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St. Louis, MO - The Great Forest Park Balloon Race, presented by PNC Bank, will return to Forest Park’s Emerson Central Fields, Sept. 20-21, 2024. This free two day event, which includes the GLOW on Sept. 20 and the RACE on Sept. 21, will bring families and friends together for a time of outdoor fun, “wow” moments and lasting memories. The Great Forest Park Balloon Race is one of the longest-running hot air balloon races in the United States and one of the only races that takes place in a large metropolitan city. The tradition began in 1973 with a handful of hot air balloons and a few spectators. Today, the internationally renowned event welcomes more than 50 of the nation’s best hot air balloon pilots and thousands of spectators annually. Thanks to the generous contributions of event sponsors, including presenting sponsor PNC Bank, Washington University in St. Louis and Blue Moon Brewing Co., this beloved community tradition is free

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ST. LOUIS, MO – Today, Mayor Tishaura O. Jones’ administration released the 2024 American Rescue Plan Annual Evaluation Report (AER) . The purpose of the AER is to determine the impact of ARPA funds on addressing the disproportionate impacts of COVID-19 and the long-term effects of historic disinvestment in much of the City of St. Louis. “We’re more than four years removed from those first shutdowns and the initial shock of the pandemic,” said Mayor Tishaura O. Jones. “This report exists to show the work St. Louis City has done with the help from the Biden-Harris administration COVID relief funds. The City of St. Louis received $498 million, a significant infusion of resources to help the City reverse the negative impacts of the pandemic.” The AER was created to measure progress against four goals and their corresponding evaluation questions: Align ARPA funding to St. Louis' greatest needs. Ensure ARPA funds are improving equity and

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GRAFTON - Community members have the chance to win four tickets to the Raging Rivers Haunted Trail. Every Friday and Saturday night this October, Raging Rivers will offer its annual Haunted Trail through the woods of the waterpark. Attendees can expect plenty of jumpscares and lots of lore on the park’s property. You can enter below to win four tickets to the Haunted Trail attraction, or buy tickets online at RagingRivers.com/Haunted-Trail. “It’s riddled with jumpscares all through the woods, so it’s fun,” said Jeremy Hayes, park manager at Raging Rivers. “That's our ultimate goal. That’s what we strive for. We’re smile-makers, and that’s what we put on our shirts. Ultimately, we’re here to make people smile, and that’s what we want. We want people to be happy.” Hayes explained that this year’s Haunted Trail is twice the size of last year’s attraction. Attendees will walk on a mulched path throug

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ST. LOUIS COUNTY - The victim in a homicide that occurred on Sept. 7, 2024, has been identified as Rayon Peebles, 30 years of age, of the 2700 block of Grants Parkway in St. Louis, the St. Louis County Police Department announced on Monday, Sept. 9, 2024. St. Louis County Police Department Bureau of Crimes Against Persons detectives are investigating a homicide in the area of Airport Road and N Dade Avenue in the City of Ferguson that resulted in the death of an adult male. At 9:30 p.m., on 9/7/2024, police officers from the City of Berkeley Police Department responded to a call for service for a shooting in the area of Airport Road and Peurifoy Avenue. Officers located an adult male in a vehicle suffering from a life-threatening gunshot injury. The male was transported to an area hospital for treatment but succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased. Preliminary investigation revealed the shooting occurred in the area of Airport Road and N. Dade Avenue in the City of Ferguson

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O’FALLON — The Edwardsville Marching Tigers showcased their talent at the Metro East Marching Classic on Saturday night, Sept. 7, 2024, at O’Fallon Township High School, premiering their show, "Origins of E’vil." The performance earned them sweeping victories in multiple categories. The Marching Tigers won the caption awards for Best Music, Best Visual Performance, and Best General Effect. Their outstanding performance led them to secure First Place in Class 4A and the prestigious title of 2024 MEMC Grand Champions. "We are proud to win First Place in Class 4A, and to be named the 2024 MEMC Grand Champions," the group stated. The Metro East Marching Classic is an annual event that brings together high school marching bands from across the region to compete and showcase their musical and visual performances. This year, the Edwardsville Marching Tigers’ triumph at the competition highlighted their dedication and skill in the field of marching band performance.

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ROSEWOOD HEIGHTS — Marlee Cope, an 11-year-old student at Meadowbrook Intermediate School in the Bethalto School District, is recovering at home after a severe accident that occurred on Friday, Sept. 6, 2024. A GoFundMe campaign has been organized to help Marlee, who was struck near Kutter Park in East Alton. Marlee was airlifted after the accident to Children’s Hospital in St. Louis for extensive treatment. Marlee suffered extensive injuries, including a broken left femur, a broken thumb, a massive hematoma on her face, and numerous cuts, scrapes, and bruises. Her eyes remain swollen shut. She underwent surgery to insert a titanium rod to mend her femur bone. Despite the severity of her injuries, Marlee is expected to one day make a full recovery. "Waiting for her to get out of surgery was one of the hardest parts," said her father, Mark Cope, Jr. "Watching her go into surgery, it really was shocking. It took quite a while for both Sarah and me to process what was

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JERSEY COUNTY - On Sept. 8, 2024, at 4:23 p.m., the Jersey County Sheriff's Office (JCSO) responded to the report of a motor vehicle accident with injuries at State Highway 111 near Nilo Farms. Preliminary investigation revealed a sedan, southbound and driven by a 62-year-old male, left the highway and struck a tree. The driver was ultimately transported by helicopter to a St. Louis area hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Personnel from the Brighton Betsey Ann Fire Department, Brighton Police Department, Alton Memorial Hospital Ambulance, Illinois Department of Natural Resources Conservation Police, and Survival Flight assisted the JCSO with emergency services at the scene. The Illinois State Police are investigating the fatality crash. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and loved ones of the deceased.

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GRANITE CITY - United to Revive Ministries will host a tent revival in Granite City. The organization sponsors tent revivals in communities across the Metro East. They will host a tent revival starting at 6 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 13 and Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024, at Worthen Park in Granite City. Founder Jeremiah Goltz said attendees can enjoy a cookout, live music, testimonies and Bible readings. “This is about true spiritual transformation that actually happens,” Goltz said. “We want to get this outside the four walls of the church and into our communities, to bring the hope of Jesus to the people.” Goltz explained that he was once a science teacher at Bunker Hill High School, where he also served as the advisor to the school’s Fellowship of Christian Athletes group. He felt “a tug in heart” that inspired him to leave his job and begin United to Revive Ministries as a tent ministry. He often points to John 17:20–23 as his inspiration

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ST. LOUIS - This year, multi-platinum rock group Trans-Siberian Orchestra (TSO) kicks off a monumental winter tour on Nov. 13, 2024. This year marks a triple celebration: 20 years of their beloved rock opera "THE LOST CHRISTMAS EVE," reaching their 20 millionth concertgoer, and surpassing a phenomenal $20 million donated to charity. TSO will return to St. Louis for one spectacular show on Dec. 18, 2024 at 7 p.m. at Enterprise Center. Tickets go on sale Friday, Sept. 13, 2024 at 10 a.m. online at LiveNation.com and ticketmaster.com , with a portion of the proceeds benefiting Siteman Kids at St. Louis Children’s Hospital and Duo Dogs. Beginning with the public on sale, a limited number of specially priced $49.99 tickets (plus applicable taxes and fees) will be available for one week or while supplies last. TSO remains true to the vision of their late founder, Paul O’Neill , by being one of rock's most generous bands. This year, the band will surpass a staggering

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WOOD RIVER — In a poignant tribute, Deputy Chief Nate Kamp and Engineer/Paramedic Tyler Staicoff of the Wood River Fire Department spent their Sunday morning, Sept. 8, 2024, participating in the Clayton 911 Memorial Stair Climb. The event in Clayton, Mo., was held to honor the 343 FDNY firefighters who perished in the 9/11 attacks. Kamp and Staicoff climbed 110 floors, each fully equipped with gear and self-contained breathing apparatus, replicating the grueling conditions faced by the firefighters on that tragic day in 2001. Wood River Fire Chief Wade Stahlhut expressed his pride in the dedication shown by his team members. "We couldn’t be more proud of Deputy Chief Nate Kamp and Engineer/Paramedic Tyler Staicoff," said Stahlhut. "Congratulations, gentlemen, and thank you for representing our service and department." The tribute underscores the ongoing commitment of firefighters to honor their fallen comrades and the enduring impact of the events of September 11,

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FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS – A suspect has been arrested following a violent home invasion early Wednesday morning, Aug. 28, 2024, according to Fairview Heights Police. At 2:15 a.m. on August 28, 2024, Fairview Heights patrol officers responded to a reported home invasion on Stites Avenue. The suspect, identified as Markeithion D. Moore, 19, allegedly entered the residence unlawfully through a window. Moore, who was known to the victim, physically battered the victim multiple times, Fairview Heights Police said. Another occupant of the residence witnessed the assault. After being discovered, Moore reportedly stole a cell phone and fled the scene through the same window. Despite an immediate search, officers were initially unable to locate him. The victim utilized a tracking feature on the stolen cell phone, which revealed its location at a nearby business. Officers responded to the business and located Moore inside. Upon seeing the officers, Moore attempted to evade capture but was ordered

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GRAFTON — Families and nature enthusiasts are invited to a unique blend of outdoor activities and wildlife education on Friday, Oct. 4, 2024, at Pere Marquette State Park. The event, organized by IDNR urban fishing coordinator Scott Isringhausen, will feature an annual fishing and owl program beginning at 5:30 p.m. and transition into an owl-themed presentation starting at 7:30 p.m. The evening will kick off with a talk about local fish species by Isringhausen, who has been leading these programs for several years. Following the educational session, participants will engage in a fishing activity at the bluegill pond next to the visitor center. At 7:30 p.m., attendees will gather for an indoor program showcasing eight different species of owls, all presented as taxidermy specimens. After the presentation, the event will move outdoors for a two-mile guided hike aimed at calling and observing owls in their natural habitat. The hike will include five to six stops where participants

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JERSEYVILLE - A Jerseyville man with multiple prior domestic battery charges has been charged once again with domestic battery after allegedly stabbing a family member. David T. DeSherlia, 52, of Jerseyville, was charged with one count of aggravated domestic battery, a Class 2 felony. On Sept. 4, 2024, DeSherlia allegedly stabbed a family member “in the right side of his torso,” causing “great bodily harm” to the victim. He also reportedly cut the victim’s arm, according to a petition to deny DeSherlia’s pretrial release. DeSherlia’s extensive criminal history includes multiple prior domestic battery arrests and dates back to 1990, when he was charged and convicted of aggravated battery of a peace officer. He has since been charged in at least two domestic battery cases, including a case from earlier this summer for which he was convicted on July 29, 2024, as well as a prior battery conviction from 2023. “The Defendant has

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EDWARDSVILLE - The 2024 Miles of Possibility Route 66 Conference will return to the Wildey Theatre just off Route 66 in Edwardsville, where the very first Miles of Possibility was held in October 2015. This year's 9th annual conference will take place at the Wildey Theatre Thursday-Saturday, October 31-November 2 with additional activities on Sunday, November 3, at other locations. This year's conference carries the theme “Giants of Route 66.” The keynote speaker is Joel Baker, founder of American Giants and the nation’s leading authority of – and advocate for – the identification, preservation, and restoration of the giant fiberglass statues known as “muffler men” produced in the 1960s by International Fiberglass Company, once located in Venice, California. “Muffler men” got their name from their advertising use at automotive shops. Baker has established an American Giants Museum in Atlanta, Illinois. The slate of speakers

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BELLEVILLE/GRANITE CITY/MARYVILLE – Two Chestnut Health Systems™ employees have been selected to showcase their artwork in the 2024 Art of Recovery project. This initiative, launched by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Office of Recovery, is part of the observance of National Recovery Month this September. Shalon Brouk , a Recovery Coach from Granite City, IL, and Jordan Reifschneider , a Behavioral Outreach Specialist from Belleville, IL, drew upon their personal experiences to create powerful, recovery-inspired art. Their submissions are featured in the virtual exhibit Gallery of Hope , which includes over 250 visual art entries submitted to the Art of Recovery project. The gallery shines a light on the transformative impact of art in mental health and substance use recovery, with entries ranging from paintings and drawings to mixed media and photography. All works were contributed by individuals with lived

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CHICAGO – The Mega Millions Jackpot for tomorrow night’s drawing has soared to $800 million - the seventh largest Mega Millions jackpot in history. However, someone in Illinois is already celebrating after snagging a cool $1 million over the weekend. The winning Mega Millions ticket was purchased at Gas Express in Chicago’s Bridgeport neighborhood, located at 501 W. 31st Street. The lucky winner matched all five numbers, 6-23-42-59-63, to win the $1 million prize in Friday night’s drawing. “I guess you can say ‘luck is in the air’ at Gas Express in Bridgeport," said Faris Saleh, owner of Gas Express. “This is the second big winning lottery ticket we’ve sold at our store this year - a $400,000 Lucky Day Lotto ticket in April and now a $1 million Mega Millions ticket – so exciting!” For selling the winning ticket, the retailer will receive a bonus of $10,000 which is one percent of the prize amount. “My employees

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Lenny Singh, president of Ameren Illinois, accepted an award on behalf of Ameren Illinois from the Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois, Friday night at the LeClaire Room in Edwardsville. CUTLINE: EDWARDSVILLE - Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois honored longtime supporter Ameren Illinois with the Distinguished Community Leader Award during the organization’s 2024 United We Lead Gala. The event, held at The Leclaire Room in Edwardsville, is the nonprofit’s premier event to raise funds and celebrate the powerful impact that Girl Scouts have on communities across its 40-county jurisdiction. Ameren Illinois, with an area office in Collinsville, has supported Girl Scouting generously for more than 16 years. Not only has the company donated funds, but its team has also helped deliver programming, support membership, provide mentorship, share their talent in board positions, and so much more. Currently, D-Lori Newsome-Pitts, Senior Manager of Philanthropy & Community Relations

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BELLEVILLE — The St. Clair County Sheriff's Department took part in a successful fundraising event on Saturday at Eckert's in Belleville to support BackStoppers, an organization that aids families of fallen first responders. Deputies participated in the "Dunk a Deputy" activity, drawing a significant crowd and generating substantial contributions to the cause. The "Dunk a Deputy" event offers community members the opportunity to dunk their favorite or least favorite deputy, adding an element of fun to the serious mission of supporting families affected by the loss or injury of first responders. All proceeds from the event will be donated to BackStoppers, which provides financial assistance and support to the families of police officers, firefighters, and other emergency personnel who have been killed or seriously injured in the line of duty. The Sheriff's Department expressed gratitude for the community's participation and emphasized the importance of supporting those who

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HARDIN – The Illinois Department of Transportation will hold a public meeting to discuss the study to replace the bridge that carries Illinois 16/100 over the Illinois River (Joe Page Bridge). The meeting will be held: Tuesday, Sept. 10 5-8 p.m. Calhoun High School 102 Calhoun Ave., Hardin IDOT, in cooperation with the Federal Highway Administration, has initiated the Preliminary Engineering and Environmental Study of the Joe Page Bridge, which carries Illinois 16/100 over the Illinois River to connect Calhoun and Greene counties. The Phase I study will look at options for the rehabilitation or replacement of the existing bridge. The purpose of the meeting is to obtain public input on the corridors proposed for further study. Handouts and display boards of the corridors proposed to be carried forward will be available for public review, as well as information regarding engineering, land acquisition and environmental issues. Representatives from IDOT and the projec

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GRANITE CITY – The Illinois Department of Transportation today, Sept. 9, 2024, announced that Illinois 3 between Niedringhaus Avenue and Rock Road in Madison County has reopened to traffic. As miscellaneous work is completed on the $7.2 million intersection replacement project, motorists can expect intermittent lane closures through the end of September. Motorists should continue to expect occasional delays and allow extra time for trips. Drivers are urged to reduce speed, obey all construction signage and refrain from using mobile devices while entering and driving through all work zones. For IDOT District 8 updates, follow us on X at @IDOTDistrict8 or view area construction details on IDOT’s traveler information map on GettingAroundIllinois.com.

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