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O’FALLON — Fire officials are urging residents to prioritize fire safety as they kick off National Fire Prevention Month with a press conference scheduled at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2024. The event will take place at the O’Fallon Fire Department Headquarters, located at 1215 Taylor Road. This year’s theme, “Smoke alarms: Make them work for you!” emphasizes the critical role of functional smoke alarms in preventing residential fire deaths. O’Fallon Fire Department Chief Brad White, Deputy Chief Doug Barron, and representatives from the Office of the State Fire Marshal and the Illinois Fire Safety Alliance will highlight the department's no-cost smoke alarm installation program available to O’Fallon residents. In 2023, Illinois recorded 89 residential fire deaths, with the majority occurring in homes lacking working smoke alarms. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), having a working smoke alarm can reduce

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SOUTH ROXANA - At 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2024, there will be a colorball game night with a total payout of $4,400 over the course of 12 colorball games with four additional raffles. This night will be hosted by the South Roxana Dad’s Club, a non-profit organization where Tony Venezia, the longest-serving member, will be there. The South Roxana Dad’s Club was started by several fathers who wanted to have a little carnival for the Boy Scouts and was ultimately chartered with the state of Illinois on Sept. 11, 1948. In the early days of the club, they threw big homecomings that only got bigger throughout the 65 years they went on until homecomings started going downhill. “In 1972 we started having bingo on Saturday nights to help get income,” Venezia said. “That’s how we ended up having bingo be our sole sport. Four years ago, we opened a little pub in our clubhouse which has gaming and several pool leagues that help pay the bills so we

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EDWARDSVILLE – Metro-East Lutheran High School will host an Open House at its campus on Center Grove Road on Sunday, Oct. 27, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. The event will allow attendees to tour the school’s campus, meet with teachers and administrators, and find out more about the school’s academic, athletic and extracurricular offerings. MELHS has been in growth mode recently, with enrollment increasing more than 30 percent in the past six years. All families interested in learning more about this thriving community are invited to stop by anytime between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. to explore the opportunities available at MELHS. Metro-East Lutheran High School has been providing academic excellence in a Christ-centered environment for more than 40 years. For more information about MELHS or the Open House, email admissions@melhs.org or go to www.melhs.org .

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EAST ST. LOUIS – A federal judge has sentenced two men for their roles in a scheme that manipulated the bidding process for construction projects at ALDI grocery stores in southern Illinois and Missouri. Louis R. Ross, Sr., a former ALDI executive, and Donald E. Schniers, a general contractor from Breese, Illinois, were ordered to repay the company more than $2.8 million in restitution. Ross, 64, of St. Louis, pleaded guilty in May to multiple counts of mail and wire fraud, as well as conspiracy to commit those crimes. He received a 24-month prison sentence and was mandated to pay restitution to ALDI. Schniers, 73, pleaded guilty to one count each of conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud, mail fraud, and wire fraud. He was sentenced to three years of probation and also ordered to pay the same restitution amount. According to court documents, Ross served as the Director of Real Estate for ALDI’s O’Fallon, Missouri, Division, while Schniers owned C. Juengel Company,

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SPRINGFIELD - Kicking off national Teen Driver Safety Week, Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias announced his office is spearheading a multi-faceted campaign to raise awareness about the dangers of distracted driving. The office’s “One Road. One Focus” campaign — specifically geared toward educating teen drivers about the consequences of distracted driving — includes a new requirement for teens to watch a video that details the consequences of dangerous driving behaviors during their learner’s permit phase before they receive their driver’s license. The office is also partnering with Illinois State Police (ISP) and Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) to identify areas prone to crashes and designate them as Distracted Driver Corridors throughout the state. Launched by the National Highway Traffic Safety Authority (NHTSA), Teen Driver Safety Week reinforces young drivers’ understanding of the impact of their behind-the-wheel

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BELLEVILLE - In response to a surge in telephone scam calls targeting St. Clair County residents, authorities are urging community members to remain vigilant and skeptical of unsolicited phone communications. The Sheriff’s Department issued a statement outlining common scams that have recently been reported in the area. Officials emphasized that the St. Clair County and other Sheriff’s Departments will not make calls threatening arrest for unpaid taxes to the Internal Revenue Service. They also clarified that the United States Postal Service does not make phone calls regarding intercepted packages purportedly containing illegal substances addressed to individuals. Additionally, residents were warned against scams involving fake Amazon calls, where individuals are asked to verify credit card information over the phone. The department highlighted a particularly prevalent scam involving impersonated grandchildren, who claim to be in trouble abroad and request bond money.

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EDWARDSVILLE - Major League Baseball Hall of Famer and St. Louis Cardinals great Ozzie Smith will visit the Schnucks in Edwardsville, Ill. to greet fans and promote his new BackFLIP premium spirit. The Meet and Greet will be held Friday, Oct. 25, 2024 from 3-4 p.m. at Schnucks Edwardsville , 2222 Troy Road, Edwardsville, Ill. Smith will sign as many autographs as possible in the hour and will have photo cards available or customers can bring memorabilia - limit one autograph per person. Customers must be 21+ to purchase alcohol.

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MARYVILLE – Emergency Department’s, Sawyer Bricker, RN, of Anderson Hospital was recently honored with The DAISY Award ® For Extraordinary Nurses . The award is part of the DAISY Foundation's programs to recognize the super-human efforts nurses perform every day. The nomination submitted read: “I waited for hours in the ED with abdominal pain and dizziness. I was then brought back to my room and my nurse (Sawyer) came in. He greeted my mom and I with the upmost respect. Sawyer listened to my concerns of what was going on and addressed the issue alongside the doctor. It was so awesome to have someone listen to me after being out of urgent care and my primary doctor the last few days. Sawyer made sure my pain was managed, checked on me, and helped advocate for me. He was so kind and made my experience at Anderson wonderful during a time of sickness and pain. Thank you Sawyer!!!” The not-for-profit DAISY Foundation is based in Glen Ellen, CA, and was

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PEORIA - OSF HealthCare is announcing that Mike Allen, chief financial officer, has submitted his resignation after accepting a position with Hackensack Meridian Health in New Jersey. Kirsten Largent, senior vice president, financial operations for OSF HealthCare, has been named his successor. Allen has served as CFO since 2015. Among his accomplishments are setting OSF on a path of improved financial performance and balance sheet stability; establishing the Capital Management Committee to evaluate and recommend strategic and market investments; and leading more than 1,600 Mission Partners (employees) in the finance division as they navigated the COVID crisis and the resulting financial challenges. “There is so much that can be said about the care OSF delivers every day to over one million people in a faith-based healing environment. I have so much respect for what our physicians, nurses and all clinical providers do for our patients every day. And I can’t wait to watch

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ST. CLAIR COUNTY - The Illinois Department of Transportation today announced that intermittent daytime lane closures will take place on Illinois 4 from Finger Hill to Illinois 13 in Marissa, weather permitting, on Thursday, Oct. 24, 2024. The lane closures are necessary for the evaluation of pavement conditions. Drivers are urged to reduce speed, be alert for changing conditions, obey all signage and refrain from using mobile devices while approaching and traveling through the work zone. For IDOT District 8 updates, follow us on the social media platform X at @IDOTDistrict8 or view area construction details on IDOT’s traveler information map on www.GettingAroundIllinois.com .

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EDWARDSVILLE - SIUE’s Lovejoy Library will host a celebration for Day of the Dead, or Día de los Muertos. From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2024, students and community members are invited to Lovejoy Library for free food, crafts, dancing, singing and more. Simone Williams, Diversity and Engagement Librarian and an assistant professor, noted that the event aims to bring together the community while honoring Latinx culture. “It gets pretty loud and it gets pretty packed,” Williams said. “I think it’s very important because it not only exposes the community to the library and university, but vice versa. So it’s good to have their input, because the community is also part of the university and a university should be and is a part of the community.” Williams hopes to see many people from around the Riverbend at the event on Oct. 29. She said Hispanic Fest, a St. Louis-based organization that coordinates Hispanic festivals

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ALTON - 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), a full-service automotive repair shop. Both businesses have demonstrated strong potential for growth and a commitment to making

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CARLINVILLE - Carlinville Community will host a Community Blood Drive with ImpactLife, the provider of blood components for local hospitals. The blood drive will be from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2024 at 201 W. Main St., inside Elks Lodge. What: Carlinville Community Blood Drive Sponsored by SS Mary & Joseph Catholic Church When: Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2024, 12-5 p.m. Where: Elks Lodge, 201 West Main Street, Carlinville, IL Appointments: To donate, please contact ImpactLife Springfield at (800) 747-5401 or visit www.bloodcenter.org and use code 60045 to locate the drive. Appointments are requested. Donor Eligibility Criteria: Potential donors must be at least 17 years of age (16 with parental permission form available through www.bloodcenter.org ) and weigh more than 110 pounds. A photo I.D. is required to donate. For questions about eligibility, please call ImpactLife at (800) 747-5401. Donors who last gave blood on or before Sept. 11, 2024 are eligible

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CAHOKIA HEIGHTS – The Illinois Department of Transportation today announced that intermittent daytime lane closures will take place on Foley Drive from Illinois 157 in Cahokia Heights to 0.1 miles west of Gerold Lane, weather permitting, on Tuesday, Oct. 22. The lane closures are necessary for the evaluation of pavement conditions. Drivers are urged to reduce speed, be alert for changing conditions, obey all signage and refrain from using mobile devices while approaching and traveling through the work zone. For IDOT District 8 updates, follow us on the social media platform X at @IDOTDistrict8 or view area construction details on IDOT’s traveler information map on GettingAroundIllinois.com.

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ALTON - Local veterans and their families can enjoy a free breakfast on Veterans Day. The seventh annual “Breakfast for a Hero” event will run from 8–10 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 11, 2024, at the Best Western Premier at 3559 College Avenue in Alton. The event is free to all veterans and their immediate family members and will include a keynote speaker, a performance by the Gibson Girls and more. “It’s just a great way to kick off their Veterans Day,” said Jim Claywell with Embark Wealth Partners, the company that organizes the event. “Really, if we think about it, every day is Veterans Day because of what they did for us. It’s a really, really cool day of events for those veterans.” Last year’s Veterans Day breakfast welcomed over 200 veterans and their families. At this year’s event, attendees can expect a free meal and a performance by Jerseyville’s Gibson Girls, and Claywell promises there won’t be “

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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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