Community Corner
🌱 Why this troubled Cahokia Heights complex keeps seeing child shootings
And check out Parent's Night Out: Elves Night Out on the Belleville Patch calendar
Good day Belleville! We're here again with what you need to know today. Grab a cup of coffee and read on. ☀️
In today's newsletter:
- Why this troubled Cahokia Heights complex keeps seeing child shootings
- How a Belleville-area resident ended up charged in a double homicide
- How Belleville officers helped in a 63-arrest holiday crime sweep
Today's riddle: My brother swallowed a box of firecrackers. - Is he all right now? 🤔 (Answer below!)
Find out what's happening in Bellevillefor free with the latest updates from Patch.
- Thursday: Rain and a thunderstorm, with a high of 56 and low of 23 degrees.
- Friday: Mostly sunny and colder, temps: high: 38, low: 32.
- Saturday: Partly sunny, with a high of 57 and low of 26 degrees.
📰 News we're reading
• For second time this year, a child is shot in a metro-east apartment complex (bnd.com) — A child and an adult were wounded in a Wednesday shooting at the Greystone Apartments in Cahokia Heights, a complex already troubled by crime and poor conditions previously reported by the Belleville News-Democrat. Police have not released the victims’ conditions, ages, or a suspect, but note this is the latest in a string of shootings there, including a June homicide and a July child shooting. 
Find out what's happening in Bellevillefor free with the latest updates from Patch.
• Belleville-area man faces murder charges in Cahokia Heights double homicide (bnd.com) — A man who lives in the Signal Hill community near Belleville has been charged with two counts of murder tied to a double homicide in Cahokia Heights. Led by a Belleville police captain, the Major Case Squad followed more than 75 leads before announcing the arrest. Authorities say the victims were acquaintances and appeared to have been specifically targeted.
• US Attorney's Office Announces Results of "Operation Safe Christmas" - Effingham's News and Sports Leader, 979XFM and KJ Country 102.3 (thexradio.com) — A multi-agency fugitive roundup across several southern Illinois counties, including St. Clair, led to 63 arrests, drug seizures, and cash confiscations as part of “Operation Safe Christmas.” Belleville Police participate in the U.S. Marshals regional task force highlighted for its role, underscoring ongoing cooperation to target violent offenders and improve safety in Metro East communities.
📸 Around Belleville
Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!
🗓 Upcoming Events in Belleville
- Parent's Night Out: Elves Night Out
Belleville, IL Calendar , 515 East D Street , Belleville - Belle-Clair Fairgrounds Flea Market
Greater Belleville Chamber of Commerce , Belle-Clair Fairgrounds , Belleville - Christkindlmarkt
City of Belleville - Events Calendar , Downtown Public Square - Main Street and Illinois Street , Belleville
11:00 am - Christmas Eve - Observed at Noon
Belleville, IL Calendar Belleville, IL 62220
12:00 pm - Christmas Day
Belleville, IL Calendar Belleville, IL 62220
Saturday December 20
Sunday December 21
Wednesday December 24
Thursday December 25
📣 Belleville Shout Outs!
Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!
🗓 Events Nearby
- 2nd Quarter Reward Day
Wingate Elementary School Belleville, IL 62221
8:00 am - Holiday Spirit Week - Wear red and green to show your holiday spirit.
Wingate Elementary School Belleville, IL 62221
8:00 am - Downtown Christmas Stroll
Downtown Belleville Businesses - Belleville IL 62220
3:00 pm - Young Professional Kickstarter Event
Greater Belleville Chamber of Commerce , 216 E A St , Belleville
4:00 pm - Holiday Party!
Tio's Tacos & Tequila , 204 Scott Troy Rd suite F , O'Fallon
5:00 pm - 5th/Senior Band Concert
Millstadt Consolidated School Millstadt, IL 62260
7:00 pm - Trivia Night
Millpond Brewing , 308 E Washington St , Millstadt
7:00 pm
Thursday December 18
Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.
Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.
💬 Chatter
What your neighbors are talking about on social media
- What are they building between the Marcus theater and Syberg’s?
I hope it’s something good. Not a bank, carwash, or tire store! (Nextdoor Woodfield) - Dawn heights the new fiber optic they’re putting in the neighborhood in the blue and orange pipes.
They drilled one right through our sewer drain and now we’re having a blockage almost every day. Just wanted everybody to be aware if you have any… (Nextdoor Dawn Heights)
- O'Reilly Auto Parts posted a job opening for Parts Specialist-2 in Belleville. Apply here.
- Checkers & Rally's - Checkers Drive-In Restaurants, Inc. posted a job opening for Team Member in Belleville. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Belleville here.
🗞 Nearby News
Swansea
- Education Matters: Metro-east school employee nominated for national award (bnd.com)
Fairview Heights
Ok Belleville! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!
-- The Patch AM Team
P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I don’t know. I haven’t heard the last report.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!
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