Leu Civic Center to Close This Saturday After Structural Engineer’s Warning
MASCOUTAH — The Leu Civic Center will close at 5 p.m. Saturday, March 7, following the release of a structural engineering report that identified significant safety concerns throughout the 1930s-era building, city officials said this week. This was initially discussed in closed session during the March 2 Mascoutah City Council meeting, before the document was…
Read MoreMary “Janet” Kelly
Mary “Janet” Kelly (formerly McNutt; née Norris) passed away on February 20th, 2026 at the age of 81. Janet was born in Bethany, Missouri, on November 6, 1944, and was raised in Lebanon, Illinois. She was the oldest daughter of Marjory and Kenneth Norris and graduated from Lebanon Community High School in 1962. Early in…
Read MoreLocal Lebanon Volunteers Help Nicaraguan Children Stay in School
By Zachary Daum [email protected] For many children living in remote and impoverished regions of Nicaragua, attending school can depend on something as simple as having the right uniform. In these areas, families often live in extreme poverty, and without government required clothing and supplies, children may be turned away from classrooms. That challenge and the…
Read MoreTwo-Vehicle Crash Sends One Car Into Lake at Prairie Lakes Park
Update: According to new information released by Mascoutah police, Dauber had been traveling eastbound on State Route 177 behind Trahan. Police said Dauber attempted to pass Trahan, struck the rear of her vehicle and then lost control, sending his vehicle into Prairie Lake. No injuries were reported. Dauber was cited for improper lane usage and…
Read MoreBoeing Defense Headquarters Returns To St. Louis
By Melissa Ann Meske Managing Editor of Illinois Business Journal —— Key takeaways: Boeing announces move of its Defense, Space & Security Headquarters from the Washington DC area to St. Louis Adds to St. Louis’ aerospace and defense tech strengths, including NGA and Scott AFB Advances broader mission to create more and better jobs across…
Read MoreResidents and Board Members Press City for Leu Civic Center Ownership Transfer
Mascoutah – A large crowd attended the Feb. 17, 2026 Mascoutah City Council meeting, where the future of the Leu Civic Center dominated the public comment period and later discussion among council members. During public comment, longtime resident Rick Surmier expressed alarm over the current status of the Civic Center building at 213 N. Market,…
Read MoreRichard L. “Dick” Faust
Richard L. “Dick” Faust, 86, of Lebanon, passed away on Sunday, February 15, 2026. Born on August 30, 1939, Richard was a lifelong resident of Lebanon, where he grew up on the family farm and built a life rooted in hard work, faith, and family. He was an agricultural farmer, raising cattle and hogs in earlier…
Read MoreJoan Ann Funk
Joan Ann Funk, nee Reissen, 77, of Mascoutah, IL born Sept. 3, 1948 in Belleville, IL died Thursday, Feb. 12, 2026, at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital, O’Fallon, IL. Joan was a retired school teacher from Henry Raab School where she taught first grade her entire career. She loved to travel with her friends. Joan was a…
Read MoreFire Breaks Out Late Friday Morning in Mascoutah at S. Second Street and W. South Street
By Zachary Daum [email protected] A brush fire that broke out late Friday morning spread to multiple structures at the corner of S. Second St. and W. South St. due to blustery winds, heavily damaging a historic barn and a neighboring home. Fire departments from Mascoutah and surrounding communities responded. No injuries were reported. The initial…
Read MoreKimberly Ann Deters
Kimberly Ann Deters, 39, of Trenton, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, at Memorial Hospital in Belleville. Lovingly known as Kimmy, she was born on October 10, 1986, the daughter of John Ellsworth and Carol, nee Berberich, Ruth. Though she faced the challenges of debilitating pancreatitis with strength and…
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