The Redbird Word 2022 Halloween Issue

THE
redbird
WORD
Volume 95 Issue 2

Hoover's books turns heads
Colleen Hoover's books are the hot topic this year. Hoover's
books mainly focus on romance and heart-wrenching topics.
Many people on social media platforms including TikTok,
Instagram and Facebook have mentioned that once they have
picked up one of her books, they can’t seem to put them down.
“It Ends With Us” has been the most popular first read of
Hoover's books to get people to fall in love with reading. “It Ends
With Us” follows a girl named Lily who has just recently moved
and is ready to start her life after college. She then meets a guy
and falls for him almost immediately. Then her first love appears
and challenges their new relationship. But also with the topics of
jealousy, emotional and physical abuse, and generational cycles.
These books are mostly affecting teenage girls. Getting them
back into their love for reading. Walking around the school there
has been multiple girls holding one of Hoover's books, getting
sucked into her crazy stories and plot twists. If you haven’t read
any of Hoover’s books, you should. Maybe you will find your
love for reading.
Reporters
tayen Orr
amani leonard
summer colLman
ryan cates
bowie chappee
lilly harmon
terrick thorpe
sophie doering
Reporter
By: Taylor Lawson
Cover design by: Eden Finger and Avery Close
1
editorial Staff
Editor-In-Chief
Taylor Lawson
Managing Editor
Avery Close
Social Media Manager
Allison Cooke
Assistant Social Media Manager
Adrianna Paynic
Broadcast Editor
Ty Sullivan
Assistant Broadcast Editor
James Hull
News Editor
Aubrie Hancock
Assistant News Editor
katie stark
Features Editor
Lela Howard
Sports Editor
Evan Dugger
Assistant Sports Editor
Chloe Plough
Entertainment Editor
Cole Tarrant
Assistant Entertainment
Audrey Waters
Photo/Art Editor
Miles Wrischnik
Design Editor
Eden Finger
Assistant Design Editor
Grace Phelps
Assistant Design Editor
Caleigh Plough
COpyEDITOR
TAylor Prough
Web Design Editor
Paris Thomas
Business Manager
Brandon Brown
Adviser
April Gray

Horror Attractions Offer
unforgettable experiences
By: Amani Leonard
Halloween is the second-largest commercial holiday in the nation. Most families allow their children to dress up
and celebrate by trick-or-treating.
Around the 90s, haunted house attractions began to become popular. Most are based on very popular horror
movies and some are based on creativity and horror.
“I personally hate anything scary but my experience at ‘The Darkness’ was an experience I think everyone
should have,” sophomore Brea Clemons said. “The creativity and thought put in these attractions are terrifying but
amazing as well. It’s crazy how you pay them to scare you.” October 2019 was the first and last time Clemons
went to a haunted house attraction.
"The environment at the haunted house was mostly dark with flashing lights, and of course a lot of people,”
Clemons said. “The actors would come up to you in line and attempt to scare you, but the scariest part was when
you were actually inside. There were plenty of moments when someone would jump out of the wall, which is
such an unexpected place for them to be hidden, .. that would really make you jump,” Clemons added.
Although there are no created haunted houses in town, some real-life haunted attractions include the McPike
mansion and the Mineral Springs Hotel. Haunted house attractions aren’t for everyone, but it may be an
experience you won’t be able to forget.
2

The Great Godfrey Maze Faces Change
By: Ryan Cates
The Great Godfrey Maze is a Halloween attraction in Glazebrook Park, IL. The
maze is undergoing various changes, including changing its supply of corn to hemp.
For the past two years, the Godfrey Maze was closed due to Covid and lack of corn
growth. Due to soil nutrient deficiencies, corn production is declining, forcing Glazebrook
to find an alternative.
“For an effective corn maze there needs to be a crop that grows,” Psychology and
Race and Equality teacher Sarah Thomas said.
“Corn is superior,” senior Louis Miller said. “I think they should go with something
different. Like another common crop, if not corn, maybe tomato vines or grape vines."
However, this isn’t the mazes' only change. The theme this year has also changed to
the circus.
The theme was planned for 2020 but was pushed back because of Covid. The design
consists of a big top tent, a sea lion, a clown, an elephant and a lion.
“I like the theme, no matter what it is,” Louis said. “It could be a circus and I’ll like
it. It could be space and I’ll still like it.”
The maze still offers two sections - a haunted, scary section and a section full of
twists and turns.
Even though the maze is the main attraction, there are other attractions waiting
outside the maze. The attractions include a wagon ride, a jumping pillow and a vortex
tunnel. There is also a corn crib, a mini maze and a cow train for younger kids.
The maze will be open on Fridays from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to
10 p.m. The Great Godfrey Maze has a $7 entry fee for adults. Kid admission for ages six
to 11 is cheaper and charges $5 for entry. Kids under six years of age are free. Closing day
for the maze is Oct. 29.
3

Alton High Presents 'Bone Chiller"
By: Sophie Doering
“Bone Chiller," a thriller-murder mystery by Monk Ferris, comes to the stage just in time for Halloween
weekend. Beginning Oct. 27 through October 29, there will be nightly performances at 7 p.m. Tickets will only
be available at the door and will cost $8.
The show takes place on Friday the 13th at the Travers mansion in New York. Thirteen people gather at the
estate for the reading of Josiah's will. Throughout the whole play, there are twists and turns that nobody sees
coming. By the final act, revelations are exploding as surprise piles upon surprise and gasps alternate with howls of
laughter.
Some of these cast members have been involved in the shows for all four years of high school. “My theater
experience has been so fun, as I said before I met practically all my friends in the theater, and it's truly the best
thing I've ever been a part of.” senior Olivia Buck said. Buck has been involved in the theater department for all
four years of her high school experience. Over the years she has been involved in tech and the cast. “There were
times when I was on tech instead of on stage, but it didn't matter because tech has just as much importance as the
cast, and it is just as fun!” Buck said. Overall she said she found many of her “closest friends and family” that she
will know for years to come.
The student director is one of the most important roles in the production of a show. “My role as a student
director entails that I have to make sure everything is running smoothly and efficiently.” sophomore Connor
Brown said. The student director watches the cast members start to get into characters. “I love all the character
names and it fits the person that is playing that role perfectly,” Brown added. After all the work, he says he hopes
“to have a good show for my friends and to have a good show for the public.” and hopes that everyone enjoys it.
Being a freshman is already scary but when you are the only freshman in the cast, it can be even scarier.
“Being the only freshman is very intimidating because this is my first show in the theater.” freshman Aaliyah
Hernandez said. Even though it is very intimidating, the others in the group are “very encouraging and friendly,”
she added. Even with no prior acting experience, Aaliyah is loving being involved in this show. “If people decide to
see this show they're in for a treat and in a good place to laugh!” sophomore Marvin Short said. “The cast, crew,
and everyone involved in this production hopes to see you there! Be prepared to have your bones chilled..”
Photo by: Sophie Doering
4

true crime spotlight...............................................................................
33 Bodies Found Dead At the Home of the “Killer Clown”
By: Cole Tarrant
On Netflix’s “Conversations with a Killer,” John Wayne Gacy said, “Clowns can get away with anything,
clowns can get away with murder.” Gacy was a killer clown whose alter ego gave him the mindset to assault and
murder 33 boys and young men.
Gacy was born in Chicago, Illinois, in 1942. It seemed he had a pleasant childhood. However, his childhood was far
from ideal.
His dad physically and mentally assaulted him. Gacy tried to earn his dad’s approval, but never could.
Around 1964, Gacy met his first wife Marlynn Myers. After getting married they moved to Waterloo, Iowa,
where they expanded their family. During Gacy’s marriage, Gacy would become associated with KFC.
His father-in-law would employ Gacy to manage 3 KFC restaurants, where he started seducing boys. A KFC
employee would be his first victim. Gacy brought the boy to his house, gave him alcohol, and strangled him till he
fainted.
He didn’t kill his first victim. After he strangled the boy, he took him home and fired him from his job. Gacy was
caught in 1968 and was charged with sexual assault and sodomy for luring boys into his home. He was sentenced to
10 years in prison but was released on parole after 18 months for being a model prisoner
“18 Months?,” Junior Sarah Martin said. “It should have …. been 10 years then reduced to 7 at maximum.”
Knowing of her husband's wrongdoings, Myer filed for a divorce. Gacy would return to Chicago and establish a
construction business called PDM Contractors. He also provided entertainment at parties dressed up as Pogo the
Clown.
Gacy built a solid reputation in Chicago and was respected by his friends, neighbors, and the police. This helped
Gacy prolong his evil acts because the police respected him. Even as teens started disappearing, the police wouldn’t
investigate.
On July 1975, a teenager who worked for Gacy disappeared. The teen’s parents begged the police to investigate,
but they never did. "They had reasons not to look into him,” Martin said. "But, he was still linked in some way.”
In 1976, Gacy started killing and assaulting young men. He believed this gave him power and freedom. In the
documentary “Conversation with a Killer” Gacy said, “I’m a power person, I enjoy power.” In just a few years
Gacy had managed to kill 33 people.
Police would finally catch Gacy after a 15-year-old walking to Gacy’s house disappeared. When the police got
involved, they discovered a class ring, clothing for smaller individuals, and other suspicious items. Police would find
29 bodies hidden underneath Gacy’s house.
“They …….. found the bodies, the Cadaver dogs smelled them underneath the crawlspace,” Senior Adam Hunter said,
“My Grandma …….. lived around the area of John Wayne Gacy when she was younger.”
Gacy would be arrested and convicted of the murder of 33 boys and men and sentenced to death by lethal injection.
His last meal would be a dozen fried shrimp, french fries, a pound of strawberries, and an entire bucket of KFC
chicken.
5

Haunted Alton Trivia!
1. Alton’s most haunted house is ______.
a. McDonald's on Broadway
b. McPike Mansion
c. Robert Wadlow’s House
d. Duke Bakery
2. Alton is home to one of Illinois's first ______.
a. cemeteries
b. hospitals
c. penitentiaries
d. churches
3. Who haunts Milton School?
a. a little girl
b. an old woman
c. a headless man
d. an orange cat
4. What was the basement of the Jacoby Arts Center used
for?
a. human sacrifices
b. hiding Confederate soldiers
c. holding dead bodies for funerals
d. Pagan rituals
5. How many confederate soldiers died in Alton?
a. 5,000
b. 3,500
c. 10,000
d. 1,400
By: Summer Collman
6. It is rumored that how many spirits haunt McPike
Mansion?
a. 3
b. 18
c. 11
d. 27
7. What is blamed for Alton’s paranormal activity?
a. limestone bluffs
b. curse
c. weather
d. mass hallucinations
8. When was Alton’s First Unitarian Church built?
a. 1935
b. 1854
c. 1692
d. 1773
9. What were the mineral springs underneath the Mineral
Springs Hotel known for?
a. rejuvenating youth
b. bloody water
c. flooding the hotel
d. healing illnesses
10. Which of the following spirits is NOT said to haunt
Alton Cemetery?
a. Lucy Haskell
b. Elijah P. Lovejoy
c. A Woman in Black
d. A Boy in White
Find the answers at thedailybird.org!!
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1
McPike Mansion
Confederate
Cemetary
2
Stratford Inn
3 4
Mineral Springs
Mall
Photos by: Miles Wrischnik
7

Hop Hollow
5
The Hauntings of Alton
As you may or may not know, Alton is
considered one of America's most haunted
small towns. Located on these two pages,
you will find pictures and the
corresponding numbers. These featured
pictures are just a few of the haunted places
we have here in Alton. On the pages that
follow, you will be able to find the number
and picture of the place with a story about
the haunted place.
6
Milton Schoolhouse
Photos by: Miles Wrischnik
8

McPike Mansion home to many spirits
By: Bowie Chappee
The McPike Mansion has long entranced locals and those states away. Its guests' ghostly stories only make
the mansion more intriguing.
Built in 1869 and now residing on 2018 Alby St, the mansion has been at the forefront of paranormal minds
for years. It was built and owned by Henry McPike and his family during the late 1800s.
According to the current owner of the McPike Mansion, Sharyn Luedke, she said that Henry and many
members of his family are now said to haunt the mansion. From his son and daughter-in-law, Jenny and James
McPike, to unknown spirits whose bodies were buried in the backyard long ago, all haunt the halls of McPike.
“The spirits are gracious and kind,” Luedke said. According to her, all they want is for the house to be
restored to its former beauty. She recalls many times when the spirits would try to get her attention, either by
making noises or calling to her, to alert her of something that needed attending to in the mansion.
Guests of the mansion report feeling tugs at their shirts or their hair. Though no guests have ever spoken of
any malicious attacks, many still speak of feeling an overwhelming presence in the mansion's cellar.
The house's cellar is the only part open to the public due to most of the mansion being unsafe for people to walk
through. Luedke said that she hopes to get more of the mansion in shape so that people will be able to explore the
mansion to its fullest.
The mansion is not just a local phenomenon but a global one. It has been featured on paranormal shows such
as “Scariest Places on Earth” and “Ghost Adventures.”
The mansion is offering haunted tours from the weekends of Sept. 30 to Oct. 29 at 7:30 p.m.. The tickets are
$20 per adult, $10 for teenagers, and $5 for children. More information for tours can be found at
http://www.mcpikemansion.com/tours_events.html.
1
Mcpike mansion is
located at 2018 alby st.
9

Confederate Prison hOLDS haunted history
By: Cole Tarrant
The Confederate Prison, one of Alton’s haunted landmarks has a tragic history. During the 1800s, Alton was
thought of as one of the worst places to serve prison time. The Alton Confederate Prison was built in 1833 but didn’t
start as a Civil War prison. The prison was built as a penitentiary for people convicted of serious crimes.
Due to its construction near the Mississippi bluffs, the prison would suffer many setbacks. This includes flooding
and recurring sanitation issues. The cells also had poor ventilation and inadequate heating.
These issues would cause the break out of Cholera throughout the prison, causing many fatalities. This would cause
the prison to be shut down and declared unfit for human habitation in 1860. However, the prison would reopen in 1861
when the Union was permitted to use it as a war prison.
During the civil war, prisoners had no place to clean themselves and were badly clothed. Food was often withheld
and inedible. Many prisoners were punished with intense labor.
As the war progressed the prison would become extremely overrun. Due to a lack of hygiene disease spread fast.
The most fatal disease was smallpox.
Captain of the Confederacy, J.F. Melton said, “I have seen hundreds of my men ……. murdered in cold blood in this
terrible house of death and disease.”
Due to the rapid number of deaths, the prison graveyard became overrun with bodies. Sick prisoners would be taken
to an island called Small Pox Island and quarantined. Many prisoners considered this a live burial.
After the war, the prison would be shut down, and all grave locations would be lost. Alton residents tore down the
prison and used the prison’s bricks for construction all over town. Many believe this is why Alton is one of the most
haunted towns in America.
Only a small part of the wall remains to this day. Over the years, people have reported sightings of ghosts near the
wall. Some residents say they can still feel the despair of the prisoners from the wall.
2
Confederate prison is
located at 214 Williams st.
10

Mineral Springs Mall hosts local haunts
4
Mineral springs mall is
located at 301 E Broadway.
Hopp Hollow has always been an eerie area since its establishment to be
used as a road to a cemetery. It was used mostly like a normal road up until the
Civil War. As Alton is in Illinois it was a part of the Union.
However, neighbors to the west in Missouri were a part of the
confederacy due to the Missouri Compromise in 1820. According to Distilled
History being so close to the battle, Alton provided the service of confederate
prisons and cemeteries under the control of the Union.
Unfortunately during the war, there was a smallpox breakout that hit
Alton. Confederate prisons were extremely unsanitary leading to them being
infected. “It killed six to 10 victims a day, including Union soldiers,” said Gary
Hawkins, a local expert. Hundreds of soldiers died and needed to be gotten rid
of along with the soldiers from the battlefield.
They were all taken from the prison to a cemetery along none other than
Hopp Hollow road. This job usually belongs to the more miscreant Union
soldiers as of course no one else would want to do it. Instead of going straight
to the cemetery, many soldiers would lazily toss the corpses into the woods
along Hopp Hollow.
This made Hopp Hollow more or less a secondary cemetery. Of the soldiers'
lazy actions it is said that confederate ghosts now haunt the road. Many
citizens in the area have claimed to see specters of the confederates along the
road.
Mineral Springs Mall is an extremely haunted attraction in Alton, Illinois.
Mineral Springs was opened to the public as a hotel in 1914, attracting people with
its high sulfur swimming pool.
It was believed that the sulfur gave the swimming pool healing qualities,
however, it was later disproven, and the pool was capped years later.
After 1926 business began to slow. In 2010, it started to get popular with new
stores like Mississippi Hippie, and It's Raining Zen.
The hotel, however, has a dark side. Many people report sightings of ghosts.
One is of a young girl named Cassie, who died at the pool. You can hear her
playing down the hall.” Jayda B, an employee at Its Raining Zen, said.
The spirit Cassie is reported to still roam the halls. Other than Cassie, many
coworkers report strange sights of people walking around, who aren’t there.
The current owners of It's Raining Zen are Donna and Dave Nunally. Both
owners have had many paranormal experiences at the mall.
The paranormal television show “Ghost Adventures” would tour Mineral
Springs and talk about its paranormal activity. They would talk about the hotel’s
history and talk to Cassie.
Mineral Springs Mall is a strange building with a rich history. Dave and
Donna are hosting an overnight event on November 4 and November 25 that
focuses on the mall's paranormal past.
Hopp Hollow shows a dark past
By: Terrick Thorpe
11
5
By: Lilly Harmon
Hopp Hollow located
near Johnson's corner.

Athlete Spotlight: Rabozzi Runs with heart
By: Tayen Orr
Cross country is one of the world’s hardest training sports. Senior Alayna Rabozzi joined Alton High's
cross country team to stay in shape for soccer. She said she was also drawn to join because a lot of her friends
were joining and they thought it would be enjoyable.
“The more that I went to meets, I started to get more competitive with it and I didn't use it necessarily
for soccer but because I started to enjoy it,” Rabozzi said.
Alton High hosted a meet last month where Rabozzi took 11th place out of around 50 girls. Many people
think that cross country is a hard sport due to its long-distance running. Rabozzi said that cross country isn't
just a physical race. "It is a big mental race,” Rabozzi said.
Rabozzi’s advice for anyone wanting to join cross country is to always put as much work in during the
off-season as you would during the season. She would encourage anyone to join who would like to start
something different and stay in shape. "The team is so encouraging and it is all around good vibes," Rabozzi
said.
Before each run, Rabozzi puts her running tag on her right foot because she believes it is good luck.
After high school, Rabozzi does not plan to continue her cross country career in college. Rabozzi said she
does enjoy running for Alton’s team and is grateful for the person she has turned into.
12

Who Is Your Best Match?
Aries
March 21 - April 19
Gemini
May 21 - June 20
Leo
Libra
Aquarius
Taurus
April 20 - May 20
Cancer
June 21 - July 22
July 23 - August 22
Virgo
August 23 - September 22
September 23 - October 22
Scorpio
October 23 - November 21
Sagittarius
November 22 - December 21
Capricorn
December 22 - January 19
January 20 - February 18
Pisces
February 19 - March 20
Taurus
Taurus are notoriously known for
being stubborn, but you really are
just full of determination and know
how to get things done. You just
don't have time for anyone's
nonsense
Ẏour best match is:
Cancer, Virgo and Capricorn
Aries
Aries are known for their fiery and
lovable personality. You know what
you want in life, making you
successful at getting what you want
in life.
Your best match is:
Gemini, Leo and Sagittarius
Scorpio
Scorpios are known for their fiery
passion for love and problem solving.
You love to find out the truth and
serve justice.
Your best match is:
Cancer, Virgo, and Capricorn
Leo
Leo is known to be the star of
the show. Naturally people are
drawn to your confidence and
your ambitious energy.
Your best match is:
Aries, Gemini and Libra
Virgo
Virgo is known for being the most
detailed-oriented of the signs. You also
know the balance of how to be
practical in any situation, good or bad.
Your best match is:
Taurus, Cancer and Scorpio
Pisces
Pisces is known for their
sensitivity and sympathy. You
naturally love to comfort and nurture
people.
Your best match is:
Taurus, Cancer and Scorpio
13
Gemini
Gemini is known for fast talking
and a good gossip session. Although
you are known for being a social
butterfly, you also tend to be a quick
thinker and can be very good at
deceiving others.
Your best match is:
Aries, Leo and Libra
Aquarius
Aquarius is known for being free,
with no care of what another may
think. You tend to put your own
independence and happiness before
anything else.
Your best match is:
Aries, Gemini, and Libra
Sagittarius
Sagittarius is known for always
seeking out new adventures. You tend
to always want do something new
and fresh in your life.
Your best match is:
Leo, Aries, and Aquarius
Capricorn
Capricorns are known for their
hard work. You do not like to waste
time and you prefer to get straight to
the point.
Your best match with:
Pisces, Scorpio, and Virgo
Cancer
Cancer is known for being in touch
with their feelings. You tend to enjoy the
sweeter things in life but your love for
talking about them is stronger.
Your best match is:
Taurus, Virgo and Scorpio
Libra
Libras are known for their charm
and conversation skills. You never run
low on interesting subjects to talk
about.
Your best match is:
Gemini, Leo, Sagittarius

In Loving Memory of
Ciara Macon
Below: Ciara takes a moment to pose with
Tyla Young while her 5th hour Journalism
class hunts for action shots throughout the
school.
Above: From left to right, Adryan Pinnix,
Ciara, Braden Little and Tyla Young
strike a pose in 5th hour Journalism.
Photos by Brooklynn Hamilton
Their Memory Stays
Although they have passed on,
their memory forever stays.
Remember how they smiled,
and the joy they always gave.
We'll miss them all the time,
and think of them every day.
Their love filled the world -
A love that will never fade.
~LoveToKnow~
14

Dr.LoveBird
-My ex unfriended me on the bible app.
Relationship horror stories
-There was this guy in band who really tried everything except fixing our relationship. He ignored
me, spoke badly about me, and wasn't even hot. Eventually, he cheated on me. Moral of the story,
don't date guys named Ben.
-My girlfriend in my freshman year cheated on me with a super senior, then broke up with me
because I was upset over it, had a kid, and moved to Missouri.
-My ex boyfriend slammed me into a TV...the TV sadly broke.
Q&A with Dr. Lovebird
What are some early on red flags in a relationship?
-Not letting you hangout with opposite sex, holding you back from your passions, making you upset
more than they are making you happy, and being protective nearly immediately.
There is the CUTEST boy in my second hour. I'm debating following him on Instagram...
should I?
-Girl what are you gonna do, follow him on MySpace??? GO FOR IT!!!!!
I dated someone to get over someone else and the person I dated after breaking up went
around school telling everyone that I did something that wasn't true. I am now with the girl
that I was in love with from the beginning but I am still getting a lot of hate because of this
one girl. I've been called names, had things thrown at me, and I was bullied. What should I
do?
-Just be the mature one in the situation! If you’re the bigger person, none of the negativity will
affect you as much as it has. Stay strong!