Belleville News-Democrat week in review

Market 96 dispensary opens its doors in Belleville

Belleville’s second cannabis dispensary, Market 96 Neighborhood Dispensary, opened on March 12 at 7300 Twin Pyramid Parkway. The shop offers flower, pre-rolls, vapes, edibles, extracts, and more, alongside boutique merchandise like jewelry, clothing, candles, and even pet accessories. Retail director Dre Trobradovic says the goal is to create a welcoming experience beyond just cannabis sales. Infused drinks and unique edibles such as popcorn and chocolate are among the offerings. The dispensary is operated under Washington, D.C.-based Blounts Moore, which holds six Illinois licenses. Hours are 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. on weekends, and the shop accepts debit and cash. Visitors must be 21 or older.

Reported by Jennifer Green, published March 30

Man charged in O’Fallon bank robbery after last chance

George E. Habermehl Jr., 64, is accused of robbing the FCB Bank at 1501 W. Highway 50 in O’Fallon on March 20, authorities say. Charging documents allege he handed a teller a note demanding $4,000, and the bank determined approximately $3,300 was handed over. Habermehl had previously pleaded with U.S. District Judge Stephen P. McGlynn in a December letter for one last chance, after facing parole revocation for prior bank robberies in Granite City and St. Louis County. He was released to a Maryville rehab center in January. Surveillance photos led to tips from both his federal probation officer and a family member. During his arrest, Habermehl allegedly told officers he had given the stolen money to an unknown woman who promised to double it and used some to purchase narcotics.

Reported by Mike Koziatek, published March 27

Search underway for missing student in Madison County

Authorities are searching for Melissa Oelke, a 21-year-old college student from St. Peters, Missouri, after her car was found abandoned in Madison County, Illinois. Oelke left home around 7:30 a.m. Thursday without her cellphone, visiting a Target, a Schnucks in Chesterfield, and a Walgreens in Florissant before her vehicle was reported abandoned on Keck Road near St. Jacob around 12:30 p.m. Her father, Gerald Oelke, said she attended the College of Creative Studies in Detroit and had extended her spring break to address her mental health. Search efforts included drones, ATVs, a K-9 unit, and an Illinois State Police plane. Oelke is 5-foot-4, 130 pounds, and was last seen in an olive green hoodie and baggy jeans. Anyone with information should call St. Peters Police at 636-278-2222.

Reported by Beth Hundsdorfer, published March 28

Bootleg dental office shut down in Granite City home

Granite City police shut down an unlicensed dental practice operating out of a residential home on Iowa Street, authorities say. The operation, marketed through WhatsApp to the Hispanic community, allegedly offered services including cleanings, extractions, and braces in exchange for cash. Prosecutors charged Idania J. Moreno-Paal, 41, and Rodolfo Figuera, 59, with felony practicing medicine without a license. Both had previously practiced dentistry in Venezuela. The case came to light after a woman reported a serious infection following a root canal procedure, which led to emergency room visits. A search of the home uncovered dental equipment, narcotics, human teeth, and over $1,200 in cash. Neither suspect had appeared in court as of the report’s publication. The whereabouts of Moreno-Paal, her family, and Figuera remain unknown.

Reported by Beth Hundsdorfer, published March 26

Family wins $1.05M settlement after baby dies in crash

A family whose 8-month-old baby, Marqiest Bean, was killed in a 2022 crash involving a wrong-way driver fleeing law enforcement has reached a $1.05 million settlement with St. Clair County. Parents Tanisha Smith and Percy Bean Jr. were entering Interstate 255 in East St. Louis when their vehicle was struck head-on on July 2, 2022. Their wrongful death lawsuit accused sheriff’s deputies Sean Schmidt and Christian Gatlin of creating dangerous conditions for bystanders. The county denied the allegations, arguing deputies were not actively pursuing the vehicle at the time of impact. Rashad Alston, 29, faces charges of reckless homicide and related offenses in a separate ongoing criminal case. A status conference in Alston’s case is scheduled for March 31.

Reported by Lexi Cortes, published March 27

Murder-For-Hire trial pushed back to January 2027

The first-degree murder trial of Caseyville businessman Sammy J. Shafer Jr., accused of allegedly hiring two men to kill Portia Rowland, 32, of Collinsville, has been delayed until January 11, 2027, in Madison County Circuit Court. Defense attorneys requested the continuance, which Circuit Judge Timothy Berkley granted, noting the delay is attributable to the defendant and that no further continuances will be allowed. Rowland was shot and killed on January 21, 2025, in a Collinsville driveway. Prosecutors allege Shafer paid co-defendants Gary D. Johnson and Marty D. Shaw $10,000 to carry out the killing. Johnson was found guilty earlier this month in a bench trial, with sentencing set for April 23. Shaw, accused of driving the getaway car, has no trial date scheduled. The defense has also filed a motion for a change of venue, citing pretrial publicity, which remains unresolved.

Reported by Teri Maddox, published March 30

This story was originally published April 2, 2026 at 2:14 PM with the headline "Belleville News-Democrat week in review."