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ALTON - “The witches, the spooks, the jesters, the clowns and their like will be in their glory tonight,” proclaimed the Alton Evening Telegraph on Oct. 31, 1924. The East End Improvement Association hosted the parade and a grand masquerade dance at Turner Hall, as they had done every year since 1916. The first Alton Halloween parade and dance in 1916 was held to celebrate the completion of the long-drawn-out East Broadway street paving project, which went from Henry to Cherry streets and was open for the first time on Oct. 31, 1916. The 1924 parade and dance were the biggest and best yet. The parade began at Front and Market Streets, went up Market to Broadway, and wound down Broadway to Turner Hall. The White Hussar band performed in costume and there were over 30 floats. An out-of-town woman who spent her first Halloween in Alton was overheard saying that she “had never had seen such a celebration.” Alton has always thrown a good party on Halloween, and

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JERSEYVILLE - The Jerseyville Public Library will be hosting NASA Solar System Ambassador Jeff Bernth at Wock Lake on Thursday, Nov. 7, 2024 as they party with the stars at the Star Party. All are invited to view through telescopes provided by the library, with binoculars you bring yourself or with your naked eye, the beauty of the night sky featuring a crescent moon, Saturn, Neptune, Uranus and more! Bundle up and head out to Wock Lake at 205 June Street from 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm and remember, there is no school the next day! No registration necessary. Thanksgiving is the theme for LEGO Club (ages K-7th grade) on Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024 at 10 a.m. The Library provides the LEGOs for participants to make the theme or their own masterpieces and the Library will display the creations in the Children’s Area all month long. Preschool Storytime for children ages 2-6 will be hosted by children’s librarian, Miss Laurie. Parents are encouraged to bring their children to the Library

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ALTON - A semi-truck delivering products to Dollar General became stuck in the grass in front of the store at 2901 Homer Adams Parkway in Alton on Thursday, Oct. 31, 2024. The incident occurred when the driver inadvertently pulled the vehicle too far forward during the delivery process. The truck and trailer blocked Bloomer Drive, prompting a response from Alton Police to manage traffic and document the situation. No injuries were reported as a result of the incident.

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WOOD RIVER - During Wood River’s Downtown Trick-or-Treat event last week, Shelley Israel reflected on her recent decision to open Pete’s Parlor in the heart of downtown. Israel noted that the barbershop has been at its current location at 13 East Ferguson Avenue since April. She said they specialize in men’s hair and she enjoys her work, but this work has been especially fun since the move to Wood River. “I just really love good, down-to-earth people,” she said. “I’ve worked here off and on throughout my entire adult life, so I just really enjoy this area and I love the people who live in Wood River.” As trick-or-treaters swarmed downtown Wood River during the trick-or-treating event on Oct. 23, 2024, Israel handed out candy at Pete’s Parlor and chatted with community members. She noted that it was “really cool” to meet so many new people and introduce them to the business. “It’s our first downtown

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EAST ST. LOUIS — The Illinois State Police (ISP) conducted a violent crime suppression detail in the Metro East area over the weekend of October 28 and 29, 2024, focusing on St. Clair and Madison counties, particularly East St. Louis and surrounding communities. The operation aimed to address rising concerns about violent crime by utilizing intelligence and technology to target high-crime areas and known offenders. During the two-day operation, ISP reported a total of 27 arrests, resulting in 33 felony charges and 55 criminal charges. Among the arrests, 27 were specifically related to firearm offenses, and authorities seized 16 firearms and recovered one stolen vehicle. Several significant incidents occurred throughout the detail. On October 28, troopers stopped a vehicle for Illinois Vehicle Code (IVC) violations. The driver attempted to flee on foot but was detained by officers, who subsequently found a loaded firearm that had been reported stolen. The individual was taken int

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WOOD RIVER - As the owner of Quig’s Sports Emporium, Jason Quigley was pleased to join Wood River’s Downtown Trick-or-Treat event last week. Quig’s Sports Emporium is a new business in Wood River that buys, sells and trades sports equipment. Athletes can trade in used cleats they’ve outgrown, for example, and get a gently used pair that fits better. Quigley feels confident that the store is a great “one-stop shop for anything sports.” “We’re going all-in,” Quigley said. “We really think that the idea and what we can do with the community really is something to kind of strive for and kind of keep going for.” At the Downtown Trick-or-Treat event on Oct. 23, 2024, Quigley joked that the store was running out of candy but still eager to participate in the event. He shared that he recently quit his day job so he can focus on the store full-time. Quig’s Sports Emporium stays busy throughout the year as athletes

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WOOD RIVER - Wood River’s Downtown Trick-or-Treat event brought all businesses out to celebrate Halloween, including Wood River Chiropractic. Kelly, who works in marketing at Wood River Chiropractic, noted how much she enjoys being involved in the Wood River community. She expressed her appreciation for the people and businesses that make up Wood River. “I love it,” she said. “I seriously have never seen a community come together like Wood River. It’s just amazing.” Wood River Chiropractic offers chiropractic therapy, physical therapy, electrical stimulation therapy and ultrasound therapy. Kelly said you can find “pretty much anything else a normal chiropractic office would offer” at Wood River Chiropractic. Kelly leads lunch-and-learns with other local businesses and also works one-on-one with clients to get them the help they need. In her eight months with the business, she has been amazed by how much chiropractic care ha

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EDWARDSVILLE — A former teacher has been sentenced to 18 years in prison for sexually abusing three students, according to Madison County State's Attorney Tom Haine. Danielle C. Fischer, 32, of Edwardsville, received the sentence on Tuesday after pleading guilty to three counts of Aggravated Criminal Sexual Abuse, a Class 2 felony. Fischer admitted to the abuse of three victims that occurred between May and June of 2021 while she was employed at Roxana High School. The investigation was conducted by the Edwardsville Police Department, with assistance from the Roxana Police Department and the Madison County Child Advocacy Center. The case was prosecuted by Assistant State’s Attorney Ali Foley, Chief of the Children’s Justice Division at the State’s Attorney’s Office, and Assistant State’s Attorney Rebecca Buettner. “This sentence should serve as a warning to those who use their positions of authority to prey upon our youths,” Haine

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EDWARDSVILLE - The City of Edwardsville has announced a temporary closure of E. High St. starting on Nov. 1, 2024. Pfund Construction will have E. High St. closed starting at N. Main St., and continuing to the alley east of 132 E. High St. The closure will begin on Friday, Nov. 1, 2024, lasting through Friday, Nov. 8, 2024. See the map at the top of this story for the approximate location of the closure.

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ST. LOUIS COUNTY, MO. – A shooting in St. Louis County has left one man dead, identified as 92-year-old Robert Prewett of the 6900 Block of Parc Charlene Drive in Florissant, MO. The incident occurred shortly before noon on the same day, prompting a response from the North County Precinct of the St. Louis County Police Department at 11:50 a.m. The circumstances surrounding the shooting remain unclear, and police have stated that the investigation is ongoing. Authorities have indicated that further information will be released as it becomes available. The St. Louis County Police Department is urging anyone with information about the shooting to contact them at 636-529-8210. Individuals wishing to remain anonymous or seeking a potential reward can reach out to CrimeStoppers at 1-866-371-TIPS (8477).

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October 31st is a date that holds a rich tapestry of significant events from around the world. One of the most notable events on October 31st occurred in 1517, when Martin Luther famously nailed his Ninety-Five Theses to the door of the Wittenberg Castle Church in Germany. This act is widely recognized as the catalyst for the Protestant Reformation, a movement that challenged the practices of the Roman Catholic Church and led to the establishment of various Protestant denominations. Luther's theses criticized the sale of indulgences and called for a return to biblical teachings. This pivotal moment not only transformed religious practices in Europe but also had profound social and political implications, setting the stage for modern democracy and individual rights. Fast forward to 1864, when Nevada was admitted to the United States as the 36th state. Known for its vast desert landscapes and the iconic Las Vegas Strip, Nevada's admission was significant during the American Civil

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As the leaves turn vibrant shades of orange, red, and yellow, and the air becomes crisp and cool, the allure of fall brings with it a treasure trove of flavors and culinary delights. Halloween, often associated with spooky decorations and trick-or-treating, is also a perfect occasion to indulge in delicious fall desserts that capture the essence of the season. In this article, we will explore some of the best fall desserts to make this Halloween, offering a variety of options that are sure to delight both kids and adults alike. 1. Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake Why It’s a Must-Try Pumpkin spice has become synonymous with fall, and what better way to enjoy it than in a rich, creamy cheesecake? This dessert combines the classic flavors of pumpkin, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, resulting in a decadent treat that captures the essence of Halloween. Recipe Highlights To make a pumpkin spice cheesecake, start with a graham cracker crust for added texture. The filling consists of cream

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ALTON - The 107th Alton Halloween Parade invites community members to enjoy another great year in downtown Alton. Starting at 7 p.m. on Oct. 31, 2024, the parade will travel down Broadway through downtown Alton to Piasa Street. Known as one of the oldest Halloween parades in the U.S., the parade’s organizers look forward to sharing it once again with the Riverbend community. “Since 1916, we’ve had this parade,” said Steve Schwartz, an organizer with the East End Improvement Association. “It’s gotten to be a community event. It’s fun to do. It’s expected within the community. It’s one of the best things that I’ve been involved in.” Schwartz and Greg Erler said that the East End Improvement Association has “a great committee” that organizes the parade every year. This “well-oiled machine” has been working since early September to get everything ready for Halloween night. This year, there

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ALTON/GODFREY - Liz Campbell is the chair of this year's Community Christmas campaign and Margaret Freer, owner of Freer Auto Body and her company are again leading the charge for the upcoming Community Christmas campaign, which aims to support local families in need during the holiday season. "We need locations for boxes," Margaret Freer said. "They can email millie.bond@stlunitedway.org or call Freer Auto Body at 618-466-6151. Boxes will be distributed November 4 and 5 and will be picked back up December 4-5." This year, the event will take place with agencies shopping at Target on Nov. 12, 2024, and Nov. 13, 2024, funded by contributions from the community during the Christmas in July initiative. Freer emphasized the importance of the Community Christmas program, stating, "Community Christmas is a value asset to the community. Our community embraces this with open arms and enables those in need to experience the magic of Christmas." Freer noted Liz Campbell's enthusiasm for

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WOOD RIVER - Riverbend Family Ministries is gearing up for their busy season. During Wood River’s Downtown Trick-or-Treat event, Rachael Craddick stopped by “Our Daily Show!” to share information about the organization’s work and upcoming banquet. Craddick explained that Riverbend Family Ministries (RFM) helps many people in the community through their collaborative model. “November and December are typically our busiest months, so a lot of great things happening, a lot of people being helped and lives changed,” she said. “It’s been great. We’re able to help a lot of the community members that are coming in.” RFM works with families that are experiencing violence, substance use, homelessness, poverty and other crises. Craddick noted that a lot of people come to RFM for rental and utility assistance. But RFM also works with several partners to provide holistic services for clients, including Amare , Metro

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PEORIA – OSF HealthCare is pleased to announce the official establishment of OSF Healthcare Ministries as a Diocesan Public Juridic Person (Diocesan PJP), in partnership with the Catholic Diocese of Peoria. OSF Healthcare Ministries will now serve as the sole corporate member and canonical sponsor of OSF Healthcare. This marks an important milestone for the organization, ensuring a strong foundation for the continued delivery of exceptional, faith-based care. The Holy See has approved this transition and Most Reverend Bishop Louis Tylka has issued a decree officially designating OSF Healthcare Ministries a Diocesan PJP. The Sisters of the Third Order of St. Francis, who have been integral to the health care Ministry for over 147 years, will continue to play a vital role in this new structure. The OSF Healthcare Ministries Board will include five Sisters: Sister Agnes Joseph Williams, O.S.F., Major Superior; Sister Judith Ann Duvall, O.S.F.; Sister Theresa Ann Brazeau, O.S.F.;

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CHICAGO – Attorney General Kwame Raoul and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) are seeking information about four masked suspects involved in armed robberies taking place at four jewelry stores across three states between July 13, 2023, and Sept. 14, 2024. Authorities are urging anyone with information to contact the FBI. The robberies in question have taken place at jewelry stores in Bridgeview, Illinois as well as in Michigan and Missouri. According to law enforcement, suspects alternately carried an AR-style rifle, handgun and hammer, and wore costume face masks. The FBI today released surveillance video footage of robberies that took place at stores in Bridgeview and Dearborn, Michigan. The video and images of the costume masks are available here . “Do not let the costume masks distract from the seriousness of these robberies. The individuals who committed these robberies terrorized and endangered the safety of customers and employees alike,”

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WOOD RIVER - Through Wood River’s Downtown Trick-or-Treat event last week, Wood River Main Street Executive Director Kristen Burns reflected on the event’s success. “We get such a great turnout,” Burns said. “The participation with the businesses, it’s top-notch. We’re so happy you’re here.” The event invites families and kids to trick-or-treat down the main streets of Wood River. Most of the businesses participated, giving out candy and decorating their storefronts. Burns warned that they “absolutely” did not have enough candy for all of the community members who came out on Oct. 23, 2024, but she was still excited to see so many people in downtown Wood River. She noted that Wood River Main Street tries to promote growth and businesses in the city, and the Downtown Trick-or-Treat was a great chance for the organization to share their work with the community. “The possibilities are really endless,”

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RIVERBEND - Little monsters love trick-or-treating, and we have the perfect guide of all the best spots in the Riverbend region. Whether you’re looking for traditional community trick-or-treating or fun new trunk-or-treating, there are lots of opportunities throughout the month of October for fall fun! If you have a Halloween event you’d like to see included in this list, email news@riverbender.com . COMMUNITY TRICK-OR-TREATING Friday, Oct. 25, 2024 Belleville: 5:30–7:30 p.m. Brighton: 6–9 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2024 Alton: 6–8 p.m. Bethalto: 6–9 p.m. East Alton: 6–8 p.m. Edwardsville: 12–9 p.m. Godfrey: 6–8 p.m. Grafton: 6–8 p.m. Hartford: 6–8 p.m. South Roxana: 6–8 p.m. Wood River: 6–8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 31, 2024 Alton: 6–8 p.m. Bethalto: 6–9 p.m. Collinsville: 6–9 p.m. East Alton: 6–8 p.m. Edwardsville: 12–9

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ALTON – The City of Alton is pleased to announce that S&P Global Ratings has upgraded its credit rating from an A to an A+, reflecting significant improvements in the city’s financial health, including enhanced budgetary performance and effective management of its pension plans. This upgrade is accompanied by a stable outlook, reinforcing confidence in the city’s fiscal policies and strategies. “This enhanced rating from S&P Global is a testament to the City’s solid financial strategy and discipline followed over the last 3 years,” said Debbie Dunlap, City Comptroller. “We are proud of the significant strides the City has accomplished by being fiscally responsible, thus creating a strong financial foundation for the City of Alton.” S&P Global Ratings recognized the City of Alton's substantial strides in its budgetary performance over the past two fiscal years. After facing challenges including above-budget spending, revenue reductions

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