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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. September’s winner is Mary Nguyen. Mary is a Senior at EAWR and is involved with volleyball, cheerleading, track & field, cross country, spirit club, soccer, student council, drama club, and many more activities. Mary has received honors for Rookie of the Year - cross country, 110% track & field, High Honor Roll & Renaissance Program. After graduation, Mary plans to obtain a degree in biomedical engineering at an undecided college near St. Louis. Congratulations Mary and we all wish you good luck in your future! Midwest Members Credit Union has been

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MARYVILLE – To express his gratitude to the brave men and women who have served the country in the armed forces, State Senator Kris Tharp is hosting a free breakfast event for veterans and their spouses. “I’ll be forever grateful for the courage and sacrifice of our veterans and active duty military members,” said Tharp. “They have devoted their lives in a way that has blessed many others, and I hope they will join us at this free event.” The breakfast event will be held from 9 to 11 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 29 at the On The Hill Golf Course & Lounge – Legion Post #199, located off of Route 157 in Edwardsville. Mother’s Catering will provide the meals and a speaker from the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs will give remarks. RSVP’s are requested and can be made by calling Senator Tharp’s office at 618-251-9840 or visiting www.SenatorTharp.com/VeteransBreakfast .

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ALTON - The Great Rivers Choral Society (GRCS), an adult choir of mixed voices serving the Riverbend area of Southern Illinois, is pleased to announce its first concert of the year: To Life and Liberty on November 11, 2022, at 7 pm at The Bridge Church, 504 E 12th St, Alton, IL 62002 and November 13. 2022, 3 pm at Godfrey First United Methodist Church, 1100 Airport Rd, Godfrey, IL 62035. To Life and Liberty is a salute to the joys, unity, and beauty of living in the United States of America with a salute to our armed forces and the sacrifices made to keep our freedom secure. It will also illuminate the beauty and majesty of this country. From such songs as the Armed Forces, Salute to Z. Randall Stroope poetic octavo titled the Pasture you will be immersed in a selection of music that represents America. The songs will be accompanied by visual displays to enhance the music experience. This performance is dedicated to those who have and who are serving our nation and to be thankful fo

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CHICAGO - Attorney General Kwame Raoul is reminding Illinois residents who have federal student loans that they could be eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) limited waiver if they have worked in public services, such as for a government agency, the military or a non-profit organization. Raoul is encouraging those individuals to apply before the waiver expires on Oct. 31, 2022. Thousands of federal student loan borrowers have used the waiver to get closer to total loan forgiveness. For a limited time, borrowers can receive credit for repayment periods that previously wouldn’t have counted, such as when a payment was not made, was made late, was not paid in full, or the borrower was not on a qualifying repayment plan. “Thousands of student loan borrowers dedicated themselves to public service with the assurance of loan forgiveness, and they should be able to access the relief they were promised,” Raoul said. “I encourage any borrowers with

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Name: Brian Wayne Cloninger Hometown: Bethalto Years of Service: 1997-2009 KIA: No Branch: Army Rank: SFC Wars: Afghanistan and Iraq Message: Brian is Brave, strong, intelligent, fearless, loving, giving and funny. But most importantly he is Our Hero

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Name: Christopher Sichra Hometown: Godfrey Years of Service: 1987-1991 KIA: No Branch: US ARMY Rank: Specialist Wars: Cold War, Gulf War Medals/Honors Earned: Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Meritorious Unit Citation, Presidential Unit Citation, Good Conduct Medal, Army Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Expert Rifle Badge, Driver W Award Badge Message: Sichra served two enlistments in the Army, his first military occupation specialty (MOS) was as a 55G - "Nuclear Weapons Specialist" (stationed at the 69th Ord Co. in Longare, Italy) then after the end of the cold war Chris reenlisted and trained as a 96B- Military Intelligence Analyst where he completed his final tour of service at B Company, 303rd MI Intelligence Bn. at West Ft. Hood TX. Submitted By: Deanna Sichra

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Name: Peter Blake Diamond Hometown: Bethalto Years of Service: 2007-2011 KIA: No Branch: US Army Rank: Specialist Wars: Iraqi War Medals/Honors Earned: Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal with Campaign Star, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Parachutist Badge, Eagle Eye Message: Pete spent his years of service with the 82nd Airborne division at Ft. Bragg in NC. While in, he did a year long tour in Iraq under OIF and OEF. Submitted By: Ashley Diamond

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Name: Patrick Fischer Hometown: Wood River Years of Service: 1981-1985 DOD: March 15, 1966 KIA: No Branch: Army Rank: SGT Message: We miss you every day. Submitted By: Kathryn Fischer

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Name: Cheri Tarvin Hometown: East Alton Years of Service: 1966-1968 KIA: No Branch: Army Message: God Bless You, Mom Submitted By: Niall A Tarvin

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ALTON – As part of its continuing recognition of breast cancer awareness month, OSF HealthCare Saint Anthony’s Health Center in Alton, Illinois, has two public events this week to educate women about the disease.On October 20 from 4-8 p.m., the OSF Saint Anthony’s mammography team enjoyed a “girls night out” event. Attendees can get a screening mammogram and enjoy food, drinks, vendors and prizes. On October 31 from 12-1 p.m., the hospital will host a “lunch and learn” with guest speaker Manpreet Sandhu, MD, oncologist at OSF Moeller Cancer Center on the OSF Saint Anthony’s campus. Dr. Sandhu will share insights on breast cancer treatment and more. Attendees will receive a box lunch. People interested in attending these events should RSVP by calling (618)-474-6791. To attend the “lunch and learn,” please RSVP by October 28. “It’s vitally important that women know how to catch breast cancer early through self-checks

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WOOD RIVER - The City of Wood River Public Services said as of 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, October 20, the boil order in the city has been lifted for everyone except those already notified on the north side of Ferguson and the south side of Lorena from 1st Street to Haller. "We hope to have them lifted tomorrow," Public Services explained in a comment.

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EDWARDSVILLE - Madison County Clerk Debbie Mendoza said early voting starts on Monday, Oct. 24, and mail-in ballots have been sent out for the past couple of weeks. “We have sent out approximately 13,000 vote-by-mail ballots and received 3,500 back,” she said. While she expects Election Day to go smoothly, she added the results from we see that night are not final. “I am confident that everything will go well for the election,” she said. “The election really isn’t over on Nov. 8. We have to wait 14 additional days for any ballots postmarked by Nov. 8 to finish counting ballots.” Mendoza added that Madison County is always looking for election judges. “It is an honor to be that person for the voters,” Mendoza said of the role. “They expect to have a ballot and support in place when they go and vote on election day, and judges are there to assist them in their God-given right to cast a ballot.” Online applications

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The Illinois Department of Transportation announced today a lane closure on westbound Interstate 270 between Illinois Route 3 and Riverview Drive in Missouri beginning at 5 p.m. Friday, Oct. 21, 2022, weather permitting. One lane will remain open through the weekend. The closure is for bridge deck repairs. Work should be done by 5 a.m. Monday, Oct. 24. The contractor on this project is Walsh Construction Company II, LLC of Chicago. For IDOT District 8 updates, follow us on Twitter at @IDOTDistrict8 or view area construction details on IDOT’s traveler information map on GettingAroundIllinois.com

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WOOD RIVER – Today, Democratic Candidate for State Senate Kris Tharp (IL-56), a police officer of 25 years, announced his endorsement from Associated Fire Fighters of Illinois (AFFI). “Since his term began as Senator, Kris Tharp has demonstrated his ability to better the working conditions for hard-working people throughout the state and find ways to improve the wellbeing of our communities," said Matt Giles, President of Collinsville Fire Fighters Local 2625. "He has been a tireless advocate for firefighters unions, and working families." Kris Tharp has been a public servant for 25 years, working as a police officer, an elderly service officer for the seniors in his community, and Deputy Commander of the Major Case Squad of Greater St. Louis, one of the oldest, most successful homicide task forces in the country. “Firefighters and I share a similar drive and passion for public service and I am proud to have their support in this State Senate race,”

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ALTON - This Saturday could be senior midfielder Dre Davis' last game with the Marquette Catholic High School boy's soccer team. He's heading into the Class 2A Regional Final game against the Triad Knights though confident that it won't be. "Hopefully, we'll come out strong," he said. "We definitely have the potential." The Explorers played the Knights back on Oct. 1 and lost by a score of 6-1. Marquette hasn't lost since then, winning six straight. The Explorers now have a record of 17-5. Dre isn't ready to be done yet. "It's my senior year and I got plenty left in the tank." He helped his team in a 6-1 win over Jersey Wednesday night in the regional semifinals. He had a goal and an assist in that game. He's the team's second-leading goal scorer with 19, only behind fellow senior and longtime friend Myles Paniagua who's got 34. Dre also has 16 assists this season. Davis is a Tucker's Automotive and Repair Male Athlete of the Month for Marquette Catholic. Regardless of what happen

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WOOD RIVER - Those in the mood for a Chili Cookoff for the fall will have one to visit in Wood River from 2-6 p.m. on Saturday, October 29, presented by Wood River Economic Development and the City of Wood River. The event will be held next to the Roundhouse at 633 N. Wood River Avenue. There will be free admission to the cookoff event with not only chili but cold drinks, live music, and awards handed out. The awards will consist of Police and Fire Bragging Rights, People’s Choice, Mayor’s Choice, City Manager’s Choice, First Place Restaurant, and First-Place Organization. There will be an abundance of children’s activities from pumpkin painting and face painting to a bounce house and much more. The Wood River Halloween Parade is set for 10:30 a.m. on that Saturday, so the Chili Cookoff is a natural second destination in Wood River that day after the parade. Kristen Burns, the marketing coordinator for the City of Wood River, said the Chili Cookoff used to

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ALTON - New asphalt is now down on Belle Street across from Mac’s and Riverbender buildings. Next week, striping for the new asphalt strip will take place. Mayer Company has done the concrete work and the asphalt and done an outstanding job, Rob Lenhardt, an owner of Mac’s, said today. Mac himself, and Rob, were both out surveying the new asphalt Thursday afternoon. Mayer Company was busy with asphalt work on Belle Street beyond Mac's area as Thursday ended. “We are glad it is over,” Rob said of the sewer repair work near his location on Belle Street.” “It has been hard on business, but in the future, with floods and more it will help all of us downtown.”

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ALTON - The Alton Boys & Girls Club has been innovative for years with fundraisers under Executive Director Al Womack. The fundraisers help the organization in its mission to assist area at-risk youth. One of the most creative and successful fund-raiser events is the annual Tennies & Ties Dinner, scheduled this time for 5:30 p.m. Thursday, November 3, 2022, at the Lewis and Clark Community College Commons. “This is our fourth Tennies and Ties Dinner," Womack said. “It is our largest fundraiser each year. “We haven’t had a Tennies and Ties event since 2020 when the COVID-19 Pandemic hit," Womack said. "Things have started settling down and become more relaxed, so why not throw on some tennis shoes and ties and support the Alton Boys & Girls Club? We try to give people a feel for the boys and girls who take part in our club at the dinner. Women can wear ties, or can wear a dress, although we encourage ties.” “This is also a great socializing and networkin

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GLEN CARBON - The Village of Glen Carbon is pleased to announce a renewed municipal electricity aggregation program with a new supplier, Constellation NewEnergy. The Village’s primary goal is to protect residents from the continued rise in electric supply rates. Since June, Village residents and small businesses participating in the municipal electricity aggregation program, have been receiving rates of $0.0429 cents versus the Ameren rate of $0.10628 cents. This equates to an average household savings of over $50 per month, with larger households saving considerably more. Ameren's current price to compare (PTC) as of October 1 st , 2022, through May of 2023 is $0.12236 cents. The Village, along with their consultant Good Energy LP, has secured a fixed rate of $0.1210 cents for a 22-month term starting in February of 2023, which is less than the current Utility PTC. Therefore, if the rate with Ameren continues to increase, the residents and small businesses in the Glen Carbon

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WOOD RIVER - The City of Wood River is pleased to announce they have renewed the municipal electricity aggregation program with a new supplier, Constellation NewEnergy. The City's primary goal is to protect residents from the continued rise in electric supply rates. Since June, the City's residents and small businesses participating in the municipal electricity aggregation program, have been receiving rates of $0.0429 cents versus the Ameren rate of $0.10628 cents. This equates to an average household savings of over $50 per month, with larger households saving considerably more. Ameren's current price to compare (PTC) as of October 1st, 2022, through May of 2023 is $0.12236 cents. The City along with their consultant Good Energy LP has secured a fixed rate of $0.1220 cents for a 22-month term starting in February, which is less than the current Utility PTC. Therefore, if the rate with Ameren continues to increase, the residents and small businesses in our community have the option

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