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PIASA - Southwestern's Bram Buettel recently finished a sensational freshman year for the Piasa Birds in November. In the Trenton-Wesclin IHSA Class 1A Cross Country Regional Meet, Bram recorded a stellar time of 18:34 for three miles. Bram's brother, Garrett Buettel led the Piasa Birds at the regional with a time of 18:30.3, while Drew Spangler came in at 18:48.2, Zach Rue was home at 21:20.0, Ebon Makler had a time of 21:29.4, Logan Custer had a time of 22:49.7 and Chase Miller had a clocking of 22:50.4. Garrett Buettel, Bram, and Spangler battled all year for top positions for the Piasa Birds in their various meets. At the South Central Conference Boys Meet in October, Bram blazed the trail with a time of 17:32, ahead of his brother (17:35). For his efforts this season, Bram is an Altonized Community Federal Credit Union Male Athlete of the Month for the Piasa Birds. Bram's head boys cross country coach Gary Bowker said Bram's future is essentially unlimited on his times ahead

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EDWARDSVILLE - Khoi Minh Pham, of Olney, a Southern Illinois University Edwardsville senior in the School of Engineering, was surprised with the news this week that he is the 2023 Student Employee of the Year. Chancellor James T. Minor, PhD, and Abdullatif Hamad, PhD, chair of the Department of Physics, presented Pham with an award certificate and $500 on Tuesday, Nov. 29. “I was very surprised yet honored to have been chosen to receive this award,” said Pham. “Every student job I have had has strengthened my leadership and problem-solving skills. These skills have helped me become a better student and prepared me for my future profession.” Pham has served as a physics student lab prep assistant, lecture recitation leader, lab teaching assistant and a resident assistant for Cougar Village. The award recognizes Pham for his reliability, quality of work, initiative, professionalism and the ability to exceed expectations. “Khoi’s strongest attributes

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MARINE - Recently, the Edwardsville/Glen Carbon Chamber of Commerce hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony at Marine Coin Company in celebration of the company's 10 th year in business. Marine Coin owner Bill Weder established the company in August 2012 when a previous bank building came up for sale. "I thought the building was really cool and figured it would be a good place for my business," Weder said. The Edwardsville/Glen Carbon Chamber of Commerce said Bill and his team understand the need for estate planning and expert advice when it comes to coin and jewelry collections. They are proud to have served the Metro East region for the past decade and look forward to helping customers for many years to come. Bill enjoys being a part of the local community and showing mutual support and respect for fellow business owners in town. Whether buying or selling, customers are welcome to stop by the shop located at 155 North Duncan Street in Marine or call 618-887-2008 with any

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Letter To The Editor: District 7 is considering consolidating Midway and Hamel elementary schools at Hamel, potentially serving K-2 students across more than 50 square miles. Students would face unreasonable bus rides. Recent research found that students with rides greater than 45 minutes had worse attendance and outcomes. With current (long) ride times in the northern schools, we must expect even more unfair ride times. D7 also hasn't made a compelling case for closure, including not breaking down how it plans to realize projected savings of $320-400K/year. As most school spending is on people, is D7 proposing laying off a number of teachers and staff? If not, where do the savings come from? The public deserves a full accounting of projected savings. Further, repairing Midway ($5M) is much cheaper than building an addition at Hamel ($15M). Finally, D7 hasn’t shared enrollment projections and student outcome data for both schools; these data should be considered. I also worry

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ALTON - The Salvation Army of Madison County is seeking members of local congregations to ring bells at their red kettles on Tuesday, December 13, 2022, designated "Local Churches Day" during the fundraising campaign. Sign-up is online at https://registertoring.com/ for various locations in Alton, Godfrey, Bethalto, Wood River, Edwardsville, and Granite City. "Choose as many days (not limited to December 13) for locations and shifts you want," Barb Hoelscher, who is co-chair of the kettle campaign in Madison County with her husband, Dr. John Hoelscher. "Help the needy in our community." Barb continued and previously said: "The Salvation Army has been a steady, loving presence in our community for so very long and we are honored to help further their mission with this campaign."

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ALTON - Alton Firefighters Local 1255 will have its Sixth Annual Turkey Giveaway from noon-2 p.m. Saturday, December 17, 2022, at Crisis Food Center at 21 E. Sixth Street in Alton. Alton Fire Department Battalion Chief Derrick Richardson, also a member of Alton Firefighters 1255, said: "We will have a contactless drive-through-only turkey giveaway with vehicles lining up on Market Street, between East Fourth and East Sixth Street heading north and making a right on East Sixth Street, and pulling up in front of our location where we load the trunk. We will give one turkey and one bag of sides, per car on a first come, first serve basis while supplies last. We ask that everyone follow all safety protocols." Richardson continued and said: “We are happy to partner with Crisis Food Center, who are donating the side items and went 50/50 with Local 1255 on purchasing the turkeys. This is an ongoing relationship between the Local and CFC since the first turkey giveaway in 2017. Both organization

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ALTON - State Representative Amy Elik (R-Alton) will be hosting a Holiday Food Drive at her district office in Alton beginning December 5 th -21 st . “The holidays can be an incredibly stressful and difficult time for our friends and neighbors that are struggling to make ends meet,” said Rep. Elik. “Please, if you can, come by my office and drop off any non-perishable food items you may have. Let’s work together to make sure no one goes hungry this holiday season.” The Holiday Food Drive will begin on Monday, December 5 th and conclude on Wednesday, December 21st at State Representative Amy Elik’s district office, located at 192 Alton Square Mall Dr., Suite C in Alton. Non-perishable food items can be dropped off between the hours of 8:30 am and 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday. All non-perishable food items collected will be donated to the Crisis Food Center in Alton. When you stop by to donate, brochures on state programs will also be available.

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JERSEYVILLE - Do you wow others with your watercolors or drawing skills, blow them away with your basket- or rug-weaving skills, or amaze your friends with your culinary masterpieces? The Jersey County Arts Council invites local artists to join them Sunday, Dec. 11 any time between 1 and 4 p.m. to learn about teaching opportunities. The event will be held in the basement of the First Presbyterian Church, located at 400 S. State St. in Jerseyville. The council is developing a 2023 schedule of classes that cover a range of artistic mediums for both adults and children. Jersey County Arts Council Director Sherry Droste said, “The sky’s the limit in terms of the types of talent we’re looking for. While professional artists are welcome, we’re also interested in enthusiastic amateur artists willing to share their creative passion and skill with others.” If you are interested in learning more about teaching opportunities with the Arts Council, drop by Dec.

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ALTON - Alton firefighters battled a structure fire in the 600 block of Oak Street Sunday night. The home was on the city’s “Do Not Enter List,” Battalion Chief Derrick Richardson said. Richardson said Alton firefighters were on the scene of the fire for about two hours and it was from a defensive perspective because of the “Do Not Enter” situation. The fire call came to the Alton Fire Department at 9:30 p.m. Sunday. “Someone was living in there that shouldn’t be with his dog and was using the fireplace,” Richardson said. “The dog ran out when we got there and was safe and the man who was in the home had left before we got there. A problem with the fireplace could have possibly been the cause of the fire.” East Alton Fire Department was also called to the scene to assist, Richardson said. The Alton Fire Department continues to investigate the situation.

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HIGHLAND - The Highland Arts Council hosted the sixth annual Arts in Action: Youth Arts Expo 2022 at the Highland Masonic Lodge on Saturday, November 19. It featured over twenty regional visual and performing artists, grades 5-12, showcasing their talent for the public. Featured were visual artists Reagan Adolph, Maccenna Fischer, and MariEva Mallrich of Highland High School; Jameson Mallrich of Highland Middle School; Hazel Bast of Highland Elementary; Olivia Clark, Cora Eversgerd, Hayli Rinne, Hailey Rolfingsmeyer and Emma C. Toeben of Central Community High School in Breese; Wade Diekemper, Isabelle Gilomen, Maggie Maxwell, and Maddie Quaid of Carlyle High School; Clara Ledbetter who is homeschooled, and Lipika Singh of Liberty Middle School in Edwardsville. Performing artists were Elias Allen, Maddalena Altmeyer, and Lukas Raynor of Highland High School and Emma Jaco of Highland Middle School. The Highland Arts Council actively promotes the arts in and around the community of

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ST. LOUIS COUNTY - St. Louis County Police Department Crimes Against Persons detectives are currently investigating a homicide in the 6600 block of Larry Lane in the City of Berkeley which resulted in the death of an adult male. At approximately 2 a.m. Sunday, Police Officers from the City of Berkeley received a call for “Shooting” in the 6600 block of Larry Lane. Berkeley Police Officers contacted a male, suffering from a gunshot wound to the leg. The male told them that he was involved in a gun fight with another male who was inside of the residence. Paramedics responded and pronounced the male inside the residence deceased on scene. The male who was initially contacted by Berkeley police was conveyed to an area hospital for treatment of a non-life threatening gunshot wound. The St. Louis County Police Department Crimes Against Persons was requested by the City of Berkeley Police and are now leading the investigation. The deceased has been positively identified as

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ALTON - Alton Municipal Band Board Chairman Aaron Rodgers and the cast are excited to present its annual Holiday Concert once more. This year, the concert will be held at 7 p.m. on Sunday, December 4, at the First Presbyterian Church of Alton (located at the corner of 4th and Alby Streets.) Rodgers said the concert will offer "joyful fun." Rodgers added that conductor Jen Shenberger will lead the ensemble in performances of timeless Christmas classics, as well as some new twists on old holiday favorites. Famed soloist Erin Bode will travel all the way from Nashville to present her vocal stylings, with jazzy tunes and toe-tappers that are sure to delight. "This concert will be a family-friendly evening of live music," Rodgers said. Admission is free.

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Over the past few years, the popularity of charcuterie boards has expanded from restaurant appetizers to holiday get-togethers and everything in between. The infinitely customizable assortment of meats, cheeses, fruits, breads and spreads can add a pop of color and flavor to your table and provide many options for your family and guests. Do not be intimidated by this sometimes, difficult to pronounce word; there is no set recipe, which makes for a creative project each time! What is Charcuterie? Charcuterie is a French term for the art of preparing and assembling cured meat and meat products. Charcuterie-style meat and cheese boards have become very popular outside of France, and this concept has evolved to include many foods besides meat, along with a variety of presentation variations and ingredient themes. Charcuterie cones, skewers, jarcuterie (layered in a small mason jar) and dessert boards (although not technically charcuterie) are a few examples of this expanding trend.

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JERSEYVILLE - The Jerseyville City Council denied an application to rezone 935 South State Street at their meeting last Tuesday. This is Unit 140 of the Jerseyville Mall, the former location of Security Finance between Dollar General and Big Boy’s Donuts. The applicant, Cindy Brown Kolb, sought to re-zone the location from B-3 to B-3 with Special Use for Alcohol, with the intended use as a café and lunch restaurant with alcohol and video gaming machines. The Planning & Zoning Board did not recommend the application’s approval to the City Council because the establishment had not met city ordinances regarding the percentage of sales-to-food ratio and amount of space available at the location. Essentially, the concern from the city was that the business would appear more like a gaming business with a café attached, rather than the other way around, which led to a response from Brown Kolb herself. “It’s not the intent to just be gaming. We do intend

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MARYVILLE - The Anderson Hospital Foundation recently donated $1,000,000 and Busey Bank donated $100,000 toward the Anderson Cafe’ Refresh Project. Early in the year, the hospital moved the cafeteria to the additional seating area and created a small canteen during the renovation. The Food Service team and employees did a great job adapting to the change of space and workflow during the renovation. The refreshed space now includes updates such as: An increased footprint, a double-sided salad bar, an action station, grill orders to go, increased merchandising space to increase the diversity of snacks and beautiful furnishings for seating. The Anderson Café is used by employees, community members, and visitors. The café provides a place for respite for family members and employees during difficult times. Emily Simms, Food Service Director said “Everyone who comes into our café will enjoy a bit of peace in this new uplifting and bright space for years

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ALTON — Tractor Supply Company will spread Christmas cheer this year with their Photos with Santa event. Held Dec. 10, 2022, from 9:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m., Tractor Supply customers are invited to bring their children and pets to the store for photos with Santa and other Christmas activities. A local photographer will be on-site during the event taking Christmas photos of Santa's Little Helpers and their owners. The first 25 customers to take their photo with Santa will also receive a free magnetic picture frame. Participating event partners will include: Pet Photos with Santa On-site from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Pet Vet On-site from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. "At Tractor Supply, we welcome families with open arms," said Michael Webb, manager of the Alton Tractor Supply store. "This is one of many children and pet-friendly events held throughout the year to show our appreciation for our loyal customers and their loved ones." This event is open to the public and will take place a

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SPRINGFIELD — The Illinois AMBER Alert Task Force commemorates the 20 th Anniversary of the first America’s Missing Broadcast Emergency Response (AMBER) Alert broadcast in Illinois. The first AMBER Alert broadcast took place at 5:35 p.m. on November 26, 2002 in LaSalle, Illinois. The AMBER Alert System is named after 9-year-old Amber Hagerman who was abducted and later found murdered in 1996 after playing near her home in Arlington, Texas. In response to community concern, the Texas Association of Radio Managers and law enforcement created the first AMBER Plan. Today, all 50 states have similar plans. The goal of the AMBER Alert is to instantly galvanize the entire community to assist in the search for and safe return of missing children. The Illinois AMBER Alert Task Force is a voluntary partnership between law enforcement agencies, broadcasters, the Illinois Press Association, the Illinois Tollway, the Illinois Department of Transportation, the Illinois Lottery,

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SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois State Police (ISP) expanded access to its Multiple Interactive Learning Objective (MILO) Range Theater Simulators this year allowing local law enforcement departments to take advantage of this training. MILO simulation broadens the law enforcement training experience by providing real-world, interactive use-of-force scenarios that increase safety and awareness for officers in the field. The training increases decision making efficiencies in high stress situations and environments, resulting in more highly trained officers. “It is important for all officers to have access to the most advanced training available to resolve situations peacefully when possible and protect the public’s safety,” said ISP Director Brendan F. Kelly. “This simulation training exposes officers to high stress situations so they are better able to react to real-world incidents they encounter every day.” Along with Rapid Deployment training,

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EDWARDSVILLE – The Lifelong Learning Institute (LLI) in the Office of Online Services and Educational Outreach at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville has further expanded its reach to area seniors through a pilot program with Meridian Village of Glen Carbon. The LLI hosts a speaker series during the fall and spring semesters, which are usually facilitated by SIUE faculty members and community experts on a range of topics related to current events as well as everything from art to zoology. The LLI, which has existed in various forms since the 1970s, has provided area seniors with an opportunity to engage with SIUE faculty and community experts in a friendly, welcoming environment. Community members may join the Institute for a minimal fee to have access to these talks, as well as other benefits. As the LLI evolved during the pandemic to include a hybrid option, it also presented the Institute with an opportunity to reach a broader audience through business memberships.

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CARLINVILLE - Blackburn College will celebrate the holiday season with its annual Christmas at Blackburn event at 7 p.m. on Sunday, December 5, 2022, in Clegg Chapel. The performance will be free and open to the public. A Lessons and Carols service, the celebration will include the Blackburn College Choir, student instrumental performances, and scripture readings presented by students, faculty, and community members. Blackburn’s Music faculty, Dr. Joseph Welch and Dr. See Tsai Chan, will direct the production and provide accompaniment, respectively. “We are honored to continue the tradition of celebrating Christmas at Blackburn. The carols and candlelight make for a magical evening ushering in the Christmas season,” Raven Brooks, a music and theater faculty assistant, explained. There will be no reservations required for the event. Clegg Chapel is located in Hudson Hall - the main academic building on campus. For more information, please contact music@blackburn.edu

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