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What makes a haunted house truly unforgettable? Is it the jump scares, the eerie ambiance, or the story woven through each chilling corridor? Haunted houses have evolved far beyond simple costumes and cobwebs, captivating audiences with immersive experiences that engage all the senses. Planning an effective haunted house event requires creativity, organization, and attention to detail to ensure guests walk away both thrilled and entertained. Defining Your Haunted House Concept Before gathering props and planning scares, establish a clear theme or narrative for your haunted house. A cohesive concept enhances immersion and helps guide design choices. Consider whether you want to evoke classic horror tropes—like haunted mansions, abandoned asylums, or graveyards—or create an original storyline that sets your event apart. For example, a haunted house based on a fictional haunted hotel can incorporate different “rooms” with unique story elements like a possessed

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October 15 has long been a day marked by pivotal moments across various spheres including politics, science, culture, and exploration. Moving back to October 15, 1783, the world witnessed an extraordinary milestone in human ingenuity and adventure. On this day, the Montgolfier brothers launched the first manned hot air balloon flight in Annonay, France. This achievement marked the beginning of human flight and opened new frontiers for exploration and transportation, forever changing humanity's relationship with the skies. In the realm of political history, October 15, 1946, stands out as well. On this day, the Founding Charter of UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) was signed in Paris. UNESCO was established to promote international collaboration through educational, scientific, and cultural reforms. Its mission has been critical in fostering peace and security worldwide by encouraging cooperation among nations through dialogue and cultural exchange.

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Get ready for a mostly sunny and very warm day in the Metro East area. Expect a high near 83 degrees and a low around 56. Winds will be light, coming from the east-southeast at 5 to 10 mph, with occasional gusts. There's just a slight chance of rain at about 7%, so most of your day should stay dry. The temperature will feel about the same as the actual with a pleasant mix of sun and breeze. In the morning, look for mostly clear skies and cool temperatures in the mid-50s. By afternoon, the sun will be out strong, warming temperatures into the low 80s with scattered clouds. The evening will cool nicely with clear skies and calm winds. Overnight, skies remain clear with lows dipping to the mid-50s. Allergy levels are moderate for mold but low for other common allergens like ragweed and grass. Tomorrow will bring another warm day, with highs near 84 and lows in the upper 50s. Expect mostly sunny skies with just a few clouds and mild wind. For live weather updates throughout the day, visit

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GODFREY — Neighbors quickly helped evacuate residents from a home in the 1200 block of Seasons Drive in Godfrey after noticing smoke coming from the back of the house on Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2025, prompting a large firefighting response. The fire, which began in a home on Seasons Drive, spread to the attic, and sparked Godfrey Fire Protection District Chief Eric Cranmer to call a box alarm. The first alarm was followed by a second alarm due to the severity of the blaze. When firefighters arrived, all residents and neighbors had been safely evacuated. Chief Cranmer said the home where the fire originated was "a total loss." He added that a propane tank or tanks may have exploded after the initial fire, which extended the fire’s reach. A neighboring home sustained significant damage to its siding and one side of the structure. Ameren Illinois restored electricity to that residence by installing a new meter, and those residents are expected to remain in their home. Cranmer

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CLINTON COUNTY — Authorities discovered possible human remains near Centralia in unincorporated Clinton County on Oct. 10, 2025, the Clinton County Sheriff’s Office said. Deputies and detectives responded to the scene after receiving notification of the discovery. The Clinton County Coroner, Phillip Moss, and the Illinois State Police Crime Scene Investigation Unit were also called to assist. Following the processing of the site, the coroner’s office took custody of the unidentified remains. At this time, officials have not determined how long the remains had been at the location or the cause of death, according to the sheriff’s office. Investigators do not believe the remains are connected to any previous missing person cases in the Centralia area. The sheriff’s office encouraged anyone aware of an unreported missing person in or around the region to contact them at (618) 594-4555, extension 2, or via email at sheriff@clintonco.illinois.gov.

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JERSEYVILLE – Jerseyville City Council members approved various items of city business on Tuesday. One item approved was a commercial business grant of $25,000 in Tax Increment Financing (TIF) funds to help cover the cost of a roof repair project at 108-110 N. State Street in downtown Jerseyville. Tourism and Community Development Director Will Strang said the roof repairs are “desperately needed” and that the property owners, Lee and Joan Plummer, hope to have the work completed before winter weather sets in later this year. Mayor Kevin Stork noted this type of building preservation project is what the city’s TIF funds are intended for, underscoring the importance of preserving Jerseyville’s historic downtown architecture. The council also unanimously approved the closure of State Highway 67 from Prairie Street to Exchange Street to facilitate this year’s Veteran’s Day Parade. The parade, sponsored by the Jerseyville American Legion Pos

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BETHALTO - The Bethalto Community Unit School District #8 Board of Education held a special meeting to talk about the Public Access Counselor (PAC) investigation into the Board regarding the Open Meetings Act (OMA). On Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2025, the Board invited attorney Adam Hennings to talk about the investigation. Following the Board’s regular meeting on Sept. 29, 2025, a reporter with The Alton Telegraph submitted a Request for Review with PAC, alleging that the Board violated the OMA by not revealing the name of a middle school teacher after the Board voted to terminate the teacher. Section 2(e) of OMA states, “Final action shall be preceded by a public recital of the nature of the matter being considered and other information that will inform the public of the business being conducted.” The Telegraph reporter argued that the Board did not provide “an adequate public recital,” according to Assistant Attorney General Christina Lucente-McCullough.

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ALTON - Community members gathered at The Wedge Innovation Center for a conversation about safe drinking water. On Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2025, SIUE Professor Dr. Carrie Butts-Wilmsmeyer presented “Safe Water, Strong Communities” as part of The Wedge’s Collaboration Lab series. During her talk, Butts-Wilmsmeyer explained how the Center for Predictive Analytics tested water across Illinois communities to find endocrine disrupting compounds, and she shared her findings. “There’s stuff in our water,” Butts-Wilmsmeyer said. “We just don’t know how bad it is yet.” Butts-Wilmsmeyer explained how the Center for Predictive Analytics collaborated with undergraduate student Milena Di Blasi to test water in communities across Illinois for “chemicals of emerging concern,” including the endocrine disrupting compounds (EDCs). EDCs interfere with the body’s endocrine system and can be found in certain pesticides, plastics,

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GODFREY — Firefighters from the Godfrey Fire Protection District and several neighboring departments responded to a serious house fire on Seasons Drive in Godfrey on Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2025. The fire was reported at about 4 p.m. on Oct. 14, 2025. Along with Godfrey Fire, crews from the Alton Fire Department, Brighton, Fosterburg and QEM were visible at the scene. A ladder truck was deployed to help combat the blaze. The home sustained significant damage as firefighters worked to contain the fire. The Village of Godfrey issued this statement: "For our residents' situational awareness: (Tuesday, 10/14/25, 4:50 p.m.) Pierce Lane is currently closed in both directions (at the Season's entrance) as GFPD and multiple mutual aid fire crews are currently working a structure fire in that area. Please avoid the area until crews can reopen the road." More details are expected as the situation develops.

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ST. LOUIS — St. Louis Sheriff Alfred Montgomery was remanded into custody Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2025, following an evidentiary hearing related to federal charges against him. Montgomery now stands accused of four counts of witness retaliation and one count of witness tampering. The charges stem from allegations that Montgomery ordered the detainment of Tammy Ross, a former St. Louis jail administrator, after being denied access to a rape victim he sought to interview. Montgomery has pleaded not guilty to all charges. Following his arrest, the judge placed Montgomery under house arrest. The hearing took place amid ongoing legal challenges against Montgomery, including a quo warranto action filed by the Missouri Attorney General’s Office seeking his removal from office. Last week, a judge ruled that Montgomery could remain in office under house arrest despite the federal indictments. However, on Tuesday, Montgomery’s bond was revoked, leading to his detention. Colonel

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GRANITE CITY – A Granite City man has been charged for his role in an alleged vehicle burglary which resulted in a shot being fired towards a juvenile victim. James H. Dickson, 27, of Granite City, was charged on Oct. 6, 2025 with aggravated discharge of a firearm (a Class 1 felony), felon in possession of a weapon (a Class 3 felony), burglary (a Class 3 felony), and possession of burglary tools (a Class 4 felony). Dickson, or an individual for whom Dickson is legally accountable, allegedly discharged a firearm in the direction of a 17-year-old juvenile victim on Oct. 3, 2025. The weapon, a Taurus G3C 9mm handgun, was unlawful for Dickson to possess as a felon previously convicted of aggravated unlawful use of weapons in a Madison County case from 2024, for which he was on probation during these latest offenses. Dickson was additionally accused of entering a Chevrolet Malibu located on Poplar Street in Granite City with the intent to commit a theft while in possession of

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CARLINVILLE — Travis L. Fanning, 30, of Carlinville, was charged with aggravated battery on a peace officer after an incident on September 23, 2025, in Macoupin County. According to charging documents filed on October 10, 2025, Fanning allegedly struck a Macoupin County deputy in the face with his hand, causing a laceration. Earlier this year, Fanning was also charged with robbery and aggravated battery. All individuals charged are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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NAPLES, Fla. — Jim Hart, an 81-year-old former NFL quarterback best known for his lengthy career with the St. Louis Cardinals, reflected on his life and football journey during a recent interview from his home in Naples, Fla. Hart played professionally from 1966 to 1984, primarily with the Cardinals, after an unexpected start when no team selected him in the 1966 NFL Draft. “No team picked me in the 1966 NFL draft,” Hart said. “My former coach invited me to a tryout with the Cardinals. I impressed the team and was signed soon after.” During his 18 seasons in the NFL, Hart earned four Pro Bowl selections and helped lead the Cardinals to several division titles in the mid-1970s. He recalled the team’s 38-0 victory over the Dallas Cowboys in 1970 as a standout moment. The Cardinals earned the nickname “Cardiac Cards” during a streak of close games and comebacks throughout the 1970s. Hart was a Wizard White Man of the Year recipient in his

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ALTON — A group of longtime Alton fans has maintained a unique connection with former St. Louis Cardinals quarterback Jim Hart through a fan club that has been meeting regularly in Naples, Florida, over the years. Steve Tassinari, a member of the Alton Jim Hart Fan Club, said Floyd Raglin, a former Alton High School football star, informed him that Hart was living in Naples. Tassinari reached out to Hart to attend one of their weekly gatherings, and the club took off from there. The other members of the Alton Naples Jim Hart Fan Club have been Dave Carlson, Bob Dixon, Jim Brown, Sam Villa, Mike Funk, Bob Abbot, Steve Mottaz, Paul Maley, Steve Pope, Fred Whitworth and Steve Daniel, plus many guests. The fan club often gathers for lunch every Thursday during the winter months in Naples. Tassinari said Hart has attended these lunches regularly over the past several years. “We meet every Thursday in the winter. Jim normally makes most of them,” Tassinari said. “Everybody

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MOUNT OLIVE — Chad P. Madeline, 43, of Mount Olive, was charged with aggravated battery using a deadly weapon and violation of an order of protection. According to the charging documents, Madeline allegedly struck the victim in the head with a chain wrapped around his fist on September 13, 2025. He was also charged with violating an order of protection after making in-person contact with the protected party. The charges were filed on October 10, 2025. All individuals charged are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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COTTAGE HILLS - This weekend, Grip & Sip will host a party to celebrate the grand opening of their indoor pickleball courts. On Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025, community members can check out the courts and play pickleball at a discounted rate throughout the day. From 5–8 p.m., attendees can also enjoy live music and barbecue. Jose Silva, Grip & Sip owner, noted that their goal is to share the courts with the community and encourage people to come out to experience everything the Cottage Hill business has to offer. “We’ll just have an open house so that people can take a look at everything,” Silva said. “We have something for everybody, and I think that’s what we’re most excited about, just expanding on something in our area, on this side of the river.” Silva explained that Grip & Sip opened originally as a golf simulator facility, but the goal was always to build pickleball courts on the property. There are three golf simulators that

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ST. LOUIS - Ameren Corporation (NYSE: AEE) today announced organizational changes designed to drive consistent and continuously improving operating performance and enhance the breadth and depth of experience of its executive team, strengthening the company for the future. The changes are effective Jan. 1, 2026. Michael Moehn, currently senior executive vice president and chief financial officer of Ameren Corporation and chairman and president of Ameren Services, as well as interim chairman and president of Ameren Missouri, will assume the newly created role of group president, Ameren Utilities. In this role, Moehn will oversee each of Ameren's operating utilities, with the presidents of Ameren Missouri, Ameren Illinois, and Ameren Transmission Company of Illinois reporting to him. Lenny Singh, currently chairman and president of Ameren Illinois, will assume the role of executive vice president and chief financial officer of Ameren Corporation and chairman and president of Ameren

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TROY, Ill. — The Illinois State Police announced the results of a violent crime suppression detail conducted from October 6 to 9, 2025, targeting the I-55, I-64, and I-70 corridors in Bond, Clinton, Madison, and St. Clair counties. The operation aimed to enhance traffic safety, reduce fatalities, and apprehend individuals using the highway systems for criminal activities. During the multi-day detail, officers issued 177 written warnings and seven citations, inspected 90 commercial motor vehicles, made five arrests, and seized one vehicle. The operation also resulted in the recovery of 17 felonies and one stolen firearm. Two significant incidents occurred during the detail. Near Pocahontas, troopers stopped a vehicle for an Illinois Vehicle Code violation and arrested the driver on suspicion of driving under the influence. Near New Baden, a traffic stop for a similar violation led to a probable cause search that uncovered cannabis, methamphetamine, and a stolen firearm. Two occupant

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ALTON - The St. Mary’s Oktoberfest announced its $10,000 Sweepstakes winners on Sunday, Oct. 12, 2025, recognizing Kathy Budde as the first-place prize recipient. The event, held annually at St. Mary’s, featured a sweepstakes drawing that awarded cash prizes to the top ten participants. Budde secured the grand prize of $10,000, followed by Monica Schwegel in second place and Karen Crites in third. The full list of winners includes Teresa Smith in fourth, Bob and Cindy Roth in fifth, Trina Messmer in sixth, Steven White in seventh, John Meehan in eighth, Cheyanne Kelly in ninth, and Robert Metzmaker in tenth. Carolyn Simansky, Publicity Chair for St. Mary’s Oktoberfest, provided the list of winners along with a photograph of the first-place winner. The sweepstakes is part of the festival’s fundraising activities, supporting community initiatives associated with St. Mary’s. The Oktoberfest continues to draw participants and attendees each year, combining

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ALTON - Alton Main Street invites you to join the fun at the Downtown Alton Chili Cook-Off, to be held on Sunday, October 19th from Noon until 3:00 p.m. at Flock Food Truck Park & Bar, located at 210 Ridge St. in Alton. The Chili Cook-Off is a great civic event that encourages local chefs, both amateur and professional, to match their favorite recipe with others in similar categories. Organizers look forward to greeting returning teams and welcoming new participants to this fiery competition. Tickets are $10.00 for adults or $5.00 for kids 10 & under, and will be available at the door. Beverages will be available for purchase, and you’ll enjoy live classic rock music from Number4Combo. There are 17 teams registered this year; and judges will award $100 prizes to winners in 4 categories: RESTAURANTS – The Old Bakery Beer Company, Riverside Grille Argosy Casino Alton, Bossanova Restaurant, and My Just Desserts. INDIVIDUALS - Brett Demond, Anthony Thorstad, Cassie Tarter,

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