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EDWARDSVILLE - The ninth annual SIUE Cougars Unleashed 5K/10K Run and Pancake Breakfast, a hallmark of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s Homecoming & Family Weekend, is set to take place at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024. Organized by the SIUE Alumni Association, the event invites runners of all ages and skill levels to lace up their shoes and enjoy a morning of fitness, community spirit and fun. Last year, the run attracted nearly 400 participants and organizers project to break that record this year. Participants will traverse a scenic route starting at the University’s iconic Cougar Statue, winding through SIUE’s campus and bike trails and passing through the lush SIUE Gardens. The race also features a Fun Run, offering a more relaxed option for those looking to join in without the pressure of competition. Christina Carlson, ’11, ’12, Associate Director of Alumni and Donor Relations, emphasized the event’s importance in connecting

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GLEN CARBON - Mia Lieberman, a standout 6-foot middle hitter for Father McGivney Catholic, has been named a Byron, Carlson, Petri & Kalb Female Athlete of the Month. Lieberman has played a crucial role in the Griffins' 6-4 overall record this season. She is a standout athlete and has participated in basketball and softball at McGivney. "She is a very knowledgeable middle hitter who understands the game," said Coach Jake Williams. "Mia Lieberman is one of our top contributors. Her versatility and power make her a strong hitter and a very good blocker." Lieberman’s contributions are not limited to her offensive skills; she is also known for her strategic placements and effective blocks. Initially starting as an outside hitter, Lieberman was moved to the middle due to her skills, height and understanding of multiple positions. This flexibility has proven invaluable to the Griffins. In addition to her athletic prowess, Lieberman is committed to academic excellence and personal development

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SOUTH ROXANA - The Illinois Department of Transportation today announced that both lanes of Hawthorne Street from Lewis and Clark Boulevard (Illinois 3) to east of Wanda Road in Madison County will require intermittent daytime lane closures beginning, weather permitting, on Monday, Sept. 16, 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 GettingAroundIllinois.com .

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PEORIA - The OSF HealthCare Advanced Practice Provider (APP) Fellowship program is adding emergency medicine to the list of tracks for fellows. The OSF HealthCare APP Fellowship is accredited with distinction as an Advanced Practice Provider Fellowship Program by the American Nursing Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation in Practice Transition Programs. The 12-month program has more than a 97% graduation rate and offers 100% of graduates a permanent position within OSF HealthCare. The robust, cutting-edge APP Fellowship program at OSF is among the most mature of all health systems in the country. The APP fellowship program focuses on professional growth by offering mentorship, regular feedback and skills assessment that build on the knowledge fellows learned in graduate school. At the end, they are more prepared to transition into full-time practice. OSF HealthCare is also leveraging federal grant money to extend primary care support to high-need communities with

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September 13th has witnessed some of the most significant events in human history, spanning continents and centuries. 1989: The Fall of the Berlin Wall On September 13, 1989, the world watched in awe as the Berlin Wall, which had divided East and West Berlin since 1961, began to crumble. Although the official fall is often celebrated on November 9th, it was in mid-September that significant cracks began to appear. Demonstrations had been escalating, and the East German government was under intense pressure. The fall of the Berlin Wall symbolized the end of the Cold War and the beginning of a new era of freedom and unity in Europe. People from both sides of the wall celebrated together, marking the event as a powerful moment of reconciliation and hope. 2001: The Tragic Attack on the Pentagon On a more somber note, September 13, 2001, was a day of mourning and reflection as the world grappled with the aftermath of the September 11 attacks. In particular, the attack on the Pentago

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BUZZ MAGAZINE - It was April 9, 2004. The United States Army 724th Transportation Unit of Bartonville, Ill. was in Iraq. Their mission: to escort fuel convoys to Baghdad and the Anbar province in Western Iraq. During their tour they experienced many fire fights, IEDs, land mines and more. But nothing compared to the attack on their convoy on April 9. After a failed email, the unit drove their support convoy directly into an ongoing offensive between the 3rd Cavalry Armored Division of the U.S. Army and Shiite militiamen of the Mahdi Army. Enemy fighters were estimated to be in the numbers of three to four hundred. The 724th convoy consisted of eighteen American civilian driven fuel trucks with only eight armed support vehicles. Dustin Row from Columbia, Ill. was driving one of those military support vehicles. “We were completely picked apart and destroyed,” Row said. “My 50-caliber gun truck was one out of six trucks to even make it through the three mile

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GRANITE CITY - A Granite City man who fled from police after a domestic battery incident was found with multiple substances and a scale, resulting in felony charges. Tommy D. Welch, 40, of Granite City, was charged on Sept. 3, 2024, with unlawful delivery or possession with the intent to deliver methamphetamine, a Class 1 felony. He was also charged with aggravated domestic battery, a Class 2 felony. Descriptions of the charges against Welch allege he caused “great bodily harm” to a household or family member after grabbing their arm and hitting them “in the mouth four times with a closed fist, dislodging three teeth from the bottom of ’s mouth.” After the domestic battery incident, Welch left the residence. He was later located by officers at Loman Park, where he fled on foot, but was eventually apprehended. Welch was then found in possession of 14.3 grams of methamphetamine contained in three separate plastic baggies, as well as 18 capsules o

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ALTON - A new episode of “History’s Greatest Escapes with Morgan Freeman” on The History Channel features Alton City Jail. The episode, titled “Alton City Escape,” aired on Sept. 2, 2024. It tells the story of Quawntay Adams, who successfully broke out of a maximum-security cell in Alton in 2006. Alton City Jail is the only facility in Illinois that holds both federal and state prisoners. In 2006, Adams was an inmate following a marijuana offense. He decided to break out of the jail after he found out his girlfriend was pregnant. Adams used postage stamps to communicate with his cousin. His cousin sent him a small hacksaw blade hidden in the binding of a book, which he then used to carve an opening in the ceiling. Adams successfully broke out of a maximum security federal wing in Alton’s jail, and the 43-minute episode details how he escaped. Morgan Freeman narrates the episode. Former Alton Police Chief Chris Sullivan also explains how

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GRANITE CITY - An East St. Louis man charged with home invasion, domestic battery, and more has been released from custody after the victim expressed fear for her and her children's safety. Marnez A. Crawford, 32, East St. Louis, was charged with home invasion (a Class X felony), aggravated domestic battery (a Class 2 felony), theft (a Class 3 felony), and criminal trespass to residence (a Class A misdemeanor). The morning after leaving a Granite City residence and being ordered by law enforcement not to return, Crawford allegedly returned to the residence and entered without authority, resulting in the home invasion charge. Once inside the home, Crawford reportedly grabbed the victim by the hair and dragged them outdoors, striking them multiple times in the head and chest as one of the victim’s children was outside waiting for the bus. The victim sustained a broken nose and was described by a neighbor as being “extremely bloody” shortly after Crawford left

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EAST ALTON — Matt Bruce, a senior at East Alton-Wood River High School (EAWR), has been recognized for his outstanding performance in golf. Bruce, who has been a member of the varsity golf team since his freshman year, credits his father for introducing him to the sport and attributes much of his success to his family’s support. Matt is a Midwest Members Credit Union Male Athlete Of The Month for the Oilers. "I would like to thank my dad for introducing me to golf. He is the key component to my success today; without him this wouldn't be possible," Bruce said. He also expressed gratitude towards his mother, grandparents, coach Derek Forsting, and teammates for their unwavering support. Bruce's dedication to the sport has been evident throughout his high school career. He has spent countless hours practicing during the summer and winter months while balancing his commitment to two other sports and maintaining his honor roll status. His hard work paid off last year when h

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ROODHOUSE – The Illinois Department of Transportation today announced that rehabilitation of a crossing by Kansas City Southern Railway on Illinois 106 between West Roodhouse Road and NW 1175 Street in Greene County will require a full closure, weather permitting, on Wednesday, Sept. 18. A posted detour will be in place to safely guide motorists around the closure, which is expected to conclude Thursday, Sept. 19. Motorists can expect delays and should allow extra time for trips through this area. Drivers are urged to pay close attention to detour signs in work zones, obey the posted speed limits, refrain from using mobile devices and be alert for workers and equipment. 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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EDWARDSVILLE - The Madison County Clerk’s Office asks Registered Voters of Madison County to watch their mail for a new notice that contains the Application for Request to Vote by Mail plus information on locations of early voting sites. But the big highlight is something that Linda Andreas, County Clerk, hopes everyone will appreciate. You will receive a sample of your specific ballot in this mailer. She recommends that individuals use this sample ballot should assist you in decision making before you appear at your polling place. Having this sample in hand when you go to vote may not only expedite your time at the poll but could be helpful in moving any lines along more quickly for everyone. In past years the Clerk’s Office has published a general sample ballot as well as voting locations in a Voter’s Guide Circular that was found on the county website and in local newspapers as an insert. The Application for Request to Vote by Mail is mandated by statute.

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GODFREY - As summer comes to a close, those autumn activities are just around the corner. Soon, family activities will turn to apple and pumpkin picking. Hot apple cider and sweaters and jackets will be the order of the day. For those of us in Godfrey, we have a farm right here on Winter Lane where apples and pumpkins can be found in abundance. Heritage Farm is a family-owned and operated business. Patrick and Lindsay Gibson purchased the farm in 2017 and started the business in 2018. They and their three sons, Mason (7), Easton (5) and Austin (3), live on the property. The farm is a bit over 36 acres. Approximately 9 acres are in the orchard with 13 varieties of apples. Around two acres is in a nursery where new apple trees are started from bare roots and grafting. Another 20 acres is dedicated to growing 50 different varieties of pumpkins. About 65% of the farm’s trees are sold wholesale, and the balance are retail. Pumpkins are also sold both wholesale and retail.

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EDWARDSVILLE – Luci Klingensmith, a senior at Edwardsville High School, is set to join the Saint Louis Symphony Youth Orchestra for the first time this year. Klingensmith, who has been playing the oboe for eight years, is excited about this new chapter in her musical journey. Klingensmith's dedication to music is evident in her diverse involvement. She serves as the principal oboe in her school's symphonic band, plays saxophone in the marching band, and performs in the pit orchestra on both oboe and English horn. Additionally, she sings in the highest-level chamber chorus at Edwardsville High School. Her musical achievements have not gone unnoticed. Klingensmith has been honored as an ILMEA All-District musician multiple times and was recently selected to play oboe in the 2024 ILMEA All-State Orchestra. Beyond her musical talents, Klingensmith is an active participant in various extracurricular activities. She is a member of her FTC robotics team, where she has received a state-wid

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WOOD RIVER - Renee Strowmatt has helped the community as an OB nurse at Alton Memorial Hospital for years. Now, she needs some help in return. Strowmatt was diagnosed with an aggressive form of breast cancer. Her family will be hosting a benefit from 6–9 p.m. on Oct. 6, 2024, at the Wood River Moose Lodge. Community members can enjoy a DJ, karaoke, a buffet and raffles, all for a great cause, at “Goodbye Earl: A Night Supporting the Strowmatts.” “I’m most looking forward to seeing all of the people that are really kind of standing in the gap for me and my family,” Strowmatt said. “This has been a completely unexpected experience and diagnosis, and we have had so many people rally around us from my family, my friends, my work, my church and people within our community.” Strowmatt explained that she found the lump accidentally and almost brushed it off, but felt in the pit of her stomach that something was wrong. As a lactation consultan

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GRANITE CITY – The Illinois Department of Transportation on Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024, announced that repairs to eastbound Interstate 270 between Illinois 3 and Riverview Drive in Missouri will require lane closures starting, weather permitting, at 9 p.m. Friday, Sept. 13. One lane will remain open. All lanes will reopen by 5 a.m. Monday, Sept. 16. Motorists should expect delays and are encouraged to use alternate routes during this closure. Drivers are urged to reduce speed, be alert for changing conditions, obey all construction 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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WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today announced a total of $37,031,074 in federal funding for infrastructure improvements at airports across Illinois. Area airports that received funding are Scott Air Force Base/MidAmerica St. Louis Airport (Mascoutah) - $3,536,912, and St. Louis Downtown Airport in Cahokia - $4,740328. This funding from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration will go toward reinforcing the structural integrity of taxiways, expanding existing terminal buildings to accommodate more passengers and aircraft operations and installing various modernization measures, including mechanisms to alleviate noise pollution for surrounding residences, increase clean energy opportunities, improve drainage infrastructure and mitigate wildlife attractants. “Illinois’s airports are critical economic engines for our state and the source of jobs for s

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EDWARDSVILLE - Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is included in the WSJ College Pulse Ranking 2025. This prestigious list, which names the top 500 colleges in the country, is presented by The Wall Street Journal, College Pulse and Statista, the leading statistics portal and industry ranking provider. The award list was announced on Wednesday, Sept. 4 and can be viewed on the WSJ website. The Best Colleges in the U.S. ranks undergraduate institutions by the value they provide to their students. This value is assessed based on the learning environment, years to pay off the net price, degree completion rates, the likelihood of higher salaries post-graduation and diversity. The results are derived from official data from the U.S. Department of Education and the Census Bureau, along with a nationwide survey of undergraduate students and recent alumni who graduated within the past five years. In one of the largest-ever independent surveys of verified college students in the U.S.,

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EAST ST. LOUIS – The Illinois Department of Transportation today announced lane restrictions will be encountered on northbound I-55/70 between MM 3.2 and MM 3.6 beginning Thursday, September 12, 2024, at 7:00 a.m., weather permitting. The two left lanes will be closed to allow IDOT District 8 Operations forces to perform emergency bridge deck patching on the bridge over CSX, NS, and Conrail Railroads, just east of the merge with I-70. All entrance and exit ramps will remain open. All lanes are expected to re-open by 3:30 p.m. Motorists can expect delays and should allow extra time for trips through this area. To avoid the work area, when feasible, use of alternate routes should be considered. Drivers are urged to pay close attention to changed conditions and signs in the work zones, obey the posted speed limits, refrain from using mobile devices and be alert for workers and equipment. For IDOT District 8 updates, follow us on X, formerly known at Twitter, at @IDOTDistrict8

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EDWARDSVILLE – Ian Kim, a rising freshman at Edwardsville High School, is set to embark on a significant milestone as he joins the St. Louis Symphony Youth Orchestra’s viola section this year. Ian’s journey in music began with the violin before he made a permanent switch to the viola at the age of 7. His musical repertoire also includes the piano, which he studies through the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s Keyboard Program. Since sixth grade, Ian has consistently received top marks at the Illinois Grade School Music Association (IGSMA) Solo and Ensemble Competitions and has participated in the Illinois Music Education Association (ILMEA) Junior Orchestra Festivals for the past three years. Most recently, he performed with the Alton Symphony Orchestra, gaining valuable orchestral experience. Victoria Voumard, the Edwardsville High School orchestra director, said Ian is talented, hard-working, fearless and motivated. "He is constantly searching fo

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