Riverbender 🕸

STAUNTON — Jeb A. Curtis, 19, of Livingston, was charged with a class 3 felony attempted burglary for allegedly trying to enter a city-owned building on October 12, 2025, with the intent to commit theft, according to charging documents. The Staunton Police Department filed the charges on October 20. All individuals charged are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

ALTON - The Board of Directors of the Oasis Women’s Center is pleased to name Jenna Giess as its new Executive Director after the sudden passing of longtime Executive Director Margarette Trushel. Giess, who will soon begin transition into her role, will begin working full-time as Executive Director starting January 1, 2026. Giess is returning to her hometown of Alton after sixteen years in the Kansas City area, where she was the Executive Director of Hope Haven of Cass County, a domestic

HIGHLAND – The Illinois Department of Transportation today announced that rehabilitation of a crossing by CSX railroad on Lake Road/Highland Road between Walnut Road and Motel Road in Madison County will require a full closure beginning, weather permitting, Tuesday, Nov. 4. A posted detour will be in place to safely guide motorists around the closure, which is expected to conclude Wednesday, Nov. 5. Motorists can expect delays and should allow extra time for trips through this

EDWARDSVILLE - When Father Rob Johnson, chaplain of the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE) Newman Community and pastor of Mother of Perpetual Help in Maryville, arrived at the Vatican on October 21, he didn’t know if he would meet Pope Leo XIV as Father Johnson was there for the public papal audience on October 22. He had put in a request to meet Pope Leo through private channels but never heard back officially from the Vatican. That changed when he picked up his envelope

GODFREY - James Mayo “Jim” Towey, a Vietnam War veteran and longtime community leader in Godfrey, left a lasting impact with his service time and time back home with family, friends, and his community. Born in Wood River, Towey spent most of his life in Godfrey. He served as a sergeant in Company B, 2nd/60th, 9th Infantry Division of the United States Army during the Vietnam War. For his service, he was awarded several medals, including the Purple Heart and Bronze Star, recognizing

EDWARDSVILLE — Three seniors from Edwardsville High School were recognized at the Edwardsville School District #7 board meeting last week for their compassionate actions. Lia'nice Cruzin and Emma Birkenmeyer were honored for supporting a classmate during a difficult situation, while senior Andriella Garlinghouse was acknowledged for assisting a community member experiencing a medical emergency. The board expressed appreciation for the students’ kindness and thoughtful responses.

FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS – A southern Illinois Lottery player is feeling like pure gold after winning the top prize on a $1,000,000 Holiday Gold scratch-off ticket. “I’m a big fan of the holiday-themed lottery tickets,” expressed the lucky winner, who requested to stay anonymous. “As soon as this year’s holiday tickets were available, my mom and I went to the store to see what they looked like, and I decided to try my luck on a $20 one.” The $1,000,000 Holiday

Did you know that nearly 30% of perennial plants fail to survive their first winter due to inadequate preparation? This startling statistic underscores the importance of proactive garden care before the cold months arrive. Properly preparing your garden for winter not only safeguards your landscape but also sets the stage for a vibrant and healthy growing season ahead. Assessing Your Garden’s Needs Before diving into specific tasks, it’s essential to evaluate the current state o

November 3 has long been a day marked by significant events that have shaped the course of history around the world. Starting with a global milestone, on November 3, 1957, the Soviet Union launched Sputnik 2, the world's second artificial satellite, but more notably, it carried Laika, the first living creature to orbit Earth. This event was a pivotal moment in space exploration and the ongoing Space Race between the U.S. and the USSR. Laika’s mission, though one-way, demonstrated the feasibilit

Expect a sunny day today with a high of 63 degrees and a low around 37. Winds will be light from the northwest at 8 mph, gusting to 15 mph, and there's no chance of rain. It feels a bit chilly early on with a morning low that feels closer to 35. Through the morning, you’ll enjoy plenty of sunshine with crisp, clear skies. The afternoon remains pleasant and bright with temperatures topping out in the low 60s. Tonight, skies stay mostly clear with a low near 37, and winds will shift to the

SOUTH ROXANA – New details in Madison County court filings reveal the context behind an alleged arson in South Roxana for which a local man was charged earlier this week . Timothy S. Guberman, 39 , listed as homeless out of South Roxana, was charged on Oct. 27, 2025 with one count of aggravated arson, a Class X felony . On Oct. 24, 2025, Guberman allegedly damaged a residential property in the 400 block of Stephenson Avenue in South Roxana by means of fire while knowing

GRANITE CITY – A man from Granite City accused of assaulting an individual with a firearm and stealing a circular saw from the same victim faces multiple charges. Ruben A. Vasques, 31, of Granite City, was charged on Oct. 21, 2025 with one count each of aggravated unlawful possession of weapons (a Class 4 felony), aggravated assault, and theft (both Class A misdemeanors). Vasques allegedly assaulted an individual using a Smith & Wesson SD40 firearm on Oct. 20, 2025, thereby placing

ROXANA — Sean Maberry, a senior defensive lineman, running back, and wide receiver for the Roxana Shells, has been named a Midwest Members Male Athlete of the Month for his exceptional performance during the 2025 football season. Maberry stood out both offensively and defensively throughout the regular season. He carried the ball 19 times for 109 yards and scored three rushing touchdowns. Additionally, he caught two touchdown passes and totaled 86 receiving yards. On defense, Maberry

November 1 and 2 mark days of remarkable significance in the annals of global history. In 1512, the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel was exhibited to the public for the first time. Painted by Michelangelo, this masterpiece of Renaissance art took four years to complete and remains one of the most admired works in the history of Western art. The unveiling of the ceiling was a cultural milestone, showcasing extraordinary artistic innovation and religious symbolism that continues to inspire millions

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Labor’s (IDOL) Division of Occupational Safety and Health (IL OSHA) and the Illinois Fire Service Institute (IFSI) are continuing their collaborative efforts to enhance firefighter safety through on-demand, experience-based training courses. Their ongoing partnership underscores a shared commitment to striking the balance between firefighter safety and operational effectiveness. A new offering from this partnership is a course focused

GRANITE CITY — Six rail cars derailed near Maryville Road and State Route 162 in Granite City early Friday morning, officials with Union Pacific said. The derailment occurred around 8 a.m. on Oct. 31, 2025, involving cars operated by the Alton & Southern Railway. Four of the rail cars were forced into an upright position during the incident. Union Pacific confirmed there were no injuries and that none of the rail cars' contents were released. The cause of the derailment has not been disclosed,

EDWARDSVILLE – The Illinois Department of Transportation today announced daily lane restrictions and ramp closures will be encountered at the Illinois 143 and I-55 interchange near Edwardsville beginning Monday, November 3 through Friday, November 7, weather permitting. Between the hours of 7 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. the northbound I-55 exit ramp to IL 143 (Exit 23) will be closed. The left turn lane from IL 143 to the northbound I-55 entrance ramp will also be closed during these hours.

ALTON - OSF St. Anthony’s Health Center has officially marked its 100th anniversary, and their Medical Group remains one of their most popular offerings. Jackie and Melissa, who work with the primary care team in the Medical Group, noted that primary care is “your first step to getting in the door” to be established with a physician. The physician can also refer you to any specialist you might need to see. The two women encouraged people to work with their primary care

CAHOKIA HEIGHTS - More than 150 young women from 15 St. Louis area high schools had the opportunity to participate in the 2025 Girls in Aviation Day event at St. Louis Downtown Airport. Hosted by Saint Louis University’s Oliver L. Parks Department of Aviation Science in partnership with Women in Aviation International, the event gave students the chance to explore career paths within the aviation and aerospace industries through a variety of interactive activities and more. Throughout the

What if death wasn’t a final farewell but a vibrant reunion celebrated with color, music, and remembrance? Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, transforms the inevitable reality of mortality into a communal experience of honoring ancestors, blending solemnity with joy. This unique tradition, originating in Mexico, has captivated the world with its rich symbolism and cultural depth. The Roots of Día de los Muertos: A Fusion of Worlds Día de los Muertos traces its