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SPRINGFIELD – Scenic drives are a must in Illinois in autumn and with the height of fall colors, people will be spending a lot of time on the road. The Illinois Department of Transportation and Illinois Department of Natural Resources are reminding the public to be alert for deer, which are entering their peak mating season, especially at dawn and dusk now through December. Madison County ranked second in Illinois in 2023 in deer crashes with 396, second behind Cook County with 598. “While your instinct is to veer when you hit a deer, don’t do it because you might lose control and injure yourself or others. Try to glance your vehicle off the deer and avoid swerving into the opposite lanes of traffic or off the road,” said Illinois Transportation Secretary Omer Osman. “Whether you’re in an urban, suburban or rural area, pay extra attention to your surroundings, especially in spots where there have been previous deer sightings.” In 2023,

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ALTON — A collision involving two business trucks occurred at 9:43 a.m. on Monday, Oct. 21, 2024, at the intersection of West Broadway and Piasa in Alton. Fortunately, there were no reported injuries resulting from the incident. Both drivers involved in the crash received treatment at the scene from Alton firefighters and did not require transport to a medical facility. The Alton Police Department is currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash. Further details regarding the cause or any potential violations have not been released at this time.

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CAHOKIA HEIGHTS - Cahokia Heights authorities are investigating a fatal car accident that claimed the life of a 39-year-old man Sunday night, Oct. 20, 2024. David Fayne, a resident of East St. Louis, died after losing control of his vehicle in the 600 block of Bond Avenue in Cahokia Heights. The St. Clair County Coroner's Office confirmed Fayne's death, stating that he succumbed to his injuries at the scene of the crash. The Cahokia Heights Police Department received a call regarding the incident at 10:34 p.m. Sunday. Fayne was driving a Chevy Cruze when he lost control of the vehicle. The coroner's office reported that Fayne was pronounced dead at 11:30 p.m. on Sunday. As of Monday, no additional details regarding the circumstances of the crash were available. The investigation into the incident is ongoing.

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ALTON – Riverbend Head Start & Family Services (RHSFS) is honored to celebrate Veteran’s Day at its Essic Robinson Center. During the occasion, we’re hosting an open house. It will be held on Monday, November 11, 2024 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The address is 1802 E. Broadway, Alton IL, 62002. This year marks the first time that RHSFS is planning a special Veteran’s Day celebration. Two of our Essic Robinson employees, Hannah Hook (U.S. Army) and Mitchell Bushnell-Chamness (U.S. Air Force) collaborated on the idea. In an effort to ensure all of our children at Essic Robinson are included, we will host two-time slots. The early time slot will be at 10:30 a.m., the afternoon time slot will be at 1:30 p.m. We will have veterans from all over the community visiting with our Head Start students. The children will gather in the main hallway to welcome the veterans during a red carpet “honor walk.” Veterans will then be presented

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WOOD RIVER - The Wood River City Council is set to vote on an ordinance which would ban unaccompanied minors from Central Park, which has reportedly become a “hotbed of illegal activity.” On the agenda for Monday, Oct 21, 2024 is an ordinance which would prohibit minors from being present at Central Park unless supervised by a “parent, legal guardian, or other responsible adult” over the age of 25. “The Police Chief has notified the City Council that in recent months, Central Park has been the location of numerous violent incidents and other illegal activity perpetrated by area youths,” according to the ordinance. “ City has determined that due to its proximity to East Alton Wood River High School, Central Park will likely continue to be a hotbed of illegal activity if unsupervised minors are allowed to continue to congregate within the park.” Exceptions would be made for unaccompanied minors who are city employees or city officials

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SAUGET - Connor Hanlon, a student at St. John Vianney High School in St. Louis, continued his family’s tradition of drag racing by competing at the National Hot Rod Association's (NHRA) Midwest Ndwest Nationals. Connor’s father and grandfather have been building and racing cars for many years. In fact, Connor’s grandfather, Jim Hanlon, a well-known Alton resident, has been racing at World Wide Technology since it opened in 1972. Connor has grown up around race cars and was always fascinated with the mechanical side of anything his Grandpa or Dad, Ryan Hanlon, were tinkering on. Grandpa's latest race car in a very long line of homebuilt racing machines is a 1965 Chevrolet Nova that was assembled to compete in the long-standing NHRA class called Stock Eliminator. This is the car that Connor piloted at the Midwest Nationals. When Connor became more interested in driving, his father, Ryan Hanlon, signed him up for another NHRA program called Junior Street where 13-15-year-old

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O'FALLON — The O'Fallon Police Department, in collaboration with O'Fallon Fire Rescue and multiple emergency services agencies, successfully located a missing elderly man on Thursday morning. Seventy-five-year-old M.C. Johnson, who suffers from dementia, was reported missing after walking away from his home in the Fairwood Hills Drive area around 9 p.m. on Wednesday. At approximately 11 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, Johnson was found uninjured in a location just west of Old Collinsville Road and north of Milburn School Road, about 4.5 miles from where he began his journey. Emergency medical personnel evaluated him on-site before he was returned home to his family. The search operation involved a coordinated effort from various agencies and community members. The O'Fallon Police Department expressed gratitude for the significant assistance received from local emergency services, including drone teams from Columbia, Signal Hill, and Mehlville Fire Departments, as wel

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QUARRY, ELSAH, MISSISSIPPI, AND OTTER CREEK TOWNSHIPS - In a collaborative effort with the nonprofit Camp I Am Me and Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal (OSFM), the QEM Fire Protection District will be installing no-cost smoke alarms for the residents of Quarry, Elsah, Mississippi, and Otter Creek Townships. The Be Alarmed! Smoke Alarm Installation Program provides smoke alarms and fire prevention materials to Illinois fire departments to both educate residents on fire safety as well as to provide them with life-saving devices in their home. The statewide smoke alarm blitz campaign, scheduled for Oct. 20-26, 2024, brings together fire departments from across Illinois to raise awareness about fire prevention and ensure that communities have properly functioning smoke alarms installed in their homes. As part of Fire Prevention Month, the QEM Fire Protection District will be installing 10-year sealed battery smoke alarms to enhance home safety and protect families. “Captain

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Educators from across Madison County gathered at the biannual Madison County Institute on Friday, October 11th. Educators brought their innovative ideas and best practices to share with colleagues and participated in engaging peer-led workshops focused on enhancing classroom instruction, programs, and support provided to staff and students in districts. Madison County educators were divided amongst four different locations, Alton High School, Collinsville High School, Granite City High School, and Triad High School, based on their grade level or the support services they provided. Unlike traditional conferences, the Institute allowed educators to propose and lead sessions based on their expertise and interests, fostering a collaborative environment. Each location kicked off and ended with an outside speaker covering topics related to transforming school culture, action leadership, being effective and loving your job, and achieving your goals. In between the speakers, educators

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CHICAGO — Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Revenue announced disaster tax relief for individuals and businesses in parts of Illinois affected by severe storms, tornadoes, straight-line winds, and flooding that began on July 13, 2024. The Belleville area was hit very hard during the July storms. “As communities across Illinois recover from July’s severe storms, my administration remains committed to supporting them every step of the way,” said Governor JB Pritzker . “Residents who live or have businesses in the affected areas won’t need to worry about incurring penalties and interest on their tax deadlines until February. This additional time will allow them to gather essential paperwork and focus on recovering without added financial stress.” Affected taxpayers now have until Feb. 3, 2025, to file various state individual and business tax returns and make tax payments. Relief is being offered to any area designated

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ALTON - Riverbend Head Start & Family Services (RHSFS) is honored to celebrate Veteran’s Day at its Essic Robinson center. During the occasion, we’re hosting an Open House. It will be held on Monday, Nov. 11, 2024 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The address is 1802 E. Broadway, Alton IL, 62002. This year marks the first time that RHSFS is planning a special Veteran’s Day celebration. Two of our Essic Robinson employees, Hannah Hook (U.S. Army) and Mitchell Bushnell Chamness (U.S. Air Force) collaborated on the idea. In an effort to ensure all of our children at Essic Robinson are included, we will host two time slots. The early time slot will be at 10:30 a.m., the afternoon time slot will be at 1:30 p.m. We will have veterans from all over the community visiting with our Head Start students. The children will gather in the main hallway to welcome the veterans during a red carpet “honor walk.” Veterans will then be presented with handmade cards from the students.

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MADISON COUNTY - Madison County’s law enforcement agencies, in cooperation with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, will operate a drop-off site for Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024 in Edwardsville. Madison County State’s Attorney Thomas A. Haine, Sheriff Jeff Connor and Coroner Steve Nonn will be operating the drop-off site in coordination with the DEA. The drop-off site, open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., will be in the Madison County Administration Building’s back parking lot on Second Street in Edwardsville. The address for the Administration Building is: 157 North Main Street, Edwardsville, IL 62025. Haine said the event is “a convenient way for the residents of Madison County to help combat the epidemic of overdoses from prescription drugs.” Connor added, “I strongly urge residents to take advantage of this service. It’s a way for them to help save lives while disposing of unneeded medicines in a safe manner.”

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Welcome to October 21, a date that has witnessed remarkable events across history, shaping our world in countless ways. 1966: The Aberfan Disaster On this day in 1966, tragedy struck in Aberfan, Wales, when a colliery spoil tip collapsed and engulfed a primary school and several houses. The disaster claimed the lives of 144 people, 116 of whom were children. This catastrophic event not only devastated the community but also led to significant changes in mining legislation and safety regulations in the UK. The historical significance of the Aberfan disaster continues to resonate today, reminding us of the consequences of industrial negligence and the importance of community resilience. 1805: The Battle of Trafalgar Travel backwards to 1805, where the Battle of Trafalgar took place on this day, a crucial naval engagement during the Napoleonic Wars. The British Royal Navy, led by Admiral Horatio Nelson, faced off against the combined fleets of France and Spain. The battle resulted

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BELLEVILLE - The Home Builders & Remodelers of the Metro East Association (HBRMEA) has a busy few months ahead as they gear up for election season and prepare for their 2025 Home Expo. “Our builders are staying busy,” said Shannon Stelling with HBRMEA. “It’s crazy. You talk to our trade partners that support them with supplies or subcontractors that are helping do the work, and they’re busy. They’re not sitting at home collecting unemployment. They’re busy.” Stelling noted that the local HBRMEA chapter and the national association have been focused on finding the right candidates as Election Day approaches. She said it’s a “big priority” to make sure the candidates will support the homebuilding industry. “We’re very engaged with candidates, whether they’re Republican or Democrat, because housing should not be a political issue,” Stelling said. “We’re constantly having conversations

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ALTON – A traffic crash involving a motorcycle and a vehicle occurred on Sunday evening in the 2800 block of Broadway, prompting a response from the Alton Fire Department and Alton Police Department at approximately 5:20 p.m. Upon arrival, firefighters discovered that the motorcyclist sustained serious injuries. The rider was quickly transported to an area hospital for treatment. The condition of the motorcyclist remains unknown. Broadway is closed from Sering Avenue to Brookside Avenue while police conduct an investigation. Further information will be provided as it becomes available.

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October 21, 1978, saw the founding of the first national park in the world, Yellowstone National Park, as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Established in 1872, Yellowstone was the first area to be designated as a national park, setting a precedent for conservation efforts globally. This iconic park is renowned for its geothermal features, diverse wildlife, and stunning landscapes. Its establishment marked the beginning of the national park movement, which has inspired the creation of thousands of protected areas around the world, emphasizing the importance of preserving natural beauty for future generations. October 21 is a date that has witnessed significant historical milestones across various fields, including politics, science, and culture. From revolutionary movements to groundbreaking inventions, this day is a remarkable reminder of humanity's capacity for change and progress. Let’s explore some pivotal events that have taken place on this day throughout history. One of th

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As summer fades and the crisp air of fall sets in, it's time to reevaluate your wardrobe. Transitioning from warm-weather wear to cozy, layered outfits can be both exciting and daunting. With the right approach, you can prepare your wardrobe to not only keep you warm but also stylish during this beautiful season. Below, we explore essential steps to help you transition your clothing for fall weather effectively. 1. Assess Your Current Wardrobe Before diving into new purchases, take a moment to evaluate your current collection. This assessment will help you identify what you have, what you need, and what you can let go of. Evaluate Seasonal Pieces Sort by Season : Start by separating your summer clothes from your fall and winter attire. This will give you a clear view of what you currently own. Check for Damage : Inspect your fall clothes for any signs of wear and tear. Look for missing buttons, frayed hems, or stains that need cleaning. Fit and Style : Consider whether you

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BETHALTO - “Surviving the Holidays,” a special free GriefShare event for those in area communities who are grieving the loss of loved ones, will take place at Zion Lutheran Church, Bethalto, on Sunday, Nov. 10, 2024, from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. Adults and teens are invited to hear a presentation about resources, strategies and tools for coping with grief during the holiday season. “Grief and loss are always hard to deal with during the holiday season,” said Rev. Brandon Metcalf of Zion. “Whether the loss was recent or many years ago, this can be a hard time of year, and we want to help and offer hope.” The presentation will focus on how to cope with grief, what to be aware of as the holidays are approaching, and how to find hope in the midst of loss from a Christian viewpoint. Participants will hear from grief experts and people who have experienced a loss and are dealing with grief, as well as from Zion’s pastors, Rev. Kale Hanson and Rev. Brandon

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EDWARDSVILLE – The City’s Wildey Theatre is about to regain some of its former glory and neonfueled glow, courtesy of a renovation underway on the historic downtown venue’s picturesque marquee. Over the next six weeks, workers will painstakingly replace the non-functioning neon-filled tubes that frame the marquee, apply a fresh coat of paint and update some of the other lighting components. Access to the sidewalk underneath the marquee may be limited at times while the project progresses. “These enhancements are going to be a bright and wonderful addition to the Wildey and make this incredible Edwardsville destination stand out even more on Main Street,” Mayor Art Risavy said. When the project is finished, likely by the end of November, it’ll turn back the clock on the marquee by at least 40 years. “I think it’ll look so fresh that people are going to notice. It’s just going to be fabulous,” said Rich Walker, a former City

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O"FALON — October is recognized as Breast Cancer Awareness Month to bring awareness about breast cancer, its impact and the importance of early detection and treatment. Hospital Sisters Health System (HSHS) encourages all women 40 years and older to put yourself first and schedule your mammogram . “With regular mammograms, breast cancer is more likely to be treatable when caught early and mammograms can even detect some forms of pre-cancer before a tumor even develops,” shares Dr. Ryan Jennings, interim Chief Medical Officer of HSHS Southern Illinois Market. “Mammograms are relatively quick, with minimal discomfort and critical to breast cancer prevention and survival. Setting aside 30 minutes every year for your annual mammogram screening could save your life.” According to the American College of Radiology , mammography has helped reduce breast cancer mortality in the U.S. by nearly 40% since 1990. In addition, it reports that out of every

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