Riverbender 🕸

GODFREY - During the Godfrey Village Board of Trustees meeting on Sept. 2, 2025, the trustees honored Jeff Weber with this month’s Good Neighbor Award. Weber expressed his appreciation for the recognition and emphasized that the experience of giving back has been “a real pleasure.” He shared his gratitude for the Riverbend region. “You’ve got to give back to the community that allows you to make a living and get along with everybody else here and whatnot,” Weber said. “That’s the main thing, just giving back to the community that’s been so good to me and my family and my wife. That’s the whole point. Weber previously served four terms on the Godfrey Village Board of Trustees. He has made a name for himself in the community as a former president of the Alton Community Unit School District #11 Board of Education, Junior Achievement of Illinois, and the Nelson Foundation, in addition to serving on many boards and volunteering

Continue Reading

CHICAGO – Attorney General Kwame Raoul today joined a multistate coalition of 20 attorneys general in filing an amicus brief opposing a new federal policy that mandates indefinite detention of many undocumented immigrants without the opportunity for a bond hearing. In the brief filed in Bautista v. Noem , Raoul and the coalition challenge the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) unprecedented reinterpretation of immigration law, arguing it violates due process and federal statutes, and inflicts widespread harm on families, communities and state economies. “Undocumented immigrants have significantly contributed to our economy for years. This new federal policy mandating indefinite detention without an option of a bond hearing will disrupt our labor force while wasting taxpayer dollars and harming families,” Raoul said. “I will continue to work with my fellow attorneys general protecting the rights of immigrants and their families.” For

Continue Reading

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Labor (IDOL) strongly condemns actions by the Trump administration to roll back federal minimum wage and overtime protections for millions of home health care workers. “These reckless rollbacks undermine the economic security of working families across the country,” said IDOL Director Jane Flanagan. “While Illinois has robust minimum wage and overtime protections for home health care workers, if the proposed rule is adopted, it will create inconsistency and confusion across the country. As the federal government weakens worker protections, IDOL is committed to protecting and promoting the wages of all workers in Illinois.” On September 2, 2025, Illinois joined Pennsylvania and states across the country in formally opposing the U.S. Department of Labor’s Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, Application of the Fair Labor Standards Act to Domestic Service. The Trump administration’s efforts to change federal

Continue Reading

WATERLOO, Ill. — Charges have been filed in connection with the fatal shooting of 14-year-old Emma Schultheis, who died after being struck by a bullet on July 21, 2025, according to the Monroe County Sheriff’s Department. At approximately 1:34 p.m. on that day, deputies and emergency medical personnel responded to a medical emergency at 5925 State Route 3 in Waterloo, Illinois. Emma Schultheis of Prairie Du Rocher was transported to a hospital in the St. Louis area, where she was pronounced dead despite life-saving efforts. An investigation determined that the shooting resulted from David A. Schultheis, 34, of Prairie Du Rocher, discharging a handgun in an attempt to shoot a buzzard inside a brick building. Schultheis reportedly inserted only his arm into the building to avoid a ricochet before firing. The bullet passed through the bird, exited the building through a window, and struck Emma Schultheis, who was outside. On Sept. 2, 2025, Monroe County State’s

Continue Reading

JERSEYVILLE – The Jerseyville City Council underwent a change in membership on Tuesday. Commissioner of Public Property Zach Crawford submitted his resignation later, which was read by Mayor Kevin Stork at the Sept. 2, 2025 City Council meeting. “Serving as a council member has been one of the greatest honors of my life, and choosing to step away from this role is not an easy decision,” Crawford wrote in his resignation letter. “When I first took the seat, I promised myself that I would carry the voice of our community in every discussion, every vote, and every project. “I am proud of what we have accomplished together, from revitalizing spaces like Lions Club Park, supporting our city’s growth, and ensuring that Jerseyville continues to be a place where families want to live, work, and belong.” Crawford was first elected to the City Council in 2019 after filling a prior vacancy for Public Property Commissioner left by former council

Continue Reading

ALTON - Alton Community Unit School District #11 is implementing new internship and vocational training opportunities for its students. Superintendent Elaine Kane outlined plans for a new internship program that will allow students to get experience outside of the classroom. She emphasized the importance of giving students these opportunities wherever possible. “Our goal is to help students develop the skills that lead them to any opportunity they want to pursue when they graduate,” she explained. “We’re thinking about preparing our graduates. One of the things that we need to do more intentionally is create opportunities outside of the school walls.” Developed in partnership with the Alton Educational Foundation, this internship program will collaborate with local employers so students can spend 60 hours a semester in their place of work. The application process will take place during the fall semester, and the students will intern during the

Continue Reading

ALTON - Alton Community Unit School District #11 has chosen to become a phone-free district, and Superintendent Elaine Kane explains what this means and how it impacts student learning and safety. In Spring 2025, the district announced that they would be cell phone-free for the entire instructional day, including during passing periods and lunchtime. Students at the middle and high schools have been issued Yondr pouches, which have magnetic locking mechanisms. They lock their devices in the pouch during the school day and have access to their pouch all day, until dismissal, when the pouches are unlocked. Kane said that while it’s “a big adjustment,” students at both schools have quickly met the new expectations. “Our students have adjusted very quickly and very well,” she said. “We’re really happy about how things are looking and feeling at Alton High School and Alton Middle School.” She added that she has heard from many

Continue Reading

GODFREY – N early 30 new rules and regulations for the Godfrey Dog Park were made official at Tuesday’s Village Board meeting. Trustees unanimously approved an ordinance to establish rules and regulations for the village’s dog park after giving the item a first reading in August. As previously reported on Rivebender.com , the full list of new regulations covers membership terms, guidelines for dogs and dog owners, and more. One of these rules states that “all dog owners/handlers who fail to comply with these rules may be asked to leave the dog park and their privileges revoked.” Additional terms and conditions are included in the Village of Godfrey Dog Park Application , which individuals must fill out and submit to the village for consideration of a membership to use the dog park. The membership fee for village residents is $10, while the non-resident fee is $20. All dog park m embers must be 18 years of age or older, and any

Continue Reading

EAST ST. LOUIS — Officer Elementary School in East St. Louis School District 189 recently celebrated its first year as a community school with a Back2School Block Party. The event was aimed to showcase school pride, strengthen community connections, and honor families within the district. Families and staff gathered at Officer Elementary to participate in a variety of activities, including games, bounce houses, face painting, bubble machines, and a foam party. Attendees also enjoyed food provided during the festivities. More than 30 vendors contributed to the event, which drew enthusiastic participation from school families and staff alike. East St. Louis School District officials expressed gratitude to the staff, families, volunteers, and community partners who helped organize and support the celebration. The Back2School Block Party marked a milestone for Officer Elementary as it continues to build community engagement and foster a supportive environment for students

Continue Reading

SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. — U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin will visit Scott Air Force Base on Friday, Sept. 5, to launch a nationwide program aimed at distributing excess food to reduce waste. The event will take place at 11:30 a.m. in the Base Commissary parking lot. The program represents a collaboration between the EPA and Frey Farms of Illinois, which will provide a truckload of excess watermelon, sweet corn, and watermelon juice to members of the base. The initiative is part of the EPA’s broader effort to address food waste across the country.

Continue Reading

TROY — Troy Police conducted an impaired driving enforcement effort over the Labor Day weekend, resulting in 51 traffic stops, the department announced Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2025. The enforcement campaign, which took place throughout the holiday weekend, led to the issuance of 26 seat-belt citations, including four during nighttime hours. Additional citations and arrests included one arrest of a suspended driver, seven distracted driving citations, six speeding citations, and 10 other citations. “Through the Labor Day safety campaign, we helped make our roads safer and spread the word about the risks of impaired driving — ‘It’s Not a Game,’” Troy Police said in a statement. The effort was part of the statewide initiatives “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over,” “Drive High Get a DUI,” and “Click It or Ticket,” funded by federal highway safety funds administered through the Illinois Department of Transportation.

Continue Reading

HIGHLAND - Highland Fire Department has named firefighter/engineer Ron Staroscsak as the recipient of the 2025 Albert’s Diamond Jewelers Hero Award. Staroscsak was recognized for his leadership and dedication during the department’s recent five-year fire insurance ISO audit. The ISO (Insurance Services Office) rating evaluates a fire department’s ability to respond to fires by assessing training, equipment, and water supply. Maintaining a high ISO rating is crucial as it helps keep insurance premiums lower for both the fire department and the local business community. “His commitment and leadership to the five-year fire insurance ISO audit are invaluable to the fire department and business community we serve,” the Highland Fire Department said in a statement. High ISO ratings are considered a direct reflection of a fire department’s commitment to safety and operational performance. The department’s achievement in this area benefits

Continue Reading

ALTON – Three men from Missouri face felony charges after allegedly teaming up to threaten Alton residents while displaying a firearm and an “air rifle.” Mikevion D. Thompson, 24 , Kayone E. Thompson, 18 , and Jaden L. Davis, 18 , each of Wentzville, Mo., were charged on Aug. 29, 2025 with Class 4 felony counts of mob action. All three individuals allegedly acted together in approaching a residence in the 400 block of Thumper Court in Alton , threaten ing the occupants, and displaying firearms in a threatening manner on Aug. 7, 2025. Charging documents state e ach individual was “thereby part of a group engaged in physical aggression reasonably capable of inspiring fear of injury or harm.” Kayone was additionally charged with two Class 4 felony counts of aggravated unlawful possession of weapons. H e was reportedly in illegal possession of a semi-automatic handgun as a person under 21 years of

Continue Reading

SPRINGFIELD, IL – A remarkable journey has brought a 10-month-old Labrador mix named Ghost to Mobile Training Unit (MTU) 7, where he will serve as a dedicated therapy K9 providing critical emotional support and a calming presence for law enforcement officers across Bureau, LaSalle, Marshall, Peoria, Putnam, Stark, Tazewell and Woodford counties. Ghost's story began in December 2024 when he was found abandoned in Cicero, Illinois, at just two and a half months old, along with his brother. Despite efforts by local animal control, he went unclaimed. His path soon led to a transformative opportunity through the Cook County Sheriff's Office Tails of Redemption program . This life-saving program provides professional dog training through a partnership with incarcerated individuals, giving both dogs and handlers a second chance. Through rigorous training and maintaining a naturally calming, friendly, and intuitive demeanor, Ghost proved to be the perfect candidate for therapy work.

Continue Reading

WASHINGTON, DC — Today, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) released the following statement on President Trump’s recent claims around deploying the National Guard to the City of Chicago. “Every person has the right to feel safe in the community they call home. But deploying the National Guard is not the answer; they are neither trained nor equipped for that role. Not to mention it would be a waste of taxpayer dollars – millions per day. “If the President truly wanted to tackle crime, he would strengthen our local law enforcement by restoring the very funding he himself has cut. Programs like Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) Grants exist to keep neighborhoods safe, yet this administration has stripped them away. At the same time, the Big, Ugly Bill cuts critical support like SNAP and Medicaid, which only fuels greater instability. “Ultimately, the President’s weaponization of the federal government, especially with

Continue Reading

GODFREY, Ill. — Mayor Michael J. McCormick vetoed Ordinance #27-2025, passed during the village board meeting Tuesday night, Sept. 2, 2025, citing concerns about overtaxing residents of Godfrey. In a letter to the Village Trustees, McCormick referenced Illinois statutes 65 ILCS 5/6-4-2 and 65 ILCS 5/3.1-40-35 as the basis for his veto. He emphasized his conservative approach to taxation, stating, “I cannot support something like this” that would impose a 1 percent grocery tax on residents. The ordinance sought to implement a 1 percent tax on groceries, a measure that some communities in the area have been extending. However, McCormick noted that Godfrey previously raised sales taxes on other items instead of groceries, aiming for a fair balance. He expressed confidence that eliminating the grocery tax would not harm village services, as the other sales tax increase would compensate for the lost revenue. “This is the first time I have ever vetoed anything,”

Continue Reading

HARDIN - On August 9, 2025, at approximately 5:38 p.m., the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office responded to a disturbance reported in the 3100 block of Blue Ridge Road in Hardin. Deputies arrived promptly at the residence to investigate and conduct interviews. Following the investigation, Micah J. Hamilton, 44, of Batchtown, was arrested on multiple charges, including home invasion causing injury, domestic battery causing bodily harm, domestic battery involving physical contact, and two counts of criminal damage to property. Hamilton was taken into custody without incident and transported to the Greene County Jail. Authorities have not released further details regarding the incident. All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty. All suspects are innocent until proven guilty.

Continue Reading

ALTON - Calvary Baptist Church and Calvary Christian School are eager for a season of new events and activities. Wade Dobson and Mike Harrelson expressed their excitement for the “fall kickoff” this weekend with their “Home at Calvary” events on Sunday, Sept. 7, 2025. The church plans to resume many of their services and groups this week. Additionally, Calvary Christian School is continuing to grow, and they can’t wait to share their mission. “We’re just really looking forward to kind of kicking back in gear after Labor Day and the official end of summer,” Dobson said. “We’re just very excited with everything that's happening with the school. We just look forward to continuing to grow that.” The fun begins on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025, with Calvary’s monthly men’s breakfast. For $5, men are invited to enjoy breakfast, conversation and testimonies at 8 a.m. on the first Saturday of every month at

Continue Reading

CHICAGO - Today, Governor JB Pritzker hosted a press conference with Mayor Brandon Johnson, Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, Attorney General Kwame Raoul, and Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton to inform the public about Trump’s imminent plans for immigration enforcement and national guard deployments in Chicago and the surrounding region. “None of this is about fighting crime or making Chicago safer. For Trump, it’s about testing his power and producing a political drama to cover up his corruption,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “We are ready to fight troop deployments in court and we will do everything possible to ensure that agents operating inside the confines of this state do so in a legal and ethical manner.” During the press conference, Governor Pritzker emphasized four key pieces of information: ? ? Trump is currently positioning armed federal agents on federal property in the Chicago region; ? Trump will send unidentified

Continue Reading

Did you know that incorporating just a few seasonal fruits and vegetables into your diet can significantly improve nutrient intake and support your immune system? Eating foods at their peak not only enhances flavor but also maximizes the health benefits they offer. Autumn, often overlooked as a season for fresh produce, actually presents a unique array of nutrient-dense foods that can bolster well-being in profound ways. Nutritional Powerhouses of Autumn Autumn’s harvest is rich in a variety of fruits and vegetables that are packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Root vegetables like sweet potatoes, carrots, and beets are high in fiber and beta-carotene, a precursor to vitamin A. This nutrient is crucial for maintaining healthy skin, vision, and immune function. Pumpkins and squashes, iconic to the season, provide an abundance of vitamin C and potassium. Vitamin C supports immune defense and collagen production, while potassium helps regulate blood pressure

Continue Reading