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SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Transportation announced today that lanes that have been closed for construction will reopen, where possible, for the Memorial Day holiday to minimize travel disruption. Non-emergency closures will be suspended from 3 p.m. Friday, May 23, to 11:59 p.m. Monday, May 26. The following lane closures will remain in place during the holiday weekend. The public can expect delays and should allow extra time for trips through these areas. Drivers are urged to pay close attention to changed conditions and signs in the work zones, obey the posted speed limits, refrain from using mobile devices and stay alert for workers and equipment. At all times, please buckle and drive sober. District 1 City of Chicago Kennedy Expressway (Interstate 90/94) reversible lanes; outbound only, lane reductions continue. Foster Avenue over the Kennedy; closed. Westbound Foster Avenue ramp to outbound Kennedy; closed. Eastbound Ohio Street feeder ramp betwee

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SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Christopher Belt passed a measure through the Senate to make college admissions for high school juniors, seniors and community college transfer students a simpler process. “To encourage more students to stay in Illinois for college, we need to make applying as simple and accessible as possible,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “We’ve made great strides in improving the admissions process in recent years, and this measure moves us even further in the right direction.” House Bill 3522 would reduce barriers for students by offering direct admission to qualified applicants at all public universities and community colleges that participate in the program. Under the legislation, students would no longer face the burden of repeated application processes or unnecessary application fees, ensuring a smoother transition into postsecondary education. Students would be able to elect to participate in the direct enrollment program through

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MADISON – Two local women were charged on the same day with burglarizing the same residence in Madison. Joni M. Wilkinson, 38, of Granite City, and Sandra C. Crook, 38, of Madison, were both charged on May 14, 2025 with Class 2 felony counts of burglary. On March 7, 2025, the two allegedly entered the same residence in the 2000 block of McCasland Ave. in Madison without authority and with the intent to commit a theft. The Madison Police Department presented the cases against Wilkinson and Crook. Both were granted pretrial release from custody. All individuals charged are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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GODFREY/WOOD RIVER – Two cases of mob action in Madison County involve women from Godfrey and Wood River. Makenna V. Loy, 21, of Godfrey, and Abbigail A. Creekpaum, 20, of Wood River, were each charged on May 12, 2025 with Class 4 felony counts of mob action and Class A misdemeanor counts of battery. The two allegedly acted together and “engaged in the knowing use of force or violence, disturbing the public peace” on April 28, 2025. Both are accused of striking the same victim about the body, causing pain, without legal justification. The cases against Loy and Creekpaum were presented by the Madison County Sheriff’s Office. Both were granted pretrial release from custody. All individuals charged are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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CHARLESTON — Father McGivney Catholic senior sprinter Lilly Gilbertson advanced to the girls' state track and field finals on Thursday, May 22, 2025, in Charleston at Eastern Illinois University with strong performances in the 100- and 400-meter preliminaries. At the end of the day, she qualified in third place in the 200 meters with another sensational time of 25.36. Gilbertson qualified seventh in the 100 meters with a time of 12.39 seconds and secured first first-place qualifying mark in the 400 meters, finishing in 58.10 seconds. She led the field ahead of Emma Randecker of Savanna (West Carroll), who qualified second with a time of 58.55. The results for the 200 meters have not yet been posted. In reflecting on her 400-meter race, Gilbertson said she paced herself after realizing she had a comfortable lead. She is a Byron, Carlson, Petri & Kalb Female Athlete of the Month for the Griffins in outdoor track and field. “I came out strong and when listening to the announcer,

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BETHALTO - Friends of Larry Anderson have launched a fundraiser to assist the family as they face multiple hardships, including unexpected medical and dental expenses and damage to their home caused by recent storms. The fundraiser, organized by Bridgett Jacquot on behalf of Anderson’s family, aims to raise $5,000 to help cover temporary housing and medical bills. Anderson and his family have struggled to get their insurance company to inspect their storm-damaged home, leaving them with unsafe living conditions and financial strain. Larry Anderson, described by his friends as a kind and hardworking individual, is known for bringing positivity to his workplace by sharing stories from his childhood in rural southern Illinois. His friends emphasize his caring nature and faithfulness, noting his willingness to support others. The fundraiser page encourages donations and sharing to support the family during this difficult period. Anderson’s friends also ask the community to

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GRAFTON - Grafton’s famous Music in the Park series will start next week. From 7–9 p.m. every Thursday night starting on Thursday, May 29, and running through Aug. 28, 2025, community members can come to Grove Memorial Park in Grafton for a free concert. Peg Brooks, who organizes Music in the Park, encourages people to stop by and enjoy the experience. “It’s everything you could want for a feel-good night,” Brooks said. On May 29, attendees can enjoy music by Starlifter, U.S. Band of Mid America. Brooks said booking this band was her “biggest goal” for the season, and she is pleased to welcome the band to Grafton to kick off the free concert series. On June 5, Scott Lantham & Karl Holmes Duo will play, followed by HOOKie on June 12. Outlaw Opry brings the country on June 19, and classic rock lovers can enjoy The OWLS on June 26. To celebrate Independence Day, the Gibson Girls will perform gospel and patriotic music on July 3.

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JERSEYVILLE – Jersey Community Middle School has proudly announced their full lists of High Honor Roll and Honor Roll students for the fourth quarter of the 2024-25 school year. HIGH HONOR ROLL 7th Grade Trey N. Alich Wade R. Ball Georgia A. Cazier Makayla M. Chapman Charlie M. Charlton-Stierley Aislynn C. Christen Emersyn J. Cole Lillie M. Cornelius Kaylee M. Cunningham Kyle A. Darr Kadence Dobson Henry D. Dohrn Ayden S. Droege Logan T. Dunham Stella M. Egelhoff Kenna L. Erwin Addison J. Fessler James D. Ford Charles R. Friedel Davis J. Frost Jayden L. Fry Olivia D. Funk Cadence M. Goodey Liam P. Graham Reid K. Graham Bentley W. Grasle Maci E. Gray Fallin M. Green Emmitt M. Grizzle Ruiz Aubrey A. Hargrave Izabella R. Hernandez Sophia M. Herter Harper L. Hill Charlotte F. Hinkson Brody A. Hoyt Austin Huang Evelyn M. Hughes Sullivan E. Hutchens Harmony M. Jantzen Blake J. Jones Paige M. Jones Cullan J. Kinser Connor J. Kirkendoll

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GRANITE CITY - Christina Koontz is organizing a fundraiser to assist a family whose home was destroyed by a tornado in Granite City on May 16, 2025. The family reported that a tree on the property, which they had repeatedly requested management to remove, fell on their home during the storm. "Management has declined to repair the damage, citing the tornado as an act of God, and has given the family 30 days to make repairs," Koontz said. The destruction has left the family seeking a safe place for their children to stay. Koontz's fundraiser aims to provide financial support for the necessary repairs and help the family recover from the damage caused by the tornado. Click here for the GoFundMe for Christina Koontz's family: https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-a-family-displaced-by-tornado

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PONTOON BEACH – There’s still time to donate! Madison County Transit (MCT) and local libraries across Madison County are continuing to collect bicycles throughout the month of May in celebration of National Bike Month. So far, MCT has collected more than 120 donated bicycles—and there’s still time to add to that number! All bikes will go to St. Louis BWorks, a nonprofit organization that empowers local youth through its “Earn-A-Bike” program. The program teaches students bicycle safety, maintenance, and teamwork. Upon completion, participants earn a free bike, helmet, and lock. Drop-Off Locations (During Regular Business Hours) MCT Administration Building – 1 Transit Way, Pontoon Beach Collinsville Memorial Library – 408 W. Main St., Collinsville Edwardsville Public Library – 112 S. Kansas St., Edwardsville Hayner Public Library (Downtown Alton Branch) – 326 Belle St., Alton Maryville Community Library – 15 Professiona

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GLEN CARBON – Panda Express will open its first-ever Glen Carbon location on Friday, May 23, 2025. At 10 a.m., the well-known American Chinese eatery will open its doors at 2337 Troy Road in Glen Carbon. Lucky customers will be surprised throughout the day with Panda Express giveaways, including T-shirts and other Panda Express merchandise. Panda Express Spokesperson Brittany Rouse said the Glen Carbon location features the new “Panda Home” restaurant design, which she described as “distinctly American Chinese.” “Just like Panda Express, design elements bridge the East and the West,” she said. “Inside, you’ll find nods to traditional Chinese architecture like red lanterns, a moon gate portal and vibrant Chinatown signs. Outside, customers will enjoy a convenient drive-through.” The Glen Carbon Village Board approved a site plan for the new restaurant in April of 2024, as previously reported on Riverbender.com . Panda Expres

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MARYVILLE — Maryville's Taylor Hollenback is seeking assistance after a collision with a deer left her car severely damaged and she was seriously injured. Now it has complicated her ability to get to work. Hollenback recounted the incident, saying, “I was driving home, and out of nowhere, a deer darted right in front of my car. I slammed on the brakes, but there was just no avoiding it so I ended up sliding on all gravel. The car’s pretty banged up, like, totally banged up.” The accident has left Hollenback without reliable transportation, prompting her to reach out for financial support. “If you’re able to chip in, even a little bit it would mean the world to me and get me back on the road,” she said. She also expressed willingness to work in exchange for help, and said, “I’ll do anything to work for a new car or anything that helps.” Hollenback can be contacted through her Facebook profile under her name, Taylor

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SPRINGFIELD – Country music hitmaker Jake Owen will headline the Illinois State Fair Grandstand on Friday, August 8, 2025. With 10 No. 1 singles and more than 2.5 billion U.S. on-demand streams, Owen is a standout performer in the country music scene. His laid-back style and chart-topping songs like “Barefoot Blue Jean Night,” “Beachin’,” and “The One That Got Away” have made him a household name. “August 8 is Agriculture Day at the Illinois State Fair, and this is the perfect way to celebrate,” said Jerry Costello II, Director of the Illinois Department of Agriculture. “Country artists are a crowd favorite in central Illinois, and we are excited to bring Jake Owen to the Grandstand.” The gold and platinum-selling recording artist, and ACM award winner, has released nine studio albums. He also appeared in the film Our Friend (2019). Jake is currently in the recording studio preparing to release two new projects

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ST. LOUIS – Susan G. Komen® , the world’s leading breast cancer organization, today announced it will host a MORE THAN PINK Walk this spring. The 2025 Komen Greater St. Louis MORE THAN PINK Walk will take place on Saturday, June 7, 2025 uniting survivors, families and advocates in a powerful movement to fund research, provide patient support and drive meaningful change for those impacted by breast cancer. Every 12 minutes, a woman in the U.S. dies from breast cancer, and new data reveals a troubling increase in diagnoses among younger women. In 2025 alone, an estimated over 6,000 women in Missouri will be diagnosed with breast cancer and over 1,000 will lose their lives to the disease. While we've made tremendous progress—the breast cancer death rate has dropped 44% since 1989 —far too many lives are still being lost. In fact, experts estimate that one-third of breast cancer deaths could be prevented if every patient had access to timely, high-quality care

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ST. LOUIS COUNTY - On Thursday, May 22, 2025, the St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office issued?charges?on suspect Jack Roper, 56 years of age, of the 800 block of Woodland Avenue, Festus, MO., 63028, for two counts of Assault – 2nd Degree – Special Victim, and Aggravated Fleeing a Stop or Detention, and Kidnapping – 2nd Degree. A booking photo of Roper is not available. Roper is being held on a $500,000 cash only, no 10% bond. ? Please note,?charges?are merely an accusation, and Defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law.? ? The probable cause statement?for Roper reads:? Officer attempted to stop a Chevy pickup truck bearing plates for an Audi. The officer then activated his lights and siren attempting to pull over the defendant's vehicle, the defendant failed to pull over and the officer gave pursuit, calling in for additional support. During the pursuit, the defendant swerved at an officer vehicle, containing

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SAUGET - Centerstone will commemorate Mental Health Awareness Month with a tailgate at an upcoming Gateway Grizzlies game. On Wednesday, May 28, 2025, community members are invited to the Grizzlies Ballpark in Sauget for the pre-game tailgate at 4:30 p.m. Gates open at 5:30 p.m. and the game starts at 6:30 p.m. Centerstone’s Jennifer Schulz explained that the organization looks forward to welcoming the community for a mini resource fair and fun at the ballpark. “We are super excited about this,” Schulz said. “It’s the first time that we’ve done a partnership of this kind. It’s going to be a really exciting day.” Local mental health resources and providers will be at the tailgate to provide more information about their services. Centerstone will also be on hand with a table detailing their work to combat mental health and substance use disorders. Schulz emphasized that Centerstone is eager to collaborate with other organizations

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VENICE - The Madison County Board recognized Tyrone Echols for his 42 years of service as the mayor of Venice, Illinois. During the regular Madison County Board meeting on May 21, 2025, Chairman Chris Slusser issued a proclamation to honor Echols for his work. Slusser noted that Echols is the longest-serving mayor in Madison County history, and he commended the former mayor for his leadership and congratulated him on his retirement. “It is with great pleasure that we extend our sincere appreciation to you for your 42 years of outstanding service to the City of Venice as its mayor,” Slusser said. “Your unselfish commitment to your community, as well as your continued sacrifice and leadership, has touched the lives of countless individuals throughout the years, not only as mayor but as a dedicated public servant on various boards and commissions throughout the county and state.” Echols currently serves on the Venice City Council. As he accepted the proclamation,

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CARMI – On May 20, 2025, the Eldorado Police Department requested Illinois State Police (ISP) Division of Investigation Zone 8 to investigate Predatory Criminal Sexual Assault against a teacher aide in the Eldorado School District. As a result, the Saline County State’s Attorney’s Office filed charges of Predatory Criminal Sexual Assault, Aggravated Criminal Sexual Abuse, Aggravated Kidnapping, and Kidnapping for 23-year-old Isaac Murray of Eldorado. If you have additional information, please contact ISP Master Sergeant Gwen Basinger at 618-484-7382. ? Guardian Center and the Survivor Empowerment Center offer resources for victims of sexual assault. Due to the nature of this investigation, no additional information is being released at this time. ISP thanks the Eldorado Police Department and the Eldorado School District for their assistance with this investigation. The charges are not evidence against the defendant, and the defendant is presumed innocent

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EDWARDSVILLE – Memorial Day weekend, the unofficial start to summer, will include some musical interludes, courtesy of the Edwardsville Symphony and Edwardsville Municipal Band, and serve as a kickoff to months of free symphony and band concerts in City Park in partnership with Edwardsville’s Parks & Recreation Department. The Edwardsville Symphony’s series of free monthly concerts begins Sunday, May 25, on the Cleaon Etzkorn Bandstand in City Park, 101 S. Buchanan Street. The symphony will perform its “Concert of Sight,” part of a musical exploration focused on the senses, at 7 p.m. Select members of the Edwardsville High School Orchestra will join the symphony, while the pre-concert at 6:30 p.m. will feature the Highland Youth Orchestra. On Monday, May 26, the Edwardsville Municipal Band will begin its season, taking part in the annual Woodlawn Cemetery Memorial Day Service beginning at 10 a.m. at the cemetery, 1400 St. Louis Street. That event wil

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MITCHELL - The Mitchell Fire Department assisted the Long Lake Volunteer Fire Department in extinguishing a residential fire early Wednesday morning in Granite City. At approximately 3:01 a.m. on May 21, 2025, Mitchell Fire Rescue was dispatched to the 2100 block of Robert Avenue to provide mutual aid for a structure fire reported by the Long Lake Volunteer Fire Department. Mitchell units, including Engine #1121, Engine #1122, and three chiefs, arrived to find a fully involved residential structure with partial collapse and heavy fire spreading to a neighboring occupied home. Firefighters successfully extinguished the flames at both residences without incident, and no injuries were reported. All units returned to service by 5:33 a.m. the same day.

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