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ALTON - Local historian Jared Hennings will host the Freedom to Equality tours to highlight the Riverbend’s Black history. On Oct. 19 and Nov. 16, 2024, Hennings will guide attendees through a shuttle tour around Alton and Godfrey to several local landmarks. From the Underground Railroad to the 13th Amendment, the history behind each stop will share more about Alton’s African American community and historical significance. “I must say, it does broaden my appreciation for where I live,” Hennings said. “It makes me realize that I really live in a very special area. I think people, once they take the tour, they feel likewise, because a lot of this information, you probably just drive by. You do not realize that all of this fantastic history is a part of where we live. It is something that makes you more appreciative as to where you live, as to how your life integrates with where you live.” The tours, sponsored by the Great Rivers and Routes

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WOOD RIVER - Wood River City Council members this week voted to pursue the creation of a dog park and pocket park in the city’s downtown. City Manager Steve Palen requested to seek bids for both a “Wood River Downtown Pocket Park” and a “Wood River Downtown Dog Park.” Both requests were approved, and the city is now seeking bids for both projects. The parks will be located at 217-223 E. Ferguson Ave., according to Palen. The estimated cost for the dog park is $100,000, while the pocket park is estimated to cost $150,000. Palen said the pocket park will be maintained by the city and feature several amenities. “There’s a bandstand, there’s going to be public bathrooms, there’ll be some seating benches, potentially some outside areas to eat,” Palen said. “It’ll be surrounded by a decorative keystone wall, so it’ll look nice,” he added. He also said the city may look into installing permanent

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ALTON — A ribbon-cutting ceremony at James Killion Park on Thursday evening, Oct. 10, 2024, marked the opening of new restrooms and water fountains, a long-awaited enhancement to the community’s facilities. Sheila Goins, one of the coordinators of the event and wife of Alton Mayor David Goins expressed her enthusiasm for the occasion, stating, "We are thrilled to celebrate a monumental evening." The ceremony was attended by a number of dignitaries, including Mayor David Goins, State Representative Amy Elik, and city officials Alderman Meehan and Alderwoman Rosetta Brown. The family of the late James Killion Jr. and School Board member Tiana Gibson were also present." Goins also thanked John Keller and the Riverbend Growth Association for their participation." Goins highlighted the significance of the event, noting that it fulfilled a promise made by Mayor Goins in 2021 to restore these essential amenities. She acknowledged former Alton Park Director Mike Haynes for his contribution

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GRANITE CITY - Employees of Revity Credit Union united during the month of September to raise $1,206.94 in support of Billie’s Kids Christmas through their Revel for a Cause Jeans Program. The Revel for a Cause Jeans Program is an employee funded program that gives Revity Credit Union employees the opportunity to support the credit union philosophy of people helping people. By making a monthly, monetary donation to a local organization, Revity Credit Union employees can wear jeans and tennis shoes on Fridays and Saturdays during that month. At Revity Credit Union, our commitment lies in supporting our community and prioritizing our members' well-being. Revity has proudly selected Billie’s Kids Christmas as the recipient of their Revel for a Cause donation. During the month of September, Revity Credit Union employees donated $1,206.94 to Billie’s Kids Christmas. Billie's Kids Christmas is an initiative that aims to bring joy and festive cheer to children in need,

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SWANSEA - State Senator Christopher Belt is joining the Illinois State Board of Education in inviting residents to nominate a local school board member for the Thomas Lay Burroughs Award, which is presented annually to an outstanding member of an Illinois school board. “I served four years on a local school board and know firsthand how important their duties are,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “School board members put care and quality into their districts to enhance the value of our students’ education. If you know a board member who has continued to make a positive impact on their school district, I urge you to nominate them for this respected award.” The Thomas Lay Burroughs Award was created in 1991 in memory of late ISBE Chairman Tom Burroughs and is presented each November at a conference hosted jointly by the Illinois Association of School Boards, the Illinois Association of School Administrators and the Illinois Association of School Business Officials.

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WOOD RIVER – The Illinois Department of Transportation today announced that intermittent daytime lane closures will take place on Illinois 143 from West Ferguson Avenue/Short Avenue (Wood River) to Illinois 157 (Edwardsville) in Madison County beginning, weather permitting, Tuesday, Oct. 15, through Thursday, Oct. 17. 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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CHICAGO - Today, Governor JB Pritzker, Governor Tony Evers, and Governor Gretchen Whitmer issued the following joint statement: "Four years ago, during the very worst of the COVID-19 pandemic, as Governors of our states, we were engaged in a 24/7 effort to obtain critical medical supplies for our people. It was a terrifying time, and the federal government abandoned us to fend for ourselves. No one knew how deadly the pandemic would turn out to be, and our hospitals were struggling to treat patients and protect their staff. The federal government, under the leadership of then-President Donald Trump, had completely abdicated responsibility. They ignored our requests for help to get testing kits, ventilators, and N-95 masks. As we grappled with worldwide shortages, the former President flat out refused to deploy the Defense Production Act to manufacture these critical supplies here at home, putting our people at the mercy of price gouging foreign suppliers. Putting pride and partisanship

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SPRINGFIELD - This week, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) marked the designation of the Springfield 1908 Race Riot National Monument alongside Senator Dick Durbin, Senator Tammy Duckworth, local leaders from the NAACP and ACLU, and officials from the Department of the Interior and White House Council on Environmental Quality at a ceremony in Springfield. “The 1908 Springfield Race Riot is deeply significant for our community and our country, both as a horrific example of racial violence and as a pivotal moment in civil rights history,” said Congresswoman Budzinski. “Telling the story of our past is essential to build a future with true justice and equality, but for too long this tragedy has not received the acknowledgment it deserves. This new national monument is an important step forward to honor those killed in 1908, reckon with America’s history of racial violence and recognize the resilience of the Black community. I was proud to work with Senator

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GODFREY - Happy Hour Barber Stop will once again host their annual trunk-or-treat. The free event, held at the barbershop at 4619 N. Alby Street, invites kids of all ages to come out and enjoy trunk-or-treating from 5–7 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 19, 2024. Owner Claudia Espinoza said there will be about 12 cars decorated and giving out candy, in addition to a costume contest and a special SWAT truck visit. “We get so excited about putting on the show for the kiddos,” Espinoza said. “To me, that’s a big deal, giving back to the community.” Espinoza has owned Happy Hour Barber Stop for six years. She loves hosting the annual trunk-or-treat and inviting community members to enjoy a safe, fun, “family-friendly” event. Unlike other trick-or-treating or trunk-or-treating events, there are no age restrictions. There will be no vendors or chances to spend money. Espinoza just wants to see all of the “kiddos” enjoy themselves

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EDWARDSVILLE - The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Concert Jazz Band is thrilled to announce its upcoming concert, “Ritmo y Jazz: A Celebration of Latin Music,” featuring accomplished percussionist Matt Henry. The performance will take place on Tuesday, October 15 at 7:30 p.m. in Dunham Hall Theater. The concert set pays homage to the rich traditions of Latin music, seamlessly blending jazz influences with infectious rhythms. Under the direction of Garrett Schmidt, associate professor of Jazz Studies, the SIUE Concert Jazz Band will showcase a dynamic program that celebrates the diverse sounds of Latin America, featuring classic pieces and innovative arrangements. Henry, renowned for his virtuosic skills with non-Western percussion, is the featured musical guest. With a career spanning more than two decades, Henry has collaborated with numerous acclaimed artists and is known for his ability to bring energy and passion to every performance. His unique style and

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ALTON - From 10 to 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, October 19, 2024, Sara Angleton and Jana Meehan will present their “Exploring the Legacy of the 1904 World’s Fair through Fiction” lecture at the Genealogy & Local History Library, 401 State Street, in downtown Alton. In 1904, all eyes were on the City of St. Louis, and on the largest, most ambitious fair the world had ever seen. The works of local authors Jana Meehan and Sarah Angleton explore the environment of this impactful event through stories of love, crime, and intrigue against a backdrop of the fascinating sights, experiences, innovations, and impressions of St. Louis’s World’s Fair. Join them as they discuss their research, the challenges of representing the era through fiction, and the lasting legacy of the fair in St. Louis and around the world. Sarah Angleton is the author of four historical novels, including “Paradise on the Pike”, a mystery set at Hagenbeck’s Zoological Paradise

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GRANITE CITY – Granite City High School congratulates four graduates who are entering the GCHS Wall of Fame Class of 2024. Colonel Thomas G. Miner Jr., USAF, (Ret.) (Class of 1990), James V. Rooney (Class of 1996), Cory L. Simpson, Md, PhD (Class of 1999) and Sharon (Koesterer) Van Meter, W.M.C.S. (Class of 1975 North) will be honored on Friday, November 8 during induction ceremonies in the GCHS atrium. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., dinner will be served at 6 p.m., followed by the induction ceremony at 7 p.m. To reserve a table of eight seats for $200, please email GCHS Wall of Fame Chair Daren DePew: depewdaren1@gmail.com COLONEL THOMAS G. MINER JR., ASAF, (Ret) - Class of 1990 Thomas Miner Jr. is a former Colonel in the United States Air Force (USAF), a position he held until his retirement in 2020. While in the USAF he served as the commander of five organizations. He had the honor and privilege of leading the air forces’ premier global airborne contingency

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JERSEYVILLE - Jerseyville’s Got Faith? organization has a wide range of support services for community members. Steve Pegram, founder of Got Faith?, explained that the organization works to bring resources to those who need them. Located at 508 West Pine Street in Jerseyville, the ministry’s food pantry, clothes closet and resource room are popular parts of the Got Faith? mission. The ministry's goal — to feed and inspire the hungry — feels more pressing than ever. “It’s God at work. That is all I can say. That’s just the bottom line,” Pegram said. Diane Stumpe’s Food Pantry is open from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Thursday. From 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Tuesdays and Saturdays, Miss Martha’s Closet is open to the public. These clothes are donated from Walmart and Cato’s, and every item of clothing costs $2. There is also a resource room that has a wide variety of household and hygiene items, from toilet paper and dish soa

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ALTON – The Alton Area Landmarks Association (AALA) invites the Alton community to its 52nd Annual Historic Building Tour at noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 12. This free historic walking tour will cover East Broadway from Market Street to Ridge Street perched on the hillside overlooking the Mississippi River. Architectural styles include Italianate, Victorian, Classical Revival, Renaissance Revival, Craftsman and Mid-Century Modern designs. According to AALA President Terry Sharp, “By having our event on Saturday, people from Alton Main Street’s Farmer’s Market can come up the hill and enjoy the tour. Many restaurants and shops will be open and ready to serve. The tour will go rain or shine.” “We are thrilled to participate in sharing the historic beauty of Alton with everyone who is interested,” said Chad Brigham of AltonWorks. “A huge part of our vision is to revitalize Alton by preserving the rich history on which this city

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ST. LOUIS COUNTY - St. Louis County Police Department detectives are actively seeking additional information and witnesses related to a violent incident that occurred on September 26, 2024. The department is urging anyone with relevant details to contact them at 636-529-8210. On October 4, 2024, the St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office issued sealed warrants for three suspects involved in the assault. Matthew Devlin, 39, and Donnie Hurley II, 42, both from Fenton, Missouri, and Garrett Gibbs, 23, from Arnold, Missouri, face serious charges, including multiple counts of Assault First Degree, Armed Criminal Action, and Kidnapping First Degree. Devlin is currently held on a $250,000 cash-only bond, while Gibbs and Hurley are each held on a $100,000 cash-only bond. Devlin and Hurley were arrested on October 8, 2024, while Gibbs was apprehended on October 10, 2024. The incident in question began around 10:40 p.m. at the intersection of South Lindbergh Boulevard and Lemay

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With age comes physical limitations. But it’s important to stay active, says John Rinker, MD , an internal medicine physician who specializes in geriatrics at OSF HealthCare. When you keep moving, it helps reduce the risk of things like diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity, cancer and neurocognitive diseases like Alzheimer's. In other words, Dr. Rinker says, it’s not fun to live long if you’re not well. Your lifespan versus your health span, as he puts it. “It really, really pays to maintain exercise and be in good physical shape as you age. It reaps huge dividends on how long you live,” Dr. Rinker stresses. Guidelines Each person should have a tailored plan as advised by a health care provider. But regardless of your age, the American Heart Association (AHA) generally recommends 150 minutes of moderate physical activity or 70 minutes of vigorous physical activity each week, spread out over several days. A brisk walk would qualify

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JERSEYVILLE - The Jerseyville Junior Panthers football team and cheerleading squad are hosting a fundraiser to raise money for Alton Memorial Hospital. On Sunday, Oct. 13, 2024, community members are invited to the 7u game at 10 a.m. and the 9u game at 12 p.m. to cheer on the players and enjoy a raffle and bake sale. All proceeds will go to AMH’s “You’ve Got a Friend” fund, which supports community members going through breast cancer. “We’re used to having a pretty good crowd, but I would love to see it be humongous just to support our boys playing their games as well as breast cancer research,” said Joanna Ray, marketing director of the Junior Panthers program. The games, to be played at 900 E. Franklin Avenue in Jerseyville, will encourage donations to AMH. The players will be wearing pink socks and pink eye makeup, with pink ribbons on their helmets. The cheerleaders will have pink bows and pompoms. The teams will be raffling of

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ALTON - From 6:30 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, October 15, 2024, the Hayner Public Library District will host “Wrestling at the Chase: An Evening with Ed Wheatley.” Wheatley is an award-winning and bestselling author, film producer, and sports historian. How can four simple words, “Wrestling at the Chase,” stir such vivid and special memories across multiple generations? When Sam Muchnick and Harold Koplar had a chance conversation on a plane in the fall of 1958, they had no idea that their unique idea would turn into the iconic program “Wrestling at the Chase”. Spanning multiple generations of fans, the show’s premiere in 1959 would launch a phenomenon and the onset of professional wrestling’s golden years. St. Louis became the wrestling capital of the world. Today, the WWE rules television and arenas nationwide, but without the leadership and promotion of “Wrestling at the Chase”, it may never have reached the standing it enjoy

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GODFREY/GRAFTON - Paul Mitchell The School St. Louis will host a Jeep’ers Creepers Fun-raising Jeep Run to raise money for local animal shelters. Registration for the Jeep run will begin at 11 a.m. at Roper’s Regal Beagle in Godfrey. The run will start at noon and end around 1 p.m. at Grafton Pub, where the band Cabin Fever will play and attendees can enjoy raffles, costume contests and bingo. Whitney Shaw, who works with Paul Mitchell, explained that all proceeds go toward Best Friends Animal Society . “One of our mottos of the school is that giving back is really where it’s at. We’re going to teach you hair, but we’re also going to teach you how to be a good human,” Shaw said. “This is one of the ways that we do that with our culture. It’s pretty cool.” People from across the Metro East attend Paul Mitchell The School St. Louis to become licensed hair stylists and cosmetologists. Students will be at Roper’s

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PIASA — Sophomore Thor Springman, a cross-country runner for Southwestern High School, has made headlines recently by breaking a longstanding course record with a time of 16:51.1 for three miles. This achievement comes as Springman continues to demonstrate significant improvement in his performance, showcasing his potential as a rising athlete. In recognition of his accomplishments, Springman has been named the Altonized Community Federal Credit Union Male Athlete of the Month for the Piasa Birds. The Southwestern course record he surpassed was established in 2006, before Springman was born. His recent performance not only broke the previous record by 20 seconds but also positioned him at the top of the list for the top 10 all-time Southwestern cross country runners. Springman had a best of 4:52.57 in the 1,600 meters in track and field as a freshman for Southwestern and 11:01.34 in the 3,200 meters. Springman’s boys cross country coach Gary Bowker described Thor as

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