Crime news: Testimony led to missing woman murder charges in Alton, IL, in Southern Illinois near Belleville, IL and St. Louis, MO, after police investigation and search.
Sports news: A former state-champion softball coach for Belleville East High School Lancers was honored when the team's field was rededicated in her honor as Rita Menke Field in Belleville, IL, in Southern Illinois near St. Louis, MO.
Event news: Brooks Catsup Bottle festival canceled in Collinsville, IL, in Southern Illinois near Belleville, IL, and St. Louis, MO, after organizers for the family fun things to do celebration find no one to take it over.
Steeleville, IL, Queen of Hearts $1.5 million raffle, draws parking jam. Ambulance can't access American Legion Hall. Someone could die. Taxpayers pay for police in southern Illinois near St. Louis, MO, don't gain gambling tax. News opinion.
Longtime Belleville East softball coach Rita Menke was emotional after the dedication of the softball field in her honor was attended by many former and current players.