Raphael H. “Rafe” Middeke, 92, of Trenton, formerly of Damiansville, died at 6:25 a.m. Wednesday, June 3, 2026, at Aviston Countryside Manor. He was born June 21, 1933, in rural Clinton County, a son of the late Bernard and Mary (nee Hellmann) Middeke. After attending St. Rose Elementary School, Rafe […]
A U.S. Army detachment from Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri carries the remains of World War II veteran Edgar William “Billy” Nevois to his final resting place at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Prairie du Rocher. At left, Illinois Patriot Guard Riders hold flags and salute Nevois, who died in […]
By Linda Norris Staff Writer Four years after the sisters of the Adorers of the Blood of Christ (ASC) moved out of the Ruma Center, they have sold the property buildings and 33 acres of land to Books for All, a nonprofit organization establishing community libraries with free resources. ASC […]
Bishop Godfrey Mullen, OSB, wearing his mitre and carrying his crozier for the first time, blesses parishioners who attended his ordination and installation as the 10th bishop of the Diocese of Belleville on May 1 at the Cathedral (Tim Vizer photo). The sun shined brightly on the face of Bishop […]
Maci McCabe, a native of Breese and a graduate of Mater Dei Catholic High School, is held aloft during a cheerleading routine at a recent Lindenwood University football game in St. Charles, Mo. McCabe is less than a year removed from a serious car accident that threatened to end her […]
Denny Koesterer, a native of Freeburg who lives in Smithton, holds the Order of St. Sebastian Award that he received at the Catholic War Veterans National Convention in August. Koesterer was one of just three recipients (David Wilhelm photo). By David Wilhelm Messenger Editor Denny Koesterer didn’t understand what was […]
Cairo in Alexander County receives support from Breaking the Cycle (Kathleen Hunt photo). By Linda Norris Behrens Messenger Staff Alexander County is the southernmost county in Illinois. Pulaski County is adjacent to it. Both counties, located within the Diocese of Belleville, lead the list of the highest percentage of families […]
