Riverbend November 2022

OBITUARIES

Eldon Warfield

63 | Celebration, Fla.

October 2, 2022

arrangements by Irwin Chapel

Eldon William Warfield Jr. passed away on October 2, 2022 in Celebration, FL. He was 63 years old. Eldon was born in Granite City, Illinois to Eldon and Vivian Warfield in 1959. He is survived by his wife, Kimberly Shaw who he married in 1984, and his daughter Ashley (Brian) Richter of O’Fallon, MO. Eldon had two grandchildren, Caleb Richter and Anna Richter, whom he loved dearly, as well as nieces, nephews and cousins who were a big part of his life. He was preceded in death by his two beloved brothers, James Warfield and Walter Warfield. Eldon was a 1977 graduate of Granite City High School South and attended SIU-E and St. Louis University where he earned his BA. He played baseball for both schools and later earned his MBA at Fontbonne University. His

love of baseball continued throughout his life, both as a player, coach and a St. Louis Cardinals fan. Eldon managed multi-family and commercial properties all over the U.S and was the Chapter President of the Institute of Real Estate Management, as well as a Florida Real Estate Broker and CPM. He taught property management at Valencia College in Orlando and served there as the Program Coordinator. Eldon was also the Director of Asset Management for Polaris Realty Capital in Coral Gables, FL. He will be dearly missed by family, friends, and coworkers. A memorial service will be held in the near future at Irwin Chapel, Granite City. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Jacoby Tyrone Sims Jr.

September 22, 2022, 4:47am

7 lbs, 5 oz, 20 in Alton Memorial Hospital

Son of Jacoby Sims Sr. and Sara Hardimon-Sims of Alton. Grandparents are Sharon Sims of Florissant, Mo., and the late Jimmie Sims, Robert Perry Jr., and Shirley Hardimon.

MYER-HENSON ENGAGEMENT

Miranda Myer and Abram Henson Wood River announce their engagement.

Miranda is the daughter of Jeff & Mindy Myer, and Abram is the son of David & Sherri Henson. Miranda is a 2012 graduate of Alton High School and a 2022 graduate of Chamberlin University, with masters degree in nursing. She is also a board certified family nurse practitioner. At this time, she works as a nurse in the emergency department at Alton Memorial Hospital.

Abram is a 2009 graduate of Alton High School. He is employed as a board secretary and project

Scott Isringhausen

URBAN FISHING COORDINATOR FOR THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF ILLINOIS

By Mark Ellebracht Big Z Media

Scott has been a guest on the Big Z (107.1FM, 1570AM) for more than two decades and if there’s a question about fishing or Pere Marquette State Park, he’s the guy we ask. Scott appears on my show a few times a year to promote the park, promote fishing and make wild animal noises. He shares information about two programs coming up on Saturday, Nov. 5.

(You can go back to hear past interviews on the Big Z with Scott and others at advantagenews.com under the LISTEN tab).

When did you start working at Pere Marquette State Park?

I started in July of 1989,

back then I had a little more hair than I do now, and I started with educational tours and programs. I still have an office at the park, but most of the year I’m on the road with fishing education programs and do occasional programs in the fall and winter at the park. You offer free programs at the park throughout the year on fishing, so what can visitors expect?

The next one is coming up November 5 with the Urban Fishing Trailer that guests can walk through and then our stocked fishing pond next to the log cabin, kids or anyone will have a chance to catch a fish and that will run from around 5pm to 7pm or a little after. No charge to attend and we’ll provide the

WREATHS across AMERICA

Donate a holiday wreath to remember or honor a veteran at the Alton National Cemetery

Make donations payable to and send to: Wreaths Across America

P.O.

Suggested

equipment. I love the fishing education part of my job because kids seem to take to the sport easily and once they get hooked, you’ve got a good start for a kid that will hopefully appreciate the outdoors, maybe put down the phone for a little bit and enjoy being outside. That’s the whole point of this program and for events like the Two Rivers Family Fishing Fair we hold in June.

What about the Owl Night Hikes?

We have eight species of owls that can inhabit the park but the primary types of owls we have around here are the Great Horned, the Screech and the Barred owl. We’ll start the Owl Program at 7:30pm (Nov. 5) inside the Visitor’s Center with an hour-long presentation and video talking about the owls we have at the park. After that, we’ll begin the 2-mile night hike. The first half mile is uphill, so it’s not an easy hike to start, but it will get a little easier once we get to the top. We’ll stop several times during

the hike and see if we can hear the owls, play a recording to see if they answer and try a few live owl calls. There’s no guarantee we’ll hear an owl, but the trails are only open at night to the public during these tours, so it’s a unique experience either way. Then we’ll end the night with some snacks and refreshments back at the center although that might be close to 10pm. Do people need to bring anything?

Remember, it’s a hike and you’ll need to be able to walk two miles in the dark on park trails through the woods. Maybe one flashlight per family, wear comfortable shoes, and a bottle of water. I’d love it if people would keep their phones put away because it distracts from the experience but these days that’s hard to do. Hopefully families will come out and have a nice experience. No RSVP is needed for either program but if you have questions, call Pere Marquette State Park at 618-786-3323. 3

manager for Environmental Resources, Inc. in Wood River.

The wedding will be held on November 12, 2022, at Post Commons, Alton.

Marks Mortuary

Funeral Directors

Since 1901

Celebrating 120 Years

633 E. Lorena Avenue, Wood River 618-254-5544

“Our family loving and caring for your family in the time of need has always been our motto.”

King Air Conditioning & Heating focuses on the local community

By Frank Prager Big Z Media

King Air Conditioning & Heating in Godfrey has been a mainstay of the Riverbend area for almost 50 years. Their longevity and reputation stem not only from the quality of the service they provide but also from their charitable contributions to the local community around them.

The business was founded in 1974 by Jerry King and has been owned since 1991 by Mike and Karen Edwards. After operating out of a smaller building on Pearl Street for years, the operation moved to new expanded facilities on Ingham Lane in 2015.

The enterprise is a genuine family-owned and operated business. The Edwards’ son, Bret, is service manager for the operation. Their daughter, Kylie Wesley, is the office manager.

King Air Conditioning & Heating specializes in the sales and installation of Bryant residential heating and cooling equipment and employs a staff of highly trained service technicians and installers capable of working on almost any brand of equipment. Service and installation personnel are NATE (North American Technician Excellence) and EPA certified. The business

Breakfast for a Hero set for Nov. 11

By Mark Ellebracht Big Z Media

Local businesses are once again joining forces to offer a free breakfast for veterans and their families on Veterans Day. It’s called Breakfast for a Hero and will be held at the Best Western Premier in Alton on Friday, Nov. 11 from 8-10am. Doors open at 7:30am.

Claywell Asset ManagementRaymond James in Godfrey is spearheading the event, with the help from cosponsors. This will be the 5th annual event. Business owner Jim Claywell says when they came up with the idea, they wanted to do something different. “The VFW has its event followed by a lunch and then some towns do parades, so we thought a breakfast would be a good way to start the day.”

The breakfast is free and open to any veteran and their immediate family.

“While the veteran signs up to serve our country, their families also serve in their own way and we wanted to make sure they were remembered and honored too,” Claywell said.

Other businesses sponsoring the event include Miller King Law Firm, Roberts Motors, Gerard Fischer American Family Insurance, First Mid Bank & Trust, USA Mortgage, and the North Alton Godfrey Business Council. The Telegraph and Big Z Media are local media sponsors. RSVP by Nov. 4, by calling 618-433-8881 or emailing letha.fitzgerald@ raymondjames.com. 3

has won numerous Bryant Circle of Champions, Top Gun, Gold Club, E-Commerce Innovator and other industry awards over the years for the excellent level of service and professionalism they provide.

Karen Edwards explains the business sells and services air conditioners, gas furnaces, air handlers, heat pumps, boilers, packaged heat, hybrid units, geothermal and a host of other heating and cooling products. She notes they also sell and work on Mitsubishi ductless heating and cooling units suitable for all-season rooms, attic rooms and other areas where ductwork may not be available.

Services provided by the company include new installations, upgrades and replacements, repair services and preventative maintenance. Edwards says service agreement contracts are available to customers for the purpose of providing preventative maintenance and lowering the cost of service and repairs. “The service agreement provides two service calls a year to clean and check your air conditioning and heating,” she says. “It also gives customers twenty percent off of any repair.”

King Air Conditioning & Heating provides estimates on new installations

which are good for thirty days. Edwards notes that financing is also available on installations. The business provides after-hours and weekend emergency service and also does custom sheet metal installations. Technicians can provide XOi videos and pictures of all work performed. XOi videos and pictures provide customers with a record of completed repairs and installations.

Edwards points out King Air Conditioning & Heating regularly gives back to the community around them. The office area of the company contains dozens of plaques from local sports teams they have sponsored over the years. She also notes a percentage of the revenue from installations goes monthly toward local charity organizations. Recipients have included Boys and Girls Club of Alton, Madison County Child Advocacy Center, Found A Hound animal rescue, First Fruits and the foster care organization, Restore Network, among many others.

Edwards says the company has job openings available for technicians and installers. She says anyone with industry experience who is EPA certified can apply. She notes that

because the company is family owned and operated, they understand the importance of family and work life balance. The company offers ongoing training for employees so they can continue to grow their careers.

King Air Conditioning & Heating

7020 Ingham Lane, Godfrey 618-466-7574

Mon-Fri 8am - 4:30pm

Edwards attributes the continued growth of the business to the outstanding level of customer service they provide. “We have a lot of loyal, long-time customers,” she says. She notes the business provides reliable, professional service, “All the time, every time.” She says the company’s service personnel keep current with their expertise through training and that the company uses the latest

technology in the industry. Their website contains information on the products and services provided by the company as well as tips on keeping heating and cooling bills down and maintaining a healthy living environment. Customers can also request quotes on services and equipment through the website.

Edwards says the company’s longevity and broad base of longtime customers are testimony to the professionalism and expertise they bring to their work. “We’re thankful for our loyal customer base,” she says. “We’re an honest company with integrity and we stand behind our work.” 3 kingaircondheating.com

Karen Edwards and her husband, Mike, own and operate King Air Conditioning & Heating.

Pie auction helps puts veterans on Honor Flights

By Mike Montgomery

For Big Z Media

You can thank a vet and treat yourself when the annual Pie Auction hits the airwaves Veterans Day.

For the last eight years, WBGZ 107.1 FM and 1570 AM has had a special program on Veterans Day to raise money for the Land of Lincoln Honor Flight. This nonprofit agency flies military veterans to Washington, D.C., for a daylong, whirlwind tour of the nation’s monuments, especially those dedicated to our veterans. There is no cost to the veterans.

During the three-hour show Friday, Nov. 11, listeners will hear from veterans about their service and the trip to Washington. I’m the show’s host and it is always an honor and a privilege to hear from fellow veterans about their experiences.

The audience will also hear from the volunteers who raise the money, make all the arrangements, including booking jetliners, and personally lead those tours.

Land of Lincoln Honor Flight, based in Springfield, began flying veterans to Washington in May 2009 and has taken more than 5,000 veterans to the nation’s capital. All the administrative work is done by volunteers throughout the year.

Joan Bortolon has been a board member since Honor Flight began and has been president since 2014. She will again be part of the Pie Auction and will tell listeners what it takes to raise nearly half a million dollars each year.

“Your audience is the most generous in our service area,” she said. LOL Honor Flight serves an area of more than 25,000 square miles in central and parts of Southern Illinois.

While the program is under way, listeners can bid on pies and sometimes other goodies that have been donated by area leaders, caring individuals and generous businesses. The auction takes place online

at altondailybargains.com and through telephone bidding on the studio line, 618-465-1570. And, of course, there are many kindhearted individuals and companies that make cash donations.

The Pie Auction began in 2013 and thanks to WBGZ listeners and donors has raised more than $50,000 to support Land of Lincoln Honor Flights.

“We depend on private donations of $5, $10, $100 and one-time events to raise more than $500,000 each year to send veterans on an Honor Flight. You guys are rock stars,” Bortolon said.

The idea for the Pie Auction began when Lonnie Kimbro of Godfrey accompanied his brother, former Korean War Army corporal Delmar “Dee” Kimbro as his guardian. Each veteran gets a guardian on the flight to make sure needs are met and the veteran spends no money.

Guardians pay their own way, must be instructed in their duties and must meet with the veteran before the flight.

Currently, a guardian pays $525 for the privilege.

“I understood the Honor Flight was always operating on a shoestring budget, so I met with Sam (Stemm, the station general manager at the time) and we came up with the Pie Auction,” Kimbro said. Being a Vietnam veteran, I was glad to help out and be a part of the program.

Looking back on nearly 10 years of Pie Auctions, Kimbro said, “I just find the donations are beyond comprehension, people are so generous.” He added that he has found

in his fundraising “nearly everybody I talk to knows someone or has a relative who has been on an Honor Flight. They are always happy to make a donation.”

As the host, I have had the good fortune to interview a number of World War II veterans and have heard some harrowing tales – more than 50 straight days of fighting through jungle terrain, being captured as a prisoner of war, bombing missions completed in a severely damaged airplane. Not one of those veterans ever referred to himself as a hero. I’ve also met quite a number of veterans who were grateful for the Honor Flight but would add something to the effect that they really didn’t deserve the honor.

Each and every American should be grateful to the depths of their hearts that these men and women stepped forward when they were needed, took that oath and pledged to do whatever they could, whatever they were asked in service to their country and its citizens.

Tune in from 9am to noon Friday, Nov. 11, and show your appreciation. 3

Ronald Bonner Air Force Airman

Lewis Gordon Fischer Army CPL

Lew Curtis Air Force MG

Mel Carpenter Navy Pilot

Walter T. Greer Marine Corps MCM

Walter Davis Army Roy Lee Davis Air Force TSgt

Ernest Welker Army Edward Leroy Emerick Navy Donald Johann Army SPC5

Gene Bosaw Marine Corps SGT

Ronald Parton Navy Ray Parton Air Force

Clifford Hard Army SSG

World War II veteran Neil Gillingham stands with his sons, Dave at left and Dick, after sharing his experiences during the 2021 Pie Auction.

Civil Air Patrol cadets give flag salute to L&C Veterans Club

Cadets from the Civil Air Patrol (CAP) recently presented a flag salute to the Lewis and Clark Community College Veterans Club during the St. Louis Regional Airport’s 26th Annual Fly-In, Sept. 24-25. CAP, which is based at the airport in Bethalto, and the L&C Veterans Club joined forces earlier in the month to commemorate the anniversary of 9/11 during the National Multiple Sclerosis Society’s Bike MS: Gateway Getaway Ride, which was held on the college’s Godfrey Campus, Sept. 10-11.

“It was a pleasure and an honor for the L&C Veterans

Club to join forces with the cadets from the IL-286th Composite Squadron at the Bike MS 9/11 ceremony,” said Terry Lane, Director of Career and Veterans Services and advisor of the L&C Veterans Club. “It was raining that morning, but the cadets showed up early and in uniform to complete their mission. They exhibited professionalism and discipline and are a credit to their squadron.”

The L&C Vets Club placed the flags from each of the branches of the U.S. Armed Forces on the event stage.

The Cadets, performing in the rain, presented the U.S. flag while the National

Anthem played.

The Civil Air Patrol was formed in 1941 under the Office of Civil Defense and became a benevolent, nonprofit organization in

1946. CAP is an Auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force. The IL286th Composite Squadron motto is “ABOVE ALL, HONOR.”

As a Total Force partner

By William Inge

and Auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force, CAP’s 56,000 members, in nearly 1500 communities, selflessly devote their time, energy, and expertise toward the well-being of their communities, while also promoting aviation and related fields through aerospace/STEM education and helping shape future leaders through CAP’s cadet program.

The L&C Veterans Club is open to all Lewis and Clark Community College students who want to show their support for those who have served and for those who are serving in the U.S. Armed Forces.

The club meets monthly during the fall and spring semesters to discuss issues important to veterans, servicemembers and their families. It plans events and fundraisers on campus throughout the year and interfaces with other veterans groups and agencies off campus. The Veterans Club assists with getting answers to questions about L&C, benefits, community, state and federal services, etc. For more information on services to veterans and their families, Lane at tdlane@lc.edu or at 618-4685500. 3

From left, Cadet/SMSgt Johnson, Cadet/CMSgt Gusewelle, Cadet/CMSgt Pelletier, Cadet/1st Lt Gusewelle, Cadet/2d Lt Malson, Cadet/2d Lt Perham. [photo by Cadet/CMSgt Monheiser (PAO, IL-205th)]

Brittani Melton earns employee honor

Brittani Melton of the Lab is Alton Memorial Hospital’s October Employee of the Month. She received the award Oct. 18 from AMH President Dave Braasch and Lab supervisor Melissa Crouch

According to the nomination, “Brittani is one of the hardest working individuals I have ever met. She takes on many responsibilities in the lab. She is the go-to person for questions regarding send-out testing, is the backup for the Blood Bank department, prepares slides for thyroid FNAs and bone marrow biopsies, and keeps track of positive COVID

tests for the state. Brittani is very knowledgeable in all departments and helps train new employees and

students. Although usually ‘unseen,’ she is a true example of excellent patient care.” 3

Olde Alton Arts & Crafts Fair

by Donna Pettman

THINGS

By Fifi Rodriguez

1. GEOGRAPHY: What is the coldest ocean on Earth?

2. ANIMAL KINGDOM: What kind of animal is represented by the scientific order Proboscidea?

3. LANGUAGE: What does the Greek prefix “pan-” mean in English?

Wishing Well

FLASHBACK

By Mick Harper

1. Who wrote and released “Big Yellow Taxi”?

2. Which group released an album titled “Waiting for the Sun”?

3. Why was Carnaby Street popular in the 1960s?

4. Which group released “Lyin’ Eyes”?

5. Name the song that contains these lyrics: “Loneliness is the cloak you wear, A deep shade of blue is always there.”

(answers in puzzle solutions)

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

TRIVIA TEST

4. MEDICAL: What is the common name for Hansen’s disease?

5. LITERATURE: Which 1970s nonfiction book begins with the line, “We were somewhere around Barstow on the edge of the desert when the drugs began to take hold”?

6. THEATER: Who wrote the Tony Awardwinning play “The Heidi Chronicles”?

7. GENERAL KNOWLEDGE: The Empire State Building in New York has how many stories?

8. ACRONYMS: In photography, what does the

Americanisms

acronym SLR stand for?

9. FOOD & DRINK: Which country produces a cheese called Manchego?

10. HISTORY: Who was the first House Speaker in U.S. history? (answers in puzzle solutions)

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

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I just graduated as a veterinarian. My first patient was a cat who said “Meow.”

I said “I know. But where?”

I decided to call my bathroom Jim instead of John

So I feel better by saying “I went to the Jim this morning.”

Why do bees have sticky hair? Because they use honeycombs.

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What should you do if you’re addicted to sea weed?

Sea kelp.

What is the most effective way to quit being vegan?

Cold turkey.

What happened when the blue ship and the red ship collided at sea? Their crews were marooned.

Where should a dog never go shopping?

The flea market.

Dad Jokes.

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.

DIFFICULTY H

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Today’s Special by Mike Ostresh

Try our house made BLOODY MARYS! Sudoku

DIFFICULTY H

Place a number in the empty boxes in such a way that each row across, each column down and each small 9-box square contains all of the numbers from one to nine.

Puzzles sponsored by Simmons Hanly Conroy

•

•

•

•

•

•

Find the listed words in the diagram. They run forward, backward, up, down and diagonally. Unlisted hint: Immediately following sunset

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.

Just Like Cats & Dogs by Dave T. Phipps

What’s The Difference?

Find at least six differences in details between panels.

Kids’ Maze

Gateway Arch National Park hosts annual Arch Builders Reunion Oct. 29

The builders of the Gateway Arch will reunite in celebration of the day the final piece of the Arch was put into place and monument was completed.

On Saturday, Oct.. 29, the National Park Service will host Gateway Arch National Park’s annual “Meet the Builders” event from 10am to noon in the Arch tram lobby, in which the public can meet the engineers, tradesmen and support staff who contributed to the construction of the Gateway Arch. The Arch was completed 57 years ago, on Oct. 28, 1965.

“As we reflect on 57 years

of the Gateway Arch, we are reminded of the history it represents and the many stories it tells, from St. Louis’ role in the westward expansion of the United States and those who shaped American history, to the builders who worked for years to construct it, to what it means to us today,” says Pam Sanfilippo, Program Manager, Museum Services & Interpretation, Gateway Arch National Park. “Our annual Meet the Builders event is the opportunity to meet history and hear stories of the Arch’s construction.”

At the event, a small group of builders will

share memories, private memorabilia and photographs with attendees, and sign autographs. The Arch Store, located in the Arch tram lobby, will sell $1 commemorative posters for autographing. This is a free event that is open to all ages. Additionally, a special video featuring interviews with multiple builders will play in advance of each screening of “Monument to the Dream,” the awardwinning documentary that chronicles the construction of the Arch. “Monument to the Dream” plays at the top of every hour in the Arch’s Tucker Theater. 3

Small but exceptional new hotspot

By Bill Roseberry Big Z Media

This newer establishment in northwestern Madison County is hot both in spice level and popularity.

You can’t miss it at a major intersection through the uptown portion of this community. It’s housed inside a building which was the previous home of a staple food establishment for this city.

The small white brick building with a red roof and awning might not be much to look at, but looks can be deceiving. There’s a super small parking lot wrapping around the building. The large red sign sits right on the corner of the intersection, prominently displaying this jiving joint’s name. The name is also posted in the windows inside some noticeable flame decals, which helps advertise the food theme here.

Primarily a takeout establishment, you enter through a small door on the side of the building and come face to face with the small counter where you order. There are some swing doors into the kitchen right behind the counter. A menu board displays the goodies hanging behind the counter. There are also a couple of containers showcasing brightly colored frozen rum slushies available if that’s

your thing.

It features white brick walls and light tile flooring. There are a couple of tables, more for sitting and waiting, as well as a couple of gambling machines.

The focus is the food for sure and they understand that expertise. You have to be aware of the spice levels here. It features great customer service, so the workers will answer any of your questions so you get the best experience.

I stayed away from the hottest spice levels on my visit, as did my buddy who visited with me.

My order consisted of three mild chicken tenders accompanied with creamy garlic on the side and two sides, which I fulfilled with the hot collard greens and hot street corn on the cob. I washed it all down with an orange whistle to drink. My friend also went with three mild tenders, but with honey mustard on the side and then got hot street corn and sidewinder fries to accompany his meal.

Everything was unbelievable. The collard greens were so scrumptious. There was no meat in them but they just featured an overwhelming flavor of freshness and a superb spice kick. I just love a good side of greens and there aren’t many places locally to find them, so that gave extra

brownie points at this place out of the gates.

Next I dug into the street corn and was blown away. It was super creamy and buttery and the seasoning was popping with flavor, which included just a slight tickle of the tongue from heat.

The plump chicken tenders came last and they were so enormous, tender and juicy I couldn’t hardly get enough. The hearty taste of the seasoning was so great and again there was a little kick, but nothing overwhelming. Garnishing them with some of that garlic cream was a must, too. If you like garlic, you will fall in love with the robust flavor and welcoming texture added to the tenders. My dining companion loved all of his, too. The sidewinder fries were cut in large spiral pieces and packed with a super fresh potato potency according to him. Admiring and praising my greens so much, the hostess behind the counter heard him and gave him a small sample cup for free, which he also raved about. At the end we decided

Overall:

Cleanliness:

Service:

Food:

Price:

Any idea of the name of this restaurant?

Check the puzzle solutions to see if you are right.

to throw on a couple of rum drinks. I went with strawberry and he went with a strawberry/mango combo. Both slushies were popping with flavor and were a great final piece to our experience. Other things available here are chicken drumsticks, livers and gizzards, fried shrimp, spicy cheese curds, hot pork rinds, slaw and loaded potato salad. It’s a small, exceptional menu. They know what they want to do here and they do it perfectly. 3

ARIES (March 21 to April 19) Someone has some suggestions to offer regarding your new project. You might find them helpful. Remember to avoid speculation and to stick with just the facts, dear Lamb.

TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) An old friend suddenly reappears. Whether this proves to be a boon or a bane in the Bovine’s life depends on the reason for this surprising reappearance. Be cautious.

GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) Vital information finally emerges, allowing you to make that important personal decision. You can now move your focus to an upcoming professional development.

CANCER (June 21 to July 22) You might not like seeing so many on-thejob changes. But some of them could open new opportunities for your Moon Child talents to shine to your best advantage.

LEO (July 23 to August 22) Expect a challenge to the usual way you do things. Although you might prefer the tried-and-true, once you take a good look at this new idea, you might feel more receptive to it.

VIRGO (August 23 to September 22) A close friend could offer advice on how to handle a difficult family matter. But in the end, the decision has to be made based on what is best for you and those you love.

LIBRA (September 23 to October 22) Family problems are best worked out when all those concerned contribute suggestions that will ease tensions. Stay with it until a workable solution is found.

SCORPIO (October 23 to November 21) Expect to hear more about an offer that has piqued your interest. You earn respect for insisting on solid facts, not just a fancy talk about potential opportunities.

SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to December 21) What seemed to be a reasonable workplace request might need to be defended. Don’t fret. You have both the facts and a surprise ally on your side.

CAPRICORN (December 22 to January 19) A bit of capriciousness might be just what you need. Plan to kick up your heels in a round of fun and games with family and friends this weekend.

AQUARIUS (January 20 to February 18) Although some of your plans might have to be put on hold, things do begin to take a turn for the better by midweek. Your financial crunch also eases.

PISCES (February 19 to March 20) Your financial picture begins to brighten by week’s end. There are also favorable changes in your personal life. Someone you care for has good news to report. 3

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Don’t delay care with heart attack symptoms

In June 2022, there was little time to waste for Michael Davidson of Alton. One Sunday, he complained of chest pain and feeling tired. Hours later from the

Emergency Department at OSF HealthCare Saint Anthony’s Health Center, he learned what needed to be done: surgery for a “massive heart attack,” as his wife

Kathleen recalls the medical team’s diagnosis.

The bypass surgery ended up taking seven hours at a hospital across the river in St. Louis. Davidson’s

cardiologist, Sridhar Sampath Kumar, MD, was able to be with him every step of the way, something the man and his wife are grateful for.

“Heart attacks happen in an unpredictable fashion,” Kumar says. “Just because somebody has blockages (in their heart) doesn’t mean they will have a heart attack.”

Heart attack symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness and nausea are easier to catch in patients with an active lifestyle.

“Sedentary patients tend to have fewer symptoms,” Kumar says. “And as we get older, we tend to blame things on just getting older.

But I think it’s important to maybe look at it from a different perspective and try to understand if there are some other causes that might be reversible that we need to look at.”

Kumar admits that some patients might struggle with an internal debate: is this just heartburn, and a trip to urgent care might do the trick? Or is this a heart attack, and I need to go to the emergency department? His advice: see your primary care provider before it even gets to that decision point. Explain your symptoms, and your provider will decide the best course of action. Davidson, meanwhile, is at home and feeling better than he was that June day.

Michael Davidson

He’s going through physical therapy and other typical parts of the rehabilitation process from a major heart event.

“Get your screenings, watch your symptoms and take advantage of the health care resources near you,” Kathleen Davidson says. 3

Social Security is thankful to serve you

Social

By Betsy Buchheit

Security District Manager in Alton

Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on the blessings we have in our lives and to

share memories with our loved ones. We are thankful because we’re able to provide you and your family with services, benefits, tools,

and information to help you throughout life’s journey. Social Security is more than just a retirement program. We provide services that assist many families across this country. We are there for joyous moments like the birth of your child and issuing their first Social Security card. We are there during times of hardship and tragedy to provide disability, spouses, and survivors benefits. And we’re there to help you celebrate your retirement, too.

We’re here to serve you online, by phone, and in person in our local offices. You can learn more at blog.ssa.gov/we-remaincommitted-to-servingyou/. Please share this information with those who need it. Happy holidays! 3

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!

5201 Asbury Avenue Godfrey, IL 62035

New name, new amenities, same great community!

5201 Asbury Avenue Godfrey, IL 62035

5201 Asbury Avenue Godfrey, IL 62035

New Drake Tire & Auto ownership continues company’s legacy

By Frank Prager Big Z Media

The number one reason people do business with an automotive repair shop is trust. Like any other investment, your vehicle is a valuable asset. Placing repairs and maintenance in experienced, knowledgeable hands and having trust in the people performing the service is a top priority for automobile owners.

Drake Tire & Auto in Alton has been a reliable, trusted business for decades. The business has served the community continuously since it was established by Sid Drake in 1935. Local area native Mark Vaughn bought the business in January of this year and is focused on maintaining the quality and integrity the community associates with it.

“We do quality work,” says Vaughn. He points out the

shop is NAPA certified and AAA approved. He explains those approvals and certifications require Drake Tire & Auto to maintain a high level of training, expertise and service.

Jim Fuhrman is the shop manager at the facility. He has 35 years of experience in the automotive business and has been with Drake Tire & Auto for eight of those years. “This is a home town, family-owned business. We’re not limited by corporate guidelines,” says Fuhrman. “Customers aren’t treated like a number. Mark gives us the latitude to make decisions that are best for the customer.”

Drake Tire & Auto performs a complete range of automotive repair and maintenance on most automobile makes and models. Services include air conditioning repair, battery replacement, belt

and hose replacement, brake repairs and cooling system replacement. In addition, engine diagnostics and repairs are performed along with steering and suspension work.

The business offers a broad selection of tires from manufacturers including Continental, General, Michelin, BF Goodrich, Goodyear, Bridgestone and Firestone. “Choice in price is often something customers are interested in when purchasing tires,” says Fuhrman. “We offer tires in a wide range of prices.” Fuhrman also points out road hazard warranties are available for purchase with the tires.

The NAPA certification guarantees that any repairs performed on the customer’s auto involving NAPA parts are covered anywhere in the country. “If a breakdown involves a NAPA part we’ve used on the car, it’s covered,” says Vaughn. Modern automobiles involve highly advanced,

computerized equipment and Vaughn says the shop invests in ongoing training and equipment upgrades in order to stay current with the very latest auto technology.

Drake Tire & Auto can provide estimates for repairs so customers know what to expect before the work is performed. The business also honors many thirdparty maintenance and repair warranties. A clean, spacious, comfortable waiting room is available for customers while repairs and maintenance are being performed. Financing is available through a Synchrony credit card which customers can apply for in the shop. Fuhrman explains that while the credit card can be used for all types of purchases,

it is ideal for automotive work. “There is no interest charged for six months on the automotive work charged to the card,” he says. He notes customers can find out if they are approved for the card the same day they apply.

Drake Tire & Auto’s website allows customers to view tires available for any make, model and year of auto and to get quotes for them. It also allows people to view information about the repairs and maintenance

services the business provides, request quotes and schedule service. The site also provides information and tips on tire maintenance and car care.

Vaughn sees the business as a unique opportunity to serve the community and looks forward to continuing the strong reputation and legacy of trust Drake Tire & Auto has established over the years. “We’re here to help people,” he says. 3 draketireandauto.com

Drake Tire & Auto shop manager Jim Fuhrman, owner Mark Vaughn and service representative Chris Webster.

Drake Tire & Auto opened in 1935 at the same location the business occupies today.

“IS IT TIME FOR A NEW SYSTEM?”

By Mark Ellebracht

4.8 Star Google Reviews

“Barrett Heating and Cooling is a highly professional, local business. We’ve had them out for yearly maintenance. We recently had some leaking from the basement humidifier and Greg came out same day to fix the issue, which happened to be Christmas Eve. ... This new mother of twins is appreciative of Greg and Steve’s dedication to making the customer experience absolutely phenomenal.”

“Amazing customer service! I placed a work order request on their website and requested help with our air conditioner. Roger called in advance of arrival and as always was friendly and professional. Roger diagnosed my components systematically and explained what he was doing. He had the replacement components on his truck. One hour later and our emergency is over.”

Give the gift of life...give blood. Most of us know that phrase and it’s true! You can help up to 3 people with your simple blood donation. Simple? Yes, giving blood is not really that difficult. Now, before you fire off stories of your “bad” experience I’ll introduce you to a few nurses I know who will tell you to “stop being a baby, you’re not dying.” It’s true. I didn’t die giving blood. Some who know me will know the direction this article is about to take. I’ve had a love/hate relationship with blood and needles in my life. This is not to diminish what many people have gone through with their health journey...needles, blood, operations...this is to poke fun at myself and pray that you will take pity on me if I am ever in your care. I am a wimp when it comes to the medical world. “It’s why you went into communications, dad,” both of my daughters have said when I tell my stories of blood survival. I don’t really remember the first time I gave blood, I know I got light headed and had to lie down for a spell. “How you doing?” is a phrase I heard many times the first time I gave. I was likely pale, sweating from my earlobes and behind my elbows before they propped my legs up and head down

to rebalance my delicate system. But I did it and was pretty proud that I didn’t cry. For whatever reason, probably because I was scared, it was many years before I gave blood again. I would of course have occasional blood tests for doctors appointments which seemed to bother me more than actually giving blood. At one blood “work up,” the staff finished collecting the samples and I walked out to the front desk to pay. I felt a little light headed and my vision was a little “off” and I could not find my wallet. I searched all my pockets and told the worker I must have left my wallet in the car and I’d be right back. As I walked into the hallway and approached the elevator I realized my wallet was in my hand the whole time. I splashed some water in my face at the water fountain, collected myself and returned to the office. “Found it!”

In a somewhat related story, when our younger daughter was born, I was with my wife at the hospital and the anesthesiologist was visiting and talking about the C-section. The last words I remembered hearing were needles and spine. My wife looked at me, and I was obviously not masking my light-headedness very well, and she said in a way only

a beautiful woman who was about to give birth for the second time would say, “Do you need to step out?” (I just needed a little air.)

It got somewhat better as time passed and I gave more blood. I now ask the staff to just start me lying down and I should be fine. I have found though that by reclining, the staff is a little nervous, possibly waiting for me to roll off the gurney. (And by the way, I’ve encountered some of the nicest workers while donating!)

I don’t do many New Year’s resolutions but I did say I wanted to give more blood. So, I’ve given three times in the past year, once at Marquette where I coach volleyball, another time for the Bethalto Boys and Girls Club where someone overheard my name and asked if I was on the radio... which was kind of cool. “Why yes, I am,” I said in my normal radio voice. And then this past summer at an annual drive at our church where I was declared a “fast bleeder...uh, donor!”

So, donate sometime, somewhere. You are helping people and you might find me with a wet paper towel on my head, a bottle of water and my phone...all while looking away from the blood...on the lounge chair next to you. 3

The barber

LIFE HESTON ON

By Pat Heston

I found a new barber in Alton.

I have been looking for one ever since my barber in Bethalto retired a few years back, but had failed to find one I was happy with. It’s not as easy as one might think. It took me years.

I found my barber in Bethalto by accident. We had just moved to town years back and I needed a haircut, so I went looking for someone to do it. I saw a barber sign in a front yard. I walked in. The barber—who I had never seen—finished with the man ahead of me, brushed the hair from the barber chair, and invited me to sit down.

“Same way as last time?” he asked.

I thought, “Why not?” and answered, “Yes.”

He scalped me. Even my wife was horrified.

That week I went looking for a new barber. I finally found one. He cut my hair for years. Eventually he retired, and my hair was in mourning for years afterwards. Until a few months ago.

That’s when I found a new barber in Alton.

It was the barbershop that drew me in, old-school as it was. It was like a flashback to my childhood, to the 1950s (and earlier) way of cutting hair. You know, a barber who considered a haircut not part of an assembly line rolling out domes at a record pace, but as a canvass on which to take his time and work his magic. It was a place

of great conversation and banter, towels and cologne, shaving lather and straight razor on the back of the neck, everything trimmable trimmed within a hair’s breadth of perfection, nothing and no one in a hurry.

The barbershop of my youth was a cultural experience, the place to be on a Saturday morning, and a place where you always felt like Norm on “Cheers” whenever you entered. And, to top it all off, when it came time to settleup at the cash register, the barber always said, “That will be one dollar.”

Now, it’s déjà vu all over again.

The atmosphere and ambiance make me a youngster again. Everything like it was when I was a schoolboy. And more. I can get a beard trim if I want it— something I never needed when I was a kid. Nothing is left to chance. Nothing overlooked. Everything is done to make you look better, feel better, even think better. It is my new favorite place, even though I only visit once a month.

My last trip—a couple of weeks ago—included visiting with my barber’s friendly, funny, and funky pit bull who, one minute, is snoozing in the middle of the floor, and the next, slipping and skidding on the slick floor in chase of a toy tossed by a patron. It’s “homey” … in the best possible meaning of that word.

Until I go to the cash register to settle-up, and the barber says, “That’ll be thirty dollars.” 3

HHHHHHHH

ELECTION NIGHT Nov. 8

Live election coverage with Doug Jenkins starts at 8pm on WBGZ 107.1FM/1570AM and AdvantageNews.com. Election results from Madison, Jersey and Macoupin County and Illinois statewide races.

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Optimist Students of the Month

Michael Henry of Alton Middle School and Jayden Connors of North Elementary School were named Optimist Students of the Month for September.

The Alton Area Optimist Club gives a $25 gift card to each student as well as a $25 donation to a non-profit organization of the student’s choice.

Michael Henry is the son of Michael Henry and Ashlee Henry of Alton. He

is an 8th grade student at Alton Middle School.

Michael is a high honor roll student that deserves to be recognized for his hard work and leadership within the classroom.

Michael goes above and beyond our expectations on a regular basis. Along with maintaining good grades and excellent behavior in the classroom. Michael is also involved in the football and basketball program at AMS. He

enjoys volunteering with his dad and loves to help younger children learn to play basketball. He leads by example and is always respectful and kind to others.

Jayden Connors is the son of Shawn Connors Sr. and Tara Connors of Godfrey. Jayden is a fifth grade student at North Elementary. He works hard daily to be happy and help others. He stays active and

engaged in each subject at school. His favorite subject is reading and he enjoys reading action books and shark books! He loves playing kickball and likes to problem solve during games. His teacher is very proud of his hard work this year. Jayden loves to cook with his mom and dad. In the future, Jayden aspires to run marathons and go to college. He is the true definition of optimism in all that he does every day. 3

It’s hard to believe we’re already thinking about the holidays, but Thanksgiving & Christmas will be here before we know it. Volunteers will soon be transforming Central Park and the Arboretum into the wonderland known as Bethalto Christmas Village. The Village will open for the season the weekend after Thanksgiving—with a festive Christmas Parade led by Jolly Old St. Nick himself! Join us on Saturday, Nov. 26 for a parade filled with floats, bands, and Santa. Parade line up will start at 3:30 at Rose Lawn Memory Gardens (participants should enter off Route 140). The parade then steps off at 4pm and will travel east down Plegge Boulevard and empty into Christmas Village (Central

By Gary Bost Bethalto Mayor

What’s happening around Bethalto?

Park), where Santa will flip the switch to light up the park for the season. Christmas Village will once again be home to our light display, vendor tents, holiday treats and more, and will be open weekends throughout the holiday season. For more information on the parade, follow their Facebook page, “1st Annual Bethalto Christmas Parade”; and while you’re there, be sure to follow the Bethalto Spirit and Bethalto Christmas Village pages for more details and updates on all the exciting things this group has in store. We’ve got Bethalto Spirit, and we hope you do too!

Another Bethalto Christmas tradition is our annual Victorian Christmas Walk, which will be held on Dec. 11 from 4-7pm in the downtown area of Prairie, Central, and Oak Streets. All activities at the

Walk are free of charge and include snacks, horse-drawn carriage rides, and Victorian carolers. It’s fun for all ages, and we hope you’ll join us for this wonderful holiday event.

It’s not yet too cold for outdoor fun. The Central Park pickleball courts are open and we have seen a steady stream of enthusiasts putting them to good use. We are still on hold for fencing installation, but we’ve recently placed bleachers for spectators, and new lights have been installed to allow for playing after dark. Don’t forget, Bethalto has several other parks ready for your enjoyment— Bryant (Culp Lane) Park has a playground, walking path, pavilions, grills, and a catch-and-release fishing pond. Central Park is also home to tennis & basketball courts, our Splash Pad, the gazebo, walking path, picnic

pavilion and bandstand. Playground equipment outside our Splash Landing was upgraded this year and the park is full of fun new surprises. The Arboretum has a walking path shaded with a variety of trees, shrubbery, and benches. Come on out and enjoy the great green spaces Bethalto has to offer!

Work is complete on the NEW Friedel/Albers Lane Bridge, and it is now OPEN! We know this has been a long few months for residents in that area, and we appreciate everyone’s patience as we made these necessary improvements. The bridge looks great, and we thank our engineers and contractors for a job well done.

As a reminder, all Village Board meetings are open to the public; 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 and Tom Lane Ins and Fin Svcs, Inc

More information about the RiverBend Growth Association and all these events can be found at growthassociation.com

Reservations are requested for all of our events so that we have adequate accommodations for our members. Call us at 618-467-2280.

SMALL BUSINESS OF THE MONTH Altonized Community Federal Credit Union

Altonized Community Federal Credit Union has been recognized as the RiverBend Growth Association Small Business of the Month for October 2022.

With its main branch in Alton at 4435 N. Alby St., Altonized CFCU has been in business for 83 years. It was founded in 1939 by local employees of Owens-Illinois Glass Company to meet the financial needs of O-I employees, their families, and the businesses they owned.

Over the years, the credit union has added several employee groups to its field of membership and now serves anyone living, working, worshipping, or going to school in Madison and Macoupin Counties. A second branch location is at 200 N. Main St. in Brighton. Collectively, Altonized Community Federal Credit Union has 11 employees.

Altonized is always looking for ways to best serve its members. Recently, this involved a computer conversion while also adding Remote Deposit Capture. Members can now deposit checks through the mobile banking app by simply taking a photo of the check and uploading it through the app. CEO Jennifer Spangler shared, “Altonized lives by the Credit Union philosophy of ‘People Helping People.’ And that’s what we intend to do for many years to

come. There are always challenges, in any field, but Altonized has maintained a steady course over its history and plans to continue supporting our members in the future to come.”

“Our greatest opportunities are in helping our membership and watching them succeed. Altonized

Cookie Factory Bakery & Café cookiefactoryalton.com

202 Alton Square, Alton • 618-462-5731

D & R Machine Company dandrmachineco.com

4131 Alby St., Alton • 618-465-5611

treats every member as more than a number,” Spangler added. “The staff know their names and takes time to get to know them.”

Community service is at the heart of Altonized CFCU and its mission. One way the credit union helps serve its community and the Riverbend region is by sponsoring

Community Shred Days twice a year, one day at each location.

Altonized is a proud sponsor of Piasa Pride at Southwestern High School and is also an active supporter of sports teams throughout the seasons.

Spangler also noted that Altonized does not charge monthly account

Welcome to our newest members:

Jest Murder Mystery Co. jestmurdermystery.com

705 Belle Street, Alton • 618-610-5390

Mogul Brand Solutions mogulbrandsolutions.com

7530 Lake Heights Drive, Moro • 618-978-8504

Genesis Wealth Management Group billkinkel.com

1 Terminal Drive, Suite A, East Alton • 618-368-2100

Heather’s Zen Den Yoga Studio heatherszenden.com

95 Eastgate Plaza, East Alton • 618-373-9099

Honke Properties honkeproperties.net

307 Henry St., P.O. Box 421, Alton • 618-462-3372

Most Precious Promotions & Productions mostpreciouspromotes.com

200 N. Center Drive, Ste A, Alton • 833-667-4688 Mo’z Sweet Treats facebook.com/MozSweetTreats

315 Belle St., Alton • 704-421-3080

The Mirage

222 Herbert Street, Alton • 618-580-8333

Altonized Community Federal Credit Union Alton 618-466-3884

Brighton 618-715-6220

4435 N. Alby St., Alton altonizedfcu.org

fees, unlike many other financial institutions. “We are a full-service financial institution, ready to assist anyone with their financial needs,” she said.

The credit union offers its members both personal checking and savings accounts, club accounts, share certificates, online and mobile banking, as well as a variety of loan options. Loan options can include signature loans as well as automobile, recreational vehicle, debt consolidation, Home Equity, Christmas & Vacation Loans.

Lobby hours at both locations are from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Drive-thru hours are from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Wednesday, staying open later on Thursdays and Fridays until 5:30 p.m. Saturday drive-thru hours are from 8:30 a.m. until noon.

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.

Quick Bite facebook.com/quickbitellc

1626 Main St, Alton • 618-433-9555

Rent A Center

2831 Homer Adams Pkwy, Alton • 618-462-0956

The Ruby Wren with State Street Soap Company, LLC

5761 Godfrey Rd., Godfrey • 618-581-8265

Transworld Business Advisors tworld.com/stlouiswest

305 B Sonderen St., O’Fallon, Mo. • 636-400-5409

Are you interested in joining these members and 400 others in being a part of your community? Call or email Stefanie at 618-467-2284 or swithers@growthassociation.com.

Altonized Community Federal Credit Union team members, from left, Sue Ellen Boschert, Tiffany Sancamper, Jennifer Spangler, Kathy Grabner, Marilee Webb, Carolyn Kasten, Karen Bellitto

ADVANTAGE ATHLETES

AdVantage Athletes sponsored by Simmons Hanly Conroy

CM Eagles - Jerseyville Panthers rivalry game Roxana Shells - EA-WR Oilers rivalry game

2022 Marquette volleyball seniors and coaches EA-WR Oilers take on the Roxana Shells in the 2022 Digging For a Cure cancer charity fundraiser match

Alton Redbirds take on the Edwardsville Tigers

Roxana Shells celebrate on the field after defeating the EA-WR Oilers

Juliette Gordon Low: a hero to all people

By Loretta Graham CEO of Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois

Focusing on DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion), I decided to write this month on Juliette Gordon Low. Known as the founder of Girl Scouts, Low was born on October 31, 1860. She created the largest and most successful organization for girls in the world. She is best remembered for her determination and tireless efforts to promote and sustain the organization through the early part of the twentieth century.

She started by enrolling a group of 18 girls. Ahead of her time, Low broke many social taboos by accepting girls from different ethnic, economic, and social groups, including anyone with a disability.

Her focus from the outset was to impart leadership skills and personal growth for each and every girl. Low was an energetic person with a wide range of contacts, and she used all her resources to raise awareness of the movement. The movement multiplied, and Low continued working to promote the organization.

So, when an organization has been around for 110 years, it’s natural to look back to its humble beginnings and see what progress has been made towards its mission during that time.

In 1908, Henry Ford’s company drove its first Model T automobile off of his Detroit, Michigan assembly line…and changed the world forever. The cost of a 1912 model was an affordable $859 and gas prices ranged from 18 - 21¢ per gallon. These prices really put into perspective how long ago 110 years was, don’t they?!

But the Girl Scout mission hasn’t changed since 1912. It remains to build girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place. And it’s still the premier leadership organization for girls and experts on their growth and development.

Founder Juliette Gordon Low firmly believed that EVERY girl should be able to become a Girl Scout and it went without saying that diversity, respect for differences, and inclusiveness were important aspects of the Girl Scout program. Decades before the civil rights movement, African American girls were active Girl Scouts. Despite

FallBounty at the Farm!

immigration controversies, Hispanic and Asian girls earned badges and joined troops all over the country.

With Girl Scouts in nearly every residential urban, suburban, and rural zip code in this country, membership reflects the rich diversity of our nation. It is socioeconomically diverse and inclusive of all racial and ethnic groups.

Just like in the time of Juliette Gordon Low, the world is being recreated. And now as we look at diversity, let us all embrace it. Girl Scouts serves as the foundation to break down societal barriers that are hindering us from being that One Nation Under God with Liberty and Justice for all.

Low’s impact continues to have a ripple effect that is still felt today. She has been awarded numerous posthumous awards for her efforts. Low was inducted into the National Women’s Hall of Fame and in 2012, President Barack Obama awarded her the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

All of our lives have a purpose, and it is not about what we do for ourselves; it is about what we are doing for others.

Thank you, Juliette Gordon Low, for being a hero to ALL people. 3

Grafton church welcomes new pastor

The congregation of Grafton Full Gospel Church has voted and accepted the Rev. John Laslie to serve as its new pastor.

The Rev. Samuel Williams retired recently after 13 years of service to the church as pastor. He and his wife, Vicki, will work in ministry at their new location.

Laslie has served as associate pastor since 2009. “I am excited to be asked to become pastor of the church that I have been affiliated with for so many years,” Laslie said. He served as youth pastor at the church from 2006-2012 as well as on the church Board until 2020.

The church is supported by a full ministry team of

five, which will include two associate pastors. Elected to serve as an associate pastor is the Rev. Jack Weller, who recently started his 20th year as a volunteer teacher for First Fruits MBTC in Jerseyville. His wife, the Rev. JoAnn Weller is church secretary/ treasurer and has offered her services with First Fruits for the last 12 years. Laslie and Mr. and Mrs. Weller are ordained ministers with the Association of International Gospel Assemblies (AIGA), with whom the church is affiliated.

The Rev. Susan Wright is licensed with AIGA. She is administrator of American Christian Academy in Godfrey.

Also elected to fill the office

of associate pastor is Jacob Bearce, who is the newest member of the ministry team. He will also teach the youth Sunday school class as well as serve as youth pastor.

Sunday services begin with Sunday school at 9:30am, followed by worship service at 10:45am and evening service at 6pm.

For more information, call the church at 618-786-3474. Please leave a message for someone to return your call. Laslie can be reached at 618-780-0562. The church is located at 15065 Elm Street, Grafton, approximately 4 miles either direction from Illinois State Highway 109 and Grafton city limits on Illinois State Highway 3. 3

The Good Traveler partners with local environmental nonprofit organizations

The Good Traveler announced the launch of a new pilot program in partnership with environmental nonprofit organizations throughout the country. Individuals and businesses now have the option and opportunity to offset the carbon footprint of their air travel through mileage-based charitable donations to hyperlocal projects working to mitigate the impacts of climate change. Pilot partners include San Diego Foundation (San Diego, CA), Weed Warriors Nature Stewards Program (Seattle, WA), Yellowstone-Teton Clean Cities (Jackson, WY), Jamaica Bay Ecowatchers (New York, NY), and HeartLands Conservancy (Southwestern Illinois), with additional partners coming soon.

HeartLands Conservancy is

the participating non-profit organization most closely located to MidAmerica St. Louis Airport. MidAmerica

St. Louis Airport has an established partnership with The Good Traveler as an Aviation Partner and is proud to both practice and promote more sustainable air travel.

Public consciousness of the environmental impact of flying grew during the COVID-19 pandemic, and now that travel has resumed and is nearing pre-pandemic levels, The Good Traveler wants to give travelers climate positive offset options through the purchase of certified carbon offsets or by donating locally to impact home or destination communities.

It only takes about one minute to sign up online at flymidamerica.com/traveler/ good-traveler-program. The

website now features the option to create a profile and save traveler offsetting preference - certified carbon offsets as the site has always offered, or a tax-deductible donation to any one of the environmental nonprofit partners.

“This latest pilot program

The Good Traveler is offering provides an opportunity to bring two

local organizations together in a way that continues to enhance our communities,” said St. Clair County Chairman Mark Kern “Passengers flying through MidAmerica Airport now have an additional option to offset the impact of their air travel and help protect our environment by choosing to support HeartLands Conservancy, headquartered right here in our backyard.”

This new initiative will enable The Good Traveler to offer its customers a great way to support organizations they connect with locally, be environmentally responsible, and leave the world a better place.

“We are honored to continue and expand our membership in The Good Traveler program and provide passengers utilizing MidAmerica St. Louis Airport with another innovative way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while also supporting a great nonprofit, like neighboring HeartLands Conservancy here in Southern Illinois,” said Airport Director Bryan Johnson The Good Traveler was founded in 2015 by San Diego International Airport (SAN) to help both airports and travelers reduce their carbon footprint. Today,

the program has grown to include more than 20 airports, airlines, and fixed-base operators (FBOs) that operate at airports. The program works with these aviation partners to give travelers the ability to purchase certified carbon offsets. All offset funds support emissions-reducing projects in North America that are third-party verified to be of the highest quality. The Good Traveler is currently managed by JetSet Offset, a sustainable aviation company that provides the program with transparent, research-based carbon calculations.

“We are excited for this new initiative, because we believe in the power of choice and the ability for travelers to make a difference in the industry,” said Anna Ford, Jet-Set Offset CoFounder and CEO. 3

Welcoming new patients

with convenient options and extended hours, it has never been easier to take control of your health.

Alton

•Tuesdays and Thursdays, 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.

• Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays, 7 a.m. – 5 p.m.

OSF Medical Group – Primary Care #2 Saint Anthony’s Way, Alton Schedule at: (618) 462-2222 or osfmychart.org

Providers

• D eena Brown, FNP

•Lisa M. Fritcher, PA

•Shawn M. Fry, MD

•Michael S. Klein, MD

•Yusuf A. Mohyuddin, MD

•Manju Ramchandani, MD

•Colin M. Solomon, APRN

•Roxanne Strohbeck, APRN

Bethalto

•Monday through Thursday, 7 a.m. – 5 p.m.

•Fridays, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

OSF Medical Group – Primary Care

404 West Bethalto Drive, Bethalto

Schedule at: (618) 377-6410 or osfmychart.org

Providers

•Courtney M. McFarlin, PA

•Rajnikant K. Patel, MD

Godfrey

• Monday through Wednesday and Fridays, 7:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.

•Thursdays, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

OSF Medical Group – Primary Care

6702 Godfrey Road, Godfrey

Schedule at: (618) 467-1520 or osfmychart.org

Providers

•Colin Butterfield, MD

L ucas Edwards, PA

•Bethany E. Huelskoetter, APRN

•Kelly A. Martin, APRN

S herry Simmons, MD

PERSONAL LAW

Do electronic wills (e-will) make estate planning easier?

PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

What are some tips for choosing a property manager?

Unless you have the time, knowledge, and experience to manage an incomeproducing property on your own, you should hire a PMP (a professional and local property manager).

Todd Sivia

There are a good portion of Americans who put off estate planning because they worry that it is difficult, expensive, and time-consuming, and we are excited to tell that portion that e-wills make estate planning much easier! Some of the benefits associated with an e-will are electronic signatures, having one digital version, remote witnesses, and they are time-friendly. Know that you have read that making an e-will does not have to be difficult and time-consuming, you can start by viewing our will plans on our website to get started. We start with some simple questions to begin drafting your documents to allow your wishes to be fulfilled should anything happen to you. For additional resources, contact us using the information below!

TODD SIVIA, Attorney at Law

1 Terminal Drive, East Alton 618-258-4800

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

BANKRUPTCY

Can a bankruptcy stop a foreclosure?

YES.

You’ve already been struggling with bills for months. All of your income goes right back out the door as soon as you’re paid, with little or nothing left over.

Then an emergency comes up and you are unable to make your house payment.

Shari Murphy

The mortgage company says they will work with you, but then they return your check the following month. You feel like you get the run-around every time you call them, and then you get a letter saying that they are going to start foreclosure proceedings.

Can a bankruptcy stop the foreclosure?

A chapter 13 bankruptcy stops a foreclosure and allows you to get caught up on your payments through a federally court ordered repayment plan. Your mortgage company will be paid the regular monthly payment and a small portion of the arrearage amount each month.

A chapter 13 bankruptcy can also allow you to discharge many unsecured debts in the process, making it even easier to pay your mortgage and keep your house – your most valuable asset.

SHARI L. MURPHY

Attorney at Law • FREE CONSULTATION

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

We know the market well and can help you accurately price the home, market it, and screen for highly qualified tenants. We have a good relationships with local vendors and has a reputation for helping owners earn more and spend less on their investment.

Jason Brunaugh

PMP also understand all the laws, requirements, and best practices in local property management. We have the local expertise when it comes to lease agreements, code compliance, and reporting. PMP is also an investor. When you find someone like us with both professional and personal experience, you’ll have all the tools and resources you need to earn money and have a pleasant rental experience.

Please give us a call when you are ready to learn more and get started.

27161 IL-3, Godfrey 618-463-8811 pmpriverbend.com

How much homeowner’s insurance do I need?

This question comes up quite often. You want to insure your home for its full value. As far as homeowners insurance is concerned, the value you want to insure it for is the amount it would take to rebuild it. You can check with your insurance agent, a builder, or a contractor to get an idea. Keep in mind though, anytime your remodel or add living space, that value will increase so you’ll need to adjust your coverage.

Tom Lane

For your belongings, take a room-by-room inventory. Keep this list somewhere in a fire-safe place. Many people use a video camera or digital camera and store them on a disc.

Having regular reviews with your insurance agent is the best way to make sure you are adequately covered so nothing unexpected pops up.

MCHS resumes Dining in History event

After a two-year hiatus, the Madison County Historical Society (MCHS) has resumed all regular programming, including the annual Dining in History event. As its name implies, Dining in History (DIH) is held at an historic site in Madison County and includes a program about the location. In years past, it has been held in the Madison County Courthouse for the building’s centennial, at the Wildey Theatre, and at Diamond Mineral Springs.

The 2022 DIH event will be held on Sunday, November 6, at the Old Bakery Beer Company in Alton. The Old Bakery Beer Company is a certified organic craft brewery and restaurant that occupies a century old building that was used as a commercial bakery from 1903 to the 1980s. It opened as a brewery in 2015. Tours of the modern brewery are offered at noon and 12:30. They are followed by a buffet luncheon at 1pm. Immediately after the

meal there will be a brief annual meeting, held for the purpose of electing members to the Society Board. With business settled, the event will continue with a presentation called “Beer and Bread: The History of Breweries and Bakeries in Alton” by Alton historian Don Huber and Lacy McDonald, Manager of the Hayner Genealogy and History Library. McDonald will discuss the story behind local bakeries with

a focus on the Alton Baking Company, Noll’s Bakery, and Colonial Bakery, all of which were once housed in the Old Bakery Beer Company building.

Tickets for DIH are $45 for MCHS members and $55 for non-members. To order tickets or for additional information, call 618-6561294 or visit the society’s website at madcohistory.org. The last day for reservations is October 26. 3

Call for vendors for Green Gift Bazaar

Sierra Club Illinois’ Three Rivers Project and Alton Main Street are seeking vendors for the 20th annual Green Gift Bazaar, which is set to take place on Nov. 26. The Green Gift Bazaar offers community members the opportunity to shop from locally-owned retailers, restaurants, and “green” businesses ahead of the holiday season. Eco-friendly businesses and vendors who sell environmentally-friendly products or services are invited to apply to participate in the Bazaar at bit.ly/ GreenGiftBazaarVendors.

The Green Gift Bazaar is held on Small Business Saturday, an occasion that highlights the importance of shopping from “mom and pop” shops, which are the backbone of our local economy. The event is held from 10am to 4pm at two locations — Jacoby Arts Center at 627 E. Broadway and Post Commons coffee shop at 300 Alby Street in Downtown Alton. Vendors will be asked to explain what makes their products or services environmentallyfriendly in the application form. Approved vendors will receive notice that they are invited to participate within three days of applying, and must submit their $25 registration fee by Nov. 11.

“Sierra Club Illinois’ Three Rivers Project aims to practice and promote the responsible use of the earth’s ecosystems and resources, and the Green Gift Bazaar is a fun opportunity to put that mission into action,” said Christine Favilla, Co-Coordinator of the Three Rivers Project of Sierra Club Illinois. “We look forward to featuring eco-friendly businesses and vendors from across the Riverbend region at the 20th annual Green Gift Bazaar to kickstart the holiday season with Mother Earth in mind. In addition to physical gifts, consider purchasing experiences, such as a membership to the Audubon Center at Riverlands or Alton Little Theater.”

“Why go through the hassle of Black Friday or risk the impersonal customer service of Cyber Monday?

Instead, make this season’s gift giving a fun adventure by shopping with friendly local artists and independent businesses in your hometown historic district!” said Sara McGibany, Executive Director of Alton Main Street. “We’re excited to give local retailers and makers a boost in business to kick off the holiday season at the Green Gift Bazaar.” 3

By Keith Roach, M.D. Physician Revokes

Driver’s License Without Explanation

DEAR DR. ROACH: My wife’s handicap parking placard expired, and she asked her primary care physician to fill out a renewal application. The new placard was received, followed by a letter from the DMV instructing my wife to return her license within 10 days because a medical professional had deemed it unsafe for her to drive. There was no discussion with my wife about driving.

My wife had a stroke about two years ago, but there are no obvious signs that she shouldn’t be driving outside of that. She recently had a Watchman device placed, but no one ever said she shouldn’t drive. My wife has had no symptoms since the surgery. She saw the cardiologist who performed the Watchman surgery, and he said she is doing well. She also saw her regular cardiologist, and he also said she is doing well. She saw both of these doctors after seeing the physician who notified the DMV that she should not drive.

I have seen the after-visit notes of all the doctors my wife has seen in the last three months. All say that she is doing well. The doctor involved said, in her notes, “She is doing well, no concerns.” She has not had any device implanted to maintain rhythm. Was it unethical to not discuss revoking my wife’s license with her before doing it? -- Anon.

ANSWER: The Watchman device is placed to reduce the risk of stroke in people with atrial fibrillation (AFib), a rhythm disturbance of the heart. Its placement has no bearing on her driving, but AFib potentially does. AFib does predispose people to strokes and, occasionally, to a heart rate so fast that they can’t think properly. Conceivably, a person could have a stroke or a very fast heart rate while driving, but this is a very rare cause of motor-vehicle accidents. The most common medical cause for impairment while driving is epilepsy, which is a whole separate discussion.

There are international guidelines to help clinicians decide whether a person with a history of arrhythmia is safe to drive. In the case of atrial fibrillation, the guidelines are consistent that only if a person is having symptoms or is incapacitated should they stop driving, and they may resume once the symptoms or incapacity is better. From what you tell me, she had no reason for her driving to be restricted. Unless her primary care physician knows something that you haven’t told me, this decision was not supported by consensus guidelines.

I do feel strongly that her physician should have told her that her driving privileges would be restricted: This would have allowed for some discussion and would remove the question of whether there was an error. 3

Frederick Muhlenberg.

Flashback

1. Joni Mitchell, in 1970. She wrote the song in Hawaii after seeing the gorgeous landscape broken up by a massive paved parking lot.

2. The Doors, in 1968. It was their only No. 1 album and included “Hello, I Love You,” one of their only two chart topper singles, the other being “Light My Fire.”

3. Carnaby Street, likely first built in 1685, became a hippie haven by the 1960s. It was dedicated to fashion and music, with underground clubs where groups like the Rolling Stones and The Who got a start.

4. The Eagles, in 1975. The song nabbed a Grammy for Pop Vocals.

5. “The Sun Ain’t Gonna Shine Anymore,” by Frankie Valli in 1965, and then a year later The Walker Brothers released their own cover. The Valli version only hit No. 128 on the charts, but the Walkers’ version went to No. 13 and is the one everyone remembers.

Following are the summations of the activities of the funds maintained by the Kendall Hill Fire District, Illinois for the fiscal year ended April 30, 2022:

@DaveRamsey

Help! I’m behind on everything

DEAR DAVE: I need help. I am way behind on my basic utilities and my taxes. I have tried to start the Baby Steps, but everything is so overwhelming right now that it is easy to get discouraged.

feel, because just by doing that you’ve established the size of the dragon. This dragon must die, and you are the knight who’s going to kill it.

The following list contains the names of persons or entities that have received an aggregate amount of at least $2,500 during the fiscal year that ended April 30, 2022:

The foregoing statement is correct to the best of my knowledge and belief. s/ Brand Gwaltney, Treasurer

I am 33, I live in Los Angeles, and I average around $30,000 a year doing behind-the-scenes work in the entertainment industry.

My total debt is about $10,000. Can you give me some advice? -- Cameron DEAR CAMERON: I know you’re in a scary place right now, brother. But I’m glad you’re getting on board and that you want to move in the right direction with your

VILLAGE

finances.

Before you start the Baby Steps, you should get current on all your bills. Make a list of all the bills you’re late on and how much it will take to get current on each one. Then, create a written, monthly budget. Once that’s done, and all your expenses and income are accounted for, you’re going to squeeze every penny you can from there and work your late list from smallest to largest until everything’s current. You’re going to feel a sense of relief—and accomplishment—every time you flip one of these bills. And believe it or not, the act of simply making a list will help reduce the stress you’re

MAY 1, 2021 – April 30, 2022

But listen, there are two sides to this equation— income and outgo. No offense, but $30,000 a year as an income in Los Angeles stinks. You’ve got to do something to make more money. Hey, $10,000 would literally change your life. Not everyone can say that. The bad news is, you’ve got $10,000 worth of debt. The good news is, you’ve got only $10,000 worth of debt. I’m not talking about some little minimum wage deal, either. I want you making some real money. Don’t do anything illegal, or something that would compromise your morals, but get after making some good money. And long term? Dude, you

might want to think about taking a step up in your industry or even a full-blown career change. I mean, you don’t want to be making $30,000 a year and still working a side job when you’re 50, right?

Keep them in the loop

DEAR DAVE: I am getting older, and health issues over the last year have made me begin thinking about selling my small business. I have spoken with a couple of potential buyers recently, and one of them seems to be the kind of person who would handle the company very well. How and when do I tell my employees about what is going on and what may happen? -- Marjorie

DEAR MARJORIE: In my mind, to be a good, effective leader you have to be willing to share and discuss things with your team—whether they’re good or bad. When talking to the folks at my

$25,000.00: Ethan Bazzell, Reese Beckman, Owen Biegler, Kim Brenneise, Lee Childers, Janna Croxton, David Davis, Gabriel Davis, Dawn Diveley, Dameon Ellis, Ronnie Gray, Brielle Griff in, Jim Groppel, Makenna John, Steve Kainz, Robert Kelly, Anthony Kravanek, Dan Kruschik, Jack LaTempt, Derrick Masulla, Elizabeth McKay, Randy Miles, Sawyer Morehead, Jeff Norton, Stephanie Palmer, Emily Pechacek, Robert Phillips, Dale Raymond, Marty Reynolds, Sydnee Simms, Jim Smith, Nik Ward, Steven White, Steven White II, Dickson Wong

$25,000.00 to $49,999.99: Lee Bazzell, Debra Ferry, Jason John, John Losch, Sara Pruitt, Alyssa Troxtell

$50,000.00 to $74,999.99: Brandon Austin, Mark Carlisle, Kristi Carter, James Guthrie, Dan Jensen, Stacy John, Brandon Lloyd, Mike Raich, Tarrah Thien

$75,000.00 to $99,999.99:

Dwayne Deshotel, James Doyle, Ken Hoxsey, Dustin McCann, Ian Parnell, Andrew Pence, Scott Schmidt, Brian Sherer, Seth Weshinskey

$100,000.00 to $124,999.99:

Will Cunningham, Robert Newberry, Daryl Trask, Mike Wilkey

company, I try not to get into a lot of unnecessary stuff, but if there’s any doubt, I’m going to over-share rather than leave them fearful, uninformed or confused.

Think about it this way. If the roles were reversed, and you were in their shoes, when would you want to know? If you’d worked for someone a few years, would you feel betrayed if you didn’t know about something like this? It might sound simple, but I think that’s a good, fair way to process the situation. If I make a mistake with my team, it’s always going to be in terms of overcommunication. I expect and trust them to be mature adults in the workplace, and they know this ahead of time. Still, I try to make sure I’m very transparent about how we’re doing as a team and as a company. No small business owner can be successful unless they have great people around them. Your team needs to hear that once in a while, too, in addition to knowing you’re always going to keep them in the loop and shoot straight with them. 3

Dave Ramsey is host of The Ramsey Show, which airs 1-3pm weekdays on WBGZ 107.1FM / 1570AM

Homes

Homes

Franko Small Engines

$4,372.45, Frost Electric $14,113.03, IAPD $2,439.33, IMRF $2,777.43, IPARKS $29,488, IPRF $8,378, Keinstra

$3,207.75, Koehnen $4,025, L&L Animal Warriors $3,250, Pepsi $3,556.43, Perfect Play $23,753, RCS Construction $35,204, Sam’s Club $6,606.05, Scheffel Boyle

$11,475, Schwartzkopf Printing $3,686.54, Spring Valley Contracting $4,600, Utilitra $2,526.14, Village of Roxana

CITY OF WOOD RIVER ANNUAL TREASURER’S REPORT

FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING MAY 1, 2021 AND ENDING APRIL 30, 2022

$43,162.95, WWC’s Inc. $5,446.00, Misc. Vendors under $2,500: $96,534.27.

Total Vendors: $624,550.76

Payroll:

UNDER $25,000: P. Ashley, R. Beckman, K. Booten, M. Bosse, G. Byron, N. Cotter, J. Croxton, K. Dixon, S. Goodman, B. Griff in, J. Herring, J. Humphries, M. John, D. Klunk, J. Kovar, A. Kurth, K. Laws, R. Lynn, A. McClain, N. Miles, S. Morehead, E. Noble, N. Noel, S. Palmer, S.D. Palmer, M. Phillips, L. Ratliff, M. Ruyle, T. Schmidt, S. Simms, K Thien, N. Tolbert, D. Vuylsteke, J. Whetzel, J. Weineke, S. White, $25,000-$50,000: M. Crawford, D. Ferry, J. John, D. Wong $50,000-$75,000: A. Best

Payroll: $263,847.68

Under $25,000 S ADDISON; M ANDERSON; S ANDERSON; B ARVIEW; E BARDSLEY; T BARRETT; E BAZZELL; K BEACHUM; S BERRY; S BLOCH; J BLOUNT; S BROWN; P BURTON; T CAMERON; M CATO; K CHERRY; A CLOCLASURE; R CORRIGAN; E CRAUSE; C CRAWFORD; F. DUICH; W DUNCAN; T DUNSE; N EDWARDS; Z EDWARDS; D EHRMAN; N ELLIS; J ENGLAR; D FITE; J FITE; M FITE; A GIBBONS; J GROOM; S HAGAMAN; J HALL; T HAMBY; E HANSARD; T HARDING; H HARPER; J HARPER; R HARPER; S HARRICK; P HARTMAN; C HAUSMAN; T HEIGERT; A HENSON; A ICKLER; K JOHNSON; V KALLAL; K KESTLER; K KUTTER; E LAMERE; M LANKFORD; R LOVINGGOOD; C MAGUIRE; G MARTINEZ; B MAYKOPET; J MARSHALL; J MCPHERSON; J MILLER; D MULLINS; A NOBLE; C ORBAN; K OLDENDORPH; W OWENS; A PALEN; J PLANK; A PRICE; B QUEVREAUX; K REEF; K RUSSELL; S

AT&T 4,669; AAIC INC 302,400; ACC BUSINESS 3,578; ACE HARDWARE OF BETHALTO 3,501; ACE PIPE CLEANING INC 2,801; ACUSHNET CO 29,867; ADVANCE STORES CO INC 4,249; ADVANCED TURF SOLUTIONS INC 2,669; AEGION 47,435; AGENCY FOR COMMUNITY TRANSIT 3,793; ALTON TREE SERVICE 5,450; AMEREN ILLINOIS 425,216; GLENN G GREENO 2,768; AMERICAN LEGAL PUBLISHING CORP 3,000; ANDY MOHR FORD INC 67,864; ARCH FIRE PROTECTION INC 7,991; AT&T MOBILITY 3,714; AXON ENTERPRISES INC 6,120; B & F TECHNICAL CODE SERVICES 5,642; BAKER & TAYLOR BOOKS

15,571; BANNER FIRE EQUIPMENT 23,561; BARCOM SECURITY 14,745; BASSETT LAW OFFICE 55,132; BATTERYSPECIALISTS+GOLF CARS

8,950; BEELMAN LOGISTICS LLC 23,350; BELLEVILLE FENCE CO

24,920; GATEWAY BOBCAT LLC 6,126; BRENNTAG MID-SOUTH INC

3,000; BROTCKE WELL & PUMP 40,307; BUSEY BANK 43,467; CALL ONE 58,872; CAPITAL GAINS INC 7,411; CARDMEMBER SERVICE 80,738;

CASHION FIRE EQUIPMENT LLC 4,177; CENTER POINT LARGE PRINT 3,973; CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS 30,099; CHRIST BROTHERS 360,620; CHRISTIAN HOSPITAL 8,186; CITY OF WOOD RIVER 6,407; CJ

SCHLOSSER & COMPANY LLC 14,790; CLARKE POWER SERVICES INC

6,624; CLEARY’S

CITY OF WOOD RIVER GROSS WAGE REPORT

SABOLO; N SCHAUB; H SCOTT; M SEIBERT; C SLAYDEN; B SMITH; D SMITH; V SMITH; R STAHLHUT; T STALCUP; C STEWART; C STIMAC; J STROHMEIER; M TALBOT; T THARP; C THOMAS; BRO TRASK; J TRASK; S TWEEDY; T TWEEDY; M TWICHELL; W TRACY; A WALLENDORFF; T WEBB; J WELLS; H WEST; W WHEELER; Z WILSON; W WOJCIKIEWICZ; B YARBOROUGH; C YARBOROUGH; K YATES

$25,000-$49,999 H BERREY; E CHALCRAFT; A DANIELS; S JONES; C KESHNER; M LITTLE; D SNEED; C WHIPPLE

$50,000-$74,999 D BARRETT; B BROWN; S EHRMAN; R GIACALONE; J GREEN; N HAWKINS; KAR HILL; L HERRON; KAC HILL; R HOPKINS JR; D JOHNSON; B LENHARDT; M MEYERS; T MOUSER; M PENCE; M REDMAN; J ROBERSON; S RUSSELL; M SABOLO JR; S SHOPPELL; L

CITY OF WOOD RIVER EXPENDITURES AND EXPENSES

FABICK POWER SYSTEMS INC 9,685; FEDERAL STEEL & ERECTION 4,362; FELD FIRE 9,811; FIRE CATT LLC 3,221; FIRE SAFETY INC 3,660; FIRST MID BANK 283,885; FISCHER LUMBER COMPANY

FOSTER BROTHERS 5,404; GONZALEZ COMPANIES LLC 707,296; GREAT LAKES WATER & SAFETY 10,300; GRP MECHANICAL COMPANY

114,413; HAIER PLUMBING & HEATING INC 1,327,948; HARRIS 13,414; HEARST COMMUNICATIONS INC 8,215; ROGER HEDIGER 5,740; HELENA CHEMICAL COMPANY 7,513; HELMKAMP CONSTRUCTION CO

18,900; HYDRO KINETICS 12,050; ILLINOIS DEPT NATURAL RESOURCE

5,000; ILLINOIS EPA 38,520; ILLINOIS FINANCE AUTHORITY 12,500; ILLINOIS PUBLIC RISK FUND 77,623; ILLINOIS HEARTLAND LIBRARY

9,319; ILLINOIS CLEANERS 3,061; ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE

13,001; IML-RMA 387,614; INTACT INSURANCE 17,198; INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE 21,071; IPBC 1,356,100; CHRIS JOHNSON 24,517; KANE MECHANICAL GROUP LLC 27,127; KIENSTRA - ILLINOIS 18,510; KREHER ENGINEERING INC 3,833; LAUTERBACH & AMEN LLP 2,900; LAYNE CHRISTENSEN COMPANY 26,150; LEON UNIFORM COMPANY

20,519; LEXIPOL LLC 15,734; LINK COMPUTER CORPORATION

20,849; LUBY EQUIPMENT SERVICES 4,108; LWS CONSTRUCTION LLC 14,000; MADISON COUNTY HIGHWAY 3,533; MADISON COUNTY TREASURER 2,698;

SIMMONS; BRA TRASK; D WEBB; A WEBER; K WEBER; B WRIGHT; S ZANGORI

$75,000-$99,999 C ALFARO; K AYERS; J BUERKE; A BURNS; J BURRIS; C BUTLER; M CARLISLE; N CHILDERS; S CRUMP; J CRUTCHLEY; T DONOHOO; G FESTER; E FORD; T GEGEN; J GERNER; B GREENE; E HARTMAN; D JOSE; N KAMP; D MORMINO; J PALEN; J PETROKOVICH; L REVELLE; B ROMBACH; C SOBRINO; J TIMMINS; J WOODY; B YOUNKER

$100,000-$124,999 B CRAWFORD; W HALL; C JOHNSON; S PALEN; RO STAHLHUT; B WELLS

$275,000 - $299,999 J SCHNEIDER

COLA 5,154; PHOENIX DISTRIBUTORS 3,375; PIASA MOTOR FUELS 16,233; QUILL 2,804; RAY O’HERRON COMPANY 15,560; REIS SERVICES INC 5,574; REPUBLIC SERVICES 691,421; RIVER BEND GROWTH ASSOCIATION 12,000; RIVERBEND FAMILY MINISTRIES 35,000; ROBERT CHICK FRITZ 6,822; ROBERTS MOTORS

SANDBERG PHOENIX 22,629;

GREATEST HITS ofthe’60s&’70sMYMIX94.3FM

Benedict, Cahokia $49,500

Jenny Wisniewski 791-8224

3BR/1BA ranch situated on large lot includes carport and detached garage for parking, fenced backyard.

FEATURED LISTING

5549 Seminary, Alton $719,000 Julia Kennedy 660-8204

Everything you need in the gorgeous 6BR/6BA with over 4,200sq ft of living space on 2.5 acres +/-. You will love the large deck overlooking stocked pond.

FEATURED LISTING

206 S Maple, Brighton $205,000 Becky McGowen 570-9375

Charming 2 story is waiting for you! 4BR/2BA hardwood floors, main floor laundry, open floor plan, wrap around porch.

727 7th, Carrollton $144,900 Pat Kulish 623-9209

This 19th century home is loaded with historic character. Don’t miss out on this 3BR/1.5BA, two-story brick.

1707 Muny Vista, Alton $174,900 Pat Kulish 623-9209

Great 3 bedroom, 2 bath home located in a convenient location, close to shopping, restaurants, etc

FEATURED LISTING

2614 Judson, Alton $104,500 Matt Horn 560-8201

Good upper location near SIU dental school. This 4 possible 5 bedroom 2 bath home is updated and ready for new owners.

3410 Oakwood, Alton $127,000 Matt Horn 560-8201

Charming Milton area home. This 3BR/ 2BA home is ready for new owners.

115 W 2nd, Roxana $115,000 Matt Horn 560-8201