TOWN OF THE

By Mark Ellebracht

veteran of Iraq and recently retired from the U.S. Air Force Reserve. He was laid to rest at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery and Backstoppers is assisting the family.

Speaking of Backstoppers, the organization is now assisting families of first responders in Jersey County. The group recently reached out to the police chief in Jerseyville to see if there was interest and after surveying other chiefs and leaders around the county, there was enough support. Those leaders then formed a board and announced in December it would be part of the greater St. Louis area Backstoppers network that already serves Illinois based police, fire and government supported ambulance workers and EMT’s in Madison, Monroe and St. Clair counties.

The future of the Riverbender Community Center in Alton remains up in the air. The City of Alton was approached in August by volunteer executive director John Hentrich to see if the city would be interested in running the facility. The plan proposed in August would have gifted all of its assets, inventory, furnishings, games, and cash reserves to the city with the understanding the Park and Recreation Department would operate it and provide similar services to the community, but it never got any traction with the city council. Hentrich shared with Big Z Media that he was happy to have support from Mayor David Goins and

Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois recognizes All-Star Entrepreneurs

Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois has wrapped up the annual fall Nut, Candy, and Magazine Program for 2021.

Girls in Southern Illinois sold more than $440,000 in treats and magazines. The top local Scouts include: Alvina Farley of the Alton/Godfrey/Wood River/ Roxana Service Unit, $1,575

Katelynn Norman of the Bethalto Service Unit, $1,783

“I am so impressed with the girls who participated in the Nut, Candy, and Magazine Program this fall,” said Katie Grayling, senior manager of product program. “The excitement they showed during the program is reflected in the results. These girls are truly All Stars.”

Girl Scout Product Programs help girls gain five life skills — goalsetting, decision-making, money management, people skills, and business ethics — to benefit them throughout their lives.

Proceeds from these programs stay local to provide opportunities for girls to explore their interests, become tomorrow’s leaders, and change the world.

Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois serves nearly 5,000 girls and engages over 2,000 adult volunteers in 40 counties in Southern Illinois. Join Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois today! Adult volunteers and girls in K-12 are welcome. 3 (800) 345-6858 customercare@gsofsi.org a few of the aldermen, but disappointed the idea never got any traction from the full council or other leaders in the city. Hentrich says, right now, the plan is to reopen the center in January and serve area students at least once a month through May but beyond that the future is uncertain.

Finally, Big Z Media listeners helped raise a record amount of money to support the Land of Lincoln Honor Flight organization. The annual Pie Auction on Veterans Day raised $11,300 through donations from businesses and individuals, and from bids on pies donated by local restaurants and supporters of the organization. Land of Lincoln Honor Flight serves more than 500 veterans each year on six flights at a cost of nearly $500,000, all raised through contributions. In 2022, they plan to make seven flights starting in April. More than 98 cents of every dollar given to Honor Flight goes directly to the veterans’ flights. Special thanks to Pie Auction organizers Lonnie Kimbro, Mike and Barbara Montgomery, and from the Big Z staff Debbie Simmons and Mark Hilgert for their work in making the event a success!

Thanks for reading, and be sure to check out breaking news on our website, advantagenews.com. Merry Christmas and happy new year! 3

Mark Ellebracht is the Big Z Media news director and can be heard weekday mornings on 107.1FM

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SALOME’S STARS

ARIES (March 21 to April 19) I know, dear Lamb, that you don’t like anyone trying to take charge of one of your projects, but try to be a bit more flexible. A new idea could help hasten a positive result.

TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) I’m sure, like the time-thrifty Taurus that you are, that you’ve done much of your holiday shopping. But don’t relax yet. Wrap those gifts now to save yourself lots of unwanted pressure.

GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) Be receptive when a family member or friend asks to confide in you. Your positive reaction could ensure that he or she will have a happy holiday experience.

CANCER (June 21 to July 22) Don’t be rushed into wrapping up that workplace problem. Consider leaving it until after the holidays. This way you’ll have the facts you need to reach the right resolution.

LEO (July 23 to August 22) You’ll get news that will make you glow brighter than the lights of the holiday season. Be sure to use what you learn both carefully and kindly, to avoid giving the wrong impression.

VIRGO (August 23 to September 22) That frayed relationship could be mended in time for the holidays if you were more flexible. Give a little, and you could get back a lot more than you imagined.

LIBRA (September 23 to

October 22) Things might not seem to be settling down as quickly as you would prefer. But it might be just a little holiday time flutter. You’ll soon get news that will lead to more stability.

SCORPIO (October 23 to November 21) Stop getting so involved in everyone’s personal problems that you lose precious time with loved ones. Remember, even the Supreme Court closes for the holidays.

SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to December 21) All signs point to a bright holiday, with all of those pesky problems finally resolved in your favor. Share the good times with people you love and, of course, who love you.

CAPRICORN (December 22 to January 19) Your plans should not be set in stone and cemented over. Leave some openings in case you need to make changes. Spend the holidays with your nearest and dearest.

AQUARIUS (January 20 to February 18) Surprise! This holiday finds you on the receiving end of the generosity of those who are usually the recipients of so much that you give so freely and lovingly.

PISCES (February 19 to March 20) That piece of good news assures that you’ll be swimming in clearer, calmer waters this holiday season. There might be a storm or two ahead, but you’ll weather it all in fine style. 3

ABOB fundraiser draws crowds to Alton High School

By Jason White Big Z Media

A holiday shopping mecca greeted visitors to Alton High School on Dec. 4.

The Olde Alton Arts and Crafts Fair, canceled in 2020 amid the pandemic, returned for the first time in two years. It was mostly a return to normal for the Alton Band and Orchestra Builders fundraiser, organizer and Alton School Board President Dave Fritz said.

“I think it’s been pretty well-received,” he said.

“I think the crowds are showing up today to show their support for

Flashback

By Mick Harper

1. Who first released “Hold Me, Thrill Me, Kiss Me,” and when?

2. Name the group that had a hit with “Ms. Grace.”

3. How many Billy Joe Royal songs topped the charts in the U.S.?

4. Belinda Carlisle was the lead singer for which band?

5. Name the song that contains this lyric: “’Cause I have wandered through this world, And as each moment has unfurled, I’ve been waiting to awaken from these dreams.” 3 (answers in puzzle solutions)

Just Like Cats & Dogs by Dave T. Phipps

Wishing Well

the program as well as the crafters.”

The fair raises money for ABOB to buy and repair instruments for the school district’s instrumental music program, including the Marching 100 and orchestras. Paula Fritz, Dave’s wife and a Eunice Smith Elementary School teacher, said ABOB serves an important role in the district.

“The kids here in Alton don’t have to pay to be a member of the band,” she said. “ABOB is a way to take care of that payment so that the kids, no matter what their status, can enjoy music.” 3

Here is a numerical puzzle designed to spell out your fortune. Count the letters in your first name. If the number of letters is 6 or more, subtract 4. If the number is less than 6, add 3. The result is your key number. Start at the upper left corner and check one of your key numbers, left to right. Then read the message the letters under the checked figures give you.

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Unscramble the letters within each rectangle to form four ordinary words. Then rearrange the boxed letters to form the mystery word, which will complete the gag!

Trivia Test

By Fifi Rodriguez

1. SCIENCE: How long does it take for light to travel from the Sun to Earth?

2. TELEVISION: Which comedian used the catchphrase “one ringie dingie, two ringie dingies” in a TV character sketch?

3. MEASUREMENTS: How many centimeters are equivalent to 100 inches?

4. U.S. PRESIDENTS: Who is the only president to serve nonconsecutive terms?

5. LANGUAGE: How many languages are spoken in the world today?

6. GOVERNMENT: Which branch of U.S. government is responsible for making

Even Exchange

by Donna Pettman

Each numbered row contains two clues and two 6-letter answers. The two answers differ from each other by only one letter, which has already been inserted. For example, if you exchange the A from MA STER for an I, you get MISTER. Do not change the order of the letters.

Why don’t celebrities ever complain about being hot? They have a lot of fans.

I bought a wig for only $1.

It was a small price toupée.

What do you call a wreath made of $100 bills?

Aretha Franklins.

Go Figure

Do they allow loud laughing in Hawaii?

Or just a low ha?

Why did the dad tell the joke?

To get to the other sigh. My neighbor claims his dog can bring a ball back from half a mile away. That seems a bit far-fetched to me.

You meet a man on the Oregon Trail, the man says his name is Terry. “Terry? That’s a girl’s name!” You laugh. Terry shoots you. You have died of dissin’ Terry.