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Altonized Community Federal Credit Union Female Athlete Of The Month: Piasa Birds Look To Zurheide For Leadership And High Performance

5 months 3 weeks ago
PIASA - Vivian Zurheide, a dynamic 6-foot junior at Southwestern High School, is making her mark this season as a standout player for the girls' basketball team. Known for her scoring ability and impressive ball-handling skills, Zurheide plays a pivotal role in both offensive and defensive strategies alongside teammate Gracie Darr. Vivian is an Altonized Community Federal Credit Union Female Athlete Of The Month. Zurheide and Darr share responsibilities on the court, each contributing to the team’s success. Coach Darren Mosley highlighted their complementary skills, stating, "On the basketball floor, they are not the same player, but they complement one another." This season, Zurheide has been tasked with guarding the opposing team's best player, while also excelling as a top scorer, rebounder, and shot-blocker. In addition to basketball, Zurheide is a prominent athlete in volleyball and softball, further showcasing her versatility as a three-sport athlete. Coach Mosley praised

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Midwest Members Credit Union Honors Shells' Dugan For Basketball Excellence

5 months 3 weeks ago
ROXANA — Roxana sophomore Cohen Dugan has emerged as a key player for the Roxana High School basketball team, averaging 7.1 points and 2.8 rebounds per game. His contributions on the court have earned him recognition as a Midwest Members Credit Union Male Athlete of the Month for the Shells. Dugan, who plays as a shooting guard, has shown significant growth in his game this season. Coach Mark Briggs noted that Dugan has developed not only his shooting skills but also his defensive capabilities. “Cohen has really adapted and is buying into playing both ends of the court,” Briggs said. “This year, he has had the opportunity to play varsity basketball and it is like a switch has gone off; he is good on both ends of the court.” In addition to his basketball achievements, Dugan is also a member of the Roxana football team, further demonstrating his athletic versatility. As the Shells continue their season, Dugan remains a player to watch as he contributes

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Local Organization to Host Movie Premiere, Trivia Night to Raise Awareness About Mental Health

5 months 3 weeks ago
ALTON - Sacred Spaces of CARE is gearing up for a great 2025 with several events already planned. The Alton-based nonprofit works with individuals experiencing homelessness, substance use and mental illness. They help connect people to resources, and they also work with the Alton Police Department to respond to crises in the community. They have multiple events planned in the next few weeks, including a film screening and a trivia night fundraiser. “There’s significant need out there,” said Megan Tyler, founder of Sacred Spaces. “But also, one thing I want to talk about today is we still need to celebrate the success stories, because these are people’s lives behind these numbers…We do have those numbers, but we need to tell stories and we need to understand that those are people behind those numbers.” From 4:30–6:30 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 20, 2025, community members are invited to a “Community Connect” event at Cal

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Sparklight Male Athlete Of Month: Brunaugh Cracks Jersey's All-Time Boys Scoring Mark

5 months 3 weeks ago
JERSEYVILLE — Jaxon Brunaugh made history Friday night, Jan. 17, 2025, as he became Jersey Community High School's all-time leading scorer, surpassing a long-standing record set by former player and now Panthers' head coach Matt Murphy. Brunaugh scored 12 points during a game against Civic Memorial, bringing his career total to 1,489 points, just one point ahead of Murphy's previous record of 1,488 points, which had stood since 2012. Brunaugh is a Sparklight Male Athlete Of The Month for the Panthers. Brunaugh's achievement not only marks a significant milestone in his athletic career but also highlights his journey as an inspiration to younger players at the school. Murphy, who graduated in 2012, was a prominent figure in Jersey basketball, holding the all-time records for both points and rebounds, with 958 rebounds to his name. Brunaugh has often looked up to Coach Murphy and admired the legacy he created. Following the game, Brunaugh expressed his pride in the accomplishment

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Lunchtime Photo

5 months 3 weeks ago
This tattered flag flies over the shoe garden near Rice, California. You've seen the shoe garden and shoe fence before, but not the flag. So here it is.
Kevin Drum

Carrollton High School Preparing For 2025 Career Fair

5 months 3 weeks ago
CARROLLTON - Carrollton High School is gearing up for its next Career Fair on Feb. 27, 2025, showcasing a variety of career options to students while shining a spotlight on the opportunities available from local businesses. Blaine Hartwick, Agriculture Teacher and FFA Advisor at Carrollton High School, said he’s excited to see the Career Fair return to CHS for 2025. “Carrollton High School is proud to be hosting our Career Fair for students again!” Hartwick said. “Students have the opportunity to engage with local businesses and have conversations about different career options.” This year’s event will take place in the CHS cafeteria. Participating businesses are asked to begin setup at 8 a.m., with the Career Fair officially kicking off at 9 a.m. and concluding by 1 p.m. Lunch will be provided for all exhibitors. Hartwick said the purpose behind the Career Fair is two-fold, aiming to benefit both students and local businesses. “Our

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Community and Leaders Gather To Salute Dr. King and Gray's Contributions At Alton Branch Of NAACP Event

5 months 3 weeks ago
ALTON—Local leaders and community members gathered at the Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church on Amelia Street in Alton on Sunday, January 14, 2024, to honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. ahead of the national holiday commemorating the civil rights leader on Monday. The event, organized by the Alton Branch of the NAACP, included tributes to both Dr. King and the late James Gray, a long-time member of the organization. Leon Smallwood, President of the Alton Branch of the NAACP, reflected on the event's success, describing it as a "wonderful great program" that paid tribute to both Dr. King and Gray, whom he referred to as a "legend and icon." Smallwood highlighted the contributions of the day's speakers, including Reginald Riddle-Young, a journalist with the East St. Louis Monitor. He also thanked Alton Branch of the NAACP Youth President Tori Porter, for the efforts to represent the younger generations at the ceremony. Alton Mayor Goins expressed the significance

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