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ALTON - The Alton YWCA and National Council of Negro Women will host a candidates’ forum for the Illinois House of Representatives 111th District. At 7 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 3, 2024, incumbent Illinois Representative Amy Elik and challenger Nick Raftopoulos will introduce themselves and answer questions at the YWCA. RiverBender.com will livestream the event at RiverBender.com/Video . “This isn’t really a debate. It’s a voter forum,” explained Dorothy Hummel, YWCA executive director. “The idea is to truly give the candidates an opportunity to introduce themselves to the community and talk about issues that are going on within the state, within the area.” Elik and Raftopoulos will have a few minutes to introduce themselves and talk about their issues. YWCA and NCNW have asked the candidates a series of questions, and Elik and Raftopoulos will give their prepared responses. If there is time, YWCA and NCNW will take questions from

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ALTON - Alton Main Street presents First Fridays, a late night art and shopping experience which spans 13 locations across the Downtown Alton district. This event will be held on the First Friday of October, November and December 2024, providing you with an opportunity to check out new shops and galleries and visit familiar favorites to experience art and great specials at each business. Participants are offering a variety of discounts, refreshments, and giveaways. Everyone who has their passport stamped at a minimum of 8 locations will be entered into a drawing for a $100 gift certificate to any participating business. Free parking is available in the lot next to FLOCK Food Truck Park & Bar, located at 210 Ridge Street, and a free shuttle bus will be provided from 5:00-8:00 p.m., running a continuous loop between all participating locations. On Friday, October 4th, start your evening by picking up your First Fridays passport at any participating location, then hop the shuttle

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The Troy/Maryville/St. Jacob/Marine Chamber’s 40th Anniversary Celebration on September 21 celebrated more than just their 40th anniversary! The Chamber was also presented with a marketing award at their own event from the Troy-Edwardsville Shrine Club. Many of the Shriner’s came together to show their appreciation for the Chamber’s assistance with marketing the 3rd Annual Shriner’s BBQ Competition. The event took place in August at the Tri-Township Park in Troy. “We are very appreciative of this Chamber of Commerce. They helped us out tremendously with marketing” said Shriner’s Club Member Gary Apperson. “Dawn was there every day and answered all of our questions. She gives us lots of advice and we are proud to be a member of this Chamber” said Apperson. The Chamber was awarded the “2024 Grand Champions of Marketing” for their assistance in promoting the BBQ Competition. “What an award,” said Mushill.

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WOOD RIVER/BETHALTO - The Illinois Department of Transportation today announced that intermittent daytime lane closures will take place on Illinois 111 from Wesley Drive to Illinois 140 in Madison County, weather permitting, on Wednesday, Oct. 2, and Thursday, Oct. 3, 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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EDWARDSVILLE - Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s month-long series of community curation wraps with a special presentation from award-winning Illinois historian Charlotte E. Johnson. Mrs. Johnson has spent more than 50 years collecting, researching, and documenting local history, which has resulted in numerous family revelations, museum holdings and exhibits, presentations and listings on both National Park Service’s National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom and the National Register of Historic Places . Johnson and her daughter, author Reneé B. Johnson, will share some of her findings and techniques in the workshop “Re-discovering & Preserving Local Black History,” on Thursday, Oct. 3 at 4 p.m. in Lovejoy Library. Charlotte Johnson received the 2021 Lifetime Achievement Award from the Illinois State Historical Society (ISHS), which recognizes individuals for sustained and varied contributions to state and local history. During the workshop

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EDWARDSVILLE — Madison County Treasurer Chris Slusser is reminding taxpayers that the third installment of their tax bill is coming due. “With the due date quickly approaching, I want to remind everyone that the third of four tax installments will be due Thurs, Oct 3,” Slusser said. “The County Treasurer’s office is open for business Mon-Fri from 8:30am-4:30 p.m.” Slusser reminds taxpayers of payment options: at one of the participating collector banks or credit unions throughout the county, by mail, through your financial institution’s online bill pay service, the Treasurer’s website at www.madcotreasurer.org, by phone at 618-602-2120, or in person at the Treasurer’s Office in Edwardsville. If paid by mail, letters must be postmarked on or before Oct 3. “No penalty will be applied for payments mailed and postmarked by the due date,” he said. “I would encourage taxpayers to take a payment inside the post office

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EDWARDSVILLE - Riverbend Head Start & Family Services (RHSFS) is pleased to announce the completion of a new outdoor classroom and playground at its Edwardsville location. To mark the occasion, we’re hosting an open house on Monday, October 7, 2024 from 3 to 5 p.m. The address is 710 N. Main Street, Edwardsville, IL, 62025. The event is open to the public. Our Edwardsville students and their parents have been invited, as well as other members of the agency and our Board of Directors. In addition, we have extended an invitation to many of our community supporters, sponsors and local dignitaries. “When I first arrived at the center the playground was very difficult to oversee, due to it being split up into different sections,” says Center Supervisor Sammie Neumeister. “I was also very concerned with part of it being next to the main street. But now, our new nature-based outdoor classroom provides a relaxed atmosphere for the children to learn in a new creative

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ELSAH — Principia College today announced it has been recognized as a Top Performer in the 2024 Sustainable Campus Index, with a score of 100 percent in the Research category. A publication from the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE), the Sustainable Campus Index recognizes leading colleges and universities across 17 sustainability impact areas. This achievement places Principia College among notable colleges and universities throughout the world, and as only one of four undergraduate institutions in North America—in the company of Yale, Cornell, and Arizona State University. With member organizations in 25 countries, AASHE annually recognizes top-performing colleges and universities through a comprehensive audit that spotlights key trends and innovations shaping the field of sustainability in higher education. The efforts of Principia College’s Center for Sustainability, to integrate faculty- and student-led research, has

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CHICAGO – Today, Governor JB Pritzker joined the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), local leaders and workforce partners at Richard J. Daley College to celebrate the launch of “Make It In Illinois,” the State of Illinois’ first manufacturing marketing campaign. This $5 million campaign aims to revitalize Illinois’ manufacturing sector by attracting new talent and changing perceptions about careers in manufacturing. ? “Over the past five years, with shoulder to the wheel, Illinois manufacturing has been undergoing a period of growth and transformation that is powering a notable economic turnaround. We’re rebuilding and reclaiming our status as a manufacturing powerhouse,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “With the launch of the Make It in Illinois marketing campaign, we are letting people know the doors of opportunity are open for thousands of Illinois workers and the state of Illinois is open for

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ALTON - The Hayner Public Library District has a long list of programs and activities planned for patrons of all ages through the month of October. Executive Director Mary Cordes explained that Hayner collaborates with other libraries and organizations throughout the state of Illinois. She is eager to introduce new programs to the Alton, Godfrey and Fosterburg communities. “That’s the fun thing about libraries. We go to different meetings and different groups that we all belong to, and we talk to each other about programs,” Cordes said. “We all talk to each other and take ideas from each other. It’s a really great industry to be in.” On Wednesday, Oct. 2, 2024, patrons can choose between two different activities. From 7–9 p.m., the “Haunted Hayner: History and Hauntings” program invites patrons to learn about Alton’s haunted history during a presentation by Alton Odyssey Tours. Attendees are also invited to participat

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EDWARDSVILLE – The Edwardsville Police Department released the results of additional enforcement efforts conducted via the Federal Fiscal Year 2024 Sustained Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP). The STEP grant year ran from Oct. 1, 2023, through Sept. 30, 2024. Edwardsville Officers issued the following citations during this campaign: 77 speeding citations 8 seat belt citations 26 electronic communication device citations 5 driving under the influence arrests 27 other citations 2 driving while suspended/revoked traffic arrests The Edwardsville Police participated in this effort to save lives by focusing on the leading contributory causes of crashes: speeding, impaired driving, electronic device use, failure to yield and disobeying traffic control signals, as well as occupant restraint violations. The STEP campaign was funded by federal highway safety funds administered by the Illinois Department of Transportation.

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BELLEVILLE — The American Water Charitable Foundation (AWCF), a 501(c)(3) organization established by American Water, the largest regulated U.S. water and wastewater utility company, along with Illinois American Water, announced today that applications are now being accepted for the Inclusion, Diversity & Equity Grant. Through this program, funding will be provided to community organizations and schools for the purpose of advancing inclusion, diversity and equity related initiatives within communities across Illinois. “Illinois American Water is committed to fostering inclusion, diversity and equity not only in the workplace, but also in the communities we serve,” said Rebecca Losli, president of Illinois American Water. “By focusing on meaningful partnerships which support inclusion, diversity and equity, we can help make a difference for our customers – our friends and neighbors. This is important to us as a company, as well as to our employees

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BETHALTO — Mya Walker, a sophomore runner for the Civic Memorial Eagles, has made significant strides in her cross-country season, showcasing her potential as a standout athlete. With a personal best of 22:10.5 for three miles at the Granite City Robinson/Long Cross Country Invite on Sept. 7, 2024, Walker has emerged as a key competitor for her team. In addition to her impressive performance at the Granite City event, Walker finished 14th at the Civic Memorial Twilight Invite with a time of 23:18.0 and clocked 23:41.2 at the Freeburg Invite on Sept. 28. These results highlight her consistent improvement and dedication to the sport. Eagles Head Cross Country Coach Jake Peal expressed confidence in Walker's abilities, noting her progression from last year when she served as the team's third runner. "She was our No. 3 runner last year and has stepped up this fall," Peal said. "She has a lot of potential. I know she definitely can go faster as the season progresses." Walker is als

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COLLINSVILLE — Collinsville High School has recognized Gracie Howard and Brion Brown as the September Senior Students of the Month, celebrating their outstanding contributions to the school community. Gracie Howard, an honor student, is actively involved in several clubs, including the National Honor Society, Childhood Cancer Awareness, and Student Council. In addition to her academic pursuits, she plays softball for Collinsville High. According to her nomination, Howard is described as organized, dedicated, and possessing a positive attitude, making her a reliable presence among her peers. Brion Brown also demonstrates significant engagement at Collinsville High. He serves as the School Board Student Advisor and is the Drum Major for the CHS Band. Additionally, Brown participates in the Madison County Ambassador program, showcasing his leadership skills and commitment to his school and community. The recognition of these students highlights the importance of involvement and

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GRAFTON - The Grafton Oyster Bar will host a benefit for Lindsay Blair’s 10-year-old daughter Sailor. Starting at 3 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, community members are invited to Grafton Oyster Bar to raise money for Sailor to support her after her mother Lindsay’s passing in June . There will be a live auction, silent auction, duck splash and more. “I have a wonderful friend that passed away this past June. She was a single mom with a 10-year-old daughter,” explained Tracy Clarkson, who helped organize the event. “We’re having a benefit at the Grafton Oyster Bar to raise funds for Sailor.” Lindsay was the general manager at the Grafton Oyster Bar. She was a beloved community member in the Riverbend region. “Just a super nice lady,” Clarkson said. “Everybody loved her and knew her one way or another. She was definitely a woman of faith, and her legacy lives on with the wisdom that she shared.” After her

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GRANITE CITY — A $5,000 donation from United States Steel Corporation is set to enhance student hygiene initiatives for Granite City School District 9 during the 2024-2025 school year. The contribution was recently presented by U.S. Steel Granite City Works General Manager Mike Patton. The funds will enable social workers within the district to purchase personal hygiene products, addressing the needs of students who have reported a lack of access to basic items such as soap and shampoo. Patton emphasized the importance of supporting the community, stating, “We’re a part of the community, they’re part of us, they’re the future. I can’t imagine having to come to school where you’re ashamed, where you can’t even concentrate on what you’re trying to learn.” In addition to the donation, the school district is installing washers and dryers in each facility to assist students who may not have laundry facilities at home. Social workers

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EAST ALTON - The National Great Rivers Museum is getting into the spooky spirit with their first-ever "Haunted Night at the NGRM" on Friday, Oct. 4, 2024 from 6 to 9 p.m. Featuring multiple haunted tours, a costume contest, and much more, the event offers a rare nighttime look inside the depths of the dam and free Halloween fun for the whole family. Park Ranger and Event Coordinator Corrinne O’Brien from the National Great Rivers Museum said they’re excited to host their first-ever Halloween event as a festive way to bring people to the museum during the fall season. “It’s got a little bit of everything,” O’Brien said of the Haunted Night event. “It’s family-friendly, but also some more adult-type activities.” The “Haunted Night at the NGRM” features two types of haunted tours. The “Haunted Dam Tours” will take visitors 80 feet to the top of the Melvin Price Locks and Dam for a rare nighttime experience

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BETHALTO — Max Weber, a distance runner for Civic Memorial High School, is making headlines this season as he earns recognition as the Tom Lane State Farm Male Athlete of the Month. This accolade comes on the heels of his impressive performances, including a time of 15:33.5 at the Freeburg Invitational held over the weekend, where he finished ahead of Triad's Drew Twyman, who clocked in at 15:48.3. Earlier this month, on Sept. 7, 2024, Weber achieved a personal record of 15:03.3 at the Granite City Robinson/Long Cross Country Invite, showcasing his potential as a standout athlete. With the cross country season still in progress, head coach Jake Peal expressed optimism about Weber's chances of breaking the school's three-mile cross country record of 14:52, held by Layne Law. "Max is a hard worker," Peal said. "He races with a high-level IQ and works really hard. He is extremely dedicated and coachable. He is highly coachable." Peal also emphasized his pride in Weber's contributions

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BETHALTO – The Illinois Department of Transportation today announced that intermittent daytime lane closures will take place on Fosterburg Road from Drexelius Road to Macoupin County line in Madison County, weather permitting, on Wednesday, Oct. 2, and Thursday, Oct. 3. 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 — The Alton Police Department has welcomed three new officers to its ranks. Jacob Fedderke, Austin Carrico, and Terrence Stokes took their official oath of office at a ceremony held at the department. Chief Ford introduced the new officers, who are set to attend the Illinois State Police Academy starting next week. "We’re excited to see them grow in their service to our community and look forward to their contributions in keeping Alton safe," Ford said. The new officers will begin their training shortly, marking the next step in their careers. The community is encouraged to join the department in welcoming Fedderke, Carrico, and Stokes to the team.

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