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Name: Peter Blake Diamond Hometown: Bethalto Years of Service: 2007-2011 KIA: No Branch: US Army Rank: Specialist Wars: Iraqi War Medals/Honors Earned: Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal with Campaign Star, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Parachutist Badge, Eagle Eye Message: Pete spent his years of service with the 82nd Airborne division at Ft. Bragg in NC. While in, he did a year long tour in Iraq under OIF and OEF. Submitted By: Ashley Diamond

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Name: Patrick Fischer Hometown: Wood River Years of Service: 1981-1985 DOD: March 15, 1966 KIA: No Branch: Army Rank: SGT Message: We miss you every day. Submitted By: Kathryn Fischer

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Name: Cheri Tarvin Hometown: East Alton Years of Service: 1966-1968 KIA: No Branch: Army Message: God Bless You, Mom Submitted By: Niall A Tarvin

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ALTON – As part of its continuing recognition of breast cancer awareness month, OSF HealthCare Saint Anthony’s Health Center in Alton, Illinois, has two public events this week to educate women about the disease.On October 20 from 4-8 p.m., the OSF Saint Anthony’s mammography team enjoyed a “girls night out” event. Attendees can get a screening mammogram and enjoy food, drinks, vendors and prizes. On October 31 from 12-1 p.m., the hospital will host a “lunch and learn” with guest speaker Manpreet Sandhu, MD, oncologist at OSF Moeller Cancer Center on the OSF Saint Anthony’s campus. Dr. Sandhu will share insights on breast cancer treatment and more. Attendees will receive a box lunch. People interested in attending these events should RSVP by calling (618)-474-6791. To attend the “lunch and learn,” please RSVP by October 28. “It’s vitally important that women know how to catch breast cancer early through self-checks

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WOOD RIVER - The City of Wood River Public Services said as of 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, October 20, the boil order in the city has been lifted for everyone except those already notified on the north side of Ferguson and the south side of Lorena from 1st Street to Haller. "We hope to have them lifted tomorrow," Public Services explained in a comment.

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EDWARDSVILLE - Madison County Clerk Debbie Mendoza said early voting starts on Monday, Oct. 24, and mail-in ballots have been sent out for the past couple of weeks. “We have sent out approximately 13,000 vote-by-mail ballots and received 3,500 back,” she said. While she expects Election Day to go smoothly, she added the results from we see that night are not final. “I am confident that everything will go well for the election,” she said. “The election really isn’t over on Nov. 8. We have to wait 14 additional days for any ballots postmarked by Nov. 8 to finish counting ballots.” Mendoza added that Madison County is always looking for election judges. “It is an honor to be that person for the voters,” Mendoza said of the role. “They expect to have a ballot and support in place when they go and vote on election day, and judges are there to assist them in their God-given right to cast a ballot.” Online applications

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The Illinois Department of Transportation announced today a lane closure on westbound Interstate 270 between Illinois Route 3 and Riverview Drive in Missouri beginning at 5 p.m. Friday, Oct. 21, 2022, weather permitting. One lane will remain open through the weekend. The closure is for bridge deck repairs. Work should be done by 5 a.m. Monday, Oct. 24. The contractor on this project is Walsh Construction Company II, LLC of Chicago. For IDOT District 8 updates, follow us on Twitter at @IDOTDistrict8 or view area construction details on IDOT’s traveler information map on GettingAroundIllinois.com

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WOOD RIVER – Today, Democratic Candidate for State Senate Kris Tharp (IL-56), a police officer of 25 years, announced his endorsement from Associated Fire Fighters of Illinois (AFFI). “Since his term began as Senator, Kris Tharp has demonstrated his ability to better the working conditions for hard-working people throughout the state and find ways to improve the wellbeing of our communities," said Matt Giles, President of Collinsville Fire Fighters Local 2625. "He has been a tireless advocate for firefighters unions, and working families." Kris Tharp has been a public servant for 25 years, working as a police officer, an elderly service officer for the seniors in his community, and Deputy Commander of the Major Case Squad of Greater St. Louis, one of the oldest, most successful homicide task forces in the country. “Firefighters and I share a similar drive and passion for public service and I am proud to have their support in this State Senate race,”

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ALTON - This Saturday could be senior midfielder Dre Davis' last game with the Marquette Catholic High School boy's soccer team. He's heading into the Class 2A Regional Final game against the Triad Knights though confident that it won't be. "Hopefully, we'll come out strong," he said. "We definitely have the potential." The Explorers played the Knights back on Oct. 1 and lost by a score of 6-1. Marquette hasn't lost since then, winning six straight. The Explorers now have a record of 17-5. Dre isn't ready to be done yet. "It's my senior year and I got plenty left in the tank." He helped his team in a 6-1 win over Jersey Wednesday night in the regional semifinals. He had a goal and an assist in that game. He's the team's second-leading goal scorer with 19, only behind fellow senior and longtime friend Myles Paniagua who's got 34. Dre also has 16 assists this season. Davis is a Tucker's Automotive and Repair Male Athlete of the Month for Marquette Catholic. Regardless of what happen

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WOOD RIVER - Those in the mood for a Chili Cookoff for the fall will have one to visit in Wood River from 2-6 p.m. on Saturday, October 29, presented by Wood River Economic Development and the City of Wood River. The event will be held next to the Roundhouse at 633 N. Wood River Avenue. There will be free admission to the cookoff event with not only chili but cold drinks, live music, and awards handed out. The awards will consist of Police and Fire Bragging Rights, People’s Choice, Mayor’s Choice, City Manager’s Choice, First Place Restaurant, and First-Place Organization. There will be an abundance of children’s activities from pumpkin painting and face painting to a bounce house and much more. The Wood River Halloween Parade is set for 10:30 a.m. on that Saturday, so the Chili Cookoff is a natural second destination in Wood River that day after the parade. Kristen Burns, the marketing coordinator for the City of Wood River, said the Chili Cookoff used to

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ALTON - New asphalt is now down on Belle Street across from Mac’s and Riverbender buildings. Next week, striping for the new asphalt strip will take place. Mayer Company has done the concrete work and the asphalt and done an outstanding job, Rob Lenhardt, an owner of Mac’s, said today. Mac himself, and Rob, were both out surveying the new asphalt Thursday afternoon. Mayer Company was busy with asphalt work on Belle Street beyond Mac's area as Thursday ended. “We are glad it is over,” Rob said of the sewer repair work near his location on Belle Street.” “It has been hard on business, but in the future, with floods and more it will help all of us downtown.”

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ALTON - The Alton Boys & Girls Club has been innovative for years with fundraisers under Executive Director Al Womack. The fundraisers help the organization in its mission to assist area at-risk youth. One of the most creative and successful fund-raiser events is the annual Tennies & Ties Dinner, scheduled this time for 5:30 p.m. Thursday, November 3, 2022, at the Lewis and Clark Community College Commons. “This is our fourth Tennies and Ties Dinner," Womack said. “It is our largest fundraiser each year. “We haven’t had a Tennies and Ties event since 2020 when the COVID-19 Pandemic hit," Womack said. "Things have started settling down and become more relaxed, so why not throw on some tennis shoes and ties and support the Alton Boys & Girls Club? We try to give people a feel for the boys and girls who take part in our club at the dinner. Women can wear ties, or can wear a dress, although we encourage ties.” “This is also a great socializing and networkin

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GLEN CARBON - The Village of Glen Carbon is pleased to announce a renewed municipal electricity aggregation program with a new supplier, Constellation NewEnergy. The Village’s primary goal is to protect residents from the continued rise in electric supply rates. Since June, Village residents and small businesses participating in the municipal electricity aggregation program, have been receiving rates of $0.0429 cents versus the Ameren rate of $0.10628 cents. This equates to an average household savings of over $50 per month, with larger households saving considerably more. Ameren's current price to compare (PTC) as of October 1 st , 2022, through May of 2023 is $0.12236 cents. The Village, along with their consultant Good Energy LP, has secured a fixed rate of $0.1210 cents for a 22-month term starting in February of 2023, which is less than the current Utility PTC. Therefore, if the rate with Ameren continues to increase, the residents and small businesses in the Glen Carbon

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WOOD RIVER - The City of Wood River is pleased to announce they have renewed the municipal electricity aggregation program with a new supplier, Constellation NewEnergy. The City's primary goal is to protect residents from the continued rise in electric supply rates. Since June, the City's residents and small businesses participating in the municipal electricity aggregation program, have been receiving rates of $0.0429 cents versus the Ameren rate of $0.10628 cents. This equates to an average household savings of over $50 per month, with larger households saving considerably more. Ameren's current price to compare (PTC) as of October 1st, 2022, through May of 2023 is $0.12236 cents. The City along with their consultant Good Energy LP has secured a fixed rate of $0.1220 cents for a 22-month term starting in February, which is less than the current Utility PTC. Therefore, if the rate with Ameren continues to increase, the residents and small businesses in our community have the option

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EDWARDSVILLE – The Edwardsville Police Department today reminded motorists of the dangers of impaired driving, particularly on Halloween when little ghouls and goblins are out in neighborhoods and on busy streets after dark. If you plan to be out celebrating, keep these fearsome warnings in mind: Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over. Drive High Get a DUI. “If you know you’re partying this Halloween, make sure you designate a sober driver to get you home safely,” said Lt. Barry Jones. “Don’t put yourself, or others, at risk by driving impaired by alcohol, marijuana, or any other impairing substance.” Each year throughout Illinois, hundreds die in impaired-driving crashes, while others face the ramifications of a DUI, including jail time, loss of license, and thousands of dollars spent on attorney’s fees, fines, and lost wages. The Edwardsville Police Department urges everyone to follow these simple tips to help keep our roads safe during Halloween:

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GODFREY – Lewis and Clark Community College’s Office of Sustainability, along with CJD e-Cycling and the Village of Godfrey, will host a community eWaste drive from 9 a.m. to noon, Friday, Nov. 4, and Saturday, Nov. 5, in the Tolle Lane parking lot across from the college’s Godfrey Campus. Most items will be accepted for free, providing community members with a secure, Earth-friendly option for discarding used electronics. The following is a sampling of the items that will be accepted: Computers, printers, cables and peripherals (keyboards, mice, etc.) Fax machines, scanners, digital converter boxes, cable receivers, satellite receivers Video game consoles, digital video disc player/recorders, portable digital music players Networking equipment, server, telecommunications, phones, cell phones, clocks, etc. VCR, stereos, and audio/video equipment (including cable/satellite) Holiday lights, metal decorations and metal furniture Electrical, cabling, communication

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MARYVILLE – National Mammography Day is recognized during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and State Senators Christopher Belt and Kris Tharp are reminding women to schedule this potentially life-saving exam. “Early detection for breast cancer is vital to patient care,” said Senator Belt (D-Swansea). “National Mammography Day and Breast Cancer Awareness Month serve as a reminder for women to schedule their yearly exams, and this simple test saves lives.” Breast cancer affects more than 250,000 women and 2,400 men in the United States every year. But unfortunately, the National Cancer Institute reported an estimated 9.4 million screenings that normally would have taken place in 2020 did not occur due to the pandemic. “Mammograms are one of the best tools doctors have to screen for breast cancer,” said Senator Tharp (D-Bethalto). “I urge women to make an effort to ensure they are up-to-date on their breast screenings and to make mammogram

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CHICAGO – On October 19, 2022, at approximately 12:52 a.m., Illinois State Police (ISP) officials investigated a two-vehicle traffic crash involving an ISP Trooper’s squad car on Interstate 55 southbound south of LaGrange Road in Cook County. On the above date and time, an ISP Trooper was stationary in the right lane with emergency lights activated assisting a stopped motorist. A black 2023 Land Rover Velar, traveling southbound, failed to yield to the stationary emergency vehicle and struck the rear end of the ISP squad car. The Trooper was outside of the car at the time of the crash and there were no injuries reported as a result. The driver of the Land Rover, Yuri F. Ferreira Da Silva, 28-year-old of Hoffman Estates, IL, was arrested for Driving Under the Influence and issued a citation for a violation of Scott’s Law – Improper Passing of a Stationary Emergency Vehicle. There have been 21 ISP Move Over Law-related crashes this year and eight Troopers

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EDWARDSVILLE - A first-place finish in an international competition highlighted a recent showing by the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Engineering’s Cougar Baja team. The team competed in the Baja SAE® series held Sept. 29-Oct. 2 in Green Valley, Ariz. The series consists of competitions that simulate real-world engineering design projects and their related challenges. “We placed first in the sled pull at the competition and that means a lot to everyone on the Cougar Baja team,” said Mattew Buchholz, president of the Cougar Baja team. “It feels great to have all of our hard work pay off.” Along with the 1 st place finish in sled pull, the team also succeeded in the following categories: 8 th in maneuverability 16 th in acceleration 22 nd in suspension 33 rd in endurance Buchholz, together with teammates Michael Voltz, Joshua Ford, Ethan Ditzel, Caleb Hildebrandt, Brian Smith, Gabe Dudek, Curtis Lake and Sam Churchill,

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WOOD RIVER - The William M. BeDell Achievement and Resource Center (ARC) will host its 41 st annual dance and auction on Saturday, November 5 from 7:00 to 11:00 pm. The event will take place at the Knights of Columbus Hall at 1713 Stamper Lane in Godfrey. Board member, Shirley Weidman, has organized the dance since 1980 as the primary fundraiser for the agency. Chairing the event this year are John and Kirstin Hamilton of Fosterburg. The Hamiltons have been attending the dance for 15 years. Kirstin said, “I grew up with the Wiedman family and spent time at their home. Shirley has always welcomed us to the event, and we’ve enjoyed it.” John added, “My father said the arc dance has been one of the premiere events in the community for many years. We’re happy to be a part of it.” Kirstin is a physical therapist for OSF Saint Anthony’s Health Center and John is co-owner of Hamilton Fabrication and Steel, and farms with his family. Tickets to

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