Riverbender 🕸

EDWARDSVILLE – The following students have been named to the Honor Roll at Metro-East Lutheran High School for the first quarter of the 2025-2026 school year: Grade 9 – Honor Roll with High Distinction (g.p.a. 4.0) Mitchelll Althardt, Swansea McKenzie Cordero, Collinsville Reagan Moss, Edwardsville Anna Mosser, Staunton Dani Spann, Collinsville Shane Stewart, O'Fallon Elise Terracina, Edwardsville Grade 9 – Honor Roll with Distinction (g.p.a.

ALTON - The 108th Alton Halloween Parade lineup had a few special equestrian guests. On Oct. 31, 2025, Audrey Wright and her family were eager to share their horses with the community. As the only animals in the parade, they brought a lot of joy to the kids and families in attendance. “We’re representing our horse club, Macoupin County Wild Riders,” Wright shared. The club hosts shows, classes, barrel races and other events to celebrate the members’ love of horses

ALTON - Though it was Halloween night, Santa Claus was present at the 108th Alton Halloween Parade. On Oct. 31, 2025, community members flocked to downtown Alton for the parade and to celebrate Halloween. But for Jim White, also known as Santa Claus, the parade was a chance to spread some holiday cheer. “I just do it because I love playing Santa Claus,” White said. “I love the smile on the kids. I love the smile not only in their eyes, but in their hearts." White’s

EDWARDSVILLE — Circuit Clerk Patrick McRae announced that a deputy clerk recently received recognition for outstanding pro bono work.McRae said in recognition for her outstanding work on expungements, Deputy Clerk Sarah Wallace earned the Judge Barbara Crowder Pro Bono Champion Award. He said Associate Judge Maureen Schuette and Law Librarian Angela Wille nominated Wallace for her dedication to assisting individuals in clearing their records and creating new opportunities. Wallace

JERSEYVILLE - This Veterans Day, the United States Army, Navy, and Marine Corps will mark 250 years of service, with celebrations hosted by the American Legion Worthy Post 492 in Jersey County. The event is scheduled for Nov. 11, 2025, and will include a parade and ceremony honoring the military branches established in 1775. The Veterans Day Parade will begin at 10 a.m., with participants lining up on West Prairie Street, north side of Wells North. The procession will proceed north on State Street

GRANITE CITY — Edward Gordon, 55, of Granite City, was struck and dragged by a hit-and-run driver on the night of Sept. 22, 2025, while crossing a downtown street, leaving him with severe injuries that will require months of recovery. According to St. Louis Police, Gordon was crossing South 4th Street at Chouteau Avenue around 9:30 p.m. when a black Ford Edge hit him and dragged him for several blocks. The driver fled the scene. Gordon was on his way home from work, his sister Shawna

ALTON - OSF St. Anthony’s Health Center just marked its 100th anniversary, and Holly with the OSF OnCall department noted that their work remains innovative and cutting-edge even a century later. As a digital health navigator, Holly works directly with patients to help them receive care and connect to additional OSF services. She is “the boots on the ground,” regularly going out into the community to care for people. “I’ve been around since 2020 in this

GREENVILLE – The Illinois Department of Transportation today announced that Interstate 70 will be reduced to one lane in each direction between the Madison County line and the Fayette County line in Bond County beginning, weather permitting, Monday, Nov. 3, for pavement patching. Motorists should expect delays 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

EDWARDSVILLE/BELLEVILLE - Land of Lincoln Legal Aid has officially launched its Mobile Justice Clinics – two offices on wheels that will travel to all 65 counties in central and southern Illinois to provide free civil legal services. The Mobile Justice Clinics began their tour immediately following a launch celebration on October 20 at Land of Lincoln’s Swansea office. The vans will continue visiting all 65 counties in Land of Lincoln’s service area. A full schedule of locations

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has issued public health alerts for several food products sold in Illinois and nationwide. FSIS Issues Public Health Alert for Meat Sauce Products Produced Without the Benefit of Inspection ILLINOIS – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is issuing a public health alert for meat sauce products produced without the benefit of federal

This weekend, most Americans will turn their clocks back one hour as Daylight Saving Time (DST) ends. The change officially takes place at 2 a.m. on Sunday , giving everyone an extra hour of sleep — and marking the return to standard time . But why do we keep doing it? And is it still worth it? The Purpose of Daylight Saving Time Daylight Saving Time was designed to make better use of daylight during the longer days of spring and summer. By moving clocks forward one hour in March,

ALTON - Dr. Bruce Vest’s Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Clinic P.C. once again took first place in the Alton Halloween Parade. On Halloween night, Oct. 31, 2025, Vest was proud of his “double float” featuring a giant robot, a fire-breathing dragon, and plenty more characters and fun. He shared that his team had been working for “a long time” to build the float, but he was excited to showcase the hard work to the community. “This is Dr. Vest’s Dragon

ALTON - These are the results of the Alton Halloween Parade float competition: Commercial Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Clinic P.C. Tarrant & Harman Real Estate Allied Pest Control, Inc. Organization U.S. Army Corps Of Engineers Junior League of Greater Alton Alton Pride Family Division Paxton Belchik Racing Geisen Family Ambience by DARA Junior Youth Division Children’s Tribe A. Montessori Academy St. Mary’s Evangelical School Senior Youth Division

ALTON - People traveled from across the region for the historic 108th Alton Halloween Parade. On Halloween night, Oct. 31, 2025, thousands of community members gathered in downtown Alton to watch the parade and engage with the Riverbend community. Most attendees had a connection to Alton, while others were watching the parade for the first time. But as the parade began, it was clear that all in attendance were having a great experience. “I think we show up,” said Erin. “I’m

ALTON - As the parade marshal, Karen Wilson shared she was honored to lead the 108th Alton Halloween Parade. “It’s pretty special,” Wilson said. “Since I grew up in Alton, I've been coming to these parades forever, and so the fact that I'm a parade marshal is just sort of surreal.” Thousands of people gathered in downtown Alton on Halloween night, Oct. 31, 2025, for the parade. Sponsored by the East End Improvement Association, the Alton Halloween Parade

ALTON - On Halloween night, thousands of people once again gathered in downtown Alton for the 108th Halloween Parade. People from across the region traveled to Alton to watch the parade on Oct. 31, 2025. Sponsored by the East End Improvement Association, the Alton Halloween Parade is one of the oldest in the country. “It's a great tradition for the city,” said Alton Mayor David Goins. “It's always been a special part of my life, and I've always looked forward to the

ALTON — Halloween festivities were in full swing Thursday evening, Oct. 30, 2025, as neighborhoods across Alton saw a significant amount of trick-or-treating. The community engaged in a variety of activities leading up to the city’s legendary Halloween Parade sponsored by the East End Improvement Association, scheduled for Friday night, Oct. 31, 2025. The parade will begin at 7 p.m., with live coverage starting at 6:50 p.m. on Riverbender.com. Viewers can watch the event online

GRANITE CITY – A man from Granite City faces felony charges of home invasion and domestic battery after an incident that allegedly occurred on Halloween. Jerry M. Watson Jr., 25, of Granite City, was charged on Oct. 31, 2025 with a Class X felony count of home invasion, a Class 2 felony count of aggravated domestic battery, and a Class A misdemeanor count of domestic battery. On Oct. 31, 2025, Watson allegedly entered a Granite City apartment unit without legal authority and intentionally

EAST ALTON — The East Alton Halloween Parade took place Thursday evening, Oct. 30, 2025, featuring a range of participants, including local fire and police departments, school bands, and community organizations. Sponsored by the Village’s American Legion, the parade began at Wilshire Plaza and concluded at the East Alton American Legion Post. Participants include the East Alton Fire Department, Survival Flight, ambulances, East Alton Police, and several school bands, including member

If your current 401(k) or SIMPLE/SEP feels too expensive, too confusing, or simply underused, this quick guide will help you decide whether to switch providers or start a new plan—and what to fix first for better outcomes. Note for Illinois employers: State law requires businesses with five or more Illinois employees and at least two years in operation to offer their own retirement plan or facilitate the Illinois Secure Choice program. If you’re currently on the state IRA, you