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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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EDWARDSVILLE - Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s online Winter Session enables current and visiting students to continue their path toward graduation by enrolling for one of the many accelerated, three-week courses taught entirely online. Registration for Winter Session opens Monday, Oct. 28. Classes begin on Monday, Dec. 16, and will conclude on Jan. 5, 2025. Due to the accelerated timeline, students are expected to dedicate significant time to their coursework each day and to limit themselves to completing one course during the three-week period. Winter Session features more than 70 introductory, upper-division and graduate-level courses in a variety of disciplines such as applied communications, medical terminology, psychology, criminal justice studies, art and more. Students can complete courses from anywhere in the U.S. with reliable internet access and a computer that meets connectivity requirements . Students from other institutions may take SIUE courses

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CHICAGO — Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Revenue (IDOR) have temporarily waived the International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA) registration and motor fuel use tax (MFUT) single trip permitting for qualified motor vehicles engaged in interstate disaster relief efforts as a result of Hurricanes Milton & Helene. The suspension, pursuant to 35 ILCS 505/13a.4 and 13a.5 , is effective from October 11, 2024, through November 09, 2024. "Here in Illinois, we understand the devastating effects of climate change and we’re here to support ongoing relief efforts in any way we can,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “That’s why my administration is suspending IFTA/MFUT requirements for vehicles providing aid to those affected by Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton. This temporary suspension will expedite the delivery of crucial resources to families in need.” Operators of qualified motor vehicles traveling into or through Illinois responding

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ST. LOUIS - October is Child Loss Awareness Month, and nonprofit organization Just Enduring is sharing their co-founders’ personal stories of grief and meaningful ways to support bereaved parents this month and beyond. One of these meaningful ways is joining Just Enduring in the Wave of Light at 7 p.m. on Oct. 15, 2024, a global event where candles are lit in remembrance and awareness of every child held in hearts instead of arms. The nonprofit will also be a vendor at Día de los Muertos at the Missouri History Museum in Forest Park on November 2 and November 3, 2024. Just Enduring Co-founders Ben and Lara Gillham, along with Co-founders Nick and Martha McGeehon, started the organization after the heartbreaking loss of their infants. They work to ensure other bereaved parents have the immediate resources and support they need to navigate their grief journeys. Just Enduring , a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting families who have experienced the loss of a

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ALTON - Approximately 150 local kids came to the SIU School of Dental Medicine for free comprehensive dental care as part of the annual “Give Kids a Smile Day.” On Monday, Oct. 14, 2024, local families could enjoy games, balloon animals, temporary tattoos and educational activities as they waited for their dental appointments. Third- and fourth-year School of Dental Medicine (SDM) students and residents performed the dental exams under faculty supervision. “It’s a great outreach opportunity for us, and it really helps connect our student population, but also the SDM community at large, with the local community,” said Dr. Katie Kosten, Director of Community Dentistry. “We know a lot of our patients in the community have a hard time accessing dental care, so this is an opportunity for them to maybe get something addressed that they haven’t been able to, at no cost.” Kosten explained that the students first addressed any pain that patient

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Bath and Body Works has discontinued a candle labeled “Snowed In” after social media users criticized its design for resembling a Ku Klux Klan hood. The candle, which featured a stylized paper snowflake on its label, drew widespread attention when commenters noted its resemblance to the robes worn by members of the KKK, a group identified by the Southern Poverty Law Center as one of the oldest and most notorious hate organizations in the United States. The controversy emerged shortly after the candle was made available for sale. Following the backlash, Bath and Body Works removed the product from its website and retail locations. In a statement to CNN, the company emphasized that the design was “unintentional” and expressed regret for any offense caused. “At Bath and Body Works, we are committed to listening to our teams and customers, and committed to fixing any mistakes we make—even those that are unintentional like this one,” a company spokesperson

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COLLINSVILLE — The Southwestern Illinois Board of REALTORS is set to host its Annual Taste of SIBR event on Nov. 13, 2024, at the Madison County Fireman’s Hall in Collinsville. The event is open to the public and aims to foster community spirit while supporting local food pantries. Mackenzie Menn, the Marketing and Communications Director for the event, highlighted the purpose, stating, "This event is a wonderful way to spread community while those attending get to try various options of food from our vendors all while supporting over 11 different Food Pantries in our local counties." The Taste of SIBR will feature a diverse array of food vendors, including City Scoops Ice Cream and Bella Milano, offering attendees a chance to sample various culinary delights. "We had such a variety of vendors at this event, from City Scoops Ice Cream to Bella Milano salad and toasted ravioli; we have it all," Menn noted. The proceeds from the event will be donated to support over 11 foo

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BELLEVILLE — The St. Clair County Health Department (SCCHD) has continued to investigate a Shigella outbreak linked to the LongHorn Steakhouse in Fairview Heights, which has affected at least 24 individuals since late September. The outbreak has prompted health officials to monitor additional reports of illness and implement corrective measures at the restaurant. As of Oct. 11, 2024, the SCCHD reported that 24 individuals tested positive for Shigella bacteria, while an additional 44 people have reported symptoms consistent with Shigellosis after dining at the establishment between Sept. 20 and Sept. 30, 2024. Among those affected, nine have been hospitalized. The age range of those impacted spans from 12 to 80 years. In response to the outbreak, LongHorn Steakhouse voluntarily closed its Fairview Heights location on Oct. 2, 2024, and is fully cooperating with health authorities. SCCHD has conducted environmental assessments of the restaurant and provided guidance on safe food

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SHILOH — A 16-year-old boy is recovering in the hospital after being shot multiple times in a gas station parking lot. The incident occurred just before 8 p.m. on Oct. 11, 2024, at the Kings Mart located at 1551 Hartman Lane in Shiloh. According to investigators, the victim briefly entered the convenience store before collapsing outside. He was transported to a local hospital, where he is being treated for non-life-threatening injuries. The Shiloh Police Department has taken one person into custody in connection with the shooting. Authorities have stated that this individual is not the shooter but had prior knowledge of a planned assault at the gas station. Police are actively searching for a dark grey Kia with heavy window tint, which they believe is connected to the incident. Law enforcement officials have indicated that this was not a random act of violence. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward. The Shiloh Police

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FOSTERBURG - The Foster Township History museum will be holding an open house on October 19, 2024. The open house coincides with the Fosterburg Fire Department’s annual Pork Chop Dinner. The museum will be open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., allowing people ample time to see the collection of artifacts, maps, and historic photographs either before or after they have enjoyed their meal at the fire department. The historical displays include exhibits on the one-room school houses, coal mining, 1948 Tornado, the Civil War, agriculture, churches, and family histories. The museum is located one block north of the Fire Department, at 4810 Fosterburg Road, across from the Presbyterian Church. For information call 618-259-0726 or visit the Foster Township website.

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GODFREY - The Great Godfrey Maze will be open on Monday, Oct. 14, 2024. From 12–6 p.m. on Oct. 14, families can enjoy the maze and activities. The maze is typically only open on weekends, but Chris Logan, Godfrey’s Parks and Recreation director, explained that the maze will be open on Monday because so many schools are off for Columbus Day/Indigenous Peoples’ Day. Logan hopes to see many families come out on Monday to enjoy the maze. “It’s always fun to see the kids and families come,” he said. “It gets bigger and bigger every year, and it’s exciting and we’re happy to do it.” Admission to the Great Godfrey Maze costs $7 for adults ages 12 and up and $5 for kids under age 12. Children ages 5 and under are free. The cow train, wagon rides and jumping pillow cost $2, and the corn crib is free and aimed for children under age 11. Combo pricing is available. You can also purchase a Great Godfrey Maze t-shirt for $20.

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Welcome to this day in history, where we take a closer look at significant events that occurred on October 14th throughout the years. One of the most monumental events that took place on October 14, 1947, was when U.S. Air Force Captain Charles "Chuck" Yeager became the first person to break the sound barrier. This moment marked a significant milestone in aviation history and opened new doors for future aerospace exploration. Yeager piloted the Bell X-1, a rocket-powered aircraft, and his successful flight at Mach 1.06 over the Mojave Desert in California changed the landscape of aviation technology forever. It was a moment of triumph not only for Yeager but for the entire field of aeronautics, proving that human ingenuity could conquer the skies. Fast forward to 1964, on this day, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his nonviolent struggle against racial inequality in the United States. At just 35 years old, King became the youngest recipient of this

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On October 12 and 13, we take a step back in time to explore remarkable events that have shaped our world. One of the most impactful events in history that took place on October 12 is Christopher Columbus's arrival in the Americas in 1492. Columbus, an Italian explorer sailing under the Spanish flag, set out on a mission to find a new route to Asia but instead stumbled upon the islands of the Caribbean. This event marked the beginning of a new era of exploration and colonization, fundamentally transforming the course of history for both the Old and New Worlds. The consequences of Columbus's voyages would echo for centuries, leading to the exchange of cultures, goods, and ideas that have shaped modern civilization. In 1976, October 12 became a notable date in the realm of sports when the first ever World Series game was played under the lights, as the New York Yankees faced the Cincinnati Reds. This event not only marked a technological advancement in the world of sports but also

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SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois State Police (ISP) welcomed 35 new troopers today from Cadet Class 148 at a graduation ceremony at the Illinois State Police Academy in Springfield. The new troopers will report to seven different Troops throughout the state on Sunday, October 13, 2024. Cadet Class 148 marks the 20th cadet class graduation under Governor JB Pritzker and ISP Director Brendan F. Kelly. Since 2019, 565 troopers have joined ISP. A total of eight of the troopers are from the Collinsville/Litchfield state police branches. “On behalf of the State of Illinois, I would like to congratulate Cadet Class 148 on their graduation from the Illinois State Police Academy,” said Governor JB Pritzker . “Since I took office, my administration has welcomed 565 new troopers, including the 35 brave men and women who now begin the next chapter of their career in law enforcement. Today, we honor the commitment they’ve made to the people of Illinois and

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SPRINGFIELD – Illinois’ archery deer season is underway, and the Department of Natural Resources is reminding hunters of key dates, regulations, and safety practices for the season. Illinois’ statewide archery deer season opened Oct. 1. In counties with a firearm deer season and west of Illinois 47 in Kane County, archery hunting will be open for three periods: Oct. 1 through Nov. 21 Nov. 25 through Dec. 4 Dec. 9 through Jan. 19 Archery deer season runs Oct. 1 through Jan. 19 in counties with no firearm deer season, including Cook, DuPage, Lake, and east of Illinois 47 in Kane County. Restricted Archery Zone Only antlered deer may be harvested during the Oct. 1-31 period of archery season in Champaign, Douglas, Macon, Moultrie, and Piatt counties to improve the deer population in those counties. An antlered deer is defined as having at least one antler 3 inches or longer. Harvest limits Hunters should also note regulations regarding harvest limits.

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SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) reminds waterfowl hunters of key dates and other information for the 2024-2025 waterfowl seasons. Season information This is the fourth year of a five-year waterfowl season plan that was developed in 2020. Rail season (sora and Virginia only) is open statewide in all zones from Sept. 7 until Nov. 15, with a daily bag limit of 25 and possession limit of 75. Snipe season is open statewide in all zones from Sept. 7 to Dec. 22, with a daily bag limit of eight and possession limit of 24. As temperatures fall and migration proceeds, Illinois will open the regular duck, Canada goose, and snow goose seasons on Oct. 19 in the north zone, Oct. 26 in the central zone, Nov. 16 in the south-central zone, and Nov. 30 in the south zone. (Early Canada goose and teal hunting closed Sept. 15 and Sept. 22, respectively.) White-fronted goose (specklebellies) season will open Oct. 21 in the north zone, Nov. 5 in the central

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EDWARDSVILLE - Southern Illinois University Edwardsville - The Meridian Society invites the community to “An Evening of Harmony: There Will Be Light,” an inaugural choral concert celebrating the power of music and the spirit of giving. The event will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 22, in the Dunham Hall Theater, starting with a cocktail and networking reception at 6:30 p.m., followed by the choral concert featuring the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Choral Union, Treble Choir and Concert Chorale at 7:30 p.m. The Meridian Society, a women’s philanthropic and leadership organization, has long been dedicated to supporting community-based projects. Most recently, they funded the SIUE Music Department’s Summer Orff Institute, which provided essential teacher training, especially benefiting music educators in rural school districts. The collaboration with the Department of Music continues to inspire and create lasting impacts. Ethel Shanklin, EdD, President

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SPRINGFIELD - The Illinois Secretary of State’s office is accepting applications for the 2024 John Lewis Youth Leadership Award (JLYLA), Secretary Alexi Giannoulias announced. The award celebrates the efforts of young Illinoisans between the ages of 18 to 25 who have made exceptional civic contributions to their communities. The John Lewis Youth Leadership Award, established by the National Association of Secretaries of State (NASS), honors the late Congressman John Lewis’ impact and extraordinary accomplishments throughout his career. Lewis advocated for civil and voting rights and consistently encouraged young people to actively participate in the democratic process. In his youth, Lewis was integral to the Civil Rights Movement as chairman of the Student Nonviolence Coordinating Committee (SNCC), one of the original 13 Freedom Riders and one of the lead organizers of the March on Washington. “John Lewis dedicated his life to bringing equality, freedom and justice

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EDWARDSVILLE - Southern Illinois University Edwardsville- The Meridian Society invites the community to “An Evening of Harmony: There Will Be Light,” an inaugural choral concert celebrating the power of music and the spirit of giving. The event will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 22, in the Dunham Hall Theater, starting with a cocktail and networking reception at 6:30 p.m., followed by the choral concert featuring the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Choral Union, Treble Choir and Concert Chorale at 7:30 p.m. The Meridian Society, a women’s philanthropic and leadership organization, has long been dedicated to supporting community-based projects. Most recently, they funded the SIUE Music Department’s Summer Orff Institute, which provided essential teacher training, especially benefiting music educators in rural school districts. The collaboration with the Department of Music continues to inspire and create lasting impacts. Ethel Shanklin, EdD, President o

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