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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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ALTON - Community members, business owners and elected officials came together to talk about Alton’s comprehensive plan. On Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2025, at The Old Bakery Beer Company, attendees were invited to share their perspectives on Alton’s priorities. Andi Campbell, Alton’s Deputy Director of Planning and Development, explained that the comprehensive plan will guide the city’s decisions for the next 20 years. “It’s kind of a guidebook for us for decision-making,” Campbell said. “At the end of this, we’ll have a comprehensive plan basically that should help guide council members, help guide city staff, help guide officials about budgeting priorities on what’s important to our community. We’re not unlimited in the amount of resources we have. So where can we pack the most punch as we think about allocation of city resources?” During the open house-style workshop on Oct. 15, 2025, community members were

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EAST ST. LOUIS – The Illinois Department of Transportation today announced a temporary closure of the Martin Luther King Bridge over the Mississippi River as well as the ramp from Collinsville Avenue to westbound I-55/64. Work will occur on Friday, October 17 between 8:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., weather permitting. IDOT District 8 Survey crews will be completing roadway surveys and inspections. Motorists can expect delays and should allow extra time for trips through this area. Drivers are urged to pay close attention to changed conditions and signs in the work zones, obey the posted speed limits, refrain from using mobile devices and be alert for workers and equipment. For IDOT District 8 updates, follow us on the social media platform X at @IDOTDistrict8 or view area construction details on IDOT’s traveler information map on GettingAroundIllinois.com.

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Did you know that nearly one-third of all food produced globally is wasted each year? This staggering statistic underscores the critical importance of how we think about, produce, and consume food. World Food Day, observed annually on October 16th, serves as a vital reminder to address issues of hunger, food security, and sustainable agriculture worldwide. But beyond raising awareness, how can individuals and communities creatively engage with this day to make a meaningful impact? Here are innovative approaches to celebrating World Food Day that inspire action, education, and connection. Reimagining World Food Day: Beyond Awareness World Food Day was established by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations to promote global efforts to eradicate hunger. While traditional observances often include conferences, campaigns, and food drives, creative celebrations can amplify the message and foster a deeper relationship with food. Engaging activities that combine

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October 16 has long been a date marked by transformative events that have rippled across global history. One of the most impactful global events on October 16 took place in 1918, toward the end of World War I. On this day, the Allied powers and the Central Powers were moving closer to an armistice, which would eventually be signed on November 11, 1918. While the armistice came weeks later, October 16 marked a period of intense negotiations and battlefield actions that fundamentally shifted the course of the war. The efforts to bring peace during this time set the stage for the Treaty of Versailles and the geopolitical reshaping of Europe. Looking further back, on October 16, 1793, the French Revolution was at a critical juncture. Queen Marie Antoinette was executed by guillotine in Paris, a symbolic moment that underscored the intense social and political upheaval sweeping France. Her death marked the end of an era for the French monarchy and signaled the rise of radical republicanism

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EDWARDSVILLE – Metro-East Lutheran High School will host an Open House at its campus on Center Grove Road on Sunday, Oct. 26, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. The event will allow attendees to tour the school’s campus, meet with teachers and administrators, and find out more about the school’s academic, athletic and extracurricular offerings. All families interested in learning more about this thriving community are invited to stop by anytime between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. to explore the opportunities available at MELHS. Metro-East Lutheran High School has been providing academic excellence in a Christ-centered environment for more than 40 years. For more information about MELHS or the Open House, email admissions@melhs.org or go to www.melhs.org .

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ALTON - Graceful Treasures will host their second monthly flea market this weekend. From 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025, community members can stop by the red warehouse at the Milton Schoolhouse, where Graceful Treasures will host the market. Kimberly Grace, owner of Graceful Treasures, noted that the flea market is a great chance for vendors to sell their items and people to check out everything they have to offer. “By doing something like this, it’s a little bit easier than organizing an actual yard sale,” Grace said. “Yard sales are a lot of work. People are down to bring a table and sell their wares. It’s easy.” Grace noted that they will welcome over 20 vendors to the flea market. The warehouse will be completely full of people selling their items, with everything from vintage glass to Halloween and Christmas decorations. “I’m busting at the seams,” she joked. Graceful Treasures held its first flea

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You can expect a mostly sunny and very warm day in the River Bend and Metro East area, with a high near 83 and a low around 59. Winds will come in from the east-southeast at about 9 mph, gusting up to 18 mph. The chance of rain is very low, under 5 percent. It feels like 83 degrees during the afternoon. This morning will start cool but clear, warming steadily through the afternoon under plenty of sunshine. By evening, partly cloudy skies will appear, with a gentle southeast breeze continuing. Overnight, clouds will hold steady with lows near 59 degrees and light winds. No rain is expected. Air quality is moderate with mold as the primary allergen today. UV levels are moderate, so consider sun protection if you're outside for long. Tomorrow will remain warm with a high around 82 and a low near 64. Expect partly sunny skies with a few clouds and a light south wind. The chance of thunderstorms increases late Saturday night, so keep an eye on the forecast. For live updates, visit RiverBender.com/weather

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EDWARDSVILLE — A juvenile was taken into custody following a stabbing on Wednesday afternoon, Oct. 15, 2025, in the 100 block of Pleasant Ridge Drive, Edwardsville Police Chief Mike Fillback confirmed. The incident, which occurred around 3 p.m. Oct. 15, was related to a domestic issue, Fillback said. The victim was transported to a St. Louis area hospital and is in stable condition. “There is no threat to the community,” Fillback said. “The suspect was taken into custody without harm, and the victim is being treated at a St. Louis area hospital. The injuries to the victim do not appear to be life-threatening.” Fillback said he could not release additional information about the juvenile suspect.

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GLEN CARBON – The next phase of the Glen Carbon Road shared use path project is on hold for now after trustees voted this week to lay over a related agreement until their next meeting. Village Board members on Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2025, voted unanimously to lay over a resolution authoring the execution of an agreement with Volkert for design engineering for the Glen Carbon Road Shared Use Path Phase 3 project. The scope of the project consists of a shared use path spanning from Mark Trail Drive to Illinois Route 159 in Glen Carbon. The village has selected Volkert as the firm to perform design engineering services for the project. The total cost of the shared use path’s third phase is estimated at $1,125,000. This includes $900,000 for construction, $120,000 for engineering design, and $105,000 for engineering construction. The project is being funded by a federal grant from the Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program (ITEP). This would mark the latest section of a

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SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — A human skull was discovered in a creek near the 6200 block of Winterberry Lane in Springfield on Sept. 20, 2025, according to the Sangamon County Coroner’s Office. The skull was found around 1 p.m. on Sept. 20, 2025, and the coroner’s office responded to the scene. Sangamon County Coroner Jim Allmon confirmed the recovery in a press release issued Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2025. After the initial recovery, the skull was processed by the coroner, examined by an anthropologist, and sent to the Illinois State Police for possible DNA extraction. Authorities hope that DNA analysis will aid in identifying the remains. The Springfield Police Department and the Sangamon County Coroner’s Office continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the discovery. No further details have been released at this time.

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ROXANA - Daisy Daugherty, an ultra senior athlete at Roxana High School, is a Midwest Members Credit Union Female Athlete of the Month for her exceptional performance in volleyball. Shells girls volleyball coach Andrea Keller praised Daugherty as an “all-around phenomenal athlete who always gives it her all,” highlighting her skills as an “amazing setter who plays great defense” and her effectiveness as a server. Daugherty leads her volleyball team with 353 assists and ranks second with 176 digs. She has also recorded 16 aces this season. In addition to volleyball, she is a key player on the school's basketball team, known as the Shells, and is expected to be a leader in the 2025-2026 season. Daugherty’s athleticism extends to track and field, where she has demonstrated high-level performance in previous competitions. Coach Keller described Daugherty as “a force from the serving line” and noted her “excellent quickness." The recognition

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CLINTON COUNTY — Officials from the Clinton County Sheriff’s Office said Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2025, they have generated a possible identity for human remains found outside Centralia, in unincorporated Clinton County, following a tip received after information was released. The remains were discovered on Saturday, Oct. 11, 2025, prompting a response from first responders, including detectives and Clinton County Coroner Phillip Moss. DNA testing is underway to compare the remains against a known profile in hopes of confirming the identity. “At this time, we do not know a cause of death,” Clinton County Sheriff Dan Travous said. “We do not have any reason to believe foul play was involved. However, we must treat the death as suspicious until we can prove otherwise.” He added that testing will continue in the coming days and months to assist the coroner in determining the cause of death. The sheriff’s office expressed gratitude to the public for

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EDWARDSVILLE – State Senator Erica Harriss (56th-Glen Carbon) extends a warm invitation to Metro East first responders to join her first annual First Responders Appreciation Event on Thursday, October 23, from 4:00 to 7:00 PM at her Edwardsville district office, 120 N. Main Street, Suite 1B. “This event is all about saying thank you to the heroes who keep our communities safe,” said Senator Harriss. “First responders in the 56th District face challenges every day to protect our families and neighborhoods. We want to honor their dedication and provide a chance for them to connect with colleagues and the community.” Police officers, EMTs, dispatchers, EMA personnel, coroners, and other first responders across the 56th District are invited to attend. The open house will feature complimentary BBQ sandwiches and sides, giving first responders a chance to relax, enjoy a meal, and be recognized for their service. While RSVPs are not required, they are encouraged

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) are demanding that the Trump Administration stop misusing the Chicago Harbor Lock as it continues its dangerous, extreme and inhumane federal invasion of Chicago. In a letter to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, the Senators questioned why DoD and DHS have utilized critical U.S. Army Corps of Engineer facilities—meant for flood control, directing boat traffic, commerce and environmental stewardship—toward Trump’s harmful “Operation Midway Blitz” after vessels and vehicles associated with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) were recently deployed on the Chicago River. “Sending armed Federal officers into Chicago Harbor Lock USACE Civil Works water infrastructure facilities to advance armed patrols down the Chicago River—one of the safest locations in the

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SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department on Aging (IDoA) is encouraging everyone with Medicare to check if their plan still meets their needs and budget during this year’s Open Enrollment Period, which began on Oct. 15 and runs through Dec. 7, 2025. Individuals can get free help comparing health and drug plan options by contacting the state’s Senior Health Insurance Program (SHIP). “Your health needs can change from year to year, and so do Medicare plan costs and coverage,” said SHIP Director Sandy Leith. “Now’s the time to review your current Medicare coverage to make sure it still meets your needs. To help you make an informed decision, the Senior Health Insurance Program uses trained volunteers to offer trusted, unbiased Medicare counseling to Medicare-eligible individuals, their families, and caregivers.” SHIP counselors are available in person and online throughout the year, but they are especially helpful during Open Enrollment

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CHICAGO – Attorney General Kwame Raoul today joined a coalition of state attorneys general asking to intervene in a court’s review of the $14 billion merger settlement between information technology companies Hewlett Packard Enterprises and Juniper Networks, which was reportedly the result of undue influence. In light of the significant concerns about the process and substance of the HPE/Juniper Networks settlement, the coalition is urging the court to apply its authority under the federal Tunney Act to order an evidentiary hearing in which the states can appear as parties. The Tunney Act is a post-Watergate law enacted by Congress in 1974 to ensure that antitrust settlements reached by the Justice Department are based on the merits rather than undue influence by powerful corporations and their well-connected lobbyists. “As the Justice Department itself alleges, this merger has the potential to drastically limit competition and substantially increase prices for

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