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EDWARDSVILLE - September 11 – 15, 2023 is Disability Voters Rights Week. This week is meant to bring awareness and to celebrate the voter rights of citizens with intellectual and developmental disabilities. “If people with disabilities voted at the same rate as people without disabilities who have the same demographic characteristics, there would be about 2 million more voters.”, according to ‘Disability and Voter Turnout in the 2022 Elections, Supplemental Analysis of Census Voter Turnout Data’, Lisa Schur, Douglas Kruse, and Mason Ameri. Madison County has recently received a small grant to purchase small ramps and signage for easier accessibility to a polling place. Curbside voting is always available for any disabled or elderly voter who cannot enter a polling place due to the structural features of the building. Curbside voting, however, should be requested by the Monday before Election Day by calling the Madison County Clerk’s Office at 618-692-6290

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EDWARDSVILLE - The Edwardsville Gun Club unveiled some details today about its annual event called Schutzenfest. Stephen Gilbertson, a spokesperson for the event, said, "Every year at Edwardsville Gun Club, there is this large event called Schutzenfest. It is a local kids' fishing derby. Kids from the gun club and the Edwardsville/Glen Carbon area come to the lake on the gun club property. "The winners take home prizes like trophies and gift cards." I just want to see if you or one of your reporters is available on this date: October 14, 2023 11 a.m.-4:30 p.m. The address is: 4104 Staunton Road Edwardsville The Timeline: 11:00-12:00: Check-In 12:00-12:05 National Anthem 12:05-3:00: Derby 3:00-4:00 Counting Up Scores **DIRECTORS ONLY** 4:00: Awards Website for the fishing derby is: sites.google.com/egcfishingderby/home

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GODFREY – The Nature Institute is now offering birthday parties to families in the Riverbend area. TNI is a favorite location for many families! Now, with the addition of staff-led birthday parties, you can even come out here to celebrate in nature. With a variety of themes to choose from, our nature-based birthday parties are sure to be a hit for your outdoorsy child. Your party will take place completely outdoors with an experienced educator to assist you. Each party consists of 1 hour of staff led activities, 1 hour of self-led time (cake, gifts, playground, etc.), lodge seating for up to 30 people, and a birthday gift from TNI for the birthday child.Themes will adjust with the seasons, with winter parties taking place in our indoor classroom. Customize your birthday party by adding on a cozy campfire or s’mores experience.Birthday parties are offered mostly on Saturdays and Sundays. You will need to check our booking calendar to find dates that are available. www.thenatureinstitute.org/book-a-birthday-party/

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ELDRED - Gregory Thomas "Fuzzy" Brannan was a devoted man to his family and a life of public service. Gregory died suddenly at home on Sunday in Eldred. Gregory and what he always described as his "best friend," wife, Penny, were married for nearly 50 years. They have two children Adam and Ashley and four grandchildren. Greg also had an abundance of other family he left behind. Greg served in the U.S. Army in the Vietnam War. He was extremely proud of his service time. He was also honored in the 100th Veteran Honor Flight and was a charter member of the Eldred American Legion. The Vietnam veteran returned home and eventually joined the United States Post Office where he was a fixture around the Eldred and Calhoun County area as a mail carrier. He received the Postal Service's prestigious million-mile accident-free award. One of Greg's biggest accomplishments in his post office career was delivering mail to Calhoun County in the Flood of 1993, which was so appreciated by people, his

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WOOD RIVER - Paul Nichols is off to a dynamic start this season for the Oilers boys soccer team and recently scored a hat trick against Wesclin. For his efforts so far this season, Nichols is an East Alton Wood River High School Midwest Members Credit Union Male Athlete of the Month. Nichols thanked all his coaches and current coaches for their help in shaping his soccer career. "I thank my previous coaches Mike Lawson and Jesse Daniels for providing me with three years of knowledge and advice on the field," he said. "I'd like to thank my current coaches Chris Johnson and Sydney Bloch for getting me in shape and providing me a chance to play high school support. I would like to thank Tim Melton for being a supportive friend." Recently, Nichols was tied as a leading scorer for Oilers' boys soccer. He said he has played soccer for six years and it is the only sport he plays that doesn't feel like a job. "I feel like I have to become an extrovert and I enjoy being around people,

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ST. LOUIS COUNTY - St. Louis County Police Department Crimes Against Persons detectives and the Accident Reconstruction Unit are investigating a fatal motor vehicle crash in the area of Jennings Station Road and Fairhaven Drive that resulted in the death of a male. On September 11, 2023, at 1:23 AM, a St. Louis County police officer from the City of Jennings Precinct observed a Kia Optima traveling northbound on Jennings Station Road at West Florissant Road. The officer attempted to stop the vehicle, however, the vehicle failed to yield. The officer turned off the vehicle’s emergency equipment. Approximately one minute later, the officer observed the Kia Optima, which had crashed into a building in the area of Jennings Station Road and Fairhaven Drive. The single occupant of the vehicle was pronounced deceased at the scene. Preliminary investigation revealed the driver of the Optima struck a utility pole before striking the building. The Kia Optima had been reported stolen o

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JERSEYVILLE - A wide range of charges including harassment of minors, assault of a sheriff’s deputy and two police officers, and other charges have been filed in Jersey County over the past week, according to recent court filings. Meagan E. Powers, 38, of Fieldon, was charged with four counts of harassment through electronic communications of two persons/victims under 18 years of age and one count of harassment by telephone of one of the same victims. Court documents state Powers “sent numerous messages, vulgar and harassing in nature, with the intent to offend” two separate victims under the age of 18. She also “made a telephone call” to one of the victims “making comments, requests, suggestions, and/or proposals which were obscene with an intent to offend.” Powers was charged with four Class 4 felonies for each of the harassing messaging charges and one Class A misdemeanor for the telephone call. Her bail was set at $25,000. Brookly

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WOOD RIVER - East Alton-Wood River High's Sammy Kulish is a senior standout for the Oilers girls team. The Oilers' athlete is an exceptional student with a 4.0 GPA through high school while taking many honors and dual credit classes. Sammy thanked her mom (Amy Kulish), dad (Brian Kulish), and my grandparents (Pat and Richard Kulish) for always supporting her throughout the years in her volleyball pursuits. Kulish is a Midwest Members Credit Union Female Athlete of the Month for the Oilers. Bethany Billingsley is the Oilers' girls volleyball coach. "I have been playing since fourth grade, starting at Lewis and Clark Elementary," Sammy said. "What I like most about volleyball is the memories I have made throughout the years." Sammy said what she feels she has learned most from girls volleyball over the years is to develop responsibility and have accountability. At this time, she does not plan to play girls volleyball in college. She said she is undecided on a college major but

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BETHALTO - Senior runner Shelby Quick has gotten off to a very good start for the Civic Memorial girls cross country season, running a personal record 21:31.1 at the 50th Pete Robinson/Harry Lang Granite City Invitational meet on Sept. 2 in Granite's Wilson Park, starting off the year with a 22:57.3 in the CM Twilight Invite meet to open the season Aug. 26. Quick is one of the hardest workers on the Eagles, always setting the example for her younger teammates on how to do things. She's also an excellent student as well, carrying a very high GPA who works very hard in the classroom. For all of her hard work, both in school and on the courses and track, Quick has been named a Tom Lane State Farm Female Athlete of the Month f or CM. Quick had a very successful season last year in track and during an interview conducted last spring, Quick was very excited about the upcoming cross country season. "Oh, yeah, I'm excited for next cross country and next track season," Quick said. "Next year

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ALTON - As we commemorate Patriot Day and the 22nd anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, local VFW Post #1308 invites veterans and community members to utilize their services. “So many people need a helping hand once in a while, and that’s why we’re here. That’s what we’re here for, to help those who helped us,” Post #1308 member Bob Myers said. The VFW offers support and resources for veterans who have served overseas. Myers explained that Post #1308 is working to bring in younger veterans, including those who served post-9/11 as part of the Global War on Terrorism. Most of Post #1308’s members served in Korea and Vietnam, and they hope to build their connection with younger veterans who are coming home from Afghanistan, Iran and Iraq. “We’re trying to get more younger people in here, involved, and do what we’re supposed to be doing — helping service people, helping the veterans out when they nee

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JERSEYVILLE - Several stolen vehicle charges have been filed in Jersey County over the past week. Three individuals were charged in connection with two stolen four-wheelers, two others were charged for possessing a stolen Chevy Suburban, and a third was charged for theft of a Buick Encore, in addition to multiple other charges. Heath E. Blaine, 51, of Jerseyville, was charged with unlawful possession of a stolen vehicle for an offense allegedly committed on Sept. 6, during which he knowingly exerted unauthorized control over a “camo color 2002 Suzuki Eiger Quadrunner 400” with the intent to deprive it from its owner permanently. On the same day, Blaine was charged with a second count of stolen vehicle possession for knowingly exerting unauthorized control over an additional vehicle, a 1990 Kymco four-wheeler belonging to a different individual. Blaine faces two Class 2 felony counts and his bail is set at $30,000. Ashley J. Fulmer, 26, of Jerseyville, and Schon

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ALTON - Since her freshman year in high school, one thing can always be said about Marquette Catholic's Paige Rister in cross country and track - she epitomizes the word "consistency." In every meet, Paige is always one of the Explorers' best runners and she has been for multiple seasons. She is primarily a distance runner. Recently, she finished with a time of 22:04.5 in the Granite City Invitational varsity race for women. Page is typically a 3,200-meter runner for the Explorers in the spring in cross country. Paige Rister is a Tucker's Automotive and Repair Female Athlete of the Month for the Explorers. Paige was pleased with her race in the Granite City Invitational. "I think our girls did really well in Granite City," she said. "I am excited to see if I can get a P.R. this season in cross country. I ran a 20:40 for three miles last year at sectional and I hope this season to break 20 minutes. That is my goal." The Explorers' senior has taken over a leadership role in the

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ILLINOIS - Today marks the 22nd anniversary of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Local politicians took to social media to express their sorrow for the 2,977 victims and their gratitude to the first responders who were on the scene. “Twenty-two years ago today, our lives were forever changed,” State Representative Amy Elik wrote on social media. “Today we remember the heroes who emerged that day, from first responders who ran toward danger, to the everyday Americans who risked their own safety to help any way that they could. Today we remember the thousands of innocent lives lost in the terror attacks and rededicate ourselves to always standing against hate and evil in this world.” The 9/11 casualties included 343 firefighters. At Edwardsville Middle School, the Edwardsville Fire and Police Departments were invited to a morning flag-lowering ceremony. Students took turns lowering the American flag to half-mast as the firefighters and police officers

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ALTON - The Alton Catfish Classic featured strong competition and the winning team of Kaleb McAdams, Chris Baker and David Shipman brought in a monster catfish that weighed 106.23 pounds for a total of 151.27 pounds of fish. The winners captured $21,500 for their victory. B and R Marine won the Big Fish and $1,500. The second-place team was Rob Benningfield, Chuck Baker and Dustin Baker with a total catch of 130.80 pounds for $8,000. The third-place finishers were the team of Don Fisher, Jackson Mitchell and Mike Mitchell with a total catch of 129.69 pounds for third place. The trio won $5,000.

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EDWARDSVILLE - An Art Deco building on the corner of South Main and Park Street in Edwardsville is officially the new home of the Bank of Madison County after a ribbon-cutting ceremony held last weekend. Paul Abert, Market President of the Bank of Madison County, said he’s a lifelong Edwardsville native and SIUE alum who’s been in banking since 1983, and is proud to be serving his hometown community. “This was an opportunity for me to start Bank of Madison County brand new here, so being in hometown on Main Street, you couldn’t ask for more,” Abert said. Bank of Madison County is a commercial and retail bank which services businesses and individual customers/clients. Abert said the company is breathing new life into the historic building on Main Street and the “lost art” of community banking. “We specialize in what is quite an often overused term of ‘community banking.’ I was fortunate in my early career to learn

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ALTON – Alton Little Theater will be featuring a collection of the most interesting beers and brews in alignment with the 90 th season opening production Beer For Breakfast running from September 15 th through the 24 th . Our goal when patrons, new or returning, come to the ALT Showplace is to experience pure enjoyment away from the cares of the world for a few hours. We love celebrating our local brew masters and the visitors who generate enthusiasm in Alton, where the great River meets the great Prairie, and the living is just fine at ALT! At the Showplace, we take seriously the job of representing our region with love and pride for 90 years! So, come one, come all and checkout the fun to be had at ALT. Come check out a great comedy show, a beautiful theater, a stellar staff, and the best beer in town (even a breakfast stout to commemorate the show title Beer For Breakfast .) Please call 618-462-3205 for tickets or visit altonlitletheater.org .

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EDWARDSVILLE - These are three additional Edwardsville Arts Fair participant profiles, today featuring work from Edwardsville's own Tana Wallace. The Edwardsville Art Fair is Sept. 22-Sept. 24. Artist #1 Name: Tana Wallace Location: Edwardsville Medium: Emerging Artist Artist's Statement: "As an art educator, I see many moments of success and failure, pride, dedication, conflict, honesty, and joy, to name a few. These moments inspire my communication through art as a teacher and creator. Creating my own art has been more present in my life recently as an outlet, and as a means to appreciate all the beauty around me, however ordinary it may be." Artist #2 Name: Nick Nihira Location: Hillsboro, MO Medium: Works on Paper Artist's Statement: "All of my work is hand drawn and then hand pulled as screen prints. My images usually have a little of a dark, comedic twist and deal with themes of rural vs. urban living, solitude, and technology." Artist #3 Name:

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BUZZ MAGAZINE - The casualties from the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001 were diverse in many ways. The deaths represented most U.S. states as well as 77 countries, a host of occupations, and a wide array of personal backgrounds. A total of 2,977 individuals lost their lives on that morning, including 2,606 at the World Trade Center, 265 on the four planes involved, and 125 at the Pentagon. The death total excludes the 19 hijackers. It is believed that nine of the civilian deaths were residents of Illinois. Over 6,000 were injured in the incidents. Some 2,605 were U.S. citizens, with 372 citizens of other nations, not including the hijackers. An estimated 344 of the deaths were firefighters, while another 72 were law enforcement officers. At the World Trade Center, the dead included 2,192 civilians and 343 firemen. The 71 law enforcement officers who died at the site hailed from several agencies, including the New York City Police Department, the Port Authority Police Department,

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JERSEYVILLE - The Jersey County Republican Central Committee invites community members to join them for their Sept. 23 fish fry and more as they prepare for the coming election year. “The goal is just to give back to the community,” member Sarah Porter explained. “Anybody is welcome to attend, regardless of how you vote, whatever your political party is. We’re just excited to talk to people and get the word out that we are a local organization that’s happy to help.” The fish fry will kick off at 6 p.m. on Sept. 23 at KC Hall, located at 301 N State Street. The event is completely free, though you can also purchase drinks at a cash bar. They will be raffling a Kate Spade satchel and wallet as well as a Bear Catalyst Crossbow, prizes with a $600 value; enter the raffle for $10 a ticket or three for $25. Porter said that the event’s goal is to connect people and provide a positive experience for the community. She reiterated that community

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CHICAGO - Today, Governor JB Pritzker announced the upcoming departure of Deputy Governor Sol Flores, who has served as Deputy Governor for Health and Human Services since the beginning of the Governor’s first term in January of 2019. The Deputy Governor position will be filled by Grace Hou, current Secretary of the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS). Prior to serving as Deputy Governor, Flores was the founding Executive Director of La Casa Norte, a non-profit organization established in 2002 serving youth and families confronting homelessness. “Sol Flores has dedicated countless hours of work and a lifetime of expertise to my administration over the last four and a half years; she has led with a focused tenacity, passion and energy, and I am incredibly grateful for her years of service,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Although she will be missed at IDHS, Secretary Hou has been a partner in some of our largest and most impactful initiatives, and I’

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