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Nearly 5,000 Entries Received in Flag Redesign Contest  Giannoulias Announces Flag Contest Next-Steps        

1 year 5 months ago
SPRINGFIELD - Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias announced the Illinois Flag Commission received 4,844 entries during the six-week submission period that closed Oct. 18. “I’m thrilled by the number of submissions the commission has received, as well as the excitement that this project has generated. I can’t wait to see which designs the commission selects for public voting,” Giannoulias said. “The contest has encouraged us all to reflect on what makes us proud to be Illinoisans, resulting in some great stories and unique designs reflecting what our state represents.” Now that the submission period is closed, the Illinois Flag Commission will meet before the end of the year to select the top 10 designs. Beginning in January, the public will have the opportunity to vote online for one of 10 new designs, or one of the three former flag designs, including the current state flag, the 1918 Centennial Flag and the 1968 Sesquicentennial Flag.

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DIY Halloween Crafts for Kids: Fun and Creative Ideas

1 year 5 months ago
Halloween is a thrilling time for children, filled with costumes, candy, and the excitement of spooky decorations. One of the best ways to celebrate this festive season is through DIY Halloween crafts. Engaging in craft projects not only fosters creativity but also provides an opportunity for quality family bonding. In this article, we will explore a variety of easy and fun DIY Halloween crafts that kids can enjoy, along with tips, materials needed, and step-by-step instructions. Why DIY Halloween Crafts? Engaging in DIY crafts has numerous benefits for children: Creativity and Imagination : Crafting allows kids to express themselves and explore their creative abilities. Fine Motor Skills Development : Cutting, gluing, and assembling crafts improve hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills. Problem-Solving Skills : Crafting often involves following instructions and troubleshooting, enhancing critical thinking. Bonding Time : DIY projects provide a wonderful opportunity

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Gillespie Community to host Community Blood Drive with ImpactLife Monday, November 11

1 year 5 months ago
GILLESPIE - Gillespie Community will host a Community Blood Drive with ImpactLife, the provider of blood components for local hospitals. The blood drive will be from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 11, 2024 at 900 Broadway, inside Gillespie Methodist Church Gym. What: Gillespie Community Blood Drive When: Monday, November 11, 1:00 pm - 6:00 pm Where: Gillespie Methodist Church Gym, 900 Broadway, Gillespie, IL Appointments: To donate, please contact Brenda Lowe at (217) 710-1336 or visit www.bloodcenter.org and use code 60020 to locate the drive. You may also call ImpactLife to schedule at 800-747-5401. Appointments are requested. Donor Eligibility Criteria: Potential donors must be at least 17 years of age (16 with parental permission form available through www.bloodcenter.org ) and weigh more than 110 pounds. A photo I.D. is required to donate. For questions about eligibility, please call ImpactLife at (800) 747-5401. Donors who last gave blood on or before Sept.

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High turnout continues for no excuse absentee voting

1 year 5 months ago
In St. Louis, Missouri, voters are taking advantage of no excuse in-person absentee voting, with over 99,000 people having cast their ballots in St. Louis County, over 26,000 in St. Charles County, and over 22,800 in St. Louis City since Oct. 22.
Chris Regnier

St. Louis Honor Flight takes veterans to D.C. memorials

1 year 5 months ago
The 108th Greater St. Louis Honor Flight took off from St. Louis Lambert Airport with 55 Vietnam War veterans and 9 Korean War veterans to visit various war memorials in Washington, D.C., with the goal of honoring their service.
Nick Gladney

Bob Onder (2024)

1 year 5 months ago
Sixteen years ago, Bob Onder lost a bitterly contested congressional primary to Blaine Luetkemeyer. Since that time, Onder’s political trajectory took plenty of twists and turns — including becoming a key member of Senate Republicans who openly fought with GOP leadership. But after beating his former Senate colleague Kurt Schaefer in an August primary, Onder could very well be on his way to Washington, D.C. next year as Missouri’s 3rd Congressional District representative. “At the end of the day, I think our conservative message, our America First message, did break through, and the voters decided by a healthy margin to choose me as the Republican nominee,” Onder said on an episode of the Politically Speaking Podcast. “47% of the vote in a seven way race is not bad.” Onder is taking on Democrat Bethany Mann to represent the 3rd District, which takes parts of the St. Louis area and portions of central Missouri. Mann recorded an episode of Politically Speaking that will air later this week.