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As the calendar year draws to a close, many individuals and organizations begin to reflect on the past and look forward to what the New Year will bring. Preparing for the New Year isn't just about setting resolutions; it's an opportunity to evaluate where you stand, to plan for future goals, and to create a framework for success. In this article, we will explore effective strategies for preparing for the New Year, from personal reflections and goal setting to practical organizational steps. Reflect on the Past Year Before you can effectively plan for the New Year, it's essential to take stock of the year that has just passed. Reflecting on your experiences can provide valuable insights into your strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement. Journaling : Take some time to write about your experiences over the past year. What were your biggest achievements? What challenges did you face? Journaling can help you identify patterns in your behavior and decision-making processes.

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As the winter months roll in, the air becomes crisp, and the days grow shorter, there's nothing quite like indulging in a warm, comforting dessert. Winter desserts not only cater to our sweet cravings but also evoke feelings of nostalgia and warmth, making them a perfect treat for gatherings, holidays, or cozy nights in. This year, let’s explore some of the best winter desserts that are sure to delight your taste buds and bring joy to your palate. Classic Winter Favorites 1. Gingerbread Cookies Gingerbread cookies are a quintessential winter delight. Infused with spices like ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg, these cookies embody the essence of the season. They are not only delicious but also versatile; you can decorate them with royal icing, create festive shapes, or even make a gingerbread house for a fun family activity. Tip: For extra flavor, consider adding a touch of molasses to your dough. It enhances the depth of flavor and gives the cookies a beautiful color. 2. Chocola

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December 30th has witnessed a plethora of significant events throughout history, shaping the world in various ways. One of the most impactful events in history occurred on December 30, 1922, when the Soviet Union was officially established. This marked the beginning of a new political era in Russia and had far-reaching consequences for the global landscape. Following the Russian Revolution of 1917, the Bolsheviks, led by Vladimir Lenin, sought to create a socialist state. The formation of the Soviet Union united several republics under a single government, fundamentally altering the geopolitical dynamics of the 20th century. Over the next several decades, the Soviet Union would become a superpower, influencing global politics, economics, and culture. In 1953, on December 30th, another historical milestone occurred with the discovery of the structure of DNA by James Watson and Francis Crick. Their groundbreaking work unveiled the double helix structure of DNA, laying the foundation

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GRANITE CITY - Thirty students from Ms. Hutchings’ Computer Concepts and Advanced Computer Concepts classes at Granite City High School have earned certifications in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. This achievement was announced recently as part of the school’s initiative to enhance students' proficiency in essential digital skills. Among the certified students, 20 achieved the title of Microsoft Office Associate Specialists by successfully completing certifications in all three applications. One student advanced further, attaining the status of Word Expert, while a record three students earned expert-level certifications in both Word and Excel, thus becoming Microsoft Office Expert Specialists. The certification scores were submitted to Microsoft as part of a contest, with winners to be announced at a later date. Proficiency in Microsoft applications is increasingly vital, as the Office suite remains the industry standard for productivity tools across variou

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BETHALTO - Ten young women from the Civic Memorial volleyball program are being recognized for their exceptional achievements both on and off the court. This group, consisting of Kylee Jenkins, Marissa Perez, Alora Kincade, Aubrey Falk, Meredith Brueckner, Brea Farrell, Aubrey Boyles, Megan Griffith, Isabella Thien, and Lauren Hardy, has made a significant impact on their school community. The girls are Tom Lane State Farm Insurance Male Athletes Of The Month. The team, which has demonstrated outstanding athleticism and academic excellence, is noted for its membership in the National Honor Society. Their dedication to hard work and leadership has not gone unnoticed, as they have strived to create a positive culture within the volleyball program. In a recent statement, Coach Kristie Ochs, the CM girls' volleyball program head coach, praised the group for their commitment to rejuvenating the team's culture. "What a special group of young women successful in so many ways," the representative

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GRAFTON - As 2025 approaches, Grafton Mayor Mike Morrow is reflecting on 2024 and looking ahead at the year to come. Morrow shared that it’s been a busy but exciting year in Grafton as new businesses open up, including the Grafton Art Gallery. The city is also preparing for the construction of the National Memorial of Military Ascent, a project started by Morrow. He hopes to see many people come out to enjoy Grafton and the people who make up the city in 2025. “Grafton has had a fantastic year,” he said. “It’s just a great destination and we’ve had a lot of great events.” Morrow pointed to the opening of the Grafton Art Gallery as one example of the city’s expansion. He said that the gallery has brought in the art community, and he thanked Jackie Duty and Gene and Donna Smith for their work to make the gallery possible. He also noted that there are several new businesses in Grafton, including retail stores. He thanked the entrepreneurs,

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COLLINSVILLE - The Illinois State Police are investigating an officer-involved shooting that occurred on Monday, Dec. 23, 2024, in Collinsville, following a series of events that began with a residential burglary report. The Madison County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) and the Collinsville Police Department (CPD) requested the investigation after the incident unfolded in the 9000 block of Rene Avenue. At approximately 8:22 p.m., MCSO responded to a report of a burglary in unincorporated Pontoon Beach. Upon arrival, officers found that the suspects had already fled the scene. Shortly thereafter, CPD located a vehicle believed to be connected to the suspects and attempted a traffic stop; however, the vehicle fled again. The situation escalated when CPD later discovered the crashed suspect vehicle, which was unoccupied. Officers from MCSO and CPD established a perimeter in the area and subsequently located one of the suspects walking on Rene Avenue with a firearm in hand. According t

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COLLINSVILLE – The Collinsville Community Unit School District #10 Kahok Hall of Fame announced the 2025 class of inductees during a ceremony at the Collinsville Prairie Farms Holiday Classic Basketball Tournament in Fletcher Gymnasium at Collinsville High School. The Hall of Fame was established in May 2022 “to recognize athletic and personal accomplishments, exemplary citizenship, contributions to society and actions that brought distinction and honor to all associated with Collinsville Community Unit School District #10.” The 2025 group is the third to be enshrined in the Kahok Hall of Fame. Thirty-five individuals and teams have earned a place in the Hall of Fame since the first ceremony in February 2023. Beginning in June 2024, nominations for the 2025 class of inductees were solicited from the public. In September, members of the Hall of Fame Selection Committee - four from the school district and seven representing the community at large - chose this year’s

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WATERLOO HOLIDAY TOURNAMENT MARQUETTE CATHOLIC 63, RED BUD 28: In the third-place game of the Waterloo Holiday Tournament, Marquette jumped out to a big early lead, and never looked back in taking the win over Red Bud. Allie Weiner led the Explorers with 19 points, while Delaney Ortman had nine points, Laila Davis scored five points, Jami Jones had four points, Kel'c Robinson came up with three points, Kaylyn St. Peters had two points, and Izzy Hough hit for a single point. The girls went 3-1 at the tournament with victories over Columbia, Marissa, and their 43-28 win today vs Red Bed. Kel’c Robinson was named to the All-Tournament team. The Explorers have now won 6 of their last 7 games and move to 9-6 on the season. The Musketeers slip to 12-6. The 2024-2025 varsity roster for the local high school girls' basketball team has a mix of talent and experience among its players. The roster features a total of 14 players, with a blend of forwards, guards, and centers.

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ST. LOUIS COUNTY - St. Louis County Police are investigating a fatal pedestrian accident that occurred late Saturday night, resulting in the death of an adult male. The incident took place at approximately 11:22 p.m. on Dec. 28, 2024, in the 10100 block of Gravois Road, near the intersection with Laclede Station Road. Officers from the Affton Southwest Precinct in St. Louis County responded to a call reporting a person struck by vehicles. Upon arrival, they found the male victim who had been hit by two motor vehicles. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Preliminary investigations indicate that the victim was in the roadway when he was struck. Both drivers involved in the incident remained at the scene and are cooperating with law enforcement. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are urging anyone with information about the incident to contact the St. Louis County Police Department at 636-529-8210. Individuals wishing to remain anonymous or potentially receive a reward

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GLEN CARBON — A two-vehicle accident occurred on the northbound lanes of Illinois Route 159 at Illinois Highway 270 on Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024. The incident took place around 7 p.m. The Glen Carbon Police Department on Monday, Dec. 30, 2024, said there were no serious injuries reported in the crash and both vehicles did sustain damage. Emergency responders from the Glen Carbon Fire Department and Police Department were called to the Route 159 scene. According to reports, law enforcement has noted that a traffic light in the area is not functioning and has requested additional units for traffic control. Authorities are advising motorists to avoid the area while they manage the situation. The cause of the accident remains under investigation, and further updates will be provided as information becomes available.

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GODFREY — A traffic crash involving a bicyclist and a pickup truck on Sunday evening, Dec. 29, 2024, resulted in the death of the cyclist, prompting an ongoing investigation by the Madison County Sheriff's Office. The incident occurred around 6:26 p.m. on Dec. 29, 2024, in the 4100 block of Humbert Road in unincorporated Alton. According to preliminary investigations, a vehicle, described as a blue pickup truck, struck the bicyclist and subsequently fled the scene. The Madison County Sheriff's Office confirmed that the bicyclist was pronounced dead following the collision. Authorities have not released the identity of the victim pending notification of family members. As investigators work at the scene, Humbert Road between Union School Road and Randolph Street has been temporarily closed to traffic. The sheriff's office has stated that further updates will be provided as the investigation develops.

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Welcome to our journey through time as we explore significant historical events that occurred on December 29th throughout the years. A notable event on this day occurred in 1845 when President John Tyler announced the U.S. annexation of Texas. This decision had profound implications for the expansion of the United States and the contentious issue of slavery in the newly acquired territories. The annexation of Texas was a controversial topic that intensified sectional tensions and ultimately led to the Mexican-American War. This conflict not only expanded U.S. territory but also raised questions about the balance of power between free and slave states, shaping the political landscape of the nation for decades to come. Fast forward to 1890, December 29th marked a tragic event in American history known as the Wounded Knee Massacre. The U.S. Army's 7th Cavalry Regiment opened fire on a group of Lakota Sioux at Wounded Knee Creek in South Dakota, resulting in the deaths of hundreds o

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ALTON - The Wellness Center at Senior Services Plus, located at 2603 North Rodgers Avenue in Alton, is excited to announce that it is now accepting new clients for both personal training and personal workout plans. Just in time for new year's resolutions, SSP’s Wellness Center certified personal trainers are ready to provide tailored guidance, motivation, and expert support to help clients reach their health and wellness goals. How do you choose which is best for you? Individuals who are comfortable and confident working out on their own but require guidance getting started will benefit from personalized workout plans. Sherri, an SSP Wellness Center client, was more comfortable with using the machinery after her meeting with Dan, a personal trainer at the wellness center. "Dan showed me how to work the equipment. He made sure I made notes regarding my personal settings and "how to" use.” Personal training is beneficial to those needing one-on-one time with a trainer fo

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GODFREY, — Emergency responders from the Godfrey Fire Department and the Madison County Sheriff’s Department were called to the scene of a fatal incident involving a train and a pedestrian on Saturday morning in the 500 block of Big Arch Road. Madison County dispatch received a call reporting that a train had struck an individual on the tracks. First responders quickly arrived at the location, where they found a male victim who was pronounced deceased at the scene. Due to the challenging terrain of the wooded area, the Godfrey Fire Department utilized their UTV to transport personnel to the site. Alton Memorial Ambulance also responded to the incident, providing additional support. The Madison County Coroner's Office was requested to assist in the investigation. The Madison County Sheriff’s Office, along with the Coroner's Office, is currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident. No further information has been released at this time.

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EAST ALTON - East Alton Parks and Recreation Department will host its second annual Picklin’ for a Cause pickleball tournament to raise money for Honor Flight. On Jan. 18 and 19, 2025, at Keasler Recreation Complex in East Alton, local pickleball players over age 18 can compete in a tournament and enjoy raffles, all for a good cause. Ruby Berghoff, U.S.A. Pickleball Ambassador for Madison County, explained the importance of donating to Honor Flight and enjoying a weekend of pickleball. “We have a range from 18 years of age to 92, and it’s just such an awesome social experience. That’s probably more what pickleball is about than the competitive side, just the friends that you make and the community that we’ve established out there,” she said. On Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025, there will be men’s and women’s doubles, followed by mixed doubles on Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. There are a few spots left in each skill level, from novice to skilled.

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ROXANA - The Roxana Shells Athletic Department recently showcased their wrestling talent at the Mascoutah Tournament, held over the weekend. The team finished fourth overall, marking a significant achievement in their competitive season. Juner Green and Trevor Gihring each celebrated a milestone, securing their 100th career wins during the tournament. Green competed in the 132-pound weight class and earned first place, while Gihring, wrestling in the 157-pound category, finished in fifth place. Other notable performances included Lyndon Thies, who took first place in the 175-pound weight class, and Robert Watt, who secured second place in the 190-pound category. Logan Riggs also contributed to the team's effort, finishing sixth in the 144-pound weight class. The Roxana wrestling squad members are Midwest Members Credit Union Male Athletes of the Month for the Shells. The Shells' strong showing at the Mascoutah Tournament reflects their dedication and skill as they continue

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ALTON - Ahead of the lame-duck session that starts on Jan. 4, 2025, State Representative Amy Elik has a message for her constituents in the 111th District. Elik has a bill she is pushing forward before the new state representatives and senators are inaugurated on Jan. 8, 2025. She is also keeping an eye on the Illinois budget and property taxes that affect Illinois residents. Elik promised her constituents that she will continue advocating for them as the new year approaches. “I am serving my district the best way I can, and I just got reelected, so I think the majority of the voters think that I was doing that well,” she said. “I wish I could say I know exactly what’s going to happen on Jan. 4th through the 7th, but I definitely don’t know and I think it’s still coming together. Sadly, bad things can come along really quickly in Springfield. So we are alert, we are ready to go, we will spend all night if we have to, and we will make sure

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PIASA - Gracie Darr, a standout athlete at Southwestern High School, is making waves this season as a key player in basketball. She was also a volleyball standout, and is predicted to be strong in multiple events in track and field in the spring of 2025. The senior's versatility and leadership have earned her recognition from coaches and teammates alike as she continues to excel in multiple sports. Darr is an Altonized Community Federal Credit Union Female Athlete Of The Month. Darr is not only the sole senior on the girls' basketball team, where she averages 10 points per game, but she also plays a crucial role in fostering team culture. Coach Darren Mosley describes her as “like having a coach on the floor,” noting her ability to score and share the ball effectively with her teammates. In track and field, Darr is a multi-event athlete, participating in the 4x100, 4x200, 4x400 relays, high jump, long jump, and triple jump. Her primary focus, however, is pole vaulting,

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ALTON - Students from Alton Middle School and Alton High School showcased their musical talents at the Illinois Music Education Association (ILMEA) District 6 Festival recently at Belleville West High School. The event brought together passionate music students from across Southern Illinois for a day of learning and collaboration under the guidance of distinguished conductors. The festival featured a variety of performances, including Junior and Senior Chorus, Junior and Senior Bands, and orchestras. Participants included students from both schools, with notable performances in Junior Chorus by Adele Donoho, Aziya Ewing, and Isabel Linley, among others. The Junior Orchestra comprised talented musicians such as Anderson Brooks on violin and Arya Schaper on cello. Frank Lestina, a highly respected conductor, and Yuhm Pham, a well-known orchestra director from the Chicago suburbs, led the Junior and Senior orchestras, respectively. Their expertise was well-received, with students expressin

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