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ALTON - The Alton Owl’s Club will host their annual Fall Festival. Planned for Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025, the Fall Festival promises an evening of food, live music, raffles and plenty of fun. The barbecue porksteak meal will be served at 6 p.m. and City Heat Band will play from 8 p.m. to midnight. Tim Borman, festival organizer, encourages people to come out and see what the Alton Owl’s Club is all about. “It’s about community. It’s about camaraderie,” Borman said. “It’s our annual fall party. It’s barbecue, live music, dancing, good food, cheap drinks, raffles.” Entry costs $15 per person or $20 per couple. Attendees can enjoy door prizes, cash raffles, and the Owl’s Club “bag raffle,” where you can place a raffle ticket in a paper bag to denote which item you want to win. There are chances to win cash prizes of $500, $250 or $100. Borman said they are still taking donations from local businesses

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RIVERBEND - Local author Tori Ross is known for her romantic comedies, and her newest book is no exception. Released on Oct. 21, 2025, “The Sole Scheme” tells the story of Chantel, a down-on-her-luck woman who decides to sell pictures of her feet online. But things heat up when her boss, Jerico, discovers her secret. Ross describes the story as “a slow burn,” with tropes like grumpy/sunshine that are sure to satisfy any romcom reader. She noted that her success has come as a surprise, but she loves to write these steamy books. “If you would’ve told me I was going to do this five years ago, I would have punched you in the face,” she laughed. “I did not think this would happen.” Ross joked that the book is “almost a raunch-com,” with a raunchy sense of humor and plenty of steaminess. She loves writing romance novels and, true to the genre, always makes sure her characters have a happy ending. “This i

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JERSEY COUNTY - The Jersey County Sheriff's Office held its inaugural shooting competition last week to evaluate the marksmanship skills of its personnel. The event took place at the department’s training facility and featured three handgun events designed to challenge participants’ proficiency. The competition included the JCSO Combat Badge Shoot, created by Deputy Caleb Gibson; the newly established JCSO Qualification course; and the FBI Bullseye Course of Fire. These events were combined into a fast-paced contest that tested the abilities of the officers and correctional staff who chose to compete. The competition was organized to honor Deputy Caleb Gibson, the office’s primary firearms instructor, whose expertise and instruction were instrumental in developing the skills of the participants. The top prize, the "Caleb Gibson Top Shot Award," was named after him in recognition of his marksmanship and teaching. After rigorous competition, Deputy Travis Trisler

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ALTON — Claude Elijah Hendricks, 21, of Berkeley, Missouri, has been charged with multiple felonies following a home invasion at a residence on Highland Avenue in Alton. At approximately 8:39 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 19, 2025, Alton Police responded to a report of a male armed with a firearm at a home in the 800 block of Highland Avenue. Officers arrived to find the suspect had fled the scene. While searching the area, the suspect returned and unlawfully entered the residence while occupants were inside. Officers established a perimeter, but Hendricks exited the home and fled on foot. A coordinated search involving the Alton Police Department and several neighboring law enforcement agencies resulted in his arrest without further incident. A firearm believed to be in Hendricks’ possession was recovered near the residence. Following an investigation, Madison County State’s Attorney Tom Haine charged Hendricks with home invasion, aggravated unlawful restraint, aggravated

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ELSAH – A woman from Alton faces her latest set of felony charges in Jersey County after allegedly trespassing at an Elsah home and battering an elderly victim. Venus V. Arrietta, 46, of Alton, was charged on Oct. 15, 2025 with one count each of aggravated battery (a Class 3 felony) and criminal trespass to residence (a Class 4 felony). Arrietta allegedly knowingly entered a residence in Elsah without legal authority which she knew was occupied on Sept. 17, 2025. On the same day, she reportedly battered a victim who was 60 years of age or older at the time of the offense by grabbing the victim’s arm and twisting it, causing the victim to lose her balance and hit her shoulder on a nearby door. Jersey County Court records show Arrietta had previously been charged in 2023 with unlawful possession of a weapon by a felon and driving on a revoked/suspended license. The weapon possession charge was later dismissed in that case after she pleaded guilty to the suspended license

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ROXANA - Local audiences can enjoy world-class magic on small town stages through Wonderment Academy and Four Magic Productions. At 7 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025, you’re invited to The Nazarene Community Theater in Roxana for a show filled with “magic, mirth and mystery.” Tony Loving, a magician and owner of Four Magic Productions, looks forward to sharing the stage with his fellow magicians and bringing a ton of fun to the Riverbend region. “There’s a lot more to magic than just pulling rabbits out of hats,” Loving said. During the Oct. 25 show, audience members will enjoy magic by Professor Longhair, John Johnson, Josh Weldner, Steve Zuehlke, and Professor Enigmata. It costs $20 if you buy tickets online , or you can buy them at the door for $25. Four Magic Productions will also perform on Dec. 12 and 13, 2025, at Alton Little Theater in Alton, and they have an adults-only show scheduled for Oct. 31, 2025, at The Venue on Main

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EAST ALTON/ALTON — Four individuals were arrested and cited for trespassing near the Bearing Headquarters on the morning of Tuesday, Oct. 21, 2025, according to local law enforcement officials. The incident took place in the 3600 block of East Broadway in Alton, close to the border with East Alton. East Alton Police and Alton Police collaborated on the operation. "One of those taken into custody had a warrant," East Alton Police Chief Scot Golike said. He noted that the joint effort follows a similar operation the previous day, during which two subjects were arrested on felony charges. "The Alton Police Department and East Alton Police Department both worked on that situation together, too," Golike added. No further details about the individuals involved or the circumstances leading to the arrests were released. Authorities continue to monitor the area.

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EDWARDSVILLE - The Glen-Ed Food Pantry is preparing for a surge in demand as many local families may experience disruptions to their Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits beginning in November. The potential interruption is tied to the ongoing federal government shutdown, which has delayed funding for SNAP, as well as new rule changes that make it more difficult for some individuals to qualify or remain eligible for benefits. “These changes couldn’t come at a more difficult time,” said Jane Ahasay, executive director of the Glen-Ed Food Pantry. “As families head into the holiday season, already a period of increased financial stress, many are facing uncertainty about how they’ll afford groceries. We’re doing everything we can to ensure no one in our community goes hungry.” The pantry expects to see a significant rise in both existing and new clients as a result of these federal changes. Current SNAP recipients may experience

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QUINCY — Governor JB Pritzker today joined local, state, and community leaders to celebrate the grand opening of the new Illinois Veterans’ Home at Quincy -- a nearly $300 million investment delivering modern, safe, and dignified living for Illinois veterans. Funded through the Governor’s historic Rebuild Illinois capital program, the project includes a 260,000-square-foot long-term care facility and an 80,000-square-foot independent living residence designed to meet veterans’ needs for generations to come. “Illinois’ veterans deserve the very best care and comfort,” said Governor JB Pritzker . “This new home at Quincy honors their service with state-of-the-art facilities that prioritize dignity, safety, and community. It represents the very best of what Rebuild Illinois was created to do — to invest in people, not just projects.” The scope of work for this project also included a campus rehabilitation involving existing

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COLUMBIA – The Illinois Department of Transportation today announced that intermittent daytime lane closures will take place on Interstate 255 from Illinois 3 in Dupo to Illinois 3 in Columbia beginning, weather permitting, Tuesday, Oct. 21, through Thursday, Oct. 23. The lane closures are necessary for the evaluation of pavement conditions. 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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SPRINGFIELD - Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias announced more than $11 million in grants to law enforcement agencies across the state to address rising carjackings and vehicle thefts. The announcement was made on Wednesday at the St. Clair County Sheriff’s office in Metro East. The Illinois Vehicle Hijacking and Motor Vehicle Theft Prevention and Insurance Verification Council, overseen by Giannoulias’ office, distributed $11.95 million to six agencies for the fiscal year 2025. The funding, sourced from the insurance industry through a $1 fee per insured passenger vehicle, supports personnel salaries, technology, vehicle tracking devices, body cameras, drones, and other tools to combat auto crimes. “A car is a lifeline for many Illinoisans. It gets them to work, helps them take care of their families and connects them with loved ones. When it’s stolen, it can turn a family’s life upside down,” Giannoulias said. “By strengthening

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TROY - Women leaders, entrepreneurs, and professionals across the region are invited to mark their calendars for the highly anticipated 2025 Women's Conference, themed "See The Signs... Be The Change." This empowering event, set to take place on Wednesday, November 5, at The Outlet Event Center at Edison’s Entertainment Complex. The day will be filled with a full day of insightful discussions, practical workshops, and unparalleled networking opportunities designed to inspire growth, foster leadership, and champion well-being. The conference will kick off at 7:15 AM with registration, breakfast, and networking, leading into an impactful opening remarks session. Attendees will have the unique opportunity to engage with a diverse lineup of expert speakers and panelists, addressing critical topics relevant to today's evolving professional landscape. Key highlights of the 2025 Women's Conference include: Empowering Leadership: Tracy Bianco of Tracy Bianco Coaching & Consulting wil

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MARION - Illinois State Police (ISP) Division of Criminal Investigation Trafficking Enforcement Group arrested eight individuals during a two-day human trafficking demand suppression operation in the Marion area of Williamson County on October 14 - 15, 2025. The operation focused on identifying individuals seeking to engage in commercial sex acts. As a result of the operation, the following individuals were arrested and charged: Nicholas A. Love (44) of Marion, IL – Traveling to Meet a Minor (Class 3), Indecent Solicitation of a Minor (Class 3), Solicitation to Meet a Child (Class 4). Michael L. Beltz (66) of Herrin, IL – Traveling to Meet a Minor (Class 3), Indecent Solicitation of a Minor (Class 3), Solicitation to Meet a Child (Class 4). Jason R. Fox (51) of Alto Pass, IL – Traveling to Meet a Minor (Class 3), Indecent Solicitation of a Minor (Class 3), Solicitation to Meet a Child (Class 4). Willie A. Huddson (50) of Colp, IL – Traveling to Meet a Minor

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ALTON – Alton city officials received an update on the city’s comprehensive planning efforts last night after a well-attended community workshop was held last week to gather input from residents. Adam Jones with Stantec Consulting Services gave Alton Committee of the Whole members a presentation on the city’s “existing conditions” regarding demographics, zoning, and other trends observed over the past 10 years. Jones said this marks the “first phase” of the project since Alton hired Stantec three months ago to update its Comprehensive Plan – a document which aims to guide the city’s growth and development for the next 20 years and keep it competitive among other local cities. Jones said he expects the new Comprehensive Plan to be complete by next year. In the meantime, Stantec plans to host more “vision and goal-setting events” to gather public input in the future and will soon publish

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SPRINGFIELD - Women business owners looking to expand sales and win government contracts should consider the Illinois Office of Comptroller’s (IOC) SMART Business program, which provides free counseling and guidance on how to become certified as a small business or a women-owned business with the state. “Getting certified means our hard-working business owners can take advantage of procurement opportunities with the State of Illinois, bidding on contracts specifically set aside for businesses in these specific categories,” said Comptroller Mendoza. There are several advantages to doing business with the state. Business owners can count on a steady demand, create a track record of service to help win more clients, and grow revenue. The SMART Business program has staff available to consult with business owners one-on-one throughout the process of becoming a certified vendor. Interested business owners can sign up here: Smart Business Illinois - The Illinois

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CHICAGO - As families prepare to celebrate Halloween, the Illinois Poison Center (IPC) is reminding parents and caregivers about the growing number of accidental poisonings reported during the season, including cases involving dry ice, glow sticks, cosmetics, and occasionally candy. In 2024, IPC managed 4,062 exposures to cosmetics, 244 exposures to glow stick products and 3 exposures to dry ice. Most calls related to the exposure of cosmetics and glow sticks were children 5 and under, and most exposures to dry ice were adults. “IPC rarely manages calls about Halloween candy, but still recommend parents and caregivers check their child’s candy as a safety precaution, especially with the use of gummies and other candy-like products that contain THC,” said IPC Medical Director, Michael Wahl, MD. “Each year, IPC receives calls about internal and external exposures to glow sticks, dry ice, and Halloween makeup.” IPC encourages everyone to follow these Halloween

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ALTON - The Riverbender Building will celebrate its 100th anniversary with a special reception. At 10 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 24, 2025, the building’s tenants and the larger community are invited to a gathering on the first floor to celebrate the anniversary and honor long-time tenant Robert Ryan with cookies and coffee. Diane Flavan with Skyline Commercial Real Estate expressed the building owners’ appreciation for the community and culture that has developed in the building over the past ten decades. “My owners are committed to community growth as a whole. They love Alton,” Flavan said. The Riverbender Building opened in 1925 as First National Bank, and there are still bank vaults in the basement. These days, the building is home to office space and a wide range of tenants, including the Riverbender.com offices. While the building has undergone a few renovations in recent years, the preservation of its history is important. Flavan highlighted the

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CAHOKIA HEIGHTS – The Illinois Department of Transportation today announced that rehabilitation of a crossing by Norfolk Southern railroad on Illinois 157 between Illinois 13 and Chase Lane in St. Clair County will require a full closure beginning, weather permitting, Monday, Oct. 27. A posted detour will be in place to safely guide motorists around the closure, which is expected to conclude Friday, Oct. 31. Motorists can expect delays and should allow extra time for trips through this area. Drivers are urged to pay close attention to detour signs in work zones, obey the posted speed limits, refrain from using mobile devices and be alert for workers and equipment. For IDOT District 8 updates, follow us on X at @IDOTDistrict8 or view area construction details on IDOT’s traveler information map on GettingAroundIllinois.com.

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WOOD RIVER — Drake Champlin, a recent graduate of East Alton Wood River High School and current McKendree University wrestler, has been named parade marshal for the 40th Annual Wood River Halloween Parade in 2025. Champlin earned the honor following a standout high school athletic career, highlighted by his achievement as the 2025 Illinois High School Association Class 1A state wrestling champion at 215 pounds. He finished his senior season with a 43-1 record and previously placed second at the state tournament as a junior. Champlin holds the school record for most wrestling wins with 172. In addition to wrestling, Champlin was a key contributor to the EAWR football team, playing since age five. He served as team captain during his junior and senior seasons and received All-Conference honors as a sophomore and junior. During his senior year, he recorded 63 tackles. “Coaching him these past four years has been the highlight of my coaching career,” said EAWR wrestling

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ALTON - If you think you have a medical malpractice case on your hands, attorney Keith Short has a few pieces of advice. Short, with Keith Short & Associates, P.C., in Alton, shared that whether you’re in Illinois or Missouri, you have only two years before the statute of limitations expires. He urges potential clients to find a lawyer quickly, but make sure your lawyer is experienced in medical malpractice. “Number one thing is, understand there’s a clock running,” he said. “If your two years are over, your two years are over in Illinois or Missouri. There are some exceptions, but that’s pretty much it. So first thing is, you get to somebody as quickly as you can. Second thing is, you have to get to somebody who actually knows what they’re doing.” Short noted that “time is being wasted” if you don’t choose a lawyer who, like him, specializes in medical malpractice. He urges clients to choose someone who i

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