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U of I Football Star Palmer Became Hollywood Actor - Sang National Anthem At Every Home Game In 1952; Starred In 'Lil' Abner'

2 years 5 months ago
BUZZ MAGAZINE - The 1953 edition of the Illinois football team had plenty to offer. Not only did the Illini win a Big Ten title, but they also had their own anthem singer. Peter Palmer, a senior tackle, delivered “The Star-Spangled Banner” before every home that season while wearing his football uniform. It was a sign of things to come, as Palmer went on to become a star of the stage and screen. Palmer was part of the original Broadway cast of Li’l Abner, one of the stage hits of the decade, and reprised his role in the Hollywood version. He later was credited with forty television and movie roles. Born on Sept. 20, 1931, in Milwaukee, Palmer spent most of his youth in St. Louis. He later earned a football scholarship to Illinois and played on Big Ten championship teams in both 1951 and 1953. However, the gridiron was not Palmer’s primary reason for choosing Illinois. Though he was offered scholarships by multiple football programs, he selected Illinois

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Mac's Starts Breakfast Trial On Friday and Saturdays

2 years 5 months ago
ALTON - Mac’s Downtown has had many innovations over the past year and its newest adventure is breakfast. A small breakfast menu is now available on Friday and Saturday from 7-11 a.m. The Mac’s brunch will continue on Sundays. Rob Lenhardt, one of Mac’s owners, said there aren’t as many places in the Downtown Alton area for breakfast and he thinks it might fill a niche. “We are going to ease into and try it for six to eight weeks and see how it goes,” he said. “We will have a smaller niche menu and listen to the community’s feedback. If they want it to continue we could add a few more days after the trial." The Mac’s Sunday Brunch has been extremely successful. Rob said staff will come in at 5:30 a.m. on Friday and Saturday and by 7 a.m. will start serving customers. He said in the beginning there will be a limited menu with 8 items, Lump Crab Eggs Benedict, Steak and Eggs, Biscuits and Gravy, Bacon Breakfast Sandwich, Southwest

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Alton Amphitheater Commission Releases Request For Proposals For Naming Rights and Production Services

2 years 5 months ago
ALTON - After a successful 2022 season on the Alton Riverfront, the Alton Amphitheater Commission has begun planning for 2023. As part of that planning process, the Commission, at its meeting on October 19, 2022, approved the release of Requests for Proposals for both the venue naming rights and for production services to begin in 2023. Interested parties may download one or both of the Requests for Proposals from the City of Alton’s website at https://www.cityofaltonil.com/bidsandrfp/ Parties interested in production services for the amphitheater should submit eight copies of their proposal in a sealed envelope to the Alton Park & Recreation office at 2 Emma Kaus Lane, Alton, Illinois 62002 no later than 12:00pm on Monday, November 21, 2022. All proposals will be opened by the Amphitheater Commission in the lunch room on the second floor of Alton City Hall at its regular meeting on Monday, November 21, 2022 at 4:30pm. Any interested persons may be present and those making submission

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Man Arrested On Theft and Forgery Charges

2 years 5 months ago
HARDIN - On September 13, 2022, the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office received a complaint of Theft and Forgery. The Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office began conducting an investigation. Subsequent to the investigation, on Friday, October 21st the Calhoun County State's Attorney's Office issued charges and requested a warrant to be issued for Adam J. Webster, age 33, of Hamburg, Illinois for the offenses of Theft, and Forgery. On October 23, 2022, Webster was arrested by the Jersey County Sheriff's Department. Webster posted bond on the aforementioned charges, and was released on bond with a court date at the Calhoun County Courthouse in Hardin, Illinois. All suspect(s) are innocent until proven guilty.

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Alton Main Street Recognized for Outstanding Revitalization Efforts at Illinois Main Street Conference  

2 years 5 months ago
ALTON – Alton Main Street is pleased to announce being awarded The Lieutenant Governor Award for Excellence in Revitalization, recognizing the Untold Black Stories of Alton project. The award is one of the most notable recognitions for Illinois Main Street communities to achieve for their work in bringing economic prosperity to their communities. The awards highlight projects, activities and events focused around The Main Street Approach™ (Design, Organization, Economic Vitality and Promotion), as well as outstanding volunteers and board members. “Revitalization is about using talent, resources, new ideas, and paths of collaboration for positive change,” said Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton. “I am so proud of this year’s award recipients for their amazing work strengthening Main Street communities after the challenges caused by the pandemic. Because of their efforts, our main streets will continue to provide goods, services, economic opportunities,

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Haine Charges Defendant With Stealing $64,200 From Softball Organization

2 years 5 months ago
EDWARDSVILLE - Madison County State’s Attorney Tom Haine on Thursday filed felony theft charges against the treasurer of a local softball organization. Heather S. Sullivan, 37, of Roodhouse, is charged with stealing approximately $64,200 from Esprit Metro Fast Pitch. The theft is alleged to have occurred between Aug. 1, 2021, and March 7, 2022. Associate Judge Janet Heflin set the defendant’s bail at $80,000. The case was investigated by Glen Carbon Police and Assistant State’s Attorney Bruce Reppert. This charge, as well as the statements made herein, are based upon probable cause. The defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.

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Letter to the Editor - Sheriff John D. Lakin

2 years 5 months ago
Dear Editor, As the sheriff in Madison County, my job is to protect the public’s safety. In this role, it’s vital to have strong partners in elected officials who share my commitment to making the right decision when it comes to protecting the public and our men and women in law enforcement. That’s why I am supporting Katie Stuart for State Representative. As State Representative, Katie has supported and fought for laws to make our communities safer and that protect our men and women who put their lives in danger each day to help keep the public safe. Katie is fighting for safer communities by delivering millions in new funding to put more police on our streets and for new high-tech resources and collaboration to solve violent crimes, carjackings, and home burglaries. That’s why Katie is the only candidate for State Representative endorsed by the Illinois Fraternal Order of Police, Sheriffs of Illinois PAC, and the Illinois Troopers Lodge #41 Fraternal Order

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Alton City Council Discusses Potential Five-Foot Tall, 1,000-Foot Permanent Flood Wall

2 years 5 months ago
ALTON - The Alton City Council discussed a resolution for a permanent response to the issues of flooding - a five-foot tall, 1,000-foot wall from the Greater Rivers and Routes Tourism Bureau Office on Piasa Street to William Street. Alderman Nate Keener told the council members that originally the plan was to suspend the rules and approve the wall proposition with the State of Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) and the City of Alton in an immediate fashion, but now the thought was to receive some public input and have it go directly through Alton Committee of the Whole. He explained that time is of the essence to approve the measure to receive the IEMA funding to match with city funds. “We want to take advantage of federal funds to mitigate flood damage,” he said. “But we would like to see more public input and transparency around the project. I would like to just read it and refer it to the Committee of the Whole.” Keener said there is still time

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Faces Up To 40 Years: Madison Man Pleads Guilty To Murder

2 years 5 months ago
EDWARDSVILLE — Madison County State’s Attorney Tom Haine announced Thursday that a 25-year-old Madison man has pleaded guilty to first-degree murder in connection with a fatal shooting in Venice. Gerrin L. Massie pleaded guilty to firing a shot that killed Kenneth Stanley Jr., 30, on May 12, 2020. Private surveillance video showed Massie exiting a vehicle on Market Street in Venice, then walking down the street to the rear of a vehicle occupied by Stanley and two others. Massie fired 15 rounds into the back of the car, but only one bullet struck a person - Stanley. Stanley died of a gunshot to the back of his head. The maximum sentence available under the plea agreement is 40 years in prison, while the minimum sentence for first-degree murder is 20 years. Massie’s sentencing hearing is set for Dec. 9. “We intend to ask for the maximum available sentence of 40 years,” Haine said. “Violent crime has to be met with an appropriate measure of justice,

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Edwardsville, Glen Carbon Fire Departments Implement Enhanced Form of CPR

2 years 5 months ago
EDWARDSVILLE – The Edwardsville and Glen Carbon Fire Departments have implemented an innovative way to treat patients suffering cardiac arrest that’s yielding encouraging results. The departments earlier this year began using an enhanced form of cardiopulmonary resuscitation that takes a cue from NASCAR pit crews. Anyone familiar with a NASCAR event has probably seen pit crews in action: Every member has one specific role that they handle simultaneously, enabling the crew to get their driver back on the track quickly. In the life-and-death situations emergency responders face, anything that boosts speed and efficiency is obviously even more essential. And while the enhanced CPR method doesn’t completely overhaul how cardiac calls are handled, it makes several critical improvements. “Historically, what you’d have is somebody taking charge and giving assignments at the scene, which isn’t as efficient as everybody knowing what they’re going to

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Powerball Jackpot Continues To Rise Now To $800 Million, But Someone Holds Ticket Worth Million and Another $50,000

2 years 5 months ago
CHICAGO – The Powerball jackpot is now at an eye-watering $800 million for Saturday night’s drawing. If won, it would be the second largest Powerball jackpot and the fifth largest lottery jackpot won in U.S. history. The Powerball jackpot climbed to $800 million after Wednesday night’s drawing yielded no grand prize winning ticket matching all six numbers: 19-36-37-46-56 and Powerball 24. However, Illinois Lottery players should double check their Powerball tickets from last night. That’s because someone is holding a winning ticket worth a million dollars and another winning ticket worth $50,000. The $1 million winning ticket was purchased at Riverside Mobile, located at 503 N. Main Street in Sycamore. The manager of that store claims they know who bought the winning ticket. “A gentleman, who is one of our regular customers, popped into our store early this morning and exclaimed, 'you guys sold me a million dollar winning Powerball ticket - thank

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Area Unemployment Rate Continues To Decrease: Local Counties All Remain Low In Stats

2 years 5 months ago
SPRINGFIELD - The September area unemployment rate for the Illinois Section of the St. Louis Metropolitan Statistical Area was 3.8 percent, a decrease of -0.7 percentage points from the September 2021 rate of 4.5 percent. Some of the local city results in September were Edwardsville at 2.8 percent unemployment, compared to 2.9 percent in September 2021. Granite City recorded a 4.2 percent rate compared to 5.8 percent in 2021 at the same time, and Alton stood at 5.4 percent, down from 7.0 percent in September 2021. Belleville had a 4.4 percent rate compared to 5.9 percent a year ago. County comparisons showed Jersey at 3.1 percent for September 2022, against 3.6 percent a year ago, Macoupin County had a 3.4 percent rate and was 3.8 percent last year. Greene also recorded a 3.6 percent rate compared to 4.0 percent a year ago. Calhoun was at 3.6 percent compared to 3.8 percent in 2022 at the same time, and Madison County was at 3.6 percent this year and was at 4.3 percent in September

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Roxana Girls Cross Country Team Fourth At Regional, Are Midwest Members Credit Union Shells' Female Athletes Of The Month

2 years 5 months ago
TRENTON - Roxana's girls' cross country team has had an amazing season and the Shells added another big accomplishment Saturday at the IHSA Class 1A Trenton Regional, with a fourth-place team finish to advance to the sectional this weekend. At Wesclin High, McGivney had three of the top ten spots, while both Roxana and Marquette Catholic went through as teams in the Class 1A regional. Ben Scamihorn, a former SIUE runner, has coached the Shells girls and boys this year and has done a phenomenal job. He said he couldn't be more proud of his girls' group for how hard they have worked for their success. Breese Mater Dei Catholic won the meet with 52 points, with the Griffins coming in second with 75 points. Freeburg was third with 97 points, Roxana came in fourth with 111 points, Breese Central was fifth with 127, the Explorers were sixth at 142 points and Columbia got the final team berth with a seventh-place finish at 182 points. Belleville Althoff Catholic was eighth with 206 points,

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Sheriff John Lakin Endorses Kris Tharp for State Senate

2 years 5 months ago
WOOD RIVER – Today, Democratic Candidate for State Senate Kris Tharp (IL-56), a police officer of 25 years, announced his endorsement from Madison County’s Sheriff John Lakin. “Kris Tharp is a man of integrity who has consistently demonstrated his devotion to community and to improving public safety in Madison County," said Madison County Sheriff John Lakin. "He has always looked for ways to protect the most vulnerable, worked to reduce crime, and advocated for higher policing standards. I’m proud to have worked alongside him and I strongly believe there is no one more qualified than him to represent the people of Madison County as their State Senator." 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. “Working for Sheriff

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The Story Of The Vietnam-Era Mass Kit, Father Marty Smith Hosts Another Veteran's Day Mass at St. Xavier Parish Church in Jerseyville

2 years 5 months ago
JERSEYVILLE - When someone sees the special Mass kit at a Veteran’s Day Mass at St. Xavier Parish Church in Jerseyville, they need to understand the meaning behind it. The kit dates all the way back to the Vietnam War and the special relationship Father Marty Smith has with a Vietnam Chaplain who became a priest - Father Micheas Langston. Father Micheas has had a huge influence on Father Marty and is one of the reasons Marty became a priest. Father Micheas was a chaplain in the Vietnam War and in 2019, marked 60 years in the priesthood. He is now a Saint Meinrad monk. Father Micheas gave Father Marty the Vietnam Era Mass kit and wanted him to find inspiration and continue to use it. The Mass Kit is one of Father Marty's most treasured possessions. Father Marty will perform the Mass at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 11, 2022, at the St. Xavier Parish with the kit. “When I met Father Micheas in the service, I think I saw his life of service as a priest and it really resonated

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State Representative Amy Elik Endorsed By Labor And Job Creators

2 years 5 months ago
ALTON - State Rep. Amy Elik (R-Alton) racked up dozens of endorsements this election cycle, but says no endorsement is “more important than that of the voters.” “From farmers to teachers to first responders to job creators and more, I’m proud of every endorsement I’ve received this year,” said Elik. “But no endorsement means more than that of the voters. Every vote cast can be a vote to stop corruption, bring forth a fiscally responsible state government, and create a better life for working families. I encourage everyone to use their vote to save Illinois.” Elik previously announced support of business groups, including the Illinois Manufacturing Association, Illinois Chamber, Associated Builders & Contractors, Technology & Manufacturing Association, Illinois Farm Bureau, and NFIB-IL PAC. Standing up for constitutional freedoms, groups including the National Rifle Association, Illinois State Rifle Association, ABATE of Illinois, and

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Elizabethan Gala Fundraiser Returns For St. Elizabeth's Foundation

2 years 5 months ago
O'FALLON — HSHS St. Elizabeth’s Foundation is excited to announce the return of the Elizabethan Gala after a hiatus during the COVID-19 pandemic and invites the public to attend. The 2022 Gala will be held on Friday, Nov. 4 at the Regency Conference Center, 400 Regency Park in O’Fallon, beginning at 6 p.m. with a cocktail reception, followed by dinner and a program. The evening concludes with live music by the Fabulous Motown Revue. During the program, HSHS St. Elizabeth’s Foundation will honor Tom Vernier and Fr. James Deiters as Elizabethan Awardees for their commitment to HSHS St. Elizabeth’s Hospital and the future of health care in the region. The Elizabethan Gala is a traditional fall event that dates back to 1983. The “Elizabethan Holiday” was started by St. Elizabeth’s Auxiliary as a luncheon and fashion show to promote positive community relations for the hospital, support the hospital’s mission and honor the Feast of

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MCHS Resumes Dining In History Event

2 years 5 months ago
BUZZ MAGAZINE - After a two-year hiatus, the Madison County Historical Society (MCHS) has resumed all regular programming, including the annual Dining in History (DIH) event. DIH, which also serves as the Society’s annual meeting, is held at a historic site in Madison County and includes a program on that location. In years past, it has been held in the Madison County Courthouse for the building’s centennial, the Wildey Theatre, and Diamond Mineral Springs, to name a few. The 2022 Dining in History event will be held on Sunday, November 6, at the Old Bakery Beer Company in Alton. The Old Bakery Beer Company is a certified organic craft brewery and restaurant that occupies a century-old building that was used as a commercial bakery from 1903 to the 1980s. It opened as a brewery in 2015. Tours of the modern brewery begin at noon and are followed by a buffet luncheon at 1 p.m. Immediately after the meal there will be a brief Annual Meeting, held for the purpose of electing

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The Importance Of Seed Saving

2 years 5 months ago
BUZZ MAGAZINE - For the home gardener, seeds are a topic of great interest. Some of us shop for our seeds each spring and some of us spend the tail end of each growing season collecting our seeds for next year's gardens. I can honestly say that I am both. I feel like it is important to save your own seeds for several reasons: saving seeds is free, supply chain shortages can make it difficult, if not impossible to acquire your garden seeds, seed saving produces stronger plants each year and it builds a stronger community. One of my early spring indulgences is to fix myself a big mug of hot Earl Grey and flip through my seed catalogs with sticky notes and notebook. I love finding pretty new flowers to incorporate and new varieties of my favorite foods to try, either for their beauty or new flavor profiles. If you're like me, you know just how costly this can quickly become. The cost of seeds is growing each year and the number of seeds you get per pack is dwindling. I used to share

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