Riverbender 🕸

SPRINGFIELD — After serving the Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) as Deputy Director for five years, Kristi Jones has been appointed acting Assistant Director by Governor JB Pritzker. This new position will require confirmation by the Illinois Senate. “Kristi’s policy knowledge is second to none,” said IDOA Director Jerry Costello II. “I have relied on her leadership and experience as Deputy Director, and without a doubt, she will continue to excel as Assistant

ALTON – Two alleged incidents of battery in public places have resulted in felony charges against Madison County residents. Tremayne L. Brown, 31, of Alton, was charged on Dec. 22, 2025 with a Class 3 felony count of aggravated battery and a Class A misdemeanor count of resisting a peace officer. Brown allegedly caused bodily harm to an individual at the Argosy Casino in Alton by head-butting the victim in the face on Dec. 21, 2025. He is additionally accused of resisting arrest by attempting

EDWARDSVILLE - The Madison County Sheriff’s Office announced the addition of Deputy Parker Waters to its Patrol Division on Monday, Dec. 22, 2025. Deputy Waters will begin his service with several months of training at the police academy, followed by a 12-week Field Training Program. The Sheriff's Office stated it looks forward to the contributions Deputy Waters will make in the future. This step marks the start of his official duties within the department.

CHICAGO – A mortgage loan originator (“MLO”) has received serious sanctions and fines from the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) and 20 additional state financial regulatory agencies that accused him of directing another person to take required education on his behalf and taking the credit for himself. Under the settlement, Patrick Terrance Donlon (NMLS ID 785311), who worked for Trusted American Mortgage LLC (NMLS ID 1329867), is barred fro

EDWARDSVILLE — Mt. Joy Baptist Church is proud to announce its 40th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Program on Monday, January 19, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Mt. Joy Church, 327 Olive Street, Edwardsville, IL. This year’s keynote speaker is Pastor Traci S. Daniels, President of Edwardsville Branch NAACP, Founder and CEO of Visionary Leadership Group, LLC, and a proud member of the Upsilon Phi Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. Pastor Daniels is

WOOD RIVER - Riverbend kids had the opportunity to enjoy a shopping spree with the Alton branch of the NAACP. On Wednesday, Dec. 23, 2025, 25 kids from across the Riverbend region met with NAACP leaders at the Wood River Walmart. Each child was paired with an adult and had $200 to spend however they wanted. NAACP Youth Council President Tori Porter noted the importance of giving kids this opportunity to celebrate the holidays. “We try to help them out, or at least put smiles on the

SAINT LOUIS - When 15-year-old Chase was born, his parents questioned if he’d ever be able to use his hands. In this Christmas season, Chase and his family are so thankful for the miraculous work at Shriner's Children's Hospital in St. Louis that changed his life forever. Chase was born with polydactyly of a triphalangeal thumb (PPD2), a very rare congenital condition that means he had extra digits on his hands and an extra bone in his thumbs. Tess, Chase’s mother, watched all thre

GRANITE CITY – A Granite City man has been charged with residential burglary and theft after allegedly stealing wedding rings and other valuables from an elderly victim’s home. Brian E. Clark, 48, of Granite City, was charged with a Class 1 felony count of residential burglary and a Class 3 felony count of theft on Dec. 16, 2025. Clark allegedly knowingly entered a Granite City residence without authority on May 26, 2024 while intending to commit a theft. He reportedly stole two

CAHOKIA HEIGHTS — A 17-year-old from East St. Louis died in a shooting Tuesday evening, Dec. 23, 2025, in the 100 block of St. James Lane, authorities said. Fontez Forest was shot and later died from his injuries. Cahokia Heights Police homicide detectives are investigating the incident. No further details have been released at this time.

WEST ALTON, Mo. — A fatal crash occurred late Friday night, Dec. 26, 2025, on U.S. 67 north of Missouri 94 in St. Charles County, according to the Missouri Highway Patrol. The incident was reported at 10:10 p.m. Dec. 26, 2025, and involved a 52-year-old male driver operating a 2012 Chevrolet Camaro. Troop C of the Missouri Highway Patrol responded to the scene. The patrol report stated the driver was traveling northbound when he left the right side of the roadway and overturned. Christian

ALTON – Madison County authorities have charged multiple Riverbend residents in separate cases of driving under the influence of alcohol. Joshua M. Lumpkins, 39, of Alton, was charged with two counts of aggravated driving while under the influence, both Class 4 felonies, on Dec. 16, 2025. Lumpkins allegedly drove a Ford Fusion on Highland Avenue in Alton on Aug. 18, 2025 while under the influence of alcohol and while knowing the vehicle was not covered by a liability insurance policy.

EDWARDSVILLE/COLLINSVILLE — The Madison County Republicans kicked off the holiday season with generosity and purpose, launching a baby supply drive in support of ThriVe Metro East Community / Vitality Women’s Clinic during their Christmas Party held at The Outlet by Edison’s in Edwardsville. The Christmas Party welcomed a full house of attendees and marked the official start of the fundraiser, as guests came together to donate much-needed baby supplies for local women and

ALTON — Dylan Dudley has overseen a remarkable transformation of the Alton High School boys basketball program since becoming head coach, leading the Redbirds from struggling seasons to competitive success. The Redbirds appear destined for big success in 2025-2026 under the coach. Dudley said a large part of the turnaround was the dedication of his players, their families, and his assistant coaches. After posting a 4-23 record in the 2021-2022 season and 6-25 in 2022-2023, Alton improved

What if a week-long celebration could serve not just as a festive occasion, but as a guiding philosophy for building stronger communities and fostering personal growth? Kwanzaa, a cultural holiday observed by millions, does exactly that. Often overshadowed by mainstream holidays, Kwanzaa holds profound significance through its foundational principles that resonate far beyond the seven days of celebration. The Origins and Purpose of Kwanzaa Kwanzaa was created in 1966 by Dr. Maulana Karenga,

December 26th has been a date marked by events of profound impact and wide-ranging significance across the globe. From natural disasters that reshaped landscapes and societies to cultural milestones that continue to inspire, this day offers a rich tapestry of history worth exploring. Arguably the most impactful event associated with December 26 occurred in 2004, when a devastating undersea earthquake struck off the western coast of Sumatra, Indonesia. This magnitude 9.1–9.3 earthquake

GRANITE CITY – A local man accused of breaking into a Granite City home and stealing power tools and more valued at over $5,000 faces multiple felony charges. Richard A. Mousette Jr., 52, of Granite City, was charged on Dec. 18, 2025, with one count each of residential burglary (a Class 1 felony) and theft (a Class 3 felony). Mousette allegedly knowingly entered a Granite City residence on Nov. 6, 2025, without authority and with the intent to commit a theft. On the same day, he also

EDWARDSVILLE – Local authorities have charged three individuals in separate but similar felony cases of possession of stolen vehicles. Scott H. Butler, 30, of Shipman, was charged in two separate felony cases of motor vehicle offenses filed on Dec. 16, 2025. Butler was charged in the first case with a Class 2 felony count of offenses related to motor vehicles after allegedly knowingly possessing a stolen 2006 Kawasaki Ninja ZX1000 motorcycle bearing an Illinois registration number on

ALTON – A St. Louis man faces a felony charge after driving in Alton with a fake “PRIVATE” license plate while his driver’s license had been revoked. 43-year-old Howard A. Penn of St. Louis was charged with a Class 2 felony for possession of a stolen title/certificate/license plate and a Class A misdemeanor for driving while his license had been revoked or suspended on Dec. 22, 2025. Penn is accused of knowingly possessing a forged or counterfeit license plate and operating

CAHOKIA HEIGHTS — Police are investigating a shooting early Friday morning, Dec. 26, 2025, at The VIP Club, a nightclub located on the 4700 block of Bond Avenue in Cahokia Heights. Law enforcement agencies from Cahokia Heights, Fairmont City, Sauget, and the Illinois State Police responded to the incident. The Illinois State Police Forensic Services is assisting with the investigation, according to a statement released Friday, Dec. 26, 2025. At least one person may have been shot inside

HAZELWOOD, Mo. - Tony’s Donuts & Cafe’s Hazelwood location suffered significant interior damage from a fire on Christmas Day, Dec. 25, 2025 , prompting the business to temporarily close the affected site while continuing operations at its Maryland Heights location. The fire broke out at the Hazelwood shop, located at 6045 Howdershell Road, according to officials from the Robertson and Hazelwood fire departments, who responded to reports of a commercial structure fire