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MARYVILLE – To show his appreciation and ensure local veterans have access to their owed benefits, State Senator Kris Tharp is hosting two events to connect the brave men and women who have served our country with free assistance and services. “Veterans have exemplified courage having served our country and safeguarded our freedoms, and unfortunately they may not have access to their owed benefits for their sacrifices,” said Tharp (D-Bethalto). “Assistance is available, and I’m looking forward to bringing free services to Wood River and Edwardsville.” Starting promptly at 11 a.m. on Monday, Oct. 17 at the Wood River Police Department, located at 550 E. Madison Ave., representatives from the Illinois Attorney General’s office will show a presentation on Military and Veteran’s Rights to ensure individuals receive the benefits they have earned. Attendees will receive information on state and federal benefit programs. Lunch will be provided

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BUZZ MAGAZINE - The Highland Arts Council is set to celebrate world-class art in a hometown atmosphere with its 18th annual Art in the Park AND its recently dedicated mural on the wall of the Weinheimer Community Center in Highland. A multitude of people will enjoy the two-day juried exhibit and sale of works by professional artists on October 7-9, 2022, at Lindendale Park in Highland. Art in the Park is free and open to the public and features original works in a wide range of art mediums, including painting, clay, glass, drawing/pastels, fabric/fiber, wood, sculpture, photography, jewelry, graphics/printmaking, and mixed media. A special area for emerging artists (college students or recent graduates) to showcase their work and offer artwork for sale is new for Art in the Park. HAC feels it is important for the community to support these emerging artists and encourage them to become the best they can be. “This family-friendly festival brings professional artwork to the

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BUZZ MAGAZINE - This Veterans Day marks the 40th anniversary of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial dedication. Polished black granite was selected for the 70 inscribed panels so visitors can see their reflection in the names, connecting the living to the lost. The names of lost service members are listed in chronological order by the date of their casualty, and they begin and end at the center where the walls meet. Having the names begin at the center is meant to form a circle symbolizing the completion of the war. Unfortunately, too many lives were “unofficially” lost after the war due to exposure-related illnesses, agent orange, and the psychological trauma from war. Since many cannot make the trek to Washington DC to view the memorial, Truck Centers, Inc. in Troy will be hosting the American Veterans Traveling Tribute’s (AVTT ) Traveling Vietnam Wall this month at their training center, 2376 Formosa Road, Troy. The AVTT Vietnam Wall was created to honor the great sacrifice

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EDWARDSVILLE - Madison County State’s Attorney Thomas A. Haine announced Friday that a jury convicted a Granite City man of murder in the shooting death of a Madison teen in 2020. The jury on Friday found Nicholas Rickman III, 18, guilty of first-degree murder and armed robbery. A codefendant, 19-year-old Deandre Richardson, had previously pleaded guilty to first-degree murder. The jury found that Rickman and Richardson together robbed and murdered 18-year-old Sean D. Williams of Madison. Williams was fatally shot on June 4, 2020, outside a residence in the 2500 block of Madison Avenue in Granite City. Several family members of Williams were in the courtroom for the verdict. They tearfully hugged Assistant State’s Attorney Morgan Hudson and Assistant State’s Attorney Katie Warren. “This conviction won’t heal the family’s wound, but we’re happy that at least we were able to bring Sean’s killers to justice,” Haine said. “We’re

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PIASA - Southwestern High School's Student Government will host the 2022 Homecoming Dance from 7:30-10:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 8 in the High School MPR with coronation at 9:30 p.m. This year’s theme is “The Fabulous 50s.” The Homecoming court candidates are (back left to right) Sam Marshall, Collin Robinson, David Watkins, Blayne Thornsbury, Hank Bouillion, Jacob Fisher, and (front left to right) Rylee Crane, Gracie Schneider, Alison Wilson, MaCaylin Day, Tristyn Ditterline, and Jillian Beilsmith.

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These photos and more at: https://www.randymanning.com/St-Marys-October-Fest ALTON - The St. Mary's Oktoberfest kicked off with a sell-out one-mile race and closed with the annual Sweepstakes. In between those two events, there was a lot of German food, beer, entertainment, and fun. The one-mile run also featured a costume contest and all 60 spots were sold out. It appears the run will become a permanent part of Oktoberfest and likely expand in 2023. The Glendale Riders are one of the area's most well-known bands and they always start the Oktoberfest entertainment. As usual, they attracted a big crowd, Carolyn Simansky, the publicity director for Oktoberfest said. "We had a big crowd on Friday night and everyone enjoyed them," she said. Simansky said it was wonderful to have a full range of activities back for Oktoberfest. She added they could not have asked for better weather and she described it as "awesome." "I am constantly amazed at the hard work of the committee members

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ALTON – The Alton Chili Cook-Off which has been a community tradition for 35 years will not happen on October 15, 2022, as planned, and the event’s fate in future years is uncertain. “Earlier this week we were informed by the Madison County Health Department that the way the Alton Chili Cook-Off is conducted is not allowed,” explained Sara McGibany, Executive Director of Alton Main Street who coordinates the event, adding, “I’m not sure when these particular rules were put into place, but we were asked to assume responsibility of planning the event and given the how-to guide in 2013. There was a foodborne illness outbreak at the Belleville Chili Cook-Off in 2016 which apparently caused area Health Department regulations to become stricter.” The three options for a cook-off to adhere to the Health Department’s guidelines include: only having restaurants or teams who cook in certified kitchens involved, having teams cook everything on-site,

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GRANITE CITY - Granite City's Month Of Magic & Mayhem gets underway with an excellent kickoff - a Creepy Crawl Halloween Parade ending with The Monster Mash Dance Party in the Streets, Saturday, October 8, 2022. The parade begins at 4 p.m. at 27th Street in Granite City and crawls down Madison Avenue, ending at Civic Park. The Monster Mash Dance Party starts at 5 p.m. Granite City Downtown Arts and Entertainment Director Brenda Whitaker said the costume theme for parade participants will be their favorite Halloween movie or television show. "I think this is a great way to introduce the Month of Magic & Mayhem," Whitaker said. "We will have something for everybody on the Saturdays in the month. Hopefully, our activities will appeal to a lot of different people." Granite City Mayor Mike Parkinson is excited about the Creepy Crawl Halloween Parade and the other events in Magic & Mahem Month in his city. “We are to do things that work for kids,” Mayor Parkinson said. “The

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WOOD RIVER - The Legendary Mustang Sanctuary, a nonprofit animal rescue organization that rescues Mustang horses, is hosting a Music Trivia Blast event at the Wood River Moose Lodge on Friday, Oct. 21. Hosted by the charismatic Big Papa G, the event’s proceeds will go directly toward furthering the sanctuary’s Mustang rescue efforts, upgrading corral fencing, providing hay for the winter, and more. The venue, Loyal Order of the Moose #1349, is located at 730 Wesley Dr. in Wood River, near Walmart. Doors will open at 6 p.m. with music trivia beginning at 7 p.m., and the cost of attendance is $25 per person or $200 for a table of eight. Cora Miller with the Legendary Mustang Sanctuary said Big Papa G is a great fit for this event, given the passion both he and the Mustang Sanctuary have for what they do. “He’s funny, he’s fun, he’s interesting, he’s amazing - he just keeps the spirit alive,” Miller said of Big Papa G on a recent

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EDWARDSVILLE - The Edwardsville Police Department announced Friday afternoon that it is seeking the public's assistance in identifying this person regarding a theft that occurred recently at the Edwardsville Public Library. If you know his identity, please contact Officer Bruce Whipple at (618) 656-2131. Those who contact the Edwardsville Police may remain anonymous if desired.

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ALTON — This week, U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) met with social impact-focused redevelopment organization AltonWork’s leadership and Alton Mayor David Goins and shared her support for revitalizing Historic Downtown Alton. During the meeting, Duckworth highlighted her successful effort in securing $500,000 for the City of Alton to upgrade surface transportation options, as well as emphasized how the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law can help communities such as Alton reimagine and redevelop their business and recreational districts. Photos of the tour are available here . “We know that downtown areas are like the glue of communities—it’s where families eat, shop and make memories—and the better its infrastructure, the better folks can enjoy themselves,” said Duckworth. “I was glad to meet with the Illinoisans behind AltonWorks and Mayor Goins, and discuss how from the federal level, I can continue elevating their work to make Historic

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ALTON - Eye Envy Studio is a new beauty business that has opened at 200 North Center Drive, Suite E, in Alton. Owner and founder Kayla Covington said they offer everything from permanent makeup to body sculpting/contouring, scar camouflage, lip fillers, and more using natural products. Aside from permanent makeup, Covington said the rest of her services are offered with absolutely no needles or surgery, which makes Eye Envy Studio stand out. “I don’t think the other beauty shops do a lot of the services that I do,” she said. “I do lip fillers and I don’t use needles - it’s with a hyaluronic pen, so there are no needles involved. My body sculpting has no needles involved, no surgery - it’s more sessions, but everything is natural.” During the COVID-19 Panemic, Covington said she took beauty classes in Atlanta and wanted to bring what she learned from Atlanta to Alton. “COVID had us in the house forever, and I just know everybody’s

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ALTON - The Madison County Coroner's Office today identified a 17-year-old victim and her grandmother who died in a double-fatal motor vehicle crash on October 5, 2022, near Hamel. The crash occurred at the intersection of Illinois Route 4 and Illinois Route 140. The 17-year-old was Ciara Renee Macon, of Alton, and the grandmother was Sheila M. Macon. Ciara Macon was pronounced deceased by Madison County Coroner’s Office Senior Investigator Diondra Horner at 8:41 a.m. on Oct. 5, 2022. She was an occupant in a 2016 Nissan Rogue that was struck on the passenger side by a semi-tractor trailer. Sheila M. Macon was also pronounced deceased at the scene. The coroner's office said an autopsy will be performed to aid in determining the cause of death. The case remains under active investigation by the Illinois State Police and the Madison County Coroner’s Office. Funeral arrangements are pending at this time.

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ALTON - Sports tourism in southwest Illinois received a financial shot in the arm when the Madison County Board approved a $750,000 ARPA grant to the Great Rivers & Routes Tourism Bureau for sports marketing. "This is great news for Madison County and our region," Cory Jobe, President/CEO of the Tourism Bureau noted. "The funds will be used to grow the sports tourism market for Madison County which, in turn, will bring more visitor spending and increased tax revenues to the county." The grant will be used for the following: Regional and national brand marketing campaign Incentive/support funds to attract and support sports tournaments in Madison County Engage with an outdoor recreation consultant to indicate future facilities needed to become a top-rated fishing, boating and outdoor recreation tournament destination “This funding will help the Great Rivers & Routes Tourism Bureau drive sports tourism into Madison County,” Madison County Board Chairman Kurt Prenzler

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JERSEY COUNTY - The Jersey County Sheriff’s Office and Illinois State Police were called to a serious two-vehicle accident Friday morning on Illinois Route 16, east of Jerseyville. A woman was airlifted by helicopter from the scene to St. Louis. Jersey County Sheriff Mike Ringhausen said the crash scene was cleared at this point. The driver of the bucket truck was also taken to the hospital to be evaluated, the sheriff said. Ringhausen said Illinois State Police was investigating the crash and would release any other information about the cause, victims, etc.

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ALTON - Sierra Club Illinois ’ Three Rivers Project and Alton Main Street are seeking vendors for the 20th annual Green Gift Bazaar, which is set to take place on November 26, 2022. The Green Gift Bazaar offers community members the opportunity to shop from locally-owned retailers, restaurants, and “green” businesses ahead of the holiday season. Eco-friendly businesses and vendors who sell environmentally-friendly products or services are invited to apply to participate in the Bazaar at bit.ly/GreenGiftBazaarVendors . The Green Gift Bazaar is held on Small Business Saturday, an occasion that highlights the importance of shopping from “mom and pop” shops, which are the backbone of our local economy. The event is held from 10:00am to 4:00pm at two locations — Jacoby Arts Center at 627 E. Broadway and Post Commons coffee shop at 300 Alby Street in Downtown Alton. Vendors will be asked to explain what makes their products or services environmentally-friendly

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MACOMB – Governor JB Pritzker today joined state and local officials to announce a $119 million investment for the construction of a Center for Performing Arts (CPA) at Western Illinois University. The funding is made possible by the Governor’s historic bipartisan Rebuild Illinois capital plan. The new Center for Performing Arts will support the academic mission and programs in the WIU College of Fine Arts and Communication and serve as a cultural and performing arts destination for the campus community, the City of Macomb, and the entire western Illinois region. “For nearly 50 years, Western Illinois waited for state government to fund a new facility, while unmet opportunities piled up and potential innovation fell by the wayside,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Today, I am proud to announce an investment of $119 million for a new, best-in-class Center for Performing Arts here at Western Illinois University. It’s projects like these that prove Illinois

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CHICAGO - Attorney General Kwame Raoul’s office was awarded a $394,772 Department of Justice (DOJ) grant for a 48-month project to provide specialized hate crime training to law enforcement officers and prosecuting attorneys in Illinois. The grant, which was awarded through the DOJ’s Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Program, will support Raoul’s efforts to increase the reporting of hate crimes and improve the criminal justice system’s response to hate crime victims. Hate crimes are underreported both nationally and in Illinois. According to the most recent FBI statistics, in 2019, only 23 out of 728 participating law enforcement agencies in Illinois reported any hate crime incidents to the Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) program, which is one of the lowest rates in the nation. In Illinois, 24 cities with populations larger than 50,000 reported no hate crimes incidents at all in 2019. “Specialized training programs will help ensure hate crime

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ST. LOUIS — Throughout National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Cleaver & Cocktail has planned various ways to donate to nonprofits working on expanding breast cancer research and resources available to those impacted by the disease. Having had a Cleaver & Cocktail family member, Lea Del Pietro Doherty, fight their own battle against breast cancer, the restaurant has pulled out the stops and is ready to give to those in need. For the month of October, the restaurant has created a signature cocktail, the “Pink Drink” 75. Made with Empress Gin, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, and champagne and topped with a lemon twist, 100 percent of the proceeds from this themed drink will go to the Pink Ribbon Girls. Founded in 2002 by three breast cancer survivors, Pink Ribbon Girls initially started as a peer support group. Since then, the nonprofit has grown into an organization that provides healthy meals, rides to treatments, housecleaning services, cancer education, and

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CHICAGO - Attorney General Kwame Raoul today joined a coalition of 22 attorneys general in a comment letter supporting the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) proposed rule strengthening anti-discrimination protections under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). The proposed rule would implement Section 1557 of the ACA, which prohibits health care programs, benefits and services from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability or sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity and sex characteristics). “At a time when some states are rolling back rights to reproductive and sexual health care, it is more important than ever that people can access needed health care services without the fear of discrimination,” Raoul said. “I appreciate the Biden administration’s commitment to prohibiting discrimination in health care, and I will continue to fight any attempts to weaken the Affordable Care Act’s

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