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ALTON – Spring is in the air, and the Easter Bunny is on his way! Families are invited to celebrate the season with an unforgettable Easter experience at Alton Square Mall, filled with joy, smiles, and festive fun. Starting on April 4, 2025, guests can visit Alton Square Mall to meet the Easter Bunny, capture memorable photos, and soak in the vibrant springtime atmosphere. This beloved tradition brings the magic of the season to life with beautifully themed photos, creating cherished memories for all. "Springtime is about making joyful memories with loved ones," said Rosanna Frisch, Senior Marketing Manager. "We’re delighted to welcome the Easter Bunny back to Alton Square Mall and invite families to join us for a fun, festive photo experience that celebrates the magic of the season." For more information please email mallevents@hullpg.com or contact the Mall Management Office at (618) 300-3164

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COLLINSVILLE – Illinois State Police (ISP) Troop 8 Commander, Captain Casey Faro, announces the ISP will conduct Alcohol Countermeasure Enforcement (ACE) patrols in Madison and St. Clair counties during April. ACE patrols allow the ISP to focus on preventing, detecting, and taking enforcement action in response to violations associated with impaired driving and illegal transportation or consumption of alcohol or drugs. The ISP has zero tolerance for impaired driving in Illinois. Officers working the detail will be watchful for motorists who show signs of impaired driving, operating vehicles in an unsafe manner, driving with a suspended or revoked driver’s license, and transporting open alcoholic beverages, as well as improper seatbelt and child restraint usage, distracted driving, and other Illinois Vehicle Code violations. Alcohol and drug impairment are estimated to be a factor in more than 47% of all fatal motor vehicle crashes in Illinois. There is one alcohol-related

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ALTON – OSF HealthCare Rehabilitation Services in Alton will be holding its monthly Lymphedema education meeting on Thursday, April 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 April Lymphedema education meeting will be held: Thursday, April 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,

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BELLEVILLE – Busey Bank is proud to support the financing of Southern Illinois Healthcare Foundation’s (SIHF) latest initiative aimed at expanding healthcare services in Belleville. SIHF, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing comprehensive healthcare services to communities throughout Southern Illinois, will now be able to purchase and renovate a four-story, 59,425-square-foot facility to expand healthcare services for the Belleville region. This impactful project was made possible through the use of federal and state New Markets Tax Credit (NMTC) programs, which are designed to stimulate investment in low-income communities and encourage economic development in areas where traditional capital may not be readily available. Busey partnered with SIHF on this complex financing by providing multiple loans, including a federal NMTC leverage loan and a federal NMTC equity investment. With financing now in place, the planned renovations will allow SIHF to consolidate

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Letter To The Editor: I am proud to endorse Mayor Goins for re-election as Mayor of Alton. Over the past few years, Mayor Goins has demonstrated exceptional leadership and dedication to our community. It took him several years, beginning in 2021, to clean up the financial mess he inherited. There was no way to allocate funds for necessary street repairs and infrastructure improvements until the city’s finances were stabilized. After more than two years of hard work, he has successfully turned our city's financial situation around. It would not be fair to deny him another term, as he needs the opportunity to continue implementing his vision for better streets, improved infrastructure, and enhanced economic development for Alton. In addition to his financial accomplishments, Mayor Goins has made a significant impact during his first term. He has transformed our city's deficit into a remarkable $7 million surplus and has overseen more road repairs than any previous administration.

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ALTON – Marquette Catholic High School will present Disney’s Freaky Friday – A New Musical on April 10, 11, and 12, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. on the Ruth Klaus Stage located at 219 E. 4th Street. Disney’s Freaky Friday , a New Musical features music by Tom Kitt , lyrics by Brian Yorkey , and is written by Bridget Carpenter . It is based on the 1972 novel of the same name by Mary Rodgers and its 1976 , 1995 , and 2003 film adaptations. In the story, an overworked mother and her teenage daughter magically swap bodies, and they have only one day to make things right again before the mom's wedding. According to Ms. Madison Foreman, Theater and Music Director, 32 students are involved in the production as actors, crew and ensemble. She said, “Our students have poured their hearts into bringing this story to life. It’s a story that everyone can relate to—about family, understanding, and embracing change—but it’s also packe

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Letter To The Editor: April is National Volunteer Appreciation Month, and I’m writing today to celebrate someone who has spent the last four years helping make recovery possible for more people in Illinois. As an AmeriCorps member with Recovery Corps, Donnis Campbell has focused on supporting individuals at Chestnut Health Systems as they build a healthy life in recovery from substance use disorder. Over the past four years, she has given a total of 6,300 hours to help people achieve their goals! Donnis meets with program participants and provides guidance as they navigate resources, set goals, and develop recovery action plans. With Donnis offering individualized support, we’ve seen people overcome barriers and ultimately maintain progress in their recovery. I especially have been proud of how she’s used her own experience in recovery to connect with others and provide mentoring and peer support. I couldn’t let the program year end without acknowledging

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MARYVILLE, IL. – With mixed emotions, Thompson & Lengacher CPAs would like to announce the retirement of Mike Lengacher, Principal & Owner. After a more than 40-year career in public accounting. Lengacher will enter retirement effective June 30, 2025. With Lengacher retiring, Elizabeth Heil, CPA, and Heather Clugston, CPA, have acquired Thompson & Lengacher (T&L) and will continue serving the firm’s many clients upon his retirement. Heil joined the firm in 2021 after spending more than 20 years in public accounting. Clugston has spent 15 years in public accounting and joined T&L in January 2025. Heil and Clugston are both Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) and will offer the same quality services T&L clients have received for many years. The T&L team will work toward making Lengacher’s retirement a smooth transition for all clients. “Heather and I are excited to continue to serve T&L’s clients and continue to expand the firm. Mike and I have been preparing

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ST. LOUIS - With nearly 1.5 million people suffering from rheumatoid and juvenile arthritis in the United States, researchers at Shriners Children’s St. Louis have discovered a new revolutionary way to potentially minimize flare-ups and symptoms while preventing the progression of the disease. Shriners Children’s St. Louis Director of Research Dr. Farshid Guilak recently published findings on a revolutionary new method of “chronotherapy,” the administration of drugs based on the body’s circadian rhythm, potentially changing the way the condition is treated in the future. Circadian rhythm refers to the body's 24-hour clock which is regulated by the brain and responds to light. Using a combination of synthetic biology and tissue engineering, Dr. Guilak’s research team developed circadian-based gene circuits, termed “chronogenetics,” that can be programmed into stem cells that, once implanted in the body, align with a patient’s

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Did you know that one-third of all food produced globally is wasted? That's approximately 1.3 billion tons of food each year, equivalent to the annual greenhouse gas emissions of nearly 1 billion cars. This staggering statistic not only highlights a pressing environmental issue but also underscores the importance of rethinking our shopping habits to combat food waste. As consumers, we hold significant power over food production and waste. By adopting smarter shopping habits, we can reduce the amount of food that ends up in landfills and, at the same time, save money and resources. Let’s explore practical strategies that can help you shop mindfully and contribute to a more sustainable future. Understanding the Impact of Food Waste Before diving into strategies for reducing food waste, it's essential to understand its implications. Food waste contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, strains land and water resources, and represents a significant financial loss for households.

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Welcome to March 31st, a day rich with historical significance and transformative events that have shaped our world. From groundbreaking treaties and scientific discoveries to cultural milestones, this day has witnessed a variety of noteworthy happenings across different eras and regions. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most impactful events that occurred on this date throughout history. The Formation of the Treaty of Paris (1856) One of the most significant events that occurred on March 31st was the signing of the Treaty of Paris in 1856, which brought an end to the Crimean War. This conflict, fought primarily between the Russian Empire and an alliance of the Ottoman Empire, France, Britain, and Sardinia, was marked by its brutal battles and significant loss of life. The treaty not only marked the end of hostilities but also reshaped the balance of power in Europe, ensuring the independence of the Ottoman Empire and limiting Russian expansion. This event is crucial

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Dear Editor, As the Fire Chief of the Godfrey Fire Protection District, I am concerned about the current Village of Godfrey Trustees' decision to dismiss the proposal for expanding ambulance services. In September 2023, I suggested leasing the old fire station on Godfrey Road to enhance our emergency response, but this was ignored. Relocating the proposed service to Roxana contradicts the trustees' vision for our village. Reliable emergency services are vital, and opposing this expansion undermines our residents' safety. Currently, Alton Memorial is our only ambulance service, and while they perform admirably, our growing community needs more support. Expanding services would, in periods of increased demand, ensure quicker response times and better care during emergencies. To the voters: As you make decisions in upcoming elections, please consider the importance of reliable emergency services. Thoughtful voting can ensure that our community's needs are met and

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WOOD RIVER – An Alton man charged with breaking into a Wood River home and stealing a firearm from inside has been ordered to remain in custody. Aaron S. Basham, 33, of Alton, was charged on March 24, 2025 with residential burglary (a Class 1 felony) and possession of a weapon by a felon (a Class 3 felony). Basham allegedly broke into a Wood River residence on March 22, 2025 and stole a Springfield Armory Hellcat 9mm firearm from the home. The weapon was unlawful for him to possess as a felon previously convicted of Residential Burglary in a 2015 Madison County case. A petition was filed to deny Basham’s pretrial release, stating the victim told authorities they believed Basham was the one who broke into their home after capturing him on surveillance video. After searching Basham’s residence, authorities recovered clothing seen in the surveillance video and the victim’s stolen firearm. “ was interviewed and admitted to entering the victim’s residence

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EDWARDSVILLE - The reading voices ran the scale from sounding strong to resolute, excited to pensive, and were punctuated with masterful and melodious tunes along the way. They relayed an old, important American story with a new twist, as told through the words of a fictious child and her grandmother. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Communications Director Nicole Franklin and her mother, SIUE alumna Irene Franklin , captivated an audience with the reading of their book, “ Ella’s Sunday Song ,” on Tuesday, March 25, 2025 in the University’s Lovejoy Library. Earlier that morning, the Franklins visited the SIUE Early Childhood Center to share their story. “Ella’s Sunday Song” is a children’s picture book introducing the Spiritual, a musical artform that emerged from centuries of slavery in the United States,” informed Franklin. Accompanying the Franklins, by singing the Black spiritual, “Steal Away (Steal Away

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SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) announced today that the unemployment rate fell -0.1 percentage point to 4.8 percent in February, based on preliminary data provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The revised January unemployment rate was unchanged at 4.9 percent. The Illinois unemployment rate was down -0.1 percentage point from a year ago when it was 4.9 percent. The national unemployment rate was 4.1 percent in February, up +0.1 percentage point from the previous month, making the state’s unemployment +0.7 percentage point higher than the national unemployment rate. Illinois nonfarm payrolls remained nearly unchanged in February at -6,500 (-0.1%), while the January monthly change in payrolls was revised from -1,100 to -4,400. The industry sectors with over-the-month job increases included: Construction (+2,900), Trade, Transportation and Utilities (+2,300), and Professional and Business Services (+1,900). The industry

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GRANITE CITY - Granite City High School's Drama Series One-Act Play cast and crew have achieved a significant milestone, winning first place at the Illinois High School Association (IHSA) Sectional for their performance of the stage play "Almost, Maine." The team is set to advance to the State Final, which will take place in Oak Lawn, on March 28, 2025. This opportunity marks an important moment for the students involved, showcasing their dedication and talent in the performing arts. The success at the sectional level highlights the commitment of the Granite City School District #9 to fostering artistic expression and providing students with a platform to showcase their skills.

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SPRINGFIELD - An 1881 U.S. $10 gold coin, an 18-karat yellow gold chain link bracelet, and a baseball card with a piece of Joe DiMaggio’s bat are among the unclaimed property items being auctioned online from March 28 through April 6, 2025. The spring online auction also includes vintage pocket watches, currency notes from various countries, and 25 1 oz. 999 fine silver rounds. “Our online auction is open to everyone --- not just collectors. It’s a convenient way for people to shop for their personal collection or find a one-of-a-kind gift, like a piece of a Joe DiMaggio baseball bat,” said Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs, whose office oversees unclaimed property in Illinois. A total of 100 lots will be auctioned, some featuring multiple items. To view auction items, go to the catalog on the HiBid website. Prospective bidders first must sign up on HiBid and create an account. There are a couple of ways to do this. One is to go to hibid.com

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COLLINSVILLE - The Collinsville Police Department in Illinois has recognized two officers for their exemplary service through the Officer of the Month award. Officer Trent Ross received the honor for January 2025, while Officer Brian Joy was acknowledged for February 2025. Both officers were commended for their commitment to proactive policing, a key principle of the department's approach to law enforcement. The department highlighted the collaborative efforts of Officer Ross and his K9 partner, who contributed significantly to his success in the field. The Collinsville Police Department expressed gratitude for the dedication shown by both officers in serving the community. The recognition serves to emphasize the importance of teamwork and community-oriented policing within the department.

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ALTON - On a recent episode of “You’re Beautiful” with Brian Trust , Dave Wilson encouraged people to realize that God’s blessing is right in front of them. Wilson noted that God is present in everyone’s life. He believes that God is with us even — or especially — during difficult times, and every challenge is a blessing in disguise. God has a plan for all of us, and Wilson encourages people to trust in Him. “None of this takes away from my blessings. My blessings are for me and in front of me at all times,” he said. “God wants nothing more from each and every one of us but to take a step in the right direction and show up. Every moment that we show up, our blessing lies directly in front of us.” Wilson, who owns Wilson Tree Service in Godfrey, shared that he recently spent $11,000 repairing a chipper that then completely broke down three months later. Instead of getting frustrated or upset, Wilson turne

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Spring into Healthy Habits with Dairy Spring is an inspiring time of rebirth and renewal. As nature wakes up from winter, St. Louis District Dairy Council encourages you to take a fresh look at your self-care routine. With the colder months behind us, it makes sense to explore new ways to improve your health and wellness. It may be as easy as adding outdoor physical activity to enjoy the warmer weather or adjusting your afternoon snack choices. So, celebrate the change of seasons and spring into health this month with simple changes. Rethink your diet Spring is all about new beginnings, fresh starts and hope for new opportunities. It is also the perfect time to take a closer look at eating habits to improve health. Focus on foods that nourish your body like yogurt parfaits with berries, omelets with vegetables and cheese, and salads with fresh produce. As you welcome the new season, take an inventory of food shopping habits as well. Spend more time in the produce section and select

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