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There are some things in life that you just don’t understand until you experience them. That was my realization this weekend, on all fours under the hot sun, with a goat on my back chewing my ponytail. Yes, I’m talking about goat yoga! Turns out goat yoga is the greatest of all time — the G.O.A.T.! For those of you who are reading this and thinking it must be a typo, let me explain. Goat yoga has gained popularity in the last few years. It is literally what it sounds like: yoga with goats. You might be thinking, “How do they stop the goats from climbing on you?” And the answer is, they don’t! The goats climb all over. One might also wonder, “Don’t the goats kind of stink and use the bathroom all over the place?” And the answer is, yes, that also happens! It’s part of the magic. On Saturday, I conned my mother into joining me for a goat yoga session at the Alton Farmers Market. As we approached the goats, we were

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WOOD RIVER - All the kids in Wood River are invited to a downtown trick-or-treat event. From 6–8 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2024, kids and families can enjoy the sixth annual downtown trick-or-treat on Ferguson Avenue in Wood River. Kristen Burns, executive director of Wood River Main Street, said that everyone in the downtown business community is encouraged to decorate, dress up, hand out candy and have a fun evening. “It really is a community event,” Burns said. “We’re really excited. We get such good participation through the entire district.” Burns said the participating downtown businesses pass out candy to kids. She promises you can collect “bags and bags of candy” if you manage to visit every business on the street. Rachel & Co. Coffee House will be selling specialty drinks as well as handing out candy. There will also be Halloween movies playing on a big screen overlooking the street, courtesy of Wood River Main

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EDWARDSVILLE - Kids at Riverbend Head Start and Family Services will stay warm this winter thanks to a coat donation by the Edwardsville Knights of Columbus. The Knights of Columbus donated six boxes of coats to the Edwardsville Riverbend Head Start on Monday, Oct. 21, 2024. The coats will be given to kids who do not have winter clothing so they can play outside and stay warm as temperatures drop. “We are totally a charitable organization,” explained Chuck Burcham with the Knights of Columbus. “We were founded on charity. We’ve been that way ever since.” Burcham, Steve Edwards, Paul Pizzini and David Green, all members of the Knights of Columbus, delivered the donation to Riverbend Head Start. They explained that 350 Edwardsville K of C members collected the funds needed to purchase the coats. The “Coats for Kids” initiative is a mainstay for Knights of Columbus organizations across the country. Green said that the local K of C chapter

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EDWARDSVILLE - The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering Department is preparing for its 35th anniversary celebration. This anniversary is not just a celebration but a chance to reflect on the department’s achievements since its inception in 1989. The event will be held in the Enterprise Holdings Foundation Atrium in the Engineering Building on Oct. 24, 2024 from 5 to 8 p.m. Chris Gordon, PhD, Associate Dean in the School of Engineering at SIUE stated, “This is an excellent opportunity to celebrate the strides that the Mechanical and Mechatronics Department has made over the years. In 35 years, the department has become one of the largest in the School of Engineering, and both faculty and students have been nationally recognized for their contributions.” With more than 2,000 alumni, this department has helped foster learning for generations of innovative problem solvers. Gordon remarked, “Through this event, we celebrate

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ALTON - Join Senior Services Plus (SSP) in fundraising for United Way of Greater St. Louis by participating in a 50/50 raffle! Participants can win 50% of the total ticket sales, and the other half will benefit United Way. The winner will be drawn on Halloween, Oct. 31, 2024 and announced live on Facebook. The winner does not need to be present to win, Senior Services Plus will be in contact with the winner following the drawing. Raffle tickets are available for purchase online at SSP United Way Fundraisers (seniorservicesplus.org) or visit the front desk at Senior Services Plus. Tickets are $5 each and will be on sale through October 30th, 2024. Individuals must be 18 years or older to play. SSP is an aging services leader in the community and region and a United Way Safety Net Agency. For more information, please reach out to Sydney Peckham at speckham@seniorservicesplus.org or call 618-465-3298 ext. 116. Tickets can be purchased online at SSP United Way Fundraisers ( seniorservicesplus.org

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BETHALTO - The Illinois Secretary of State has upgraded its Bethalto DMV to a “One-Stop-Shop” design, improving the customer experience through reduced wait times and increased efficiency. The renovation also includes updated signage to create a more logical flow and help customers know where to go, Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias announced today. The Bethalto DMV, located at 20 Terminal Dr., Ste. 103, East Alton, is among the first to undergo the “One-Stop-Shop” transformation and is now re-opened following extensive renovations to allow customers to access services at one single station. As a part of the Secretary of State’s ongoing modernization efforts, the new DMV experience will save customers considerable time and several steps by offering both vehicle and driver services at a single service counter. “Since taking office, I have made it a top priority to provide exceptional customer service and reduce lines and wait times,” Giannoulias

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SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) announced today that nonfarm payrolls were up +7,100 while the unemployment rate was unchanged at 5.3 percent in September, based on preliminary data provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), and released by IDES. The August monthly change in payrolls was revised from the preliminary report, from +800 to +6,700 jobs, while the revised unemployment rate was 5.3 percent, unchanged from the preliminary August unemployment rate. The September payroll jobs estimate, and unemployment rate reflect activity for the week including the 12th. In September, the industry sectors with the largest over-the-month job gains included: Private Education and Health Services (+4,600), Leisure and Hospitality (+3,600), and Government (+2,800). The industry sectors with the largest monthly payroll job declines included: Financial Activities (-3,000), Professional and Business Services (-3,000), and Construction (-1,300).

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ST. CLAIR COUNTY - As Election Day approaches, there are a lot of options for early voting in St. Clair County. Eligible voters can vote in-person at specified polling locations. This is helpful for many people who find it inconvenient or impossible to vote on Election Day on Nov. 5, 2024. How does it work? Early voting works just like regular in-person voting. You will go to your specified polling place to cast your vote like you would in any election. However, your polling place might differ during early voting. Read on to find out where you can vote early in St. Clair County. Who can vote early? If you are registered to vote in Illinois, you are eligible for early voting. How is my vote counted? Early votes are not counted until the polls close on Election Day. Your vote is final once you cast your ballot. Where do I vote early in Belleville? You can vote at the St. Clair County Clerk’s Office, located at 10 Public Square in Belleville. Their hours

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ALTON - First Mid Bank & Trust Small Business Customers Receive Community Grants from Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago Alton, IL (October 21, 2024) First Mid Bank & Trust, a trusted partner in local business development, is proud to announce that two of its valued small business customers, both located in Alton, IL, have each been awarded a $15,000 community grant from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago (FHLBank Chicago). Provided through their Community First® Accelerate Grants for Small Business program, the grants will provide critical support as these businesses continue to grow and serve their community. FHLBank Chicago offers grants of up to $30,000 to eligible small businesses to advance economic opportunity in the communities it serves. The recipients of the grants are LaMay’s Catering, Inc. (LaMay’s), a food service company providing full-service catering and event space along with food trucks and community cafes, and Broadway Performance Automotive LLC (Broadway)

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BELLEVILLE — Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) and Congresswoman Julia Brownley (CA-26) will tour Chestnut Health Systems in Belleville at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2024. The visit aims to highlight a federal investment aimed at enhancing veteran services in Madison County. Rep. Budzinski, a member of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs and its Subcommittee on Health, has been an advocate for veterans during her first term in Congress. She established a Veterans Advisory Council to engage local veterans in her legislative efforts. Recently, Budzinski helped secure a $1 million grant from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for Chestnut Health Systems, which will support homeless and at-risk veterans and their families. This grant is part of the VA's broader $800 million Supportive Services for Veterans program. The visit will include several key figures from Chestnut Health Systems and the Supportive Services for Veterans program, including Director Callie

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MADISON COUNTY - As Election Day approaches, there are a lot of options for early voting in Madison County. In Madison County, eligible voters can vote in-person at specified polling locations. This is helpful for many people who find it inconvenient or impossible to vote on Election Day on Nov. 5, 2024. How does it work? Early voting works just like regular in-person voting. You will go to your specified polling place to cast your vote like you would in any election. However, your polling place might differ during early voting. Read on to find out where you can vote early in Madison County. Who can vote early? If you are registered to vote in Illinois, you are eligible for early voting. How is my vote counted? Early votes are not counted until the polls close on Election Day. Your vote is final once you cast your ballot. Where do I vote early in Alton? You can vote at the Scott Bibb Center, located at 1004 E. 5th Street in Alton. From Oct. 21–25, 2024,

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TROY - Angela Richter has been named Triad's 2024-2025 Emerson Excellence in Teaching Award winner, recognizing her commitment to high student engagement and continuous personal improvement. The announcement was made recently by Triad Community Unit #2. Richter, who is in her 17th year with the Triad School District, currently teaches fourth grade at Marine Elementary School. Her dedication to education is evident in her active participation in various initiatives aimed at enhancing the learning environment. She has volunteered to pilot new curricula and technology and serves on several committees, including the Triad Elementary Science Curriculum committee and the Triad Into Reading Pilot committee. In addition to her classroom responsibilities, Richter is the Grade Level leader for fourth-grade teachers in the district and chairs the Marine Elementary Spring Food Drive, which supports local communities during critical times. She also engages her students by inviting guest speakers

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CHAMPAIGN – Illinois State Police (ISP) Director Brendan F. Kelly has announced the line-of-duty death of ISP Trooper Corey S. Thompsen. ? Kelly said the ISP family mourns Trooper Thompsen and holds his family and loved ones in our hearts during this terrible time. At 3:40 p.m. on Friday, October 18, 2024, Trooper Thompsen was involved in a two-vehicle crash. ?The details of the crash are still under investigation. ?Trooper Thompsen was taken to an area hospital where he succumbed to his injuries at 4:32 p.m. ? “It is with a heavy heart and immeasurable sadness that I inform you of the death of Trooper Corey S. Thompsen,” said ISP Director Brendan F. ? Kelly. “We ask the public to give Trooper Thompsen’s family, and his ISP family, time while we grieve and work through this tragedy.” Trooper Thompsen was 28 years old and served almost five years as an officer with ISP. ? He is survived by his wife, mother, and father.

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ALTON — A motorcycle accident on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024, claimed the life of a 35-year-old man in Alton. The incident occurred at approximately 5:23 p.m. at the intersection of East Broadway and Laclede Street. According to preliminary investigations by the Alton Police Department, a silver Chevrolet Silverado was stopped at the intersection and was signaled to make a left turn onto Laclede Street. Alton Police Chief Jarrett Ford said as the Silverado began its turn north onto Laclede, it was struck from behind by a motorcycle driven by Darrin Sturgis of Cottage Hills. Ford said Sturgis was transported to Alton Memorial Hospital, where he was pronounced deceased. The driver of the Chevrolet Silverado left the scene of the crash but was later located at a nearby residence. Routine toxicology testing was conducted on the driver, and results will be available after lab analysis. The investigation into the crash is ongoing, with the Alton Police Department leading the inquiry. They

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JERSEYVILLE — Jersey Community Unit School District No. 100 recently hosted a visit from Dr. Tony Sanders, Superintendent of the Illinois State Board of Education, and Dr. Steven Isoye, the ISBE Board Chairman, on Thursday. The visit was aimed to showcase the educational initiatives and programs in place at the district's schools. During their visit, Dr. Sanders and Dr. Isoye toured Jersey Community High School, Jersey Community Middle School, and East Elementary. The Sanders-Isoye tour allowed them to observe the work being done by both staff and students in the district. "Their time and leadership are invaluable as we continue to focus on improving education for all students and educators across Illinois," a district representative said. The visit underscores the district's commitment to enhancing educational quality and fostering an environment conducive to learning.

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DOW - A woman from Dow has been charged with stealing telephone wire and meth possession, her latest charges in a decade-long criminal history. Sylvia R. Wedding, 41, of Dow, was charged with theft between $500 and $10,000, a Class 3 felony, and unlawful possession of methamphetamine, a Class 2 felony. On Oct. 12, 2024, Wedding allegedly stole an undisclosed amount of telephone wire, which was property of AT&T and had a value exceeding $500. She was also charged with possession of less than five grams of methamphetamine. Jersey County court records show Wedding has a history of drug-related charges dating back to 2014. She was also charged with theft between $500 and $10,000 in a case from July of this year. Wedding was initially granted pretrial release, but her release was later revoked. The court found no conditions of release could ensure she would either appear in court or avoid subsequent charges. Jersey County Sheriff’s Office records indicate Wedding currently

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SPRINGFIELD – Scenic drives are a must in Illinois in autumn and with the height of fall colors, people will be spending a lot of time on the road. The Illinois Department of Transportation and Illinois Department of Natural Resources are reminding the public to be alert for deer, which are entering their peak mating season, especially at dawn and dusk now through December. Madison County ranked second in Illinois in 2023 in deer crashes with 396, second behind Cook County with 598. “While your instinct is to veer when you hit a deer, don’t do it because you might lose control and injure yourself or others. Try to glance your vehicle off the deer and avoid swerving into the opposite lanes of traffic or off the road,” said Illinois Transportation Secretary Omer Osman. “Whether you’re in an urban, suburban or rural area, pay extra attention to your surroundings, especially in spots where there have been previous deer sightings.” In 2023,

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ALTON — A collision involving two business trucks occurred at 9:43 a.m. on Monday, Oct. 21, 2024, at the intersection of West Broadway and Piasa in Alton. Fortunately, there were no reported injuries resulting from the incident. Both drivers involved in the crash received treatment at the scene from Alton firefighters and did not require transport to a medical facility. The Alton Police Department is currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash. Further details regarding the cause or any potential violations have not been released at this time.

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CAHOKIA HEIGHTS - Cahokia Heights authorities are investigating a fatal car accident that claimed the life of a 39-year-old man Sunday night, Oct. 20, 2024. David Fayne, a resident of East St. Louis, died after losing control of his vehicle in the 600 block of Bond Avenue in Cahokia Heights. The St. Clair County Coroner's Office confirmed Fayne's death, stating that he succumbed to his injuries at the scene of the crash. The Cahokia Heights Police Department received a call regarding the incident at 10:34 p.m. Sunday. Fayne was driving a Chevy Cruze when he lost control of the vehicle. The coroner's office reported that Fayne was pronounced dead at 11:30 p.m. on Sunday. As of Monday, no additional details regarding the circumstances of the crash were available. The investigation into the incident is ongoing.

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ALTON – Riverbend Head Start & Family Services (RHSFS) is honored to celebrate Veteran’s Day at its Essic Robinson Center. During the occasion, we’re hosting an open house. It will be held on Monday, November 11, 2024 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The address is 1802 E. Broadway, Alton IL, 62002. This year marks the first time that RHSFS is planning a special Veteran’s Day celebration. Two of our Essic Robinson employees, Hannah Hook (U.S. Army) and Mitchell Bushnell-Chamness (U.S. Air Force) collaborated on the idea. In an effort to ensure all of our children at Essic Robinson are included, we will host two-time slots. The early time slot will be at 10:30 a.m., the afternoon time slot will be at 1:30 p.m. We will have veterans from all over the community visiting with our Head Start students. The children will gather in the main hallway to welcome the veterans during a red carpet “honor walk.” Veterans will then be presented

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