Belleville News-Democrat week in review

Gateway Arch park expansion dream spans generations

A proposed expansion of Gateway Arch National Park into Illinois is gaining momentum, with U.S. Rep. Nikki Budzinski introducing legislation in March to extend the park’s boundaries across the Mississippi River into Malcolm W. Martin Memorial Park in East St. Louis. The idea traces back to architect Eero Saarinen, who in the late 1940s envisioned an east bank park alongside his iconic Arch design. Attorney Malcolm W. Martin spent decades pursuing that vision, acquiring riverfront land and raising $4 million to develop the site before his death in 2004. The park bearing his name opened in 2009. Supporters say the expansion would symbolically unite a region long divided by the river. The legislation has bipartisan support, though no timeline or funding plan has been announced.

Reported by Luis Antonio Perez Alex Heuer, published May 30

Belleville police probe death near local bike trail

Belleville Police are investigating the death of a 35-year-old man found in the 900 block of North Illinois Street on May 28. Master Sgt. Dan Collins said officers responded to a report of a deceased subject in the area around 11:30 a.m. Investigators conducted interviews and determined there were no signs of foul play, according to Collins. The St. Clair County Coroner’s office also responded to the scene. The man’s identity has not yet been released. Officers remained in the area until 1:30 p.m., with yellow tape blocking off a small grassy area near the sidewalk and a portion of a walking and bike trail near Richland Creek. The investigation remains ongoing.

Reported by Madison Lammert, published May 28

Charges filed in Troy home blast that killed three

Three people have been charged following an Easter Sunday explosion and fire that killed three young people at a rural Troy home. Madison County State’s Attorney Tom Haine charged Colton Cissell, 22, with possession of explosives, possession of explosive material without a license, three counts of involuntary manslaughter, and endangering the life of a child. His father, Kenneth Cissell, 48, and stepmother, Roberta Cissell, 43, were each charged with endangering the life of a child. The blast occurred April 5 at 8004 W. Kirsch Road. Those killed were Madeleine Maxeiner, 18, Ayden Hendrickson, 19, and Paisley Nishwitz, 12. Authorities say Colton Cissell was allegedly manufacturing pyrotechnics when the explosion occurred. The investigation remains ongoing, and a wrongful death lawsuit has also been filed by Madeleine Maxeiner’s father against the Cissells and the property owner.

Reported by Madison Lammert, Teri Maddox, published May 30

Belleville man with dementia missing since May 21

The St. Clair County Sheriff’s Department is asking the public for help locating Douglas “Scott” Litsey, a 64-year-old Belleville man last seen on surveillance camera on May 21. Litsey was reported missing from his home in the Signal Hill neighborhood in west Belleville. His niece, Fae Litsey, says he has dementia and has not had access to his medications since he disappeared. He also has asthma and may not have his inhaler, and left his wallet and phone at home. Fae Litsey noted he has never been violent but may become evasive or hide if frightened, and might not respond to his name if confused. Litsey is described as a white male, approximately 5 feet 4 inches tall, with a gray beard. Anyone with information is asked to contact the St. Clair County Sheriff’s Department at 618-825-2051, referencing case #26-04907.

Reported by Belleville News-Democrat, published May 28

Royals Market eyes July opening at former Swansea CVS

Construction is well underway at the former CVS Pharmacy located at 1803 N. Illinois St. in Swansea, as owner Didi Patel works to transform the building into a multi-use destination. The new venture, called Royals Market, is set to include a gas station, convenience store, gaming area, and restaurant all under one roof. After months of progress on plumbing, exterior work, and interior buildout, the project is now targeting a July opening. The redevelopment represents a significant reuse of the vacant retail space along one of Swansea’s main commercial corridors.

Reported by Jennifer Green, published May 29

Illinois state government hiring in the metro-east

The Illinois state government is currently hiring for 280 positions statewide, with at least 20 openings in the metro-east area. Five notable positions include a Site Technician II with the Department of Natural Resources in Carlyle, a human services administrative role in Centralia paying up to $162,000 annually, and a Clinical Pharmacist also in Centralia. A Bridge Technician Inspection Specialist position is available in Collinsville through the Department of Transportation, and a Registered Nurse role is open in Alton, paying between $76,572 and $105,420 per year. Application deadlines range from June 4 to August 26. Illinois unemployment held steady at 5.1% in April, per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Reported by Meredith Howard, published June 2

This story was originally published June 4, 2026 at 2:49 PM with the headline "Belleville News-Democrat week in review."