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As the leaves turn golden and the air becomes crisp, there’s no better time to indulge in a cozy movie marathon. Fall brings with it a sense of warmth and nostalgia, making it the perfect backdrop for binge-watching your favorite films. Whether you prefer heartwarming family flicks, thrilling horror, or romantic comedies, a well-planned movie marathon can become a cherished tradition during this beautiful season. This article will guide you through creating a cozy fall movie marathon that is enjoyable, comfortable, and memorable. Setting the Scene Choose the Right Environment The first step in creating a cozy atmosphere is selecting the right viewing environment. Your living room is often the best option, but don’t overlook other spaces like a basement, bedroom, or even an outdoor patio (if the weather allows). Aim for a location that you can easily control the lighting and temperature. Dim the lights to create an inviting ambiance, and if you’re watching outside,

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November 11th is a date rich with historical significance, marking pivotal events that have shaped nations and cultures across the globe. The Armistice of November 11, 1918, was signed between the Allies and Germany, effectively bringing to a close four years of brutal warfare that resulted in millions of casualties. As the clock struck 11 AM, the world breathed a collective sigh of relief—no longer would the sounds of gunfire and explosions dominate the landscape of Europe. This day is now commemorated as Armistice Day in many countries and is also observed as Veterans Day in the United States, honoring those who have served in the military. Fast forward to 1954, November 11th took on a new meaning in the United States when President Dwight D. Eisenhower proclaimed it as Veterans Day. This holiday was established to honor all military veterans who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces, recognizing their sacrifices and contributions to the country. The day is marked by ceremonies

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EDWARDSVILLE - Edwardsville High School students recently welcomed German students to their homes and classrooms for an exchange program. In October, German students spent two weeks at Edwardsville through the German American Partnership Program. EHS students will have the same experience in Germany next summer. Levi Antrim, a German teacher and the World Languages Department Chair at EHS, noted that it’s a “very unique experience” for the students. “ go to American high school and they see all the things that we do, and just kind of see what American life is really like instead of just whatever they see on TV,” Antrim said. “And then whenever we go to Germany, we stay with the same people, and we get to go on field trips as well, but our field trips in Germany include castles.” While in the U.S., the German students attended class with their EHS partners and stayed in their homes. They also traveled to Chicago and St. Louis. Antrim

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JERSEYVILLE — The memory of Sp.4 Michael D. McClain, a Jerseyville native who lost his life in the Vietnam War, continues to resonate with his family and community nearly six decades after his service. McClain, the only child of Mildred and Melvin McClain, served in the Army from 1967 until his death on Sept. 30, 1968, while assigned to Company C of the 34th Engineer Battalion and later transferred to temporary duty with the Big Red 1. McClain graduated from Jerseyville High School in 1966 before enlisting in the military. He was deployed to Vietnam during a tumultuous period marked by significant conflict. His service and sacrifice were recognized with numerous honors, including the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Vietnam Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, and Expert Rifle Badge. In a heartfelt message, Toni (Kruse) Eichorn, a family member, expressed the profound impact McClain's life and service had on his loved ones. "Our family honors Mike's memory

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As summer days give way to the crispness of autumn, many individuals find it challenging to maintain their fitness routine. The shift in weather can bring about a desire to hibernate, but staying active during the cooler months is vital for both physical and mental well-being. Embracing fall fitness not only helps to counteract the seasonal slump but also allows individuals to enjoy the beauty of nature as it transforms. This article explores effective strategies for staying active during fall, offering practical advice, relevant examples, and tips to inspire a healthy lifestyle throughout the season. The Importance of Staying Active in Fall With the changing seasons, people often face new challenges to their fitness routines. The drop in temperature can lead to decreased motivation, while the shorter daylight hours can complicate outdoor activities. However, maintaining a fitness regimen during fall is essential for several reasons: Physical Health : Regular exercise boosts th

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Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude, reflection, and of course, sharing delicious food with family and friends. A potluck is a delightful way to celebrate this holiday, allowing guests to contribute their favorite dishes while relieving the host from the burden of preparing an entire feast alone. If you’re considering hosting a Thanksgiving-themed potluck, this guide will walk you through the essential steps to ensure a successful and enjoyable gathering. Planning the Potluck 1. Set a Date and Time The first step in organizing a Thanksgiving-themed potluck is to determine when it will take place. Consider scheduling it either on the actual Thanksgiving Day or on a weekend close to the holiday. Be mindful of your guests' schedules, as many may have prior commitments during this festive season. Aim for a time that allows for a leisurely meal, typically in the late afternoon or early evening. 2. Choose a Location The location of your potluck can significantly affect the atmosphere

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WOOD RIVER - Midwest Members Credit Union is proud to sponsor the “Eagles of the Month” program at Civic Memorial High School. Senior students are selected each month by members of the Civic Memorial faculty to represent each department. All students are awarded a certificate and a Subway gift card. Two Seniors (one female student and one male student) that were selected each month will have the opportunity to compete for a $500 “Eagles of the Year” scholarship each at the end of the school year. 2024 September & October’s Eagles of the Month winners: Math: Max Weber and August Frankford Visual Arts: Gabrielle Davis and Isaac Pinski Social Studies: Mason Fries and Lucas King PE/Health: Devin Stuart and Nolan Paslay Choir: Ameila Pinski and JaNiah Wade Band: Brayden Keller and Brandi Patton Science: Sarah Rider and Isabella Murray English: Jonathan Raines and Samantha Seemiller CTE: Wesley Stewart and Chase Butler Teacher of the Month winners:

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ALTON - A man from St. Louis has been charged with sharing a sexual image of a victim without their consent. Melvin J. Harry, 56, of St. Louis, was charged with one count of Nonconsensual Dissemination of a Sex Image, a Class 4 felony. On Aug. 8, 2024, Harry allegedly disseminated a sexually exposing image of a 46-year-old victim. A description of the charge states the victim was identifiable from the image. Harry reportedly received the image under circumstances in which a reasonable person would understand the photo “was to remain private” and that “the victim has not consented to the dissemination.” The Alton Police Department presented the case against Harry, who was granted pretrial release from custody. The issuance of charges is based solely upon probable cause and is not an indication of guilt. All subjects charged with criminal offenses are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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CHICAGO - Today, Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) announced $2.3 million in tourism funding through two grant programs, the Tourism Attractions Grant Program ($1.7 million) and the Tourism Private Sector Grant Program ($600,000). Eligible entities can apply for grants to develop and improve new and existing tourism attractions through the Tourism Attractions Grant Program as well as grants to support and attract events and festivals through the Tourism Private Sector Grant Program in an effort to boost tourism across the state and welcome more visitors. Grantees will be selected through a competitive Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) process. “Illinois is the best place in the nation to visit and our booming tourism industry proves it,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “With an additional $2.3 million in funding, these grant programs will help develop and enhance attractions, support events and festivals, and

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ALTON - Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., The Hayner Public Library District will host the next “Puzzle Me This” puzzle competition at the Genealogy & Local History Library, 401 State St., in downtown Alton. Which four-person team will take home the prize for the fastest completion, and which team will shine through the accompanying historical trivia? Puzzlers and puzzle fans are invited to join us for the Hayner Library Fall Puzzle Competition. For this special event, Genealogy & Local History Library staff are once again collaborating with Alton High School Graphic Communication students to create a one-of-a-kind image that speaks to the history of Alton, Godfrey, and Foster Township. These puzzles will be produced only for the competition. Registered participants may arrive fifteen minutes early to settle into their tables. The competition starts promptly at 11 a.m. and ends when the puzzles are complete or at 2 p.m. Audience members are welcome to come

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Key takeaways: Pneumonia cases overall are drastically higher this year over last year Walking pneumonia cases are being seen more in young kids Severe illness in young kids with pneumonia is greater this year Normally, school-aged kids, teenagers and young adults are the more likely suspects to have what’s called “walking pneumonia.” It’s caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae ( M. pneumoniae ), a bacterium that causes respiratory tract infections. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports test positivity for walking pneumonia increased in late spring of 2024 and remained high. The term walking pneumonia was coined because it’s possible for someone to be walking around with the infection, and not even know it. “They're walking around school and they're not feeling that sick. They do have pneumonia but it's not putting them in the hospital typically,” says Keith Hanson, MD, the medical director of

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ALTON – Now that we’ve made our clocks “fall back” an hour, and with the holiday season fast approaching, just like the fall foliage popping up everywhere, there are some individuals that may begin experiencing those “winter blues” that are closely associated with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). According to Psychology Today , Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of recurrent major depressive disorder in which episodes of depression occur during the same season each year. This condition is sometimes called the "winter blues," because the most common seasonal pattern is for depressive episodes to appear in the fall or winter and remit in the spring. Seasonal Affective Disorder is estimated to affect 10 million Americans. Another 10%-20% may have mild SAD. The onset of SAD is estimated to be between the ages of 18-30. Some people experience symptoms severe enough to affect the quality of life, and 6% require hospitalization. “It

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BETHALTO - For Bethalto East Primary School Principal Christine “Crissy” Pavlinek, the decision to come to Bethalto was easy. After spending 22 years moving throughout the country with her husband, an active duty U.S. Navy servicemember, Pavlinek was eager to settle down closer to family in the Bethalto area. Now, she’s happy to be a part of the school community as principal of the district’s youngest school. Not only does it appeal to her student-centered approach, but it makes for a lot of fun days with kids who love to see her. “We’re never short on hugs and we’re never short on smiles,” Pavlinek shared. “The energy and excitement that they bring to each day just to be here and learning, to share something that they love and care about — I’m telling you, it’s a really magical place to be.” Pavlinek grew up in central Illinois, then moved to Edwardsville to attend SIUE with her sister. Her husband

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BETHALTO - Joe Ord with Piston Aviation recently shared more about their all-new online monthly flight school program, Piston Live . The all-new program offers the best of both online resources and live instruction to make piloting more affordable and accessible. Piston Aviation is a flight school serving private and sport pilots with locations in Creve Coeur, Mo. and Bethalto . Ord explained that most in-person “Ground Schools” don’t provide much scheduling flexibility, while most online flight schools offer no opportunity for live instruction. Piston Live combines the flexibility of an online flight school with the real-time guidance and clarification available from having a live instructor. “If you can’t make that two hours at one time a week, then you’re kind of behind … but a lot of people learn better in-person, so we said, ‘Well, let’s combine the two and come up with a model where we do live sessions

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EAST ST. LOUIS — The Illinois Emergency Management Agency announced that a Disaster Recovery Center will open Sunday, Nov. 10, 2024, at the Clyde C. Jordan Senior Citizen Center in East St. Louis. The center will operate from 9 a.m. to 5 p.p.m. Survivors of recent disasters will have the opportunity to receive assistance from specialists representing FEMA, the State of Illinois, and the U.S. Small Business Administration. The services offered at the center include help with applying for federal disaster assistance, uploading necessary documents, and obtaining answers to questions in person. Additionally, attendees will learn about other forms of assistance available and ways to enhance the disaster resilience of their properties. The Clyde C. Jordan Senior Citizen Center is located at 6755 State St., East Saint Louis, IL., 62203.

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EDWARDSVILLE — A power outage impacted multiple businesses, including Target and Home Depot, on Saturday evening, November 9, 2024. The outage began around 5 p.m. and affected approximately 600 customers in the area. Ameren Illinois reported that power was restored to those customers by approximately 8 p.m. Ellie Leonard, a spokesperson for Ameren Illinois, stated that crews are currently assessing the cause of the outage. She noted that power had been rerouted and restored to the affected customers. During the outage, the Edwardsville Police Department reported some accidents in the vicinity, although it remains unclear how many were directly related to the power situation. In the aftermath of the outage, some traffic signals in the affected area were non-operational. The Edwardsville Police Department reminded motorists that, under Illinois state law, drivers are required to come to a complete stop at intersections where traffic signals are not functioning. Ameren Illinois

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November 9th has witnessed some of the most significant events in history, shaping the course of nations and the lives of millions. One of the most pivotal events that occurred on this day was the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989. For nearly three decades, the wall symbolized the Cold War's division between East and West Germany and the broader ideological struggle between communism and democracy. In the late 1980s, a wave of reformist movements swept across Eastern Europe, leading to increasing pressure on the East German government. On November 9, 1989, following a botched announcement regarding travel regulations, thousands of East Berliners surged toward the wall, demanding to cross into West Berlin. The guards, overwhelmed and confused, eventually opened the gates. This moment not only marked the end of the wall but also paved the way for the reunification of Germany and the collapse of communist regimes across Eastern Europe. Fast forward to 1994, when on this day, the first

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EDWARDSVILLE - The Edwardsville Police Department will once again offer a firsthand opportunity to experience and learn about law enforcement from the City’s own officers. The 2025 Edwardsville Citizens Police Academy is now accepting applications for the 10-week session that will begin in January. The Police Department is encouraging anyone interested in learning about constitutional law, the rights of citizens, and the duties of law enforcement officers to consider participating. The department offers this annual series of classes to further strengthen the positive relationship between the police and the community. Academy sessions will include tours, demonstrations, hands-on activities and practical exercises that will allow participants to experience life from a police officer’s point of view. The academy will be held on Thursday nights from 6-9 p.m. beginning Jan. 9, 2025 and concluding in mid-March. Course topics will include: Law review Traffic/DUI enforcement

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JERSEYVILLE - This year's Veterans Day events will be hosted by the Jerseyville VFW Post 4528. The Veterans Day parade will start at 10 a.m. Nov. 11, 2024. The parade will line up beside Wells Norris Tire on West Prairie Street and South State Street. It will proceed to the Jersey County Courthouse and the ceremony will be at the War Memorial. The Jerseyville American Legion 492 Color Guard will do the firing and taps. Also the Jerseyville Marine Corps League Robert Windle detachment 1031 and VFW 4528 will present colors. The Jersey Community High School band will also perform. Please bring lawn chairs if needed. The American Legion 492 will have its annual Veterans Day Dinner and will begin serving at 11:30 a.m. If it rains, the parade will be cancelled and the ceremony will be moved to the big pavilion at the American Legion 492.

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ALTON - On Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2024 at 6 p.m., George Provenzano will present his “The Semples of Alton” lecture at the Genealogy & Local History Library, 401 State St., in downtown Alton. In 1836, General James Semple moved from Edwardsville to Alton to take advantage of better opportunities for real estate development in what then was a very rapidly growing city on the Mississippi River. For the next fourteen years, Semple and his family lived in a large country home in Semple Town , a residential subdivision that he platted in a picturesque setting on elevated acreage just north of Alton. When he moved to Alton, Semple was serving as Speaker of the Illinois House of Representatives in the Illinois General Assembly. He had been elected to three consecutive terms as representative from Madison County. In two of these terms, Semple served concurrently with an awkward-looking, ambitious politician from Sangamon County named Abraham Lincoln. While living in Alton, Semple

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