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ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo. — Ryan Martin, a 37-year-old resident of Ballwin, Missouri, faces multiple charges stemming from a series of alleged criminal activities, including property damage and vehicle theft. The St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney's Office announced the charges on October 23, 2024, following Martin's arrest on October 18. Martin has been charged with Property Damage First Degree, Tampering with a Motor Vehicle, Stealing $25,000 or More, Stealing a Motor Vehicle, and Aggravated Fleeing from a Stop. He is currently being held on a $250,000 cash-only bond. The charges relate to an incident on May 11, 2024, when a 2017 Freightliner tractor truck owned by Dimer Trucking was reported damaged after being taken from the company's parking lot in Fenton, Missouri. The truck was allegedly used to steal three large spools of copper wire, valued at over $285,000, from an Ameren substation located on the grounds of Mercy Hospital South. Surveillance footage linked Martin to

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GRANITE CITY – The Illinois Department of Transportation today announced that a full closure of eastbound Interstate 270 between Illinois 3 and Riverview Drive in Missouri is scheduled to take place for approximately 1 hour between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m. on Thursday night, Oct. 24, 2024, weather permitting. The closure is necessary to install an overhead sign truss. All lanes will reopen when work is complete, no later than 5 a.m. Friday, Oct. 25. Motorists should plan accordingly and are encouraged to use alternate routes during this closure. Drivers are urged to reduce speed, be alert for changing conditions, obey all construction signage, and refrain from using mobile devices while approaching and traveling through the work zone. For IDOT District 8 updates, follow us on the social media platform X at @IDOTDistrict8 or view area construction details on IDOT’s traveler information map on GettingAroundIllinois.com.

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ALTON - While GRID Solar does not sell electric vehicles, they can answer all of your questions about how EVs work with solar systems. Ryan Wagner, co-owner of GRID Solar, talks to a lot of people who want to know more about how solar systems affect electric vehicles. He explained that a solar system can power an EV without overworking the system, and the EV can act as a battery to boost your home’s solar system. “You want somebody who’s thought of this in a holistic way, every aspect of this,” Wagner said. “I own solar. My car is powered by the sun. I have a gas station built on top of my house. It’s called a solar power system. Now with my solar power system, I can run my entire house and have a $0 power bill. I can also run my EV and have a $0 per month gas bill, no more oil changes, no more of that type of regular maintenance on the car. My house becomes a hub that can now power more of my life.” Wagner shared that he is “a

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GODFREY - The Village of Godfrey has collected a wide variety of items to provide hurricane relief. Mayor Mike McCormick explained a Godfrey resident reached out to him about Churches on the Streets, a local nonprofit that has organized a collection for hurricane survivors in North Carolina and Florida. McCormick collaborated with Churches on the Streets Executive Director Angela Valdes to designate Godfrey as a drop-off location. “I think it’s very important,” McCormick said. “I think we need to reach out and help people when they need help as much as we can, and I’m very happy that we did that.” Residents can drop off hygiene supplies, winter clothing items, nonperishables and more through noon on Thursday, Oct. 24, 2024, at Godfrey Village Hall. Churches on the Streets will then pick up the donations on Thursday afternoon and transport supplies to North Carolina. McCormick noted that Godfrey has seen “a very good response”

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EAST ST. LOUIS – Illinois State Police (ISP) Division of Criminal Investigation Zone 6 Public Enforcement Safety Group (PSEG) arrested 41-year-old Dwight N. O’Neal of East St. Louis, IL for Attempted First Degree Murder (Class M Felony), Aggravated Battery Discharge of a Firearm (Class X Felony), and Unlawful Possession of Firearm Revoked FOID (Class 3 Felony) stemming from a shooting that occurred in East St. Louis earlier this week. On October 20, 2024, East St. Louis Police Department (ESLPD) received the report of a shooting near the intersection of 18th Street and Missouri Avenue in East St. Louis. The description of the suspect was broadcasted to local officers. PSEG, ESLPD, and the East St. Louis Housing Authority Police Department responded to the scene. Officers observed the alleged suspect, later identified as O’Neal, fleeing on foot from the area. O’Neal was apprehended and a weapon was recovered. The victim self-transported to an area hospital

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EDWARDSVILLE — The murder trial of Roger Dale Sutton Jr. continued Thursday, Oct. 24, 2024, focusing on the 2013 death of Patrenia Butler-Turner, a 40-year-old woman from East St. Louis who had been missing for nearly a decade. Testimonies presented in court included insights from forensic experts and law enforcement officers. The day began with the prosecution questioning Jessica Van Dyke, an FBI forensic examiner. Van Dyke noted that the decomposition of Butler-Turner's clothing was so advanced that no DNA was recovered from her underwear. During cross-examination, defense attorneys inquired about blood testing on the clothing found by police. Van Dyke clarified that the police did not request her lab to conduct blood tests, as her lab typically does not perform such analyses. The prosecution then called Pontoon Beach Detective Michael Williams to the stand. Williams testified about his interview with Andrea Vasquez on January 6, 2023, where she described a male individual

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EDWARDSVILLE – Attorney Deanna L. Litzenburg received the Third Judicial Circuit Pro Bono Service Award from the Public Interest Law Initiative (PILI) for her exceptional pro bono contributions to low-income individuals and charitable organizations over the past year. The award was presented during the Third Judicial Circuit Pro Bono Luncheon on Tuesday, October 22, 2024. The luncheon highlighted the impactful pro bono efforts being made throughout Illinois, with Illinois Supreme Court Justice David K. Overstreet serving as the guest speaker. Justice Overstreet emphasized the importance of advocacy in the pursuit of justice. Litzenburg, a Vice President and shareholder at Mathis, Marifian & Richter, Ltd., specializes in civil and commercial litigation, premises liability, medical malpractice, employment law, and workers’ compensation. With decades of experience in the Third Judicial Circuit, she has built a reputation as a committed attorney dedicated to community service.

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ALTON - A local organization has built a frisbee disc golf course at the Alton Fire Department. Something Bigger Than Yourself is a nonprofit that donates to local children’s homes, hospitals and nursing homes. Now, they’ve expanded their reach to include first responders. The frisbee disc golf course will be exclusively for the firefighters to enjoy during their downtime. “We have to be thankful for our fire departments, because the things that they do and the things that they see and the lives that they save, it’s just amazing,” said Jay Lipe, who oversees Something Bigger Than Yourself. “If we can bring joy, camaraderie, that’s the point.” Lipe, a self-described “avid disc golf player,” explained that he saw the land at Alton’s Fire Station #1 and thought it would be a great place for a course. He noticed the firefighters were sitting by the station’s basketball court but not playing. When he approached

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A distinct odor has been reported across several communities in the region, including Roxana, Wood River, Alton, Edwardsville, Shipman, and Godfrey, and more on Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2024. Local officials are investigating the source of the smell, which has been described as reminiscent of manure. Matt Beitscher, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in St. Louis, corroborated these findings, indicating that wind patterns are likely transporting the odor from areas where manure is being applied. "Winds out of the north or northwest... if they are laying down manure in Iowa, Kansas, or Nebraska, the smell could reach here," Beitscher explained. He said the odor has been reported as moving eastward from its source. He also said so far, there is nothing official about the widespread odor. As the investigation continues, local officials are working with emergency response teams to determine the exact origin of the smell, which has caused concern among residents in the affected

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EDWARDSVILLE – Stephanie McSparin was honored with the Judge Barbara Crowder Champion Award for her exemplary service as a Madison County Security Officer during the Third Judicial Circuit Pro Bono Luncheon on Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2024. McSparin has dedicated eighteen years to her role as a Court Security Officer, where she has consistently gone beyond her official responsibilities to ensure the safety and respectful treatment of all individuals entering the courthouse. Her commitment is reflected in her willingness to assist those in need, including helping them navigate court forms and providing essential information. “Stephanie is always helping people who need assistance,” said a representative from the court. “She takes the time to ensure everyone feels supported during their visit.” The Judge Barbara Crowder Champion Award recognizes individuals who demonstrate outstanding commitment to public service and community support within the judicial system.

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EDWARDSVILLE - A former Edwardsville High School assistant principal who was charged in 2023 with Criminal Sexual Assault for having a sexual relationship with a minor student is back in custody after violating the conditions of her bond. As previously reported on Riverbender.com , the Edwardsville Police Department received information alleging that an assistant principal at the school had a sexual relationship with a juvenile who was younger than 18. The subsequent investigation led to a suspect, Erin L. Hamilton-Foley, 50, of Edwardsville, being taken into custody on Tuesday, May 23, 2023. A description of one of the charges states she “held a position of trust, authority or supervision” in relation to the 17-year-old victim, “being that she was an assistant principal … and his assigned mentor.” Hamilton-Foley resigned from her position in July of 2023 , but pleaded “not guilty” in the case against her. According to an application

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GRANITE CITY - After nearly five years of absence, the Third Judicial Circuit will return to Granite City starting in early 2025. Chief Judge Steve Stobbs announced today that the Granite City area docket will soon resume proceedings in the courtroom located within the City Hall of Granite City. Chief Judge Stobbs said: “I have fond memories of practicing before, now retired Circuit Judge Phil Kardis, in the Granite City courtroom and then serving as a judge there later in my career. I am happy to announce that the Third Judicial Circuit will soon return to Granite City for a weekly court call to include traffic, misdemeanor, and local ordinance violations.” The Granite City area docket has historically consisted of matters arising from incidents in and around Granite City, including the neighboring communities of Pontoon Beach, Venice, and Madison. The Granite City area docket ceased in March 2020 during COVID and was later moved to the main Courthouse in Edwardsville

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EDWARDSVILLE — Madison County residents will have the opportunity to safely dispose of unused prescription medications during the Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024. The event will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Madison County Administration Building’s back parking lot, located at 157 North Main Street in Edwardsville. The event is organized by Madison County law enforcement agencies in collaboration with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Madison County State’s Attorney Thomas A. Haine, Sheriff Jeff Connor, and Coroner Steve Nonn will oversee the drop-off site. Haine emphasized the importance of the event, stating, “It’s a convenient way for the residents of Madison County to help combat the epidemic of overdoses from prescription drugs.” Sheriff Connor echoed this sentiment, urging residents to utilize the service as a means to contribute to public safety. “It’s a way for them to help

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SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) is reminding deer hunters about locations where deer can be tested for chronic wasting disease (CWD) free of charge. Chronic wasting disease is a fatal disease of the central nervous system in deer and elk. It was first detected in a suspect adult female deer from northwest Boone County in 2002. Since then, 173,486 wild deer have been sampled statewide, and 2,188 individual deer have tested positive for CWD. The disease is currently confined to a 21-county area in the northern third of Illinois. Wildlife biologists monitor the geographic distribution and intensity of CWD primarily through testing of hunter-harvested deer. CWD is not known to be transmissible to humans; however, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization do not recommend consuming CWD-positive venison (deer meat). Hunters can visit participating vendors, including taxidermists and meat processors, or leav

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JERSEYVILLE - The latest Honor Roll and High Honor Roll lists for students at Jersey Community Middle School have been released. JCMS High Honor Roll Students 5th Grade Katherine G. Abbott Kody A. Bean Stella A. Bechtold Henry J. Bick Keegyn J. Boyer Claire I. Challans Cheyenne R. Craigmiles Jocelyn R. Depper Keegan J. Depper Emma R. Dirksmeyer-Lyming Josephine L. Droege Cheyenne R. Epstein Elliott I. Fallin Madilynn G. Fitzgerald Willow R. Gansz Colin A. Graham Lillie M. Gray Millie R. Griffith Jack F. Hayes Kara K. Heitzig Mathew L. Howell Carson J. Hutchens Clara M. Hutchens Grant C. Jones Avery M. Kadell William D. Kelley London M. Knabe David Knoche Jayce A. Knowles Elijah P. Kraushaar Parker W. Kruse Faith E. Latempt Nolan C. Leblanc Lexie M. Lee Jaxon R. Lemarr Hudson T. Lyons Ellis D. McCoy Leonidas K. McKeller Ava M. Molloy Raymond J. Mueller Autumn Nordan Kylee R. Ontis Cayden J.

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ALTON - Alton Main Street invites you to join the fun at the Downtown Alton Chili Cook-Off, to be held from noon to 3 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024, at The Renaissance X, located at 401 Piasa St. in Alton, Illinois. The Chili Cook-Off is a great civic event that encourages local chefs, both amateur and professional, to match their favorite recipe with others in similar categories. Organizers look forward to greeting returning teams and welcoming new participants to this fiery competition. Tickets are $10.00 for adults or $5.00 for kids 10 & under, and will be available at the door. Beverages will be available for purchase, and you’ll enjoy live classic rock music from Number4Combo. There are 10 teams registered this year; and judges will award $100 prizes to winners in 2 categories: RESTAURANTS - The Old Bakery Beer Company, Olga's Restaurant, Argosy Casino River Side Grille, My Just Desserts, Foxes Boxes, The Renaissance X and INDIVIDUALS - Michael Ramsey, Paul Barnett, Virginia

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GRANITE CITY - After nearly five years of absence, the Third Judicial Circuit will return to Granite City starting in early 2025. Chief Judge Steve Stobbs announced today that the Granite City area docket will soon resume proceedings in the courtroom located within the City Hall of Granite City. Chief Judge Stobbs said “I have fond memories of practicing before, now retired Circuit Judge Phil Kardis, in the Granite City courtroom and then serving as a judge there later in my career. I am happy to announce that the Third Judicial Circuit will soon return to Granite City for a weekly court call to include traffic, misdemeanor, and local ordinance violations.” The Granite City area docket has historically consisted of matters arising from incidents in and around Granite City, including the neighboring communities of Pontoon Beach, Venice, and Madison. The Granite City area docket ceased in March 2020 during COVID and was later moved to the main Courthouse in Edwardsville a

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GODFREY - Specialist Christopher Sichra, a former member of the U.S. Army, reflects on his military service that spanned two enlistments during critical periods in American history. Sichra served from 1987 to 1991, participating in the Cold War and the Gulf War. Sichra's first enlistment took him to the 69th Ordinance Company in Longare, Italy, where he was deployed for two years. His duties included serving as a Nuclear Weapons Specialist with the Southern European Task Force (SETAF), which operated in Italy, Greece, and Turkey. After his initial term, he transitioned to Bravo Company of the 303rd Military Intelligence Battalion, where he trained and became a certified Military Intelligence Analyst at Fort Hood, Texas. Throughout his military career, Sichra earned several medals and honors, including the Army Service Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, Overseas Service Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal, Meritorious Unit Citation, Presidential Unit Citation, and the Expert Rifle Marksmanship

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EDWARDSVILLE — The Edwardsville High School Marching Band, known as the Marching Tigers, will hold its final community performance after the Edwardsville football game on Friday night at the EHS Sports Complex, Tiger Stadium. This free event will showcase the band’s show for the 2024-25 season, titled "The Origins of E-vil." The performance marks the culmination of a busy competition season for the Marching Tigers, who will also compete at the Bands of America (BOA) St. Louis Super Regional at 5:15 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 25, 2024. Additionally, the band will perform during halftime at the senior night home football game against DeSmet on the same day. Should the Marching Tigers qualify for the finals at the BOA St. Louis, they will perform again on Saturday. This past weekend, the Marching Tigers participated in the BOA Indy Super Regional in Indianapolis, where they performed at Lucas Oil Stadium. The band placed ninth in their class and 35th overall, competing against 88

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O'FALLON - Join us on Thursday, Nov. 7, 6-7:30 p.m., for “From Southern Illinois to Ukraine: A Faith Response by HSHS,” to learn about how HSHS hospitals in the southern Illinois area are helping provide critical resources to health care facilities around the world, including Ukraine. The event will be held at St. Clare Church, located at 1411 Cross St., O’Fallon, Ill. Amid war in Ukraine, Hospital Sisters Mission Outreach – a global health affiliate of HSHS – has shipped five 40’ containers of requested medical supplies and equipment to Ukrainian hospitals. HSHS hospitals in southern Illinois, including St. Elizabeth’s Hospital-O’Fallon, St. Joseph’s Hospital-Breese, St. Joseph’s Hospital-Highland and Holy Family Hospital-Greenville, contributed to the effort to support Ukrainian hospitals in both rural and urban areas who are delivering health care to their communities, even with an influx of internal refugees and both

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