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Milton Schoolhouse Artist of the Month Itchy? Finds Healing Through Painting

7 months 1 week ago
ALTON - The Alton-based artist Itchy? has a unique name and an even more unique style, and he wouldn’t have it any other way. As the August Artist of the Month, Itchy? currently has his work on display at Milton Schoolhouse in his first solo gallery. He joked that his work is “definitely strange,” but it comes from a deeply passionate place and has been a major source of healing as he perfects his style. “I don’t paint trees and houses because I can’t draw,” he laughed. “All I can do is paint me.” The journey to art wasn’t linear for Itchy? He began his career as a professional wrestler and suffered a few brain injuries. When he retired, he quickly realized he “wasn’t a part of normal society” and experienced “a series of nervous breakdowns” that eventually led to a diagnosis of borderline personality disorder. Art became his solace. After every therapy session, Itchy? would paint whatever

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Alton's Marching 100 Off to an "Amazing" Start Ahead of 2025-2026 Season

7 months 1 week ago
ALTON - The Alton High School Marching 100 band is preparing for another great season. On Friday, Aug. 1, 2025, invited community members and performers’ families could watch the Marching 100 perform their halftime show ahead of the 2025–2026 season. Matt Chesner, the new director of the Marching 100, expressed his gratitude for the band and his excitement to share their hard work with the community. “It’s been a joy. It’s been so fun,” Chesner said. “Especially because I am new to , to have them be willing to let a stranger help them and work with them and become a part of their traditions, I’ve really felt welcomed and honored to be a part of that.” The Marching 100 is a storied tradition at Alton High School. Students come together to perform at halftime shows, parades and competitions throughout the region. The Aug. 1 performance marked the end of the 2025 band camp. Chesner shared that the band and color guard spent

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Illinois State Fair Announces Free Randy Houser Grandstand Concert On Aug. 11, 2025

7 months 1 week ago
SPRINGFIELD – Fairgoers are in for a special treat at the 2025 Illinois State Fair: Country music powerhouse Randy Houser will take the Grandstand stage for a FREE concert on Monday, August 11. “The Illinois State Fair is a celebration of our state’s people, agriculture, and traditions,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “I’m proud that we can provide opportunities like this free concert, giving families from across Illinois the chance to come together, enjoy entertainment at the Fair, and make lasting summer memories.” With an inimitable voice, Houser has become one of country music’s most celebrated vocalists. His chart-topping album How Country Feels delivered smash hits including “Runnin’ Outta Moonlight,” “Goodnight Kiss,” and CMA Song of the Year nominee “Like A Cowboy.” Houser has since added more No. 1 hits to his catalog, including “We Went,” and continues to wow audiences

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IDOL Inspectors Prioritize Ride Safety Ahead of 2025 Illinois State Fair

7 months 1 week ago
SPRINGFIELD – As preparations ramp up for the 2025 Illinois State Fair, inspectors with the Illinois Department of Labor (IDOL) are on site ensuring that every amusement ride is thoroughly examined and approved for operation before the Midway opens to the public. “Public safety is our top priority,” said IDOL Amusement Ride and Attraction Safety Division Manager Brian Fox. “Each ride is carefully inspected to make sure it meets all safety and structural standards. If you see the IDOL permit sticker, the ride is approved for use.” The State Fair represents IDOL’s second largest annual inspection effort, following only the inspection of rides at Six Flags Great America. For the fair, IDOL deploys a team of six experienced inspectors to examine rides and attractions—not just at setup, but throughout the event to ensure continued compliance. To help families prepare, IDOL encourages parents and guardians to review ride safety tips with

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Jake Maurer Headlines Calhoun County Fair Concert Sept. 4; Cash Goetten Opens

7 months 1 week ago
HARDIN — Country music fans can look forward to a lively night at the Calhoun County Fair on Thursday, Sept. 4, 2025, when Jake Maurer takes the stage at the fairgrounds. The concert, beginning at 7:30 p.m. with gates opening at 5 p.m., will feature a blend of modern country and down-home storytelling, promising an engaging experience for attendees. Jake Maurer, a native of Metamora, has been a fixture in Nashville’s music scene since 2007, regularly headlining at Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge. Raised in the Midwest with influences including Garth Brooks and Texas “Red Dirt” country, Maurer combines his background as a former college football player and teacher with his passion for music. He is known for his high-energy performances and ability to connect with audiences through humor and heartfelt songs. Maurer also tours extensively, performing at festivals such as Regina’s Hawgarama and fundraising events in Ontario and Montana. Opening the evening wil

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RiverBender Blog: I'm a Bad Driver

7 months 1 week ago
I recently backed into a fence with my car. If you’re a faithful reader, you might be thinking, “But wait, didn’t you also hit a deer not too long ago?” Short answer, yes, that also happened. I’d like to remind you that THE DEER HIT ME, but technically I also had a run-in with a deer. And now a fence. One of the things you need to know about me is that I am a bad driver. I get where I’m going and I get home — thank God — but the in-between time is not that seamless. My own insecurities are my greatest downfall. A few weeks ago, I honked at an Amazon driver that was backing into the road because they almost hit me. I was just trying to alert them that I was there, and it worked: The driver pulled forward and I was able to squeeze by. But immediately, I felt terrible. I tried to justify it in my head. I didn’t want to get hit, and I did what I had to do to avoid that. It was better for both me and the driver, who

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How to Keep Your Kids Busy During Summer Downtime

7 months 1 week ago
Did you know that children are most likely to experience boredom when left without structured activities for more than three consecutive days? This statistic underscores a common challenge parents and caregivers face during extended periods when school is out: keeping kids engaged, stimulated, and happy. Finding creative ways to entertain children not only alleviates restlessness but also fosters learning, growth, and family bonding. Here are inventive strategies to transform what could be idle time into memorable and enriching experiences. Transforming Everyday Spaces into Adventure Zones One of the simplest yet most effective ways to captivate children’s attention is by reimagining their immediate environment. Turning familiar spaces into themed adventure zones encourages imagination and physical activity without requiring extravagant resources. Examples: Indoor Treasure Hunts: Design a scavenger hunt with clues hidden around the house or backyard. Incorporate puzzles

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