Cordes, Board President of Oasis Women’s Center, read the names of the victims, while Daniel Irvin struck a Tibetan prayer bowl

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CARLINVILLE – Carlinville will host a Community Blood Drive with ImpactLife, the provider of blood components for local hospitals. The blood drive will be from 12 to 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2025 at 201 W. Main St., inside Elks Lodge. What: Carlinville Community Blood Drive-Sponsored by SS Mary & Joseph Catholic Church When: Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2025, 12 to 5 p.m. Where: Elks Lodge, 201 W. Main St., Carlinville, IL Appointments: To donate, please contact ImpactLife Springfield at (800) 747-5401 or visit www.bloodcenter.org and use code 60045 to locate the drive. Appointments are requested. 2801 South 10th Street | Springfield, Illinois | (217) 753-1530 Donor Eligibility Criteria: Potential donors must be at least 17 years of age (16 with parental permission form available through www.bloodcenter.org ) and weigh more than 110 pounds. A photo I.D. is required to donate. For questions about eligibility, please call ImpactLife at (800) 747-5401. Donors who last

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Bill Kinkel with Genesis Wealth Management Group recommends focusing first on controllables—risk, allocation, spending, and timing—then pursue returns with discipline. Markets move the headlines, but the most durable progress rarely starts with a ticker—it starts with a plan. While investment returns matter, many households fixate on performance first and postpone the work that actually makes performance useful: building a detailed, resilient financial plan . Constructed correctly, a plan provides clarity and confidence, and it leaves room to adjust goals—like retirement dates—without losing direction. Start with what you can control Risk done right: establish both risk tolerance (feelings) and risk capacity (financial ability to absorb risk) before chasing returns. Purpose-built allocation: align asset allocation and rebalancing with goals and timelines—not headlines. Cash-flow discipline: set a spending policy and savings

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Did you know that incorporating just one cup of cooked squash into your daily diet can provide over 100% of your recommended daily intake of vitamin A? Despite its humble appearance and often overlooked status, squash is a nutritional powerhouse with a myriad of health benefits. From supporting eye health to enhancing immune function and promoting digestion, squash offers a versatile and nutrient-dense addition to any diet. Nutrient-Rich Profile: A Foundation for Health Squash belongs to the Cucurbitaceae family and includes a variety of types such as butternut, acorn, spaghetti, and zucchini. Regardless of type, squash is packed with essential vitamins and minerals. It is particularly rich in vitamin A (in the form of beta-carotene), vitamin C, potassium, magnesium, and dietary fiber. Vitamin A is crucial for maintaining healthy vision, immune system efficiency, and skin health. Beta-carotene, an antioxidant found in orange and yellow squash varieties, neutralizes free radicals that

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October 22 has been a date marked by a wide array of significant events that have shaped the course of history across the globe. One of the most impactful events occurred in 1962, during the height of the Cold War, when President John F. Kennedy addressed the nation about the discovery of Soviet ballistic missiles in Cuba. This moment, known as the Cuban Missile Crisis, placed the world on the brink of nuclear war and ultimately led to a tense 13-day standoff between the United States and the Soviet Union. Kennedy's televised speech on October 22, 1962, revealed the existence of these missiles and announced a naval blockade around Cuba to prevent further Soviet shipments. This decisive action and the subsequent negotiations helped avert a potential nuclear catastrophe and remain a defining moment in global diplomacy. Traveling back to 1797, October 22 marks the day when the French explorer and naturalist Nicolas Baudin set sail from France on an expedition to map the coast of Australia.

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The River Bend area can expect a sunny and breezy day with a high near 63 and a low around 37. Winds will be WNW at 14 mph with gusts up to 29 mph. It will feel a bit cooler, with the highs feeling around 61 and the lows feeling like 34. This morning starts clear and cool, warming up to a bright and breezy afternoon. The sun will shine for nearly 11 hours, making it a great day to be outside. Winds will pick up in the afternoon and evening, adding some movement to the cooler air. Overnight, skies remain clear and chilly with temperatures dropping to near 37. Mold levels are moderate, so those with allergies might want to take some precautions. Tomorrow brings plenty of sunshine again with a high near 61 and a low around 35, keeping it cool but pleasant. Stay on top of changing conditions by checking live updates at RiverBender.com/weather .

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GODFREY – Godfrey officially has rules on the books concerning the use of speed bumps and humps to mitigate speeding throughout the village. Village Board members unanimously approved a policy for speed bumps/humps at Tuesday’s meeting. The policy, written by Village Engineer Rich Beran, remained unchanged from earlier this month when trustees voted to table the item. Only certain streets are eligible for speed bumps/humps under the new policy. These include “residential streets functionally classified as local streets with block lengths and geometries appropriate for bumps/humps.” Streets with frequent bus routes, truck routes, transit routes, or average daily traffic counts above 1,500 are not eligible. The new policy allows residents to submit a request to have a speed bump/hump installed on their street. Any resident-initiated request for installation requires a petition signed by at least 60% of households on the affected block(s) directly adjacent

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ALTON - The Alton Owl’s Club will host their annual Fall Festival. Planned for Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025, the Fall Festival promises an evening of food, live music, raffles and plenty of fun. The barbecue porksteak meal will be served at 6 p.m. and City Heat Band will play from 8 p.m. to midnight. Tim Borman, festival organizer, encourages people to come out and see what the Alton Owl’s Club is all about. “It’s about community. It’s about camaraderie,” Borman said. “It’s our annual fall party. It’s barbecue, live music, dancing, good food, cheap drinks, raffles.” Entry costs $15 per person or $20 per couple. Attendees can enjoy door prizes, cash raffles, and the Owl’s Club “bag raffle,” where you can place a raffle ticket in a paper bag to denote which item you want to win. There are chances to win cash prizes of $500, $250 or $100. Borman said they are still taking donations from local businesses

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RIVERBEND - Local author Tori Ross is known for her romantic comedies, and her newest book is no exception. Released on Oct. 21, 2025, “The Sole Scheme” tells the story of Chantel, a down-on-her-luck woman who decides to sell pictures of her feet online. But things heat up when her boss, Jerico, discovers her secret. Ross describes the story as “a slow burn,” with tropes like grumpy/sunshine that are sure to satisfy any romcom reader. She noted that her success has come as a surprise, but she loves to write these steamy books. “If you would’ve told me I was going to do this five years ago, I would have punched you in the face,” she laughed. “I did not think this would happen.” Ross joked that the book is “almost a raunch-com,” with a raunchy sense of humor and plenty of steaminess. She loves writing romance novels and, true to the genre, always makes sure her characters have a happy ending. “This i

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JERSEY COUNTY - The Jersey County Sheriff's Office held its inaugural shooting competition last week to evaluate the marksmanship skills of its personnel. The event took place at the department’s training facility and featured three handgun events designed to challenge participants’ proficiency. The competition included the JCSO Combat Badge Shoot, created by Deputy Caleb Gibson; the newly established JCSO Qualification course; and the FBI Bullseye Course of Fire. These events were combined into a fast-paced contest that tested the abilities of the officers and correctional staff who chose to compete. The competition was organized to honor Deputy Caleb Gibson, the office’s primary firearms instructor, whose expertise and instruction were instrumental in developing the skills of the participants. The top prize, the "Caleb Gibson Top Shot Award," was named after him in recognition of his marksmanship and teaching. After rigorous competition, Deputy Travis Trisler

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ALTON — Claude Elijah Hendricks, 21, of Berkeley, Missouri, has been charged with multiple felonies following a home invasion at a residence on Highland Avenue in Alton. At approximately 8:39 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 19, 2025, Alton Police responded to a report of a male armed with a firearm at a home in the 800 block of Highland Avenue. Officers arrived to find the suspect had fled the scene. While searching the area, the suspect returned and unlawfully entered the residence while occupants were inside. Officers established a perimeter, but Hendricks exited the home and fled on foot. A coordinated search involving the Alton Police Department and several neighboring law enforcement agencies resulted in his arrest without further incident. A firearm believed to be in Hendricks’ possession was recovered near the residence. Following an investigation, Madison County State’s Attorney Tom Haine charged Hendricks with home invasion, aggravated unlawful restraint, aggravated

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