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ALTON - On the most recent episode of “You’re Beautiful” with Brian Trust, Linda Smith shared her testimony as someone who struggled with substance use and found God. Smith shared that she went through a difficult time several years ago, which culminated in trouble with the law and DCFS. She realized her kids and her health were her priorities, and she decided to “get right with God.” Now, she is open with her story in the hopes that she can help other people. “I love hard because I know what it feels like to be loved little, and I know what it feels like to not have. The struggles that I faced prior to now, they’re still daunting, okay? I’m still struggling,” Smith said. “But you have to stay positive and you have to understand that today might be dark but tomorrow can be bright. Don’t give up.” Smith remembered when she was first struggling with alcohol use. This time in her life was “really

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BETHALTO - Students in Brett Kalker’s radio class at Civic Memorial High School had a unique educational experience on their recent visit to the Lewis and Clark Community College radio and broadcast station. The event provided students with hands-on opportunities to engage in various aspects of radio production. During the visit, students participated in live on-air sessions, created sweepers for the station, and explored the world of podcasting. This immersive experience aimed to enhance their understanding of broadcasting and radio production techniques. Kalker expressed gratitude to Michael Lemmons and David Olenbittle for their support and guidance throughout the day. "We’re so grateful for this amazing opportunity," Kalker said, highlighting the importance of such experiences in enriching the students' learning. This visit is part of a broader effort to provide students with practical applications of their studies, preparing them for potential careers in media and

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ALTON — Alton Alderwoman Rosie Brown is spearheading a Voter Vehicle Caravan on Sunday, Nov. 3, 2024, to encourage community participation in early voting ahead of the general Election Day on Nov. 5. The caravan will depart from Webster Temple, located at 1100 Highland Ave. at 1:30 p.m. and will proceed to the Scott Bibb Center in Alton for early voting. Brown emphasized the importance of voting in her call to action. "We hope for a mass line of churches, organizations, leaders and our community to line up and travel to the Scott Bibb Center," she said. "The importance of voting is a no-brainer. If you don't vote, you have no voice. You can't chime in on the outcome if you don't vote. The right and opportunity to vote is huge. Exercise your freedom and vote. This is crucial and your vote is needed more than ever." Following the voting event, participants are invited to return to Webster Temple for a Sunday dinner, which Brown noted will be available for purchase. The caravan

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ALTON - Alton Community Unit School District #11 will soon find out how many boxes of tissues $1,800 can buy. On Tuesday, Oct. 15, 2024, Imperial Manufacturing Group donated $1,800 to ACUSD11. The money will be used to purchase tissues for classrooms throughout the district. Angela Kruse, HR generalist with Imperial, noted that the employees worked hard to raise this money. “Just being a part of a community like Alton, we’ve been here since 2016, so we’re just trying to provide and get more involved,” Kruse explained. “A lot of our employees live in Alton or surrounding areas. We think it’s important to give back to where we are.” The employees at Imperial participated in a cornhole tournament, and their entry fees went toward the ACUSD11 donation. Imperial then matched this number. Over the years, Imperial Manufacturing Group has provided annual donations to the school district. They have donated feminine hygiene products, socks

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CARLINVILLE – One of the most popular presenters at the Carlinville Public Library is coming back once again. Mark Glenshaw will appear at the Carlinville library for the fourth time in less than three years on Thursday, Oct. 24 at 5:00 p.m. for “Forest Park Owls: Mating, Nesting, and Owlets.” The free program is open to the public. Glenshaw’s previous three appearances at the library, in April 2022, March 2023, and November 2023, were attended by large and enthusiastic crowds. “I’ll share what I have observed and documented on the owls’ breeding cycle,” said Glenshaw. “That includes mating, nesting selection, feeding of the owlets, fledgling and gradual maturation of owlets, and the dispersal of the owlets.” An accomplished photographer and videographer, Glenshaw will use many of his photos and videos to illustrate the behaviors of these remarkable birds. A St. Louis resident, Glenshaw has observed and documented

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ALTON - Senior Services Plus, Inc. (SSP) located at 2603 N. Rodgers Ave. in Alton, IL will be hosting a free Wills and Power of Attorney Legal Clinic on Nov. 14, 2024 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Attorneys from The Public Interest Law Initiative’s (PILI) Third Judicial Circuit Pro Bono Committee will be meeting with veterans and seniors and assisting with the preparation of Wills and Power of Attorney documents. The clinic is free, but clients must meet PILI’s financial guidelines for eligibility. Due to limited space, registration is required. For more information and registration, please call 833-275-7454 ext. 5 or register online at https://pili.org/event/free-veterans-seniors-wills-clinic/ . About SENIOR SERVICES PLUS Senior Services Plus, Inc. is a 501(c) not-for-profit organization established to enrich the lives of older adults through programs and services, for everyone aging successfully. Senior Services Plus, Inc. has been providing services for older adults

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FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS - Burlington Stores, Inc. is set to open a new location at 6611 N. Illinois St. at 8:45 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 18, 2024. This new store is relocating from its previous site at One Plaza Drive. The grand opening will feature a $5,000 check presentation to teachers at William Holliday Elementary School, underscoring the company's commitment to community engagement. In addition, the first 100 customers aged 18 and older on both Friday and Saturday will receive a $10 bonus card to apply toward their purchases. On Sunday, Oct. 20, customers can also receive free Burlington umbrellas, available while supplies last. Michael O’Sullivan, CEO of Burlington Stores, expressed enthusiasm for the expansion in a statement: “We’re continuing to expand our footprint across the country and are excited to be opening a new store in Fairview Heights.” Burlington is a national off-price retailer with more than 1,000 locations nationwide, offering a wide variety

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ALTON - OSF Moeller Cancer Center ( 2200 Central Ave., Alton) today announced that it has received accreditation under the American College of Surgeons (ACS) Commission on Cancer (CoC) Accreditation Program. The ACS CoC is a consortium of professional organizations dedicated to improving survival and quality of life for patients with cancer by setting and raising standards. CoC accreditation is granted to institutions committed to providing high-quality cancer care by demonstrating compliance with the CoC standards. Each cancer program must undergo a rigorous evaluation and review of its performance and compliance with the CoC standards. To maintain accreditation, cancer programs must undergo a site visit every three years. The CoC accreditation standards supply the structure for providing all patients with a full range of diagnostic, treatment, and supportive services either on-site or by referral, including community-based resources. “In the fight against cancer, providing

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GODFREY - The Godfrey Village Board of Trustees this week is set to consider the St. Louis firm PGAV to develop the village's Comprehensive Plan. On the agenda for Tuesday’s Village Board meeting is the “Consideration and approval of PGAV of St. Louis, MO as the consultant for the Comprehensive Plan at an estimated cost of $95,000.” According to a proposal for the Comprehensive Plan from PGAV, the firm plans to bring a “one-stop-shop approach” to the village, offering a variety of services including planning, architecture, engineering, graphic design, stakeholder engagement, zoning, and more. The company boasts an extensive track record of developing comprehensive plans for other communities, which have either already been adopted or will soon be adopted. Among those communities are Edwardsville, Vandalia and East Peoria, Ill., as well as the Missouri communities of Clayton, Richmond Heights, and Perryville. PGAV has also helped the communities

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EDWARDSVILLE – Homefield Energy has been chosen to once again serve as the electricity supplier for the municipal electric aggregation program in the City of Edwardsville and other local communities. Homefield Energy’s contract with participating residents and small businesses will begin with the December 2024 meter reading. The City of Edwardsville was authorized by voters in 2012 to oversee a municipal electric aggregation program. The program’s goal is to protect residents from ongoing volatility in electric supply charges by leveraging a pool of municipal customers to secure a competitive, fixed rate. The new rate with Homefield Energy is 9.054 cents per kilowatt hour, which is a 3.146 cent decrease from current provider Constellation Energy’s rate of 12.20 cents. Participating cities, counties and townships are working with aggregation consultant Good Energy LP, a New York-based company with regional offices in Edwardsville and Peoria. If you are an Ameren

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EDWARDSVILLE - The Junior Service Club of Edwardsville/Glen Carbon invites adults 21 and older to join in the fun at the “Trick or Drink Bar Crawl” on Oct. 19, 2024 from 6 to 11 p.m. This exciting event will take place at six popular local bars: The Cabin At Judy Creek, The Mossy Stone Irish Pub, Global Brew Tap House, Big Daddy's, Foundry Public House, and Sneaky's Bar & Burger Joint. Participants can look forward to a night filled with festive activities, including a costume contest with prizes for the best-dressed participants. A special “passport” system will reward crawlers who visit multiple locations, increasing their chances to win even more prizes. Each bar will feature exclusive food and drink specials to enhance the experience. For added safety and convenience, a shuttle service will be provided to transport attendees between each stop, ensuring everyone can enjoy the evening responsibly. Tickets are available for purchase at http://www.edglenjuniorservice.org/trick-or-drink-bar-crawl-2024.html

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ALTON – Marquette Catholic High School will present Clue at 7 p.m. on October 25 and 26, on the Ruth Klaus Stage located at 219 E. 4th Street. Clue is a murder-mystery farce adapted from the 1985 film Clue , which was based on the Hasbro board game . Sandy Rustin adapted the screenplay by Jonathan Lynn for the stage, with additional material by Hunter Foster and Eric Price. The classic board game is brought to life as six guests are invited to a dinner party thrown by an anonymous host with a plot filled with aliases, blackmail, motive, mystery and humor. According to Ms. Madison Foreman, Theater and Music Director, 31 students are involved in the production as actors and crew. She said, “ Clue is a fantastic blend of humor and mystery that challenges both the characters and the audience. We’ve had an incredible time bringing this story to life, and we can’t wait for everyone to join us for a night of unexpected twists and laughter.” Mr

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WASHINGTON PARK – Illinois State Police have arrested 22-year-old Steven Tiller Jr. of Belleville, in connection with a murder that occurred on March 29, 2024. Tiller faces charges of First Degree Murder and Unlawful Possession of a Weapon by a Felon following the shooting death of 39-year-old George Smith of East St. Louis. The incident took place outside a business in the 6000 block of Forest Boulevard in Washington Park, where Smith was struck by gunfire and later succumbed to his injuries at a nearby hospital. The Washington Park Police Department requested the assistance of the Illinois State Police Division of Criminal Investigation Zone 6 to conduct a thorough investigation into the homicide. After several months of investigation, authorities identified Tiller as a suspect. He was taken into custody on Friday, Oct. 11, 2024, and is currently being held at the St. Clair County Jail. Tiller is charged with First Degree Murder, classified as a Class M felony, as well as

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ALTON - YWCA invites the community to join its annual Trivia Night Fundraiser on Saturday, November 9, 2024, at the Best Western Premier Conference Center in Alton. The night promises fun, competition, and the opportunity to support important local initiatives. Doors open at 6 p.m., and trivia kicks off promptly at 7 p.m. “We’re thrilled to bring back another exciting night of trivia! Our event will be packed with fun challenges, great prizes, and opportunities to support YWCA’s critical programs,” said Dorothy Hummel, Executive Director of YWCA. “Whether you come as a team or an individual, it’s a fantastic way to enjoy an evening out while making a difference in our community.” The evening will feature: Attendance Prizes, Bucket of Booze Raffle, 50/50 Drawing, Heads or Tails Game, Trivia Prizes … and much more! Tickets are $25 per person, or $200 for a table of eight. In addition to the trivia competition, the night will include a

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October 15th is a date that resonates with many significant events throughout history. One of the most notable events on this date occurred in 1917, when a remarkable woman, Mata Hari, was executed by a French firing squad. Mata Hari, born Margaretha Zelle, was a Dutch exotic dancer and courtesan who was accused of being a spy for Germany during World War I. Her trial was steeped in controversy, as many believed she was a scapegoat in a time of paranoia and mistrust. The public's fascination with her life and dramatic trial only grew after her execution, cementing her status as a symbol of the femme fatale in popular culture. Fast forward to 1966, and we find another significant moment as the Cultural Revolution was officially launched in China. Initiated by Mao Zedong, the Cultural Revolution aimed to preserve Chinese communism by purging remnants of capitalist and traditional elements from Chinese society. This period was marked by widespread social, political, and economic upheaval,

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GODFREY — An event will be held at the Godfrey Knights of Columbus from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on October 15 to introduce faith-based investment opportunities offered by Ave Maria Mutual Funds. The event titled "Higher Ground - Investments You Can Believe In" aims to help attendees gain a better understanding of mutual funds and how they can align their investments with their personal values while achieving financial goals. The gathering comes in response to a growing interest among local residents in investing in companies and organizations that reflect their beliefs. Representatives from Ave Maria Mutual Funds and Edward Jones Investments will be present to provide insights into faith-based investment options and general investment principles. “Investors are eager to see their assets grow while supporting companies and institutions that share their convictions,” said Scott Mandrell, a representative from Edward Jones. Mandrell said the event promises to be informative

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Now that fall is here and temperatures are dropping, ensuring a properly maintained heating system is more important than ever. Bickle Electric Heating & Cooling, based in Edwardsville, IL, is ready to help homeowners prepare their HVAC systems for the colder months ahead. With their team of skilled technicians, Bickle Electric provides the expert maintenance needed to keep homes comfortable and energy-efficient all season long. Why Fall HVAC Maintenance is Important After a long summer, heating systems need attention to ensure they run efficiently and safely. Fall is the perfect time to schedule a professional tune-up to avoid breakdowns and optimize system performance before winter arrives. Regular maintenance not only improves energy efficiency but also extends the life of HVAC equipment and helps lower energy bills. Bickle Electric’s Fall HVAC Tune-Up Services Include: Complete System Inspection: Every component, including the furnace and thermostat, is inspected for

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ALTON - Reese Livingstone is an outstanding junior golfer who recently qualified for the IHSA Class 1A state girls tournament. She moved ahead with a score of 81 in the Rochester Secitonal and will play at state at Red Tail Golf Course in Decatur on Oct. 18-19, 2024. Reese is a Tucker’s Automotive Repair & Tire Female Athlete of the Month. Reese said one of her goals this season has been to lead the Explorers and she has been outstanding in the post-season. She saluted her father and coaches for helping her reach the success she has in high school golf. “Without my dad I wouldn’t have started playing golf and would have left it behind,” Taylor said. “He has taught me all that I know and continues to help me grow. I also have had a lot of help from my coaches Deb and Josh. Deb brought me on the varsity team my freshman year and helped me get through my freshman year of golf. Josh, our assistant coach, has always been there especially when I am down.”

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ROXANA — Taylor Partridge, a standout runner for the Roxana Shells, has been recognized as the Midwest Members Credit Union Female Athlete of the Month, highlighting her leadership role in the school's cross country and track and field programs. Partridge has established herself as a formidable competitor this season, with impressive times in various events. She recorded a personal best of 11:21 in the 3200 meters in track and field in the spring and completed the three-mile Granite City Invitational in 22:52.1. Additionally, she clocked 24:00.2 at the Peoria Notre Dame Meet, 24:40.7 in the Freeburg Invite, and 25:16.5 at the Madison County Meet. In an interview earlier this season, Partridge expressed her passion for the sport of cross country. “I love cross country,” she said. “I hope to run in college. I have been talking to some smaller schools and I hope I get an opportunity soon.” As she continues her athletic journey, Partridge's dedication

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SPRINGFIELD, MISSOURI - Sun Solar offers a wide range of options for solar customers in Illinois, Missouri and Kansas. Lucas Admire, who represents Sun Solar, explained that the company brings a people-focused approach to commercial, residential and agricultural solar projects. Admire previously worked with a “fly-by-night” solar company with representatives that go door to door. He said working with Sun Solar has been a much better experience, both for him and his customers. “To go from that company that I was with that was kicking me all around the country at different times, to be with these guys, ,” Admire said. “It’s phenomenal, and I feel absolutely blessed to have been approached by Sun Solar.” At his previous company, Admire said he was a part of 30 solar deals that were never completed. This is different from Sun Solar, where Admire works personally with a project coordinator to make sure every job is completed in a timely

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