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EDWARDSVILLE — Madison County officials celebrated leadership, learning, and legacy on Wednesday as they recognized local 4-H members and presented the 2025 Nick Petrillo Champions of Mental Health Scholarships. Chairman Chris Slusser began the meeting by presenting a proclamation to Meghan Cope, 4-H Youth Development Program Coordinator with the University of Illinois Extension. Slusser said although he never participated in 4-H growing up, his personal connection to the organization is through his wife. He said she grew up in Colorado in a farming community, and she didn’t show livestock, but learned photography, baking and cake decorating skills. “It’s not what a lot of people think about with 4-H,” he said. “They think about livestock. Really it’s an organization that teaches lifelong skills. “It’s great to see so many young people carrying that tradition forward.” Cope thanked county leaders for their continued support

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ALTON — Charges have been filed against three individuals in connection with a shooting that occurred in the early morning hours of Saturday, Oct. 11, 2025, the Alton Police Department announced on Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025. Following an extensive and fast-moving investigation, Madison County State’s Attorney Tom Haine charged Rico F. Long, Stacey T. Samuels, and Chelsea N. Stout with multiple offenses related to the incident. Long and Samuels each face two counts: aggravated battery with a firearm and possession of a firearm by a repeat felony offender. Stout faces three counts: aggravated battery with a firearm, aggravated battery, and obstructing justice. All three individuals are being held at the Madison County Jail pending a detention hearing under the SAFE-T Act. The Alton Police Department emphasized its commitment to thoroughly investigating violent crimes and holding offenders accountable to maintain community safety. All those charged are presumed innocent

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GRAFTON — Pere Marquette State Park hosted a well-attended Fishing and Owl Night program recently, combining outdoor education and nighttime exploration for families and children. The event, which has been running for about 35 years, offers participants the opportunity to learn about fishing, owls, and the experience of being in the woods after dark. Scott Isringhausen, the park’s urban fishing coordinator with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, described the evening as “definitely one of the most successful ones we have ever had.” He also describes the event as "one of his favorite times of the year at the park." This year's program began at 5:30 p.m. at the Pere Marquette educational pond with a session on fish and fishing. Following the presentation, children fished at the bluegill pond adjacent to the visitor center, where some of the kids caught over 20 fish individually," he said. "I think they all caught at least 10 fish or more," Isringhausen

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WOOD RIVER — The Wood River Fire Department announced a change to the route for the annual Halloween parade scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 25, due to ongoing sewer separation work on Wood River Avenue. The parade will begin as planned at 6th Street Park and proceed south on 6th Street, then turn west onto Ferguson Avenue. Instead of continuing on the usual path along Wood River Avenue, the parade will turn north on 1st Street from Ferguson Avenue and conclude at the intersection of 1st Street and Carringer Avenue. The pickup area at the end of the parade will remain at the Roundhouse parking lot. Other sections of the parade route will remain unchanged. Organizers encourage participants and spectators to review the updated map and share the information to help spread the word. Registration for parade entries remains open at www.woodriver.org.

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ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo. — St. Louis County Police Department detectives are investigating a fatal motor vehicle crash that occurred Thursday afternoon, Oct. 16, 2025, at the intersection of St. Charles Rock Road and North Hanley Road. Officers from the Central County Precinct responded at 1:43 p.m. to reports of a collision involving a passenger vehicle and a motorcycle. The motorcycle driver was transported to a local hospital but was later pronounced dead. The driver of the passenger vehicle was also taken to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The deceased has been identified as Michael Parks, 40 years of age, of the 1800 block of Korando Avenue, Overland, MO. The Bureau of Crimes Against Persons and Accident Reconstruction detectives are actively investigating the incident. Authorities have not released additional details regarding the cause of the crash. Anyone with information about the crash is urged to contact the St. Louis County Police Department at 636-529-8210.

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GLEN CARBON – Glen Carbon residents are set to pay more for their sewer service starting next year. The Village Board of Trustees this week unanimously approved annual increases to the service charge and usage fees for sewer service supplied by the village. The first increase will take effect on Jan. 1, 2026, with additional annual increases each year through 2030. Residents currently pay a $5.50 monthly sewer service charge. This will be raised to $6 per month in 2026, followed by annual 50 cent increases each year until 2030 with a monthly rate of $8. The village’s current usage fee of $8 per 1,000 gallons is also increasing to $9.60 in 2026 before rising by 30 cents annually to $10.80 in 2030. Customers outside village limits will also see their annual sewer service charges increase by 50 cents as their usage fees rise by 20 cents per year over the same time period until 2030. Tap-on fees to connect new customers will also increase from $2,725 to $3,500 for new single-family

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ALTON - A reception celebrating a new mural in downtown Alton has been postponed. At 4 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 19, 2025, community members are invited to 224 Front Street in Alton for the mural’s unveiling. This is a change from the original date on Oct. 18, due to forecasted storms. The 4 p.m. celebration will be followed by a reception at My Just Desserts at 4:30 on Oct. 19. “We’re thrilled to partner with Audubon for another mural that really sets the tone for how our community looks when you drive in the front door,” said Sara McGibany, executive director of Alton Main Street. Produced through a partnership between Alton Main Street and The Audubon Center at Riverlands, the new mural spotlights the Lesser Yellowlegs, a bird species that migrates through the Mississippi Flyway every year. Mike Kelly and Center Advisory Board members Penny Schmidt and Susan Flader collaborated with Alton Main Street to bring this mural to downtown Alton. The mural

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O'FALLON, Ill. — The O'Fallon Police Department is asking for the public's assistance in identifying a man who they say is connected to recent fraud investigations. Authorities have released an image of the individual and are urging anyone with information to come forward. Police have not provided additional details about the specific fraud cases, but emphasized the importance of locating the suspect to advance their inquiries. Residents who recognize the man or have relevant information are encouraged to contact the O'Fallon Police Department at 618-624-4545, extension 0. The department thanked the community for their cooperation in addressing the ongoing investigation.

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ILLINOIS - The Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) might reduce a proposed $128.8 million gas rate increase by Ameren Illinois by about one-third. Ameren Illinois and a few local advocacy groups shared their comments on the rate case. “In January, Ameren Illinois filed a plan with the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) that will maintain the safety, integrity and reliability of the natural gas distribution system and support an orderly and equitable transition to clean energy sources,” said Brad Kleoppel, senior director of Gas Operations and Technical Services. “As with any proposed plan before the ICC, our natural gas proposal is currently undergoing an extensive review process, where stakeholders and interested parties are able to weigh in and give input. A final order is expected in November.” A few local groups argue that the proposed reduction is not enough. During a media briefing on Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025, Jim Chilsen with the Citizens Utility Boar

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O'FALLON - The St. Clair County State’s Attorney’s Office charged 60-year-old Keith Burton of O’Fallon with three counts of possession of child pornography on Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2025. The charges follow an investigation that began in June 2025 after a report was made to the O’Fallon Police Department. Burton was located and arrested at his residence in O’Fallon on a warrant related to the case. Under the Illinois Safe-T Act, the charges are classified as non-detainable offenses, and Burton was released from custody pending further court proceedings. The O’Fallon Police Department acknowledged the collaborative efforts of its officers and detectives alongside the St. Clair County State’s Attorney’s Office in advancing the investigation. All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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ALTON - Antonia Phillips, a two-time Illinois High School Association (IHSA) All-State wrestler and 2022 state champion, has been named the recipient of the 2025 Medal of Courage by the Illinois Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame. Phillips, who is deaf, has been recognized for her trailblazing achievements as a female athlete in Southern Illinois. She currently competes at Aurora University after a storied career at Alton High School. Phillips’ high school coach at Alton High School, Eric Roberson, praised her dedication and resilience. “I am so proud of Antonia, and she is so deserving of the Medal of Courage award from the National Wrestling Hall of Fame,” Roberson said. “She was always so focused and showed a great maturity when she competed at Alton High. I think she did show tremendous courage to play many sports growing up, and she never made any excuses. She just always outworked her competition, and she really earned everything she has received.

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BELLEVILLE - Friends and family of Dalton Vonderheide, a 17-year-old from Belleville who died in a car accident on Monday, Oct. 13, 2025, are rallying to provide financial help to cover funeral expenses and related costs. Dalton, described as a vibrant and kind young man, passed away suddenly in the tragic incident that has deeply affected his community. A GoFundMe campaign has been established to assist the family during this difficult time, allowing them to focus on grieving and healing without the added burden of financial stress. The funds raised will go directly to the family to help with funeral arrangements and time off work. Details about the funeral arrangements are still being finalized and will be shared on social media once confirmed. The campaign organizer, Jael Wilson, expressed gratitude for any contributions, as well as for the thoughts, prayers, and memories shared in honor of Dalton’s life. Those wishing to support the family can find the GoFundMe page linked

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EAST ST. LOUIS - Recently, members of the Looking Glass Prairie Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, spent a fun and rewarding day at The Eagle’s Nest of St. Clair County in East St Louis. The facility provides transitional housing, trauma-informed care, and wrap-around services and support for homeless veterans in and around the Bi-State area. The Looking Glass Prairie Chapter's mission is to empower homeless veterans to achieve self-sufficiency. The Looking Glass Chapter donated some much-needed new kitchen equipment, games and puzzles, handmade blankets, and furniture for the day room. Before that, however, it was time for chow! The DAR members provided and served the veterans a full meal, including home-baked treats. With full stomachs, the veterans and Daughters played bingo and visited, sharing stories and fellowship. Chapter regent Kimberly Dalrymple said, “Each veteran also received a special goody bag. The best thing about the whole

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WEST FRANKFORT – The teachers who are members of the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), Local 817, have officially filed an Intent to Strike with the Illinois Educational Labor Relations Board (IELRB). The action comes after teachers voted yesterday (October 15) to authorize their union's bargaining team to call a strike, if necessary. The Intent to Strike vote was overwhelming; 97% of members voted, with 100 percent voting "YES." West Frankfort teachers may now legally go on strike as soon as October 26. “We love our students and this community, and we don't want learning or sports schedules to be disrupted," said Tim Aldridge, teacher and president of Local 817. "The overwhelming results of this vote make it crystal clear that our teachers are prepared to strike if the school board gives us no other choice. Teachers' patience is running out. The union has been bargaining with Superintendent Donkin and Frankfort CUSD #168 school board members for more than five months,

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ALTON — The Alton Fire Department responded to a structure fire on the 400 block of Main Street on Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025, around lunchtime, encountering heavy smoke and flames upon arrival. “The fire started in the first-floor bedroom and went into walls and moved into the second floor then to the attic,” Alton Fire Chief Jesses Jemison said. A box alarm was requested, and assistance from the East Alton Fire Department was called to the scene. The cause of the fire remains unknown. No injuries were reported.

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EDWARDSVILLE - On Sunday, October 12, Tandra Taylor, PhD, assistant professor in Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s Department of History and SIUE's Interim Director of the Institute for Community Justice and Racial Equity (ICJRE) at the Southwestern Illinois Justice and Workforce Development Center on SIUE’s Belleville campus was recognized with the 2025 Educational Leadership award from the East St. Louis NAACP Branch 3013. The award ceremony, the Branch’s 71st Freedom Fund Banquet, took place at the Marriot St. Louis Grand in Downtown St. Louis. Emcees Maurice Drummond and Morgan Harris, both anchor/reporters on First Alert 4 television news introduced the evening with the theme “The fierce urgency of NOW.” Branch President Robin Carey-Boyd spoke of the principles behind the NAACP’s East St. Louis membership, founded 101 years ago. “The mission has always been clear: To ensure the political, educational, social, and economic

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GODFREY - "A rock is a rock, but there are different rocks and different uses for each." And, "When life hands you rocks, build a rock garden." If you are going to build a rock garden, or create an outdoor living space, Hindley Nursery and Stoneyard has the rocks, or plants, you need. On the highway toward Brighton, but still in Godfrey, there are ten acres of just about every kind of rock and stone imaginable. Unlike many other retailers, they have dozens of variations ranging in shapes, sizes and colors. Creating a pleasing outdoor living space is becoming very popular. “Outdoor living spaces expand the overall usable entertaining area of your home. They give you another place to go, another experience of your home, another place to gather— even another place to watch a movie,” says Stephen Block, president of Inner Gardens. Providing landscaping and gardening supplies and materials, the company had a humble beginning. Its "roots” go back to Tim an

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EDWARDSVILLE/CHOUTEAU - During their regular meeting on Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2025, the Madison County Board voted to approve a special use permit for a commercial solar energy facility’s construction in Chouteau Township, about a half-mile north of Granite City. Roxford Solar A LLC applied for a special use permit to construct the commercial solar facility in an area zoned “R-3” Single-Family Residential District. The Madison County Zoning Board of Appeals initially denied this petition, a decision that was upheld by the Madison County Building and Zoning Committee. During the Madison County Board’s meeting on Sept. 17, 2025, the Board voted to send the application back to the Building and Zoning Committee for further review. On Oct. 15, Madison County Board member and Building and Zoning Committee Chairman Terry Eaker presented the new petition and the Committee’s recommendation to approve the petition with conditions. Madison County Board Chairman

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GRANITE CITY – A woman accused of breaking into a Granite City residence and throwing a knife towards an 11-year-old child remains in custody on felony and misdemeanor charges. Natasha N. Buckingham, 37, listed as homeless out of Granite City, was charged with one count each of residential burglary (a Class 1 felony) and aggravated assault (a Class A misdemeanor) on Oct. 7, 2025. Buckingham allegedly entered a Granite City residence on Missouri Avenue without authority and with the intent to commit a theft on Oct. 6, 2025. On the same day, she is also accused of throwing a kitchen knife in the direction of an 11-year-old child. “Victim reported that her 11-year-old son arrived home from school, finding the defendant unlawfully inside the residence,” according to the state’s petition to deny Buckingham’s pretrial release. “Victim's son reported that defendant refused to leave and when confronted, threw a knife at him,” the petition continues.

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From spooky Halloween parties and haunted school adventures to lively music performances and family-friendly markets, the diverse lineup of events offers something exciting for everyone this season. For a complete listing of upcoming happenings, be sure to visit https://www.riverbender.com/events/ and plan your next great outing! Featured Fall Reading Retreat invites you to get cozy at their Spooky Reading Retreat on October 17, 2025, at Hayner Library at Alton Square Mall in Alton. This perfect autumn evening allows you to curl up with eerie tales and immerse yourself in fall vibes. Whether you love horror, mystery, or ghost stories—or none of those—there’s something for every reader. Enjoy fall-themed treats and warm drinks, craft your own ghost garland to take home, and settle in for some quiet reading time. You can chat with fellow readers about what you’re currently reading or share favorite spooky stories. The open house-style event lets you come and

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