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EDWARDSVILLE - A dazzling, unique display of theatrical performances are lined up for Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s 13th Xfest from Monday -Thursday, Sept. 9-12, 2024. Xfest is a five-day festival in September featuring alternative theatre and dance that brings to campus an array of performing artists, who are nationally and internationally renowned, as well as regional emerging artists, according to Xfest Artistic Director Chuck Harper, professor of performance in the SIUE Department of Theater and Dance. “The artists present original works and lead workshops, master classes and seminars for department majors and minors,” said Harper. “Community members are welcome to join us for all performances and for the post-show open talks.” Opening the festival will be “Get Wet! with Deenie Nast,” presented by Ten Directions. The play, which will be at 7 p.m. at the Metcalf Theater on campus, was created and will be performed b

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GLEN CARBON - State Representative Amy Elik (R-Alton) joined forces with the Illinois Attorney General’s Office at Meridian Village this week for a seminar focused on equipping seniors with tools to fight fraud. Fraud expert Marsha Griffin from the Attorney General’s office gave a presentation highlighting ways seniors are being targeted and how to be prepared. “Fraud schemes are becoming more and more realistic and serious every day. Seniors are targeted using complex tactics and are at constant risk of falling victim to fraud,” said Rep. Elik. “It’s important to be aware of the ways that these scammers are coming after you, and to know what to do if you’ve become victim to one of their elaborate schemes.” Rep. Elik shared these five tips that are important to know: Recognizing Suspicious Activities: It’s important to recognize common warning signs of fraud, which often include unexpected contact via phone or email, promises

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ALTON - On the most recent episode of “You’re Beautiful” with Brian Trust, TJ Callahan shared his faith journey and encouraged people to accept Christ into their hearts. Callahan, who plays drums at Crossroads Community Church in Brighton and serves as the mayor of South Roxana, recently started posting videos on Facebook wherein he talks about the Bible and shares verses with his Facebook friends. He believes God is working through him, and he is eager to communicate his faith to the community. “Jesus carried a cross for all of our sins, right? And now I’m going to get emotional, because it’s a fact,” Callahan said. “I get challenged — ‘How do you know there’s a God?’ Well, that’s where faith comes in. ‘No, tell me, how do you know there’s a God?’ Well, I’m going to accept Him into my heart as Lord and Savior because it says that in the Bible, you have got to be born again.

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ALTON — The Alton Little Theater (ALT) is set to open its 91st season with the family comedy "Making God Laugh," which will run for seven performances from September 20 through September 29, including a second Saturday matinee on Sept. 28 at 2 p.m. The play's title is derived from the adage, "People make plans, and God laughs," encapsulating the unpredictable nature of life. Kristi Doering, who has previously acted in "The Miracle Worker" and directed a Studio Series show, will be joining as the Season Director. This season also features a new initiative by Doering and Executive Director Lee Cox, who have arranged for the show to raffle off holiday dinners for entire families. Playwright Sean Grennan, who has local connections in St. Louis, previously debuted "Beer for Breakfast" at ALT last season. The theater has long aspired to produce "Making God Laugh," but faced challenges in aging adult characters and depicting four holiday gatherings within a two-hour timeframe. Doering

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MASCOUTAH - MidAmerica St. Louis Airport (BLV) is pleased to announce the launch of the Hidden Disabilities (HD) Sunflower program at the airport. The global initiative is aimed at helping identify passengers who wish to discreetly alert staff that they may need some extra time or assistance due to a hidden disability. As part of the program, BLV passengers who would like to take advantage of the program offerings but don’t already have an HD Sunflower program identifier in their possession can request a complimentary green sunflower lanyard, wristband, tag or pin at the airline ticket counter to signal to BLV staff and TSA and boarding agents that they have a hidden disability and require additional support. Hidden disabilities can include physical, mental or neurological conditions that limit or challenge a person’s movements, senses or activities but are not immediately apparent to others. These can be temporary, situational or permanent and can include visual and

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EDWARDSVILLE - The Edwardsville Environmental Commission is branching out with a program to honor the trees that are among the oldest and most notable in the City and to simultaneously raise awareness about the importance of preserving them. The Heritage Tree program is an effort to encourage the conservation of established trees, recognize some distinctive examples and to educate about the essential role trees play in a community. Residents and others who know of a tree in Edwardsville that might qualify for heritage tree status are encouraged to submit nominations for the program. “With the help of the commission, I created a program that will help recognize and value the importance of our established tree canopy while honoring the heritage trees that add history and texture to the fabric of our community,” Ward 1 Alderman Chris Farrar said. “Edwardsville is the third oldest city in Illinois and a major goal of mine is to preserve as much as possible the character

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MADISON COUNTY — The Madison County Sheriff's Office today asks the community for help identifying a person of interest in a case. The individual’s photographs have been released, and authorities are urging anyone with information about his identity or current whereabouts to come forward. The Sheriff's Office announced that the person in question is connected to an ongoing investigation. However, specific details about the investigation were not disclosed. The request for public assistance was made through an official statement issued on Wednesday, Sept. 4, 2024. "We are asking for the public’s help in identifying the subject in the attached photographs," the Madison County Sheriff's Office said in a statement. "If you have any information regarding his identity or his current whereabouts, please contact the Investigations Division at (618) 692-6087." The photographs of the individual have been circulated widely as part of the effort to gather information. Authorities

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MARYVILLE - The American Cancer Society Farm to Table Metro East Presented by MESOLAW.COM (Sponsored by MRHFM), “The Culinary Event to Save Lives,” is set to happen on Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024 from 5:30–8:30 p.m. at Bella Vista Winery in Maryville, Ill. The American Cancer Society Farm to Table Metro East presented by MESOLAW.COM (sponsored by MRHFM) is in its ninth year and has raised over $600,000 to fund the mission of the American Cancer Society. The event is a social tasting experience that explores local, seasonal dishes from Metro East establishments and features live music from Corey Evitts and interactive opportunities such as a golf put challenge, wine toss, silent auction and more to fund the mission, bringing community members together for a common cause. Restaurant partners for the 2024 event include Bella Milano, 1933 House of Bourbon, Bella Vista Winery, Moussalli’s Prime, Doc’s Smokehouse, 1929 Pizza & Wine, Boarding House Bistro,

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TROY — A fatal crash on Interstate 55 early Wednesday morning (Sept. 4, 2024) resulted in one death and one injury, according to Illinois State Police. Troopers responded to the three-car collision at approximately 4:15 a.m. at the I-55 northbound/I-70 eastbound split in Troy, Illinois. Authorities confirmed that one individual was pronounced dead at the scene, while another was transported to a nearby hospital with injuries. The identities of those involved have not been released, and the cause of the crash is under investigation. Further details about the incident are expected as the investigation continues.

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September 4th has witnessed a plethora of significant historical events that have shaped the world as we know it. 1888: George Eastman Patents the First Roll-Film Camera On September 4, 1888, George Eastman, an American entrepreneur and inventor, was granted a patent for the first roll-film camera, which he called the Kodak. This groundbreaking invention revolutionized photography by making it accessible to the general public. Before Eastman's invention, photography was a cumbersome and expensive process, reserved mostly for professionals. The Kodak camera simplified this process, allowing anyone to take photographs by merely pressing a button. This innovation not only democratized photography but also laid the foundation for the modern photographic industry. 1951: First Live Transcontinental Television Broadcast in the US In a groundbreaking moment for mass media, September 4, 1951, marked the first live transcontinental television broadcast in the United States. The event

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GODFREY - As more and more dispensaries open in municipalities across the Riverbend, Godfrey officials seek to keep any more from opening in the village. The current Village Code allows up to four dispensaries to be open in the village at one time. Trustee Jeff Weber said he thinks the one dispensary Godfrey already has is “actually more than we need,” but suggested changing the limit to only allow one dispensary to operate in the village at a time. Since the board doesn’t plan on approving permits for any additional dispensaries, both Weber and Trustee Rick Lauschke agreed it would be best to change the language now so as not to waste prospective dispensary owners’ time and effort. “I think we ought to change it to one instead of someone else holding out hope that they can get a license,” Lauschke said. Trustee Craig Lombardi agreed and said he believed the ordinance had already been changed, as did some other village officials. However,

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DORSEY — A head-on collision involving two semis resulted in a fatality and multiple injuries on Illinois Route-159 northbound near North Deer Park Drive, according to a preliminary investigation by the Illinois State Police (ISP) Troop 8. Authorities reported that the crash, which involved two truck-tractor semi-trailer (TTST) combinations, occurred earlier today. One individual was pronounced dead at the scene, while other injuries have been reported, although the extent and number of those injuries remain unclear. As a result of the crash, Illinois-159 northbound has been shut down at Renken Road, with extended lane closures expected. ISP advises motorists to seek alternative routes as emergency responders and investigators work at the scene. Further details about the incident are not available at this time, and the investigation is ongoing.

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WOOD RIVER — September is National Preparedness Month, a dedicated time to emphasize the importance of emergency preparedness for individuals, families, and communities. The Madison County Health Department is highlighting this campaign to encourage residents to stay informed, create a preparedness plan, assemble an emergency kit, and actively participate in community preparedness efforts. Madison County residents can get involved by volunteering for emergency response organizations, such as the Madison County Medical Reserve Corps (MRC). The health department is seeking individuals that live or work in Madison County and are licensed or certified in the following behavioral health fields: Social work Psychology Behavioral and mental health Counseling and substance abuse The health department works to prepare for disasters that could impact the public’s health, especially during a biological incident. In an emergency or disaster, volunteers will be needed

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EDWARDSVILLE - Stephen Duda, MS, PE, instructor in the Department of Construction in Southern Illinois University Edwardsville's School of Engineering, has been honored with the Exceptional Service Award (ESA) from the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE). This award recognizes individuals who have continued to serve ASHRAE with exemplary dedication following the Distinguished Service Award (DSA). ASHRAE is a global organization dedicated to advancing heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration technologies. With over 54,000 members worldwide, ASHRAE provides resources like codes, standards, design guides and educational opportunities. The group promotes energy-efficient practices to reduce the environmental impact of buildings, influencing engineering and construction practices around the world. Duda’s association with ASHRAE began in 1992. He was named a Fellow in 2014. His service to the organization includes earning

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HIGHLAND - After a car accident almost cost 14-year-old Brayden Baer his life, the Highland community has rallied around their own “hometown hero.” As Baer is recovering from his injuries, including two total lung collapses and a traumatic brain injury, Highland community members will host “Battle for Brayden” to help pay for medical expenses. This all-day event on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024, will offer several activities and chances for people to participate, up to and including the main fight planned for that evening at the K of C hall. “Everybody likes this kid. Everybody does,” explained Chris Freimann, who helped organize the event. “The lucky part is, we’re very thankful that he is home now and he’s starting to live a version of a normal life.” The Battle for Brayden event starts at 7:30 a.m. on Saturday with a 5k. This is followed by a yoga class at 8:45 a.m., then a cornhole tournament at 11 a.m. All of these

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ROXANA – Ridley Allen, a standout player for the Roxana Shells, had an exceptional girls' softball season this past spring. As a senior in 2025, Allen is expected to continue her impressive performance at the plate. Allen is a Midwest Members Credit Union Female Athlete of the Month. She has demonstrated remarkable versatility on the field, her head girls softball coach Wade Stahlhut said. "Ridley is a very athletic player," Stahlhut added. "She can play multiple positions and has even been slated in the catcher position." During the 2024 season, Allen secured her place as a formidable hitter, and will likely be the No. 4 hitter for the Shells next season. She recorded seven home runs, 24 RBIs, and 21 hits, achieving a batting average of .328. These statistics underscore her potential as a future college player. In addition to her athletic prowess, Allen is also active in the drama group and theater at Roxana High School. "She has a beautiful voice," Stahlhut remarked, highlighting

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GODFREY – The motorcyclist involved in the crash with a vehicle at the intersection of Godfrey Road and Stamper Lane in Godfrey has died, Madison County Chief Deputy Marcos Pulido said on Tuesday, Sept. 3, 2024. Godfrey Fire Department responded to the crash involving a motorcycle and a vehicle last Wednesday night. The rider was initially taken to Alton Memorial Hospital and then airlifted to a hospital in St. Louis for additional treatment, but he did not recover. The victim was taken off life support Friday night. The Illinois State Police Crash Reconstruction Team is investigating the accident. Pulido said at this time the name of the victim could not be released.

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BELLEVILLE — The Belleville Labor Day parade on Monday provided an ideal setting for the Marching Maroons to showcase their traditional uniforms in full splendor. The event, marked by clear skies and mild temperatures, drew substantial community support. The Marching Maroons expressed gratitude towards parent chaperones who played a pivotal role in the day's success. "Special thanks to all of our parent chaperones who helped our day be so successful," the group noted. Community support was also highlighted as a key factor in the parade's positive atmosphere. "We give a special shout-out to our communities for giving the band so much support this weekend!" the Marching Maroons added in a statement.

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EDWARDSVILLE - Southern Illinois University Edwardsville invites prospective students to learn more about its opportunities in the Schools of Nursing, Pharmacy and Engineering at its upcoming fall Explore Days. Explore Days allow students and their families to interact directly with faculty, staff and current students as they learn more about an academic area of interest and the benefits of earning a degree in nursing, pharmacy or engineering from SIUE. SIUE Explore Days include: School of Nursing: Saturday, Sept. 14 School of Pharmacy: Saturday, Oct. 12 School of Engineering: Saturday, Nov. 9 “Explore Nursing Day is a great opportunity to discover what SIUE and the School of Nursing has to offer,” said Danielle Allen, EdD, director of Student Services. “Students will be able to tour our simulated nursing lab and the new WE CARE Clinic REACH mobile health unit. Also, they will hear from staff, current students and faculty and gain insight

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EAST ST. LOUIS — This is National Payroll Week, a time to recognize the hard work and dedication of payroll professionals across the U.S. In line with this celebration, East St. Louis School District 189's newest employee, Meagan Garrett, is in the spotlight. Garrett has joined as the payroll manager at the district's Board of Education Building. "I chose to work at School District 189 because nobody does it like 189," she said. "There are good people here and it’s a great atmosphere. I’m staying because District 189 puts kids first!" The East St. Louis School District 189 said Garrett's role as payroll manager is crucial in ensuring the smooth operation of the district’s financial processes, directly impacting the support staff and educators who serve the community’s children. National Payroll Week, celebrated from September 4 to September 8 this year, aims to highlight the significant contributions payroll professionals make in keeping organizations

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