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Edwardsville, Glen Carbon Fire Departments Implement Enhanced Form of CPR

3 years 4 months ago
EDWARDSVILLE – The Edwardsville and Glen Carbon Fire Departments have implemented an innovative way to treat patients suffering cardiac arrest that’s yielding encouraging results. The departments earlier this year began using an enhanced form of cardiopulmonary resuscitation that takes a cue from NASCAR pit crews. Anyone familiar with a NASCAR event has probably seen pit crews in action: Every member has one specific role that they handle simultaneously, enabling the crew to get their driver back on the track quickly. In the life-and-death situations emergency responders face, anything that boosts speed and efficiency is obviously even more essential. And while the enhanced CPR method doesn’t completely overhaul how cardiac calls are handled, it makes several critical improvements. “Historically, what you’d have is somebody taking charge and giving assignments at the scene, which isn’t as efficient as everybody knowing what they’re going to

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Powerball Jackpot Continues To Rise Now To $800 Million, But Someone Holds Ticket Worth Million and Another $50,000

3 years 4 months ago
CHICAGO – The Powerball jackpot is now at an eye-watering $800 million for Saturday night’s drawing. If won, it would be the second largest Powerball jackpot and the fifth largest lottery jackpot won in U.S. history. The Powerball jackpot climbed to $800 million after Wednesday night’s drawing yielded no grand prize winning ticket matching all six numbers: 19-36-37-46-56 and Powerball 24. However, Illinois Lottery players should double check their Powerball tickets from last night. That’s because someone is holding a winning ticket worth a million dollars and another winning ticket worth $50,000. The $1 million winning ticket was purchased at Riverside Mobile, located at 503 N. Main Street in Sycamore. The manager of that store claims they know who bought the winning ticket. “A gentleman, who is one of our regular customers, popped into our store early this morning and exclaimed, 'you guys sold me a million dollar winning Powerball ticket - thank

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Area Unemployment Rate Continues To Decrease: Local Counties All Remain Low In Stats

3 years 4 months ago
SPRINGFIELD - The September area unemployment rate for the Illinois Section of the St. Louis Metropolitan Statistical Area was 3.8 percent, a decrease of -0.7 percentage points from the September 2021 rate of 4.5 percent. Some of the local city results in September were Edwardsville at 2.8 percent unemployment, compared to 2.9 percent in September 2021. Granite City recorded a 4.2 percent rate compared to 5.8 percent in 2021 at the same time, and Alton stood at 5.4 percent, down from 7.0 percent in September 2021. Belleville had a 4.4 percent rate compared to 5.9 percent a year ago. County comparisons showed Jersey at 3.1 percent for September 2022, against 3.6 percent a year ago, Macoupin County had a 3.4 percent rate and was 3.8 percent last year. Greene also recorded a 3.6 percent rate compared to 4.0 percent a year ago. Calhoun was at 3.6 percent compared to 3.8 percent in 2022 at the same time, and Madison County was at 3.6 percent this year and was at 4.3 percent in September

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Roxana Girls Cross Country Team Fourth At Regional, Are Midwest Members Credit Union Shells' Female Athletes Of The Month

3 years 4 months ago
TRENTON - Roxana's girls' cross country team has had an amazing season and the Shells added another big accomplishment Saturday at the IHSA Class 1A Trenton Regional, with a fourth-place team finish to advance to the sectional this weekend. At Wesclin High, McGivney had three of the top ten spots, while both Roxana and Marquette Catholic went through as teams in the Class 1A regional. Ben Scamihorn, a former SIUE runner, has coached the Shells girls and boys this year and has done a phenomenal job. He said he couldn't be more proud of his girls' group for how hard they have worked for their success. Breese Mater Dei Catholic won the meet with 52 points, with the Griffins coming in second with 75 points. Freeburg was third with 97 points, Roxana came in fourth with 111 points, Breese Central was fifth with 127, the Explorers were sixth at 142 points and Columbia got the final team berth with a seventh-place finish at 182 points. Belleville Althoff Catholic was eighth with 206 points,

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Sheriff John Lakin Endorses Kris Tharp for State Senate

3 years 4 months ago
WOOD RIVER – Today, Democratic Candidate for State Senate Kris Tharp (IL-56), a police officer of 25 years, announced his endorsement from Madison County’s Sheriff John Lakin. “Kris Tharp is a man of integrity who has consistently demonstrated his devotion to community and to improving public safety in Madison County," said Madison County Sheriff John Lakin. "He has always looked for ways to protect the most vulnerable, worked to reduce crime, and advocated for higher policing standards. I’m proud to have worked alongside him and I strongly believe there is no one more qualified than him to represent the people of Madison County as their State Senator." Kris Tharp has been a public servant for 25 years, working as a police officer, an elderly service officer for the seniors in his community, and Deputy Commander of the Major Case Squad of Greater St. Louis, one of the oldest, most successful homicide task forces in the country. “Working for Sheriff

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The Story Of The Vietnam-Era Mass Kit, Father Marty Smith Hosts Another Veteran's Day Mass at St. Xavier Parish Church in Jerseyville

3 years 4 months ago
JERSEYVILLE - When someone sees the special Mass kit at a Veteran’s Day Mass at St. Xavier Parish Church in Jerseyville, they need to understand the meaning behind it. The kit dates all the way back to the Vietnam War and the special relationship Father Marty Smith has with a Vietnam Chaplain who became a priest - Father Micheas Langston. Father Micheas has had a huge influence on Father Marty and is one of the reasons Marty became a priest. Father Micheas was a chaplain in the Vietnam War and in 2019, marked 60 years in the priesthood. He is now a Saint Meinrad monk. Father Micheas gave Father Marty the Vietnam Era Mass kit and wanted him to find inspiration and continue to use it. The Mass Kit is one of Father Marty's most treasured possessions. Father Marty will perform the Mass at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 11, 2022, at the St. Xavier Parish with the kit. “When I met Father Micheas in the service, I think I saw his life of service as a priest and it really resonated

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State Representative Amy Elik Endorsed By Labor And Job Creators

3 years 4 months ago
ALTON - State Rep. Amy Elik (R-Alton) racked up dozens of endorsements this election cycle, but says no endorsement is “more important than that of the voters.” “From farmers to teachers to first responders to job creators and more, I’m proud of every endorsement I’ve received this year,” said Elik. “But no endorsement means more than that of the voters. Every vote cast can be a vote to stop corruption, bring forth a fiscally responsible state government, and create a better life for working families. I encourage everyone to use their vote to save Illinois.” Elik previously announced support of business groups, including the Illinois Manufacturing Association, Illinois Chamber, Associated Builders & Contractors, Technology & Manufacturing Association, Illinois Farm Bureau, and NFIB-IL PAC. Standing up for constitutional freedoms, groups including the National Rifle Association, Illinois State Rifle Association, ABATE of Illinois, and

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Elizabethan Gala Fundraiser Returns For St. Elizabeth's Foundation

3 years 4 months ago
O'FALLON — HSHS St. Elizabeth’s Foundation is excited to announce the return of the Elizabethan Gala after a hiatus during the COVID-19 pandemic and invites the public to attend. The 2022 Gala will be held on Friday, Nov. 4 at the Regency Conference Center, 400 Regency Park in O’Fallon, beginning at 6 p.m. with a cocktail reception, followed by dinner and a program. The evening concludes with live music by the Fabulous Motown Revue. During the program, HSHS St. Elizabeth’s Foundation will honor Tom Vernier and Fr. James Deiters as Elizabethan Awardees for their commitment to HSHS St. Elizabeth’s Hospital and the future of health care in the region. The Elizabethan Gala is a traditional fall event that dates back to 1983. The “Elizabethan Holiday” was started by St. Elizabeth’s Auxiliary as a luncheon and fashion show to promote positive community relations for the hospital, support the hospital’s mission and honor the Feast of

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MCHS Resumes Dining In History Event

3 years 4 months ago
BUZZ MAGAZINE - After a two-year hiatus, the Madison County Historical Society (MCHS) has resumed all regular programming, including the annual Dining in History (DIH) event. DIH, which also serves as the Society’s annual meeting, is held at a historic site in Madison County and includes a program on that location. In years past, it has been held in the Madison County Courthouse for the building’s centennial, the Wildey Theatre, and Diamond Mineral Springs, to name a few. The 2022 Dining in History event will be held on Sunday, November 6, at the Old Bakery Beer Company in Alton. The Old Bakery Beer Company is a certified organic craft brewery and restaurant that occupies a century-old building that was used as a commercial bakery from 1903 to the 1980s. It opened as a brewery in 2015. Tours of the modern brewery begin at noon and are followed by a buffet luncheon at 1 p.m. Immediately after the meal there will be a brief Annual Meeting, held for the purpose of electing

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The Importance Of Seed Saving

3 years 4 months ago
BUZZ MAGAZINE - For the home gardener, seeds are a topic of great interest. Some of us shop for our seeds each spring and some of us spend the tail end of each growing season collecting our seeds for next year's gardens. I can honestly say that I am both. I feel like it is important to save your own seeds for several reasons: saving seeds is free, supply chain shortages can make it difficult, if not impossible to acquire your garden seeds, seed saving produces stronger plants each year and it builds a stronger community. One of my early spring indulgences is to fix myself a big mug of hot Earl Grey and flip through my seed catalogs with sticky notes and notebook. I love finding pretty new flowers to incorporate and new varieties of my favorite foods to try, either for their beauty or new flavor profiles. If you're like me, you know just how costly this can quickly become. The cost of seeds is growing each year and the number of seeds you get per pack is dwindling. I used to share

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Sleigh Shed Holiday Cocktail Pop-Up Debuts At St. Louis Union Station

3 years 4 months ago
ST. LOUIS - All aboard for the Sleigh Shed, St. Louis’ newest seasonal pop-up cocktail experience. This season the Train Shed restaurant at St. Louis Union Station is transformed into Sleigh Shed, a glittering holiday destination with creative cocktails and delicious dining. Gather your friends and experience a wonderland of whimsy, decorated from top to bottom with the bling and baubles of the season. Sleigh Shed is ready for its close up on your Insta page. The holiday hot spot at Union Station opens on November 4 and continues through New Year’s Eve. Sleigh Shed will be open Sundays through Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Fridays and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Celebratory cocktails at Sleigh Shed include: Rudolph’s Reserve: Zafra Masters Reserve 21 year Rum Blood Orange Cordial Lime Cocktail Punk Smoked Orange Bitters Sleigh All Day: Bruzco Mezcal Cava de Oro Blanco Tequila Suau Orange Brandy Pineapple Gum Syrup Lime Juice Cocktai

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"Winter On The River" Photography Contest Returns To National Great Rivers Museum

3 years 4 months ago
ALTON - The National Great Rivers Museum (NGRM) in partnership with the Meeting of the Rivers Foundation (MTRF) is now accepting entries for their second annual “Winter on the River” Photography Contest MTRF is looking for artists to capture the beauty of winter along the river for a community photo contest that will be exhibited at the NGRM beginning January 7, 2023. All entries will remain on display as part of this exhibition through the end of the winter season. Artists will be able to submit up to three photos for a one-time, entry fee of $20.00 that will benefit the mission of MTRF in promoting and inspiring lifelong, environmental stewardship for the Mississippi River and great rivers system. The contest is open to photographers of all skill levels with no age restriction. Entries must be mailed or brought to the National Great Rivers Museum during the submission period beginning November 1, 2022, through December 19, 2022. Contest eligibility, regulations, and

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Illinois American Water Encourages Customers To Participate In National Prescription Drug Take Back Day On Oct. 29

3 years 4 months ago
BELLEVILLE - Illinois American Water is encouraging customers to participate in the Drug Enforcement Agency’s (DEA) National Prescription Drug Take Back Day this coming Saturday, Oct.29, 2022. Customers are encouraged to drop off unwanted medications at approved collection sites so they can be incinerated. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends having unwanted medications incinerated. Flushing medications down the toilet and throwing them in the trash are discouraged. The event is Saturday, Oct. 29, 2022, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Participating Illinois Take Back Day collection sites can be located here. Take Back Day events help keep medications from getting into the wrong hands and provide an opportunity for medication to be disposed of in an environmentally-friendly way. Proper disposal also helps prevent medications from being flushed down the toilet or poured down a drain. The DEA offers National Take Back Day twice a year in April and October. In April 2022,

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Alton Pride Announces The First Annual Thanksgiving Food Drive Competition

3 years 4 months ago
ALTON - Alton Pride is excited to announce its first annual Thanksgiving Food Drive Competition! Area bars are competing for the title of “Top Turkey”, a trophy, and bragging rights. From October 29 thru November 12 participating locations will be collecting non-perishable food items for Thanksgiving. The business with the most donations will be crowned the winner. People can donate several non-perishable items, including but not limited to: Boxed Stuffing Mix Dry Macaroni Canned Cranberry Sauce Canned Pie Fillings Flour Powdered Drink Mixes Jell-O Mix Graham Crackers Instant Potatoes Canned Yams Cornbread Mix Pie Crust Mix Vegetable Oil Rice Pudding Mix Cream of Mushroom Soup Gravy Mixes/Jars Canned Vegetables Muffin Mix Cake Mixes/Icing Sugar Dried Beans Powdered Milk French Fried Onions We encourage the community to drop their donation off at their favorite hangout. There are currently ten businesses competing to be crowned Top Turkey:

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Area Trick-Or-Treat, Events, Plus Parade Dates and Times

3 years 4 months ago
Below are the Halloween parades, trick-or-treat dates and times, and events in area communities. Parade October 27 East Alton Halloween Parade, 7 p.m. Bethalto Halloween Parade, 6:30 p.m. October 29 Wood River Halloween Parade, 10:30 a.m. Hartford Halloween Parade, 1 p.m. October 31 Edwardsville Halloween Parade, 6:30 p.m. Alton Halloween Parade, 7 p.m. Trick-or-Treat October 27 Bethalto, 7-9 p.m. October 28 Brighton, 6-9 p.m. October 30 Edwardsville, Noon-9 p.m. Glen Carbon, 4 to 9 p.m. Alton, 6-8 p.m. Godfrey, 6-8 p.m. Grafton, 5-8 p.m. Carrollton, 6-8 p.m. Roxana, 6-8 p.m. Bethalto, 6-8 p.m. Wood River, 6-8 p.m. East Alton, 6-8 p.m. South Roxana, 6-8 p.m. October 31 Edwardsville, Noon-9 p.m. Jerseyville, 5-9 p.m. Alton, 6-8 p.m. Godfrey - 6-8 p.m. Carrollton, 6-8 p.m. Roxana, 6-8 p.m. Bethalto, 6-8 p.m. Wood River, 6-8 p.m. East Alton, 6-8 p.m. South Roxana, 6-8 p.m. Granite City, 6-9 p.m. Events These are upcoming

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Rep. Elik Sponsors Legislation to Deter Theft of Catalytic Converters  

3 years 4 months ago
ALTON - The ongoing theft of catalytic converters from automobiles on the rise, State Representative Amy Elik (R-Alton) filed legislation to make it a felony for individuals that stockpile stolen catalytic converters from vehicles. “If your catalytic converter is stolen from your car, it can cost as much as $3,000 to replace it,” said Rep. Elik. “We are seeing an increase in theft because criminals can get anywhere from $25 to over $1,000 by selling the stolen car part at a scrap dealer. Improving the law by making it a felony if you illegally purchase more than 100 catalytic converters will help deter criminals from stealing this expensive automotive part, as criminals will not have anywhere to go to sell the stolen converter.” In September, police seized 287 catalytic converters from a scrap-metal business in East Alton that is accused of illegally buying the parts. And in Chicago, the theft of catalytic converters has nearly tripled compared to a year

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Alleged Threat Posted On Social Media: Alton High Has Increased Law Enforcement Presence

3 years 4 months ago
ALTON - An alleged threat was posted on social media last night involving Alton High School and heavily shared overnight, Alton School District No. 11 Superintendent Dr. Kristie Baumgartner said in a statement. "Administration began working immediately with law enforcement to determine the origin of the threat," she said. "Because this is an active law enforcement investigation, additional details cannot be shared at this time. Unfortunately, it is not unusual for social media posts like this to occur after a tragic event such as what just occurred in St. Louis. "However, we must take every alleged threat seriously and investigate each to the highest degree. All schools, including Alton High School, will be open and continue with classes today. As a precautionary measure, there will be an increased law enforcement presence at Alton High School today. Again, this is only a precautionary measure." Alton High Principal Mike Bellm said the communication was sent out to parents, students

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Township Officials of Illinois Endorse Kris Tharp for State Senate

3 years 4 months ago
WOOD RIVER – Today, Democratic Candidate for State Senate Kris Tharp (IL-56), a police officer of 25 years and current State senator for the 56th district, announced his endorsement from the Township Officials of Illinois (TOI). “Senator Tharp supports the goals and objectives of our organization. He is readily available when needed to address any issue impacting township government in Illinois," Township Officials of Illinois Treasurer and TOI Executive Director Jerry B. Crabtree said. “We wish Senator Tharp a successful re-election campaign.” Kris Tharp has been a public servant for 25 years, working as a police officer, an elderly service officer for the seniors in his community, and Deputy Commander of the Major Case Squad of Greater St. Louis, one of the oldest, most successful homicide task forces in the country. “I have had the honor of serving this community in many roles and through them all, I have remained committed to strengthening and

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Alton Motorboat Club Hosting Turkey Shoot 

3 years 4 months ago
GODFREY - The Alton Motorboat Club is hosting its 2022 Turkey Shoot on Sunday, Nov. 6 starting at 10 a.m. at the clubhouse, located at 11134 Harbor Dell in Godfrey. The event will be open to the public, featuring lots of food options and all-day raffles with prizes including firearms, cash, meats, and cheeses. Tickets are $5 each or 5 for $20. Alton Motorboat Club Commodore Matt Woulfe said tickets to be sold are also available to be picked up from the clubhouse. Woulfe said after the clubhouse opens at 10 a.m., the shooting line will form at 11 a.m. “We start shooting at 11 o’clock - we have a turkey shoot and we give away a turkey,” he said. “One round consists of 20 shots. We sell shot cards, there’s 20 people in a round, and then we give away one turkey, and the closest to the bullseye wins the turkey." Woulfe added they usually do 22-25 rounds at 20 cards each, which adds up to “quite a few shots.” They also do a Powder Puff roun

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