Riverbender 🕸

SPRINGFIELD — Today, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) welcomed House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) to the Springfield Urban League to highlight growing concerns about federal budget cuts and eligibility requirements that would threaten access to essential social service programs, such as Head Start and SNAP. The members met with local families and educators to hear firsthand how these cuts could jeopardize the greater community. “Today, Leader Jeffries had the chance to visit Springfield and meet with the resilient, hardworking people who make this community so special. We heard directly from families in Springfield who depend on programs like Head Start and SNAP – programs that are essential investments in our children’s future. But right now, those programs are under serious threat,” said Congresswoman Budzinski . “The President’s inadequate funding request for Head Start, combined with harmful

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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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ALTON – Three individuals from around the Riverbend and beyond face felony charges of burglary in separate but similar cases filed throughout Madison County. Christopher C. McBride, 49, of Alton, was charged on Aug. 7, 2025 with a Class 3 felony count of attempted burglary. On July 29, 2025, McBride allegedly threw a brick at the glass door of the Circle gas station at 911 College Ave. in Alton with the intention of entering the premises unlawfully and committing a theft, according to charging documents. The Alton Police Department presented the case against McBride, who was granted pretrial release from custody. In a separate case also filed Aug. 7, 2025, 58-year-old Randal L. Mamino of South Roxana was charged with four counts of burglary, each Class 2 felonies, stemming from a string of alleged burglaries that took place from July 27 to Aug. 5, 2025. On July 27, Mamino reportedly unlawfully entered an individual’s shed with the intent to commit a theft. On Aug. 4

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BETHALTO - Roma’s Pizza will be hosting the 2nd annual “Dine to Donate” fundraiser benefitting Madison County Catholic Charities on Wednesday, August 27, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. Mention Madison County Catholic Charities or show the flyer at checkout and we earn 10% of sales. Roma’s Pizza is located at 121 E Bethalto Dr in Bethalto, IL. “We are incredibly grateful for the generosity of our community for over 70 years now. Support a great cause and join us at Roma’s for some of the best pizza in the Midwest,” said Area Director Denise Burton. Proceeds from the Dine to Donate event will go towards supporting our programs, including Professional Counseling Solutions, MedAssist, Guardian Angel Food Pantry, Mobile Food Pantry, Homeless Prevention, Transportation and Identification assistance, and Legal Services. Since 1941, Catholic Charities has provided services in Madison, Bond, Jersey, and Calhoun counties, with offices in Alto

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O'FALLON - O'Fallon Community Consolidated School District #90 is nearing completion of playground renovation projects across its elementary schools, with updated play areas expected to be ready for student use at the start of the 2025 school year. The district announced the progress on Aug. 11, 2025, noting that while frequent rain and unforeseen site work caused some delays, construction crews have been working diligently to complete the improvements. At Evans Elementary, the playground will be ready for use on the first day of school. Sod installation around the upper playground is scheduled for Saturday, with fencing and final cleanup, including asphalt sweeping, to follow. Hinchcliffe Elementary’s playground is also on track to open with the new school year, with final cleanup efforts focused on asphalt sweeping. Estelle Kampmeyer Elementary will have its playground ready as well, with asphalt work on the walking path expected to be finished soon and a four-foot fence

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CHICAGO — If you played Lucky Day Lotto yesterday, you might want to check your ticket – that’s because you could be $400,000 richer! One lucky player matched all five numbers in the Tuesday, August 12 evening drawing to win the game’s $400,000 jackpot. The winning numbers were: 3-4-6-8-41. The winning ticket was purchased at Walker Liquor , located at 12255 Walker Rd. in Lemont, a southwest suburb of Chicago. For selling the winning Lucky Day Lotto ticket, the store will receive a bonus of 1% of the prize amount, or $4,000. In total, nearly 19,000 winning tickets were sold in the Tuesday evening Lucky Day Lotto drawing. Winners have one year from the draw date to claim their prize. The Illinois Lottery encourages all lucky winners to sign the back of their ticket and store it in a safe place until they are ready to claim their prize. Lucky Day Lotto is an Illinois-only draw game with two daily drawings at 12:40 p.m. and 9:22 p.m., and jackpots starting

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FAIRMONT CITY – In August, Revity Credit Union employees came together to raise $1,405.00 for The Latino Roundtable through the Revity Threads of Kindness Program. This program, funded by employees, allows Revity Credit Union staff to embody the credit union's philosophy of people helping people. By contributing a monthly monetary donation to a local organization, employees can enjoy wearing jeans and tennis shoes on Fridays and Saturdays throughout that month. In 2025, Revity Credit Union is committed to impactful giving and community support, weaving kindness into the fabric of our daily lives and ensuring that every “jeans day” makes a difference. The Latino Roundtable was nominated as the recipient of our August Threads of Kindness donation, receiving $1,405.00 that will support their efforts to serve the Latino communities across several Illinois counties, including Bond, Clinton, Madison, Monroe, Randolph, St. Clair, and Washington. The Latino Roundtable,

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GLEN CARBON - The Village of Glen Carbon is excited to announce the first-ever “ Chalk This Way” Chalk Walk, set to transform Schon Park into a vibrant outdoor art gallery. This community event will take place on Sat. Sept. 20 from 10 am – 2 pm offering residents and visitors an opportunity to celebrate creativity, enjoy music, and savor delicious food. Artists of all ages and skill levels are invited to bring their imaginations to life on the park’s sidewalks, creating original, family-friendly chalk art. Categories will be based on school levels, with prizes awarded to top works in each group. All artwork subjects must be pre-approved to ensure the event remains appropriate for all audiences. “Chalk This Way” will also feature food trucks, craft vendors, and a DJ, making it a perfect day for families and friends to gather. “We’re thrilled to host an event that blends creativity, community, and fun in one of Glen Carbon’s

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HIGHLAND — Jennifer (Isaak) Korte, a Republican, has declared her candidacy to represent County Board District 1 in Highland. This district is currently served by Fred Michael, who has decided to not seek reelection. “I want to thank Fred for his service on the county board. He has been a conscientious voice for Highland,” stated Korte. Korte’s campaign is focused on fiscal responsibility, economic development and transparency. “I understand the need for funding services, while evaluating programs that are less effective,” said Korte. “Madison County deserves leadership that is fiscally responsible, listens, acts and leads with integrity.” Korte has her Master’s Degree in Social work and has been a strong community advocate for senior citizens, people who are disabled, children and small businesses. Korte was appointed to the Madison County Mental Health Board in 2023 and was recently appointed as the Vice President of th

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EAST ST. LOUIS – A district judge sentenced a Centralia man to 204 months of federal imprisonment after he admitted to distributing pound quantities of meth and fentanyl. Jackie T. Scanlan, 54, pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute controlled substances: meth and fentanyl and one count of possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance: meth. “This career offender built a life around selling dangerous narcotics and has a criminal history spanning over three decades of drug distribution,” said U.S. Attorney Steven D. Weinhoeft. “While he continued to make poor decisions following previous stints of incarceration, Scanlan’s 17-year federal prison sentence will help to protect the public from any further crimes.” According to court documents, law enforcement began investigating Scanlan for distributing meth and fentanyl from a motel room in February 2024. Initially, agents recovered 79 grams of meth, 2

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PACIFIC OCEAN — Aviation Electronics Technician Airman Apprentice Zachary Raymond, a native of Collinsville, performed maintenance on a stores management upgrade system aboard the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) on Friday, Aug. 8, 2025. The maintenance work supports the operational readiness of the ship during its routine training operations in the U.S. 3rd Fleet area of operations. The USS Abraham Lincoln, a Nimitz-class nuclear-powered aircraft carrier and the flagship of Carrier Strike Group Three, is currently conducting training exercises under the command of the U.S. Pacific Fleet. The fleet oversees naval forces in the Indo-Pacific region, with the 3rd Fleet focusing on realistic and relevant training to ensure readiness across a broad spectrum of military operations, Navy officials said. Named after the 16th U.S. president, the USS Abraham Lincoln is the fifth ship in the Nimitz class and serves as a floating airfield capable of launching multiple aircraft

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EDWARDSVILLE - A local organization will host their annual "Shop the Town Pink Sip and Shop" vendor and craft fair to raise money for cancer patients. Stridin’ and Survivin’ supports cancer research and patient services at local cancer centers. From 1–4:30 p.m. on Oct. 5, 2025, at the Edwardsville Knights of Columbus Hall, community members can shop local vendors, enjoy signature drinks, and support the organization’s cause. Stridin’ and Survivin’ encourages people to save the date and reach out about becoming a vendor. “We are definitely looking for some more vendors,” said Alice Bartels with Stridin’ and Survivin’. “We have a nice base, but we could always use more, and we just need our community to come out and support all these vendors and enjoy the day.” Bartels said attendees can expect “vendors and crafters of all types,” including Mary Kay vendors, Christmas crafts, permanent jewelry

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VIRDEN - Macoupin County Coroner Anthony Kravanya pronounced 16-year-old Nolan C. Kiel dead at the scene of a farm implement accident Tuesday morning, Aug. 12, 2025, in Virden, Illinois. The incident occurred on Virden Road at approximately 11:56 a.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 12, 2025. Kiel, a Virden resident, was operating the farm equipment when the accident took place, the coroner said. Emergency responders from the Virden Fire Department, Virden Police Department, Prairieland Ambulance Service, Girard Fire Department, Auburn Fire Department, and the Macoupin County Sheriff’s Department responded to the scene. An autopsy conducted on Wednesday, Aug. 13, 2025, revealed preliminary findings indicating that Kiel died from asphyxiation, the coroner said. Kiel was a North Mac High School student, and a candlelight vigil was scheduled at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 13, 2025, at North Mac in his memory. The North Mac School District described Kiel as having a "positive attitude" and that

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ASHLEY - Chris Hankins is organizing a fundraiser to support the family of Michael Cody Curry, of Ashley, a lineman with IBEW Local 702 who died in a work-related helicopter accident on Thursday, Aug. 7, 2025 . The accident occurred while Curry was replacing marker balls over the Mississippi River. Curry was described by his colleagues as a natural-born leader who had a positive impact on those around him. He is survived by his son, Gavin Curry. The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) is extending its full support to Curry’s family. Cody was a graduate of Carlyle High School and was also known for his passion for the outdoors, particularly for hunting and fishing. He was a dedicated member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, serving as a lineman for Local 702. Cody found great joy in his work and valued the friendships he made through it. A memorial service to honor Cody's life will take place at 2 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 15, 2025, at

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SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) will host public meetings throughout northern and west-central Illinois to provide information on the status of chronic wasting disease (CWD), its effect on free-ranging deer populations and the department’s ongoing efforts to manage the disease. IDNR staff will be available to discuss current management strategies and answer questions about CWD. Landowners, hunters and concerned citizens are encouraged to attend. CWD remains an important issue and a priority in Illinois’ future deer management discussions. CWD is a fatal neurological disease that threatens the long-term health of white-tailed deer in Illinois. First documented in Illinois in 2002 near Roscoe, CWD has been detected in 25 counties across the northern edge and northeastern portions of Illinois, and as far south as west-central Illinois. Affected counties now include Adams, Boone, Bureau, Carroll, Cook, DeKalb, DuPage, Ford, Grundy,

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ST. LOUIS - The Missouri Historical Society (MHS) will soon become the steward of an extraordinary private collection of Josephine Baker memorabilia, thanks to a generous charitable bequest from longtime St. Louis philanthropist Mary Strauss. The gift ensures that the legacy of the legendary entertainer and civil rights activist– born Freda Josephine McDonald in St. Louis’ Mill Creek neighborhood– will be preserved and shared for generations to come. The collection includes rare and significant artifacts such as a 1970s-era performance costume complete with boots, an original plywood theater cutout from Baker’s 1935 film Zouzou, a striking oversized French poster featuring Baker’s signature “banana dance” imagery, and an intricately designed 1926–27 show program with a cutout cover revealing a portrait of Baker in her prime. Also included are original photographs and other historical ephemera assembled over decades. Portions of th

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CBT skills group to provide an educational, supportive environment for individuals seeking reflection ALTON – Individuals looking for answers and solutions to address negative outcome patterns in their relationships now have access to a therapeutic approach that can empower themselves to take control of their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, leading to positive changes in their lives. Psychological Services Department at OSF Saint Anthony’s Health Services is offering a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Skills Group to provide an educational, supportive environment for individuals seeking to reflect on their relationships, talk about negative outcome patterns, learn communication strategies, build awareness of self-talk, strengthen self-care and work toward healthier relationships. Led by Lisa Lawrence, M.S.W., licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), psychotherapist, the CBT Skills Group is fostered by a collaborative approach whereby therapists and clients

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JERSEYVILLE - Jerseyville native Byron Beiermann is returning to his hometown as a country star’s “right-hand man.” Beiermann plays bass guitar alongside Matt Jordan, who will be headlining Jerseyville’s Rock the Block concert on Aug. 22, 2025. He looks forward to coming home and sharing his career with the community that raised him. “It’s a pretty full-circle moment,” Beiermann said. “When I grew up there, there weren't really any concerts going on that I can remember. I started playing music because of my dad. I probably started in middle school, and just watching him play with friends around town, in different bars or whatever, and then now here I am, later in life, playing a show in Jerseyville myself. It’s kind of cool.” Rock the Block is scheduled from 7–10 p.m. on Aug. 22 at the corner of Washington and Arch Streets in Jerseyville. Cash Goetten will open for Jordan. Beiermann noted this is another “small

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CLINTON COUNTY — Authorities took a suspect into custody on Aug. 11, 2025, in connection with two video recording devices found in portable bathrooms at the St. Rose Church Picnic held earlier this month, Clinton County Sheriff Dan Travous announced. Officials from St. Rose contacted Clinton County Dispatch on Aug. 9, 2025, after discovering the devices on the north side of the school gymnasium during the event. The Clinton County Sheriff’s Office Detective Division began an investigation into what Sheriff Travous described as a “gross violation of privacy.” “As of late Monday, Aug. 11, 2025, a subject was taken into custody and placed on felony hold,” Travous said. He explained that the announcement was delayed to prevent the suspect from fleeing the area. “I am confident we have the person responsible in custody, and thus, releasing the statement.” Travous emphasized that the investigation remains active and that only limited information

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BETHALTO – Bethalto residents on Monday raised safety concerns and questioned village officials amid ongoing water discoloration. Resident Shaun Flatt was among four residents who spoke on the subject during the public comment portion of this week’s Village Board meeting. Flatt said when other communities have struggled with water discoloration, they provided clean drinking water to their residents, and asked if Bethalto would do the same. “We’re paying for clean water, we’re not getting it, now we’re having to buy water on top of that,” Flatt said. “Will Bethalto provide clean water for the community to drink?” Mayor Gary Bost said they will not, but emphasized the village’s water is safe to drink as efforts are ongoing. “We’re moving forward, things are getting better, and while this is discolored and not sightly, it’s not unsafe,” Bost said. “We’re drinking it, we drink it, we drink

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