Riverbender 🕸

MARINE - Illinois State Police Troop 8 provided an update on Friday morning, July 25, 2025, to a truck-tractor-pedestrian fatal crash late Thursday night, July 24, 2025. ISP said officers responded to a fatal crash involving a truck-tractor semi-trailer and a pedestrian on Interstate 70 westbound near milepost 20, just west of Illinois Route 4 in Madison County. The incident occurred at approximately 10:30 p.m. on July 24, 2025, and ISP received a call about the crash shortly after. According to preliminary ISP information, the pedestrian was pronounced dead at the scene. The Illinois State Police closed the roadway at about 10:42 p.m. on July 24, 2025, to conduct an investigation, reopening it at approximately 4:40 a.m. on Friday, July 25, 2025. No additional details have been released at this time. The victim's name has not yet been released.

Continue Reading

EDWARDSVILLE — Godfrey artist Jennifer Rulo will be among the featured artists at the Edwardsville Arts Fair, scheduled for Sept. 26-28, 2025, at Edwardsville City Park. Rulo specializes in wire-wrapped jewelry, drawing inspiration from the colors and textures found in nature, the structural patterns in architecture, and the flowing lines of script. Her preferred materials include copper and semi-precious stones, with a particular attraction to the warm caramel tones of antiqued copper. She also works with sterling silver, shells, and pearls. Her jewelry pieces often blend elements of fun and elegance, sometimes incorporating hints of Celtic style as a tribute to her heritage. "I delight in turning nature into wearable art. Using hard stone and cold metal, I attempt to create beauty," Rulo said. "My jewelry leans toward clean lines to highlight the character of the stones I wrap. I draw inspiration from everything I see — the colors and textures in nature, architectural

Continue Reading

O’FALLON — Lindsay Beaston has been appointed as a fourth-grade teacher at Estelle Kampmeyer Elementary School in O'Fallon. She is a very experienced instructor with nine years of fifth-grade teaching experience and three years of K-5 technology instruction. Beaston expressed enthusiasm about joining District 90, citing its “strong reputation for academic excellence, inclusive educational practices, and commitment to supporting both students and educators.” She also acknowledged the support she received from the building principals at Estelle Kampmeyer and Evans throughout the hiring process. “Everyone I have talked to within District 90 has been welcoming and so nice,” Beaston said. “I am excited to start this new chapter of teaching fourth grade!” Outside of the classroom, Beaston enjoys golfing as a way to relax and unwind.

Continue Reading

GRANITE CITY – A Granite City man accused of domestic battery, weapon offenses, and more is the subject of two different felony cases filed on the same day. Travis R. Stevenson, 37, of Granite City, was charged on July 14, 2025 with the following offenses: Criminal damage to property (Class 4 felony) Domestic battery (Class A misdemeanor) Interfering with the reporting of domestic violence (Class A misdemeanor) Stevenson was charged in a separate felony case, also filed on July 14, with the following offenses: Possession of a firearm by a repeat felony offender (Class X felony) Fleeing or attempting to elude a peace officer (Class A misdemeanor) On July 13, 2025, Stevenson allegedly struck the victim about the head and face with a closed fist, causing bodily harm to the victim, who was a family or household member of Stevenson. He was additionally accused of causing over $500 worth of damage to the victim’s iPhone and preventing them from calling 911

Continue Reading

CAHOKIA HEIGHTS — A 23-year-old man has been charged in connection with a shooting that left an 11-year-old boy in critical condition in Cahokia Heights, authorities said on Friday morning, July 25, 2025. Jeremiah Johnson, of Cahokia Heights, was charged July 23, 2025, with aggravated battery, mob action and obstructing justice following the July 21, 2025, incident on the 1600 block of Andrews Drive in Cahokia Heights, according to Lt. Tim Lawrence of the Madison County Sheriff’s Office, who serves as deputy commander of the Major Case Squad investigating the case. The shooting occurred around 3:30 p.m. Monday after a verbal disturbance among several individuals in the area escalated into gunfire, Lawrence said. The juvenile victim was leaving a friend’s house on his bicycle when he was struck by gunfire. First responders transported the boy to a St. Louis-area hospital, where he remains in critical condition. “The victim is an 11-year-old boy and a Cahokia

Continue Reading

FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS — Two detention facility employees were recognized for lifesaving actions after they discovered a detainee experiencing a medical emergency on March 17, 2025. Community Policing Assistants Marissa Lager and Brayden Harder were conducting intake procedures at the Fairview Heights detention center when they noticed a detainee lying on the floor of a cell rather than on the bed, where the individual had been just six minutes earlier. Harder is also a volunteer with the Glen Carbon Fire Protection District. After attempts to get a response failed, they immediately alerted a sergeant. Upon entering the cell, the sergeant found the detainee actively seizing. Emergency medical services were called, and the detainee was transported to a hospital. Medical personnel later confirmed a brain bleed caused the seizure. The Fairview Heights Police Department acknowledged Lager and Harder’s quick thinking and decisive action, stating their attentiveness and willingness

Continue Reading

ALTON - Centerstone and Birth to Five Illinois recently hosted a wellness fair, and representatives from the organization spoke about Centerstone’s commitment to the community. On Saturday, July 19, 2025, Centerstone staff members came together to provide health and wellness resources to the community. In interviews on “Our Daily Show!” with C.J. Nasello , they spoke about the organization’s work and their plans for future events like this. “I was envisioning a one-stop shop,” explained Jen, a community liaison with Centerstone. “Whatever they needed to know that maybe they don’t have time to do in our busy lives Monday through Friday from 8 to 5, they can do it on a Saturday and knock everything out.” There were 52 vendors at the fair at the YWCA. Attendees could talk to legal aid resources, undergo health screenings, learn about local organizations, and much more. Centerstone is a national resource for mental healt

Continue Reading

O'FALLON - State Representative Kevin Schmidt (R-Millstadt) partnered with ImpactLife to host a Blood Drive yesterday at O’Fallon Township. “I want to thank everyone who attended my blood drive because all of you made a difference in helping to save lives,” said Schmidt. “There is such a drastic shortage in blood, and donating blood is a small gesture that leaves a big impact.” ImpactLife provides lifesaving blood products and services to patients in need across Illinois. Their team works directly with doctors and researchers to improve treatments and methods for delivering transfusion medicine to communities. To find blood drives in our region, visit ImpactLife.org.

Continue Reading

BETHALTO - During their regular meeting on July 24, 2025, the Bethalto Community Unit School District #8 Board of Education approved the reorganization of six committees. The Board previously had committees on Construction, Calendar, Insurance, Finance, Operations, and Policy. Following a unanimous vote on July 24, the committees have been restructured to include Budgeting and Finance, Insurance/Calendar, Policy and Procedure, Facilities and Construction, Human Resources, and Operations. Board member Michael Kirby suggested reorganizing the committees. He expressed his opinion that the committees could streamline the process of discussing and voting on items. He also suggested including community members in some of the committees to get the community’s input. “If we get people with that kind of a background that are quite knowledgeable in the financial sector, et cetera, they can be placed on these committees, and anything of a financial concern, they basically giv

Continue Reading

ALTON - Enjoy the sounds of smooth jazz and the taste of great wine as the successful Alton Jazz & Wine Festival returns to the Alton Amphitheater on Saturday, August 30st with gates opening at 6 p.m. Tickets for the Alton Jazz & Wine Festival will go on sale today, July 25th, at 10 a.m. “The Alton Amphitheater Commission is excited to continue bringing great jazz to the Alton Amphitheater with this popular and growing event,” said Dan Herkert, Amphitheater Commission Chair. “Alton is the birthplace of jazz great Miles Davis, and we’re proud to be part of the effort to ensure Alton becomes a jazz destination.” Kicking off this year’s Alton Jazz & Wine Festival is Arvell & Company , led by Arvell Keithly, a singer, percussionist, recording artist and consummate entertainer. He has been involved in the music industry for over 30+ years and has had the privilege of working with many talented artists enabling him to fine-tune his craft of musical

Continue Reading

Did you know that visual storytelling enhances memory retention by up to 65% compared to text alone? Imagine combining this power with the excitement of a scavenger hunt, turning an ordinary day into an engaging adventure. A summer photo scavenger hunt offers a creative way to encourage exploration, observation, and connection through photography. Whether organizing for family, friends, or community groups, this activity can foster interaction and spark creativity. Defining the Concept: What Is a Photo Scavenger Hunt? A photo scavenger hunt challenges participants to find and capture specific items, scenes, or themes using a camera or smartphone. Unlike traditional scavenger hunts that require collecting physical objects, photo hunts emphasize creativity and interpretation, allowing players to express their perspective through images. This modern twist on a classic game leverages the ubiquity of digital cameras and social media to enhance engagement. Planning Your Photo Scavenger

Continue Reading

July 25 has been a date marked by remarkable events that have shaped history. One of the most profound events occurred on July 25, 1610, when Galileo Galilei made a discovery that forever changed our understanding of the cosmos. Using his improved telescope, Galileo observed the four largest moons orbiting Jupiter—Io, Europa, Ganymede, and Callisto—now collectively known as the Galilean moons. This was revolutionary because it challenged the long-held geocentric view that Earth was the center of the universe. Galileo’s observations provided strong evidence that not all celestial bodies revolve around the Earth, paving the way for modern astronomy and altering humanity’s place in the cosmos. Fast forward to July 25, 1794, during the French Revolution, when the fall of the radical leader Maximilien Robespierre took place. Robespierre, a key architect of the Reign of Terror, was arrested and executed on this day, marking a turning point in the revolution. His

Continue Reading

Today’s high will reach 93 degrees with a low of 75. Expect mostly cloudy skies in the morning, turning partly sunny with scattered thunderstorms this afternoon. It will feel very hot, with temperatures feeling as high as 105 degrees in some spots. Humidity is high, making it feel even warmer. An Extreme Heat Warning is in effect until 7 p.m. Tuesday for Madison County. Heat index values could hit 111 degrees, so be sure to stay hydrated, avoid the sun when possible, and check on neighbors and family, especially the elderly and young children. Allergy sufferers should note moderate mold levels and low pollen counts for grass, ragweed, and tree pollen. The UV index is high at 7, so sunscreen and protective clothing are recommended if you’re spending time outdoors. Tomorrow’s forecast calls for a high near 90 and a low around 75 with humid conditions and more scattered thunderstorms possible throughout the day. It will be partly sunny and still feel very warm, with

Continue Reading

MARINE, Ill. — Westbound Highway 70 is closed Thursday night at Route 4 outside Marine after a semi truck struck and killed a pedestrian. The Marine Fire Department was dispatched just before 11 p.m. for the report of a pedestrian struck by a semi truck. Firefighters initially requested a medical helicopter to be put on standby, but canceled the request upon arrival. Westbound traffic on Highway 70 was rerouted off at the Route 4 exit due to the closure. Westbound 70 will be closed for an extended period. The Madison County Coroner’s office responded to the scene, and the Illinois State Police are investigating the fatal accident. Further details have not been released yet.

Continue Reading

COLLINSVILLE — On July 23, 2025, the Collinsville Police Department responded to a report of a stabbing at the Walmart Supercenter located at 1040 Collinsville Crossing. At approximately 1:56 p.m. that day, officers arrived to find a female employee suffering from multiple stab wounds. The victim was transported by the Collinsville Fire Department to a hospital in St. Louis, where she remains in stable condition. Authorities identified the suspect as Kelvin F. Fuller, 19, of Collinsville, who was a co-worker of the victim. Fuller fled the scene but was located a short distance from the store and taken into custody without incident. The following day, July 24, 2025, the Collinsville Police Department’s investigative division presented the case to the Madison County State’s Attorney’s Office. Based on the evidence, Fuller was charged with attempted first-degree murder, a Class X felony, and two counts of aggravated battery, each a Class 3 felony. Fuller remains

Continue Reading

BETHALTO - Villa Rose Senior Living Community is celebrating its 40th anniversary. The organization will mark the anniversary with a drone show at 9 p.m. on Thursday, July 24, 2025. Community members are welcome to park at Villa Rose or at any of the churches along Moreland Road. In recent interviews on “Our Daily Show!” with C.J. Nasello , staff members shared their experiences and encouraged people to consider Villa Rose. “I think you’ll find something special here,” said Cindy, Villa Rose’s executive director. “Thank you to all the community members that have supported us through the years, those that have entrusted their family members to us. It’s quite an accomplishment when we look at all of the people who we’ve touched.” Cindy explained that Villa Rose was the first independent living facility in the region. To date, they’re the only family-owned senior community in the Riverbend. She believes that

Continue Reading

FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS - Fairview Heights Police Officers Molly Muennich and Herminio "Tony" Raimundi recently shared their recovery stories with the city’s Board following injuries sustained in the line of duty on May 17, 2025. Officer Muennich was shot in the mouth, and Officer Raimundi was shot in the arm during the incident. Fairview Heights Police said the officers were responding to a report on Potomac Drive of a suspicious person prowling around a home. When the officers arrived and contacted the individual, they found it was a possible domestic situation. The person then began shooting and hit three Fairview Heights Police officers. Both Fairview Heights Police officers have undergone surgeries and are continuing their recovery before returning to active duty. The presentation took place recently, where the officers updated the Board on their progress. The event included Honorable Mary Russell, Vice President; Mr. John Capps, President; and Lt. Col. Lawrence O’Toole,

Continue Reading

GRAFTON - Families are invited to Raging Rivers WaterPark for the summer season’s final two Family Fun Nights. From 6–9 p.m. on Friday, July 25, and Friday, Aug. 1, 2025, community members can stay late at Raging Rivers to enjoy the waterslides and other attractions. On Aug. 1, the evening will conclude with a fireworks spectacular complete with food trucks and more fun. Jeremy Hayes, general manager at Raging Rivers, explained that the goal is to bring families together. “We’re just open a little bit later for guests to get in and enjoy themselves,” he said. “It’s another way of people making memories.” Admission to the Family Fun Night is included with a season pass or a full-day ticket purchased for that date. You can also buy a Family Fun Night evening ticket for $24.99. Raging Rivers WaterPark closes for the season on Sept. 7, 2025, so there’s only a little time left to get out to the park and have fun. Hayes hopes

Continue Reading

BETHALTO - The Bethalto Police Department is addressing concerns over the use of low-speed electric scooters, commonly known as e-scooters, on local roadways. The department has received multiple complaints about riders operating these scooters in the community in violation of Illinois law. Under Illinois state law, e-scooters are permitted on roadways only if a municipality enacts an ordinance allowing their use. Even then, riders must adhere to specific rules, including being at least 18 years old and allowing only one rider per scooter. Bethalto has not passed such an ordinance, making the operation of e-scooters on its streets illegal. The Bethalto Police Department highlighted safety concerns after reviewing video footage showing one individual riding on the wrong side of the road through an intersection and another rider pulling out in front of a fire truck responding to a medical emergency with lights and sirens activated. Bethalto Police officers will be actively contacting

Continue Reading

BELLEVILLE – Residents from around the Riverbend have been charged with stolen vehicle possession in a series of unrelated felony cases. Patsy N. Willis, 38, of Belleville, was charged on July 17, 2025 with offenses related to motor vehicles, a Class 2 felony. Willis allegedly possessed a 2007 Toyota Camry which she knew to be stolen on June 12, 2025. The Bethalto Police Department presented the case against Willis, and she was granted pretrial release from custody. Amy E. Rives, 41, of Cottage Hills, was charged with a Class 2 felony count of offenses related to motor vehicles on July 17, 2025. Rives allegedly knowingly possessed a stolen 2009 Ford Flex bearing an Illinois registration number on June 16, 2025. George Garcia-Flores, 22, listed as homeless out of Granite City, was charged on July 18, 2025 with offenses related to motor vehicles, a Class 2 felony. On July 3, 2025, Garcia-Flores was reportedly in possession of a stolen Jaguar X-Type which he knew had been stolen.

Continue Reading