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OBITUARIES Jerry Weeks
Edward Johnson
arrangements by Holman-Howe Funeral Home
arrangements by Feller and Clark Funeral Home
80 | Lebanon, Mo. October 15, 2023
Jerry Lee Weeks was born January 2, 1943 to the late Robert C. Weeks and Lois (Vandeveer) Weeks in Mitchell, Illinois. He passed away at the age of eighty on Sunday, October 15, 2023 in Mercy Hospital in Springfield, Missouri. He is survived by his significant other, Patsy Harrington of Lebanon, Missouri; his son, Ryan Weeks and his wife, Juli of Scottsdale, Arizona; two daughters, Tammy Phelps of Granite City, Illinois and Shawn Parker and her husband, Shaun of Edwardsville, Illinois; twelve grandchildren, Cooper Weeks, Lauren Weeks, Owen Weeks, Alex Weeks, Jake Phelps and his wife, Mara, Cole Phelps, Brooke Phelps, Devin Parker, Drake Parker, Chase Parker, Presley Parker and Hudson Parker. Jerry had an unwavering passion for the simple pleasures that life has to offer. He was so proud of his children and grandchildren. He cherished every moment spent with them. His garage was his
Christmas Wonderland ready for a new season By Doug Jenkins & Mark Ellebracht Big Z Media The Christmas Wonderland display in Alton’s Rock Spring Park will open on Nov. 24. The Grandpa Gang, which creates the display each year, has been stringing lights and placing displays in recent weeks in preparation for this year’s season. Big Z Media will once again provide music inside the park which you can listen to over the radio in your vehicle. Pricing this year will be $10 per personal vehicle, and buses will be $1 per person. Christmas Wonderland runs every night, weather permitting, through Dec. 27 including Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. The popular walk-through night will be Nov. 27 from 6-9pm, parking will be at the Alton Middle School parking lot. Hours are 6-9pm weeknights, with weekends 5-9pm. 3
sanctuary, where he crafted, fixed, and tinkered with joy. As long as can be remembered he has always loved his garage. It was a place to meet with friends, give life lessons to family members, talk for hours or simply to escape into the silence of his work. This was also a place that he brought things back to life, whether it was fixing up an old car, refinishing a piece of furniture or an antique chest. To most people the garage is just four walls, but to him it was therapeutic. He took immense pride in maintaining his yard. He was so proud that when you visited, you were going for a golf cart ride on the entire property and around the pond. Above all, his heart truly came alive as he watched his grandkids, with a smile on his face, you could feel his proudness of these children that will forever honor his legacy. His love for family and the simple joys of life will remain an enduring inspiration to all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Edward Allen Johnson, 55, died Tuesday October 10, 2023 at his home in Auburn, Indiana. He was born in Granite City, Illinois on January 30, 1968 to Lloyd L. and Helen L. (Rudder) Johnson. Edward worked a few different jobs over his lifetime but what he enjoyed the most was working for TWA as Agent in Charge of Gates and Baggage. Edward was an intelligent, talented, witty, caring and kind person with a love of music, people, nature and animals especially miniature goats and Bassett Hounds which he raised. He had a knack for farming and could fix almost anything. He was involved in music from grade school thru College and played in the Granite City Community Band after College and could play all the woodwind instruments. Edward is survived by 4 sisters and 3 brothers in law, Linda Green of Auburn, Karen and James Poole
ofJerseyville, Illinois, Nancy and Clyde Trucks of Galena, Illinois and Kathy and Byron Wampler of Granite City, IL; several nieces and nephews that he loved very much and his beloved Bassett Hound, Porter. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Barbara J Johnson and a brother in law, Terry Green. Services will be at GCFirst Assembly of God, 2317 Madison Av, Granite City, Illinois 62040. Visitation will be at 11:00 AM on November 11 at the church. The memorial service will immediately follow at noon with Rev. Stacey Wilson and Rev. Byron Wampler officiating. Memorials may be given in memory of Edward to Planta-Tree. Feller and Clark Funeral Home of Auburn, IN have assisted the family with arrangements. To send the family condolences visit www.fellerandclark.com.
ANNOUNCEMENTS NEVELS 50TH ANNIVERSARY Mr. & Mrs. Donald Nevels along with their children recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. Don & Cathy Renee Williams were married on November 3, 1973 at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church in Rosewood Heights with Rev. Phillip Gardner officiating. They celebrated at the Wood River Moose on November 4 and will enjoy a Viking River Cruise Europe on a later date. Cathy & Don have 2 children, Shawn and Stephanie and 3 grandchildren, Randy Skiff, Dylan Nevels and Sidney Ufert. They currently reside in Southwest Florida.
Marks Mortuary “Our family loving and caring for your family in the time of need has always been our motto.”
Funeral Directors Since 1901 Celebrating 122 Years
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2 | DECEMBER 2023
55 | Auburn, Ind. October 10, 2023
Big Z Media owner Nick Darr with IdeaBank Executive Director Dan Latham
Big Z honored by national media group By Mark Ellebracht Big Z Media Big Z Media has been honored with an award for a local sales and marketing promotion. The International Broadcasters IdeaBank presented the company with the Russ Withers Award recognizing outstanding sales and promotion efforts for its campaign this year with the Village of Godfrey. Big Z Media owner Nick Darr says it’s nice to be noticed by peers in the industry: “Local radio and local media, I think we sometimes take for granted because it’s always there but it’s vital to what we do in a community in terms of holding lawmakers accountable and keeping people informed and entertained and providing
companionship. It’s a great group to be a part of and for them to recognize us as the best of the best was really quite an honor.” Withers was a longtime member of the organization and as an owner, was frequently recognized for his many sales and promotional efforts in his radio station markets. The award was presented during the fall convention of the organization which was held in late October in Pikeville, Kentucky. The International Broadcasters IdeaBank is a group limited to 100 members made up mostly of small to medium market media companies that share ideas and offer support in the business of broadcasting. 3
Final First Friday event December 1 in Alton
GIERTZ 25TH ANNIVERSARY John and Cami (Beaber) Giertz recently celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary. They were married on October 3, 1998 by Pastor Willard Meyer at Zion Lutheran Church in Bethalto, Ill., and had their wedding reception at Lockhaven Country Club in Godfrey. John works as the vice president of Physician Services at Jersey Community Hospital. Cami is a business teacher at Alton High School, a broker associate for RE/MAX River
Bend and works at Jan’s Hallmark at Alton Square as a sales associate. They are the proud parents of their three children, twins Cali Giertz of Normal, Ill., and Mackenzie Giertz of Olathe, Kan., and Josie Giertz of Edwardsville, Ill. John and Cami have enjoyed many years together and love getting together with family and friends. They celebrated their anniversary in Lake Geneva, Wis. They plan to celebrate with their family during the holidays.
Alton Main Street and Jacoby Arts Center are partnering to present First Fridays, a late night art and shopping experience which spans locations across the Downtown Alton district. The final event of the season will be Friday December 1, providing you with an opportunity to check out new shops and galleries and visit familiar favorites to experience art and great specials at each business. Participants are offering a variety of discounts,
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refreshments, and giveaways. Everyone who has their passport stamped at a minimum of 10 locations will receive a $10 gift certificate to any participating business. Free parking is available in the lot next to Jacoby Arts Center, located at 627 E. Broadway, and a free shuttle bus will be provided from 5-9pm, running a continuous loop between all participating locations. Find “Where’s Wadlow” hidden at one of the locations to win a $100 gift certificate! For more information on ways that Jacoby Arts Center is working to engage imaginations and enrich lives, visit jacobyartscenter. org or call 618-462-5222. You can see a full list of participating businesses at downtownalton.com. 3
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Wreaths Across America Dec. 16 at Alton National Cemetery The 17th Annual WAA event will take place at the Alton National Cemetery on Saturday, Dec 16, 2023 at 11am. The Mission of WAA is to REMEMBER the fallen, HONOR those who serve and TEACH children the value of freedom all this is accomplished by the simple gesture of laying a 20” balsam wreath on each of the 560 graves at the Alton National Cemetery. Hundreds of people from our communities make this possible year after year through donations, helping with wreath delivery day, setting up the cemetery and participating in the wreath laying. It was 2027 that the Alton National participated for the first time and was actually the first year that WAA became an official organization. This grass roots effort began some 30 yrs ago when Morris Worcester (owner of the Worcester Wreath Co in Columbia Falls, ME) had a surplus of 5,000 wreaths and laid them at the Arlington National Cemetery to honor those Veterans. He continued to do this for many years when it became noticed by publications and soon other Veterans Cemeteries followed his lead. This year there will be at least 4,000 locations participating in this event, on the same
Eddies BonAire.
day and hour across the country. You can help accomplish this mission by donating wreaths. Each wreath is $17, for every $34 donation we can purchase three wreaths. Those donations can be made to Wreaths Across America and mailed to Wreaths Across America, PO Box 181, Alton IL 62002. Because of the generosity of our communities we are also helping spread the mission to remember, honor and teach by allowing you to reserve a wreath so that you can personally lay a wreath
for your deceased Veteran family member or friend buried at a cemetery other than the Alton National Cemetery. This is accomplished by making a wreath reservation... provide your name, name of the veteran, branch of service and cemetery location. Because of this limited number of wreaths you must call and reserve these with Sue Fitzgerald at 618-530-1430. She will accept these reservations until Dec 8. She will provide you with pickup details. These wreath reservations are of no cost to you but donations are welcomed.
This year the students from St. Marys 3-4 grade will be assisting the veterans in the laying of the wreaths. Boy Scouts and cub scouts from area troops and packs are helping with set up. The Illinois Patriot guard will once again lead an escort of the semi truck delivering the wreaths and provide a flag line and traffic control. The Alton HS ROTC will again be supporting us in several ways including a color guard. A shuttle bus will be available to ease the limited parking. Marquette HS will provide a bus that will pick up attendees on the auxiliary lot of Fast
CLEAN UP CREW Wood River clean up crew members Michael Hausman, La’Twan Everage, Kiyu Stilts, Alexander Bushrow, Woody Peterson and Woodrow Peterson, Jr. were presented with recognition certificates for their clean-up efforts by Wood River Mayor Tom Stalcup at a recent city council meeting. All are East Alton Wood River High School students.
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helping with wreath delivery day (sometime Dec 11-15) more info on the exact day and time will be forthcoming. Please call Margaret Hopkins at 618570-8804.
This is always a special event BUT this year has a special meaning as the Veteran assigned to row 1, Art Williams, a WW11 veteran will be 100 years old on Dec 3rd and has been participating every year since we began.
We welcome and look forward to your attending this holiday tradition. 3
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DECEMBER 2023 | 3
More information about the RiverBend Growth Association and all these events can be found at growthassociation.com
john KELLER
Reservations are requested for all of our events so that we have adequate accommodations for our members. Call us at 618-467-2280.
FROM THE PRESIDENT’S DESK
SMALL BUSINESS OF THE MONTH
Dan’s Garage Door Service 5501 Godfrey Road, Godfrey 618-467-0050 door-keeper.com
Dan’s Garage Door Service the founder’s daughter. “We also have a parts store for those do-ityourself projects.”
The RiverBend Growth Association has selected Dan’s Garage Door Service as its November 2023 Small Business of the Month award recipient.
They also provide service and repair that includes annual tuneups, garage door spring repairs and broken hardware replacement. Rowe further notes, “We have experienced phenomenal growth in the past years because of our dedication to customer service and a reputation for providing quality products at affordable prices.”
Located in Godfrey, Dan’s Garage Door Service is owned by Danny Rowe. As an established familyowned and operated business with over 47 years of experience, Rowe started the business working out of his home garage in East Alton in 1977. Referring to himself as “The Door Keeper,” Rowe would hang garage doors during the day and work midnights as a full-time assembly line worker at Ford Motor Co., until retiring in 2006. In spring 2013, Rowe “took the plunge” and moved his business out of his home garage, opening his first storefront and showroom in Godfrey. Dan’s Garage Door Service continues to share its expertise with customers by providing garage and entry doors,
Janessah Ogden, Tina Rowe, Dan Rowe, Jonathan Ogden, Amanda Rowe along with garage door openers, to homeowners and contractors throughout the greater Riverbend region.
“We have a huge showroom, with garage doors, automatic garage door openers, flags and poles on display,” says General Operations Manager Tina Rowe, who is also
Danny Rowe and his family continue to work the business full-time, with seven employees currently on staff. The showroom is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, and Saturdays by appointment only. The company is bonded and insured, EPA-certified, and fully accredited by the Better Business Bureau. Rowe points out that Dan’s Garage Door Service is founded on Christian principles, adding.
“Our faith is a driving force in our mission to treat everyone with integrity and respect. We strive to maintain a ‘good name’ in the community, offering sales and service that is backed by honesty and quality workmanship. There are other companies out there, and even big box stores that offer the same products and services. We stand out because our family treats you like family.” 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, Vickie Hopkins, Adrianna Lock, Amy Roady, Martha Schultz, and Amy Smith. To learn more about membership in the RiverBend Growth Association and the Small Business of the Month recognition, visit the RBGA website at rbga.org.
RIBBON CUTTINGS
Country Financial – Jeff Lauritzen
Your Hair Supply Boutique
The RiverBend Growth Association (RBGA) facilitated a ribbon-cutting ceremony on October 6, 2023, to celebrate the new location for Jeff Lauritzen’s Country Financial office. Jeff ’s team includes Keri Hill and Eve Williamson. The RBGA team was joined by Godfrey Mayor Mike McCormick, RBGA Ambassadors and members, and family and friends of the community. When you’re working to achieve your financial goals, it helps to have some trusted guidance along the way. Jeff would like to help you identify your goals and work through any changes life may bring. He would be proud to help you and appreciates the opportunity to work with all his clients in and around Godfrey. As both a Financial Advisor of COUNTRY Trust Bank® and a Registered Representative of COUNTRY® Capital Management Company, Jeff can help you plan for your financial future. As a COUNTRY Financial® Insurance Agent, he and his team are prepared to help you with insurance options to protect what and who you love. Jeff ’s office can be found at 2720 Gerson Avenue in Godfrey, and can be reached at 618-466-2128.
The RiverBend Growth Association facilitated a ribbon-cutting ceremony on October 20, 2023, to celebrate the grand opening of Your Hair Supply Boutique. The hair supply store opened for business in September 2023 and is run by husband-and-wife team, David and Cynthia Drakeford. The store’s ownership is women-owned, minority-owned, and Blackowned. Your Hair Supply Boutique is the go-to shop for all your hair needs. We offer a wide selection of the latest styles, trends, and products from popular beauty brands. Our knowledgeable staff is always available to help you find the perfect product for your hair type. Says David, “At Your Hair Supply Boutique, we believe that beautiful hair is the key to self-love and confidence. We strive to provide our customers with quality products and services that will help them achieve the look they desire.” Offered at the boutique is a wig station where you can try on, style, and find your next hairpiece. Your Hair Supply Boutique is located at 317 Homer M Adams Pkwy Unit H in Alton. Reach them at 618468-1003. Hours are Monday to Saturday 9am - 8pm. Sign up for their newsletter at yourhairsupplyboutique.com.
Step by Step The RiverBend Growth Association facilitated a ribbon-cutting ceremony on October 23, 2023, to celebrate the grand opening of Step by Step’s new daycare center. Executive Director, Barbara Corby, was joined by her team: Program Administrator Kim Pierce, Center Director Rebekah Boyd, and Latchkey Director Tonya Newby. This location joins centers in Alton and Brighton. There are also two latchkey centers in Brighton and Bethalto. Step By Step Inc. has been providing quality Early Care and Education programs for children 6 weeks to 11 years old since 1993. The mission is to provide opportunities for the maximum potential growth and development of each child along with physical and emotional security within a developmentally appropriate, warm and loving environment. Center programs are fully licensed as Day Care Centers by the Illinois Dept. of Children and Family Services and hold a Silver Circle of Quality in the Illinois ExceleRate program at all applicable locations. Corby prides herself that all our center classrooms are equipped with live viewing cameras to help parents feel secure and able to log in at any time. More information can be found at sbschild.com or find each center on Facebook.
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DECEMBER 2023 | 5
Word Scrambler 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!
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 MASTER for an I, you get MISTER. Do not change the order of the letters.
FLASHBACK By Mick Harper 1. Who wrote and released “Desolation Row”? How long was the song? 2. Which group released “Our Day Will Come”? 3. “If I Fell,” “Tell Me Why” and “Can’t Buy Me Love” were released from which movie? 4. Who released “Come Softly To Me” and when? 5. Name the song that contains this lyric: “How can people be so heartless? How can people be so cruel?”
TRIVIA TEST By Fifi Rodriguez 1. LITERATURE: What is Dorothy’s last name in “The Wizard of Oz”?
Indiana Jones and his father searching for in “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade”? 4. TELEVISION: Which TV dramedy is set on Wisteria Lane?
2. GEOGRAPHY: Which U.S. states share a border with Mexico?
5. LANGUAGE: What is
3. MOVIES: What are
SAVINGS • CHECKING • LOAN SERVICES/AUTO & HOME
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6. ANIMAL KINGDOM: What is the fastest fish?
it take for the sun’s light to reach Earth? 9. U.S. STATES: Which state is the smallest in land size?
7. INVENTIONS: Where was the first compass invented?
10. MEDICAL: What is a common name for aphthous stomatitis?
8. SCIENCE: How long does
(answers in puzzle solutions)
STRANGE BUT TRUE
101 Wesley Drive • Wood River
618.254.0605
a common Latin phrase meaning “something for something”?
By Lucie Winborne • More people from nudist colonies play volleyball than any other sport. • New York’s Girl Scout Troop 6000, whose entire membership is homeless or living in shelters, has sold more than $1.6 million worth of Girl Scout cookies since 2017, earning not just national recognition, but money to benefit about 2,500 women and girls in more
than 20 shelters throughout the greater New York area.
Niepce in 1826, took eight hours to expose.
flesh its trademark pink color.
• Competitive trash collecting is a sport in Japan.
• In 5th-century Greece, handshakes were done to make sure that the other person wasn’t carrying a hidden weapon. The hand clasp proved that your hand was empty, and shaking it was meant to “shake out” any weapons hiding in the sleeve.
• If a woodpecker goes too long without food, it will pin down other birds and peck at their heads until it can eat their brains.
• Just in time for global warming, scientists have developed a paint that reflects the sun’s rays, potentially reducing the need for air conditioning by up to 40%. • The oldest known photograph, taken by French photographer Nicephore
• Farm-raised salmon are fed carotenoids to give their
• Holy flipping flapjacks! In 2012, Brad Jolly of Australia set the Guinness World Record for the most tosses of a pancake, with an astonishing 140 flips a minute.
The
BEST OF THE BEST
Christmas Concert Saturday, December 9th | 7:30pm & Sunday, December 10th | 2:00pm Kevin and Anne Frakes will host a company of beautiful voices and instruments! Featuring Abigail Stahlschmidt and Eric Strothers, regional stars of Trans Siberian Orchestra, playing the violin and guitar like you’ve never heard! Come celebrate the season of giving as ALT shares some exceptional talent with you! Tickets $25 | Call 618-462-3205 or visit www.altonlittletheater.org for tickets 6 | DECEMBER 2023
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FURNITURE & MORE!
I have a friend who worships certain shades of blue. He’s a cyantologist.
What do you get when you feed sodium to carbon? Sodium carbon ate.
Why does a Bee always feel cold? Because he’s in the middle of A-C.
What did the bilingual cat say? Woof! When one door closes, another one opens. Other than that, it’s a pretty good car.
Dad
GREAT RIVERS CHORAL SOCIETY GREAT RIVERS CHORAL SOCIETY
Hope is Born HOPE IS BORN A Celtic Christmas A CELTIC CHRISTMAS
Wed - Sat 10AM - 5PM myantiquestore.com 1007 W. Delmar • Godfrey • 618-466-1616
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 8, 7PM Friday, December 8, 7:00 SATURDAY, DECEMBER 9, 3PM p.m. Saturday, December 9, 3:00 p.m. THE BRIDGE CHURCH The Church 504 E. Bridge 12TH STREET, ALTON 504 E. 12th Street, Alton, IL SUNDAY, DECEMBER 10, 3PM GODFREY FIRSTDecember UNITED METHODIST Sunday, 10, 3:00CHURCH p.m. Godfrey United Methodist Church 1100First AIRPORT ROAD, GODFREY 1100 Airport Road, Godfrey, IL
Today’s Special
by Mike Ostresh
This openTOtoTHEthe public. THIS event EVENT is IS free FREE & & OPEN PUBLIC. A FREE WILL OFFERING WILL BE TAKEN. A freewill offering will be taken.
Jokes.
grcssing.org
www.grcssing.org
DIFFICULTY H H
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.
Americanisms
CryptoQuip 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. Kids’ Maze
See puzzle solutions DIFFICULTY H H
Sudoku
Word Search
-- MARKET
26
What’s The Difference?
Find at least six differences in details between panels.
Find the listed words in the diagram. They run forward, backward, up, down and diagonally. Unlisted hint: An underground market
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 Mid America Audiology
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DECEMBER 2023 | 7
Father and son bond over motorsports By Doug Jenkins Big Z Media Alton High School sophomore student, 15-yearold Karson Elkins, and his father Ron (Bub) Elkins make up K-Gene Racing Team, which competes in the Junior Dragster division at central and southern Illinois drag strips. 2023 was their rookie season, and they already boast several accomplishments. Ron Elkins says the desire to do this was planted when Karson was about four years old. “I used to take him to Top Fuel (NHRA) at Gateway (World Wide Technology Raceway) and one day he goes ‘I’m gonna do that one day!’ and he saw the juniors go during the National Anthem.”
Karson continues: “I was looking for a different sport to do since I already do martial arts and I decided I just wanted to go with drag racing, ‘cause I really got into it, watching everything about it and just learning it.” He notes the biggest adrenaline rush is letting off the brake when it’s time to go and the car launches with about two Gs planting him in the driver’s seat.
Racing also competed at tracks in Bonne-Terre, MO, Benton, IL (I-57 Dragway), Havana, IL (Central Illinois Dragway), and at national events in Xenia, OH and Terre Haute, IN.
car for $7,800, and bought an engine to complete the second half of the season for around $3,500. They broke their original engine about halfway through the season.
Karson’s first pass was in early April of this year, and dad Ron says “I didn’t know a darn thing about racing” until they decided to do it. What is a junior dragster? It is basically a scaled-down Top-Fuel car powered by a five-horsepower engine. But it can still be an expensive proposition to compete at a level it takes to win. They purchased the used
Both father and son are learning the mechanical side of keeping the car race-ready, but Ron admits it is his job to make the final check to make sure everything is safe to race
$1,000 at Central Illinois Dragway. He also earned 1st place at two other events, five second place finishes.
Karson says aside from the competition aspect, he gets the greatest joy by making new friends in the sport. Both Karson and Ron note the help of sponsors and mentors was key to their success, thanking Kameron Thomas, Hampsey Construction and Remodeling, as well as his mom.
and ready to perform. Karson says not many of his fellow classmates know he races yet. There is another Alton High School student doing big things in another motorsports discipline: Eric Braundemeier races dirt micro sprints, and has already been a champion.
By the numbers: On October 22 they had the opportunity to race at a major event for free due to Karson’s A-B grades, going undefeated and winning the Midstate Lucky 7 Bracket Race Championship earning him
In addition to racing and finishing 8th in points this year at WWTR, K-Gene
They had the opportunity to showcase the car at a top fuel event this year at Midwest Top Fuel Nationals at Worldwide Technology Raceway. First place in this year’s Alton Main Street Car Show in Downtown Alton (race division) They also raced at Autos for Autism, which helped raise over $45,000. They took 2nd place at Horsepower for Hope, which helped raise over $25,000 for Veterans. You can follow them on Instagram, Facebook, & TikTok at K Gene Racing. 3
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“Gritty and hardcore, but soft and light”: Daisy Chain discusses Craigslist, their music and names By Gabriel Brady for Big Z Media Few bands have as distinct a sound among its contemporaries in the St. Louis/Metro East music scene as Daisy Chain. They are incredibly active in the local scene, but their sound is incredibly definite, despite the band having only two releases total. Daisy Chain has had a fairly consistent lineup since its inception: Elijah Spiros on vocals, Sam Hale on guitar, Thomas Tavolacci on bass and Spencer Rodgers on drums.
riff-heavy guitar parts and heavy beats from Rodgers. Keeping it all moving at a steady pace, however, are Tavolacci’s intricate, almost melodic basslines. Hale said his style of guitar is inspired by equal parts Nirvana and classic ‘70s rock, citing “… anything with a nasty guitar part.” Spiros, however, said he’s a big fan of the work of more alternative artists, like The Oh Sees and The Flaming Lips. Specifically, “… really any music that’ll get you moving.”
Though the band is only four members, when they perform live, they consistently create a wall of sound that seems much larger than just three instruments and one voice.
Pop punk and classic rock were favorites of Tavolacci, but he believes the pinnacle of bass musicality comes from genres like Motown, funk and disco. He said he tries to play in those styles, with a rock twist added.
The influence of grunge on their music is clear, from Spiros’ deep vocals to Hale’s
For the drums of the band, Rodgers said he, understandably, is more
> edwar
inspired by drum-driven genres, like metal and rap. He mentioned the passion and intensity of those genres as elements he appreciates.
harsh, aspects of a chain, and the light and soft of a daisy, so it just sort of melded together,” Spiros said. “It does speak to what our music is, but we might be looking to go in a new direction, in terms of names.”
Although each member attended Alton High School and graduated the same year, they connected over Craigslist and started the band shortly thereafter. “I met Sam through Craigslist, we met Eli through another post on Craigslist and then we got in touch with Spencer on there, too,” Tavolacci said. After getting in touch, the band began playing together and writing songs. The writing process behind Daisy Chain’s music varies from song to song, but the band said it’s usually a similar formula. “It’s almost always music first, before lyrics,” Hale said. “I feel like we usually
spend a couple months just fleshing it out fully, until it’s where we want it and it’s the idea we’re going for,” Rodgers said. “Once we sit down to actually record, it’s usually me and Tom, laying down the bass and drums, getting the foundation for everything going. Then, the guitars and vocals get stacked on top.”
“I feel like you can’t think about something like that too hard,” Rodgers said. “The harder you try to make a cool-sounding name, the worse it’s going to be. It should be whatever’s quick and whatever’s fun.”
> edwardjones.com | M
Dining Room Collective, he invited us in. We did this little, three-song recording session,” Spiros said. “So Member SIPC that’ll be coming out next year.”
Regardless of changing names or releases, the band, as a whole, felt inspired most by the local music scene, citing bands like 86 Red, Silver Material, Loftys Comet, Where’s the Rum?, The Public and more.
> edwardjones.com |
Their songwriting recently has led to an upcoming album, following their previous album “Half Empty : Half Full” from July of 2022 and “Up in Smoke,” an EP from November of 2020. “Shoutout to Aaron Fisher, [co-owner of St. Louis-based, independent record studio,]
Rodgers said, along with an upcoming album, the band may have a name change coming as well. He said the band was originally known as Up in Smoke, making their first release a self-titled one (at least at the time).
“It feels like family,” Tavolacci said. “It’s a blessing to play with those guys. It never feels like work to perform somewhere with all of them around. When we go out to play shows, we get to hear them as well and it’s always just a good time in this scene that we’re all building together.” 3
Spiros said the band’s current name was meant to form a dichotomy that they hope to embody with their music and stage presence. “You get the gritty and hardcore, like physically
Retiring soon? Let's > edwardjones.com | Member SIPC
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SECRET DINER By Bill Roseberry
Hidden gem for chicken lovers
CO LO R I N G CO N T E ST WINNERS
I traveled to south central Madison County with a couple buddies recently for some choice chicken that had me salivating just on sight. Take the main drag through this community to find this joint. In the heart of it you make a turn onto a cross street and quickly see the large paved parking lot and sign donning the restaurant’s name near the road. There’s a green awning covering the entrance with the name of the restaurant also displayed there. Walk through a small vestibule and you’ll be met by the host/hostess immediately. The restaurant is split into two sides. On the left is a giant, open dining room, while to the right you’ll get a gander at the bar area. Both sides have table seating. There are square, four-seat tables on the bar side, as well as some high round tables. The bar resides across the front wall with tall wood chairs with green padding lining it. There’s a metal front to the bar and a wooden top. In the back portion of the bar side there is a small gambling area with slots featuring a half partition wall to separate from the bar and dining guests. For entertainment there are several TVs hanging in the bar area featuring various sports broadcasts. Neon beer signs hang on the walls and there is a colorful scheme to the place. It features yellow and aqua painted walls and gray paneling. This place has been around for awhile, but it did close for a short time. I was stoked to hear it reopened because they do up chicken right
Overall:
Food: Price:
I tacked on some green beans and a loaded baked sweet potato, while the others had the sweet potato, onion rings, fries and a side salad with ranch between them.
Any idea of the name of this restaurant? Check the puzzle solutions to see if you are right.
I’ll start with the sensational sweet potato. This spectacular sweet spud was baked to perfection with the works slathered on top of butter, brown sugar and cinnamon. The flavor was unreal with the sweetness, practically turning into a dessert entree. It was meltin-your-mouth tender, too. The sweet potato alone was worth the trip.
the perfect cocoon around the chicken to hold in the succulent juiciness and keep everything piping hot.
Now to the main event — the chicken. I covered the whole spectrum with one breast, one leg, one wing and one thigh. It was super tender and the breading was thick and very crispy with a hearty taste. It was
Stella B., Alton, 4
Kira B., Godfrey, 7
Elizabeth Y., East Alton, 9
Luna B., Cottage Hills, 4
Elleya H., Bethalto, 7
Chloe Y., Alton, 10
My two buddies gave the chicken four thumbs up, too. There’s a plethora of other food choices here also. On the apps menu try the chicken gizzards or livers, chicken tacos, mini angus burgers, fried portobello mushrooms, fried green beans or the famous chicken wings to name a few. The main menu has goodies like the horseshoe, Italian beef sandwich, corned beef Reuben, Buffalo chicken wrap, Monte Cristo, a slew of soups and salads as well as seafood, steaks and a 7-inch pork chop. Make sure to check out the daily specials too, which run Monday-Saturday. 3
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Evelynn W., Godfrey, 9
Service:
Really known for their wings, I had a hankering for fried chicken on this recent visit and so did my two dining mates. All three of us went with the mixed half fried chicken, which was accompanied with two sides.
As for the green beans, they were very good also. They were extremely tender and mixed with bacon to add that awesome flavor punch.
Ellie A., Alton, 4
Cleanliness:
here, along with plenty of other delicious choices.
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Salvation Army Red Kettle campaign runs through Christmas by the organization. Food distribution days served 3,161 individuals. Emergency food bags were provided to 62 households along with 517 clothing items and 353 weekly hot meals. A total of 11,137 shelter meals were provided as well as 250 Thanksgiving meals and Christmas assistance was provided to 1,010 households, including 4,464 toys. This was all in addition to the food pantry and after school services provided. The Alton location also provided hot showers to those in need and served as a heating and cooling center during weather extremes.
DONATIONS AND VOLUNTEERS NEEDED ALL YEAR By Frank Prager Big Z Media The Salvation Army believes in faith put into action and in making life better for others. The organization states that their services meet the physical, emotional and spiritual needs to rebuild lives and create lasting change. Help is given freely and without discrimination, while preserving the individual’s dignity. Captains Sean and Cassy Grey head up both the organizations’ Alton and Granite City operations. Married since 2006, the Greys oversee outreach and service to families in need throughout the entire area. Both are ordained ministers with over a decade of experience with the Salvation Army. The couple is beginning their third year with the local chapter of the organization. “We preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and serve human needs without discrimination. We share the love of Jesus, not just with words,” says Cassy. “Taking the time to look someone in the eye and ask how they are doing is important. We do not just treat them like a number.” The Salvation Army provides food pantry services as well as homeless and emergency assistance programs. A free after-school program provides meals and homework assistance for area children. Every Monday,
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a music school is hosted during the program which allows kids to learn how to play musical instruments. A dance team and singing company are also part of the program. The Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Campaign kicked off earlier this month and is the main fundraising effort held by the organization every year. Bell ringers collect money in the iconic red kettles outside of companies in the local area. In addition, countertop collection kettles can be found inside numerous businesses throughout the community. The theme of this year’s campaign is “Love Beyond”. “We want people to feel loved beyond hunger, beyond housing struggles and beyond their immediate problems,” says Grey. “Our goal is to help them beyond this part of their lives.” Local residents Mike and Karen Roberts are the chairpersons for this year’s campaign. Bell ringers to man the red kettles are still needed. Sean Grey explains that a total of 5,300 hours needs to be covered throughout the area. People can sign up to be bell ringers by going online to registertoring.com. “People can select what days, locations and hours they want to work,” he says. “The only requirement is that anyone 16 or under must be accompanied by an adult and a minimum of two hours must be scheduled.” He goes on to explain that bell ringing shifts can be split among multiple individuals
Captains Cassy and Sean Grey oversee operations for the Salvation Army’s Alton and Granite City operations. and the effort can be a great team building opportunity for businesses in the area. “We have actually had businesses have competitions to see who can raise the most money,” he says. He also notes virtual kettle campaigns can be created at the same web site. Virtual kettles allow groups and individuals to create online collection kettles which can be shared on Facebook to friends and family. In 2022, over $364,000 was collected in the local area through the campaign. He also emphasizes all the money raised in Madison county stays in Madison county. Last year, 8,137 households were served
Cassy Grey explains that none of the services the Salvation Army provides would be possible without donations along with the assistance of the many volunteers who contribute their time, not just during the Red Kettle Campaign but all year long. Anyone wishing to volunteer or make donations throughout the year can contact the local office at 618-465-7764. Monetary donations can also be made online by Googling “Alton Salvation Army” and clicking on the center’s website. Information about donating, volunteering and services provided can be obtained at that same web site. The Salvation Army is located at 525 Alby Street in Alton. They can be contacted by email at midalton@usc.salvationarmy.org. The operation’s hours are 9am-noon and 1-4pm Monday through Friday. The after school program runs from 2:30-6pm Monday through Friday. Food pantry hours are 9-11:00am on Tuesday and from 1-3pm on Thursday. 3
DECEMBER 2023 | 11
PASSPORT
Join Alton Main Street and Sierra Club Illinois for the 21st annual
green gift bazaar
to SAVINGS in the RiverBend
Shop any of the participating RBGA small business members and receive a STAMP in your PASSPORT. Collect FIVE stamps (proof of purchase) and drop your PASSPORT entry form at any of the participating businesses for a chance to win a $250 SHOPPING SPREE!
10AM-4PM on November 25 Small Business Saturday
RBGA Member businesses participating are:
PROGRAM RUNS THROUGH DECEMBER 1
PASSPORT
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AJStotler Photography B&B Custom Gifts and Apparel Bakers and Hale Black Crow Designs Bluff City Grill Coco+Oak Cookie Factory Bakery and Cafe Dan’s Garage Door Service Fancy Nancy on Main Joe’s Pizza Godfrey Joe’s Pizza East Alton JSK Cleaning King Air Conditioning & Heating Olive Oil Marketplace Alton Party on Broadway Rister’s Automotive and Transmission The Ruby Wren Eclectic Boutique Smart Choice Auto Sales Spencer T. Olin Golf Course St Peters Hardware & Rental Sweet Little Things Williams Office Products Your Hair Supply Boutique
Held at two Downtown Alton locations simultaneously to spread out the crowd. No entry fee to shop!
Jacoby Arts Center (627 E. Broadway)
45 “green” vendors featuring a wide variety of environmentally-friendly gift ideas! We will also provide shoppers with Small Business Saturday sale info from locally-owned retailers and restaurants. WE THANK OUR SPONSORS!
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SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY: NOVEMBER 25 Green Gift Bazaar returns for 21st edition Celebrate Small Business Saturday by finding locally-made, environmentally-friendly gifts for your friends and family in Downtown Alton. Alton Main Street is teaming up with the Sierra Club Illinois’ Three Rivers Project to present the 21st annual Green Gift Bazaar to continue the tradition of “going green” for the holidays. The event will be held on Saturday, November 25, from 10am until 4pm featuring 45 eco-artisans and green vendors at two locations: Post Commons, 300 Alby St., and Jacoby Arts Center, 627 E. Broadway in Alton. The full menu at Post Commons will be available, and at Jacoby Arts Center Big Boys Q will serve a lunch menu. There is no entry fee to shop, and attendees of the Green Gift Bazaar will be provided with a brochure full of Small Business Saturday information, featuring refreshments, giveaways, discounts, free gifts with purchase, gift card specials, in-store activities, etc. from many downtown retailers and restaurants. Plan a day of shopping with your friends to celebrate the occasion and pick up unique, locally-made, eco-friendly gifts for everyone on your list! A sampling of the Earth-friendly one-of-a-kind gifts that will be offered at the event is as follows all handcrafted, recycled, made in the USA or Fair Trade: homegrown botanicals and herbal products, hand-made soap and other bath and body products, beeswax and soy candles, teas, hand sewn, knit
and crocheted fabric products such as mittens made from sweaters, hats and bags made from upcycled denim, artisan leatherwork, tie dye, tapestries, quilts, reusable bags, pot scrubbies, washcloths, market totes, tea towels, baby bibs, gift bags, upcycled jewelry including recycled silverware, fused glass, bead work, semiprecious stones and items made from foraged materials, pottery and ceramics such as mugs, dishes,
bottles and bowls featuring images of native plants and animals, original artwork including local photography, paintings, greeting cards, ornaments and upcycled holiday décor, locally harvested evergreen holiday decor for doors and mantles, a curated selection of thrifted clothing and other finds, gifts for dogs and cats, soy wax candles & non-toxic room sprays, wooden items such as carvings, driftwood crafts, 3D scroll saw art
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At the event, shoppers will be able to keep their spending power “home for the holidays”. Avoid the hassle of Black Friday and the impersonal customer service of Cyber Monday. Instead, make this season’s giftgiving a fun adventure by shopping with friendly local artists and independent businesses in your hometown historic district. 3
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HESTON ON
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Preventative Maintnenacne
By Pat Heston Doctor, doctor When I was a sick-allthe-time kid, growing up in a small town, I had a doctor. As in one doctor. He was the same doctor my siblings had. The same doctor my parents had. The same doctor both sets of grandparents had. That’s what happens when a doctor practices medicine for 60 years in the same place. You’d think in that length of time he would have gotten the hang of it and quit merely practicing. You know, gotten down to business. Nonetheless, he was a staple item in my childhood and youth, like dime shows at the Bond Theater, “put that on my bill” transactions at the local mom-and-pop grocery, gas for less than 25 cents a gallon, and hell-fireand-brimstone sermons from every pulpit in town. I still remember the old brick building where my doctor hung his shingle. The building still stands. Though I have not been inside for decades, I can still see it, smell it, sense it, as clearly as if I had just stepped inside. Waiting room. Two examine rooms. A small pharmacy in between, separated by swinging doors—the kind I saw in the Long Branch Saloon on television’s Gunsmoke.
Speaking of smoke … inside the main exam room, the big one, was my doctor’s desk where he almost always (scratch the “almost”) sat smoking his cigar. For the first 18 years of my life I thought that the lingering odors of cigar smoke and medicinal alcohol were American Medical Association smells required of any true medical doctor. Once I got to college and visited my first awayfrom-home physician, I thought the guy was a quack because the smells were missing, not to mention the hissing, steaming autoclave that was so sinisterly closeat-hand in the exam room back in my hometown. I still remember the sign that hung behind the nurse’s desk, listing the fees the doctor charged. Among them, he charged one dollar for an office visit and two dollars for a house call. Yes, Virginia, there were such things as house calls.
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fascinating to me, is the fact that all the doctors’ areas of expertise end in “ologist.” Seriously. Go figure. I have a dermatologist, a cardiologist, and a urologist. I know there are more, but I struggle with big names, and I’m already tired. Several times I have encountered a gastroenterologist. Once or twice I have used the services of an anesthesiologist. I once had a fever so high that I believe they called in a climatologist. By the way, I’m not sure who “they” are, but I wish they would quit doing that. At this rate—I’m getting older by the day, you know—I will eventually need the services of an archaeologist. 3
You may have guessed by this time that I am old. I now have almost as many doctors as ailments. In fact, I think I have a couple of doctors for ailments I don’t yet have … you know, just in case. On standby. And,
Pat Heston is co-host of Let’s Talk on Tuesday and Thursday on WBGZ 107.1FM/1570AM. He’s also the author of the book “Journey Into Newness: The Soul-Making Power of a Wilderness,” and a retired pastor.
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DECEMBER 2023 | 15
BEYOND THE
FRAY
of her involvement with church.
By Sam Stemm “Do you believe in miracles?” That line was famously exclaimed by Al Michaels when in 1980 the U.S. men’s hockey team shocked the sports world by winning Olympic Gold at Lake Placid, NY. But what about you? Do you believe in miracles? We sometimes use the term loosely, dubbing any unlikely happening as a miracle. In reality, most of what we refer to as miracles involves no divine intervention at all. With all of that as a caveat, let me tell you about a miracle that occurred back in the late ’80s. I’ll let you be the judge as to whether there was any divine intervention involved.
First a little background. My dad was raised Presbyterian and converted to Catholicism when he married my mother at St. Mary’s in Alton in 1953. I suspect my parents’ wedding was the first time my dad’s mother ever set foot in a Catholic Church. But it certainly was not the last. Over the ensuing years there were multiple baptisms, first communions, confirmations, graduations, weddings, and even funerals that Grandma attended at St. Mary’s. Grandma, while identifying as a Presbyterian, was not a church-going person. I would venture to say her attendance at St. Mary’s for family events was the extent
All throughout that period from the ’50s through the ’80s Monsignor James Suddes was the pastor at St. Mary’s, so she was aware of who he was and had heard all of us, her grandchildren, speak of him often. In the late ’80s, Grandma had moved to a retirement apartment at Marian Heights. She lived at the end of the hall on the first floor. About a year after she moved in, she had some exciting news to share. Monsignor Suddes, who had just retired as pastor of St. Mary’s, had moved into the apartment directly across the hall from her. Of course Grandma made it a point to share with him who her kids were and he knew us all very well, and so whenever she’d see him around Marian Heights he’d
H E L P I N G YO U T H R O U G H L I F E ’ S T R A N S I T I O N S.
ask about the family. The following February Lent rolled around and Monsignor, who’d had a housekeeper and cook all those years at the rectory at St. Mary’s, attempted to fry fish on the first Friday of Lent. Being a novice cook he got the oil too hot, spewing a cloud of smoke that set off the smoke alarms which necessitated the evacuation of the first floor of Marian Heights. Grandma sprang into action! As an accomplished cook and an expert fish fryer, she made it her mission to teach Monsignor Suddes how to fry fish. And so it went for the remainder of the Lenten season, Grandma and Monsignor working together each and every Friday to perfect his fish frying skills. I know what you’re thinking. Grandma teaching a retired priest how to fry fish is no miracle. I’ll grant you that point. But what happened next is where the possibility of a miracle comes in. A week or so prior to Easter that year, Grandma made it known that she wanted all of us to come to Easter morning mass at the chapel at Marian Heights. This
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Roadway renamed for fallen officer
unusual request had us all stupefied and so some intense questioning began.
By Doug Jenkins & Mark Ellebracht Big Z Media
What’s this all about, Grandma? The chapel isn’t that big and it’s for the use of the residents there. We can’t just come in on Easter morning. If you want to go to church with us, we’ll pick you up and we’ll all go up to St. Mary’s.
The Old Alton Edwardsville Road has been renamed Tyler Timmins Drive. Officer Tyler Timmins was shot and killed in the line of duty on Oct. 26, 2021. The renaming of the road came on the two-year anniversary of his death.
So, she had to spill the beans. You see, while she had spent that entire Lenten season teaching Monsignor Suddes how to fry fish, he spent that entire Lenten season converting her to Catholicism. And he baptized her there in the chapel with her entire family present on Easter Sunday morning of 1988.
Timmins grew up in Wood River, graduating high school in 2003. His widow Linsey spoke about his pride in the community.
So, tell me, do you think there was some divine intervention involved? While technically not a miracle, I choose to recall those improbable events more than 35 years ago as Grandma’s Easter miracle. 3 Sam Stemm is the former owner of Big Z Media and co-hosts Let’s Talk Special Edition each Friday from 10am-Noon on The Big Z, 107.1FM and 1570AM.
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“Two years ago today in a matter of seconds I lost the love of my life, my daughter lost her father, my family lost their protector and a community lost one of their own. However, within an instant of all of that loss, we gained this community as our own. We gained the security and support that comes within this community and it was then that I realized why Tyler was so invested in this area.” Tyler Timmins began his career as a cadet with the Wood River Police Department, also working for the Roxana, Worden, Hartford, and Pontoon Beach police departments. 3
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V I L L A G E O F B E T H A LT O
By Gary Bost
Bethalto Mayor
Here’s what’s going on in Bethalto Spirit and Bethalto Christmas Village on Facebook for more information. Christmas decorations are going up in Bethalto, and soon our little Village will be aglow with lights, sights, and sounds of the season. Bethalto Spirit is preparing for this year’s Christmas Village, which starts the weekend after Thanksgiving and runs through Christmas. This walk-through wonderland in Central Park and our Arboretum is a wonderful family event that will get everyone in the Christmas Spirit. Weekends in the Christmas Village will include vendors, concessions, barrel car rides, visits with Santa and more. The holiday displays are lit up nightly, but activities will be open on Saturdays & Sundays only (November 25 & 26, and December 2, 3, 9, 10, 16 & 17). Volunteers are needed for various fun activities throughout the park—if interested, email bethaltochristmasvillage@ gmail.com. Follow Bethalto
The annual Bethalto Victorian Christmas Walk is set for the second Sunday in December— this year the date falls on December 10. From 4-7pm, we invite you to stroll the streets of downtown Bethalto and be transported back in time to a simpler era. Enjoy strolling carolers in vintage costumes, chestnuts roasting over fire pits, free horse-drawn carriage rides, and sample some festive treats as well. Our museum and log cabin will be open with displays, and visitors can enjoy cookies and music at our Senior Citizens Center. We look forward to this holiday tradition each year. As the holidays approach, all of us here at the Village of Bethalto are working to help the family of one of our very own. Lucie Hale, 7-year-old daughter of our Deputy Police Chief Scott Hale and his wife Erica, has been battling an
unknown seizure disorder since early summer and has had an extensive ICU and hospital stay. Lucie has bravely endured heavy medications, anti-seizure drugs, brain surgery, and countless tests to determine the cause of her seizures. Unfortunately, doctors still have no answers. Her case has been accepted into the Undiagnosed Disease Network, and doctors from prestigious hospitals all over the country will review her medical history to try to determine a path of treatment. To show our support for Lucie and the Hale family, several fundraising events are being organized—a soldout trivia night, cash raffle, shirt sales, and bracelet sales are all in the works. If you’re interested in more information on any of these fundraisers, please email our Village Clerk, Sue Lowrance, at slowrance@ bethalto.com. Please keep Lucie and the Hales in your thoughts and prayers. Seniors—don’t forget about our Bethalto Area Senior Bus. Do you know
a senior citizen who could use a ride to local doctors, stores, hairdressers, etc? The Village, partnered with Fort Russell Township and Wood River Township, offers a FREE senior bus transportation program to anyone aged 62 and older. The service will pick you up at your door, safely drive you to your destination (specified distances within Bethalto, Alton, Godfrey, Wood River, East Alton), and get you home quickly and efficiently, all at no cost
to the rider. Just call one day in advance between 9am-11:30am to schedule a ride; the dispatch number is 618-377-5263. The bus does not operate on holidays or in cases of inclement weather (ice or snow). The program is always seeking volunteer drivers & dispatchers— anyone interested in helping out can contact Bill Ambrose at 618-792-8971. 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. Monthly committee meetings are on the fourth Monday of each month, as needed, and begin at 6pm in our Council Chambers. We encourage residents to attend and to stay informed of all the happenings in town. Also be sure to follow our Village Facebook page (Bethalto Village) and visit our website Bethalto.com.
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BECOME PAIN FREE THE NATURAL WAY
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In the last few months, I recently reconnected with two friends from college. I went to SIUE, and lived at home during that time, so I didn’t have the traditional going away to school experience that my girls are currently having. I drove to school, went to class, then came home. I did have a few jobs close to home during that time, but eventually got a job on campus, which helped make it feel more like my life centered around going to school. I would not trade anything for that time there. Working at the campus radio station, WSIE, was filled with a cast of characters made up of young people who wanted to work on the radio. It was the college version of the show “WKRP in Cincinnati.” A professional “adult” staff mixed in with 20-somethings who were trying to finish school so they could go out and work. The on-air staff at the time was mainly volunteer students. My very first on-air shift was 5-9am on Saturdays. I signed up to be a radio “DJ” in December of 1989 at the end of a Radio 101 class. The volunteer coordinator of the radio station spoke to the class and a few of us met with him afterward, took our information, and I got a call about a week later. After Christmas break, I trained a
few times, then met him on a Saturday morning to go on the air. I think he stayed with me just that first week, then the next Saturday, it was solo. I didn’t really sleep that night before. I had to buzz in the back door of the communications building and a booming voice said, “Yeah?” over the speaker. In my broken, nearly sleepless voice I said my name and that I was here for my shift. I met Leo Chears, the “Man in the Red Vest,” the week before. He was a jazz radio legend in St. Louis, and did wear his red vest most shifts. He had health issues at the time, so walking down the long hall to the door took a little time. The station format was jazz, which I knew next to nothing about. I recognized names and some songs mainly from movies or commercials, and survived those first few shifts. I’m sure there were hiccups along the way and somewhere there’s an aircheck cassette of that first day. Some of the people I worked with at the time often lived at the station. There were at least a handful that would work overnight so they could get their jobs done, and do homework away from distractions at home. One guy always dressed in black and he worked the overnights during the
weekdays. I honestly don’t remember seeing him in any classes, but I knew where he slept during the day. Another classmate mooned me from the newsbooth during a shift. Another guy recorded a burp onto a PSA cart which was later played on a shift by a fellow DJ, not me thankfully. A few of us student workers had “desks” in the music library and filed under “C” would be our collection of various condiments from fast food restaurants. It became a common hang out location for other radio students to do homework or curl up in a storage closet where there was always a pillow and blanket. A few of us made it out to the real world after graduation and are still working in St. Louis area media. The friends I made there left a positive impression and it’s been good to see and talk to them again. We’ve vowed not to allow so many years to pass between visits. If you’ve got a high school or college friend you’ve not talked to in awhile, reach out! 3 Mark Ellebracht is News/ Content Director at Big Z Media and has been on the radio in Alton for 26 years. He is co-host of the Big Z Morning Show and host of Let’s Talk on 107.1FM/1570AM.
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ADVANTAGE ATHLETES
Submit your local sports photos to sports@bigz.media. Photos printed at editor’s discretion.
Alton boys soccer
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A SHELL OF A YEAR
Evan Wells and head coach Wade Devries Senior James Herring (52) making a tackle in a playoff game at Olympia HS
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OSF Saint Anthony’s Health Center continues its focused efforts expanding resources in addressing the mental health and well-being of residents in the Riverbend region. Beginning the week of Nov. 27, OSF Saint Anthony’s Psychological Services department will launch two new
education groups within its Connections Adult Group Series. On Tuesday, Nov. 28, 10am11am, the Women’s Family Violence Group will begin its weekly meeting schedule providing a supportive and safe environment for women who are experiencing verbal or physical abuse from a
significant other or family member or are recovering from the trauma of past domestic violence. That same week on Thursday, Nov. 30, 5:30pm-6:30pm, the Anger Management Group will begin meeting on a weekly basis to provide an educational, supportive
environment for individuals seeking to decrease the frequency and intensity of their anger, build healthier coping skills and more positive relationships. Both groups will be led by Vanna Lenhardt, a licensed clinical professional counselor (LCPC). 3
DECEMBER 2023 | 23
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Craft Fair to benefit AHS music program Dec. 2-3 Alton Band and Orchestra Builders – ABOB is pleased to announce that the 34th Annual Olde Alton Arts and Craft Fair will be held during the weekend of December 2 and 3 at Alton High School. The fair will be open on Saturday, December 2 from 9am to 4pm and on Sunday, December 3 from 10am to 3pm. Breakfast and lunch will be available. Currently there are crafters from not just Illinois and Missouri, but also from as far away as Kentucky, Tennessee and Texas.
Crafters must offer products that are at least 51% handmade and include a wide variety of items, many of which are Christmas themed. ABOB, originally organized in 1948, has supported the instrumental music program of the Alton Community Unit School District for 75 years, providing music, equipment and instruments for our elementary, middle and high school band and orchestra students. 3 abob.net
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Can a bankruptcy stop a garnishment?
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 Tom it. You can check with your insurance Lane 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.
YES.
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.
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BANKRUPTCY
How much homeowner’s insurance do I need?
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.
Alton Memorial Hospital, BJC Medical Group and community leaders came together recently for a ribbon cutting at the BJC Outpatient Center at Godfrey.
Can bankruptcy stop the garnishment?
New BJC Convenient Care opens in Godfrey
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.
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24 | DECEMBER 2023
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The BJC Outpatient Center at Godfrey opened its doors Nov. 1, providing accessible, high-quality health care for patients of all ages. The 14,000-squarefoot facility, at 5213 Godfrey Road, offers primary and convenient care services, with plans to expand in the future to provide an array of outpatient services. “We are excited to offer this space to the families of Godfrey,” said Dr. Daniel Berg, a BJC Medical Group family medicine provider at the new location.
Highly trained and experienced full-time primary care providers Daniel Berg, MD; Mindy Faraone, FNP; and Donna Koenig, FNP, are ready to address health care needs and take new patient appointments. BJC Convenient Care at Godfrey has been open in the same building since late September, from 8am8pm daily to take walk-in patients with various minor illnesses and injuries. For more information, call 618619-3330. 3
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UA Plumbers & Pipefitters Union DECEMBER 2023 | 25
PUZZLE SOLUTIONS Crossword
FOSTERBURG FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT ORDINANCE NO. 23
AN ORDINANCE ADOPTING AN AMENDED BUDGET AND MAKING APPROPRIATIONS FOR THE FOSTERBURG FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT, MADISON COUNlY, ILLINOIS FOR THE GENERAL, INSURANCE, AUDIT AND PENSION FUNDS FOR THE FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING JULY 1, 2023 AND ENDING JUNE 30, 2024 BE IT ORDAINED BY THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE FOSTERBURG FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT AS FOLLOWS: SECTION I. That the following is an estimate, by source, of the expected receipts and revenues of the Fosterburg Fire Protection District General Fund, for the Fiscal Year beginning July 1, 2023 and ending June 30, 2024: $100,000.00 Estimated Cash Balance at July 1, 2023 172,000.00 Reserve Capital Pro-Bid & Equip 434,860.00 Real Estate Taxes -Corporate 108,715.00 Real Estate Taxes -Rescue 4,000.00 Real Estate Taxes -Social Security 17,000.00 Replacement Tax 700.00 Interest 5,000.00 Foreign Fire Tax 300,000.00 Grants 200,000.00 Donations 7,000.00 IPRF Safety Grant 30.00 MetLife Dividends 1,000.00 Miscellaneous Income $1,350,305.00 TOTAL ESTIMATED RECEIPTS AND FUND BALANCE
Sudoku
SECTION II. That the following sums of money be and they are hereby budgeted and appropriated for corporate purposes for the Fosterburg Fire Protection District, a Fire Protection District in Madison County, Illinois, for the Fiscal Year beginning July 1, 2023 and ending June 30, 2024 for the following purposes: ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSE Capital Expense from Reserve Equipment Loan Bank Fees Pension Account Pen Wh IPRF Safety Grant Grant Matching Funds Medical Services Training Officer Salary Assistant Fire Chief Salary Attorney Fees Bank Service Charges Contingencies Dues Maintenance Officer MCFA Death Benefits Meeting and Convention Expenses Office Expenses Payroll & Accounting Expenses Postage Publications Telephone Expense Training Trustees Fees Uniforms for Staff Volunteer Firefighters’ Expenses Payroll
$60,000.00 25,000.00 50.00 30,000.00 6,500.00 20,000.00 4,000.00 1,250.00 2,250.00 5,000.00 500.00 30,000.00 3,000.00 1,250.00 1,800.00 1,500.00 7,000.00 15,000.00 1,000.00 4,000.00 5,000.00 15,000.00 5,500.00 6,000.00 3,500.00: 361,872.00
Total Administrative Expense
$618,722.00
EQUIPMENT EXPENSE Oxygen Bottles Equipment Purchases Communication Update Turn Out Gear Testing Equipment Repair and Supplies Gasoline & Oil Personal Protective Equipment Medical Supplies
$5,000.00 130,000.00 140,000.00 15,000.00 10,000.00 30,000.00 15,000.00 15,000.00 5,000.00
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Total Equipment Expense
$365,000.00
A bleary-eyed rancher walked up to his stillawake cow and proclaimed “It’s pasture bedtime.
BUILDING EXPENSE Maintenance and Repair Building Upgrades Utilities Grass Mowing and Trash Collection
$30,000.00 65,000.00 15,000.00 2,000.00
Total Building Expense
$ 112,000.00
TOTAL BUDGET AND APPROPRIATION - GENERAL FUND
$1,095,722.00
ANTICIPATED CASH BALANCE - GENERAL FUND AT JUNE 30, 2024
$254,583.00
Word Search
Go Figure
What’s the Difference? 1. Hair is different. 2. Oven window is missing. 3. Puddle is smaller. 4. Arm is moved. 5. Handle is smaller. 6. Spatula is different.
Word Scrambler 1. Regain 2. Deluge
3. Caste 4. Diner
Today’s Word: ENGAGED
Even Exchange 1. Adapt, Adopt 2. Ginger, Linger 3. Furry, Ferry 4. Beauty, Beatty 5. Easel, Edsel
6. Packet, Jacket 7. Marge, Merge 8. Carol, Carob 9. Flour, Floor 10. Deluge, Delude
Trivia Test 1. Gale. 2. Four: California, Arizona, New Mexico and Texas. 3. The Holy Grail. 4. “Desperate Housewives.” 5. Quid pro quo. 6. Sailfish. 7. China. 8. Eight minutes. 9. Rhode Island. 10. Canker sore.
Flashback 1. Bob Dylan wrote and released the song in 1965. When asked, Dylan claimed the Desolation Row location was in Mexico, but others in the know said it was in Manhattan along Eighth Avenue. The song was over 11 minutes long. 2. Ruby & the Romantics, in 1963. The songwriters weren’t pleased, hoping instead to aim for easy listening. But the Ruby version topped the charts, and nobody could argue with that. 3. “A Hard Day’s Night,” the first Beatles film, released in 1964. The film did well and received a nom for Best Original Screenplay. 4. The Fleetwoods, in 1959. 5. “Easy To Be Hard,” by Lynn Kellogg, playing the character Sheila in the rock musical “Hair” in 1967. Two years later the song was covered by Three Dog Night, climbing to No. 4 on the Billboard chart.
Secret Diner Boogie’s II Sports Bar & Grill 2082 Vadalabene Dr., Maryville
26 | DECEMBER 2023
SECTION III. That the following is an estimate, by source, of the expected receipts and revenues of the Fosterburg Fire Protection District Insurance Fund, for the Fiscal Year beginning July 1, 2023 and ending June 30, 2024: $00.00 Estimated Cash Balance at July 1, 2023 110,000.00 Anticipated Real Estate Property Tax Receipts Total Cash on Hand Plus Anticipated Revenues and Receipts
110,000.00
SECTION IV. That the following sums of money may be and are hereby budgeted and appropriated for the Fosterburg Fire Protection District’s Insurance Fund for the Fiscal Year beginning July 1, 2023 and ending June 30, 2024, for the purpose of paying insurance premiums: INSURANCE FUND BUDGET AND APPROPRIATION Premiums for Package Insurance Policies for Liability, Casualty, Property Insurance Coverage, Worker’s Compensation Coverage and Unemployment Insurance Coverage $110,000.00 TOTAL INSURANCE FUND BUDGET AND APPROPRIATION ANTICIPATED CASH BALANCE - INSURANCE FUND AT JUNE 30, 2024
110,000.00 $00.00
SECTION V. That the following is an estimate, by source, of the expected revenues of the Fosterburg Fire Protection District Audit Fund, for the Fiscal Year beginning July 1, 2023 and ending June 30, 2024: Estimated Cash Balance at July 1, 2023 Anticipated Tax Receipts and Transfer from General Fund
$00.00 4,500.00
Total Anticipated Funds Available
$4,500.00
SECTION VI. That the following sums of money may be and are hereby budgeted and appropriated for the corporate purpose of preparing and filing an audit of accounts of the Fosterburg Fire Protection District, a Fire Protection District in Madison County, Illinois for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2023 and ending June 30, 2024, which audit is required by the statutes of the State of Illinois, specifically, 50 ILCS 310/1 through 310/10 and 70 ILCS 710/6.1 as follows:
AUDIT FUND BUDGET AND APPROPRIATION Annual Audit of All Ledgers and Books of Account Maintained by the District by a Certified Public Accountant as required by Law
$4,500.00
TOTAL AUDIT FUND BUDGET AND APPROPRIATION
$4,500.00 $00.00
ANTICIPATED CASH BALANCE - AUDIT FUND AT JUNE 30, 2024
SECTION VII. That the following is an estimate, by source, of the expected revenues of the Fosterburg Fire Protection District Pension Appropriation Fund, for the Fiscal Year beginning July 1, 2023 and ending June 30, 2024: Balance of Pension Appropriation Fund at July 1, 2023 Interest (Estimated) Anticipated Real Estate Tax Receipts
$00.00 00.00 115,000.00
Total Estimated Receipts and Appropriation Fund Balance
$4,500.00
SECTION VIII. That the following sums of money be and are hereby budgeted and appropriated for the Fosterburg Fire Protection District Fire Fighters’ Pension Fund for the Fiscal Year beginning July 1, 2023 and ending June 30, 2024, for the purposes of establishing and maintaining a reserve to insure the payment of all obligations incurred under the said Fire Fighters’ Pension Plan as follows: PENSION FUND BUDGET AND APPROPRIATION Contributions to Fosterburg Fire Protection District Paid Fire Fighters’ Pension Fund
$115,000.00
TOTAL PENSION FUND BUDGET AND APPROPRIATION
$115,000.00
SECTION IX. The Trustees shall have the power and the authority during the aforesaid fiscal year from time to time, as in their judgment may be necessary, to make transfers among the various line-item appropriations for the purpose of meeting exigencies that may arise during the year to the extent permitted by law. To the extent permitted by applicable law, all unexpended balances of any item or items of any general appropriation made by this Ordinance may be expended in making up any deficiency in any item or items in the same general appropriation made by this Ordinance. The sums herein appropriated are appropriated from all sources of income, including but not limited to all sources of income from property taxes, and all other revenues of the Fire Protection District received from all sources of revenue. Should a deficiency exist in any fund or line item other than the General Fund for a purpose for which money may be legally appropriated and spent from the General Fund, that deficiency may be made up from the General Fund. The amount of any such deficiency in any such fund or line item other than the General Fund is hereby appropriated from the General Fund. SECTION X. If any section, subdivision or sentence of this Ordinance is held invalid, it shall not affect the validity of the remainder of this Ordinance. SECTION XI. This Ordinance shall be known as Ordinance No. 23-_ and shall be published in a newspaper of general circulation in the Fosterburg Fire Protection District, Madison County, Illinois, within thirty (30) days of the date hereof. The newspaper shall furnish a certificate of publication to the Secretary of the Fire Protection District, which certificate shall be placed in the official records of the Fire District and this Ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and after ten (10) days of its publication. PASSED by the Board of Trustees of the Fosterburg Fire Protection District of Madison County, Illinois this 25 day of 0ctober, 2023 and filed with the Secretary of the said Fire Protection District the same date. Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 Angela Martin Secretary of the Board of Trustees of the Fosterburg Fire Protection District Approved by the President of the Fosterburg Fire Protection District Board of Trustees, this 25 day of October 2023. Mark Ellison President of the Board of Trustees of the Fosterburg Fire Protection District CERTIFICATE The undersigned Secretary of the Board of Trustees of the Fosterburg Fire Protection District, a Fire Protection District organized and existing under the laws of the State of Illinois, certifies that on the day and date hereof, she wasthe duly appointed, acting and qualified Secretary of the said Fire Protection District; that in her capacity as Secretary she is the official keeper of the records, minutes and resolutions of said Fire Protection District and that the document attached hereto is a true and correct copy of Ordinance No. 23-_ entitled: AN ORDINANCE ADOPTING A BUDGET AND MAKING APPROPRIATIONS FOR THE FOSTERBURG FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT, MADISON COUN1Y, ILLINOIS FOR THE GENERAL, INSURANCE, AUDIT AND PENSION FUNDS FOR THE FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING JULY 1, 2023 AND ENDING JUNE 30, 2024 the original of which is part of the official records of the said Fosterburg Fire Protection District. Dated this 25 day of October, 2023. Angela Martin Secretary of the Board of Trustees of the Fosterburg Fire Protection District The undersigned certifies that on the day and date hereof, he was the duly appointed, qualified and acting President of the Fosterburg Fire Protection District; that on the day and date hereof JESSICA THOMAS was the duly appointed, qualified and acting Secretary of the said Fosterburg Fire Protection District and in such capacity was the keeper of the official records, minutes and resolutions of the said Fire Protection District. Dated this 25 day of October, 2023. Mark Ellison President of the Board of Trustees of the Fosterburg Fire Protection District The undersigned, being the duly appointed and acting Treasurer of the Fosterburg Fire Protection District, as chief fiscal officer of said District, certifies that the estimate of receipts set forth above in Ordinance No. 23-_, being the Budget and Appropriation Ordinance of the Fosterburg Fire Protection District for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2023 and ending June 30, 2024 correctly states the revenues, by source, anticipated to be received by the said Fire Protection District for the fiscal year indicated. This certification is made in compliance with the provisions of 35 ILCS 200/22-50. Dated this 25 day of October, 2023. William Varble Treasurer, Board of Trustees of the Fosterburg Fire Protection District
MOMENTS IN TIME The History Channel • On Nov. 24, 2012, a fire in the Tazreen Fashion clothing factory in Dhaka, Bangladesh, killed over 110 people and injured another 200. The tragedy shed light on poor working conditions for employees who made export clothing in the country and led to major labor reforms in Bangladesh and the fashion world, which promised to take steps to ethically source its products. • On Nov. 25, 1834, Delmonico’s, one of New York’s finest restaurants, offered its customers a meal of soup, steak, coffee and half a pie for 12 cents. Even as we sigh for the “good old days,” however, we should remember that this meal would also cost an unskilled laborer about an hour’s wage. • On Nov. 26, 1865, “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland” by Lewis Carroll (born Charles Lutwidge Dodgson), a mathematics don at Oxford University, was published in the U.S. The beloved children’s classic, which has never gone out of print, has been translated into 174 languages and adapted for the cinema, art, ballet, opera, musicals, theme parks, board games and video games. • On Nov. 27, 2017, eight donkeys were released from jail after four days’ imprisonment for the crime of eating expensive saplings in the Jalaun district of Uttar Pradesh, India. Authorities said the animals had made a mess of the plants, which were worth nearly $1,000 and placed near the jail as part of a governmental cleanup campaign, even after their owner was “warned a couple of times.” • On Nov. 28, 1920, 36 volunteers for the Irish Republican Army ambushed the Royal Irish Constabulary’s Auxiliary near Kilmichael in County Cork, killing 16 soldiers. The attack occurred one week after “Bloody Sunday” and marked an escalation in the IRA’s campaign during the Irish War of Independence. • On Nov. 29, 1877, with very little preamble, a young Thomas Edison demonstrated his hand-cranked phonograph for the first time at the office of the “Scientific American.” The editors were astonished to hear the machine say: “Good morning. How do you do? How do you like the phonograph?” Edison patented the device a few months later. • On Nov. 30, 2022, Russia’s upper house of Parliament unanimously voted against promoting homosexual relationships in advertising, books and films, assigning a fine of up to 5 million rubles (approximately $80,000) to anyone caught violating the ban. • On Dec. 1, 1960, Paul McCartney and original Beatles drummer Pete Best were arrested in Hamburg, Germany, and deported from the country on the mistaken accusation of attempted arson. The men were given just five minutes to pack their belongings, and Best even had to leave his drums behind.
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Help available for domestic violence victims in Madison County
Country Financial Helping Heroes donation supports Godfrey schools Country Financial Representative Jeff Lauritzen is pleased to support schools in the Godfrey community with a donation of $2000.
By Brad Choat Big Z Media The dual purpose of Alton Memorial Hospital’s yearly domestic violence memorial service is to shed light on the problem and to remember the victims and their loved ones. Since 1996 in Madison County alone, at least 132 people have died from domestic violence-related circumstances. Nationally, one in four women will experience domestic violence in her lifetime and anyone can be a victim regardless of gender, age, race, income, or sexual orientation. A Tibetan prayer bowl was struck 9 times for the victims who died at the hands of domestic abusers in the region since late November 2012, ranging in age from three months to 85 years. Three of those deaths happened just two months ago, in September. Madison County Sheriff’s Department Chief Deputy Marcos Pulido issued a heartfelt pledge from law enforcement, “To any of you that are suffering, you
Marquette welcomes new students to NHS
can give it right back to them as a community.”
Marquette Catholic High School is proud to announce the induction of its newest members into the prestigious National Honor Society (NHS). The following Explorers are now members of the Marquette Catholic High School Rose Morelli Chapter of NHS:
If you are a victim of domestic violence (or suspect someone who is), the number to call for help is: 618-465-1978.
Madison County Coroner Steve Nonn also spoke at the memorial, “Every 9 seconds in the U.S. there’s a woman or man being abused domestically. I think it is our job to get on top of the highest mountain and shout it out - we have a problem and we need to come together as a community and support those people. Sometimes the voice the abuser has taken away from them, we
“As members of the Godfrey community, we’re all fortunate to have so many talented and dedicated people supporting area youth,” said Lauritzen. “Teachers and staff do so much with so little. I’m gratified to be able to provide funds to help these dedicated team members ensure they have what they need to carry out their important work in promoting greater literacy.” 3
$1,000 is going to the St. Ambrose Catholic School to purchase additional content for their book vending machines. As part of this program, students can earn tokens through outstanding school efforts to purchase books from the vending machine.
$1,000 is going to the Gilson Brown Elementary School in the Alton School District. Funds will be used for the purchase of inside recess resources and for the school’s “Reach Out and Read” program. This program
Pastor Jim Johnston of Alton’s First Christian Church rings the Tibetan Prayer Bowl during the Domestic Violence Memorial Service at Alton Memorial Hospital. don’t deserve that. You are important. You are loved and you matter! We are here for you.”
focuses on providing additional attention and encouragement to promote greater literacy among students at the school.
Alton Memorial Hospital supports a coordinated domestic violence committee that includes members from hospital staff, Zonta Club of Alton-Wood River, Oasis Women’s Center, and the Third Judicial Circuit Family Violence Prevention Council. 3
Shawna Ahne, Lucia Lonero, Ava Albers, Karson Morrissey, Izabela Albers, Samantha Poole, Samantha Booth, Addison Pranger, Rose Brangenberg, Willa Pruitt, Amos Brass,
Brooke Rister, Bradley Bower, Kel’c Robinson, Alyssa Coles, Tyler Roth, Alyssa Converse, Erin Schwartz, Lily Covert, Grace Schwegel, Payton Crane, Genesis Showers, Ryan DeClue, Chloe Steele, Cassidy Eccles, Maya Stephan, Nola Effinger, Luke Steyer, Marian Elmendorf, Grace Stoverink, William Fahnestock, Eleanor Tiemann, Addison Groshans, Caleb Thomeczek, Caleb Harteis,
Tyra Wells, Laura Hewitt, Ellie Williams, Radley Hoener, Rodger Zawodniak, Niko Koeller The National Honor Society is a prestigious organization that recognizes high school students who have excelled in scholarship, leadership, service, and character. These principles are the foundation of the NHS, and each member is committed to upholding these values both within their school community and beyond. 3
CITY OF WOOD RIVER ANNUAL TREASURER’S REPORT FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING MAY 1, 2022 AND ENDING APRIL 30, 2023 General Fund
Insurance Fund
Non-Home Capital Improve- Recreation Rule Sales ments and Develop- Center Tax Fund ment Fund Fund
Water Fund
$4,740,483
$1,185,828
$1,058,520
$2,480,634
$-
$7,636,872 $16,355,276
$707,657
$11,895,262
$6,790,491
$153,017
Revenues
8,936,931 13,677,414
1,836,995 3,022,823
3,674,572 4,733,092
1,925,789 4,406,423
135,109 135,109
2,165,419 9,802,291
3,395,255 19,750,531
918,944 1,626,601
1,039,023 12,934,285
687,500 7,477,991
Expenditures/Expenses
8,508,348 5,169,066
1,508,500 1,514,323
2,518,407 2,214,685
1,113,816 3,292,607
6,767,204 (6,632,095)
2,127,823 7,674,468
2,577,052 17,173,479
814,717 811,884
1,152,481 11,781,804
Net Transfers
944,114
(100,000)
1,230,079
(460,710)
10,622,500
35,904
262,060
-
Fund Balance/Net Position April 30, 2023
$6,113,180
$1,414,323
$3,444,764
$2,831,897
$3,990,405
$7,710,372
$17,435,539
$811,884
Fund Balance/Net Position May 1, 2022
Sewer Fund
Municipal Golf Course Police Firefighters’ Retirement Motor Fuel Tax Fund Pension Fund Pension Fund Fund Fund
Total Revenues
$36,149,304
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Refuse Fund
TIF #3 Fund
$727,831
$433,554
$232,464
$1,044,114
$3,181
$35,596
$35,551
$197,565
194,404 347,421
645,682 1,373,513
511,378 944,932
949,665 1,182,129
604,683 1,648,797
4,997 8,178
31,283 66,879
28,315 63,866
194,883 392,448
553,302 6,924,689
347,421
800,452 573,061
399,105 545,827
738,493 443,636
297 1,648,500
4,604 3,574
66,879
63,866
147,541 244,907
-
-
(100,000)
1,247
(7,060)
(170,074)
-
-
-
-
-
$11,781,804
$6,924,689
$247,421
$574,308
$538,767
$273,562
$1,648,500
$3,574
$66,879
$63,866
$244,907
CITY OF WOOD RIVER GROSS WAGE REPORT
REVENUES SUMMARY (ACCRUAL BASIS) Property Taxes $1,336,018 Sales and Use Tax 6,669,872 Replacement Tax 907,598 State Income Tax 1,610,321 Telecommunications Tax 88,572 Video Gaming Tax 278,343 Utility Tax 684,515 Motor Fuel Tax 429,740 Hotel Tax 8,348 Franchise Fees Licenses, Permits and Fees 173,064 Fines and Forfeitures 61,212 Charges for Services 1,177,862 Water Charges for Services 2,133,894 Sewer Charges for Services 3,214,687 Refuse Charges for Services 842,533 Golf Course Charges for Services 910,489 Grant Revenue 3,441,146 Insurance Reimbursements 1,525,372 Investment Earnings 487,488 Proceeds from Debt 9,995,000 Miscellaneous Income 83,230 Gain on Disposal of Assets 90,000
Riverbend Westside Riverbend Riverbend Business Dist. Business Dist. Business Dist. Business Dist. #1 Fund Fund #3 Fund #4 Fund
Library Fund
Under $25,000 B ARVIEW; S BALENTINE; E BARDSLEY; E BAZZELL; K BIRDSONG; S BLOCH; J BLOUNT; C BUTLER; E CARLTON; K CHERRY; A CLOCLASURE; R CORRIGAN; E CRAUSE; A DANIELS; J DESHERLIA; W DUNCAN; Z EDWARDS; D ENDICOTT; D EHRMAN; S EHRMAN; J ENGLAR; D FITE; J FITE; K FITE; M FITE; R GIACALONE; J GROOM; S HAGAMAN; H HALL; J HALL; L HAMMOND; T HARDING; J HARPER; A HARRIS; S HARRICK; P HARTMAN; C HAUSMAN; T HEIGERT; J HILL; K JOHNSON; F JONES; H JONES; CHAS KESHNER; K KUTTER; E LAMERE; M LANKFORD; A LEWIS; B LOGAN; G MARTINEZ; J MCPHERSON; J MILLER; R MILLER; D MULLINS; A NIEMEYER; A NOBLE; C ORBAN; K OLDENDORPH; J OLLER; W OWENS; J PLANK; B QUEVREAUX; KAI REEF; KAR REEF; K RUSSELL; S SABOLO; N SCHAUB; T SCHILDMAN;
H SCOTT; M SEIBERT; D SHOOK; S SHOPPELL; L SIMMONS; C SLAYDEN; V SMITH; C STAHLHUT; REA STAHLHUT; T STALCUP; C STEWART; C STIMAC; A STROHMEIER; J SUGENT; M TALBOT; J THOMAS; A TINNON; L TINNON; N TOLBERT; S TWEEDY; T TWEEDY; M TWICHELL; W TRACY; A WALLENDORFF; J WEBB; T WEBB; J WELLS; W WOJCIKIEWICZ; D WONG; B YARBOROUGH; C YARBOROUGH;
A WALDBART & SONS NURSERY 13,397; AAIC INC 74,750; ACC BUSINESS 7,612; ACE HARDWARE OF BETHALTO 5,148; ACUSHNET 39,594; ADVANCE AUTO INC 4,156; ADVANCED TURF SOLUTIONS 11,516; AEC - FIRE SAFETY SECURITY 34,371; AGENCY FOR COMMUNITY TRANSIT 5,135; ALTON TREE SERVICE 2,750; AMEREN ILLINOIS 525,997; ARCH FIRE PROTECTION INC 2,663; ARROW SIGNS 31,933; ASPHALT SALES & PRODUCTS 4,435; AT&T MOBILITY 11,915; AXON ENTERPRISES INC 21,889; B & F TECHNICAL CODE SERVICES 17,304; BAKER & TAYLOR BOOKS 13,478; BANNER FIRE EQUIPMENT 23,972; BARCOM SECURITY 14,097; BASSETT LAW OFFICE 50,020; BETHALTO GLASS 7,000; BRIT GLOBAL SPECIALTY USA 18,865; BROOKS & ASSOCIATES INC 6,488; BROTCKE WELL & PUMP 8,711; BUDGET SIGNS TROPHIES & PLAQUE 3,459; BUSEY BANK 43,467; BUTLER CLEANING COMPANY 2,970; CAPITAL GAINS INCORPORATED 7,409; ELAN FINANCIAL SERVICES 97,648; CENTER POINT LARGE PRINT 4,026; CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS 31,782; CHRIST BROTHERS 264,895; CHRISTIAN HOSPITAL 8,186; CITY OF WOOD RIVER 5,550; CJ SCHLOSSER & COMPANY LLC 42,460; CLARKE MOSQUITO 3,600; CLEAN UNIFORM COMPANY 2,655; CLEARY’S SHOES & BOOTS 3,202; CLOVERLEAF 360,894; CONSTELLATION NEW ENERGY INC 3,033; CONSTELLATION NEWENERGY - GAS 37,626; CONTINENTAL RESEARCH 4,637; CORE & MAIN LP 67,285; COURTS IN SESSION 19,325; CR SYSTEMS 17,372; CSR CONSTRUCTION 28,750; CURRY & ASSOCIATES 4,721; D&D TIRE SERVICE LLC. 15,095; DA-COM DIGITAL OFFICE 6,897; DATA TRONICS INC 39,387; DAVIS TRAILER SALES INC 4,230; DEPENDABLE CLEANING SERVICE 29,111; DINGES FIRE COMPANY 7,260; DOBBS TIRE & AUTO CENTER 7,461; DONNEWALD DISTRIBUTING CO. 24,552; DPC ENTERPRISES LP 37,104; TOM EBERLIN 4,175; EJ EQUIPMENT INC 426,342; ESO SOLUTIONS INC. 6,704; EVCO NATIONAL 15,000; EAST WEST GATEWAY COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS 6,200; FARM & HOME SUPPLY 3,410; FELD FIRE 6,584; FIRE CATT LLC 3,301; FIRST MID 1,036,092; FOLSOM DISTRIBUTING 3,383; FOSTER BROTHERS 5,452; GAME TIME 201,154; GILLIHAN
CONCRETE INC 21,445; GONZALEZ COMPANIES LLC 527,832; GREEN TREE HOME SOLUTIONS 32,963; GRP WEGMAN COMPANY 73,720; HAIER PLUMBING & HEATING INC 991,581; JAMES HARING 2,861; HARRIS 12,738; HEARST COMMUNICATIONS INC 8,477; HEARTLANDS CONSERVANCY 63,780; KYLE HULKER 18,716; HYDRO KINETICS 4,060; IEPA PROGRAM 515,767; ILLINOIS FINANCE AUTHORITY 12,500; ILLINOIS HEARTLAND LIBRARY 7,957; ILLINOIS EPA C/O AMALGAMATED 450,744; ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE 14,851; IML-RMA 373,618; IPBC 1,233,804; JIM MURPHY’S LANDSCAPING 3,850; KAMADULSKI EXCAVATION 8,435; KANE MECHANICAL GROUP LLC 29,231; KIENSTRA PRECAST LLC 5,003; KIENSTRA - ILLINOIS 21,031; KOERNER DISTRIBUTOR INC 3,358; KTRS-AM RADIO LLC 5,375; L&K FIRE PROTECTION INC 61,824; LANGHAUSER SHEET METAL CO 789,677; STEPHEN OR PATRICIA LASH 29,086; LAUTERBACH & AMEN LLP 4,910; LENS EQUIPMENT 7,058; LEON UNIFORM COMPANY 12,534; LEXIPOL LLC 16,740; LIMBAUGH CONSTRUCTION CO INC 4,893,585; LIMBAUGH CONSTRUCTION 55,750; LINK COMPUTER CORPORATION 21,830; LOWE’S COMPANIES INCORPORATED 3,437; LUBY EQUIPMENT SERVICES 175,526; M & M SERVICE CO 3,113; MAHONEY ASPHALT LLC 3,012; MARK STUNKEL TRUCKING INC 32,624; MEDFORD OIL COMPANY 16,658; MIDEASTERN PLUMBING HEATING 7,951; MIDWEST TAPE 5,826; MIDWEST MUNICIPAL SUPPLY 14,882; MIDWEST OCCUPATIONAL MEDICINE 2,983; MIKE’S 18,389; MISSISSIPPI LIME COMPANY 65,781; MLDS 14,998; MORAN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 41,247; MORTON SALT 46,287; MPH INDUSTRIES INC 6,321; NELSON SYSTEMS INC 6,153; NETCO INC 7,588; NEW FRONTIER MATERIAL LLC 8,630; OATES ASSOCIATES INC 10,500; OFFICE SOURCE INC 7,239; KRISTEN ORBAN-BURNS 24,480; DH PACE COMPANY INC 4,047; OXYGEN FORENSICS 2,899; PACE ANALYTICAL SERVICES LLC 14,064; PARK ENTERPRISE TRUST 4,000; PART STOP INC 4,085; JOSEPH PATTAN 4,604; PEERLESS NETWORK INC 13,890; PEPSI - COLA 5,526; PGAV PLANNERS LLC 4,259; PRESTIGE LANDSCAPING 26,450; PYRAMID ELECTRICAL CONTRACTORS 132,819; QUILL 3,640; RAY
STAICOFF; B TRASK; D WEBB;
$25,000-$49,999 H BERREY; E CHALCRAFT; C ELLIS; E HANSARD; A ICKLER; S JONES; K MURRAY; K ROSE; C WHIPPLE
$75,000-$99,999 C ALFARO; B BROWN; A BURNS; J BURRIS; M CARLISLE; N CHILDERS; J CRUTCHLEY; T DONOHOO; G FESTER; E FORD; T GALLAHER; J GERNER; B GREENE; E HARTMAN; N HAWKINS; D JOHNSON; D JOSE; N KAMP; B LENHARDT; M MEYERS; D MORMINO; J PALEN; M PENCE; J PETROKOVICH; M REDMAN; J ROBERSON; B ROMBACH; C SOBRINO; T THARP; J TIMMINS; A WEBER; K WEBER; B WRIGHT; B YOUNKER; S ZANGORI
$50,000-$74,999 D BARRETT; M CATO; J GREEN; L HERRON; KAC HILL; KAR HILL; R HOPKINS; CHAR KESHNER; K KESTLER; K LUTZ; P MINOGUE; T MOUSER; S RUSSELL; M SABOLO JR; D SNEED; T
$100,000-$124,999 K AYERS; J BUERKE; B CRAWFORD; S CRUMP; T GEGEN; W HALL; S PALEN; L REVELLE; RON STAHLHUT; B WELLS; J WOODY
CITY OF WOOD RIVER EXPENDITURES AND EXPENSES O’HERRON COMPANY 16,971; RCS CONSTRUCTION INC 75,240; REIS SERVICES INC 5,859; REPUBLIC SERVICES 714,762; RESTORATION HOUSE 3,458; RIVER BEND GROWTH ASSOC 5,000; RIVERBANK MARKETING 5,770; RIVERBENDER.COM 6,120; ROBERT CHICK FRITZ 6,774; ROBERTS MOTORS 21,889; ROLAND MACHINERY CO 10,456; ROOTER’S AMERICAN MAINTENANCE 215,166; RUSH TRUCK CENTERS OF MISSOURI 5,290; SANDBERG PHOENIX 14,184; SCHULTE SUPPLY INC 55,064; SENTINEL EMERGENCY SOLUTIONS 28,839; SERENITY TITLE & ESCROW 61,647; SHEPPARD MORGAN & SCHWAAB 222,409; SIDENER ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES 6,434; SIEVERS EQUIPMENT COMPANY 97,818; SLAYDEN GLASS INC 6,143; SLOAN IMPLEMENT CO INC 15,146; SMARTBILL 32,753; SOUTHWESTERN ILLINOIS LAW 2,800; SOUTHWESTERN ELECTRIC 8,206; STRAIGHT UP SOLAR LLC 3,328; STUTZ EXCAVATING INC 98,585; SUNBELT RENTALS 4,502; SYDENSTRICKER NOBBE PARTNERS 12,705; TARGET SOLUTIONS LLC 5,307; TECH ELECTRONICS 3,285; TEKLAB INC 5,217; THE KILLIAN CORPORATION 572,393; TITAN INDUSTRIAL CHEMICALS LLC 12,410; TOP SECRET DESIGNS 12,763; TOP SHELF MOTORS 20,670; TREASURER STATE OF ILLINOIS 5,600; TRI-CITY REC PROGRAMS 18,148; TRICKEY’S SERVICE INC 24,841; U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS 15,000; U.S. POSTAL SERVICE 10,000; UNSELL, SCHATTNIK & PHILLIPS 13,855; USA BLUEBOOK 7,053; UTILITRA 131,411; VEOLIA WATER NORTH AMERICA 1,022,503; 1ST MIDAMERICA CREDIT UNION 20,434; WALMART COMMUNITY 20,699; WALTCO TOOLS & EQUIPMENT 11,422; WARNING LITES OF SOUTHERN IL 20,450; WATER SOLUTIONS UNLIMITED 86,068; WEBER FORD 5,585; WEX BANK 136,420; WM F BROCKMAN COMPANY 2,616; WOOD RIVER PRINTING 4,914; WOOD RIVER SENIOR CITIZENS 2,500; WOOD RIVER HERITAGE COUNCIL 12,700; WR HOLDINGS LLC 24,000; WRPB 50,000; YAMAHA MOTOR FINANCE CORP USA 10,750; MARK A. ZIPPRICH 3,425; ZOLL MEDICAL CORPORATION 18,088; ZUMWALT CORPORATION 3,820; EXPENSE DISBURSEMENTS UNDER 2,500.00 198,436; TOTAL 19,267,738;
DECEMBER 2023 | 27
3049 Godfrey Rd, Godfrey 618-466-1513 godfreylandmark.com
50% OFF www.altondailybargains.com
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$
10
for $20 worth of food & drinks at Gentelin’s on Broadway
FINE PRINT: • NONREFUNDABLE • Voucher good for one full year • Must be used in one visit • No change given • Tax and gratuity not included • Valid on carryout orders • Cannot be combined with other offers • Can only use one voucher per check • Excludes member discounts • Must have printed hard copy of voucher to redeem • This limited time offer can only be redeemed at Gentelin’s on Broadway, 122 E. Broadway, Alton.
Matt Horn 560-8201
Nick Schranck 978-1619
Valeria Martin 314-496-1088
Lori Rose 535-3232
Mindy Woelfel 946-0434
Amy Hillery 520-9850
Barb Moore 535-1587
Becky McGowen 570-9375
Bené Hentrich 779-1147
Bill Rowan 796-0628
Carrie Stone 225-2070
Cheri Horn 791-5933
Cheryl Halter 720-480-7480
Devin Outman 631-4841
Dorie Sebold 660-7233
Jackie Sumpter 910-7761
Jeff Harman 971-6655
Jenny Wisniewski 791-8224
Jon Jones 550-2371
Julia Kennedy 660-8204
Karen Bertman 535-6044
Kate Sievers 535-9954
Pat Kulish 623-9209
Shakira Grace 570-2616
Sharron Lovato 410-8782
Steve Atkins 980-0655
Tammy Cooley 535-6812
Terry Seymour 567-8180
Jamie Roe 979-2625
Ashley Smith 567-7135
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10 for 20 value at Gentelin’s on Broadway
$
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Bruce Rhodes 960-5111
Don Hellrung 830-2405
We would like to thank all of our clients for a record year in 2023!
Name Phone Number Address City
State
Zip
Email Desired number of vouchers
x $10
example: 5 vouchers x $10 each voucher = $50 TOTAL
28 | DECEMBER 2023
TOTAL $
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