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ALTON - The St. Mary's Chuch Annual Oktoberfest will be back to full scale this year on the weekend of October 7-9. A spokesperson Carolyn Simansky, a spokesperson for Oktoberfest, said “all activities are back to normal this year” for the highly regarded event. The Annual St. Mary’s Oktoberfest celebrates the parish’s German heritage and this year the 164th anniversary of the congregation. The Oktoberfest is held on the grounds of St. Mary’s Church at the corner of Henry Street and East 3rd Street, Alton. The event is open to the public and free of charge. Funds raised from the event benefit both St. Mary’s Church and the school. It is one of the parish’s largest fundraisers of the year. Simanksy pointed out some of the new or special changes for this year: “Join us for a festive, 1-mile fun run at 5:30 p.m. Friday, October 7, to kick off the start of Oktoberfest 2022. There will be finisher swag (a stein) for the top two male an

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ALTON - The fast reaction of Alton Fire Department members prevented a battery spill of sulfuric acid going into nearby drains on Wednesday morning at Argosy Casino. Alton Deputy Fire Chief Matt Fischer said there was a portable jack in place to unload semis and something happened causing a large battery to fall to the ground spilling sulfuric acid. “Our firefighters arrived on the scene quickly and were able to stop it before it went into any drains,” he said. “They did an excellent job of stopping it from the drains.” Fischer said an area HAZMAT team brought a neutralizing agent to also stop the spill. “We are in a holding pattern until a mitigation team hired by Argosy gets to the scene, Fisher said around 10 a.m. Wednesday. “The battery was oversized and it runs the portable jack. We checked the drains and they are dry. The spill occurred not at the entrance for employees but the one right in the middle.” Fischer was not certain whe

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NEW YORK - U.S. President Joe Biden addressed several leaders from throughout the world today at the United Nations General Assembly on Wednesday in New York. Biden's speech was only a few hours after Russia discussed expanding its war effort in Ukraine. He described the Russia-Ukraine War as extinguishing Ukraine's "right to exist as a state." Biden also stressed "horrifying evidence" of Russian war crimes in the situation. "The world's blood should run cold" over the invasion, he said. Biden stressed theSE key points: "Each of us in this body who is determined to uphold the principles and beliefs we pledge to defend as members of the United Nations — must be clear, firm, and unwavering in our resolve. "Ukraine has the same rights that belong to every sovereign nation. We will stand in solidarity with Ukraine. We will stand in solidarity against Russia’s aggression, period. The United States is also working closely with our allies and partners to impose costs

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GRAFTON - Robert ‘Bob’ Sanders received a Certificate of Appreciation for the exceptional service he and his waste services company have provided to the City of Grafton. Mayor Mike Morrow presented the certificate on behalf of the Grafton City Council at their meeting on September 20. Robert Sanders Waste Systems, Inc. was recently sold to Republic Services, who is now servicing the City of Grafton. “I am grateful for the recognition and for this award,” Bob said. “I will humbly receive it on behalf of the dedicated employees who worked for me.” Robert Sanders Waste Systems, Inc., was established in Alton in 1936 and was the oldest, privately owned, waste disposal service in the southwest Illinois region. “Bob and his team have always provided exceptional waste collection services to our city,” said Mayor Morrow. “We are grateful for all Bob has personally done for Grafton, such as regularly donating money in support of our police

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ST. CLAIR COUNTY - Illinois State Police is investigating a one-vehicle fatal traffic crash that occurred at 4:08 a.m. on Tuesday, September 20, 2022, on Interstate 64 westbound at Interstate 55 southbound in St. Clair County. A Gray 2017 Mercedes C300 driven by a Bellfontaine, Mo., man and a passenger Makenze L. Coulter, 23, of Table Grove, IL., were involved in the crash. The passenger sustained life-threatening injuries and was pronounced deceased. ISP released this preliminary report: "Unit 1 was traveling westbound on Interstate 64 near Interstate 55 southbound. The front seat passenger was standing through the sunroof and fell out of the top of the vehicle as the driver was navigating a curve on the interstate. Interstate 64 westbound was closed for approximately four hours for the investigation. All lanes were reopened at 8:45 a.m. The investigation is ongoing and there is no further information available at this time."

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GODFREY - The Godfrey Village Board of Trustees held a brief meeting on Tuesday evening, passing a number of motions and tabling one for their next meeting on October 4. Among the motions passed were the approval of a liquor license for the Eclipse Car Wash being built in Godfrey, approval for IDOT to construct gates and a sidewalk on Pearl Street, and more. After the pledge of allegiance and taking roll call, the village board began the meeting by approving the minutes from their last meeting on August 30 - no corrections or additions were made, so those meeting minutes are now on file with the Clerk’s office. Next, a proclamation was made regarding Beverly Farm’s 125th anniversary. A motion to make a presentation to Beverly Farms on October 1 celebrating this anniversary was approved with no comments, questions, or board members opposed. Ben Allen was not present to make the Public Safety Committee report, but he will be present at the next meeting on October

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ST. LOUIS COUNTY - St. Louis County Police Crimes Against Persons detectives are investigating a homicide in the 4500 block of Edgewood Boulevard in the City of Northwoods which resulted in the death of an adult female. On September 21, 2022, at 10:47 AM, City of Northwoods police officers responded to a call for service for a shooting in the 4500 block of Edgewood Boulevard. Responding officers located an adult female suffering from apparent gunshot injuries. The victim was pronounced deceased at the scene. City of Northwoods Police requested St. Louis County Police Department’s Crimes Against Persons detectives who are now leading the investigation. Preliminary investigation has revealed the shooting to be the result of a domestic incident. A suspect is in custody. The investigation is very active at this time. Additional information will be disseminated as it becomes available. Please contact the St. Louis County Police Department at 636-529-8210 to speak with

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SPRINGFIELD – At 1:02 a.m. on Wednesday, September 21, 2022, an Illinois State Police District 11 Trooper was investigating a traffic crash on Interstate 270 westbound at milepost 0.5, Madison County. The squad car was stationary with emergency lights activated, Illinois State Police said. "A Truck Tractor Semi-Trailer (TTST) failed to yield to the stationary emergency vehicle and almost struck the Trooper," State Police explained. "The Trooper was able to jump out of the way of the TTST and sustained minor abrasions. "The TTST continued traveling westbound on Interstate 270. Another Trooper, in the area, was able to stop the driver of the TTST and issue the driver a citation for a violation of Scott’s Law – Improper Passing of an Emergency Vehicle." Illinois State Police (ISP) officials investigated two separate Scott’s Law Violations that occurred within a few hours apart. One violation involved a traffic crash with an ISP squad car in Chicago, and in th

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GRANITE CITY - GCS Credit Union employees joined together to raise $760.00 in the month of August to benefit Jersey County CEO through their Don’t Stop Donatin’ Jeans Program. The Don’t Stop Donatin’ Jeans Program is funded by GCS employees who make monthly, monetary donations out of their own pockets to a local organization. B By donating $15 or more to a specific organization, GCS employees are able to wear jeans and tennis shoes on Fridays and Saturdays during that month. This year, GCS Credit Union is focusing on giving back to the 18 counties that they serve. During the month of August, GCS focused on giving back to Jersey County, IL. GCS proudly raised $760.00 for Jersey County CEO. Jersey County CEO is a high school program sponsored and funded by local investors to encourage future entrepreneurs to start their small businesses. Visit jerseycountyceo.com to find out more about Jersey County CEO or to become an investor. To find out more about GCS

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GODFREY - Automotive and agriculture educators from Alton High School brought their students to Lewis and Clark Community College, Wednesday, Sept. 21, to participate in technical training on natural fuel variations from MEG Corp. Founder and President Hoon Ge. The event was sponsored by The B20 Club, Illinois Soybean Association, Illinois American Lung Association and National Science Foundation. Following the presentation, students were treated to lunch and an interactive tour of L&C Automotive Technology facilities. To learn more about the Automotive Technology program at L&C, visit www.lc.edu/program/autotech.

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JERSEYVILLE - The fourth and final installment of the Journey to Jerseyville “Rock the Block” concert series for this year is scheduled for Friday, October 7 from 5-8 p.m. at City Center Plaza, located at 403 N. State St. in Jerseyville. Live musical entertainment will be performed by Captain Geech & the Shrimp Shack Shooters, and Amy Pointer with Explore Jerseyville tourism said they’re sure to be a hit with the crowd. “Captain Geech will take the stage from 5-8 p.m., bringing visitors to their feet with some of the great classics,” Pointer said. “Their great sound and wonderful audience involvement will have people dancing in the street!” Several food and drink options including Pig on Wing, Los Tres Amigos, and Germania Brew Haus will be at the event, and several other restaurants can be found within walking distance around City Center, including George’s Local Brew, Brossio Tavern, and more. The U.S. Veterans Foundation

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EAST ST. LOUIS – To help offset the financial challenges of the last few years, State Senator Christopher Belt announced that school districts across the 57 th Senate District will receive millions in additional funding. The funding comes from the 2017 Illinois Senate Democrat-backed evidence based funding formula, which reexamined the state funding model for K-12 education. Thanks to this law, the school funding formula is more equitable as it takes into account a district’s total enrollment, poverty rate, the number of special education or English language learners, among other factors to base its revenue needs. “Schools were some of the hardest hit by the pandemic, and they can benefit heavily from this increased financial support,” said Senator Belt (D-Swansea). “Building off of the tax holiday for school supplies, this funding is yet another opportunity for educators to acquire the resources they need to provide children with the most optimal

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GRAFTON - Former Grafton Mayor Tom Thompson was presented with the MRCTI Founding Mayor’s Medal by Mayor Morrow at last night’s Grafton City Council meeting. Mayor Thompson received the medal at the 10th Annual Mississippi River Cities and Towns Initiative (MRCTI) awards dinner in St. Louis on Wednesday evening, September 14, 2022. Established in 2012, Mayor Thompson was one of the organization’s twenty founding mayors. MRCTI is a mayor-led, mayor-comprised effort empowering the ten States and over one hundred cities that border the Mississippi River to act for its continued prosperity, sustainability, and economic growth. Mayor Thompson made an impassioned speech to a full city chamber of Grafton residents. “I am honored to receive this award,” said Mayor Thompson. “The MRCTI is a great organization that allows mayors up and down the river to work together and solve problems.” He praised Mayor Morrow for his leadership with the city and sai

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ST. LOUIS - The beginning of something BIG is coming to St. Louis! Led by the entertainment and hospitality experts at Brick + Bev, as an affiliate with Green Street Real Estate Ventures, the historic landmark the Armory is being revitalized as a multi-venue entertainment destination in Midtown, St. Louis, with the first phase opening to the public on December 9, 2022. The Armory has a deeply rooted and eclectic history in the community. Originally built and designed for the 138 th Infantry of the Missouri National Guard, the Armory has had a multitude of transformations over the decades, including serving as a multi-sports complex and a concert venue. This year, the Armory’s final evolution will be as a regional destination packed with experiential entertainment. With nearly six acres of flexible indoor space to gather, play, eat, drink and discover, the Armory boasts a 60-foot stage to host live entertainment every weekend and monthly national and regional touring acts;

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JERSEYVILLE - The Jersey County Historical Society has partnered with Explore Jerseyville Tourism to offer another look into the history that surrounds you when visiting Historic City Center. The first marker was placed at the ribbon cutting of City Center Park in August of 2021. On September 26th, 2022 @ 3:30, we will set the second board for one of the most well-known landmarks, the Jersey County Courthouse. The Jersey County Board approved and paid to produce the courthouse marker in the fall of 2021 and after going through multiple stages of design and proofing, was printed locally with Julie’s Graphics this spring. The City of Jerseyville working in conjunction with the City Center Program handled the installation and media support for this project. The Jersey County Historical Society provided information and photographs for the project highlighting the long history of the building pointing out what there is to see, but also discusses changes and alterations to the structure.

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ST. LOUIS - Starting today and continuing through Tuesday, Oct. 4, Schnucks customers in the St. Louis metropolitan area will be able to contribute to United Way of Greater St. Louis at checkout simply by rounding up their grocery purchases to the nearest dollar. Those customers who use self-checkouts and wish to donate may choose a $1, $3 or $5 “Scan and Give” option. Schnucks Rewards members also have the opportunity to donate their rewards points to United Way as part of the Donate Your Rewards program. Schnucks has a decades-long history of supporting United Way, and during last year’s company campaign, teammates and the company donated more than $2.45 million. Company Chairman and CEO Todd Schnuck was the fifth member of his family to serve as a United Way campaign chair following his father, uncle and two older brothers. “Over the decades, our teammates, leaders and company as a whole have formed an amazing and impactful community partnership with

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ALTON – From doughnuts to movie themes or just a fun round on the links, Riverbend residents and businesses can support OSF HealthCare Moeller Cancer Center this month by taking part in the OSF Foundation’s annual golf outing. This year’s tournament will be on Friday, September 23, at Spencer T. Olin Community Golf Course in Alton. Lunch and registration begins at 10:30 a.m. followed by a 12 p.m. shotgun start. The event will conclude with a steak and chicken dinner and the announcement of winning golfers. Golfers looking to spice up their round can also sample snacks and have some Caddyshack and Jimmy Buffett-themed fun. On the Duke Bakery hole, the player who lands their ball closest to the pin gets a year’s supply of doughnut holes from the bakery. Proceeds from this year’s golf outing will support programs and services at Moeller Cancer Center on the campus of OSF Saint Anthony’s Health Center . The tournament’s title sponsor is Moeller

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and Jerry Moran (R-KS) introduced and passed by voice vote a bipartisan resolution recognizing September 2022 as National Student Parent Month. The resolution highlights the contributions and achievements of the nearly 4 million Americans with children who attend postsecondary educational institutions. “By passing this bipartisan resolution to recognize September 2022 as National Student Parent Month, the Senate is sending an important message to the millions of Americans who are both raising children and trying to balance college coursework that we have their backs—especially those who face unique challenges, like single parents, military families or first-generation college students,” said Duckworth. “I’m proud to lead this resolution alongside Senator Moran, and we will continue supporting student parents as they work to provide a better future for their families.” “Being

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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) joined Senator Bob Menendez (D-NJ) and Congresswoman Nydia Velazquez (D-NY-07) in a bicameral letter to President Joe Biden urging him to issue a Major Disaster Declaration for all of Puerto Rico’s municipalities in response to Hurricane Fiona. Just days before the fifth anniversary of Hurricane Maria, the deadliest natural disaster in U.S. history, Hurricane Fiona ravaged the island with catastrophic flash flooding, unprecedented rainfall, and high-speed winds. “Governor Pierluisi has formally requested a Major Disaster Declaration for all of Puerto Rico’s municipalities in response to Hurricane Fiona. We strongly urge you to approve this request to ensure Puerto Rico has all the federal resources available to respond to this disaster,” wrote the bicameral group of lawmakers to President Biden. “Furthermore, 750,000 homes remain without potable water.

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CHICAGO - Attorney General Kwame Raoul, along with the city of Chicago and the Citizens Utility Board (CUB), filed an application for rehearing requesting the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) revisit its Aug. 17 decision ordering Commonwealth Edison (ComEd) to refund $38 million to customers. Raoul, the city of Chicago and CUB argued that customers should receive larger refunds after ComEd financed a $200 million contribution from its parent company, Exelon Corporation, as an equity infusion to pay a criminal penalty from a July 2020 deferred prosecution agreement (DPA) ComEd entered into to resolve a federal criminal investigation. ComEd’s accounting treatment is argued to have permanently increased ComEd’s equity capitalization, resulting in the electric utility collecting $7 million more in revenues from its customers. In the DPA, ComEd admitted to engaging in an unprecedented, eight-year bribery scheme to influence and reward former speaker of the Illinois House

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