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GRAFTON - Raging Rivers WaterPark will host the largest snowball fight in the Riverbend region. At 12 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025, the community is invited to Raging Rivers at 100 Palisades Parkway in Grafton for a huge "Snowball Showdown." Attendees will be asked to sign waivers before the fight begins, and then the fun will commence in the Raging Rivers parking lot. “We like to have fun with the community,” said Park Manager Jeremy Hayes. “We hope to get people to engage. It’s more about engagement than anything. It's just getting people out, meeting new people, mingling. If we can create two or three new friendships in a season, we feel like we've accomplished something.” The idea for the snowball fight started as a joke between staff members. They teased that they wanted to throw snowballs at Raging Rivers management. As the conversation continued, staff members decided it would be fun to have a snowball fight with the community. Raging

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BETHALTO – Civic Memorial High School principal, Mr. Justin Newell, is pleased to announce that 15 students from the Civic Memorial’s graduating class of 2025 have been designated as Illinois State Scholars. The Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC), the state’s college access and financial aid agency, confers this important recognition of academic achievement to exceptional Illinois high school students annually. This year, more than 16,500 honorees join the other outstanding students who have been honored since the designation was first introduced in 1958. Principal Newell stated, "Our Illinois State Scholars exemplify the spirit of being ALL IN through their dedication, hard work, and commitment to academic excellence. Their achievements inspire us all and demonstrate what it means to strive for greatness at Civic Memorial High School." The following students have been named Illinois State Scholars: John Bowker, Ryne Breyer, Abigail Clowers, Gabrielle

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ALTON - Debbie “Sissy” Paynic, co-owner of Bubby and Sissy’s in Alton, leaves behind a legacy of love. Debbie died on Jan. 3, 2025, following a seven-year battle with ovarian cancer. Her brother, Michael “Bubby” Paynic, remembers her as an active, welcoming presence at the bar and beyond. “When people would come in the bar, she would always say, ‘Hey, I'm Sissy,’” Michael said. “She was always very welcoming to people and really fun, just always had a smile on her face, always liked to have fun.” Debbie enjoyed waterskiing and traveling. She was a diehard Cardinals fan and worked as an usher at Busch Stadium. She loved ball, even going so far as to finish a chemo treatment and still go to work because she enjoyed it so much. She graduated from Roxana High School and played softball and field hockey at SIUE. She was also involved in the Piasa Indians Drill Team and the Belleville Black Knights Drum & Bugle Corps.

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EAST ST. LOUIS – Lakeatra E. White, a 32-year-old postal carrier from Granite City, was sentenced to 32 months in federal prison for stealing credit cards from the mail and using them for personal expenses. The sentencing took place in a Southern Illinois district court after White pleaded guilty in September 2024 to charges including theft of mail by a postal employee, access device fraud, and aggravated identity theft. In addition to her prison sentence, White will serve three years of supervised release and has been ordered to pay $15,209.11 in restitution. The U.S. Attorney's Office emphasized the breach of trust inherent in her actions. “Mail carriers are entrusted public servants, and postal workers who steal from their customers choose to break that trust,” said U.S. Attorney Rachelle Aud Crowe. She noted that the office will continue to work with the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General to hold accountable those who commit fraud. White, who worke

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GRANITE CITY – The Illinois Department of Transportation today announced that repairs to Interstate 270 between Illinois 3 and Riverview Drive in Missouri will require one westbound lane to be closed starting, weather permitting, at 9 p.m. Friday, Jan. 10. One lane will remain open. All lanes will reopen by 5 a.m. Monday, Jan. 13. Motorists should expect delays and are encouraged to use alternate routes during this closure. Drivers are urged to reduce speed, be alert for changing conditions, obey all construction signage, and refrain from using mobile devices while approaching and traveling through the work zone. For IDOT District 8 updates, follow us on the social media platform X at @IDOTDistrict8 or view area construction details on IDOT’s traveler information map on GettingAroundIllinois.com.vfvvbcbvcb vcv c

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SPRINGFIELD - Applications for the 2025 summer lab internships at Simmons Cancer Institute (SCI) at Southern Illinois University (SIU) School of Medicine are being accepted through February 21. Four positions will be awarded on a competitive basis to qualified undergraduate college students who plan a career in medicine or research with a focus on cancer. Established in 2009, the paid internship program provides hands-on experience for college undergraduates. It is funded through Denim & Diamonds, the cancer institute’s annual gala to benefit cancer research, patient programs and needs of SCI’s patient population. Three internships are located at the School of Medicine in Springfield and one is based at SIU’s Carbondale campus. Housing is not provided. The anticipated dates for the nine-week internship program are June 2 through August 1, 2025. “Our summer internship gives potential future scientists and clinicians their first exposure to real research,”

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TROY - A man from Ohio faces felonies in Madison County for accepting a $9,000 payment for roof repair work he then failed to perform. Anthony H. Brady, 47, of Warren, Ohio, was charged with theft by deception (a Class 3 felony) and home repair fraud by deception (a Class 4 felony). On Sept. 8, 2024, Brady allegedly entered a written contract to perform “roof and solar repair services,” according to court documents. He reportedly failed to perform the work, despite accepting a $9,000 check from the victim. Descriptions of the charges state Brady “knowingly misrepresented his intention and ability to complete the work proposed,” adding he “accepted $9,000 from the victim under false pretenses.” The residence in question is located in Troy, and the Troy Police Department presented the case against Brady. He was granted pretrial release from custody. The issuance of charges is based solely upon probable cause and is not an indication of guilt

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Sustainability has become a buzzword in recent years, often appearing in discussions about climate change, corporate responsibility, and personal lifestyle choices. But what does sustainability truly mean, and why is it crucial for our future? This article delves into the concept of sustainability, its significance, the various dimensions it encompasses, and practical steps individuals and organizations can take toward becoming more sustainable. What is Sustainability? At its core, sustainability refers to the ability to meet present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. This broad definition encompasses environmental, social, and economic dimensions, often referred to as the "triple bottom line" — people, planet, and profit. Environmental Sustainability Environmental sustainability focuses on the preservation of natural resources and ecosystems. It involves practices that reduce environmental degradation, promote biodiversity,

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Welcome to This Day in History! Today, we take a journey through time to explore significant events that occurred on January 10th across various years. January 10, 1920: The League of Nations is Established In the aftermath of World War I, the League of Nations was established on January 10, 1920, as a part of the Treaty of Versailles. This international organization aimed to maintain world peace and prevent future conflicts through collective security and diplomacy. While it ultimately struggled to achieve its goals and was rendered ineffective during World War II, the League laid the groundwork for the establishment of the United Nations in 1945, which continues to play a critical role in global governance today. January 10, 1946: The First Meeting of the United Nations General Assembly Just a few years later, on January 10, 1946, the first meeting of the United Nations General Assembly took place in London. Delegates from 51 nations gathered to discuss and address pressing

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MACON, Ga. - Mercer University recently announced the President's List and Dean's List for the fall 2024 semester. Inclusion on these lists requires students to meet rigorous GPA standards specific to the college or school within the University. The following area students earned a place on the lists: Glen Carbon, Illinois Ariana Bennett, junior, College of Health Professions, Dean's List Founded in 1833, Mercer University is a dynamic and comprehensive center of undergraduate, graduate and professional education. The University enrolls more than 9,200 students in 12 schools and colleges – liberal arts and sciences, law, pharmacy, medicine, business, engineering, education, theology, music, nursing, health professions, and professional advancement – on major campuses in Macon and Atlanta, medical school sites in Macon, Savannah and Columbus, and at regional academic centers in Henry and Douglas counties.

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Snow continued to fall heavily across the region on Friday, Jan. 10, 2025, creating challenging conditions for commuters and prompting local authorities to deploy snow removal trucks throughout the Metro East Illinois area. As of 7 a.m. Friday, the snowfall had intensified, with officials predicting it would cover pavements and complicate travel. Operations Engineer Joe Monroe of IDOT reported that temperatures were in the upper 20s, contributing to the accumulation of snow on roadways. Salt and other de-icing chemicals were initially effective in keeping roads clear, but by 5:30 a.m. Friday, conditions began to deteriorate, particularly south of Godfrey, Monroe said. "By about 5:30 this morning, enough snow started to overcome the chemicals we had out," Monroe stated. Monroe said that IDOT started to reapply chemicals to the roadways when the stronger snowfall occurred early Friday morning. In response to the worsening conditions, snow removal trucks were dispatched at 11 p.m. Thursda

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ALTON - On Saturday, January 11 from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m., the public is invited to join Alton Main Street at an unveiling party for an exciting new feature of Alton’s newest mural, and watch Miles Davis come to life on the wall through augmented reality! The event will take place inside the building that the mural is painted on, Hiram’s Bar located at 219 W. 3rd Street. Attendees can warm up with refreshments, meet the artist, and visit with fellow public art lovers and jazz enthusiasts. In anticipation of the upcoming 100th birthday celebration of Miles Dewey Davis, one of the most influential and acclaimed figures in the history of jazz and 20th-century music who was born in Alton, Illinois on May 26th, 1926, a mural featuring his image was completed in October by St. Louis-based artist Peat "Eyez" Wollaeger. Eyez has commemorated many notable individuals through their murals around the country and is known globally for their colorful stencil portraits and large scale

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GODFREY - A Godfrey man with a long criminal history has been granted pretrial release in his latest case of battery against an elderly victim. Owen D. Smith, 51, of Godfrey, was charged on Jan. 7, 2024 with one Class 3 felony count of aggravated battery and two Class A misdemeanor counts of domestic battery. On Jan. 3, 2025, Smith allegedly struck a household or family member about the head and body with a closed first. The victim in this case was 60 years of age or older at the time of the incident. Court records show an extensive criminal history for Smith dating back to 1998, including prior charges of domestic battery, interfering with a report of domestic battery, phone harassment, property damage, and more. At the time of this incident, he was also on probation from a 2023 Madison County case. The Madison County Sheriff’s Office presented the case against Smith, who was granted pretrial release from custody. A motion to impose additional conditions on his pretrial

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BETHALTO - Villa Rose Senior Living Community will host a lunch-and-learn with featured speaker Dr. Craig Harms. At 12 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 23, 2025, community members are invited to Villa Rose for an hourlong conversation titled “Tips for Staying Healthy and Preventing Falls.” Located at 401 S. Moreland Road in Bethalto, Villa Rose is an independent living community for seniors. Executive Director Cindy Cannon is excited to welcome the public for the event. “Villa Rose is very unique in the community,” Cannon said. “We want to stay independent, and if you need a little help, you can get it…We understand the true vision of trying to keep independent but still be able to have somebody there to support them.” Cannon explained that residents are completely independent but can sign up for home care services as needed. Built 40 years ago, Villa Rose is still family-owned, and Cannon noted that rates are lower because they aren’t

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ALTON - The wildfires in Los Angeles have taken on pretty deep meaning over the last few days for my family. Sierra Brannan, my 24-year-old daughter, has been in the middle of much of the chaos. Last night she had to evacuate her apartment because of close-by explosions and fire mayhem. She stayed the night last night at her other roommate's brother's home about 30 minutes away. I am greatly appreciative of his protection of both girls and opening his home. Sierra returned to her apartment with her roommate Thursday morning as the evacuation order was, for now, halted. Thankfully, her apartment had not been damaged despite how close the wildfires had spread near her. She was so appreciative her home wasn't damaged and how nice her employers had been. Sierra packed her trunk with her most cherished keepsakes last night to escape the area. I also wanted to salute the firefighters who are battling this atrocity. Firefighters and first responders redefine what it means be brave and have

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CHICAGO – Landmarks Illinois will once again welcome the preservation community for its annual fundraiser and networking event, Preservation Forward , on March 6, 2025. The 2025 event will return to The Old Post Office in Chicago, the nation’s largest adaptive reuse project that transformed a long-endangered and vacant former government building into an extraordinary event venue and office space. Long billed as the biggest night in preservation, Preservation Forward annually attracts nearly 800 professionals in the design, real estate and building industries, as well as tradespeople, community artists and activists and community development professionals. Tickets and sponsorships are now on sale for the inspiring evening event, which takes place from 5:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. and features a cocktail reception and a main program honoring the 2025 Landmarks Illinois Influencers , followed by dinner and an after-party. Landmarks Illinois is proud to honor the following 2025

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ALTON - YWCA Southwestern Illinois Women of Distinction is pleased to announce that the nomination period for the Women of Distinction program is now open. Nomination materials may be accessed at www.ywcaswil.org or by calling YWCA at 618.465.7774. Each year, some of the most influential women have been honored at the YWCA‘s Women of Distinction (WOD) celebration. Honorees are women who have demonstrated outstanding leadership and achievement in their professional, civic and personal lives. The WOD Academy has grown into a dynamic and diverse group of over 300 women representing a wide range accomplishments and contributions. YWCA is requesting the public’s help in soliciting nominations for 2025 Women of Distinction. The community is urged to nominate exceptional women who create real change in our communities. Nomination packets are available now at YWCA, online at www.ywcaswil.org, via email at info@ywcaswil.org, or by calling (618) 465-7774. Nomination deadline

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SPRINGFIELD – Today, Kevin Schmidt (R-Millstadt) was sworn in for his second term as State Representative for the 114th District of Illinois. “I’m so honored that the 114th District has placed their trust in me once again,” said Rep. Schmidt. “I’m going to continue working tirelessly to be a true voice for our community, not a cog in the Springfield machine.” Rep. Schmidt has a bipartisan voting record during his first term, consistently supporting fiscally responsible decisions and initiatives that directly impact the 114th district. “We have big challenges ahead in Illinois and I will work every day to find solutions that will bring jobs back, lower the tax burden, and support our first responders,” Schmidt said. “This is a public service, not self-service. This is why I voted against the legislator pay raises last year, and donate it back to my community each month.” Schmidt says his office has prioritized

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SPRINGFIELD — Hospital Sisters Health System (HSHS) hospitals in Illinois are pleased to announce the top names chosen for babies born at these southern Illinois hospitals in 2024. HSHS St. Elizabeth’s Hospital, O’Fallon Top Boy Name Oliver, which has been the top baby boy name since 2020. Top Girl Name Amelia, which has been the top baby girl name since 2022. HSHS St. Joseph’s Hospital Breese Top Boy Names Oliver and Theodore (tied) Top Girl Name Ivy These names were part of the over 1,200 babies delivered at these hospitals in 2024. For others expecting in 2025, St. Elizabeth’s and St. Joseph’s hospitals offers a wide range of services for mothers and infants, including prenatal classes which can be found on St. Elizabeth's and St. Joseph's websites under Classes and Events. Both hospitals focus on offering safe, quality care for mothers and babies. St. Elizabeth’s Hospital recently launche

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GODFREY - Abs Workout Plans will host a wellness open house this weekend to promote holistic wellness. From 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025, community members are invited to Abs Workout Plans at 620 Armsway Court in Godfrey to meet with vendors and learn more about wellness initiatives in the Riverbend. Abby Thurman, owner of Abs Workout Plans, noted that the event encourages healthy eating, fitness and more wellness opportunities. “I wanted to make sure I got every portion of health and wellness and holistic approach I could,” Thurman said. “I think it's a really good way to meet everybody and see the gym and see all the health and wellness vendors that we have in the area to really help get your health and wellness journey started as soon as possible.” Vendors include AC Aesthetics, Fitness for the Soul, Trio Boutique, One Stop Supplements, IV Drip, Just Right Organizing, Busy Body Meals, Amber Childress, Jessica Grace Skin and Permanent

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