Mascoutah School District Preparing to Open New MC² Career Center
By Zachary Daum [email protected] MASCOUTAH — The former Dollar General building on Jefferson Street is being transformed into a new career and technical education facility for the Mascoutah School District, with district officials aiming to have the project completed and operational by August 2026. The new facility, named the Mascoutah Career Center, or “MC²,” will…
Read MoreRosenqvist wins 110th Indy 500 in Photo Finish
By Jeff Thornton The worst possible scenario on the day of the Indianapolis 500 is rain. During the week the forecast for most of the weekend was more than 50% chance of rain on race day. On the morning of race day my app said some showers at 10am with more rain at 1 pm.…
Read MoreCarol M. Rasch
Carol M. Rasch, nee Graul, 82, of Mascoutah, IL, born May 16, 1944, in Mascoutah, IL died Friday, May 22, 2026, at La Bella of Mascoutah. Carol worked for Mascoutah City Hall, advancing her career to become an EMT/Paramedic for the city. She was a member of St. John United Church of Christ in Mascoutah.…
Read MoreLocal Fire, Police and EMS Greet RFTW
ST. CLAIR COUNTY – Hundreds of motorcycles traveled along Interstate 64 this week as part of the RFTW annual ride, a cross-country journey honoring veterans, prisoners of war, and those still missing in action. Run For The Wall, commonly known as RFTW, is a nationwide motorcycle ride made up largely of veterans and supporters who…
Read MoreMan Walking Across America for Children’s Hospitals Passes Through Mascoutah
MASCOUTAH — A Tennessee man walking across the United States to raise money for children’s hospitals passed through Mascoutah on Saturday, May 16, along Illinois Route 177. Elliot Smejkal, of Tennessee, began his trip 21 days ago at Vanderbilt Hospital in Nashville and is making his way west toward Seattle, Washington. He said he hopes…
Read MoreCarol L. Stein
Carol L. Stein, nee Mayer, 88, of O’Fallon, IL born Jan. 13, 1938, in Belleville, IL died Friday, May 15, 2026, at her home. Carol was a retired secretary from O’Fallon School District 90 and a member of O’Fallon United Church of Christ, O’Fallon, IL. She is preceded in death by her parents, Frank and…
Read MoreMark Larson Harter
Mark Larson Harter passed peacefully on May 5, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of compassion, adventure, humor, and deep love for family and friends. In his 43 years, Mark lived fully and intentionally, embracing each moment with warmth, curiosity, and generosity. Mark was a devoted and loving husband to Jen and a proud and doting…
Read MoreZero excuses: ‘Click It or Ticket’ campaign underway for Memorial Day
Mascoutah, IL — The Mascoutah Police Department is joining law enforcement agencies across Illinois for the 2026 “Click It or Ticket” campaign running May 15-26 during the Memorial Day travel period. “Buckle up every trip, every time,” said Lt. Matt Steinkamp. “Seat belts save lives, and we are committed to keeping our roads safe.” Officers…
Read MoreRep. Schmidt Donates Pay Raise to Mascoutah Food Pantry & Concerned Christians
MASCOUTAH – State Representative Kevin Schmidt (R-Millstadt) has pledged to donate the legislative pay raise he voted against to local organizations across the 114th District to help families in need. For the month of April, he donated essential food items, including sugar, brown sugar, cooking oil, and egg noodles, to the Mascoutah Food Pantry &…
Read MoreLebanon Girl Scout Troop 676 Gets Hands-On in the Kitchen While Earning Simple Meals Badge
LEBANON — Girl Scouts from Troop 676 recently spent time in a very different kind of classroom, trading notebooks for cutting boards as they worked toward earning their Simple Meals badge. The troop partnered with Lynda Ott, co-owner of Smitty’s Pizzeria, who opened up the kitchen and guided the girls through the basics of preparing…
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