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EDWARDSVILLE — Madison County will be taking applications for the Low-Income Energy Assistance Program starting Oct. 2. Madison County Community Development announced that funds are available to assist income-eligible households with their natural gas, propane and/or electric bills and furnace assistance for inoperable heating systems. The program will start taking applications on Monday, Oct. 2 for seniors, the disabled and families with children under the age of six. Starting Wednesday, Nov. 1, households that are disconnected from their utilities, have a disconnection notice or have less than 25 percent in their propane tank can start applying for assistance. All other income eligible households can start applying Dec. 1. Households in need are encouraged to apply. The application end date is changing to Aug. 15, , 2024. All applications will be taken on a first-come, first-served basis through that time period. Households that receive a one-time benefit may return

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JERSEYVILLE - This year's Gold Star Mother's and Family's ceremony in Jerseyville has been moved to a new location due to possible weather conditions. Greg Breden, an associate member of the Marine Corps League, said that because of possible rain, especially blowing rain or lightning, the group decided to move the Gold Star Mother's and Family's ceremony this Sunday at 2 p.m. The new location will be at the St. Francis gymnasium, just north of the St Francis Church at 412 S. State St. in Jerseyville. "If we waited until the morning of, we would not be able to notify postponement of the ceremony," Breden said. "Also, the Gibson Girls were already booked up and not sure but others as well probably would have had to redo the whole program. "We would like everyone in the public to pass this notification on. Sorry about the late notice, but the most important thing is we show our support for these families ... Again, we request the public to attend thank you so much and God bless America."

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BELLEVILLE - Attorney General Kwame Raoul today announced the Attorney General’s office has charged a St. Clair County man with allegedly possessing child pornography and failing to register as a sex offender. The case is part of Raoul’s ongoing work, in collaboration with federal law enforcement agencies and local law enforcement officials throughout Illinois, to apprehend offenders who download and trade child pornography online. Raoul’s office charged Charles B. Zamarron II, 43, in St. Clair County Circuit Court with 10 counts of possession of child pornography, each Class 2 felonies punishable by up to seven years in prison, and four counts of failure to register under the Sex Offender Act, Class 2 felonies each punishable by up to seven years in prison. Zamarron’s next court date is scheduled for Friday, Sept. 22 at which time a detention hearing will be held. “These charges highlight the importance of my office’s Internet Crimes Against Children

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ALTON - Being a realtor can be more dangerous than you might think. September is Realtor Safety Month, and Lisa Webb with Third Street Realty gave some helpful safety tips for realtors on the most recent “Third On Third” segment on Our Daily Show! on Riverbender.com “Realtor Safety Month is bringing awareness to local and national real estate agents on how to prepare when they’re going out to show a house, how to prepare themselves when they’re doing an open house, how to protect themselves when they go out and do their job,” Webb said. Webb had some advice for her fellow realtors on how to stay safe. First, she said you can avoid getting trapped at a house you’re showing by planning ahead where or how you park your car. “ you’re a real estate agent and you’re showing a house, you’re not going to park in the driveway,” Webb said. “Why? Because if you get there first … somebody who you’re

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EAST ST. LOUIS – The City of Cahokia Heights will receive funding for affordable housing and community revitalization through the Illinois Housing Development Authority’s Strong Communities Program. “Investing in affordable housing uplifts our community and boosts our local economy,” said State Senator Christopher Belt (D-Swansea), who supported the move. “We are taking strong strides toward revitalization and attracting investments in the communities that need it most. Cahokia Heights residents deserve sustainable, livable housing options and this funding will help the area continue to grow.” The Strong Communities Program is designed to support local revitalization efforts and attract further investment in communities that may lack the resources needed to tackle vacant, abandoned and deteriorated properties. A total of $19 million was approved by the Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) to support these revitalization efforts across

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GODFREY - With the “Family Game Night” theme in full swing, the Great Godfrey Maze has attracted quite a crowd already, one weekend into the season. From Sept. 15 through Oct. 28, the hemp maze and other activities will be open on Fridays and Saturdays at Robert E. Glazebrook Park. Godfrey’s Fall Festival , which runs from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. this Saturday, Sept. 23, will add some extra fun to the normal weekend activities. “We have a lot of pride in what we do,” Chris Logan, the Godfrey Parks and Recreation director, said. “I know everyone that works here enjoys doing it and is just so happy to do it. It’s all worth it when you see families come out and have fun.” There are several activities for kids of all ages to enjoy, including inflatables and the beloved Corn Crib. You can read more about each offering in this article on RiverBender.com . The maze is a favorite fall tradition for many families. In keeping with

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SPRINGFIELD – Over the year, total nonfarm jobs increased in eleven metropolitan areas, decreased in two and was unchanged in one for the year ending August 2023, according to data released today by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and the Illinois Department of Employment Security (DES). The unemployment rate increased in thirteen metropolitan areas and decreased in one. “Steady, consistent job growth statewide continues to boost a strengthening Illinois economy,” said Deputy Governor Andy Manar.“A growing labor market and newly created jobs are giving workers and jobseekers the opportunity to reenter the workforce and pivot career choices that better suit the talent and diversity of the state workforce.” The metro areas which had the largest over-the-year percentage increases in total nonfarm jobs were the Elgin Metro (+2.5 %, +6,400), the Danville MSA (+2.2%, +600), and the Springfield MSA (+2.0%, +2,200). Total nonfarm jobs in the Chicago

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ST. LOUIS – On Monday, Sept. 25, United Way of Greater St. Louis’ Charmaine Chapman Society will kick off the Divine 9 fundraising challenge. The Charmaine Chapman Society has 600 members and is one of the largest Black philanthropic groups in the nation. The Divine 9 challenge is designed to increase financial support for United Way’s annual campaign and celebrate Black Sororities' and Fraternities' continued commitment to service that ensures the St. Louis region is a better place to live, work and thrive. Last year’s challenge raised a total of $354,000 and the winners were: Sorority = Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. - $107,857 Fraternity = Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. - $53,273 This year’s Divine 9 co-chairs will be Francella Jackson and Cedric Mitchell. The fundraising challenge will run through November 20. This challenge will serve as an avenue to bring together members of the nine historically Black Sororities and Fraternities in

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EAST ALTON - Helmkamp Construction is proud to announce the promotion of Mark McGuire to Superintendent. McGuire began his construction career with Helmkamp in January of 2015 as a Carpenter’s Apprentice. With nearly nine years of experience and growth at Helmkamp, he is looked at as a bright, up-and-coming leader among our team in the field. Kyle Ogden, Helmkamp’s Vice President of Building & Life Science Construction, said “Mark has been a great example of how intelligence and hard work pay off. He has grown into a knowledgeable, capable, and respected individual who has been mentored under some of our best long-time superintendents. We’re excited for him to continue a long and satisfying career with Helmkamp.” McGuire’s transition to Superintendent comes at a time when labor shortages and a generational skills gap continue to be a rising challenge in the construction industry. According to a recent study by the Associated General Contractors of

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CHICAGO – Illinois State Police (ISP) Director Brendan F. Kelly today announced the Division of Patrol (DOP) change of command. Colonel Margaret McGreal is retiring from ISP after more than 26 years of service. On September 21, 2023, Lieutenant Colonel Christopher Owen will be promoted to Colonel and will be the newly appointed DOP Deputy Director. “Congratulations to Colonel McGreal on her many years of distinguished service and dedication to the people of Illinois,” said ISP Director Brendan F. Kelly. “Colonel McGreal has been a true leader at ISP and her impact will live on through the officers she led under her command. We welcome Colonel Owen into his new role as the Division of Patrol Deputy Director and look forward to his leadership.” Colonel McGreal began her career with the Illinois State Police in May 1997 as a member of Cadet Class 95. Upon graduating from the Academy, she was assigned to District Chicago, now Troop 3. In 2006, McGreal

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ALTON - Alton High sophomore Sophie Helfrich's love of running shows on her face as she completes what some would consider an arduous 3-mile course. Sophie posted a time of 20:57 for three miles at the Granite City Robinson/Lang Cross Country Invitational and was very proud of her effort and the performances of her teammates that day. Sophie is an Auto Butler Female Athlete of the Month for the Redbirds. "I felt good," she said after her Granite City win. "There was a lot of good competition here and I think it helped me go faster. "I do love running. I do it every day. I didn't do track last year, I played soccer instead, but I love both sports. I am very proud of my coaches and team." Last year, Sophie recorded a time of 21:10.73 in the Normal Sectional. She has already exceeded that time this season and her hope is to record an even better time this year in the postseason. Congrats to Sophie on her performances and her honor as an Auto Butler Female Athlete of the Month for

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ALTON - There are a few things you should know about Bob Ryan. First, he is an Alton native and trusted lawyer with an office in the Riverbender building. Second, a piece of the Berlin Wall sits on his desk as a nod to his time in Germany during World War II. Third, he will turn 100 on Saturday, Sept. 23, and, in a move both exciting and uncharacteristic, he might leave work a little early today as a treat. “I’m lucky to be alive,” Ryan said, a sentiment that rings as true today as when he first thought it several years ago at the end of the war. For someone who was so young when World War II began, he lived a lifetime before it ended. Ryan graduated from Marquette Catholic High School and joined the U.S. Army Air Corps a year after Pearl Harbor was bombed. He is candid about his experiences during World War II, including the year he spent in a Nazi prison camp as a prisoner of war. In May 1944, Ryan’s B17 4-Engine Bomber was hit head-on by an enemy

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ALTON - Alton Main Street will host the Downtown Alton Chili Cook-Off, a longtime tradition that encourages Alton businesses and community members to compete for the best chili recipe. From noon to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 14, you can sample chili from different teams representing Alton businesses, restaurants, organizations and individuals. A panel of judges will give cash awards to the best recipes, and you can vote for your favorite to receive the People’s Choice Award and coveted silver ladle. “The chili cookoff is just a great civic event where amateur chefs and professional chefs can put their recipes up against each other,” said Sara McGibany, the executive director of Alton Main Street. “It would be wonderful to see a full house there for people who are interested in supporting our efforts to revitalize downtown and to really just come out and see friends, maybe make some new friends, and have a great lunch.” The Lodge at the Lovejoy

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GODFREY - Illinois American Water announced the boil order that was issued for Godfrey, Grafton, Elsah, Chautauqua and Jersey County Rural Water Company (sale for resale) has been lifted. Impacted customers received a call from Illinois American Water on Wednesday, Sept. 20 to notify them. Terry Mackin, who handles external communications for Illinois American, explained why the boil order was necessary on Tuesday, Sept. 19. "A boil water order issued in accordance with Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations. Anytime water pressure drops below 20 pounds per square inch (PSI) in any part of a community’s distribution system, a boil water order must be issued," Macklin said. A bout Illinois American Water - Illinois American Water, a subsidiary of American Water (NYSE: AWK), is the largest investor-owned water utility in the state, providing high-quality and reliable water and/or wastewater services to approximately 1.3 million people. American Water also

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O'FALLON, Ill. - September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month and early detection is key to saving lives, which is why several Metro East community organizations and healthcare providers are collaborating to offer FREE prostate cancer screenings and education on Saturday, Sept. 23, 2023. The event will be from 8 to 11 a.m. at The Rec, 9950 Bunkum Road in Fairview Heights, Ill. The American Cancer Society estimates that the U.S. had about 268,490 new cases of prostate cancer with about 34,500 deaths in 2022. If detected early, more than 99% of patients are alive five years after the initial prostate cancer diagnosis. Prostate cancer has no symptoms in most cases and is usually detected by screening. Men aged 45-75 years and men with a family history of prostate cancer could benefit from getting screened. Additionally, according to the American Cancer Society, prostate cancer develops more often in African American men. Organizers hope to further engage all at-risk men with community

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SPRINGFIELD - Attorney General Kwame Raoul today charged three men who own and operate a dozen Central and Southern Illinois gas stations for allegedly underreporting more than $50 million in sales from 2019 to 2022, which produced more than $4 million in tax liability. Roger Multani, 29, of Peoria, Illinois, and brothers Surinder (Paul) Singh, 34, and Jitender (Jay) Singh, 33, both of Indianapolis, Indiana, were charged in a Peoria County Circuit Court and Sangamon County Circuit Court with multiple counts of theft, fraud and tax evasion. “Individuals who underreport sales taxes are stealing from the state and from the residents in their communities who rely on the important programs and services stolen tax revenues are intended to fund,” Raoul said. “I appreciate the continued partnership of the Illinois Department of Revenue as we work together to hold these individuals accountable.” Raoul’s office alleged that between Jan. 1, 2019 and July 20, 2022

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GRANITE CITY - The 6,000 union members of the Southwest Area Council (SWAC) of the IFT/AFT/AFL-CIO stand with the United Steelworkers (USW Local 1899) at Granite City Works and call on U.S. Steel to work with them to resume operations. SWAC President Cyndi Oberle-Dahm released the following statement after steelworkers were laid off due to reduced operations: “We stand with the hundreds of United Steelworkers in Granite City and their families as they face layoffs following U.S. Steel’s abrupt idling of blast furnace B. This is a reckless decision that has immediate impacts on workers’ families and the regional economy. “The hard-working steelworkers of Local 1899 deserve better. They deserve job security. Instead, their employer used a loophole to lay off hundreds of people without any notice and is trying to pit worker against worker by blaming the UAW strike in the process. We see through this, and we will not accept it. “This is no time to play

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GLEN CARBON - Jean Sommer remembers the day she got home from the hospital, the first time she was told she would need an organ transplant. There were 14 stairs leading to her bedroom. Her husband held her arms and lifted her up. Her son had wrapped a belt around her chest to keep her upright. Her daughter knelt at her feet, lifting each foot up the stairs, step by step. Two months before, she had become septic through complications of autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (PKD) and polycystic liver disease (PLD). She would go on to receive a liver transplant in August 2016. Now in 2023, Sommer is once again facing a transplant list. PKD has affected her kidneys, and she has a seven- to nine-year wait before she could receive a kidney transplant from a deceased donor. Hoping to avoid dialysis, Sommer is searching for a living donor who would be willing to donate a kidney now. “I knew this day was coming,” Sommer said. “But it always surprises people

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MASCOUTAH – On Tuesday, Sept. 26, a fictional aircraft mishap exercise will be taking place at MidAmerica St. Louis Airport in Mascoutah with the goal of testing and improving local emergency response efforts. As a result, access to the airport will be restricted that day between 12:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. To avoid any public misconception or concerns, MidAmerica St. Louis Airport wants to ensure that area residents who may witness any emergency activity during the exercise timeframe are aware that the incident is not real. The fictional scenario will involve an aircraft that has experienced multiple bird strikes and needs to return to the airport. During the landing phase, the aircraft will experience a hard landing on the runway, leading to structural damage and fire, and emergency response teams from several fire and police departments will work together to quickly respond. This full-scale emergency exercise focuses on decision-making, coordination and integration with other

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WEST ALTON - The first-ever Family Fun Fest in West Alton is coming up this Saturday, Sept. 23 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at West Alton City Park. The event will offer free entry and lots of family-friendly fun, including a petting zoo, food, games, a market, pumpkins and more. West Alton Mayor Bill Richter and his wife Crystal went into more detail about the festival and market on a recent episode of Our Daily Show! on Riverbender.com . Crystal said this is the first year the Family Fun Fest is being held in West Alton, but not the first year for the market. Bill added that the event originally centered around the Great Flood of 1993, but has been “revamped” this year for a new purpose. “Since the ‘93 flood, we try to every 10 years have a little get-together, and then in the 2000’s, we started getting flooded at the time of the thing, so we stopped doing it for a while,” Bill said. “This time, we’re revamping it and making it mor

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