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Vintage Voices to Share Late Alton Residents' Stories Starting Oct. 7

2 years 7 months ago
ALTON - Alton history comes to life this month with the 22nd annual Vintage Voices tours at Alton Cemetery. “It’s a walking tour of the cemetery,” explained Kerry Miller, a director with the program. “You have reenactors at various points in the cemetery who are in costume and they will then tell the story of what we call the decedents, who are buried at or near where the actors are located.” Tours will depart every 15 minutes from noon to 2:30 p.m. on Oct. 7, 8, 14 and 15, 2023. A guide will take groups of 8–12 people through the cemetery to listen to the stories of deceased Alton residents, portrayed by local actors. The Vintage Voices program began in 2001. This year, there will be nine stops with 14 actors. The walk through Alton Cemetery lasts a little over an hour and the path can include unsteady ground, so there is also a 5 p.m. performance at the Lovejoy Event Center on Oct. 15, 2023 for those who would rather skip the walking

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For Your Health: Score Big With A Healthier Approach To Game-Day Snacks

2 years 7 months ago
This time of year, many sports are calling for our attention. From college and pro football to postseason baseball and school soccer, it’s likely a lot of us will spend hours watching a game or match – whether in person or on TV. And almost as important as watching the game is having snacks on hand while doing so, whether we’re cheering our kids from the sideline or hosting friends to watch the big weekend matchup. Unfortunately, many traditional game day snacks aren’t the healthiest choices. Foods such as chips and dip, nachos, chili, pizza and sweets may be filled with flavor but are far from ideal when it comes to nutrition. Often, they’re high in calories, sugar, salt, red and processed meat and unhealthy fats. But, of course, snacks and snacking by themselves aren’t unhealthy. In fact, they can absolutely be part of healthy eating, said Lauren Gallen, a registered dietitian at Siteman Cancer Center in St. Louis. And if we’re going for

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ISP Reviews More Than 3,000 Enhanced Background Checks For Those Under 21 As Far As Safer Communities Act

2 years 7 months ago
SPRINGFIELD – Under the federal Bipartisan Safer Communities Act (BSCA), the Illinois State Police (ISP) has enhanced its coordination with all local law enforcement agencies as part of the background check process for those younger than 21 years. BSCA allows for more thorough background checks by expanding what records are being reviewed and allowing more time to look into the records if required. “Every day, ISP performs lifesaving background checks on firearms purchasers to prevent individuals who are a threat to themselves or others from obtaining a gun,” said ISP Director Brendan F. Kelly. “Under this federal Act, ISP has enhanced our background check process for those under 21, giving law enforcement a fuller picture of the individual seeking to buy a firearm, stopping potential tragedies. This is not theoretical – this is real interdiction that happens every day.” One of the greatest enhancements for ISP is communicating with

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Sen. Belt Urges Residents To Apply For Utility Assistance

2 years 7 months ago
EAST ST. LOUIS – Applications for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program opened Oct. 2. State Senator Christopher Belt is urging eligible families to apply for this program to receive assistance with natural gas, propane and electricity bills. “LIHEAP is an excellent program the state offers for those who struggle to keep up with the high cost of energy bills,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “I want everyone to be warm and safe as winter approaches, so I’m encouraging all eligible residents and families to take advantage of this program as soon as possible.” Families whose combined income is at or below 200% of the federal poverty level, have a household with a senior or a child under age 6, and/or a person with a disability are now eligible to receive support through LIHEAP. A chart with eligible income thresholds can be found here. Additional eligible households will be able to apply for assistance during upcoming application opening periods

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Hillsdale Employee Faces Criminal Charges for Running Over Fox 2 Journalist

2 years 7 months ago
The man who allegedly ran over a Fox 2 journalist in August has been charged criminally by prosecutors in St. Louis County. The single misdemeanor charge of operating a motor vehicle in a careless and imprudent manner was filed this morning against Earl Longmeyer, 57, a Hillsdale village employee. 
Ryan Krull

Bost, Kelly Issue Statements About House Speaker Vote

2 years 7 months ago
Bost Statement On House Speaker Vote WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Mike Bost (IL-12) issued the following statement regarding the vote to vacate the speakership: "Under Kevin McCarthy’s speakership, the House has passed legislation to secure the southern border, unleash America’s energy potential, ensure parents have a say in what their children are learning in the classroom, provide for our veterans, and overturn the Biden administration’s crippling COVID mandates. Each of these conservative victories were accomplished despite the narrowest majority in history. But now, that agenda is at risk at a time we can least afford it. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: if conservatives truly want to defend our values, then we must stop fighting each other and start taking it to the liberals who voted in lockstep against Kevin McCarthy today." Statement from Rep. Robin Kelly on the Removal of Speaker McCarthy Congresswoman

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Why some students in Illinois could lose their school scholarships

2 years 7 months ago
Students, parents and school administrators showed up in Springfield, calling on state lawmakers to save a scholarship program. The Invest In Kids Scholarship Tax Credit Program helps provide scholarships for students whose families meet the income requirements to attend qualified, non-public schools and technical academies in Illinois, and it is scheduled to expire by the [...]
Brian Weckerly

Illinois Celebrates National Women's Business Month

2 years 7 months ago
CHICAGO – The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) is celebrating National Women’s Business Month throughout October by recognizing the significant contributions of women-owned businesses throughout the state. The monthlong celebration – which is designated through a proclamation – includes business resources such as virtual and in-person events, resource guides for financial and social capital, business spotlights on social media, and a social media campaign to support and elevate Illinois women-owned businesses. “This month and every month, we’re proud to continue supporting, uplifting, and celebrating women-owned businesses throughout our great state,” said Governor JB Pritzker . “For too long, women business leaders and entrepreneurs faced systemic and financial barriers when starting and growing a business -- but here in Illinois, we're making it possible for everyone to succeed through increased

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Missouri Technology Corp., with increase in funding, to launch new financing programs for startups

2 years 7 months ago
Missouri Technology Corp. plans to launch several new programs aimed at boosting statewide entrepreneurship, thanks to an increase in state and federal funding. The public-private organization's fiscal 2024 strategic plan involves creating new funding programs and additional initiatives designed to foster regional entrepreneurial hubs and increase investor education.
Nathan Rubbelke