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While some of the options like surgery and medication may raise parents’ eyebrows, experts are making a few things clear. Obesity can lead to serious health issues like heart disease, asthma and diabetes. But it is treatable, and each family should talk to a health care provider about what course is best. The AAP says waiting and hoping things get better is not a good choice. The guidelines fall back on the proven methods of diet and exercise. But other suggestions include: In-person, family-based behavioral health treatment over a three-to-12 month period For children 12 and up, physicians should consider prescribing weight loss medication. For children 13 and up with severe obesity, providers should consider recommending weight loss surgery. Carly Zimmer is a registered dietician-nutritionist at OSF HealthCare in Pontiac, Illinois . She says it’s not easy for kids to eat right and exercise. Less healthy foods are more easily accessible, portions have gone up and

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Letter To The Editor: In defense of the County Board's Resolution celebrating the life of Charlie Kirk. I am writing in response to the statement recently made by the NAACP Alton Branch President Leon Smallwood. I will also address his attacks on the Madison County Board. The purpose of this letter is to bring unity to all the communities in Madison County. Mr. Smallwood's comment about Charlie Kirk building his Platform on belittling the African American Community is completely false. I am not sure if Mr. Smallwood did not watch the videos at all or took little pieces out of context. Charlie Kirk often talked about strengthening the Black Community through improving education and family. He stated that many African Americans go to failing schools in our country's major cities. Charlie argued that they should be able to pick their schools instead of being forced into failing ones. Charlie Kirk also talked about how he thought the number of abortions in the African American Community

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Letter To The Editor: The Madison County Board voted to honor Charlie Kirk with a day of remembrance. A few letters spoke out against it. I appreciate them airing their views. Isn't freedom of speech great! We can still be friends even though we disagree. I have a different opinion on the Madison County vote. To be sure, diversity is an important issue - a very important one. But the issue of diversity is not the only serious issue to be concerned about. Freedom of speech, foreign policy, and the economy are others. Even though Charlie made some controversial statements, which I do not completely agree with, he was much more than that. He saw how the liberal ideology was so dominant in universities that it suppressed free speech from conservatives. Overall, Charlie Kirk was a powerful force for good. That is why I agree with the board's decision to honor him. Charlie championed free speech. Charlie Kirk was assassinated by a man who hated Kirk for political reasons. He was driven

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ALTON - The Alton Police Department has named Detective Jacob Stewart as its Officer of the Month for June 2025 in recognition of his role in a complex armed robbery and assault investigation. On June 8, 2025, at the Oakwood Estates Housing Complex, Detective Stewart demonstrated leadership and investigative skill by quickly identifying multiple suspects involved in the incident. His efforts included conducting critical interviews in Springfield and collaborating with fellow detectives and the U.S. Marshals Service. This teamwork led to felony charges against four individuals. Additionally, Detective Stewart helped coordinate tactical warrant operations that resulted in the arrest of the four offenders and the recovery of six firearms. The department highlighted his professionalism, initiative, and commitment to public safety as qualities that exemplify the best of the Alton Police Department. Detective Stewart’s work has been formally recognized as a significant contribution

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TROY, Ill. — The Troy Police Department welcomed a new officer and recognized a community partner during a recent ceremony. The department recently held a swearing-in ceremony for Officer T.J. Wilson, who recently graduated from the police academy and has begun his field training. Members of the Troy Police Department expressed pride in welcoming Wilson to the team. During the event, the department also presented an award to CIT Trucking in appreciation of the company’s ongoing support of local initiatives. CIT Trucking has contributed to community events such as the Special Olympics and the department’s annual golf tournament. The Troy Police Department acknowledged CIT Trucking’s generosity and commitment, highlighting the importance of partnerships between law enforcement and the community.

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FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS — Fairview Heights police responded early Sunday morning, Oct. 12, 2025, to a reported domestic disturbance near the 100 block of Union Hill, where a gunshot was fired, but no injuries were reported. Officers arrived at the scene following a call about the domestic situation and the discharge of a firearm. One individual was taken into custody in connection with the incident. Authorities confirmed that although a firearm was used during the disturbance, no one was hit by a bullet. The investigation into the event remains ongoing.

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O'FALLON, Ill. — The O'Fallon Police Department will host its annual Night to Unite event on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the O'Fallon Community Park. The event is designed to foster positive interactions between community members and local law enforcement. The event is free to attend and will feature complimentary food, goodie bags for children, and raffles with prizes including bicycles and pizza. Attendees will also have the opportunity to view police, fire, and EMS vehicles on display. Night to Unite serves as an annual occasion for residents to engage with the O'Fallon Police Department and strengthen community relations.

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ST. LOUIS COUNTY - St. Louis County Police Department Bureau of Crimes Against Persons and Accident Reconstruction detectives are investigating a pedestrian fatally struck in the 11900 block of Lusher Road, which resulted in the death of an adult male. At 1:31 a.m. on Sunday, Oct. 12, 2025, St. Louis County Police officers from the North County Precinct responded to a call for service for a motor vehicle crash in the 11900 block of Lusher Road near Victorian Village Drive. Upon arrival, officers located an adult male who had been struck by a vehicle. The deceased has been identified as Gregory Peete, 31 years of age, of the 7700 block of Contour Drive, Normandy, MO 63121. St. Louis County Police said the male was transported to an area hospital for treatment, but succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased. Preliminary investigation revealed the male was in the roadway when he was struck by a motor vehicle. The driver of the striking vehicle remained on the scene and

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ALTON - Community members who want to know more about Medicare and the annual enrollment period are encouraged to attend an upcoming seminar by Medicare Insurance Techs. From 6–7 p.m. on Oct. 23, Nov. 13, Nov. 27, and Dec. 4, 2025, you can stop by Suite 511 in the RiverBender.com Building for a presentation by Jamie Goble. Goble will talk about the “tons of changes” she has seen in insurance plans this year, and she will be available for one-on-one meetings with people who want to know more about their eligibility. “Sometimes they just have to give the plan a trial run. If they don’t like it, then I can come back and they can try something else,” Goble explained. “But I’m always there to answer the phone if they have any questions about if a claim doesn't go through. Or, if they need help getting their medications and they don’t qualify for extra help, we can always call the carrier and get them on a plan so they can

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Patrons are in for a quacking good time when they visit Hayner Library at Alton Square Mall during the month of October! In addition to checking out a bestseller, attending one of the library’s many programs, or picking up an item from the Library of Things (such as a stand mixer, card table and chairs, or tool kit, among dozens of other unique things), patrons can vote for their favorite decorated rubber duck! In September, the library invited teens to stop by and pick up a rubber duck, decorate it, and return it to the library for a “duck costume contest” to be held this month. The decorated ducks are now on display in the library’s TeenSpace section. Patrons can visit Hayner Library at Alton Square Mall from now until October 31 and vote for their favorite decorated duck. The first-place winner of the contest will take home an LED duck wall light, the second-place winner will receive a duck-themed blanket, and the third-place winner will earn a pair

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EDWARDSVILLE – The Third Judicial Circuit of Madison County is proud to announce the return of the Honorable Sarah D. Smith, Circuit Judge, following her two-week mobilization to serve in a senior leadership role during Bright Star 2025, one of the largest multinational military exercises in the world. The exercise, held in Egypt, concluded in mid-September and brought together over a dozen allied nations for high-level joint training operations. Judge Smith, a presiding circuit judge in Madison County and a long-serving officer in the Illinois Army National Guard (ILARNG), was recently appointed as the ILARNGs G7 – Plans and Exercises Officer, where she is responsible for leading and integrating long-range planning and operational design. Bright Star 2025 marked her first mission in this new strategic role, following her prior service as the State Judge Advocate. During the exercise, Judge Smith served as Chief of Staff for the exercise’s Higher Command (HICON),

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CHICAGO – Attorney General Kwame Raoul today joined a coalition of 21 other attorneys general in issuing a statement condemning the Trump administration’s retaliatory prosecution of New York Attorney General Letitia James. “We resoundingly denounce the Trump administration’s retaliatory prosecution of our colleague, New York Attorney General Letitia James. “Since a New York State judge found Donald Trump liable for years of business fraud and illegal dealings in a case led by Attorney General James, Mr. Trump has repeatedly broadcast his desire to arrest and prosecute her. Mr. Trump has now done just that – demanding an indictment of Attorney General James even though the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia Erik Siebert resigned rather than seeking an indictment. “None of us, whether our states’ top legal officials or members of the public, should stand idly by while justice is upended and this president uses the criminal

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SPRINGFIELD — To honor the courage, dedication, and sacrifices of Illinois veterans, State Senator Erica Harriss is encouraging residents to share photos and stories of their loved ones who served in the United States Armed Forces. These submissions will be featured in the “Honoring All Who Served” Veterans Day Display in the Illinois State Capitol Rotunda from October 28 through November 13. “Veterans Day is a time to reflect on the bravery and sacrifices of those who have defended our freedoms,” said Senator Harriss. “This display is a meaningful way to keep their legacies alive and ensure we never forget the faces and stories of these heroes who have shaped our nation.” Families are encouraged to submit a photo (military photos preferred but not required) along with a written story of no more than 250 words. Submissions should also include the veteran’s name, military branch (Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, National Guard,

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SPRINGFIELD, IL – The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (Illinois EPA) and the Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) have announced $67 million in funding to offer cost-share/financial incentives to producers and landowners who will implement no-till or strip-till starting in the fall of 2025. The intent of the program is to promote the implementation of no-till and strip-till via the Partners for Conservation (PFC) Program and the State of Illinois Priority Climate Action Plan. “No-till and strip till practices improve soil health, reduce erosion and runoff, and lower long-term input costs,” said IDOA Director Jerry Costello II. “We appreciate the state and federal partnerships that bring grant funding to encourage conservation of Illinois’ fertile farmland.” Pre-enrollment and applications are available online. Visit the IDOA website at agr.illinois.gov/ and select the CPRG Climate Smart Agriculture Program link on the home page. Pre-Enro

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CHICAGO – Attorney General Kwame Raoul issued the following statement after the 7th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals denied the portion of the Trump administration’s emergency motion, filed last night, seeking an immediate administrative stay to halt the temporary restraining order granted Thursday by the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois. “The court's order today keeps the troops off the streets of Chicago, Broadview or any other community in Illinois. This is a victory for our state. This is a victory for state and local law enforcement — who know their communities and who protect the right of their communities to speak truth to power.”

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SAINT LOUIS - City Museum promises fun year-round, but this October, they have special “Fright at the Museum” promotions, decorations and performances. Located at 750 N. 16th Street in St. Louis, City Museum is an architectural playground for people of all ages to explore. Each floor is decorated, and there are special experiences planned throughout the month of October. Katy Enrique, who works at the museum, noted that they are excited to share the “oddities and curiosities” of Halloween with their guests. “It focuses more on that oddities and curiosities side of Halloween versus the jump scares and gore and screaming and running and chainsaws,” she said. “It’s all going to be decked out in that Halloween decor.” The Fright at the Museum fun runs from Oct. 1–26, 2025, with a focus on weekends. In addition to the decorations — think vampire-themed bars and skeletons tucked into corners — the museum’s

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EAST ALTON — The East Alton First United Methodist Church hosted its annual trunk-or-treat event Sunday evening, Oct. 12, 2025, welcoming 431 children, an increase from last year’s attendance. Located at 1001 3rd Street in East Alton, the church has been organizing the Halloween-themed event for 15 years, long before trunk-or-treats became widely popular. Angela Sarandis, a representative of the church, said the event draws hundreds of participants annually. “We’re tried to beat the rush this year,” Sarandis said. “We love doing things for the community. With us being right across the street from the school, we have to do fun things, and this is one of our fun things.” This year’s event featured 10 to 12 decorated cars where children collected treats. At the conclusion of the trunk-or-treat, participants received cookies and had the opportunity to take photos in a designated area. A haunted inflatable maze was also available and proved

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EDWARDSVILLE — Tim Earley, a longtime employee of the Stagger Inn and a well-known figure in the Edwardsville community, lost all of his belongings in a recent apartment fire. In response, Teri Maddox of Edwardsville has organized a GoFundMe campaign to help Earley recover and rebuild his life. Earley, recognized for decades of service delivering food and drinks and supporting local fundraisers, now faces the challenge of starting over after the devastating fire. Maddox said Earley was initially hesitant about the crowdfunding effort but ultimately agreed to the campaign to ease some of the immediate burdens. The fundraiser is available online for those interested in contributing to Earley’s recovery from the tragedy. Maddox encourages community members to support one of Edwardsville’s most familiar residents as he navigates the weeks ahead. Click here for the GoFundMe.

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Did you know that nearly 40% of a household’s energy consumption during colder months goes toward heating? This staggering figure underscores the importance of having a well-prepared home—not only to stay comfortable but also to manage energy costs effectively. Preparing your home for colder weather isn’t just about adding blankets or turning up the thermostat; it involves strategic steps to enhance insulation, protect your infrastructure, and maintain indoor air quality. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you optimize your living space for the colder months ahead. Inspect and Upgrade Insulation One of the most critical factors in maintaining warmth and energy efficiency is proper insulation. Heat loss through poorly insulated walls, attics, floors, and windows can significantly drive up heating bills. Why it matters: According to the U.S. Department of Energy, homeowners can save an average of 15% on heating and cooling costs by properly insulating their

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Did you know that engaging children in hands-on creative activities can significantly enhance their cognitive development and emotional well-being? Crafting with natural materials not only sparks imagination but also fosters a deeper connection with the environment. When kids use leaves, acorns, pinecones, and other organic objects in their creations, they learn to observe textures, colors, and forms in new ways. This article explores practical methods to make fall crafts with children using materials found in nature, transforming a simple walk into an opportunity for artistic discovery. Gathering Natural Materials: The First Step in Creativity Before diving into crafting, the collection of materials is an essential and educational phase. Taking children on a nature walk to gather items encourages observation skills and a sense of stewardship toward the environment. Leaves in various shapes and hues, twigs, seeds, bark pieces, pinecones, and even stones can all serve as raw materials

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