a Better Bubble™

Aggregator

Superintendent Addresses East Alton Elementary School Threat Concerns

1 year 9 months ago
EAST ALTON - East Alton Elementary Administration notified families on Monday morning, Sept. 16, 2024, that they were aware of potential threat rumors circulating through the student body and that a report was made to the East Alton Police Department on Sunday night, Sept. 15, 2024. East Alton Elementary Superintendent Nancy Werden had these comments: "There was no specific date, time, or students who have been identified. Please know that we are currently investigating these rumors. "Out of an abundance of caution, law enforcement was present to provide increased security this morning. As always, we are asking students and parents to be vigilant and to immediately report any information regarding any school threat to law enforcement and the school district. Please be assured that your child's safety is our priority."

Continue Reading

Is your company among the Best Places to Work? Submit your nomination for the 2025 program.

1 year 9 months ago
The St. Louis Business Journal has opened up the nomination process for the 2025 Best Places to Work Awards program. If your company is among the best places to work in St. Louis, submit your nomination for our annual program. Applying for this awards program is a two-part process: First, fill out the Best Places to Work Awards nomination form found here. You'll then receive further instructions from our third-party surveyor, Quantum Workplace, on how to proceed with the online, anonymous and confidential…
Veneta Rizvic

Difference Makers: Edwardsville Community Spirit Shines in Fire Response

1 year 9 months ago
EDWARDSVILLE — Two REMAX Alliance employees and local firefighters played pivotal roles in responding to a devastating fire on Friday, Sept. 13, 2024, at apartments in the 100 block of Devon Court in Edwardsville. When the fire erupted, Nikki McCormick and Katy Clark, working at their office across the street at REMAX Alliance, immediately raced to the scene to alert residents. The two women knocked on doors and windows, alerting residents to the danger. Edwardsville Fire Chief James Whiteford acknowledged the risks of civilian involvement in emergency situations but praised McCormick and Clark for their timely actions. "I normally don’t think people should get involved in these types of situations; they should let firefighters handle it," Whiteford said. "But in this case, it was very helpful, and I commend the two women for their efforts." The two Edwardsville women, the firefighters, and the SIUE Alumni Association are all difference makers for their efforts with this

Continue Reading

Choices Ministry to Host Music in the Park Event with "A Heart for Stella" Testimony

1 year 9 months ago
ALTON - Choices Ministry will host its second annual Music in the Park event with a special guest, “miracle girl” Stella Schultz . From 3–5 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 12, 2024, at Haskell Park in Alton, community members can enjoy a free contemporary Christian music concert. Karrie Schultz, Stella’s mother, will also give a testimony and share the “A Heart for Stella” story . Stella spent eight months at Children’s Hospital waiting for a heart transplant, which she received about a month ago. “We’re about sharing the love of God through music and life experiences,” said Sheldon Rushing with Choices Ministry. “Choices is a ministry committed to sharing the love of God through music and life experiences and Biblical truth.” Rushing explained that he was deeply moved by the Schultz family’s story. Choices Ministry raised $5,000 for Stella during a fundraiser concert two months ago, and Rushing said

Continue Reading

Fire Displaces SIUE Students, Emergency Fund Activated

1 year 9 months ago
EDWARDSVILLE – A fire at an off-campus apartment complex in Edwardsville has left several Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE) students displaced, with many losing or experiencing damage to their belongings. The incident, which occurred recently in the 100 block of Devon Court in Edwardsville, has prompted a call for community support to aid the affected students. The SIUE Student Emergency Fund has been activated to assist those facing these unexpected challenges. The fund aims to provide immediate relief to students in distress, ensuring they have the necessary resources to recover and continue their education. In a statement, the university emphasized the importance of community solidarity during such times. "In times like these, we come together as a community," the statement read. The university is urging individuals to consider donating to the Student Emergency Fund. "Whether big or small, every gift counts. Please consider donating to support our students i

Continue Reading

What Happens After Suicide Prevention Awareness

1 year 9 months ago
ALTON - According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), on average, there is one death by suicide every 11 minutes in the United States with more than 49,000 lives lost in 2022 alone. With so many lives claimed by suicide each year, the focus often shifts to raising awareness. Yet, the pressing question remains: once we're aware, what do we do next? While suicide awareness may not solely or directly change behavior, it plays a crucial role in the broader efforts to prevent suicide. Awareness campaigns are often the first step in addressing the stigma and misconceptions surrounding mental health and suicide. However, in addition to awareness, there are other actionable steps to take for awareness to be even more effective. One significant gap I see is the implementation of suicide prevention trainings. A significant amount of money is invested in gatekeeper and community trainings, yet these programs often end up being treated as a one-time event. Across the United

Continue Reading

Senior Services Plus To Host Open House During National Senior Center Month

1 year 9 months ago
ALTON - Senior Services Plus, Inc., located at 2603 N. Rodgers Avenue, is celebrating National Senior Center Month by hosting an Open House. On Tuesday, September 24th from 10am-1pm, staff members from each SSP program will be available to talk with and share information on the various programs SSP has to offer. Programs include Meals on Wheels, Information & Assistance, In-Home Services, Transportation, Home Repair, Ombudsman Program, Foster Grandparent Program, as well as the on-site programs such as Congregate Dining in our School House Grill, the Wellness Center, classes, activities, and more. SSP’s School House Grill will be operating during this event. Attendees can stop by the Grill’s information table to sample a new and exciting menu item coming this fall! This event is free and open to the public. For more information, please call 618-465-3298 ext. 123 About SENIOR SERVICES PLUS Senior Services Plus, Inc. is a 501(c) not-for-profit organization established

Continue Reading

1st MidAmerica Credit Union Delivers $30,000 in Grant Funds  

1 year 9 months ago
BETHALTO – September 13, 2024 - 1st MidAmerica Credit Union delivered $30,000 in grant funds to local small businesses in partnership with the Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago (FHLB). The FHLB made grant money available to member financial institutions through their Community First ® Accelerated Grants for Small Business program, which provides assistance to small businesses in Illinois. The 1st MidAmerica team submitted the grant requests and was able to deliver two $15,000 checks to member businesses, Skitopel and Espresso Yourself Bakery. “These grants reflect how having the Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago as a partner increases the benefits we provide to our members and communities,” said Brett Pont, Vice President of Commercial Services. 1st MidAmerica Credit Union has a mission of exceeding member expectations. Additional information can be found at www.1stMidAmerica.org

Continue Reading

Sister M. Pietra Keller To Give Free Presentation On Her Innovative Biomedical Engineer Career

1 year 9 months ago
ALTON – Have you ever met – much less even heard of – a religious Sister (i.e. a Nun) who is a biomedical engineer that utilizes virtual reality and 3D-modeling technologies to help surgeons with their preoperative surgical planning? When divine inspiration and engineering innovation meet, you get Sister M. Pieta Keller, F.S.G.M. Sister M. Pieta Keller, F.S.G.M., who joined the Alton, IL-based Sisters of St. Francis of the Martyr St. George in 2013, combines the divine inspiration to a calling to enter the religious community and simultaneously utilizes her God-given scientific and technical aptitude. “I truly feel that God has placed me here and led me to choose a field that allows me to pursue my love of engineering, in addition to answering His call to serve Him, combining to positively affect people’s lives every day,” says Sister M. Pieta. By background, she is a graduate of Purdue University with a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering

Continue Reading