Riverbender 🕸

EDWARDSVILLE — This is a statement of Madison County State’s Attorney Tom Haine on Monday, Jan. 27, 2025, regarding charges filed in the murder of Portia Rowland: "This morning my office filed first-degree murder charges against three individuals for the murder of Portia Rowland. "We believe the evidence at trial will show that this was not a random crime but was a calculated and cold-hearted murder-for-hire scheme based on a personal grievance. As charged, we believe facts at trial will show that: - Gary Johnson, from East St. Louis, shot and killed Portia. - Marty D. Shaw, from Collinsville, was an accomplice to that killing and was the driver. - And Sammy J. Shafer, from Caseyville, solicited and encouraged the killing. "Gary Johnson had previously been convicted of a murder in 1997, and was sentenced to 40 years in prison." These charges stem from the outstanding work of the Collinsville Police Department, the Major Case Squad of Greater St. Louis and all of th

Continue Reading

EDWARDSVILLE - The following students have been named to the Honor Roll at Metro-East Lutheran High School for the first semester of the 2024-2025 school year: Honor Roll with High Distinction (g.p.a. 4.0) – Grade 9 Abby Ayer, Shiloh Liam Hazelwonder, Godfrey Marion Hemmer, Fairview Heights Claire Houck, Maryville Collin Hudzik, Edwardsville Cole Payne, Edwardsville Calista Stults, Collinsville Ryan Sullivan, New Douglas Lily Walloch, Collinsville Honor Roll with Distinction (g.p.a. 3.75-3.99) – Grade 9 Elijah Ball, Worden Abby Dulaney, O'Fallon Madison Dunn, Edwardsville Oliver Elmer, Edwardsville Charlie Frey, Glen Carbon Noah Gray, Collinsville Caitlyn Hardage, Caseyville Lily Hartzel, Troy Moira Krueger, Glen Carbon Laynie Menard, Glen Carbon Preston Menossi, Edwardsville Rhett Neathery, Wood River Ally Packer, Edwardsville Matthew Redden, Edwardsville Henry Reiseck, Hamel Molly Schulmeister,

Continue Reading

SPRINGFIELD – This month, the Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC) established two new partnerships to address needs and expand training opportunities for cadets across Illinois. To support corrections facilities in the Southern Region, IDOC has signed an intergovernmental agreement with John A. Logan Community College in Carterville to prepare cadets for careers at Big Muddy River, Centralia, Pinckneyville, Menard, Shawnee, and Vienna Correctional Centers. Following that agreement, IDOC signed another intergovernmental agreement with Elementary School District 54 in Morris to support training efforts for cadets in the Northern Region, who will go on to serve at Joliet Treatment Center, Joliet Inpatient Treatment Center, Kewanee Life Skills Re-Entry Center, Pontiac, and Sheridan Correctional Centers. These agreements are a result of collaborative discussions with AFSCME Council 31. “These new partnerships underscore our dedication to meeting the staffing needs of

Continue Reading

BUNKER HILL — Authorities have identified an individual found dead at a rural residence in Bunker Hill on Sunday afternoon. Charles Joseph Parrino, Jr., 45, was pronounced dead on January 26, 2025, according to Macoupin County Coroner Anthony Kravanya. Parrino, who worked at the popular Soulard bar Bastille, was known for his reliability. His absence from work over the weekend raised concerns for the bar’s owner, who has stated that Parrino was always early for his shifts. Kravanya stated that the cause of death remains pending as autopsy results are awaited. The investigation into the circumstances surrounding Parrino's death is being conducted by the Macoupin County Coroner’s Office and the Macoupin County Sheriff’s Department, with assistance from the Illinois State Police Crime Scene Division. The investigation is ongoing. Authorities did however, arrest Jerald Stilts, 57, early Sunday and he is being held on a charge of Concealment of a Homicidal Death.

Continue Reading

SPRINGFIELD - Identity theft occurs when someone steals your personal information such as Social Security number, bank account or credit card numbers without your permission for their own financial benefit. Fraudsters may open new accounts or take out a loan in your name, steal your card information to make unauthorized purchases and use your information to obtain medical benefits, disability checks or unemployment benefits. “It’s scary to think about someone assuming your identity and potentially wiping out your bank account, ruining your good credit, or getting a fake driver’s license in your name,” said Comptroller Mendoza. “Fortunately, there are steps you can take to help protect yourself and your wallet.” First, the warning signs: Receiving bills for items you didn’t buy. Your credit report shows accounts you did not open. You receive calls from debt collectors for accounts or purchases you didn’t authorize. You’re denie

Continue Reading

CHICAGO – The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS), in collaboration with Microsoft, today unveiled Ally-IL, a custom application enabling DCFS caseworkers to connect and engage with youth and support networks virtually using a Microsoft Teams platform. Ally-IL is the first-of-its-kind tool developed to provide a free, real-time collaborative platform. This groundbreaking application offers chat-based tools, enabling DCFS caseworkers, families, children, youth and their trusted circle of alliances—including teachers—to stay connected and streamline communication, all while protecting sensitive information. By fostering secure and timely communication, Ally-IL enhances the support network around every child and family involved. “Through this public-private partnership with Microsoft, we are changing the way our children and youth in care can stay connected to their families and their DCFS caseworkers,” said Governor JB Pritzker.

Continue Reading

CHICAGO - The Illinois Department of Revenue (IDOR) announced it will begin accepting and processing 2024 tax returns today, Monday, January 27, the same date the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) begins accepting federal income tax returns. Illinois will participate in the free IRS Direct File program this year. Eligible Illinois taxpayers can use the program to file their 2024 federal returns directly with the IRS. They will also be able to easily transfer their information into IDOR’s free online account management program, MyTax Illinois , to file their Illinois taxes. Both platforms are fast, secure, easy to use, and mobile-friendly. Direct File eligibility can be confirmed by visiting https://directfile.irs.gov. “IRS Direct File offers a range of benefits for taxpayers, including free federal tax return filing, step-by-step guidance, and real-time online support, explained IDOR Director David Harris . "Eligible taxpayers can then use the verified Direct File

Continue Reading

SPRINGFIELD - National Unclaimed Property Day is coming up and Illinois Treasurer Michael Frerichs is urging people to check the I-CASH missing money website to see if they have money or other unclaimed property waiting for them to claim. “National Unclaimed Property Day on February 1 is a great day for people to visit our I-CASH website , though you certainly don’t have to wait until then,” Frerichs said. “In fact, it’s a good idea to check the website at least a couple of times a year to see if you, your family, or your friends have cash or property to claim.” “We work hard to return missing money and unclaimed property to the rightful owners,” he added. “Putting money back in your warm hands is better than keeping it in our cold bank vaults. Putting money back in the hands of Illinoisans does more good for our state’s economy than it does sitting in our bank account.” “Unclaimed property” typically

Continue Reading

GODFREY - Students and teachers at St. Ambrose Catholic School participated in a Eucharistic procession to mark National Catholic Schools Week. On Monday, Jan. 27, 2025, the St. Ambrose student body followed the Blessed Sacrament to symbolize their following of Jesus Christ. The students and teachers circled the parking lot of the church and concluded the Eucharistic procession inside St. Ambrose with a period of adoration. Principal Robert Baird explained that the procession is an important sign of faith. “As believers of Christ, we believe that was Jesus in the form here on Earth with us, so we’re followers of Him. It’s a visible sign that we’re followers,” he said. “That’s the idea of a Eucharistic procession. It’s a positive outward sign for the community, and that’s where we’re here doing.” The Eucharistic procession serves as St. Ambrose’s kickoff for National Catholic Schools Week, which runs from

Continue Reading

CARLINVILLE - Carlinville Area Hospital & Clinics will host a Community Blood Drive with ImpactLife, the provider of blood components for local hospitals. The blood drive will be from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 10, 2025 at 20733 North Broad, inside Donor Bus at Carlinville Area Hospital. What: Carlinville Area Hospital & Clinics Community Blood Drive When: Monday, February 10, 11 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. Where: ImpactLife Donor Bus, at Carlinville Area Hospital, 20733 North Broad, Carlinville, IL Appointments: To donate, please contact Vicki Walker at (217) 854-3141 or visit www.bloodcenter.org and use code 60352 to locate the drive. Appointments are requested. You may also call ImpactLife to schedule at 800-747-5401. 2801 South 10th Street | Springfield, Illinois | (217) 753-1530 Donor Eligibility Criteria: Potential donors must be at least 17 years of age (16 with parental permission form available through www.bloodcenter.org ) and weigh more than 110 pounds. A phot

Continue Reading

COLLINSVILLE - Three individuals are facing serious charges in connection with the shooting death of 32-year-old Portia Rowland, who was killed while warming up her car outside her home on Olive Street on the morning of Jan. 21, 2025. On Monday, Madison County State’s Attorney Thomas Haine announced the charges against Sammy J. Shafer, Jr., 36, Gary D. Johnson, and Marty Shaw. According to the charging documents, Shafer is accused of hiring Shaw and Johnson to carry out the murder. Shafer faces two counts of first-degree murder and two counts of solicitation for murder-for-hire. Johnson, identified as the alleged gunman, is charged with two counts of first-degree murder and one count of possession of a weapon. Shaw is also charged with two counts of first-degree murder. Investigators allege that Shafer paid $10,000 for the murder. Shaw reportedly gave Johnson a ride on the day of the shooting and was said to have received the same $10,000, subsequently giving $6,500

Continue Reading

ALTON — St. Mary’s Catholic School in Alton held its inaugural Appreciation Dinner this past week, honoring five educators for their long-standing commitment to Catholic education. The event brought together parish and school families to celebrate the contributions of these women, who have dedicated between 25 and 36 years to teaching. The dinner, which took place at St. Mary’s Catholic School, recognized the recipients of the Catholic Educator Lifetime Achievement Awards: Karen Crites and Julia Godfrey, both with 35 years of service; Beth Hogg and Kelly Jacobs, each with 30 years; and Sue Brown, who is set to retire after 25 years of teaching. St. Mary's Catholic School Principal Mary Rivera highlighted the significance of the evening, noting that most of the honorees have spent their entire careers at the school. “What a testament to their faith to do so,” Rivera said in an email. Rivera emphasized the important role these educators play in fostering

Continue Reading

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) today issued the following statement after President Donald Trump’s administration started mass deportation actions in and around Chicago: “We can all agree that we must remove any dangerous individuals from our country who are here illegally. But the mass deportation actions being undertaken by President Trump’s administration go far beyond those important goals. These actions have the potential to sweep up Dreamers who came to the United States as children, Veterans who have served our nation, and essential workers who care for our family members, build our homes, and ensure we have food on our tables. “Instead, we should focus on deporting those who pose a danger to our country. And we should give the rest a chance to earn legal status. They would have to register with the government, pay their

Continue Reading

WASHINGTON, D.C. – This week, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) joined her colleagues on the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee (HVAC) in a letter to U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Acting Secretary Todd Hunter requesting answers on how the VA is implementing President Trump’s Executive Order to freeze hiring across the executive branch. “President Trump signed this Executive Order without offering any solutions to the ongoing staffing shortages affecting the VA,” said Congresswoman Budzinski. “If critical roles are waiting to be filled, and offers are rescinded, that’s deeply concerning. We can’t let service fall by the wayside or allow even one veteran to go waiting for answers on their health or benefits.” The VA reported more than 40,000 vacancies at the end of 2024, including in critical clinical roles like mental health providers and nurses. Thousands of Americans have already received notifications that V

Continue Reading

EDWARDSVILLE - Bishop Thomas John Paprocki of the Catholic Diocese of Springfield in Illinois will celebrate Mass at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Edwardsville at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, January 28, 2025. The event is part of the weeklong observance of National Catholic Schools Week, which runs from January 26 to February 1. During the Mass, Bishop Paprocki will join students, staff, and administration from Catholic schools in the Edwardsville area. This gathering aims to highlight the importance of Catholic education and foster community among local schools. The Diocese of Springfield serves approximately 124,000 Catholics across 28 counties in Central Illinois and operates 43 Catholic schools, including 36 elementary schools and seven high schools.

Continue Reading

PONTOON BEACH – A woman facing felony charges for attacking her husband with an axe claims she was intoxicated and "feeling homicidal" during the incident. Stacy K. Fitzpatrick, 56, of Granite City, was charged on Jan. 21, 2025, with aggravated domestic battery and aggravated battery, both Class 2 felonies. O n Jan. 19, 2025, Fitzpatrick allegedly struck a victim “in the head with an axe, causing a severe laceration to the victim’s head.” A petition to deny Fitzpatrick’s pretrial release states officers immediately saw evidence of the attack upon meeting the victim. “ Victim reported that his wife struck him in the head with an axe ,” the petition states. “ Officers observed him to have a bleeding laceration to the head.” Fitzpatrick later admitted to striking the victim with the axe, adding she was “intoxicated and was feeling homicidal.’” Fitzpatrick’ s criminal history shows prior

Continue Reading

ST. LOUIS COUNTY: ? ?On Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025, the St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office issued?charges?on suspect Tawiand Cleafton, 31 years of age, of the 10100 block of Baron Drive Avenue, St Louis, Missouri, 63136, for Failure to Register as a Sex Offender, Abuse or Neglect of a Child, and two counts of Domestic Assault. A booking photo of Cleafton is attached. Cleafton is being held on $500,000 bond. ?? Please note,?charges?are merely an accusation, and Defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law.? ? The probable cause statement?for the Failure to Register as a Sex Offender reads:? The Defendant is required to register because he plead guilty to attempted forcible rape in 2013 under Chapter 566, RSMo, an unclassified felony. He established residency in St. Louis County and was arrested for domestic violence charges. The Defendant was incarcerated on those charges and released from incarceration on November 4, 2024.

Continue Reading

WOOD RIVER — Madison County Emergency Management Agency wants to remind the public about the dangers of playing on ponds and lakes this winter. EMA Director Fred Patterson said police and fire departments throughout the county have received phone calls about children playing on the ice of ponds, including retention ponds. He said in hopes of avoiding water rescue emergencies and fatalities this winter, emergency officials want to remind the public about the dangers. “The best way to stay safe is staying off the ice,” Patterson said. “It’s an important reminder for children to make sure they're not using retention ponds for hockey or playing or even walking across it.” Retention ponds can have hidden dangers. Often times they can have pumps and aerators circulating water, causing water levels to vary, also weakening the ice. Also the change in temperatures from freezing to above freezing creates thinning of the ice as some areas start to melt.

Continue Reading

ALTON – A mudslide occurred at Riverview Park on Jan. 13, 2025, prompting the Alton Parks and Recreation Department to temporarily close the area above the bluffs. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, and nearby structures, including the Abbott Machine Shop, sustained no damage. The mudslide was triggered by a combination of weather conditions, including snow-covered bluffs, frozen ground, and recent sunny days that melted the snow. These factors caused the top layer of soil and vegetation, classified as loess soil, to slide off the steep bluff face, accumulating at its base. In response to the incident, Lyndsey Younger, the Interim Parks and Recreation Director, emphasized the department's commitment to public safety. "We recognize the importance of Riverview Park to our community and are exploring all viable options to ensure the safety of our visitors while preserving access to this cherished space," Younger said. The department is aware that addressing the stability o

Continue Reading

ALTON - In a recent interview on Our Daily Show! with Riverbender.com host C.J. Nasello, Madison County State's Attorney Thomas Haine highlighted the critical role of community involvement in the justice system, urging residents to report criminal activities to law enforcement. Haine's comments come amid ongoing efforts to enhance public safety in Madison County. During the interview, Haine emphasized the importance of tips from the community, stating, "You have to have trust in the community that it will be reported and successfully prosecuted." Haine noted that the initial report of a crime is often undervalued but serves as the essential starting point for achieving justice. Haine referenced a recent case that illustrates the significance of community trust and reporting. He described how a key witness, who was also a nephew of the suspect, felt compelled to come forward after seeing holiday advertisements that emphasized the value of family. This emotional realization led him

Continue Reading