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EAST SAINT LOUIS – State Representative Kevin Schmidt donated his pay raise for the month of December to Press Play x 2 Shinn, in the form of a food donation. Schmidt has donated every month’s pay raise to a different local food pantry or non-profit organization throughout his district since voting against the pay raise for legislators last year. “I’m passionate about fighting food insecurity,” said Schmidt. “When the legislature voted themselves a pay raise last year, I decided to give the amount of the raise each month to a local organization that’s trying to help feed the hungry. Our local food pantries and charities need our help, and I’m going to keep helping the people I represent.” Press Play x 2 Shinn Inc. was founded by Nancy Nixon of East St. Louis following the loss of two of her children. Each Thanksgiving and Christmas, she and a group of volunteers prepare the meals in her home kitchen and distribute hot

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JERSEY - Jersey Community High School's wrestling team secured a notable victory at the Chaminade Tournament, held recently, amassing a total of 194.5 points. The event showcased the skills of several athletes from the team, contributing to their overall success. Maddox Williams and Shea Herrera each earned first-place finishes in their respective weight classes, demonstrating exceptional performance throughout the competition. Additionally, Bodey Waltz, Nick Hartley, and Ethan Daniels achieved second-place finishes, while Hunter Hodge, Trevor Tucker, and Nick Woelfel claimed third. Jace Marshal rounded out the team's achievements with a fourth-place finish. The Jersey wrestlers are Sparklight Male Athletes of the Month. The tournament not only highlighted the individual talents of the wrestlers but also underscored the strength of the Jersey Community Unit School District No. 100's wrestling program. Jersey's success at Chaminade reflects the team's hard work and dedication in

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CHICAGO – The Mega Millions jackpot has surged to an incredible $944 million for tomorrow night’s drawing, which means Illinois Lottery players have a chance to win big on Christmas Eve. If won, this jackpot would rank as the seventh-largest in Mega Millions history. So far this year, three players have won Mega Millions jackpots this year: In March a player in New Jersey won a life-changing $1.128 billion; In June, an Illinois Lottery player won $552 million playing Mega Millions on the Illinois Lottery mobile app – the largest prize ever won by an online lottery player in the U.S.; And the most recent Mega Millions jackpot won was in September when a player in Texas walked away with a staggering $810 million. With over 7,000 Illinois Lottery retailers across the State, Illinois Lottery players can conveniently pick up a ticket at their local store - or they can log on to the Illinois Lottery website or app and purchase a ticket online. Mega Millions

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ALTON — A car fire at approximately 12:32 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 21, 2024, drew a quick response from the Alton Fire Department. The incident occurred at the intersection of Homer Adams Parkway and Alton Square Mall Drive. Alton Police reported that the situation did not involve any criminal elements, and there were no injuries associated with the fire. The Alton Fire Department was the primary agency handling the incident and had the car fire extinguished quickly and the road was also cleared in quick fashion after the incident.

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SPRINGFIELD – Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) fisheries biologists are collecting live Christmas trees to be used as fish habitat in local lakes after the holidays. The collected trees will be bundled together, weighted, and submerged at lakes, providing critical habitat for multiple fish species and promoting algae growth for insects that attract fish for anglers. The trees will naturally decompose over time. Maps and coordinates of the tree habitat locations are available online or from each lake’s biologist. Visit the IDNR Office of Fisheries website for drop-off location information and instructions. Trees should be placed only in the designated area for each site and only during the designated drop-off dates. Trees must be free of stands, lights, ornaments, and tinsel. Wreaths and garlands will not be accepted. Drop-off locations and dates include the following: Clinton County Carlyle Lake Dam East boat ramp Dec. 26 to Jan. 5 Place trees

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ALTON - Once again, Vintage Voices has surpassed previous attendance records with 671 guests in 2024, a testament to its ever-increasing community support and growing popularity. “We are very grateful for the community’s support of this October tradition”, said committee chair Jody Basola. “The unique experience of costumed actors portraying historical characters in the picturesque Alton Cemetery allows guests to connect with and appreciate the rich contributions of these figures to the community's history.” In addition to preserving our history, Vintage Voices is making a positive impact by giving back to the community. This year $4,000 was presented to local organizations. Organizations receiving donations include Alton Cemetery, Boys and Girls Club of Alton, Crisis Food Center, Hayner Genealogy & Local History Library, Oasis Women’s Center, Overnight Warming Locations, Riverbend Head Start & Family Services, The Salvation Army, Wreaths Across

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Press Release Recap: 5th Annual K Miller Christmas ALTON — K Miller Foundation proudly hosted its Fifth Annual Toy Giveaway event on December 21, 2024, spreading holiday cheer and bringing smiles to the Alton community and surrounding areas. Thanks to our sponsors we were able to give away hundreds of toys to children in our community. This heartwarming event was made possible through the generous support of our sponsors, dedicated volunteers, and community partners. A Day of Joy and Giving Held at LaMay’s Catering the Toy Giveaway welcomed 50 families who received a wide variety of toys, games, and gifts for children of all ages. The event featured festive decorations, music, hot chocolate stations, life-size snow globe and fun activities, creating an atmosphere of joy and celebration for everyone in attendance. Gratitude to Our Sponsors This year’s event would not have been possible without the incredible support of our sponsors: · Walmart

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Crafting during the holiday season is a cherished tradition for many families and individuals. Not only does it provide a creative outlet, but it also allows for the personalization of decorations, gifts, and cards. Whether you’re looking to adorn your home, create heartfelt gifts, or engage in a fun activity with friends and family, holiday-themed crafts can bring joy and warmth to your celebrations. Here’s a guide to help you get started on your crafting journey with practical advice, inspiring examples, and key considerations. Choosing Your Craft Before diving into the world of crafting, it’s essential to choose the type of project that resonates with you. Here are a few popular categories to consider: 1. Decorations Creating your own holiday decorations can infuse your space with a personal touch. Consider making: Wreaths : Use materials like evergreen branches, ribbons, and ornaments. A simple grapevine wreath can be adorned with seasonal flowers or

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As the temperature drops and winter settles in, there's nothing quite like the warmth of a home-cooked meal to fend off the chill. The culinary delights of winter are rich, hearty, and often designed to nourish both body and soul. This article presents a collection of winter recipes that are not only delicious but also easy to prepare, ensuring you stay cozy and satisfied throughout the season. Hearty Soups to Soothe the Soul Classic Chicken Noodle Soup Nothing beats a steaming bowl of chicken noodle soup on a cold winter day. The combination of tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and comforting noodles creates a dish that warms from the inside out. Ingredients: 1 whole chicken or 4 chicken breasts 8 cups chicken broth 2 carrots, diced 2 celery stalks, diced 1 onion, chopped 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cups egg noodles Fresh herbs (parsley, thyme, or dill) Salt and pepper to taste Instructions: In a large pot, combine the chicken, broth, carrots, celery, onion, garlic,

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As the days grow shorter and the air turns crisp, the winter season beckons us to cozy up and find warmth in delightful experiences. For many, a winter getaway is the perfect opportunity to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life, recharge, and embrace the beauty of the season. Whether it's a snowy mountain retreat or a tranquil cabin by the lake, planning a winter vacation involves more than just packing your bags. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you craft an unforgettable winter escape. Choosing Your Destination The first step in planning a cozy winter getaway is selecting the right destination. Consider the type of experience you desire: Mountain Retreats : If you enjoy skiing, snowboarding, or simply soaking in the majestic views, mountain resorts like Aspen, Colorado, or Whistler, Canada, are excellent choices. These locations offer various winter sports, lodging options, and après-ski activities. Cabin Escapes : For a more rustic experience, look

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As we flip through the pages of history, December 23rd has been a date marked by significant events that have shaped our world in various ways. Let's turn to 1805, where a significant event unfolded: the establishment of the first successful modern insurance company, the Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States, in New York. This marked a turning point in financial history, creating a foundation for the insurance industry that we know today. Life insurance became more accessible to the general public, providing financial security to families and individuals. This event not only transformed the financial landscape but also played a crucial role in the development of social security systems in many countries. In 1913, the first crossword puzzle was published in the New York World newspaper. Created by Arthur Wynne, this seemingly simple puzzle captured the imagination of the public and sparked a craze that continues to this day. Crosswords have since evolved into a popula

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ALTON — The Alton Firefighters Local 1255 successfully held its 8th Annual Turkey Giveaway on Saturday, providing turkeys and bags of side dishes to community members in need. The event took place at the Alton Fire Department and saw participation from firefighters and their families, who helped distribute the food. Battalion Chief Derrick Richardson highlighted the significance of the event, noting that this year’s giveaway was particularly meaningful as children of Alton Fire Department members took part in the distribution. “Our aim is to spread joy to those who need a little extra joy,” Richardson said. Many recipients expressed gratitude for the assistance, with Richardson stating, “Those who received the turkeys were very thankful and appreciative. This is what it is all about.” The annual tradition continues to foster community spirit and support for those facing challenges during the holiday season.

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GLEN CARBON - Chase Jones, a 6' 5" freshman guard for Marquette Catholic's boys basketball team, is starting to emerge as one of the leaders on the Explorers, and after his performance against Father McGivney Catholic on Dec. 17, 2024, it will be plenty hard to stop him, indeed. Jones was the game's leading scorer with 18 points in Marquette's 61-38 win over the Griffins in the Gateway Metro Conference game, and he also played a role in the Explorer's 45-40 overtime win against St. Louis Priory Catholic. Jones is a Tucker's Automotive Repair & Tire Male Athlete Of The Month for the Explorers. "I am feeling good," Jones said after that game. "Every win counts," Jones said. "Especially heading into the conference and regional play." The Explorers played very well against McGivney, weathering a storm when the Griffins came to within eight at one point in the second half, after Marquette used a big 15-0 first half run to take control of the game. "It was a real defensive effort fro

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EDWARDSVILLE - Junior shooting forward Miccah Butler himself is off the a great start for the 2024-25 boys basketball season at Edwardsville High, and in turn, has helped the Tigers of to a 7-1 start as the team gets ready to play in the Don Mauer Holiday Invitational Tournament at Mary Institute-Country Day School in Ladue, Mo., in mid-St. Louis County. Butler is a Spencer Homes Male Athlete of Month. In a game against Riverview Gardens played on Dec. 16, Butler scored 16 points in helping the Tigers go on to a 64-33 win over the Rams at Lucco-Jackson Gym. For the season, Butler is the team's second-leading scorer, averaging 14.9 points and five rebounds-per-game, and also has 15 assists, 12 steals and three blocked shots to add to his stat line. He's helped provide much leadership and hard work in helping Edwardsville get off to a great start. In a postgame interview that followed the win over Riverview, Butler was feeling good about how the Tigers have been playing, and is ver

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EDWARDSVILLE - Jacob Kober, a senior point guard for the Metro-East Lutheran High boys basketball team, has helped the Knights get off to a fantastic start, going 7-1 as Metro-East enters the Breese Mater Dei Catholic Holiday tournament this week. He is a BJ's Printables Male Athlete of the Month for the Knights. Kober played a key role in the Knights' 76-50 win over Marquette Catholic at Hooks Gym Dec. 20, before Metro-East lost their first game of the season the next night at the Redbirds Nets in Alton, losing 61-49 to Hazelwood Central of north St. Louis County. For the season, in games going through the Marquette game, Kober has averaged 5.8 points-per-game, and also has two assists and two steals, playing a big defensive role in the team's success. In an interview that followed the win over the Explorers, Kober felt very good about both the win and the undefeated streak to start the season. "It's just, overall, a team effort every game," Kober said. "We're 7-0 for a reason.

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EDWARDSVILLE/GLEN CARBON - A man from Maryville faces seven total felonies in two cases for a string of retail thefts at the Glen Carbon Lowe’s and Edwardsville Target. Among the items stolen are two Christmas trees, holiday decorations, a fireplace, and much more before he tried to flee from police. Christopher J. Ottensmeyer, 48, of Maryville, was charged on Dec. 16, 2024 with six counts of retail theft over $300, each Class 3 felonies. Each of the offenses in the first case were committed at the same Lowe’s location at 159 Whistle Stop Drive in Glen Carbon. On Nov. 18, 2024, Ottensmeyer allegedly stole 12 boxes of Quickstop laminate wood plank flooring. Four days later on Nov. 22, he stole another 12 boxes of the same type of flooring and a Marshalltown flooring cutter. The next day on Nov. 23, he reportedly stole a Blackstone grill, three boxes of pathway marker lights, a 5-foot white Christmas Tree, a 4-foot piece of LED neon holiday decor, and a “Holiday Livin

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Welcome to December 21 and 22, dates that have witnessed a myriad of significant events across various realms of human endeavor. Let's turn to December 21, 1988, when the world was shaken by the tragic bombing of Pan Am Flight 103 over Lockerbie, Scotland. This devastating act of terrorism resulted in the loss of 270 lives and had profound implications for international security and counter-terrorism measures. The incident led to significant changes in aviation security protocols and remains a somber reminder of the fragility of peace in a complex global landscape. Shifting gears to a more recent historical moment, December 21, 2012, was famously predicted to be the end of the world according to interpretations of the Mayan calendar. While this prophecy was met with widespread skepticism, it spurred a cultural phenomenon, leading to numerous discussions about apocalyptic scenarios and the nature of time. In the end, the day passed without incident, but the conversations it generated

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WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV)—both members of the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation (CST)—applauded the House passage of their bipartisan legislation to help break down unnecessary barriers for Americans with disabilities at Amtrak rail stations across the country. Building on Duckworth’s All Stations Accessibility Program (ASAP) Act , which became law as part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and is already helping improve transportation accessibility nationwide, the bipartisan Think DIFFERENTLY Transportation Act would help bring Amtrak stations up to standards enshrined in the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) by requiring the rail agency to submit annual reports to Congress on its compliance with accessibility standards set by the ADA. The bill now awaits President Biden’s signature. “When the ADA was signed into law, it promised that intercity passenger

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ILLINOIS - Ameren Illinois is running a promotion where you can receive a smart thermostat and smart socket for free. Ameren Illinois and Google have partnered to offer Google Nest thermostats to customers at no charge, as long as supplies last. You have until Dec. 31, 2024, to claim this offer. Stephanie Robinson, senior program supervisor with Ameren’s Energy Efficiency program, outlined the energy savings that the smart thermostat can provide. “Our heating and cooling cost is one of the highest bills that we have, so whenever there’s opportunity to save, we need to do just that,” Robinson said. “We want everybody to take advantage of this particular offer.” Smart thermostats can be controlled remotely from a smartphone. The Google Nest thermostat also has an eco setting to help customers manage their energy usage, and it will send a notification when it’s time to change the filter on your furnace. Robinson shared that she often

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RIVERBEND - Do you love decorating for the holidays? Do you want to win $250 cash and more? Keep reading! RiverBender.com , Raging Rivers WaterPark and Tropical Sno/Lotus Energy are thrilled to announce the first-ever Holiday Lights Contest. Post pictures of your favorite holiday lights display in the comments of our Facebook post for the chance to win. The grand prize is $250 cash, season passes to Raging Rivers for a family of four, and free Tropical Sno or Lotus Energy Drinks for a year (restrictions apply). “We wanted to spread holiday cheer to the Riverbend,” said RiverBender.com owner John Hentrich. “To all the Clark Griswolds in the region, now is the perfect chance to show off your lights and win some cool prizes.” Second and third place winners will receive day passes to Raging Rivers for a family of four and free Tropical Sno or Lotus Energy Drinks for a year, with some restrictions. Homes and businesses are eligible t

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