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Granite City Children Celebrate Holidays With Local Heroes

1 year ago
GRANITE CITY — More than 40 children in Granite City experienced an early holiday celebration during the annual Shop with a Hero event on Sunday, Dec. 15, 2024. The program pairs students with local first responders, allowing them to select gifts while creating lasting memories. Participants enjoyed rides in a police car, fire truck, or ambulance to Walmart, where they picked out gifts. Following their shopping spree, families gathered at Township Hall for a meal provided by St. John UCC Granite City. The event aims to foster positive relationships between youth and first responders while providing children with a festive experience during the holiday season. This year’s event highlighted the community’s commitment to supporting its youth and promoting goodwill. Photos from the event were taken by Chris Mitchell and BC Photography, capturing the joyous moments shared between the children and their heroic shopping partners. With first responders as their

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How to Stay Organized During Holiday Shopping

1 year ago
The holiday season is a time of joy, celebration, and, for many, a whirlwind of shopping. Whether you're buying gifts for family and friends or preparing for festive gatherings, staying organized during this busy time can make your experience much more enjoyable and less stressful. Here’s a guide to help you navigate the complexities of holiday shopping with ease and efficiency. Start Early One of the most effective ways to stay organized during holiday shopping is to start early. The earlier you begin, the more time you have to plan, shop, and find the best deals. Here are some tips to get started: Set a Timeline : Create a shopping timeline starting from the beginning of November. Mark important dates such as Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and any specific events where gifts will be exchanged. Make a List : Write down everyone you need to shop for along with gift ideas. This not only helps you stay focused but also prevents impulse buying. Consider using a digital note-taking

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Holiday Gift Wrapping Tips and Tricks

1 year ago
As the holiday season approaches, the excitement of gift-giving fills the air. While choosing the perfect present is essential, wrapping it beautifully can enhance the overall experience for both the giver and the receiver. Gift wrapping can be an art form, and with a little creativity and some practical tips, you can transform even the simplest gifts into stunning surprises. This article will explore various techniques, materials, and ideas to elevate your holiday gift wrapping game. Selecting the Right Materials Wrapping Paper Choosing the right wrapping paper is fundamental to creating a visually appealing gift. There are various types of wrapping paper available, including: Traditional Paper : Classic and versatile, traditional wrapping paper comes in numerous patterns and colors. Opt for festive designs, such as snowflakes, ornaments, or holiday motifs. Brown Kraft Paper : This eco-friendly option is perfect for a rustic look. You can personalize it with stamps, drawings,

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Want to fix food deserts and lower food prices? Enforce antitrust law, activist says

1 year ago
For now, anyway, grocery giants Kroger and Albertsons aren’t going to merge into a single grocery megagiant to confront Walmart, another megagiant. But in many ways, the damage caused by 40 years of non-enforcement of relevant antitrust law is already done, said Stacy Mitchell, co-director of the Institute for Local Self Reliance and a prominent critic of […]
Marty Schladen

DIY Holiday Decorations for Your Home

1 year ago
As the holiday season approaches, many of us feel the urge to transform our homes into warm, inviting spaces that reflect the joy of the season. While store-bought decorations can be appealing, creating your own DIY holiday decorations can add a personal touch that makes your home feel even more special. In this article, we will explore a variety of creative, easy-to-execute DIY decoration ideas that can enhance your home’s festive ambiance. Embrace Nature with Holiday Wreaths One of the most popular DIY projects for the holiday season is crafting a festive wreath. Wreaths are versatile decorations that can be hung on doors, walls, or even used as centerpieces. Materials Needed: A wire wreath frame or a sturdy base made of branches Greenery (evergreen boughs, pine branches, or holly) Decorative elements (berries, pine cones, ribbons, or ornaments) Hot glue gun and glue sticks Wire or twine for securing items Steps: Prepare the Base : Start with your wire frame or

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This Day in History on December 16: The Boston Tea Party

1 year ago
December 16 is a date marked by a series of significant events that have shaped global history across various fields such as politics, science, culture, and more. One of the most impactful events on December 16 occurred in 1773 during the American Revolution. This day is famously known for the Boston Tea Party, a pivotal protest against British taxation without representation. American colonists, frustrated with the Tea Act imposed by the British Parliament, disguised themselves as Mohawk Native Americans and boarded three ships in Boston Harbor. They dumped 342 chests of tea into the water, an act of defiance that would escalate tensions between the colonies and Britain, ultimately leading to the Revolutionary War. This event symbolizes the fight for freedom and democracy, and it remains a powerful reminder of the impact of civil disobedience. Fast forward to December 16, 1944, a crucial turning point in World War II: the beginning of the Battle of the Bulge. This battle was

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Missouri lawmakers file bills enacting new regulations on intoxicating hemp products

1 year ago
Every time Missouri lawmakers have proposed legislation to essentially ban intoxicating-hemp products in the last few years, the hemp industry has mounted a united opposition to stop them. Products like Delta-8 THC drinks can currently be bought everywhere from bars to coffee shops statewide. Year after year, hemp business owners and distributors have asked the state to impose age restrictions and testing requirements, rather than ban the products outright. “We don’t have any mechanism to…
Rebecca Rivas