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O'FALLON, IL. - Dr. Melissa Gustafson-Hinds, band director at O'Fallon Township High School Panther Bands, was honored at the 2025 Country Music Association Foundation Music Teachers of Excellence event. The ceremony recognized music educators nationwide who inspire students, develop music programs, and sustain the influence of music in schools and communities. The CMA Foundation opened nominations for the 2026 Music Teachers of Excellence award, inviting submissions through November 13, 2025. The program encourages recognition of educators who make a significant impact through music education. “We’re incredibly proud to share that our very own band director, Dr. Melissa Gustafson-Hinds, was honored at the 2025 CMA Foundation Music Teachers of Excellence event,” the OTHS Panther Bands announced. “This celebration recognizes music educators from across the country who go above and beyond to inspire students, build programs, and keep the power of music aliv

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From Patient to Pediatrician Author's note: between being interviewed for this story and its publishing, Sister M. Christine Crowder passed away . She was too young to remember it herself. But when Marci Well, MD, throws on the stethoscope, she sometimes recalls stories told to her about her life-threatening illness half a century ago. As an infant, Well spent a month at the hospital now known as OSF HealthCare Saint Anthony’s Health Center in Alton, Illinois. She’s sharing her story as part of the hospital marking 100 years of care in 2025, and she even credits the ordeal – and the comfort from one generous Catholic Sister – with partially inspiring her to pursue a career in medicine. Flashback to 1972 Carol Well, Marci Well’s mother, says in February of 1972, the family was living in the Alton area when 15-month-old Marci got sick. “She lost a lot of weight. Pneumonia-like symptoms. Low protein in the blood,” says Carol Well,

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EDWARDSVILLE — Jeff Waters, a 14-year-old freshman at Edwardsville High School, has been invited to perform as a tenor saxophone player in the Tiger Marching Band at the 2026 London New Year’s Day Parade. The event, scheduled for January 1, 2026, offers Waters a unique opportunity to represent his community and country on an international stage. However, Waters’ family is unable to cover the expenses associated with the trip. To help fund his participation, Tim Mitchell has organized a fundraiser seeking donations from the community. Waters expressed gratitude for any contributions, emphasizing that every donation, regardless of size, will help bring him closer to this once-in-a-lifetime experience. “I have the incredible honor of being invited to perform in the 2026 London New Year’s Day Parade,” Waters said. “This truly is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to represent my Edwardsville community and country on a global stage. Unfortunately,

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ILLINOIS STATE POLICE ANNOUNCES RESULTS OF VIOLENT CRIME SUPPRESSION DETAIL IN THE METRO EAST AREA FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 29, 2025 EAST ST. LOUIS – Illinois State Police (ISP) conducted a violent crime suppression detail on September 22 - 24, 2025, in St. Clair and Madison counties, focusing its efforts on East St. Louis and neighboring Metro East communities. ? The operation utilized intelligence and technology to target known high crime areas, violent offenders, and structured criminal groups in the communities of the Metro East. Detail Results Arrests 37 Felony Charges 37 Criminal Charges 61 Firearm Related Charges 17 Firearms Seized 13 There were several notable events and arrests during the detail. On September 22, 2025, Troopers conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle for an Illinois Vehicle Code (IVC) violation. They conducted a probable cause search and seized a rifle, a handgun, and cannabis.

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ALTON - Maggie Pruetzel, a freshman at Marquette Catholic High School, is being recognized for her achievements in girls' golf this season. Pruetzel has distinguished herself by winning three matches, earning a spot on the all-conference team with a fourth-place finish, and being named the low freshman at the Gary Bair Invitational. She also played a key role in leading her team to a second-place finish in the conference tournament. She is a Tucker's Automotive Repair & Tire Female Athlete Of The Month for the Explorers. Pruetzel has been playing golf since she was 5 years old and recently began competing in Junior PGA tournaments. "One thing I like about golf is that there is always something you can do better and that pushes me to keep practicing every day," she said. Her coach, Jacob Simmons, has supported her development throughout the season. Pruetzel credits her determination and consistency as qualities that have helped her succeed. She also expressed gratitude toward her

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O’FALLON, Ill. – Prairie Cardiovascular is pleased to welcome Dr. Summit S. Pandat to its team in O’Fallon. Dr. Pandat is a board-certified cardiologist and electrophysiologist dedicated to providing comprehensive, patient-centered care rooted in respect, compassion and a commitment to excellence. He believes in building strong relationships with his patients, always prioritizing their best interests and personal preferences in care. He looks forward to partnering with patients on their journey to better heart health. Dr. Pandat completed his clinical cardiac electrophysiology fellowship at Houston Methodist DeBakey Heart & Vascular Center in Houston, where he developed advanced expertise in the diagnosis and treatment of heart rhythm disorders. He is board certified in internal medicine and cardiovascular disease by the American Board of Internal Medicine and holds certification in adult echocardiography from the National Board of Echocardiography. Throughout

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ST. LOUIS — Brian Markert, a Godfrey resident and longtime civilian employee of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), was honored at a retirement ceremony in September 2025 for his 32 years of service with the St. Louis District. At the ceremony, Markert received the Bronze De Fleury Medal from Lieutenant General William Graham, Chief of Engineers and Commanding General of USACE. He was also awarded the Meritorious Civilian Service Medal by Major General Kimberly Peeples, Mississippi Valley Division Commander, and a Certificate of Appreciation from Colonel Andy Pannier, St. Louis District Commander. Markert began his career in 1993 at Mark Twain Lake in Northeast Missouri and later worked at the Rivers Project Office in West Alton, Mo., focusing on natural resource and facilities management. In 2001, he transitioned to the Project Management office in St. Louis. He retired as the Program Manager for the Upper Mississippi River Restoration Program, a position he held for mor

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Did you know that wreaths have been used for thousands of years as symbols of victory, celebration, and hospitality? Creating a wreath from natural materials is not only a way to honor this tradition but also an opportunity to bring a unique and personal touch to your home décor. Crafting an autumn wreath, in particular, allows you to harness the rich colors, textures, and scents of the season, transforming simple natural elements into a stunning piece of art. Gathering Your Materials: The Foundation of Your Wreath The first step in making an autumn wreath is collecting the right natural materials. While store-bought wreath bases are convenient, using natural materials can deepen the connection to the craft and the season. Wreath Base Options Vine or Grapevine: These bases are flexible and rustic, complementing natural foliage beautifully. Willow or Birch Twig: For a lighter, more delicate structure. Wire Frame with Moss: If you prefer a sturdier base, a wire fram

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Did you know that 67% of Americans believe sharing a meal with others strengthens relationships? Potlucks, where everyone contributes a dish, are among the most effective ways to foster connection, conversation, and community. When paired with a thoughtfully curated fall theme, a potluck dinner becomes more than just a meal—it becomes an experience that celebrates both togetherness and the rich flavors of the season. If you’re planning to host a fall-themed potluck dinner, the challenge lies in creating an inviting atmosphere, coordinating diverse dishes, and ensuring your guests feel both comfortable and inspired. This article offers practical tips and insights to help you craft a memorable event that highlights the best of fall’s bounty while maximizing the social magic of a potluck. Setting the Tone: Inviting Guests with a Clear and Creative Theme A well-defined theme helps guests know what to expect and sparks their creativity. Instead of a generic "fall" label

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Did you know that over 400 billion cups of coffee are consumed worldwide each year? This staggering number highlights coffee’s role not only as a daily ritual for millions but also as a cultural phenomenon spanning continents and centuries. National Coffee Day, celebrated annually on September 29th in the United States and on various other dates globally, serves as a testament to coffee’s enduring popularity. But how did this unofficial holiday come to be, and what is its significance beyond free coffee giveaways and promotions? Exploring the history of National Coffee Day reveals a fascinating story intertwined with commerce, culture, and community. The Origins of Coffee Appreciation Coffee’s journey from a mysterious bean to a global staple began centuries ago in the Ethiopian highlands, where legend credits a goat herder named Kaldi with first noticing the energizing effects of coffee cherries. By the 15th century, coffee had spread to Yemen, where Sufi monks

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September 29 marks a day of profound significance on the global stage. September 29, 1885, saw a remarkable development in the world of technology with the first patent granted for a practical typewriter design by Christopher Latham Sholes. This invention revolutionized communication and office work, setting the stage for the modern keyboard and typing technologies we rely on today. In the 20th century, September 29, 1954, was notable for the launch of the first successful nuclear-powered submarine, the USS Nautilus, by the United States. This technological breakthrough not only transformed naval warfare but also represented a significant step forward in nuclear engineering and marine science. On the cultural front, September 29 has been a day of artistic milestones as well. In 1988, the iconic Broadway musical “The Phantom of the Opera” celebrated its 1,000th performance, cementing its status as one of the most beloved and enduring theatrical productions worldwide. It

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Get ready for a warm day with a high of 89°F and a low of 57°F. The skies will be mostly sunny, shining bright with very little cloud cover. It will feel hot during the day, reaching a feels like temperature of 91°F. Tonight, expect clear skies and cooler temperatures dropping to a comfortable 57°F, feeling like 56°F. Air quality is moderate with some ozone present. Mold levels are moderate, so allergy sufferers should be prepared. Grass and ragweed pollen levels remain low today. The UV index is moderate at 5, so don't forget sunscreen if you're heading outdoors. Tomorrow's outlook calls for mostly sunny skies again with a hot high near 90°F and a low around 55°F. Expect the day to be mostly sunny and hot with light northeast winds. Night will be partly cloudy and cool. For the full latest forecast, visit https://riverbender.com/weather .

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EAST ALTON – Three cases of burglary in East Alton include two charged with breaking in to the same garage and another accused of burglarizing a house trailer. Mandy S. LaVite, 52, of Edwardsville, and Gregory M. Cooper, 43, of South Roxana, were both charged on Sept. 17, 2025 with one count each of burglary, both Class 2 felonies. On Sept. 16, 2025, LaVite and Cooper allegedly entered the same detached garage on Old Alton Edwardsville Road in Edwardsville with the intent to commit a theft. Adaam S. Agney, 36, of Bethalto, was charged in an unrelated case on Sept. 12, 2025 with a Class 2 felony count of burglary. Agney allegedly entered a house trailer which was property of Multi Family Innovations in East Alton with the intent to commit a theft on Sept. 11, 2025. All three individuals were ordered released from custody pending trial in each of the cases presented by the Madison County Sheriff’s Office. All individuals charged are presumed innocent until proven

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ALTON – Two men from Alton face their first and second charges of domestic battery in two unrelated cases from the Alton Police Department. Robert W. Skelton Sr., 62, of Alton, was charged on Sept. 24, 2025 with a Class 4 felony count of domestic battery, his second or subsequent such offense. Skelton allegedly grabbed a household or family member’s face and caused injury to the victim’s cheek on Sept. 22, 2025. Charging documents state Skelton had previously been convicted of domestic battery in 2009, also in Madison County. In this latest case, he was granted pretrial release from custody with additional conditions, including that he have no contact with and remain at least 500 feet away from the victim in this case. He was also ordered not to enter the premises of the victim’s Alton apartment and was ordered to surrender any firearms and Firearm Owners Identification (FOID) card in his possession to the Alton Police Department. Another Alton resident,

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September 27th and 28th are dates that carry a rich tapestry of historical events, spanning from groundbreaking scientific achievements to cultural milestones and significant political moments. One of the most globally impactful events to occur on this date was the launch of the first successful Mars rover mission by NASA in 1997. The spacecraft, named Sojourner, marked a pioneering moment in space exploration as it landed on Mars, beginning a new era of robotic planetary exploration. This mission was not just a technological triumph but also ignited worldwide interest in space science and the possibility of life beyond Earth. Going back further, on September 27, 1825, the world's first passenger railway, the Stockton and Darlington Railway, opened in England. This event signaled the dawn of the railway age, revolutionizing transportation and catalyzing the Industrial Revolution. The ability to move goods and people efficiently over long distances transformed economies and societies

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WICHITA, Kan. - More than 430 students completed a total of 453 degrees and certificates at Wichita State University in summer 2025. The breakdown of degrees and certificates granted includes: Undergraduate: 257 degrees and certificates for 250 undergraduate students Graduate: 196 degrees and certificates for 180 graduate students Included in the grads was this Alton native: HOMETOWN, STATE; NAME, DEGREE, MAJOR Alton, IL Samantha Smith, Doctor of Philosophy, Psychology-Community For bachelor's degrees, honors were conferred to the following: Summa cum laude: 13 students Magna cum laude: 49 students Cum laude: 48 students Undergraduate students who have attained a grade point average of 3.9 out of a possible 4.0 received the summa cum laude award; those with an average of 3.55 received the magna cum laude award; and those with an average of 3.25 received the cum laude. See a full list of summer 2025 Wichita State graduates here: https://www.wichita.edu/about/wsunews/news/2025_graduates/summer_24-25_graduates_all.php.

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GLEN CARBON – Glen Carbon trustees recently approved site plans for a new Retina Institute location opening in the village’s Sunset Park Plaza development. A resolution approving site plans for the Retina Institute were approved unanimously at the Sept. 23, 2025 Village Board meeting. Their current location is at 5 Country Club Executive Park in Glen Carbon. According to Community Development Director Erika Heil, the new facility will consist of an approximately 6,318 square foot office building and parking lot on 0.97 acres of land in Sunset Park Plaza. Developers are not seeking any variances since the property is already properly zoned for its intended use, which according to the resolution, is as a “retina institute for patients and office space.” Trustee Ben Malischeski asked about the landscaping plans for the site, as nearby residents were reportedly concerned about losing trees which currently serve as a landscape buffer. Justin Venvertloh

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COLLINSVILLE – The Illinois Department of Transportation announced today that pavement repairs on Illinois 159 between Kinloch Avenue and Clay Street in Madison County will require intermittent lane closures beginning, weather permitting, Tuesday, Sept. 30. One lane will be open in each direction. All lanes will be open daily from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Motorists should expect delays and are encouraged to use alternate routes during these lane closures. 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. The work is expected to be completed by mid-November. For IDOT District 8 updates, follow us on the social media platform X at @IDOTDistrict8 or view area construction details on IDOT’s traveler information map on GettingAroundIllinois.com.

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CHICAGO – Attorney General Kwame Raoul joined the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and a bipartisan coalition of attorneys general and agencies to stop a deceptive nationwide charitable fundraising scheme. Raoul and the coalition filed a complaint and proposed settlement alleging Kars-R-Us.com Inc. (Kars) and its operators made false claims to deceive tens of thousands of people across the country to donate vehicles. Attorney General Raoul and the coalition filed a lawsuit against professional charitable fundraiser Kars-R-Us.com Inc. and its operators, Michael Irwin and Lisa Frank, who purported to solicit charitable donations nationwide on behalf of United Breast Cancer Foundation Inc. (UBCF), a New York-based charity that claims to assist individuals affected by breast cancer. Raoul, the FTC and the coalition allege that Kars ran national and local TV, radio and online ads in English and Spanish to solicit vehicle donations and contributions with little regard for the truth

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ALTON - Senior Services Plus, Inc. (SSP), located at 2603 N. Rodgers Avenue in Alton, will host an informational presentation, “Wills & Powers of Attorney Paperwork,” on Friday, October 24th, 2025, from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM. Chelsea Jakob, Senior Paralegal with Land of Lincoln Legal Aid, will be speaking at this event, aimed to help you safeguard your future by outlining your wishes for your estate and ensuring trusted individuals can make decisions on your behalf if you are unable. This event will take place in the School House Grill inside Senior Services Plus. Doors will open at 11 AM and speakers will begin at noon. The event is free, open to the public, and lunch will be provided thanks to sponsor AARP Illinois. Registration is required, and space is limited. To reserve your seat, call 618-465-3298 ext. 123 or visit https://events.aarp.org/SSPWillPOA About Senior Services Plus Senior Services Plus, Inc. is a 501(c) not-for-profit organization established to help enric

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