Garen Vartanian
News Democrat
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Past articles by Garen:
Longtime captain assumes role of chief for Highland-Pierron Fire Department
Highland-Pierron, IL, Fire Department veteran Phil Decker was officially sworn in as the department’s chief June 19. He’s the fourth chief since the department’s inception in 1950. → Read More
SAFB conducting training exercise today
Scott Air Force Base in southern Illinois will conduct a training exercise from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. today in which loud explosions may be heard. They will be using live ordinance. → Read More
Cardinals’ hard-throwing reliever Hicks suffers torn UCL
St. Louis Cardinals electric reliever Jordan Hicks was diagnosed with a turn ulnar collateral ligament Monday. The announcement came following an MRI exam of his right elbow. His immediate future is unclear. → Read More
First Baptist Church of Highland members venturing to Hungary for mission trip
First Baptist Church of Highland in Southern Illinois is sending 10 members of its congregation, including pastor Rob Kirbach, on a mission trip to Debrecen, Hungary, this summer. → Read More
FBC missionaries ready to represent in Hungary
Individuals from First Baptist Church in Highland in Southern Illinois plan mission trip to Debrecen, Hungary. For all, this will be their first-ever mission trip. → Read More
Highland author tackles science fiction genre, publishes novella ’323 Sugar Road’
Pamela Stone of Southern Illinois recently published her first-ever book titled ‘323 Sugar Road.’ The novella centers on twins Kate and Beth inheriting a 20’s style mansion from their grandfather. → Read More
No couch potatoes here: Alhambra Primary, Grantfork Elementary students take part in ‘marathon’ activities
Students from Alhambra Primary in southern Illinois recently participate in 8th Annual Cruisin with Character Mini-Marathon, a 13.1 mile journey. This wellness event concluded in early May at Alhambra Park. → Read More
Highland to unveil ‘All-Abilities Playground’ on June 1
The city of Highland will unveil a new asset to the community June 1. A ribbon cutting will take place at 10:30 a.m. for the “All-Abilities Playground,” located at 2548 Veterans Honor Parkway. → Read More
Alhambra, Grantfort students slime principal as reward for staying off electronics
Schoolchildren from Grantfork Elementary & Alhambra Primary in Southern Illinois slime their principal as a reward for winning the “Take the Challenge” series, which focused on avoiding excessive screen time. → Read More
From a pie on the face to getting slimed, Tolbert cherishes ‘Take the Challenge’ series
Creator of the “Take the Challenge” series Grantfork Elementary and Alhambra Primary Principal Cindy Tolbert in southern Illinois has gotten a pie in her face and slimed by students. → Read More
Highland businessmen take fight to cancer in ‘Ms. L.O.L. Pageant’
Twelve Highland men are raising funds to fight childhood cancer through a pageant hosted by Highland’s Leaps of Love organization. The men have raised thousands of dollars to raise awareness and help families. → Read More
Leaps of Love in Highland: ‘Embracing families affected by childhood cancer’
Leaps of Love in Highland has been taking cancer head on since 2010. Traci Riechmann started the organization to raise awareness of childhood cancer and keep families educated even when the cancer has been vanquished. → Read More
Maj. Gen. Barrett assumes command of the 18th Air Force at Scott Air Force Base, IL, near St. Louis
Maj. Gen. Sam Barrett, the new 18th Air Force commander, addresses the audience during the change of command ceremony July 31 at Scott Air Force Base. → Read More
Belle-Scott dinner honors Scott Air Force Base ‘with deep appreciation’
The city of Belleville will host the 69th annual Belle-Scott Enlisted Dinner from 6-10 p.m. March 14. The yearly dinner is the city’s way of showing its appreciation toward Scott Air Force Base and veterans. → Read More
Scott Air Force Base leader to take post with Secretary of the Air Force
Col. Leslie Maher leaving Air Mobility Wing post in Southern Illinois to take a position with Secretary of the Air Force. She will be replaced by wing vice commander Col. Joseph Meyer in March. → Read More
Miller returns to Scott — this time as AMC commander
Gen. Maryanne Miller takes over command of AMC at Scott Air Force Base in Southern Illinois from Gen. Carlton Everhart → Read More
Gen. McDew retires, relinquishes command of Transcom to Lyons
Gen. Darren McDew retired from USTRANSCOM at Scott Air Force Base in Southern Illinois near St. Louis with Gen. Stephen Lyons assuming command during a ceremony, while Secretary of Defense James Mattis presided. → Read More
This 71-year-old O’Fallon woman is using tai chi to help her fight diabetes
A resident of O’Fallon, Illinois, in Southern Illinois was diagnosed with diabetes and began taking martial arts at 5 Elements Fitness gym to build muscle and combat the disease that’s caused her to lose weight. → Read More
Barrett moves across the street, assumes command of 18th Air Force
Military news: Maj. Gen. Sam Barrett became commander of the 18th Air Force on Tuesday during a change of command ceremony at Scott Air Force Base, in southern Illinois near St. Louis, MO. → Read More