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CHICAGO – The Mega Millions Jackpot for tomorrow night’s drawing has soared to $800 million - the seventh largest Mega Millions jackpot in history. However, someone in Illinois is already celebrating after snagging a cool $1 million over the weekend. The winning Mega Millions ticket was purchased at Gas Express in Chicago’s Bridgeport neighborhood, located at 501 W. 31st Street. The lucky winner matched all five numbers, 6-23-42-59-63, to win the $1 million prize in Friday night’s drawing. “I guess you can say ‘luck is in the air’ at Gas Express in Bridgeport," said Faris Saleh, owner of Gas Express. “This is the second big winning lottery ticket we’ve sold at our store this year - a $400,000 Lucky Day Lotto ticket in April and now a $1 million Mega Millions ticket – so exciting!” For selling the winning ticket, the retailer will receive a bonus of $10,000 which is one percent of the prize amount. “My employees

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Lenny Singh, president of Ameren Illinois, accepted an award on behalf of Ameren Illinois from the Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois, Friday night at the LeClaire Room in Edwardsville. CUTLINE: EDWARDSVILLE - Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois honored longtime supporter Ameren Illinois with the Distinguished Community Leader Award during the organization’s 2024 United We Lead Gala. The event, held at The Leclaire Room in Edwardsville, is the nonprofit’s premier event to raise funds and celebrate the powerful impact that Girl Scouts have on communities across its 40-county jurisdiction. Ameren Illinois, with an area office in Collinsville, has supported Girl Scouting generously for more than 16 years. Not only has the company donated funds, but its team has also helped deliver programming, support membership, provide mentorship, share their talent in board positions, and so much more. Currently, D-Lori Newsome-Pitts, Senior Manager of Philanthropy & Community Relations

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BELLEVILLE — The St. Clair County Sheriff's Department took part in a successful fundraising event on Saturday at Eckert's in Belleville to support BackStoppers, an organization that aids families of fallen first responders. Deputies participated in the "Dunk a Deputy" activity, drawing a significant crowd and generating substantial contributions to the cause. The "Dunk a Deputy" event offers community members the opportunity to dunk their favorite or least favorite deputy, adding an element of fun to the serious mission of supporting families affected by the loss or injury of first responders. All proceeds from the event will be donated to BackStoppers, which provides financial assistance and support to the families of police officers, firefighters, and other emergency personnel who have been killed or seriously injured in the line of duty. The Sheriff's Department expressed gratitude for the community's participation and emphasized the importance of supporting those who

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HARDIN – The Illinois Department of Transportation will hold a public meeting to discuss the study to replace the bridge that carries Illinois 16/100 over the Illinois River (Joe Page Bridge). The meeting will be held: Tuesday, Sept. 10 5-8 p.m. Calhoun High School 102 Calhoun Ave., Hardin IDOT, in cooperation with the Federal Highway Administration, has initiated the Preliminary Engineering and Environmental Study of the Joe Page Bridge, which carries Illinois 16/100 over the Illinois River to connect Calhoun and Greene counties. The Phase I study will look at options for the rehabilitation or replacement of the existing bridge. The purpose of the meeting is to obtain public input on the corridors proposed for further study. Handouts and display boards of the corridors proposed to be carried forward will be available for public review, as well as information regarding engineering, land acquisition and environmental issues. Representatives from IDOT and the projec

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GRANITE CITY – The Illinois Department of Transportation today, Sept. 9, 2024, announced that Illinois 3 between Niedringhaus Avenue and Rock Road in Madison County has reopened to traffic. As miscellaneous work is completed on the $7.2 million intersection replacement project, motorists can expect intermittent lane closures through the end of September. Motorists should continue to expect occasional delays and allow extra time for trips. Drivers are urged to reduce speed, obey all construction signage and refrain from using mobile devices while entering and driving through all work zones. For IDOT District 8 updates, follow us on X at @IDOTDistrict8 or view area construction details on IDOT’s traveler information map on GettingAroundIllinois.com.

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EAST ST. LOUIS – A motorcyclist was killed in a collision with a tractor-trailer on Interstate 55 in East St. Louis on Wednesday, Sept. 4, 2024, according to St. Clair County Coroner Calvin Dye. The victim, identified as Sasa Kartalija of St. Louis, was pronounced dead at the scene by the coroner's office. The incident occurred at 12:17 p.m. when Kartalija's motorcycle crashed into the tractor-trailer while traveling southbound on I-55, north of Illinois 3 at mile marker 1, Illinois State Police reported. Following the crash, the highway was closed for more than four hours, causing significant traffic disruptions, ISP said. No further details about the cause of the crash have been released at this time. The investigation into the accident is ongoing.

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BELLEVILLE – Deeply rooted in the community and in the clients they serve — that’s the philosophy has guided Mathis, Marifian & Richter, Ltd. (MMR), from its inception 40 years ago. That mission still holds true today and has enabled the law firm to achieve tremendous success and recognition as one of Southern Illinois’ most respected practices. As the firm this year celebrates its 40th anniversary, it notes the differentiating characteristics that set MMR apart from other firms in the area, and the factors that continue to shape its future. “We certainly didn’t get where we are today by accident,” states shareholder Patrick Mathis. “The founding shareholders set out to provide businesses and individuals with a better choice in legal representation. We wanted to offer wide-ranging experience and a diverse mix of practice areas, all with a focus on the region. I’m proud to say that we’ve accomplished that goal.”

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ALTON – Sparks Junk Removal owner Denise Sparks on Monday, Sept. 9, 2024, expressed shock at the extent of damage after a crash on the east side of her building in the 2200 block of East Broadway. The accident occurred at 9:38 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024. Sparks said there was significant damage to the east side of the structure. "It is a nightmare right now," she said. Despite the severity of the crash, she confirmed that there were no injuries. "Thankfully, there were no injuries in the accident. There is quite a bit of damage. I will now work with my insurance company as I have full coverage." Alton Police Chief Jarrett Ford said the preliminary investigation revealed that a gray Chevrolet Malibu was traveling east on East Broadway when the driver and passenger engaged in an argument. "During the course of the argument, the vehicle left the roadway and struck the Sparks Junk Removal building," he said. Ford added: "Both the driver and passenger were treated on scene fo

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ALTON - The City of Alton is proud to announce the successful completion of a transformative infrastructure project with Trane by Trane Technologies, a global climate innovator and CPS LLC, aimed at revitalizing city facilities with a focus on energy efficiency, environmental justice, and diversity. Under the leadership of Mayor David Goins, this project marks a significant achievement in improving the city’s public buildings while promoting long-term sustainability and financial savings. “This project reflects our commitment to environmental justice, energy efficiency, and supporting local businesses,” said Mayor Goins. “I am especially proud of our administration for pushing forward where past efforts stalled, ensuring that the people of Alton benefit from a more sustainable future. The energy savings, coupled with a focus on diversity, demonstrate the values we hold dear.” Infrastructure Revitalization with Minimal Financial Impact The project focused

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LIVINGSTON - Cheap AF Videos will offer a $500 prize for the winner of their Fall Film Fest. From 7–9:30 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024 , community members are invited to 600 Livingston Avenue in Livingston for a free film festival, complete with popcorn, candy and a big cash prize for the winning filmmaker. Tony Allen, founder of Cheap AF Videos, explained that the festival will be a fun chance to share work by local filmmakers. “This is going to be really cool, so submit your film, please,” Allen said. “Bring us your material and let the audience take a look at your talent.” Films must be ten minutes or shorter and have a PG-13 rating or less. The festival aims to highlight filmmakers from around Route 66. It costs $16 to submit a film or $7 if you are a college student. High school students can submit films for free, but they must be accompanied by a guardian at the event. The winning filmmaker will take home “ $500 and a super

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Today, we take a journey through time to explore the significant events that occurred on September 9th throughout history. 1947: Establishment of the Computer Age September 9, 1947, is often regarded as the dawn of the computer age. On this day, the first actual case of a computer bug was recorded by Grace Hopper, a pioneering computer scientist. While working on the Harvard Mark II, Hopper and her team discovered a moth trapped in a relay, causing the machine to malfunction. This seemingly trivial incident gave rise to the term “debugging” in computer programming. Hopper's meticulous documentation and her subsequent contributions to computer science have left an indelible mark on the field, paving the way for the rapid evolution of technology that we see today. 1956: Elvis Presley Appears on The Ed Sullivan Show In the realm of music and popular culture, September 9, 1956, stands out as a landmark date. On this day, Elvis Presley made his first appearance

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September 7 and 8 are days rich with history, spanning various events that have shaped our world. 1921: The First Miss America Pageant On September 7, 1921, the first Miss America Pageant was held in Atlantic City, New Jersey. The event was conceived as a way to extend the summer tourist season in the city. Margaret Gorman, a 16-year-old from Washington D.C., was crowned the first Miss America. The pageant has since become an annual tradition, evolving over the years to include not just beauty, but also talent and intelligence as key criteria. The Miss America Pageant has had a significant cultural impact, reflecting and sometimes challenging societal views on beauty, gender roles, and women’s empowerment. Today, it continues to be a platform for young women to showcase their talents, advocate for social issues, and earn scholarships for their education. 1901: The Boxer Rebellion Ends On September 7, 1901, the Boxer Protocol was signed, officially ending the

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BRIGHTON - A 62-year-old man has died following a single-vehicle crash on Highway 111 between Godfrey and Brighton on Sunday afternoon. The man has been identified as Christopher Althage. The incident occurred around 4:30 p.m. Sept. 8, 2024, near the Madison-Jersey County line, in front of Nilo Farms. According to the Illinois State Police, the preliminary investigation indicates that the vehicle left the roadway and struck a tree. The victim was airlifted from the scene by Survival Flight for further treatment but later succumbed to his injuries at a St Louis Hospital. Multiple emergency agencies responded to the scene, including Illinois State Police, the Jersey County Sheriff, Illinois Conservation Police, and firefighters from Brighton and Godfrey. The investigation into the cause of the crash is ongoing.

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ALTON - A car crashed into a warehouse on the 2200 block of East Broadway in Alton on Sunday night, Sept. 8, 2024, causing significant damage to the structure. The building, which houses Sparks Junk Removal, sustained extensive damage to one corner of the warehouse. Authorities reported that there were no injuries as a result of the incident. The extent of the damage to the warehouse has yet to be fully assessed, but initial observations indicate substantial structural impairment. The cause of the accident remains under investigation.

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BRIGHTON — A 62-year-old man was seriously injured in a crash near Nilo Farms at the Jersey County/Madison County border on Sunday afternoon, Sept. 8, 2024. Jersey County Sheriff Nick Manns reported that the man was in "critical condition" when he was flown from the scene by Survival Flight. The incident prompted a swift response from multiple agencies, including the Jersey County Sheriff's Office, Brighton Fire Department, Godfrey Fire Department, Illinois Conservation Police, and Alton Memorial Hospital Ambulance. More details and an update on the man's condition are expected to be released on Monday, according to Sheriff Manns.

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FIELDON — A large family reunion was held in Fieldon, with nearly 850 descendants of Joseph (Bobo) and Barbara (nee Wachter) Schmieder gathered to celebrate the family’s 140-year history. The well-attended reunion was held on the grounds of St. Mary’s Church in Fieldon. An astounding total of 846 of the more than 1,050 descendants of the Schmieders were present on Saturday, Aug 24, 2024, representing multiple generations. Pictured here are the family’s eldest living member, Rosalee (Sissy) Hansen, age 97, and their youngest living family member, the 5-week-old Kase Kearby. Their 2024 family reunion, bringing hundreds of Schmieder descendants together again, serves as a testament to the family’s nearly century and a half of history rooted in Jersey County.

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EDWARDSVILLE — The Edwardsville Art Fair, produced by the Edwardsville Arts Center, is an annual three-day outdoor juried fine arts celebration held in Edwardsville’s City Park. This year marks the event’s 10th anniversary, and takes place the weekend of September 27th, 28th, and 29th. The Fair features the works of 90+ talented regional, national, and international artists; local performing arts; live art demonstrations; a children’s only art gallery shop and children’s art activities; as well as food and drink vendors. “We're incredibly honored to host these talented artists participating in the 2024 Edwardsville Art Fair,” says Executive Director, Beth Browne. “These diverse artists represent national and international artists with unique cultural identities, life experiences, expressive creativity, and immense amount of artistic talent. In addition, we're equally excited to offer an opportunity for emerging artists and local art student

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MARYVILLE - Donna Wendel, RN, IT Senior Applications Manager, recently celebrated her 43rd work anniversary at the institution, marking her as one of the few who have achieved this milestone. On the occasion, her colleagues surprised her with a celebratory cake from Silly Grandma’s Sweets in Troy. This anniversary is particularly significant as it will be her last; Wendel is set to retire in September. Wendel’s journey at Anderson Hospital began on Feb. 9, 1981, shortly after her graduation. “I actually graduated in January 1981 and started at Anderson on February 9 with my license pending after taking the boards,” Wendel recounted. She initially worked on the 3rd Medical floor for approximately three and a half years before transferring to the 7-room Emergency Department (ED) for another three and a half years. Her career then took her to the Operating Room (OR), where she spent 14 years serving in various roles, including Scrub Nurse, Circulator, First Assistant,

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EAST ALTON – The 29th annual East Alton Soapbox Derby rolled down Berkshire Boulevard in East Alton on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024, drawing a sizable crowd under clear skies. The event kicked off with the National Anthem and a silent prayer to honor those who lost their lives in the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Sirens wailed as fire trucks paraded down Berkshire Hill, setting the stage for the races. Racers, paired off for the descent, navigated the course lined with safety cones and hay bales at the finish line. The East Alton Fire Department sold their famous pulled pork. In addition to the races, the event featured food and drinks, contributing to the festive atmosphere. Longtime attendees noted that the good weather helped build a strong turnout for the annual community gathering.

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ALTON - With the announcement that Alton Little Theater has hired a new executive director, current Artistic Director Kevin Frakes is preparing to step down. Frakes has worked with Alton Little Theater (ALT) for 57 years. He will retire in December after the theater’s run of “A Christmas Carol,” which Frakes is directing. “I’m ready,” Frakes said. “I’ve been there for over 50 years, and I think it’s time.” Frakes said he regularly spends 12–14 hours a day at the theater. In addition to directing, he builds sets and completes administrative tasks for ALT. Lee Cox, current executive director, will also be stepping down in 2025. She plans to take on a mentorship role through May while the new executive director, Eric Sykes, assumes the position in January. Sykes’s new role will combine the positions of executive director and artistic director. “Dear Kevin Frakes will be retiring after ‘A

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