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PHOENIX – Sparklight® will open fall 2023 applications for the company’s Charitable Giving Fund , which annually awards $250,000 in grants to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, from October 1-31, 2023. Grants will be made available across communities served by Sparklight and the other Cable One family of brands (Fidelity Communications, Hargray and ValuNet Fiber) and will concentrate support in the following priority areas: Education and Digital Literacy Hunger Relief and Food Insecurity Community Development Last year the company awarded grants to nearly 60 nonprofits , including organizations serving the homeless, providing child advocacy, offering senior assistance and supplying food to those in need, to name a few. The Charitable Giving Fund is an extension of the company’s existing corporate social responsibility efforts, which include: Supporting national organizations dedicated to advancing education and diversity, including the Emma

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HARTFORD – The Lewis and Clark State Historic Site in Madison County will host a culinary historian exploring the diverse and changing history of pies in the United States on Saturday, Oct. 7. Catherine Lambrecht will present her program, “History of American Pies…and Illinois is Well Represented!” at 2 p.m. in the theater at the site. The event, which is free and open to the public, is made possible by the Illinois Humanities Road Scholar Program and the Lewis and Clark Society of America . This hour-long program will look at past recipes and food customs to show how pies have evolved over the years along with American culture. As Lambrecht describes, “Our ancestors used what they had available locally and made the most from it. You might be thinking that pies are just for dessert, but for our American ancestors, they were often considered survival food. Sometimes, they ate pie for breakfast, lunch, and dinner for months at a time.”

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EDWARDSVILLE - Metro Community Church promises a “fall explosion” at their second annual Fall-a-Palooza this weekend. From noon to 2 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 8, families can stop by the Metro Edwardsville campus for an afternoon of bounce houses, hayrides, games, food trucks and more fall-themed fun. Lead pastor Seth Conerly explained that the event is a chance to connect with the community and enjoy the beginning of the autumn season. “We just had the mindset of, ‘Hey, let’s not try to reinvent the wheel here. Let’s just do everything fall you can think of and just it be a fall explosion,’” he said. He joked that it will be similar to Leslie Knope’s Harvest Festival in the NBC sitcom “Parks and Recreation,” complete with “everything but Li’l Sebastian.” But in that vein, you can check out the petting zoo and enjoy kid-friendly donkey rides. Master bakers can sign up for the cookie and brownie

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ALTON – The Illinois Department of Transportation announced today that pavement repairs will require lane closures in both directions of U.S. 67 between West Third Street and Henry Street in Alton beginning, weather permitting, Tuesday, Oct. 3. One lane will remain open in each direction throughout construction. The work is expected to be completed by mid-November. Motorists may experience delays and are encouraged to use alternate routes during this closure. Drivers are urged to reduce speed, be alert for changing conditions, obey all construction signage, and refrain from using mobile devices while approaching and traveling through the work zone. For IDOT District 8 updates, follow us on Twitter at @IDOTDistrict8 or view area construction details on IDOT’s traveler information map on GettingAroundIllinois.com.

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COLLINSVILLE - Costumes, collectibles, artwork and more filled the Gateway Convention Center in Collinsville for the 46th annual Archon Science Fiction Convention last weekend. Erin McFadden, co-chair of Archon, described it as a “science fiction, fantasy, media, everything convention.” She said Archon started in 1977 as an author and literary convention and has since grown to include “something for everybody.” “We have grown since then and have been developing into this place that is perfect for everybody,” McFadden said. “If you have a fandom, if you are an author, if you like science fiction … we really have something for everybody here. “People have been coming for a very long time because they find something here that speaks to them.” Brad Roselli, founder of Top Tier Figures, brought several of his Star Trek figurines to the convention - he’s been working to expand the 190 figurines that were “already

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GODFREY - A Godfrey retailer - MotoMart at 5311 Godfrey Road in Godfrey - is celebrating after selling a jackpot-winning Lucky Day Lotto ticket worth $800,000 over the weekend. Illinois Lottery officials said the winning ticket was purchased for the Sept. 29 evening drawing at MotoMart. The lucky player who purchased the winning ticket matched all five numbers in the Friday evening drawing to score the $800,000 jackpot prize. The winning numbers were: 1-2-13-31-32. The lucky winner isn’t the only one celebrating. For selling the winning ticket, MotoMart will receive a bonus of one percent of the prize amount, or $8,000. Godfrey Mayor Mike McCormick was excited to learn of the big ticket winner in the village and said: "This will be good for MotoMart and once the person collects it, people will drive for miles to buy tickets there. Hopefully, the lucky winner was a Godfrey resident. "A total of $800,000 is a huge amount of money for a person to win in the lottery," the mayor

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PIASA - Emma Wyman, a transfer from Jacksonville, has had a sensational girls cross country season for the Southwestern Piasa Birds. Wyman won the No. 1 race of the Southwestern Meet this past weekend with a time of 19:49 for three miles. Wyman is an Altonized Community Federal Credit Union Female Athlete of the Month for the Piasa Birds. Southwestern’s cross-country team opened the 2023 campaign by journeying north to Jacksonville on August 29. It was a return to the old stomping grounds of the newest addition to the Birds’ nest, Wyman, a senior transfer from Jacksonville. Wyman did not disappoint, finishing second in a field of 53 girls from Quincy, QND, Jacksonville, Liberty, Springfield Southeast, and South County. Her time was 19:55. All season long, Wyman has been a standout for the Piasa Birds. Southwestern head girls cross country coach Gary Bowker said he expects Wyman to continue to improve and has high hopes for her in the post-season. “She is not

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GODFREY - If your little monsters are ready for Halloween, get in the spooky spirit with the Whispering Woods Halloween Fun event for a few hours of crafts, activities and games for kids. Starting on Thursday, Oct. 12, Whispering Woods Bed and Breakfast/Retreat and Event Center will offer a two-hour Halloween event for children ages 2–10 every day through Saturday, Oct. 14. Kids must be accompanied by an adult. “My degree is in child development, so I love kids,” said Margaret Moorehead, Whispering Woods owner. “I worked at childcare facilities for years and years, and I know that the child’s attention span is pretty short, so our activities are short but they’re very active…They’re geared for all ages and for the children to be able to make the decision on how much they want to do.” The Halloween Fun event will run from 4:30–6:30 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, or you can attend a session on Saturday, Oct. 14 from

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ALTON - Several organizations and community members gathered at the Alton Amphitheater on Saturday, Sept. 30 to raise awareness about domestic violence. The Zonta Club of Alton-Wood River partnered with the Alton Police Department, Oasis Women’s Center and Sacred Spaces of CARE to organize a walk against domestic violence and share resources with the community. The organizations spoke about their services before a short walk around the Alton Amphitheater, all with the goal of raising awareness and showing support for survivors. “One in three women and one in four men have experienced some form of physical violence by an intimate partner,” said Jean Heil, advocacy chair with the Zonta Club. Heil thanked local organizations like Oasis Women’s Center and Sacred Spaces of CARE for their work to help domestic violence survivors. Oasis has a shelter and many other services for survivors and their children. Alton Police Chief Jarrett Ford called Oasis “the

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SPRINGFIELD – People can now submit an endorsement affidavit online for assault weapons, assault weapon attachments, .50 caliber rifles, and .50 caliber cartridges. On January 10, 2023, Governor JB Pritzker signed into law Public Act 102-1116 , the Protect Illinois Communities Act, regulating the sale and distribution of these items in Illinois, along with large capacity ammunition feeding devices. The Act went into effect immediately upon signing. Individuals who possessed assault weapons, assault weapon attachments, .50 caliber rifles, and .50 caliber cartridges before the Act took effect are required to submit an endorsement affidavit through their Firearm Owner’s Identification (FOID) Card account prior to January 1, 2024. Large capacity ammunition feeding devices are regulated, but do not require and endorsement affidavit. As of October 1, 2023, individuals are able to submit their endorsement affidavits online. Affidavits must be submitted online through

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SPRINGFIELD – U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today released the following statement calling on the United States Supreme Court to create a code of conduct as it begins a new term: “The Supreme Court’s new docket, which begins today, should start with one essential element: re-establishing the integrity of the Court. “The public reports of lavish gifts, luxury vacations, and sordid political relationships go to the heart of this Court’s credibility. Failure by the Court to establish a code of conduct makes these nine Justices self-anointed royalty in our democracy. “The highest court in our land should not have the lowest standard of ethics.” In July, the Senate Judiciary Committee advanced the Supreme Court Ethics, Recusal, and Transparency (SCERT) Act to the full Senate. The bill would require Supreme Court Justices to adopt a code of conduct, create a mechanism to investigate

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CHICAGO - The Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) signed a memorandum of understanding establishing a state-wide program to standardize soil health practices and set clear levels of achievement for farmers engaging in best practices. The program enables IDOA to implement legislation passed this year to increase use of cover crops, strip till, no till, and erosion and sediment control practices. This is another step forward in encouraging agriculture partners to capitalize on conservation practices. “Agriculture is the heart of who we are as a state, and it’s our biggest industry,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Three-quarters of our state is farmland, and as we look to the future of farming and conservation, we’re ensuring that Illinois farmers have the necessary tools to succeed. That’s why I’m proud to establish the STAR program to further support our agricultural economy, families, and community.” Saving Tomorrow’s Agricultural

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CHICAGO – The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) today endorsed the recommendation by the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) for the newly FDA-approved vaccine for RSV that can be administered during weeks 32 to 36 of pregnancy to protect babies from the virus. This followed recommendations earlier this year for a preventive RSV treatment for infants up to 8 months and toddlers at high risk, and an RSV vaccine for people over 60. IDPH urges those who are pregnant to consult with their doctor about whether they should receive the vaccine while pregnant or instead provide the preventive treatment for their newborn after birth. If the vaccine is received during pregnancy, infants will be protected and not need the preventive treatment after birth. As fall begins, IDPH is closely monitoring data on COVID-19 as well as other respiratory viruses including flu and RSV. The latest data shows that new hospitalizations for COVID-19 remain at a low

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EAST ST. LOUIS – After years of pushing for a volunteer firefighter tax credit, State Senator Christopher Belt was able to secure a tax incentive for these volunteers in this year’s revenue package. Through his efforts and advocacy on the topic, Belt received an award from the St. Clair/Monroe County Fire Chiefs Association and MABAs Division 32. “Volunteer firefighters are the backbone of communities throughout Illinois,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “They selflessly dedicate their time ensuring our communities are kept safe in emergencies. Offering them a small tax incentive is just one way we can thank them and honor their service.” A tax credit for volunteer firefighters was included in Senate Bill 1963 , which passed both chambers earlier this year with bipartisan support. To qualify for the $500 tax credit, people must serve as a volunteer firefighter for at least nine months of the year and receive no more than $5,000 in compensation for their

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WASHINGTON – Today, the Seante confirmed Todd Gee and Tara McGrath to be U.S. Attorneys for the Southern Districts of Mississippi and California, respectively. On their confirmations, U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, released the following statement: “Mr. Gee’s and Ms. McGrath’s confirmations are a welcome breakthrough in the logjam caused by Senator Vance’s misguided hold on Justice Department nominees. These two public servants will serve with integrity and ensure justice for their respective districts, prosecuting violent criminals and protecting our communities from drug traffickers, gun violence, terrorism, and other crimes. “U.S. Attorneys are too important to be used as political pawns. That’s why I offered the junior Senator the opportunity to allow us to schedule roll call confirmation votes, even though it is standard procedure to confirm U.S. Attorneys by voice vote or unanimous

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Mike Bost (IL-12) issued the following statement today regarding a potential government shutdown, which would occur Saturday evening if a spending agreement is not reached: "As the clock ticks closer to a government shutdown, House conservatives are fighting to end the border crisis and keep essential government services funded. The House has passed spending bills for military construction, veterans' programs, defense, homeland security, and the State Department. That's over 70% of government operations, responsibly funded. "The Democrat-controlled Senate, on the other hand, has passed zero appropriations bills. If the government shuts down, remember that House Republicans sought to restore certainty for American families, while the Washington Democrats failed to act."

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ALTON – Refabulosed Relics, 615 East Broadway in Alton, has definitely earned a “high five.” On a chilly rainy afternoon in October of 2018, Christy Hellrung opened her doors to the public for the first time. So many things have changed since this day, and yet the “little business that could” has weathered the storms. From street closures for sewer/rainwater separations to COVID, and now ongoing construction across the street and an unpredictable economy, Hellrung says her business’s survival is certainly a cause for celebration. “We are a vintage, secondhand boutique specializing in home decor, architectural salvage, fashion accessories, toys and so much more,” Hellrung said. “We’ve been serving the Riverbend area for five years now. Our mission is to re-love and reuse vintage items to keep them out of our landfills.” The idea started as a space to paint furniture in the back room, dedicating the front for pickup.

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CARLINVILLE - The Sangamon County Coroner Jim Allmon announced Friday that an investigation has been launched into Heinz Funeral Home/Family Care Cremations in Carlinville after he said there were incidents regarding identification of human remains. Allmon said the Sangamon County Coroner's Office and Sangamon County Sheriff's Office have launched the investigation. A press conference was held Friday about the situation, led by the coroner. Allmon said on Monday, Sept. 25, his office was contacted by a local hospital about a body that had been in its morgue for more than a month. Allmon said the family of the deceased woman had selected Heinz Funeral Home for assistance shortly after her death. "The family said they had already been provided with what they thought were the cremated remains of their mother," Allmon said. Allmon added that he had to tell the family of the woman that the cremated remains were not those of their mother and the body was still at the hospital morgue. Coroner

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TEUTOPOLIS – The Illinois State Police (ISP), Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA), Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security (IEMA-OHS), Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), and Illinois Department of Public Health, along with the Effingham County Sheriff’s Office, Teutopolis Fire Protection District, and other law enforcement, fire, and emergency management agencies in Effingham County are wrapping up the emergency response to a multi-vehicle accident involving a semi-truck transporting anhydrous ammonia. Teutopolis residents have been allowed to return home and U.S. Highway 40 is open. At approximately 9:25 p.m. on Friday, September 29, 2023, ISP was notified of a crash on U.S. Highway 40 about a half mile east of Teutopolis involving multiple vehicles, including a semi-truck leaking anhydrous ammonia. The semi-truck was carrying approximately 7,500 gallons of anhydrous ammonia at the time of the accident, of which 4,000 gallon

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GRANITE CITY – On September 30, 2023, at approximately 7:20 p.m., Illinois State Police (ISP) officials investigated a two-vehicle traffic crash involving an ISP Trooper’s squad car on Interstate 270 Eastbound, just west of the Missouri state line, Granite City, Madison County. On the above date and time, an ISP Troop 8 Trooper was stationary in the right lane of Interstate 270 Eastbound just west of the Missouri state line, with emergency lights activated. The Trooper was assisting a motorist stalled in traffic, when a Toyota Sequoia struck the rear of the ISP squad car. The Trooper was inside of the squad car at the time of the crash and was transported to an area hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The driver of the Toyota, 62-year-old Dwayne Samuel of Florissant, MO, was uninjured. Samuel was issued citations for Scott’s Law – Improper Passing of an Emergency Vehicle and Operating an Uninsured Motor Vehicle. So far this year, ISP has had 1

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