City of Wood River

07/01/2026

Unfortunately they didn’t come down and get a permit to sell that lemonade so we also had to fine them.

On a hot summer day, our officers made a special stop to support a young entrepreneur by picking up a cup of lemonade. It’s moments like these that remind us community policing is about more than answering calls—it’s about building relationships, encouraging our youth, and supporting local families.

We wish this young businessman the best of luck with his lemonade stand. 💙🍋

Stay safe, stay hydrated, and if you see a neighborhood lemonade stand this summer, consider stopping by—you just might make a kid’s day!

02/04/2026

Hit n run realized it was a bad business decision to close the drive thru.

Drive thru reopens Monday.

This is not a joke.

01/15/2026

PUBLIC NOTICE: If you believe you were sold bad drugs the Wood River Police Department are offering a free service to test them for you.

Seth Peter Kelly, 38, of Wood River found himself in a situation where he thought someone sold him the wrong illegal narcotic.

On Tuesday, Kelly contacted the WRPD and said he purchased methamphetamine about a week earlier and had a "bad reaction" after smoking the narcotic.

Kelly said he wanted to "press charges" on the person who sold him the wrong narcotic.

In an effort to ensure the quality of the drug the suspect purchased, detectives told Kelly if he came to the office they could test the narcotic he purchased.

Kelly drove to the office and handed detectives a clear, crystal-like substance wrapped in aluminum foil.
The substance field-tested positive for
methamphetamine, the drug Kelly intended to purchase.

Kelly was arrested and charged with possession of methamphetamine. He was taken to the Madison County Jail and held on $5,000 bond.

Remember, our detectives are always ready to assist anyone who believes they were misled in their illegal drug purchase.

12/14/2025

Our brothers at the Madison County Jail want to congratulate inmate Jason Atkins aka the Muffin Man!

Atkins, who was originally picked up by the Wood River PD took home first place in the Illinois County Correctional Facility Bake-off this past weekend.

Atkins, who's been a Madison County inmate since 2024 is no stranger to cooking! He was arrested for manufacturing some of the countys finest crystals.

Atkins says when he's not baking or cooking fantastic meals, he loves to play Uno with his fellow inmates and also runs the jail's book club.

The Muffin Man is slated to get out in 2027. He plans on attending culinary school to sharpen his baking shop.

Atkins favorite desserts to make are the Lemoncake Sudabread and 'Don't Drop the S'more's cupcakes.

03/01/2022

The fugitive task force is looking for Ronnie Williams Jr. of Wood River for fraud. He has convinced 3 local churches that he is Ed Sheeran & even went as far as performing The Shape Of You in front of Christ Community Church last Sunday.

When the pastor was asked why he believed the real Ed Sheeran would perform for 35 dollars and a sandwich, he said he just assumed he had fell on tough times. If you have any information as to Ronnie’s whereabouts, message us immediately.

02/03/2022

Due to the snow storm please remember the side streets always get plowed last. However, your mom will continue to get plowed first. That will never change.