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GRAFTON - After the news broke in December of 2021 that Aerie's Winery and Resort in Grafton was receiving the first-ever alpine coaster in the state of Illinois, anticipation grew wildly about what it was going to be like. Well now, as of the soft opening on September 29 and the ribbon cutting ceremony on October 11, the ride is officially open for business. Media was encouraged to take a ride on the brand-new attraction and were encouraged to shoot some pictures of the ride after Tuesday morning's ribbon cutting. "I can say that when I was in Europe I saw alpine coasters, and this is the best," Grafton Mayor Mike Morrow said during the opening ceremony. Corey Jobe, President of the Great Rivers and Routes Tourism Bureau, was at the ribbon cutting and was thrilled for Jeff and Sandy Lorton, owners of Aerie's Winery. "We want to congratulate the Lortons for creating another great product that we can continue to drive tourists from around the Midwest and beyond to the Great River

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COLLINSVILLE - The Illinois Department of Transportation announced that both lanes of Old Chain of Rocks Road from Illinois Route 157 to Illinois Route 203 will be intermittently restricted to one lane during daytime hours only on Wednesday, October 12, weather permitting. Drivers are urged to reduce speed, be alert for changing conditions, obey all traffic signs and refrain from mobile devices while approaching.

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EAST ALTON — Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) toured metal manufacturer Wieland’s Metro East facility, met with its leaders and Metro East officials and discussed how the historic CHIPS and Science Act that she voted for is supporting local manufacturing, growing our economy and strengthening our nation’s science and manufacturing competitiveness with China. Duckworth also emphasized the importance of good-paying union jobs, workforce development and the facility’s contributions to our national security. Photos of the tour are available here . “I was glad to tour Wieland and see their work to support good-paying union jobs, workforce development, and our national security through manufacturing right here in the Metro East,” said Duckworth. “We made sure to discuss how the CHIPS Act is helping lower costs, create jobs and boost American manufacturing. I was proud to vote for it to save money for working families, make sure our

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ALTON - Alton Community Service League announced at its meeting on Monday, October 10, at Main Street Methodist Church that members volunteered an extraordinary 549 hours with a value of $16,443 during the summer months. JoAnne Adams led the group's volunteers with 109 service hours. The Alton Community Service League is a nonprofit group that focuses on volunteerism and awarding Charitable and Beautification Grants. The program for the October meeting, narrated by Dave Miller, was a style show, presented by Fancy Nancy On Main Boutique in Grafton. Models featured were Cora Miller, Nancy Gist, and Nancy Wilson. Members were invited to treat themselves to a shopping experience at the pop-up boutique at the close of the meeting. The final item of the day was the drawing for the Raffle of the Horn of Plenty donated by Jeffrey’s Flowers by Design. The winning ticket drawn by Dave Miller was Carol Morris. Carol Morris, winner of the Horn of Plenty. The Community Service League issue

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EDWARDSVILLE - Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine (SIU SDM) hosted its 17 th annual Give Kids a Smile Day on Monday, Oct. 10, offering free comprehensive dental care to 129 children between the ages of 3-13. More than $61,000 worth of care was provided for free. “The SIU School of Dental Medicine is an important asset to the community as we provide access to care for patients who have difficulty securing a dentist that can serve their comprehensive needs,” said Katie Kosten, DMD, SIU SDM director of community dentistry. “The dental school provides an opportunity for patients to receive care from start to finish. We really reinforce the need to establish a dental home and we are happy to be that for patients throughout the region.” The care provided ranged from exams, x-rays and cleanings to treatment including stainless steel crowns, fillings and extractions. All services were provided by SIU SDM faculty, students, staff and volunteer denta

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GRAFTON - Grafton Parks Committee recently held a volunteer workday at Red Hawk Park in Grafton Hills on Saturday, Oct. 8, 2022, and there was a strong turnout and considerable enthusiasm, Grafton Director of Public Works Nick Hutchens said. Hutchens organized the workday and provided the materials for repairing and staining the playground’s wooden pirate ship playset. PVC curbing was installed around the base to contain rubber mulch scheduled for later delivery. All efforts of those who came to support Red Hawk and Grafton’s children were much appreciated, Hutchens added. "One young playground user came hoping to help paint and worked hard on the inside of the pirate ship. I am grateful for the turnout and the enthusiasm of our volunteers,” Hutchens said. “Our Parks Committee is very dedicated and we work well together.” Hutchens went on to explain that the Parks Committee is working to establish a ten-year plan with donated CAD drawings created b

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HARDIN - At 10:50 p.m. on October 8, 2022, a deputy with the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office conducted a traffic stop on Illinois River Road near Barry Street in Hardin, Calhoun County, Illinois. A subsequent investigation resulted in the arrest of the driver, Kyle G. Hoffman, age 29, of Jerseyville, Illinois, for the following offenses: Unlawful Possession of Methamphetamine (5-15 Grams), Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia DUI - Drugs, Unlawful Possession of Cannabis by Driver, and, Various traffic offenses. Hoffman was transported to the Greene County Jail. All suspect(s) are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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BELLEVILLE — Over $96,000 will be shared by over 90 Illinois fire departments through Illinois American Water’s 2022 Firefighter Grant Program. Since the program was created in 2010, over 860 grants totaling over $856,000 have been awarded to fire and emergency organizations serving customers in Illinois American Water’s service area. “We know how important water is in protecting homes and businesses. We also understand resources to our local heroes can run short. This is why we approved every grant we received in full this year, supporting our heroes in a meaningful way.” said Justin Ladner, Illinois American Water President. “The departments will utilize these funds to keep our customers and communities safe in emergency situations.” Illinois American Water’s Firefighter Grant Program awards grants to provide personal protective gear, communications equipment, firefighting tools, water handling equipment, training materials and classroom

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ALTON - Marquette Catholic High School will stage two comedies as part of Fall Play production Marquette Catholic’s Performing Arts Department will present two comedies, Humbletown and Law & Order, with performances scheduled for Friday, October 14, and Saturday, October 15, at 7 p.m. on the Ruth Klaus Stage. Humbletown tells the convoluted history of a small Midwestern town. Two interminably frustrated narrators - a young girl and a cranky old-timer - vie to have their version of events retold. Could the colonists really buy a baby at the general store? Did the ShamWow guy industrialize America? Was the town almost torn apart by facial hair? It all depends on who's telling the story. This here is the entirely accurate history of Humbletown: The Greatest Town on Earth. "The best part of the show is the quick costume changes. The worst part for the actors is the quick costume changes. But that's what makes the show so fun,” said Marquette Catholic senior, Edie Tesson. "I

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EDWARDSVILLE - Senior right-side setter Claire Dunivan has played an important part of the success of the Edwardsville High girls' volleyball team so far this season and has helped the team bounce back in their two matches after the Tigers' 58-match Southwestern Conference winning streak ended Sept. 27 in a loss at O'Fallon. In the Tigers' 25-10, 25-12 in over Collinsville on Oct. 4 at Lucco-Jackson Gym, Dunivan contributed two kills and a block in helping the Tigers go on to their win. For the season, Dunivan has 76 kills with 15 blocks, 16 assists and 12 digs in helping Edwardsville to a 16-4 record as the IHSA Class 4A playoffs are right around the corner. "It feels great," Dunivan said after the win over the Kahoks. "I think we really deserved this win. We work really hard in practice and I think it was good to see that out on the court." Claire is an iCAN Clinic Female Athlete of the Month for the Tigers. The Tigers have overcome the disappointment felt after the loss at O'Fallon

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EDWARDSVILLE - Senior defensive back Johnnie Robinson, along with the rest of the senior class, played his final regular season home game at Tiger Stadium Friday night in a thrilling 28-27 double overtime win over Belleville East on both homecoming and Senior Night to take the Tigers to 6-1. officially clinching an IHSA playoff berth for the 11th consecutive season. Before the game, Robinson and his family, along with fellow seniors Daion Gaston, Makonnen Simmons, Brandon Rodgers, Jordan Bush, Chris Green-Williams, Jr., Tyler Dacus, Jalen Flowers, De'Shawn Larson, Jack Laughlin, Zach Ziolkowski, Evan Holderer, Luke Williams, Patrick Sepanski, Charlie Fields, Ali Haroun, Dorian Arguelles, Dawson Rull and Robert Dewald and their families, were honored and thanked for their contributions and service to the Tiger football program. The Tigers held a 14-0 lead at halftime, thanks to a pair of touchdown runs by both Jake Curry and Bush, but the Lancers held the ball through much of the second

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GODFREY – About 200 students and parents used their day off school Monday, Oct. 10, to attend Lewis and Clark Community College’s Discover Day. The event gave visitors the chance to tour the campus and explore L&C’s many career and degree programs. L&C’s mascot, Blazer the Newfie, entertained the crowd by posing for photos and handing out stickers. Enrollment for the spring semester begins Oct. 17. Call or text (618) 468-2222 or visit www.lc.edu/admissions to get started.

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EDWARDSVILLE – The City of Edwardsville began clearing the property at 617 Hillsboro Avenue this month to prepare for a stormwater improvement project that will help alleviate flooding and drainage issues in that area. The residential building at the site was demolished on October 3. The City purchased the property earlier in 2022 in anticipation of the project, which is not expected to begin until mid-2023. During periods of heavy or prolonged rain, low-lying portions of Hillsboro Avenue in the 600 block experience flooding that results in the roadway becoming impassible. The City improvement project will consist of additional storm sewers and inlets within the 500 and 600 blocks of Hillsboro Avenue. Last month, the Madison County Board approved the allocation of $823,000 in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds toward the project. Edwardsville’s project was one of 11 stormwater improvement proposals in Madison County to receive ARPA funding.

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MARYVILLE – To continue his advocacy on behalf of working families and to help reduce the opioid epidemic’s widespread harm, State Senator Kris Tharp was appointed to serve on the Illinois Opioid Remediation Advisory Board. “Opioid addictions can not only lead to fatalities but can also induce hardships for working families, such as safety and financial concerns,” said Senator Tharp (D-Bethalto). “In my position as a law enforcement officer, I’m familiar with the prevalence of opioid abuse in Madison County. I’m grateful for this appointment and the opportunity to ensure resources are fairly distributed to reduce the epidemic.” Under the direction of the Illinois Department of Human Services, the Opioid Remediation Advisory Board serves as a sub-committee to the Opioid Prevention and Recovery Steering Committee. With this appointment, Senator Tharp will join the board in making advisory recommendations to ensure an equitable allocation

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ST. LOUIS COUNTY - The St. Louis County Police said Wednesday morning that the victim in a motor vehicle accident involving a pedestrian at the intersection of Jennings Station Road and Florence Place suffered life-threatening injuries but is still alive at this time receiving treatment at an area hospital. On October 10, 2022, at 7:27 PM, St. Louis County Police Officers from the City of Jennings Precinct responded to a call for service for a motor vehicle accident with a pedestrian struck at the intersection of Jennings Station Road and Florence Place. Responding officers located an adult female lying on the ground. The victim was transported to an area hospital for life-saving treatment but was later pronounced deceased. The driver of the vehicle remained on scene and rendered aid to the victim until EMS arrived. The victim was transported to an area hospital for treatment of life-threatening injuries. The driver of the vehicle is cooperating with the investigation. Additional

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ST. LOUIS COUNTY - St. Louis County Police Department Crimes Against Persons Detectives are currently investigating a fatal motor vehicle accident involving a pedestrian struck at the intersection of St. Charles Rock Road and Normandy Avenue that resulted in the death of an adult male. The deceased has been identified as Marquist Murray, 38 years of age, of the 1600 block of Lulu Avenue, in Saint Louis, MO 63133. On October 11, 2022, at 2:50 AM, St. Louis County Police Officers from the Central County Precinct responded to a call for service for a motor vehicle accident with a pedestrian struck at the intersection of St. Charles Rock Road and Normandy Avenue. Responding officers located an adult male lying on the ground. The victim was transported to an area hospital for life-saving treatment but was later pronounced deceased. The striking vehicle left the scene. Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Geisman at 314-615-5400 or mgeisman@stlouiscountymo.gov . To remain

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GLEN CARBON - The Village of Glen Carbon and the Glen Carbon Heritage Museum are hosting its first annual Glenfestival of Trees event to kick-off the holiday season. Individuals, groups and businesses are invited to decorate an artificial tree or wreath to be displayed inside the museum walls during the Christmas season. Greenery will be displayed from Nov. 25 through Jan. 1, 2023. Glenfestival of Trees participants can register their custom-decorated tree or wreath for a small fee: $25 for a tree and $15 for a wreath. Businesses can also display an informational table with materials about their organization or company. Visitors will tour the museum during special evening hours throughout the holidays and will vote for their favorite wreath and tree with prizes awarded. All proceeds go towards future events at the museum and cabin. Samantha Doolin, museum coordinator, is extremely excited about the upcoming Glenfestival of Trees event as well as some other activities happening this

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ALTON Illinois State Representative Amy Elik (R-Alton) was recently presented the “Legislative Champion Award” from the Coalition on Adult Basic Education (COABE) at Lewis and Clark Community College’s Scott Bibb Center. Elik received the award for her sponsorship of legislation (SB 3792) that will help erase the stigma of a high school equivalency diploma versus a high school diploma. “I am proud to be the House sponsor of this new law which will encourage more individuals to complete their GED because their achievement will be the equivalent of a high school diploma,” said Rep. Elik. “This will increase job opportunities and improve the future for people and their families.” SB3792 signed into law on June 24th, amends the code of multiple acts and agencies to replace references to high school equivalency certificates with State of Illinois High School Diplomas. This change recognizes the equal value of a State of Illinois High School Diploma

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ST. LOUIS, MO. – Katie’s Pizza & Pasta Osteria’s next Giveback Tuesday event will take place on Tuesday, October 25th in Town and Country, Missouri. Funds raised from the day will be donated to KidSmart , a nonprofit organization that provides underprivileged students in St. Louis area schools with school supplies. Every month, Katie’s Pizza & Pasta Osteria features a local nonprofit organization and donates 100% of profits from the entire day to the charity. So far, Katie’s Pizza & Pasta Osteria has donated $337,851 to local nonprofit organizations. KidSmart will use the funds raised from Giveback Tuesday to distribute free school supplies and provide free educational resources. Their most needed supplies are crayons, glue, markers, notebooks, and pencils. Every $35 equips a student in need with a backpack filled with supplies. Founded in 2002, this nonprofit organization distributes $115,000 in free school supplies to students weekly and equips

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PONTOON BEACH - As transit agencies across the country struggle to provide service amid a national driver shortage, Madison County Transit (MCT) finds itself in a difficult position: reduce service or face daily service interruptions. Nearly 30 bus drivers down, MCT is proposing weekday frequency reductions on three routes and the elimination of a low-performing route, for the upcoming January 2023 service change. The existing workforce is in desperate need of relief after 18 months of mandated overtime. MCT’s mission is to provide safe, affordable, and reliable public transportation service but with the current driver shortage reliability is compromised. The proposed changes would reduce weekday frequency from every 30 minutes to every 60 minutes on the #4 Madison-Edwardsville, #7 Alton-Edwardsville, and #18 Collinsville Regional. In addition, MCT proposes to eliminate the #23 Gateway Commerce Center Shuttle due to low ridership and the duplication of service offered on the #20

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