Lebanon City Hall Repairs Desperately Needed; Inspection Explained
By Zachary Daum [email protected] A professional inspection of Lebanon City Hall has revealed serious structural, electrical, and plumbing problems throughout the building, raising concerns about the facility’s safety and long-term viability. Conducted by At-Eaze Inspection Service of Belleville on August 1, 2025, and published on September 8, the report by certified inspector Randall Laird spans…
Read MoreMascoutah Middle School Earns Blue Ribbon Recognition Just as 43 Year Old Federal Program is Ended
MASCOUTAH — Mascoutah Middle School was selected as a 2025 National Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education; Just before federal officials announced that the long-running program would be discontinued. The U.S. Department of Education announced in late August that it would end the Blue Ribbon Schools Program, which began in 1982. Secretary…
Read MoreRoy A. Waller
Roy A. Waller, 90, of Mascoutah, IL passed away on Saturday, Sept, 27, 2025 at home surrounded by family. Roy was born Sept. 4, 1935 in Washington County, IL to Arthur and Edna, nee Oeltjen, Waller. He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, Lester Waller, and brothers-in-law, James Rable and Louie Reinhardt.…
Read MoreLocal Comic Artist Suzi Blake Discusses Working with DC Comics, Jacksepticeye and More
By Zachary Daum [email protected] Local darling comic book shop Fantasy Books and Games, is a multi-award nominated shop in the Fairview Heights area that features both comic books, board games, card games and more. Something many may not know, however, is that employee Suzi Blake, a comic artist and colorist originally from Maryland, has worked…
Read MoreBrenda Lee Hassebrock
Brenda Lee Hassebrock, age 79, a much-loved wife, mother, sister, and grandma, passed away on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, in Manassas Park, holding her husband’s hand. She had been fighting dementia at the time. She was the daughter of the late Harold and Rita DeRousse (née Haar). Brenda was born in Breese, IL, and then…
Read MoreJames “Jim” H. Korte
James “Jim” H. Korte, 79, of New Baden, passed away Tuesday, September 16, 2025 at his home. He was born October 25, 1945 in Breese, the son of Fred and Marcella, nee Hilmes, Korte. He married Judy Meyer May 3, 1969 at St. Mary Catholic Church in Trenton and she survives in New Baden. Jim…
Read MoreMascoutah Man Charged in Fatal Belleville Hit-and-Run
By Zachary Daum [email protected] A Mascoutah man has been formally charged in connection with a fatal hit-and-run crash that occurred on Green Mount Road near Eckert’s in Belleville on August 21, 2025. Authorities said that Robert J. Wedig, 74, of Mascoutah, was the driver involved in the early morning collision that killed 33-year-old Emily Johnson,…
Read MoreUnion workers vote no to contract offered by Boeing Defense, strike continues
By MELISSA CROCKETT MESKE Managing Editor, Illinois Business Journal [email protected] Just two days after reaching a tentative deal, the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) have rejected Boeing Defense’s latest contract offer, according to a report from Reuters issued late Friday afternoon, Sept. 12. Reuters had previously reported on Wednesday, Sept. 10, that…
Read MoreJohn Ellsworth Ruth
John Ellsworth Ruth, age 68, of Trenton, passed away peacefully on September 9, 2025, at his home, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on December 12, 1956, in Highland, Illinois, to Eldred and Ruby (nee Viere) Ruth. John married Carol Berberich on December 5, 1981, and she survives in Trenton. He is survived…
Read MoreMarguerite Ratliff
Marguerite Ratliff, 95, of Mascoutah, Illinois, died Thursday, September 4, 2025, in Mascoutah. She was born February 8, 1930, in Fort Wayne, Indiana, the daughter of Joseph S. and Mary Belle McConaughey Banister. She was raised in Ohio. She married James Ratliff on December 6, 1952, in Bridgeport, Ohio. Thus began a life of travel,…
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