Riverbender 🕸

COLUMBIA - A local benefit concert will raise money for veterans in the Greater St. Louis region and beyond. On Sept. 5 and 6, 2025, community members are invited to Bolm-Schuhkraft City Park in Columbia for a two-day concert titled “Songs4Soldiers.” All proceeds will go to the Songs4Soldiers nonprofit, which works with VAs across the U.S. to help veterans with anything from housing to transportation to service animals. “You can just expect a really cool, family-friendly concert,” said Dustin Row, founder of Songs4Soldiers. “I’ve played in a million golf tournaments. I’ve donated to a ton of charities, as we all do, right? As everybody does. But what’s cool about Songs4Soldiers is…for your money, we also give you a pretty good return on a pretty quality event. It’s not like you’re just donating to the charity and nothing’s coming back to you. You get to be here. You get to experience it. You get to have fun.”

Continue Reading

SPRINGFIELD – Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (Illinois EPA) Acting Director James Jennings today announced a new funding opportunity to fund projects addressing emerging contaminants in drinking and/or source water in small or disadvantaged communities. The Emerging Contaminants in Small or Disadvantaged Communities (EC-SDC) Grant Program will provide over $40 million to assist communities in completing construction projects to address Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) or Manganese in drinking and/or source water. A Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for this opportunity has been posted to the Illinois EPA website. The EC-SDC Grant program will fund projects for communities on the Illinois EPA’s Public Water Supply Loan Program Emerging Contaminant Intended Funding Lists for FY2025 and FY2026. Emerging contaminants are identified by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA) Contaminant Candidate Lists (CCL) 1-5. PFAS are a series of man-made

Continue Reading

JERSEY - A former FBI agent and a survivor of a violent family attack will share their story Thursday night, Sept. 4, 2025, in a live podcast episode of "The Brighter Side of Blue." Retired FBI Agent Frank Brostrom previously discussed the Henry Hersman case, a violent and chaotic event that involved Hersman attempting to firebomb his parents’ home with his young daughter inside. At the time, listeners heard the story with a mix of disbelief and dark humor. Unbeknownst to the podcast team, Henry Hersman’s daughter, Sally, was listening. Sally Christine Arbuthnot, now a detective with the Jersey County Sheriff's Office, was six years old when her father tried to set fire to her grandparents’ home while she was inside. Instead of being offended by the podcast’s laughter at the chaos of the case, she reached out to the hosts to share that the laughter was healing. "Because sometimes when you’ve lived through hell, all you can do is laugh at the insanity o

Continue Reading

ALTON - Hop in the car and take a road trip to southwest Illinois this fall and discover authentic small-town charm coupled with stunning fall color drives, scenic and historic guided tours, adventures in u-pick orchards, corn maze adventures and spectacularly spooky haunted sites. When it comes to fall, the Great Rivers & Routes region has more than its share of fun, adventure and relaxing getaways on tap. “Fall is really a great time to visit southwest Illinois and the Great Rivers & Routes region,” says Cory Jobe, President/CEO of the Great Rivers & Routes Tourism Bureau. “We are the perfect week day escape and weekend getaway destination. There are so many things to do here – from rock climbing in the state’s largest state park, to classically haunted tours, unparalleled scenic color drives and tours to embracing the literal giants of The Last 100 Miles of Route 66 in Illinois.” The Great Rivers & Routes Tourism Bureau offers spectacular

Continue Reading

CHICAGO — Illinois Lottery players have another shot at a mind-boggling, life-changing windfall this weekend. The Powerball jackpot is now a staggering $1.7 billion for the next drawing on Saturday night. If won, it would be the third-largest Powerball jackpot and the third-largest lottery jackpot won in U.S. history. Several Illinois Lottery players are celebrating after winning big money from last night’s drawing. One lucky Illinois player won $1 million after matching five numbers. The winning Powerball ticket was purchased at Joe’s Tobacco & Vape, located at 1945 W. Galena Blvd. in Aurora. In addition, two players won $100,000 after matching four numbers and the Powerball, plus the game’s Power Play feature. And six players matched four numbers and the Powerball to win $50,000 each. DRAW DATE PRIZE AMOUNT WINNING RETAILER 9/3/25 $1,000,000 Joe’s Tobacco & Vape 1945 W. Galena Blvd. Aurora, IL 9/3/25 $100,000

Continue Reading

MARYVILLE - The Village of Maryville announced that Keebler Road at Illinois Route 162 will be closed. The closure began Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2025. The closure will require motorists to use a detour route via Old Keebler Road to Illinois Route 157. Beginning the third week of September, weather permitting, Illinois Route 162 will be reduced to one lane. This traffic pattern is expected to remain in place until the completion of the project. The construction involves the installation of a roundabout, which is anticipated to be finished by late winter or early spring of 2026. Village of Maryville officials urged all motorists to exercise caution when traveling through the affected area.

Continue Reading

GODFREY - Madison County authorities are investigating a fatal pedestrian crash that occurred Wednesday evening, Sept. 3, 2025, on Martin Luther King Boulevard (U.S. 67) near Godfrey Road. At approximately 9:22 p.m., Madison County Sheriff’s Deputies and the Godfrey Fire Department responded to the scene about half a mile south of Godfrey Road. Preliminary investigation indicates a black Toyota Tacoma traveling northbound struck a pedestrian who was walking northbound near the edge of the roadway. The area was unlit, and there were no nearby intersections or crosswalks. After the initial collision, the Toyota driver pulled to the side of the road. At that time, a second vehicle traveling in the same area also struck the pedestrian. The pedestrian was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the Toyota initially left but was located shortly afterward in the parking lot of his residence in Alton, with assistance from the Alton Police Department. All drivers involved are cooperating

Continue Reading

Surveys show that most of us place a high priority on our health and wellness. That’s probably not surprising to hear. But as common a goal as improving health is, it can sometimes feel like a mystery how we can actually work toward it, with busy days filled with work, family and other important activities. Luckily, small changes can have meaningful health benefits, and those benefits grow over time. Try these 15 simple tips that focus on behaviors most of us could start today. Stock up on frozen vegetables . They’re easy, ready when you need them and as healthy as fresh options when they have no added salt or sugar. Place fruit where you can see it — on the counter, top shelf of the refrigerator or your desk. Make it as easy as possible to choose these snacks over less-healthy ones. Keep a reusable water bottle filled and close by . Plain water is the healthiest and easiest way to stay hydrated. Add a mini walk — a micro break

Continue Reading

ALTON - Alton will host their fourth annual bowling fundraiser to support local first responders. On Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025, community members can come out to Bowl Haven in Alton for a nine-pin bowling tournament, a silent auction, raffles and a craft fair. From 2–6 p.m., the craft fair will encourage attendees to shop. At 5:30 p.m., registration for bowling begins. All proceeds go directly to The BackStoppers, which supports local first responders. “It’s crazy how much BackStoppers is needed nowadays,” said Becca, one of the organizers. “We’re there to have fun and raise money. We have a goal this year to pack the bowling alley. It was pretty packed last year.” Becca and her loved ones started the bowling fundraiser after she lost her friend, Police Officer Tyler Timmins, in the line of duty. Becca’s brother was a firefighter in South Roxana at the time, and South Roxana Fire Chief Todd Werner had passed away a few months

Continue Reading

Sens. Durbin, Whitehouse, Schiff to Bondi: “The Trump Administration’s choices to double down on its politicization of DOJ and elevate those who have actively attacked the rule of law, such as Mr. Wise, are a slap in the face to law enforcement everywhere” WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and U.S. Senators Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) and Adam Schiff (D-CA) urged the removal of Department of Justice (DOJ) employee Jared Wise. Wise stormed the Capitol on January 6, 2021, and was charged with multiple felony offenses, including aiding and abetting the assault of police while on Capitol grounds; however, his case was dismissed after President Trump’s blanket pardon of more than 1,500 insurrectionists. Wise was hired as a senior adviser to Ed Martin and the “Weaponization Working Group,” which has recently made headlines for employing intimidating tactics

Continue Reading

EAST ST. LOUIS – The U.S. Department of Justice’s Civil Division and the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois filed a complaint in federal court Thursday against the state of Illinois for policies directing financial support for illegal aliens that are not provided to non-resident U.S. citizens. “Illinois has an apparent desire to win a ‘race to the bottom’ as the country’s leading sanctuary state. It’s misguided approach mandating in-state tuition, scholarships, and financial aid to illegal aliens plainly violates federal law,” said U.S. Attorney Steven D. Weinhoeft. “This policy treats illegal aliens better than U.S. citizens living in other states and incentivizes even more illegal immigration, all on the taxpayer’s dime. Illinois citizens deserve better.” Federal law prohibits states from granting postsecondary education benefits, like in-state tuition or state financial aid, to illegal aliens unles

Continue Reading

GODFREY - Centerstone’s Life;Story event invites community members to run or walk a 5K and learn more about suicide prevention. On Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025, Riverbend residents can participate in the Life;Story 5K at the main location in Marion, Illinois, or the satellite location at Glazebrook Park in Godfrey. Erin Camfield with Centerstone explained that the goal of the event is to end the taboo around suicide and remind people that they aren’t alone. “Life;Story is really about bringing people together to build unity and connectivity between families who have similar situations, but more importantly, it is about breaking the stigma behind mental health, letting people know that they are not alone in having thoughts or living with somebody who is having thoughts of hurting themself,” Camfield said. Registration opens at 6:30 a.m. on Sept. 6. You can register up until the run/walk begins. The festivities start at 7 a.m. with a ceremony held in Marion.

Continue Reading

Did you know that people tend to spend up to 40% more time at the dining table when the setting is thoughtfully designed? The way a table is arranged can transform an ordinary meal into a memorable event, influencing mood, conversation, and even appetite. When hosting dinner parties, especially those with a fall theme, the tablescape becomes a powerful tool to engage guests and elevate the experience. Creating an inviting and cohesive fall-themed tablescape requires a blend of creativity, attention to detail, and an understanding of the elements that evoke the essence of autumn without resorting to clichés. Setting the Foundation: Choosing the Right Base The foundation of any tablescape is its base layers—tablecloths, runners, and placemats. For a fall-themed dinner party, think beyond traditional orange and brown hues to create a sophisticated palette that still reflects the season’s richness. Colors: Deep greens, mustard yellows, burnt sienna, and cranberry

Continue Reading

September 4th stands as a date marked by events that have shaped history across the globe. Arguably the most impactful event associated with September 4th is the tragic Munich Massacre of 1972. During the Summer Olympics in Munich, West Germany, a Palestinian terrorist group known as Black September took eleven members of the Israeli Olympic team hostage. The crisis unfolded over nearly a day, culminating in a disastrous rescue attempt at the Fürstenfeldbruck airbase. Sadly, all the hostages, along with five terrorists and one German police officer, lost their lives. This grim event exposed the vulnerabilities of international sporting events to terrorism and cast a long shadow over Olympic security protocols. The Munich Massacre not only affected international politics, leading to increased counterterrorism efforts worldwide, but also deeply impacted the Olympic movement and public consciousness about global conflict and violence. Moving backward in time, on September 4, 1888,

Continue Reading

BETHALTO - Bethalto Police Department has received two new ballistic shields thanks to a local business owner’s support. Nick Williams, owner of the Runway Lounge, purchased the equipment for the Bethalto Police Department. The shields were delivered through sales representative Kraig Hinson from Ray O’Herron Law Enforcement Supply. Bethalto Chief Jason Lamb expressed appreciation for the donation and said, “The amount of local support for the Police Department never ceases to amaze me. Nick, thank you for supporting the police department and we appreciate you having our back (or front in this case).” The addition of the ballistic shields aims to enhance officer safety during potentially dangerous situations.

Continue Reading

GODFREY — A pedestrian was fatally struck by a vehicle Wednesday night, Sept. 3, 2025, on MLK Drive between Godfrey Road and Northport Drive, authorities said. The Madison County Sheriff's Office and Godfrey Fire Department responded to the scene, where firefighters and Alton Memorial Ambulance personnel provided medical attention to the victim. Despite their efforts, the individual died at the scene. The Madison County Coroner’s Office and the Accident Reconstruction Unit were called to assist with the investigation. MLK Drive remains closed as officials continue their work. No further details have been released.

Continue Reading

GRANITE CITY – A Granite City man accused of robbing an elderly victim while armed with a “pellet gun” faces multiple felony charges. Austin M. Wallace, 20, of Granite City, was charged on Aug. 29, 2025 with a Class X felony count of armed robbery, a Class 1 felony count of vehicular invasion, and a Class 2 felony count of aggravated battery. On Aug. 27, 2025, Wallace reportedly stole money and a cell phone from a victim 60 years of age or older by use of force while armed with “a pellet gun,” according to charging documents. He is also accused of entering the same elderly victim’s Ford Windstar vehicle by force while the vehicle was occupied and striking the victim about the head and body, causing them to sustain a broken jaw. According to the state’s petition to deny Wallace’s pretrial release from custody, the victim reported being “accosted outside of 203 Liquor” in Madison “He reported that a younger white

Continue Reading

EDWARDSVILLE — A man who fatally shot a Maryville pastor during a church service in 2009 has been denied a request to transfer from a secure mental health facility to a non-secure treatment center. Circuit Judge Kyle Napp ruled Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2025, against Terry J. Sedlacek’s petition to move from the Alton Mental Health Center to a less restrictive facility or to receive increased privileges such as supervised off-grounds outings. Sedlacek, now 43, was found not guilty by reason of insanity in 2015 for the shooting of the Rev. Fred Winters and was ordered to be held at the secure facility operated by the Illinois Department of Human Services. Victim-impact statements were submitted to the court by Pastor Winters’ widow, Cindy Winters, and Maryville Police Chief Tony Manley. Cindy Winters wrote, “We hurt, but we do feel comfort in knowing that the man who ended his life is confined, getting appropriate treatment and not a threat to us and to anyone else.”

Continue Reading

CHICAGO – Today, Governor JB Pritzker met with leaders and volunteers from Community Violence Intervention (CVI) organizations across the Chicago area to discuss the progress of their programs in reducing crime and violence. This comes as the Trump administration has significantly cut federal funding for such programs while threatening to deploy armed military personnel into the streets of Chicago. “Community Violence Intervention Programs have a clear and demonstrated track record of reducing crime and making our communities safer – which is why my administration has invested historic amounts into them,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “President Trump’s deep cuts to these programs are another indication that his administration is not serious about fighting crime.” Governor Pritzker’s meetings were hosted at the Metropolitan Peace Academy, a program of Metropolitan Peace Initiatives, that trains individuals for community violence intervention

Continue Reading

SMITHTON, Ill. – State Representative Kevin Schmidt (R-Millstadt) donated his pay raise to the FFA Can-Do Challenge, which is a statewide initiative to work together to help those in need. Donations were collected at Smithton Grade School, Smithton Fire Department, Freeburg Country Mart, and Freeburg High School, and will be delivered to various food pantries throughout the region. Since voting against pay raises for legislators, Rep. Schmidt gives his pay raise back to community organizations each month. “The FFA is an outstanding organization, and I was thrilled to work with them to donate and collect 150 cans of food to help families in need throughout the region,” Schmidt said. “I'm passionate about fighting food insecurity and am committed to doing what I can to make a difference.” The FFA Can-Do Challenge is an annual event where FFA chapters use canned goods to build creative farm-themed structures, with all donations going to local food banks

Continue Reading