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EAST ST. LOUIS - The U.S. State's Attorney Rachel Aud Crowe announced today that Fulton Lee Gully, 61, of East St. Louis, Illinois, was sentenced to 48 months imprisonment on Wednesday, September 7, 2022, after previously pleading guilty to one count of Felon in Possession of a Firearm. As part of his guilty plea, Gully acknowledged that between July 28, 2020, and October 27, 2020, while knowing he was a convicted felon, unlawfully possessed a shotgun at a residence in East St. Louis, Illinois. Gully had likewise been convicted in 2003 in this district of being a felon in possession of a firearm and, in that case, received a sentence of 1 year and 1 day to be followed by 3 years of supervised release. In 2005, Gully’s supervised release was revoked after he was found to have possessed cocaine and marijuana. He was sent back to prison for 6 months to be followed by 6 months of home confinement. In 2006, Gully’s supervised release was again revoked and he was returned to prison

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ALTON - At about 1 p.m. on Friday, Alton Police allowed traffic to resume for the southbound lanes of the Clark Bridge in Alton. The bridge has been the location of a crisis situation where a man is on the ledge of the bridge. Negotiators have been working with the man since this morning. "Traffic was allowed to resume for the southbound lanes of the Clark Bridge ," Deputy Chief Jarrett Ford said. "However, officers and their police vehicles are still on the bridge attempting to assist the subject. Please use caution if you must drive on the bridge, but it’s best to avoid the area if possible." Deputy Chief Ford added: "No further updates at this time." For those in need of help in crisis situations, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline of 988 is active across the U.S.

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ALTON - The Alton Fire Department and Alton Police Department had a busy overnight with fires on both Amelia and Seminary in Alton. The State Fire Marshal has been called to investigate the fires and Alton Fire Chief Jesse Jemison said they may be related. "An incident on Ridge seemed to have been from a domestic dispute," Jemison said. "A couch was on fire in that situation. That case is under investigation by the Alton Police Department." Chief Jemison said the Amelia fire occurred first then the Seminary call came about 2 hours later at 5 a.m. The chief said Amelia was vacant and gutted after the fire and Seminary had someone in an RV behind the house, but that person was safe. The Seminary home is also a total loss and the fire was shooting through the roof when firefighters arrived. "The man in the RV in the backyard said he heard a big 'woosh' and he got out of the RV as the fire grew," Jemison said.

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CARROLLTON – Food, entertainment, hospitality and shopping will be available to visitors to the Greene County Historical Society on Friday, September 9, and Saturday, September 10. Bernie Faul and fellow Society members will be serving rib eyes, large hot dogs and porky burgers on Friday, from 11 AM ‘till gone, in the yard of the historic Lee-Baker-Hodges house located at the northeast corner of the Courthouse Square in Carrollton. On Friday also, Jeanne Coates, Society staffer and noted piano player, will be entertaining on the honky-tonk piano, located in the first floor dining room. On Friday and Saturday, tours will be conducted throughout the building which dates from the 1820s, and was restored and furnished in period pieces a decade ago. Volunteer staff members will conduct the tours of the museum and the genealogy library. Specials for the GCD event will be a display of photos and items from Eldred, along with a loose-leaf notebook about the Greene County Almshouse

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WOOD RIVER – To offer individuals an opportunity to meet with him and support a locally-owned business, State Senator Kris Tharp has chosen Wood River Donut & More to host the first Coffee with Kris event. “I know how busy schedules can get, so it was important to me to offer an event for early risers,” said Tharp (D-Bethalto). “I look forward to meeting with residents in my hometown and supporting a popular small business.” The event will take place from 6 to 8 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 16 at Wood River Donut & More, 102 W. Edwardsville Rd. Attendees will be offered a complimentary cup of coffee and have the opportunity to discuss the issues that matter most to them. Questions should be directed to Sen. Tharp’s office by calling 618-251-9840. For information on future events, visit www.SenatorTharp.com .

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EDWARDSVILLE – The Edwardsville Police Department made 11 DUI arrests during the recent Labor Day campaign. In addition, 26 seat belt citations were written, 7 of which occurred during nighttime hours. Other citations and arrests included: 17 speeding citations 3 registration citations 2 uninsured motorists 23 other citations “As law enforcement officers, we do our best to protect motorists, pedestrians, and other road users,” said Lt. Barry Jones. “While enforcement campaigns like these save lives, there is still much to be done. Please help us spread the message: Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over.” The Edwardsville Police Department joined forces with other law enforcement agencies and highway safety partners throughout the state for the Labor Day traffic safety campaign. The program was made possible by federal highway safety funds administered by the Illinois Department of Transportation.

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CHESTERFIELD - Mr. Blue Sky, Tribute to Electric Light Orchestra, with Emily Wallace comes to the Chesterfield Amphitheater on September 23. Doors open at 6 pm, and the show begins at 7 pm. The show is for all ages. Tickets are General Admission: $20 Advanced, $25 at the door, 4-Pack for $60. Mr. Blue Sky creates all the majestic splendor that is the music of Electric Light Orchestra. With a focus on the band’s hits from the 70s, 80s, and latest records, and mixing in selective deep cuts, MBS produces the ultimate ELO experience.

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and Gary Peters (MI) announced that bipartisan legislation to reduce the spread of toxic per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contamination at commercial airports passed the U.S. Senate unanimously this week. The Preventing PFAS Runoff at Airports Act would deploy more existing Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) funding for commercial airports to purchase devices necessary to test their firefighting equipment without discharging toxic PFAS chemicals. This legislation would encourage commercial airports to purchase the relatively low-cost devices—also referred to as an input-based testing system—to help limit and prevent exposure to PFAS, which are known as “forever chemicals” because they do not naturally break down. It would also direct the FAA to identify options for reimbursing airports elsewhere that already acquired the devices without federal funding. “We’ve known for

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ALTON - Alton Little Theater kicks off the Extra, EXTRA Entertainment Concert/Special Engagement series with Fach Tradition on September 30th and October 1st at 7:30 pm/ October 2nd at 2 pm. The concert of Folksongs and Lore is the creative brainchild of regional talent, Miles Brenton- Composer, Musician, Vocalist, & Actor in St. Louis and throughout the Riverbend. Sawyer Burton and Matthew Billins join Miles as outstanding voices in the a cappella Trio of classically trained male vocalists who have a love and passion for choral music - and who bring an extensive repertoire' of international folksongs with a little country, blues, opera, and musical theater thrown in for audience's delight. The Concert of "Harmonious Love" will be presented at the ALT Showplace, with tickets just $22. Then, on the early morning of Saturday, October 1st from 8 am-noon, ALT will move the fun and entertainment to the parking lot - or large shed if the weather is a problem - for a "Good Neighbor"

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ALTON - The Alton Police Department was reported on the Clark Bridge around 10 a.m. Friday with a negotiator to assist a person in crisis on the ledge of the bridge, Alton Police Chief Marcos Pulido said. The top photo shows first responders on the bridge, while the bottom photo shows traffic backed up outside the bridge. The chief said traffic is being diverted from the southbound lanes on the Clark Bridge during this crisis situation . Residents are encouraged to avoid the Clark Bridge area until the situation is resolved. More to come.

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ALTON - Illinois American Water today (September 9) provided its weekly update with work progress on the Alton combined sewer system and the installation of new sanitary sewers. Illinois American Water said 3rd Street between Belle Street and Piasa Street in Alton is still closed, as well as Belle Street from 3rd Street north to 4th Street. "It is anticipated that pavement restoration work could be completed next week on the east portion of 3rd Street," Karen Cotton, an Illinois American Water spokesperson said. "This will be weather dependent. Belle Street sewer work has been halted for the upcoming Alton Pride event scheduled for Sept. 10. "This stretch of roadway will continue to be closed to all-thru traffic for a month or two. A water main replacement is anticipated and is awaiting a permit." Cotton added: "9th Street east and west of Piasa Street (U.S. 67) is back open to traffic. Please obey traffic signals. Belle Street, between 8th Street and 9th Street, will remain closed

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JERSEYVILLE - The 31st annual Apple Festival is officially set for 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, October 1, 2022, at the Jersey County Historical Society, located at 601 N. State Street in Jerseyville, also known as the Cheney Mansion. This year’s festival will feature a lineup of live entertainment from a variety of local acts. First up at 9:30 a.m. is the Jersey County Arts Council (JCAC) Children’s Choir, followed by JCHS Musical Groups at 10:30 a.m. The Gibson Girls will perform at 12:30 p.m., then Back in the Saddle will be the final act of the afternoon starting at 1:30 p.m. Beth McGlasson, Vice President of the Jersey County Historical Society, said there will be pioneer demonstrators making lye soap, weaving rugs on a loom, quilting, and more at the festival. She said there will also be opportunities for kids to get involved with pioneer crafts and chores of their own. “For our pioneer crafts and chores, what we do is we have tables set up around our cabins,

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GRANITE CITY - A victim died after a shooting around 12:50 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 8, 2022, in the 2700 block of East 25th Street in Granite City. Granite City Assistant Chief Nick Novacich said Granite City Police was called to the scene to investigate a report of at least one gunshot and discovered a victim and began rendering aid. Treatment of the victim was later taken over by the Granite City Fire Department’s Paramedics, but the person did not survive. The officers arrived on the scene and one subject was immediately taken into custody. The Granite City Police Department is currently investigating this incident, Assistant Chief Novacich said. "As a result of the ongoing investigation, we cannot release any specific information about this case at this time," Novacich added. "The Granite City Police Department has one person of interest in custody and we want our citizens to know that there is no longer a threat to safety in the area regarding this incident." There is n

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EDWARDSVILLE - The Gori Law Firm recently announced attorney John “Jay” Sinovic has joined the firm’s Edwardsville office. Sinovic practices in the firm’s personal injury and asbestos litigation departments. After receiving a Bachelor of Arts degree from Southern Illinois University in 2014, Sinovic went on to earn his juris doctorate from St. Louis University School of Law. He has worked as a personal injury attorney and a criminal prosecutor. He also has experience as an immigration attorney and is fluent in Spanish. Sinovic is a member of the Missouri State Bar Association and the executive Office of Immigration Review (EOIR) under the U.S. Department of Justice. “Gori continues to grow, and we are elated to add Jay to the team,” said Sara Salger, managing partner at The Gori Law Firm. “Jay believes in helping clients secure fair and just compensation for the injuries suffered due to negligence or malpractice. We know his knowledge and

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GRANITE CITY - Granite City Police is investigating a serious incident at an apartment complex at Nameoki Road and 25th Street in Granite City. Several additional agencies were dispatched to the location. An individual appears to have been shot in that area. Granite City Police has stopped traffic near where the incident occurred. The condition of the person injured is not yet known. Granite City Fire Department, Madison County Sheriff’s Office, Venice Police, Madison Police, and ARCH Medical joined Granite City Police at the scene but ARCH departed after a period of time. The law enforcement agencies continue to investigate the scene. Developing.

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ALTON - All vehicles in the eighth annual Ride for Wishes will be getting extra attention from Wish Children this year as the children select their Wish Children’s Favorites. “This year we opened the Ride to all street-legal vehicles and we thought we’d let Wish Children at the event choose their favorite vehicle among the motorcycles, hotrods and dune buggies,” said Jeanne Wuellner, co-director of the event. “We thought that would add a little more fun for the kids and all the participants,” fellow co-director Trena Wells said. “The winners among the different types of vehicles will receive a certificate proclaiming theirs as a “Wish Children’s Favorite.” The ride starts at noon Saturday, Sept. 17, at Ted’s Motorcycle World, 4103 Humbert Road in Alton, and ends at Alton Sports Tap, 3812 College Ave., with an after-ride party and dinner. Sign-up, with giveaways and free bagels, begins at 10 a.m. and leaves at noon

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EDWARDSVILLE - Edwardsville girls' volleyball senior Ava Waltenberger ranks at the top of area players at the net as she enters her senior season. The Tigers' girls volleyball hitter Waltenberger played a key role in the Tigers' come-from-behind win over Belleville East on Tuesday night in a Southwestern Conference match, coming up with some big shots that helped Edwardsville go on to a 21-25, 25-11, 25-22 win over the Lancers to help extend the team's conference winning streak to 55 matches in a row. In a post-match interview, Waltenberger was happy with the win, although acknowledging that the Tigers still have much work to do in practice. "I'm feeling happy," Waltenberger said. "I'm just glad that we won, but we definitely need some more practice for sure. But I mean, the win is all that matters this early in the season." The Tigers rallied back from one set down, where the team didn't play its best, to win the last two sets and the match. It's a good indication of the Tigers'

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ALTON - A few readers/viewers of Riverbender.com have inquired about the date of the annual Alton Halloween Parade sponsored by the East End Improvement Association, and the date has been confirmed as 7 p.m. Monday, October 31, 2022. East End Improvement Association parade spokesperson Steve Schwartz said the date was on October 30 last year because Halloween on October 31 fell on a Sunday. “The Alton Halloween Parade is always on October 31 except for when the 31st is on a Sunday, and then it is held the day before,” he said. “That is a long-standing tradition. I have had some calls so far from some people asking when it would be if it would be on the 30th again, but it is back to October 31 again this year.” Schwartz said the parade means “so much to the City of Alton.” “I am getting calls about the parade already, which is a positive,” he said. “We are going to have a meeting and send letters out to those who had floats las

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ALTON - In life, every person has dreams of what they want to achieve. At 10 a.m. this Saturday when Tabitha Craig-Robinson opens the doors of her Tab’s Café at 400 State St. in Alton, it will be “a dream come true.” Tabitha provided a sneak peek of the new restaurant at the State Street location Thursday morning after renovations done by her and her husband, Dan. Dan Robinson has transformed the old barber shop into a classy cafe. The walls are covered with artwork of everyone from acclaimed singers/musicians Patsy Cline, Miles Davis, B.B. King, Billie Holiday, Frank Sinatra, and Ray Charles. Tabitha loves music and is a singer herself. She said after a period of time, she will have bands perform at the cafe and also has plans for a poetry night. Saturday morning will be an extremely jubilant occasion for Tabitha, her husband, four children, and many friends in the Alton and St. Louis area. One of Tabitha's loves in life is simply watching people eat her

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ALTON - Illinois American Water workers have been busy on a large area - estimated at 15 feet deep and at least 50 feet wide - next to the Riverbender Building and Mac's in Downtown Alton at Belle and Third streets this week. The work is part of the large-scale sanitary sewer project across Alton. Thursday morning, rock is being added to a deep dugout area after water line work has been accomplished. The Third and Belle part of the project has been more difficult because of the traffic in the area and there are many abandoned utility lines. Karen Cotton, an Illinois American Water spokesperson, said even an old brick cistern was recently recovered in the project work. She said there will be an update on the progress of the project coming by this weekend.

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