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EDWARDSVILLE - Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Chancellor James T. Minor, PhD, has named academic marketing and communications expert Kedra Tolson as Executive Director of University Marketing and Communications following a national search. Tolson will assume the position, effective Wednesday, Dec. 7, 2022. Tolson is returning to her alma mater to lead an experienced team of creative professionals charged with amplifying SIUE’s brand, enhancing enrollment marketing, and strengthening communication with the public. Tolson will also play a key role in advancing communication related to the Strategic Plan and critical University fundraising campaigns. “This is an exciting season for SIUE. I am confident Kedra will be a key contributor to our growth as we take bold steps to define our future,” said Minor. “Kedra’s extensive background in higher education has fostered a “students-first” approach that matches our mission of transforming

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ST. LOUIS - Hospital Sisters Health System (HSHS) colleagues recently attended Mid-America Transplant “Inspired by Life” Symposium at St. Louis Union Station. Hospital colleagues listened to various speakers and were able to hear from and connect with representatives from Mid-America Transplant to learn more about the organ donation process, tissue donation, and the importance of aftercare. (Pictured left to right) Michelle Herzberg, director of inpatient care at HSHS St. Joseph’s Hospital Highland; Stephanie Collings, medical-surgical care registered nurse at HSHS St. Elizabeth’s Hospital; Lleyna Gorka, nurse educator at HSHS St. Elizabeth’s Hospital; Cindy Crouch, emergency department facilitator at HSHS Holy Family Hospital; Kacie Blaser, facilitator of surgical services at HSHS Holy Family Hospital; and Kelli Clutts, director of nursing at HSHS Holy Family Hospital.

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CARLINVILLE - Blackburn College in Carlinville, IL, is bringing its annual Veterans Day Convocation back to campus on Friday, November 11, 2022, at 11 am. The American Legion Post 554, Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 1104 and the College will honor United States military veterans at the event held in Clegg Chapel on the College campus. It is open to Blackburn faculty, staff, students, and all members of the community. A thank-you lunch will be provided free of charge for veterans inside the Demuzio Campus Center following the Convocation. The College last hosted an official convocation event in November 2019. While virtual celebrations were held during the pandemic to help observe this day, the return of an in-person gathering allows for a more complete remembrance of the individuals who carry a legacy of courage and sacrifice. The program will include the Presentation of the Colors provided by the American Legion Post 554 and VFW Post 1104 Color Guards, special readings and recognitions.

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STAUNTON - During their Employee Appreciation Week celebration in October, the employees at Madison were challenged to donate non-perishable items for the local food pantries as part of a team bonding exercise. The Madison employees collected a total of 10 milk crates and multiple boxes of food. The items were then divided evenly between the Mt. Olive Care Center and the Staunton Helping Hands Center. These donations are just a small part of Madison’s commitment to care for the communities that they serve. Along with donating to the local food pantries, Madison is also sponsoring the Community Hope Center’s Christmas Toy Drive once again! Please help spread the love to a child for Christmas by donating a new and unwrapped toy for girls and boys ages 0-12. Toys will be accepted anytime until November 30th in their main office lobby located at 21668 Double Arch Road in Staunton. They thank you in advance for your generosity this holiday season! To learn more about Madison’s

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BLOOMINGTON — Governor JB Pritzker joined Ferrero North America, as well as state and local officials, for the groundbreaking of Ferrero’s Bloomington facility. This will be the first North American location to produce Kinder Bueno products. The company’s commitment to further expand its Bloomington facility will bring a $214.4 million investment to the area and create 200 new jobs over four years - generating economic benefit for the region and state. “Central Illinois sits in the heart of our nation, so it’s only fitting that it serves as the heart of Ferrero’s North American operations: CRUNCH, 100 Grand, Raisinets, and now Kinder Bueno, all made right here,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “This expansion is a testament to Illinois’ quality workforce and reputation on the global stage, and especially the quality workforce right here in Central Illinois. I want to thank the entire Ferrero team for their partnership. Here’s t

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ST. LOUIS - As daylight saving time ends on November 6, the American Red Cross encourages everyone to test their smoke alarms as they turn their clocks back to help stay safe from home fires. “Home fires claim more lives in a typical year than all natural disasters combined, but working smoke alarms can cut the risk of dying in a home fire by half,” said Chris Harmon, Regional Disaster Officer for the Missouri Arkansas Region. “The sooner an alarm alerts you to a fire, the sooner you can get out. When you turn your clocks back this weekend, also test your smoke alarms to help prevent a tragedy in your home.” Since July 1, 2022, Red Cross volunteers in Missouri have responded to helped over 2,200 people in Missouri affected by more than 570 home fires, which account for most of the more than 60,000 disasters that the Red Cross responds to annually across the country. In the Greater St. Louis chapter, approximately 620 people have been helped by Red Cross following

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GRANITE CITY - The Granite City Police Department has an individual in custody without incident after a call that someone made an alleged threat against Granite City High School via social media. Major Nick Novacich, the Granite City deputy police chief, said at 8:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 2, 2022, the Granite City Police Department received a call that someone had made a threat against the Granite City Senior High School. The deputy police chief said Granite City Police immediately initiated an investigation into the matter and quickly identified the person who made the threat. That individual was located and taken into custody without incident. Novacich said as of this time, there is no other threat posed to the Granite City schools. "Due to the age of the individual apprehended, no identifiable information can be released," he added. The command staff of the Granite City Police Department commends the individual(s) who alerted us to this threat and we also commend the swift an

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WOOD RIVER - Midwest Members Credit Union is proud to sponsor the “Oiler of the Month” program at EAWR High School. A Senior student is selected each month by members of the EAWR faculty. Each student is awarded a certificate and a Subway gift card. The Seniors selected each month will have the opportunity to compete for a $1,000.00 “Oiler of the Year” scholarship at the end of the school year. October’s winner is Tyler Robinson. Tyler is a Senior at EAWR and is involved with varsity basketball, football, baseball, soccer, golf, the National Honor Society, and Spirit Club. Tyler has received honors for the National Honor Society, varsity football, basketball, baseball, golf, and soccer. After graduation Tyler plans to obtain a degree in Business at Illinois State University. Congratulations Tyler and we all wish you good luck in your future! Midwest Members Credit Union has been serving your community for over 87 years. To find out more information

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GODFREY - The Godfrey Village Board of Trustees held a brief meeting on Tuesday night and passed several motions, agreeing to fund the installation of new street lighting in a Godfrey subdivision and along Godfrey Road, as well as a new marketing campaign for the Godfrey Business District. A motion for the consideration and approval of a promotional program for the Godfrey Business District was introduced to the board in two “phases,” or parts; the first would be a general campaign for the entire Business District, while the second part would be a “business co-op” which 10 businesses could join to get individualized marketing campaigns for their businesses. Businesses who join would be required to remain part of the co-op for at least 6 months, and the cost for the Village to fund each “phase” of the campaign is $30,000 for a total cost of $60,000. Tools would be put in place to digitally measure the effectiveness of the program - if the program

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ALTON - One of the highlights each year for Vicky Schlueter is having her grandkids at the Alton Halloween Parade. She was not disappointed Monday night and said she loved the parade as much as ever. The Alton woman, who is also a photography enthusiast, captured some of her favorite moments with her camera in some of the photos displayed here. Other than her grandchildren's thrill of the parade, her other favorite moment was the Alton Middle School Band's performance of "Thriller." "I thought the Alton Middle School band did a good job with 'Thriller,'" she said. Vicky said she was also overjoyed to see a return to normalcy with the parade after the battle in recent years with the COVID-19 Pandemic. "Things seemed back to normal Monday night," she said. Vicky also pointed out that the Halloween Parade means so much to the city of Alton. "I enjoy the parade a lot," she said. "I have gone several years in a row. I really enjoy how all the local businesses and adults and children

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EDWARDSVILLE - Senior outside hitter and defensive setter Vyla Hupp has been one of the key players for the Edwardsville High girls' volleyball team this season and last Thursday in the IHSA Class 4A Regional Final at Lucco-Jackson Gym, Hupp made big shots at key times in the match to help the Tigers defeat Belleville West in two very tough and close sets 25-22, 25-23. In the match, Hupp had four kills, 10 digs, and four points in helping the Tigers to the regional championship over the Maroons. "Pretty great," Hupp said when asked about how she was feeling during a post-match interview. "It's a big win." Vyla is an iCAN Clinic Female Athlete of the Month for the Tigers. The first set was very much a see-saw affair until the Tigers went on the first big roll of the match to take control and win the opening set. In the second set, Edwardsville held off the Maroons' rallies with important shots that stopped West and allow the Tigers to take charge late. Hupp had many of those big shot

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ALTON - Alton Main Street and Jacoby Arts Center are partnering to present First Fridays, a late-night art and shopping experience which spans 19 locations across the Downtown Alton district. This event will be held on the First Friday of each month through December 2022, providing you with an opportunity to check out new shops and galleries and visit familiar favorites to experience art and great specials at each business. Participants are offering a variety of discounts, refreshments, and giveaways. Everyone who has their passport stamped at each location will receive a $10 gift certificate to any participating business. Free parking is available in the lot next to Jacoby Arts Center, located at 627 E. Broadway, and a free shuttle bus will be provided from 5:00-9:00 p.m., running a continuous loop between all participating locations. Find "Where’s Wadlow" hidden at one of the locations to win a $100 gift certificate! On Friday, November 4th, start your evening by picking

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EDWARDSVILLE - The Edwardsville-Glen Carbon Chamber Of Commerce Halloween Parade once again had beautiful floats and an incredible community, business, and school participation Monday night in Edwardsville. The parade participants lined up in the Lincoln Middle and Woodland Elementary School parking lots in Edwardsville and departed the lots with the Edwardsville Police promptly at 6:30 p.m. Parade organizers were ecstatic the weather held out and many remarked the conditions were "perfect" to be in the crowd as a spectator. The floats were once again well done and the competition for parade winners in five judging categories will be difficult for those making the final decisions. Halloween Parade winners in each of the five judging categories, including the grand champion, will be announced on Wednesday, November 2. The Fan Favorite will also be available on the Edwardsville/Glen Carbon Chamber Facebook page on Wednesday, November 2. The Edwardsville/Glen Carbon Chamber spends

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ALTON - Eye Envy Studio, a new beauty business located at 200 N. Center Drive, Suite E, in Alton, is hosting its official soft opening this weekend from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 5. Owner and Founder Kayla Covington said visitors will have chances to win several prizes, including a free service, merchandise, and discounts. “The first person can get a free service,” Covington said. “I’m going to have a little food, some door prizes, stuff like that. I’m giving out a bag and it has some items with my company name on it - pens, keychains, flyers for 30 percent off - just like a ‘thank you’ for coming … little knick-knack stuff to appreciate the people coming out.” Covington added this is a free public event, and that she’s hoping for a good turnout. “It’s free to the public,” she said. “I would like for any and everybody to come out!” Eye Envy Studio offers everything from

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EDWARDSVILLE – Marti Elford, PhD, instructor in Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s School of Education, Health and Human Behavior, has been named a Fulbright Specialist for the second time by Fulbright Finland for her contributions to special education teacher preparation. “The competition is quite rigorous to be selected to join the Fulbright Specialist roster,” said Elford. “I am honored to be recognized for the contributions I have made to special education teacher preparation. Returning to Finland for a second time is a huge honor.” During her first stint in Finland in 2018, Elford spent six weeks working alongside scholars, researchers and professors to integrate technology into teacher preparation programs. Her acceptance to return to Finland as a Fulbright Specialist will involve her being part of special education faculty on developing processes and protocol for distance supervision of teacher candidates. “The two objectives

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ST. LOUIS COUNTY - The deceased in a crash near the intersection of Grovois Road and Cinnabar Drive resulted in the death of a teenage male that has been identified as Quintyn Lewis, 17, of the 9200 block of Confederacy Drive in St. Louis, Missouri, 63126. St. Louis County Police Crimes Against Persons detectives and the Accident Reconstruction Unit are investigating a fatal motor crash near the intersection of Gravois Road and Cinnabar Drive which resulted in the death of a teenage male. At 1:20 a.m. on October 29, 2022, St. Louis County police officers from the Affton Southwest Precinct responded to a call for service for a motor vehicle accident near the intersection of Gravois Road and Cinnabar Drive. Arriving officers located a single motor vehicle crash. Preliminary investigation has revealed a Lexus sedan was traveling at a high rate of speed eastbound on Gravois Road when it left the roadway, striking a utility pole. The vehicle contained a total of 6 passengers, including

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ALTON - The highly anticipated flash mob performance was back once again during the Alton annual Halloween Parade. Students from local Principia College in nearby Elsah were able to put on a “flash mob” dance as part of the Alton Halloween parade. This was Principia’s ninth year participating in the parade. The event took place this year at the intersection of 3rd and Piasa Streets. With hundreds waiting at the specific spot to see the “hip-hop” styled dance. Assistant Professor of Dance at Principia College, Erin Lane, was able to organize the flash mob with help from students. Lane described the performance, “It’s really exciting, there's an adrenaline rush when you perform, and when the students do really well and share their enthusiasm about the event and then the art, it's just fantastic!” Choreographers of the dance were Emily Kraack and Hanna Dow, both sophomores attending Principia College. Kraack stated that the practices

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More pics at: https://www.randymanning.com/Alton-Halloween-Parade ALTON - The 105th Alton Halloween Parade was again one for residents to remember with a long group of floats and participants. The Grandpa Gang were well-deserved grand marshals of the parade. The Grandpa Gang each year decorates the Christmas Wonderland at Rock Spring Park with more than 2.5 million lights and donates profits to community organizations. The East End Improvement Association is the coordinator of the parade each year. The Alton Halloween Parade started at 7 p.m. Monday on Broadway and Washington and concluded on Piasa. Steve Schwartz, a spokesperson for East End Improvement Association said the parade was in a word, "fantastic." "We had some great float entries and a great crowd," he said. "The weather also held out and overall it was a very good parade. We were thankful to be able to honor the Grandpa Gang as the parade marshals. They do so much for the community."

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EDWARDSVILLE - The Edwardsville High School Marching Tigers finished their competitive season this past weekend at the Illinois State Band Championship. In prelims, the band finished second place in Class 5A, earning a ticket to finals for the fourth time in school history, where they finished sixth overall in the finals. "We are very proud of the hard work these students put in this year, and hope that anyone who saw the show enjoyed it," the band directors said. "Congrats on an amazing year, students!" The Marching Tigers performed Monday night in the Edwardsville Halloween Parade and also will participate in the Edwardsville Veterans Day Parade on November 11, 2022.

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ST. LOUIS - Talented teens have the chance to perform before a live audience on The Fabulous Fox Theatre Stage. Fox Performing Arts Charitable Foundation is proud to underwrite and produce an adjudicated competition showcasing teens of the St. Louis region. Teens are encouraged to compete in a talent category of their choice, whether they sing, dance, act, or do something eccentric. All talent is welcome! For the chance at $8000 towards a college scholarship, head over to FOXPACF.ORG and complete the “St. Louis Teen Talent Competition Registration Form”. From there, registrants will be able to submit details about their act. REGISTRATION IS OPEN UNTIL JANUARY 2 nd. THERE ARE NO FEES TO PARTICIPATE. Open to High School students that live within 50 miles in any direction of the St. Louis Gateway Arch. Students must be enrolled in grades 9, 10, 11, or 12 during the 2022-2023 academic year to participate. Performers under the age of 18 will need a parent or guardian

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