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WOOD RIVER – LoveJoy United Presbyterian Church proudly announces the installation of new solar panels, a major step forward in its commitment to ecological stewardship as an Earth Care Congregation. The panels are projected to produce 68,874 KWh of electricity annually, powering the church and reducing its carbon footprint. As an Earth Care Congregation, LoveJoy United actively engages in practices that honor God's creation. We are committed to recycling, using reusable dishes, cultivating a community garden, and nurturing native prairie and butterfly habitats on our grounds. These actions reflect our dedication to sustainable living and decreasing the harm we inflict on the world around us. This commitment is deeply rooted in our faith. Scripture calls us to care for creation: Psalm 19 reminds us that "the heavens declare the glory of God," and Psalm 104 celebrates God's wisdom in creating the earth and its creatures. Our faith leads us to live out our baptismal calling

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ALTON - Alton Little Theater’s production of “The Rocky Horror Show” continues with a midnight showing on Halloween night. At 11:59 p.m. on Oct. 31, 2024, community members are invited to ALT for the show, complete with prop bags, treats, coffee and lots of fun. There will be three more shows this weekend. “It’s a lot of singing and dancing,” said Lee Cox, ALT executive director. “Everybody’s so into it. It’s a young-ish and energetic cast, and they love it and they’re all bonded together, as you can tell. They're very cohesive. They work well with each other.” Cox said the show is “just so hokey” and very fun for the performers and audience members alike. Directed by Becca Peach, “The Rocky Horror Show” tells the story of Brad and Janet, an innocent couple who find themselves at the mansion of a mad scientist. The cult classic movie “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” is based

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EDWARDSVILLE - Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s surveying and geomatics program has raised $520,000 to market their program to high school students. The four-year bachelor’s program is new to SIUE and is a collaboration between the School of Engineering (SOE) and the Department of Geography and Geographic Information Sciences. This program has a strong advisory board comprised of corporate and professional leaders in the field. The degree program is the only one of its kind within 300 miles of the St. Louis area. The need for an excellent talent pipeline is a pressing concern for SOE stakeholders, and with this professional program employers are ready to hire SIUE graduates. John Cabage, PhD, associate professor and Chair of the Department of Construction, said the funds for marketing the program came from surveying companies in Illinois and Missouri. “In six short months, we were able to get investments from 22 different companies,” said

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EAST ALTON-Wood River High School will host its third College and Career Night on Thursday, Nov. 7, 2024. Missy Stuif, a coordinator said: "We will have over 45 representatives from college and tech schools, the military, and from the workforce." The event will be held in East Alton-Wood River's Memorial Gymnasium. "Please join us for a chance to talk to several college representatives, plus the workforce, military, and tech school reps," Stuif said. "There will also be some attendance drawings for students."

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JERSEYVILLE — Students at St. Francis Holy Ghost Catholic School were introduced to the intersection of faith and science on Wednesday when Sister Pieta Keller, a biomedical engineer and member of the Sisters of St. Francis of the Martyr St. George, visited the school to share her unique vocation with fifth through eighth graders. Sister Pieta, who holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Purdue University, serves as an innovation engineer with OSF HealthCare, primarily working at the OSF Innovation Jump Simulation and Education Center in Peoria, Illinois. During her visit, she explained to the students how she integrates her religious calling with her engineering career to benefit others. “I truly feel that God has placed me here. He led me to choose a field that allows me to pursue my love of engineering, in addition to answering His call to serve Him. This work combines to positively affect people’s lives every day,” Sister Pieta said. Her work involves creating

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EDWARDSVILLE - Metro East residents were grateful for the free health screenings, clothing, haircuts and more provided at the first Fall Community Health Festival on Saturday, Oct. 26 at the Alpha Complex in East St. Louis. Approximately 200 people participated. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s School of Nursing (SON), along with its WE CARE Clinic in East St. Louis, collaborated with the Metro East St. Louis Community Initiative and the Delta Epsilon Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. , to make the festival possible. “Hosting a health fair in East St. Louis, or any underserved area, is essential because it provides critical health screenings and resources that help identify and address health issues,” said Myjal Garner, DNP, APRN, FNP-C, assistant professor and WE CARE Clinic interim director. “It also addresses basic needs like clothing and food, improving physical well-being while fostering community trust and empowerment,

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BETHALTO - Zion Lutheran School in Bethalto, Ill. is proud to announce and celebrate the exceptional achievements of our Honor Roll students for their hard work and dedication to their studies during the first quarter. High Honor Roll: (pictured below) Avery Boots, Leticia Lorenz, Hunter Turner, Maelene Wright, Paolo Scheffel, Annabelle Bean, Claire Epps, Amelia Johnson, Grace Koch, Kylie Pfeiffer, Aidan Wheeler. Honor Roll: (pictured below) Jeremy Jones, Carter Whipple, Raine Sahuri, Isaiah Hanson. These students have demonstrated a commitment to excellence and a passion for learning that truly exemplifies the spirit of Zion Saints. We commend their efforts and look forward to their continued success. Congratulations to all of our Honor Roll students! Keep striving for greatness. If you would like more information about Zion Lutheran School Bethalto Middle School, join us for an Open House on Thursday, Nov. 7, 2024. Meet the Teachers, Classroom Tours, Q&A Session,

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ALTON - “The witches, the spooks, the jesters, the clowns and their like will be in their glory tonight,” proclaimed the Alton Evening Telegraph on Oct. 31, 1924. The East End Improvement Association hosted the parade and a grand masquerade dance at Turner Hall, as they had done every year since 1916. The first Alton Halloween parade and dance in 1916 was held to celebrate the completion of the long-drawn-out East Broadway street paving project, which went from Henry to Cherry streets and was open for the first time on Oct. 31, 1916. The 1924 parade and dance were the biggest and best yet. The parade began at Front and Market Streets, went up Market to Broadway, and wound down Broadway to Turner Hall. The White Hussar band performed in costume and there were over 30 floats. An out-of-town woman who spent her first Halloween in Alton was overheard saying that she “had never had seen such a celebration.” Alton has always thrown a good party on Halloween, and

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JERSEYVILLE - The Jerseyville Public Library will be hosting NASA Solar System Ambassador Jeff Bernth at Wock Lake on Thursday, Nov. 7, 2024 as they party with the stars at the Star Party. All are invited to view through telescopes provided by the library, with binoculars you bring yourself or with your naked eye, the beauty of the night sky featuring a crescent moon, Saturn, Neptune, Uranus and more! Bundle up and head out to Wock Lake at 205 June Street from 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm and remember, there is no school the next day! No registration necessary. Thanksgiving is the theme for LEGO Club (ages K-7th grade) on Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024 at 10 a.m. The Library provides the LEGOs for participants to make the theme or their own masterpieces and the Library will display the creations in the Children’s Area all month long. Preschool Storytime for children ages 2-6 will be hosted by children’s librarian, Miss Laurie. Parents are encouraged to bring their children to the Library

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ALTON - A semi-truck delivering products to Dollar General became stuck in the grass in front of the store at 2901 Homer Adams Parkway in Alton on Thursday, Oct. 31, 2024. The incident occurred when the driver inadvertently pulled the vehicle too far forward during the delivery process. The truck and trailer blocked Bloomer Drive, prompting a response from Alton Police to manage traffic and document the situation. No injuries were reported as a result of the incident.

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WOOD RIVER - During Wood River’s Downtown Trick-or-Treat event last week, Shelley Israel reflected on her recent decision to open Pete’s Parlor in the heart of downtown. Israel noted that the barbershop has been at its current location at 13 East Ferguson Avenue since April. She said they specialize in men’s hair and she enjoys her work, but this work has been especially fun since the move to Wood River. “I just really love good, down-to-earth people,” she said. “I’ve worked here off and on throughout my entire adult life, so I just really enjoy this area and I love the people who live in Wood River.” As trick-or-treaters swarmed downtown Wood River during the trick-or-treating event on Oct. 23, 2024, Israel handed out candy at Pete’s Parlor and chatted with community members. She noted that it was “really cool” to meet so many new people and introduce them to the business. “It’s our first downtown

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EAST ST. LOUIS — The Illinois State Police (ISP) conducted a violent crime suppression detail in the Metro East area over the weekend of October 28 and 29, 2024, focusing on St. Clair and Madison counties, particularly East St. Louis and surrounding communities. The operation aimed to address rising concerns about violent crime by utilizing intelligence and technology to target high-crime areas and known offenders. During the two-day operation, ISP reported a total of 27 arrests, resulting in 33 felony charges and 55 criminal charges. Among the arrests, 27 were specifically related to firearm offenses, and authorities seized 16 firearms and recovered one stolen vehicle. Several significant incidents occurred throughout the detail. On October 28, troopers stopped a vehicle for Illinois Vehicle Code (IVC) violations. The driver attempted to flee on foot but was detained by officers, who subsequently found a loaded firearm that had been reported stolen. The individual was taken int

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WOOD RIVER - As the owner of Quig’s Sports Emporium, Jason Quigley was pleased to join Wood River’s Downtown Trick-or-Treat event last week. Quig’s Sports Emporium is a new business in Wood River that buys, sells and trades sports equipment. Athletes can trade in used cleats they’ve outgrown, for example, and get a gently used pair that fits better. Quigley feels confident that the store is a great “one-stop shop for anything sports.” “We’re going all-in,” Quigley said. “We really think that the idea and what we can do with the community really is something to kind of strive for and kind of keep going for.” At the Downtown Trick-or-Treat event on Oct. 23, 2024, Quigley joked that the store was running out of candy but still eager to participate in the event. He shared that he recently quit his day job so he can focus on the store full-time. Quig’s Sports Emporium stays busy throughout the year as athletes

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WOOD RIVER - Wood River’s Downtown Trick-or-Treat event brought all businesses out to celebrate Halloween, including Wood River Chiropractic. Kelly, who works in marketing at Wood River Chiropractic, noted how much she enjoys being involved in the Wood River community. She expressed her appreciation for the people and businesses that make up Wood River. “I love it,” she said. “I seriously have never seen a community come together like Wood River. It’s just amazing.” Wood River Chiropractic offers chiropractic therapy, physical therapy, electrical stimulation therapy and ultrasound therapy. Kelly said you can find “pretty much anything else a normal chiropractic office would offer” at Wood River Chiropractic. Kelly leads lunch-and-learns with other local businesses and also works one-on-one with clients to get them the help they need. In her eight months with the business, she has been amazed by how much chiropractic care ha

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EDWARDSVILLE — A former teacher has been sentenced to 18 years in prison for sexually abusing three students, according to Madison County State's Attorney Tom Haine. Danielle C. Fischer, 32, of Edwardsville, received the sentence on Tuesday after pleading guilty to three counts of Aggravated Criminal Sexual Abuse, a Class 2 felony. Fischer admitted to the abuse of three victims that occurred between May and June of 2021 while she was employed at Roxana High School. The investigation was conducted by the Edwardsville Police Department, with assistance from the Roxana Police Department and the Madison County Child Advocacy Center. The case was prosecuted by Assistant State’s Attorney Ali Foley, Chief of the Children’s Justice Division at the State’s Attorney’s Office, and Assistant State’s Attorney Rebecca Buettner. “This sentence should serve as a warning to those who use their positions of authority to prey upon our youths,” Haine

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EDWARDSVILLE - The City of Edwardsville has announced a temporary closure of E. High St. starting on Nov. 1, 2024. Pfund Construction will have E. High St. closed starting at N. Main St., and continuing to the alley east of 132 E. High St. The closure will begin on Friday, Nov. 1, 2024, lasting through Friday, Nov. 8, 2024. See the map at the top of this story for the approximate location of the closure.

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ST. LOUIS COUNTY, MO. – A shooting in St. Louis County has left one man dead, identified as 92-year-old Robert Prewett of the 6900 Block of Parc Charlene Drive in Florissant, MO. The incident occurred shortly before noon on the same day, prompting a response from the North County Precinct of the St. Louis County Police Department at 11:50 a.m. The circumstances surrounding the shooting remain unclear, and police have stated that the investigation is ongoing. Authorities have indicated that further information will be released as it becomes available. The St. Louis County Police Department is urging anyone with information about the shooting to contact them at 636-529-8210. Individuals wishing to remain anonymous or seeking a potential reward can reach out to CrimeStoppers at 1-866-371-TIPS (8477).

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October 31st is a date that holds a rich tapestry of significant events from around the world. One of the most notable events on October 31st occurred in 1517, when Martin Luther famously nailed his Ninety-Five Theses to the door of the Wittenberg Castle Church in Germany. This act is widely recognized as the catalyst for the Protestant Reformation, a movement that challenged the practices of the Roman Catholic Church and led to the establishment of various Protestant denominations. Luther's theses criticized the sale of indulgences and called for a return to biblical teachings. This pivotal moment not only transformed religious practices in Europe but also had profound social and political implications, setting the stage for modern democracy and individual rights. Fast forward to 1864, when Nevada was admitted to the United States as the 36th state. Known for its vast desert landscapes and the iconic Las Vegas Strip, Nevada's admission was significant during the American Civil

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As the leaves turn vibrant shades of orange, red, and yellow, and the air becomes crisp and cool, the allure of fall brings with it a treasure trove of flavors and culinary delights. Halloween, often associated with spooky decorations and trick-or-treating, is also a perfect occasion to indulge in delicious fall desserts that capture the essence of the season. In this article, we will explore some of the best fall desserts to make this Halloween, offering a variety of options that are sure to delight both kids and adults alike. 1. Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake Why It’s a Must-Try Pumpkin spice has become synonymous with fall, and what better way to enjoy it than in a rich, creamy cheesecake? This dessert combines the classic flavors of pumpkin, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, resulting in a decadent treat that captures the essence of Halloween. Recipe Highlights To make a pumpkin spice cheesecake, start with a graham cracker crust for added texture. The filling consists of cream

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ALTON - The 107th Alton Halloween Parade invites community members to enjoy another great year in downtown Alton. Starting at 7 p.m. on Oct. 31, 2024, the parade will travel down Broadway through downtown Alton to Piasa Street. Known as one of the oldest Halloween parades in the U.S., the parade’s organizers look forward to sharing it once again with the Riverbend community. “Since 1916, we’ve had this parade,” said Steve Schwartz, an organizer with the East End Improvement Association. “It’s gotten to be a community event. It’s fun to do. It’s expected within the community. It’s one of the best things that I’ve been involved in.” Schwartz and Greg Erler said that the East End Improvement Association has “a great committee” that organizes the parade every year. This “well-oiled machine” has been working since early September to get everything ready for Halloween night. This year, there

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