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ALTON/BETHALTO – Two local residents have been charged in separate cases with driving under the influence, including an Alton man accused of injuring someone in a motor vehicle accident before leaving the scene. Deshon R. Womack, 30, of Alton, was charged on July 30, 2025 with leaving the scene of an accident involving injury (a Class 4 felony) and two counts of driving while under the influence (both Class A misdemeanors). Womack is accused of driving on Piasa Street in Alton while under the influence of alcohol on March 19, 2025. He was reportedly involved in a motor vehicle accident at Piasa and West 3rd Street, which resulted in personal injury to the victim, before unlawfully leaving the scene of the accident. The Alton Police Department presented the case against Womack, who was ordered released from custody. A 61-year-old Bethalto resident was charged in an unrelated case filed on July 31, 2025 with a Class 2 felony count of aggravated driving while under the influence.

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ALTON – The Alton Educational Foundation is pleased to announce that seven individuals will be inducted into the Alton High School Wall of Fame for 2025. This year’s induction class includes: Katie Ammann, Richard Baird, David Elson, David Goins, J. Richard (Dick) Miller, Steve Thompson and Karen Wilson. Baird and Miller are being posthumously inducted. The recipients and their families will be honored on Thursday, August 7 at the Foundation’s “Partners in Education” Luncheon hosted at 11:30 a.m. in the Lewis and Clark Community College Commons. The Alton High Wall of Fame recognizes excellence in a wide array of areas and individuals from any one or more of the following groups: 1) Graduates of Alton High School (must have graduated prior to 2015 for consideration as a Class of 2025 Inductee) AND/OR 2) Retired employees of the Alton School District AND/OR 3) Community members who have achieved excellence in their respective field and/or community

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ALTON - Marquette Catholic’s Brianne Bagwill has emerged as a standout trap shooter since joining the school’s squad. Bagwill is a Tucker's Automotive Repair & Tire Female Athlete of the Month for Marquette after another strong season in 2025. Bagwill, who lives in Godfrey, discovered her interest in shooting after accompanying her family to a gun range. “She went and shot handguns at the range and really liked it,” said her mom and trap coach Abby Bagwill. After learning about Marquette’s trap team, she attended her first practice and has been committed ever since. Brianne has developed a passion for the sport and a strong connection with her team. She is currently exploring colleges that offer trap shooting programs as she prepares to make her choices for her future outside Marquette Catholic High School. Marquette Catholic has expressed strong support for Bagwill’s involvement on the team, highlighting her dedication and contributions. As she

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ALTON - Halpin Music can help all aspiring musicians find the instruments they need. As the school year starts up, Halpin’s instrument rentals will become even more popular among students, parents and music teachers. With different rent-to-own options, these rentals are a great way to help your hopeful instrumentalist be successful. “Our rental program is really the product of all of those years and refining the program to make it the absolute best for not only the student, but the parents and the music educator as well,” said Mark with Halpin. The instrument rentals are divided into three tiers. Group A — flutes, clarinets, trumpets, trombones, snare kits, percussion/bell kits, violins and violas — cost $35 per month or $216 per school year. Group B — alto saxes, single French horns, cellos, oboes, combo percussion/snare kits, student baritones — cost $55 per month or $360 per school year. Group C — tenor saxes, double French

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ALTON – Madison County prosecutors plan to present evidence and testimony showing a dispute between rival gang members lead to the 2024 fatal shooting of 13-year-old Ra'Niya Steward of Alton . Two aspiring gang members are accused of carrying out the shooting to “earn their stripes” and membership into the Alton-based “Little Mexico” gang. Five individuals have been charged in connection to Steward’s murder: Keith A. Sanders, Vito Crowder, Alvin Perry III, Dakota Perry, and Raysean Colvin. Colvin pleaded guilty last month to first degree murder and was sentenced to 35 years in prison, but trials have not yet taken place for the other four defendants. Madison County prosecutors expect Crowder and Dakota to testify in the first degree murder trial against Sanders. On Aug. 1, 2025, the Madison County State’s Attorney’s Office filed a motion to “allow the introduction of defendant Keith Sanders’ gang affiliation or membership.”

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EDWARDSVILLE — An Alton man was sentenced to 14 years in prison for a May 2024 shooting that endangered residents of a Belle Street neighborhood. Rondell L. Sanders, 32, was found guilty in May on three counts related to the incident. After about two hours of jury deliberation, Sanders was convicted of aggravated discharge of a weapon on two counts and obstruction on a third count. He received a 14-year sentence on Wednesday, Aug. 6, 2025, for the first count, seven years for the second count, and three years for obstruction, all to be served concurrently. Sanders must serve 85% of the sentence before eligibility for release. According to court evidence and testimony, Sanders was involved in a feud with an individual living at a Belle Street residence. On May 22, 2024, gunfire was directed from a vehicle toward that home and a neighboring property. Although no injuries were reported, some bullets narrowly missed a 3-year-old child inside one of the homes. At the sentencing

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ALTON - Alton has a long-standing Juneteenth Celebration tradition and the Juneteenth Committee is already in preparation for the 35th Annual Celebration in 2026. Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day or Emancipation Day, is observed annually on June 19. It honors the day in 1865 when Union soldiers informed enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas, of their freedom, more than two years after President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation on Jan. 1, 1863. Abe Lee Barham, one of those involved with the celebration to start and also a member of the Alton Juneteenth Committee, said: "We are preparing for our 35th Annual Celebration. This is a reminder that the Alton Parks and Recreation Department has requested all food vendors have food licenses from the Illinois Department of Public Health. The IDPH regulates food vendors to prevent foodborne illness and ensure safe food handling practices. "Ensuring proper licensing not only ensures legal compliance but also

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GRAFTON - Raging Rivers WaterPark guests can enjoy a visit from a NASCAR Truck courtesy of World Wide Technology Raceway. From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 7, 2025, community members can take photos with a NASCAR Truck and visit with WWTR staff while at the waterpark. Raging Rivers staff members are looking forward to welcoming the community for a unique experience. “The more memories we can create, the more we’ll draw people back,” said General Manager Jeremy Hayes. “That’s ultimately the goal, to continue the legacy of Raging Rivers for many years to come.” Hayes believes the parents and kids will be “super stoked” to see the NASCAR Truck. You can touch the truck and take photos with it, but no one will be allowed to sit inside. Additionally, World Wide Technology Raceway staff members will be onsite with “tchotchkes and giveaways” for kids to enjoy, Hayes said. He emphasized the value of partnerships like

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SPRINGFIELD - The Illinois Office of Comptroller (IOC) will once again have a tent at the Illinois State Fair, offering visitors exciting giveaways, cold water, games, information about the office’s programs and services, and a chance to learn more about what the IOC does as the state’s fiscal watchdog. “I absolutely love the Illinois State Fair, and I hope in between rides and lemonade shake-ups that fairgoers will visit my tent and see what the role of Comptroller is all about and where their tax dollars are going,” said Comptroller Mendoza. Additionally, the IOC will hold its popular dog adoption event at the fair: On Tuesday, August 12th , WILD Canin e Rescue in Springfield will be at the tent from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. with some of the group’s adorable dogs available for adoption. Come out and spend some time with the pooches looking for a forever home and learn more about the IO C ’s Comptroller’s Critters program. At las

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SPRINGFIELD – The most requested ride at the Illinois State Fair is returning with more stops this year. Made possible through the support of the Illinois Corn Growers Association and Ameren, two trams will run daily on a dedicated route throughout the 11 days of the fair. Tram rides are free for all fairgoers and offer handicap accessibility. “Offering tram service at the Illinois State Fair is part of our commitment to making the fair experience enjoyable and accessible for everyone,” said Jerry Costello II, Director of the Illinois Department of Agriculture. “With so much to see and do at the fair, the tram service will help visitors reach our most popular destinations.” The trams will run continuously throughout the day, on the schedule outlined below. Maps showing the tram routes will be displayed on the fairgrounds. Stops include Happy Hollow at the Handicap Ramp to Illinois Building/Senior Center (a new location this year), Campground/Arena

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PEORIA - Construction is set to begin later this year on 380 miles of new and upgraded high voltage transmission lines across 13 counties in the mid-section of Illinois. When completed in 2029, the project will support lower supply costs by opening new pathways of energy for delivery to millions of residential and business customers in the Ameren Illinois service territory. The proposed route for the transmission line was recently approved by the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC). "At a time when the Midwest faces a persistent shortage of the electricity needed to meet rising demand, this vital project will provide energy access and certainty for businesses and residential growth," said Shawn Schukar , chairman and president of Ameren Transmission Company of Illinois. "Adding system capacity and increasing access to energy resources will improve reliability, boost economic development and help keep bills affordable for energy consumers in Illinois." New and upgraded transmission

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LEBANON – Illinois Transportation Secretary Gia Biagi joined the Illinois Capital Development Board and state and local officials today to celebrate the start of construction on a new solar energy site that will supply power to an adjacent Illinois Department of Transportation storage facility along Interstate 64. The $617,700 project is part of a pilot effort to identify underutilized IDOT property that can be used to generate alternative energy, resulting in a reduction in carbon emissions and long-term savings for the public. “Under the leadership of Gov. JB Pritzker, we are committed to doing our part at IDOT to move toward clean energy sources and better protect the environment,” said Secretary Biagi . “As one of largest landowners in Illinois, IDOT can offer many potential solutions. Adding solar power at one of our facilities is a step in the right direction.” In coordination with IDOT, the CDB broke ground earlier this year on a solar

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BELLEVILLE – People from throughout the St. Clair County area will join the fight against suicide at the Out of the Darkness (OOTD) St. Clair County Community Walk on Saturday, October 18, 2025, in Belleville. Sponsored by the Illinois Chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), the walks provide an opportunity for people impacted by suicide to come together to connect and support one another, as well as raise awareness and funds for AFSP. The OOTD St. Clair County Community Walk begins at 9:30 a.m. at The Square, 19 Public Square, Belleville, IL. Check in begins at 8:30 a.m. The St. Clair County walk is one of hundreds of Out of the Darkness Community Walks that will be held across the country. Suicide is one of the leading causes of death for all ages. In 2023, 49,316 Americans died by suicide and there were an estimated 1.5 million suicide attempts. In the United States in 2023, suicide was the 2nd leading cause of death for ages 10-34,

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JENNINGS, MO. — Four men have been charged in connection with an armed robbery and vehicle hijacking that took place in Jennings, Mo., according to the St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office. On Tuesday, Aug. 5, 2025, charges were filed against Cederick Boyd, 20, of the 3500 block of Boswell Avenue in St. Louis, and Bryant-Michael Chatmon, 19, of the 1400 block of Elmridge Place in St. Louis. Both face charges of vehicle hijacking, first-degree robbery, and two counts of armed criminal action. Each is being held on a $250,000 cash-only bond with no 10% bond option. Earlier, on July 28, 2025, Fernandor Williams, 20, of the 6800 block of Corbitt Avenue, and Terrance Lee Jr., 23, of the 9200 block of Riverwood Drive in St. Louis, were charged with the same offenses. Lee also faces additional charges of leaving the scene of an accident and resisting or interfering with arrest for a felony. Both are being held on the same bond terms. According to probable cause

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ALTON — The James Killion Beautification and Enhancement Committee, in partnership with Be A Bridge, will host a Back-to-School Movie Night and Community Celebration at Killion Park beginning at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 9, 2025. The event aims to provide families in the Alton community with school supplies, resources, and a welcoming atmosphere ahead of the new school year. Liberty Bank is the exclusive movie sponsor for the event at Killion Park, with additional support from Pennzoil and Friends for David Goins. Community partners including the SIU School of Dental Medicine, UnGUN Institute, and outreach organizations such as Flock, Food is Love, and the Madison County Child Advocacy Center will be present to offer services and engagement opportunities. The celebration will open with a keynote address by Dr. Marty K. Casey of the UnGUN Institute from 7:45 to 8 p.m., followed by a family-friendly movie screening at dusk. DJ Matt Edwards will provide live entertainment throughout

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CHICAGO - On the 60th Anniversary of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, Governor JB Pritzker released the following statement: “Sixty years ago, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Voting Rights Act into law, expanding the fundamental right to participate in our elections to millions of Black and brown citizens," said Governor JB Pritzker. "In doing so, he answered a call that has reverberated across generations, from our country’s original sin to the Selma to Montgomery marches – every citizen, no matter their race or zip code, deserves an equal voice in our democracy. “That creed is intrinsic to who we are as a nation, and today it is in grave danger. On Donald Trump’s orders, MAGA Republicans are attempting to rig Congressional maps and silence the voices of Black and Latino communities and all Texans who seek to hold Trump’s political party accountable. As I said when I stood with the Texas House Democrats this weekend, this is not just about

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ILLINOIS - Many Ameren Illinois customers have noticed their energy bills increasing. A representative with the company shares insights on why. Matt Tomc, Vice President of Regulatory Policy and Energy Supply, explained that Ameren is the electric supplier that runs the wires and delivers the electricity to your household. The Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) manages the energy markets. MISO recently passed the auction, meaning their prices increased from $30 a megawatt to $666 a megawatt during the summer period. This impacts Ameren’s supply price. As a result, customers’ energy bills have increased over the summer. “We recognized that for the summer period, we were going to see a 50% increase in the electric supply charges,” Tomc said. “Now, silver lining, they go back to normal after September, but that is a huge jump. And then when you combine that with the heatwave that we’ve experienced, we’re getting some customers

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ALTON - Alton High’s Justice Haynes posted personal bests in the 100- and 200-meter sprints during her junior track season, signaling strong potential as she heads into her senior year. Justice recorded times of 12.32 seconds in the 100 meters and 25.45 seconds in the 200 meters. She was part of the Alton girls’ 4x200 relay team that finished 13th with a time of 1:42.01 and also contributed to the state-qualifying 4x100 relay squad. Justice is an Auto Butler Female Athlete of the Month for Alton High School. “Justice made some great gains in her junior year,” said Alton head girls' track and field coach Chelsea Anderson of her 2025 outdoor performance. “She is progressing as a sprinter. She is quick out of the blocks — speed is her nickname.” Justice is also a key member of the Alton High girls' basketball team. She aims to qualify individually and in relays during her senior track season.

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GODFREY – Just days after its grand opening , a slate of 29 new rules are set to go into effect at Godfrey’s new dog park. Village Board members gave an ordinance to establish dog park rules and regulations a first reading at Tuesday’s meeting, setting the item up for a second reading and final vote at their next meeting on Sept. 2, 2025. Even more terms and conditions are contained within the Village of Godfrey Dog Park Application , which individuals must fill out and submit to the village for consideration of a membership to the dog park. As previously reported on Riverbender.com , the membership fee for Godfrey residents is $10, while the fee for non-residents is $20. Each member will be given a unique key code to access the dog park. Following is the full list of all 29 proposed new rules and regulations, organized by category: Membership Rules: Membership to the dog park will be based on the calendar year of January 1 – December 31. Hours

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JERSEYVILLE — Maleah Derrick, a rising junior at Jersey Community High School, has made a significant impact on the school's girls' softball team as a two-year starter at second base. She recorded a .411 batting average in 2025 and has established herself as a versatile offensive threat through bunting, slapping the ball, and hitting. Jersey Head Girls Softball Coach Chelsey Crnokrak praised Derrick's contributions, highlighting her overall leadership role to the Panthers' team. "Maleah is a leader on and off the field and encourages her teammates to be the best they can be," Crnokrak said. Derrick is a Sparklight Female Athlete of the Month for Jersey Community High School. In addition to her softball achievements, Derrick is also a member of the school's volleyball team. In 2025, she had 35 hits, nine RBIs, and three doubles. Her performance in multiple sports underscores her athletic versatility and commitment to Jersey Community High School’s athletic programs.

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