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Meteorologist Confirms Wind Carries Odor Over Long Distances

1 year 8 months ago
A distinct odor has been reported across several communities in the region, including Roxana, Wood River, Alton, Edwardsville, Shipman, and Godfrey, and more on Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2024. Local officials are investigating the source of the smell, which has been described as reminiscent of manure. Matt Beitscher, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in St. Louis, corroborated these findings, indicating that wind patterns are likely transporting the odor from areas where manure is being applied. "Winds out of the north or northwest... if they are laying down manure in Iowa, Kansas, or Nebraska, the smell could reach here," Beitscher explained. He said the odor has been reported as moving eastward from its source. He also said so far, there is nothing official about the widespread odor. As the investigation continues, local officials are working with emergency response teams to determine the exact origin of the smell, which has caused concern among residents in the affected

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Madison County Security Officer Stephanie McSparin Recognized for Exceptional Service

1 year 8 months ago
EDWARDSVILLE – Stephanie McSparin was honored with the Judge Barbara Crowder Champion Award for her exemplary service as a Madison County Security Officer during the Third Judicial Circuit Pro Bono Luncheon on Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2024. McSparin has dedicated eighteen years to her role as a Court Security Officer, where she has consistently gone beyond her official responsibilities to ensure the safety and respectful treatment of all individuals entering the courthouse. Her commitment is reflected in her willingness to assist those in need, including helping them navigate court forms and providing essential information. “Stephanie is always helping people who need assistance,” said a representative from the court. “She takes the time to ensure everyone feels supported during their visit.” The Judge Barbara Crowder Champion Award recognizes individuals who demonstrate outstanding commitment to public service and community support within the judicial system.

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Sexual Assault Case Continues For Former Assistant Principal Arrested On Bond Violation

1 year 8 months ago
EDWARDSVILLE - A former Edwardsville High School assistant principal who was charged in 2023 with Criminal Sexual Assault for having a sexual relationship with a minor student is back in custody after violating the conditions of her bond. As previously reported on Riverbender.com , the Edwardsville Police Department received information alleging that an assistant principal at the school had a sexual relationship with a juvenile who was younger than 18. The subsequent investigation led to a suspect, Erin L. Hamilton-Foley, 50, of Edwardsville, being taken into custody on Tuesday, May 23, 2023. A description of one of the charges states she “held a position of trust, authority or supervision” in relation to the 17-year-old victim, “being that she was an assistant principal … and his assigned mentor.” Hamilton-Foley resigned from her position in July of 2023 , but pleaded “not guilty” in the case against her. According to an application

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Chief Judge Stephen Stobbs Announces Return Of Granite City Area Court In 2025

1 year 8 months ago
GRANITE CITY - After nearly five years of absence, the Third Judicial Circuit will return to Granite City starting in early 2025. Chief Judge Steve Stobbs announced today that the Granite City area docket will soon resume proceedings in the courtroom located within the City Hall of Granite City. Chief Judge Stobbs said: “I have fond memories of practicing before, now retired Circuit Judge Phil Kardis, in the Granite City courtroom and then serving as a judge there later in my career. I am happy to announce that the Third Judicial Circuit will soon return to Granite City for a weekly court call to include traffic, misdemeanor, and local ordinance violations.” The Granite City area docket has historically consisted of matters arising from incidents in and around Granite City, including the neighboring communities of Pontoon Beach, Venice, and Madison. The Granite City area docket ceased in March 2020 during COVID and was later moved to the main Courthouse in Edwardsville

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Suspect caught after Granite City woman's body burned

1 year 8 months ago
Homicide detectives with the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department have identified the body of a woman found burned in the city’s Baden neighborhood last weekend. The suspected killer, her boyfriend, has skipped town.
Kevin S. Held

Madison County Hosts Prescription Drug Take Back Day on October 26

1 year 8 months ago
EDWARDSVILLE — Madison County residents will have the opportunity to safely dispose of unused prescription medications during the Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024. The event will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Madison County Administration Building’s back parking lot, located at 157 North Main Street in Edwardsville. The event is organized by Madison County law enforcement agencies in collaboration with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Madison County State’s Attorney Thomas A. Haine, Sheriff Jeff Connor, and Coroner Steve Nonn will oversee the drop-off site. Haine emphasized the importance of the event, stating, “It’s a convenient way for the residents of Madison County to help combat the epidemic of overdoses from prescription drugs.” Sheriff Connor echoed this sentiment, urging residents to utilize the service as a means to contribute to public safety. “It’s a way for them to help

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IDNR Reminds Hunters Of 2024-2025 Chronic Wasting Disease Sampling Locations

1 year 8 months ago
SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) is reminding deer hunters about locations where deer can be tested for chronic wasting disease (CWD) free of charge. Chronic wasting disease is a fatal disease of the central nervous system in deer and elk. It was first detected in a suspect adult female deer from northwest Boone County in 2002. Since then, 173,486 wild deer have been sampled statewide, and 2,188 individual deer have tested positive for CWD. The disease is currently confined to a 21-county area in the northern third of Illinois. Wildlife biologists monitor the geographic distribution and intensity of CWD primarily through testing of hunter-harvested deer. CWD is not known to be transmissible to humans; however, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization do not recommend consuming CWD-positive venison (deer meat). Hunters can visit participating vendors, including taxidermists and meat processors, or leav

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Jersey Community Middle School Releases Newest Honor Roll Lists

1 year 8 months ago
JERSEYVILLE - The latest Honor Roll and High Honor Roll lists for students at Jersey Community Middle School have been released. JCMS High Honor Roll Students 5th Grade Katherine G. Abbott Kody A. Bean Stella A. Bechtold Henry J. Bick Keegyn J. Boyer Claire I. Challans Cheyenne R. Craigmiles Jocelyn R. Depper Keegan J. Depper Emma R. Dirksmeyer-Lyming Josephine L. Droege Cheyenne R. Epstein Elliott I. Fallin Madilynn G. Fitzgerald Willow R. Gansz Colin A. Graham Lillie M. Gray Millie R. Griffith Jack F. Hayes Kara K. Heitzig Mathew L. Howell Carson J. Hutchens Clara M. Hutchens Grant C. Jones Avery M. Kadell William D. Kelley London M. Knabe David Knoche Jayce A. Knowles Elijah P. Kraushaar Parker W. Kruse Faith E. Latempt Nolan C. Leblanc Lexie M. Lee Jaxon R. Lemarr Hudson T. Lyons Ellis D. McCoy Leonidas K. McKeller Ava M. Molloy Raymond J. Mueller Autumn Nordan Kylee R. Ontis Cayden J.

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Proposition V targets St. Louis' vacant property problem

1 year 8 months ago
St. Louis voters will decide on Proposition V, a ballot initiative that aims to remove a decades-old $500 fee cap on vacant and deteriorated non-owner occupied properties, in order to address the city's significant vacant property problem.
Joe Millitzer