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GLEN CARBON – Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois (GSofSI) held their annual United We Lead Gala on Friday, September 12 in Edwardsville, Illinois. Thanks to the generous support of the community, the event raised nearly $110,000 for the organization. The United We Lead Gala, themed “Building a Sweeter Future” in 2025, brings together a wide range of people who share a common goal – to empower today’s girls to become tomorrow’s leaders. Guests were entertained by musicians Mel Goot and Marguerita Page, listened to first-hand experiences, participated in various auctions, and heard about the organization’s mission to empower the lives of girls in Southern Illinois. A highlight of the evening was presenting the annual Distinguished Community Leader Award to Agency for Community Transit (ACT). ACT has been a catalyst in making Camp Torqua more accessible. The 72-acre Girl Scout camp, which is located outside of Edwardsville, has been greatly

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COLLINSVILLE - A local woman was honored with the Congressional Gold Medal, the highest honor a civilian can achieve. On Monday, Oct. 13, 2025, at the Collinsville VFW, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski presented Betty Wrigley with the medal in recognition of her service during World War II. Wrigley, 98, was a “Rosie the Riveter” and joined the workforce during WWII. “I’m grateful for the honor, really,” Wrigley said. “At the time, I didn’t think it was that important.” Peter Stehman, museum manager at the Collinsville Historical Museum, shared information about the Rosie the Riveter program. He noted that six million women joined the workforce, half of whom left school, like Wrigley. Less than 10% of these women actually worked in the war industry. At age 15, Wrigley left her home in St. Louis and traveled to Washington State to work in the Puget Sound Navy Yard. She worked as a shipfitter’s helper and helped repair ships

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GRAFTON - It’s harvest season and the grapes at Grafton Winery The Vineyards are now off the vine which means it is time for the vineyard’s annual Harvest Festival. Head to this scenic full production winery nestled in the rustic countryside outside of Grafton for fun, food and drinks Sunday, Oct. 19 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. The free family friendly event highlights the delights of local wine production. Spend the day at the scenic winery located in rural Grafton at 21028 Eckert Orchard Rd. Sip award winning wines from the Grafton Winery. Beer cocktails and soft drinks are also available. A special events food menu will also be offered. All food and beverages must be purchased on site. A variety of local arts and crafts vendors will also be in attendance at the festival. Enjoy live music by the popular Porch Café Band from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. The Porch Café Band is an Alton-Godfrey cover band that brings energy, passion and great sounds to every performance.

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JERSEYVILLE – A Jerseyville man accused of intentionally setting a local residence on fire and damaging its windows faces multiple charges in his latest felony case. Franklin M. Heindricks, 37, of Jerseyville, was charged on Oct. 7, 2025 with a Class 1 felony count of residential arson and two counts of criminal damage to property, both Class 4 felonies. Heindricks allegedly knowingly damaged a Jersey County residence by means of fire on Oct. 3, 2025. Charging documents state he “used a lighter and scrap of cardboard to light a fire under a scrap piece of siding on the exterior portion of residence.” In addition to over $500 in damage caused by the fire, Heindricks is also accused of causing over $500 worth of damage to an exterior window and storm door window on the same residence. The state’s petition to deny his pretrial release from custody states Heindricks “has a significant criminal history dating back to at least 2005.” Heindricks has

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What if the secret to elevating your daily coffee ritual lies not in exotic beans or high-tech machines, but in the simple art of flavor infusion? Coffee’s versatility extends far beyond the classic black cup, and nowhere is this more evident than in the realm of fall-inspired flavors. These concoctions marry the warmth and complexity of coffee with the rich, comforting spices and ingredients that evoke a sense of indulgence and coziness. Whether you’re a seasoned barista or a casual coffee lover, crafting fall-flavored coffee drinks at home can transform your mornings and afternoons into moments of delight. The Art of Fall Flavors in Coffee Fall-flavored coffee drinks are not just about taste; they’re a sensory experience that taps into aromatic spices, natural sweetness, and earthy undertones. Pumpkin, cinnamon, nutmeg, and maple are staples, but understanding how these flavors work with coffee’s intrinsic bitterness and acidity is key to creating a balanced

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October 14 has been a date marked by pivotal moments that shaped the course of history across the globe. Going back to 1066, October 14 was the date of the Battle of Hastings, a decisive conflict that reshaped English history. William the Conqueror’s Norman forces defeated King Harold II’s Anglo-Saxon army, leading to the Norman conquest of England. This battle not only altered the political landscape but also had profound cultural and linguistic impacts, influencing English society for centuries to come. The date also has significance in politics and civil rights. In 1964, Martin Luther King Jr. was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, becoming the youngest recipient at the time. His leadership in the American civil rights movement had a profound impact not only in the United States but around the world, inspiring movements for justice and equality. Moreover, on October 14, 1940, the world witnessed the first broadcast of the BBC television news bulletin, marking a new era

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Tuesday in the River Bend will be partly sunny with very warm temperatures. Expect a high near 84 degrees and a low around 57. Winds will come from the east-southeast at 7 to 9 mph with gusts up to 9 mph. There's only about a 7% chance of rain, so enjoy the mostly dry day. The air will feel just as warm as the actual temperature. In the morning, look for intermittent clouds with temperatures rising quickly through the 60s and 70s. By the afternoon, periods of sun will mix with some clouds making it a great day to be outdoors, but dress for warmth as the day gets very warm. Evening will clear out nicely with temperatures falling back to the upper 50s, and overnight will stay clear and cool. Allergy levels show moderate mold with low pollen counts for ragweed, tree, and grass. Tomorrow’s outlook calls for mostly sunny skies again with a high near 84 and a low near 58, continuing the trend of warm fall days. For live updates throughout the day, visit RiverBender.com/weather .

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BETHALTO – Discolored water continues to raise concerns in Bethalto, where a state agency has tested and determined the water to be safe. Amid ongoing collaboration between the state and village, some residents remain unconvinced Bethalto officials are doing all they can to address the issue. Public Works Director Rod Cheatham said the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) has extensively tested water samples from around the village in recent weeks, and the results from each of those tests show levels of iron and manganese below the state’s Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs). He said three individual water customers also requested testing directly from the IEPA, which showed the same results. Cheatham said the village also conducted its own tests for perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) on Oct. 7, 2025, which all came back clear. He said he and IEPA representatives have been meeting via Zoom to discuss possible financial assistance options

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EDWARDSVILLE - SIUE nursing students sat in on a roundtable discussion with Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski. On Monday, Oct. 13, 2025, five students from SIUE’s Department of Nursing spoke with Budzinski about their experiences in the healthcare industry and the policies that would help them. Student loans, safety in hospital settings, and the importance of preventative care were a few of the main topics that students addressed. “I enjoyed the opportunity to visit with the nursing students at SIUE,” Budzinski said. “They're amazing young women, all going into a profession where we know, in particular, we have a nursing shortage in all of our communities. So I applaud them for the work that they're doing and the work that they're going to continue to do.” Budzinski opened the roundtable by noting that she believes there is a “crisis in our healthcare system that is only going to get exponentially worse.” She acknowledged the nursing shortage

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ALTON - Randy, known from the television series "Trailer Park Boys," is bringing a unique event called Randy’s Cheeseburger Picnic to Peoria on Oct. 27 and Carbondale on Oct. 30, 2025. The gatherings promise a blend of food, music, games, and lighthearted entertainment, reflecting the spirit of the show and its fans. Randy recently appeared on Riverbender.com's "Our Daily Show!" with host C.J. Nasello. Randy described the event as “a night of a little bit of silliness, which is what the world needs,” and said attendees can expect “some jokes and we sing some songs, have some contests and play some games, it is short of like a variety show.” He expressed hope that many fans, some even dressed as characters like Julian, Ricky, or Bubbles, would come out to join the festivities. During an interview with Nasello, Randy shared insights about his love for cheeseburgers, emphasizing a preference for thinner “Smash Burgers” over thicker patties.

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ALTON - Kathy Budde emerged as the top raffle winner in the $10,000 Sweepstakes at St. Mary's Oktoberfest, held Friday through Sunday, Oct. 10-12, 2025, on the church grounds in Alton. The annual event, overseen this year by new Chairman Ryan Downey, featured a range of activities including a 5K race, live music, games, and traditional German ceremonies. The full raffle sweepstakes winners will be released once everyone is notified, Carolyn Simansky, a spokesperson for the event, said. Simansky described the weekend as having “great weather and really good” attendance. She noted that the event saw strong support from sponsors and participants, with sweepstakes sales potentially breaking previous records. “It is such a good fundraiser for both church and school building updates,” Simansky said. The festivities began Friday evening with a 5K Race and 1-mile walk, followed by a performance from The Glendale Riders. On Saturday at 1 p.m., Fr. Chris Uhl, OMV,

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Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers in the United States, says Heather Thompson. And she would know. Thompson is a breast health navigator at OSF HealthCare, helping patients navigate appointments, insurance and more. And Thompson is, herself, a breast cancer survivor. But what many in the cancer space might not realize, Thompson says, is that breast cancer can affect men. It’s rare, with 1% of men statistically getting it, Thompson says. But it’s worth knowing how to spot, prevent and treat it. “There can be severe cases. A lot of times, men don’t notice things or worry about things like women might,” Thompson says. “The cancer is there longer and has a chance to metastasize and get into their lymph nodes. A lot of times, men will get gynecomastia. That can cause swelling in the breast tissue and a mass.” Those gynecomastia masses can limit a man’s ability to feel a cancerous lump, delaying care. Breast cancer basics Genet

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SPRINGFIELD — Today marks a moment many Illinoisans have waited years for: former House Speaker Michael J. Madigan reports to federal prison which is a reminder of the need for meaningful ethics reform in Illinois, according to Darren Bailey, candidate for Governor. For decades, Madigan symbolized everything wrong with Illinois politics — backroom deals, insider favors, and pay-to-play corruption that robbed hardworking families of trust in their government. His conviction should serve as a wake-up call for every elected official in this state. But instead of leading the charge for reform, Governor JB Pritzker stayed silent for months while Madigan’s criminal enterprise unraveled. It wasn’t until November 2020, after mounting public outrage, that Pritzker finally called for Madigan’s resignation — long after federal prosecutors exposed the bribery scheme surrounding his closest allies. Even when allegations of sexual harassment emerge

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GLEN CARBON - The Knights of Columbus “Tootsie Roll” Drive began in the 1970s as a creative fundraising initiative dedicated to supporting organizations that serve individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Over the years, this event has become a cherished tradition, reflecting the Knights' commitment to making a positive impact on their community. St. Cecilia Knights of Columbus Fundraiser This year, the St. Cecilia Knights of Columbus are proud to present their annual Intellectual Disabilities “Tootsie Roll” Drive fundraiser with an exciting music trivia night. Mark your calendars for Saturday, October 18th, as this event promises an entertaining evening for all attendees. In a departure from previous years, members will not be standing on street corners distributing Tootsie Rolls and collecting donations. Instead, the fundraiser will take place indoors, offering guests the opportunity to enjoy music-themed trivia while supporting a worthy

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ALTON - The most recent Art Fahrner-Edward Jones Alton High School Remarkable Redbird Senior Sam Caughran has stayed busy through his high school career in music and academics. Sam is an integral part of the Wind Ensemble, the pit orchestra for the plays, Marching 100 and also the Symphonic Orchestra. He is also involved in Spanish Club and Biology Club. Sam is also a member of the National Honor Society and Mu Alpha Theta. Sam has been selected as the head drum major for the Marching 100 and also plays trumpet for the symphonic band. He enjoys the leadership that goes along with being the head drum major after being a member for the previous three years. Sam shared about a recent competition that he and the Marching 100 attended at the Dome at the America's Center in downtown St Louis called Bands of America. He really enjoyed the experience, as it is something that happens every other year and includes about sixty bands that come from high schools across the country. Sam also has

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EDWARDSVILLE - The Edwardsville Police Department hosted its annual National Night Out event Tuesday evening, Oct. 7, 2025, at City Park, aiming to strengthen community ties through collaboration and partnership. The event featured participation from multiple local agencies, including the Edwardsville Fire Department, Glen Carbon Police Department, SIUE Police Department, and Illinois State Police Troop 8. Residents gathered to enjoy free food, giveaways, activities, and services provided by a range of business and organization sponsors. Among the contributors were Prairie Farms Dairy, First Community Credit Union, Bank of Madison County, Junior Service Club of Edwardsville/Glen Carbon, Goldenberg Heller & Antognoli, P.C., Nu Way, Cargill, and Edley's Bar-B-Que. Additional on-site participants included ADT, Chiro One, Clean Eatz, the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, Dieterich Bank, Dollar Tree, EHS Peer Influence Club, Madison County Child Advocacy Center,

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COLLINSVILLE – The Illinois Department of Transportation announced today that Caseyville Road between Morrison Drive and Glendale Drive in St. Clair County will be closed beginning, weather permitting, Monday, Oct. 13. The road closure is necessary to allow the city of Collinsville, in coordination with Collinsville High School, to install water lines across Caseyville Road. A posted detour will be in place to safely guide motorists around the closure. The closure is expected to conclude Sunday, Nov. 30. Motorists can expect delays and should allow extra time for trips through this area. Drivers are urged to pay close attention to detour signs in work zones, obey the posted speed limits, refrain from using mobile devices and be alert for workers and equipment. For IDOT District 8 updates, follow us on X at @IDOTDistrict8 or view area construction details on IDOT’s traveler information map on GettingAroundIllinois.com.

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EDWARDSVILLE – Every child in the Edwardsville area, regardless of their ability, will soon have a new place to play. The Edwardsville City Council approved the installation of a new all-abilities playground after hearing passionate public comments from three family and community members last week. First to address the aldermen was Grace Morrison, who emphasized how important this playground would be for her cousin, Henry. “I’m supporting the playground for kids in wheelchairs, like my cousin, Henry,” Grace said. “It’s really sad when Henry has to watch us play, and so that is why I want one.” Another supporter, Madison, underscored the need for more accessible playgrounds in the city. “I have a brother who’s in a wheelchair, and he can’t use a lot of the playgrounds here in Edwardsville, so it would be really nice if he could come and have somewhere to play in Edwardsville too,” she said. Carrie Morrison outlined

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While some of the options like surgery and medication may raise parents’ eyebrows, experts are making a few things clear. Obesity can lead to serious health issues like heart disease, asthma and diabetes. But it is treatable, and each family should talk to a health care provider about what course is best. The AAP says waiting and hoping things get better is not a good choice. The guidelines fall back on the proven methods of diet and exercise. But other suggestions include: In-person, family-based behavioral health treatment over a three-to-12 month period For children 12 and up, physicians should consider prescribing weight loss medication. For children 13 and up with severe obesity, providers should consider recommending weight loss surgery. Carly Zimmer is a registered dietician-nutritionist at OSF HealthCare in Pontiac, Illinois . She says it’s not easy for kids to eat right and exercise. Less healthy foods are more easily accessible, portions have gone up and

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Letter To The Editor: In defense of the County Board's Resolution celebrating the life of Charlie Kirk. I am writing in response to the statement recently made by the NAACP Alton Branch President Leon Smallwood. I will also address his attacks on the Madison County Board. The purpose of this letter is to bring unity to all the communities in Madison County. Mr. Smallwood's comment about Charlie Kirk building his Platform on belittling the African American Community is completely false. I am not sure if Mr. Smallwood did not watch the videos at all or took little pieces out of context. Charlie Kirk often talked about strengthening the Black Community through improving education and family. He stated that many African Americans go to failing schools in our country's major cities. Charlie argued that they should be able to pick their schools instead of being forced into failing ones. Charlie Kirk also talked about how he thought the number of abortions in the African American Community

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