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ALTON - It’s been a warm autumn so far, but that won’t stop the Grandpa Gang — they’ve been decorating for Christmas since September. The Grandpa Gang is a group of retired Alton residents who organize the Christmas Wonderland lights and display at Rock Springs Park in Alton every winter. Board President Dick Alford said the gang started decorating in the first week of September and will continue to work four hours a day, five days a week until Thanksgiving. They’re looking forward to putting on a great display and benefiting local organizations. “Pretty much everybody there is a grandpa in some way,” Alford said. “It kind of brings that holiness to it, to know that your grandpas are out there putting this up for your grandkids and your children.” Despite the name, he emphasized that you don’t actually have to be a grandfather to join them. The group is made up of 25 men who have some extra time and want to decorate “for

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“Anyone who claims to be a fiscal conservative and concerned about taxpayer money would’ve already called for an end to this madness,” said Slusser, “but our Chairman remains silent. We need a new Chairman.” EDWARDSVILLE - Today Madison County Treasurer Chris Slusser, candidate for County Board Chairman, called on current County Board Chairman Kurt Prenzler to demand that his political allies end their continuous costly, harassing and frivolous lawsuits against Madison County Officials. Madison County State’s Attorney Tom Haine recently released figures indicating the total costs of lawsuits filed by disgraced former county officials Doug Hulme and Rob Dorman have cost the county (taxpayers) more than $270,000 to defend. The pair are two of Prenzler’s top aides and supporters, and now have filed more than 20 lawsuits against various county officials since the County Board voted 26-1 to fire them in April 2020. “This is a total

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ALTON - Illinois American Water has provided another update this week on the work to separate the Alton combined sewer system and install new sanitary sewers. Below is information about the upcoming road closure – Elm Street, between Davis Street and Tibbitt Street, in Alton, is planned to be closed to thru traffic starting on October 4, 2023. A new storm sewer is being constructed along the street to remove storm inlets from the sanitary sewer system in this area, with work starting on the westerly side of the intersection at Davis Street and progressing west. Local traffic will be accommodated thru the site to their driveways. Thru traffic will need to utilize an alternative route on either Delmar Avenue to the north, or Mather Street in Alton to the south. Please use caution driving near construction sites and follow all traffic control signage and barricades. Safety: These closures are necessary for investments in the wastewater system to be completed in a safe manner. Illino

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WOOD RIVER - Four buildings in downtown Wood River are slated to be renovated with TIF funds recently approved by the City Council in a series of 4-1 votes. Councilman Bill Dettmers voted against approving TIF funding for all four buildings, but said his opposition was not to their renovation, but to the lack of detailed information from project developers. “The information I’ve got here tonight is very minimal,” Dettmers said. “I’m not satisfied with the information we have at hand to be able to vote on these in the affirmative tonight … I’d like to know more about the cash flows, I’d like to know more about the business, I’d like to know what the expected property tax revenues are going to be on these projects. “My objection here is not to the development, but to the lack of documentation from the city to base a recommendation. I don’t understand how the members of the committee are making their decisions when

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WOOD RIVER - A road dedication ceremony renaming Old Alton Edwardsville Road to Tyler Timmins Drive will occur at 10 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 26, at the intersection of Rock Hill Road and Tyler Timmins Drive. Officer Timmins of the Pontoon Beach Police Department was shot and killed in the line of duty on Oct. 26, 2021, while approaching the subject of a stolen vehicle. Officer Timmins was only 36 years old and had served in law enforcement for 14 years at the time of his death. "Officer Tyler Timmins grew up on Willow and Ash Streets in the City of Wood River," Wood River Police Chief Brad Wells said. "He graduated from East Alton-Wood River High School in 2003. Tyler started his law enforcement career as a cadet with the Wood River Police Department. Officer Timmins worked for the Roxana, Worden, Hartford and Pontoon Beach Police Departments." Wood River Mayor Tom Stalcup said he thought it was a great thing to honor the late police officer for his huge sacrifices in protecting others.

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RIVERBEND - Spectrum customers throughout the Riverbend will soon have a new way to watch television with the company’s launch of Xumo, a streaming device that offers popular streaming services as well as local channels. The Xumo Stream Box is a preloaded device that includes the Spectrum TV app, where you can access the channels included in your Spectrum package, and hundreds of other streaming apps like Netflix and Hulu. Live, on-demand and streaming content is all available through the Xumo Stream Box. “Xumo is streaming simplified, bringing a live TV experience together with all the top apps,” said Rich DiGeronimo, President of Product and Technology for Charter. Comcast and Charter created Xumo as a joint venture, and Spectrum will provide all customers with a Xumo device going forward. There are also plans to expand to Xfinity customers soon. Spectrum has several stores in the Riverbend region on both sides of the river, making it one of the most popular

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In letters to United Airlines, American Airlines, and Airlines for America, Durbin requests answers on how these airlines plan to improve service and decrease unnecessary costs for Americans SPRINGFIELD – U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today sent letters to the leadership of United Airlines, American Airlines, and Airlines for America (A4A) to urge the companies to address customer frustration around flight delays and excessive fees for checked baggage, Wi-Fi service, seat assignments, and more. Citing startling statistics around the skyrocketing number of travel disruptions and outrageous fees, Durbin pressed the companies for answers on how airlines, which are making record profits, will better look out for consumers. “I am writing to express my concern regarding ongoing challenges that airline passengers face, and to inquire what United Airlines / American Airlines / Airlines for America is doing to address these complaints from the American

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Robin Kelly (IL-02) and Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) introduced the Promoting Access to Broadband Act of 2023 in the House of Representatives and the Senate. The legislation will make grants available to states to inform Medicaid enrollees, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) participants, and low-income residents of their potential eligibility for the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) Lifeline program and Affordable Connectivity Program s (ACP). The Lifeline program and ACP provide free or low-cost wireless service and internet capable devices to qualifying individuals. Affordable internet connection increases opportunities for education, employment, health access, and community building. The Promoting Access to Broadband Act of 2023 will provide states with resources to increase awareness of these programs amongst eligible populations and increase usage of the Lifeline program and ACP. According to the National

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EDWARDSVILLE/GLEN CARBON - The Madison County Historical Society (MCHS) promises fun for all generations at the upcoming Living History Days Festival. This three-day festival will run Oct. 6–8, 2023 at different historical sites in Edwardsville and Glen Carbon. From vintage vehicle exhibitions to Native American craft demonstrations, there are free activities and displays for everyone to enjoy. MCHS works to share local history through events like the festival and their Madison County Historical Museum and Archival Library. “As a county historical society, we try to promote things that are saving history all throughout the county,” explained historian and MCHS board member Cindy Reinhardt. This mission is never more prominent than at the annual Living History Days Festival, which kicks off at 8 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 6, 2023 with a concert by Lil’ Ed & the Blues Imperials at Wildey Theatre in Edwardsville. Heartsfield will take the stage at 7:30 p.m.

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Orgain LLC of Irvine, CA is voluntarily recalling a limited production run of its Organic Protein Powder + Superfoods, Creamy Chocolate Fudge flavor, because it may contain an undeclared sesame allergen. People who have a sesame allergy or severe sensitivity to sesame run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume this product. Protein Powder + Superfoods, Creamy Chocolate Fudge 43.8 ounce/2.64 lb. is an item exclusively sold at Costco. The impacted product is limited to four lots and has been traced to select Costco warehouse locations, but not to Costco’s e-commerce site. No other Orgain products or retailers are affected by this voluntary recall. No illnesses have been reported to date. A co-manufacturer inadvertently used sesame in a limited production of Orgain's Organic Protein + Superfoods, Creamy Chocolate Fudge flavor. The co-manufacturer informed Orgain that the product was distributed with an undeclared sesame allergen and Orgain initiated

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ALTON - Main Street America, Illinois Main Street and Alton Main Street are excited to present Jon Schallert in Alton, Illinois on October 26 th , 2023. Jon is an exceptional destination business expert with over 25 years of community experience. The workshop will be held on Thursday, October 26th from 8:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. at The Lovejoy Wedding & Event Center, located at 401 Piasa St. Alton, IL 62002. Presenter Jon Schallert teaches businesses and communities how to turn themselves into Consumer Destinations. Jon speaks to thousands annually on his Destination Business process, which he developed over the course of 25 years while interviewing 10,000+ independent business owners in 600+ cities. In this workshop created for Illinois business owners and community leaders, Jon will show how most businesses today can attract more customers, increase sales and profits, and lower their advertising costs when they start marketing as Destination Businesses. Attendees of this workshop will lear

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PIASA – This Veterans Day, Southwestern Military History Club students will set up a field of American flags, all to honor local veterans and raise critical funds to support our nation’s ill and injured heroes. Each donated flag represents a special veteran in someone else’s life, with proceeds benefitting DAV (Disabled American Veterans) and their free, life-changing services for veterans in need and their families. The flags will be displayed at Southwestern High School on and before Nov. 11. Military History Club Sponsor Jeff Eldred said, “The club tries to bring knowledge of and support for our serving military members and our veterans. When we saw this opportunity to help our veterans, the students were excited to do their part. We also hope this Field of Flags fundraiser helps bring our communities together in support of our military and its veterans.” For more than 100 years, DAV has helped veterans of all generations’ live high-quality

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ALTON – The 35 th Annual Alton Chili Cook-Off will occur as planned on Saturday, October 14 th , but ticket sales will be cut off earlier than usual due to low participation. 13 teams are registered, but 20 teams are needed to feed the typical crowd that attends. The event will move forward this year but is in jeopardy in future years unless more teams decide to get involved. The event was cancelled in 2022 due to Madison County Health Department rules that prohibited cooking in advance in a home kitchen and reheating the chili on-site, but the Health Department has revamped their policy and put reasonable rules in place to hold the event while keeping everyone safe. “We appreciate how the MCHD has worked with us on this,” said Sara McGibany, Executive Director of Alton Main Street who coordinates the event, adding “We wanted to clear up any misconceptions that the new rules are burdensome – the new rules require one team member to take an online food handler

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ALTON - Alton Fire Department Chief Jesse Jemison confirmed the fire in the 2300 block of Sunset Avenue on Wednesday had a fatality. The chief didn't release any other information other than the death being investigated by the fire department, the state fire marshal's office and the Alton Police Department. More information should be released about the fatality later today, the chief said. Presently, the fire department is notifying family members about the death.

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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, released the following statement on Senate passage of the Continuing Resolution (CR), which will fund the federal government through November 17: “Extreme MAGA House Republicans failed. The right-wing policies that they have been pushing for weeks were removed from the short-term government funding bill and hundreds of thousands of hardworking Americans and service men and women will not be forced to work without pay come Monday. “And while today’s particular bill did not include additional funding to Ukraine, I want the brave Ukrainians who continue to push back against Putin to know that the United States still stands, and will continue to stand with you—and we will find additional ways in the future to continue our commitment to you. “Now, Congress must roll up its sleeves and complete the government funding process before November 17.”

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ALTON - In 2016, Pride Incorporated, a non-profit beautification organization, transformed State House Circle into the picturesque landmark it is today to commemorate their 50-year anniversary. The project, meticulously designed by Tim Matifes—Chairman of the Beautification Committee at the time — came to fruition thanks to generous donations and the dedication of many talented individuals. Pride’s circle of volunteers, comprising family and friends, has tirelessly maintained the lush and stately landscaping throughout the years, ensuring its continued splendor. Once more, Pride is enhancing this historic landmark by planting four Autumn Blaze Maple trees around its perimeter, further enriching its vibrant color palette. On October 10th, starting at 9:00 am, Waldbart & Sons Nursery of Dorsey will commence the tree installation. A heartfelt thank you is extended to Alton Parks and Recreation for providing logistical assistance and support for this beautification

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ALTON - Alton Police and Fire Departments worked a two-vehicle crash just after 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 5, 2023, on Alby Street at East Center Drive. Alton Fire Department Battalion Chief Bill Simon was the coordinator at the scene and he said initially there was a call of possible entrapment but when the firefighters and police arrived, a passerby had helped pull the door open for someone in one of the vehicles. The vehicles had damage to the front and back, he said. He also said no one was transported with injuries from the scene. No other details were available about the crash at this time.

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TEUTOPOLIS – With information provided by the community, the Illinois State Police (ISP) Division of Criminal Investigation has been able to identify the vehicle and driver believed to be involved in the September 29, 2023 crash just outside of Teutopolis that resulted in five fatalities and multiple injuries. “Thank you to the communities of Montrose and Teutopolis, and everyone who provided information to ISP,” said ISP Director Brendan F. Kelly. “The information we received from the community has been instrumental in identifying the vehicle and driver believed to be involved in this case.” On Friday, September 29, 2023, ISP, the Effingham County Sheriff’s Office, Teutopolis Fire Protection District, and other local law enforcement, fire, and emergency services responded to a crash that occurred at 8:42 p.m. on 19740 East U.S. Highway 40. The crash involved a semi-truck tanker carrying 7,500 gallons of anhydrous ammonia,

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SPRINGFIELD —Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (Illinois EPA) Director John J. Kim today announced $750,000 in funding through the release of a Section 604(b) Water Quality Management Program Grant Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO). This grant program is used to implement the Illinois Water Quality Management Program and Illinois’ Nonpoint Source Management Program through water quality projects and activities. The NOFO has been posted at https://il.amplifund.com/Public/Opportunities/Details/d08c9b29-bf05-4432-8dda-3e8f2b0d1787 . Grant funds under this program can be used to determine the nature, extent and causes of point and nonpoint source water pollution, develop watershed-based plans, and develop technical and administrative tools to support development and implementation of water pollution control projects and programs. In addition, projects can develop designs for best management practices to address water quality problems, implement administrative

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Cookies-N-Milk, of McKinney, TX is recalling their 6oz cups of "Chocolate Chip Edible Cookie Dough" because it may contain undeclared peanuts. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to peanuts run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products. “Chocolate Chip Edible Cookie Dough” with lot # 32402342 C has been recalled which was made available in retail stores throughout the states of IA, KS, MN, MO, ND, NE, SD, WI, WY. The recalled product is packaged in a 6oz clear plastic cup with the Cookies-N-Milk brand and the lot # 32402342 C found on the top side and is potentially filled with peanut butter edible cookie dough. No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this problem. After receiving a notification from a distributor, the investigation indicates the problem occurred at the packaging stage. Consumers who have purchased 6oz cups of "Cookies-N-Milk Chocolate Chip edible cookie dough" with the identified

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