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BELLEVILLE/FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS — Steve Johnson, a distinguished alumnus of Belleville East High School, has been named as an inductee of the Lancer Wall of Fame, the school has announced. Johnson, who graduated in 1987, currently serves as the police chief of Fairview Heights. His career in law enforcement spans 35 years, during which he has made significant contributions both locally and internationally. He is known for his roles as a speaker, trainer, and mentor in the field of public service. Belleville East High School recognized Johnson not only for his professional achievements but also for his dedication to helping others. "Steve Johnson has been a mentor to many who aspire to enter public service," the school noted in its announcement. His commitment to community service and public safety has made a lasting impact on countless individuals. In addition to his professional accomplishments, Johnson is a husband, father, and grandfather. Johnson's induction into the Lancer

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BELLEVILLE — Belleville Police have arrested Michael G. Munie, 74, in connection with a criminal sexual assault and child pornography investigation, following a report from the mother of a juvenile victim on Sept. 10, 2024. According to Belleville Police Department (BPD), the juvenile, a 15-year-old male, had been spending time at Munie's residence in the 600 block of North 39th Street in Belleville. Munie, who was referred to as the juvenile’s "Godfather," was allegedly observed by a family member engaging in a lewd act with the juvenile. The victim and his mother subsequently sought medical treatment at a local hospital. Belleville Police officers promptly responded to the scene and arrested Munie without incident. He was transported to the Belleville Police Department for further questioning. Multiple search warrants and interviews have been conducted, leading investigators to believe there may be additional victims. The St. Clair County State’s Attorney’s

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ALTON - Local artist Maia Huddleston has created art for NASA. For this month only, you can see her work at Milton Schoolhouse. Huddleston is Milton’s September Artist of the Month, and her photography and collages are on display in the building’s main hallway. But while Huddleston is now a Master of Fine Arts student in photography, her journey to photography wasn’t always clear. “I started in photojournalism, actually, but I was finding that I wanted to create my own artistic style and I wanted to develop my own body of ideas that I could convey visually, and that was something that photojournalism was not specifically conducive to,” Huddleston remembered. “I wanted to be able to tell my own stories and my own opinions.” Huddleston began taking photos in high school as a member of her school’s yearbook club. After a school shooting rattled the student body, Huddleston was determined to capture those feelings in her photography.

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EAST ALTON - East Alton Elementary Administration notified families on Monday morning, Sept. 16, 2024, that they were aware of potential threat rumors circulating through the student body and that a report was made to the East Alton Police Department on Sunday night, Sept. 15, 2024. East Alton Elementary Superintendent Nancy Werden had these comments: "There was no specific date, time, or students who have been identified. Please know that we are currently investigating these rumors. "Out of an abundance of caution, law enforcement was present to provide increased security this morning. As always, we are asking students and parents to be vigilant and to immediately report any information regarding any school threat to law enforcement and the school district. Please be assured that your child's safety is our priority."

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EDWARDSVILLE — Two REMAX Alliance employees and local firefighters played pivotal roles in responding to a devastating fire on Friday, Sept. 13, 2024, at apartments in the 100 block of Devon Court in Edwardsville. When the fire erupted, Nikki McCormick and Katy Clark, working at their office across the street at REMAX Alliance, immediately raced to the scene to alert residents. The two women knocked on doors and windows, alerting residents to the danger. Edwardsville Fire Chief James Whiteford acknowledged the risks of civilian involvement in emergency situations but praised McCormick and Clark for their timely actions. "I normally don’t think people should get involved in these types of situations; they should let firefighters handle it," Whiteford said. "But in this case, it was very helpful, and I commend the two women for their efforts." The two Edwardsville women, the firefighters, and the SIUE Alumni Association are all difference makers for their efforts with this

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ALTON - Choices Ministry will host its second annual Music in the Park event with a special guest, “miracle girl” Stella Schultz . From 3–5 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 12, 2024, at Haskell Park in Alton, community members can enjoy a free contemporary Christian music concert. Karrie Schultz, Stella’s mother, will also give a testimony and share the “A Heart for Stella” story . Stella spent eight months at Children’s Hospital waiting for a heart transplant, which she received about a month ago. “We’re about sharing the love of God through music and life experiences,” said Sheldon Rushing with Choices Ministry. “Choices is a ministry committed to sharing the love of God through music and life experiences and Biblical truth.” Rushing explained that he was deeply moved by the Schultz family’s story. Choices Ministry raised $5,000 for Stella during a fundraiser concert two months ago, and Rushing said

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EDWARDSVILLE – A fire at an off-campus apartment complex in Edwardsville has left several Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE) students displaced, with many losing or experiencing damage to their belongings. The incident, which occurred recently in the 100 block of Devon Court in Edwardsville, has prompted a call for community support to aid the affected students. The SIUE Student Emergency Fund has been activated to assist those facing these unexpected challenges. The fund aims to provide immediate relief to students in distress, ensuring they have the necessary resources to recover and continue their education. In a statement, the university emphasized the importance of community solidarity during such times. "In times like these, we come together as a community," the statement read. The university is urging individuals to consider donating to the Student Emergency Fund. "Whether big or small, every gift counts. Please consider donating to support our students i

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ALTON - According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), on average, there is one death by suicide every 11 minutes in the United States with more than 49,000 lives lost in 2022 alone. With so many lives claimed by suicide each year, the focus often shifts to raising awareness. Yet, the pressing question remains: once we're aware, what do we do next? While suicide awareness may not solely or directly change behavior, it plays a crucial role in the broader efforts to prevent suicide. Awareness campaigns are often the first step in addressing the stigma and misconceptions surrounding mental health and suicide. However, in addition to awareness, there are other actionable steps to take for awareness to be even more effective. One significant gap I see is the implementation of suicide prevention trainings. A significant amount of money is invested in gatekeeper and community trainings, yet these programs often end up being treated as a one-time event. Across the United

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ALTON - Senior Services Plus, Inc., located at 2603 N. Rodgers Avenue, is celebrating National Senior Center Month by hosting an Open House. On Tuesday, September 24th from 10am-1pm, staff members from each SSP program will be available to talk with and share information on the various programs SSP has to offer. Programs include Meals on Wheels, Information & Assistance, In-Home Services, Transportation, Home Repair, Ombudsman Program, Foster Grandparent Program, as well as the on-site programs such as Congregate Dining in our School House Grill, the Wellness Center, classes, activities, and more. SSP’s School House Grill will be operating during this event. Attendees can stop by the Grill’s information table to sample a new and exciting menu item coming this fall! This event is free and open to the public. For more information, please call 618-465-3298 ext. 123 About SENIOR SERVICES PLUS Senior Services Plus, Inc. is a 501(c) not-for-profit organization established

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BETHALTO – September 13, 2024 - 1st MidAmerica Credit Union delivered $30,000 in grant funds to local small businesses in partnership with the Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago (FHLB). The FHLB made grant money available to member financial institutions through their Community First ® Accelerated Grants for Small Business program, which provides assistance to small businesses in Illinois. The 1st MidAmerica team submitted the grant requests and was able to deliver two $15,000 checks to member businesses, Skitopel and Espresso Yourself Bakery. “These grants reflect how having the Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago as a partner increases the benefits we provide to our members and communities,” said Brett Pont, Vice President of Commercial Services. 1st MidAmerica Credit Union has a mission of exceeding member expectations. Additional information can be found at www.1stMidAmerica.org

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ALTON – Have you ever met – much less even heard of – a religious Sister (i.e. a Nun) who is a biomedical engineer that utilizes virtual reality and 3D-modeling technologies to help surgeons with their preoperative surgical planning? When divine inspiration and engineering innovation meet, you get Sister M. Pieta Keller, F.S.G.M. Sister M. Pieta Keller, F.S.G.M., who joined the Alton, IL-based Sisters of St. Francis of the Martyr St. George in 2013, combines the divine inspiration to a calling to enter the religious community and simultaneously utilizes her God-given scientific and technical aptitude. “I truly feel that God has placed me here and led me to choose a field that allows me to pursue my love of engineering, in addition to answering His call to serve Him, combining to positively affect people’s lives every day,” says Sister M. Pieta. By background, she is a graduate of Purdue University with a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering

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ELSAH - Celebrate the start of the Autumn season in the historic and quaint Village of Elsah Saturday, Sept. 28 with a day of food, entertainment, tours and more during the annual Elsah Fall Festival. The fun kicks off at 11 a.m. and runs through 4 p.m. in the village nestled between the river bluffs on the banks of the Mississippi River along the Great River Road. The festival will feature great food, self-guided tours of the wetlands trail and pollinator garden, local artisans displaying their wares and live music which will take place at the Gazebo behind Green Tree Inn, Methodist Church and Riverview House. All businesses and historic buildings will also be open throughout the afternoon. Each location will highlight different vendors and entertainment. “Fall is a great time to come and see the Village of Elsah and all it has available,” Connie Davis, one of the festival organizers remarked. “We love being able to welcome visitors and help them enjoy the beauty

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September 16 has been a day of significant global events throughout history. 1978: Camp David Accords One of the most impactful events that occurred on September 16 was the signing of the Camp David Accords in 1978. This historic peace agreement between Egypt and Israel was brokered by U.S. President Jimmy Carter at the Camp David retreat. Egyptian President Anwar Sadat and Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin came together to negotiate a framework for peace in the Middle East. The accords led to the Egypt-Israel Peace Treaty in 1979, making Egypt the first Arab country to officially recognize Israel. This monumental event not only altered the geopolitical landscape of the Middle East but also earned Sadat and Begin the Nobel Peace Prize. 1620: The Mayflower Sets Sail On September 16, 1620, the Mayflower set sail from Plymouth, England, carrying 102 passengers, including the Pilgrims, who were seeking religious freedom in the New World. After a grueling 66-day journey, they

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HARTFORD - A two-vehicle crash at Illinois Route 3 at Piasa early Monday morning in Hartford resulted in multiple injuries and significant damage to traffic infrastructure. The incident occurred at 7:45 a.m., when one of the vehicles involved went airborne, causing traffic lights above Route 3 to be snapped off. ARCH Medical unit was requested due to the injuries. Alton Memorial Ambulance also responded due to other injuries. Roxana Fire Department responded to the scene to help the Hartford Fire Department. Law enforcement authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash.

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CAHOKIA HEIGHTS - Charges have been issued in a Major Case Squad investigation following the death of an 18-year-old in Cahokia Heights. On September 9, officers from the St. Clair County Sheriff’s Department responded to a call on the 2400 block of Renois Lane regarding a person who had been shot and was not conscious or breathing. The victim, later identified as Damonta T. Mosley, 18, of Cahokia Heights, was transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The Cahokia Heights Sheriff’s Department sought assistance from the Major Case Squad of Greater St. Louis. The collaborative effort brought together 21 investigators from 16 different agencies to work on the case. The investigation led to the identification of evidence and a person of interest. On Saturday, the findings were submitted to the St. Clair County State’s Attorney’s Office for review. Subsequently, on Sunday, the St. Clair County State’s Attorney’s Office filed charges

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MADISON — The Major Case Squad is investigating after a body was found in a Madison alleyway on Saturday morning. The Madison Police Department responded to a call just before 9 a.m. reporting a body in an alleyway near the 1600 block of 5th Street. Upon arrival, police and the coroner determined that the man, identified as 37-year-old Levell Douglas of Madison, Illinois, had died from a gunshot wound. The Major Case Squad has assigned 16 investigators to the case. Authorities urge anyone with information to contact the Major Case Squad at 618-709-7750 or CrimeStoppers at 866-371-TIPS (8477).

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September 15, 2024, marks another year of remembering some of the most significant events in history that shaped our world. 1821: Independence of Guatemala On September 15, 1821, Guatemala declared its independence from Spain. This day is celebrated annually as Guatemala's Independence Day. The event marked the end of Spanish colonial rule in the region and the beginning of a new era for the country. It was a significant moment in the history of Central America, as it paved the way for the independence of other nations in the region, including El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica. 1916: First Use of Tanks in Battle During World War I, on September 15, 1916, the British Army used tanks for the first time in the Battle of the Somme. These armored vehicles, designed to break through enemy lines and traverse difficult terrain, represented a significant technological advancement in warfare. Although the initial use was met with mixed success, tanks would go on to becom

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BUZZ MAGAZINE - The LoveJoy United Presbyterian Church, located at 2550 Rock Hill Rd. in Wood River (across from the Wood River soccer complex) is having their annual rummage sale Thursday, Sept. 26 to Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024. Proceeds from this sale goes to the Good Samaritan Fund. This fund will assist local families in need. The presale is Thursday from 5 to 7 p.m. with a $3 entry fee. There is no entrance fee on Friday or Saturday, and hours will be from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. both days. You can expect to find a lot of nice, reasonably priced merchandise at this sale. For more information, contact Jenny at 618-466-2328 or the church office at 618-254-5880. This story originally ran in the September 2024 issue of The Prairie Land Buzz Magazine http://www.thebuzzmonthly.com .

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ALTON - Over 80 vendors and hundreds of community members turned out for Alton Pride’s third annual festival. From 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024, community members could celebrate the LGBTQ+ community with live music, vendors, food trucks and more in downtown Alton. Anne McCoy, one of the board members with Alton Pride, noted that the festival has expanded since its first year in 2022. “It’s grown a lot. We expect that it's going to just keep getting bigger,” McCoy said. “It's always about connecting communities. We're just trying to bring everybody together and let everybody know they're welcome.” Attendees enjoyed performances by Porch Cafe, Mz Goldie, Izzy Salhani and several drag queens. McCoy said the festival began with a “very welcoming and affirming” speech by Alton Mayor David Goins. The Pride Festival is the biggest event that Alton Pride sponsors, but they have several other events and promotions throughout

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ALTON - The Alton High School Class of 1974 will be sponsoring an exciting weekend for their 50th reunion. From 5–10 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 12, 2024, members of the AHS Class of 1974 are invited to come out to Bluff City Grill in Alton for a night with their classmates. The weekend fun includes a mixer on Friday night and a “Sunday on the River” afternoon. “I think people are excited. We had a really big class,” said Linda, one of the reunion’s organizers. “There are a lot of people out there.” Linda and Mark, who run the official AHS Class of 1974 website , said they have just under 1,000 members in their graduating class. They are hoping to contact as many people as they can to bring everyone together for one of the last reunions they will host. Tickets to the reunion on Oct. 12 cost $50 and include a buffet dinner, a free drink and entertainment by Eclectic Celebrations. You must register by Oct. 1 to attend. The

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