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VIRDEN - The Macoupin County Sheriff's Office said in a statement Thursday afternoon that at around 9:46 a.m. today, the Virden Police Department received a call from North Mac High School in reference to a note being found that indicated there was "an active shooter." Virden officer arrived on scene within 3 to 4 minutes and begin searching the building. The Virden Police officer was able to determine very quickly that there was no active shooter. The building was put on full lockdown and searched thoroughly by the Virden Police department, the Macoupin County Sheriff’s Office Illinois State Police, and the Secretary of State Police. "There is no threat to the school at this time," the Macoupin County Sheriff's Office said. The investigation is being conducted by the Virden Police Department along with assistance from the Macoupin County Sheriff's Office.

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ST. LOUIS - An overnight Amber Alert on a 10-month-old girl who had been determined to be “critical and unstable” at the hospital has been canceled. St. Louis County Police authorities said the Amber Alert was issued after police said the child's 24-year-old mother took her from Children’s Hospital in the Central West End, violating at least two previous orders. St. Louis County Police said the 10-month-old girl was brought to Children’s Hospital appeared drastically underweight. The 10-month-old weighed only 13 pounds and the average weight for a 10-month-old girl is 13 pounds. The Amber Alert lasted more than two hours before it was canceled. St. Louis County Police said a protective custody order was issued for the child, but the mother took the child out of Children's Hospital in St. Louis against the protective custody and doctors' orders.

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ALTON - For the first time in multiple months, the Alton Fire Department will host an American Red Cross blood drive from 1:30 to 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 16, at Fire Station 1 333 E. 20th Street in Alton. "We are excited about having a blood drive here," Margaret Renken, the Alton Fire Department Office Manager, said. "We are hoping to see more donors sign up and give the gift of life. We used to have blood drives here for years, but COVID-19 changed things. We are hoping for strong attendance." Renken also mentioned the Red Cross is encouraging appointments for the blood drive. The Red Cross number is 1-800-733-2737 or sign up on the Red Cross website . The Red Cross will have a T-shirt giveaway and those who register also get a $10 E-Gift card. All donors who register must have a valid e-mail on file to receive the E-Gift Card.

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ST. LOUIS COUNTY - St. Louis County Police Crimes Against Persons detectives and the Accident Reconstruction Unit are investigating a fatal motor crash in the 9700 block of Halls Ferry Road that resulted in the death of a teenage male. On November 2, 2022, at 3:58 PM, St. Louis County police officers from the North County Precinct responded to a call for service for a motor vehicle accident in the 9700 block of Halls Ferry Road. Arriving officers located two vehicles involved in a motor vehicle crash. Preliminary investigation has revealed a Kia Forte was northbound in the 9700 block of Halls Ferry Road when it turned into oncoming traffic and was struck by a Hyundai Genesis. The driver of the Kia Forte was transported to an area hospital with life threatening injuries and was later pronounced deceased. The Hyundai Genesis had two occupants. The driver left the scene of the accident. The passenger, an adult female, was transported to an area hospital with non life threatening injuries.

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More pics at: https://www.randymanning.com/Alton-Halloween-Parade ALTON - Dr. Bruce Vest and company with Alton Orthopedic Sports Medicine did it again in 2022, capturing first place in the Commercial Division of the Alton Halloween Parade. This year’s float was called “Fiesta Spectacular,” which contained what Dr. Vest described as “every kind of spook imaginable with music and skeletons.” In an interview at the Alton Halloween Parade, Dr. Vest said this is his 21st year of having a float in the Alton Halloween Parade. Alton Physical Therapy was second in the Commercial Division, Tarrant & Harman was third and The Home Depot was fourth. All the float entries in the Commercial Division were outstanding in 2022. “I have seven children and I guess we started in the Alton Halloween Parade because we thought it would be a lot of fun to do,” Dr. Vest said. “We started doing it every year. Normally, we do something related to bones an

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Letter To The Editor: In the wake of an election and encouraging voters to go to the polls I begin to wonder why so many are not engaged in this process. There are many worries that black and brown people may have that have them somewhat distracted right now. One of them is that tenants are pushing for solutions to rising rents and evictions, and to address private equity’s role in exacerbating the nation’s housing crisis. Some tenants are organizing to save their homes and create more just local and national housing policies, as well as the role of private equity in fueling the housing crisis. Questions are being pondered over: What is the impact of housing speculation and private equity in the single-family and multi-family rental markets? How do public policies and the actions of the Government-Sponsored Enterprises (GSEs) play into the housing crisis? How are tenants and community organizations working to build power for a just housing future. The U.S. is currently

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EAST ST. LOUIS - A former resident of Edwardsville pled guilty on Friday, October 28, 2022, to making a series of false statements during his 2018 bankruptcy case in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Illinois. According to court documents, Kevin Kahrig, 49, a former building contractor in the area, concealed assets from his creditors by transferring those assets to his girlfriend-turned-spouse, Catharine Kahrig, prior to filing bankruptcy. As part of his plea, Kahrig admitted that he transferred $277,850 in cash and checks to Catharine Kahrig in 2016, then closed all his bank accounts the next year. Kahrig hid those cash transfers and many of the closed accounts in his later filings with the bankruptcy court. Also in the court documents, it says next, Kahrig took his name off a lakefront home he co-owned with Catharine Kahrig and hid this transfer from the bankruptcy court. Kahrig also sold his boat before bankruptcy. He gave the $395,000 he got from the boat

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EDWARDSVILLE - Ten students enrolled in Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s Educational Leadership’s Principal Preparation Program have been chosen to be part of the inaugural Illinois School Leadership Pipeline Program (ISLPP). "Our aspiring principals are from districts, large and small, and from communities stretching from northern to southern Illinois,” said Vicki Van Tuyle, EdD, associate professor in the educational leadership program in the School of Education, Health and Human Behavior. “Their collective experiences range from kindergarten through high school and include foreign language, social work, special education, career and technical education, and core subjects. We are pleased that these students have been chosen to be part of the ISLPP.” The 10 SIUE ISLPP recipients include Leslie Bell, Kayla Elam, Catherine Johnson, Catrice Johnson, David Lerch, Melissa Montgomery, Megan Perschbacher, Katie Prather, Luz Rangel Raymond and Erika

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EDWARDSVILLE — The public expressed concerns Tuesday night to the Madison County Health Advisory Committee about the CDC’s recommendation to place the COVID shot on the childhood immunization schedule. Six public speakers voiced their concerns about the Center for Disease Control’s plan and wanted officials to know they are against it. Amy Santarelli of Collinsville said there is risk either way — getting the vaccine or getting COVID. “Most people want to choose their own risk,” Santerelli said. “Don’t put our children at risk, let the families make the decision for them.” Richard Quayle of Highland said he is a retired pharmacist with 50 years of experience and spent more than 3,000 hours studying COVID. “We were told when the vaccines first came out ‘if you get this vaccine, you’ll not catch the virus.’,” Quayle said. “That was false.” Quayle said people were told if they got the

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ROXANA - Sophomore running back Zeb Katzmarek isn't exactly the Roxana football team's go-to receiver. That's why when he was given the ball and saw a lane open up to the end zone against Hillsboro in the IHSA football playoff first round, he couldn't believe it. With the game tied at 7-7 in the third quarter, Zeb got the ball, found a hole in the defense, and just kept running for a 66-yard touchdown. It went on to be the game-winning score. "I'm just glad I can contribute honestly," he said after the 13-7 win over Hillsboro. "I was waiting for my shot all year to run the ball and I finally got it." "I remember watching us in the playoffs a couple of years ago and now I'm here and I contributed and it's just the best feeling in the world," he added. He contributes not only on the offense but also on the defensive side of the ball. He's one of the team's leading DBs. He recorded a single tackle on Saturday against the Hilltoppers. When asked what his favorite thing about the

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GRANITE CITY - Granite City Superintendent of Schools Stephanie Cann issued the following statement Wednesday morning after an alleged social media threat to Granite City High School. "This morning, Granite City Community Unit School District #9 was made aware of a social media post of concern on Snapchat," she said. "Due to the quick action of Granite City High School students, staff, administrators, and the Granite City Police Department, the situation has been investigated and resolved. "After a thorough investigation, It was determined there was no imminent threat to students or staff." Dr. Cann said to all parents, "Discuss social media usage with your students and encourage them to “Report it; Don’t ignore it."

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ST. LOUIS – Simmons Hanly Conroy , one of the nation's largest mass torts firms and a national leader in the legal representation of mesothelioma patients and their families, has secured a $6 million verdict against Ford Motor Company on behalf of the family of Linda Behling, a Missouri resident who died in 2019 of mesothelioma, a rare and fatal cancer caused by asbestos exposure. Mrs. Behling was exposed to asbestos in the 1980s while working as a laborer at a custom limousine manufacturer in Missouri. She suffered repeated asbestos exposures to the toxic dust while servicing asbestos-containing brakes manufactured by Ford Motor Company. The jury found Ford at fault and awarded $6 million in compensatory damages. It is the fourth verdict the firm has secured against Ford. “After examining the evidence, the jury found that Ford was a fault,” said Simmons Hanly Conroy Shareholder Daniel P. Blouin , who served as lead trial attorney. “Nothing will bring Lind

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ALTON - Retired Alton Fire Department Deputy Chief Mark Harris died Tuesday, November 1, 2022, at Alton Memorial Hospital. A dedicated member of the Alton Fire Department, Mark began his career on April 17, 1991, and quickly advanced through the ranks becoming an Engineer on January 4, 1995. Mark advanced to the Captain position on May 20, 2000, Assistant Chief on December 4, 2005, Deputy Chief on May 28, 2009, Battalion Chief on May 26, 2013, and Deputy Chief again on September 1, 2013. He finally ended his career with the Department on May 5, 2018. Alton Fire Chief Jesse Jemison said visitation will be from 1-3 p.m. Sunday at Gent Funeral Home in Alton in the chapel. The Gent Funeral Home is located at 2409 State Street in Alton. Funeral services will immediately follow. A Fire Department Walk-Through will be conducted at 2:15 p.m. Sunday, led by the active and retired members of the Alton Fire Department with surrounding fire departments following in honor of Deputy Chief Harris.

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EDWARDSVILLE - Annie's Frozen Custard officials have announced they have made what they describe as "the extremely difficult decision to permanently close the 245 South Buchanan Street location in Edwardsville because of the labor shortage." However, Annie's management also said: "Please rest assured that our Glen Carbon location will remain open year-round." Annie's officials continued with a statement: "Since 1996, we have had the pleasure of serving frozen custard to families and friends throughout the area and look forward to continuing doing this from our Glen Carbon location. "We want to sincerely thank everyone for the immense support and love over the past 26 years. We hope you continue to choose Annie’s and come see us at our location at 11 Illini Drive, Glen Carbon."

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EDWARDSVILLE - Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Chancellor James T. Minor, PhD, has named academic marketing and communications expert Kedra Tolson as Executive Director of University Marketing and Communications following a national search. Tolson will assume the position, effective Wednesday, Dec. 7, 2022. Tolson is returning to her alma mater to lead an experienced team of creative professionals charged with amplifying SIUE’s brand, enhancing enrollment marketing, and strengthening communication with the public. Tolson will also play a key role in advancing communication related to the Strategic Plan and critical University fundraising campaigns. “This is an exciting season for SIUE. I am confident Kedra will be a key contributor to our growth as we take bold steps to define our future,” said Minor. “Kedra’s extensive background in higher education has fostered a “students-first” approach that matches our mission of transforming

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ST. LOUIS - Hospital Sisters Health System (HSHS) colleagues recently attended Mid-America Transplant “Inspired by Life” Symposium at St. Louis Union Station. Hospital colleagues listened to various speakers and were able to hear from and connect with representatives from Mid-America Transplant to learn more about the organ donation process, tissue donation, and the importance of aftercare. (Pictured left to right) Michelle Herzberg, director of inpatient care at HSHS St. Joseph’s Hospital Highland; Stephanie Collings, medical-surgical care registered nurse at HSHS St. Elizabeth’s Hospital; Lleyna Gorka, nurse educator at HSHS St. Elizabeth’s Hospital; Cindy Crouch, emergency department facilitator at HSHS Holy Family Hospital; Kacie Blaser, facilitator of surgical services at HSHS Holy Family Hospital; and Kelli Clutts, director of nursing at HSHS Holy Family Hospital.

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CARLINVILLE - Blackburn College in Carlinville, IL, is bringing its annual Veterans Day Convocation back to campus on Friday, November 11, 2022, at 11 am. The American Legion Post 554, Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 1104 and the College will honor United States military veterans at the event held in Clegg Chapel on the College campus. It is open to Blackburn faculty, staff, students, and all members of the community. A thank-you lunch will be provided free of charge for veterans inside the Demuzio Campus Center following the Convocation. The College last hosted an official convocation event in November 2019. While virtual celebrations were held during the pandemic to help observe this day, the return of an in-person gathering allows for a more complete remembrance of the individuals who carry a legacy of courage and sacrifice. The program will include the Presentation of the Colors provided by the American Legion Post 554 and VFW Post 1104 Color Guards, special readings and recognitions.

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STAUNTON - During their Employee Appreciation Week celebration in October, the employees at Madison were challenged to donate non-perishable items for the local food pantries as part of a team bonding exercise. The Madison employees collected a total of 10 milk crates and multiple boxes of food. The items were then divided evenly between the Mt. Olive Care Center and the Staunton Helping Hands Center. These donations are just a small part of Madison’s commitment to care for the communities that they serve. Along with donating to the local food pantries, Madison is also sponsoring the Community Hope Center’s Christmas Toy Drive once again! Please help spread the love to a child for Christmas by donating a new and unwrapped toy for girls and boys ages 0-12. Toys will be accepted anytime until November 30th in their main office lobby located at 21668 Double Arch Road in Staunton. They thank you in advance for your generosity this holiday season! To learn more about Madison’s

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BLOOMINGTON — Governor JB Pritzker joined Ferrero North America, as well as state and local officials, for the groundbreaking of Ferrero’s Bloomington facility. This will be the first North American location to produce Kinder Bueno products. The company’s commitment to further expand its Bloomington facility will bring a $214.4 million investment to the area and create 200 new jobs over four years - generating economic benefit for the region and state. “Central Illinois sits in the heart of our nation, so it’s only fitting that it serves as the heart of Ferrero’s North American operations: CRUNCH, 100 Grand, Raisinets, and now Kinder Bueno, all made right here,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “This expansion is a testament to Illinois’ quality workforce and reputation on the global stage, and especially the quality workforce right here in Central Illinois. I want to thank the entire Ferrero team for their partnership. Here’s t

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ST. LOUIS - As daylight saving time ends on November 6, the American Red Cross encourages everyone to test their smoke alarms as they turn their clocks back to help stay safe from home fires. “Home fires claim more lives in a typical year than all natural disasters combined, but working smoke alarms can cut the risk of dying in a home fire by half,” said Chris Harmon, Regional Disaster Officer for the Missouri Arkansas Region. “The sooner an alarm alerts you to a fire, the sooner you can get out. When you turn your clocks back this weekend, also test your smoke alarms to help prevent a tragedy in your home.” Since July 1, 2022, Red Cross volunteers in Missouri have responded to helped over 2,200 people in Missouri affected by more than 570 home fires, which account for most of the more than 60,000 disasters that the Red Cross responds to annually across the country. In the Greater St. Louis chapter, approximately 620 people have been helped by Red Cross following

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