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BELLEVILLE – Caritas Family Solutions and Human Support Services (HSS) are pleased to announce that the two organizations will be merging, uniting their missions and programs under the Caritas Family Solutions umbrella to better serve communities across Southern Illinois and the Metro East. Caritas Family Solutions currently supports more than 6,300 individuals annually through programs including foster care, adoption, senior living services, homes for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and family support initiatives. HSS provides services to more than 1,200 annually, with a strong legacy in mental health and substance use treatment, residential supports, and services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The Boards of Directors for both Caritas and HSS have carefully and thoughtfully decided to join forces to expand their collective impact and ensure sustainable, high-quality services for the future. To help offset the operational

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ALTON - A local author has taken her work to new heights with the release of a coloring book. Amoriah Gray, 10, is no stranger to writing and publishing her story. Her first book, “Amoriah’s Magic Afro Puffs,” debuted when she was just 7 years old. Now, she’s helping other kids to work out their feelings and tell their stories with “Amoriah’s Social Emotional Learning Coloring Book.” “I hope they get positive thoughts and creative minds,” Amoriah said when asked what kids should take away from the book. The coloring book features affirmations, mindfulness techniques, and other social emotional coping skills. The aim is to empower kids and teach them basic emotional regulation skills through interactive crosswords, games and coloring pages. Angela, Amoriah’s mother, serves as a school social worker. The mother-daughter duo collaborated to come up with the book’s contents. “We were looking for how

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EAST ALTON – Another individual has been charged with calling in terrorist threats to local businesses for nearly a month. Jarrett M. Maki, 25, of Detroit, was charged on Sept. 8, 2025 with 11 Class X felony counts of making a terrorist threat. The case against Maki was filed just four days after a similar case against Austin H. Blair , 25, of East Alton, who was charged on Sept. 4, 2025 with 11 counts of making a terrorist threat, each Class X felonies. The charges against Maki mirror those filed against Blair. Both individuals are charged with threatening to commit a terrorist act or creating the impression that a terrorist act was about to be committed on 11 different occasions from July 28 to Aug. 27, 2025. Both individuals are accused of making phone calls to several local businesses, including various fast food restaurants, a convenience store, and a local bar. According to charging documents, Maki made the same threats against the same businesses on the same dates

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CHICAGO – Landmarks Illinois has awarded $43,000 in grant funding to 10 preservation projects across the state through three grant programs: the Preservation Heritage Fund, Barbara C. and Thomas E. Donnelley II Preservation Fund for Illinois and the Timuel D. Black, Jr. Grant Fund for Chicago’s South Side. These grants provide critical seed funding to nonprofits, congregations and community groups working to restore culturally and historically significant sites in the Illinois communities of Chicago, Galesburg, Greenup, Kampsville, Naperville and Peoria. Read below for more information on our grant programs and our latest grant recipients. Grant applications for the next round of funding through all three of Landmarks Illinois' grant programs are due October 1. Eligible organizations and entities are encouraged to apply. PRESERVATION HERITAGE FUND GRANT RECIPIENTS Landmarks Illinois’ Preservation Heritage Fund grants provide monetary assistance to significan

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O'FALLON - O'Fallon Police Department partnered with the Illinois Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Illinois in a fundraising event held Thursday evening, Sept. 11, 2025, at the O'Fallon Police Department. The third annual "Let's Go to Jail for Special Olympics Illinois" event brought together community members, local athletes, and their families to raise money for the organization. During the event, four local athletes and their families shared their personal stories, while participants, referred to as "inmates," competed to raise the most "bail" money. The effort resulted in a record-breaking total of more than $37,000 raised for Special Olympics Illinois. A significant portion of the funds came from local schools, whose administrators raised a combined $17,470. Notably, Principal Ybarra of St. Clare Catholic School and Superintendent Hruby of O'Fallon Community Consolidated School District #90 each raised over $6,000. The top individual fundraiser was Brad

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GLEN CARBON — The community is invited to attend A Choral Flourish, a series of concerts marking the 25th anniversary of a local singing group. The concerts will take place over three days this fall at different venues in the Metro East area. The first concert is scheduled for Friday, Oct. 17, at 7 p.m. at New Bethel United Methodist Church, located at 131 N. Main St. in Glen Carbon. The group will continue its performances on Saturday, Oct. 18, at 3 p.m. at Lovejoy Presbyterian Church, 2550 Rockhill Rd. in Wood River, followed by a final concert on Sunday, Oct. 19, at 3 p.m. at Godfrey First United Methodist Church, 1100 Airport Rd. in Godfrey. The singing group has been performing together for 25 years, focusing on music appreciation and community engagement through choral music. According to Bev Schultz, a representative of the group, “We have been singing together for 25 years, sharing music appreciation with our community, and enjoying the blessings that come with singing.&rdquo

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MADISON – The Illinois Department of Transportation today announced that maintenance on westbound Interstate 55/70 between Illinois 203 and Exchange Avenue in St. Clair County will require lane closures starting, weather permitting, at 5 a.m. Monday, Sept. 15. Two lanes will be closed to perform necessary bridge maintenance. All lanes are expected to reopen by 6 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 25. Motorists should expect long delays and are encouraged to use alternate routes during the 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.

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GODFREY - Alton Grace United Methodist Church has sold its building and begun offering services at Asbury Village in Godfrey. At 10 a.m. every Sunday, community members are invited to Asbury Village’s chapel for worship. Pastor Alan Abert noted that the services are open to the public. He is excited about this next chapter for the church. “About 18 months ago, we began envisioning what our ministry was going to look like going forward. The second question was, can we do that ministry without the weight of a building?” Pastor Abert shared. “This has been a God moment from beginning to end.” The congregation realized their building wasn’t suited to the growth they wanted. In July 2025, they decided to sell their building, located at 702 Henry Street in Alton, to a church group based out of North County called El Bethel Church of God in Christ. El Bethel COGIC will begin services in the Henry Street building soon. In the meantime, Alton

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GODFREY - The Riverbend CEO program invites community members to join them for a pickleball tournament. The Riverbend CEO program encourages area high school students to learn about entrepreneurship by conceptualizing and starting their own businesses. On Oct. 17 and 18, 2025, at Glazebrook Park in Godfrey, community members can support the program by playing pickleball. “It’s all fun,” said one Riverbend CEO student. “There are prizes. We literally just want everybody to have fun.” The tournaments run from 6–9 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 17, and 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 18. Each day is a new bracket. The students ask players to sign up by Oct. 10. It costs $15 per play or $30 per team to participate. They explained that the money will allow them to start their businesses. “Each fund is for our own separate business,” they said. “Closer to the winter and the spring, we’ll start developing our own businesses.

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Did you know that the average person consumes nearly 9 pounds of chocolate each year? This seemingly simple indulgence has a rich history and cultural significance that spans continents and centuries. International Chocolate Day, celebrated on September 13th, offers a perfect opportunity to delve into the fascinating world of chocolate beyond its sweet taste. From its ancient origins to contemporary culinary innovations, chocolate continues to captivate and inspire. This article explores the origins and significance of International Chocolate Day, highlights unique recipes that elevate chocolate’s versatility, and provides practical tips for incorporating this beloved ingredient into everyday cooking. The Origins and Significance of International Chocolate Day International Chocolate Day is more than just a celebration of a popular treat; it honors the legacy of chocolate’s discovery and its cultural impact worldwide. The date commemorates the birthday of Milton S. Hershey,

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BELLEVILLE – The Illinois Department of Transportation today announced that pavement evaluations on Illinois 13 and Illinois 158 in St. Clair County will take place on Thursday, Sept. 18, weather permitting. The work will require intermittent daytime lane closures at the following locations: Illinois 13 from 23rd Street to Illinois 158 Illinois 158 from Illinois 15 to 0.2 miles east of Rentchler Road Work on Illinois 13 will be completed prior to beginning pavement evaluations on Illinois 158. 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

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Representative Brad Schneider (D-IL-10) today are expressing their opposition to the Administration’s use of Naval Station Great Lakes (NSGL) for support to federal law enforcement operations in Illinois and demanding written confirmation of how the installation is being used. In a letter sent to Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem today, the members are calling on the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to provide answers after DHS’s refusal to meet with the members at NSGL last week. “We are gravely concerned about the decision by the Secretary of Defense to designate U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) installation Naval Station Great Lakes (NSGL) as a staging location for U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) personnel for federal law and immigratio

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Chestnut Health Systems offers free NARCAN® and free training on how and when to use it. The free training is virtual, on Zoom, so you can attend without leaving your home. You can attend anonymously. The training is user-friendly, easy and interesting. There are no tests or quizzes. The training is offered every 3rd Thursday of the month at 10:00am and 2:00pm. The next training is scheduled for Sept 18, 2025. To sign up for the next training, or for more information, email mdrainer@chestnut.org . Chestnut also provides free in-person trainings for individuals and groups, such as families, churches, offices, book clubs, libraries, food pantries, homeless shelters, businesses, etc.

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BRIGHTON - Leanne Muenstermann AIFD, CFD, ICD, ICPF, owner and lead designer of Leanne's Pretty Petals, has achieved one of the floral industry's highest honors by being inducted into the American Institute of Floral Designers (AIFD), an elite organization that recognizes exceptional skill, artistry, and dedication in floral design. With only about 1,250 accredited members worldwide, AIFD represents the pinnacle of professional accomplishment within the floral industry. To earn this distinction, Leanne successfully completed AIFD's rigorous two-part evaluation process. Candidates must first pass an extensive written examination on floral terms, techniques, and traditions, requiring a minimum score of 80%. Those who advance then face the hands-on design evaluation, one of the most demanding tests in the floral industry. Within just 4 hours, candidates are challenged to create five floral designs across required categories: Weddings- designs such as bridal bouquets or wedding part

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GRANITE CITY — Five felony charges were filed against Montez Williams, 36, of Cahokia Heights, following a stolen ambulance pursuit that ended in a crash early Thursday. The incident began on Thursday, Sept. 11, 2025, when a patient in a MedStar Ambulance took control of the vehicle shortly after paramedics arrived at Gateway Regional Medical Center in Granite City. A Madison County Sheriff's Deputy spotted the stolen ambulance, prompting a vehicle pursuit that extended through multiple surrounding communities with assistance from several law enforcement agencies. The chase ended on Illinois Route 111 near South Roxana, where the ambulance swerved to avoid spike strips, left the roadway, and rolled over. Williams, the sole occupant, was taken into custody with minor injuries and transported back to Gateway Regional Medical Center for treatment. Madison County State’s Attorney Tom Haine announced charges against Williams, including two counts of aggravated battery, two

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HARDIN - Calhoun County Sheriff’s deputies arrested a Jerseyville man after a high-speed traffic stop attempt and subsequent river escape on August 23, 2025. At approximately 6:15 p.m. on Aug. 23, 2025, Calhoun Sheriff William Heffington tried to stop a vehicle near the intersection of Illinois River Road and Royal Landing Road in Calhoun County. The driver fled at a high rate of speed toward the Mississippi River. Deputy Nic McCall arrived to assist in locating the suspect. Several Calhoun County residents reported to sheriff’s officials that the driver had abandoned the vehicle and jumped into the Mississippi River, attempting to swim across. Additional citizens arrived on scene with a boat and helped Deputy McCall apprehend the suspect, who had taken refuge on an island in the river. The suspect was identified as 27-year-old Brendan M. Stamper of Jerseyville. He was arrested on multiple charges, including aggravated DUI — third or subsequent offense, driving while

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ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo. — Human remains found in the Columbia Bottom Conservation Area have been positively identified as Steven Reed, 41, of the 600 block of West Canterbury Road in St. Louis, authorities have confirmed. Reed was reported missing under an Endangered Person Advisory issued on August 21, 2025. The remains were discovered on Sept. 8, 2025, at approximately 11:46 a.m. in the 800 block of Strodtman Road within the conservation area, according to the St. Louis County Police Department. Detectives from the Bureau of Crimes Against Persons are actively investigating the case. At this time, the cause of death has not been determined. Authorities have not released additional details as the investigation remains ongoing. The St. Louis County Police Department encourages anyone with information about the case to contact investigators at 636-529-8210. Tips can also be submitted anonymously through CrimeStoppers at 1-866-371-TIPS (8477), with the possibility of a reward.

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ST. CHARLES COUNTY, Mo. — The St. Charles County Police Department has closed its investigation into the disappearance of 18-year-old Logan Hummel after his body was recovered from the Missouri River, officials announced Friday, Sept. 12, 2025. Hummel was reported missing on Sept. 3, 2025, the same day authorities received reports of a person standing on the ledge of the Veterans Memorial Bridge. When law enforcement arrived, the individual was no longer present, and witnesses believed the person had jumped into the river. Search and rescue efforts were immediately launched but initially yielded no results. During the investigation, police located a vehicle known to have been driven by Hummel and contacted his immediate family. Authorities believed Hummel was the individual seen on the bridge who had entered the river. Earlier this week, a body was found in the Missouri River near the Chain of Rocks Bridge and was subsequently identified as Hummel. With this confirmation, the

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EAST ST. LOUIS – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and U.S. Representative Nikki Budzinski (D-IL-13), along with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), today hosted a Community Day for Metro East residents to learn more about the latest updates on flood mitigation and water infrastructure improvements throughout Cahokia Heights, East St. Louis and the region. Duckworth and Budzinski met with residents, shared their efforts at the federal level to bring funding and oversight to water infrastructure projects throughout the region and received status updates on ongoing improvement projects from USACE and local officials. Photos from today’s event are available on the Senator’s website. “For years I’ve been working to bring awareness to the longstanding flooding and environmental issues that plague this region and bring in more funding and oversight,” Duckworth said. “It took decades of neglect, lack of investment or resources and environmenta

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SPRINGFIELD - On Friday, Governor JB Pritzker signed Executive Order 2025-04 launching a statewide effort to protect vaccine access during the fall respiratory virus season. This Order establishes the Statewide Vaccine Access Initiative, led by the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) in partnership with multiple state agencies to ensure Illinoisans can get the vaccines they need and can rely on science-based guidance. It also directs IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra to issue a Standing Order to allow eligible providers in pharmacy and other appropriate clinical settings to administer vaccines recommended by IDPH after consultation with its expert Immunization Advisory Committee (IAC). The Governor’s action today ensures that Illinoisans will be able to receive the immunizations they need during the anticipated rise in seasonal respiratory illnesses later this fall. “This is about making sure no family in Illinois is left wondering if they can protect themselves

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