Belleville heritage and growth: Stories of community impact

Belleville’s heritage and growth come to life through stories of resilience, investment, and pride.

Belleville High School’s $1.5 million upgrades to sports facilities highlight a push for modern, safer spaces for students and the community. Meanwhile, community-driven spaces like Bliss Events and the Belleville Health and Fitness Club reflect a strong sense of belonging and continued support for local initiatives. These articles together capture how Belleville balances progress with honoring its deep roots.

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Bliss Events owner M.J. Yancey poses in a spot where guests can take photos during their events. By Jennifer Green

NO. 1: BELLEVILLE VENUE STILL GROWING A YEAR AFTER OPENING. OWNER ‘WOULDN’T CHANGE A THING’

The business’ first year went by fast, said the owner, who is already enjoying a great 2024. | Published May 14, 2024 | Read Full Story by Jennifer Green

An aerial view above Public Square in downtown Belleville on Thursday, May 16, 2024, where artists and volunteers were preparing for this weekend’s Art on the Square, a nationally known juried art show. By Joshua Carter

NO. 2: DRIVING AROUND THE TRAFFIC CIRCLE AT BELLEVILLE’S ICONIC PUBLIC SQUARE CAN BE AN ADVENTURE

The roundabout and Veterans Memorial Fountain are a part of daily life in downtown Belleville. | Published June 4, 2024 | Read Full Story by Jennifer Green

Belleville East High School’s Charles Woodford Field on June 17, 2024. By Joshua Carter

NO. 3: WHAT’S INCLUDED IN $1.5M UPGRADES TO ATHLETIC FACILITIES AT BELLEVILLE’S HIGH SCHOOLS?

And how is the work being paid for? | Published June 21, 2024 | Read Full Story by Kelly Smits

Weeds engulf an antique cannon at George E. Hilgard American Legion Post 58 in Freeburg, also known as the Freedom Farm. The property has badly deteriorated in recent years. By Joshua Carter

NO. 4: AMERICAN LEGION’S FREEDOM FARM PLAGUED BY NEGLECT, SQUATTING, CRIME AND CONTROVERSY

“I was like ‘Holy crap.’ I can’t believe the condition of this place. It used to be gorgeous out here,” a leaseholder’s son said. | Published November 20, 2024 | Read Full Story by Teri Maddox

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Inside of Belleville Health and Sports Center, a gym facility owned and operated by Belleville Health and Fitness Club, a 501(C) nonprofit with a board of fitness-oriented citizens. By Joshua Carter

NO. 5: RESCUED FROM CLOSURE BY ITS MEMBERS, BELLEVILLE FITNESS CLUB HAS BECOME ITS OWN COMMUNITY

“Between the instructors and our members, there’s just a commitment to make this thing work,” said one of the nonprofit’s board members. | Published February 3, 2025 | Read Full Story by Joshua Carter

Outside of where a Ruler Foods in Belleville once stood, now an empty storefront bereft of a sign. By Joshua Carter

NO. 6: SIGNAGE REMOVED FROM THE CLOSED RULER FOODS STORE IN BELLEVILLE. WHAT COULD THIS MEAN?

BND columnist Jennifer Green shares a bit of information about the vacant grocery store. | Published February 7, 2025 | Read Full Story by Jennifer Green

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories listed were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.