🌱 When and where can you vote early in Belleville this fall?

Hello Belleville! Stay connected with the latest updates from around town. Let's dive in! ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

• When and where can you vote early in Belleville this fall?
• What changes are coming to this longtime downtown Belleville nightlife staple?
• Why did Belleville’s new economic development director leave so quickly?

Also on today's calendar: Scott Composite Squadron Open House and 6 more events.

Today's riddle: Why did the cookie go to the Doctor ? 🤔 (Answer below!)

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From our Partner
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Weather forecast:

• Thursday: Rain and a thunderstorm, with a high of 82 and low of 69 degrees.
• Friday: Humid with a thunderstorm, temps: high: 87, low: 69. 🌶 Hot!
• Saturday: Mostly sunny and humid, with a high of 91 and low of 70 degrees.

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📰 News we're reading

1. St. Clair County announces early voting schedule for November 2026 general election (metroeastsun.com) — St. Clair County has set early voting dates and hours for the November 3, 2026 general election, with a primary site at the County Clerk’s Office in downtown Belleville. Residents can vote there or at additional locations in Fairview Heights, O’Fallon, and Cahokia Heights, with extended evening and weekend hours as Election Day approaches.
   

2. Downtown Belleville hotspot leaving to make way for new restaurant and bar (bnd.com) — Downtown Belleville’s Big Daddy’s 618 is closing as owner Scott Schmelzel sells the East Main Street bar-and-patio complex to new owner Dave Parks, who will reopen it as 618 Social Bar & Kitchen. The revamped spot will keep a welcoming vibe, add a new menu led by the Pilla family, and introduce candy martinis and a ‘dirty soda’ bar.
   

3. City of Belleville's new economic development director resigns abruptly (bnd.com) — Belleville’s economic development, planning and zoning director position is vacant again after Austin Albert resigned less than four months into the job. City officials say they’ll readvertise the role, while interim duties continue to be handled in-house, leaving major development and planning decisions in flux for residents and businesses.
   

4. New head at health department - Republic-Times (republictimes.net) — A Belleville native, Brian Eckert, has taken over as administrator of the Monroe County Health Department after years working in St. Clair County and assisting during COVID-19. He’s focusing on funding, public awareness, and responding to issues like recent lettuce-related illness concerns, while promising steady leadership that continues the department’s collaborative approach with neighboring counties, including Belleville’s region.
   

5. Namesake of Morrisonville was legislator, lawyer (breezecourier.com) — Long before today’s Belleville, a prominent 1800s lawyer-legislator built his career and real estate holdings there while shaping politics across St. Clair County and beyond. The piece traces James L.D. Morrison’s Belleville law practice, ties to local leaders, and how his railroad work ultimately led to founding Morrisonville, connecting regional history back to Belleville’s early civic influence.
   

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📸 Around Belleville

Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Belleville

Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!

Friday August 7

• End of Summer Celebration →
  Belleville, IL Calendar, 2300 W Main St, Belleville
  6:00 pm
• Tim Hassell- Band Event (DCI)
  Belleville High School-East PAC, (PAC)-East-Performance Arts Center (PAC)
  6:15 pm

Saturday August 8

• The Barkery Community Dog Walk
  Greater Belleville Chamber of Commerce 335 West Main Street, Belleville, IL 62220
  8:00 am
• Back to School Bash →
  Belleville, IL Calendar Belleville, IL 62220
  9:00 am
• Craft with your Canine
  Greater Belleville Chamber of Commerce The Barkery 335 W. Main Street Belleville, IL
  5:00 pm

Tuesday August 11

• NO SCHOOL TEACHER INSTITUTE
  Belle Valley SD 119 Belleville, IL 62220
• Coffee Cup Connections @ Olde Town Mall
  Greater Belleville Chamber of Commerce 310 E Main St, Belleville, IL 62220
  8:30 am
• Library Board →
  Belleville, IL Calendar, 121 East Washington, Belleville
  4:00 pm
• Scott Composite Squadron Open House →
  Scott Composite Squadron, Civil Air Patrol, 404 W Martin St, Scott AFB
  6:45 pm

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📣 Belleville Shout Outs!

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🗓 Events Nearby

Thursday August 6

• Cougar Crawl - 6th - 8th grade
  O Fallon CCSD 90 O Fallon, IL 62269
  3:00 pm
• Band Concert
  O Fallon CCSD 90 O Fallon, IL 62269
  3:30 pm

Friday August 7

• Schedules released on Skyward
  O Fallon CCSD 90 O Fallon, IL 62269
• Softball Home New Athens
  O Fallon CCSD 90 Carriel
  4:00 pm

Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

• A car ran into my moms garage.
  In need of a contractor or recommendation please (Nextdoor Bellevue Park)
• Hi neighbors , I’m looking for a cleaning service for my 3,000 sq ft home with 4 bathrooms and 4 bedrooms.
  I like a clean every 2weeks. Any recommendations? (Nextdoor Bellevue Park)

• Burger King posted a job opening for Team Member in Belleville. Apply here.
• Transworld Systems, Inc. posted a job opening for Remote Customer Service Rep - Starting Monday, 14, 2026 in Belleville. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Belleville here.

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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: Because he felt CRUMMY ! (Thank you Michelle S. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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