Riverbender 🕸

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Sarah Jean Snyder marks her first publishing foray with the release of “He Said Saga: The Daughter's Story” (published by WestBow Press). This book shares the author's journey with multiple sclerosis (MS), intertwined with her father's experiences with the same disease, highlighting the power of faith in times of adversity. Following the legacy of her father’s original memoir, “Saga: One Man’s Battle with MS. The Beginning,” written over 30 years ago, Snyder reflects on her father’s experiences and her own journey with the disease. Here, she shares her own story, revealing how she learned to cope with her father's decline and eventual dependence on others. As she navigated the complexities of growing up with a father suffering from a debilitating illness, Snyder faced her own diagnosis years later. She tells how, through her father’s circumstances, she learned how to function through sadness, how to trust even

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ALTON — The Alton Fire Department responded to a structure fire Monday evening, July 7, 2025, on the 1100 block of East Sixth Street, arriving just before 6 p.m. to find heavy flames and smoke coming from the second story of the home. Firefighters quickly deployed their deck gun and hose lines, managing to extinguish most of the fire promptly. According to Alton Fire Chief Jesse Jemison, the fire appears to have been set deliberately and is believed to be connected to a domestic incident and an eviction. The Illinois State Fire Marshal was called to assist with the investigation. No injuries were reported at the scene. The Alton Police Department stated that additional information will be released on Tuesday.

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ALTON – Ward 4 Alderwoman Rosie Brown is asking community members to offer their support following the fatal shooting of a 17-year-old from Alton who died on July 4, 2025. Brown called on members of the Alton community to pray for the victim’s family at Monday’s Committee of the Whole meeting. “Keep the Reed family in your prayers,” Brown said. “We just had another senseless killing of a teenager, innocent bystander in a home. A bullet went through the house and it was fatal.” Brown’s use of the word “another” in this case likely refers to the fatal shooting of Ra’niya Steward , a 13-year-old from Alton who died from injuries sustained in a shooting in February of 2024. Brown was among several community members who helped organize a candlelight vigil in support of Steward and her family, with more details available in this story on Riverbender.com . Brown also recently commended the Alton Police Department

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WOOD RIVER — An Alton couple - George and Donna Julian - died Thursday morning, July 3, 2025, when their vehicle was struck by a driver fleeing police at the intersection of Illinois Route 143 and Illinois Route 3 in Wood River. The fleeing vehicle collided with the Julians’ car, which was traveling northbound on Illinois Route 3. The impact forced both vehicles into a ravine on the northwest side of the intersection, and the Julians' vehicle caught fire, resulting in the deaths of both occupants. George "Randy" R. Julian, 66, had been a longtime resident of Alton and worked as an operator for the Collinsville Water Department for more than 35 years before retiring in 2021. He was also self-employed at Tri County Lab, where he helped make dentures. Randy was a member of the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 520. He enjoyed dirt bike racing at Splinter Creek, gardening, raising tropical fish, and spending time with his family, especially watching his grandsons

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WOOD RIVER — The Madison County Health Department confirmed the presence of West Nile virus in mosquito batches collected locally on July 3, 2025, health officials announced Monday, July 7, 2025. West Nile virus is transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito, which becomes infected by feeding on infected birds. According to the Madison County Health Department, about 80% of people infected with the virus do not exhibit symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they may include fever, nausea, headache and muscle aches lasting from several days to a few weeks. In rare instances, the virus can cause severe illness such as meningitis, encephalitis or death. Individuals over the age of 50 are at increased risk for serious complications. To reduce the risk of infection, the health department recommends several preventive measures. Residents are advised to avoid outdoor activities during peak mosquito activity times, particularly between dusk and dawn. Wearing protective

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ALTON – In response to our nation’s mental health crisis, as well as the need for mental health resources in the Riverbend region, OSF Saint Anthony’s Health Center – Psychological Services will offer FREE mental health first aid training to interested individuals. This groundbreaking skills-based training session will give participants the tools to identify, understand and respond to someone who might be struggling with a mental health or substance use challenge — and connect them with appropriate support and resources when necessary. The Mental Health First Aid training course will be held on Friday, July 25, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., at in the 3rd floor Psychological Services Group Training Room at OSF Saint Anthony’s Health Center (1 St. Anthony’s Way, Alton, IL, 62202). Lunch will be provided during this all-day training course. Space is limited for this FREE training session and registration is required – online registration

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BELLEVILLE – Illinois American Water is increasing the income threshold for customers to receive assistance through its Income-Based Discount Program, beginning July 1, 2025. The program aims to support more customers paying their monthly water and/or wastewater bills. “The expansion of the Illinois American Water Income-Based Discount Program will help our residential customers who need financial help the most,” said Rebecca Losli, president, Illinois American Water. “Our goal is to make water and wastewater service affordable to our customers while continuing to make strategic investments in our water and wastewater infrastructure.” Illinois American Water has partnered with Dollar Energy since August 2023 on the income-based discount program. As part of the program, approved water and/or wastewater customers receive a monthly discount on their water and/or wastewater bill. Starting July 1, 2025, the Income-Based Discount Program eligibility

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FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS — A 33-year-old man was critically injured after being struck by a vehicle late Saturday night, July 5, 2025, in Fairview Heights, police said. Officers from the Fairview Heights Police Department responded at approximately 11:37 p.m. July 5, 2025, to the intersection of St. Clair Avenue and 3rd Avenue following reports of a vehicle-pedestrian crash. Upon arrival, emergency personnel found the man unresponsive in the roadway. The pedestrian was transported to a local hospital where he remains in critical condition, according to police. The driver of the vehicle stayed at the scene and cooperated fully with the investigation. Authorities said there was no indication the driver was impaired. Preliminary evidence suggests the pedestrian was crossing outside of a designated crosswalk and against the traffic signal at the time of the crash. The Fairview Heights Police Department continues to investigate the incident. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the

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EDWARDSVILLE — The Edwardsville Police Department announced Monday, July 7, 2025, that it is collaborating with the Illinois Department of Transportation, the Illinois State Police, and more than 200 law enforcement agencies statewide to reduce speeding throughout July. Beginning July 8, 2025, and continuing through July 31, 2025, drivers in Edwardsville can expect increased patrols focused on enforcing posted speed limits and addressing other traffic violations. The initiative aims to address the risks associated with speeding, which can impair a driver’s ability to safely navigate around other vehicles, hazardous objects, or unexpected road curves. This enforcement campaign is part of the "Speeding Catches Up With You" effort, supported by federal highway safety funds administered by IDOT. It also aligns with IDOT’s broader "It’s Not a Game" media campaign aimed at promoting safer driving behaviors. Officials emphasized that the stepped-up patrols are intended

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ST. CLAIR COUNTY — The body of Demontray M. Collins, 25, was discovered Friday, July 4, 2025, morning in a lake at Frank Holten State Park near East St. Louis, authorities said. St. Clair County Coroner Calvin Dye Sr. identified Collins as the man found by kayakers at approximately 8:33 a.m. on Friday. The coroner pronounced Collins deceased at the scene at 9:41 a.m. that morning. Collins’ last known address was in the 1800 block of Central Avenue in East St. Louis. The cause of death has not been determined. Illinois State Police Troop 8, based in Collinsville, responded after two men kayaking in the lake observed the body and called 911. St. Clair County Special Emergency Services retrieved the body from the water. The incident occurred in the 7300 block of Lake Drive at Frank Holten State Park.

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CAHOKIA HEIGHTS - The Jarrot Mansion State Historic Site, the oldest brick building in Illinois, will open to the public on July 12, 2025, to offer a rare opportunity to tour the historic home and to celebrate the state’s French heritage in honor of Bastille Day. The mansion, typically accessible only by request, will welcome visitors from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday. Located near the intersection of Illinois 3 and Illinois 157 in Cahokia, the site is managed by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources with support from volunteers of the Jarrot Mansion Project. The nearby Cahokia Courthouse State Historic Site will also be open to visitors that day. Built in 1810 by Nicholas Jarrot, a refugee from the French Revolution, the mansion stands as a significant example of Federal-style architecture. Jarrot, who became a prominent landowner and businessman in the formerly French region of Illinois as the area approached statehood, constructed the imposing brick home in contrast

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COLLINSVILLE - Collinsville Faith in Action will host their annual dinner auction to raise money so they can continue to support senior citizens. On July 11, 2025, community members are invited to Gateway Convention Center in Collinsville for this year’s dinner auction, themed “Country Fair Flair.” Attendees can enjoy a full dinner and silent auction. The organization is still looking for donations and sponsorships to support their work. “I always say the fundraising is critical, but so is the friend-raising,” said executive director Lisa Brennan. “We’re very much looking forward to watching the whole community pull together and really step up to make this a great and fun event.” Brennan explained that the dinner auction supports Collinsville Faith in Action, which serves Collinsville, Granite City, Troy, Fairmont City, Caseyville and Maryville. As a national organization, Faith in Action teams up with local churches, schools

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ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo. — A motor vehicle crash on Lilac Avenue near Duberry Lane resulted in the death of a 70-year-old man Friday night, July 4, 2025, St. Louis County police said. At approximately 10 p.m. on July 4, officers from the North County Precinct responded to a crash involving two vehicles. St. Louis County Police said preliminary investigation indicated that a Toyota Camry, traveling northbound on Lilac Avenue, crossed into the southbound lanes and collided with a southbound Nissan Rogue. The driver of the Toyota Camry, identified as Corbett Scott of the 1000 block of Farmview Drive in St. Louis, was transported to a hospital for lifesaving treatment but later died from his injuries. The driver of the Nissan Rogue was also taken to a hospital and treated for non-life-threatening injuries. The St. Louis County Police Department’s Bureau of Crimes Against Persons and Accident Reconstruction detectives are actively investigating the crash. Additional

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BUNKER HILL - Karrington and Zachary Bostick of Bunker Hill are raising funds to obtain a Diabetic Alert Dog (DAD) for their youngest son, Declan, who was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes in January 2024. The fundraiser aims to cover the extensive and costly training required for the service dog, as well as travel expenses for trips approximately six hours away. Declan is hypo- and hyper-unaware, meaning he does not recognize when his blood sugar levels are dangerously low or high. According to Karrington Bostick, a DAD could alert the family 15 to 30 minutes before Declan’s Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM) detects a problem, potentially preventing emergencies. “Those minutes could be the difference between a normal day and an emergency,” she said. Bostick shared an example to illustrate the potential benefit of a DAD: “He had been dosed for a snack and then we had an impromptu dance party in the living room. His CGM told me that he was at 85, which is a perfectly

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HARDIN — On May 5, 2025, at approximately 3:30 p.m., the Calhoun County Sheriff's Office was alerted to a disturbance near the intersection of Park Street and Main Street in Hardin. Authorities were informed that a male suspect had threatened another individual with an axe before fleeing the scene in a vehicle. Shortly after, at about 3:37 p.m. on May 5, Chief Deputy Zach Hardin located the suspect parked along Illinois River Road, armed with a large axe. Sheriff Bill Heffington arrived to assist. The suspect made threatening statements to law enforcement, expressing a desire to commit “suicide by cop,” and then fled into nearby woods toward the Illinois River. Recognizing the suspect was in crisis, first responders from the Calhoun Ambulance Service were called to the scene. Sheriff Heffington and Chief Deputy Hardin found the suspect near the river, where he threatened to take his own life before jumping into the water. The Illinois Conservation Police were subsequently

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ALTON – Alton has taken the top spot in a new survey ranking the historic river town the “Culture Capital of Illinois.” When the language learning platform Mondly asked 3,012 survey participants which Illinois town best represented their “cultural identity,” they ranked Alton at No. 1, followed by Quincy at No. 2, with Effingham rounding out the top three. “Perched on the Mississippi with limestone bluffs and a haunted past, Alton is full of character and contradictions,” wrote Mondly representative Ally Clarke. “It’s part river town, part civil rights landmark, and fully proud of its weird. Blues bars, brick streets, and stories passed down through generations – this is Illinois with soul.” Respondents considered Alton their “spirit town,” described as the place that “speaks your language, cooks your comfort food, and lives by the rhythms that shaped you.” Their selection follows a similar

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TROY - Megan Kilfoy is organizing a fundraiser to support the Williams family after their son, Logan Williams, of Troy, IL., was critically injured in an accident on the morning of July 6, 2025. Logan is currently on life support and fighting for his life, according to a message from Kilfoy and her husband, Dan. Kilfoy said the Williams family is facing significant emotional and financial challenges as they remain by Logan’s side. Medical expenses are mounting, including costs for intensive care unit treatment, life support equipment, and more. The fundraiser aims to provide financial relief to Todd and Toni Williams, as well as their family. “Anyone who knows Logan knows the incredible heart Logan has always shown to others. Now it’s our turn to show up for him and for his family during this critical time,” the Kilfoys wrote in their appeal for donations. The Kilfoys emphasized that all funds raised will go directly to the Williams family to help cover

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JERSEYVILLE – A Jerseyville man accused of invading a home he tried breaking into earlier the same night faces multiple felonies after battering the home’s occupants and a responding police officer. Kaeleb D. Austin, 26, of Jerseyville, was charged on July 3, 2025 with a Class X felony count of home invasion, a Class 2 felony count of aggravated battery, and three Class A misdemeanors including two counts of battery and one count of criminal damage to property. On July 2, Austin allegedly entered an occupied Jersey County residence without legal authority, struck one of the occupants in the face with a closed fist, pushed another occupant, and kicked a police officer twice in the chest while the officer attempted to detain him. He is also accused of causing over $500 of damage to one of the home’s front windows. Austin first attempted to break into the home’s back door and window at approximately 10:52 p.m., according to the state’s petition to deny

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COLLINSVILLE - The Collinsville Police Department is seeking public assistance in locating a fugitive who has failed to comply with pretrial release conditions related to aggravated criminal sexual abuse charges. The individual, identified as Lamel T. Scott, faces charges involving a victim under the age of 13, stemming from allegations made earlier this year. Authorities issued the notice on Friday, July 4, 2025, as part of their "Fugitive Friday" initiative, aimed at encouraging those with outstanding warrants to surrender voluntarily. The department urges anyone with information about Scott’s whereabouts to contact them anonymously by calling 618-344-2131, extension 5209, or by sending a message through their Facebook page. The police department emphasized the importance of compliance, stating that failure to adhere to release conditions or to appear in court will result in the individual’s photo being posted online as part of the public notification effort. The departmen

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JERSEYVILLE — Two Jersey County Sheriff’s Office officers received the prestigious Sheriff’s Service Award for their roles in assisting neighboring counties with a multi-county burglary investigation earlier this year. Jersey County Sheriff's Office Detective Sally Arbuthnot and Telecommunicator Megan Ayres were recognized for their investigative efforts that helped identify and apprehend a suspect involved in a series of burglaries across Pike, Calhoun, and Jersey counties. The awards were announced by Jersey County Sheriff Nick Manns on Thursday. The investigation began when the Pike County Sheriff’s Office alerted Detective Arbuthnot to a string of burglaries occurring in Pike and Calhoun counties, sharing a surveillance image of a suspect vehicle. Although the image was of poor quality, Sheriff Manns said it provided details on the vehicle’s color and approximate model. Arbuthnot contacted business owners along State Route 16 in Jersey County to check

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