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CHICAGO – Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) are encouraging eligible families to apply for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) to support with utility bill assistance for natural gas, propane, and electricity. Applications opened today, October 2, for income-eligible households with seniors age 60+, Illinoisans with a documented long-term disability, and/or children under age 6. “As energy costs continue to rise, Illinois families deserve support to keep the lights on—and that’s exactly what my administration is doing,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Today, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity opened applications for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program to supplement utility bills—especially important as we gear up for the winter season—and I encourage all eligible families to apply.” “Through LIHEAP, the State

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CHICAGO - Attorney General Kwame Raoul filed a lawsuit against Residents Energy LLC (Residents), an alternative retail electric supplier (ARES), alleging the company’s telemarketers and in-person sales agents used deceptive and unfair tactics to switch customers from their public utility company to more expensive contracts with Residents. Raoul’s lawsuit , filed in Cook County Circuit Court, alleges that Residents’ sales representatives used a variety of deceptive tactics to lure customers into switching to Residents. During sales solicitations, agents allegedly made false promises of low rates and savings, when in fact Raoul alleges Residents’ customers almost always paid higher rates than they would have if they had remained with their original public utility company. “Residents used false promises to lure consumers away from their public utility companies. Instead of lower rates, customers ended up paying significantly more than if they had stayed

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WOOD RIVER - The City of Wood River has appointed Karen Weber as its new Treasurer and Finance Director, replacing Chris Sobrino, who formerly held both positions. Weber was officially sworn in and took the Oath of Office at last night’s City Council meeting. Councilman Bill Dettmers thanked Sobrino for his years of service and wished him the best for the future. “Tonight is Chris Sabrino’s last meeting, and I want to thank him for his years of service,” Dettmers said. “I’ve very much enjoyed working with him and I wish him the very best at his new job.” Mayor Tom Stalcup agreed and added Weber will “do a great job.” “It’s a sobering day to see Mr. Sobrino leave,” Stalcup said. “Chris is moving on to bigger adventures and we will all miss him. Chris did a wonderful job as Finance Director and we wish him well and the very best in the future. “On top of that, Karen Weber will take his place

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BETHALTO - Junior Bella Thien has been an aggressive hitter and server this year for the Civic Memorial girls' volleyball team, head coach Kristie Ochs says. Ochs believes the junior is hitting her stride and is showing more confidence every day in her play. "Bella is emerging as a team leader," the coach added. "She is a fantastic overall athlete and can also score quickly." Bella is a Tom Lane State Farm Insurance Female Athlete of the Month for Civic Memorial. Bella is an outstanding softball player for Civic Memorial in the spring. "She is driven to succeed," Coach Ochs said. "She really wants to see this team improve and overpower some of the other teams. She works really hard in the front row as a middle blocker in her rotations." Congrats to Bella Thien for her selection as a Tom Lane State Farm Insurance Female Athlete of the Month for the Eagles.

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ST. LOUIS COUNTY - On Monday, October 2, 2023, the St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office issued charges on suspect Tommy Boyd, 45 years of age, of the 11500 block of State Highway O in Mineral Point, Missouri 63660, for Escape from Department of Corrections, Unlawful Possession of Firearm, and two counts of Stealing. A booking photo of Boyd is attached. Boyd is being held on $500,000 cash only, no 10%, bond. Please note, charges are merely an accusation and Defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law. The probable cause statement reads: The defendant, while in the custody of Missouri Department of Corrections Officers, and serving a Department of Corrections sentence for Enticement of a Child, was being treated at Mercy South Hospital. The defendant stole a set of restraint keys from one of the Corrections Officers and freed himself from his restraints, put on a Corrections Officer's jacket, and escaped the officers' custody by fleeing

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EAST ALTON - The first East Alton Food Truck Fest on Sunday was a rousing success, East Alton Public Works Director Mike Moore, one of the event organizers, said on Monday. Moore said anywhere from 500 to 1,000 attended the event and they thought the turnout was well above what they were expecting. EAWR Junior AnnaLeigh White had the winning T-shirt drawing for the event, Moore said, and he thanked the high school's participation in making it a success. "The school had contests for the T-shirt design and White won the contest," he said. "I also thank Jeremy Sheppard of Street Eatz for his help organizing the event. We also had a bounce house and a lot of activities for children. Overall, it was a great event."

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ALTON - The 16th annual St. Mary’s Oktoberfest will combine all the fun of the German tradition with Alton history this weekend. From Friday, Oct. 6 through Sunday, Oct. 8, community members can enjoy live music, a keg tapping, German and American foods, inflatables, games, auctions and a raffle for up to $10,000, with proceeds going back to St. Mary’s Catholic Church and School . Organizer Carolyn Simansky explained that the Oktoberfest tradition began in 2008 to celebrate the 150th anniversary of St. Mary’s in Alton and is still “going strong.” “When our parish started back in 1858, it was started by German immigrants, so that’s why we decided to have an Oktoberfest, to kind of celebrate that German heritage that started our parish,” she said. “We want to get together as a parish family to celebrate our parish, but we also want to celebrate with the wider family of the whole Alton community.” The weekend kicks off at 5:30

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ALTON – Raising another $35,000 for the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO), the 15th Annual Alton Miles for Meso 5K Race and 3K Fun Run/Walk on Sept. 23 was a huge success in helping to continue the national, nonprofit ADAO’s mission of securing a U.S. ban on asbestos and supporting families impacted by asbestos-related diseases. The event was hosted by 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, and Metro Tri Club. “We are humbled each year by the outpouring of support for Miles for Meso from our friends and neighbors, and the community’s enthusiasm for the 2023 event was no exception,” said Todd Adamitis, Miles for Meso Committee chair and Simmons Hanly Conroy’s chief operations officer. “Equally vital to the event’s success are the numerous donors, sponsors, volunteers, and supporters who generously

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CAPE GIRARDEAU, MO. - Newbridge Retirement Community held a Raising of the Flag & Ribbon Cutting ceremony to celebrate the completion of their newest senior living facility in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. The new 75,000 square foot luxury retirement community providing assisted living and memory care for seniors is now open and ready for new residents. Newbridge will provide resident centered care in an activity-based environment that will allow a healthy community for seniors for years to come. The resort-style retirement community has 83 apartments with 47 Assisted Living apartments, 11 second-person accommodations for couples, and 36 units in two households, that are private apartments designed for Memory Care to care for residents for Alzheimer’s and dementia. The community focuses on lifestyle activities and person-centered care. An assisted living enhanced life enrichment program will provide activities to help maintain independence and individualized interest and hobbies,

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JERSEYVILLE - October is full of frightfully delightful fun for everyone at the Jerseyville Public Library located across from the County Courthouse at 105 North Liberty Street. Grab a Passport at the Library for the 5 th Annual Library Crawl where you will find 158 libraries listed across central and southern Illinois. Visit at least five, have your Passport stamped and you will receive an exclusive, commemorative Library Crawl pin. The Crawl takes place from October 1-31. There are two Illinois Libraries Present events taking place in October. October 4 features Chills & Thrills with author Stephen Graham Jones and on October 17 ILP presents Grace Lin children’s author and illustrator as she talks about Food, Family and Folktales. Both events will begin at 7:00 pm and are available to watch live from home by calling the Library to register to receive the Zoom link. This month’s LEGO Club on Saturday, October 7 at 10:00 am will also feature special YouTube videos all

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ALTON - The ROAR (Reach Out and Read) announced today information about the success of the program in Alton and Godfrey. With additional practice and the support of an encouraging adult, children make greater gains in reading, the Alton organization said today. These are points emphasized by local ROAR organizers: "ROAR is a flexible volunteer opportunity that supports literacy in your community," they said. "Please consider joining our team." The program meets before school Tuesdays through Fridays from October 3, 2023 to April 26, 2024. Volunteers are encouraged to pick the day of the week that is most convenient in their weekly schedule. Each building has staff members who facilitate the routine every morning. Volunteers sign in and out of the school visitor’s binder and wear a ROAR lanyard when in the school. Volunteers read with one student at a time. The student is reading from a book at his or her level. Each student will spend approximately 5 minutes with the volunteer.

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ALTON – The next American Red Cross blood drive at Alton Memorial Hospital will be from 11:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 19, in the AMH café meeting rooms. To register, go to https://www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/drive-results?zipSponsor=AltonMemorial . or contact Dave Whaley in Communications at Alton Memorial, 618-433-7947 or david.whaley@bjc.org . Everyone who registers for this blood drive will receive a $15 Amazon gift card via email. For more information, please visit www.rcblood.org/together . The Red Cross is experiencing a severe blood shortage. Low donor turnout and blood drive cancellations due to weather in the winter months have led to the blood supply reaching extremely low levels. The Red Cross needs donors of all blood types — particularly type O blood, the blood group hospitals need most — to give blood to help meet daily hospital demands. Each blood donation can be divided into components, including red blood cells, plasma and platelets,

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EDWARDSVILLE – The City of Edwardsville’s 2023 oil and chip road maintenance program is scheduled to get underway the first week of October. The work is weather dependent, but expected to take place on Thursday, October 5, and Friday, October 6. The affected streets will have temporary closures and motorists should expect delays. “No parking” signs will be placed before the work begins so residents can make arrangements for parking and travel. The City appreciates the cooperation of everyone as the work takes place. Please be patient and proceed with caution in areas where workers are present. If you have questions, please call 618-692-7535. All or a portion of the following roads and alleys are scheduled for this year’s oil and chip program: Arcadia Street north from Hanser Street for 254 feet and west from Highland Street for 135 feet Barnett Drive between the two Schwarz Road intersections Bryant Avenue between Fourth Avenue and Second Avenue First

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CARLINVILLE - The Carlinville Police Department today released information about a press conference held on Friday, Sept. 29, 2023, by the Sangamon County Coroner's Office and Sheriff's Office in conjunction with the Carlinville Police Department, Macoupin County Sheriff's Office and Coroner's Office. The Carlinville Police said on Monday the coroner announced Friday there had been numerous alleged incidents regarding the identification and treatment of human remains by Heinz Funeral Home/Family Care Cremations. Carlinville Police Department along with the Macoupin County States Attorney’s Office and the Macoupin County Coroner’s Office have opened an investigation regarding these incidents. Below, the Carlinville Police provided phone information for anyone else who may have had issues with the funeral home as the investigation continues. Carlinville Police said: "If you believe you have been affected by this unfortunate event, please contact the Macoupin County Coroner’s

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PHOENIX – Sparklight® will open fall 2023 applications for the company’s Charitable Giving Fund , which annually awards $250,000 in grants to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, from October 1-31, 2023. Grants will be made available across communities served by Sparklight and the other Cable One family of brands (Fidelity Communications, Hargray and ValuNet Fiber) and will concentrate support in the following priority areas: Education and Digital Literacy Hunger Relief and Food Insecurity Community Development Last year the company awarded grants to nearly 60 nonprofits , including organizations serving the homeless, providing child advocacy, offering senior assistance and supplying food to those in need, to name a few. The Charitable Giving Fund is an extension of the company’s existing corporate social responsibility efforts, which include: Supporting national organizations dedicated to advancing education and diversity, including the Emma

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HARTFORD – The Lewis and Clark State Historic Site in Madison County will host a culinary historian exploring the diverse and changing history of pies in the United States on Saturday, Oct. 7. Catherine Lambrecht will present her program, “History of American Pies…and Illinois is Well Represented!” at 2 p.m. in the theater at the site. The event, which is free and open to the public, is made possible by the Illinois Humanities Road Scholar Program and the Lewis and Clark Society of America . This hour-long program will look at past recipes and food customs to show how pies have evolved over the years along with American culture. As Lambrecht describes, “Our ancestors used what they had available locally and made the most from it. You might be thinking that pies are just for dessert, but for our American ancestors, they were often considered survival food. Sometimes, they ate pie for breakfast, lunch, and dinner for months at a time.”

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EDWARDSVILLE - Metro Community Church promises a “fall explosion” at their second annual Fall-a-Palooza this weekend. From noon to 2 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 8, families can stop by the Metro Edwardsville campus for an afternoon of bounce houses, hayrides, games, food trucks and more fall-themed fun. Lead pastor Seth Conerly explained that the event is a chance to connect with the community and enjoy the beginning of the autumn season. “We just had the mindset of, ‘Hey, let’s not try to reinvent the wheel here. Let’s just do everything fall you can think of and just it be a fall explosion,’” he said. He joked that it will be similar to Leslie Knope’s Harvest Festival in the NBC sitcom “Parks and Recreation,” complete with “everything but Li’l Sebastian.” But in that vein, you can check out the petting zoo and enjoy kid-friendly donkey rides. Master bakers can sign up for the cookie and brownie

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ALTON – The Illinois Department of Transportation announced today that pavement repairs will require lane closures in both directions of U.S. 67 between West Third Street and Henry Street in Alton beginning, weather permitting, Tuesday, Oct. 3. One lane will remain open in each direction throughout construction. The work is expected to be completed by mid-November. Motorists may experience delays and are encouraged to use alternate routes during this closure. Drivers are urged to reduce speed, be alert for changing conditions, obey all construction signage, and refrain from using mobile devices while approaching and traveling through the work zone. 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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COLLINSVILLE - Costumes, collectibles, artwork and more filled the Gateway Convention Center in Collinsville for the 46th annual Archon Science Fiction Convention last weekend. Erin McFadden, co-chair of Archon, described it as a “science fiction, fantasy, media, everything convention.” She said Archon started in 1977 as an author and literary convention and has since grown to include “something for everybody.” “We have grown since then and have been developing into this place that is perfect for everybody,” McFadden said. “If you have a fandom, if you are an author, if you like science fiction … we really have something for everybody here. “People have been coming for a very long time because they find something here that speaks to them.” Brad Roselli, founder of Top Tier Figures, brought several of his Star Trek figurines to the convention - he’s been working to expand the 190 figurines that were “already

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GODFREY - A Godfrey retailer - MotoMart at 5311 Godfrey Road in Godfrey - is celebrating after selling a jackpot-winning Lucky Day Lotto ticket worth $800,000 over the weekend. Illinois Lottery officials said the winning ticket was purchased for the Sept. 29 evening drawing at MotoMart. The lucky player who purchased the winning ticket matched all five numbers in the Friday evening drawing to score the $800,000 jackpot prize. The winning numbers were: 1-2-13-31-32. The lucky winner isn’t the only one celebrating. For selling the winning ticket, MotoMart will receive a bonus of one percent of the prize amount, or $8,000. Godfrey Mayor Mike McCormick was excited to learn of the big ticket winner in the village and said: "This will be good for MotoMart and once the person collects it, people will drive for miles to buy tickets there. Hopefully, the lucky winner was a Godfrey resident. "A total of $800,000 is a huge amount of money for a person to win in the lottery," the mayor

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