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EAST ST. LOUIS – Applications are live for the Small Equipment Grant Program through the Office of the State Fire Marshal, and senators Christopher Belt and Kris Tharp are encouraging local fire departments in the Metro East to apply. “This program gives eligible departments the opportunity to purchase small equipment that they may otherwise not be able to afford,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “Thanks to the small equipment grants, fire departments will be able to provide better service to residents and families in our community, and I urge Metro East facilities to apply.” OSFM will award $1.5 million to eligible fire departments and ambulance services for vital equipment purchases. “Departments have had to make tough financial decisions,” said Tharp (D-Bethalto). “The Small Equipment Grant Program reduces the burden on smaller departments and districts to offer assistance to replace aging and sometimes failing small equipment.” The Smal

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ALTON - State Representatives Amy Elik (R-Fosterburg) Charlie Meier (R-Okawville), and David Friess (R-Red Bud) are hosting a Telephone Town Hall for residents to talk about state issues and garner feedback from constituents. The conversation will focus on energy prices and other important issues facing state government. The Telephone Town Hall will be on Wednesday, August 31st at 6:30 pm. Residents will receive a phone call and can stay on the line to tune in. If you do not receive a call and would like to participate, you can call 888-652-0383.

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EDWARDSVILLE – As part of its ongoing efforts to provide hands-on training for all students, the National Corn-to-Ethanol Research Center (NCERC), located in University Park at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, has launched a job shadowing program for high school students interested in learning about careers in biotechnology. The Careers in Biotechnology job shadow program will facilitate on-site learning opportunities at the NCERC facility for students who want to learn about how biotechnology intersects with several different career fields, including chemistry, biology, engineering, business, communication, marketing, and others. The new program will pair high school students with NCERC’s individual staff members and give students exposure to different career paths in an innovative research environment. “Through my role as a member of the Waterloo School Board, I’ve seen the various ways high school students research and engage with different career

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EDWARDSVILLE - The Daughters of Isabella Circle 218 have awarded a monetary scholarship of $1,000 each to Amelia Beer and Lynzie Huelsmann for their tuition at Mater Dei Catholic High School. Both Amelia and Lynzie are parishioners of St. Paul's Catholic Church in Highland, IL. Congratulations to both young ladies on a job well done!

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ST. LOUIS - The St. Louis Jewish Community Center’s biannual Used Book Sale returns from August 28-September 1 with offerings in every genre, including mysteries, general fiction, nonfiction, children’s books, and much more. “The Used Book Sale at the J is a great place to find amazing bargains and valuable collectibles, “said Lynn Wittels, President, and CEO of the J. “The sale is well recognized by book dealers and the literature community as being among the best in the St. Louis region.” Preview day is Sunday, August 28 from 10 am-4 pm with a $10 admission and free admission begins on Monday. Hours are 10 am-7 pm Monday-Wednesday and on Thursday customers can fill a bag for $5 between 10 am and 6 pm. Masks are required for entry. Thousands of books will be available for sale at the Annual J Used Book Sale. Stock up on your reading material. Proceeds from the sale benefit the Cultural Arts Department. Book lovers, collectors, and avid readers

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ALTON - A survivor of four types of cancer, you can understand why Kristi Fetter was a little skeptical that a support group would be the magic to turn her mood around. Five years later, it’s a 180-degree change of opinion for the Granite City, Illinois, woman. “They helped me a lot with their knowledge. They’re caring,” Fetter says. “With all the other women there who have been through the same thing that I've been through, that helps too because you're on the same walk.” Fetter and those who run the Caring Circle cancer support group at OSF HealthCare in Alton, Illinois , are talking about the importance of having people to lean on – whether you’re dealing with cancer or some other hardship. From attendee to leader Patient navigators Heather Chambers and Karen Boyd head up the Caring Circle group in Alton. And you couldn’t ask for a better leader than Chambers. Herself a breast cancer survivor, she attended a support

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ALTON - State Representative Amy Elik (R-Fosterburg) earned the ‘Freshman of the Year’ award for her positive voting record in support of economic opportunity and free enterprise in Illinois. Elik was the only freshman member of the Illinois House of Representatives to receive the highest honor during the 102nd General Assembly. The Illinois Chamber of Commerce presented the 2022 Champion of Free Enterprise and Freshman of the Year Award to Rep. Amy Elik in correspondence with the release of their 102nd General Assembly Legislative Ratings. This award is given by the Illinois Chamber of Commerce to legislators who work toward the advancement of economic opportunity for all Illinoisans and to those who have made special contributions to the defense and furtherance of free enterprise in our state. “As a lawmaker and CPA, supporting policy that helps grow our economy, cut red tape, and improve our job climate is a good recipe to make Illinois more prosperous,”

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CARLINVILLE – One of the larger music festivals in small-town Illinois music festival returns this year with an array of musical genres. The 2022 SamJam Music and Brewfest will be held on Saturday, Sept. 24, from noon until 10 p.m. at the Macoupin County Fairgrounds, just north of Carlinville. The event will feature everything from R&B to country and rock and roll, jazz, and American folk. “We’ve become known for top-quality music,” said Sam’s father, Peter Oswald, who has spearheaded the SamJam events. “Every year, our fans tell us how good our music is, and how much they enjoy listening to it. “Creating that type of fan experience is really important to us, and every year new people come and join us,” continued Oswald. “Even the vendors tell us they want to come back. We take a lot of pride in how people view the SamJam experience.” SamJam was created in 2014 to honor Sam, who has endured years of struggle with neurofibromatosis

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GLEN CARBON – The Father McGivney Catholic community along with Bishop Thomas John Paprocki celebrated its 10-year anniversary with mass at the school followed by a reception. A total of 300-plus people attended the event. The 10-Year Anniversary Committee was led by Suzanne Halbrook, McGivney Advancement Director. Halbrook explains, “We are honored to have Bishop Thomas John Paprocki not only attend our celebration but also give the homily. We will conclude our event with a social gathering at the campus, surrounded by the people who made this school happen along with the presence of God. We are grateful, excited, and honored to celebrate 10 years.” Many were not sure if the school would ever actually come to fruition. President of Father McGivney Catholic High School, Very Reverend Jeffrey H Goeckner VF, explains, “After many challenges, sacrifices and much prayer, Father McGivney Catholic High School opened its doors in 2012 and welcomed 19 freshmen. FMCHS

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ELSAH - The Village of Elsah Festival on Saturday drew a large crowd and showed why Elsah was voted the #1 Top Scenic Spot in Illinois by the Illinois Top 200 project. The festival had everything from live music, local vendors, food and drink, self-guided wetland trail tours, and historic tours of the village. People were captivated and satisfied with the effort of the businesses and volunteers for this special day. Julie Connoyer owner of Peace Works, A Market With A Mission, of Elsah, and one of the organizers of the event, thought the Elsah Festival was a great success. "It was a four-hour event, but we were very excited to add vitality and to get people in," she said after battling a flood one year and the COVID-19 Pandemic another. "All the businesses were open Saturday. We had an enormous turnout from vendors and those visiting. It was a wonderful day." Connie Davis, Elsah tourism committee chair and co-owner of the Green Tree Inn with her husband Gary, said prior to the event

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Pics from this article (and gallery) may be purchased for personal use at: https://www.randymanning.com/Alton-Food-Trucks ALTON - The annual Alton Food Truck Festival Saturday presented by Sauce Magazine at the Liberty Bank Alton Amphitheater had perfect weather and those present seemed to enjoy the wide variety of eating options. Dan Herkert, chair of the Liberty Bank Alton Amphitheater Commission, said he couldn't have asked for more at this year's food truck festival. “We had great weather, it was warm, but not too hot,” he said. “People were patient in line, but the lines moved quickly. After eight years of having the food truck festival, people know the food will be great and they have to be a little patient. The Groovethang band was again wonderful. They pretty much hit every type of music from the 1970s to the 2000s. The Food Truck Festival is a great event, people love to come here and eat and hang out with friends and family on the Alton riverfront.”

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EDWARDSVILLE – The Lewis and Clark Community College Veterans Club will host an American Red Cross Blood Drive from noon to 5 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 1, in the Leclaire Room on the college’s N.O. Nelson Campus, 600 Troy Road, in Edwardsville. “We are proud to be joining forces once again with the American Red Cross on this community blood drive,” said L&C Director of Career and Veteran Services Terry Lane. “By taking part in this opportunity to help others, you just might save a life. Please make an effort to attend, and please share this information with your family and friends.” To schedule an appointment, go to www.redcrossblood.org and enter Sponsor Code: LewisClark1 or call 800-RED CROSS. Walk-ins are always welcome, but scheduling an appointment online helps the Red Cross ensure they have the right number of people and supplies on hand for the drive. Those who wish to donate can streamline their donation experience and save up to 15

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ST. LOUIS COUNTY - On Friday, August 26, 2022, the St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office issued a summons in lieu of arrest on suspect Johnathan Cunningham, 36 years of age, of the 11900 block of Villa Dorado Drive in St. Louis, Missouri 63146, for Stealing $750 or More. Please note, charges are merely an accusation and Defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law. The probable cause statement reads: The Defendant has worked as a Lieutenant for the St. Louis County Police Department (SLCPD) since March of 2022. Prior to that, Lt. Cunningham was a patrol officer for SLCPD beginning June of 2008 rising to the rank of Sergeant on April of 2017. Beginning June 1, 2022, it was determined through investigation that Lt. Cunningham worked secondary employment for Hudson Services who provides security services for Spire utility company on the following dates and times: 06/01/22 from 6:30 am till 10:30 am 06/20/22 from 6:30 am till 10:30

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ALTON - At 8:12 a.m. Saturday, August 27, Alton Police investigated a crash at State House Circle in Alton. This was the report from Alton Police Deputy Chief Jarrett Ford: "Investigation into the crash revealed the vehicle was traveling east in the 800 block of College Avenue as it approached the Statehouse Circle in Alton. "The driver, the sole occupant of the vehicle, failed to properly navigate the traffic circle and drove into the interior of the circle before coming to rest within the landscaping. No injuries were reported." Ford said the cause of the accident remains under investigation at this time.

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ALTON - Bruce Egelhoff is announcing his campaign for the Madison County Board District #9. Retirement from a long career in sales will allow Bruce the free time to give back to Alton and Madison County. Bruce also owns and manages a long-standing residential real estate investment company with his partner, John Meehan. They are responsible for the restoration of over thirty properties in Upper Alton. After representing his constituents, his driving ambition for Alton and Madison County is to maximize the opportunities for economic development, job creation, and the preservation of housing stock. For additional information, you can follow Bruce on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter or you can contact him directly at https://www.facebook.com/bruceegelhoff

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ALTON - The Alton Food Truck Festival set for Saturday, August 27, has an array of strong participants, and Liberty Bank Amphitheater Commission Chair Dan Herkert said Thursday he expects a "huge crowd" with such a bright weather forecast. The event starts at 4 p.m. and runs to 8 p.m. The National Weather Service in St. Louis predicts a sunny day on Saturday with a high of 90 degrees. Herkert said there will be 22 different food trucks from around the St. Louis area at the Alton event. The Alton Food Truck Festival is free of charge. Cajun Seduction, TreauX’s Cajun Barbecue, and Sugarfire Smoke House Barbecue are some new ones that will create attention, Herkert said. Others back include The Sweet Divine, Pig on a Wing, and Tuk Tuk Thai. The entire Food Truck Festival participant list is at the bottom of the story. Herkert said this year there will be a wide variety of food and there will be "something for everybody." Doughboy's Wood Fired Pizza will offer a variety of product

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ST. LOUIS - The St. Louis area weather in July was a roller-coaster with extremely hot temperatures at one period to torrential rain in another. The first three weeks of the month were by far the warmest with temps in the mid-to-upper 90s on many days and consecutive 100-degree temp days July 20-24. National Weather Service in St. Louis meteorologist Chris Kimble said the temps in St. Louis for the month of July were the 17th warmest on record for that month. He also added that St. Louis Lambert Airport records go back to 1874. In July 2022, it was the third-hottest on record, the NOAA's National Centers for Environmental Information said. The average temperature was 76.4 degrees. Only July 1936 (first) and July 2012 (second) were warmer. Late in the month, torrential rains came to the region. The heavy rains started on July 26 and 8.5 inches of rain fell at St. Louis Lambert Airport that day. St. Peters, Mo., was hit the hardest with more than 12 inches of rain. The Metro East Illinois

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GODFREY - Students at Lewis and Clark Community College enjoyed lunch in The Grove, outside of The Commons, Wednesday, August 24, courtesy of L&C Student Activities. Students returned to campus to begin the fall semester on Monday. This is the college's 52nd school year and it was an exciting week for the students.

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COLLINSVILLE - The Illinois Department of Transportation announces lane restrictions that will be encountered Monday, August 29, 2022, through Thursday, September 1, 2022, on northbound Interstate 255 over Interstate 55/70 in Collinsville. Weather permitting, beginning at 6:30 a.m. on Monday, August 29, 2022, the right two lanes on northbound Interstate 255 over the eastbound and westbound ramps from Interstate 55/70 will be closed with only one lane on northbound Interstate 255 remaining open. These restrictions are needed to do emergency bridge deck patching on the bridge carrying Interstate 255 over the eastbound and westbound ramps of Interstate 55/70. IDOT District 8 Operations forces will make the needed improvements. Full access will be restored as soon as possible. The middle lane will open by 4 p.m. on Tuesday, August 30, 2022, leaving the far-right lane closed. All lanes are expected to be open by 4 p.m. Thursday, September 1, 2022. All exit ramps from Interstate 255 wil

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ALTON - At about 8:24 p.m. Thursday, the Alton Police Department responded to a residence in the 200 block of Wonderland Drive, in reference to several reports of a disturbance. Alton Police Chief Marcos Pulido said information the department received was that someone involved in the disturbance may be armed with a firearm. Chief Pulido said a preliminary investigation revealed that there was a disturbance between several people at this residence, in which one person did display a firearm. The subjects involved were generally familiar with each other. The suspect was taken into custody and is being held at the Alton Police Department. The information learned during this investigation will be presented to the Madison County States Attorney's Office for the possibility of felony charges.

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