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ROXANA - Rusty Wheat, known for his trash cleanup efforts along Illinois Route 143 in Wood River and Roxana, noted that there’s plenty of “good, bad and ugly” in his work. Wheat started the one-man Chain Gang initiative, which picks up trash along the road once a week. He explained that he has fought hard to keep the roads clean, and he hopes the community helps him continue his efforts. “Not everybody gets as fired up about trash as I do,” he laughed. Wheat has worked closely with the Madison County Board, including Board Chairman Chris Slusser, to advocate for trash cleanup in the county. He noted that the Village of Roxana recently secured a $5,000 grant to help with cleanup efforts, and while Wheat is pleased about this, he is disappointed that more local municipalities did not apply for the grant. He urges County Board members to collaborate with the mayors in their towns and push for more concentrated efforts to clean up or prevent the

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ALTON - Chestnut Health Systems is offering free virtual training on the use of NARCAN®, a medication that can reverse opioid overdoses. The training sessions, conducted via Zoom, are designed to be user-friendly and accessible, allowing participants to join anonymously from home. The trainings take place every third Thursday of the month at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., with the next session scheduled for Aug. 21, 2025. There are no tests or quizzes involved, making the experience straightforward and engaging. In addition to the virtual sessions, Chestnut Health Systems also provides free in-person training for individuals and groups, including families, churches, offices, book clubs, libraries, food pantries, homeless shelters, and businesses. Those interested in attending the Zoom training or seeking more information can register by emailing Marianne Drainer at mdrainer@chestnut.org. To sign up for the next training, or for more information, email mdrainer@chestnut.org . Chestnut als

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EDWARDSVILLE, Ill. –August 10, 2025 -- The Edwardsville High School Marching Band has officially kicked off its 2025-2026 season with its annual summer band camp, marking the beginning of what promises to be the longest and most exciting season in the program’s history. In addition to competing at major national events, the award-winning ensemble will represent the United States on the international stage by performing in the prestigious 40th annual London New Year’s Day Parade in January 2026. The season began with the band’s first community performance held Friday, August 8 and culminates with the highly anticipated trip to London. With nearly 150 students participating this year, the EHS Marching Band continues to thrive thanks to the commitment and dedication to the members, directors, staff, boosters and parents. “The dedication these students show is truly remarkable,” said Band Director Ryan Lipscomb. “Band camp is an intense and rewarding

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GRANITE CITY — Granite City students appear ready for the 2025-2026 academic school year to begin after a Back To School Bash late last week. Precoat Metals hosted the Back to School Bash, providing free bookbags, school supplies, and refreshments to students in the Granite City School District #9 as the 2025-26 academic year begins. The event took place at Granite City High School and included hot dogs, snow cones, cotton candy, and other treats for attendees. The celebration aimed to support students and ensure they start the school year prepared. Volunteers from the Granite City High School Student Council, National Honor Society, and Renaissance program assisted in organizing and running the event. Granite City School District officials expressed gratitude for the partnership with Precoat Metals and the student volunteers. “We are so grateful for your support and partnership in our mission to uplift and prepare our students,” the district said in a statement.

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CASEYVILLE — A boil water order was issued Monday, Aug. 11, 2025, for parts of the Village of Caseyville, affecting residents on South Main Street from the railroad crossing to Morris Street, as well as all homes on Brookside Drive, Twin Drive, Spicer Drive, and Timberline Lane. The Village of Caseyville advised residents in these areas to boil all water used for drinking, cooking, or brushing teeth until further notice. The boil order is expected to remain in effect until Tuesday, Aug. 12, 2025. Officials have not provided details on the cause of the boil order or when it will be lifted. Residents are urged to follow the advisory to ensure safety.

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TROY, Ill. — The Troy Police Department announced it will join nearly 200 law enforcement agencies across Illinois in a statewide crackdown on impaired and unbelted driving during the upcoming Labor Day holiday. From Aug. 15 through the early morning hours of Sept. 2, 2025, officers will increase patrols focused on enforcing laws against impaired driving and seat belt violations. The department will participate in three campaigns: “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over,” “Drive High Get a DUI,” and “Click It or Ticket.” These initiatives aim to reduce dangerous driving behaviors related to alcohol, cannabis, and other impairing substances, as well as to promote seat belt use. “Driving under the influence — whether it’s alcohol, cannabis, or any impairing drug — not just risky, it is illegal,” the Troy Police said in a statement. “We’ll be patrolling with zero tolerance for impaired driving, because our goal

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EAST ST. LOUIS - With great pride and excitement, East St. Louis School District 189 proudly introduces a dynamic new team of school leaders for the 2025–2026 school year — each dedicated to academic excellence, student growth, and building strong school communities. Quanshanda Nicholson, Principal of Lincoln Middle School - After years of transformative leadership at James Avant Elementary, Principal Nicholson has been appointed to lead Lincoln Middle School. Under her leadership since 2018, the elementary school saw significant gains in student achievement. Accolades earned at Avant include 2025 Model School presenter, 2025 Award of Excellence (School Leadership Team) from the Illinois State Board of Education, 2025 and 2024 America’s Healthiest School All Star, 2023 Award of Excellence (Principal) from the Illinois State Board of Education, and the 2020 Bayer School of Excellence. She has a proven track record of building strong relationships with staff, creating

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FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS — Volunteers with the Fairview Heights & Friends Trekking for Trash organization collected 27 bags of trash during a cleanup event held Saturday, Aug. 9, 2025, near the Fairview Heights Metro Link Station. The group, which is affiliated with the Fairview Heights Beautification Commission, brought together 22 volunteers, including several first-time participants and a newly appointed Eagle Scout. The group's goal is to address an area identified as heavily littered and to promote community pride and environmental responsibility. “We had a beautiful day yesterday to trek and trek we did,” the group posted following the event. Trekking for Trash regularly organizes such efforts to improve the local environment. The next cleanup is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025. For more information about the Fairview Heights & Friends Trekking For Trash group, contact Mark Burgdorf at markaburgdorft@gmail.com or call (618) 680-4136.

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ST. LOUIS — The Historic Lemp Mansion Restaurant and Inn was struck by lightning at approximately 3:28 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 10, 2025, causing damage to the building and disrupting some services, officials said. The lightning struck the northernmost chimney, directly hitting a corner of the 1860s structure at 3322 DeMenil Place in St. Louis, dislodging bricks that fell onto the adjacent parking area. General Manager Matt Bell reported that the incident occurred during a heavy downpour and resulted in exterior brick damage as well as a power surge that affected the phone system, internet service, and some electronic d evices. “During an unexpected heavy downpour the building was struck by lightning," Bell said. "We had exterior damage to the bricks. The subsequent power surge damaged our phone system and internet service as well as some electronic devices and lights,” Bell said. “The staff and guests, although surprised, are all safe and no one was harmed. "In

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EDWARDSVILLE — Carlyn Underwood, a first-grade teacher at Midway Elementary School, has launched a GoFundMe campaign to raise $300 for a new classroom rug. After 12 years of teaching, Underwood said the current rug, which serves as a central gathering spot for stories, lessons, and play, has become stained and frayed from extensive use. With school budgets stretched thin, Underwood is seeking community support to provide her students with a fresh and comfortable space during whole group time and free choice activities. “My old one has been well-loved but is now stained and a little worse for wear,” Underwood said in her online fundraiser. “It would be amazing if I could get a new rug for my students to sit on.” The fundraiser is intended to create a welcoming environment that enhances the classroom experience. Underwood expressed gratitude in advance for any donations received, emphasizing that any amount would be appreciated. Click here for the

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SPRINGFIELD — Today, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) and Congressman Adrian Smith (NE-03), co-chairs of the Biofuels Caucus, announced the introduction of the bipartisan Ethanol for America Act. This legislation would require the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to finalize rulemaking to make the E15 fuel label clearer and more consumer-oriented. It would also confirm the compatibility of E15 with existing underground fuel storage and dispensing equipment, ensuring business owners are not required to make costly and unnecessary infrastructure changes. Senators Joni Ernst (R-IA) and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) introduced companion legislation in the Senate. "I’ve long been a strong advocate for year-round E15, having seen firsthand the benefits it brings to consumers at the pump and to the farmers across Central and Southern Illinois," said Congresswoman Budzinski. "We should be doing everything we can to expand access, not create barriers, which is why I’m

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JERSEYVILLE — After some solid law enforcement work by Jersey County Sheriff's Sgt. Chris Jones and Deputy Justin Decker with a K9, a suspect was apprehended on Krause Drive in Jerseyville, Clarence F. Smith, after illegal drugs were discovered in his vehicle. On July 5, 2025, after a traffic stop of Smith's vehicle, Jersey Deputy Decker deployed his K9, Jax, to establish probable cause for a vehicle search. Jersey County Sheriff Nick Manns said during the search, officers found approximately one ounce of suspected crystal methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia. Smith was arrested at the scene, and his vehicle was towed. Sheriff Manns announced that on July 22, 2025, Jersey County State’s Attorney Ben Goetten charged Smith with Possession of Methamphetamine, a Class 1 felony. If convicted, Smith faces a prison sentence ranging from four to 15 years. Smith is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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ALTON – For the third consecutive year, OSF Saint Anthony’s Health Center has received the American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelines® - Stroke Gold Plus quality achievement award for its commitment to ensuring stroke patients receive the most appropriate treatment according to nationally recognized, research-based guidelines, ultimately leading to more lives saved and reduced disability. Stroke is the No. 5 cause of death and a leading cause of disability in the U.S. A stroke occurs when a blood vessel that carries oxygen and nutrients to the brain is either blocked by a clot or bursts. When that happens, part of the brain cannot get the blood and oxygen it needs, so brain cells die. Early stroke detection and treatment are key to improving survival, minimizing disability and accelerating recovery times. Get With The Guidelines puts the expertise of the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association to work for hospitals nationwide,

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BELLEVILLE - Caritas Family Solutions raised $129,875 during its 24-hour Caritas Day campaign, surpassing its initial $100,000 goal. Proceeds will benefit the children, families, seniors, and adults with disabilities that the nonprofit serves across Southern Illinois. Celebrating Caritas’ 78th anniversary, the fundraiser took place from July 31 to August 1, with supporters matching $4 for every $1 donated. “We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who made this year’s Caritas Day a success,” said Gary Huelsmann, CEO of Caritas Family Solutions. “These funds will directly support the more than 5,200 children, families, seniors, and adults with disabilities we serve. From our generous donors and matching partners to our dedicated staff, volunteers, and sponsors, we couldn’t have done it without them. As we mark 78 years of service, Caritas Day demonstrates the incredible impact we can make together as a community.” Caritas Board Secretar

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Imagine this: the global tourism industry accounts for nearly 8% of the world’s carbon emissions, rivaling the pollution output of entire countries. Among these emissions, summer travel — with its surge in flights, road trips, and resort stays — plays a significant role in accelerating climate change. While vacations offer much-needed rest and cultural enrichment, their environmental footprint demands attention and action. The Carbon Footprint of Summer Travel Travel is inherently energy-intensive, and summer trips often involve activities that amplify environmental harm. Air travel, in particular, is a major culprit. A single round-trip transatlantic flight can generate over 1.6 metric tons of CO2 per passenger, exceeding the average annual carbon footprint of many individuals in developing nations. Moreover, the increase in car journeys during summer holidays contributes to air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. Beyond transportation, accommodations and leisur

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Did you know that nearly 30-40% of all food produced globally is wasted? Among the most perishable items are fresh fruits and vegetables, which often spoil before they can be fully enjoyed. For those who relish the vibrant colors and bold flavors of summer produce, mastering preservation techniques not only extends enjoyment but also contributes to reducing food waste and saving money. Here are top tips to help you make the most of your summer harvest, whether from your garden, farmer’s market, or grocery store. Understanding the Value of Preservation Preserving summer produce is more than just a convenience; it’s a way to capture the peak freshness and nutritional benefits of fruits and vegetables. Many summer vegetables and fruits are at their prime during a limited window, and without proper storage or preservation, their quality diminishes rapidly. For example, tomatoes, berries, and zucchini, staples of summer menus, can lose flavor, texture, and nutrients within

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Imagine transforming your backyard into a magical cinema under the stars—a place where family members of all ages gather to share laughter, stories, and unforgettable moments. Backyard movie nights have surged in popularity, not only as a cost-effective entertainment option but also as a powerful way to strengthen family bonds and create lasting memories. According to a 2023 survey by the National Recreation and Park Association, 62% of families who engage in regular outdoor activities report higher levels of family satisfaction and communication. Hosting a backyard movie night can be a simple yet impactful way to tap into these benefits. Setting the Scene: Choosing the Right Equipment The foundation of any successful backyard movie night is the appropriate equipment. Selecting the right projector is crucial. While high-end models offer 4K resolution and advanced color settings, many affordable projectors on the market today provide excellent picture quality suitable for outdoor

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August 11 stands out as a date marked by a tapestry of significant historical events across the globe, spanning politics, science, culture, and more. In the cultural sphere, August 11, 1965 witnessed the debut of the iconic British rock band, The Rolling Stones, on the American television show “The Ed Sullivan Show.” Their performance not only introduced the band to a wider U.S. audience but also played a key role in the British Invasion, which transformed popular music and youth culture in the 1960s. The Rolling Stones' influence on rock music remains profound, making this appearance a landmark in music history. Turning to political milestones, on August 11, 1984, the United States launched the first untethered spacewalk using the Manned Maneuvering Unit (MMU) during the Space Shuttle Challenger mission. Astronauts Bruce McCandless and Robert Stewart ventured into space without being connected to the shuttle, a groundbreaking demonstration of human mobility beyond the

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EDWARDSVILLE — An 86-year-old man was killed early Monday morning, Aug. 11, 2025, after being struck by a vehicle in the 200 block of East Union Street, the Edwardsville Police Department said. The crash occurred at approximately 4 a.m. on August 11, 2025. The driver of the vehicle remained at the scene and is cooperating with authorities, police said. Because of the severity of the incident, the Edwardsville Police Department requested assistance from the Metro East Crash Assistance Team to conduct a full reconstruction of the scene. The identity of the deceased has not been released pending family notification. Authorities are asking anyone with information about the crash to contact Detective Sergeant Matt Evers at 618-656-2131. The investigation remains ongoing, and no further details are available at this time.

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Today’s high will reach 88 degrees with a low of 70. The day will be mostly partly sunny and humid, but keep an eye out for widely separated thunderstorms throughout the afternoon. Winds will be light from the south, at about 7 mph with gusts up to 15 mph. The humidity will be high, making it feel hotter, with the temperature feeling as warm as 97 degrees at times. Allergy sufferers should note moderate ragweed levels and low mold, grass, and tree pollen. The UV index is very high, so sun protection is a must if you’re outdoors. Tonight will be partly cloudy and humid with temperatures dipping to around 70 degrees. Tomorrow looks similar with a high near 89 degrees and a low around 68. Expect mostly cloudy skies with a chance of thunderstorms again, especially in the afternoon and evening. It will remain humid, so consider staying hydrated and cool, and watch for lightning if you plan to be outside. For detailed updates, visit https://riverbender.com/weather .

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