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Collinsville Police K9 Officer Receives Life-Saving Ballistic Vest

11 months ago
COLLINSVILLE - The Collinsville Police Department has received a donation of a ballistic vest for its K9 officer, Kingo, from Brady’s K9 Fund, an organization dedicated to supporting police dogs across the United States. Brady’s K9 Fund was established by an 8-year-old boy named Brady, who recognized the need for body armor for K9 officers, similar to that worn by their human partners. Since its inception in 2018, the fund has raised over $1.25 million and provided vests for more than 950 K9s in all 50 states. The organization aims to equip these dogs with essential protective gear, allowing them to perform their duties safely. “The work that K9 officers do is invaluable to our community,” said the Collinsville Police Department in a statement. “We are grateful for the support of Brady’s K9 Fund, which helps ensure that K9 Kingo is well-equipped and protected during his shifts.” Brady’s K9 Fund continues to seek support from th

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Fountain Hill Plans March Opening in Grafton at Site of Former Fin Inn

11 months ago
GRAFTON - A new restaurant is opening in Grafton. Fountain Hill will open on March 1, 2025. Located at 1500 W. Main Street in Grafton, the site of the former Fin Inn, Fountain Hill will serve steaks, pasta dishes and seafood. Owner Sonny Asani, previous owner of Santino’s in Alton, noted his excitement to come to Grafton and welcome the community to his new space. “I don’t know how to thank the town. I don’t know how to thank the community,” Asani said. “It’s been nothing but the best. It’s been nothing but good things and I love them so much. Hopefully they’re going to support us and help us out, and we’ll be there for them, too.” From 5–7 p.m. on March 1, 2025, the community is invited to Fountain Hill for a grand opening ceremony, complete with a free buffet. Altonians are invited to stop by starting at 4 p.m. as a special “thank you” for supporting Santino’s. Asani expressed hi

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Orchid Show

11 months ago

They might not be the quintessential flower for Valentine’s Day, but pink and red orchids symbolize femininity, grace and elegance, desire, passion and love. Walking arm in arm with your […]

The post Orchid Show appeared first on Explore St. Louis.

Rachel Huffman

The Evolution of Love: Tracing the History and Modern Celebrations of Valentine's Day

11 months ago
Did you know that Americans spend an estimated $20 billion each year on Valentine’s Day? This staggering figure highlights not only the commercial nature of the holiday but also the deep-seated human desire to express love and affection. But where did this tradition of celebrating romantic love originate, and how has it transformed into the elaborate festivities we see today? The Historical Roots of Valentine’s Day Valentine’s Day has its origins shrouded in mystery, with various theories tracing its beginnings back to ancient Rome. One prevalent legend is linked to St. Valentine, a priest who lived during the reign of Emperor Claudius II in the third century. According to this tale, Claudius believed that single men made better soldiers than those with wives and families, leading him to ban marriages for young men. St. Valentine defied this decree by secretly performing marriages for young couples. Eventually, he was caught, imprisoned, and executed on February

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This Day in History on February 14: St. Valentine's Day Massacre

11 months ago
February 14th is a date often associated with love and romance due to the celebration of Valentine's Day. However, the day has also been marked by pivotal events that have shaped history in various ways. One of the most notable events on February 14 occurred in 1929, known as the St. Valentine's Day Massacre. In Chicago, during the height of Prohibition, seven members of George 'Bugs' Moran's gang were brutally murdered by assailants allegedly hired by rival gangster Al Capone. This shocking event highlighted the violent turf wars that characterized the era of organized crime in the United States. The massacre not only captured the public's attention but also led to increased scrutiny of law enforcement's inability to combat crime effectively, ultimately contributing to the eventual demise of Prohibition. In the realm of sports, February 14, 1989, marked a significant milestone as the first-ever NBA All-Star Game was held in the new Madison Square Garden, New York City. This event

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