Belleville News-Democrat

The past few years haven’t been kind to the 104-acre property in rural Freeburg. The Metro East American Legion post used to be one of the largest in southern Illinois — and the only one that operated a recreation area. But that's all changed.

Kenny Euge, 75, was pronounced dead on Saturday after a fire at his residence. It had been a years-long battle for Euge, a Vietnam veteran, to remain living in a caboose in rural St. Clair County where he died.

St. Clair County Sheriff Rick Watson said a $300,000 plan put forth by the county board was a good gesture, but he’s skeptical of the plan.

State funding for many school districts in the Metro East have been increasing since Illinois revamped how it funds education under former GOP Gov. Bruce Rauner.

Following a U.S. Supreme Court ruling, the Metro East city took action to curb what police and officials view as a worsening problem.

The report card is a big part of Illinois' school accountability system and assigns schools one of five categories according to their performance.

Linda J. Johnson faced three counts of theft from Dupo Community Unit School District 196, where she worked.

Roger D. Sutton Jr. had maintained his innocence in the death of Patrenia Butler-Turner. But jurors believed Sutton's nephew, who testified he had helped dump the body.

This development comes after the St. Clair County Health Department announced last week it was investigating an outbreak of shigellosis among customers who'd eaten at the LongHorn Stakehouse.

Seven years after leaving its old hospital in Belleville for the new facility, administrators are seeking state and local approval to build an ambulatory surgical treatment center and a medical office building.