Riverbender 🕸

ST. LOUIS – United States District Court Judge Henry E. Autrey sentenced Scott Reinhardt II, age 36, to 25 years in federal prison to be followed by a lifetime on supervised release for the production of child pornography. Reinhardt previously pleaded guilty in December 2021. According to the plea agreement, between the dates of February 1, 2020, and December 13, 2020, in Jefferson County, Missouri, Reinhardt sexually abused the victim, who was under the age of ten at the time. Reinhardt used his cellular telephone to video record and produce images of his sexual abuse of the victim. Reinhardt also used the same cellular telephone to secretly record a second minor female victim while nude in the bathroom of the residence he shared with the victims’ mother. Reinhardt had been previously convicted on November 12, 2014, of one count of statutory rape second degree and two counts of statutory sodomy second degree for sexual contact perpetrated against a minor, who was

Continue Reading

CALHOUN COUNTY - Rashad L. Stewart, 18, of the 100 block of South Pence Street in East Alton, was taken into custody Thursday, March 10, 2022, on a felony warrant of Aggravated Battery With A Firearm. Wood River Police Department Chief Brad Wells said Stewart was taken into custody by Detectives with the Wood River Police Department, the U. S. Marshall’s Office, and Deputies with the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office. Stewart was taken into custody during a search for him this morning, at approximately 9 a.m., in the 400 block of Porcupine Lane, Hamburg, Illinois. At 11:35 p.m. on February 13, 2022, the Wood River Police Department received a 911 call from the 300 block of Bonita Street for a male who had been shot in the chest. Officers were dispatched. The male victim was treated at the scene and transported to a St. Louis area hospital. The victim was speaking with officers prior to being transported. As a result of the investigation, officers were able to determine Stewart

Continue Reading

JERSEYVILLE – A local man had a very lucky day on Thursday, March 10, when a visit to a local gas station turned into big winnings on the video gaming machines. Eldon Medford, general manager for Medford Food Mart said, “We really enjoy seeing our customers win big, but this is the largest one we have ever seen.” The winnings for the man who wanted to remain anonymous totaled over $15,000 between three different payout slips. The first two totaled around $3,500 and the big hit was a single payout of $11,681.50 shortly after the first two. Medford said the man was very excited and didn’t mind the wait for the state to show up to hand pay the winnings and that He didn’t specify what he plans to do with the winnings but it’s great to see. Medford Food Mart is partnered with Accel Entertainment for its video gaming program and is the local leader in the area in terms of video gaming volume. Medford Food Mart is a family-owned business based out of Jerseyville.

Continue Reading

SPRINGFIELD - The Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA), in conjunction with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR), received notice from USDA Wildlife Services of the first confirmed highly pathogenic Eurasian H5 Avian Influenza (Avian Flu) in a wild bird in Illinois for 2022. Three Canada geese, located in Will County were submitted for sampling on March 2, 2022. The findings were confirmed by the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Services at the National Veterinary Services Laboratory on March 10. Wild bird detections have been occurring throughout early 2022 and many states have also experienced detections in domestic poultry recently. While Illinois has not seen any Avian Flu in backyard or commercial poultry within the state this year, this finding demonstrates that the virus is present and may be circulating within the wild bird population in Illinois. Anyone that owns birds or is involved with poultry production, whether on a small or commercial level

Continue Reading

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) is requesting President Joe Biden directs Attorney General Merrick Garland to establish and chair a Gasoline Price Gouging Enforcement Task Force to carefully monitor and investigate oil and gas markets for potential violations of criminal or civil laws, including gasoline price gouging, that inflict financial harm on hard-working American families at the pump and result in higher prices for all, as businesses pass on higher operating costs to customers. In part, Duckworth wrote: “Whether from price manipulation or fraud in the commodities market, the United States Government must prioritize protecting American consumers from suffering financial harm as a result of oil and gas executives taking advantage of a deadly global pandemic and Vladimir Putin’s unjustified and unlawful brutal war of aggression against Ukraine to increase corporate profits on the backs of consumers. Establishing a task force consisting o

Continue Reading

EDWARDSVILLE - Junior Leticia Bennasar Lluy of Metro East Lutheran High School had a big season this year, averaging 9.2 points per game and 8.1 rebounds per game for the Knights. Leticia is the Metro East Lutheran High School Female Athlete of the Month. She said she would like to thank her parents for always helping her, taking her to basketball practices and games. "I also want to thank my coach Sonia Pons, from Spain for always making me work hard and not giving up and for trusting me as a player," she said. "And thanks to Mr. Stock for coaching me this season and making this a great basketball season for me." Leticia averaged 3.5 blocks per game during this season, 9.2 points per game, and 8.1 rebounds per game. "I also think that I had a lot of dedication for the team, going to all the games and practices," she said. "I’ve been playing basketball for 12 years now; I started when I was 4. The things that I like the most about basketball are that I got to meet a lot

Continue Reading

SPRINGFIELD - The Illinois House of Representatives adopted a resolution sponsored by State Representative Amy Elik (R-Fosterburg) on Thursday to honor the life of South Roxana Fire Chief Todd Werner. “Chief Werner dedicated his life to public service in Madison County by serving as a first responder. His selfless commitment to the community won’t be forgotten,” said Rep. Elik. “After talking with other first responders in the county, it became evident that Chief Werner made a positive impact on the people who were fortunate to call him a friend.” Chief Werner worked in the fire service for 30 years. He joined the South Roxana Fire Department in 1996 and became the Fire Chief in 2013. Chief Werner had been employed by the Madison County Sheriff's Office for the last three years before his passing on July 1, 2021, at the age of 48. Werner was a member of the South Roxana Dad's Club and the Madison County Emergency Management Association; at the time of

Continue Reading

EDWARDSVILLE - A prosecutor Wednesday said he may introduce evidence of the blood of murder victim Michael Ladd on the boot of Zachary Capers when the case comes to trial, but Capers' attorney indicated she may introduce an alibi defense and suggest an alternative suspect. Assistant State’s Attorney Jake Harlow said DNA analysis showed Michael Ladd’s blood on the heel of a boot that Capers wore. He argued at an evidence hearing before Associate Judge Neil Schroeder. Public Defender Mary Copeland told the judge she may suggest an alternative suspect. She said six people were interviewed after the death of Michael Ladd, 79, and Dr. Lois Ladd, 68, both of Edwardsville. The two were found stabbed to death at their residence on March 18, 2019. An employee of Lois Ladd had reported that she had not appeared at her office, as usual. Copeland argued that several associates of Michael Ladd’s construction company speculated that another man had killed the two

Continue Reading

ST LOUIS, MO. — Daylight saving time begins this Sunday, March 13, and the American Red Cross of Greater St. Louis reminds everyone to TURN your clocks forward one hour and TEST your smoke alarms. Did you know working smoke alarms can cut the risk of dying in a home fire by half? That’s why it’s critical to “Turn and Test” and take these lifesaving steps to stay safe from home fires — the nation’s most frequent disaster: Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, including inside and outside bedrooms and sleeping areas. Test alarms monthly and replace the batteries at least once a year if your model requires it. Replace smoke alarms that are 10 years or older. That’s because the sensor becomes less sensitive over time. Check the date of your smoke alarms and follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Practice your two-minute escape plan . Make sure everyone in your household can get out in less than two minutes

Continue Reading

ALTON — The Southwest Illinois Division of United Way of Greater St. Louis recently awarded Kids Corner and Refuge, two nonprofits that serve Madison County, Ill, with a total of $14,000 through the Carol F. Martin Trust Grant Fund. A $4,000 grant awarded to Kids Corner will help them fund programs for children who have been displaced because of parent separation, and a $10,000 grant awarded to Refuge will support programs that prevent childhood exposure to violence and abuse. “United Way of Greater St. Louis is proud to support Kids Corner and Refuge as they focus on the well-being of children and families in our community,” said Maura Wuellner, director of the Southwest Illinois Division of United Way. “United Way is able to invest in the varying needs of our community because of the generosity and support of our donors, volunteers, and community.” Kids Corner is managed by the Children’s First Foundation whose goal is to prepare families

Continue Reading

ALTON - The board of directors of Marquette Catholic High School is pleased to announce Tim Harmon as principal for the 2022-23 school year. Harmon currently serves as interim principal. The board of directors has also removed the “interim” status, effective immediately. “In a short period of time, Tim has shown extraordinary leadership in representing the school,” said Board President David Bartosiak. “His willingness to serve Marquette Catholic is great news for the students, parents, faculty, and staff. We believe he is absolutely the right person to lead the Marquette family at this time.” Harmon holds a bachelor’s and master’s degree from Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville. Harmon is a ten-year veteran of Marquette Catholic, where he started in the social studies department in 2012. He is regarded and respected as a talented teacher by both parents and students, and he will continue to teach two sections of Honors U.S.

Continue Reading

EDWARDSVILLE — Madison County State’s Attorney Tom Haine announced on Thursday that Erin Arras, 46, of Belleville, pled guilty to one count of aggravated driving while under the influence causing death stemming from an automobile accident in September 2020 in Alton. On September 7, 2020, first responders responded to an accident on West Broadway in Alton involving Arras’s vehicle and a motorcycle. One of the motorcycle’s passengers died as a result of the accident, and the other sustained serious injuries. Arras presented signs of intoxication, and toxicology reports showed her blood-alcohol content was above the legal limit. Following the accident, Arras was charged with one count of aggravated driving while under the influence causing death, a Class 2 Enhanced felony. In exchange for her guilty plea, Arras was sentenced to eight years in the Illinois Department of Corrections. Haine thanked the Alton Police Department, Illinois State Police, and Assistant

Continue Reading

SPRINGFIELD — St. Patrick’s Day means parades, parties and lots of green for communities throughout Illinois. If your celebratory green will go beyond your favorite St. Paddy’s Day T-shirt and hat to include alcohol or cannabis, the Illinois Department of Transportation, Illinois State Police and local law enforcement remind you to plan ahead for a sober ride home. “If you’re celebrating St. Patrick’s Day, make your own luck by designating a sober driver or deciding how you’ll get home safely before you leave the house,” said Cynthia Watters, IDOT’s bureau chief of Safety Programs and Engineering. “Too many people wait until after they’ve become impaired to figure out how they’ll get home, but by then it’s too late to make a coherent decision.” The St. Patrick’s Day enforcement effort runs from March 11 through the early-morning hours of March 18. Throughout this period, the Illinois State Police

Continue Reading

JERSEYVILLE - Sara Poletti and Kate Jones were selected as the District FFA Proficiency Winners in Agricultural Sales Placement and Small Animal Production and Care. Sara Poletti and Kate Jones are members of the Jerseyville FFA Chapter of the Illinois Association FFA. Illinois FFA recognizes students in forty-seven different areas based on their work-based learning, also known as Supervised Agricultural Experiences or SAE. FFA members who demonstrate outstanding agricultural skills and competencies through record keeping, leadership, and scholastic achievement may be considered for this award. SAEs allow students to learn by doing by either owning and operating an agricultural business, working or serving an internship at an agriculture-based business, or conducting an agriculture-based scientific experiment and reporting results. A committee of agriculture industry representatives and teachers knowledgeable in this work-based area selected Sara Poletti as the District 3 Winner in

Continue Reading

ST. LOUIS/EDWARDSVILLE - Given the current status of the country and world, families are looking for a chance to escape into wonder and excitement, even in their own hometown. St. Louis’ City Museum is offering just that. The City Museum is collaborating with a Capstone Group studying at Southern Illinois University of Edwardsville to create an event that highlights the fun to be had on the museum’s campus. On March 26, 2022, said event will be taking place along with an additional giveaway of four-year-long memberships retailing at two hundred and twenty dollars in total. To be considered for the giveaway, customers will use the included QR code to enter the raffle. The customer’s name and email will be requested to contact the lucky customer that wins the raffle prize. This Capstone Group and the City Museum hope to call attention to the campus’ many attractions and exhibits. There is simply no way to experience all there is to experience at the Museum

Continue Reading

ALTON - Macular degeneration is a disease many of us have heard of but may not know much about. So, it may be surprising to hear that the disorder significantly impacts the vision of millions of people in the U.S. – and that there are steps to help prevent it. Macular degeneration is an eye disease that damages the central part of the retina, called the macula, which is the tissue at the back of the eye that is responsible for sharp, straight-ahead vision. At first, macular degeneration may go unnoticed, but as it advances, vision loss can get increasingly worse and have a real effect on people’s daily routines and quality of life. “It impacts independence and the ability to read, write, drive a car and watch TV,” said Dr. Johanna Seddon, director of the Macular Degeneration Center of Excellence at the University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School. “And most important to many patients, they’re not able to recognize family members and other people

Continue Reading

SPRINGFIELD - Land of Lincoln Honor Flight is cleared for take-off! After being grounded for two years due to COVID restrictions and related health concerns, Land of Lincoln Honor Flight (LLHF) is pleased to announce that current conditions allow us to resume flights to honor our veterans. We have planned five (5) flights for 2022 on June 14, July 19, August 30, September 27 and November 1, 2022. The mission of Land of Lincoln Honor Flight is to show gratitude for our World War II, Korean era, and Vietnam era veterans by taking them - free of charge – from Springfield to Washington DC to visit the memorials dedicated to their service. Joan Bortolon, Land of Lincoln Honor Flight President, issued the following statement: “We are thrilled to be able to resume our flight schedule and start serving the over 700 veterans on our waitlist. These veterans have been waiting patiently for the last two years for their day of honor and we are anxious to start filling our flights.

Continue Reading

SPRINGFIELD – The 2022 Illinois spring trout fishing season will open April 2 at 57 ponds, lakes and streams throughout the state. An early opportunity at select trout sites – the spring catch-and-release fishing season – will open March 19. No trout may be kept during the catch-and-release fishing period, but anglers can keep trout after the opening of the regular season beginning April 2. The Illinois Catchable Trout Program is funded by those who use the program through the sale of inland trout stamps. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) stocks more than 80,000 rainbow trout each year in bodies of water where trout fishing is permitted during the spring season. An additional 80,000 trout will be stocked for the fall trout fishing season, which begins in October. For the 2022 spring trout season, no trout may be taken from any of the stocked sites from March 14 until the season opens at 5 a.m. April 2. Anyone attempting to harvest trout before

Continue Reading

WEST FRANKFORT – Centerstone, a national leader in behavioral health care, received a $2,500 grant from Ameren Illinois to help address Centerstone clients’ basic needs and set them up for treatments. That can include helping with temporary shelter; transportation to treatment, jobs and medical appointments; non-perishable food, and more. “Many members of the community – individuals and families – who come to Centerstone for help are homeless, hungry, and without transportation or phones, in addition to suffering from mental health or substance use disorders. Prior to making any progress in treatment, basic needs must be met,” said Erin Camfield, Centerstone’s director of advancement. “Thanks to funding from this grant, we’re able to help meet these basic needs for our clients and homeless individuals, which in turn benefits our community as a whole. When we provide services to assist the homeless, we are not just changing the life

Continue Reading

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Chair of the U.S. Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Subcommittee on Fisheries, Water and Wildlife, this week met with U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) St. Louis District Commander Colonel Kevin Golinghorst, as well as USACE Rock Island District Commander Colonel Jesse Curry to discuss critical water infrastructure projects throughout the state. In separate meetings, Duckworth discussed the support from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law for the Navigation and Ecosystem Sustainability Program (NESP) and inland waterways programs, including the Brandon Road Lock and Dam Project. “Protecting and strengthening our inland waterways is critical to growing our local economies and protecting the health and safety of our communities,” Duckworth said. “I was glad to meet with Colonel Golinghorst and Colonel Curry to discuss the importance of water infrastructure and the ongoing projects throughout the region

Continue Reading