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JERSEYVILLE – Two local car clubs will be cruising in style to a car show coming soon to Liberty Village of Jerseyville. The car show will be held on Wednesday, June 4, 2025 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Liberty Village of Jerseyville, located at 1251 N. State St. in Jerseyville. The event is free and open to the public and will feature a variety of classic rides proudly on display from members of the Jersey County Street Machine Association and White Hall Drag-O-Way. Liberty Village residents will get a chance to visit with attendees and see some of the timeless makes and models that dominated the roads in decades past. Stop by Liberty Village on June 4 to see some of the area’s coolest cars, and stay tuned to Riverbender.com for more car show coverage from the event.

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CHARLESTON — Father McGivney’s 4x800 relay team of Will Rakers, Liam Boeving, Gus Range and Liam Schmidt secured a spot in the 1A IHSA State Track and Field Finals on Saturday, May 31, 2025, after finishing seventh in the preliminaries Thursday, May 29, 2025, with a time of 8:15.09 at the Charleston meet. The boys are Byron, Carlson, Petri & Kalb Male Athletes of the Month for Father McGivney. Speaking for the group following the qualifying round, junior Liam Schmidt said, “It is nice to qualify for the finals. We PR’d a month ago in the 4 x 800 relay. We have been working hard in practice. It is nice for things to come together. We thought we should win the heat. We took it out aggressively in the race. We ended up and qualified for the state finals.” Schmidt added that the team’s goal was to qualify for state and earn a medal. “We worked really hard in practice for the 4x800," he added. "We had ambitious goals going into this season and

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GRANITE CITY — The Rotary Club of Granite City honored juniors Myla Layne and Megan Sykes as Students of the Month for May during a ceremony Thursday. The recognition, based on academic achievement, scholastic and extracurricular honors, civic involvement, and leadership roles, highlights outstanding high school juniors nominated by their teachers. Layne, daughter of Freddie and Melissa Layne, serves as co-captain of the Scholar Bowl team and has maintained High Honor Roll status for two years. She is an Alpha Peer Leader, volunteers at Peer Tutoring and Relleke Farms, and holds the position of Science Club treasurer. Sykes, daughter of Craig and Ann Sykes, is a three-year varsity letterwinner in girls basketball, soccer, and swimming. She has earned Secondary Honors for three years and holds multiple Microsoft Office Specialist certifications, including Excel 2019 Associate, PowerPoint 2019 Associate, and Word 2019 Associate. Sykes also volunteers as a cafeteria worker and

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ALTON - Veterans can access benefits and receive mental health help through Centerstone. On a recent episode of “Our Daily Show!” with C.J. Nasello , Centerstone’s veteran care navigator Jeremy Lile shared that he works closely with veterans to connect them to resources through the VA, the State of Illinois, or Centerstone’s own programs. Centerstone aims to be a “one-stop shop” to help veterans access these services. “The goal at Centerstone is to actually walk them and connect them with names, with faces, with people, not just give them the information and send them on their way,” Lile said. “We want to make sure that there’s a good connection and they’re being integrated into other programs and other community-based services. We’re actually walking beside them and helping them get in touch with the benefits that they’re desperately seeking or have been seeking for a long time.” Lile,

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You might get a text from an unknown number saying it’s the Illinois DMV. It warns that you have an unpaid traffic ticket. It says your license and registration will be suspended tomorrow unless you “Pay Now” via the link provided. This is not a real notice. It’s a scam designed to make you panic and hand over your money or personal data. Scammers use urgency to cloud your judgment. The message will quote state codes and deadlines. It may even threaten to report you to a “violation database,” suspend your driving privileges, or hurt your credit score. Real DMV penalties never arrive by random text. Official notices come through the mail, and you always have weeks to respond. The link in the message often looks almost official. It might read something like “idot-illinois.gov-ldwg.live/portal.” But notice the extra words or unusual domain ending. True government sites end in “.gov” and don’t include odd dashes or “.live.”

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SPRINGFIELD – Governor JB Pritzker, Illinois State Police (ISP) Director Brendan F. Kelly, the Law Enforcement Medal of Honor Committee, and law enforcement officials from across the state gathered today for the Law Enforcement Medal of Honor Ceremony in Springfield to honor officers who performed acts of heroism. The Law Enforcement Medal of Honor Committee awarded 23 officers from 10 agencies the Medal of Honor in recognition of their brave and sacrificial service to the people of Illinois. Granite City Police Department Officer Douglas B. Nicoson was recognized at the Medal of Honor ceremony. “Today, we pay tribute to our heroic police officers who have gone above and beyond the call of duty while protecting our communities,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “From Palatine to Chicago to Granite City, our honorees saved lives and offered comfort and support to countless others. While we will never be able to repay their bravery in full, we hope that this recognitio

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Discover an exciting array of events across the region, from lively music performances and engaging markets to family-friendly activities and unique community gatherings, offering something for everyone to enjoy. For a complete listing of upcoming events, visit https://www.riverbender.com/events/ and plan your next adventure today! Featured THE MIDWEST EXPRESS feat. Mattie Schell and Jackson Stokes at Rock the Block is set to roll into Jerseyville on May 30, 2025, at City Center Park. This unforgettable night of music promises undeniable Midwest charm brought to you by two of St. Louis' most exciting artists, Mattie Schell and Jackson Stokes. Both are band leaders and professional singer-songwriters joining forces for a fun-filled evening. Expect heavy grooves, soaring harmonies, and searing guitar solos backed by a super group of musicians with regional guest artists. The show features two sets of original music from each artist, followed by a Super Set of familiar songs with guest

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BELLEVILLE - The St. Clair County Transit District (SCCTD) today announced it has been awarded $3,000,000 in funding through the Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program (ITEP) for the development of Phase 2 of its Bunkum Road Trail. This 0.8-mile trail segment is part of a series of trails that will combine to create a new 4.8-mile bike path corridor extending from the intersection of Highway 161 and Sullivan Drive in Belleville to The REC Complex of Fairview Heights on Bunkum Road in Fairview Heights. This is all part of the MetroBikeLink System, which currently consists of more than 39 miles of interconnecting trails and bike paths in St. Clair County that connect to six Metro Transit Centers. The project will enhance local transportation and boost quality of life for all community residents. Phase 2 of the Bunkum Road Trail will be a 10-foot-wide bike path running from Emma Lane to Lea Drive. It will include a large pedestrian bridge over I-64 and connect directly to The

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ALTON — The Alton Police Department is investigating a fatal shooting that occurred on Lawn Street on the evening of Wednesday, May 28, 2025. At approximately 9:33 p.m., officers responded to multiple reports of gunfire in the 3100 block of Lawn Street in Alton, Madison County. Upon arrival, officers found a 41-year-old man, identified as Donald R. Lane of Alton, inside a vehicle with an apparent gunshot wound. Officers provided immediate aid until the Alton Fire Department Ambulance arrived. Lane was transported to a local hospital where he later died from his injuries. While officers were still at the scene, the department was notified that a second gunshot victim had arrived at a local hospital. That individual was subsequently transferred to a hospital in St. Louis for further treatment. Initial investigations suggest the shooting was not a random act of violence but stemmed from an encounter among individuals who were known to each other. The Alton Police Department received

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ALTON - The Alton Amphitheater will welcome rock band Puddle of Mudd this August. On Saturday, Aug. 2, 2025, community members can come out to the Alton Amphitheater for the concert. Dan Herkert, chair of the Alton Amphitheater Commission, promises a fun night on the river. “The riverfront is going to be rocking on Aug. 2,” Herkert said. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the opener goes on at 7 p.m. Herkert said they are still working with Puddle of Mudd to finalize the opening act, but this will be announced soon. Puddle of Mudd takes the stage at 8 p.m. Tickets will go on sale at 10 a.m. on Friday, May 30, 2025, through MetroTix . General admission costs $34.25. You can grab reserved tickets for $46.50 or enjoy VIP seating, parking and private concessions at $65. Herkert added it’s likely there will be a meet-and-greet opportunity with the band, but they are still working out those details. He noted that it’s been a few years since the amphitheater

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BETHALTO - Civic Memorial High School teacher Charlie Brown loves songwriting almost as much as he loves his students. It was an obvious decision to write a song for them. Brown is currently working on his sixth album, with plans to record in the next year or so. The album is slowly taking shape, and it revolves around his teaching and the students who have inspired him as a singer, songwriter and human being. “It’s just cool to involve the community and the kids that I teach,” he said. “It’s just been a blast.” Brown has released one song already, and it might be one of the most personal pieces he’s ever written. “Parking Lot Prayers” details the prayer he says every morning for his students before he begins his day as the culinary arts teacher at CMHS. But it wasn’t enough to be inspired by his students; Brown decided he needed them to be involved. He found “the best singers in the school” to sing

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GODFREY - An 85-year-old man - Morris E. Gross - died, and another person was injured in a two-vehicle crash on Airport Road in Godfrey over the Memorial Day weekend. The collision occurred at approximately 5:24 p.m. on Saturday, May 24, 2025, near the 1100 block of Airport Road in Godfrey. Gross was a passenger in a classic Corvette involved in the crash. Godfrey Fire Protection District first responders performed CPR on Gross at the scene, fire officials said. The investigation into the cause of the crash is ongoing. Authorities have not released additional details about the other vehicle or the condition of its occupants.

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JERSEYVILLE - Jersey High School’s softball team secured a spot in the Illinois High School Association (IHSA) Regional Championship after a commanding 7-0 victory over Jacksonville on Wednesday, May 8, 2025. Freshman pitcher Paxton Weirich played a pivotal role in the win by throwing a no-hitter and setting a new school record with 18 strikeouts. Weirich is a Sparklight Female Athlete of the Month for the Panthers. Weirich, a left-handed pitcher and first baseman, has been a key contributor for Jersey Community Unit School District No. 100’s softball program. She has excelled both as a starter and a relief pitcher, leading the team with strikeouts on the season. Jersey head girls softball coach Chelsey Crnokrak said: "Paxton has found success coming to the mound in relief and also starting games. Paxton leads the team in strikeouts and is also an offensive threat at the plate, batting in the cleanup position."

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GODFREY – A Godfrey resident has been charged and released from custody after carrying a loaded firearm in Glazebrook Park. Peyton R. Pehrson, 26, of Godfrey, was charged on May 20, 2025 with a Class 3 felony count of unlawful use of a weapon and a Class 4 felony count of aggravated unlawful possession of weapons. On May 19, 2025, Pehrson allegedly knowingly carried a concealed Cranik 9mm handgun on his person “while he was at a public park,” Glazebrook Park in Godfrey. The firearm was “uncased, loaded, and immediately accessible at the time of the offense,” according to court documents. The Madison County State’s Attorney’s office filed a petition to deny Pehrson’s pretrial release in this case. According to the petition, the incident unfolded after officers “responded to a report of someone acting belligerent in the roadway, flashing a firearm.” “Witnesses reported that the suspect fled through Glazebrook Park,

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FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS — Three Fairview Heights police officers were shot and injured during a confrontation with a suspect on May 17, 2025. Two of the officers continue to recover after treatment. One of the officers, Molly Muennich, was shot in the face, while Herminio Raimundi was shot in the arm. Officer Andrew Ward was shot in the chest, but thankfully a bullet-resistant vest prevented serious injury and he was treated and released. The Fairview Heights mayor and police chief both spoke this week, providing an update on the situation. The two were both thankful for their enormous support the Fairview Heights Police has received since the incident not only from citizens in the community, but nationwide. At approximately 9:44 p.m. on May 17, 2025, Fairview Heights police responded to a call reporting a suspicious individual near a residence. Upon arrival, officers encountered 22-year-old Elijah Thompson of Belleville, who opened fire, striking three officers. Thompson was

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EDWARDSVILLE - Ark Animal Hospital has been keeping pets healthy for over a decade. Located at 6718 Goshen Road in Edwardsville, the hospital recently marked its ten-year anniversary with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Owner Dr. Sarah Smith emphasized that she plans to keep the hospital “small and petite” to curate a community-oriented “family vibe,” but she is proud to mark the tenth anniversary and plans to continue caring for animals across the Ed-Glen region for another ten years. “We definitely could not have made it without our community support,” Smith said. “We’re a smaller animal hospital focused on personal care and wellbeing for your pets as they grow and nurture from their puppyhood all the way until seniorhood.” Ark Animal Hospital offers emergency veterinary care as well as routine care for all kinds of animals. Dr. Amy Mueller, associate veterinarian, noted that the hospital sees “a good spectrum of the

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BETHALTO - Meadowbrook Intermediate School was recently named the Madison County Green School of the Year, and it’s all thanks to the students and staff members on the Green Team. Meadowbrook educates fourth and fifth grade students in the Bethalto Community Unit School District #8. Special education and general education students work together to collect the school’s recycling every week and promote environmental awareness. “It’s really cool because it gives them leadership roles,” explained Madelyn Ehlers, who teaches special education. “They take very good responsibility. Even when they’re outside, if they see trash, they’re picking it up. It’s really cool for both the gen ed kids and my kids because they’re just learning so much from each other. It’s really special.” Ehlers and teacher Cassie Payne worked together to lead the Green Team this year. Payne has coordinated recycling programs and environmentally-friendly

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CHICAGO – Attorney General Kwame Raoul issued the following statement after the U.S. Court of International Trade ruled President Trump’s attempt to implement sweeping tariffs “exceed any authority” granted by the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). Raoul and 12 attorneys general filed a lawsuit in April to halt implementation of the illegal tariffs. “Once again, a court has evaluated the Trump administration’s attempt to govern by edict. And once again, a court has ruled the president exceeded his authority granted under the law. “Since the International Emergency Economic Powers Act was enacted in 1977, no president has attempted to use it to implement such sweeping, arbitrary tariffs. In this matter, the court rightly determined the administration’s use of tariffs to ‘pressure’ the targeted countries fall short of the law’s criteria for a looming national emergency. Illinois and states around th

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Did you know that nearly 60% of bird species in North America have experienced significant population declines over the past 50 years? While habitat loss and climate change are major contributors, urban and suburban development also play a critical role. However, your backyard can be a small but powerful refuge for wildlife. By thoughtfully designing and managing your outdoor space, you can support local ecosystems and enjoy the beauty of nature right at home. Understanding the Role of Your Backyard in Wildlife Conservation Backyards, even small ones, collectively form a network of habitats that can sustain wildlife populations. Birds, pollinators, amphibians, and small mammals often rely on urban green spaces as stopovers during migration or as permanent homes. The challenge is to create an environment that meets their needs for food, water, shelter, and breeding. For example, research from the National Wildlife Federation shows that backyards planted with native vegetation support

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May 29 has witnessed some of the most pivotal moments in global history, affecting politics, culture, and society in profound ways. On May 29, 1453, after a protracted siege, Ottoman forces led by Sultan Mehmed II finally breached the formidable walls of Constantinople, the capital of the Byzantine Empire. This conquest marked the end of a millennium-old empire and the beginning of Ottoman dominance in southeastern Europe and the eastern Mediterranean. The fall of Constantinople is often cited as a significant turning point that helped usher in the Renaissance in Western Europe, as many Greek scholars fled westward, bringing with them classical knowledge and texts. But the significance of May 29 doesn’t end there. Centuries later in 1660, the same date marked the restoration of the English monarchy with King Charles II's triumphant return to London. This event ended the period of republican rule known as the Commonwealth, which had been established after the English Civil

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