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Did you know that gathering around a fire strengthens social bonds more profoundly than many other group activities? Anthropological studies suggest that firelight creates an intimate environment that encourages storytelling, laughter, and a deep sense of connection among participants. Hosting a bonfire, then, is not just about warmth or ambiance—it’s an opportunity to cultivate meaningful moments that linger long after the flames have died down. If you’re planning to host an autumn bonfire, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere requires thoughtful preparation and attention to detail. From safety considerations to comfort and entertainment, this guide will help you orchestrate an unforgettable evening where guests feel both relaxed and engaged. Selecting the Perfect Location and Setup The foundation of any successful bonfire is its location. Safety and accessibility should be your top priorities. Ensure the site is clear of overhanging branches, dry leaves, o

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Did you know that the global candle market is expected to reach over $13 billion by 2027? A significant portion of this demand comes from consumers seeking unique, personalized scents that enhance their living spaces. Among these, fall-scented candles hold a special place, evoking warmth and comfort through carefully blended aromas. Instead of purchasing mass-produced options, making your own fall-scented candles allows you to customize fragrances to your preference, control ingredients, and engage in a rewarding creative process. Understanding the Appeal of Fall Scents Fall scents often combine notes that evoke the essence of harvest, spice, and woodsy undertones. Popular aromas include cinnamon, clove, pumpkin, vanilla, apple, and cedarwood. These fragrances do more than just smell pleasant; they can influence mood by creating a sense of familiarity and relaxation. Studies in aromatherapy suggest that certain scents, such as cinnamon and vanilla, can reduce stress and improve cognitive

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Did you know that leaves can retain their brilliant colors for months when preserved correctly, allowing you to enjoy nature’s artistry long after they’ve fallen? While the fleeting beauty of autumn leaves is often admired outdoors, the ability to immortalize these vibrant hues can transform simple foliage into lasting home décor, craft projects, or even gifts. Preserving fall leaves is both an art and a science, combining careful selection, proper techniques, and a bit of patience. Understanding Why Leaves Change Color Before diving into preservation, it’s useful to understand what makes fall foliage so captivating. Leaves turn shades of red, orange, yellow, and purple due to the breakdown of chlorophyll, revealing underlying pigments like carotenoids and anthocyanins. These pigments, however, are delicate and prone to fading and curling once the leaf detaches from the tree. Preservation methods aim to maintain the leaf’s shape, color, and texture,

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October 20 is a date that has witnessed a variety of significant historical events across the globe. Looking back, October 20 has been a date of many significant historical moments. In 1803, the United States Senate ratified the Louisiana Purchase treaty, doubling the size of the young nation and setting the stage for westward expansion. This acquisition from France added approximately 828,000 square miles of territory, dramatically reshaping the geopolitical landscape of North America and influencing the cultural and economic trajectory of the country. Fast forward to 1944, during World War II, the Battle of Leyte Gulf began in the Philippines. This battle is considered one of the largest naval battles in history and was a decisive victory for the Allied forces. It effectively crippled the Japanese Navy and paved the way for the liberation of the Philippines from Japanese occupation. The battle’s scale and strategic importance had a lasting impact on the Pacific theater and

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WOOD RIVER – The Wood River Business Alliance is excited to announce the annual Downtown Trick or Treat, happening Wednesday, October 22 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. along Ferguson Avenue in Downtown Wood River. This year’s event brings an exciting update — for the first time, Ferguson Avenue will be closed to vehicle traffic during the event hours to ensure a safe, family-friendly experience for all attendees. Children and families are invited to stroll through downtown, visit participating businesses, and enjoy a fun-filled evening of costumes, candy, and community spirit. In addition to downtown storefronts, businesses from throughout Wood River have been invited to join in the fun, making this year’s event the biggest and most collaborative yet. Participants will be set up along Ferguson Avenue, creating a festive and welcoming atmosphere that truly captures the spirit of the season. “When we all work together, we make Wood River a better place for everyone,”

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ST. LOUIS - A family’s newly renovated home was destroyed by an uncontrollable fire this week, leaving Dan and Mary Velasquez and their three young children — Elena, 3 months; Luca, 1½; and Axel, 3 — without a place to live. The fire spread from the basement, and thankfully, while the home and belongings were lost, the family escaped unharmed, thanks to Mary's quick actions in saving the children. The Pattonville Fire Department arrived within 10 minutes and fought the fire valiantly until it was out, the family reported. Adrian Octavius Walker, an artist and community builder originally from St. Louis and now residing in Chicago, is advocating on behalf of the Velasquez family with a GoFundMe for them. “Family, connection, and care are at the heart of everything I do,” Walker said in a statement. He emphasized the community’s role in helping the family recover, calling for donations to assist in rebuilding their home. The children’s

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GRAND FORKS, N.D. - More than 500 students graduated from the University of North Dakota (UND) during the school's 104th Summer Commencement ceremony on Aug. 8, 2025 at the Chester Fritz Performing Arts Center, in the heart of campus. The UND summer commencement keynote address was delivered by Ryan Zerr, professor and chair of the UND Department of Mathematics & Statistics in the College of Arts & Sciences. Zerr also serves as an associate vice president for Strategy & Implementation at UND. Zerr is a two-time graduate of UND, earning a B.S. in Meteorological Studies and an M.S. in Mathematics in 1996 and 1998. It is a tradition at UND for an esteemed member of the UND faculty to deliver the summer commencement address. HOMETOWN, STATE; NAME, DEGREE, MAJOR(S), HONORS (if listed) Area Grads Brighton, IL Colten Campbell, Bachelor of Business Administration, Airport Management Granite City, IL Nesreen Jaber, Doctor of Philosophy, Counseling Psychology About The University

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GRANITE CITY – Granite City Police have charged three local residents with theft, including one man accused of stealing copper items from Wieland Recycling. Justin E. Ray, 42, of Granite City, was charged on Oct. 16, 2025 with a Class 3 felony count of theft. On Sept. 21, 2025, Ray allegedly stole multiple spools of copper wire, compressed copper pucks, and a copper coil condenser from Wieland Recycling in Granite City. The stolen items had a combined value of over $500. In a separate case, Jennifer D. Hilmes, 60, also of Granite City, was charged with a Class 3 felony count of theft on Oct. 14, 2025. From Aug. 23 to 25, 2025, Hilmes allegedly stole 10 silver bullion U.S. model coins and U.S. Silver Eagle coins, having a combined value of over $500, from an individual victim. In another unrelated case, Amanda J. Bess, 30, of Worden, was charged with two counts of theft, including one Class 3 felony and one Class 4 felony. Bess reportedly stole a Stihl DR600 leaf blower

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SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Natural Resources will host a public lottery drawing for the allocation of trapping permits for Copperhead Hollow State Fish and Wildlife Area, Mississippi River State Fish and Wildlife Area, and Pere Marquette State Park on Wednesday, Oct. 29. The drawing will take place at the Mississippi River Area site office located at 17836 State Highway 100 North in Grafton. Registration will begin at 11 a.m., and drawings will be conducted at 11:30 a.m. Each area will have permits available. One trapper and one helper may be listed on a permit. Each person entering the drawing must have a valid 2024 or 2025 Illinois trapping license in their possession. Anyone wishing to draw must be present at the time of the drawing. As a reminder, anyone who has not had an Illinois trapping license in the past three years must complete the Illinois trapper education course. Mississippi River Area does not have the ability to sell licenses at the time

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BELLEVILLE - The St. Clair County Transit District (SCCTD), in conjunction with Citizens for Modern Transit (CMT), commissioned a six-month Economic Impact of St. Clair County Transit District study to help quantify the impact public transit has on the economic viability of the local community. The newly released report reveals that SCCTD’s operations have a direct economic impact of $129.5 million each year in St. Clair County, Ill. This and other key findings highlight how the benefits of public transit extend beyond the ride, making it imperative that continued investment is made by the elected officials in Illinois. The study was conducted by Robert M. Lewis, FAICP, CEcD. He is an independent consultant and assistant professor of Urban Planning & Development at Saint Louis University. SCCTD is a relatively small enterprise that employs eight people. Yet, it contracts with Bi-State Development and its Metro Transit enterprise to provide public transportation services

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October 18 and 19 have been dates marked by a fascinating array of events that have shaped history across the globe. Going back, October 18, 1867, saw the formal transfer of Alaska from Russia to the United States. Known as Alaska Day, this event marked the official handover of the vast territory, purchased by the U.S. for $7.2 million in what was initially referred to as “Seward’s Folly.” Today, Alaska stands as a vital part of the United States, rich in natural resources and cultural heritage, its acquisition reflecting the strategic foresight of expanding American influence in the Pacific Northwest. In 1931, the first professional rugby league match was played in France, marking the spread of the sport beyond its English origins. This event helped popularize rugby league in Europe, contributing to the rich sporting culture that thrives there today. Additionally, October 18 is the birthday of several notable figures who have made significant contributions to arts

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CHICAGO – Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul today joined a multistate lawsuit against the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin for illegally ending a $7 billion program to bring solar energy to more than 900,000 households in low-income and disadvantaged communities across the country. Congress created the Solar for All program in 2022 to offer grants for solar projects in low-income and disadvantaged areas, including a $156 million grant to Illinois. The EPA abruptly and unlawfully terminated the program two months ago and clawed back most of the money already awarded. In Illinois alone, those funds would have helped an estimated 4,000 to 5,300 low-income households each save thousands of dollars by switching to clean energy. “The Solar for All program reduces energy costs and pollution by bringing renewable power to low-income consumers, in Illinois and across the country,” Raoul said. “I remain committed to fighting

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CHICAGO – The Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) has been nationally recognized for its transformative approach in tackling some of the state’s toughest housing challenges: affordable homeownership and homelessness prevention. At the 2025 National Council of State Housing Agencies (NCSHA) Annual Conference, IHDA received two Annual Awards for Program Excellence: Homeownership: Empowering New Buyers with IHDA’s Access Plus Financing Initiative. Special Needs Housing: Combatting Homelessness with IHDA’s Court-Based Rental Assistance Program (CBRAP). “Here in Illinois, we’re focused on creating new, innovative pathways to affordable and accessible housing — and I’m proud that IHDA has been recognized as a national leader in that effort,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Whether it’s helping our working families achieve their dreams of homeownership or providing lifeline rental assistance to Illinoisans who nee

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BETHALTO - Morton claimed the championship title at the Civic Memorial Fall Classic Varsity Volleyball Tournament held this weekend in Bethalto. The Morton team secured the top spot by defeating Carrollton in the final match with set scores of 25-18 and 25-17. The tournament featured eight teams competing on Saturday, with Morton, Carrollton, Carlinville, Civic Memorial, Jacksonville, Roxana, Metro East Lutheran (MELHS), and Litchfield participating. Carrollton finished second, while Carlinville took third place after beating Civic Memorial 25-19, 25-17. In the fifth-place match, Jacksonville defeated Roxana 25-18, 25-16. Metro East Lutheran secured seventh place by overcoming Litchfield 25-13, 25-16. The all-tournament team included standout players from various schools: Emalee Pool from Jacksonville; Landry Robeen and Alexis Martin from Carrollton; Madeline Murphy from Carlinville; Rebekah Stock and Abby Van Meenen from Morton; Daisy Daugherty from Roxana; and Jailyn Hunt from

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SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board (ILETSB) today announced the opening of the application period for the Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) Law Enforcement Camera Grant. This grant provides over $56 million in state funding available to equip police agencies across Illinois with essential video technology. This program is crucial for assisting local agencies in meeting accountability and transparency goals while providing officers with modern tools for evidence collection and training. Individual awards through this opportunity can be up to $3 million. The Law Enforcement Camera Grant program is designed to support comprehensive implementation and ongoing use of law enforcement video systems. Funds may be used for: Officer-worn body cameras s and associated technology In-car video cameras for law enforcement vehicles Data storage and licensing costs directly related to officer-worn cameras Training for law enforcement personnel on the proper

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EDWARDSVILLE – “They cleaned my teeth really good, and now they feel a lot better,” said eight-year-old Kazan Mohammad who visited Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine (SIU SDM) during Give Kids A Smile (GKAS), a day of free comprehensive dental care for children aged three to 13. This day of care, which involved all D1 through D4 students, many graduate students, alumni, dental and biomedical faculty, is in its 20th year. The total value of treatment: $89,352. “We’ve been calling around for almost two years trying to find a dentist for him. A lot of places have really long waiting lists, or they’re not taking new patients,” said Kazan’s father, Eddie Mohammad. “A few clinics we tried even closed down. When we saw the flyer from his school about this event, we signed up right away.” “We really are grateful for the opportunity to take time to reach out to our community and provide these dental services,

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MOZIER - On July 22nd 2025, at approximately 2:55 PM, Deputies with the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office conducted a traffic stop on Illinois Highway 96 near Fox Creek, in Mozier, Calhoun County, Illinois for the offense of Speeding and Suspended License Plates. During the traffic stop, suspected illegal substances and contraband were located in the vehicle and submitted to the Illinois State Police crime lab for analysis. On September 26th 2025, a passenger, Heather C Rodhouse, aged 44, of Jerseyville, Illinois, was charged for the offense of Unlawful Possession of Methamphetamine (Less than 5 Grams). On the date of the incident, Rodhouse was arrested without incident and transported to the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office, where she was released with a Notice to Appear at the Calhoun County Courthouse; as is required under House Bill 3653, also known as the SAFE-T Act. All suspects are innocent until proven guilty.

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JERSEYVILLE - Members of Jersey Community Unit School District No. 100’s high school choir and band earned selections to the Illinois Music Educators Association District IV ensembles, marking a record year for the school’s music program. A total of 19 students from the high school were named to the ILMEA District IV Band and Jazz Band for Jersey Community High School. This represents the highest number of students the school has chosen in a single year. The band members selected include Harmony Jantzen (junior band/alto sax), Lana West (junior band/trumpet), Carter Butler (senior band and jazz/alto sax), Jayden Greham (senior band/trumpet), Islee Hileman (senior band/jazz/trombone), Payton Mooney (senior band/flute), Abigail Wedig (senior band/clarinet, jazz II/piano), Cooper Gillis (jazz band III/guitar), Sophie Hetzel (jazz band III/piano), Jack Trexler (jazz band III/vibes), Benjamin Westfall (jazz band I/trombone), Hayden Longley (jazz band II/drum set), Myles McDuffie

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HARDIN - On August 10th 2025, at approximately 9:37 PM, Deputies with the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office conducted a traffic stop on Park St., near the Joe Page Bridge in Hardin, Calhoun County, Illinois. During the traffic stop, suspected illegal substances and contraband were located in the vehicle and submitted to the Illinois State Police crime lab for analysis. On September 26th 2025, the Calhoun County State’s Attorney’s Office issued criminal charges against the following suspects: The driver, Chelsi N. Griffin, aged 37, of St. Louis, Missouri, was arrested for the following offenses: Unlawful Possession of Controlled Substance (Crack Cocaine), Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. A passenger, John D. Baker, aged 60, of St. Louis, Missouri, was also arrested for the following offenses: Unlawful Possession of Controlled Substance (Crack Cocaine), Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. On the date of the incident, Griffin and Bake

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MARYVILLE – Eva Baumann, RN, of Anderson Hospital was recently honored with The DAISY Award® For Extraordinary Nurses. The award is part of the DAISY Foundation's programs to recognize the super-human efforts nurses perform every day. The nomination submitted read: “When Eva walked into my husbands room she asked all the same questions that every nurse asks but she heard the anxiety in my husband's voice. She talked to him about how important it was for him to have an MRI. He becomes so very claustrophobic in a closed MRI machine that he was telling Eva that I could drive him to Mercy South because they have an open MRI machine. Eva went along with him and let him know that that was an option but that time was an essence. He needed it done asap. She explained how drugs such as Valium could help to relax him. And, he agreed to try. Thank God she did. We found out that Ray did have a stroke. "When we found out the results, Eva pointed out all the positives in the report.

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