Belleville News-Democrat week in review
Tornadoes confirmed in St. Clair and Monroe counties
The National Weather Service has confirmed two tornadoes touched down in the metro-east region. An EF-1 tornado struck just west of New Athens in St. Clair County on March 15 at approximately 5:47 p.m., remaining on the ground for about a minute with wind speeds near 90 mph. Damage was mostly limited to tree branches, roofs, and structural elements. It was the second St. Clair County tornado in a week, following an EF-1 with 94 mph winds between New Athens and St. Libory on March 10. On March 16, an EF-0 tornado with 85 mph winds briefly touched down in rural Monroe County near Ames before crossing into Randolph County and ending at the Kaskaskia River, damaging trees and an outbuilding. No injuries were reported from either storm.
Reported by Belleville News-Democrat, published March 16
Fatal shooting at Belleville Crossing tied to old dispute
A 20-year-old Qdoba employee was fatally shot March 15 in the parking lot of Belleville Crossing shopping center following what police say was an argument rooted in interpersonal conflict. St. Clair County Coroner Calvin Dye Sr. identified the victim as Montavion Conrad of Belleville, who was pronounced dead at Belleville Memorial Hospital at 4:17 p.m. Police say Conrad knew the gunman, and a suspect was taken into custody within an hour of the shooting. The shooting was one of two homicides in Belleville that day. Acting Police Chief Mark Heffernan praised officers for their response to both incidents, calling public safety a team sport.
Reported by Teri Maddox, published March 16
Man accused of killing grandfather in Belleville home
A Belleville man has been charged with first-degree murder in the death of his 78-year-old grandfather, authorities say. Armani E. Floyd, 20, is currently held at the St. Louis City Justice Center and awaiting extradition to Illinois, according to Belleville Police Department. The victim was identified as Arthur L. Sheard, 78, of Belleville. Police say Floyd had been staying at Sheard’s residence on Union Avenue when family members arrived to check on Sheard after he did not attend church. Floyd allegedly fled the scene upon their arrival. St. Clair County Coroner Calvin Dye Sr. confirmed Sheard died of a stab wound. Officers were dispatched to the 200 block of Union Avenue at 11:11 a.m. and attempted life-saving measures before determining the victim was deceased. Floyd was arrested approximately three hours after the incident, police say.
Reported by Teri Maddox, published March 16
Arkansas man sentenced for Maryville hotel robbery
An Arkansas man has been sentenced to 210 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to robbing a Maryville hotel at gunpoint. Rickey Martin Jr., 36, pleaded guilty in November to Hobbs Act robbery and to using and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence, federal prosecutors said. According to court documents, Martin robbed the owner of Loyalty Inn, 2701 Maryville Rd., in May 2023, brandishing a firearm loaded with an extended magazine and taking the victim’s wallet and cash. He was also ordered to pay $1,440 in restitution and will serve three years of supervised release. Authorities said he later used the victim’s credit cards at a gas station and a fast-food restaurant. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Maryville Police Department led the investigation.
Reported by Belleville News-Democrat, published March 16
Cardinals opening day costs: tickets, food, and parking
Opening day for the St. Louis Cardinals is March 26, with the Tampa Bay Rays visiting Busch Stadium for a 3:15 p.m. game. Festivities include a pep rally and an appearance by the Budweiser Clydesdales. As of March 11, opening day tickets range from $49 for infield terrace or standing room spots to $834 for all-inclusive seats. A new “Coca-Cola Unlimited” package starts at $29 for regular games but costs $159.50 for opening day, offering unlimited food in Big Mac Land. A Cardinals Value Menu offers hot dogs, soda, popcorn, nachos, or water for $5 each at four concession stands. Fans can also bring their own food and sealed nonalcoholic beverages. Getting to the stadium can cost $2.50 to $30-plus, with MetroLink day passes at $5 and parking ranging from roughly $9.25 to $55.
Reported by Meredith Howard, published March 15
Lawmakers push for more water testing in Cahokia Heights
U.S. Senators Tammy Duckworth and Dick Durbin, along with Rep. Nikki Budzinski, are calling on water providers in Cahokia Heights to expand drinking water monitoring after community-organized testing detected E. coli in eight of 118 samples collected from 23 homes over seven months. The findings contradict results from water providers Illinois American Water and the city of Cahokia Heights, which say their water meets regulatory standards. Nonprofit Equity Legal Services led the testing program and plans to seek regulatory action. While lawmakers called for expanded testing, Equity Legal Services urged an immediate public health response, including a public health emergency declaration and bottled water distribution. Resident Yvette Lyles stressed the need for safe water reaching homes, not just at treatment plants.
Reported by Lexi Cortes, published March 17
This story was originally published March 19, 2026 at 12:32 PM with the headline "Belleville News-Democrat week in review."