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Educators from across Madison County gathered at the biannual Madison County Institute on Friday, October 11th. Educators brought their innovative ideas and best practices to share with colleagues and participated in engaging peer-led workshops focused on enhancing classroom instruction, programs, and support provided to staff and students in districts. Madison County educators were divided amongst four different locations, Alton High School, Collinsville High School, Granite City High School, and Triad High School, based on their grade level or the support services they provided. Unlike traditional conferences, the Institute allowed educators to propose and lead sessions based on their expertise and interests, fostering a collaborative environment. Each location kicked off and ended with an outside speaker covering topics related to transforming school culture, action leadership, being effective and loving your job, and achieving your goals. In between the speakers, educators

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CHICAGO — Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Revenue announced disaster tax relief for individuals and businesses in parts of Illinois affected by severe storms, tornadoes, straight-line winds, and flooding that began on July 13, 2024. The Belleville area was hit very hard during the July storms. “As communities across Illinois recover from July’s severe storms, my administration remains committed to supporting them every step of the way,” said Governor JB Pritzker . “Residents who live or have businesses in the affected areas won’t need to worry about incurring penalties and interest on their tax deadlines until February. This additional time will allow them to gather essential paperwork and focus on recovering without added financial stress.” Affected taxpayers now have until Feb. 3, 2025, to file various state individual and business tax returns and make tax payments. Relief is being offered to any area designated

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ALTON - Riverbend Head Start & Family Services (RHSFS) is honored to celebrate Veteran’s Day at its Essic Robinson center. During the occasion, we’re hosting an Open House. It will be held on Monday, Nov. 11, 2024 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The address is 1802 E. Broadway, Alton IL, 62002. This year marks the first time that RHSFS is planning a special Veteran’s Day celebration. Two of our Essic Robinson employees, Hannah Hook (U.S. Army) and Mitchell Bushnell Chamness (U.S. Air Force) collaborated on the idea. In an effort to ensure all of our children at Essic Robinson are included, we will host two time slots. The early time slot will be at 10:30 a.m., the afternoon time slot will be at 1:30 p.m. We will have veterans from all over the community visiting with our Head Start students. The children will gather in the main hallway to welcome the veterans during a red carpet “honor walk.” Veterans will then be presented with handmade cards from the students.

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MADISON COUNTY - Madison County’s law enforcement agencies, in cooperation with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, will operate a drop-off site for Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024 in Edwardsville. Madison County State’s Attorney Thomas A. Haine, Sheriff Jeff Connor and Coroner Steve Nonn will be operating the drop-off site in coordination with the DEA. The drop-off site, open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., will be in the Madison County Administration Building’s back parking lot on Second Street in Edwardsville. The address for the Administration Building is: 157 North Main Street, Edwardsville, IL 62025. Haine said the event is “a convenient way for the residents of Madison County to help combat the epidemic of overdoses from prescription drugs.” Connor added, “I strongly urge residents to take advantage of this service. It’s a way for them to help save lives while disposing of unneeded medicines in a safe manner.”

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Welcome to October 21, a date that has witnessed remarkable events across history, shaping our world in countless ways. 1966: The Aberfan Disaster On this day in 1966, tragedy struck in Aberfan, Wales, when a colliery spoil tip collapsed and engulfed a primary school and several houses. The disaster claimed the lives of 144 people, 116 of whom were children. This catastrophic event not only devastated the community but also led to significant changes in mining legislation and safety regulations in the UK. The historical significance of the Aberfan disaster continues to resonate today, reminding us of the consequences of industrial negligence and the importance of community resilience. 1805: The Battle of Trafalgar Travel backwards to 1805, where the Battle of Trafalgar took place on this day, a crucial naval engagement during the Napoleonic Wars. The British Royal Navy, led by Admiral Horatio Nelson, faced off against the combined fleets of France and Spain. The battle resulted

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BELLEVILLE - The Home Builders & Remodelers of the Metro East Association (HBRMEA) has a busy few months ahead as they gear up for election season and prepare for their 2025 Home Expo. “Our builders are staying busy,” said Shannon Stelling with HBRMEA. “It’s crazy. You talk to our trade partners that support them with supplies or subcontractors that are helping do the work, and they’re busy. They’re not sitting at home collecting unemployment. They’re busy.” Stelling noted that the local HBRMEA chapter and the national association have been focused on finding the right candidates as Election Day approaches. She said it’s a “big priority” to make sure the candidates will support the homebuilding industry. “We’re very engaged with candidates, whether they’re Republican or Democrat, because housing should not be a political issue,” Stelling said. “We’re constantly having conversations

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ALTON – A traffic crash involving a motorcycle and a vehicle occurred on Sunday evening in the 2800 block of Broadway, prompting a response from the Alton Fire Department and Alton Police Department at approximately 5:20 p.m. Upon arrival, firefighters discovered that the motorcyclist sustained serious injuries. The rider was quickly transported to an area hospital for treatment. The condition of the motorcyclist remains unknown. Broadway is closed from Sering Avenue to Brookside Avenue while police conduct an investigation. Further information will be provided as it becomes available.

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October 21, 1978, saw the founding of the first national park in the world, Yellowstone National Park, as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Established in 1872, Yellowstone was the first area to be designated as a national park, setting a precedent for conservation efforts globally. This iconic park is renowned for its geothermal features, diverse wildlife, and stunning landscapes. Its establishment marked the beginning of the national park movement, which has inspired the creation of thousands of protected areas around the world, emphasizing the importance of preserving natural beauty for future generations. October 21 is a date that has witnessed significant historical milestones across various fields, including politics, science, and culture. From revolutionary movements to groundbreaking inventions, this day is a remarkable reminder of humanity's capacity for change and progress. Let’s explore some pivotal events that have taken place on this day throughout history. One of th

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As summer fades and the crisp air of fall sets in, it's time to reevaluate your wardrobe. Transitioning from warm-weather wear to cozy, layered outfits can be both exciting and daunting. With the right approach, you can prepare your wardrobe to not only keep you warm but also stylish during this beautiful season. Below, we explore essential steps to help you transition your clothing for fall weather effectively. 1. Assess Your Current Wardrobe Before diving into new purchases, take a moment to evaluate your current collection. This assessment will help you identify what you have, what you need, and what you can let go of. Evaluate Seasonal Pieces Sort by Season : Start by separating your summer clothes from your fall and winter attire. This will give you a clear view of what you currently own. Check for Damage : Inspect your fall clothes for any signs of wear and tear. Look for missing buttons, frayed hems, or stains that need cleaning. Fit and Style : Consider whether you

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BETHALTO - “Surviving the Holidays,” a special free GriefShare event for those in area communities who are grieving the loss of loved ones, will take place at Zion Lutheran Church, Bethalto, on Sunday, Nov. 10, 2024, from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. Adults and teens are invited to hear a presentation about resources, strategies and tools for coping with grief during the holiday season. “Grief and loss are always hard to deal with during the holiday season,” said Rev. Brandon Metcalf of Zion. “Whether the loss was recent or many years ago, this can be a hard time of year, and we want to help and offer hope.” The presentation will focus on how to cope with grief, what to be aware of as the holidays are approaching, and how to find hope in the midst of loss from a Christian viewpoint. Participants will hear from grief experts and people who have experienced a loss and are dealing with grief, as well as from Zion’s pastors, Rev. Kale Hanson and Rev. Brandon

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EDWARDSVILLE – The City’s Wildey Theatre is about to regain some of its former glory and neonfueled glow, courtesy of a renovation underway on the historic downtown venue’s picturesque marquee. Over the next six weeks, workers will painstakingly replace the non-functioning neon-filled tubes that frame the marquee, apply a fresh coat of paint and update some of the other lighting components. Access to the sidewalk underneath the marquee may be limited at times while the project progresses. “These enhancements are going to be a bright and wonderful addition to the Wildey and make this incredible Edwardsville destination stand out even more on Main Street,” Mayor Art Risavy said. When the project is finished, likely by the end of November, it’ll turn back the clock on the marquee by at least 40 years. “I think it’ll look so fresh that people are going to notice. It’s just going to be fabulous,” said Rich Walker, a former City

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O"FALON — October is recognized as Breast Cancer Awareness Month to bring awareness about breast cancer, its impact and the importance of early detection and treatment. Hospital Sisters Health System (HSHS) encourages all women 40 years and older to put yourself first and schedule your mammogram . “With regular mammograms, breast cancer is more likely to be treatable when caught early and mammograms can even detect some forms of pre-cancer before a tumor even develops,” shares Dr. Ryan Jennings, interim Chief Medical Officer of HSHS Southern Illinois Market. “Mammograms are relatively quick, with minimal discomfort and critical to breast cancer prevention and survival. Setting aside 30 minutes every year for your annual mammogram screening could save your life.” According to the American College of Radiology , mammography has helped reduce breast cancer mortality in the U.S. by nearly 40% since 1990. In addition, it reports that out of every

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ALTON - Jocelyn Harris is a local baker with a national following. Harris, who goes by Lady J, specializes in gooey butter cakes. She has sold thousands of cakes across the U.S., but her favorite place to vend is in her hometown of Alton. Whether you find her at the Alton Farmers Market every weekend or run into her at special events like the Alton Expo, you can expect a great dessert courtesy of Lady J’s Gooey Butter. “I’ve had a pretty good year,” Harris said. “I continue to sell at the farmers market here and other local markets around the Metro area, and that goes well. I sell online on my website and on Etsy.” Harris explained that she learned how to bake gooey butter cake from her mother, who made “the best of the best.” Over the years, Harris has figured out the ideal recipe to make her cakes stand out. “I just kept trying it until I perfected it,” she said. “I got the recipe from my mother. She gave m

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EDWARDSVILLE - Sivia Law is proud to announce the addition of two distinguished attorneys, Richard Vitali and Nick Sikes, who bring diverse legal expertise and passion to the firm. Their arrival reinforces Sivia Law’s commitment to providing top-tier legal services to the community. With 43 years of legal experience, Richard Vitali is a seasoned professional who has practiced in various corporate environments, including banking, finance, and casino gaming. Richard earned his Juris Doctor (JD) from Pepperdine Caruso Law in California after completing his undergraduate studies in Political Science at Rutgers University. His extensive career includes serving as Associate General Counsel for Argosy Gaming Company, where he managed legal operations for five gaming properties, as well as serving as General Counsel for Greektown Casino in Detroit. Richard is a resident of the Alton area, where he has lived with his wife, Shannon, since 2002. Together, they have six adult children. Outside

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GODFREY - In support of ‘Churches on the Streets,’ a non-profit organization that helps people in need, the Village of Godfrey is now accepting donations for those affected by Hurricane Helene in North Carolina. They are currently making preparations to make their fifth trip to North Carolina with supplies loaded onto a truck and U-Haul trailer. Aside from winter coats, gloves, and hats, please DO NOT make clothing donations. The following will be graciously accepted in Mayor Mike McCormick’s office at Village Hall at 6810 Godfrey Road through next Thursday, Oct. 24, 2024: Tents, all sizes Tarps Emergency blankets Emergency sleeping bags Long stem lighters Thermal gloves Thermal socks Hand/feet warmers Hot hands - Stick on body warmers BBQ propane tanks Camp stoves Heavy blankets Sleeping bags Zero-Degree sleeping bags Five-gallon buckets with Amazon toilet seats Canned heat Survival bags (Amazon) Muck/Rain/Winter Boots (all sizes) Coats (all

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SPRINGFIELD - The Illinois State Police (ISP) continues to target vehicle theft, hijacking, and related violent crimes using grant funding from the Illinois Secretary of State Illinois Vehicle Hijacking and Motor Vehicle Theft Prevention and Insurance Verification Council. ISP was awarded a $10 million grant for the first fiscal year, and another $677,000 grant announced in June 2024. From July through September 2024, ISP missions resulted in the following: Vehicles recovered – stolen and/or hijacked: 210 Stolen vehicle arrests: 17 Hijacked vehicle arrests: 2 Firearms seized as a result of stolen/hijacked vehicle recovery: 11 Missions targeting stolen/hijacked vehicle recovery and related violent crime: 39 K9 used for stolen/hijacked vehicle recovery and related violence crime: 26 Air Operations targeting stolen/hijacked vehicle recovery and related violent crime: 39 Forensic laboratory assignments related to stolen/hijacked vehicle: 1,262 Highlights of ISP vehicle

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CARLINVILLE - Blackburn College recently celebrated two major events highlighting the College’s commitment to athletics and recreation, student life and engagement, and strengthening connections with the Carlinville community. The Dedication of M.C. Court and the celebration of the new Blackburn Athletic Center took place on September 27, marking significant milestones in Blackburn’s Winning Together: A Campaign for Athletics & Enrollment initiative. Both events featured remarks from President Larry K. Lee, Athletic Director Kim Camara-Harvey, current student-athletes, as well as alumni and donors. Dedication of M.C. Court The newly completed M.C. Court, located in Blackburn’s historic Dawes Gymnasium, serves as the competition floor for volleyball and basketball. Named in honor of Marion Elizabeth Carlson, a former educator and administrator at Blackburn, the court commemorates her more than 40 years of dedication to the College. Carlson was instrumental in advancing

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COLLINSVILLE – Starting Monday, October 21, 2024, at 8:30 a.m., motorists on southbound I-55/70 will encounter lane restrictions as the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) undertakes emergency bridge deck patching. The work will take place between mile markers 14 and 13, specifically on the bridge over Keebler Avenue, and is expected to conclude by 3:30 p.m. on Friday, October 25, 2024, weather permitting. During this period, the right lane of the highway will be closed, and the ramps for the southbound weigh station will also be unavailable. IDOT advises that drivers should anticipate delays and plan for additional travel time in this area. Motorists are encouraged to consider alternative routes to avoid the construction zone, if possible. IDOT recommends that drivers remain vigilant by adhering to posted speed limits, avoiding the use of mobile devices, and being alert for workers and equipment in the vicinity. For ongoing updates, IDOT District 8 can be followed o

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GODFREY - Local volunteers came together to plant native trees at Glazebrook and LaVista Parks in Godfrey. On Friday, Oct. 18, 2024, students from Alton High School joined the Village of Godfrey and the Sierra Club Piasa Palisades chapter to plant trees as part of a “Recover, Replant, Restore!” grant from Trees Forever. “It’s great to have the support of Godfrey,” said Virginia Woulfe-Beile with the Sierra Club. “We went to both the Parks Department and the Board of Trustees, and they were very supportive of it.” Woulfe-Beile and Christine Favilla coordinate the Three Rivers Project, which emphasizes environmental education in the Riverbend region. They brought in a field ecology class from Alton High School to help plant the trees at the parks. The Sierra Club worked with the Village of Godfrey and the Godfrey Sustainability Commission to secure the grant through Trees Forever. As a nonprofit, Trees Forever has many forestry initiatives

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EDWARDSVILLE – Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE) and the Friends of Art is excited to announce its ANNUAL ART AUCTION on November 8, 2024, with funds raised supporting the Art & Design department’s visiting artist program as well as student scholarships, assistantships, and awards. This long-standing annual event (since 1979) will take place in the ART & DESIGN WEST GALLERY at SIUE, starting with a Preview at 5pm and the LIVE auction at 7pm by local auctioneer Gary Niemeier. This year’s auction will showcase a diverse array of artworks from both local and national artists, faculty, alumni and current students. Some highlights include pieces by Alexander Calder, Pablo Picasso, Victor Vasarely, Thomas Gipe, Daniel Raedeke, Andy Magee, JaimeJo Fisher and many more! Proceeds from the auction provide a unique opportunity for attendees to acquire unique and original pieces while contributing to the growth of the SIUE art community. The auction directly benefit

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