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ALTON — The Illinois State Police have identified Vernon Randle Jr., 27, of Alton, as the suspect who died in a shootout near Liberty and 6th Street in Alton on Thursday. The altercation also resulted in the death of Odin, a beloved K-9 of the Alton Police Department, and injuries to Officer Allen Averbeck. The incident unfolded on Thursday, leading to a gunfight that left Randle dead and Officer Averbeck injured. Odin, the K-9, was shot during the exchange and later succumbed to his injuries at Hawthorne Animal Hospital in Glen Carbon. Officer Averbeck, who was wearing a protective vest, has since been released from a local hospital and is expected to continue his recovery at home. Alton Police Chief Jarrett Ford took to the Alton Police Department's Facebook page on Friday to express his condolences and gratitude for the community support. "While we mourn his loss, I also want to highlight that K-9 Odin performed courageously and sacrificed his life to save the lives of his

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CAHOKIA HEIGHTS – The Illinois Department of Transportation today announced that pavement repairs on southbound Interstate 255 between Illinois 15 and Illinois 157 in St. Clair County will require lane closures over several weekends. Throughout construction, at least one lane will remain open at all times. The lane closures started at 7 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 23, and the two left lanes of southbound I-255 between Illinois 15 and Illinois 157 will be closed. One of the southbound lanes will reopen by 6 a.m. Monday, Aug. 26. This advance work is part of a $65.4 million project, made possible by Gov. JB Pritzker’s Rebuild Illinois capital program, to resurface I-255 throughout St. Clair County. Motorists can expect delays and should allow extra time for trips through this area. 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

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GRANITE CITY - After exposing a 1-month-old child to multiple controlled substances, resulting in their death, a Granite City couple faces multiple felony charges. Patrick L. Godfrey, 27, and Sarrah M. Cheung, 41, both of the same Granite City address, were both charged with involuntary manslaughter (both Class 2 felonies) and endangering the life or health of a child (both Class 3 felonies). Godfrey and Cheung allegedly used meth and allowed a 1-month-old child to be exposed to both meth and cannabis before “co-sleeping,” or sleeping in close proximity to the child, reportedly resulting in their death. According to petitions filed to deny both Godfrey and Cheung’s pretrial release, officers responded to a report of an unresponsive infant on June 29, 2024. The petitions identify Godfrey as Cheung’s “boyfriend,” and state they both admitted to the drug use described. “Cheung and Godfrey both admit to using meth the day before,”

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O'FALLON — The O'Fallon Police Department is now accepting applications for its upcoming Citizens Police Academy, set to begin on September 11, 2024. With only five spots remaining, interested individuals are encouraged to reserve their place promptly. The academy, which spans eight weeks and includes a total of 10 sessions, offers participants an in-depth look at the operations and practices of the O'Fallon Police Department. Sessions will be held on Wednesdays from 6 to 9 p.m., with additional sessions on one Thursday and one Saturday. Participants will receive comprehensive training and insights into various aspects of law enforcement, including department history, police operations, patrol tactics, traffic stops and DUI procedures, current drug trends, criminal investigations, CPR/AED training, fire safety demonstrations, use of force simulations, 9-1-1 communications, and canine operations. The program also includes an 8-hour ride-along with an officer. Graduates of the

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GRAFTON - There are only a few more chances to head to Raging Rivers this season. The water park will be open on weekends until Sept. 8, 2024, including Labor Day weekend. They are also giving away four free tickets to a lucky winner. Park Manager Jeremy Hayes said it’s been a great season so far, and he can’t wait to welcome more guests before the summer ends. “You’ve got to make your memories before the summer’s over, and what better place to do it than Raging Rivers?” Hayes said. “The employees love it and the people love it.” Located at 100 Palisades Parkway in Grafton, the water park is a local fixture for families across the Riverbend. From now until Sept. 8, Raging Rivers is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays. The park usually closes for the season after Labor Day weekend, but they decided this year to expand their season one week in the hope that warmer temperatures will bring more

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EAST ALTON — A dumpster fire on the 900 block of 5th Street prompted a swift response from the East Alton Fire Department on Friday afternoon. Firefighters arrived promptly at the scene and managed to extinguish the flames, preventing further damage. The cause of the fire has not been disclosed, and no injuries were reported. The East Alton Fire Department has not released additional details about the incident.

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BELLEVILLE - The St. Clair County Emergency Management Agency expressed its condolences to the Alton Police Department after the loss of dedicated police dog K-9 Odin on Thursday, Aug. 22, 2024. The St. Clair County Emergency Management Agency's statement was as follows: "Our sympathies to Alton Police on the loss of their brave and dedicated K-9 Odin who paid the ultimate sacrifice yesterday in the line of duty. K-9 Odin died protecting his handler (who was also shot) and fellow officers. We wish the injured officer a speedy recovery as well." The St. Clair County Sheriff's Office had these comments about Odin and the other officer: "With a heavy heart, we are sending our condolences to the Alton Police Department on the passing of K-9 Odin. K-9 Odin was killed this morning after a suspect fired shots at police. We are also praying for a quick recovery for the police K-9 handler." Odin was killed while protecting his handler, who was also shot during the incident in Alton. The shooting

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WOOD RIVER — Firefighters from multiple departments responded to a house fire on the 1400 block of Williams Street Friday afternoon, Aug. 23, 2024, where smoke was seen coming from the roof vents. Upon arrival, the Wood River Fire Department encountered heavy smoke coming from the house. Firefighters swiftly brought the fire under control, preventing further damage. A box-alarm was issued, prompting additional support from the Roxana, East Alton, Rosewood Heights, and Edwardsville Fire Departments. Madison County Emergency Management deployed their rehab truck, while Alton Memorial Ambulance provided standby support. It appears that nobody was home at the time of the fire, and no injuries were reported. The Illinois State Fire Marshal has been called in to assist with the investigation to determine the cause of the fire.

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SPRINGFIELD — In a decisive move, the Illinois State Board of Elections voted unanimously today to keep Jay Keeven on the ballot, following a recommendation from the hearing officer. The ruling came after Illinois Democrats filed a lawsuit seeking to remove Keeven from the ballot, citing the newly enacted "Katie Stuart Protection Act." Keeven said the "Katie Stuart Protection Act," which was swiftly passed by Illinois Democrats, "aimed to change election rules mid-cycle to prevent incumbents from facing challengers. However, the law was previously declared unconstitutional by a court in Sangamon County." In response to the ruling, Keeven expressed his gratitude and reiterated his commitment to providing voters with a choice. "I am thankful that the Illinois State Board of Elections made the right decision. Our campaign followed the rules and our voters deserve a choice in this election," Keeven said. "For months, Democrats in Springfield have tried every possible way to keep

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ALTON - The Alton Amphitheater will host its famous Food Truck Festival this weekend. From 4–8 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 24, 2024, community members can enjoy food from different food trucks across the Metro East region at the Alton Amphitheater. This free event will include live music by Rock Mafia. Dan Herkert, chair of the Amphitheater Commission, said he can’t wait for the tenth edition of the Food Truck Festival. “This event is always fun because it’s a free event, people can roam the riverfront, get some food, hang out with their friends,” Herkert said. “We always have great music. If the weather holds, we’re going to have a really great day on Saturday.” Featured food trucks include: Beast Craft BBQ Cajun Seduction Doughboy’s Wood Fired Pizza Duchess Rose Royal Fire & Ice Cream Truck G Burrito Go Gyro Go Grace Chicken + Fish Jaaise Grubb Jive Turkey The Moobile Mr. Noodle

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GRAFTON - At their regular meeting on Tuesday, August 20, 2024, the Grafton City Council unanimously approved Mayor Mike Morrow’s appointees to the newly minted Regional Ferry Task Force. The mission of the Task Force is to analyze and develop a jurisdictional implementation plan for the recommendations delivered to community and elected officials on July 30, 2024, at Pere Marquette Lodge by the Nelson Nygaard Consultants Group. The study of Illinois regional ferries, including the Grafton Ferry, was made possible by an IDOT grant that was awarded to America’s Central Port District in 2023. The original purpose was to explore the feasibility/possibility of expanding the current ferry service between Grafton, Illinois and St. Charles, Missouri. During the award process, the grant scope was increased at the request of IDOT to include studying all the ferries in our region. The Grafton and the Golden Eagle Ferrys are owned and operated by the Calhoun Ferry Co. and the Knight

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ALTON - Alton Main Street , the Sierra Club Illinois ’ Three Rivers Project and Jacoby Arts Center are announcing the return of the Mississippi Earthtones Festival to the Alton Amphitheater on Saturday, September 21st from noon until 10:00 p.m. The organizations are seeking artists, sponsors and volunteers for their 18th annual event. Booth space has reached capacity, with 25 environmental education exhibits, 70 eco-friendly artists and makers, and 10 culinary vendors participating. The festival attracts approximately 5,000 community members and tourists to Downtown Alton to celebrate our river through art, music, and conservation. Live music will fill the air throughout the day. The entertainment lineup on the main stage will feature: Ahna and the Couch Burners (blues, jazz, classic rock, and reggae) from 12:00-2:00, Aaron Kamm & the One Drops (Roots Reggae and Mississippi River Blues) from 3:00-6:00, Jake’s Leg (the longest running Grateful Dead tribute in the Unite

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GRANITE CITY – The Illinois Department of Transportation today announced that as part of ongoing efforts to replace the Interstate 270 bridges between Illinois 3 and Riverview Drive in Missouri, lane closures in both directions of I-270 are scheduled to take place beginning, weather permitting, at 9 p.m. Friday, Aug. 23. One lane will remain open in each direction. By 5 a.m. Monday, Aug. 26, all lanes will reopen. Eastbound traffic will use a new lane configuration. Motorists should be alert for altered lane patterns. Westbound lanes will remain the same. 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 X, formerly known as Twitter, at @IDOTDistrict8 or view area construction details on IDOT’s traveler information map on GettingAroundIllinois.com.

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GODFREY - As the Great Godfrey Maze prepares to open, the Godfrey Parks and Recreation department is looking for part-time workers to make the maze a success. The Great Godfrey Maze will run from Sept. 13 through Oct. 26, 2024. In addition to the Peanuts-themed maze and Haunted Maze, families can enjoy hay wagon rides, a bounce pillow, the corn crib and the cow train, among other activities. Chris Logan, Parks and Recreation director, explained that the department needs several employees to work as “Corn Cops” to operate the maze and activities. “We need people. We need Corn Cops,” Logan said. “We’re looking for someone to drive our wagon ride, which is going to be pulled behind the tractor. We need drivers for our cow train, assistant managers, managers, and a lot of high school-aged students who are looking to make some extra money and have fun at a job that really can be a lot of fun.” Maze Managers, Assistant Maze Managers and Corn

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ALTON – Alton Police Chief Jarrett Ford has issued a heartfelt response about the death of K-9 Odin and one of his officers being shot in a armed confrontation on Thursday, Aug. 22, 2024. These were Ford's words: "In a tragic incident early this morning, K-9 Odin of the Alton Police Department lost his life while protecting his fellow officers during an armed confrontation in the 700 block of East 6th Street. K-9 Odin, a Belgian Malinois/German Shepherd mix, joined the Alton Police Department in February 2024 and completed his K-9 Academy Training in early May 2024. Despite his brief tenure, Odin had already made a significant impact through his service." Ford continued: "The confrontation began when officers engaged in gunfire with a suspect, who sustained injuries and was transported to an area hospital where he was later pronounced deceased. During the exchange, an officer from the Alton Police Department was struck by the suspect’s gunfire. The officer received treatment

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On this day, August 23, a series of remarkable events occurred throughout history, shaping the world as we know it today. 1939: The Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact is Signed Arguably the most consequential event to occur on August 23 was the signing of the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact in 1939. This non-aggression treaty between Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union, named after the respective foreign ministers, Joachim von Ribbentrop and Vyacheslav Molotov, had far-reaching implications. The pact included a secret protocol that divided Eastern Europe into spheres of influence, leading to the invasion of Poland and the subsequent outbreak of World War II. This agreement fundamentally altered the geopolitical landscape of Europe and set the stage for one of the most devastating conflicts in human history. 1305: William Wallace is Executed In 1305, Scottish knight and national hero William Wallace was executed for high treason by the English. Wallace is best known for leading the Scottish resistance

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ALTON — The Alton Fire Department responded to a structure fire in the 2700 block of Sanford Avenue just before 10 p.m. Thursday. Upon arrival, firefighters encountered heavy flames coming from the home. Firefighters swiftly brought the fire under control. During a search of the premises, they found a dog inside the house. The firefighters promptly removed the dog and administered oxygen. Following the treatment, the dog began walking around and appeared to be in good condition. The East Alton Fire Department was called to assist at the scene. No injuries were reported. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

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ALTON — A single-vehicle crash at the end of the Clark Bridge in Alton resulted in significant damage to a guardrail and a traffic lights power box Thursday night. Officers responding to the scene found the car lodged under the guardrail. The collision caused the traffic lights at Landmark and Highway 67 to go out, leading to potential traffic disruptions. The police have not yet released information regarding any injuries from the accident. Further details are expected as the investigation continues.

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ALTON - The Marquette Catholic 2024 Mega Raffle Kick Off Party is from 6 to 9 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 24, 2024, at Johnson's Corner in Alton. The second Early Bird Drawing will take place at 9 p.m. The Early Bird Drawing dates are as follows: Aug. 16, Aug. 24, Aug. 30, Sept. 6, Sept. 13 and Sept. 20. Marquette Catholic's Annual Mega Raffle kicked off the start of the school year on Aug. 16, 2024, drawing a large crowd. The events are coordinated by Mary Hough, Marquette's Director of Development and raffle organizer. The Mega Raffle serves as a significant fundraiser for the school, supporting various needs such as scholarships, financial aid, capital improvements and much more. Marquette Catholic Principal Tim Harmon emphasized the importance of the Mega Raffle to the school. "It is a large part of our big fundraiser that helps support the school, students, faculty, and staff," Harmon said. "It is used for a mix of everything. It goes toward helping us support scholarships and financial

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EDWARDSVILLE — Madison County State’s Attorney Tom Haine released a statement regarding an officer-involved shooting that occurred on Aug. 22, 2024, in Alton. The incident resulted in the death of a police K-9 and injuries to an Alton Police officer. “‘Officer Down’ are the two worst words you can hear, but in this case, we are all immensely grateful that this officer somehow avoided serious injury,” Haine said. “We are also very saddened at the passing of his canine partner, Odin. These K-9 units are a true team, and this loss will be a tough one.” The shooting underscores the inherent dangers law enforcement officers face daily. Haine emphasized the unpredictable nature of their duties and expressed gratitude for their service. “We pray for the injured officer’s continued health and the health and safety of all of our local law enforcement,” Haine added. “This is a reminder that our police officers never know

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