Riverbend February 2022

Harry Martin Kohn 64 | Brighton

December 8, 2021

arrangements by Wojstrom Funeral Home & Crematory

Harry was the first born son to Harry Martin Kohn, Sr. (preceded him in death) and Rose Marcell Kohn. Harry Jr. had one biological son, Jon Mitchell Kohn. He was a much beloved grandpa to Jon’s three sons, Harry, Cody, and David. He was also a beloved stepfather to Natasha Kite and Alex Griffin. Alex’s passing was a loss that Harry never emotionally got past. Natasha has two daughters, Aleah and Desiree, Alex is survived by his son. To their kids,

Laneigh, Easton, Timothy and Alex Jr., he is GreatGrandpa.

Harry has seven siblings: Sandra, Rose Ann, Morris, Anthony (preceded in death), Guy, Donna, and Randall. Harry loved all things automotive, including NASCAR and road trips with his friend Tom Bleish, to many race tracks, but especially Talladega SuperSpeedway. He was a tow truck driver for Speedway Salvage for 40 years.

He is greatly missed.

Dolores Ullrich

85 | Alton

January 1, 2022

arrangements by Elias, Kallal, and Schaaf Funeral Home

Dolores Ullrich (nee Budde) died January 1, 2022, age 85, after a brief illness. She was preceded in death by her husband Don, parents Clarence and Ethel Budde. Dolores was a well known musician, music teacher, and patron of the arts. She frequently attended concerts by or performed with numerous bands and orchestras including the Alton Symphony Orchestra, Compton Heights Concert Band, and Merry Tuba Christmas - among others. She was a retired member of the Deutschmeister Brass Band, and the director emeritus of the Letter Carriers Band of St. Louis. Her teaching career spanned over 45 years in Illinois, Florida, and Missouri.

Dolores never met a stranger and often referred to new acquaintances as a friend. She was also involved in Fosterburg Seniors and Madison County

Genealogical Society. Her musical legacy lives on in her children, Ralph “Buzz” Ullrich, Roy Ullrich, and Amy Brinkley, all musicians. She is also survived by her daughters-in-law, Karen Ullrich and Lilly Allison, two Grandchildren, Gretchen Ullrich and Damon Ullrich, other family members, numerous cousins and hundreds of friends.

In lieu of flowers, Memorial donations to the Alton Symphony Orchestra and ABOB are encouraged. Visitation will be held on Monday, January 10 2022, at Elias, Kallal, and Schaaf Funeral Home in Upper Alton from 4:00 pm to a celebration of life at 7:30 pm. COVID masks are required. Burial will be private in Valley View Cemetery in Edwardsville.

Guestbook and online condolences may be found at eliaskallalandschaaf.com.

Janet Lee Allen 78 | Oakland, Tenn.

December 29, 2021

arrangements by Gent Funeral Home

Janet Lee Allen, 78, of Oakland, TN, formerly of the Alton area, died at 12:12 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 29, 2021 in Alton. Janet was visiting her daughters in Illinois when she was hospitalized and spent the next 27 weeks in numerous medical facilities. She had a long, hard ninemonth battle, remaining positive and fighting more than anyone can imagine with her two daughters by her side. Janet will be so deeply missed by her daughters, husband, family, friends and all who knew and loved her.

Born Oct. 15, 1943, in Clarinda, Iowa, she was the daughter of the late Max and Alice (Hamm) Snodderly. She married Joe Allen of Jerseyville, November 1988 in Alton. He survives in Oakland, TN.

Janet moved from Iowa to the Alton area and worked at St. Joseph’s Hospital, Jones Intercable, TCI Cablevision and then as executive secretary for Adams Development Co. until she married Joe and moved to Germany for his job. While in Germany, Janet enjoyed traveling the country, Volksmarching (hiking) and shopping. They returned to the States after two years and settled in the southwest area of Tennessee. First living in Collierville, where she worked for Meadow’s Construction, they then moved to Pinson, where they both semiretired and became involved in the Parkway Christian Auto Club where Janet served as the secretary/treasurer.

After more than 20 years taking care of their resortlike property, it was time to downsize and they moved to Oakland, TN. Janet loved her family above all but also loved to sew and made several unique quilts and her daughters clothes when they were young. She enjoyed cooking, flower gardening,

Larry Louis Cunningham

80 | Alton

December 29, 2021

working on jigsaw puzzles, genealogy, Facebook, and her iPad.

In addition to her husband, Joe, she leaves behind daughters Debbie Simmons (Steve) of Godfrey, IL, Dede Snyder (Rick) of Alton, IL and an “adopted” daughter Heather Bishop of Tennessee; two brothers and their families, Jim Snodderly (Jody) of Texas and Steve Snodderly (Lisa) of Oregon; Joe’s daughters and their families, Karina (Dean) of Florida, Deana of Springfield, IL, Tamara (Andy) of Brighton, IL and Rachel (Mike) of Florida. She is also survived by mother-in-law Bernice Allen, brother-in-law Randy, sisterin-law Ann all of Meredosia, IL, and brother-in-law Mike (Sherry) of Brighton, IL; five bonus grand-kids, Zach and Nate, Holly and Hunter and Ragen, cousins and many friends in Tennessee, Illinois and Iowa.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her father-in-law the Rev. Lloyd Allen, brother-in-law Fred Atwood and Heather’s husband, Terry Bishop. Per her wishes, cremation rites were accorded. A memorial service and celebration of her life will be held later this year in Tennessee. Please share memories and stories with the family in the online guestbook at gentfuneralhome.com.

Janet was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease about nine years ago. Memorial donations may be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research at michaeljfox. org or mailed to Donation Processing, The Michael J. Fox Foundation, P.O. Box 5014, Hagerstown, MD 21741-5014. Donations can also be made to the Disabled Veterans or a charity of one’s choice.

Larry Louis Cunningham, 80, of Alton, formerly of Gillespie, passed away peacefully at 10:23 p.m. on Wednesday, December 29, 2021, at River Crossing of Alton with his family by his side.

Larry was born on May 19, 1941, in Sorento, IL, the son to Louis and Margaret (Radae) Cunningham. He is survived by his wife, Judith Ann (Wilson) Cunningham of Alton; his daughter and son-in-law, Leigh Ann McRoy and Eric of Alton; grandson, Drew McRoy of Alton and his fiancee, Erin Hediger of St Charles, MO; a sister, Joyce Bertoldi of Gillespie; a sister, Eleanor Veschak of Benld; a brother, Ronald “Timer” Cunningham of Gillespie; and numerous nieces and nephews and great nieces

and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, David “Dell” Cunningham; his nephew and godson, James Taylor; and two nephews, Bill Bertoldi and Mark Veschak.

Larry graduated from Gillespie High School in 1959. He was a Veteran of the United States Army. Larry retired as a supervisor from Monsanto. Larry was an avid car enthusiast and collector. He celebrated his 80th birthday with his family. Larry and Judy celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary on October 14, 2021.

Memorials may be made to Dementia Society of America or Diabetes Foundation. Per his wishes, no services will be held.

The first baby born at Alton Memorial Hospital in 2022 is Cecelia Quinn Wittman, pictured here with her mother, Josephine Wittman. Cecelia was born at 4:30 a.m. Jan. 1 and was delivered by Dr. Geoffrey Turner. Dylan and Josephine’s daughter was born 18¼ inches long and weighed 7 pounds, 3 ounces.

time

need

Big Z Media mourns passing of Larry Reid, longtime host of Outdoors Show

By Mark Ellebracht Big

Z Media

Longtime Big Z Outdoors

host Larry Reid died on December 17, 2021.

Reid, along with his wife Jan, hosted a show about hunting, fishing, boating, and camping on the Big Z (107.1FM/1570AM) since 1986, and wrote articles about the outdoors for several years in Advantage. Reid died at home surrounded by his family after a brief illness. He was 82.

Reid described himself as a member of the royal fraternity of river rats and rednecks. He lived in Alton, overlooking his beloved Mississippi River, and after retiring as an educator from the Alton School District in 1993, spent most of his time promoting almost anything that had to do with being outside.

His radio show on The Big Z grew to be one of the longest running programs about the outdoors in the country, where he and Jan would talk about catching crappie at Mark Twain Lake, the opening of an upcoming hunting season, or promoting parks and recreation areas around Illinois and Missouri.

Big Z Media General Manager Nick Darr shared, “Larry had a tremendously positive impact on so many people in the community, whether that was as an educator in the Alton School District, or through his church or as host of the Outdoors Show on The Big Z for the last 35 years, he met so many people and entertained so many, it’s a big loss for the community.”

Reid was also a part of a group that founded the Two Rivers Family Fishing Fair at Pere Marquette State Park which soon became one of the largest events to

BIRTHS

celebrate National Fishing Day for kids in America. Approximately 3,000 children visit the fair each year. He also donated his time to countless organizations as a guest speaker, a hunting or fishing guide, and event emcee.

Here’s a portion of a 2015 article from advantagenews. com marking Reid’s 30 years on The Big Z: “Our travels found us calling in from such places as Lake Okeechobee, Florida; Birchwood, Wisconsin; Rathbun, Iowa; Puget Sound, Washington; and Carlyle and Rend lakes in Illinois. While doing a program from Saratoga, Wyoming, Aug. 1, 1993, Jim ‘Scoop’ Scanlon broke in to inform listeners that the man-made levee holding back the flooded Mississippi had broken, covering downtown Alton with muddy water.”

Reid’s program covered many local events like the B.A.S.S. Pro Circuit, which came to Illinois for the first time in 1991, and was interrupted, a time or two, by worldwide news, like President George H.W. Bush’s announcement of the Gulf War invasion in 1990.

Some of Reid’s favorite past guests include Cardinals Whitey Herzog and John Mayberry and recording artist and television host

Tennessee Ernie Ford.

Besides his radio show, the longestrunning outdoors program in the St. Louis area, Reid has also written for several outdoor publications, including Wildfowl Magazine and Heartland Outdoors.

In 1994, the Outdoor Writers of Illinois named the Reids as the Outdoor Broadcasters of the Year.

“God has really blessed me,” Reid said. “My two children are successful. I fish three days a week from April to September, and then I travel all over the country duck hunting during the season. The way I see it is, somebody’s got to do it.” Scott Huschle, who had been filling in for Larry about once a month for the past few years, has taken over as the host of the Outdoors Show which can still be heard at noon every Sunday on WBGZ Radio. 3

HASSLE-FREE JUNK REMOVAL

Cooper Anthony Siemer

August 27, 2021, 9:38 pm

7 pounds, 5 ounces, 21 inches

Anderson Hospital

Son of Andrew and Samantha Siemer of Wood River. Grandparents are Vickie Voyles of Wood River, the late Tom Voyles, Tony Siemer of Batchtown, and Sharon Nance of Hardin. Great-grandparents are Larry and Anita Siemer. Brother is Lane, 4.

Natalie Anne Hibbits

December 16, 2021, 6:18 pm

9 pounds, 5 ounces, 21.5 inches

Mercy Hospital, St. Louis

Daughter of Sean and Rachel Hibbits of O’Fallon, Mo. Grandparents are Jim Hibbits of St. Louis, Jennifer Botello of Kirksville, Mo., Joe Droste of Godfrey, and Patty Droste of O’Fallon, Mo. Greatgrandparents are Harold and Mary Duffield of St. Louis, and Angela Hibbits of St. Louis. Brother is Luke, 2.

Claire Ann Schrumpf

November 26, 2021, 4:44 pm

6 pounds, 6 ounces, 19 inches

Alton Memorial Hospital

Daughter of Blake and Katelynn Schrumpf of Alton. Grandparents are Dennis and Mary Schrumpf of Godfrey, and Mark and Beth Zumwalt of Godfrey. Older brothers are Bradley, 5, and Lucas, 2.

Larry and Jan Reid

Eagle-watchers flock to Alton for annual festival

By Brad Choat and Mark Ellebracht Big Z Media

Another successful Alton Eagle Ice Festival is in the books. The event on Jan. 8 spanned from the Alton Visitor Center on Piasa Street to the Great Rivers Museum at the Mel Price Locks and Dam, to the Audubon Center in West Alton, Mo.

It marked the return of an in-person event, as last year’s had to be scaled-back due to the pandemic.

Jennifer Jones with the World Bird Sanctuary showed off 32-year-old American bald eagle “Liberty” at the visitor center and fielded questions about the majestic birds.

Jones told visitors it’s against the law to own

an eagle’s feather, and you could get fined for having one. “If you see an eagle feather, take a picture of it and leave it where it lays because unfortunately if a conservation officer comes and finds you with the feather they don’t know if you harassed the bird, or you found it on the ground.”

Jones explains why Alton is known as a good place

Daily Specials

for eagle-watching during the months of January and February. “They like to follow the Mississippi River because wherever there is a lock and dam there is open water where they can feed easily on fish that might get stunned going through the dam.”

Jones says she’s been working with Liberty the eagle for about 18 years. He was rescued by the World Bird Sanctuary when he was about age two, after getting hit by a car. 3 riversandroutes.com

TOWN OF THE

By Mark Ellebracht

The Winter Olympics are just around the corner, are you ready for some curling? While we wait, here’s a look back at a few top stories over the last month.

Crime is down in Bethalto! That’s according to information shared with Big Z Media by Police Chief Mike Dixon who says overall crime was down 29.9% in 2021 compared to 2020. Dixon believes having his officers more involved and visible in the community has helped cut those numbers because crimes like thefts and criminal damage to property are committed primarily by juveniles. He says when officers are more engaged in the schools and in the community, they have a greater positive impact on younger people, and he believes it’s working in Bethalto.

Next is a story of closure and justice out of Bethalto. Two people have now been convicted in a triple murder from 2019. The victims in the case 59-year-old Shari Yates, 32-year-old John McMillian and 30-year-old Andrew “AJ” Brooks were found inside a Mill Street home in December of that year. 43-year-old Brady Witcher of Birmingham, Alabama, was found guilty earlier in January and will likely spend the rest of his natural life in prison. As of press time, sentencing had not been set. 30-yearold Brittany McMillian already pleaded guilty to her role in the crimes and was sentenced to life in prison. Hopefully, the surviving family and friends can find some solace knowing that while their loved ones are gone, those responsible for their deaths were caught, tried, and convicted in Madison County and will

remain behind bars for good. The City of Alton announced earlier in January that it will be sharing a federal grant with East St. Louis to provide body cameras for its police officers More than 100 cameras will be made available through $225,000 in funding from the U.S. Department of Justice. The Alton Police Department has had in-car cameras in every patrol vehicle for several years and this grant now makes the body cams – required by 2025 by the Safe-T Act – an attainable goal. The Alton and East St. Louis Police Departments will also be teaming with researchers from SIU-Edwardsville on project evaluation and dissemination of best practices to other jurisdictions in preparation for the worn camera law going into effect in 2025. Alton Mayor David Goins, a former police officer, praised the grant, saying it will be good for all involved and is looking forward to working with SIUE. Would you consider turning over home security video if it would help solve a crime and if you could earn a reward?

The Illinois Legislature is considering a bill like an ordinance already on the books in Chicago suburban Elmwood Park. The town pays residents $100 if home video helps successfully prosecute criminals. No word on how much state residents could earn by turning in the crooks if the bill is passed. What if we took it one step further where we could earn money when we catch a politician telling us something other than the truth? Unfortunately, there’s probably not enough cash to go around.

Glazebrook Park in Godfrey is growing again. I spoke to new Godfrey Park and Recreation Director Chris Logan recently and we talked about what’s happening right now at the park. Just off Stamper Lane you see construction that will bring a new splash pad, pickleball courts, an all-inclusive playground, and a fitness station along with additional parking. Don’t worry, there’s still room for more growth down the road. Speaking of down the road, I asked Chris if Godfrey would ever consider an indoor recreation center that could house basketball and volleyball courts, maybe even an indoor walking track. How many times have your kids or grandkids played their games or practiced outside of the Riverbend? The new turf fields in the area are a great first step and recognition that we need to keep the local sports dollars in town, but I think it’s time to start looking indoors. Maybe it’s not a publicly funded project, but perhaps someone with deep pockets and land is willing to take the chance in Godfrey or somewhere else. A facility with one basketball court can be converted into two volleyball courts. Double or triple that, and you have a venue to host a tournament. By the way, Chris was kind enough to listen to my ramblings, but he’s focused on finishing the work at Glazebrook right now. Good luck Chris, and we’re looking forward to the additions at Glazebrook! In the meantime, we’ll keep an eye on Wood River and their plans for a new rec center. 3 Do you have an idea for a story? Send me a message: markellebracht@bigz.media

the TRADITION edition

The United States declared its independence in 1776, later hanging out its official shingle of being “open for business” with the ratification of its Constitution in 1789. But the tradition of commerce has a history in this country that far supersedes either those dates, and many of its oldest businesses are still in operation today.

John Standefer

John Standefer

John Standefer

618-466-4403

618-466-4403

618-466-4403

3015 Godfrey Rd. Godfrey johnstandefer@allstate.com

Allstate has the Claim Satisfaction Guarantee. hope you never have a car accident. But if you do, it’s to know you’ll be happy with your claim experience. In fact, Allstate guarantees your claim will fast, fair and hassle-free. Or your money back. No questions asked. It’s another way Allstate is changing insurance for good. to terms, conditions and availability. Premium credit based on involved. Allstate Fire and Casualty Insurance Co. © 2013 Allstate Insurance Co.

3015 Godfrey Rd. Godfrey johnstandefer@allstate.com

Allstate has the Claim Satisfaction Guarantee. hope you never have a car accident. But if you do, it’s to know you’ll be happy with your claim experience. In fact, Allstate guarantees your claim will fast, fair and hassle-free. Or your money back. No questions asked. It’s another way Allstate is changing insurance for good. to terms, conditions and availability. Premium credit based on involved. Allstate Fire and Casualty Insurance Co. © 2013 Allstate Insurance Co.

3015 Godfrey Rd. Godfrey johnstandefer@allstate.com

Allstate has the Claim Satisfaction Guarantee. you never have a car accident. But if you do, it’s to know you’ll be happy with your claim experience. In fact, Allstate guarantees your claim will fair and hassle-free. Or your money back. No questions asked. It’s another way Allstate is changing insurance for good. terms, conditions and availability. Premium credit based on involved. Allstate Fire and Casualty Insurance Co. © 2013 Allstate Co.

The United Methodist Village is now Asbury Village! Here, you’ll find a countryside neighborhood that bustles with activities and opportunities. Along with our new name comes a fresh focus on good health and wellness, and exciting, new services, amenities and programs. We invite you to come be a part of it all, to discover what’s next for you.

Since

5201 Asbury Avenue Godfrey • 618.466.8662 asburyvillagegodfrey.com

today to learn more!

Stemm’s continuing legacy of service

By Mike Adams Big Z Media

When Sam Stemm first hired on to WOKZ in the late ’70s he had no idea of the legacy he would be a part of building for the small local radio station, nor the impact he would have in our community.

Stemm had recently graduated from Southern Illinois University’s Mass Communications program when he took a job at the local radio station then known as WOKZ. The station was one of a number of local daytime AM radio stations that began post World War II. WOKZ was launched in 1948. The mission then and now remains the same: “To be a resource to serve the local community.” Sam worked at WOKZ for several years before leaving to pursue other interests.

Over the years the local radio station had various owners such as Ed Palin in the ’50s & ’60s. Morel Broadcasting bought the radio station in the early ’60s and continued operating WOKZ until 1984 when the station was purchased by the Drieth family. During that time the station’s call letters were changed to WBGZ, or “The Big Z” as it became known.

Late night menu

Stemm returned to WBGZ in 1987, three years later became general manager, and later joined the ownership group. He purchased the station from the Drieth family in 2004 and became sole owner, and was fortunate to become one of a handful of broadcasters to own the radio station in his own hometown.

Though WBGZ became a well respected entity in the greater Riverbend community, it wasn’t always that way. In Stemm’s early years of ownership, local AM stations were simply where people would tune in the morning to learn about local school closings. But under Stemm’s leadership the tide began to turn.

Sam credits two major events that had a huge impact on the perception of “The Big Z” as a viable resource for our community.

The first was the Paula Sims case. This tragic news story caught the attention of the entire nation and media outlets from all over the nation converged on

Spend Valentine’s Day with

Alton. Thanks to the many local connections that Stemm and the team had developed over the years in our community, the radio station was able to get information sometimes hours before others, demonstrating the benefits of years of dedication to serving our community

The second turning point came during the Great Flood of 1993. While local newspapers were only able to provide coverage of the event on a daily basis, WBGZ provided minute-to-minute news and information that was vital to the residents of the Riverbend such as boil orders and where drinking water was being distributed. Sam said he received a call from the local newspaper on the Sunday that the water plant went down. The paper was releasing a special second edition that day, but needed the radio station to get the word out to the community. Ironically, the advertisement for the special newspaper edition

was promoting an overview of the events of the day that WBGZ was able to report as they happened. It was during this time that people in the community went from being casual listeners to dedicated followers.

Another contributing factor was high school sports. In the late ’70s WOKZ was an AM and FM station, but in ’79 they sold the FM side of the operation. This caused a halt in sports broadcasts as the AM station was licensed for daytime broadcasts only. Eight years later in 1987, an international treaty negotiated by the Reagan Administration allowed local AM stations to broadcast

24 hours a day, opening the door for local high school sports to return to the airwaves. That was a banner year for local sports as Marquette High School football went to the state semifinals and Roxana made it all the way to the state championship game. According to Stemm, high school sports is one of the things that makes local radio valuable to the community. Serving the community by putting a spotlight on student athletes is a great service to their listeners.

In 2016, Stemm brought former station sales manager Nick Darr back to the team as general manager of the Big Z. Since that time, the small town station has grown into a full service media company, with flagship stations WBGZ 1570AM & 107.1FM, My Mix 94.3FM, Big Z Digital and the 2021 purchase of Advantage and advantagenews.com. Stemm says “Big Z Media is still here to serve the community as a resource to the businesses, people and institutions of the Riverbend. To shine a light on everything positive that is happening in the community and where we see injustice, to shine a light on that to try and overcome it.” 3

Watch Sam Stemm on Big Z Media’s “BUSINESS OVER A BREW” advnews.link/ stemm

Sam Stemm, Big Z Media owner

New owner takes over The Cookie Factory

By Frank Prager Big Z Media

Virtually everyone is familiar with The Cookie Factory Bakery & Cafe at Alton Square Mall. The bakery and restaurant on the second floor of the mall, 200 Alton Square in Alton, has been a mainstay for generations of customers who have savored the colorful and delicious cookies, sweets and munchies baked daily there.

New owner Sarah Kinder is keeping the favorites people already know and love while adding her own recipes and raising awareness around the restaurant’s lunch and dinner menu offerings.

Kinder recently purchased the business from Linda McCormick, who owned and operated it since 1978.

Born and raised in Alton, Kinder graduated from Alton High School and worked at a variety of restaurants over the past decade, doing everything from serving tables to working in the kitchen and managing restaurant operations.

“After I graduated from high school, I went to Lewis and Clark College and studied to be a paralegal but found it didn’t really interest me,” she explains.

“I started working at the old Princivelli’s restaurant here in town and found that I loved it.”

She says her extensive experience in the food service industry made for a smooth transition when she took over The Cookie Factory.

Kinder says she has always enjoyed baking and cooking.

“I’ve been baking ever since I was little,” she says. She started baking cakes for people she knew and over time gradually expanded her recipes. She explains she eventually had a business selling baked goods out of her home but was looking for more space as well as a storefront. When The Cookie Factory opportunity came along it was a natural fit for the direction in which she wanted to go.

The Cookie Factory is known for its mouthwatering, one-of-akind cookies, sweets and munchie bags. The cookies come in a wide variety of sizes and flavors. Oatmeal raisin, M&M chocolate, peanut butter and milk chocolate chunk pecan are just a few of the lipsmacking varieties available.

Sheet fudge brownies, large marshmallow treats, edible greeting cards and large sheet cookie cakes are favorites for parties and special occasions. “We sell a lot of the cookie cakes,” says Kinder. She notes they are ideal for birthday parties, showers, anniversaries and

Many people think we just do baked goods but we serve lunch and dinner, also. Our chili is amazing.

Sarah Kinder

other celebrations.

In addition to the designs the business sells for holidays and other events, the baked goods can be custom decorated for almost any theme. “Customers can bring in just about any design and we will try to put it on the items they order,” she says.

can order ahead and have their food ready when they arrive. A complete list of menu items and

ordering is available at cookiefactoryalton.com. Orders can also be placed by calling 618-462-5731, or

by simply walking in and ordering at the counter.

While The Cookie Factory’s second floor mall location serves the full list of menu

items, Cookie Express on the first floor provides cookies, coffee, ice cream, slushies and munchie bags near the front entrance of the mall. Customers can pop in and grab their favorite treats on the go.

Kinder explains all menu items are fresh-made on site and that the The Cookie Factory’s reputation is what keeps customers coming back.

She says, “Taste and quality are what have kept The Cookie Factory in business for 42 years.” 3

Kinder also emphasizes the lunch and dinner items available. “Many people think we just do baked goods but we serve lunch and dinner, also,” she notes. Sandwiches, salads, wraps, hot dogs, chili cheese dogs, soups and nachos are customer favorites. “Our chili is amazing,” Kinder says. Soda, tea, coldbrewed coffee and chips are available with all meals.

The Cookie Factory’s breakfast menu includes breakfast sandwiches in addition to muffins, brownies and Danish. Fresh-brewed coffee is also available. One of the new additions is Kinder’s own recipe for biscuits and gravy. Table dining at the restaurant as well as carryout are both convenient. Customers

Sarah Kinder recently took over ownership of The Cookie Factory Bakery & Cafe at Alton Mall.

Cookie Express is located on the first floor of the mall and offers cookies, coffee, ice cream and slushies. [photos by Frank Prager]

[submitted photos]

Delicious, relaxing lunch

Renee Manley, Agent

Energy Matters

By Bill Roseberry Big Z Media

I visited a chain restaurant in central Madison County for my latest food stop.

There are 37 locations for this deli restaurant in Illinois, but only one in Madison County. This one is a standalone brick building that sits in a valley along a main road through town. The sign and building is easily visible while driving by, featuring a large parking lot next to the building and a drive thru for quick access. You enter through a small vestibule and come face to face with a long brick counter where you order. There are several registers with an electronic menu board behind the counter featuring changing pictures of food items. A window into the kitchen is behind the counter, too.

It features a giant dining area, split into two sides. There are partition walls down the middle with a small walkway in between the two open spaces. The floor is decorated with light and dark brown tiles. A far wall is made of brick, but the rest of the room is painted with warm colors — green, orange and yellow. The dining

area is inhabited with high and low tables and several booths. There are both light and dark brown tables, highlighted with wooden chairs featuring orange and green cushions. It all makes for a comforting atmosphere to enjoy some pretty stellar grub here. The main choices are high-quality deli sandwiches, but there is more available and that’s what I went for on my visit. I started my meal with a cup of tomato bisque to lead into my main course, which was a loaded baked potato aptly named the spud max. My dining companion ordered potato soup and the signature club sandwich. Unfortunately, my tomato bisque wasn’t quite the jump start I was expecting. It wasn’t as creamy as I imagined with the bisque moniker. It reminded me more of a thick V8 juice in flavor. It wasn’t bad; I just hoped for more. Luckily the spud max made up for it and lived up to its hype. The gigantic spud was heaping with great ingredients. It featured bacon, ham, turkey and was finished off with green onions, as well as melted cheddar Jack cheese.

really drove the taste, while the potato was extremely tender. The skin was a little tough, but also added a hearty flavor to the whole experience. This sucker was super filling, too. My dining companion really enjoyed the potato soup and the sandwich. The signature club included smoked turkey, Black Forest ham, bacon, sharp cheddar, swiss, a spring mix, tomato, mayo and honey mustard on wheat. The soup combined the flavors of potato, onion, bacon, chives and cheese. There are some other great options here also, like the club sandwich with an orange cranberry sauce rather than the honey mustard, the four cheese melt with provolone, swiss, cheddar, parmesan and tomato on toasted ciabatta bread and The New Yorker with corned beef, pastrami, swiss and spicy brown

Overall:

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mustard on marbled rye. There are plenty of other sandwich choices too, along with more spud options, soups and salads. This joint is always a great place to grab a delicious, relaxing lunch. 3

NMLS #411326

By Dr. Graham A. Colditz Siteman Cancer Center

Better sleep for better health

We may not think about sleeping as a healthy behavior like we would exercising or eating a healthy diet, but we probably should.

Sleep can play a key role in health and wellness, and studies show that many of us just aren’t getting enough of it.

“Short sleep and poor-

quality sleep are linked to increased risk of depression, obesity, diabetes, hypertension, heart disease and some cancers,” said Yikyung Park, associate professor in the Division of Public Health Sciences at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. “A lack of sleep also weakens immune function, making you vulnerable to common infections such as the common cold.”

How can sleep problems have such a wide-ranging effect on health?

For one, they can disrupt the circadian rhythm, our natural “body clock” that

controls all biological functions in a 24-hour period, Park said. That disruption can lead to many different reactions in the body that can increase the risk of certain diseases and conditions.

Less directly, sleep problems can also simply make it harder for us to make choices that are good for our health. Lack of sleep can impact decision-making, energy levels and a number of other factors that can make us more likely to stay on the couch rather than get outside for a walk, or choose a fast food meal over making something healthier at home.

About a third of U.S. adults are short sleepers, getting fewer than seven hours of sleep a night. But it’s an issue more common in some groups than others. “There is a significant disparity in sleep duration by race and ethnicity, and income,” Park said. A range of issues can contribute to these differences, including stress, discrimination, job schedules and neighborhood conditions that can make it harder to get good quality sleep.

It’s recommended that most adults get about seven to eight hours of sleep each day. But what counts as healthy amounts of sleep can vary.

While some of the factors that impact the quality and length of sleep are out of our direct control, there are simple approaches we can take to improve the chances of getting good sleep regularly. As a first step, Park recommends we:

• Put away electronic devices such as smartphones, tablets and TVs at least 30 minutes before bed

• Have a routine sleep schedule – that is, go to bed and wake up at the same time – every day

• Avoid large meals within a couple hours of bedtime

• Avoid caffeinated beverages and alcoholic

Fast, Friendly ROOT

drinks before bed

• Get regular physical activity, though not close to bed time

Like other healthy behaviors, improving the quality of sleep is something well worth the effort and can provide a real boost to health and well-being. 3

Dr. Graham A. Colditz, associate director of prevention and control at Siteman Cancer Center at Barnes-Jewish Hospital and Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, is an internationally recognized leader in cancer prevention and the creator of the free prevention tool, yourdiseaserisk.com.

“I’m a big chicken and I hate going to any dentist. When I had to get a root canal I decided to come to Dentistry With TLC after seeing their commercials and reading about the o ce. Everyone here is friendly and that makes me feel calm.”

“I couldn’t believe I didn’t feel discomfort when I had a root canal and a porcelain crown completed in just one visit at Dentistry With TLC. I appreciate the prompt, professional and courteous service. I’m glad I decided to make an appointment.”

–Mark L., Staunton, IL “I

“When I broke my tooth, I was afraid it would have to be extracted. But Dr. Smith saved it with a root canal and crown. The root canal was quick. I was comfortable.”

Go Figure

Arrive at the figures given at the bottom and right columns of the diagram by following the arithmetic signs in the order they are given (that is, from left to right and top to bottom). Use only the numbers below the diagram to complete its blank squares and use each of the nine numbers only once.

This is a simple substitution cipher in which each letter used stands for another. If you think that X equals O, it will equal O throughout the puzzle. Solution is accomplished by trial and error.

it.

TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) Doff a bit of that careful, conservative outlook and let your brave Bovine self take a chance on meeting that new challenge. You could be surprised at how well you do.

GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) You might not want to return to the more serious tasks facing you. But you know it’s what you must do. Cheer up. Something more pleasant will soon occupy your time.

CANCER (June 21 to July 22) As you dutifully tidy your end-of-the-month tasks, your fun self emerges to urge you to do something special: A trip (or a cruise, maybe?) could be just what you need.

LEO (July 23 to August 22) Your achievements are admirable as you close out the month with a roar. Now you can treat yourself to some wellearned time off for fun with family or friends. (Or both!)

VIRGO (August 23 to September 22) Be sure you know the facts before you assume someone is holding back on your project. Try to open your mind before you give someone a piece of it.

LIBRA (September 23 to

SCORPIO (October 23 to November 21) Your love of things that are new gets a big boost as you encounter a situation that opens up new and exciting vistas. How far you go with it depends on you.

SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to December 21) That recent workplace shift might not seem to be paying off as you expected. But be patient. There are changes coming that could make a big difference.

CAPRICORN (December 22 to January 19) While few can match the Goat’s fiscal wizardry, you still need to be wary in your dealings. There might be a problem you should know about sooner rather than later.

AQUARIUS (January 20 to February 18) Easy does it when it comes to love and all the other good things in life. Don’t try to force them to develop on your schedule. Best to let it happen naturally.

PISCES (February 19 to March 20) A surprise decision by someone you trust causes some stormy moments. But a frank discussion explains everything, and helps save a cherished relationship. 3

Wishing Well

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.

CryptoQuip

Word Scrambler

TRIVIA TEST

By Fifi Rodriguez

1. FOOD & DRINK: What grain is the Japanese wine sake made from?

2. MEDICAL: What is the common name for the condition called aphonia?

3. ANIMAL KINGDOM: What is a gastropoda?

4. HISTORY: In what city was the United States’ Declaration of Independence signed?

5. GENERAL KNOWLEDGE: What word does the “R” movie rating stand for?

6. MUSIC: How old was Mozart when he began composing music?

7. MOVIES: Who voiced Mufasa in the animated movie “The Lion King”?

8. ASTRONOMY: What is

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.

I had a hunch that I wouldn’t like the chiropractor, but he fixed my posture so... I stand corrected.

What did the doctor give the weather man after his skiing accident?

4 casts.

What did the bra say to the hat? You go on a head, I’ll give these two a lift.

I owe a lot to the sidewalks. They’ve been keeping me off the streets for years.

I am thinking of moving to Switzerland, I hear the social benefits are really great. Their cool looking flag is a really big plus, too.

What did Spartacus say when the lion ate his wife? Nothing, he was gladiator. What do you do when you’re addicted to seaweed? Seek kelp.

Dad Jokes.

Today’s Special by Mike Ostresh

FLASHBACK the largest moon orbiting a planet in our solar system?

9. TELEVISION: What is the family’s last name in drama series “Blue Bloods”?

10. U.S. STATES: Which state goes by the nickname “Green Mountain State”? 3 (answers in puzzle solutions)

DIFFICULTY

1. Name the first group that had a hit with “Dedicated to the One I Love.”

2. Who released “Crystal Blue Persuasion”?

3. Name the two hits by The Cyrkle.

4. Which Neil Sedaka song was released twice, once as a slow ballad (1976) and once as a faster pop song (1962)?

5. Name the song that contains this lyric: “My love must be a kind of blind love, I can’t see anyone but you.” 3

What’s The Difference?

Find at least six differences in details between panels.

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!

Before you apply for retirement benefits: what to know

Manager in Alton

Are you thinking about retiring and applying for Social Security retirement benefits? Our online tools can make your planning easier. Visit ssa.gov/

myaccount to access your personal my Social Security account to get an instant and personalized estimate of your retirement benefits based on your earnings record.

It is important that your

earnings record is correct because we base your benefit amount on the earnings reported to us. If you find an error, you will want to contact us to get your information corrected. Read our publication, How to Correct Your Social

personal. CANCER.

We’re by your side from diagnosis through treatment. Because for all of us – it’s personal.

Security Earnings Record, at ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10081. pdf, to learn how.

You can also get benefit estimates based on different retirement ages, and choose the best retirement age for you. Don’t have a personal my Social Security account?

You can create one today at ssa.gov/myaccount.

When you’re ready to apply for Social Security retirement benefits, you can complete your application online in as

little as 15 minutes at ssa. gov/retirement. We will contact you if we need any more information. You can check the status of your application with your personal my Social Security account.

You can apply online for your Social Security retirement benefits, and for benefits as a spouse, if you meet all the following criteria:

You must be at least age 62 for the entire month to be

eligible to receive benefits. You are not currently receiving benefits on your own Social Security record. You have not already applied for retirement benefits.

You want your benefits to start no later than four months in the future. (We cannot process your application if you apply for benefits more than four months in advance.) 3

ssa.gov/onlineservices

The United Methodist Village is now Asbury Village! Here, you’ll find a countryside neighborhood that bustles with activities and opportunities. Along with our new name comes a fresh focus on good health and wellness, and exciting, new services, amenities and programs. We invite you to come be a part of it all, to discover what’s next for you. Call us at (618) 466-8662 today to learn more!

The United Methodist Village is now Asbury Village! Here, you’ll find a countryside neighborhood that bustles with activities and opportunities. Along with our new name comes a fresh focus on good health and wellness, and exciting, new services, amenities and programs. We invite you to come be a part of it all, to discover what’s next for you. Call us at (618) 466-8662 today to learn more!

New name, new amenities, same great community!

New name, new amenities, same great community!

The United Methodist Village is now Asbury Village! Here, you’ll find a countryside neighborhood that bustles with activities and opportunities. Along with our new name comes a fresh focus on good health and wellness, and exciting, new services, amenities and programs. We invite you to come be a part of it all, to discover what’s next for you. Call us at (618) 466-8662 today to learn more!

New name, new amenities, same great community!

Town Club Bar & Grill begins 10th decade

Business is the oldest family-owned bar & grill In Alton

By Frank Prager Big Z Media

Even in a city rich with historical legacy and an untold number of business success stories, Town Club Bar & Grill stands out from the crowd. The oldest familyowned bar and restaurant in Alton will celebrate its 90th anniversary this year.

Mark Kribs and his wife, Lainie, own and operate the business.

Lainie Kribs is the niece of the original owner and is the most recent in a long chain of family members to have been involved in its ownership over the past nine decades.

Lainie says the business provides outstanding customer service, great food and beverages, and a friendly, comfortable atmosphere. “We get people who come in with their families whose parents and grandparents came here,” explains Lainie. The Kribs’ explain the business provides a great atmosphere for a broad spectrum of customers.

“We have pool leagues four nights a week,” says Mark. In addition to the pool table, the bar also has slot machines, video games and televisions tuned in to popular sporting events.

items is the steak sizzler,” says Mark. The sizzler is a hamburger patty with slices of steak on each side along with swiss cheese and grilled onions. He notes the bar’s regular hamburgers and cheeseburgers are also among their top-selling menu items. The Greek pizza is a popular favorite, as well.

“We also sell a lot of tacos,”

and Mark

618-462-5431

is to keeping a business going for 90 years, the Kribs’ note the friendly atmosphere along with the family’s dedication to the business. “For 90 years, there has always been a family member directly involved in the business,” says Lainie. “We work hard to make sure customers are happy.” 3

The story of the business’ ownership is as storied as Alton itself. Lainie’s uncle, John Nicolou, immigrated from Greece and went to work at the Alton Steel Mill early in the 20th century. Saving up money he earned from his job, Nicolou opened Town Club Bar & Grill in 1932. Lainie’s father, Tom Gineris, was Nicolou’s brother-in-law. In 1945, Gineris returned from World War II and went to work for Nicolou at the business.

In 1968, Gineris became a partner in the business with Nicolou and then in 1973, he and Lainie’s mother, Angie,

became the sole owners. In 1988, Lainie’s brother, John, bought the business from their dad and in 2001, Mark Kribs came to work for him. In 2011, Mark and Lainie purchased it from John and have been successfully operating it ever since.

Town Club Bar & Grill has witnessed historical events ranging from World War II to the country’s space program to the unprecedented recent pandemic. It has been in business through the terms of sixteen United States presidents. Mark points out it has the longest-held liquor license in the city of Alton.

Lainie notes the key to any successful business is being able to evolve and change with the times. “Years ago, workers from the factories around Alton would patronize the business. There was a window in the back where customers could cash their paychecks.” She says that as times have changed and the local economy has evolved, Town Club Bar & Grill has changed to stay current with customer preferences.

The food menu contains a broad array of appetizers, sides, sandwiches, salads and pizza. Popular items include burgers, tamales, chicken, polish sausage, catfish, shrimp and Philly sandwiches as well as wings, ravioli, pretzel buns, funnel cake fries, raspberry chimis and cinnamon wedges.

“One of our most popular

WHAT HAPPENS AT LINDENWOOD ...

… st ays with you for the rest of your li fe.

With 90+ clubs and organizations, small class sizes for more personalized learning, and a diverse student population represented by all 50 states and over 75 countries – you’re going to want to tell ever yone about it.

RE T HINK WHAT YOU THINK ABOUT

ADVANTAGE ATHLETES

The Marquette Catholic girls basketball team finished 2nd in the Benton Christmas Classic

Alton High wrestlers Will Harris, Deontae Forest, and Yaveion Freeman

The CM Eagle Pazzazz Dance Team

Jerseyville takes on Cahokia in an early January matchup

The East Alton-Wood River Lady Oilers battle the Roxana Lady Shells in a mid-season basketball game

AdVantage Athletes sponsored by Simmons Hanly Conroy

Group offers warm option on cold nights in Alton

By Mark Ellebracht Big Z Media

The size and makeup of Alton’s homeless population varies from day to day and the reasons some don’t have a place to stay overnight are also wide ranging. No matter what the reason, in late 2019 a group of volunteer citizens from several churches in Alton decided that more needed to be done to help those without a home stay warm during the winter months.

Overnight Warming Centers Alton was founded to help people find a warm place to sleep on the coldest nights and get a meal. It’s

an all-volunteer effort which is housed at Deliverance Temple Church at 1125 East 6th Street in Alton and opens on nights when the forecast is for low temperatures at 20-degrees or colder.

Kristen Gaither is the Project Lead of Overnight Warming Centers Alton and said the main goal is death prevention. It’s the reality for people who live on the street either by their own choice or because they have nowhere else to go. Gaither says for those that use the center they only have basic guidelines so it’s as easy as possible.

“We have four main rules, no violence, no drug or alcohol use in the center, no leaving once you arrive, and no weapons. We try to keep the stress level as low as possible because they are already under enough stress.”

Gaither says if someone is unhoused and comes to the center on a cold Alton night, they can stay from 5 pm until around 8:30 am the next day. The center is supervised by an all-volunteer crew of area residents.

“Once guests arrive, there’s a COVID screening, then they are assigned a cot in one of two large gathering

areas and a hot meal is brought to them provided by LeMay’s Catering.”

Guests can take a shower if they want and will also get breakfast the next morning. Before COVID, they also offered laundry service but that’s currently on hold.

“They’ll also leave with personal hygiene items, winter weather gear if needed like hats, gloves, coats or sleeping bags, a few snacks, and water.”

This winter, the group also obtained Madison County Transit bus tokens so each person will leave with two tokens so they can return to the center if they want on a future night. Many who utilize the shelter also find

assistance during the day at other area charities like the Salvation Army or the Crisis Food Center.

“Everybody’s story is different,” Gaither said, “and getting a chance to hear their stories helps us understand what they need. Most people that come in at night are on foot, many struggle with drug and alcohol addiction, some have been in chronic poverty for years, and others might get dropped off by Alton Police. One person a few weeks ago just got out of the hospital and came to the center because he had no place to go.”

She says group has been able to utilize generous donations from businesses and individuals to provide daily essentials, but their biggest need now is volunteers.

“On a typical night, we have between 20 and 22 volunteers but on a few recent nights, we’ve been short 5 or 6 people because of COVID. We have 3-hour shifts, so no one has to be there all night.” Gaither said the group would like to get 30 new people to sign up by the end of the month and is offering a drawing for gift cards to local businesses as an incentive. 3

/overnightwarmingcentersalton

Country representative presents donation to sheriff’s department

Country Financial Representative Mark Ringering is pleased to support the Madison County Sheriff’s Department as a recipient of a Country Financial Operation Helping Heroes donation. Ringering presented $1,500.00 to the Madison County Sheriff’s Department. While the donation was made in November, the recipient is now seeing the impact of the donation with the equipment upgrades being made in the Madison County jail. The donation helped to offset those expenses. 3

Girl Scout cookie season is officially here!

The tastiest time of the year is officially here…it’s the start of the Girl Scout Cookie Program!

Girl Scouts throughout Southern Illinois are excited to once again bring some of America’s favorite treats to consumers. Online sales (referred to as Digital Cookie) began on January 3 to kick off the iconic program, which is the largest girl-led entrepreneurial program in the world. Digital Cookie provides consumers the options of having their cookies delivered by a Girl Scout, shipped directly to their home, or contributing to our donation program known as Hometown Heroes.

“We’re very excited to kick off our annual Girl Scout Cookie Program,” said Katie Grayling, Senior Manager

of Product Programs for Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois. “We appreciate the continued support we receive from the public each year. Consumers are not just purchasing delicious cookies — they’re championing girl ambition,” added Grayling.

Every Girl Scout Cookie purchase fuels local Girl Scouts’ adventures throughout the year: exploring what interests them, discovering their passions, and taking action on issues they care about.

Whether they’re using their STEM skills to solve a problem, changing a law to help their community, having a courageous outdoor experience, or starting an innovative nonprofit, Girl Scouts build a better future for themselves and the world. And through the

Girl Scout Cookie Program, girls get a taste of being entrepreneurs and learn five important life skills — goal setting, decision making, money management, people skills, and business ethics.

If you’d like to order Girl Scout Cookies but don’t personally know a Girl Scout, visit gsofsi.org/ findcookies to have a Girl Scout send you a link to her Digital Cookie online site.

Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois serves nearly 5,000 girls and engages over 2,000 adult volunteers in 40 counties in Southern Illinois. Call 800-345-6858 or email customercare@gsofsi.org.

Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois is a not-for-profit organization supported by United Ways, businesses and individual donors throughout the region. 3

Sheriff John Lakin, Country Financial Rep. Mark Ringering, Major Jeff Connor, and Captain Steve Ridings

john

KELLER

THE PRESIDENT ’S DESK

RiverBend GROWTH ASSOCIA TION

Ser v ing Business, Encouraging Growth in Southwestern Illinois

SMALL BUSINESS OF THE MONTH

Tucker’s Automotive and Tire

Tucker’s Automotive and Tire, Inc. has been chosen as the January 2022 RiverBend Growth Association Small Business of the Month award recipient.

Owner Chuck Tucker noted a desire to give back to the area as a motive behind his choice to open his automotive shop in the Riverbend. “I grew up playing Little League baseball at what is now Glazebrook Park,” said Tucker. “The place holds a lot of great memories for me. I am so proud of what Godfrey has done with the park.”

In business for more than three years now, Tucker explained that his background really expands over his lifetime. “I have been in the automotive industry basically since I was born. My dad had three automotive shops in the Godfrey area, one of which I took my first steps in. My dad was the inspiration for my shop now. After a lengthy career in the industry in the St. Louis area, I have finally been able to come back home to the area and continue in my father’s footsteps.”

Tucker’s Automotive has undergone extensive remodeling, Tucker further noted.

“Although our location had good bones, it had not had a lot of love in past years. We undertook an extensive remodel, changing everything from the roofs to flooring and everything in between. We are proud of our 20,000-square-foot service area, featuring 22 bays and the latest in automotive equipment. We also have a 5,000-square-foot reception area, customer lounge, and office area that we feel rivals the highest level of dealerships.”

“We went from a workforce of four when we opened to one of 15, all within these threeplus years. Due to the ever-changing needs in the automotive world, our staff continually maintain their certifications and are always learning. Our technicians complete classes offered by ASE and NAPA,” said Tucker.

“We also support the automotive program at Lewis and Clark Community College by offering apprenticeships and helping them to move to the next level of standards.”

Service to the community is paramount to operations at Tucker’s Automotive and Tire. This is further shown by the shop’s support of a variety of regional nonprofit efforts.

“When we heard there was a need for some trees at Glazebrook Park, we jumped on the opportunity to get involved with the Village of Godfrey Parks Department, donating 50

trees to be used as a green space.”

“We have also been lucky enough to be involved, as a small part, with the Boys and Girls Club of Alton. As a long-time friend of both Al Womack and Bret Mayberry there, I know with whatever resources they are given, they will do such great things in service to the area,” Tucker added. “We are involved with 5As as well, and other local partners that we feel honored to help out.”

As a small business in his hometown region, Tucker said that they have experienced other

Tucker’s Automotive and Tire

618-466-0546

124 Northport Drive, Alton tuckerautoandtire.com

opportunities that have brought their own rewards as well. “One opportunity I have been given has been all the people I have met who I now call friends and family. Another has been all the support from the community. We set our business practice apart from our competitors because we treat our customers and employees truly as part of our family. We continue to rise to the challenge that comes with the rapid growth of our business, and we believe that this growth is because of our business practice.”

The RBGA’s Small Business of the Month Committee recognizes a different member business each month for its outstanding efforts and leadership in the community. Committee members include Brenda Eardley, Kristen Ryrie, Leslie Schobernd, Martha Schultz, Amy Smith, and Kathy Weaver. To learn more about membership in the RiverBend Growth Association and the Small Business of the Month recognition, visit the RBGA website or call their Godfrey office. Do you know a small business worthy of this honor? Nominate them here: growthassociation.com/recognition-awards

MEET OUR 2022 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

JERRY RUMPH

ALAN MEYER, CHAIR 1st MidAmerica Credit Union

JEFF LAURITZEN, PAST CHAIR

COUNTRY Financial

MIKE FITZGERALD, TREASURER Scheffel Boyle

LORI ARTIS Lewis and Clark Community College

JOHN BARNERD Simmons Hanly Conroy

TOM BERRY

Jackson Lewis P.C.

JAKE BODI Ameren Illinois

BRIAN CAMPBELL Colman’s Country Campers

NICK DARR Big Z Media

MELISSA ERKER Phillips 66 Wood River Refinery

BRAD GOACHER Alton Memorial Hospital

PAM HEEPKE Heepke Farms

CODY HINKLE Piasa Body Art

JENNIFER JACKSON Helmkamp Construction Co.

TIM KUEBRICH Lake Drive Logistics

DAVID MILLER retired

STEPHANIE MONROE Riverbend Chiropractic Center

CRYSTAL OFFICER Beverly Farm

JIM RANKIN West Star Aviation

JAMES ROGALSKY Old Bakery Beer Co.

OSF HealthCare Saint Anthony’s Health Center

JANE SAALE Cope Plastics

DAN ST. PETERS, CHAIR-ELECT St. Peters Hardware & Rental

MARTHA SCHULTZ First Mid Bank & Trust

ROB SCHWARTZ Busey Bank

BERNIE SEBOLD Illinois American Water

TERRY SHEWMAKE IBEW Local 649

MATT WATERS Liberty Bank

KAREN WILSON State Farm Insurance

DENISE WOLFF Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Select Properties

FROM

By Gary Bost Bethalto Mayor

news you can use

part-time personnel and volunteers

— we’re proud of all you do for the Village and its residents!

Allstate

Happy New Year from all of us at the Village of Bethalto! We’re looking forward to a wonderful 2022, with a lot of exciting things in store for our residents.

If you’ve driven around Bethalto lately, you’ve likely noticed several projects either completed or in the works. Crews have begun preliminary work along Prairie Street, moving utilities and completing storm sewer work.

Reconstruction of the roadway from Corbin Street to Alma is set to start at the beginning of March. This 3rd phase is an IDOT project that will see a complete reconstruction of that stretch of road, including new curb & gutter and sidewalks. We are looking forward to this exciting update! Work has also started on the reconstruction of the Albers Lane/ Friedel Bridge. This entire bridge will be replaced in the coming months, making for a safer route to north of town. The Stadium Drive Bridge is also in need of repair and will hopefully be a project in the books very soon. Road improvements take planning, time,

and money, and we appreciate our residents’ patience as we make progress throughout town— remember, “the road to success is always under construction.” We’d like to give a big thank you to our Public Works Director, Public Works crews, and contractors for all you do.

We received numerous compliments on the new light fixtures downtown and around Village Hall—this area is now lighter and brighter! You’ll notice these fixtures match those throughout Central Park and add a classic, vintage feel to our downtown area. At our January Village Board meeting, trustees passed a resolution of support to apply for grant funding to hopefully continue these light fixtures south down Prairie Street all the way to IL Route 140. We’re keeping our fingers crossed that the Village is awarded that grant. The “old” fixtures that were removed from downtown will be relocated to the Sports Complex to lighten up the pathways for visitors, so nothing will be wasted with

these upgrades. In other exciting recreational news, this Spring will see the opening of our new pickleball courts, adjacent to our existing basketball and tennis courts. New playground equipment is also on its way for our youngest residents. We’re happy to see this expansion finally coming to fruition and can’t wait to see the parks full of kids and the courts filled with pickleball enthusiasts!

The Bethalto Volunteer Fire Department recently placed an order for a new rescue truck, which should be delivered in early 2023. This new vehicle will help save some wear and tear on the bigger fire engines, as it will be stocked with everything needed for medical emergencies and smaller call-outs. Our firefighters are very excited about this new unit, and have worked hard to budget for its purchase without asking for any additional tax funding. A big shout out to our fire chief, deputy chief, assistant chief, and all our

Fall yard waste/leaf pickup has ended for the season. Republic Services will start picking up yard waste, leaves, and brush beginning April 1 for those who have contracted with them for their services. Are you doing some pre-spring cleaning and have some large items to dispose of? Republic Services also offers large item pickup throughout the year, so there’s no need to wait for spring or fall cleanups. Simply call Republic at 618-656-6883 to schedule a pickup. Electronics and “anything

recycling, call 618-296-6647.

This year’s 2nd Annual Bethalto Police Department Christmas For All event was a huge success. Over $17,000 was raised and nearly 100 children and their families were given a Christmas to remember, thanks to the fundraising efforts of our Police Department and the generous donations of those throughout our community. We are truly blessed to live and work in a town that puts people first, and we’re looking forward to helping this event grow bigger each year. As a reminder, all Village Board meetings are open to the public;

Proud

with a cord” are not accepted, but there are electronics recycling events held throughout the year at various Madison County locations. For more information on electronics or hazardous waste

regular meetings are the second Monday of the month beginning at 7pm and are held in our Council Chambers inside Village Hall. We encourage residents to attend and to stay informed of all the happenings in town.

Village of Bethalto page sponsored by Allstate - John Standefer, JR’s Flooring, and Tom Lane Ins and Fin Svcs, Inc

AUDIOLOGY

My new-year goals include living healthier. How can better hearing figure into that?

Congratulations on your wellness goals, of which hearing can play a big part. Better hearing is a low-effort, high-impact step toward other potential benefits such as better relations with family, greater feelings of self-worth, improved mental health, and more independence and security.

PERSONAL LAW

What you should know if you have been appointed as an executor or administer of an estate?

Many times, estate planning attorneys get calls from those appointed as personal representatives, as they often inquire about what they are legally required to do.

Dr. T.K. Parthasarathy President & former SIUE Professor of Audiology

Many people don’t realize how common hearing loss is. One estimate puts it at a fifth of those 12 and older in the U.S. alone, and another — on a global scale — asserts that about 466 million youth and adults are affected. Only a fraction seek life-changing hearing technology, however.

The first step to experiencing the benefits of better hearing is to arrange an evaluation. Hearing exams are quick, painless, and informative, providing insight into your ears and your hearing health. So don’t delay. Schedule that hearing test to support your wellness goals today!

Call us today! You can trust our knowledge and expertise in total hearing health. We’re ready to help you hear your best so you can live your best.

A personal representative can be referred to as either an executor (executrix if the person is female) or an administrator (administratrix if the individual is female).

Todd Sivia

An executor (or executrix) is the individual whom a deceased named in their Will and is responsible for administering their estate. The executor’s role is carrying out the instructions for managing the wishes and affairs of the deceased’s estate.

An administrator (or administratrix) is appointed by the court to administer the estate if someone dies without a Testament and Last Will. The role of an administrator is to ensure that a deceased person’s financial affairs are satisfactorily managed and that their estate is distributed under the law. Serving as a personal representative is something that must not be taken lightly. So, if you are appointed as an executor or administrator, consider contacting an estate planning attorney.

TODD SIVIA, Attorney at Law

Economic impact of MidAmerica St. Louis Airport grows to $3.1 billion

94 Northport Drive, Alton 618-208-6002

betterhearingclinic.com

BANKRUPTCY

Can a bankruptcy stop a garnishment?

YES.

You go to work every day, you work hard for your paycheck and it still doesn’t go as far as you need it to.

Gas prices are rising, groceries prices are rising, the cost of living for everyone is more expensive than it used to be. In this economy, every penny counts.

Shari Murphy

Then your employer notifies you that they have received a wage garnishment order and will begin garnishing your already-stretched-too-thin paycheck.

Can bankruptcy stop the garnishment?

Bankruptcy is a legal proceeding designed to give you a fresh financial start by allowing you a “discharge” of most unsecured debts, including credit card debt, medical bills, and past due utility bills. Once bankruptcy is filed, all collection efforts by creditors, including garnishments, must stop.

Your paycheck will be restored and, without the burden of other, now-discharged debts, will go even farther than it did before the garnishment.

SHARI L. MURPHY

Attorney at Law • FREE CONSULTATION

P.O. Box 136, Wood River 618-797-8888

1 Terminal Drive, East Alton 618-258-4800

217 S. Main St., Edwardsville 618-659-4499 sivialaw.com

INSURANCE

What does a will do for me?

A will instructs how you want your assets (money, property, etc.) to be distributed after you die. If you die without a will, your probate assets will be divided according to state law.

Here are some tips for preparing a will:

• Have an attorney draft your will. By drafting it on your own, you risk being non-compliant with state law which makes your will invalid.

• Name an executor, who will handle such tasks as collecting assets, paying all debts and taxes and distributing your estate, according to your wishes.

MidAmerica St. Louis Airport (BLV), a commercial service airport located in St. Clair County, shared the findings of a recent study that reveals the airport is now a $3.1 billion economic engine for the bi-state St. Louis region. The airport is a joint use military/civilian facility including MidAmerica St. Louis Airport and Scott Air Force Base (SAFB) and is operated/governed by the St. Clair County Public Building Commission. In addition to significant air carrier activity, BLV sees regular usage for corporate/business, military, air cargo operations, aerospace manufacturing, and aerospace technology research.

visitors from out of state travelling to Illinois for business or personal reasons in 2019. Citing the amount those out-of-state visitors spent on things like accommodations, local ground transportation, retail and entertainment, MidAmerica saw visitor spending reach a total of $31.4 million.

Tom Lane

• List personal property such as artwork, collectibles, jewelry and other personal property that you want to go to specific individuals.

• Do not include funeral preferences in your will since it may not be read until several weeks after your death.

• Review your will every few years and have your attorney make changes as appropriate.

A little advance preparation will help ensure that your final wishes are handled the way YOU planned them to be.

The $3.1 billion in total economic impact is up from $2.5 billion in 2012 and represents the sum of onairport activity generated by the airport management and administration and airport tenants, as well as on-airport construction. Conducted by the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), the study highlights the factors contributing to the airport’s growing economic impact locally, while also spotlighting the economic impact of the aviation sector in IDOT Region 5 (districts 8 & 9) and the total impact statewide.

Another key metric relates to the economic productivity of each aviation related business establishment connected to the airport — calculated as business revenue earned minus the cost of purchasing goods and services from other businesses. That metric known as “added value” topped $2.2 million in 2019. BLV is one of two commercial service airports and 14 general aviation airports welcoming visitors to Region 5 of Illinois, the state’s southernmost region. Region 5 is home to several popular tourist destinations, such as Shawnee National Forest, Giant City Sate Park, Garden of the Gods Recreation Area and the St. Louis metropolitan area.

116 W. Bethalto Blvd, Bethalto 618-377-8912 tomlaneagency.net

Godfrey announces first railroad ‘quiet zones’

Mayor Mike McCormick is pleased to announce the implementation of Godfrey’s first “quiet zones.”

Locomotive engineers are required to sound train horns in advance of all public grade crossings day or night. The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), however, recognizes that trains traveling near residential areas can impact those residing in the area. Therefore, federal regulations provide a method

to eliminate the horns from blowing at road crossings by establishing a “quiet zone.”

To qualify for a quiet zone, specific improvements to each public road and the railroad tracks are required at each crossing. Every crossing is unique and requires a specific design for improvements that must ensure an established level of safety for both vehicles crossing the railroad and the train traveling the tracks. The improvements made

over the last several years at the Alby Street and Bethany Lane grade crossings as part of the high-speed rail project have increased the level of safety to a point where the village has been able to request a quiet zone at these crossings. The quiet zones began on Jan. 12 and should eliminate the routine sounding of train horns 24 hours a day but only at the Alby Street and Bethany Lane crossings. Plans for similar quiet

zones at the Tolle Lane and Pearl Street crossings are developing and have not yet been authorized by the FRA. Village leaders are hopeful that continued coordination with the railroads operating through the Tolle Lane and Pearl Street crossings will allow for those crossings to receive the same quiet zone status in the future.

In preparation for the quiet zones, “No Train Horn” signs will be installed along the tracks and roadways. 3

“The results of this latest study reveal that MidAmerica Airport is one of the fastest growing commercial service airports in the state,” said St. Clair County Board Chairman Mark Kern. “With the continuation of our joint use agreement with Scott Air Force Base, our steadily increasing passenger traffic and the expansion underway by Boeing, we fully expect that growth to continue.”

According to the latest report, MidAmerica Airport remains a major employer in the St. Louis and Metro East areas, providing a total of 23,442 full-time and part-time jobs to the region between airport and SAFB operations, airport tenants and construction workers on the airport property. With a workforce of this magnitude, the airport generated a total of $1.9 billion in labor income (total employment compensation, including benefits) in 2019.

MidAmerica also saw a substantial amount of revenue generated from

In 2019, airports in Region 5 generated 28,595 jobs, $2.1 billion in labor income and $2.6 billion in value added for a total regional economic impact of $6.1 billion. Combined with the state’s other four regions, forming a network of over 80 airports in Illinois, the study determined that Illinois’s airports generated 492,186 jobs and contributed $95.4 billion to the state’s economy in 2019.

“MidAmerica Airport acts as a gateway for business and recreational visitors to the St. Louis metropolitan area and provides an affordable, hassle-free option for residents throughout our region to fly directly to a dozen popular destinations,” said MidAmerica Airport Director Bryan Johnson “2021 has been a remarkable year and can’t wait to see what 2022 brings our way.”

Destinations currently served by Allegiant from MidAmerica include Charleston, Daytona Beach, Destin/Ft. Walton Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Jacksonville, Las Vegas, Orlando, Phoenix/Mesa, Ft. Myers/Punta Gorda, Sarasota/Bradenton, Savannah, and Tampa Bay/ St. Pete. 3 flymidamerica.com

MCHS engineering students designing for national competition

Marquette Catholic High School engineering students, led by Michelle Sands, recently worked on their designs for Project CU and the SourceAmerica IDEATE national competition in St. Louis. The students are designing solutions for individuals with disabilities which they use at their place of work. The students must submit fully functional designs tested in a live environment, along with a written report of supporting data, and a video summary. For example, at the event in early January, the students provided a worker with a design to help in the process of packaging chocolate bars. Previously the worker was able to package five boxes of chocolates, but only two of the five were done correctly. After using the Marquette provided design the worker packaged all five boxes correctly, while

also doing it more quickly than before. Not only did the students help the worker reduce errors and decrease the assembly time, but also helped improve their selfesteem along the way.

The Engineering students’ goal is to make it to the national competition in Washington D.C., where they have finished 5th, 4th, and 3rd in recent years. But the real victory is the smile on the faces of the workers they are so proud to work alongside when they are able to complete their tasks faster and without mistakes.

The Marquette Engineering students are Caden French, Braydon Noble, Sam Harshbarger, Nate Buhs, Abigail Gorsage, Will Talbot, Peter Kuhn, Noah Spencer, Derrick Thomas, and Adonnis Hopson. The final designs are due on Feb. 18. 3

AS A MATTER OF FAITH

By Arnie Saaf

Living Stones

1 Peter: 2:5 “you also, Like living stones, are being built into a spiritual household…”

So there we are… “living stones” being built into God’s church. Can’t you picture that?

I can, because I have built a few stone walls. At first I would go out to the quarry and search for “nice” stones that would fit well together. But that took a long time.

I soon found it was best to just grab any stones and haul them home in my trunk.

I found that the mortar would allow all shapes of

stones to bond together. We are like the stones in the quarry. None are perfect… all have rough edges and some are downright raged! But the Holy Spirit, just like the mortar, can bond us together to form God’s church.

God needs and accepts all of us sinners to be His “living stones.” He will help us find the right spot to become part of His church. 3

Arnie Saaf is a member of Godfrey First United Methodist Church, 1100 Airport Road

HARTFORD IL 62048 LEVY ORDINANCE 2021-04

AN ORDINANCE FOR THE ASSESSMENT, LEVY AND COLLECTION OF TAXES

WITHIN THE CORPORATE LIMITS OF THE HARTFORD PUBLIC LIBRARY DISTRICT, HARTFORD, MADISON COUNTY, ILLINOIS FOR THE FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING JULY 1, 2021 AND ENDING JUNE 30, 2022

BE IT ORDAINED BY THE PRESIDENT AND BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE HARTFORD PUBLIC LIBRARY DISTRICT, HARTFORD, MADISON COUNTY, ILLINOIS: SECTION I GENERAL LIBRARY PURPOSES

That there be, and hereby is, levied and assessed upon all taxable property both real and personal, within the Hartford Public Library District, County of Madison, and State of Illinois, and the same assessed and equalized for state and county purposed, taxes su icient to produce the sum of $118,621 which sum is levied together with $117,000 to be received and derived from other sources, being in the total amount appropriation legally made for general library district purposes for said taxable year, which sum is to be used for, and has been appropriated for purposes and the amount specified as follows, to-wit::

SECTION II

This ordinance shall take effect and be in force ten (10) days after its passage and approval and shall be known as Ordinance 2021-04 of the Hartford Public Library District, Madison County, Illinois.

Passed by the Board of Trustees of the Hartford Public Library District at a regular meeting held on November 18, 2021.

Marvin R. Denton

President Board of Trustees

Hartford Public Library

Passed by roll call this 18th day of November 2021

AYES: 6

NAYS: 0 ABSENT: 1

Approved this 18th day of November 2021

Marvin R. Denton

President Board of Trustees

Hartford Public Library CERTIFICATE

STATE OF ILLINOIS ) COUNTY OF MADISON )

I, the undersigned, Secretary of the Board of Trustees of the Hartford Public Library District, do hereby certify that the above and foregoing is a true, perfect and correct copy of the Ordinance duly adopted at the meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Hartford Public Library District held on the 18th day of November 2021.

IN WITNESS WHEREFORE, I have here unto set my off icial signature below to 18th day of November, 2021.

Brent Allen

Secretary of the Board of Trustees Hartford Public Library District

VILLAGE OF GODFREY, ILLINOIS NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON REZONING OF THE PROPERTY ON GODFREY ROAD (24-1-01-35-13-301-007)

PROPERTY BETWEEN 3010 AND 3014 GODFREY ROAD

DUE TO COVID 19 THIS MEETING WILL BE AN AUDIO CONFERENCE - YOU MAY DIAL 1-408-418-9388 AND ENTER CONFERENCE ID 2556 207 9345# TO JOIN

Note: Any person desiring to be heard before the Board shall submit a written request for the floor to the Village Clerk no later than 2:00 p.m. on the Tuesday before the regular meetings of the Board. If Prospective Attendees require an interpreter or other Access Accommodation Needs, please contact The Godfrey Village Clerk’s Office at 618-466-3381 no later than 48 Hours prior to the commencement of the Meeting to arrange the accommodations.

Notice is given that a public hearing will be held on the 16th day of February 2022 at 6:00 p.m. via phone audio conference to consider the application of: Jeffrey Harman 8709 Blueridge Road Alton, IL 62002

Jeffrey Harman is requesting a rezoning for their property Listed below. Remainder of Lot 2 of the Subdivision of the Estate of Thomas Clifford, being part of Section 35, Township 6 North, Range 10 West of the 3rd Principal Meridian. Village of Godfrey, Madison County, Illinois, being described as follows:

Beginning at a stone found at the Southwest corner of said Lot 2 and thence on a platted bearing of North 89 degrees 45 minutes 00 seconds East along the south line of said Lot 2, a distance of 735.75 feet to an iron pin set; thence leaving said south line, North 05 degrees 11 minutes 56 seconds East, a distance of 185.87 feet to an iron pin found; thence North 89 degrees 35 minutes 38 seconds East, a distance of 59.48 feet; thence North 00 degrees 47 minutes 18 seconds East, a distance of 143.73 feet to an iron pin found on the North line of said Lot ; thence South 89 degrees 17 minutes 42 seconds West, along said North line a distance of 808.95 feet to a stone found at the northwest corner of said Lot 2 thence South 00 degrees 47 minutes 17 seconds West, along the West line of said Lot 2, a distance of 322.53 feet to the point of beginning (the Morrissey/Widman Property).

THE PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION MAY APPROVE THE APPLICATION WITH OR WITHOUT MODIFICATIONS OR CONDITIONS OR IT MAY DISAPPROVE THE APPLICATION. THIS COULD SIGNIFICANTLY AMEND, MODIFY, REVISE OR ALTER THE APPLICATION AS ORIGINALLY FILED BY THE APPLICANT AND COULD SIGNIFICANTLY CHANGE THE IMPACT OR THE PROPOSAL AS CONTAINED IN THE APPLICATION OR SURROUNDING PROPERTY OWNERS. SHOULD YOU DESIRE TO BE HEARD REGARDING THE APPLICATION AS FILED OR AS TO ANY AMENDMENTS, MODIFICATIONS, REVISIONS, OR ALTERATIONS YOU SHOULD ATTEND THE PUBLIC HEARING. ALL DOCUMENTS MAY BE VIEWED AT GODFREY’S BUILDING AND ZONING DEPARTMENT, LOCATED AT 6810 GODFREY ROAD, BETWEEN THE HOURS OF 7:30 A.M. AND 4:30 P.M. MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY. CONTACT THE OFFICE AT (618) 466-1206.

Building & Zoning Village of Godfrey

STATE OF ILLINOIS ) COUNTY OF MADISON )

I, Brent Allen, Secretary of the Board of Trustees of the Hartford Public Library District, do hereby certify that the attached hereto is a true and correct copy of the Hartford Public Library District Budget and Appropriation Ordinance. IN WITNESS WHEREFORE, I have here unto set my off icial signature below to 18th day of November, 2021.

Brent Allen Secretary of the Board of Trustees Hartford Public Library District

Local girl with references. 618-741-5958

FOR SALE TWO CEMETERY PLOTS

Rose Lawn Memory Gardens, Bethalto each includes vault VALUE $2,968

SALE PRICE $2,434

HELP WANTED

EXCELLENT PAY

Alton/Wood River area. email for application ehenry@maintunlimited.com

Lawn care, leaf & brush

house power washing, etc. Competitive rates. Insured.

Call Claudia or Henry 318-918-5515 or 318-573-4765

Lincoln, Granite City. 618-830-9290

Cash for Old Records $

Experienced collector buying 45-78-33 RPMs.

Cash paid! House calls made. Call or Text 314-324-0521

or 618-466-4831 CATHOLIC WOMAN 27 years of experience.

daily living activities, rehab, hospice, respite, in-home nursing home visits, hospital stays, doctor appointments, errands, social outings, midnights, meals, light housekeeping. Excellent references. 618-462-6580

314-706-4076

Two cemetery plots for sale in Rose Lawn Memory Gardens in Bethalto. Contact John Heinkel 618-447-3406 St. Jude Novena May the sacred heart of Jesus be adored, glorified, loved and preserved throughout the world now and forever.

Sacred heart of Jesus, pray for us. St. Jude, worker of miracles, pray for us. St. Jude, help of the hopeless, pray for us. Say prayer nine times a day.

By the eighth day, prayer will be answered. Say it for nine days. It has never been known to fail. Publication must be promised. Thank You, St. Jude.

J.M.H. 2/1/21

Make a budget line for fun money

DEAR DAVE: I finally paid off all my debt except for my house, and I have an emergency fund of six months of expenses saved. It feels great to be in control of my money, but I am afraid I might lose control again and end up back where I started before I began following your plan. How can you make sure your leisure spending doesn’t get out of hand? -- Lavell

DEAR LAVELL: I get what you’re saying. You don’t want to go back to those days of being scared and out of control where your finances

are concerned. You spent a lot of time, made tons of sacrifices, and put in lots of disciplined hard work getting out of debt, changing your behavior, and finally reached a point where you’re winning with money. Most people don’t forget the hardship and sacrifices that go into something like that, and I don’t think you will, either. There’s a season to be strict, hard-nosed, and deny yourself things. There’s also a time to act like an adult, and forego instant gratification, like during those early Baby Steps. But some self-care and a little fun is important once in a while, too. One way to enjoy

life without going financially overboard is to make a budget line for fun money. Putting fun money in your budget isn’t a green light to forget your money goals, or go on a spending free-for-all. It’s actually part of sticking to your budget. Remember, you want a zero-based budget. That means giving every dollar a job, and having a fun money category helps you focus on all your spending, so you don’t accidently waste money on little things here and there. When you give yourself a budget line for fun, you can spend that amount on whatever you want. We talk a lot about goals and how they need to be a balance of empowering and realistic. Budgeting fun money helps with the realistic side, because it lets you stick to your goals and have a treat every now and then.

BUYING ALL DIABETIC TEST

STRIPS

Unexpired, any type, any brand, will pay up to $10/box. Helping diabetics since

@DaveRamsey

Pennsylvania

Advancements in the region’s freight network

The St. Louis Regional Freightway played a pivotal role in 2021 in helping advance the bi-state St. Louis region as a global freight hub. It reinforced the advantages the region’s world-class freight network offers to shippers that are increasingly seeking options in the midst of continuing supply chain disruption across the nation and around the world.

5. Restricted

6. 5 years old

7. James Earl Jones

8. Ganymede

9. Reagan

10. Vermont

Flashback

1. The Shirelles in 1959. They were followed by the Mamas & the Papas who took the song to No. 2 in 1967.

2. Tommy James and the Shondells. The story was that the song was written as James was reading the Bible and a blue light was mentioned. However, many thought he was referring to the blue LSD tablets that were in vogue.

3. “Red Rubber Ball” and “Turn-Down Day,” both in 1966.

4. “Breaking Up Is Hard to Do.”

5. “I Only Have Eyes For You,” by the Flamingos, in 1959. The song was written for a 1934 film (“Dames”), but it was the Flamingos’ doo-wop version that brought the song attention. Rolling Stone ranked it No. 158 on their list of “500 Greatest Songs of All Time.”

“The past year was extremely challenging for the global supply chain, ranging from the continuing impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic to the ripple effect of the Evergreen container ship stuck in the Suez Canal for nearly a week; yet the St. Louis region’s freight network continued to perform well,” said Mary Lamie. Lamie is the Executive Vice President of Multi-Modal Enterprises for Bi-State Development, which oversees the St. Louis Regional Freightway as one of its enterprises.

“Considering investments already being made in our most critical infrastructure projects, potential for additional investment through the new infrastructure bill, and the innovation underway that will only add to the optionality this region offers, there is much to be positive about as we turn the page on 2021, and we’re pleased to share some of the highlights,” Lamie said.

After welcoming the successful launch of Container-on-Barge services at America’s Central Port in Granite City, key stakeholders behind the efforts to launch innovative Container-onVessel (COV) service to the Midwest announced on Dec. 17 that Hawtex Development

Corporation is signing on as the lead developer for a new COV port facility in Herculaneum, Missouri, just 30 miles south of St. Louis. The new port will be a critical link on the new, allwater, north-south trade lane connecting the Midwest and the St. Louis region to the lower Mississippi River and on to worldwide destinations. In another key milestone for this initiative, American Patriot Container Transport LLC (APCT), which is developing the patented new vessels that will carry the containerized cargo along the underutilized Mississippi, Illinois and Missouri Rivers, issued a solicitation to seven American shipyards for construction of four of the patented container on vessels that will provide the new COV service, and an option for four more.

“The new partnerships being forged and the advancements we’re making toward construction of the new vessels represent another huge step forward for this unique supply chain option that will reduce transportation costs for shippers by approximately 30 to 40%,” said Sal Litrico, Chief Executive Officer of APCT. “The Mississippi River is ice free and lock free from the St. Louis region all the way south to the Gulf Coast, enabling us to bring our new vessels with the capacity to carry 2,375 20-foot long by 8-foottall shipping containers right into the heart of the

Midwest, and this new port facility will be developed specifically to be able to handle those vessels and containers.”

The news follows closely on the heels of other critical milestones reached in this initiative that has the potential to be game changer for the shipping industry.

In August 2020, American Patriot Holdings LLC (APH) and Plaquemines Port Harbor and Terminal District (PPHTD) in Louisiana announced they had signed a letter of intent to develop a multimodal, state-of-theart container terminal at its facility near the southern mouth of the Mississippi River, which would be the gateway port for the new COV service. APM Terminals North America was recently announced as the Containeron-Vessel terminal operator for the gateway port and is working with global shippers to integrate this proposed new logistics system with Midwest manufacturers and producers to ensure both ports are set up for long-term success.

The St. Louis Regional Freightway is a Bi-State Development enterprise formed to create a regional freight district and comprehensive authority for freight operations and opportunities within eight counties in southwestern Illinois and eastern Missouri which comprise the St. Louis metropolitan area. 3 thefreightway.com

FEATURED LISTING

Realty GODFREY

3049 Godfrey Rd Godfrey 618-466-1513 godfreylandmark.com

3423 Thomas, Alton $72,900 Becky McGowen 570-9375

Charming 2BR boasts, built in bookshelves, covered front porch, partly fenced yard, and detached garage.

FEATURED LISTING

3410 Terrace, Granite City $98,500 Sharron Lovato 410-8782

You will love this spacious brick ranch with attached garage, close to everything.

FEATURED LISTING

306 Park Ln, Wood River $74,900 Jackie Sumpter 910-7761

You will love this starter home. 2BR, 1BA, with recent updates including paint, newer flooring. Large sunroom.

FEATURED LISTING

FEATURED

3203 E Leverett Ct, Alton $169,900 Jon Jones 550-2371

Don’t miss this rare opportunity to own a 2BR/2BA condo in Leverett Place, 55+ community.

FEATURED LISTING DUPLEX

208 Allen, Alton $84,000 Pat Kulish 623-9209

Great investment opportunity with this duplex, includes two 2BR units.

FEATURED LISTING

2150 Morning Star, Alton $224,900 Don Hellrung 830-2405

FEATURED LISTING

Cozy 2BR home offers spacious kitchen & dining area, living room, hardwood floors, basement, fenced yard, detached garage.

COMMERCIAL

5129 Stacey, Granite City $168,900 Don Hellrung 830-2405

Great 4BR/3BA located on cul-de-sac. Privacy fenced back yard, patio that backs up to the lake. Open floor plan.

FEATURED LISTING

15281 State Hwy 109, Dow $695,000 Mindy Woelfel 946-0434

Over 10,000 sq ft under roof is currently set up to be a bar, banquet center, restaurant, large bag tournament room. The opportunities are endless.

FEATURED LISTING

2803 Hillcrest, Alton $65,000 Matt Horn 560-8201

Value priced Alton home. 3BR/1BA home being offered in the as-is condition. 2 car detached garage, fenced yard.

FEATURED LISTING

15529 Bunse Way, Jerseyville $565,000 Matt Horn 560-8201

Custom built 3BR/4BA log home situated on 25.86 acre lot site suitable for horses and hunting. Large outbuilding. Large windows & deck overlooking wooded acreage.

813 Hawley, Alton $78,000 Jenny Wisniewski 791-8224

Charming 2BR/1BA includes some hardwood floors, large master BR, partially fenced yard with patio, garage.