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EDWARDSVILLE – Homefield Energy has been chosen to once again serve as the electricity supplier for the municipal electric aggregation program in the City of Edwardsville and other local communities. Homefield Energy’s contract with participating residents and small businesses will begin with the December 2024 meter reading. The City of Edwardsville was authorized by voters in 2012 to oversee a municipal electric aggregation program. The program’s goal is to protect residents from ongoing volatility in electric supply charges by leveraging a pool of municipal customers to secure a competitive, fixed rate. The new rate with Homefield Energy is 9.054 cents per kilowatt hour, which is a 3.146 cent decrease from current provider Constellation Energy’s rate of 12.20 cents. Participating cities, counties and townships are working with aggregation consultant Good Energy LP, a New York-based company with regional offices in Edwardsville and Peoria. If you are an Ameren

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EDWARDSVILLE - The Junior Service Club of Edwardsville/Glen Carbon invites adults 21 and older to join in the fun at the “Trick or Drink Bar Crawl” on Oct. 19, 2024 from 6 to 11 p.m. This exciting event will take place at six popular local bars: The Cabin At Judy Creek, The Mossy Stone Irish Pub, Global Brew Tap House, Big Daddy's, Foundry Public House, and Sneaky's Bar & Burger Joint. Participants can look forward to a night filled with festive activities, including a costume contest with prizes for the best-dressed participants. A special “passport” system will reward crawlers who visit multiple locations, increasing their chances to win even more prizes. Each bar will feature exclusive food and drink specials to enhance the experience. For added safety and convenience, a shuttle service will be provided to transport attendees between each stop, ensuring everyone can enjoy the evening responsibly. Tickets are available for purchase at http://www.edglenjuniorservice.org/trick-or-drink-bar-crawl-2024.html

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ALTON – Marquette Catholic High School will present Clue at 7 p.m. on October 25 and 26, on the Ruth Klaus Stage located at 219 E. 4th Street. Clue is a murder-mystery farce adapted from the 1985 film Clue , which was based on the Hasbro board game . Sandy Rustin adapted the screenplay by Jonathan Lynn for the stage, with additional material by Hunter Foster and Eric Price. The classic board game is brought to life as six guests are invited to a dinner party thrown by an anonymous host with a plot filled with aliases, blackmail, motive, mystery and humor. According to Ms. Madison Foreman, Theater and Music Director, 31 students are involved in the production as actors and crew. She said, “ Clue is a fantastic blend of humor and mystery that challenges both the characters and the audience. We’ve had an incredible time bringing this story to life, and we can’t wait for everyone to join us for a night of unexpected twists and laughter.” Mr

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WASHINGTON PARK – Illinois State Police have arrested 22-year-old Steven Tiller Jr. of Belleville, in connection with a murder that occurred on March 29, 2024. Tiller faces charges of First Degree Murder and Unlawful Possession of a Weapon by a Felon following the shooting death of 39-year-old George Smith of East St. Louis. The incident took place outside a business in the 6000 block of Forest Boulevard in Washington Park, where Smith was struck by gunfire and later succumbed to his injuries at a nearby hospital. The Washington Park Police Department requested the assistance of the Illinois State Police Division of Criminal Investigation Zone 6 to conduct a thorough investigation into the homicide. After several months of investigation, authorities identified Tiller as a suspect. He was taken into custody on Friday, Oct. 11, 2024, and is currently being held at the St. Clair County Jail. Tiller is charged with First Degree Murder, classified as a Class M felony, as well as

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ALTON - YWCA invites the community to join its annual Trivia Night Fundraiser on Saturday, November 9, 2024, at the Best Western Premier Conference Center in Alton. The night promises fun, competition, and the opportunity to support important local initiatives. Doors open at 6 p.m., and trivia kicks off promptly at 7 p.m. “We’re thrilled to bring back another exciting night of trivia! Our event will be packed with fun challenges, great prizes, and opportunities to support YWCA’s critical programs,” said Dorothy Hummel, Executive Director of YWCA. “Whether you come as a team or an individual, it’s a fantastic way to enjoy an evening out while making a difference in our community.” The evening will feature: Attendance Prizes, Bucket of Booze Raffle, 50/50 Drawing, Heads or Tails Game, Trivia Prizes … and much more! Tickets are $25 per person, or $200 for a table of eight. In addition to the trivia competition, the night will include a

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October 15th is a date that resonates with many significant events throughout history. One of the most notable events on this date occurred in 1917, when a remarkable woman, Mata Hari, was executed by a French firing squad. Mata Hari, born Margaretha Zelle, was a Dutch exotic dancer and courtesan who was accused of being a spy for Germany during World War I. Her trial was steeped in controversy, as many believed she was a scapegoat in a time of paranoia and mistrust. The public's fascination with her life and dramatic trial only grew after her execution, cementing her status as a symbol of the femme fatale in popular culture. Fast forward to 1966, and we find another significant moment as the Cultural Revolution was officially launched in China. Initiated by Mao Zedong, the Cultural Revolution aimed to preserve Chinese communism by purging remnants of capitalist and traditional elements from Chinese society. This period was marked by widespread social, political, and economic upheaval,

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GODFREY — An event will be held at the Godfrey Knights of Columbus from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on October 15 to introduce faith-based investment opportunities offered by Ave Maria Mutual Funds. The event titled "Higher Ground - Investments You Can Believe In" aims to help attendees gain a better understanding of mutual funds and how they can align their investments with their personal values while achieving financial goals. The gathering comes in response to a growing interest among local residents in investing in companies and organizations that reflect their beliefs. Representatives from Ave Maria Mutual Funds and Edward Jones Investments will be present to provide insights into faith-based investment options and general investment principles. “Investors are eager to see their assets grow while supporting companies and institutions that share their convictions,” said Scott Mandrell, a representative from Edward Jones. Mandrell said the event promises to be informative

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Now that fall is here and temperatures are dropping, ensuring a properly maintained heating system is more important than ever. Bickle Electric Heating & Cooling, based in Edwardsville, IL, is ready to help homeowners prepare their HVAC systems for the colder months ahead. With their team of skilled technicians, Bickle Electric provides the expert maintenance needed to keep homes comfortable and energy-efficient all season long. Why Fall HVAC Maintenance is Important After a long summer, heating systems need attention to ensure they run efficiently and safely. Fall is the perfect time to schedule a professional tune-up to avoid breakdowns and optimize system performance before winter arrives. Regular maintenance not only improves energy efficiency but also extends the life of HVAC equipment and helps lower energy bills. Bickle Electric’s Fall HVAC Tune-Up Services Include: Complete System Inspection: Every component, including the furnace and thermostat, is inspected for

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ALTON - Reese Livingstone is an outstanding junior golfer who recently qualified for the IHSA Class 1A state girls tournament. She moved ahead with a score of 81 in the Rochester Secitonal and will play at state at Red Tail Golf Course in Decatur on Oct. 18-19, 2024. Reese is a Tucker’s Automotive Repair & Tire Female Athlete of the Month. Reese said one of her goals this season has been to lead the Explorers and she has been outstanding in the post-season. She saluted her father and coaches for helping her reach the success she has in high school golf. “Without my dad I wouldn’t have started playing golf and would have left it behind,” Taylor said. “He has taught me all that I know and continues to help me grow. I also have had a lot of help from my coaches Deb and Josh. Deb brought me on the varsity team my freshman year and helped me get through my freshman year of golf. Josh, our assistant coach, has always been there especially when I am down.”

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ROXANA — Taylor Partridge, a standout runner for the Roxana Shells, has been recognized as the Midwest Members Credit Union Female Athlete of the Month, highlighting her leadership role in the school's cross country and track and field programs. Partridge has established herself as a formidable competitor this season, with impressive times in various events. She recorded a personal best of 11:21 in the 3200 meters in track and field in the spring and completed the three-mile Granite City Invitational in 22:52.1. Additionally, she clocked 24:00.2 at the Peoria Notre Dame Meet, 24:40.7 in the Freeburg Invite, and 25:16.5 at the Madison County Meet. In an interview earlier this season, Partridge expressed her passion for the sport of cross country. “I love cross country,” she said. “I hope to run in college. I have been talking to some smaller schools and I hope I get an opportunity soon.” As she continues her athletic journey, Partridge's dedication

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SPRINGFIELD, MISSOURI - Sun Solar offers a wide range of options for solar customers in Illinois, Missouri and Kansas. Lucas Admire, who represents Sun Solar, explained that the company brings a people-focused approach to commercial, residential and agricultural solar projects. Admire previously worked with a “fly-by-night” solar company with representatives that go door to door. He said working with Sun Solar has been a much better experience, both for him and his customers. “To go from that company that I was with that was kicking me all around the country at different times, to be with these guys, ,” Admire said. “It’s phenomenal, and I feel absolutely blessed to have been approached by Sun Solar.” At his previous company, Admire said he was a part of 30 solar deals that were never completed. This is different from Sun Solar, where Admire works personally with a project coordinator to make sure every job is completed in a timely

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SPRINGFIELD - Illinois State Police (ISP) Director Brendan F. Kelly gathered today with ISP staff and their families, local law enforcement officers, and distinguished members of the public for the ISP Awards Ceremony. The ceremony was held to recognize individuals for their significant contributions and dedication to public safety. Director Kelly presented individuals with the following awards: Director’s Award of Distinction, Medal of Valor, Medal for Honor, Meritorious Service Medal, Achievement Medal, and Lifesaving Medal. Each award recipient was recognized for their exemplary service to ISP and the residents of Illinois. “ISP’s greatest strength is our people – troopers, specials agents, telecommunicators, analysts, forensic scientists – and I am proud and honored to work alongside them all,” said ISP Director Brendan F. Kelly. “Integrity, Service, and Pride are ISP’s values and the people we are honoring today embody those values.

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ST. LOUIS - The James Bess Foundation, a nonprofit that grants a dying dream to adults (21-65) battling a terminal illness, will grant Granite City, IL resident Keita Miller’s dying dream to meet Jelly Roll at his concert in St. Louis next week. WHERE: Enterprise Center – St. Louis, MO WHEN: Wednesday, Oct 23, 2024, at 7 p.m. The James Bess Foundation is a 501c3 organization that grants dreams to adults battling terminal illness. James Bess was diagnosed with brain cancer at age 38 and died at age 42. James’ dream was a meet and greet with the great Garth Brooks. However, due to the lack of resources, James died without having his dream fulfilled. The James Bess Foundation was formed in response to that situation. It began granting dreams in August 2017; as of October 1, 2024, they have granted forty-three dreams.

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ST. LOUIS - The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department today launched a crime mapping tool to help the residents of St. Louis City stay informed and increase transparency around crime prevention. The crime map uses CrimeMapping.com , a web-based platform. “An informed public is a safer public,” said Mayor Tishaura O. Jones. “Everyone has a role to play in preventing crime in our City, and this new crime map is another tool in our toolbox. I invite everyone in our community to utilize this resource to stay informed and help us continue to decrease crime throughout St. Louis City.” Crime Mapping is updated every 24 hours and will stay available on the Crime Mapping website for six months. Crimes appearing on Crime Mapping also include misdemeanor offenses and may be different or not reflected in the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) program. Some offenses, including domestic violence, sex crimes and juvenile-related offenses, will not appear on th

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JERSEYVILLE — The second annual pickleball tournament held at Lions Park in Jerseyville successfully drew a sold-out crowd, benefiting the Treehouse Wildlife Center. The event took place over the weekend, featuring 32 participants organized into 16 teams. Arielle Niemeyer, one of the tournament coordinators, highlighted the growth of the event, which began as a casual gathering last year. The pickleball tournament is extremely popular, explained Niemeyer. "We started out just doing it for fun last year and sold it out," Niemeyer said. "This year, we decided to donate to Treehouse." She said next year organizers plan to try to work in additional players with its popularity and with funds from the event. The Treehouse Wildlife Center, known for its efforts in rescuing and rehabilitating wildlife in the region, was honored to receive support from the tournament. Niemeyer, who has a young son, expressed her appreciation for the center's educational outreach. "They do great work

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MARYVILLE - At a recent meeting, the Village of Maryville recognized "Maryville Elementary School Day" to honor the school's recent selection as a 2024 National Blue Ribbon School. Village Of Maryville Mayor Craig Short said the Maryville community is proud the school has received national recognition. "Maryville Elementary is one of 18 schools in the State of Illinois this year to earn this honor - one of only two in Southern Illinois - and one of 356 nationally." Mayor Short read the proclamation and presented a copy to CUSD 10 Superintendent Dr. Mark B. Skertich and Maryville Principal Doug Kirk. Maryville Elementary staff were in attendance to accept the proclamation on behalf of the school, students and families. The Village of Maryville has also placed a congratulatory message on their digital marquee.

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CARLINVILLE — Residents of the Carlinville area are facing disruptions in cell and phone service, prompting local authorities to take action. The Carlinville Police Department (CPD) is collaborating with the phone company to establish a temporary solution to the ongoing issue. As of now, citizens are still able to call 911 for emergencies, according to the CPD. In their communication, authorities urged residents to remain patient as they work to resolve the problem. CPD has established a temporary phone number for the PD. Citizens can contact as 217-313-1399. The normal lines 217-854-3221 or 3222 should be rerouted to the above phone number also and will be received by our dispatch. Carlinville Police said: "Thank you for your patience during this time." Further updates will be provided as the situation develops.

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EDWARDSVILLE — The Agency for Community Transit (ACT) celebrated the achievements of David Makler, a recent graduate of Edwardsville High School, during a recognition ceremony on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024. The event honored Makler’s completion of ACT’s one-year apprenticeship program, which aims to equip high school students with essential job skills for careers in the transit sector. The ceremony was attended by family, friends, and local elected officials, highlighting the community's support for youth employment initiatives. ACT, in partnership with Madison County Employment and Training and the U.S. Department of Labor, launched this innovative program to provide students with valuable professional experiences before graduation. Makler began his apprenticeship in August 2023, working as a bus cleaner under the mentorship of ACT employee Hans Miller. Over the course of the program, he dedicated several hours after school to develop his skills in the transit

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ALTON - The Alton Cracker Factory is known for its views and upscale lodging. Owner Mike Kelly, a member of the North Alton-Godfrey Business Council, noted that he is proud of The Cracker Factory, but it was a process to get to where it is today. He is excited to do more with the buildings he owns along Broadway. “God gave us the presentation of the beautiful view and the natural beauty of the river, and fortunately, we had the building in the right spot to be able to take advantage of that,” Kelly said. “I try not to focus on how long it took, but that we got to where we did, and now we’ve got money coming in the other direction…There are things in the works for the lower level and I think it will be a good space.” Kelly explained that he grew up in Wood River and bought the building in 1998. As a member of the Marine Corps, he was deployed to Afghanistan and eventually stationed in San Diego, where he retired in 2011. He knew he wante

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BELLEVILLE - October is Respect Life Month and Caritas Family Solutions is shining a light on its adoption program which helps families and expectant mothers across Southern Illinois. Making the difficult decision to go through an adoption program when expecting a child can often be overwhelming, but the agency provides counseling and works with the birth parents in a variety of ways. Melyssa Frederick, Caritas Family Solutions Adoption Program Manager, has more than two decades of experience in adoption. Frederick said the agency is unique not only because of its size and reach but because of its approach. “The program has seen firsthand how impactful it can be for expectant mothers to know we are in their corner while deciding if they would like to make an adoption plan,” said Frederick. “When adoption is being considered, our staff walks with the mothers to help them decide what they would like their adoption journey to look like. For example, we had a mother

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