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Did you know that 40% of energy used in the average American home is spent on heating and cooling? This staggering statistic highlights a critical aspect of home management that often goes overlooked: preparation for the changing seasons. Beyond just switching out your wardrobe or adjusting your thermostat, effective seasonal preparation can lead to comfort, energy efficiency, and long-term savings. So, how can you ensure your home is ready to embrace the shifts that come with each season? Let’s explore practical steps you can take to prepare your living space for whatever nature has in store. Assessing Your Home’s Exterior An often-neglected area in seasonal preparation is the exterior of your home. The first line of defense against the elements, your home’s exterior should be well-maintained to effectively protect the interior. Roof and Gutters: Start by inspecting your roof for missing or damaged shingles. A small leak can lead to significant water damage an

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March 12 is a date rich with significant events that have shaped the course of history across various fields, from politics and science to culture and civil rights. **The Launch of the First Successful Space Shuttle Mission (1981)** March 12, 1981, was a historic date for space exploration as NASA launched the first successful space shuttle mission, STS-1, aboard the Space Shuttle Columbia. This marked a new era in space travel, allowing for reusable spacecraft to transport astronauts and cargo to and from space. The mission was crewed by astronauts John W. Young and Robert L. Crippen, who successfully completed two orbits around the Earth before landing at Edwards Air Force Base in California. The success of STS-1 set the stage for future space shuttle missions, leading to significant advancements in satellite deployment, scientific research, and international cooperation in space exploration. **The Launch of the First Mobile Phone (1973)** On March 12, 1973, Martin Cooper,

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ALTON - Everyone’s a little bit Irish in downtown Alton on Saturday, March 15 during the annual Alton St. Pat’s Pub Crawl. Join the fun from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Find your pot o’ gold during the free to attend event which includes a total of 12 participating pubs and restaurants. A free shuttle will be available to take participants between locations. “The Pub Crawl has been a really popular St. Patrick’s Day event in Alton,” co-organizer Anne Fritz noted. “Each year there’s a new participating restaurant and lots of fun activities.” Enjoy outdoor entertainment in front of Morrison’s Irish Pub which will include Wild Geese from Noon to 4 p.m. and O’Foolain Irish Dancers at approximately 4 p.m. Tip a pint of green beer at the following locations: Bluff City Grill, Bossanova Restaurant & Lounge, Brown Bag Bistro, Bubby & Sissy’s, Catdaddy’s Tavern, Danny’s Lounge, Firehouse, FLOCK Food Truck Park & Bar,

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JERSEYVILLE – Jersey County Treasurer Katie Abbey has officially resigned, Chairman Gary Krueger announced at the Jersey County Board meeting on Tuesday, March 11, 2025. “Our County Treasurer, Katie Abbey, resigned on Friday, so that’s where we stand,” Krueger said. “She has resigned for personal reasons.” Abbey is currently being investigated over alleged mishandling of public funds , and has been on a personal leave of absence since October of 2024. In her absence, Chief Deputy Treasurer Becca Strang has been carrying out the office’s duties with the help of former Treasurer Gilbert Ashlock, who now serves as a consultant. Krueger has previously stated the investigation is being handled by an agency outside of Jersey County – the Illinois State Police – to avoid any possible conflicts of interest. No criminal charges have officially been filed against Abbey. Criminal charges would have allowed the county to pursue formally

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ALTON - The Campaign Team for Alton Mayor David Goins invites the Alton voters to a Mix and Mingle Voter Rally from 3 to 5 p.m. Sunday, March 16, 2025, at the Great Rivers Hotel at 3559 College Ave. This event promises an engaging afternoon of community connection, where Mayor Goins will address attendees and actively listen to your concerns about Alton's future during this pivotal time. The campaign team said this is a fantastic opportunity for voters to share their thoughts, ask questions, and unite as a community. Light refreshments will be provided, and we encourage all voting citizens of Alton to join us. Your voice matters in shaping the future of our community, and we can’t wait to see everyone there! For more information, please reach out to us at Davidgoinsformayor@gmail.com . Don’t forget to like and follow Mayor Goins on Facebook: ( https://www.facebook.com/share/1E9es1dCWD/?mibextid=wwXIfr ), and visit his website at GoinsforMayor.com.

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SPRINGFIELD – Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs is encouraging young Illinois photographers to submit photos for the 2025 Cream of the Crop Photo Contest , which provides students with a creative opportunity to share their vision of agriculture in our state. Students ages 8 to 18 may submit contest entries until the deadline of June 13, 2025 . Bright Start scholarships of $1,000, $500 and $250 will be awarded to students who place first, second or third in each of the three age categories. “I’m excited to announce the opening of the contest because it’s a great opportunity for students to go out, explore, and use their cameras to highlight the beauty of Illinois agriculture,” Frerichs said. “Illinois is a leader in the agricultural industry because of our skilled, hardworking farmers, millions of acres of rich farmland, and diversity in products.” The Treasurer’s Office is accepting electronic submissions for the

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ALTON - Alton Memorial Hospital is set to offer free skin cancer screenings on March 25, 2025, as part of an initiative in partnership with Washington University Physicians of Illinois Inc. The monthly screenings aim to promote early detection of skin cancer, the most common form of cancer in the United States. The screenings will be conducted by nurse practitioners specializing in plastic and reconstructive surgery. They will examine exposed areas of the skin and any specific areas of concern, although the screenings will not include full body examinations. Registration is required to participate in the screenings. Skin cancer affects individuals regardless of background, but certain groups are at higher risk. Those with fair skin, light-colored hair, green or blue eyes, and a tendency to freckle are particularly vulnerable. Additionally, excessive sun exposure, blistering sunburns experienced before the age of 18, and a family history of melanoma are significant risk factors. The

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Letter To The Editor: Hello everyone. I am excited to announce my support and endorsement for Lauren Wilson as Alton City Clerk. She knows what it takes to successfully run the Alton City Clerk’s Office. She assumed the role of City Clerk while also doing her job as Deputy Clerk for a significant period of time. She has exceptional customer service skills. She has the skills to work effectively with the City officials and each office at City Hall. Lauren has the knowledge, skills, and expertise to be the most qualified, efficient, and effective Alton City Clerk. Please consider your vote for Alton City Clerk on April 1, 2025. Mary T. Boulds

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CARROLLTON – A paid caregiver from Carrollton is accused of financially exploiting an elderly victim and a disabled victim for over a month. Sarah R. Baumgartner, 45, of Carrollton, was charged with two counts of financial exploitation of an elderly/disabled person, one count of forgery, and two counts of unlawful possession of a credit or debit card. From April to May of 2023, Baumgartner allegedly carried out a series of deceptive criminal acts to fraudulently obtain money on behalf of two victims: an elderly victim and a disabled victim diagnosed with cerebral palsy. Baumgartner was a paid caregiver for both victims, placing her in a position of trust with them and resulting in the financial exploitation charges. From April 1 to May 15, 2023, Baumgartner used the debit card of the disabled victim to defraud Jersey State Bank of between $500-3,000. From April 22 to May 11 of the same year, she reportedly used the credit card of the elderly victim to carry out the same

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COTTAGE HILLS - The Bethalto Fire Department responded to a serious brush fire on Tuesday, March 11, 2025. The fire occurred at the Culp Lane Overpass on the edge of Illinois Highway 255 in Cottage Hills. Other fire departments viewed at the scene were from Fosterburg, Brighton, Godfrey, and Meadowbrook. The fire was in Bethalto Fire Department's district. The fire appeared under control as of 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday. The firefighters battled the serious blaze in unison in a display of solid teamwork between the departments.

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ALTON - Tiana Gipson wants to give back to the community that raised her. Gipson, one of six candidates for the Alton Community Unit School District #11 Board of Education, shared more about who she is and what she stands for. Gipson currently serves on the board after being appointed in August 2023, and she enjoys the work she has done so far. “I want to continue to serve my community and give back in every way I can,” Gipson said. “I’m a proud Altonian, and even if I am not awarded this position again…I’m going to continue to still do the leg and groundwork that’s needed for our community because there was a village there for me and there were opportunities for me to succeed, and it took a whole network and system of people to help me get there.” Gipson works as a CNA in home health and hospice care. She noted that she has always loved helping others, and she feels “very honored” to do the work she does. She also

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ALTON - If you would like to find one of the most helpful, hardworking, and kindhearted individuals in the area, look no further than our most recent Remarkable Redbird, senior Ja'Miel Johnson. Ja'Miel is one of the main people responsible for allowing students into the Redbird Store during the lunch period. Students can buy candy, soda, water, and other baked goods in the Redbird Store, but if the students do not have a ticket to get in, Ja'Miel will require them to get one. He is also responsible for taking down and putting away the inventory at the end of the day. When Ja'Miel was in ninth grade, he worked in the Redbird Store stocking inventory as well and he would work on a staff of about 10-12 students. As an additional job that he has each day after school, he is responsible for checking to make sure that all doors are locked within the high school. It was estimated that he may walk over a mile each day in checking all of the doors. Ja'Miel has gained these responsibilities

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GRANITE CITY - Revity Credit Union recently announced the positions of Director at the 84th Annual Meeting. Elected to serve two-year terms as Director were Barry Stuart, Robert Ribbing, Ken Newton, and Kim Frantz. Officers for 2025 are: Ken Newton (Chairperson), Ken Shipp (Vice-Chairperson), Jim Devine (Treasurer), and Kim Frantz (Secretary). Credit unions are member-owned, not-for-profit financial cooperatives that have a volunteer board of directors. This year, Revity’s Annual Meeting was conducted by their new President and CEO, John Merritt. In his President’s Report, John notes, “Your credit union remained strong this past year. Membership at year-end was 36,569, with total assets over $460 million.” Also speaking at the meeting was Kevin Shaw, Illinois Credit Union League Vice President, Regional Management. Shaw connected on the exciting management change in recent months, with the retirement of Keith Burton, former President and CEO of Revity Credit Union

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ALTON - Radley Hoener, a Marquette Catholic High School senior, has signed a National Letter of Intent to continue her athletic career in college soccer at Columbia College. The announcement was made during a recent signing at Marquette, where Radley expressed her enthusiasm for the opportunity ahead. Radley chose Columbia College for its size and the community it offers. "I liked it because it was a great fit for me," she said. "It will prepare me for the next level." As a Division I program, Columbia College provides a competitive environment that Radley believes will help her grow as an athlete. She is a Tucker's Automotive Repair & Tire Female Athlete of the Month for the Explorers. Her father, Brian, is the athletic director at Marquette Catholic High School. In addition to soccer, Radley participated in basketball during her freshman year and has been involved in several extracurricular activities at MCHS. She served as a member of the Student Council for four years and was

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EAST ALTON – The National Great Rivers Research and Education Center (NGRREC) is hosting a trivia night and silent auction from 6 to 9 p.m. on Thursday, March 20, 2025 at the Old Bakery Beer Company. This event will benefit the March “Drink for a Cause” initiative. Participants can look forward to trivia categories such as pop culture, history, science, and river-themed questions, Environmental Education Director Jessica Mohlman said. Teams will consist of six players, with a $20 entry fee per person. All proceeds will go directly to NGRREC. “Who doesn’t love trivia, delicious craft beer, and supporting a fantastic cause?” Mohlman said. “NGRREC is doing vital work in studying and protecting our mighty rivers, which are the lifeblood of our communities and ecosystems.” Mohlman said exciting prizes await the top trivia teams, as well as incredible items in the silent auction. The Old Bakery Beer Company will have a wide selection of craf

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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) today sent a letter to Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy criticizing the Trump Administration’s mismanagement of federal funding for Illinois transportation and infrastructure projects. In their letter, the Senators called for more clarity on the future of transportation and infrastructure grants and formula funding for states that were included in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which was strongly supported by both Durbin and Duckworth. “We are writing to express concern with the Trump Administration’s efforts to pause all Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding—an attempt that was plunged further into chaos by the now-rescinded memo from the Office of Management and Budget, which directed all federal agencies to pause activities related to the obligation or disbursement of federal financial assistance,” the Senators wrote. As the

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GODFREY – Lewis and Clark Community College is announcing the lists of full- and part-time honors students for the Fall 2024 semester. Students earning a cumulative grade point average of 3.75 or higher out of a possible 4.0 are named to the President’s List. Those students earning a grade point average between 3.25 and 3.74 are recognized each semester on the Dean’s List. Further requirements are listed in the college’s online catalog at http://catalog.lc.edu . All questions should be directed to the Enrollment Center at (618) 468-2222. President’s List ILLINOIS ALHAMBRA – Webb M. Slifka; ALTON – Chloe E. Ahlers; Madison C. Albert; Olivia G. Allen; Michael G. Anderson; Hunter M. Bailey; Gardell L. Ballinger, III; Coty B. Bertschi; Elizabeth H. Blackmon; Connor M. Bockholdt; Addisyn C. Boelter; Ava M. Boley; Samuel A. Boxdorfer; Eric R. Braundmeier; Lacey L. Broomfield, III; Callie J. Chappee; Joselyn N. Chappee; Max W. Cogan;

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BETHALTO – Zion Lutheran School in Bethalto celebrated the creativity and dedication of its young writers from kindergarten through eighth grade during the annual Young Authors Awards Ceremony on Feb. 27, 2025. Students showcased their talents by writing and illustrating their own books, which were carefully reviewed by a team of teachers. Awards were presented in several categories, honoring students for their outstanding storytelling, creativity, and effort. The highlight of the event was the announcement of students nominated for the prestigious Madison County Young Authors Program. Five of the following students will advance to represent Zion Lutheran School at the Madison County Young Authors Awards Ceremony on Saturday, April 26, 2025: Addison Rexford Lottie Rupprecht Caleb Wheeler Hudson Donohoo Scott Holmes Drew Koch Clark Schoeber Sammy Burford Maelene Wright Hunter Turner Paolo Scheffel Andrew Hunter Annabelle Bean Grace Koch Zion Lutheran School als

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ALTON - Jennifer Mallory has rediscovered joy. Mallory is the Artist of the Month at Milton Schoolhouse this month, and she is eager to display her work and share that joy with the community. Painting brightly-colored items and images that bring her happiness has helped her manage depression and burnout. In all her art, she hopes to “find joy, spread love, instill hope.” “Painting always gets me out of my head,” she said. “It’s like magic. It just makes me feel better. I pick subject matter that is uplifting and cheerful for me.” Mallory served as an art teacher for 25 years. She loved it for 20 years, and then the demands of parenthood and teaching together began to take a toll. Eventually, she made the decision to leave her job and try to find that passion for art that had once guided her. During the COVID-19 pandemic, all Mallory did was paint. She found a new style: uplifting, bright colors and subject matter that began to pull

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ALTON – Spring is just days away, the summer season will be here before we know it, temps will be getting warmer, and that means one thing – more fun in the sun. Riverbend region residents will be outside enjoying time at the lake or on the river, playing in backyards or spending time at parks. But more fun in the sun can also pose health risks and dangers – particularly when speaking of skin cancer. With our calendars telling us warmer weather is on the way, OSF Moeller Cancer Center (2200 Central Ave, Alton, IL, 62002) will be hosting a FREE skin cancer screening event on Monday, April 7, 3:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. This screening event is “first come, first serve.” Individuals will be seen in order of arrival. The last person to be seen will be checked in no later than 5:30 PM. For more information, please call 618-433-7609 or email Karen.K.Boyd@osfhealthcare.org . Skin cancer is the out-of-control growth of abnormal cells in the epidermis,

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