Michael J. Hiemer
Michael J. Hiemer, 53, of Mascoutah, IL, born Jan. 3, 1972, in Belleville, IL died Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2025, at St. Elizabeth Hospital, O’Fallon, IL. Michael was a retired carpenter and a member of Carpenter’s Union Local 662 in Freeburg, IL. He is preceded in death by his parents, August and Ethel, nee Haas, Hiemer…
Read MoreWitches Night Out Flies On Despite Rain and Misinformation
By Zachary Daum [email protected] Despite steady rain and confusion caused by online misinformation, Lebanon’s annual Witches Night Out event went forward as planned on Saturday, October 18. Now in its 23rd year, the event continues to be one of the community’s most recognizable fall traditions. Organizer AJ Dontigney said attendance was lower than usual, but…
Read MoreRoger E. Richter
Roger E. Richter, 74, of Mascoutah, IL, born August 8, 1951, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025. He was the devoted and loving husband of Rita and the proud father of six daughters: Jamie (Dan) Mobley, Laura (Chad) Yarber, Megan (Rico) Santana, Audrey (Dave) Schulenberg, Lauren (Mike) Ratulowski, and Kelsey…
Read MoreLavina June Curry Widner
Lavina June Curry Widner, 97, was peacefully called home to her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on October 24, 2025, in Waxahachie, TX. She was born on June 28, 1928, to the late James Franklin Curry and Alice Louise Klees Curry. She was also preceded in death by her husband of 44 years, B. Eugene…
Read MoreMitchell Allen “Mitch” Rick
Mitchell Allen “Mitch” Rick, 66, of Waterloo, IL, passed away unexpectedly in his home on October 22, 2025. Mitch was born March 11, 1959, In Belleville, Illinois to Lester and GeorgieAnn (Malawy) Rick. He grew up in Villa Hills, Belleville, IL where he attended Immaculate Conception School, in Centerville. At the age of nine, his…
Read MoreRichard “Rick” Schmitt, Jr.
Richard “Rick” Schmitt, Jr., 67, of Lebanon, IL, passed away on Thursday, October 23, 2025, at HSHS St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in O’Fallon, IL. He was born on March 29, 1958, in Belleville, IL, to Richard and Edith (nee Brown) Schmitt. On February 4, 1989, Rick married Janet Berberich in New Baden, IL. Rick grew up…
Read MoreLaugh and Learn Hosts First Fall Festival Under New Ownership
MASCOUTAH – Laugh and Learn Childcare Center celebrated its first-ever Fall Festival on October 9, marking a new chapter for the center under the ownership of Jessica Gericke. Families and community members came together for an evening of autumn-themed fun, complete with music from a live DJ, face painting, s’mores making, and a variety of…
Read MoreAlbert Smith Keller, Jr.
Beloved Father, Companion, and Musician May 5, 1965 – October 15, 2025 Albert Smith Keller, Jr., born on May 5, 1965, at Scott Air Force Base in Mascoutah, Illinois, passed away at home on October 15, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. He attended school and graduated in Mascoutah, where he built lifelong friendships and…
Read MoreDominic Polczynski, Jr.
Dominic Polczynski, Jr., 96, of Mascoutah, IL born May 30, 1929 in Dubois, IL, died Thursday, Oct. 17, 2025, at Freeburg Care Center. Dominic was a retired automotive mechanic for Union Electric. He was a member of Holy Childhood Catholic Church in Mascoutah, Mascoutah Senior Center, and IBEW Local 309. Dominic was a United States…
Read MoreMascoutah Fall Festival, Chili Cook-Off and Car Show Canceled Due to Weather Concerns
MASCOUTAH – The Mascoutah Chamber of Commerce has announced the cancellation of this year’s Fall Festival, Chili Cook-Off, and Car Show due to the continuing threat of bad weather forecasted for Saturday. Organizers stated that the decision was made out of an abundance of caution, citing safety concerns for vendors, volunteers, and attendees. “We felt…
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