Ruth Stumpf
Ruth Edna Stumpf, nee Klingel, 90, of Belleville, IL, born February 20, 1936, in Engelmann Township, St. Clair County, IL, died peacefully Thursday, June 25, 2026. Ruth was a member of St. John’s United Church of Christ, Smithton, IL, and a member of the Women’s Club at church. She loved making and selling crafts, and…
Read MoreAmerica’s 250th: Metro East communities to make history from economic opportunity
By MELISSA CROCKETT MESKE Managing Editor, Illinois Business Journal [email protected] As the nation prepares to commemorate its 250th birthday in 2026, communities across Illinois are looking beyond parades and fireworks, viewing the historic milestone as an opportunity to boost tourism, revitalize downtown districts and strengthen local economies. Economic development officials, tourism leaders and business organizations…
Read MoreSchool district says man arrested in New Baden volunteered in after-school programs
NEW BADEN — A man whose recent arrest in New Baden prompted a notification to East St. Louis School District 189 families previously volunteered in after-school programs at several district schools, according to a statement released Wednesday by district officials. School District 189 posted a message on its public social media to families Wednesday afternoon…
Read MoreMichael A. Anstedt
Michael A. Anstedt, 70, of Mascoutah, IL, born Dec. 13, 1955, in Belleville, IL died June 21, 2026, at his home. Mikes’ career in sales started in 1974, working for his father’s business, Professional Auto Supply. He continued his sales career over the next 30 years at various local car dealerships. He took great pride…
Read MoreShirley Porter
Shirley Porter, age 90 of Highland, IL, passed away Wednesday, June 17, 2026, at Alhambra Rehab & Health Care in Alhambra, IL. She was born on Sunday, September 8, 1935, in Belleville, IL, the daughter of Clarence and Florence (nee Thomas) Thouvenot. On Saturday, November 25, 1961, she married Edwin Porter, who passed away on…
Read MoreAdrienne Kachinsky Villotti
Adrienne Kachinsky Villotti, 94, of Mascoutah, IL was born in eastern Pennsylvania, and died Wednesday, June 17, 2026. She was a registered professional nurse for over forty years and served in the U.S. Air Force Nurses Corp. during the Korean Conflict. She is preceded in death by, her husband of 65 years, Lt. Col. James…
Read MoreIn the Shawnee: Alpha-gal syndrome poses threat to southern Illinoisans as tick population surges
The condition can trigger, among other things, severe allergic reactions to eating red meat Article Summary Alpha-gal syndrome is a little-known allergy caused by a lone star tick bite and can cause severe allergic reactions to red meat. Illinois is among the top 13 states seeing a rise in alpha-gal syndrome cases, with residents living…
Read MoreFormer Senior Airman sentenced to 25 years for sexually exploiting children
EAST ST. LOUIS – A district judge sentenced a former Senior Airman stationed at Scott Air Force Base to 25 years in federal prison after he admitted to sexually exploiting minors and distributing images and videos of child sexual abuse material. Michael E. McCay, 33, pleaded guilty in January to two counts of sexual exploitation…
Read MoreMiscommunications Error; Leu Civic Center Board Asked to Leave Closed Building Following Police Response
MASCOUTAH — Just one day after a contentious city council meeting in which Mascoutah officials rejected the only bid by the Leu Civic Center organization to purchase their former building of operations, police were called to the facility Tuesday evening while the nonprofit organization’s board was meeting inside. No citations were issued, no arrests were…
Read MoreNancy Jean Loch
Nancy Jean Loch, 69, of Urbana, Illinois died April 15, 2026 in Coralville, Iowa. Nancy was born on May 18, 1956 in Sidney, Neb. She was the daughter of Jean Marie Hunter Loch and Wayne Eugene Loch. Nancy was preceded in death by her parents and her two cats, Pony and Irie. Nancy grew up…
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