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ALTON - Mayoral candidate Ray Strebel hosted a meet-and-greet with community leaders. On Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, community members gathered at Simmons Hanly Conroy in Alton for a conversation with Strebel, who currently serves as the Third Ward Alderman. During the meet-and-greet, Strebel gave a speech that outlined his hopes for the City of Alton and his plan if elected to office. “I understand the responsibilities of a mayor, so I don’t take it lightly,” Strebel said. “I want to be very methodical about approaching it, and I want to make sure the things that matter to me are the same things that matter to all of Alton.” He introduced himself as a third-generation Altonian who grew up in “a very modest household.” Strebel worked full-time for several municipalities, then began buying and restoring houses in Alton. He became the Third Ward Alderman in 2021. “I do feel that the fact that we have this many people in here, that

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October 11th has been a day that has witnessed a multitude of significant historical events across various categories. In 1975, a noteworthy moment occurred when the first-ever International Day of the Girl Child was celebrated. This day was established by the United Nations to highlight the unique challenges girls face around the world and to promote their empowerment and fulfillment of their rights. The celebration emphasizes the importance of gender equality and the need to address issues such as education, health, and violence against girls. Each year, the observance serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for girls' rights and the progress that still needs to be made. Turning back the clock to 1962, we find that on this day, the United States was on the brink of the Cuban Missile Crisis. President John F. Kennedy announced the discovery of Soviet nuclear missiles in Cuba, leading to a tense 13-day standoff between the United States and the Soviet Union. This period marked

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EAST ALTON - The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Rivers Project Office is announcing a single-day closure of its National Great Rivers Museum, Wednesday Oct. 16, 2024 to accommodate a special career fair event for surrounding high school students. The Museum will re-open for normal operations Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024. For more information, please contact the National Great Rivers Museum at 618-462-6979.

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SPRINGFIELD – Numerous Illinois state parks, state fish and wildlife areas, state conservation areas, and state recreation areas will be open to youth waterfowl hunting during the 2024 North Zone, Central Zone, South Central Zone, and South Zone youth waterfowl hunts. Federal sites that fall under the Illinois Department of Natural Resources’ (IDNR) waterfowl administrative rule that will be open for the youth hunts also are listed below. At most sites, regulations that apply during the regular waterfowl hunting season apply during the youth hunt. Hunters should check for changes to site-specific regulations and procedures. During the youth hunt, the bag limits are the same as during regular seasons. Per federal regulations, youth waterfowl hunters aged 17 or younger may hunt ducks, geese, coots, and mergansers if they are accompanied by an adult at least 18 years old. The accompanying adult cannot hunt these species but may participate in other open season hunts

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EDWARDSVILLE - The need to amplify and listen to student voices was one of the most critical points of the third annual Illinois Higher Education Equity Symposium, according to Jessica C. Harris, PhD, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Vice Chancellor for Anti-racism, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Harris was a panelist at the Southern Illinois University (SIU) System’s conference, “Gathering and Strengthening Historically Underrepresented Students,” held October 3-4 in Carbondale. Also on program were Gov. J.B. Pritzker, SIU System President Mahony, PhD, and SIU System Chief Diversity Officer and Vice President for Antiracism, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Sheila Caldwell, EdD. Reflecting on how important it is to gauge student achievement, Harris noted, “As much as quantitative data can drive and inform decisions and strategies related to student success, the stories and perspectives of our students are just as instructive," she said. Harris

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ROXANA - Roxana sophomore Will Stevens is preparing to compete in the IHSA state golf tournament after a standout performance at the Anna-Jonesboro Boys Golf Sectional, where he earned a fourth-place medal with a score of 75. The sectional showcased the talents of high school golfers from the region. Will is a Midwest Members Credit Union Male Athlete of the Month for the Roxana Shells. Roxana head boys golf coach Rob Milazzo praised Stevens for his performance this season, noting that he has been striking the ball well and maintaining a consistent approach to the game. "Will has had an excellent season thus far," Milazzo said. "His approach to the game is phenomenal. It is hard to believe he is just a sophomore." Milazzo highlighted Stevens’ dedication to improving his game, emphasizing his understanding of nutrition, training, and mindset. "He knows the importance of nutrition, training, and mindset and uses those and other elements of his game to improve every week," Milazzo

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WOOD RIVER - A motorcycle collision involving a vehicle occurred on a roadway in Wood River, resulting in first responders attending to the motorcyclist at Sixth and Madison. The incident took place just after 3 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, prompting a response from Wood River Police and Fire departments, along with Alton Memorial Ambulance services. The motorcyclist was receiving medical attention at the scene from first responders. Details about the crash, including the specific circumstances leading up to the incident, have not been released. Wood River Police are currently investigating the situation and have not yet released information regarding the cause of the collision. As the investigation continues, authorities are working to gather more information and assess the events surrounding the crash. Further updates are expected as the situation develops.

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WOOD RIVER - A local organization is collecting donations for hurricane relief. Churches on the Streets is collecting nonperishables, hygiene products, water, first aid items and more, which volunteers will then drive to North Carolina and Florida. Angela Valdes, executive director of Churches on the Streets, explained how the community can help them help the people impacted by recent hurricanes. “We have a truck, and my husband and I and another couple of volunteers are leaving tomorrow for North Carolina,” Valdes said. “We just got back, and we’re going again with a truckload and a truck and trailer. And then Sunday, we’ve got our son-in-law and a volunteer heading down to Florida, taking supplies and doing relief and connecting with our teams down there.” You can drop off supplies at Home Town Storage at 209 Old St. Louis Road in Wood River until 6 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024. The organization will also be collecting items from 3–6

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SOUTHWESTERN — Southwestern High School's Audrey Vollintine achieved a personal milestone in her cross country career by finishing 10th in a recent meet, earning her a placing ribbon in the sport. The meet recognized the top 10 finishers with ribbons, and Vollintine’s performance stood out among her peers. Southwestern Girls Cross Country Coach Gary Bowker praised her dedication, noting that while many of her teammates opted out of the race due to homecoming festivities, Vollintine was eager to compete. “She is starting to figure it out very honestly,” Bowker said. Vollintine’s strong performance in cross country follows a successful track and field season, where she participated in multiple events, including the 400 meters, 4 x 100 relay, 4 x 200 relay, 4 x 400 relay, and triple jump. Her determination and commitment to her athletic pursuits have been evident, as she continues to excel in various disciplines. After her finish, Vollintine was visibly

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ALTON - Registration is now open for YWCA's Soul Sista Saturday: A Celebration of Mind, Body, and Soul on Saturday, October 26, 2024, 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM, at YWCA Lobby, 304 E. Third St, Alton, IL. YWCA is thrilled to announce the return of Soul Sista Saturday—a transformative and empowering experience exclusively for women of color! This highly anticipated event will be held on Saturday, October 26 from 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM in the YWCA lobby, and we can’t wait to welcome you. Soul Sista Saturday offers a dedicated space where women of color come together to uplift, heal, and nurture their minds, bodies, and spiriAts. Developed by women of color, for women of color, the event focuses on holistic self-care through a dynamic blend of wellness activities, insightful discussions, and restorative practices. This session’s theme is “More Life, Less Medicine,” featuring powerful presentations from Dr. D’Adrienne Jones. In addition, Dr. Nana Becoat

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WOOD RIVER – Noah Willeford, a runner for the East Alton-Wood River boys cross country team, faced an unusual challenge during a recent race when one of his shoes became stuck in the mud. Despite the setback, he completed the three-mile course in the muddy Freeburg Invitational with a commendable time of 21:01 for three miles, earning recognition as the Midwest Members Credit Union Male Athlete of the Month for the Oilers. The cross-country race took place on a wet course, prompting warnings from coaches about the conditions. Willeford described the moment his shoe became trapped, saying, “They told us to be careful before the race because the course was wet, but when my shoe was stuck in the mud, I knew I would lose my pace if I didn't continue. I didn't stop because I wanted to have a good time. I just kept on going and finished in 21 minutes.” Willeford expressed gratitude towards his head coach, Russ Colona, and the rest of the coaching staff, noting their significant

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ALTON - A bicyclist suffered serious but non-life-threatening injuries Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024, afternoon after being struck by a vehicle in Alton. The collision took place around 4:26 p.m. on Fosterburg Road at the intersection with Wonderland Drive. Emergency responders from the Alton Fire Department arrived at the scene and found the victim, who was subsequently transported to an area hospital for treatment. As of now, authorities have not disclosed the identities of those involved in the incident or provided details regarding the circumstances of the collision. The Alton Police Department is currently investigating the crash.

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ALHAMBRA — The Father McGivney girls cross country team achieved a significant milestone on Tuesday, Oct. 8, 2024, securing their fourth consecutive championship at the meet held at Alhambra Fireman's Park. McGivney head girls cross country coach Jim Helton has been very pleased with the squad's development this season and is excited with the post-season ahead. The Father McGivney girls cross country team members are Byron, Carlson, Petri & Kalb Females Athletes of the Month for the Griffins. Elena Ryabk led the team with a standout performance, finishing first in the three-mile race with a time of 18 minutes and 34 seconds. Her victory was complemented by strong finishes from her teammates, including McKenzie Jones, who placed third with a time of 21:11, and Isabella Harris, who finished fourth in 21:31. Ainsley Turkington rounded out the top five for McGivney, crossing the finish line in 21:40. The team's overall performance was bolstered by Bella Redenius, who secured ninth

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STAUNTON - The Staunton Chamber of Commerce invites visitors to this year’s “Holidays in Staunton” with events starting on Friday, December 6, and lasting until Sunday, December 8. The annual Holiday Walk will run from 4 to 8 p.m. on December 6 in Downtown Staunton and will feature local businesses and vendors lining main street; food trucks, restaurants and local bars will be hosting special deals. The annual lighting of Duda Park, as well as a live nativity within Duda park; the inaugural lighting of the new Staunton Christmas Tree and the presentation of Staunton’s Citizen of the Year award will take place in the evening. Musical entertainment for the event will be provided by the Whiskey River Band. On December 7 be sure to take part in the Holiday Hustle 5k at 9 a.m. sponsored by the Staunton High School Post Prom followed by Snack With Santa from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Santa himself will be making an appearance at the Oltmann Center along with the Grinch and

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ALTON - Congratulations to Nick Loepker of Cardiology, who is Alton Memorial Hospital’s October Employee of the Month. Nick received the honor on Oct. 9, 2024, from Cardiology manager Annette Mccauley, left, and AMH president Dave Braasch. Nominations for Nick said he “is that employee of whom you wish you could have 10. He goes the extra mile for his patients and his co-workers. Nick is always willing to stay late, come in on his days off, help anyone he can in whatever way he can, and he always does this with such a positive attitude. Most people are replaceable, however, we would never be able to replicate Nick’s sweet, helpful and knowledgeable nature as well as his work ethic. The thing that stands out most about Nick is the numerous compliments he receives when we call our patients. “Nick helped calm my nerves;” “Nick is so kind;” “Nick explained everything;” “Nick is so pleasant;” “Nick is the nicest

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BETHALTO - The Experimental Aircraft Association will host a pancake breakfast to raise money for young aspiring aviators. Chapter 864 of the EAA is based at the St. Louis Regional Airport in Bethalto. Nicholas Hobbs describes the group as “everything aviation.” The pancake breakfast will run from 7–11 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 19, 2024, at the airport, and all proceeds will go to Chapter 864’s scholarship fund. “We love to talk airplanes and aviation,” Hobbs said. “We’re not shy when it comes to the airport and opening up our hangars, opening up our aircraft for others to see, because we want, as aviators, to promote aviation and get others involved.” The pancake breakfast invites people to the airport at 16 Terminal Drive to check out the amenities and services. Piston Aviation will be offering discovery flights, and there will be a 50/50 raffle for attendees to enjoy. Tickets to the pancake breakfast cost $10 for adults

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EAST ALTON – St. Louis Regional Airport is the proud recipient of the Reliever Airport of the Year award. Presented by the Illinois Department of Transportation Division of Aeronautics, Airport Director Danny Adams accepted the award during the annual Illinois Public Airport Association fall conference. Dating back to September 2023, St. Louis Regional Airport has completed $8.5 million of improvements to include a Runway 17/35 rehabilitation, South Apron expansion, T-hangar Taxilane reconstruction, and Public Parking Lot rehabilitation. In addition, West Star Aviation completed a $20 million expansion as part of their investment at this location. After a 15-year pause, Piston Aviation Flight School brought professional flight training back to the Airport providing a service in high-demand. As a result of this surge in activity, the Airport is experiencing a 39% increase in aircraft traffic over the previous 12 months. The St. Louis Regional Airport (ALN), classified a

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ST. LOUIS – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, St. Louis District, will host a meeting to provide additional information on the new 1,200-foot lock at Lock and Dam 25. The meeting will be held at Winfield City Hall, 51 Harry's Way, Winfield, Missouri, Oct. 29, from 5-7 p.m. Formal presentations will occur at 5 p.m., after which project team members will be available to provide information, answer questions, and discuss the project with attendees. The St. Louis District, in collaboration with the Inland Navigation Design Center, or INDC, are in the process of completing the design for the new 1,200-foot lock that will expand the existing Lock and Dam 25. The project team will provide additional information on the project development and future construction as the design efforts reach the 65% design point. Feedback, comments and questions from the community members are welcome in this first of many engagements to be held throughout the completion of the project.

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ALTON - On October 5, 1924, at 2:00 p.m., the Piasa Bird painting by Boy Scout and Alton High School Student Herbert Forcade on the bluffs at the end of Prospect Street was dedicated. W.D. Armstrong, president of the Madison County Historical Society, announced the program in the Alton Evening Telegraph several days before the event. The official schedule included the songs “America” and “Illinois,” played by the Franklin Quartette, a reading of “The Legend of the Piasa Bird,” by John D. McAdams, and speeches by Illinois Senator H.G. Giberson, President of the Local Council of Boy Scouts Eben Rodgers, Gilson Brown on behalf of the City of Alton, and others. The attendance “surpassed expectation, and was a most gratifying manifestation of appreciation of Alton people for the efforts…put forth to restore the picture on the bluff which workmen quarried away near three quarters of a century ago.” The original Piasa Bird painting

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ST. CLAIR COUNTY - The St. Clair County Emergency Management Agency has mobilized resources to support Hurricane Milton response efforts in Florida. This deployment, which involves personnel from MABAS Division 32 (St. Clair and Monroe Counties) and MABAS Division 35 (Madison County), was initiated after a request from the Florida Department of Emergency Management. The team was assembled for a 15-day deployment, responding to the call for assistance within hours of receiving the request earlier today. This rapid mobilization underscores the commitment of first responders to aid those affected by the hurricane, even as they leave their families during a critical time. Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC) facilitates such support among states during disasters, allowing for a coordinated response to emergencies. The St. Clair County Emergency Management Agency expressed gratitude to the first responders for their dedication and willingness to assist others in their time of

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