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BUNKER HILL — Illinois State Police are investigating a fatal crash that occurred Tuesday evening, Dec. 9, 2025, at the intersection of Illinois Route 159 and Mansholt Road. According to authorities, ISP Troop 8 responded to a two-vehicle collision at the location. One occupant was pronounced dead at the scene. The ISP stated that the roadway was closed for several hours and reopened at approximately 12:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2025. The Bunker Hill Fire Department, Shipman Fire

ALTON — Lines fell Wednesday morning, Dec. 10, 2025, on College Avenue at Park Avenue in Alton, draping across a van and prompting the closure of all lanes while authorities await Ameren’s response. The incident occurred amid a Wind Advisory issued for Madison County until noon, with forecasted gusts reaching 40 to 50 mph. Such winds are strong enough to bring down tree limbs, topple garbage cans, and displace holiday decorations. A service line and pole that broke caused the

JERSEY COUNTY — Jersey County Sheriff Nick Manns reported that deputies responded to a serious two-car collision Wednesday morning at the intersection of U.S. 67 and Delhi Road. One female involved in the crash was transported by helicopter to a hospital in St. Louis, Manns said. Manns added that a male passenger was taken to Jersey Community Hospital for additional care. The cause of the collision remains under investigation, and no further details were immediately available, Manns said.

GODFREY - The North Alton-Godfrey Business Council recently hosted their Breakfast With Santa event, and NAGBC President Zeke Jabusch couldn’t be prouder of their work. On Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025, community members came together for a hot breakfast and photos with Santa Claus in Godfrey. Jabusch noted his gratitude for the crowd and the people who have made the event happen for the past 21 years. “We’re so pleased to be able to do this,” he said. “This is

RIVERBEND - It’s time to get a jump on those New Year’s resolutions! If you’re feeling the reason for the season and want to help out your community in 2026, keep reading. There are plenty of volunteer opportunities in the Riverbend region that might be a great fit for you. Alton Main Street — Alton Alton Main Street organizes several events and programs in downtown Alton. They need volunteers to help at the Alton Farmers Market, Mississippi Earthtones Festival,

ST. CHARLES COUNTY, Mo. — Emergency crews responded Wednesday morning, Dec. 10, 2025, to a water rescue near West Alton after a boat overturned on the Mississippi River, authorities said. The incident occurred near the Lincoln Shields Recreation Area, north of the Clark Bridge. St. Charles County requested assistance from the Missouri State Highway Patrol following reports that two duck hunters were in the overturned boat. Officials confirmed that both individuals were safely out of the

When people talk about mental health, the conversation often turns toward children, teens, or women seeking support. While these are crucial discussions, one group continues to fall through the cracks-men. For generations, men were raised to hide pain, suppress emotions, and “tough it out.” Today, the result of that culture shows up in statistics that are difficult to ignore. Men are less likely to seek help for mental health challenges, yet more likely to die from suicide. They

Expect a breezy and cool day with a high near 42 and a low around 25. Winds will blow from the northwest at 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 50 mph, making it feel colder than the actual temperature. There's a chance of light snow flurries today, so keep your jacket handy. This morning will start mostly cloudy with light flurries possible. As you move into the afternoon, the wind picks up and temperatures remain cool, making it feel more like 30 degrees. The evening brings mostly cloudy skies with

GLEN CARBON – Glen Carbon trustees voted on Tuesday to sharply raise the fines for construction work completed without proper permits or inspections amid rising reports of non-compliant construction. The village’s current fine of $50 per “Failure to Obtain a Permit” violation will increase to a minimum of $500 per violation under the newly passed resolution. Each day a violation continues will be fined as a separate offense. According to Erika Heil, the village’s

EDWARDSVILLE - Madison County Deputy Ja'Markus Gary graduated from the Southwestern Illinois College Police Academy, Session 157, and will begin his field training with the Patrol Division, the Madison County Sheriff’s Office announced Monday, Dec. 8, 2025. Deputy Gary, a former McKendree University football player and 2022-23 Academic All-Great Lakes Valley Conference honoree, completed the academy program and is set to contribute to the department’s law enforcement efforts.

RIVERBEND - Do you love decorating for the holidays? Do you want to win $250 cash and more? RiverBender.com , Raging Rivers WaterPark , and Shivers Frozen Custard are thrilled to announce this year’s Holiday Lights Contest. Submit a photo of your holiday lights, inside or out, to be entered to win big this holiday season! One grand prize winner will receive $250 cash, plus Raging Rivers WaterPark 2026 Season Passes for a Family of 4, and Free Shivers Coffee and Custard for a Year (limitations

GODFREY - At the recent Breakfast With Santa event, Godfrey Mayor Mike McCormick reflected on a great year in Godfrey. On Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025, community members gathered for the 21st annual Breakfast With Santa event, sponsored by the North Alton-Godfrey Business Council. McCormick, a former business owner, emphasized the importance of groups like NAGBC and their efforts to support the community through events like this. “Anybody that has small kids that did not come to Breakfast

GODFREY - As the Alton and Godfrey communities prepare to celebrate the holidays, one North Alton-Godfrey Business Council member is reflecting on the year. On Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025, NAGBC hosted their annual Breakfast With Santa event to bring families together for a meal with Santa Claus. Gerard Fischer, a Village of Godfrey trustee and member of NAGBC, expressed his excitement to be a part of the event. “It’s great to see the community come together,” he said. “Wha

GODFREY - Magician John Johnson recently performed at the North Alton-Godfrey Business Council’s annual Breakfast With Santa event. On Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025, NAGBC hosted the Breakfast With Santa event to spread holiday cheer and bring families together. Johnson served as the event’s main entertainer, and he noted his excitement to perform in front of the many families who were in attendance. “It’s a family event,” he explained. “I love just seeing the

EDWARDSVILLE – The holiday season is filled with celebrations. To help make sure those celebrations don’t end in tragedy, the Edwardsville Police Department is joining law enforcement agencies across Illinois in a major traffic safety effort. From Friday, December 12 through Monday, January 5, our officers will take part in the statewide “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over,” “Drive High. Get a DUI.” and “Click It or Ticket” campaigns. These supplemental

ST. LOUIS – The 2025 Take Flight Forum, hosted by Bi-State Development’s St. Louis Regional Freightway, brought together aviation leaders, educators, and students to explore the region’s dynamic aerospace ecosystem and the expanding opportunities for youth in aviation and STEM careers. The event, themed “STEM to Sky!,” featured a compelling panel discussion with Dr. Jennifer Kephart, Superintendent of the School District of Washington, Missouri, and Yolandea Wood,

ALTON - Chestnut Health Systems is providing free NARCAN® and training sessions on how and when to use the opioid overdose reversal medication. The virtual training, conducted via Zoom, allows participants to attend anonymously from their homes. The sessions are designed to be user-friendly, easy to follow, and engaging, with no tests or quizzes involved. Trainings are held every third Thursday of the month at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., with the next scheduled session on Dec. 18, 2025. In addition

CHICAGO – Attorney General Kwame Raoul charged a Virden man for allegedly disseminating child sexual abuse material. The case is part of Raoul’s ongoing work, in collaboration with federal law enforcement agencies and local law enforcement officials throughout Illinois, to apprehend offenders who download and trade child sexual abuse material online. The Attorney General’s office charged Jacob D. Monty, 28, in Macoupin County Circuit Court with two counts of dissemination

MONDAY, DECEMBER 8 PLAY IT AGAIN SPORTS ROUNDUP GIRLS BASKETBALL MARQUETTE CATHOLIC 44, ALTHOFF CATHOLIC 32: Marquette Catholic rallied from an 18-7 first-quarter deficit to tie O'Fallon 30-30 at halftime, then outscored the Panthers in the second half 34-27 to take the win at the Marquette Family Arena. Laila Davis had 19 points for Marquette, Allie Weiner had seven points, while Jami Jones and Delaney Ortman added six points apiece. Caylee Rhoades had two points and Chayse Strickland

GRANITE CITY – Madison County court filings shed new light on a pending child pornography case involving a Granite City woman linked to a Kik account that shared Child Sexual Abuse Material. Alice Pierce, 28, of Granite City, was charged on Nov. 26, 2025 with four Class X felony counts of child pornography after two cybertips from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) to the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (ICAC) prompted an investigation by the Madiso