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BETHALTO - Civic Memorial High School's head boys basketball coach and physical education teacher, Jared Reynolds, was honored with an All-In recognition this week for his exemplary commitment to students and the school community. The award highlights Reynolds’ dedication to going above and beyond in his role. According to school administrators, Reynolds has consistently demonstrated a willingness to make a difference in the lives of his students and colleagues. "Being ALL-IN means going above and beyond for our students, colleagues, and school community — showing dedication, commitment, and a willingness to make a difference, no matter what," they stated. This past week, Reynolds showcased his commitment by adjusting his own schedule to better serve students and reduce class sizes. His efforts ensure that every student receives the support and attention necessary for their success. Before long, the Civic Memorial High boys will be taking to the hardwoods for the 2024-2025

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BELLEVILLE - The Belleville Police Department recognized the promotions of Lieutenant Barfield, Sergeant Kallal, and Sergeant Wright during a City Council meeting this week. The department expressed gratitude for their service and dedication to both the department and the City of Belleville. The promotions were celebrated as a significant achievement within the department, highlighting the commitment of these individuals to their roles and the community they serve. The Belleville Police Department continues to emphasize its mission to ensure safety and service in the community, and the promotions are seen as a reflection of this ongoing commitment.

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BETHALTO – Four athletes from the Civic Memorial High School boys cross country team have made headlines after their impressive performances at the Mississippi Valley Conference meet held at Principia College. Max Weber, Landon Kearbey, Jacob Cranford, and Tullio Zampieri each achieved All-Conference status, contributing to the team's strong second-place finish. The boys as a group are Tom Lane State Farm Insurance Male Athletes Of The Month for the Eagles. Weber, a standout performer all season, broke a 51-year-old school record with a remarkable time of 14 minutes 48.60 seconds. The previous record was set in 1973 by Layne Law at the Detweiler Park state meet. With this achievement, Weber joins Law as the only athletes in school history to complete a three-mile race in under 15 minutes while wearing a CM uniform. In addition to Weber's record-breaking run, Landon Kearbey, a junior, finished eighth with a time of 15:45.80. Fellow junior Jacob Cranford secured ninth place, clocking

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Charles D. Batson, a proud Army veteran from Granite City, Illinois, served his country honorably from 1962 to 1966, including time spent in Vietnam. Rising to the rank of E5, Batson’s commitment to duty and dedication to his family and friends left a lasting legacy. Fondly remembered as the best son, brother, father, grandfather, and husband anyone could ask for, Batson lived a full life and enjoyed simple pleasures, famously saying, “I had a good life, and I caught a lot of fish.” His family cherishes his memory and his joyful outlook, celebrating the warmth and love he brought to everyone who knew him. Thank you, Charles D. Batson, for your service and the wonderful memories you leave behind.

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EDWARDSVILLE - Edwardsville High School once again had an abundance of players qualify for the IHSA 2A State Tournament. Edwardsville state qualifiers were: Singles: Dia Kannan Doubles: Sophie Byron/Katie Woods Doubles: Veda Kommineni/Bina Selimi The girls and teammate Gabi Hill are Spencer Homes Female Athletes of the Month for Edwardsville. First Day At State On Thursday For Edwardsville on Thursday at state, Dia Kannan defeated Karen Zemek of Moline 6-1, 6-2 in the first round of the championship bracket singles on Thursday. In the second round of the championship bracket, Kannan fell 6-1, 6-0 to Jessica Kovalcik of Plainfield North. Kannan won in the second round of the consolation bracket 6-3, 6-3 over Lora Boianov of Lake Zurich. In doubles for the Tigers, Sophia Byron and Katie Woods blanked New Lenox’s Jess Dakin and Grace Cremieux 6-0, 6-0. In the second round, Byron-Woods cruised again to a 6-0, 6-1 win over Ariana Patel and Julie Clocker of Huntley. I

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BELLEVILLE – The Illinois Department of Transportation today announced that intermittent daytime lane closures will take place on Illinois 159 from north of Fountains Parkway in Fairview Heights to Alexa Drive in Swansea, weather permitting, on Tuesday, Oct. 29, and Wednesday, Oct. 30. The lane closures are necessary for the evaluation of pavement conditions. Drivers are urged to reduce speed, be alert for changing conditions, obey all 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.

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Bethalto resident Quentin Downing is celebrated not only for his years of service in the United States Army but also for the impact he has made as a husband, father, grandfather, stepdad, and friend. His family and loved ones express their deep gratitude for his dedication and the sacrifices he made during his three years of military service. Downing’s commitment to serving his country is a point of pride for his family, who honor him with heartfelt thanks. As he moves into this new chapter of life, they wish him health, happiness, and many joyful moments ahead. Thank you, Quentin Downing, for your service and the strength you bring to your family and community.

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GODFREY - The Village of Godfrey’s F.E. Widman Trail is nearing completion. The new paved walking/biking path will connect Glazebrook Park to LaVista Park in Godfrey. Village Engineer Richard Beran said that construction has gone smoothly and they are excited to officially open the trail in a few weeks. “It’s been slow but steady,” he said. “All the major work is done now.” Beran said there have been “a few hiccups” with erosion control because Godfrey experienced “all that rain” a few weeks ago, which eroded a few areas on the trail. There was also a delay as they waited for a box culvert to be shipped. But he said that once the erosion is fixed, the trail should be nearly completed. He looks forward to sharing the trail with Riverbend residents. “Once they fix that, all we have left to do is put in the solar-powered flashing beacons at Delmar and then to stripe the crosswalk and the rest of the trail,”

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Halloween is not just a time for trick-or-treating; it’s also an opportunity to gather friends and family for a festive dinner party. With a dash of creativity and a sprinkle of spookiness, you can create an unforgettable evening that celebrates the spirit of the season. This article outlines practical steps to host a Halloween-themed dinner party, ensuring that your event is both enjoyable and memorable. Setting the Scene: Halloween Decor Create an Atmospheric Ambiance Decorating your space is one of the most important aspects of setting the mood for a Halloween-themed dinner party. Here are some ideas: Lighting : Use dim lighting and candles to create an eerie atmosphere. Consider black lights or string lights in orange and purple to enhance the festive vibe. Table Settings : Dress your dining table with dark tablecloths and spooky centerpieces. You can use faux cobwebs, mini pumpkins, and skull figurines for an added touch. Seasonal Accents : Incorporate elements

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October 25th has witnessed a myriad of significant events that have shaped the course of history across various domains including politics, science, culture, and warfare. One of the most impactful events that occurred on this date took place in 1881, when Pablo Picasso, the renowned Spanish painter and sculptor, was born. Picasso would go on to become one of the most influential artists of the 20th century, co-founding the Cubist movement and contributing significantly to modern art. His ability to experiment with form and color transformed the artistic landscape, inspiring countless artists and redefining the boundaries of creativity. The legacy of Picasso's work continues to resonate today, making his birthday a notable milestone in the realm of art. Fast forward to 1944, during the closing stages of World War II, when the Battle of Leyte Gulf began. This battle is considered one of the largest naval engagements in history and marked a significant turning point in the Pacific

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David McFerran, a respected veteran from Edwardsville, Illinois, served his country with honor and dedication as a member of the United States Navy. From 1960 to 1964, McFerran held the rank of E3 and served aboard the USS Fulton during the Vietnam era, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to duty and country. After completing his naval service, McFerran continued his dedication to national security through a distinguished 35-year career with the Department of Defense. Following retirement, he fulfilled a lifelong dream, enjoying his well-deserved rest and the fulfillment of his aspirations. David McFerran’s passing on July 1, 2024, marked the end of a life filled with service, patriotism, and dedication to both his country and his personal dreams. Edwardsville remembers and honors his contributions, expressing gratitude for his service and commitment to the values he held dear.

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Jacob Hendrickson, a proud native of Godfrey, Illinois, dedicated himself to the United States Army, where he served from 2019 to 2021. Currently, he continues his commitment to his country by serving with the US Army Reserve in St. Louis, Missouri. Hendrickson held the rank of Specialist (E-4) during his active duty and was stationed at Fort Drum, New York, with the esteemed 10th Mountain Division. In his role, he specialized as a 94E Radio Equipment Repairer, a crucial occupation focused on maintaining the functionality of the Army's radio communication equipment. Throughout his time in active service, Hendrickson earned several honors, including the Army Service Ribbon (ASR), the National Defense Service Medal (NDSM), and the Rifle Marksman Badge. These accolades highlight his dedication and skill, as well as his unwavering commitment to readiness and excellence. Though he has completed his active duty service, Specialist Hendrickson remains a vital part of the Army Reserve, demonstrating

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ALTON - Alton High School’s Marching 100 drumline traveled around town to drum up excitement for Homecoming Week. The drumline stopped at Board of Education members’ houses, Beverly Farms, Brown Bag Bistro and several other locations in the community on Thursday, Oct. 24, 2024. Chuck Willard, the director of the Marching 100, shared that the band hopes to raise money to purchase new band uniforms. “We are going around town spreading the word about our band program, hoping to fundraise for our new uniforms,” Willard said. “I love it. I’ve been wanting to do this since I was very little, so I love this.” The drumline performed throughout the day on Oct. 24, but the entire Marching 100 will be on hand during the homecoming football game on Friday, Oct. 25, 2024. They will also be marching in the 107th Alton Halloween Parade on Oct. 31, 2024, where they will be performing “Thriller” by Michael Jackson. Willard said that

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EDWARDSVILLE — The jury deliberated about three hours Thursday, Oct. 24, 2024, before finding Roger Dale Sutton, 57, guilty of first-degree murder and concealment of a homicidal death. The jury found that he fatally beat and strangled Patrenia “Trina” Butler-Turner, who was 40 and had been a resident of East St. Louis. Butler-Turner was reported missing by her family in January 2013, after she failed to return from a trip to the store. The murder came to light in December 2022, when Sutton's nephew Nathan Beyer walked into the Pontoon Beach Police Department and made a report: He had witnessed his uncle kill a woman nearly 10 years earlier and helped dispose of the body. The Beyer led investigators to a wooded location in Pontoon Beach, behind Sutton’s former apartment. There, amid dense brush and debris, investigators discovered a skull and other skeletal remains. The Beyer testified at trial about how he began feeling guilt after seeing

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ST. LOUIS - Today, Mayor Tishaura O. Jones and other City leaders broke ground on the new 911 Dispatch Center that will help improve 911 response times and public safety in St. Louis. “This $45 million 911 Dispatch Center is one of the biggest public safety investments in St. Louis in recent history,” said Mayor Jones. “This facility will bring all of our dispatchers under one roof, in line with national best practices, and is an important part of how we will continue to bring down our 911 response times.” The 911 Dispatch Center, which is funded with help from the State of Missouri and the Biden-Harris administration’s American Rescue Plant Act, will be the location for all City of St. Louis dispatch services, including police, fire, and EMS. The new building will also house the City Emergency Management Agency, known as CEMA. The City has already begun the physical and technological integration of its dispatch services, with EMS and police dispatchers

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WOOD RIVER - Midwest Members Credit Union is proud to sponsor the “Oiler of the Month” program at EAWR High School. A Senior student is selected each month by members of EAWR faculty. Each student is awarded a certificate and a Subway gift card. The Seniors selected each month will have the opportunity to compete for a $1,000 “Oiler of the Year” scholarship at the end of the school year. October's winner is Brayden Cunningham. Brayden is a Senior at EAWR and is involved in E-Sports. Brayden has received High Honor Roll and Golden Renaissance all four years. In Brayden's free time, he enjoys volunteering with Toys for Tots, Soap Box Derby & the Church Easter Egg Hunts. After graduation, Brayden is planning on attending SIUE and will be majoring in Pre-Law. Congratulations Brayden and we all wish you good luck in your future! Midwest Members Credit Union has been serving your community for over 89 years. To find out more information about Midwest Members

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BETHALTO - Civic Memorial High School's outstanding tennis duo, Emma Davis and Abigail Harms, continued to showcase their talents during the first rounds of the Illinois High School Association (IHSA) State Tennis Tournament held near Chicago on Thursday. The girls finished the first day of the state tournament with a 3-1 mark. Davis and Harms are Tom Lane State Farm Insurance Female Athletes of the Month for CM, highlighting their commitment and performance for the Eagles throughout the regular season and post-season. In their opening match, Davis and Harms secured a state tournament victory against Kennedi Batty and Alyssa Meekey from Richon Park (Southland College Prep Charter). The CM girls won their first match at state decisively with a score of 6-3, 6-0. Mia Kinkelaar and Ellie Link from Effingham St. Anthony edged the CM girls in a close match in round two, 6-2, 6-4. Davis and Harms rebounded in the consolation bracket, where they triumphed over Lucia Hassebrock and Catalina

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SPRINGFIELD - Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias announced that Illinois has reached a multi-million-dollar settlement with GS Partners and GSB Group, which operated crypto-related investment schemes. Illinois residents who purchased securities from any GS Partners entity and those who purchased its securities while residing in Illinois, are eligible for 100 percent of their money back, minus the value of any withdrawals. Eligible investors are encouraged to inform the Securities Department of any GS Partners investments by Dec. 1, 2024 using the Secretary of State’s online form . The settlement is the result of a multi-state investigation that found GS Partners had failed to register its securities with individual states, including Illinois, and failed to qualify for an exemption from registration. GS Partners employed a network of promoters and celebrities who sold crypto investments promising lucrative returns. “This settlement puts crypto-investment

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EDWARDSVILLE — A jury delivered swift guilty verdicts in the murder trial of Roger Dale Sutton Jr. on Thursday, Oct. 24, 2024, at the Madison County Courthouse. Sutton was found guilty of first-degree murder and concealment of a homicidal death in connection with the 2013 disappearance of Patrenia Butler-Turner, a 40-year-old woman from East St. Louis who had been missing for nearly a decade. The jury reached a decision shortly after 1:30 p.m. Thursday, following deliberations that began around 10:30 a.m. The trial featured testimony from forensic experts and law enforcement officers, providing critical insights into the case. Among the key witnesses was Jessica Van Dyke, an FBI forensic examiner, who discussed the condition of Butler-Turner's clothing. The trial's proceedings underscored the complexities surrounding the investigation and the evidence available after years of uncertainty regarding Butler-Turner's fate.

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ALTON - The first-quarter High Honor Roll and Honor Roll lists for St. Mary's Middle School in Alton are as follows: High Honor Roll 8th Grade Avery Conrad Elaina Cowan James Fischer Katherine Fitzgerald Tucker Hamilton Eli Heischmidt Joseph Henesey Parker Hough Caleb Kasten Kainan Kelly Colette Manns Kaelyn Page Clyde Phillips Lucia Pulido Jenna Redman Caden Roth William Roth Caden Shewmake Olivia Smith Elizabeth Strickland Claire Stephens William Waters 7th Grade Lauren Elliott Claire Hill Ava Holt Jay Klunk Ryan Lopez Jackson Lorsbach Alena Manns Charlie Marshall Eva Martin Brody McLeod Angelina Phillips Joey Root Charlotte Scheer Connor von Sothen Genevieve Stendeback Sophia Waters Leena Walker Abigail Widman 6th Grade Wyatt Bennett Reese Curry Daniel Fitzgerald Jaxson Foersterling Jude Frost Maggie Griggs Adam Jacobs Henley Janek Louie Koeller James Klockenkemper

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