Riverbender 🕸

BETHALTO - You can enjoy a family-friendly music festival while supporting community members in recovery. From 1–6 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025, Amare will host their sixth annual Rockin’4Recovery at Bethalto Park. This event will feature three bands, food trucks, vendors, health and wellness resources, a Kid Zone and more fun. The goal, said Amare executive director Carson Conn, is to promote substance use recovery and remind people that they are not alone. “If you’re not having fun in recovery, you’re not doing it right,” Conn said. “It shows that you’re not alone in it. There's people all around who have experienced similar things that you have, and they came out on the other side of it. It's really about instilling hope, showing everybody what is possible.” The Rockin’4Recovery event promises inflatables, a photo booth, and plenty of family-friendly activities for everyone to enjoy. Conn said they are still

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GODFREY — By fall, Godfrey Mayor Mike McCormick said, the no-smoking signs that have been ordered will be positioned at various public areas in the village. These areas include baseball fields, soccer fields, pickleball courts, the splash pad and more. Mayor McCormick said on Thursday, Aug. 14, 2025, that Godfrey officials have ordered 30 “No Smoking” signs to be installed. The signs, which have not yet been delivered, are expected to be installed soon. McCormick said the initiative was prompted by community concerns about secondhand smoke, particularly near the village’s splash pad and sports fields. “A lady came to a village meeting an awful lot, asking to close smoking close to the splash pad and soccer fields,” McCormick said, which sparked the village discussion. “People are concerned about secondhand smoke. We’re trying to control it with signs.” McCormick noted the signs were specially made and will be placed in several

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EAST ST. LOUIS – The Illinois Department of Transportation today announced that the ramp from westbound Interstate 64 to eastbound I-55/70 in St. Clair County will be temporarily closed for bridge deck patching starting, weather permitting, at 9 p.m. Friday, Aug. 15. Motorists should expect delays and are encouraged to use alternate routes during this closure. Drivers are urged to reduce speed, be alert for changing conditions, obey all construction signage, and refrain from using mobile devices while approaching and traveling through the work zone. The ramp is scheduled to reopen at 6 a.m. Monday, Aug. 18. For IDOT District 8 updates, follow us on the social media platform X at @IDOTDistrict8 or view area construction details on IDOT’s traveler information map on GettingAroundIllinois.com.

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ALTON - St. Paul’s Episcopal Church invites community members to attend a program with Father Dominic “The Bread Monk” Garramone, known for his 2000s PBS cooking show “Breaking Bread with Father Dominic.” Father Garramone, a Benedictine monk from Peru, Illinois, will give a presentation at St. Paul’s at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 24, 2025. Doors open at 1 p.m. and lunch — one of Fr. Garramone’s own recipes — will be served at 1:30 p.m. “It’s going to be a very exciting opportunity to hear from a very learned and wonderful chef,” said Robbie Cupp, a leader at St. Paul’s. In addition to hosting his own cooking show from 1999 to 2001, Fr. Garramone is known as the author of several cookbooks and an award-winning children’s book. He is also an educator and travels often. Cupp explained that St. Paul’s has been working for over a year now to book an event with Fr. Garramone, and the parishioners

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GODFREY – Godfrey officials are advising residents in advance of an upcoming project by Illinois American Water that will temporarily close Pierce Lane to through traffic in order to relocate a water main line. Loellke Plumbing, working as a subcontractor for Illinois American (IAWC) on a water main line relocation project are planning to close Pierce Lane (between Surrey Ct. and West Delmar) to through traffic starting Monday morning (Aug. 25, 2025) at 7 a.m. This closure is expected to last one week until Friday, Aug. 29, 2025. The road closure should start on pierce lane just south of Surrey Court and just north of the entrance to D'Adrian Professional Park. The detour route is to send traffic east down Homer Adams to Godfrey Road, then northward on Godfrey Road up to Stamper Lane and then west from there over to Pierce. Loellke will place staggered Type III barricades just south of Surrey Court and just north of the entrance to D'Adrian Professional Park. Roa

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COLUMBIA, IL. - Paul Jordan and Casey Davis of Columbia, IL., are seeking community support after a house fire rendered their home uninhabitable, displacing them and forcing the boarding of their dogs. The incident occurred recently, leaving the couple without a permanent residence as they await insurance reimbursement, which has no established timeline. The fire damaged nearly all their belongings through smoke and water, requiring restoration services that may take one to three months to complete. Their home was under a lease-to-purchase agreement, and they had been preparing to finalize ownership when the fire occurred. The loss has depleted their savings intended for the home purchase, creating immediate financial challenges. Jordan and Davis have found temporary housing but face ongoing expenses, including pet boarding and replacing essential items. They are organizing a fundraiser to help cover these costs and to support rebuilding their lives until insurance assistance become

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SPRINGFIELD- Today, Governor JB Pritzker joined state legislators, labor leaders, and union members to sign a bill package protecting Illinois workers and supporting organized labor. Held at the Illinois AFL-CIO headquarters in Springfield, the bill signing reaffirmed Governor Pritzker’s support for working families across the state alongside the Illinois Department of Labor (IDOL). SB1976, HB1189, and HB2488 preserve current pay standards and worker protections against federal rollbacks from the Trump Administration. “Our state stands up for the hard-won advances made for our workers. The Pullman Strikes, the Haymarket Affair—it has been the working men and women of this state that have led the charge of progress not just for Illinois, but for the entire nation,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “This legislation protects Illinois workers from the Trump administration’s assault on labor, because our workers can’t afford to be subject to the whims

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GRANITE CITY – A man from Granite City remains in custody after a string of domestic violence incidents over the course of 11 days resulted in significant injuries to the victim. Anthony S. Tartt, 37, of Granite City, was charged on Aug. 7, 2025 with a Class 2 felony count of aggravated domestic battery, a Class 3 felony count of aggravated battery, a Class 4 felony count of unlawful restraint, and a Class 3 felony count of driving while license is revoked/suspended. From July 21 to Aug. 1, 2025, Tartt allegedly punched a household or family member in the face and arms multiple times, threw them into a living room wall, and more, causing the victim to sustain multiple finger and rib fractures. According to the state’s petition to deny Tartt’s pretrial release from custody, the victim reported Tartt battered her from July 21 to Aug. 1, 2025, resulting in multiple injuries discovered after the victim sought treatment from a local hospital. “As a result o

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ALTON - There’s a new martial arts gym in town, and these instructors put a faith-based spin on traditional karate. Christian Karate, located at 2300 Henry Street in Alton, will open its doors for an open house from 1–4 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025. Owners Steve and Jen Wilson encourage people to come out, see the new space, and consider signing up for a class to learn karate skills and Christian-based character qualities. “We combine traditional karate, modern fitness and character development all into one unique package,” Steve said. “The goal is, you come in, you’re challenged, you’re motivated, you get sweaty, and you’re encouraged and you’re ready to do it again.” During the open house on Aug. 16, visitors of all ages can meet the instructors, take a free introductory class, climb on an obstacle course and enjoy giveaways. Steve and Jen hope to welcome many people in a “no pressure, no contracts, no commitments”

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CHICAGO – Attorney General Kwame Raoul, as part of a bipartisan coalition of 37 attorneys general, is urging Instagram to make immediate changes to its newly implemented location-sharing feature. In a letter to Instagram , Raoul and the attorneys general outlined serious public safety and data privacy concerns about the change, which allows users’ precise locations to be displayed on a map. The letter emphasized the heightened dangers for vulnerable users, including children and survivors of domestic violence, noting that such tools can be exploited by predators, stalkers and other bad actors. “Location sharing should be an optional feature that users and guardians can turn off to help prevent the dangers associated with predators using social media to learn the location of a child or domestic violence survivor,” Raoul said. “In Illinois, we will always put the well-being of our children and survivors first. I am calling on Instagram to take steps

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ROXANA — This is one of those stories that isn't done because of performances on cross-country courses, but one about a group of young runners who did the right thing for their community after a recent severe storm. During a recent run through a local park, the Roxana junior high cross country team encountered Roxana Park and Recreation staff cleaning up debris left by a recent storm that caused major power outages and issues in the region. The Roxana athletes chose to join in the cleanup effort, assisting the staff in restoring the park. In recognition of their help, the Park and Recreation staff thanked the team by providing Bomb Pops and pool passes. One team member reflected on the experience, saying, “We came, we ran, and we left the park a better place.” The Roxana junior high cross country boys are Midwest Members Credit Union Male Athletes of the Month. Roxana’s Athletic Department expressed gratitude toward Deb Ferry and the entire Park and

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GRANITE CITY — Granite City High School track and field coaches announced the passing of Naiesha Henry, a 2025 graduate and key member of the girls track team, on Friday, Aug. 8, 2025. Dr. Donald Harris, Granite City School District's Superintendent, issued this statement about Henry's loss: "We are deeply saddened by the passing of 2025 GCHS graduate and former track and field student-athlete Naiesha Henry. Our thoughts and prayers are with Naiesha’s family, friends, and all who knew her during this difficult time." Henry was described by her coaches as “the heart and soul” of the team this past season. Henry’s family, friends, and teammates are mourning her loss, with the coaches saying she is “irreplaceable and will be forever in the hearts” of those who knew her. The Granite City track team will dedicate its 2026 spring season in her memory. Henry posted notable times in 2025, running the 100 meters in 12.72 seconds and the 200 meters

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ALTON - The Wedge hosted its monthly Community Collaboration Lab to engage community members in conversations about public safety data. On Aug. 13, 2025, community members came together for a free workshop at The Wedge titled “Making Public Safety Data Work for Communities.” Led by Dr. Dennis Mares, Professor of Criminal Justice Studies and Director of the Center for Crime Science and Violence Prevention at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, the conversation centered on how to access and utilize public safety data. “We’re trying to unlock the potential of the data,” Mares said. “How does it help a community to figure out what problems a community has, and what can we do to make those problems less?” Mares explained that public safety data includes computer-assisted dispatch data, or the data that comes from 911 calls, and records management system data, or crime data. His organization is working with local police departments

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GRANITE CITY - Granite City School District #9 recently received generous donations from two local organizations aimed at supporting students as they begin the 2025-26 school year. Hope Lutheran Church contributed socks, underwear, and school supplies as part of their July Social Ministry project. The school district expressed gratitude toward Pastor Alan Beuster, his wife Sandy, and the entire congregation for their ongoing support of the students. In addition, Jesus Saves Ministries donated 100 school supply sets for junior high and high school students, along with 55 TI calculators and extra supplies for all students in the district. These additional items included folders, glue sticks, scissors, toothbrushes, colored pencils, pens, loose-leaf paper, and earbud cases. Director DeeAnn Billings and Outreach Minister John Cipponeri were acknowledged for their generosity. These donations are intended to help Granite City School District #9 students start the school year prepared

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GRANITE CITY - Ryan Brokaw is a senior running back and defensive back for the football team of Granite City High School, and feels very confident that the Warriors will have a successful season in 2025. Last year, for a team that finished 0-9, Brokaw was the team's leading rusher, running for 179 yards and two touchdowns, also catching nine passes for 63 additional yards. He had his most success returning kickoffs, taking 12 back for 313 yards, also running back one punt for 25 yards. He expressed confidence and enthusiasm over how things have gone for Granite in the opening week of workouts. Brokaw is a Stillwater Senior Living Male Athlete of the Month for Granite City. "It's been going pretty well," Brokaw said, "We've had very intense practices, a lot of energy. It's looking good, we're excited, ready to play Alton next week (in a week zero scrimmage Aug. 22), we're ready to go get them." The Warriors open up the 2025 season at home Aug. 29, 2025, against Peotone, and Brokaw

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DECATUR – The Illinois State Police (ISP), partnering with the Decatur Police Department, the McLean County Sheriff’s Office, and the Howard G. Buffett Foundation, has created the Illinois Trafficking Enforcement Group (ITEG) to take its work in combating human trafficking to the next level. Similar to the nine ISP Metropolitan Enforcement Groups and 13 Multi-Jurisdictional Drug Task Forces created to combat drug trafficking, ITEG will consist of local and state partners focused on fighting human trafficking, while also working with community groups and health organizations to provide trauma-informed support services to individuals who have been trafficked. “Human trafficking occurs not just globally, but locally, and it is critical law enforcement at all levels work together,” said ISP Director Brendan F. Kelly. “The Illinois Trafficking Enforcement Group enables state and local law enforcement to literally work side by side, while coordinating with ou

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GLEN CARBON - Kannon Kamp was a standout player for McGivney High School’s baseball team during the recent season, according to head coach Chris Erwin. Kamp, who wore No. 20, was a key contributor both at the plate and on the mound, helping lead the team to one of the highest-scoring seasons in the country. Erwin described Kamp as the team’s “No. 1 pitcher” and a “mainstay at the top of the order” as a lead-off hitter. Kamp finished the season with a .410 batting average, collected 50 hits, including 12 doubles, and drove in 37 runs while drawing 38 walks. His offensive production was part of a larger team effort that scored 437 runs, tying for third most in the country. Kamp and Justin Terhaar were McGivney IHSBCA All-State selections. Kamp is a Byron, Carlson, Petri & Kalb Male Athlete of the Month for the Griffins. On the pitching side, Kamp was a workhorse for the team, starting the state championship game and compiling an 8-1 record with

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CARROLLTON - Greene County Deputy Sheriff Chris Weller is pleased to declare his candidacy for Greene County Sheriff in the 2026 general election following the retirement of Robert McMillen in August, 2026. With over 25 years of experience in law enforcement, Weller has built a substantial resume that illustrates his commitment to his community. He began his career as a correctional officer at the Greene County Jail in 2000, where he worked until graduating from the Police Academy in 2002. While working as a temporary full-time deputy, he went on to earn his Bachelor of Science degree from Illinois College in 2004. During those years, Weller served as a police officer in Greenfield, Carrollton, White Hall, and Roodhouse. In 2006, he began his full-time career with the Greene County Sheriff’s Office. Weller takes great pride in having served his home county for the entirety of his career, accumulating experience in all the major municipalities. A lifetime resident of Greene County

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SPRINGFIELD, IL – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and U.S. Senate Minority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today convened health care leaders to discuss how Trump and Republicans’ One Big Beautiful Bill will harm Central Illinois and rip health care from as well as increase costs for Illinoisans. Duckworth and Durbin met with leaders from Memorial Health, Springfield Clinic, Hospital Sisters Health System and SIU Medicine to discuss the looming crisis of more than half a million Illinoisans losing health coverage and loss in funding for rural health providers. Photos from today’s event are available on the Senator’s website. “Access to quality health care is already too difficult in this country—especially in rural areas—and thanks to Republicans’ Big Beautiful Betrayal things are only going to get worse,” Duckworth said. “Trump and Republicans succeeded in making the largest cuts to Medicaid in history and because of them,

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SPRINGFIELD - Today, Governor JB Pritzker joined state legislators and stakeholders to sign SB 1953, also known as Sonya Massey’s Bill. The law will revise police hiring procedures across Illinois, requiring agencies to comprehensively review an applicant’s employment history—including detailed employment records—before making a job offer. The legislation aims to increase policy accountability across the state and prevent future tragedies such as the killing of Sonya Massey . “When Sonya Massey feared for her safety, she did what anyone would do—she called law enforcement for help. Communities should be able to trust that when they call the police to their home, the responding officer will be well-trained and without a history of bias or misconduct,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Today, I sign Sonya Massey’s Bill to help prevent these tragedies, to better equip law enforcement to keep our communities safe, and to continue working

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