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BETHALTO - Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias’ office is transforming its Bethalto DMV facility into a “One-Stop-Shop” design, offering reduced wait times and increased efficiencies. The renovation also includes updated signage to create a more logical flow and help customers know where to go, Giannoulias said. The Bethalto DMV is the first facility in Southwest Illinois to become a One-Stop-Shop facility, The DMV will temporarily close from Oct. 7-18, while renovations take place. During that time, a temporary “pop-up” location will service customers at the Village of Bethalto building located at 100 E. Central St. The pop-up facility will be open from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. after the office recently shifted hours of operation to better align with customer availability. Customers can make an appointment online. As a part of the Secretary of State’s ongoing modernization efforts, the new DMV experience will save customers

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BETHALTO - Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias’ office is transforming its Bethalto DMV facility into a “One-Stop-Shop” design, offering reduced wait times and increased efficiencies. The renovation also includes updated signage to create a more logical flow and help customers know where to go, Giannoulias said. The Bethalto DMV is the first facility in Southwest Illinois to become a One-Stop-Shop facility, The DMV will temporarily close from Oct. 7-18, while renovations take place. During that time, a temporary “pop-up” location will service customers at the Village of Bethalto building located at 100 E. Central St. The pop-up facility will be open from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. after the office recently shifted hours of operation to better align with customer availability. Customers can make an appointment online. As a part of the Secretary of State’s ongoing modernization efforts, the new DMV experience will save customers

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GRAFTON - During a ceremony held at City Hall on Wednesday, October 2, 2024, Officer Mike Angel was promoted to sergeant with the Grafton Police Department. Police Chief Eric M. Spanton and Mayor Mike Morrow officiated at the promotion ceremony. Chief Spanton recommended Officer Angel for promotion with an effective date of September 1, 2024. The chief said, “Officer Angel has proven his value and capabilities on a daily basis while on city patrol and by handling a multitude of ever-increasing daily responsibilities and duties within our department. We are pleased to see him promoted to sergeant today with his family in attendance.” After serving with other police departments, Sergeant Angel came to Grafton as a part-time patrolman in 2013 and became a full-time officer in 2019. “My career in law enforcement began in 2002 at the age of 22, but I really like serving the people of Grafton,” he said. Mayor Morrow noted how Sergeant Angel now officially fills the

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GRAFTON - During a ceremony held at City Hall on Wednesday, October 2, 2024, Officer Mike Angel was promoted to sergeant with the Grafton Police Department. Police Chief Eric M. Spanton and Mayor Mike Morrow officiated at the promotion ceremony. Chief Spanton recommended Officer Angel for promotion with an effective date of September 1, 2024. The chief said, “Officer Angel has proven his value and capabilities on a daily basis while on city patrol and by handling a multitude of ever-increasing daily responsibilities and duties within our department. We are pleased to see him promoted to sergeant today with his family in attendance.” After serving with other police departments, Sergeant Angel came to Grafton as a part-time patrolman in 2013 and became a full-time officer in 2019. “My career in law enforcement began in 2002 at the age of 22, but I really like serving the people of Grafton,” he said. Mayor Morrow noted how Sergeant Angel now officially fills the

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FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS — The St. Clair County Health Department reported on Wednesday, Oct. 2, 2024, multiple cases of gastrointestinal illnesses linked to LongHorn Steakhouse located at 6115 North Illinois St. in Fairview Heights. The outbreak has raised concerns as health officials confirmed that 12 of 14 individuals who tested positive for gastrointestinal symptoms had dined at the restaurant between Sept. 21 and 22, 2024. In response to the reported illnesses, LongHorn Steakhouse voluntarily closed its location for two days to conduct a thorough sanitization of the premises using a hospital-grade disinfectant. The restaurant's management emphasized that the health and safety of both guests and team members remains their top priority. “Our Total Quality manager on site will also be reinforcing our food safety and sanitation practices with our team,” the restaurant stated. The health department indicated that six of the affected patients required hospitalization due

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FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS — The St. Clair County Health Department reported on Wednesday, Oct. 2, 2024, multiple cases of gastrointestinal illnesses linked to LongHorn Steakhouse located at 6115 North Illinois St. in Fairview Heights. The outbreak has raised concerns as health officials confirmed that 12 of 14 individuals who tested positive for gastrointestinal symptoms had dined at the restaurant between Sept. 21 and 22, 2024. In response to the reported illnesses, LongHorn Steakhouse voluntarily closed its location for two days to conduct a thorough sanitization of the premises using a hospital-grade disinfectant. The restaurant's management emphasized that the health and safety of both guests and team members remains their top priority. “Our Total Quality manager on site will also be reinforcing our food safety and sanitation practices with our team,” the restaurant stated. The health department indicated that six of the affected patients required hospitalization due

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October 3 has been marked by significant historical events across various domains. In 1990, Germany achieved reunification, a momentous occasion that marked the end of the Cold War division between East and West Germany. The Berlin Wall, a symbol of this division, had fallen the previous year, and the reunification process was a monumental step toward peace and stability in Europe. The event not only reshaped the geopolitical landscape but also paved the way for the expansion of the European Union. Further back, in 1967, on this day, the world of literature mourned the passing of Woody Guthrie, a legendary American folk musician whose songs of protest and social justice resonated with the struggles of the common people. Guthrie's influence extended beyond music, inspiring generations of artists and activists to use their voices for change. His legacy lives on in the countless musicians who continue to draw inspiration from his work, reminding us of the power of art in advocating

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October 3 has been marked by significant historical events across various domains. In 1990, Germany achieved reunification, a momentous occasion that marked the end of the Cold War division between East and West Germany. The Berlin Wall, a symbol of this division, had fallen the previous year, and the reunification process was a monumental step toward peace and stability in Europe. The event not only reshaped the geopolitical landscape but also paved the way for the expansion of the European Union. Further back, in 1967, on this day, the world of literature mourned the passing of Woody Guthrie, a legendary American folk musician whose songs of protest and social justice resonated with the struggles of the common people. Guthrie's influence extended beyond music, inspiring generations of artists and activists to use their voices for change. His legacy lives on in the countless musicians who continue to draw inspiration from his work, reminding us of the power of art in advocating

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BUZZ MAGAZINE - Everyone knows that community is important. A community is a place made up of people just like you and me, and it’s up to us to take care of our own individual communities. A community is a place where people come together to celebrate, learn or just have fun. Community offers a sense of comfort, peace, safety and support, memories, and hopefully, unity. These are the ties that bind the business and people of a community together. These are the reasons that communities have things such as homecoming celebrations, parades and seasonal events. If a community lets these things meet their demise, everyone suffers. Such a calamity threatened the small community of Litchfield not so long ago. For a time, community celebrations and events were juggled between dwindling organizations, such as the now disbanded Jaycees and the Rotary Club, until there was no one left willing to take charge and coordinate to continue events. That is, until a group of businesses owners

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BUZZ MAGAZINE - Laura Boehm was a teacher in Carlinville for 12 years. For 12 years, she drove past an old building on the corner where West Main meets North West Street, just a block off the downtown square. Something about the building pulled at her heart, but she wasn’t sure why. The building was empty, and in a state of deterioration, yet she felt there was something majestic hidden behind the locked door. Then, in October of 2022, she noticed a for sale sign in the window. She excitedly told her husband Eric and they set an appointment to see the inside. “The building was in pretty rough shape, but I envisioned setting up shop inside,”Laura said. “We had my parents come and take a look and they said, ‘Absolutely do not get yourself into this, it’s too much.’” Laura’s mother, Jane Settles, knows a thing or two about owning a business. She has over 20 years experience in home decor/retail, owning and operating Lula Bells

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BUZZ MAGAZINE - Everyone knows that community is important. A community is a place made up of people just like you and me, and it’s up to us to take care of our own individual communities. A community is a place where people come together to celebrate, learn or just have fun. Community offers a sense of comfort, peace, safety and support, memories, and hopefully, unity. These are the ties that bind the business and people of a community together. These are the reasons that communities have things such as homecoming celebrations, parades and seasonal events. If a community lets these things meet their demise, everyone suffers. Such a calamity threatened the small community of Litchfield not so long ago. For a time, community celebrations and events were juggled between dwindling organizations, such as the now disbanded Jaycees and the Rotary Club, until there was no one left willing to take charge and coordinate to continue events. That is, until a group of businesses owners

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BUZZ MAGAZINE - Laura Boehm was a teacher in Carlinville for 12 years. For 12 years, she drove past an old building on the corner where West Main meets North West Street, just a block off the downtown square. Something about the building pulled at her heart, but she wasn’t sure why. The building was empty, and in a state of deterioration, yet she felt there was something majestic hidden behind the locked door. Then, in October of 2022, she noticed a for sale sign in the window. She excitedly told her husband Eric and they set an appointment to see the inside. “The building was in pretty rough shape, but I envisioned setting up shop inside,”Laura said. “We had my parents come and take a look and they said, ‘Absolutely do not get yourself into this, it’s too much.’” Laura’s mother, Jane Settles, knows a thing or two about owning a business. She has over 20 years experience in home decor/retail, owning and operating Lula Bells

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ALTON - A new apartment complex is taking shape in Alton, as construction progresses on the Sunnybrook development located in the 800 block of Washington Avenue. The complex construction work is shown above by 618 Drone photos. The project, which will feature multi-level buildings, is set to include 10 four-plex townhouses, totaling 40 residences, along with a community building spanning 2,000 square feet. Alton Mayor David Goins expressed optimism about the development, stating, “It seems like the shells of the building are going up and the project is moving well.” He added that the new apartments will be a great asset for the Alton community and its residents. The Sunnybrook development will occupy seven acres and is designed to enhance community engagement. Planned amenities include a one-acre natural green space complete with a walking path, a 50 x 40-foot playground, and a 50 x 50-foot hard surface play court. The development will also feature concrete streets

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ALTON - A new apartment complex is taking shape in Alton, as construction progresses on the Sunnybrook development located in the 800 block of Washington Avenue. The complex construction work is shown above by 618 Drone photos. The project, which will feature multi-level buildings, is set to include 10 four-plex townhouses, totaling 40 residences, along with a community building spanning 2,000 square feet. Alton Mayor David Goins expressed optimism about the development, stating, “It seems like the shells of the building are going up and the project is moving well.” He added that the new apartments will be a great asset for the Alton community and its residents. The Sunnybrook development will occupy seven acres and is designed to enhance community engagement. Planned amenities include a one-acre natural green space complete with a walking path, a 50 x 40-foot playground, and a 50 x 50-foot hard surface play court. The development will also feature concrete streets

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WOOD RIVER - A woman from Wood River was charged with storing a loaded firearm in her 5-year-old child’s backpack after using the weapon during a domestic dispute. Lanita L. Gore, 27, of Wood River, was charged with aggravated battery, a Class 3 felony, and endangering the life or health of a child, a Class A misdemeanor. On Sept. 17, 2024, Gore allegedly used a 9mm handgun to strike a victim in the head during a domestic dispute. She was additionally charged after reportedly storing the firearm in her child’s backpack. A petition to deny Gore’s pretrial release states she “initially lied to police about being armed during this incident, claiming that the victim was the aggressor.” “She also lied about the location of her firearm, which was eventually found by police in her 5-year-old child's backpack,” the petition adds. A Release Order was later filed denying the petition to keep Gore detained, instead granting her pretrial release

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WOOD RIVER - A woman from Wood River was charged with storing a loaded firearm in her 5-year-old child’s backpack after using the weapon during a domestic dispute. Lanita L. Gore, 27, of Wood River, was charged with aggravated battery, a Class 3 felony, and endangering the life or health of a child, a Class A misdemeanor. On Sept. 17, 2024, Gore allegedly used a 9mm handgun to strike a victim in the head during a domestic dispute. She was additionally charged after reportedly storing the firearm in her child’s backpack. A petition to deny Gore’s pretrial release states she “initially lied to police about being armed during this incident, claiming that the victim was the aggressor.” “She also lied about the location of her firearm, which was eventually found by police in her 5-year-old child's backpack,” the petition adds. A Release Order was later filed denying the petition to keep Gore detained, instead granting her pretrial release

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EDWARDSVILLE – Brendan McKee was appointed to serve as the next fire chief for the Edwardsville Fire Department, receiving unanimous approval from the City Council at the Tuesday, October 1, meeting. McKee will step in to the role later this month to replace Chief James Whiteford, who is retiring after 28 years with the department. McKee has been Edwardsville’s deputy chief since 2020. “Our community has benefited tremendously from the leadership and professionalism of Fire Chief James Whiteford. We are equally fortunate that he surrounded himself with a team of unparalleled expertise, experience and dedication,” Mayor Art Risavy said. “Deputy Chief Brendan McKee exemplifies that kind of professional depth. He is well known as a fire service expert; he is well regarded and well respected in Edwardsville and throughout the region.” McKee will officially take over as chief after Whiteford’s final day on the job, Friday, October 11. That same day,

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EDWARDSVILLE – Brendan McKee was appointed to serve as the next fire chief for the Edwardsville Fire Department, receiving unanimous approval from the City Council at the Tuesday, October 1, meeting. McKee will step in to the role later this month to replace Chief James Whiteford, who is retiring after 28 years with the department. McKee has been Edwardsville’s deputy chief since 2020. “Our community has benefited tremendously from the leadership and professionalism of Fire Chief James Whiteford. We are equally fortunate that he surrounded himself with a team of unparalleled expertise, experience and dedication,” Mayor Art Risavy said. “Deputy Chief Brendan McKee exemplifies that kind of professional depth. He is well known as a fire service expert; he is well regarded and well respected in Edwardsville and throughout the region.” McKee will officially take over as chief after Whiteford’s final day on the job, Friday, October 11. That same day,

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COLLINSVILLE — Ameren Illinois and the Illinois Raptor Center are collaborating to provide an educational experience for students at Maryville School in Granite City, focusing on birds of prey. The event, titled "Wild about Wildlife," will take place on Friday, Oct. 4, at 12:45 p.m. at 4651 Maryville Road in Granite City. The presentation will allow children from kindergarten through fifth grade to observe various raptors, including hawks, owls, and falcons, up close. The Illinois Raptor Center, a non-profit organization based in Decatur, rehabilitates native animals and promotes conservation education. The raptors featured in the program have been rehabilitated but are unable to return to the wild, making them suitable for educational outreach. Ameren Illinois has been proactive in avian protection for over a decade, implementing an Avian Protection Program aimed at safeguarding birds of prey and migratory species from potential hazards associated with utility infrastructure.

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COLLINSVILLE — Ameren Illinois and the Illinois Raptor Center are collaborating to provide an educational experience for students at Maryville School in Granite City, focusing on birds of prey. The event, titled "Wild about Wildlife," will take place on Friday, Oct. 4, at 12:45 p.m. at 4651 Maryville Road in Granite City. The presentation will allow children from kindergarten through fifth grade to observe various raptors, including hawks, owls, and falcons, up close. The Illinois Raptor Center, a non-profit organization based in Decatur, rehabilitates native animals and promotes conservation education. The raptors featured in the program have been rehabilitated but are unable to return to the wild, making them suitable for educational outreach. Ameren Illinois has been proactive in avian protection for over a decade, implementing an Avian Protection Program aimed at safeguarding birds of prey and migratory species from potential hazards associated with utility infrastructure.

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