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SPRINGFIELD - Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias announced the Illinois Flag Commission received 4,844 entries during the six-week submission period that closed Oct. 18. “I’m thrilled by the number of submissions the commission has received, as well as the excitement that this project has generated. I can’t wait to see which designs the commission selects for public voting,” Giannoulias said. “The contest has encouraged us all to reflect on what makes us proud to be Illinoisans, resulting in some great stories and unique designs reflecting what our state represents.” Now that the submission period is closed, the Illinois Flag Commission will meet before the end of the year to select the top 10 designs. Beginning in January, the public will have the opportunity to vote online for one of 10 new designs, or one of the three former flag designs, including the current state flag, the 1918 Centennial Flag and the 1968 Sesquicentennial Flag.

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Halloween is a thrilling time for children, filled with costumes, candy, and the excitement of spooky decorations. One of the best ways to celebrate this festive season is through DIY Halloween crafts. Engaging in craft projects not only fosters creativity but also provides an opportunity for quality family bonding. In this article, we will explore a variety of easy and fun DIY Halloween crafts that kids can enjoy, along with tips, materials needed, and step-by-step instructions. Why DIY Halloween Crafts? Engaging in DIY crafts has numerous benefits for children: Creativity and Imagination : Crafting allows kids to express themselves and explore their creative abilities. Fine Motor Skills Development : Cutting, gluing, and assembling crafts improve hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills. Problem-Solving Skills : Crafting often involves following instructions and troubleshooting, enhancing critical thinking. Bonding Time : DIY projects provide a wonderful opportunity

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GILLESPIE - Gillespie Community will host a Community Blood Drive with ImpactLife, the provider of blood components for local hospitals. The blood drive will be from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 11, 2024 at 900 Broadway, inside Gillespie Methodist Church Gym. What: Gillespie Community Blood Drive When: Monday, November 11, 1:00 pm - 6:00 pm Where: Gillespie Methodist Church Gym, 900 Broadway, Gillespie, IL Appointments: To donate, please contact Brenda Lowe at (217) 710-1336 or visit www.bloodcenter.org and use code 60020 to locate the drive. You may also call ImpactLife to schedule at 800-747-5401. Appointments are requested. Donor Eligibility Criteria: Potential donors must be at least 17 years of age (16 with parental permission form available through www.bloodcenter.org ) and weigh more than 110 pounds. A photo I.D. is required to donate. For questions about eligibility, please call ImpactLife at (800) 747-5401. Donors who last gave blood on or before Sept.

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PIASA — The Piasa Southwestern boys cross country team secured a spot in the sectional meet next week at Elmwood, demonstrating strong performance at the IHSA Class 1A Rushville-Industry regional meet held Saturday morning, Oct. 26, 2024, at Scripps Park Golf Course. Pleasant Plains claimed the team title with a commanding score of 33 points, significantly ahead of second-place Quincy Notre Dame Catholic, which finished with 86 points. Petersburg PORTA followed closely in third with 91 points, while Carthage Illini West took fourth with 116 points. Liberty finished fifth with 124 points, and the Piasa Birds secured their advancement with a total of 149 points. Beardstown rounded out the qualifying teams in seventh place with 158 points. The Piasa Birds are Altonized Community Federal Credit Union Male Athletes Of The Month. In individual performances, Thor Springman led Southwestern with a seventh-place finish, clocking in at 16:37.0 for three miles, which marked a personal recor

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Fresh Express is voluntarily recalling a limited number of Gourmet Café Chicken Caesar Salad Bowls due to the inclusion of recalled chicken items from BrucePac, an outside ingredient supplier. The BrucePac recall is due to possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination. The fresh vegetable components are not impacted by this recall. Listeria monocytogenes is an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, Listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women. The salad bowls were distributed in the following states: CA, LA, TX, WA. Fresh Express is no longer using chicken ingredients from the ingredient supplier’s (BrucePac) impacted facility and we will not do so until the USDA has inspected

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ST. JOSEPH – Today, the Illinois State Police (ISP) joined Trooper Corey S. Thompsen’s family and friends, along with officers from law enforcement agencies across the country, to honor and pay their respects to Trooper Thompsen, who was killed in the line of duty on October 18, 2024, as the result of a traffic crash in Champaign County. Trooper Thompsen was laid to rest today. “Our hearts are broken today, but our spirit is not,” said ISP Director Brendan F. Kelly. “To allow our spirit to be broken would dishonor what Trooper Thompsen, his family, and ISP stand for. This week and then forever, we will honor him. "We will honor his life of service, and the service and sacrifice of his family and friends.” Trooper Thompsen began his career in law enforcement in 2018, serving as a member of the Vermilion Metropolitan Enforcement Group. On this exact day, five years ago, Trooper Thompsen entered the ISP Academy in Springfield as a cadet in

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WOOD RIVER - As families enjoyed Wood River’s Downtown Trick-or-Treat night last week, Mayor Tom Stalcup reflected on the town’s growth. Stalcup noted that the town has brought in many new businesses and revitalized their downtown district. He thanked the people in the city who have made this possible. “We got together with a lot of the building owners who are down here and got some new ordinances passed and cleaned up some of the older buildings, and it just started snowballing from there,” Stalcup said. “About four years ago, when I first came into office, Chief Wells, who’s also our Building and Zoning czar, he had some ideas. And Steve Palin came into office for the city manager’s job, and they work really well together.” The Downtown Trick-or-Treat event represents the town’s expansion over the years, as Stalcup noted the sidewalks were “shoulder-to-shoulder” with families and kids enjoying their evening

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HARDIN – The Illinois State Police (ISP) Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) Special Investigations Unit (SIU) on Monday, Oct. 28, 2024, announced charges against the Calhoun Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) Treasurer. ISP worked with the Calhoun County State’s Attorney to bring charges against Peggy Hall for theft. On February 13, 2024, the Calhoun County State’s Attorney notified ISP of allegations of theft against Calhoun County Assessor Peggy Hall. The allegations of theft were related to her role as PTO Treasurer and not in her capacity as Calhoun County Assessor. ISP conducted a thorough investigation into allegations of stealing PTO funds and turned its case over to the Illinois State’s Attorneys Appellate Prosecutor. On October 22, 2024, Hall was charged with one count of Theft over $10,000 and one count of Deceptive Practices. Hall was served a warrant and released. Hall’s first court appearance is set for November 6, 2024. All suspects

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DUPO – Lane closures on northbound I-255 will begin on Tuesday, October 29, 2024, as part of a pavement maintenance project, the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) announced today. The closures will extend from Exit 9 (Dupo) to Exit 10 (Cahokia Heights) and are expected to last until Thursday, October 31, 2024, weather permitting. Starting at 9 a.m. on October 29, the left lane will be closed for the duration of the project. Additionally, the adjacent lane will be closed daily from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. during this period. All entrance and exit ramps will remain open, according to IDOT. These lane restrictions are necessary to perform essential maintenance work in the area, and IDOT District 8 crews will be overseeing the improvements. Full access to the highway will be restored as soon as possible. Motorists are advised to anticipate delays and to allow extra time for their travels through this section of I-255. The department encourages drivers to consider alternate

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SHILOH — HSHS Medical Group is pleased to welcome Dr. Emily Dahm, family medicine, to their team. Dr. Dahm is now scheduling patients at HSHS Medical Group Family Medicine –Shiloh, located at 1116 Hartman Lane in Shiloh. As a primary care physician, Dr. Dahm cares for patients of all ages and offers a variety of services, including minor procedures, general wellness, well-child visits, women’s health care, and acute and chronic illness management. Dr. Dahm is an Illinois native who has returned to serve her community. She earned her Bachelor of Medical Science at Saint Louis University in St. Louis, Missouri. She received her medical degree from Saint Louis University School of Medicine also in St. Louis. Dr. Dahm completed a family medicine residency at Saint Louis University – Southwest Illinois Family Medicine Residency in Belleville, Illinois. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Dahm, please call 618-641-9011 or schedule online at hshsmedicalgroup.org

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EDWARDSVILLE - After a nationwide and highly competitive application process, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), has awarded the Madison County Drug Court a $2,000,000 grant, Project Reclaiming Hope. Chief Criminal Judge Kyle Napp, who has been the presiding judge of the drug court since 2010, announced the exciting news on Monday, Oct. 28, 2024. The Project Reclaiming Hope grant will last five years, and it will allow the courts to increase the number of participants accepted into drug court. The grant will provide funding for two vital staff positions, both a probation officer specialist and a high-risk probation officer. The grant will also provide much-needed funding for additional drug and mental health treatment, parenting classes, the hiring of three more treatment providers, housing vouchers, funding for GED classes and additional training. Judge Napp praised the work of Deputy Chief Probation Officer Mike Wilkinson. “Mike spent countles

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ST. LOUIS COUNTY - On Saturday, October 26, 2024, the St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office issued charges on suspect Justin Bradshaw, 34 years of age, of the 2900 block of Lemay Ferry Road in St. Louis, Missouri, 63125, for Resisting/Interfering with Arrest for a Felony, Unlawful Possession of a Firearm, Assault Third Degree of a Special Victim, and Assault Fourth Degree. A booking photo of Bradshaw is attached. Bradshaw is being held on $100,000 cash only, no 10%, bond. Please note, charges are merely an accusation, and Defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law. The probable cause statement reads: "On October 26, 2024, Officer #1 on patrol in the area of South Broadway Avenue and Vincent Avenue observed a silver Pontiac G6 driving on South Broadway Avenue. License plate check comes back to a Chevrolet vehicle. Officer #1 initiated a traffic stop for license plate violation. Upon contacting the occupants of the vehicle, Officer

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HARDIN - At 7:46 p.m. on Sept. 20, 2024, a deputy with the Calhoun County Sheriff's Office conducted a traffic stop on Illinois River Road, near Meyer Lane in Calhoun County. Subsequent to an investigation, the driver, Benjamin K. Brummett, aged 46, of St. Louis was arrested for the following offenses: Possession of Methamphetamine (Less than 5 Grams), Possession of Controlled Substance, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Operating Uninsured. Brummett was arrested without incident and transported to the Calhoun County Sheriff's Office. As is now required under the provisions of the new House Bill 3653, known as the SAFE-T Act; Brummett was booked and released with a Notice to Appear at a later date at the Calhoun County Courthouse. All suspect(s) are innocent until proven guilty.

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MADISON COUNTY - Illinois State Police Troop 8 responded to a fatal traffic crash early Monday morning, Oct. 28, 2024, on Interstate 55 northbound near milepost 3. The incident occurred at approximately 4:31 a.m. on October 28, 2024. ISP said preliminary reports indicate that the crash involved two vehicles, resulting in one person being pronounced deceased at the scene. In response to the accident, authorities closed the northbound lanes of I-55 and diverted traffic to I-64 eastbound. The roadway was reopened around 8:30 a.m. As of now, no further information has been released regarding the circumstances of the crash or the identity of the deceased. The investigation is ongoing.

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ST. LOUIS - St. Louisans are invited to honor Veterans and military service members at the 41st Annual St. Louis Regional Veterans Day Observance in Downtown St. Louis on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024. This special parade and ceremony celebrates the bravery and dedication of those who have served the nation, and all are welcome to join the festivities and express their gratitude. The St. Louis Veterans Day Parade starts at 10:30 a.m. at 18th and Olive. Lieutenant General Jared Helwig , Deputy Director of United States Transportation Command stationed at Scott Air Force Base, will be the grand marshal for this year’s parade. He will give keynote remarks during the 11:30 a.m. ceremony and will be on hand to salute all military related units participating in the parade as they pass by. Over 50 groups, with over 500 individuals, are expected to march in this year’s parade. The parade will feature Junior ROTC cadets, local American Legions, local classic car clubs, Shriners mini-cars,

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On July 31, 2024, the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office received a complaint of a stolen motor vehicle from a residence on Main Street in Brussels, Calhoun County, Illinois. The Calhoun County Sheriff's Office began an investigation and attempted to locate the stolen vehicle; which was identified as a black 2003 Dodge truck. Deputy Nic McCall was assigned the case and began an investigation. Subsequently, Crystal J. Hillis, age 56, of Alton, was arrested on the following charges: Possession of Stolen Motor Vehicle, Theft ($500 - $10,000), Driving While Revoked. Hillis was arrested without incident and subsequently released with a Notice to Appear at the Calhoun County Courthouse; As is now required under the provisions of the new House Bill 3653, known as the SAFE-T Act. All suspect(s) are innocent until proven guilty.

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SPRINGFIELD - The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is reminding Illinoisans to be aware of the ongoing potential for health risks from lead exposure. The reminder comes during Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Week, October 20-26. As part of the observance, Governor JB Pritzker recently issued a proclamation encouraging greater public awareness of the dangers of exposure to lead. In the proclamation, the governor noted that the main source of lead exposure in the state remains lead-contaminated dust and lead-based paint found in homes constructed prior to 1978, the year that such paint was banned for use in Illinois. “Lead poisoning can cause long term harm and the sooner it is identified, the better chance we have of treating it and reversing its effects,” said IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra . “There is no safe level of lead exposure. During this Child Lead Poisoning Prevention Week and every week, IDPH will remain vigilant with our local partners

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MICHAEL - On October 5, 2024, the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a Disturbance at a wedding reception located on Michael-Hamburg Road, Michael, in Calhoun County, Illinois. Subsequent to an investigation, Austin M Newell, aged 29, of Moro, for the following offense: Aggravated Battery - Person 60 Years or Older Battery (Two Counts) Newell was taken into custody without incident and transported to the Greene County Jail. All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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As the sun sets on October 31st, the streets come alive with the sounds of laughter and excitement. Children dressed in costumes eagerly traverse neighborhoods, while adults partake in festivities that may include the consumption of alcohol. While Halloween is a beloved tradition, it’s also one of the most dangerous nights of the year for pedestrians. At Glisson Law , we believe it's crucial to raise awareness about the risks associated with this spooky holiday, particularly regarding pedestrian injuries and crashes. A Night of Increased Risk Halloween is synonymous with increased foot traffic, particularly among young children who are out trick-or-treating. Unfortunately, this surge in activity coincides with a spike in pedestrian fatalities . Between 4:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m.—the peak hours for Halloween activities—children aged 5 to 14 are particularly vulnerable. Statistics reveal a staggering 15% of childhood pedestrian deaths occurred during Halloween from

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At 6:15 p.m. on Oct. 8, 2024, deputies with the Calhoun County Sheriff's Office were assisting on a medical call in Kampsville, Calhoun County, when they observed a truck driving in a reckless manner past the incident scene. Once the medical emergency was taken care of, Deputies made contact with the driver of the aforementioned truck and conducted an investigation. As a result of the investigation, Andrew H. Phillips, age 29, of Hardin, Illinois was arrested for the following offenses: Aggravated Driving Under the Influence (While License Suspended), Driving While License Suspended, Unlawful Possession of Alcohol by Driver, Squeeling/Screeching Tires. Phillips was arrested without incident and transported to the Calhoun County Sheriff's Office. As is now required under the provisions of the new House Bill 3653, known as the SAFE-T Act; Phillips was booked and released with a Notice to Appear at a later date at the Calhoun County Courthouse. All suspect(s) are innocent

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