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BRANSON, Mo. - When the lights went out at one of the Midwest's premier amusement parks for the season, a beloved ride closed with it. Silver Dollar City announced earlier in February 2023 that this season would be Fire In The Hole's last. So, on Dec. 30, 2023, the parks final day of operations, people flocked to Branson from all over the country to get their last rides. Fire In The Hole was a favorite to many guests because of its family-oriented nature. It wasn't meant to be a thrill ride. It was meant to be something the entire family could get on and enjoy. It had been since its opening back in 1972. During its 54 years in operation, it's estimated that over 25 million riders have ridden. The indoor coaster had a fun storyline, and was a good "warm-up" coaster for kids just getting into thrill rides. According to a release put out from Silver Dollar City, the ride’s storyline was modeled after the real-life mining town, Marmaros, that was located atop Marvel Cave and

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SPRINGFIELD - Attention Illinois Farmers: the annual Conservation Cropping Seminar will take place Jan. 31, 2024 with virtual attendance available for a $15 registration fee. The event will be held from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., and soil and water CEUs will be available. This event will cover how to improve soil health, cover crops, adopt new technologies, improve root health, manage nutrients and provide the latest agronomic research. A question-and-answer session with an Illinois farmer panel will be offered, as well as access to helpful resources. Topics and speakers for this year include: Alternative Farming Methods Greg Thoren-Stockton, Illinois farmer Next Generation of Digital Agriculture: Digital De-commoditization, Smart Tillage, and AI Dr. Lars Dyrud, Earth Optics Struggles with Stratification Marion Calmer, Calmer Corn Heads Banded Systems Management – To the Root of High Yield Chris Perkins, Banded Ag, LLC Farmer Panel This event is organized and mad

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GRANITE CITY - Granite City High School Principal Tim McChristian announced that 624 students earned Honor Roll accolades for the first semester of the 2023-24 school year. Students who obtained a grade point average of 5.0 or higher during the first semester earned high honors, while students with a 4.2-4.999 GPA with no D earned was named to the honor roll. All GPAs are based on the current semester GPA (not cumulative). To view the complete list of honorees, click below: HIGH HONOR ROLL - 273 honorees HONOR ROLL - 351 honorees For more information about Granite City School District #9, visit www.gcsd9.net .

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ST. LOUIS - Today, Mayor Tishaura O. Jones and Commissioner Robert J. Tracy releases highlights of 2023 year-end crime data, which reveal significant improvements to public safety in St. Louis. Crime data reveal a 21% reduction in murders (158 in 2023 compared to 200 in 2022); a 24% reduction in shooting incidents (550 in 2023 compared to 722 in 2022); and a 23% reduction in shooting victims (631 in 2023 compared to 821 in 2022). The department also reported sharp reductions in juvenile shooting incidents (47% decrease) and victims (50% decrease) compared with the prior year. “In just one year, Chief Tracy has delivered effective crime reduction strategies that keep our communities safer,” said Mayor Tishaura O. Jones. “By addressing violent crime head on and partnering with community organizations to provide additional services, we are putting St. Louis on the right track. These numbers reflect what we can do when we combine the tireless work of our officers and

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ALTON - During this presentation you will learn about the Blue Ridge Parkway, one of two such parkways operated by the National Park Service. The trip was taken this year by Dr. Rich Keating and son Phil in October. Over 9 days, they drove the entire 469 mile length of the parkway, beginning in the Smoky Mountains and Cherokee, NC, then continuing through Shenandoah National Park on its 105 mile Skyline Drive. The remarkable geology, scrunched into position by continental drift, creates a tortured rocky landscape. This illustrated presentation will attempt to create in you a sense that you must explore this remarkable region. In youth Rich camped in these mountains and has never tired of them. This is a live presentation only, open to all, so come early to meet the speaker and bring your dinner and drinks into the meeting room at Old Bakery Beer Company, 400 Landmarks Parkway, Alton, IL 62002 . If you have any questions, call Chris Krusa, Program Chair 410-490-5024.

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ALTON - As we start 2024, the Hayner Public Library District is sharing information about their programs for kids and teens, all free of charge and meant to encourage literacy and library use. The library offers many services, programs and events to patrons, but staff and board members make a special point to reach young people. They have several programs that promote reading at a young age, and they try to engage kids of all ages to get involved with the library and give back to the community. “Obviously, literacy is a huge part of the library,” Director Mary Cordes said. “We have a couple of different incentives for getting kids to read and for families to read together and for literacy.” For younger children, the library’s KidsSpace is a mix of storytimes, events and reading programs. Cordes explained that Reading Dragons is one of the library’s most popular new programs. For every 30 minutes that a child reads and logs wit

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A new lawsuit claims a caffeinated drink at at a restaurant contributed to a man's death. Legalities aside, the issue of what people - especially young people - put in their bodies is something to be aware of, says Michael Broman, PhD, MD , an OSF HealthCare cardiologist. In fact, it’s one he thinks about daily. “My children are 8 and 10. I don’t allow them to have caffeine except under my supervision and only in very small doses,” Dr. Broman says sternly. Caffeine basics Dr. Broman says energy drinks, when consumed properly, can provide the desired energy boost. A college student studying for a test, for example. But it’s caffeine consumption that you must be aware of. “Caffeine has clearly been linked to adverse events and toxicity when given at a high enough dose,” Dr. Broman says. The effects of caffeine will vary from person to person. Some will be more sensitive to caffeine due to genetics. Others may be able to break down

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GLEN CARBON - Nolan Keller has emerged as one of Father McGivney Catholic's head boys basketball coach Cory Clouser's top offensive weapons in the 2023-2024 season. Keller, a 6-foot-2 sophomore forward for the Griffins, has emerged as one of the team's top scorers. Keller has been outstanding with a 14.5-points-per-game average in 14 games this season. He has scored more than 200 points this season and as a freshman, he tallied 55 points. He is also a McGivney baseball player. He is a Byron, Carlson, Petri and Kalb Male Athlete of the Month for Father McGivney Catholic. "He was not used much last year but he has made a huge jump to average 14 points a game so far this year," said Coach Clouser. "Teams know him and even then he is still in double figures in scoring nearly every game." Keller simply gets to the basket well and is constantly improving his deadly jump shot, his coach said. There is no doubt, that this young sophomore is going to be a scoring threat teams have to defend

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Runny noses, sore throats and coughs are back in season. For parents, it’s a yearly dance with kids at school and family gatherings that help spread germs, colds and viruses. Since it’s impossible for every person to avoid this, how can we minimize the severity of your symptoms? That’s where Kimberly Walker, MD, a family medicine physician at OSF HealthCare, comes in with some helpful advice. Over-the counter options Not every symptom calls for a doctor’s visit, and if you address your signs early enough, Dr. Walker says the length of your cold can decrease drastically. “Within the first 24 hours, you can take Zinc lozenges,” Dr. Walker says. “That helps inhibit the amount of the virus that’s getting into your cells and body. But it’s only working within that first 24 hours.” For children and adults alike, Dr. Walker offers another easy to find alternative that can provide relief. “We’ve used this for many

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GRANITE CITY - The Granite City Police Department and Granite City Fire Department, along with Pontoon Beach Police and Madison City Police, are well-known for their year-round community involvement. Throughout the year, the different departments also raise funds for the Annual Shop With A Hero Program at Christmas time. Once again Granite City Police Department's Annual Shop With A Hero Program was an extraordinary success. In 2023, 27 Granite City area youth were either provided gifts or taken shopping. Lt. Jeremy Hunter of the Granite City Police is the coordinator of the annual program. "We have helped 18-25 kids each year since its inception of the event in 2017," he said. "Each child received a $250 gift card to Walmart to spend as they saw fit. We also changed the name of the event this year to Shop with A Hero because the Granite City Fire Department wanted to get involved. Madison City Police and the Pontoon Beach Police also participate, however they sponsor their own

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JERSEYVILLE - Several charges including aggravated battery of a child, possession of a stolen firearm, and more have been filed in Jersey County over the past week, according to recent court filings. Christian A. McKennon, 26, of Jerseyville, was charged with aggravated battery of a child less than 13 years of age causing great bodily harm. Court documents state McKennon “struck in the face with his hand” on or about April 20, 2023. McKennon faces a Class 3 felony for the aggravated battery charge. He was issued a summons to appear at the Jersey County Courthouse for his preliminary hearing, which is set for 9 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 22, 2024. Austyn D. Chmieleski, 18, of Jerseyville, was also charged with aggravated battery of a child less than 13 years of age causing great bodily harm. Court documents allege that on or about Nov. 27, 2023, he “touched in an inappropriate manner.” Chmieleski faces a Class 3 felony for the aggravated battery charge.

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JERSEYVILLE - Jersey Community High School senior guard Francis Vogel has had quite an impact on the Panthers program since moving to the school from Brussels after his freshman year. Vogel is now a three-year Panthers player and has what his coach Matt Murphy described as "a motor, or approach to the game that not many players have nor can they match." Vogel is a Sparklight Internet Male Athlete of the Month for the Panthers. "He is an all-around very good athlete with a lot of passion for the game," Coach Murphy said. "Francis has natural instincts that cannot be taught on the defensive end. He plays a lot bigger than his 6-foot-2 size and is relentless on the glass and attacking the rim. "He is a two-year starter and brings experience to the team as well." Again, congrats to Vogel for his recognition as a Sparklight Internet Male Athlete of the Month for JCHS.

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ST. LOUIS COUNTY - A 36-year-old St. Louis woman has been charged after police responded to a United States Postal Office on Halls Ferry Road in St. Louis County for a shots-reported incident. St. Louis County Police provided this report: "On Tuesday, January 2, 2024, the St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office issued charges on suspect Marlisha Gatewood, 36 years of age, of the 3300 block of Hereford Street in St. Louis, Missouri, 63139, for Unlawful Use of a Weapon. A booking photo of Gatewood is shown. Gatewood is being held on $100,000 cash only, no 10%, bond." The probable cause statement reads: At 7:17 a.m. on January 2, 2024, officers responded to a United States Postal Office located at 9810 Halls Ferry Road about reported shots fired incident. Officers learned that the defendant had made the report and had informed dispatch that she had left the gun on the sidewalk. Upon arrival, officers observed the defendant outside of the building. "Officers located the

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JERSEYVILLE - Junior Ella Smith returned as a starter for the Jersey Panthers girls basketball squad in the 2023-2024 season, and she has made a big difference for the team with her leadership. Smith is not only a strong contributor with points, but she is also one of the assist leaders for the squad and is always solid on defense. Smith is a Sparklight Internet Female Athlete of the Month for Jersey Community High School. Head Jersey Girls Basketball Coach Caleb Williams said Ella handles the ball well. "Ella can spark our offense with her shooting ability and defensively, she is very tough," the coach said. Smith is also a striker/forward for the Jersey girls' soccer team in the spring and a varsity volleyball player. The Jersey girls are having an excellent season under Coach Williams with a 10-8 overall mark and appear poised for a strong second half of the year. Again, congrats to Smith on her recognition as a Sparklight Internet Female Athlete of the Month for the Panthers.

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JERSEYVILLE - The Jersey County Sheriff’s Department announced on Tuesday that its newest member and another local future police officer recently completed the Southwestern Illinois College (SWIC) Police Academy Session 151. Congratulating the two on their accomplishment, the department shared more about their backgrounds and future careers in law enforcement. “A big congratulations to Austin Stilts for completing the Southwestern Illinois College (SWIC) Police Academy Session 151,” the JSCD announced Tuesday. “Austin now begins field training as our newest Patrol Deputy. “Prior to that, Austin started his law enforcement career in 2022 at the Jersey County Sheriff's Office, serving as one of our Correctional Officers. Austin completed an intense 16-week basic academy, consisting of training in topics including ethics, law, patrol functions, investigations, mental health, firearms, defensive tactics, and physical fitness.” Session 151 feature

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JERSEYVILLE - Three individuals have been arrested on charges including drug possession, resisting a peace officer, driving on a license revoked due to prior DUIs, and more in Jersey County, according to recent court filings. Marc A. Wock, 39, of Jerseyville, was charged with resisting a peace officer, unlawful possession of methamphetamine, and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia. Court documents indicate Wock committed these offenses on or about Dec. 27, 2023. Wock was charged with resisting a peace officer after running from two officers who were attempting to handcuff him, according to court documents. Wock also allegedly had less than 5 grams of methamphetamine and a glass pipe in his pocket, resulting in the latter two charges. Wock faces one Class 3 felony for meth possession and two Class A misdemeanors for resisting a peace officer and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia. Court documents indicate he was released under the conditions of the Illinois Pretrial

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GODFREY – Lewis and Clark Community College alumnus Drew Vincent is following his passion for public relations to Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, where he will pursue a bachelor’s degree beginning this spring. He graduated from L&C in December, as the college’s first student ambassador in over a decade. As an ambassador, he worked closely with Recruiter Daniel Nosce. Among his many duties included giving campus tours to prospective students, visiting high schools and middle schools, handing out branded swag at events, and even becoming Blazer the Newfie, the college’s mascot. Vincent, who earned an Associate in Arts, was also an active member of L&C’s Video Game Club. “Knowing what you want to do with your life is hard, but L&C is a good place to figure that out,” he said. “If you’re unsure of what you want to do, look at all the programs L&C offers. They will more than likely have something that interests you.&rdquo

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ALTON - 17-year-old Alton resident Jaiden L. Dahl has died at a St. Louis area hospital after suffering gunshot wounds on New Year's Day. Alton Police Chief Jarrett Ford said at 8:32 p.m. on Jan. 1, 2024, the Alton Police Department received multiple reports of a gunshot wound victim inside an apartment at 2 Woodview Court, Alton, Illinois. "Alton Police Officers, assisted by the Madison County Sheriff’s Office, responded to the apartment and once the scene was determined to be safe, Alton Fire Department members entered and transported the gunshot wound victim to a local hospital," Ford said. "The victim, identified as 17-year-old, Jaiden L. Dahl, of Alton, was later flown to a St. Louis area hospital. Jaiden later died at the St. Louis area hospital. "Investigators with the Alton Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Division are conducting the investigation. They are being assisted by the Illinois State Police and the St. Louis Medical Examiner’s Office.

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ALTON - Alton Police Chief Jarrett Ford released information late Tuesday morning, Jan. 2, 2024, about a blaze on New Year's Day. Ford provided these details: "At 3:14 p.m. on January 1, 2024, the Alton Police Department was contacted due to a structure fire in the 3100 block of Hawthorne Boulevard, Alton, Illinois. "Alton Police Officers and members of the Alton Fire Department immediately responded to the scene. Alton Fire Department members worked to control the fully engulfed residence." He continued: "Preliminary investigation revealed that family members were involved in a verbal and subsequent physical dispute. During the altercation, one of the family members is alleged to have knowingly set a fire inside the residence. All parties were able to exit the residence and avoid injuries from the fire. One family member was transported to a local hospital for non-life-threatening injuries alleged to have occurred during the altercation." Ford said the investigation is ongoing and

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GODFREY - With Valentine's Day just ahead in February, the topic of love is now in the air. For Gary and Charity Phipps, the two have been literal soul mates since they were children. The two started dating on Feb. 2, 1993. The couple was married on March 19, 2018. "We have known each other since we were four," Gary Phipps said. "The date we met/started dating is not exact as we've known each other for so long. Our parents would set up playdates and go to church together. We used to be next-door neighbors growing up for a while living in Brighton. We now have three children and are still adding to our story. We are going on 16 years being married this year." Gary said the couple has so many memories it is impossible to cover them since they have known each other for so long. However, one memory comes to mind when they were playing together during the summertime in Brighton. "We were riding bikes, going to the park and climbing trees together in the 1990s," he said. "We once buried

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