Riverbender 🕸

EAST ST. LOUIS – The Illinois Department of Transportation today announced lane closures on eastbound and westbound Interstate 64 from 15th Street to Illinois 157, beginning Monday, June 2. The closures are necessary for road maintenance and will reduce traffic to one lane in each direction nightly, Monday through Friday, weather permitting. The work is expected to continue through early summer 2025. 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. 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 - During a ribbon-cutting and dedication ceremony at James Killion Park, Alton Mayor David Goins declared May 30, 2025, as James Killion Day. At 4 p.m. on Friday, May 30, 2025, community members gathered at the new bandshell at the park to dedicate the structure. Goins noted James Killion was a mentor and leader in Alton, and he was proud to dedicate the day to him. “I recognize as a day of youth mentorship throughout the city, and further encourage each citizen to take part in mentoring the youth to provide a fitting memorial to the life and legacy of James Killion, Jr.,” Goins said. The program began with the ribbon-cutting, led by the Riverbend Growth Association, and an opening prayer by Rev. John Herring. Jocelyn Harris, a member of the James Killion Beautification and Enhancement Committee, welcomed the community to the park. “We gather here in the heart of James Killion Park, a place that embodies the spirit of our community and the beauty of nature,”

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EDWARDSVILLE – A man from Edwardsville remains in custody on his first felony count of domestic battery. Nathaniel D. Shaw, 44, of Edwardsville, was charged on May 27, 2025 with a Class 2 felony count of aggravated domestic battery and a Class A misdemeanor count of domestic battery. On May 24, 2025, Shaw allegedly strangled a household or family member and struck them with a closed fist. A petition to deny Shaw’s pretrial release was filed by the Madison County State’s Attorney’s Office. According to the petition, the victim in this case told authorities Shaw “struck her about the body multiple times causing injury” before Shaw reportedly threw her to the ground and, while the victim was on the ground, began strangling her. Shaw’s criminal history shows several prior misdemeanor counts of domestic battery in Madison County dating back to 2004. This case marks his first felony count of domestic battery, with Shaw’s only prior felony

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GRANITE CITY – A Granite City man with a criminal past faces a new felony after stabbing someone who “attempted to calm him down” during a disturbance. Blake L. Jakson, 31, of Granite City, was charged on May 28, 2025 with a Class 3 felony count of aggravated battery. Jakson allegedly stabbed the victim in the abdomen with a knife on May 27, 2025. A petition from the State’s Attorney’s Office to deny Jakson’s pretrial release states that after officers responded to a report of a stabbing, the victim and a witness told authorities Jakson was intoxicated and “causing a disturbance” shortly before stabbing the victim. “During the disturbance, the victim attempted to calm him down,” the petition states. “The defendant retrieved a knife and stabbed the victim in the abdomen, causing a laceration. The victim was transferred to the hospital and later released.” Jakson’s criminal history shows prior convictions

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CHARLESTON — Edwardsville’s 4x800-meter relay team secured a spot in the state finals after posting a time of 7:58.53 during the preliminaries Friday, May 30, 2025, at Charleston. The Tigers edged out Downers Grove South, which finished with a time of 7:58.87, and Oswego East at 7:59.25 to advance. The relay squad members are Spencer Homes Male Athletes of the Month for Edwardsville. The team’s four members shared their thoughts on the race and qualifying for the finals. Colin Thomas said, “I felt good out of the start in 200 and kept calm the last lap, I was giving it my all.” Cooper Wittek added, “I got the baton and I was pretty nervous, there was a big group in front of me. But I ended up getting around a lot of guys in the first 200, and I got out pretty fast. I was focused on positioning, and I felt like I handed off in a pretty good time.” Declan Hoeferlin explained his role: “I think the main goal for my third leg is I wanted

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ALTON - Welcoming a child home from college can be stressful for parents, but Rachel Brown, LCPC, has advice to make it a smoother transition. Brown, a psychotherapist with OSF St. Anthony’s Psychological Services Department, encouraged parents and students to have an open dialogue about boundaries and expectations. She emphasized that each family is different, but there are a few key ways to minimize stress, check in with your student, and ensure the summer is a positive experience for all. “I don’t know if there is a best way, to be honest, because I think it depends on your family,” Brown said. “I think it can be a learning experience for both parties.” Brown suggested making communication a priority. To start the conversation, a parent might even ask their child what expectations the child has about coming back home and how the parent can make this transition easier for their child. Many parents feel guilty or unsure how to proceed

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ROXANA — Roxana High School sophomore Zane Losch made a significant impact in the discus event on Friday, May 30, 2025, at the regional meet in Charleston. Losch threw the discus 47.87 meters, securing fifth place and advancing to the finals scheduled for Saturday, May 31, 2025. Losch described the achievement as meaningful for a sophomore. Losch is a Midwest Members Male Athlete of the Month for Roxana. “I felt good about the season getting P.R. after P.R. getting here,” he said. Reflecting on his performance on Friday, he added, “It felt really good today. I had a good wind and the conditions. It is a nice, beautiful day outside. The goal is always to get more throws and go bigger.” Currently, Losch trails Princeton’s Ian Morris, who leads with a throw of 48.82 meters. Losch’s advancement to the finals highlights his steady improvement throughout the season and positions him as a competitor to watch in the upcoming event.

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BELLEVILLE – A Belleville man previously convicted of domestic battery has been released from custody after being charged again with the same offense. Roman L. Pierce, 37, of Belleville, was charged on May 20, 2025 with his second offense of domestic battery, a Class 4 felony. Pierce allegedly struck a 13-year-old household or family member in the face, causing bodily harm and bruising on Feb. 24, 2025. He had previously been convicted of domestic battery in a 2014 case out of Madison County. The Collinsville Police Department presented the latest domestic battery case against Pierce, who was ordered released from custody with additional conditions. Among other conditions of his release, Pierce was ordered to have no contact with the victim in this case and refrain from entering or remaining at the victim’s residence for at least 72 hours following his release. All individuals charged are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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CHARLESTON — Civic Memorial junior Tullio Zamperi secured a spot in the finals of the Class 2A IHSA State Track and Field Meet in the 800-meter run on Friday, May 30, 2025, finishing ninth in the preliminaries with a time of 1:57.56. Zamperi advanced to Saturday's finals just behind Roxana’s Anthony Hardin, who clocked a time of 1:57.55 to place eighth in the prelims. The event took place at the Eastern Illinois University Big Blue track in Charleston, a venue Zamperi described as having a unique and energizing atmosphere. “I am very, very excited. It is a goal I have had since last season,” Zamperi said. “I knew I had to take it to state meet, going by myself in the 800. I am very happy going to the final.” Zamperi, recognized as a Tom Lane State Farm Insurance Male Athlete of the Month for the Eagles, also shared his appreciation for the track’s environment. “I love the Big Blue track here in Charleston and the energy it brings. It

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ALTON – The Illinois Department of Transportation today announced that additional lane closures will take effect on westbound and eastbound Illinois 140 at the intersection of Fosterburg Road in Madison County beginning, weather permitting, Wednesday, June 4. The closures will be as follows: Westbound Illinois 140: The two inside lanes will be closed. Only one lane will remain open. Eastbound Illinois 140: The inside lane will be closed. The remaining three lanes will remain open. All traffic signals at the intersection will remain on red flash throughout the closure period. Motorists should treat flashing red signals as stop signs and proceed through the intersection only when it is safe, following standard four-way stop rules. The closures are part of an ongoing $1.95 million project that will add new turn lanes at the intersection. The overall project is expected to be completed by November. Motorists should expect delays and are encouraged to choose alternate

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TROY - A huge e-cycling and shredding event is scheduled for next weekend. From 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturday, June 7, 2025, community members can bring electronics, paper and prescription medications to Triad High School in Troy. Hosted by the Troy/Maryville/St. Jacob/Marine Chamber of Commerce, the e-cycle and shredding event aims to provide a convenient way for community members to dispose of items. “Bring all your stuff,” said Dawn Mushill, president of the Chamber of Commerce. “We have a line designated. We have volunteers that will help you out. We’ve got people in these orange vests, and I’ll be out there with my flag.” Mushill said the shredding is “unlimited,” and they’ve had people bring an entire van full of paper to be shredded in the past. The paper will be shredded on the spot by The Shred Truck. For the e-cycling, CJD E-Cycling will accept any item with a cord at no charge. There will be a slight charge for

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ALTON – Alton Mayor David Goins offered an update this week on the status of the sinkhole that formed at Gordon Moore Park last summer . At Wednesday’s City Council meeting, Alderman Mike Velloff asked Goins for an update on the situation. Goins said New Frontier Materials recently completed an over-300 page report on what caused the sinkhole and how it will be repaired, but said the next steps will take more time to complete. “Obviously, it’s going to take some time. I would ask for the citizens to just have some patience with us, but there is a plan in place,” Goins said. “The plan is to begin to stabilize the underground first, then begin to fill the hole ... Once it’s filled, there will be a time of settling, and after they have determined that it has settled … there are plans in place of restoring the fields back to their original condition.” Alton Corporate Counselor Heidi Eckart said the city is drafting a “demand

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BELLEVILLE — On Thursday, May 29, 2025, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) convened her second annual Workforce Summit at the Center for Academic and Vocational Excellence (the CAVE) in Belleville, Illinois. The event highlighted the critical role of career and technical education (CTE) and showcased innovative local strategies for workforce development. Nearly 100 stakeholders attended the summit, including representatives from major employers such as Boeing, Ameren, and Gulfstream, along with leaders from local schools, non-profits, government agencies, CTE organizations, organized labor, community colleges, and workforce development partners. Together, they explored opportunities to strengthen the region’s talent pipeline and support pathways to high-quality, good-paying jobs. Budzinski hosts a panel with representatives from WIOA-American Job Centers in IL-13. “I launched the first Workforce Summit last year to spark conversations and drive

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ALTON - Dogs and their humans are invited to Alton’s annual Pup Crawl. From 12–8 p.m. on Saturday, May 31, 2025, community members can enjoy the Pup Crawl — a pub crawl with dogs — throughout downtown Alton. Hosted by Alton Main Street, the event aims to bring business to local shops, bars and restaurants while reminding people that many of these restaurants have dog-friendly patios year-round. “It really is the cutest day of the year in downtown Alton,” said Sara McGibany, executive director of Alton Main Street. You’ll see parades of dogs walking down the sidewalk. You’ll see dogs belly-up at the bar. It’s just really an awesome time to bring your dog out and have a day with them on the town.” Registration runs from 12–5 p.m. on Saturday at the Alton Dog Park, located at Russell Commons Park under the Clark Bridge. Tickets cost $10 and can be purchased at participating establishments or at registration. &ldqu

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ALTON - Alton Main Street invites you to a fun event which spans eighteen pet-friendly patios and businesses on Saturday, May 31st from Noon-8:00 p.m. Join us for the Pup Crawl, and yes you read that correctly - it’s a pub crawl with dogs! Tickets are on sale now at all participating locations, or you can get your ticket at the Alton Dog Park on the day of the event while supplies last. With your $10 ticket you will receive a bandana for your pet, a frisbee featuring a QR code that points to a directory of all the pet-friendly businesses in the district for future reference, a passport listing food & beverage specials and pet-friendly activities, shuttle service from Noon-8pm, all-day access to the Alton Dog Park, and a chance to win great prizes! Check in will take place at the Alton Dog Park from Noon-5:00 p.m. The Alton Dog Park can be found within Russell Commons Park, which is located under the Clark Bridge; enter via Ridge Street and follow the signs. During the event

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CHICAGO – Attorney General Kwame Raoul charged an O’Fallon, Illinois, man for allegedly possessing child sexual abuse material. The case is part of Raoul’s ongoing work, in collaboration with federal law enforcement agencies and local law enforcement officials throughout Illinois, to apprehend offenders who download and trade child sexual abuse material online. The Attorney General’s office charged Jeffery Odegaard, 55, in St. Clair County Circuit Court with 15 Class 2 felony counts of possession of child pornography, each punishable by up to seven years in prison. Sentences are ultimately determined by the court. Odegaard is currently detained at the St. Clair County Jail. “Survivors of child exploitation and their families can face life-long trauma, and the predators responsible for these heinous crimes being held accountable can help them begin the healing process,” Raoul said. “My office’s Internet Crimes Against Children Task

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COLLINSVILLE - Collinsville police are seeking the public’s help in locating Najal Cheeks, who has an active felony warrant for aggravated fleeing and obstructing. Collinsville Police officers have made multiple attempts to find Cheeks but have so far been unsuccessful. The Collinsville Police Department is urging anyone with information about Cheeks’ whereabouts to call 618-344-2131, extension 5209. Callers may remain anonymous. “Feel free to turn yourself into any police department so this matter can be taken care of in court," the Collinsville Police said in a message to Cheeks. These charges and statements made herein are based upon probable cause. The defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.

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SPRINGFIELD — Granite City Officer Douglas B. Nicoson earned one of the state's highest honors on Thursday, May 29, 2025, in Springfield. Granite City Mayor Mike Parkinson and Chief Gary Brooks attended the Governor’s Medal of Honor ceremony, where 23 police officers across Illinois were recognized for their bravery in 2024. Granite City Police Officer Nicoson was honored for his heroic actions on Feb. 6, 2024. Officer Nicoson was struck in the arm by a suspect's gunfire in a case on that date. The Governor’s Medal of Honor is a distinguished award presented annually to law enforcement officers who demonstrate exceptional courage in the line of duty. Gov. J.B. Pritzker said: “From Palatine to Chicago to Granite City, our honorees saved lives and offered comfort and support to countless others. While we will never be able to repay their bravery in full, we hope that this recognition can serve as a public reminder of our gratitude and a symbol of the sincer

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SPRINGFIELD – In direct response to the deadly tornado that struck an Amazon warehouse in Edwardsville in December 2021, State Senator Christopher Belt passed a measure through the Illinois Senate creating the Warehouse Tornado Preparedness Act. “This tragedy exposed serious gaps in emergency preparedness at large warehouse facilities,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “This measure ensures no worker in Illinois will be left unprotected the next time severe weather strikes.” Under Belt’s measure, warehouse operators must develop and file tornado safety plans for each facility within 120 days of the law’s effective date. Plans must include detailed evacuation procedures, shelter locations, emergency equipment inventories and post-disaster response protocols. Shelters must be stocked with supplies like food, water, first aid kits and communication tools. Newly constructed warehouses will also be required to meet higher safety standards for tornado

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JERSEYVILLE – Jersey Community High School recently released their Honor Roll and High Honor Roll lists for grades 8-12 for the second semester of the 2024-2025 school year. HIGH HONOR ROLL Seniors Baro, Jayce C. Bellet, Jacob R. Benedict, Katreona G. Benz, Abbigail M. Bockstruck, Charlie L. Bolds, Jordan M. Brunaugh, Jaxon J. Burney, Ava L. Carey, Gage V. Carter, Halie M. Coffman, Adam R. Dahn, Noah L. Dean, Jacob D. Deist, Bradley M. Derrick, Corah M. Dougherty, Meredith J. Eads, Jaren A. Finkes, Peyton R. Finkes, Talan W. Goetten, Dax J. Hansen, Angela C. Hardwick, Aiden W. Heineman, Hailey M. Herrera, Timothy S. Hileman, Jovee E. Hudson, Kate M. Huitt, Logan M. Hutchens, Reese M. Johnson, Camryn A. Johnson, Tyler J. Jones, Jayden L. Kelly, Addison G. Kiel, Joseph C. Koenig, Hunter A. Kuebrich, Alexis M. Laird, Ellie M. Lamparter, Olivia R. Leslie, Arianne R. Lorton, Reese A. Maag, Matthew J. Marmino, Hayleigh M. Marshall, Jac

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