A tribute for nurses: Husband Patrick Kuhl says: ‘They rang a triangle three times for her last call of duty’

Nurse Honor Guard members who recently gave a memorial tribute at St. Augustine of Canterbury Catholic Church in Belleville (from left): Lori Bliss, Linda Morrison, Linda George, Karla Poindexter, Jane Stumpf, Jane Ferko, Debra Seiffert, Diane Gedermuth and Mary Ann Kelly (Submitted photo). By Linda Norris Messenger Staff Once a […]

Posted on July 28, 2026
Sophie Ysursa with Thor, her special therapy dog.

A heart for healing: Althoff Catholic High School senior Sophie Ysursa gives back to Cardinal Glennon Hospital

Sophie Ysursa with Thor, her special therapy dog. By Linda Norris Messenger Staff When she was 13, Sophie Ysursa began a connection with Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital in St. Louis. At that time, it was not for philanthropic reasons, but as a patient. Now 17, the senior at Althoff Catholic […]

Posted on July 28, 2026

Following in their parents’ footsteps: Principals’ kids begin first year as teachers in Diocese of Belleville

All Saints Academy Principal Jill Tasker and her daughter, Claire, who is starting her first year in education as a fifth-grade teacher at Holy Childhood in Mascoutah (Submitted photo). By David Wilhelm Messenger Editor Claire Tasker was a first-grader at New Baden Elementary School in 2011 when she provided an […]

Posted on July 28, 2026

A jubilee woven without a pattern: Sr. Anitawa Fearday, ASC, marks 60 years

Sr. Anitawa Fearday, ASC, works on one of the 120 woven pieces she has created through the years (Submitted). By Carlos Restrepo For The Messenger Every night before Sr. Anitawa Fearday turns out the light, she looks at a homemade vision board fastened to the wall of her room at […]

Posted on July 28, 2026

Students give grocery bags new life as made-with-love mats for the homeless

Students at St. Joseph Catholic School in Olney have done that one better. When the world gives you plastic grocery bags, make sleeping mats for the homeless. As part of their study of homelessness and the affordable housing crisis, students in the sixth and eighth grades have been turning thousands of used plastic grocery bags into sleeping mats.

Daystar is a ‘Godsend’ for disabled McClure woman

Donna Humphrey is not too proud to accept help. “I’ve been the one who helps people my whole life,” the 67-year-old McClure resident says. “I’ve always been independent. But I am not afraid to ask for a hand up.” Helping people is what got Donna in her latest predicament. While trying to stop a co-worker from falling, Donna fell and broke her femur.