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ALTON — My Just Desserts, a local eatery in Alton, reaffirmed its operational status on Thursday, Nov. 14, 2024, amid construction work near its location at 31 E. Broadway. The statement was prompted by ongoing street work outside the building next to the old Telegraph building, which has resulted in the temporary closure of a section of Broadway. In a message to patrons, My Just Desserts encouraged customers to visit, stating, "You can access us if you go down Alby or up Broadway. Don't let this stop you from a hearty warm meal and delicious dessert." The business remains committed to serving its community despite the disruptions caused by the construction. For more information, customers can contact My Just Desserts at (618) 462-5881.

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O’FALLON — The O’Fallon Police Department has expressed its condolences following the death of William Kuzma, Jr., an influential community member and Army veteran, who died on Nov. 7, 2024, at the age of 87. Kuzma, who served in the U.S. Army from Nov. 28, 1956, to Nov. 21, 1958, was known for his significant contributions to the community. Along with his wife, Emily, he founded Natural Enrichment Industries in Southern Illinois, an organization dedicated to providing employment opportunities and supporting the U.S. AID Feed the World program. His work with the organization took him around the globe on various missions. In addition to his professional endeavors, Kuzma was actively involved in local governance and community service. He served on the Zoning Board of Appeals and was a member of both the Police and Fire Pension Boards. In recognition of his service, the O’Fallon City Council honored him with a proclamation declaring Aug. 7, 2017, as Bill Kuzma

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November 14 has been a date marked by significant events throughout history, from groundbreaking scientific discoveries to political upheavals and cultural milestones. Moving back in time, on November 14, 1889, American journalist Nellie Bly embarked on an ambitious journey around the globe in an attempt to beat the fictional record set by Phileas Fogg in Jules Verne's novel, "Around the World in Eighty Days." Bly's journey was not just a publicity stunt; it was a groundbreaking endeavor that showcased the capabilities of women in journalism and travel at a time when such pursuits were often discouraged. She completed her journey in just 72 days, 6 hours, and 11 minutes, thereby not only achieving her goal but also becoming a celebrated figure in the world of journalism and inspiring future generations of female adventurers. On the political front, November 14, 1922, marked the birth of the BBC (British Broadcasting Corporation). The BBC was established as a public service broadcaster

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As the vibrant hues of autumn unfold and the temperatures begin to drop, pet owners must adapt their care routines to ensure their furry companions remain happy and healthy. While cooler weather can be a welcome change for both pets and their humans, it also brings unique challenges and considerations. This article outlines essential fall pet care tips to help you navigate the season effectively while prioritizing your pet’s well-being. Adjusting Outdoor Activities As the days shorten and the air cools, pet owners may find themselves spending more time outdoors with their pets. However, it’s essential to adjust your outdoor activities to accommodate the changing weather. Monitor Temperature Changes While many pets enjoy the brisk air, not all animals handle cooler temperatures the same way. Breeds with thinner coats, like Greyhounds and Chihuahuas, may need sweaters or jackets for outdoor outings. Conversely, thicker-coated breeds, such as Huskies and Malamutes, may

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SPRINGFIELD — The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency is inviting fifth and sixth grade writers and artists from around Illinois to participate in this year’s Poster, Poetry, and Prose Contest. The 2025 theme How Can You Slash Your Trash ? invites students to think creatively about how to reduce the amount of waste they produce. This could include buying fewer single-use products, diverting food waste, repairing broken items instead of replacing or buying new, and recycling responsibly. Educators are encouraged to introduce the Illinois EPA’s curricula units on waste management and food waste (available for free at: https://epa.illinois.gov/topics/education.html ). These units, which are aligned to Next Generation Science Standards, offer lesson plans and activities to help students understand the amount of waste thrown away individually and collectively, why that causes problems, and how waste reduction can positively impact the environment. Additional

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SPRINGFIELD - Kathryn Harris has been welcomed as the new Chair of the Looking for Lincoln Heritage Coali-tion, which is the coordinating entity for the Abraham Lincoln National Heritage Area. Her two-year term began in fall 2024, replacing the outgoing board president Colin Hitt. Ms Harris is well known in the Central Illinois area, having been active in education, historic re-enactments, and community service. Harris earned her degree from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale, and a master’s in library science from the University of Illinois. She began her career working at Springfield’s Lincoln Library, and eventually libraries at the University of Illinois Spring-field and SIU School of Medicine. Later, she became director at the Illinois State Historical Library. In 2015, he retired as division manager for library services at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library. During her career, she has been involved in many statewide and local organizations. Ms Harris

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ST. LOUIS - Regional employment within aerospace manufacturing in the St. Louis area grew by more than 1,800 new jobs, or 11.9 percent, over the last five years. This represents a growth rate 10-times faster than the national growth rate of only 1.1% since 2019. Those statistics were among the new numbers shared at the 3rd Annual Take Flight Forum held on November 8 hosted by the St. Louis Regional Freightway. The data affirms that the St. Louis region continues to strengthen as an aerospace and aviation hub and underscores the importance of the bi-state effort underway to grow the talent pipeline for this vibrant ecosystem. The event brought together representatives of some of the region’s most significant aerospace manufacturing and service companies and the education institutions they are collaborating with to prepare for future growth, as well as participants in programs providing a pipeline to family sustaining careers in the growing aerospace sector. Fueling the

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BELLEVILLE - With nearly 2 million couples in the U.S. waiting to adopt, Caritas Family Solutions, a nonprofit human services agency, is educating people during Adoption Awareness Month in November. The agency is shedding light on what the prospect of adoption means for local couples like Adam and Kristy, a Southern Illinois couple in the process of getting matched with a birth family. “Our adoption journey has been a long one and we are continuing to trust and hope that one day, we will become parents,” said Kristy. “Adoption has always been on our hearts even before we realized it could be our only option at having a family. We started this adoption process in 2017 and have experienced being nearly selected by birth parents twice, which came with a lot of emotions. We know this can be a really difficult decision for birth moms and we are aware of what a great act of love it is for a parent to make this choice.” The couple said the advice they would give t

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ALTON - Bianca Jackson has resigned as Chief of Staff to Alton Mayor David Goins. The lack of public information surrounding her resignation led to a somewhat tense exchange between Alton Mayor David Goins and Alderman and mayoral candidate Raymond Strebel at this week’s City Council meeting. On Wednesday’s agenda was the resignation of “Bianca Jackson from the position of Chief of Staff.” The exchange occurred after Strebel questioned why Jackson left the position. City Attorney Tonya Genovese replied that it was a “personnel issue,” the details of which are not to be discussed in a public forum. Strebel, who described the circumstances as “suspicious,” said he was seeking to clarify rumors surrounding the resignation. “I’ve heard a lot of accusations about why she left,” Strebel said. “I’m not going to ask about the criminality of anything that might be involved, but what I am asking is tha

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ALTON – The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) has announced lane closures on northbound US 67, starting Thursday, November 14, 2024, at 7:30 a.m. The closures are necessary for emergency bridge deck patching on the Clark Bridge, with the right lane being closed during this time. The work is expected to be completed by 3:30 p.m. on Friday, November 15, 2024, weather permitting. Motorists traveling through this area should anticipate delays and are encouraged to allow additional time for their journeys. IDOT advises drivers to consider using alternate routes when feasible to avoid the work zone. It is important for drivers to remain vigilant, adhering to changed conditions and posted signs, while also obeying speed limits and avoiding the use of mobile devices in the area. For further updates from IDOT District 8, residents can follow their social media account on X at @IDOTDistrict8 or check the IDOT traveler information map at GettingAroundIllinois.com for details

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EDWARDSVILLE — The Annual Edwardsville Veterans Day Parade took place on Monday, Nov. 11, 2024, honoring those who have served in the military with a lively procession through the city. The parade route began on Main Street in Edwardsville, turned west onto Vandalia Street, continued down St. Louis Street, and concluded at Lincoln School. The event drew a significant turnout, showcasing strong community support for veterans. Doug Thompson, commander of the Edwardsville American Legion, a key sponsor of the parade, expressed appreciation for the participation. “We loved it. The weather was perfect for November. We had a great turnout and loved the support that came from everybody,” Thompson said. He noted that this year featured the most entries of any Veterans Day Parade in recent memory in Edwardsville. Thompson emphasized the importance of recognizing veterans, stating, “It is great to see the support on Veterans Day and celebrate all sacrifices, big

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JERSEYVILLE - A proposed adult education and workforce training facility near the Susnig Center in Jerseyville led City Council members to amend the City Code on Tuesday. City Attorney William Strang said the Illinois Valley Economic Development Corporation (IVEDC) has been hosting its Head Start program in the Susnig Center. While they aim to keep the program there, IVEDC wants to expand into a new building for its adult education and workforce training programs. Strang added the new building would be located on June Street near the Susnig Center on a property totaling six to eight acres. “They’re interested in buying land and building a building, and we did not have any classification that would cover adult education and training,” Strang said. The item on Tuesday’s City Council agenda called for an amendment to the City Code section on zoning classifications for Business Districts. Council members voted unanimously to add “a new B-3 Business

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EDWARDSVILLE - Scout Jackson, a junior for Edwardsville's girls' swimming team, had herself a big day at the IHSA sectional meet, held Nov. 9, 2024, at the Chuck Fruit Aquatic Center. Jackson qualified individually for the state swimming meet in Westmont by winning the 100-yard backstroke at 55.07 seconds, and the 100-yard butterfly with a time of 56.32 seconds, and was also a part of the 200-yard medley relay team that qualified at 1:43.39, and the 200-yard freestyle relay, coming in at 1:35.41 - both pool records. Scout Jackson is a Spencer Homes Female Athlete Of The Month for Edwardsville. On top of that, Jackson's time of 55.07 in the 100 backstroke qualified her for the USA Swimming Speedo Winter Junior Championship meet, coming Dec. 13-14 in Austin, Tex. On top of that, the Tigers won their 11th consecutive sectional championship with 330 points, far outdistancing second-place Chatham Glenwood, who had 190 points, and third place O'Fallon, with 153 points. In a post-meet

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ALTON/GODFREY - The Alton Youth Symphony will perform its Fall Concert under new director Rebecca Pantano. At 2 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 17, 2024, at Hatheway Hall on the Lewis and Clark Community College campus, the symphony will perform four pieces alongside the Alton Junior Youth Symphony and the Chamber Ensemble. The concert is free to attend. Pantano said she has enjoyed working with the Alton Youth Symphony (AYS) in the past few months, and she looks forward to watching them perform this weekend. “The goal for me is just to plant that seed that music is something that they can have in their life all the time, even if they don’t major in it,” Pantano said. “They’ll always have their instrument. Just knowing that there’s no boundaries, that anything’s possible with hard work and dedication.” Pantano teaches middle school in a school district in Missouri, where she has conducted several choirs and orchestras. She also operates

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POCOHONTAS – Attorney General Kwame Raoul charged a Pocahontas, Illinois man with possessing child sexual abuse material. The case is part of Raoul’s ongoing work, in collaboration with federal law enforcement agencies and local law enforcement officials throughout Illinois, to apprehend offenders who download and trade child sexual abuse material online. The Attorney General’s office charged, Kyle A Bradbury, 43, in Bond County Circuit Court with 10 counts of possessing child pornography, each Class 1 felonies punishable by up to 15 years in prison. Raoul’s office also charged Bradbury with one count of unlawful possession of a weapon by a felon, a Class 3 felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison, and one count of failure to register as a sex offender, a Class 3 felony punishable by up to five years in prison. Sentences are ultimately determined by the court. Bradbury is currently detained in the Bond County Jail. “Those who prey upon and exploit

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This weekend offers an exciting array of events that cater to diverse interests, from live music performances and creative workshops to community fundraisers and family-friendly activities, ensuring there's something for everyone to enjoy. For a complete listing of events happening in your area, visit Riverbender Events . Featured Join Ms. Mary Kay and Panda Bear for a fun interactive story time at Lucy Haskell’s Playhouse at 1211 Henry Street, Alton. The event, Story Time at Lucy's Playhouse , will take place on November 15, 2024, starting at 10:00 a.m. To ensure your spot, please call (618) 462-0677, ext. 2836 to register. Get ready for a night of great music as Fastwave performs at Alton VFW Post 1308 on November 15, 2024, from 7 to 11 p.m. This exciting event, Fastwave , is open to the public, so come and enjoy an evening filled with live entertainment. For more details, visit vfwpost1308.org. Calling all puzzle enthusiasts! Join us for the Hayner Library Fall Puzzle

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PERRYVILLE, MO. - Gilster-Mary Lee, 520 Old St. Mary’s Road, of Perryville, Missouri, is voluntarily recalling two lots of Bowl & Basket Onion Soup Mix, UPC 41190-08394 at the consumer level because it may contain undeclared egg. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to egg run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products. The only lots involved are Bowl & Basket Onion Soup Mix, packaged in 2 oz. cartons which have a Best By date of SEP 27 25 E07 & OCT 11 25 E09 (UPC# 41190-08394). Consumers should return the product to the store for a full refund or discard it. The product was distributed to Wakefern distribution centers in Elizabeth, NJ. Gilster-Mary Lee Corp. became aware of the mispackaging after receiving a customer complaint. No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this coating mix. For questions, consumers can call Gilster-Mary Lee Corp. at 618-826-2361 ext. 32301 or, 573-547-8345 ext. 20001 from

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ALTON - Thomas Nealeigh has a unique vision for Alton. Nealeigh wants to open Alton’s Haunted Dinner Theater, a restaurant, bar and dinner theater rolled into one that will bring in tourists and performers from all over the world. He compared the idea to The Magic Castle in Hollywood, a club where magicians perform every night. “Our idea is to become The Magic Castle of the Midwest. Several stages, several bars, the dinner theater,” he explained. “The idea is that the most haunted small town in America needs to have this most haunted dinner theater, and you’re going to love it. I would love to do nothing more than meet with you and tell you all about it in person and answer any question that you might have." Nealeigh explained that the Haunted Dinner Theater would welcome sideshow performances, magicians, comedians and other performers from around the world. As the man behind FreakShow Deluxe — a production company whose circus performers

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EDWARDSVILLE – The theatre department from Metro-East Lutheran High School presented an evening of family friendly comedy with its production of “Cheaper by the Dozen" this past Friday and Saturday at MELHS. Based on a true story, “Cheaper by the Dozen” follows the Gilbreth clan, a family of 12 children living in New Jersey in the 1920s. The family is run by a father who is an efficiency expert and seeks to run his household with the same systems and competence he uses in work, often with entertaining results. “It was a quirky comedy about a father who is obsessed with organization and the most efficient way to get things done – not only in work but also in his household,” said Ben Ettling, who is student director of the production. “It creates an awkward tension as his daughters prepare to start their dating lives.” Ettling, who is a senior at MELHS, co-directed the show along with Judy Brown, director of the MELHS theatre

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SPRINGFIELD – Named by People Magazine as "Country's New Darling," Megan Moroney is set to bring her emo cowgirl charm to the Illinois State Fair Grandstand on Saturday, August 10. With nearly 2 billion total global streams to date, the Georgia-bred singer/songwriter kicked off the latest era of her formidable career with her critically acclaimed sophomore album Am I Okay? , a July 2024 release that debuted at No. 9 on the Billboard 200, emerged as the year’s third-biggest debut from a female country artist, and won rave reviews from many of the music world’s leading publications (including Rolling Stone, The New York Times, Variety, Billboard, American Songwriter, and more). “The Illinois State Fair has a long tradition of showcasing artists early in their careers,” said Illinois Department of Agriculture Director Jerry Costello II. “We’re looking forward to Megan Moroney’s Grandstand appearance in August. She has a brigh

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