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EDWARDSVILLE - Metro East Lutheran High graduated several players from the 2023 team, but senior Rachel Brown has emerged as a leader for the squad in the 2024 season. Rachel is a BJ's Printables Female Athlete Of the Month for the Knights. As MEL's only returning senior, Brown feels she had to take on more of a leadership role in helping the younger players out this year. "I try to keep the attitudes up and provide relief in hard times." With a relatively young team this season, Brown said she enjoys playing with her teammates and helping the younger players out, as well. "Yeah, I'm really excited to play with this new and a young team," Brown said. Brown sees the 2024 Knights girls volleyball season as one of growth, mainly," she said, "to gain experience, and connect as a team." "We face a lot of different types of schools," Brown said, "from Catholic schools. Lutheran school and public schools Like coach (Jenna) Ward said, we're going to play in the Springfield tournament,

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EDWARDSVILLE - Junior running back/linebacker Andrew Adams was perhaps the biggest returnee for the football team at Metro-East Lutheran High School for the 2024 season and he has been a standout all season. He is confident that the Knights will make a return to the postseason for the first time since 2019. Andrew is a BJ's Printables Male Athlete of the Month for the Knights. Andrew has also played varsity baseball for MELHS. He was a first-team all-conference pick in 2023 at linebacker and second-team at running back and is described by coaches "as a tremendous athlete." Adams said he felt the summer practices and training paid off for the Knights. He ran for 694 yards in 2023. Adams is also a solid receiver for MELHS. Adams agreed that eight-man football, with its narrower field and three less men on either side of the ball, is still American football at its heart and soul. "It's exactly like 11-man football," Adams said, "in the sense of contact, and just being aggressive

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ALTON - AltonWorks, Food Is Love and Currency of Caring will host a Block Party for Good, complete with free groceries, hot food and check-ups. From 2–3:30 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 3, 2024, at the Alton Amphitheater, community members can take advantage of these services for free, with no residency or income requirements. Lasse Sorensen and John Michel, who oversee Food Is Love and Currency of Caring respectively, explained that their goal is to provide resources that the community needs. “We come in, we deliver hot food, we provide free groceries, no questions asked, produce and everything,” Michel said. “It’s challenging to build infrastructure at places where people can get to them consistently, so we said, ‘Hey, what if we use the power of mobility?’ We started with the food truck movement to effectively replace soup kitchens, but we said, ‘What if we can start to layer in a whole series of services, increasing the access t

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ST. LOUIS – Ameren workers across Illinois and Missouri are heading to the East Coast to assist in repairing damage and restoring power outages in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. Approximately 125 Ameren personnel and 210 contractor personnel, including line workers, fleet, logistics and safety, will assist crews from AEP Appalachian Power in Charleston, West Virginia. The Edison Electric Institute's (EEI) National Response executive committee declared a Level 1 National Response Event requesting any available resources in support of Hurricane Helene. Ameren is a member of EEI and a member of the Midwest Mutual Assistance Group. "Mutual aid literally places thousands of boots on the ground to help the East Coast power companies with their restoration efforts. We were prepped and ready to answer the call for people affected by Hurricane Helene," said Lenny Singh , chairman and president, Ameren Illinois. "My thoughts and prayers are with those in the aftermath of the hurricane

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EDWARDSVILLE - Southern Illinois University Edwardsville has selected its inaugural cohort for the Chancellor’s Postdoctoral Fellowship Program , according to Vice Chancellor for Anti-racism, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Jessica C. Harris, PhD. In efforts to enhance its mission, vision and values, SIUE launched the Chancellor’s Postdoctoral Fellowship Program in 2023, created by Harris and headed up by her office. The Fellows, who are appointed for two years, began their work this fall. “Through the program, we seek to attract scholars who will enhance the breadth, depth and quality of our academic programs, and support the retention and graduation of SIUE’s diverse student population,” said Harris. “Fellows will teach three courses or an equivalent each year, aligned with their field of study. They will also have dedicated time for research and creative activities,” added Harris. “The postdocs will participate in structured

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ST. LOUIS - The United Way of Greater St. Louis (UWGSL) is accepting applications for its United for Families (UFF) initiative that works to divert families from crisis and help move them to stability through case management, financial coaching, job training and more. Over 40% of all households in the St. Louis region do not have the monthly income to meet their basic needs. United Way is seeking eligible nonprofit applicants in Missouri and Illinois for this grant cycle who have a history of providing case management programming comparable to the UFF model that helps families achieve financial and educational goals by assessing, planning, and monitoring the services they need. “United for Families helps to stabilize and empower families on their road to restoring self-sufficiency by helping to prevent crises while achieving family economic security as well as educational stability for children,” said Michelle D. Tucker, President and CEO of United Way of Greater St.

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ALTON - Arista Bunn, a junior at Marquette Catholic, is being recognized for her outstanding achievements in volleyball. With a career spanning 11 years, Bunn has been a varsity starter since her freshman year and currently ranks second in her conference in assists. She also leads her team in service points and assists, showcasing her skill and dedication to the sport. Bunn is a Tucker's Automotive Repair & Tire Female Athlete Of The Month for the Explorers. "My parents, Alicia and Steve Bunn, were both successful college athletes who always push me to do my best both on and off the court," Bunn said. She also credits her sister, Adira Bunn, as a constant source of support and her best friend. Bunn's father has been her personal coach throughout her life, instilling in her the focus and leadership qualities that have contributed to her success. "I spend a lot of time training with my parents in the gym, on the court, and on the track working on my speed," she added. Rich Eisenauer,

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WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) and Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) led 18 Members of Congress in a bipartisan letter calling for Postmaster General Louis DeJoy to reconsider proposed changes to United States Postal Service (USPS) service standards that would exacerbate delays in mail delivery for residents in rural and underserved communities. “We are writing to express our extreme concern with the United States Postal Service's (USPS) August 22, 2024, announcement that you will be adjusting mail delivery times, resulting in additional delays for our constituents who live in rural areas and areas that are more than 50 miles from a USPS processing center,” the lawmakers wrote in a letter to Postmaster General DeJoy. “While we understand the need for modernization and financial changes across the Postal Service, these changes cannot come at the expense of rural residents who rely on the USPS. Americans, particularly those living in

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COLLINSVILLE — The Collinsville Community Appearance Board has announced the winner of its September 2024 "Yard of the Month" contest. The honor goes to the residents of 104 Shadow Crossing in Collinsville, who have demonstrated exceptional yard maintenance and beautification. The "Yard of the Month" contest, sponsored by the Collinsville Community Appearance Board, runs from May through September each year. The initiative aims to encourage residents to maintain and improve their properties, recognizing those who go above and beyond standard expectations. Winners of the first-place award receive a gift certificate to Creekside Gardens in Collinsville, Ill., and are recognized by the Mayor at a City Council meeting. Additionally, they gain automatic entry into the "Yard of the Year" contest, which takes place in October. "The contest is a wonderful way to foster community pride and highlight the hard work of our residents," said a spokesperson for the Collinsville Community

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ALTON - SSP Wellness Center is excited to introduce our new Personalized Workout Plans! This service is perfect for those looking for affordable alternatives to personal training or for individuals who enjoy working out independently. Our Personalized Workout Plans offer a flexible and cost-effective way to stay on track with your fitness goals. Each plan is customized to suit your personal needs, ensuring you get the most out of your workouts. Service Details: To participate, you must complete an initial consultation with a personal trainer. During this session, the trainer will perform your assessments and begin programming your personalized workouts. Following the consultation, you will have a 30-minute session with a trainer to review your workout plan and ensure you feel confident performing the exercises. Plan Options: Choose from one of our four-week programs with tailored workouts designed to meet your specific goals (price includes the $30 assessment): 1 Workout

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CARLINVILLE - Carlinville Area Hospital & Clinics will host a Community Blood Drive with ImpactLife, the provider of blood components for local hospitals. The blood drive will be from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 14, 2024 at 20733 North Broad St. in Carlinville, inside the Donor Bus. What: Carlinville Area Hospital & Clinics Community Blood Drive When: Monday, Oct. 14, 2024, 11 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. Where: Donor Bus, 20733 North Broad, Carlinville, IL Appointments: To donate, please contact Vicki Walker at (217) 854-3141 or visit www.bloodcenter.org and use code 60352 to locate the drive. Appointments are requested. You may also call ImpactLife to schedule at 800-747-5401. 2801 South 10th Street, Springfield, Illinois, (217) 753-1530. 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. Fo

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SPRINGFIELD - Land of Lincoln Honor Flight ends our 2024 flying season with Mission #72 on October 15, 2024. Mission #72 will serve 92 Veterans including two Korean Era veterans and 90 Vietnam era veterans from 53 Illinois hometowns of Auburn, Aviston, Bartelso, Blue Mound, Breese, Camargo, Cantrall, Carlinville, Carlyle, Carterville, Centralia, Chapin, Charleston, Collinsville, Decatur, East Peoria, Effingham, Farine, Forrest Franklin, Gibson City, Gillespie, Girard, Godfrey, Greenup, Highland, Hillsboro, Homer, Jacksonville, Kappa, LeRoy, Litchfield, Mascoutah, Mason City, Mattoon, Moweaqua, Mt Pulaski, Mt Zion, New Baden, Newman, Paris, Pontiac, Riverton, Springfield, Teutopolis, Texico, Thomasboro, Trenton, Troy, Tuscola, Vandalia, Watson and Xenia. Our October 15th veterans represent all branches of the military. These Veterans and their Guardians will report October 15, 2024 to the Abraham Lincoln Capitol Airport at 4 a.m. to travel to Washington DC on a chartered Sun Country

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ALTON – OSF Medical Group in Alton is pleased to announce the addition of a second cardiology nurse practitioner to its staff to better serve the ever-increasing demand of cardiology needs of Riverbend region residents. Margy Goetten, NP, RN, MSN, BSN, is accepting new cardiology patients to ensure continued access for patients in need of cardiology care at OSF Medical Group - Cardiology, located at OSF Saint Anthony’s Medical Office Building, Suite 305, #2 Saint Anthony’s Way, in Alton. Goetten will see patients Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Ms. Goetten, NP, offers her patients a variety of specialty cardiology services encompassing (but not limited to): Chest pain Hypertension High cholesterol Heart failure Coronary artery disease Hyperlipidemia Atrial fibrillation Goetten’s cardiology clinical experience also includes: High acuity cardiovascular surgery patient care management Assess and care management for cardiothoracic surgery

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COLLINSVILLE – The Illinois Department of Transportation today announced lane restrictions will be encountered on northbound I-55/70 at the exit to Illinois 157 Collinsville/Edwardsville exit (Exit 11) beginning Tuesday, October 1, at 7 a.m., weather permitting. The left lane and the NB entrance ramp from Illinois 157 will be closed to allow IDOT District 8 Operations forces to perform emergency bridge deck patching on the bridge over Illinois 157. A detour will be marked to assist travelers to access northbound I-55/70 from Illinois 157. The NB I-55/70 Exit Ramp to Illinois 157 will remain open during construction. All lanes are expected to re-open by 3:30 p.m. on Friday, October 4, 2024. Motorists can expect delays and should allow extra time for trips through this area. To avoid the work area, when feasible, use of alternate routes should be considered. Drivers are urged to pay close attention to changed conditions and signs in the work zones, obey the posted speed limits,

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ALTON - Jude Thomas Keller, a senior at Marquette Catholic High School, has been recognized for his outstanding achievements in soccer. Keller's accolades include being named to the first team conference, receiving the Marquette Player of the Year award, being honored as the Athlete of the Week by the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, and earning the Player of the Month award. He is now recognized as a Tucker's Automotive Repair & Tire Male Athlete of Month for Marquette. Keller, who has been playing soccer since the age of 3, expressed his gratitude toward those who have supported him throughout his journey. "I want to thank my parents, Brett and Dawn Keller, my teammates, and my coaches," Keller said. His coach, Brian Hoener, has played a significant role in his development as a player. Playing soccer has been a transformative experience for Keller. "When I am on the field, I feel like all my worries disappear, and I just play," he said. The sport has also imparted valuable life lessons.

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The fall virus season is upon us, and the U.S. Food & Drug Administration just approved one of the newest tools to protect Americans from severe illness. The updated COVID-19 vaccine is expected to be available at pharmacies around the country from now to the coming weeks. The mRNA vaccine is not a booster, says Doug Kasper, MD, an infectious disease specialist with OSF HealthCare. He says it’s recommended for a much broader portion of the population. "The vaccine is now recommended for everybody 6 months and older as a one-time, once-a-year vaccine," Dr. Kasper says. “The vaccine has been updated. For people who are at really high risk, those 65 and older or with respiratory conditions, they may get a second shot. This would be in a six-month interval in the springtime.” Does the vaccine prevent me from getting COVID-19? The quick answer? No, much like you find with the annual influenza vaccine. "The vaccine seeks to protect severe outcomes associated

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O'FALLON - A new pilot program utilizing the state’s public libraries to improve court access will offer guidance for Illinoisans struggling to navigate the legal system on their own. O'Fallon Public Library, which is in the 20th Judicial Court in St. Clair County, is part of the new statewide program and it was selected for this pilot program. The goal of the pilot program is to help people without lawyers — who may have limited technology capabilities or transportation challenges — more easily access legal information and assistance at their local public library. O'Fallon Library Director Ryan Johnson said there is training involved before O'Fallon Library will officially begin the assistance for individuals on court-related issues. He will have staff well-versed in various forms in the filing process and also there will be a Zoom court for people to respond to some court-related issues, among other new services. "We are excited to be selected to be part of this

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SWANSEA — With strong support from State Senator Christopher Belt, three organizations in the 57th Senate District are set to receive more than $212,000 in funding through library and literacy grant programs. “This funding has allowed libraries and literacy programs all over the state provide the best services possible,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “Libraries are full of opportunity for all ages, so it’s essential we continue to support them in whatever ways we can.” The programs are administered through the Illinois Secretary of State and State Librarian Alexi Giannoulias, who has awarded nearly $22 million for library services and $6 million for literacy programs throughout the state. The following organizations in the 57th District will receive funding: Mascoutah Public Library - $34,840 Southwestern Illinois College - $84,384 MindsEye Radio - $93,626 The goal of the grants is to enhance online catalogues, support day-to-day operations, expand

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BELLEVILLE – Combat Veteran and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today expressed their support for Scott Air Force Base’s 126th Air Refueling Wing’s bid to become a KC-46A’s main operating base (MOB) after the Air Force announced Scott was selected as a finalist for the role. The KC-46A aircraft is the first phase in modernizing the U.S. Air Force's aging tanker fleet and selecting Scott would protect the 347 ANG positions currently overseeing the KC-135 aircrafts while adding 94 new ANG positions to support the incoming KC-46A’s— overall expanding the Metro East’s local economy as well as helping to ensure the continued success of the Base. “Scott Air Force Base (AFB) is an important driver of our state’s economy, a key piece to our country’s national security and a critical support network for the individuals who serve, along with their families,” Duckworth

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TROY - The Gateway CEO program offers entrepreneurial opportunities to high schoolers in the Collinsville, Triad, Maryville and Highland communities. At a recent festival celebrating the 40th anniversary of the Troy/Maryville/St. Jacob/Marine Chamber of Commerce, Lisa Colon spoke about the benefits of the CEO program and how it prepares students to succeed in high school and beyond. Colon, the facilitator of Gateway CEO, noted her excitement to see the program thriving. “We’re a CEO family,” she said. “It’s an amazing program to watch grow. We made it through COVID and stabilized and we’ve just continued to grow, and it’s really exciting.” Colon explained that there are two tracks in the CEO program. On the “doing business” track, students brainstorm and collaborate to create their own businesses. They also organize a major fundraising event, which will be announced soon, Colon teased. On the learning side of

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