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ALTON - Life doesn’t always go as planned, and Fred and Neva Smith know that all too well. The couple from Alton has weathered their occupations, Fred’s military service, raising a family and now – cancer journeys. Neva is a breast cancer survivor who’s giving back through an OSF HealthCare support group, while Fred has battled squamous cell carcinoma and lymphoma. The two are a testament to how a good support system – whether that’s your spouse, friends or your care team – can help in the fight against cancer. That was apparent to the Smiths in August of 2024 when Mission Partners (employees) at OSF Moeller Cancer Center in Alton gave them a wedding anniversary surprise they won’t forget. Fred and Neva’s journeys Neva Smith, 83, was diagnosed with breast cancer in December 2015 and later had a lumpectomy, a procedure to remove part of a breast or breasts. She came to OSF for radiation treatment. “I came out

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ALTON/GODFREY - The East End Improvement Association will host two candidate forums before the April 1, 2025, consolidated election. Alton and Godfrey aldermanic, trustee and mayoral candidates will introduce themselves and answer questions at the candidate forums next month. At 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2025, Alton candidates will speak at the Great Rivers Hotel in Alton. At 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2025, Godfrey candidates will speak at the Trimpe Building at Lewis and Clark Community College. East End Improvement Association (EEIA) board member Steve Schwartz will moderate both forums. “We think it’s really important for the community to know the candidates that are running for their city and village offices, and this is a great way to introduce them,” Schwartz said. “It’s also an opportunity to impress upon individuals to get out and vote.” Schwartz said the EEIA has been sponsoring candidate forums in Alton and Godfrey for over 20 years.

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ALTON - A 19-year-old Alton resident has been charged with carrying a stolen firearm in his vehicle and attempting to flee from Illinois State Police. Jermaine A. Hinton, 19, of Alton, was charged with unlawful possession of a stolen firearm (a Class 2 felony), aggravated unlawful use of weapons (a Class 4 felony) and fleeing or attempting to elude a peace officer (a Class A misdemeanor). On Nov. 10, 2024, Hinton allegedly possessed a stolen Glock 42 .380 handgun, which he unlawfully carried in a vehicle as an individual under 21 years of age in the state of Illinois. Hinton was additionally charged after he attempted to flee from an Illinois State Police Trooper who had given him a visual or audible signal to stop the vehicle. The Illinois State Police presented the case against Hinton, who was granted pretrial release from custody. The issuance of charges is based solely upon probable cause and is not an indication of guilt. All subjects charged with criminal offenses

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Icy roads? Gym too far away? Or are you just not a people person? Cozy cardio may be right for you. What is cozy cardio? Clare Spires, an exercise physiologist at OSF HealthCare, says cozy cardio, in simple terms, is a way to make exercise comfortable in your home. It’s wise to talk to a health care provider about what workout is right for you. But generally, cozy cardio offers some freedom. For example, you can work up a sweat with an instructional video or app. Or you can just find a routine that works for you. Equipment Spires says you don’t have to rush out and buy equipment. But if you like having something to hold or press your feet to, there are options. Walking pads have become popular. These are miniature treadmills with just the bottom structure. There are no rails and monitor at eye level like a traditional treadmill. “Some can do inclines,” Spires says. “You can put it under a desk if you’re a remote worker. It’s just another

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ALTON/GODFREY - Residents of Alton and Godfrey are encouraged to take advantage of a community service program aimed at enhancing home safety through the installation of carbon monoxide detectors. On January 26, 2025, volunteers from Resurrection Lutheran Church, in collaboration with the Godfrey Fire Protection District, the Alton Fire Department, and Boy Scout Troop 7, will install free, brand-new 10-year UL-listed carbon monoxide detectors in homes throughout the area. Carbon monoxide, a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas, can accumulate in homes without occupants realizing it, particularly when appliances such as stoves, heaters, and fireplaces malfunction or lack proper ventilation. The gas poses serious health risks, including illness, injury, and potentially fatal poisoning, which is why having a carbon monoxide detector is crucial. Sharon Groh, a volunteer with Resurrection Lutheran Church, emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, “Our primary goal is

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Can’t stop coughing? It’s a common question happening with all of the upper respiratory illness going around including colds, flu and RSV. Maybe two weeks ago you had a virus, you treated the symptoms with antibiotics, you’re feeling much better, but the cough is just lingering. Juanbosco Ayala, MD, is a pulmonologist in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at OSF Little Company of Mary Medical Center in Evergreen Park, Illinois. He provides medical care to patients on a daily basis, especially people who have breathing disorders and lung disease, and explains potential reasons why coughs linger. “A lot of times it’s due to the local inflammation that persists. There’s not much to do for it, we typically recommend antihistamines, and sometimes you’ll have to cycle those,” Dr. Ayala says. “It’s usually something that subsides with time. But if it doesn’t, then obviously that may need to be looked at.” Antihistamines ca

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ALTON - Pour Decisions, a new Alton bar, will host their first ever Comedy Jam. On Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025, community members are invited to Pour Decisions at 204 State Street in Alton for a night of laughs. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the Comedy Jam starts at 6:30 p.m. There is a $10 cover fee. Co-owner Brian Trust promises another fun evening at Pour Decisions. “We party with you,” Trust said. “We have fun.” Known as a “community bar,” Pour Decisions hosts many special events and evenings, including line-dancing nights with Specs and Stilettos on Mondays and karaoke nights on Thursdays. This will be their first Comedy Jam, and Trust is excited to welcome new and established comedians to the Pour Decisions stage. Each comedian will have a 15–20-minute set. Trust is especially excited to hear comedy from Ryan Heston, as Heston is one of his employees at Trust Family Auto Sales in Godfrey. Other local comedians and St. Louis favorites

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SPRINGFIELD – For the third year in a row, the number of shootings on Illinois interstates has dropped. The Illinois State Police (ISP) is reporting interstate shootings statewide decreased 31% in 2024, compared to 2023. ? Since a record high in 2021, there has been a decrease in interstate shootings every year: 31% decrease from 2023 to 2024 53% decrease from 2022 to 2024 71% decrease from 2021 to 2024 2024 2023 2022 2021 Shootings 89 129 189 310 Injury-related Shootings 17 37 75 133 “The continued dedication of resources, including personnel, license plate readers, Air Ops, K9 units, and investigations, has allowed ISP to reduce crime on interstates and make roads safer,” said ISP Director Brendan F. Kelly. “Although our strategies for crime reduction continue to evolve, ISP’s commitment to protecting the public remains unwavering.” In 2024, through patrol enforcement and special

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CHICAGO – Illinois State Police (ISP) officials investigated a traffic crash that occurred on Interstate 55 involving two ISP troopers who were handling a crash when their squad cars were struck by a driver who failed to move over. On January 14, 2025, at approximately 7:48 a.m., two ISP troopers were inside of their squad cars, on the left shoulder, handling a crash with their emergency lights activated on Interstate 55 northbound just south of Harlem Avenue. A Honda Accord failed to move over and struck the rear of one parked squad and then sideswiped the second squad. One trooper and their canine partner reported minor injuries. The driver of the Honda, 20-year-old Gabriel S. Owens of Sauk Village, Illinois, was charged with driving Too Fast for Conditions and a Scott’s Law violation. In 2025, ISP has already suffered two Move Over Law-related crashes. In 2024, ISP suffered 27 Move Over Law-related crashes with ? 12 troopers injured and one death. In 2023,

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MURRAYVILLE - House Republican Leader Tony McCombie announced today that she has selected State Rep. C.D. Davidsmeyer (R-Murrayville) to serve as Assistant Minority Leader again for the 104th General Assembly. "As a member of the Republican Leadership team, I view my role as a conservative voice for my constituents and so many others throughout the State. I am working to end the growth of government, to create more natural business growth on main-street, not Wall Street, and to ensure that Illinois families and future generations have the opportunity for personal success. I will continue to work to bring more conservative Republicans to the General Assembly and some real balance to the State of Illinois!" Republican Leader McCombie points out that she has been intentional in assembling a leadership team that reflects the diverse voices of Illinois. The team includes thoughtful leaders from southern, central, and northern Illinois, ensuring that the House Republican Caucus, which

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GODFREY - Kevin Botterbush, a local real estate expert and Accredited Buyer Representative (ABR)-certified instructor, will reopen his real estate courses for the spring semester next week. Botterbush said the classes are something he has a deep passion for and commitment to do each semester. Botterbush is the owner of Botterbush & Associates in Godfrey. The classes, designed to equip aspiring real estate professionals with the necessary skills to succeed, will cover a range of topics, including property valuation, the complexities of real estate transactions, and the impact of political issues on the market. "The real estate business can be fun, but it is also challenging and offers numerous opportunities to explore various avenues," Botterbush said. "We don't just teach how to pass the real estate exam; we prepare students to thrive in the industry." "Brokers must now have a buyer brokerage agreement with their clients," Botterbush explained. "This agreement clarifies the commission

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SPRINGFIELD – With no scent, color, or taste, radon is a stealthy killer. In fact, it’s the second leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S. “January is National Radon Action Month and a good opportunity to learn about this gas,” explained Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security (IEMA-OHS) Director Alicia Tate-Nadeau. “It is estimated that more than 1,100 people in Illinois develop radon-related lung cancer each year. IEMA-OHS is encouraging all property owners and renters to understand the risk and test for radon,” said Tate-Nadeau. Radon test kits can be purchased by calling the Illinois Radon Hotline at 800-325-1245 or at most hardware and department stores. It is recommended to conduct one short-term test and one long-term test to ensure consistent readings. Should you find higher readings, you should contact IEMA-OHS at 800-325-1245 for information about a licensed mitigation professional who are trained to reduce

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CLARKSVILLE, MO – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Rivers Project, is again partnering with the City of Clarksville to bring additional experiences to their annual Clarksville Eagle Days festival. Throughout the two-day event, USACE Park Rangers will offer free lock tours at Lock and Dam #24, which is not typically open for public touring. “The Corps of Engineers at Lock and Dam 24 is excited to welcome the public to enjoy a unique experience touring the lock and dam,” said Lock Master Ryan Lee. “You will get to see the lock chamber up close at the height of eagle season. Not only can you learn about tow boats and navigation, but you can also see hundreds of bald eagles around the open water of the dam.” Clarksville Eagle Days runs from 10:00am – 3:30pm on Saturday January 25th and 11:00am – 3:30pm Sunday January 26th with tours of LD24 being offered by Park Rangers every 20 minutes during those times. Those wishing to join a tour can sig

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CHICAGO- Today, Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Children’s Behavioral Health Transformation Initiative (CBHTI) announced the public launch of the BEACON (Behavioral Health Care and Ongoing Navigation) care portal, a centralized resource for Illinois youth and families seeking youth mental health services and care, including state agency support and community-based programs. BEACON is now live for use by Illinois residents and can be accessed at beacon.illinois.gov . “We have made behavioral health a priority of my administration – not just investing in affordability and accessibility but breaking down the stigmas associated with it,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “With the launch of BEACON, families have an easy and accessible place to start. I’m thankful for the team at the Children’s Behavioral Health Transformation Initiative and the staff across six different state agencies whose collaboration proves that breaking down silos in state

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On January 15, history has witnessed a remarkable array of events that have shaped our world in various ways. A notable event on this day occurred in 1971 when the first episode of the popular television series “All in the Family” aired in the United States. This groundbreaking sitcom, created by Norman Lear, tackled controversial social issues such as racism, gender roles, and the generational divide through the lens of humor. The show’s main character, Archie Bunker, became a cultural icon, representing the struggles and complexities of American life during the turbulent 1970s. “All in the Family” not only entertained audiences but also sparked important conversations about societal norms and values, paving the way for more progressive content in television. Fast forward to 2001, when the United States experienced a significant political shift with the inauguration of President George W. Bush. This event marked the beginning of a controversial presidency

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Key takeaways: Most energy drinks are not FDA approved Too much caffeine can lead to negative side effects Many energy drinks have 200mg of caffeine content per can Consider your urination when thinking about hydration Break down hydration based on the activities you do The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) makes clear that energy drinks are “fundamentally different” than sports drinks like Gatorade or Powerade. But scrolling through social media or strolling through the grocery store aisle, and the lines start to blur a bit. When quarterback Justin Fields was a rookie, he inked an endorsement deal with C4 – an energy drink brand. More recently, CELSIUS signed six Heisman Trophy “hopefuls” to NIL (name, image and likeness) deals. The company’s slogan is “live fit,” a motto many athletes can relate to. Karan Rai, MD, is a sports medicine physician with OSF HealthCare who works in partnership with Illinois State

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EDWARDSVILLE - Expanding on its previous and current dramatic offerings and education, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville will present the inaugural SIUE Performing Arts Initiative on Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025 according to Marc Schapman, DMA, professor of voice and chair of the Department of Music. The new series of performances and workshops will begin on Jan. 22 in the Dunham Hall Theater and will feature Chamber Project Saint Louis (CPSTL), with the University’s own Professor of Cello Marta Simidtchieva . Ticket prices are available here . “The mission of the SIUE Performing Arts Initiative is to provide low-cost, high-quality, cultural and educational programs directed at a wide cross-section of the community,” said Schapman. “We want to bring performances to the area that residents would otherwise have little opportunity to attend and provide a variety of points of view and diverse artistic experiences. We feel this is an asset to SIUE

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EDWARDSVILLE - The SIU System is pleased to announce that both SIU Carbondale (SIUC) and SIU Edwardsville (SIUE) are engaging in a new partnership with the Gateway Equity Institute (GEI), a St. Louis based organization dedicated to advancing equity and justice. GEI empowers leaders to drive change, provides transformative training and engages youth through impactful diversity programs. SIU and GEI are partnering to provide the Anytown Campus Program to 100 students from SIU Carbondale and SIU Edwardsville, plus students from Carbondale Community High School and East St. Louis Senior High School. “Through the inclusion of both college students and high school students, GEI and SIU are creating unique opportunities for youth to learn from one another's perspectives as they explore the following topics: establishing a foundation, sex, race, ability, LGBTQIA2S+ identities and preparing for next steps,” said Rhonda Carter Adams, executive director of GEI. Each school has successfully

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EDWARDSVILLE - Edwardsville Community Unit School District #7 Superintendent Dr. Patrick Shelton has announced the recommendation of Alex Fox for the permanent role of principal at Edwardsville High School. The recommendation will be presented to the Board of Education at its monthly meeting on Monday, Jan. 27. If approved, Fox’s appointment will begin with the 2025-26 school year and include a two-year contract, with an option for a third year. Fox has served as interim principal at EHS since August 9 after Dr. Steve Stuart stepped down as principal to assume the position of executive director of the EGHM Foundation. “Edwardsville High School has really thrived this year under Mr. Fox’s leadership as interim principal,” said Shelton. “He has the trust and support of the students, staff, and community, and I am excited to see how EHS will continue to prosper under his direction in the years to come.” Fox served as associate principal

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ALTON — A mudslide occurred around 4 p.m. Monday, Jan. 13, 2025, at Riverview Park in Alton, prompting city officials to assess the damage and consider future stabilization efforts. The incident did not damage the nearby Abbott facility in Alton but resulted in a collection of significant debris and the loss of old trees near the business. Mike Parsons, the public works director for Alton, reported that the mudslide has closed off certain areas of the park while crews work to clean up the debris. "We are looking at all options now as these incidents seem to be happening more frequently," he said. City personnel plan to clear the collection of trees and debris as early as Wednesday. Lyndsey Younger, the interim Alton Park and Rec Director, said: "The mudslide affected the sidewalk that connects the parking lot to the Riverview wall, creating a no-trespassing zone to ensure public safety. However, the road near Riverview Park remains open, as it is situated further down from

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