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Published in The Telegraph, Alton on May 12, 2026
By Riley Hansen
STAFF WRITER
Last month, The Alestle, the student-run newspaper at SIUE, reported that street preacher Chris Svochak threatened to sue SIUE for violating his First Amendment rights.
On April 6, Svochak spoke at the Stratton Quadrangle on SIUE's campus wearing a shirt that said, "homo sex is sin" and made comments critical of Islam, according to an article by Madison Steffen.
Campus police asked Svochak to leave after quoting a Bible verse saying it would be better to be tossed into the sea than to cause a child to sin.
At the time, SIUE officers asked him to leave, saying he was inciting violence. Under the Supreme Court's decision in Brandenburg v. Ohio, speech generally is protected unless it is likely to incite imminent lawless action or violence.
SIUE police have since determined that Svochak did not violate campus policy and that he is allowed to return to campus. Svochak is threatening to sue SIUE for $30,000 in damages for violating his First Amendment rights, though Madison County court records show no case had been filed as of May 7.
The incident has raised a familiar question for public universities and local governments: When can officials intervene in speech that many people find offensive, and when must they allow it to continue?
The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution prohibits the government from restricting religion, speech, freedom of the press or peaceful assembly.
Court rulings have generally set a narrower standard than many people assume: Offensive language is usually protected unless it becomes a true threat, targeted harassment, obscenity or incitement to imminent lawless action.
Svochak has appeared on multiple college campuses and currently faces charges in Tampa, Florida, after he allegedly disrupted a student prayer gathering in a University of South Florida parking garage in November 2025. He and two others were charged under a Florida statute involving disruption of religious worship.
Prosecutors did not charge the men with a hate crime. "While one's words may be offensive, the criminal justice system punishes actions, not words alone," according to the Hillsborough County state attorney's office.
SIUE Director of Communications Nicole Franklin declined to comment on the Svochak incident. However, she did provide the official university policy on expressive activities.
The policy applies to anyone on SIUE property, including people who were not invited by the university. It also includes distributed literature and other expression protected by the First Amendment.
Any outdoor area on SIUE's campus is considered a public forum for the "marketplace of ideas." External groups who are not affiliated with SI- UE must reserve the space before use.
The university says it applies this policy evenly, without regard to the views being expressed or the reaction those views might provoke.
"In the event that other persons react negatively to a student's, student organization's, University employee's or external individual or group's expression, SIUE (including University police) shall take necessary steps to ensure public safety while allowing the Expressive Activity to continue," the policy states.
Edwardsville Police Chief Michael Fillback also provided a statement.
"Typically, words that just say mean things are not considered hate speech. We would address situations where someone is threatening violence against another person," he said.
City Attorney Jeff Berkbigler cited an earlier internal legal memorandum he wrote. The memorandum utilized several other Supreme Court cases, including Texas v. Johnson and Papish v. Board of Curators of the University of Missouri.
"Speech can be restrained in only limited circumstances — when it is obscene, directly incites violence or is threatening to an identifiable person or group," Berkbigler said. "Absent these circumstances, the government, including the city of Edwardsville, cannot order speech removed."
According to Berkbigler, city offices and city-controlled websites are among the areas where a public forum may be limited. However, many city properties, such as parks and the courthouse steps, fall under the same public forum criteria that apply to SIUE's outdoor areas.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 7, 2026 Media Contact Information: Aunt Millie's Bakeries Melissa Koeneman, director of marketing (260) 417-2581 mkoeneman@auntmillies.com
John F. Popp, President of Aunt Millie’s Bakeries
FORT WAYNE, Indiana — Aunt Millie’s Bakeries is deeply saddened to announce the passing of its President John F. Popp, who died on Friday, July 31, at the age of 94. A third-generation member of the family business, John’s leadership, optimism, faith, and unwavering commitment to people helped shape the company and its culture for more than four decades. John Franke Popp was born March 2, 1932, to Lucile and Les Sr. Popp. He grew up with his older brother, Les Jr., on Forest Park Boulevard in Fort Wayne and graduated from Northside High School in 1950. He went on to attend the University of Michigan, graduating in 1954, and entered the U.S. Army that same year. He served as a second lieutenant before returning home following his military service. John was offered an opportunity to begin a career as an analyst with T. Rowe Price, but his path ultimately led him back to Fort Wayne and the family bakery. At his mother’s urging, he returned home to join the business — a decision that would shape not only his own life, but the future of generations of the Popp family and Aunt Millie’s employees. Long before his career in baking, John developed a love for Lake Wawasee and water skiing, eventually becoming the Indiana state slalom water ski champion. It was at the lake that he met Esther Rolene, the love of his life. They married on June 19, 1960, and spent the next decades building a life together, raising two sons and creating countless memories with family and friends. Even with the demands of running a growing company, John made time for what mattered most, including cheering his sons on from the sidelines at their baseball and football games.
John F. Popp and his wife, Esther Rolene Popp
In 1967, John stepped away from the family bakery to pursue a career in real estate, where he developed the subdivisions of Devil’s Hollow, Manitou, Lakewood, West Hamilton Estates, White Loon, and Winding Brook. In 1980, he returned to Perfection Bakeries, where he helped guide the company through a period of significant growth and expansion. The company that would become known as Aunt Millie’s grew under his leadership into one of the largest family-owned baking companies in the United States. John viewed the people around him as an important part of that success. He loved being part of the team and was known for his optimism, encouragement, and genuine care for employees. His leadership was not simply about growing a business; it was about building an organization where people could grow, contribute, and feel that they were part of something bigger than themselves. A third-generation leader of the family-owned bakery founded in 1901, John was deeply committed to protecting and building upon the legacy established by his grandfather, John B. Franke. His influence also reached beyond Aunt Millie’s. He was a passionate advocate for independent bakeries across the country, working with industry organizations to strengthen and protect family-owned businesses. He believed in the importance of education and workforce development and encouraged lifelong learning within the company while supporting the next generation of leaders in the baking industry. In recognition of his contributions to the baking industry, John was inducted into the Baking Hall of Fame by the American Society of Bakers and Engineers in 2021. He also served the state of Indiana after being appointed by Governor Mike Pence to serve on the Indiana Commission for Higher Education. While John’s professional accomplishments were many, those closest to him knew that his faith and family were at the center of his life. He cherished Bible Study Fellowship and worshiped at The Chapel and Wawasee Lakeside Chapel. He was quietly generous and found joy in serving others through organizations including the Euell Wilson Center, Women’s Care Center, and Ratio Christi. John enjoyed spring breaks in Florida, trips to Maine, his ’61 Corvette, and working on projects at the lake. He appreciated the simple pleasures of life, but most of all, he loved his family. His greatest legacy will not be measured solely by the company he helped build, but by the family he loved, the people he encouraged, the lives he touched, and the values he carried with him throughout his life. “John Popp believed that success was built on people,” said Rick Brown, Chief Customer Officer. “He cared deeply about our employees, our customers, our communities, and the generations of families who have made Aunt Millie’s a trusted name. His leadership was defined by humility, kindness, and an unwavering commitment to doing what was right.” John’s passing leaves a tremendous loss for the Popp family, the Aunt Millie’s family, and the many people and organizations whose lives he touched. While the company mourns his loss, Aunt Millie’s leadership team remains committed to carrying forward the mission, values, and legacy John championed throughout his life. Daily operations will continue uninterrupted as the company moves forward under its established leadership plan. The Popp family extends its heartfelt appreciation for the many expressions of sympathy and support received during this difficult time. Memorial service information will be shared at a later date. About Aunt Millie’s Bakeries Founded in 1901 in Fort Wayne, Indiana, Aunt Millie’s Bakeries is one of the largest family-owned bakeries in the Midwest, serving customers across six states with fresh bread, buns, rolls, bagels, and other baked goods. For more than a century, the company has remained committed to quality, innovation, and serving the communities it calls home.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 21, 2026 Media Contact Information: Michael Korman, highway commissioner North Township Road District (847) 728-7055 mike.korman@northfieldtownship.com
Northfield Township Road District’s Phase II project placed in Group 1, the top tier, of MWRD’s 2026 Stormwater Partnership Program; construction could begin as early as 2027
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