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ST. LOUIS – For the third time in just over a year, the American Red Cross is rapidly mobilizing volunteers and relief supplies to respond as Helene bears down on communities in the Florida Panhandle. The Red Cross has assigned some 360 trained disaster workers, stocked truckloads of supplies and is ready to open dozens of shelters to help people in need. The American Red Cross of Missouri and Arkansas Region is ready to help those impacted. Currently, 18 disaster responders from Missouri and Arkansas are deployed to support those in the path of Hurricane Helene. Five of the disaster responders are from Arkansas and thirteen are from Missouri . This includes two Emergency Response Vehicles (one from Arkansas and one from Missouri). The teams left earlier this week and another team with an ERV leaves from Little Rock today (Thursday). “Time and time again, we have seen our volunteers step up to provide help and hope to those in need during their darkest hour,”

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ALTON — Belle Street in Alton is fully open again to traffic after a comprehensive water/sewer infrastructure upgrade, a project that saw significant collaboration between the City of Alton and Illinois American Water. The barricades officially came down at 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024. "Obviously, a lot of work went into it, and it's nice to get that section back opened," said Justin Kleinschmidt, P.E., from Sheppard, Morgan & Schwaab, Inc., who has been an engineer on this Illinois American Water project. "Hopefully, it will serve as another route with all the other road construction projects going on in the area." The project involved significant upgrades to water lines, sewer lines, and storm sewers. Some sections, particularly between 13th and 15th Streets, still require additional pavement work and water line replacement. "We hope to have that section back open in 2-3 weeks, weather dependent," Kleinschmidt added. The initiative was a joint effort between Illinois

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ALTON - Running 4 Heroes will sponsor a one-mile run in Alton to honor fallen K9 Odin. At 4 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024, runners and police officers are encouraged to come out for the event. The run will start and end at the Alton Police Department. Running 4 Heroes sponsors a one-mile run for all first responders and K9s who are killed in the line of duty. Since they started in 2019, they have run 1,850 miles. Odin will be their 103rd K9. “What we will be doing on Saturday is honoring K9 Odin from the Alton Police Department with a one-mile run,” explained Bernadene Loemker. “We have a young man named Zachary who is one of our eight national youth runners. Zachary lives in the Illinois area, and he is going to be the runner coming to carry the flag for Odin. After the run is over, that flag will be folded and provided to the handler who worked and lived with Odin." Zachary, a 14-year-old who volunteers with Running 4 Heroes, will lead the mile carrying

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ST. LOUIS COUNTY - On Wednesday, September 25, 2024, the St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office issued charges on suspect Likellon Smith, 21 years of age, of the 9500 block of Madelaine Manor Walk in St. Louis, Missouri 63134, for Tampering with Motor Vehicle First Degree. A booking photo Smith is attached. Smith is being held on $50,000 bond. The probable cause statement reads: On March 14, 2024, Police were called to the intersection of Jennings Station Road and Jennings Crossing for the report of a suspicious vehicle. Upon arrival, they discovered the defendant asleep at the wheel while sitting in traffic. The vehicle had been reported stolen from south St. Louis County earlier that same day. St. Louis County Police Department City of Jennings Precinct officers are leading this investigation. Please note, charges are merely an accusation, and Defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law.

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CHICAGO – Attorney General Kwame Raoul charged a Roodhouse man with the dissemination and possession of child sexual abuse material. The case is part of Raoul’s ongoing work, in collaboration with federal law enforcement agencies and local law enforcement officials throughout Illinois, to apprehend offenders who download and trade child sexual abuse material online. The Attorney General’s office charged Ethan T. Seaton, 20, in Greene County Circuit Court with two counts of dissemination of child pornography, Class X felonies punishable by up to 30 years, and two counts of possession of child pornography, Class 2 felonies punishable by up to seven years in prison. Sentences are ultimately determined by the court. Seaton is being held at the Greene County Jail until his detention hearing Sept. 30. “Child exploitation is a horrific crime that victimizes the most innocent, resulting in trauma that can last a lifetime,” Raoul said. “My office

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JERSEYVILLE - Residents of Jerseyville can now safely drink their tap water again, according to an announcement from Illinois American Water on Thursday morning, Sept. 26, 2024. "The boil water order has been lifted in Jerseyville," Terry Mackin, a communications representative for Illinois American Water, said. "It was issued Tuesday night." The boil order, which was put in place as a precautionary measure, required residents to boil their water before use to ensure it was safe for consumption. Illinois American Water has since conducted additional tests and confirmed that the water supply meets all safety standards. The lifting of the boil order indicates that the water is now free from harmful bacteria and safe for all uses.

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COLLINSVILLE - The Granite City Warriors and Collinsville Kahok soccer programs are set to meet once again on Oct. 17, 2024, at Kahok Stadium for the Second Annual Paz Cup, an event that combines fierce competition with heartfelt community support. This year's match aims to assist Alex Paz, a 1979 graduate of Granite City South High School, who recently underwent a liver transplant and continues to face financial challenges due to his medical procedures. The event kicks off at 6:30 p.m. on Oct. 17, and promises not only thrilling soccer action but also a series of activities designed to bring the community together. Highlights include a game ball presentation featuring Alex and his family, a 50/50 drawing, and sales of t-shirts and hoodies. These items will be available for purchase to show solidarity with the Paz family. "Alex has been a vital part of both communities, capturing memories through his photography," said a spokesperson for the Kahok and Warrior Soccer Programs. "This

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HIGHLAND - With statewide legislative changes in net metering , GRID Solar, LLC, is changing how they design their solar systems. Jason Mitchell, co-owner of GRID Solar, explained that it’s now advantageous for homeowners to install solar systems that include a battery backup. Mitchell breaks down how the battery works and how it will help customers save money on their electricity bills. “The so-called net metering, you don’t have anymore. Your battery is helping you with the arbitrage of that,” he said. “Basically, it’s going to go in and out all day as the clouds move overhead and your system production drops down. But you’re still cranking power into the house; your battery’s going to help supplement that. And then when you have more solar than what you need for the house, it’s going to recharge that battery. That’s the ideal scenario.” Mitchell explained that the battery is a bank of power. As the solar

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On this day, September 26th, history has seen a myriad of significant events that have shaped our world in various ways, spanning across continents and centuries. 1983: The Day the World Avoided Nuclear War Arguably, one of the most critical moments in global history occurred on September 26, 1983, when Soviet Lieutenant Colonel Stanislav Petrov averted a potential nuclear catastrophe. During the Cold War, Petrov was on duty at a Soviet missile early-warning station when the system erroneously reported an incoming missile strike from the United States. Instead of escalating the alert to superiors, which likely would have resulted in a retaliatory strike, Petrov judged the report to be a false alarm. His decision to trust his instincts rather than the faulty system is credited with preventing a nuclear war, making this day a testament to individual courage and the importance of human judgment in high-stakes situations. 1580: Sir Francis Drake Completes His Circumnavigation

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ALTON - After more than two decades, Alton’s comprehensive plan will receive an update following a 6-1 vote at Wednesday’s City Council meeting. The recently passed resolution seeks to “initiate a Comprehensive Plan update,” stating the city’s current plan was developed in 2003 under Mayor Donald Sandidge. “The city has undergone much change in 21 years, necessitating the need for a Comprehensive Plan update,” the resolution states. A comprehensive plan is defined in the resolution as “a guide for policy and development for leaders of the City of Alton.” Following its passage, the city’s Planning & Development Department is set to issue a Request For Qualifications as they seek qualified consultants to complete the comprehensive plan. With no further discussion, council members voted 6-1 to pass the resolution, putting the formation of a comprehensive plan in motion. Alderwoman Rosetta Brown cast the sole vote

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ALTON – From 2 to 3:30 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 3, 2024, AltonWorks, Food is Love, and Currency of Caring are hosting their monthly “Block Party for Good” at the Alton Amphitheater. The event was moved from Friday, Sept. 27, 2024, because of heavy rain forecasted for that date. “The City of Alton has a poverty rate of about 25%, which creates situations for families that can cause food insecurity,” said Brigadier General (Ret) John E. Michel. “These monthly block parties help bring important products and services like free groceries and free hot food to the people in the area who need it most.” This Friday, OSF Healthcare has also joined this effort and will be providing free health checkups via the OSF Health & Wellness Mobile. Michel says the objective of this program is to create simple, consistent, and convenient access to a host of mobile free services, with plans to add expanded health care resources, haircuts, critical care/need

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WOOD RIVER – Midwest Members Credit Union is proud to sponsor the “Oiler of the Month” program at EAWR High School. A senior student is selected each month by members of EAWR faculty. Each student is awarded a certificate and a Subway gift card. The seniors selected each month will have the opportunity to compete for a $1,000.00 “Oiler of the Year” scholarship at the end of the school year. September's winner is Camey Adams. Camey is a Senior at EAWR and is involved with Volleyball, Softball, Student Council, Big Sisters, National Honor Society, Peer Leadership and Senior Mentors. In Camey's free time, she enjoyes volunteering with Toys for Tots and LCJH Volleyball. After graduation Camey is undecided on which college she wants to attend but does know she will be majoring in Pre-Med Biology. Congratulations Camey and we all wish you good luck in your future! Midwest Members Credit Union has been serving your community for over 89 years. To find out more

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GLEN CARBON – Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois (GSofSI) held their annual United We Lead Gala on Friday, September 6 in Edwardsville. The event was a great success, raising over $115,000 for the organization. The United We Lead Gala, themed “Envision Greatness” in 2024, brings together a wide range of people who share a common goal – to empower today’s girls to become tomorrow’s leaders. Guests were entertained by musician Mel Goot and band, listened to first-hand experiences from a life-long volunteer and a young alum, participated in various auctions, and heard about the organization’s mission to empower the lives of girls in Southern Illinois. A highlight of the evening was presenting the annual Distinguished Community Leader Award to Ameren Illinois. Ameren Illinois believes in the importance of community connections and are committed to empowering the communities they serve by giving back. For more than 16 years, Ameren Illinois ha

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MADISON COUNTY - Guidance of Hope is a scholarship program for kids who never thought they could qualify for a scholarship. The vision driving Guidance of Hope is finding a way to stop the cycle of pain that passes from generation to generation. Many children today are growing up in an environment of hate, poverty, crime, and hopelessness. No one is offering them encouragement or a path up and out of that environment. Guidance of Hope offers that encouragement and path forward to kids who don’t meet the traditional definition of a “scholarship student.” Grades are not a factor, the scholarship can be used for any type of educational program, and the program offers mentoring and encouragement to each recipient as they pursue their education and seek employment. The scholarship targets alternative schools, detention facilities, and child welfare programs, where children facing immense challenges will soon be out on their own in the community. The scholarship is

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TROY - The Troy/Maryville/St. Jacob/Marine Chamber of Commerce Board stays busy all year, and Board President Carol Sparks is proud of the work they do. Sparks explained that the board supports the Chamber of Commerce and its members. At a recent festival celebrating the 40th anniversary of the chamber, Sparks noted that they encourage networking, but they also do so much more to advocate for local businesses. “Our role as the board collaboratively is to make sure that the mission of the chamber is carried out,” Sparks said. “A lot of people think that a chamber is more of a networking organization, and although we do offer those experiences for our members, our goal is more these types of events, making sure that we’re supporting our members, growing our business, growing our community.” Sparks is an attorney in Troy. She represents individuals and families in estate planning and estate administration. She also guides local businesses through

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TROY - The Troy/Maryville/St. Jacob/Marine Chamber of Commerce celebrated its 40th anniversary with a festival this past weekend, and President Dawn Mushill reflected on the chamber’s history. Mushill has served as the chamber’s president for 24 years. She expressed her excitement for the 40th anniversary event and her goals to see the chamber continue for years to come. “I love my job. I have a passion for my job. You’ve got to love this job,” Mushill said. “I meet with every single chamber member when they join. We learn two or three things about them, so if I run into them, I know they have a son that plays soccer. We know that they’ve been in business for 23 years. We work really hard to ask them, ‘What do you want?’” Despite some construction in downtown Troy during the festival, there were still hundreds of people who came out to enjoy the food trucks, electric car show, vendors and local businesses. Attendees

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GODFREY - The Village of Godfrey will host its annual Fall Festival this weekend. From 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024, at Glazebrook Park in Godfrey, community members can enjoy food trucks, vendors, live music, inflatables and the Great Godfrey Maze. The Great Godfrey Maze and activities will stay open until 10 p.m. that night. “We just like to do these things for the community,” said Chris Logan, Parks and Recreation Director. “We think this is a nice, low-cost event that families can come out and enjoy themselves at. That’s something we’d like to offer to the community.” Attendees can buy wristbands for the inflatables. The other activities, including the cow train, wagon rides and jumping pillow, cost $2. Kids can also enjoy balloon animals, face painting and other activities throughout the festival. The Great Godfrey Maze is open from 6–10 p.m. on Fridays and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturdays. Admission to the maze

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ALTON - Monica Klockenkemper, a senior at Alton High School, is having an exceptional cross-country season. has been a familiar face in running circles in recent years, consistently performing at a high level for Alton High. This past weekend, Klockenkemper competed in the Edwardsville Invite where she recorded a time of 23:26.30 on a tough Mud Mountain Course. She hopes to break Alton's girls' school record of 19:36 for three miles by the end of the year. "I have been running for a very long time and worked hard over the summer to do really well here in the fall," she added. Monica is an Auto Butler Female Athlete of the Month for Alton High. Klockenkemper's dedication to the sport has not gone unnoticed. As one of Alton’s top runners this season, her consistent performance continues to inspire her teammates in the school's cross-country program.

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ST. JACOB - Coldwell Banker Brown Realtors and Partners for Pets are teaming up for the eighth annual “Howl-O-Ween” open house and pet adoption event from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024. With dozens of adoptable pets, trick-or-treating, food, kids’ activities, and more, all proceeds will directly support the shelter as it helps pets find new homes. Several dogs and puppies , as well as cats and kittens , will be available to adopt with discounts on adoption fees. Partners for Pets Executive Director Erika Pratte said some can be adopted for $25 each, while others are available for free. “Come out, enjoy our shelter!” Pratte said. “We have dozens if not over 100 adoptable pets on site. Adoption fees are going to be decreased down to $25, some of them are completely waived.” There will also be tours of the facility, trick-or-treating, and much more happening at this year’s “Howl-O-Ween.”

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TROY, IL. - The Troy Police Department had the privilege of connecting with a remarkable young man named Owen and now they have done something he will never forget. At just 9 years old, Owen faced major heart surgery and spent his 10th birthday in the hospital. His mother reached out on social media, hoping to gather words of encouragement and birthday cards to lift his spirits during this tough time. "The story resonated deeply with the Troy community, especially since one of the department’s own officers had undergone a heart transplant this year," the Troy Police Department said in a statement. "Once Owen was on the mend, the Troy Police Department organized a special day to finally meet him. "To honor Owen's incredible bravery and courage, the department presented him with a challenge coin. During his visit, Owen enjoyed a ride-along and received a behind-the-scenes tour of the fire department. He also had the opportunity to fly a drone and shared a meal with the officers."

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