Good morning, Belleville.

Communities across the region will host a variety of Easter events this weekend, including egg hunts, fish fries, concerts, and health fairs.

In Belleville, residents can join events like Main Street Kids' Day — set for April 12 — and the Southern Rock Show at Copper Fire on April 11.

Former Bank of O’Fallon executive Andrew P.

Blassie aged 69 was indicted by a southern Illinois grand jury for fraud involving a $2 million check kite scheme and a $500,000 investor scam—he is accused of inflating his account balances, using defrauded funds for personal expenses, and persuading a Lebanon couple to part with $429,000 of their retirement savings.

Bryce V. Andrews, 26, was sentenced to life in prison *with no possibility of release* in Godfrey for fatally stabbing his adoptive father and stepfather in 2021 *and receiving consecutive sentences for arson and concealment of a homicidal death*.

Au Well Care Home, Inc. in Maryville closed today after CMS issued a notice on April 2 stating funding would be pulled in 30 days due to alleged abuse and neglect—residents are waiting for transfer details.

On Tuesday, April 8, 2025, several regional high school baseball games produced close wins as Marquette Catholic won 9—8 and Belleville East edged Belleville West 5—4 with a decisive run in the bottom of the fifth.

Other teams including Alton, Jersey, Valmeyer, and Calhoun recorded wins while O’Fallon also secured a 15—2 boys lacrosse victory, marking a busy sports day around the region.

On Tuesday, April 8, Belleville East won 7-0 in softball over O'Fallon while several local teams including Edwardsville, Collinsville, and Belleville West posted strong results in other matchups.

In soccer, Civic Memorial shut out Jersey 6-0 and Edwardsville beat Belleville West 1-0 — results that helped improve team records across the region.

Three Mile Thursday Group Walk at Belleville YMCA

5:45-6:00 p.m. — East Belleville YMCA — Free entry — Enjoy a refreshing 5K walk with the Illinois Trekkers in a friendly community setting.

Belleville Barkfest

10 AM – 4 PM — Stookey Township Park — Free entry — A tail-wagging event featuring local vendors, fun contests, and treats for pups and their humans.

Chick-fil-A Dine to Donate

4-7 p.m. — Chick-fil-A — Orders via app only — Support your community with a meal and help raise funds.

Strawberry Festival

9 a.m. - 7 p.m. — Downtown Belleville — Free entry — Enjoy a delightful day of strawberry-themed fun with shopping, eating, and drinking.

Laura's Run 4 Kids

7:30 a.m. – 11:59 p.m. — Tower Grove Park — Registration fees apply — Celebrate fitness and community with a fun 5K and family activities while supporting local students.