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Halloween is not just a time for trick-or-treating; it’s also an opportunity to gather friends and family for a festive dinner party. With a dash of creativity and a sprinkle of spookiness, you can create an unforgettable evening that celebrates the spirit of the season. This article outlines practical steps to host a Halloween-themed dinner party, ensuring that your event is both enjoyable and memorable. Setting the Scene: Halloween Decor Create an Atmospheric Ambiance Decorating your space is one of the most important aspects of setting the mood for a Halloween-themed dinner party. Here are some ideas: Lighting : Use dim lighting and candles to create an eerie atmosphere. Consider black lights or string lights in orange and purple to enhance the festive vibe. Table Settings : Dress your dining table with dark tablecloths and spooky centerpieces. You can use faux cobwebs, mini pumpkins, and skull figurines for an added touch. Seasonal Accents : Incorporate elements

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October 25th has witnessed a myriad of significant events that have shaped the course of history across various domains including politics, science, culture, and warfare. One of the most impactful events that occurred on this date took place in 1881, when Pablo Picasso, the renowned Spanish painter and sculptor, was born. Picasso would go on to become one of the most influential artists of the 20th century, co-founding the Cubist movement and contributing significantly to modern art. His ability to experiment with form and color transformed the artistic landscape, inspiring countless artists and redefining the boundaries of creativity. The legacy of Picasso's work continues to resonate today, making his birthday a notable milestone in the realm of art. Fast forward to 1944, during the closing stages of World War II, when the Battle of Leyte Gulf began. This battle is considered one of the largest naval engagements in history and marked a significant turning point in the Pacific

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David McFerran, a respected veteran from Edwardsville, Illinois, served his country with honor and dedication as a member of the United States Navy. From 1960 to 1964, McFerran held the rank of E3 and served aboard the USS Fulton during the Vietnam era, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to duty and country. After completing his naval service, McFerran continued his dedication to national security through a distinguished 35-year career with the Department of Defense. Following retirement, he fulfilled a lifelong dream, enjoying his well-deserved rest and the fulfillment of his aspirations. David McFerran’s passing on July 1, 2024, marked the end of a life filled with service, patriotism, and dedication to both his country and his personal dreams. Edwardsville remembers and honors his contributions, expressing gratitude for his service and commitment to the values he held dear.

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Jacob Hendrickson, a proud native of Godfrey, Illinois, dedicated himself to the United States Army, where he served from 2019 to 2021. Currently, he continues his commitment to his country by serving with the US Army Reserve in St. Louis, Missouri. Hendrickson held the rank of Specialist (E-4) during his active duty and was stationed at Fort Drum, New York, with the esteemed 10th Mountain Division. In his role, he specialized as a 94E Radio Equipment Repairer, a crucial occupation focused on maintaining the functionality of the Army's radio communication equipment. Throughout his time in active service, Hendrickson earned several honors, including the Army Service Ribbon (ASR), the National Defense Service Medal (NDSM), and the Rifle Marksman Badge. These accolades highlight his dedication and skill, as well as his unwavering commitment to readiness and excellence. Though he has completed his active duty service, Specialist Hendrickson remains a vital part of the Army Reserve, demonstrating

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ALTON - Alton High School’s Marching 100 drumline traveled around town to drum up excitement for Homecoming Week. The drumline stopped at Board of Education members’ houses, Beverly Farms, Brown Bag Bistro and several other locations in the community on Thursday, Oct. 24, 2024. Chuck Willard, the director of the Marching 100, shared that the band hopes to raise money to purchase new band uniforms. “We are going around town spreading the word about our band program, hoping to fundraise for our new uniforms,” Willard said. “I love it. I’ve been wanting to do this since I was very little, so I love this.” The drumline performed throughout the day on Oct. 24, but the entire Marching 100 will be on hand during the homecoming football game on Friday, Oct. 25, 2024. They will also be marching in the 107th Alton Halloween Parade on Oct. 31, 2024, where they will be performing “Thriller” by Michael Jackson. Willard said that

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EDWARDSVILLE — The jury deliberated about three hours Thursday, Oct. 24, 2024, before finding Roger Dale Sutton, 57, guilty of first-degree murder and concealment of a homicidal death. The jury found that he fatally beat and strangled Patrenia “Trina” Butler-Turner, who was 40 and had been a resident of East St. Louis. Butler-Turner was reported missing by her family in January 2013, after she failed to return from a trip to the store. The murder came to light in December 2022, when Sutton's nephew Nathan Beyer walked into the Pontoon Beach Police Department and made a report: He had witnessed his uncle kill a woman nearly 10 years earlier and helped dispose of the body. The Beyer led investigators to a wooded location in Pontoon Beach, behind Sutton’s former apartment. There, amid dense brush and debris, investigators discovered a skull and other skeletal remains. The Beyer testified at trial about how he began feeling guilt after seeing

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ST. LOUIS - Today, Mayor Tishaura O. Jones and other City leaders broke ground on the new 911 Dispatch Center that will help improve 911 response times and public safety in St. Louis. “This $45 million 911 Dispatch Center is one of the biggest public safety investments in St. Louis in recent history,” said Mayor Jones. “This facility will bring all of our dispatchers under one roof, in line with national best practices, and is an important part of how we will continue to bring down our 911 response times.” The 911 Dispatch Center, which is funded with help from the State of Missouri and the Biden-Harris administration’s American Rescue Plant Act, will be the location for all City of St. Louis dispatch services, including police, fire, and EMS. The new building will also house the City Emergency Management Agency, known as CEMA. The City has already begun the physical and technological integration of its dispatch services, with EMS and police dispatchers

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WOOD RIVER - Midwest Members Credit Union is proud to sponsor the “Oiler of the Month” program at EAWR High School. A Senior student is selected each month by members of EAWR faculty. Each student is awarded a certificate and a Subway gift card. The Seniors selected each month will have the opportunity to compete for a $1,000 “Oiler of the Year” scholarship at the end of the school year. October's winner is Brayden Cunningham. Brayden is a Senior at EAWR and is involved in E-Sports. Brayden has received High Honor Roll and Golden Renaissance all four years. In Brayden's free time, he enjoys volunteering with Toys for Tots, Soap Box Derby & the Church Easter Egg Hunts. After graduation, Brayden is planning on attending SIUE and will be majoring in Pre-Law. Congratulations Brayden and we all wish you good luck in your future! Midwest Members Credit Union has been serving your community for over 89 years. To find out more information about Midwest Members

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BETHALTO - Civic Memorial High School's outstanding tennis duo, Emma Davis and Abigail Harms, continued to showcase their talents during the first rounds of the Illinois High School Association (IHSA) State Tennis Tournament held near Chicago on Thursday. The girls finished the first day of the state tournament with a 3-1 mark. Davis and Harms are Tom Lane State Farm Insurance Female Athletes of the Month for CM, highlighting their commitment and performance for the Eagles throughout the regular season and post-season. In their opening match, Davis and Harms secured a state tournament victory against Kennedi Batty and Alyssa Meekey from Richon Park (Southland College Prep Charter). The CM girls won their first match at state decisively with a score of 6-3, 6-0. Mia Kinkelaar and Ellie Link from Effingham St. Anthony edged the CM girls in a close match in round two, 6-2, 6-4. Davis and Harms rebounded in the consolation bracket, where they triumphed over Lucia Hassebrock and Catalina

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SPRINGFIELD - Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias announced that Illinois has reached a multi-million-dollar settlement with GS Partners and GSB Group, which operated crypto-related investment schemes. Illinois residents who purchased securities from any GS Partners entity and those who purchased its securities while residing in Illinois, are eligible for 100 percent of their money back, minus the value of any withdrawals. Eligible investors are encouraged to inform the Securities Department of any GS Partners investments by Dec. 1, 2024 using the Secretary of State’s online form . The settlement is the result of a multi-state investigation that found GS Partners had failed to register its securities with individual states, including Illinois, and failed to qualify for an exemption from registration. GS Partners employed a network of promoters and celebrities who sold crypto investments promising lucrative returns. “This settlement puts crypto-investment

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EDWARDSVILLE — A jury delivered swift guilty verdicts in the murder trial of Roger Dale Sutton Jr. on Thursday, Oct. 24, 2024, at the Madison County Courthouse. Sutton was found guilty of first-degree murder and concealment of a homicidal death in connection with the 2013 disappearance of Patrenia Butler-Turner, a 40-year-old woman from East St. Louis who had been missing for nearly a decade. The jury reached a decision shortly after 1:30 p.m. Thursday, following deliberations that began around 10:30 a.m. The trial featured testimony from forensic experts and law enforcement officers, providing critical insights into the case. Among the key witnesses was Jessica Van Dyke, an FBI forensic examiner, who discussed the condition of Butler-Turner's clothing. The trial's proceedings underscored the complexities surrounding the investigation and the evidence available after years of uncertainty regarding Butler-Turner's fate.

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ALTON - The first-quarter High Honor Roll and Honor Roll lists for St. Mary's Middle School in Alton are as follows: High Honor Roll 8th Grade Avery Conrad Elaina Cowan James Fischer Katherine Fitzgerald Tucker Hamilton Eli Heischmidt Joseph Henesey Parker Hough Caleb Kasten Kainan Kelly Colette Manns Kaelyn Page Clyde Phillips Lucia Pulido Jenna Redman Caden Roth William Roth Caden Shewmake Olivia Smith Elizabeth Strickland Claire Stephens William Waters 7th Grade Lauren Elliott Claire Hill Ava Holt Jay Klunk Ryan Lopez Jackson Lorsbach Alena Manns Charlie Marshall Eva Martin Brody McLeod Angelina Phillips Joey Root Charlotte Scheer Connor von Sothen Genevieve Stendeback Sophia Waters Leena Walker Abigail Widman 6th Grade Wyatt Bennett Reese Curry Daniel Fitzgerald Jaxson Foersterling Jude Frost Maggie Griggs Adam Jacobs Henley Janek Louie Koeller James Klockenkemper

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ALTON - On October 20, 1924, Reverend John Gilliford Reynolds visited Alton to notify the officers of Elm Street Presbyterian Church that he was accepting the call to the pastorate, extended to him at a congregation meeting recently. But he had one stipulation. Reynolds wanted to remain in Toledo, Ohio until after the election, as he “wishes to do his duty as a citizen, and cast his ballot.” He and his family would lose their votes by moving before the election. The 19th Amendment had been ratified in 1920, so this was only the second presidential election that John’s wife, Nina, could vote in, despite the fact that she was in her sixties at the time. The election took place on Tuesday, November 4, 1924. The Reynolds family came to Alton the next week and Rev. Reynolds’s first service as pastor of Elm Street Presbyterian Church was Sunday, November 16. While we don’t know who exactly Reynolds voted for, Calvin Coolidge won the presidential election

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ALTON - Illinois American Water continues to invest in its water and wastewater infrastructure in the Alton District. Recent projects include the installation of ultraviolet treatment equipment at the Alton water treatment plant, the sewer separation project in downtown Alton, and a water main replacement along 9th Street between Atkinson Avenue and Market Street. “Our focus in the Alton District, and throughout the state, continues to be to proactively invest in our water and wastewater systems to maintain high levels of water quality, reliability and customer service,” said Brent O’Neill, Director of Engineering, Illinois American Water. Recent major projects in the Alton District include: Ultraviolet Water Treatment Improvements This project was completed in accordance with a change in Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations that require additional water treatment at the Alton Water Treatment Plant to effectively treat the raw Mississippi River wate

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ALTON - The Alton City Council on Wednesday gave their final approval to a Tax Increment Financing (TIF) project to renovate a vacant property. The project will see exterior improvements made to a former Credit Union building as a Godfrey business prepares to move in . The building at 3401 E. Broadway will undergo a complete roof replacement at a total cost of $84,281.55. The city has agreed to provide $21,070 in TIF funding under the terms of a redevelopment agreement with LDMG Ventures LLC. The property was originally home to 1st MidAmerica Credit Union. At one point, the Alton Dispensary was considering reopening in the building before City Council members voted down an amendment to make that reopening possible. Planning & Development Director Greg Caffey said earlier this week that a Godfrey-based “print media corporation” specializing in “commercial signage” would be moving into the renovated space, but few additional details have

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ALTON - Alton's Charles W. Brake, a longtime public servant and respected community member, died at 8:35 a.m. on Wednesday, October 23, 2024, at Jerseyville Manor at age 92. Charles was a long-time Alton City Councilman. Charles married Patty Ohley on June 30, 1950, and she preceded him in death on Dec. 2, 2013. Brake served as the 5th Ward Alderman for the City of Alton for many years, where he was recognized for his dedication to public service. Former Alton Mayor Brant Walker praised Brake's commitment to his role, stating, "If I could pick someone to epitomize public service, it would be Charlie Brake. He did it for all the right reasons." Walker noted that Brake was one of the longest-serving aldermen in the city's history and emphasized his leadership and diligence, often working 60 to 70 hours a week. "He was always a leader and well-informed before he cast a vote," Walker added, highlighting Brake's instrumental role in various city initiatives, including tax increment financing

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GODFREY - St. Ambrose Catholic School of Godfrey recently released their Honor Roll and High Honor Roll lists for the first quarter of the 2024-2025 academic school year. 4th Grade Honor Roll Chrisley Bechtold Colton French Cayla Kory Leo Noss Reid Pruetzel Ella Schroeder Lilly Yemm 4th Grade High Honor Roll Sophie Hoefert Hunter Johnson 5th Grade Honor Roll Holly Franklin Alyssa Kochan Barrett Kohl Jackson Lacy Maizy McCahill William Monahan Marley Palmer 5th Grade High Honor Roll Elijah Baird Tucker Eberlin James Erwin Kamryn Hollinger Audrina Klasner Miles Schroeder 6th Grade Honor Roll Ruth Beck Collin Cruse Charlie Droste Rylan Estes Charlotte Hendrickson Neal Pichee Myles Pickens Liam Rose Finn Stephan Thomas Stirnaman Ryan Terry 6th Grade High Honor Roll Danica Dornes Finn Kane Emma Kory Lydia Lara Caroline Morrissey 7th Grade Honor Roll Bennett Beiser Natalie Droste

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GODFREY - Charges have been unsealed following the arrest of a Godfrey man accused of criminal sexual assault and criminal sexual abuse against a sleeping victim. Leonard L. Levi, 35, of Godfrey, was charged with criminal sexual assault, a Class 1 felony, and criminal sexual abuse, a Class 4 felony. Descriptions of the charges state he committed acts of sexual assault and abuse on a 47-year-old victim while they were asleep. The charges, which were unsealed upon Levi’s arrest earlier this month, were filed in reference to an incident on March 4, 2023. The charges had been sealed to avoid a “risk of flight from persecution” if the information had been made public prior to his arrest. Levi has since “surrendered his passport to the Alton Police Department,” which was transferred to the Madison County Circuit Clerk, who will hold it while the case against Levi is still pending. The Alton Police Department presented the case against Levi, who wa

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ST. LOUIS – Homicide detectives with the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department have arrested a man suspected of killing a 21-year-old Granite City woman whose body was found burned in the city’s Baden neighborhood last weekend. Kiya Holt-Biggs was discovered deceased in a parking lot on Switzer Avenue on the evening of Saturday, Oct. 19, 2024. Zaveon Mills is a suspect apprehended in the case. The St. Louis Circuit Attorney’s Office has charged Mills with first-degree murder and armed criminal action. Police responded to a call around 8:30 p.m. on Oct. 19, 2024, and Holt-Briggs was pronounced dead at the scene. The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department's probable cause statement from the police details that the suspect, identified as Mills, was seen on surveillance video driving Holt-Biggs’ car into the empty lot. He allegedly exited the vehicle, removed Holt-Biggs from the trunk, and inflicted fatal injuries before fleeing the scene. According to investigators,

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EAST ST. LOUIS — On Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2024, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) convened the first meeting of her Women Veterans Advisory Council at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s East St. Louis Center. In attendance were Congresswoman Julia Brownley (CA-26), Ranking Member of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs’ Subcommittee on Health, and local women veterans an d stakeholders from across Central and Southern Illinois who will provide guidance and recommendations to help shape Congresswoman Budzinski’s priorities in Congress. “Women veterans face unique challenges, both during their service and as they transition out of active duty,” said Congresswoman Budzinski. “I’m excited to officially launch my Women Veterans Advisory Council to give women veterans a seat at the table and to inform my work on the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs. I’m so grateful to the local leaders who’ve agree

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