VANDALIA — The community of Vandalia is rallying around the family of Kylie Marie Toberman, a 14-year-old Vandalia resident whose life ended on Nov. 14, 2025. Authorities have charged Arnold B. Rivera with two counts of first-degree murder in the death of the 14-year-old. The case has left the community mourning the loss of a young girl described by family as bright, caring, and talented. Kylie, known for her inclusive nature and loyalty to friends and family, was also an accomplished
CAHOKIA HEIGHTS - Touchette Regional Hospital has expanded its medical team with the addition of urologist Peter Minich, MD, and orthopedic surgeon Anthony Hollins, MD, increasing patient access to specialty care in the Metro East region. The addition of these two specialists enhances the hospital’s urology and orthopedic services, allowing more patients to receive high-quality, compassionate care close to home. “Our goal is to provide as many patients as possible with the compassionate,
ST. LOUIS COUNTY - St. Louis County police have identified Gregory Hickman, 51, of St. Louis, as the victim in a homicide investigation on Bellefontaine Road on Nov. 15, 2025. Officers from the North County Precinct responded to a ShotSpotter activation at 2:06 a.m. on November 15 in the 12100 block of Bellefontaine Road. Upon arrival, they found Hickman deceased from at least one gunshot wound. The incident remains under active investigation. Detectives with the Bureau of Crimes Against Person
GRANITE CITY - The Historic Route 66 Flea Market encourages community members to come out and see everything they have to offer. Located at 3121 West Chain of Rocks Road in Granite City, the flea market is open from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. They share space with The Route 66 Diner and The Kickstand Bar. Jules, the office manager, explained that The Historic Route 66 Flea Market is a great space for people to shop. “The Historic Route 66 Flea Market is a destination
JERSEY — Three teachers from Jersey Community High School attended the Illinois Statewide Transition Conference to enhance their efforts in preparing students for life after graduation. Natalie Zedolek, Shelby Eisler, and Marti Hansen participated in the event with the goal of gaining new strategies to support their students’ transitions. The conference provided the educators with fresh ideas, which they have already begun implementing in their classrooms. The Jersey teachers are
EAST ST. LOUIS — A St. Peters, Mo., man was sentenced to nearly 16 years in federal prison after admitting to kidnapping his pregnant girlfriend at gunpoint and forcing her to obtain an abortion in Fairview Heights, Illinois. Kevin L. Smith, 42, pleaded guilty to one count of kidnapping and was sentenced Oct. 1, 2025, to 188 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release. The case stemmed from an incident on Dec. 7, 2022, when Smith allegedly abducted his girlfriend
ALTON - Alton Elite Jiu-Jitsu recently celebrated their grand opening, and owner Adam Marburger can’t wait to see what happens next. On Friday, Nov. 14, 2025, community members came together for the business’s grand opening party. Marburger expressed his excitement for the relocation to 2716 Corner Court in Alton and the rebranding as Alton Elite, noting that they will continue to do their work to uplift and empower community members. “We’re going to continue to innovate
VANDALIA – An investigation by Illinois State Police (ISP) Division of Criminal Investigation Special Agents resulted in charges against 43-year-old Arnold B. Rivera of Vandalia, in connection with the death of 14-year-old Kylie M. Toberman of Vandalia. On November 14, 2025, Vandalia Police Officers found the body of Toberman inside a residence in 1100 block of West Gallatin Street in Vandalia and requested assistance from ISP and the Illinois Child Death Investigation Task Force. An extensive
BRIGHTON — A Jerseyville man with a lengthy criminal record faces multiple new charges following an incident involving a Brighton Police officer on Nov. 11, 2025. Michael A. Malloy, 45, was charged Nov. 12, 2025, with one count of aggravated battery to a peace officer, a Class 2 felony. The charge stems from allegations that Malloy pushed and struggled with the officer during the encounter. The following day, Nov. 13, Malloy was charged in Jersey County with aggravated stalking, a Class
GRANITE CITY – Granite City Community Unit School District #9 is proud to announce that three students were recognized by the Madison County Green Schools Program as winners in the 2025 America Recycles Day Poster Contest. The honorees include Jace Boyer of Wilson Elementary School (K–2 Division, 3rd Place), Katelynn Taylor of Maryville Elementary School (3rd–5th Grade Division, 1st Place), and Taylor Thomas of Coolidge Junior High School (6th–8th Grade Division,
ROYAL LAKES - Eugene Arnold, 62, of Royal Lakes, was charged with Aggravated Battery Using a Deadly Weapon. On Tuesday, November 11, 2025, Arnold agglegdly drove and struck the victim with his vehicle, causing the victim to fall to the ground and receive an injury. The Macoupin County Sheriff's Department presented the case. Macoupin County Sheriff’s Office records indicate Arnold was released from custody and was given conditions for his pre-trial release. All individuals charged
ST. LOUIS — The American Red Cross encourages donors to Level Up their impact by giving blood or platelets this November. The last two months of the year can be a challenge?for many donors trying to juggle regular donation appointments with packed schedules full of seasonal activities and holiday planning. Donors of all blood types - especially those with types O negative, O positive and B negative blood and those giving platelets - are urged to make an appointment to donate now. We’re
BETHALTO - Enjoy a day of great food and help local families keep food on their table. Roma’s Pizza restaurant is hosting a “Dine to Donate” fundraiser to benefit Operation Blessing on Wednesday, November 26, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Mention Operation Blessing when you place your order for any menu items and Operation Blessing earns a percentage of sales. Roma’s Pizza is located at 121 E. Bethalto Dr. in Bethalto, IL. Begin your Thanksgiving celebration with
ALTON – For the fourth consecutive time in the past 24 months, a Metro East hospital with a 100-year health care ministry in the Riverbend region is celebrating national distinction for achievements in prioritizing patient safety by protecting patients from preventable harm and errors. OSF HealthCare Saint Anthony’s Health Center again has earned an “A” Hospital Safety Grade from The Leapfrog Group, a national nonprofit watchdog, for the Fall 2025 reporting
GODFREY – LaMay’s Catering and Monte World, along with a network of local partners, will host their annual free Thanksgiving Community Dinner, Tuesday, Nov. 25, at Lewis and Clark Community College. “This year, we’re excited to introduce expanded initiatives to support seniors, individuals in need, and now, local college students who may be facing food insecurity during the holiday season,” said Jason Harrison, co-owner of LaMay’s Catering. The free event
BETHALTO - The Bethalto Police Department has welcomed Officer Elijah Dannenbrink to its ranks, the department announced recently. Dannenbrink joins the Bethalto force with two and a half years of experience from the Gillespie Police Department. The department expressed enthusiasm about his addition and the contributions he is expected to make to the community.
ALTON - Oasis Women’s Center has a new executive director. Following long-time director Margarette Trushel’s passing in June, the center has hired Jenna Giess to fill the role. Giess currently works at Hope Haven in Kansas City and is looking forward to continuing the mission to end domestic violence and support survivors. “I saw what they were doing at Oasis and it was so magical,” Giess shared. “This is a mission I can stand behind.” Giess, originally
SPRINGFIELD - Catholic Charities, Diocese of Springfield in Illinois, recently received 4,211 pounds of food from Catholic Charities USA (CCUSA). CCUSA has a mission “to provide service to people, families and communities in need , to advocate for justice in social structures.” They support a national network of local Catholic Charities agencies committed to encountering those along the margins, regardless of their faith. Catholic Charities, Diocese of Springfield in Illinois ha
JERSEYVILLE – A Jerseyville man with multiple prior convictions faces new charges after allegedly threatening the same victim from a prior kidnapping case via phone calls and text messages, then attempting to flee from police. Michael A. Malloy, 45, of Jerseyville, was charged on Nov. 13, 2025 with one count each of aggravated stalking (a Class 3 felony), violation of an Order of Protection, and aggravated fleeing/attempting to elude a peace officer (both Class 4 felonies). From Oct.
GODFREY - It’s about time for PRIDE Beautification to set the Benjamin Godfrey Mansion aglow for its second year. As one of Godfrey’s most treasured landmarks, this mansion has stood for nearly two centuries, and with a few hundred lights and garland, we honor that history with warmth and joy of community. The initial project that began in 2024 was a collaboration of several Alton and Godfrey businesses and organizations wanting to bring a new, festive look to our Welcome to Alton
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