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GRANITE CITY – Last fall, the Granite City Warriors and Collinsville Kahok Boys Soccer Programs came together to help one of their own, Alex Paz. Alex recently received a liver transplant and is still undergoing some financial hardships from his medical procedures. The Kahoks and Warriors will meet again on Thursday, October 17 at Kahok Stadium in Collinsville for the 2nd Annual Paz Cup. Junior varsity is set to begin at 5 p.m., followed by varsity at 6:30 p.m. A game between two storied soccer programs in the state of Illinois, playing for bragging rights for the year, and a special bond to help Alex, a 1979 graduate of Granite City South High School who is actively involved in both communities taking pictures for all to enjoy. The Kahok and Warrior Soccer Programs would like to invite all of you to attend the match at Kahok Stadium on Thursday, October 17 kicking off at 6:30 pm to support Alex and all he does. Not only will we have some great soccer action o

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ALTON – According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), each year in the United States, an estimated 240,000 women get breast cancer and 42,000 women die from the disease. Mammograms are the best way to find breast cancer early, when it is easier to treat and before it is big enough to feel or cause symptoms. Information, education, and mammography screenings will all be available for attendees at this year’s annual “Girls Night Out” event at OSF Saint Anthony’s Health Center on Thursday, October 24, 4 p.m. – 8 p.m. A limited number of mammography screenings are available during the event and appointments are necessary. Individuals wanting to schedule a mammography screening during the “Girls Night Out” event need to call (618) 474-6791. All event mammography patients will receive a small gift. Insurance information and proper ID will also be needed for those conducting mammography screenings during the event. Light

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ALTON - Bring your furry friends to the Canine Carnival at the Alton Farmers’ & Artisans’ Market from 8 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, for a morning full of fun just for them. At this free event organized by Alton Main Street and Hope Animal Rescues, there will be many activities to enjoy and pet-related vendor booths to browse. Plus, you can learn about local animal welfare charities and services for your pets. Rescue agencies will be holding an adopt-a-thon, so if you are looking for a new best friend come meet some loveable dogs who need a good home. Features of the event include a Pet Parade at 10 a.m. and a costume contest which will be voted on via social media. Bring your dog dressed to impress, because the winner of the costume contest will receive a $20 gift certificate to Petco. There will be activities for pets and families, and vendors selling pet-related products such as handmade dog treats, toys, bandanas, clothing, collars and more. In partnership

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October 2nd has been a significant date in history, marked by events that have shaped our world across various categories. The Nobel Peace Prize is Established (1901) On October 2, 1901, the first Nobel Peace Prize was awarded, marking a significant milestone in global efforts to recognize and encourage peace. The prize was established by Alfred Nobel, a Swedish industrialist, inventor, scientist, and philanthropist who left a considerable part of his fortune to create the Nobel Prizes. The Nobel Peace Prize has since been awarded to individuals and organizations that have made outstanding contributions to peace, including figures like Martin Luther King Jr., Mother Teresa, and Nelson Mandela. The Birth of Mahatma Gandhi (1869) October 2nd is also celebrated as the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, one of the most influential leaders in modern history. Born in 1869 in Porbandar, India, Gandhi became the leader of the Indian independence movement against British rule, employin

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GODFREY - The Village of Godfrey is closer than it’s ever been to getting a hotel. Economic Development Director Jim Mager announced on Tuesday that a national chain may be interested in building a Godfrey location if the village is willing to provide incentives. The interested company is Choice Hotels , which Mager described as a national chain with a nation-wide reservation system. Choice operates many hotels under various brand names , including Comfort Hotels, Quality Inn, and more - though it’s not clear yet which name and logo would be on the Godfrey hotel. “Where we are is that if the village comes in for a certain amount of money … I think Choice Hotels might have investors lined up,” Mager said, adding the project may also require some local investment. “We’re trying to put together a project to get it financed so it can move forward.” Mager said the next phase of the project is to develop a business plan to get

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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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