Riverbender 🕸

ALTON - As the Mississippi River Festival prepares to kick off their two-day event this weekend, organizers have decided to postpone the show until later in the evening. The MRF, hosted at the Alton Amphitheater, was set to open its doors at 3 p.m. on Friday, June 27, 2025, before the show started at 4 p.m. Due to weather conditions and safety concerns, organizers said in a statement that doors will not open until later. “The show is not canceled, but doors will not be opening at 3 p.m. today,” they said. “We are taking everyone’s safety and wellbeing into consideration as we make decisions today.” It is currently unclear when the show will begin. For updates, tune into the official Mississippi River Festival Facebook page . On Friday, June 27, Ben Rector headlines, supported by Wilder Woods, Allen Stone, Brian Owens Soul, and Beth Bombara. On Saturday, June 28, attendees can enjoy Blackberry Smoke, Drew Halcomb & the Neighbors, Nikki Lane,

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O'FALLON — Donald W. Dossett Jr., 73, a registered child sexual predator, was charged Thursday, June 26, 2025, with one count of child pornography and one count of sexual exploitation of a child under 13, the St. Clair County State's Attorney’s Office announced. The charges stem from an investigation that began June 8, 2025, after two children reported that Dossett exposed himself to them at Welcome Suites, located at 148 Regency Park in O’Fallon, where he had been residing. Following a thorough investigation, authorities gathered evidence that led to Dossett’s arrest and the subsequent filing of charges. Dossett was taken into custody and transported to the St. Clair County Jail, where he is being held pending court proceedings. The O’Fallon Police Department is urging parents and guardians whose children may have had contact with Dossett to have open conversations with them. Officials recommend that any concerning behavior or signs of inappropriate

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COLLINSVILLE - The Collinsville Police Department has issued a felony warrant for Austin Cates for failing to update his sex offender registration, officials announced Friday, June 27, 2025. Cates last updated his registration in 2023 and was last known to reside in Collinsville, Illinois. The warrant was issued due to Cates’ violation of sex offender registration requirements, according to the department. Authorities are urging anyone with information about his whereabouts to contact the Collinsville Police Department anonymously by calling 618-344-2131, extension 5209, or by sending a message through the department’s Facebook page. In a statement, the department reminded Cates that he is overdue for his registration update and encouraged him to turn himself in to address the warrant. The department also noted that failure to update registration resulted in the posting of the individual’s picture online as part of their “Fugitive Friday” feature, which

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CHICAGO – Attorney General Kwame Raoul today announced a settlement with Midway Staffing Inc. (Midway) that resolves allegations the temporary staffing agency entered into no-poach agreements and engaged in wage fixing with other staffing agencies. This settlement requires Midway to pay $1 million to compensate temporary workers impacted by the unlawful activity. Midway was the last remaining defendant in a lawsuit Raoul’s office filed against three staffing agencies and their client. The settlement with Midway means the litigation is now fully resolved, with the office recovering a total of $5.5 million from all four defendants. “We are pleased to have reached a final resolution that holds the defendants accountable for their unlawful no-poach and wage-fixing practices, and we look forward to distributing funds to the temporary workers harmed by these illegal conspiracies,” Raoul said. “My office has and will continue to enforce laws that protect

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BELLEVILLE – The Illinois Department of Transportation today announced intermittent overnight closures of northbound Interstate 255 between Illinois 15 and State Street in St. Clair County beginning, weather permitting, Monday, June 30. Closures will start at 9 p.m. to allow crews to repair overhead sign trusses. The work will occur for one night only. In addition to the lane closures, motorists should expect up to two full closures of the northbound lanes lasting no more than 15 minutes each. All lanes are scheduled to reopen by 5 a.m. Tuesday, July 1. Motorists should expect delays during the short-term full closures and are encouraged to use alternate routes. 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

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ALTON - Allen Hale, honored for 50 years of service to the Riverbend East Rotary Club, presented Paul Harris Fellowship awards to two East Alton community leaders, Denny Weber and Debbie Angleton. The presentation took place recently during a club meeting. The Paul Harris Fellowship, named after Rotary’s founder, recognizes individuals who have demonstrated a commitment to community service, peace, goodwill and international understanding. Hale’s recognition and the awards highlight the ongoing dedication of local leaders to the East Alton community.

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ALTON – OSF HealthCare Rehabilitation Services in Alton will be holding its monthly lymphedema education meeting on Thursday, July 3. Riverbend region residents are invited to join the OSF Lymphedema Therapy Team for this free educational session about lymphedema and meet other people with lymphedema. The July lymphedema education meeting will be held: Thursday, July 3, 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. OSF HealthCare Rehabilitation Services 228 Alton Square Mall, Alton, IL Enter the Rehab office from the upper mall parking lot, facing Alby Street, under the "OSF HEALTHCARE" sign Interested individuals should direct questions or requests for additional information to OSF Rehabilitation Services at (618) 463-5171. Lymphedema refers to tissue swelling caused by an accumulation of fluid that is usually drained by the body's lymphatic system. Some lymphedema facts include: It most commonly affects the arms or legs, but it can also occur in the face, neck, or trunk.

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BETHALTO - After a lengthy discussion during their regular meeting on June 26, 2025, the Bethalto Community Unit School District #8 Board of Education voted 5–2 to approve a three-year contract with AT&T’s FirstNet for 30 mobile phones. Director of Technology Tyler Warren was previously instructed to solicit bids for a contract that would provide mobile phones to administrators, principals, assistant principals, maintenance and technology staff in the district. The three-year contract for 30 mobile phones will allow administrators to text and call without using their personal cell phones. “These are all people who are vocal throughout the district, move between buildings, need to communicate to each other,” Warren explained. “Probably more often than not, we’re all texting each other on our personal cell phones, which is not necessarily the most appropriate.” AT&T’s FirstNet first responder network is a high-speed broadband network

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STAUNTON — Staunton Community Unit School District No. 6 will hold a groundbreaking ceremony for the new Staunton High School on Saturday, June 28, 2025, marking a significant milestone in the community’s educational future. The event will take place at 801 N. Deneen St., beginning with an open house from 10 a.m. to noon at the current Staunton High School building, a three-story structure built in 1924. This open house offers the public a final opportunity to tour the historic building before it is replaced. "Join us as we celebrate the future of education in our community," the school district said in a statement. "We're breaking ground on the new Staunton High School, and you're invited to be part of this exciting moment in history. Let's honor the past and celebrate the future - together." At noon, the groundbreaking ceremony will commence, featuring district leaders, alumni, and special guests. Poettker Construction Company has been selected to oversee the construction

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BETHALTO - With just a few days left in Fiscal Year 2025, the Bethalto Community Unit School District #8 has amended their 2024–2025 budget. During the Board of Education’s regular meeting on June 26, 2025, Director of Business Operations Chris Schomber presented an Amended Budget Hearing to the Board. He explained that no money was moved or added to the budget, but cash was “just moved up and down on the lines” to balance the budget. “This doesn’t happen very often to do an amended budget, but this year, it was necessary,” Schomber said. “In the original budget, not everything was accounted for, and there were some questions.” In FY25, the district used Evidence-Based Funding (EBF) dollars to add psychologists, social workers, school counselors, nurses and interventionists. They also updated facilities at Parkside Primary School as part of a five-year facilities plan. Money from the Operating Budget went to technology updates

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Did you know that children who spend time outdoors are more likely to develop stronger problem-solving skills and greater creativity? Yet, in today’s digital age, many kids spend less than an hour a day outside. Planning a camping trip with children presents a valuable opportunity to counteract this trend, fostering resilience, curiosity, and family bonding in the process. However, organizing a successful outdoor adventure with young ones requires intentional planning to balance safety, fun, and education. Choosing the Right Campsite: Accessibility Meets Adventure Selecting an appropriate campsite is pivotal when camping with children. Unlike solo or adult-only trips, family camping demands sites that accommodate the needs and limitations of younger campers. Consider Accessibility and Facilities: Look for campgrounds that are family-friendly, featuring amenities such as clean restrooms, potable water, and designated picnic areas. Sites near easy hiking trails or natural attractions

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June 27 has long been a date marked by pivotal moments that have shaped our world in profound ways. In the realm of natural events, June 27, 2007, was notable for the severe heatwave that struck parts of Europe, particularly affecting countries like France and Spain. The intense temperatures led to widespread health advisories and highlighted the increasing discussions around climate change and its impact on everyday life. This event served as a wake-up call for many regarding the urgent need for environmental awareness and action. On June 27, 2010, the International Court of Justice delivered a landmark ruling on the maritime boundary dispute between Peru and Chile. The decision aimed to clarify territorial waters, fostering regional stability and cooperation in South America. It underscored the importance of international law in resolving conflicts and maintaining peaceful relations between neighboring countries. As we reflect on these diverse events, it becomes clear that June

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ALTON, Ill. — The Alton Police Department announced Thursday that charges have been filed against a Wood River man in connection with an Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) investigation they received. Dane A. Grant was taken into custody without incident on Tuesday, June 24, following the execution of a court-authorized search warrant at a residence in the 200 block of Central Avenue in Wood River. The warrant was obtained after the Alton Criminal Investigation Division received an ICAC tip involving a known account linked to the possession of child pornography. On Thursday, June 26, the Madison County State’s Attorney’s Office, led by State’s Attorney Tom Haine, issued five counts of child pornography, all Class X felonies, against Grant. An arrest warrant was issued, and Grant remains held at the Madison County Jail pending a detention hearing. The Alton Police Department expressed gratitude for the assistance provided by the Wood River Police Department

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ALTON — Early Thursday morning, June 26, 2025, Alton police apprehended a suspect following a vehicle burglary and subsequent standoff at a local residence. At approximately 2:44 a.m. June 26, officers from the Alton Police Department responded to a report of a vehicle burglary in progress at the Hampton Inn, 1904 Homer Adams Parkway. Upon arrival, officers saw a male matching the suspect’s description fleeing on foot toward the Kohl’s parking lot. The suspect entered a white Toyota Camry and fled the scene at a high rate of speed. Officers attempted to stop the vehicle, but the driver refused to yield and evaded police. The car was later found abandoned and empty in the driveway of a residence at 2707 Judson Avenue. Police secured the home and obtained a search warrant. Because of the suspect’s known criminal history and propensity for violence, the Metro East SWAT team was called in to assist. After several hours, SWAT officers located the suspect hiding

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ALTON – A man from Alton remains in custody after breaking into, stealing from, then setting fire to an occupied apartment building on Belle Street. Zachary S. Montague, 32, of Alton, was charged on June 25, 2025 with a Class X felony count of aggravated arson and a Class 2 felony count of burglary. Montague is accused of burglarizing and intentionally setting fire to a multi-family residential apartment building in the 3200 block of Belle Street, which he knew or reasonably should have known was occupied on March 27, 2025. According to the state’s petition to deny Montague’s pretrial release, Montague was seen on surveillance footage entering the apartment building at approximately 5:30 p.m. and leaving at 5:41 p.m. with stolen property. Smoke was seen coming from the building six minutes later, and a K-9 unit alerted to accelerants at the fire scene. “The Illinois State Fire Marshal determined the fire was incendiary (intentionally set by human action),”

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ST. LOUIS COUNTY, MO. — Tyler Grosvenor, 30, of St. Louis, died early Thursday morning, June 26, 2025, following a motorcycle crash at the intersection of South Broadway Avenue and Hoffmeister Avenue, according to the St. Louis County Police Department. Officers from the South County Precinct responded to the scene at 5:05 a.m. June 26 after receiving a call about the motor vehicle accident. Investigators determined that Grosvenor’s motorcycle was involved in a collision with another vehicle whose driver fled the scene. Grosvenor was transported to a nearby hospital but later succumbed to his injuries. The St. Louis County Police Department’s Bureau of Crimes Against Persons and Accident Reconstruction detectives are actively investigating the crash. Authorities have not released additional details but have asked anyone with information to contact investigators at 636-529-8210. Those wishing to remain anonymous or potentially receive a reward may reach out to CrimeStopper

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ALTON - On a recent episode of “You’re Beautiful” with Brian Trust , Ryan Sautman spoke about making mistakes and finding God. Sautman shared that he often comes up short, but God’s grace helps him confront his mistakes and find his way back to the Lord. He knows it’s impossible to be perfect, but he believes we should all try to follow the Bible’s teachings and emulate Jesus as much as possible. “We are trying to become more Christlike,” Sautman said. “At the end of the day, we as Christians, that’s our ultimate goal. We will never be sinless. We will never be perfect like He was. But our goal is to get closer and closer and closer, if we can, every single day, get 1% closer.” As a business owner and the primary breadwinner for his wife and four children, Sautman said the “weight” of these responsibilities can be overwhelming at times. Like a lot of people, he worries about his financial future.

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ALTON - The Alton Fire Department, along with the Alton Police Department, responded to 3000 Washington Ave. in Alton to the back lot of Enterprise Leasing, for a traffic crash on Thursday afternoon, June 26, 2025. When first responders arrived on the scene, one vehicle had backed into another vehicle behind the business. The Alton Fire Department Ambulance transported one patient to an Alton hospital with minor injuries.

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ALTON - Alton has welcomed a new restaurant that specializes in “Chicago jerk with Caribbean soul.” Jasmin Donlow is excited to share Jerked Up, her new restaurant located at 2711 Corner Court in Alton. From shrimp tacos to oxtails, she promises everyone will find something to love at the new spot. “We’re bringing something new and different to Alton,” she said. “The community is so supportive. I love being able to make the customers from Alton happy and just to bring this to our community. It's a good feeling.” Donlow explained that she was trained by her friend, a restaurant owner in Chicago, who “showed the ropes” of Chicago jerk food. An Alton native, Donlow was eager to bring her skills back to her hometown. She noted that the Riverbend region doesn’t have a jerk restaurant, and even St. Louis is missing an authentic Chicago jerk place. She hopes Jerked Up fills a space in the community while providing great

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ST. CLAIR COUNTY — Unemployment rates across several cities in St. Clair County showed notable declines from May 2024 to May 2025, according to a recent report by the Illinois Department of Employment Security. Belleville’s unemployment rate fell from 4.8 percent in May 2024 to 3.7 percent in May 2025. Collinsville experienced a decrease from 4.1 percent to 3.2 percent during the same period. Granite City recorded a drop from 4.8 percent to 3.6 percent. East St. Louis saw its unemployment rate decline from 7.6 percent in May 2024 to 6.0 percent in May 2025. O’Fallon’s rate decreased from 4.0 percent to 3.2 percent. Overall, St. Clair County’s unemployment rate dropped from 4.6 percent in May 2024 to 3.7 percent in May 2025. Bond County reported a decrease from 4.3 percent to 3.3 percent, while the St. Louis section’s rate fell from 4.2 percent to 3.4 percent. “We remain committed to ensuring vital investments in workforce development opportunities

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