Riverbender 🕸

ALTON - An Alton man remains in custody after being charged with firing a shotgun at an occupied Alton residence. Joshua T. Miller, 49, of Alton, was charged with aggravated discharge of a firearm, a Class 1 felony. On Oct. 2, 2024, Miller allegedly discharged a firearm at a residential property in the 300 block of Main Street in Alton. The victim in this case “reported that his front door was shot while he was sitting on the porch,” according to a petition to deny Miller’s pretrial release. Officers located birdshot shotgun pellets “lodged in the screen door, along with penetration marks,” the petition states. Using License Plate Recognition (LPR) cameras, officers were able to link a Chevrolet truck seen on video leaving the scene to Miller. After executing a search warrant at his residence, officers found “multiple shotguns capable of firing birdshot.” “Defendant admitted that the victim owed him money, but claimed he wa

Continue Reading

ALTON/GODFREY - Students at North Elementary received a visit from the Land of Smiles to learn about dental health. On Friday, Oct. 18, 2024, Delta Dental of Illinois Foundation presented the Land of Smiles show to second and third graders at North Elementary School. With the help of characters like Captain Super Grin, Terri Tooth Fairy, Toothpick and Caz Cavity, students learned the importance of brushing and flossing their teeth. “Theater as a teaching tool is something we think should be used as much as possible,” said Hadley Evansnash, one of the performers. “I think it’s a cool thing that Delta Dental does, taking the time and the money to make sure that this information is not just getting to kids, but getting to kids in a way that’s going to stick with them.” Evansnash and Kevin Brown, who plays Captain Super Grin, work with the National Theater for Children out of Minnesota. They have been traveling throughout Illinois for the past

Continue Reading

FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS - LongHorn Steakhouse on Friday, Oct. 18, 2024, released some statements and information about the reopening of the restaurant located at 6115 N. Illinois St., Fairview Heights. Ali Beemer, LongHorn Steakhouse manager of communications, said the following on behalf of the company: "The health and safety of our guests and team members is our top priority, which is why we voluntarily closed our restaurant on Oct. 2, 2024, and fully cooperated with the Health Department’s investigation. "During that time, we: Discarded all food items, food prep utensils and common guest touchpoint items, such as salt & pepper shakers, condiment bottles, breadboards and more. Contracted a third-party professional cleaning company to conduct a two-day disinfection process of the entire restaurant. Upon completion, no team member who previously worked in the restaurant was allowed to enter the building until having two consecutive negative tests for Shigella. To date, no Team

Continue Reading

ALTON - Several public libraries in the Riverbend will welcome new visitors throughout October with a popular program sponsored by the region’s library system. The 6th Annual Library Crawl invites patrons to explore new libraries throughout the Illinois Heartland Library System, which composes the southern half of the state. The Crawl also demonstrates the benefits of a library card, which allows users to check out materials from the libraries they visit. Some 173 libraries across central and southern Illinois are taking part in the Crawl, which runs from October 1 through October 31. Participating area public libraries include all three Hayner Public Library locations, including the main branch downtown at 326 Belle Street, the Alton Square Mall branch, and the Genealogy and Local History Library at 401 State Street. Other participating libraries include Bethalto, Roxana, Hartford, Wood River, East Alton, Madison, Glen Carbon, Edwardsville, Maryville, Jerseyville, Greenfield,

Continue Reading

As the vibrant hues of autumn leaves begin to paint the landscape, it signals a transition not only in nature but also in our personal well-being. The cooler weather brings with it a unique set of challenges and opportunities for self-care. Establishing a fall self-care routine can help you navigate these changes, ensuring you stay balanced, healthy, and rejuvenated. In this article, we will explore various aspects of self-care specifically tailored for the fall season, including physical health, mental wellness, skincare, and cozy rituals. Understanding the Importance of Self-Care in Fall With the changing seasons, our bodies and minds often respond in varied ways. Shorter days and cooler temperatures can lead to a dip in mood and energy levels. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) affects many individuals as daylight decreases. Furthermore, the transition from summer to fall can disrupt our routines, making it essential to establish

Continue Reading

Welcome to October 18, a date that has seen pivotal moments in history across various domains. On a cultural note, October 18, 1989, is notable for the release of the iconic video game “SimCity.” Developed by Will Wright, this simulation game allowed players to build and manage their own cities, giving them a unique opportunity to explore urban planning and resource management in a virtual setting. “SimCity” became a cultural phenomenon, influencing the gaming industry and education, and spawning numerous sequels and spin-offs. The game’s open-ended nature encouraged creativity and strategic thinking, making it a favorite among players of all ages. It paved the way for an entire genre of simulation games, proving that video games could serve as both entertainment and educational tools. In 1991, on this day, the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Convention on the Rights of the Child. This landmark treaty aimed to protect the rights of children

Continue Reading

TROY — A fatal traffic crash on Interstate 70 in Madison County early Friday morning, Oct. 18, 2024, has left one person dead and prompted a significant response from law enforcement. The Illinois State Police (ISP) Troop 8 reported that the incident occurred at approximately 3:21 a.m. near Old Staunton Road, at mile marker 18.2. A preliminary investigation revealed that two separate crashes took place in quick succession. ISP said the first crash involved a Volkswagen Jetta, which for reasons still under investigation, left the roadway and struck the guardrail, becoming disabled in the left lane. Shortly thereafter, a truck tractor semi-trailer traveling in the same lane was unable to stop in time and collided with the Jetta. The driver of the Jetta was transported to an area hospital, where they were pronounced deceased. As a result of the crashes, all eastbound lanes of I-70 and the southbound ramp from I-55 to I-70 were closed while officers conducted their investigation.

Continue Reading

EAST ALTON – Winter Chloride Watch offers several training opportunities for community members to learn how to monitor the impacts of road salt on freshwater ecosystems. Every winter, road salt is used on roads, driveways, parking lots, and sidewalks to reduce accidents from icy conditions. However, much of this salt ends up in local waterways, creating unsafe conditions for aquatic life. Winter Chloride Watch trains volunteers to measure chloride, a major component of road salt, in their local rivers, streams, ponds, and wetlands. Volunteers will take several chloride readings throughout the season, providing valuable data that can help identify areas where salt impacts water quality. “The Winter Chloride Watchers who monitor throughout Illinois are helping local decision-makers see how our choices impact the world around us,” RiverWatch Director and Stream Ecologist Danelle Haake said. “When we can show the huge increase in how salty our streams

Continue Reading

LEBANON – State Representative Kevin Schmidt donated his pay raise for the month of October to Lebanon Matthew 25:40 Ministries (LMM), which is the umbrella organization for the Lebanon Food Pantry, in the form of a food donation. Schmidt has donated every month’s pay raise to a different local food pantry or non-profit organization throughout his district since voting against the pay raise for legislators last year. “Our local food pantries need our help,” said Schmidt. “As promised, I donate back my personal pay raise each month to a local food pantry or community organization. I’m putting my money where my mouth is.” The Lebanon Matthew 25:40 Ministries was established by the Lebanon Area Ministerial Council of Churches for the purpose of serving those in need in the communities of Lebanon and Summerfield, Illinois. The LMM is financially supported by several local churches, businesses, and private individuals and is the umbrella organization

Continue Reading

ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo. — James Jablonski Jr., a 43-year-old resident of the 5400 block of Sunshine Drive in St. Louis, faces charges of resisting arrest and fourth-degree assault following an incident at a gas station on October 1, 2024. The St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office announced the charges on October 11. According to the probable cause statement, police were dispatched to a gas station in the 4100 block of Telegraph Road at approximately 9:06 p.m. after receiving a report of a driver who appeared to be slumped over at the wheel. Upon arrival, officers found Jablonski seemingly asleep or unconscious in his vehicle. When awakened, he was instructed to exit the vehicle but allegedly did not comply. Instead, he reportedly accelerated the vehicle while an officer was attempting to reach inside, resulting in the officer falling to the ground and injuring his knee. Jablonski is currently being held without bond. The St. Louis County Police Department’s

Continue Reading

ALTON — Alton Police are investigating a series of incidents that began early Thursday morning, October 17, 2024, when officers were dispatched to the 3500 block of Coronado Drive at approximately 2:01 a.m. in response to reports of a suspect possibly attempting to force open a door of a residence. Shortly after that, a second report indicated that a door had indeed been forced open at a home in the 3700 block of Berkeley Avenue. Fortunately, no injuries were reported in connection with either incident. As officers gathered information, they developed a description of a possible suspect vehicle and the suspect involved. An officer soon spotted a vehicle matching the description in the vicinity and initiated a stop. However, the driver and passenger fled the scene before the stop could be completed. Officers briefly pursued the vehicle until both suspects exited and fled on foot. During the foot chase, one of the suspects discharged a firearm, but, thankfully, no injuries

Continue Reading

FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS – The St. Clair County Health Department has given the green light for the LongHorn Steakhouse in Fairview Heights to reopen following a closure linked to a Shigellosis outbreak that affected numerous diners. The Fairview Heights restaurant voluntarily shut its doors on Oct. 2, 2024, as health officials initiated an investigation into the spike in bacterial infections. LongHorn Steakhouse has cooperated and worked with the St. Clair County Health Department officials in an investigation this issue was completely rectified. As of Oct. 17, 2024, the health department reported that 26 individuals tested positive for Shigella, with an additional 66 cases exhibiting symptoms consistent with Shigellosis after dining at the LongHorn Steakhouse establishment between Sept. 19, 2024, and Oct. 2, 2024. The health department said the outbreak has resulted in 12 hospitalizations, with affected individuals ranging in age from 12 to 84. Symptoms of Shigellosis typically manifest

Continue Reading

ALTON - On October 18, 1924, 67,000 people, including 500 Altonians, attended the Illinois-Michigan football game in Urbana. Included in the Alton group at the game were John E. MacWherter, Alton High coach, several members of the Alton High football team, and Frank Garetson, coach at Western Military Academy. The Shurtleff College Pioneers football team and the Shurtleff director of athletics, William Graham, also attended. In addition to the game, the weekend events included Illini Homecoming and the formal dedication of the Illinois Memorial Stadium. The University of Michigan Wolverines hasn’t lost a game in two years. But University of Illinois Fighting Illini star Harold “Red” Grange, the Galloping Ghost of the Gridiron, was up for the challenge. On the very first kickoff, Grange scooped up the ball on the Illinois five-yard line and raced 95 yards through the Michigan players for a touchdown. This happened less than ten seconds after the starting whistle

Continue Reading

ALTON - An Alton man faces multiple charges after invading a Ridge Street home and committing battery against a 16-year-old victim. Aaron T. Perry, 38, of Alton, was charged with home invasion (a Class X felony) and battery (a Class A misdemeanor). On Sept. 9, 2024, Perry allegedly entered a residence in the 600 block of Ridge Street in Alton without authority, knowing the residence was occupied. He was additionally charged for striking a 16-year-old victim “in the mouth with a closed fist,” according to court documents. A petition to deny Perry’s pretrial release states the altercation stemmed from a previous domestic dispute. “Victim and witnesses reported that the defendant forced his way into victim's home due to a prior conflict between victim and defendant's children,” the petition states. “After forcing his way in, Defendant swung his fist, striking juvenile in the mouth. Defendant was then pushed back by victim and witnesses, fallin

Continue Reading

ST. LOUIS COUNTY, MO. - On Thursday, October 17, 2024, the St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office issued charges on suspect Deshawn Johnson, 26 years of age, of the 14300 block of Summerfield Lane in Florissant, Mo., 63033, for Murder Second Degree and Delivery of a Controlled Substance. Johnson is being held on a $300,000, cash-only, no 10%, bond. The probable cause statement reads: On July 8, 2024, the Defendant, acting with another, helped facilitate the meeting of Unice Hobby and Dennis Cooperwood to sell narcotics. Defendant negotiated the terms of the sale, During the sale of the narcotics, Unice Hobby shot and killed Dennis Cooperwood. St. Louis County Police Department Bureau of Crimes Against Persons detectives are leading this investigation. The St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office had already issued charges on suspect Unice Hobby IV, 25 years of age, of the 100 block of Carlyle East in Belleville, 62221, for Murder First Degree and Armed

Continue Reading

JERSEY COUNTY - Several residents and their representatives have expressed opposition to an AltonWorks plan to establish a Great Rivers National Park, which includes land from Madison, Jersey, and Calhoun counties. AltonWorks first announced their plans for the park in a November 2023 press release which emphasizes the projected economic benefits of a national park in the Riverbend region. Underscoring the local economic boost would be an increase in tourism to the area, which is now one of many concerns among locals. Residents React To AltonWorks Update In an Oct. 10, 2024 Facebook post , AltonWorks announced they had met with the Alton Riverfront Commission about the project after reportedly meeting with “hundreds of people from across the region” over the previous nine months. The optimistic tone of the company’s post stands in stark contrast to its comments section, where several Jersey and Calhoun residents overwhelmingly state they do not want

Continue Reading

ALTON - Adelia Sandifer, a senior at Alton High School, has earned one of two recognitions in October for Alton-Godfrey Rotary Club Student of the Month. Adelia would first like to thank the Alton-Godfrey Rotary Club, for choosing her as one of October Students of the Month. She feels so honored and so blessed to be receiving this award from so many kind and intelligent people. She also wants to thank her high school teachers, peers, and staff because many of her accomplishments would not have been possible without the resources and guidance that Alton High gave her. She wants to, of course, thank her parents, Tim and Susie Sandifer. They’ve been constantly supportive of everything she has done. The main objective of Rotary is service in the community, in the workplace, and throughout the world. She resonates personally with this mission, as she has worked throughout high school to serve the Alton-Godfrey community specifically. Adelia’s academics and her community service

Continue Reading

ALTON - Rodger Zawodniak is humbled to have the opportunity to represent his school and community as one of two Rotary Students of the Month for October. A senior at Marquette Catholic High School, Rodger has made a significant impact through community service, leadership roles, and a myriad of extracurricular activities. He has been a vital member of the Marquette Interact Club, serving as President during both junior and senior years. Rodger led numerous community service projects, including a resource drive for the Oasis Women’s Shelter, which yielded over 1,500 donated items. Among other initiatives, he organized a school-wide basketball tournament to raise money for Missions International. His involvement spans a wide range of activities to include over 400 hours of community service. Rodger is active in the Student Council, having served as both Treasurer and Class President. He is also the Service Officer of the National Honor Society, President of Campus Ministry, School

Continue Reading

WOOD RIVER - Kelsey Moore, a senior at East Alton-Wood River High School, has been recognized for her outstanding contributions to the school’s volleyball team. A dedicated athlete, Moore has played volleyball since the third grade and cites the strong connections she has made with her teammates as one of her favorite aspects of the sport. Moore credits her success in volleyball to the unwavering support of her family. “My mother and my sister are always pushing me to do my best while still believing in me and trusting in me with each game,” she said. She also expressed gratitude to her father, who she described as her biggest supporter and an enduring inspiration. Kelsey is a Midwest Members Credit Union Female Athlete Of The Month. Under the guidance of her coach, Bethany Billingsley, Moore has demonstrated resilience throughout her high school career. “I have just kept pushing even through everything that has gone on in my life,” Moore said. “I

Continue Reading

Letter To The Editor: For over two and a half decades Jay Keeven served us as a member of the Illinois State Police, starting as a patrol officer and retiring as Major of Operation Services Command. His skills as an officer were only superseded by his professionalism and compassion. One example of this would be his appointment as a liaison to a metro-east family who tragically lost two family members in a crash with a patrolman. Jay was there for them 24 hours a day seven days a week. After retiring, Jay was highly recommended to serve as Chief of Police for the City of Edwardsville by Mayor Gary Niebur and City Administrator Ben Dickmann. During my eight years as mayor, he received unanimous support from the city council for his reappointment. Jay was always supportive of his officers and advocated for their needs and those of his growing department in a fiscally responsible manner. He managed our largest city department while overseeing the construction of the new police/fire building,

Continue Reading