Metro-East News

Belleville’s 6 headlines that capture its evolving identity

Stories by Belleville News-Democrat journalists, with AI summarization

Belleville’s identity is shifting as it both addresses its ongoing issues with derelict properties and remembers its past. The city is clearing out 12 derelict homes and a former church that once served foundry workers, a move supported by many neighbors.

Meanwhile, traditions persist. A new mayor has been elected -- the second woman to hold the seat both historically and consecutively. Belleville West High School’s Wall of Fame recognizes new faces, highlighting local achievements in sports, music, and medicine.

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. 1: 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

These 11 homes and one trailer are among 14 derelict buildings that the city of Belleville plans to demolish, beginning in February, at a cost of $245,000. Many were built in the 1800s. By Joshua Carter

NO. 2: CITY OF BELLEVILLE TO DEMOLISH 12 DERELICT HOMES, ONE TRAILER AND A FORMER CHURCH

“They’re all in terrible shape. The neighbors are thrilled to death,” the housing director said. | Published January 27, 2025 | Read Full Story by Teri Maddox

Belleville City Clerk Jenny Gain Meyer hugs her mother, Rosemary Hamann, on Tuesday night after learning that she had been elected mayor. Supporters were gathered at Tavern on Main restaurant and bar. By Joshua Carter

NO. 3: BELLEVILLE HAS A NEW MAYOR. ‘JUST CALL ME JENNY,’ SHE SAID FROM HER VICTORY PARTY

City Clerk Jenny Gain Meyer defeated Mayor Patty Gregory after a contentious campaign that showed a split among area Democrats. | Published April 2, 2025 | Read Full Story by Teri Maddox

Belleville West’s Wall of Fame, located in the entry hallway to the building, shows previous Maroons of note. By Joshua Carter

NO. 4: AN NFL QB, AN ALT-COUNTRY BAND AND MORE: WHO’S NEXT ON BELLEVILLE WEST’S WALL OF FAME?

New inductee class “embodies every student who has gone through Belleville West,” a committee chairman said. | Published April 10, 2025 | Read Full Story by Madison Lammert

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.