Belleville News-Democrat week in review

Mascoutah teacher wins Golden Apple teaching award

Joshua Veath, a fifth-grade teacher at Mascoutah Elementary, has been named one of 10 Illinois recipients of the 2026 Golden Apple Excellence in Teaching Award. Golden Apple President Alan Mather praised Veath for giving students the reasoning behind math concepts and keeping learning relevant. Veath, a Southern Illinois University Edwardsville graduate who began teaching in Mascoutah in 2009, uses hands-on methods such as cutting bundt cakes to learn fractions and calculating retail discounts. The award was announced at a surprise school assembly. Winners receive a $5,000 cash prize, free Northwestern University classes, and fellowship in the Golden Apple Academy of Educators. Next school year, Veath transitions to a physical education role, where he plans to incorporate math into games.

Reported by Madison Lammert, published May 14

Loaded gun found in student’s car at Carlyle High

A 16-year-old student was detained by police after a loaded firearm was discovered inside their vehicle in the parking lot of Carlyle High School in Clinton County. School resource officer Mark Taylor alerted the Carlyle Police Department on Tuesday after the gun was found with the help of school staff. Police Chief Jason Herzing said the student was transported to the Carlyle Police Department, where officers determined no additional threats existed to students or the broader community. Information regarding the investigation was submitted to the Clinton County State’s Attorney and juvenile probation. No further details have been released.

Reported by Belleville News-Democrat, published May 14

Criminal charges weighed in fatal Troy home explosion

Authorities are considering first-degree murder and other criminal charges in connection with an April 5 explosion and fire at a rural Troy home that killed three people, according to search warrant documents filed in Madison County Circuit Court. The victims were Madeleine Maxeiner, 18, Ayden Hendrickson, 19, and Paisley Nishwitz, 12. Colton Cissell, 21, was injured and allegedly told his parents he was sorry after escaping the blaze. His stepmother told deputies he made Tannerite bombs and was in a fireworks manufacturing club. As of May 14, no charges had been filed. Separately, Madeleine’s father filed a wrongful death lawsuit alleging the Cissells stored dangerous, federally regulated explosives without permits and failed to maintain working smoke detectors.

Reported by Teri Maddox, published May 15

Family questions unequal honors for deceased seniors

A grieving family addressed the Belleville Township High School District 201 board May 18, questioning why their son was not honored at graduation the same way another deceased student was. Keagan Rex, a Belleville East senior who died in December from epilepsy complications at age 17, was not recognized by name at his ceremony, nor was his diploma publicly presented. By contrast, Belleville West senior Dalton Vonderheide, who died in a fall car accident, had his name called and a loved one received his diploma on stage. His mother, Amy Morris, also noted Rex’s name was misspelled in the program. Superintendent Marshaun Warren cited student privacy in declining to address the discrepancy, saying a moment of silence and program listing has been the longstanding tradition at both schools. Warren said she needed to follow up with the family and called meeting with them a priority.

Reported by Madison Lammert, published May 19

New Athens principal resigns over gun incident response

The New Athens Community Unit School District 60 board accepted the resignation of elementary and junior high principal Stephanie Kennedy on May 11, following scrutiny of her handling of a situation in which an unloaded gun was found in a first-grader’s backpack in late April. Kennedy, who had been on paid suspension since the April 20 incident, allegedly failed to immediately notify police and the superintendent after confiscating the firearm, violating district procedures. Kennedy told police she believed the gun was fake, according to a police report obtained by the Belleville News-Democrat. Police Chief Tim Buehler noted that officers should have been notified immediately regardless. The child’s mother, Breanna Robison, has been charged with misdemeanors related to child endangerment, unsafe gun storage, and possessing a firearm with an expired FOID card. Kennedy’s resignation is effective May 31.

Reported by Madison Lammert, published May 15

Belleville alderman resigns, union leader steps in

Ed Dintelman is stepping down as Belleville’s Ward 5 alderman on June 1 after 11 years on the City Council, citing health issues including multiple hospitalizations and memory concerns. Mayor Jenny Gain Meyer recommended union leader Jeff Collier to fill the unexpired term, and the City Council approved the appointment 15-0. Collier, 43, is a business agent with United Food and Commercial Workers Local 881 and is active in several community organizations. He holds a political science degree from Eastern Illinois University. Dintelman, 71, served on the MasterEwer Committee and volunteered decades with youth sports programs. Collier plans to seek a full Council term next year and aims to engage residents who have had little contact with city government.

Reported by Teri Maddox, published May 19

This story was originally published May 20, 2026 at 5:24 PM with the headline "Belleville News-Democrat week in review."