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Halloween is a time for creativity, fun, and a bit of mischief. As the spooky season approaches, many of us find ourselves in a familiar predicament: the last-minute scramble to create a unique costume. Whether it’s an unexpected invitation to a party or a sudden realization that Halloween is just around the corner, this article provides you with a variety of DIY Halloween costume ideas that are simple to assemble and sure to impress. Why DIY Costumes? Creating your own Halloween costume has several advantages. First and foremost, it allows for personal expression. You can choose a theme that resonates with you and put your own spin on it. Additionally, DIY costumes tend to be more budget-friendly than store-bought options. Lastly, making your own costume can be a fun and rewarding process, especially when you involve family or friends. Basic Supplies to Have on Hand Before diving into specific costume ideas, it’s helpful to gather a few basic supplies that can be use

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October 22nd has seen its fair share of significant events throughout history. Starting with a major global event, we go back to 1962 when President John F. Kennedy addressed the nation regarding the Cuban Missile Crisis. This event marked a critical point in the Cold War, as the U.S. discovered Soviet ballistic missiles stationed in Cuba, just 90 miles off the coast of Florida. On October 22nd, Kennedy informed the American public about the imminent threat and announced a naval blockade of Cuba, urging the Soviet Union to dismantle the missile sites. The tense standoff lasted for 13 days and brought the world to the brink of nuclear war, illustrating the high stakes of the Cold War era. Speaking of international events, October 22nd also witnessed the formation of the United Nations in 1945. Established in the aftermath of World War II, the UN aimed to foster international cooperation and prevent future conflicts. The organization has since played a crucial role in addressing globa

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BETHALTO — The Bethalto Fire Department presented a check for $500 to the Backstoppers of Madison County on Monday night, marking a significant contribution to the organization that supports families of fallen first responders. The donation stemmed from proceeds raised during the recent Bethalto Homecoming, held over Labor Day weekend. The event featured live music, carnival rides, and various food vendors, alongside a fish stand operated by the fire department. Traditionally, the department has sold shirts at the homecoming and selected a local charity for donations. This year, however, they opted to sell tumblers at the fish stand, directing the funds specifically to Backstoppers of Madison County. Backstoppers of Madison County is a collective of firefighters, law enforcement officers, EMS professionals, and the surviving spouses of fallen heroes, dedicated to raising awareness and funds for the Backstoppers Inc. Police Officers’ and Firefighters’ fund. The

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ALTON - A redevelopment agreement is moving forward as a Godfrey business relocates to a former Credit Union building in Alton. Alton Committee of the Whole members on Monday approved a redevelopment agreement with LDMG Ventures LLC for improvements to a building at 3401 E. Broadway in Alton. The scope of the project consists of “exterior building improvements including TPO roof replacement” at a total cost of $84,281.55. The city would agree to provide $21,070 in Tax Increment Financing (TIF) towards the project. The former site of 1st MidAmerica Credit Union, the building was also previously slated to become the next Alton Dispensary location before a City Council vote effectively shut down their reopening plans . While Planning & Development Director Greg Caffey didn’t share the exact name of the business moving in, he described it as a print signage company relocating from Godfrey to Alton. “The subject property was recently acquired

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ALTON - If you don't watch closely, our newest Remarkable Redbird could run right by. Junior Hank McClaine has been running for the Alton School District since the sixth grade. Hank has been a headliner for the Redbird cross-country and track team. He was the winner of the Alton Invitational Cross Country meet earlier this year, which had about 40 runners. Hank is the Art Farhner-Edward Jones Remarkable Redbird of the Month. Hank is a runner that likes to start fast and with about a half mile to go, he likes to have someone push him along for the rest of each race, which seems to be working, as Hank has placed in the top three in all starts through the Alton Invitational. During the spring track season, you can also expect to see Hank at or near the top of the runners in both the 800-meter and 1,600-meter runs. Hank will be looking to better his time in the 1600 meter (the mile) of 4.39. Hank has mentioned that he would like to continue running at the college level and gives a lot

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EDWARDSVILLE - Thelma Watershed Wair, one of the historical Little Rock Nine who integrated an Arkansas high school in 1957 amidst an angry mob of white separationist and who later graduated from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, has died. She was 83. Wair’s sister, Grace Davis, confirmed to The Associated Press that Wair died Saturday at a hospital in Little Rock from complications of multiple sclerosis. Wair’s history-making story began in 1957 with the other eight students: Melba Pattillo Beals, Minnijean Brown, Elizabeth Eckford, Ernest Green, Gloria Ray Karlmark, Carlotta Walls LaNier, Terrence Roberts and Jefferson Thomas. The students integrated Little Rock Central High School three years after the U.S. Supreme Court in 1954 declared in the Brown vs. Board of Education case, that segregated classrooms were unconstitutional. Arkansas Gov. Orval Faubus deployed the National Guard for three weeks to prevent the Little Rock Nine from enrolling in the

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There are some things in life that you just don’t understand until you experience them. That was my realization this weekend, on all fours under the hot sun, with a goat on my back chewing my ponytail. Yes, I’m talking about goat yoga! Turns out goat yoga is the greatest of all time — the G.O.A.T.! For those of you who are reading this and thinking it must be a typo, let me explain. Goat yoga has gained popularity in the last few years. It is literally what it sounds like: yoga with goats. You might be thinking, “How do they stop the goats from climbing on you?” And the answer is, they don’t! The goats climb all over. One might also wonder, “Don’t the goats kind of stink and use the bathroom all over the place?” And the answer is, yes, that also happens! It’s part of the magic. On Saturday, I conned my mother into joining me for a goat yoga session at the Alton Farmers Market. As we approached the goats, we were

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WOOD RIVER - All the kids in Wood River are invited to a downtown trick-or-treat event. From 6–8 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2024, kids and families can enjoy the sixth annual downtown trick-or-treat on Ferguson Avenue in Wood River. Kristen Burns, executive director of Wood River Main Street, said that everyone in the downtown business community is encouraged to decorate, dress up, hand out candy and have a fun evening. “It really is a community event,” Burns said. “We’re really excited. We get such good participation through the entire district.” Burns said the participating downtown businesses pass out candy to kids. She promises you can collect “bags and bags of candy” if you manage to visit every business on the street. Rachel & Co. Coffee House will be selling specialty drinks as well as handing out candy. There will also be Halloween movies playing on a big screen overlooking the street, courtesy of Wood River Main

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EDWARDSVILLE - Kids at Riverbend Head Start and Family Services will stay warm this winter thanks to a coat donation by the Edwardsville Knights of Columbus. The Knights of Columbus donated six boxes of coats to the Edwardsville Riverbend Head Start on Monday, Oct. 21, 2024. The coats will be given to kids who do not have winter clothing so they can play outside and stay warm as temperatures drop. “We are totally a charitable organization,” explained Chuck Burcham with the Knights of Columbus. “We were founded on charity. We’ve been that way ever since.” Burcham, Steve Edwards, Paul Pizzini and David Green, all members of the Knights of Columbus, delivered the donation to Riverbend Head Start. They explained that 350 Edwardsville K of C members collected the funds needed to purchase the coats. The “Coats for Kids” initiative is a mainstay for Knights of Columbus organizations across the country. Green said that the local K of C chapter

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EDWARDSVILLE - The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering Department is preparing for its 35th anniversary celebration. This anniversary is not just a celebration but a chance to reflect on the department’s achievements since its inception in 1989. The event will be held in the Enterprise Holdings Foundation Atrium in the Engineering Building on Oct. 24, 2024 from 5 to 8 p.m. Chris Gordon, PhD, Associate Dean in the School of Engineering at SIUE stated, “This is an excellent opportunity to celebrate the strides that the Mechanical and Mechatronics Department has made over the years. In 35 years, the department has become one of the largest in the School of Engineering, and both faculty and students have been nationally recognized for their contributions.” With more than 2,000 alumni, this department has helped foster learning for generations of innovative problem solvers. Gordon remarked, “Through this event, we celebrate

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ALTON - Join Senior Services Plus (SSP) in fundraising for United Way of Greater St. Louis by participating in a 50/50 raffle! Participants can win 50% of the total ticket sales, and the other half will benefit United Way. The winner will be drawn on Halloween, Oct. 31, 2024 and announced live on Facebook. The winner does not need to be present to win, Senior Services Plus will be in contact with the winner following the drawing. Raffle tickets are available for purchase online at SSP United Way Fundraisers (seniorservicesplus.org) or visit the front desk at Senior Services Plus. Tickets are $5 each and will be on sale through October 30th, 2024. Individuals must be 18 years or older to play. SSP is an aging services leader in the community and region and a United Way Safety Net Agency. For more information, please reach out to Sydney Peckham at speckham@seniorservicesplus.org or call 618-465-3298 ext. 116. Tickets can be purchased online at SSP United Way Fundraisers ( seniorservicesplus.org

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BETHALTO - The Illinois Secretary of State has upgraded its Bethalto DMV to a “One-Stop-Shop” design, improving the customer experience through reduced wait times and increased efficiency. The renovation also includes updated signage to create a more logical flow and help customers know where to go, Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias announced today. The Bethalto DMV, located at 20 Terminal Dr., Ste. 103, East Alton, is among the first to undergo the “One-Stop-Shop” transformation and is now re-opened following extensive renovations to allow customers to access services at one single station. As a part of the Secretary of State’s ongoing modernization efforts, the new DMV experience will save customers considerable time and several steps by offering both vehicle and driver services at a single service counter. “Since taking office, I have made it a top priority to provide exceptional customer service and reduce lines and wait times,” Giannoulias

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SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) announced today that nonfarm payrolls were up +7,100 while the unemployment rate was unchanged at 5.3 percent in September, based on preliminary data provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), and released by IDES. The August monthly change in payrolls was revised from the preliminary report, from +800 to +6,700 jobs, while the revised unemployment rate was 5.3 percent, unchanged from the preliminary August unemployment rate. The September payroll jobs estimate, and unemployment rate reflect activity for the week including the 12th. In September, the industry sectors with the largest over-the-month job gains included: Private Education and Health Services (+4,600), Leisure and Hospitality (+3,600), and Government (+2,800). The industry sectors with the largest monthly payroll job declines included: Financial Activities (-3,000), Professional and Business Services (-3,000), and Construction (-1,300).

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ST. CLAIR COUNTY - As Election Day approaches, there are a lot of options for early voting in St. Clair County. Eligible voters can vote in-person at specified polling locations. This is helpful for many people who find it inconvenient or impossible to vote on Election Day on Nov. 5, 2024. How does it work? Early voting works just like regular in-person voting. You will go to your specified polling place to cast your vote like you would in any election. However, your polling place might differ during early voting. Read on to find out where you can vote early in St. Clair County. Who can vote early? If you are registered to vote in Illinois, you are eligible for early voting. How is my vote counted? Early votes are not counted until the polls close on Election Day. Your vote is final once you cast your ballot. Where do I vote early in Belleville? You can vote at the St. Clair County Clerk’s Office, located at 10 Public Square in Belleville. Their hours

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ALTON - First Mid Bank & Trust Small Business Customers Receive Community Grants from Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago Alton, IL (October 21, 2024) First Mid Bank & Trust, a trusted partner in local business development, is proud to announce that two of its valued small business customers, both located in Alton, IL, have each been awarded a $15,000 community grant from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago (FHLBank Chicago). Provided through their Community First® Accelerate Grants for Small Business program, the grants will provide critical support as these businesses continue to grow and serve their community. FHLBank Chicago offers grants of up to $30,000 to eligible small businesses to advance economic opportunity in the communities it serves. The recipients of the grants are LaMay’s Catering, Inc. (LaMay’s), a food service company providing full-service catering and event space along with food trucks and community cafes, and Broadway Performance Automotive LLC (Broadway)

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BELLEVILLE — Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) and Congresswoman Julia Brownley (CA-26) will tour Chestnut Health Systems in Belleville at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2024. The visit aims to highlight a federal investment aimed at enhancing veteran services in Madison County. Rep. Budzinski, a member of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs and its Subcommittee on Health, has been an advocate for veterans during her first term in Congress. She established a Veterans Advisory Council to engage local veterans in her legislative efforts. Recently, Budzinski helped secure a $1 million grant from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for Chestnut Health Systems, which will support homeless and at-risk veterans and their families. This grant is part of the VA's broader $800 million Supportive Services for Veterans program. The visit will include several key figures from Chestnut Health Systems and the Supportive Services for Veterans program, including Director Callie

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MADISON COUNTY - As Election Day approaches, there are a lot of options for early voting in Madison County. In Madison County, eligible voters can vote in-person at specified polling locations. This is helpful for many people who find it inconvenient or impossible to vote on Election Day on Nov. 5, 2024. How does it work? Early voting works just like regular in-person voting. You will go to your specified polling place to cast your vote like you would in any election. However, your polling place might differ during early voting. Read on to find out where you can vote early in Madison County. Who can vote early? If you are registered to vote in Illinois, you are eligible for early voting. How is my vote counted? Early votes are not counted until the polls close on Election Day. Your vote is final once you cast your ballot. Where do I vote early in Alton? You can vote at the Scott Bibb Center, located at 1004 E. 5th Street in Alton. From Oct. 21–25, 2024,

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TROY - Angela Richter has been named Triad's 2024-2025 Emerson Excellence in Teaching Award winner, recognizing her commitment to high student engagement and continuous personal improvement. The announcement was made recently by Triad Community Unit #2. Richter, who is in her 17th year with the Triad School District, currently teaches fourth grade at Marine Elementary School. Her dedication to education is evident in her active participation in various initiatives aimed at enhancing the learning environment. She has volunteered to pilot new curricula and technology and serves on several committees, including the Triad Elementary Science Curriculum committee and the Triad Into Reading Pilot committee. In addition to her classroom responsibilities, Richter is the Grade Level leader for fourth-grade teachers in the district and chairs the Marine Elementary Spring Food Drive, which supports local communities during critical times. She also engages her students by inviting guest speakers

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CHAMPAIGN – Illinois State Police (ISP) Director Brendan F. Kelly has announced the line-of-duty death of ISP Trooper Corey S. Thompsen. ? Kelly said the ISP family mourns Trooper Thompsen and holds his family and loved ones in our hearts during this terrible time. At 3:40 p.m. on Friday, October 18, 2024, Trooper Thompsen was involved in a two-vehicle crash. ?The details of the crash are still under investigation. ?Trooper Thompsen was taken to an area hospital where he succumbed to his injuries at 4:32 p.m. ? “It is with a heavy heart and immeasurable sadness that I inform you of the death of Trooper Corey S. Thompsen,” said ISP Director Brendan F. ? Kelly. “We ask the public to give Trooper Thompsen’s family, and his ISP family, time while we grieve and work through this tragedy.” Trooper Thompsen was 28 years old and served almost five years as an officer with ISP. ? He is survived by his wife, mother, and father.

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ALTON — A motorcycle accident on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024, claimed the life of a 35-year-old man in Alton. The incident occurred at approximately 5:23 p.m. at the intersection of East Broadway and Laclede Street. According to preliminary investigations by the Alton Police Department, a silver Chevrolet Silverado was stopped at the intersection and was signaled to make a left turn onto Laclede Street. Alton Police Chief Jarrett Ford said as the Silverado began its turn north onto Laclede, it was struck from behind by a motorcycle driven by Darrin Sturgis of Cottage Hills. Ford said Sturgis was transported to Alton Memorial Hospital, where he was pronounced deceased. The driver of the Chevrolet Silverado left the scene of the crash but was later located at a nearby residence. Routine toxicology testing was conducted on the driver, and results will be available after lab analysis. The investigation into the crash is ongoing, with the Alton Police Department leading the inquiry. They

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