The Independent E-Newsletter Archives
There was a serious one-car accident at 2 p.m. this afternoon along Bluff Road near Fountain. A four-door green car was heading northbound on Bluff Road approaching Fountain when it left the road, went through a
ditch, took out a brick flagpole and rammed into the front porch of the house. "The car was right in front of me and must have just went airborne after hitting the ditch," said witness Tom Smothers of Waterloo. The occupants of the car appeared to be a family of four to five people, including two or three young children. All of the victims were treated by the combined efforts of the Monroe County and Columbia ambulance services and rushed to the hospital. The injuries did not appear to be life threatening. Caroline Schanz, homeowner of the house, was home at the time, but was in the back of the house and not injured. Her daughter Christine was notified and was en-route from her job at Luhr Bros. The impact with the house caused the car to smoke and there was a small fire in the engine that the Waterloo and Columbia firemen quickly extinguished. Emergency crews had to work through a hard driving rain at the scene. The damage to the home was limited to the front
porch, but the brick flagpole stand was demolished.The Columbia Fire Department also responded to a semi-tractor truck's axle on fire along I-255 at 3:15 p.m. this afternoon. When they got to the scene the truck had already taken off. The call was considered
unsubstantiated.The Gibault Hawks soccer team was eliminated from the playoff earlier this week when they lost to Carbondale 2-1 in double overtime at the sectional tournament. This breaks Gibault's streak over several years of making it to the state tournament.
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************************************************************************Happy birthday to Arlin Obst who turns 80. He and wife Marian (his younger bride) are still very active throughout the community
The Columbia Eagles football team plays host to the Harrisburg Bulldogs Saturday with a 1 p.m. kickoff at the CHS field. This is a 4A class football playoff game.
The Valmeyer High School Music Boosters trivia night set for Saturday has been cancelled according to Marcia Braswell.
Line crews are today replacing the metal electric pole near Lou Del Subdivision. It had been damaged earlier this year in a fatal head on truck accident. A man from Randolph County died when he fell asleep at the wheel and hit the pole head on. That pole is not an electric bearing line. Electric only flows on the new metal poles up to Scott Credit Union. The other ones to the north are ready for future expansion.
There was a good turnout of well-wishers at the reception in honor of Dawn Shaver yesterday held at Harrisonville Telephone Co. Dawn had previously held the position of Executive Director of the Waterloo Chamber of Commerce. The position into the near future will be a part-time position. Shaver announced she has taken a full-time position at Action Graphics, located between Waterloo and Columbia.
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The Waterloo FFA Alumni will be hosting their annual pancake and sausage breakfast on Sunday November 2 from 7:00-11:30 am in the Waterloo High School Cafeteria. The breakfast is "all you can eat", and the cost is $5.00 for adults and $2.00 for children ages 6-12.
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Christmas Open House, Sunday, Nov. 2, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Drury House, 695 Moore St., Waterloo. The historic house built in 1835 overflows with silk flowers, wreaths, pictures, mirrors, antiques, cards, candles and more. Enjoy hot mulled cider, served from a copper kettle. Sign up for free prizes. For info. call 618-939-4450 or 866-206-8688.
************************************************************************The next edition of The Independent will be mailed out next Friday (the first Friday of the month is when it is printed.)
The Waterloo City Council Monday agreed on the preliminary plat for the business park located near Trolley Road, north of Waterloo. The park will be named the William Zimmer Business Park, in honor of the longtime
Waterloo educator. The street that the proposed YMCA will be located is to be named Edgar Zimmer Street, in honor of the longtime local attorney and brother of William. The Zimmers are expected to make a sizable donation to the YMCA campaign.Columbia Residents Lock Your Car Doors At Night:
Several unlocked cars have been broken into in and around downtown Columbia over the past month. The incidents have generally been located in the southeast section of town. Police Chief Gene Henckler said that
it appears to be kids looking for cash and merchandise in unlocked vehicles. One incident involved a woman, who normally locks her car but forgot one night, who had her purse stolen overnight. She discovered it later the next day lying in her neighbor's bushes emptied out. "We live in a very safe community that has a wholesome environment. But everyone does need to take standard precautionary measures to prevent minor
crimes," said Chief Henckler.************************************************************************
Great Cruise Value-RCCL Voyager Of The Seas, seven-night Western Caribbean cruise, from $874.51 pp.dbl., including port charges and airfare. Departs Nov. 16. Call now. Conrad Travel, Ltd., Columbia,
618-281-5555, 800-535-3260.
Order Deluxe Personalized Christmas Cards, Calendars and promotional items now. Great selection to choose from for individuals or businesses. Stop by or call for free catalog. Conrad Press, Ltd., 120 N. Main St., Columbia, 281-8000.
************************************************************************To Place Your Ad Here Contact The Independent by e-mail or call 618-281-8000. Only $5 for three lines and $1 for each additional line or portion of a line thereafter
************************************************************************The Columbia Police Department is continuing their investigation into the assault charge from last week and also the burglary on Briegel Street.
A Columbia ambulance, police officers and the Columbia Volunteer Fire Dept. responded to a two vehicle accident on Rt. 158 (Millstadt highway) this morning. A Ford Ranger and a Fed Ex truck collided when one of the vehicles attempted to pull into a driveway. There was a small child in the truck and one victim was taken to the hospital. No injuries appeared major.
Nothing new to report since the last e-newsletter on the Twila Wiley case. The Waterloo Police Department is waiting on DNA lab work before filing a case.
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At Ron's Pharmacy in Columbia, we take pride in providing personal service to our customers and the Monroe County community. To learn more, visit us us at http://www.ronspharmacy.net.
************************************************************************It is Halloween tonight - so make sure to be on the lookout for trick or treaters on the streets.
The Waterloo Police Department and Monroe County Ambulance Service is having a candy safety checkpoint this evening at the City Hall parking lot.
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Open To The Public: Guest Speaker and Luncheon: Tuesday, November 4, noon, at Turner Hall. Featuring retired Air Force Colonel and former POW Edward L. Hubbard. $10 per person, payable at the door. Reservations required. Call Susy Schweigert at 281-7144, ext. 106 or email susy@columbia.illiniois.com.
Sponsored by Columbia Chamber of Commerce and Todd Osterhage of Edward Jones.
************************************************************************Calendar of Events:
Friday: Happy Halloween
Valmeyer Hometown Halloween: Make sure to drop by Mike's Service Center when trick or
treating around new Valmeyer.
Dixie Dance at the Heckerdome
Saturday:
CHS playoff football 1 p.m. vs. Harrisburg
Eschy's Halloween Party - Mo Cash band
Dan Krausz at Heckerdome
Mon-Clair Baseball awards night at Millstadt VFW
Sunday:
WHS Alumni Pancake and Sausage Breakfast at cafeteria from 7 - 11:30 a.m.
Drury House of Waterloo Open House - 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Tuesday:
Former POW Edward Hubbard speaks at Turner HallRecent Obituaries:
Mrs. Dorothy Mae Powers, 79, of Columbia died October 30 at her residence. Visitation will be a Lawlor Funeral Home Saturday, Nov. 1 from 4 p.m. - 8 p.m. She will be buried in Indiana, where she grew up.
The Columbia Hardee's will not be opening anytime soon. The property is now for sale with H.C. Schueler having the listing. A Hardees will be built in Waterloo at the sight of the former Monroe County Electric Co-op building. That property sold for $391,000.
Congratulations to the Gibault Hawks defeated the Columbia last night in a regional game with a score of 2-0. Gibault scored both of its goals with under five minutes to play in regulation as both teams battled from one end of the field to the other. (Photo attached of Gibault's team accepting their plaque.) Gibault plays Waterloo High School tomorrow (Saturday) at 1 p.m. in the first round of the sectional tournament.
************************************************************************
Are you 55 or better? Join our Classic 55 Club and start enjoying the benefits.
Ask us for details today!
Check us out online at: http://www.fnbwaterloo.com
Now in our 91st year of making a difference in the lives of the people we serve.
************************************************************************
Columbia High School will put its 8-0 football record on the line tonight at Anna-Jonesboro (6-2) in a 7:30 p.m. contest. Columbia is ranked fifth in state among Class 4A teams. A-J is ranked ninth. A large contingent of Columbia fans will be on hand to root for the Eagles, hoping for an undefeated regular season, the first since 1993.
The Valmeyer High School drama department will present "How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying" runs this weekend, Friday through Sunday.
The always popular Gibault Oktoberfest is Saturday evening. (Don't forget to bid on the Lifetime Subscription to The Independent. Think of it as not just a gift, a family heirloom!!!)
This weekend marks the end of daylight savings time - so don't forget to turn your clocks back one hour Saturday night. Area fire departments also encourage everyone to change the batteries in their smoke detectors.
There was a serious multi-vehicle accident yesterday along I-255 in the southbound lanes near Dupo. Dupo EMTs and firemen, along with the assist of the Columbia Volunteer Fire Department responded to the scene. Two semi-tractor trailers collided, and a car was also involved. The driver of the Hostess truck had to be extricated from his vehicle and sent to the hospital by ARCH helicopter. Names have not yet been released.
Former St. Louis Cardinal Pitcher Andy Benes was the guest speaker at this morning's Columbia Optimist Prayer Breakfast at Turner Hall. Over 350 people were in attendance to dine on the large helpings and hear the inspirational words of Benes and two area ministers.
A Columbia woman has filed an assault complaint against an unknown man who remains on the loose. The woman states that while she was biking along Metter and Rueck streets in downtown Columbia Monday, a man biked close behind her and followed her for some distance. When the woman came to a stop the man pulled along side her and grabbed her chest. The women ran to a nearby house for safety. The woman described the man as ".a slender, grungy man." The Columbia Police Department is investigating the case. The woman has asked that women who walk or bike in Columbia take a little more caution.
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To Place Your Ad Here Contact The Independent by e-mail or call 618-281-8000. Only $5 for three lines and $1 for each additional line or portion of a line thereafter
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Garage Sale: 221 Mueller Lane (near the Monroe County Annex Building along the Waterloo by-pass) on Saturday, October 25th. (tomorrow). Eric and Cindie Allscheid will be selling a lot of baby clothes, furniture
and toys since their twin girls are older, including two baby beds, toys, tons of tons girl clothes, maternity clothes. In addition, there will be craft and household items.
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The Waterloo FFA Alumni will be hosting their annual pancake and sausage breakfast on Sunday November 2 from 7:00-11:30 am in the Waterloo High School Cafeteria. The breakfast is "all you can eat", and the cost is $5.00 for adults and $2.00 for children ages 6-12.
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Christmas Open House, Sunday, Nov. 2, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Drury House, 695 Moore St., Waterloo. The historic house built in 1835 overflows with silk flowers, wreaths, pictures, mirrors, antiques, cards, candles and more. Enjoy hot mulled cider, served from a copper kettle. Sign up for free prizes. For info. call 618-939-4450 or 866-206-8688.
************************************************************************The Waterloo Police Department continues to actively investigate the Twila Wiley death case. Police Chief Joe Brauer said they continue to wait on the DNA lab work being conducted by the Illinois State Police.
Some details may be uncovered Monday night during Monroe County Coroner Julie Gummersheimer's inquest
Calendar of Events
Friday:
Fish Fry and Bingo at the Waterloo VFW Hall
Haunted Trail and Maze at Waterloo Sportsman's Club
Route 3 plays at the Hecekrdome
Saturday
Columbia downtown HiJinks - children can drop by participating downtown merchants for tricks or treats.
Costume contest at ICS at 12:30 p.m. and parade down Main Street at 1 p.m.
Butch and the Polka Kings at Heckerdome
Sunday:
Fall back - turn back your clocks one hour
Valmeyer Lakers Meat Shoot and Meat Raffle at Fountain Inn
Trio Freddie at Heckerdome
Waterloo Library - Ghost Stories by Candlelight
Play at ICS - "Tales of Wonder"
Tuesday:
7 p.m. - Columbia Library - Haunted Illinois reading
Wednesday:
Morrison Talbott Library: Booking signing 1-4 p.m. - "Meet My Waterloo"
Monroe County Nursing Home Nursing Home Soup and Pie SupperRecent Obituaries:
Lavina Susewind, 102, of Waterloo, died October 16.Fred Scheibe, 84, of Waterloo died October 18.
Catherine Walsh, nee Laber, died October 22.
Raymond Phillips, Sr., 87, of Waterloo, died October 23.
Gladys Sabo, 94, of Columbia, died October 23. Visitation is today (Friday) from 5 -8 p.m. at Lawlor Funeral Home. Funeral will be at Lawlor's Saturday at 1:30 p.m.
A home was broken into in Columbia resulting in over on initial report of over $2,500 is missing items. The home is located at 810 N. Briegel. Illinois State Police is assisting the Columbia Police Department in
investigating the matter. Chief Gene Henckler is off today, so no additional information has been obtained.The City of Columbia leaf pickup will begin Tuesday, October 21 starting with the east side of Main Street. The west side of Main Street will be picked up the following week and pickup will continue until the program
is completed. Gum balls, branches or grass clippings will not be included.Columbia Halloween Hi-Jinks is Saturday, October 25 along Main Street. Several downtown merchants will be handing out candy to trick or treaters. There is a parade down Main Street at 1 p.m. Line up is at ICS
at 12:30 p.m.The fireworks heard along Geoddeltown Road last night came from the Ulrich house as Matt Ulrich and Sarah Glessner celebrated a bachelor / bachelorette party in honor of their wedding tonight at The Falls. The Ed-itor's ear's are still ringing from the final big blast.
The restoration of several downtown Waterloo buildings continues as the building that houses Gene's barbershop got a new layer of shingles on its roof yesterday. Today, work is being down on the exterior brick
work. The building is owned by Burris Management, which owns the Waterloo and Columbia McDonald's restaurants. They plan on using the old Clark's TV side as their new office.************************************************************************
Great Cruise Value-RCCL Voyager Of The Seas, seven-night Western Caribbean cruise, from $874.51 pp.dbl., including port charges and airfare. Departs Nov. 16. Call now. Conrad Travel, Ltd., Columbia,
618-281-5555, 800-535-3260.Order Deluxe Personalized Christmas Cards, Calendars and promotional items now. Great selection to choose from for individuals or businesses. Stop by or call for free catalog. Conrad Press, Ltd., 120 N. Main St., Columbia, 281-8000.
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To Place Your Ad Here Contact The Independent by e-mail or call 618-281-8000. Only $5 for three lines and $1 for each additional line or portion of a line thereafter
************************************************************************Speaking of Gene's Barbershop, barber Bob Main continues to recover after his heart operation. Vic Main mentioned Bob has a really sore arm, but hopes to be back behind the barber chair soon. (Ed-itor's Note: All
the ladies of Monroe County must have noticed the change in Ed's hair style since Bob left).The Ed-itor sends his sympathy out to all you local Cubs' fans out there. As a diehard Cardinals' fan, he hopes Rick and Jeannette McClellan will allow him to come back for a drink at Fountain Inn, as Rick and Jeanette are diehard Cubs fans. That reminds me, I wonder where Don Denkinger is these days (he was the ump that blew the call in the 1985 World Series.). I think a good Halloween outfit would be to dress up like Steve "Foul Ball" Bartman and walk into Fountain Inn and see if they'd serve you.
The Waterloo Sportsman's Club Haunted Trail is very popular this year. It is open Friday and Saturday nights from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. this weekend and next. The Sportsman's Club is located off of Route 3, south of Waterloo. The turnoff is just past the Roma's Pizza plant, just follow the signs. Everyone who has gone says it is well worth the trip. The Ed-itor will be dragging his nephews there this weekend.
There is a craft and bake sale Friday (today) and Saturday at Rosedale House in Waterloo (the senior living complex next to the Monroe County annex.).
Happy 74th birthday to Father Ed Hustedde.
The Monroe County Republican party will be having their annual dinner tonight in Columbia. (hmmm. I bet the Ed-itor can get a free meal and drinks here tonight.)************************************************************************
Are you 55 or better? Join our Classic 55 Club and start enjoying the benefits.
Ask us for details today!
Check us out online at:
http://www.fnbwaterloo.com
Now in our 91st year of making a difference in the lives of the people we serve.
************************************************************************Beth (Lammert from home) Luhr's antique store is opening tomorrow (Saturday). It is located along Main Street across from the ICS playground.
Waterloo Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Dawn Shaver attended her last chamber meeting Wednesday at that position. The City of Waterloo, which paid half her salary (the chamber paying the other) recently informed Shaver they would not be extending her contract which came due October 31. Chamber President Chip Bieber stated the chamber would seek a person to serve part time hours at the office, but would look to hire a full time person in the foreseeable future.
Todd Bradshaw has been spotted around Waterloo with his new pet dove named Vinnie.
The Columbia High School sixth and seventh hour construction classes have been kept busy by teacher Mr. Young building a sidewalk that runs from Parkview Drive to the south end of the school.
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Receive a FREE set of Samsonite Luggage* when you purchase a Cancun, Jamaica or Puerto Vallarta air/hotel vacation for Holiday or Winter Travel by October 31,2003. Call Heartland Travel at 618-939-3838/1-800-992-4278 or email cvtravel@htc.net.
*restrictions apply
************************************************************************The Missouri man involved in the motorcycle accident last Sunday near Wartburg has been released from the hospital and is walking.
The Waterloo VFW bar and diner was hoping to open in October but Commander Butch Sparwasser said their cook they hired just didn't show up for work. They are currently looking for someone who would be
interesting in cooking lunches and tending bar during the lunch hours Tuesday through Friday.
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Open House: Sunday, Oct. 19. Two locations - 325 N. Market, Waterloo from noon to 2 p.m.; and 2614 Lakeshore Drive in Columbia from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. By Kent Fischer, Century 21 Advantage, 618-281-7621.
************************************************************************Open To The Public: Guest Speaker and Luncheon: Tuesday, November 4, noon, at Turner Hall. Featuring retired Air Force Colonel and former POW Edward L. Hubbard. $10 per person, payable at the door. Reservations required. Call Susy Schweigert at 281-7144, ext. 106 or email susy@columbia.illiniois.com.
Sponsored by Columbia Chamber of Commerce and Todd Osterhage of Edward Jones.
************************************************************************Calendar of Events:
Friday:
Craft and Bake Sale at Rosedale House
Bingo Only at Waterloo VFW (no Fish on third Friday of the month)
Saturday:
Steak Night at JV's
Craft and Bake Sale at Rosedale House
Waterloo Optimist Trivia Night at SPPS at 7 p.m.
Sunday:
Dinner / Dance at Waterloo VFW
Tuesday:
Columbia Library presents Halloween Capers for youngsters beginning at 7 p.m.
************************************************************************
At Ron's Pharmacy in Columbia, we take pride in providing personal service to our customers and the Monroe County community. To learn more, visit us us at http://www.ronspharmacy.net.
************************************************************************
Recent Obituaries
Leah Jehling, 78, of Columbia died October 16 at the Columbia Convalescent Center. She was the wife of Marvin Jehling. Visitation is Sunday from 4-8 p.m. at Lawlor Funeral Home. Funeral is Monday at Lawlor's.Betty Ann Miller, nee Huebner, 72, of Waterloo, died October 15. She was the wife of David Miller. There will be no visitation or funeral service, according to Betty's wishes. Relatives and friends are invited to a reception in her memory at her home Sunday, October 26 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Lavina Susewind, 102, of Waterloo, died October 16. Visitation is Friday (today) from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Funeral is at St. Paul UCC of Waterloo Saturday at 10 a.m.
Marvin Rodenberg, 69, of Fults, died October 16. Visitation is Friday (today) at Quernheim from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. Funeral is Saturday at 1 p.m. at Quernheim's.
Valerie Slaughter Binger, 37, of Waterloo, died October 15. Her children are Eric Slaughter of Maeystown and Clara Slaughter of Belleville. Visitation and funeral were earlier today.
Final preparations are being completed for the Maeystown Oktoberfest this Sunday from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Make sure you get there early to secure a jar of apple butter.
The second annual Waterloo Heritage Fall Fest is Saturday from 10-4 at the Monroe County Courthouse grounds featuring crafts, music and food, including a best tasting wing competition.
The Waterloo Sportsman's Club's always popular haunted trail begins this weekend. It runs Friday and Saturday from 7 p.m. - 11 p.m. on Oct. 10, 11, 17, 18, 24 and 25.
Daniel Lowe, the twin that was injured in the car accident on New Hanover Road a couple weeks ago, remains in stable, but critical, condition in the hospital.
The Columbia and Waterloo fire departments responded to a report of a barn completely engulfed in flames on D Road yesterday morning at 6:30 a.m... It turned out to just be lights reflecting from a nearby house and was deemed a false alarm. At 9 a.m. there was another false fire alarm in downtown Columbia.
The Maeystown Fire Dept. was called to the farm of Steve Barchet as his John Deere combine caught on fire. It was not determined if it was salvageable.
The Waterloo Police Department continues their investigation to solve the case of the death of Twila Wiley. As of last week they have obtained their ninth search warrant to gain information.
Harvey Buettner, 81, of Columbia, was host to a reunion of his World War II buddies. The 321st Engineering Battalion spent a week visiting Columbia and St. Louis. Today Columbia Legion member George Eckert treated everyone to a barbecue at the Legion Pavilion. The group was responsible for constructing and maintaining supply line roads in the Philippines and other Pacific Islands. They have been getting together to reminisce since 1958, but this just may be the last year, as everyone is getting up in age and is having trouble making the travel. (photo attached of the men of the 321st Engineering Battalion gathering at the Columbia American Legion Doughboy statue.)
The YMCA fundraising campaign continues and has reached the two-thirds point in their drive.
John Gallagher continues his work on remodeling his building on Mill Street in Waterloo. The building is covered in scaffolding as workers put up the second floor patio. The Dawg Pound bar remains open during construction.
The City of Columbia received a $2,000 Bright Ideas grant from Illinois Power Company to be used for lighting and landscaping of the Warderman Cemetery. The City of Columbia will kick in $3,000 from the Municipal Buildings Improvement Fund.
The City of Columbia has authorized the United States Census Bureau to conduct a partial special census starting in mid-November. The census was requested in order for the City to be reimbursed funds from the
state of Illinois from income tax and motor fuel tax based on the people that reside in the city.
Waterloo Mayor Terry Kipping has decided against pursuing Jay Huetsch as the City Attorney to replace Brian Babka, who has asked to be relieved of his duties.
Congratulations to Don and Kathy Mechler of Waterloo who recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. Before their celebration at the VFW Hall, Don, Kathy and all their grandkids hopped into a
horse-drawn carriage and trotted off to attend church.
Barb Helfrich's business (Helfrich & Sons) has moved a block north along Main Street in Columbia. Her new office for her photo and tuxedo business is next to Benchmark Title.
Be sure to check out the Halloween display along Bluff Road near Fountain at the Garry and Dianne Stuckmeyer Farm. They always put out a very humorous display that is worth the drive. (photo attached of one of the displays.)
The leaves will soon be changing colors - a trip along Bluff Road is very breathtaking.
Calendar of Events:
Friday:
Waterloo VFW Fish Fry and Bingo
Turner Hall Fish Fry
Homecoming football games - Waterloo and Columbia
Red Bud Fire Department Open House
Saturday:
Waterloo Heritage Fall Fest - 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Route 3 10 anniversary at Columbia City Saloon
Sunday:
Maeystown Oktoberfest 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Holy Cross Lutheran Church Wartburg Concord Day
Gene Schreder Cancer Benefit at Waterloo VFW 1-5 - with Mo Cash Band
Zarkie Music of downtown Columbia Customer Appreciation Sale, 2 - 5 pm
Recent Obituaries
Reginald Carver, 75, of Columbia died Tuesday, Oct. 7 at Columbia Convalescent Center. He is survived by wife Patricia, sons Joe and Jim; and daughter Jan Schoenhoff. Visitation today (Friday from 3-9 p.m. at
Lawlor Funeral Home. Funeral is Saturday, Oct. 11 at 11 a.m. at Lawlors.
Lucille Whelan, nee Johanning, 93, of Red Bud died Oct. 9. She was the widow of Edward Whelan. Visitation is Friday (today) at Quernheim Funeral Home. Funeral is Saturday, Oct. 11 at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Wartburg.
Arline Gant, 88, of Waterloo, died Oct. 6. He was the husband of Mary Gant.
Marvin Marquardt, 64, of Waterloo, died Oct. 6. He was the husband of Marlene Marquardt.
Richard Cadman, 64, of Waterloo, died Oct. 5. He was the husband of Stella "Tessie"" Cadman.
The October edition of The Independent has been dropped off at the post office and The Ed-itor will be busy making deliveries throughout the county tonight - so be on the lookout.
The Waterloo VFW Hall bar and kitchen are now open during the day weekdays Tuesday through Friday. The kitchen will feature sandwiches and soup Tues. - Thursday and the full regular Friday evening menu on Friday. They are calling the bar "The Veteran's Hometown Bar."
The Columbia and Valmeyer fire departments were the recipients of federal grants today to purchase new vehicles. Illinois Rep. Jerry Costello presented the Columbia Chief Mike Roediger with a check for
just over $211,000 today, and Valmeyer Chief Floyd Floarke accepted a check for $45,000. Columbia plans to purchase a new pumper truck to replace an older one they have used since 1976. Photo attached of Rep. Costello presenting the check to Columbia firemen, the Columbia Fire Rural Board and Mayor Lester Schneider.
Tiny's Pub & Grill is undergoing a major remodeling. Owners Don and Mary Pat Voelker have decided to tear down the back pool room. In its place they will put in a new dining room, double the size of the old pool
room. The building should take about three months. When open, they will introduce a bigger menu, new kitchen and new bathrooms. (photo attached of the excavator clawing into Tiny's - photo by Don Voelker.)
There is a blood drive going on today at the Valmeyer School until 7 p.m.
There will be a benefit dance for Gene Schreder (diagnosed with a rare form of cancer in May) on October 12, 2003 at the Waterloo VFW from 1-5 pm. Mo' Cash will provide the music. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children under 12. There will be snacks and a cash bar as well as attendance prizes and a
50/50 drawing.
There will be 24 hours of prayer for Jan Schoenhoff from Sat Oct. 4 10 a.m. to Sunday Oct 5. Jan recently discovered she has cancer. The community is invited to come together for Jan. Her family includes
husband Chris and children Ashlee, Ahna and Andrew. The prayer service will be at Christ Community Church in Columbia (the one near the soccer park at the intersection of South Main and Rt. 3.)
Great Cruise Value-RCCL Voyager Of The Seas, seven-night Western Caribbean cruise, from $874.51 pp.dbl., including port charges and airfare. Departs Nov. 16. Call now. Conrad Travel, Ltd., Columbia, 618-281-5555, 800-535-3260.
Order Deluxe Personalized Christmas Cards, Calendars and promotional items now. Great selection to choose from for individuals or businesses. Stop by or call for free catalog. Conrad Press, Ltd., 120 N. Main St., Columbia, 281-8000.
Columbia Sister Cities Oktoberfest Dinner, Dance and Auction is Saturday, Oct. 4 at Turner Hall. Doors open at 5 with dinner at 6 p.m. Music will be provided by the Wendl Brothers German Band at 7 p.m.
Silent auction of German items closes at 8:30 p.m. Walk-ins welcome, open seating. German dinner includes pork sausage, mashed potatoes, sauerkraut, fleish salat, fresh baked brad, apple and cherry strudel. German and American beers at the bar. $17.50 per person payable at the door.
Antique Appraisals: The Monroe County Retired Teacher's will be meeting Monday, Oct. 13 and Col. Edd Kueker will be offering to appraise antiques. The meeting is at the Monroe County Annex Building in Waterloo and begin with a lunch at 11:30 a.m.
Calendar of Events
Friday:
Fish Fry and Bingo at Waterloo VFW
Saturday:
Open House at Hecker Library 10 a.m. 1 p.m.
Columbia Sister Cities Oktoberfest
Sunday:
Heckerdome: Heritage Band
Recent Obituaries
Nathan Lowe, 16, died Saturday, Sept. 27 as a result of injuries sustained in an automobile accident. He was a junior at Waterloo High School and employed at The Lantern in Columbia. He is survived by his
mother Vicki Poentiski Lowe, father Michael Payne, brothers Jason Dell and Daniel Lowe. Visitation is Monday, October 6 at Lawlor Funeral Home from 6 - 8 p.m. Funeral is Tuesday at 11 a.m. Lawlor's.
Columbia Fire Dept. responded to the home of Michael Byrd along Hilltop Road this morning after lightening struck the house. There was a smell of smoke, but there was no sighting of a fire. Several CVFD firemen assisted the Cahokia Fire Dept. in putting out the gas fire at Phillips Petroleum this morning.
The Waterloo Fire Dept. was called to put out a field fire along Kopp Road yesterday afternoon.
CHS Exchange Student Jordan Conrad is reported to be doing fine as he studies this year in Gedern, Germany. He is even playing with the community band. The band loaded up for a performance in Papenberg, Germany this morning. (Ed-itor's Note: Jordan was notified by email to check if all the people in the town act and/or look anything like the Papenbergs of Hecker. It is assumed everyone in the town in northern Germany raises cows and plays a lot of softball.)
Several local attorneys climbed to the top of the 14,225 ft. Shavanno Mountain outside of of Salida, Col. This past August. As soon as Judge Dennis Doyle made it to the summit, he pulled out his copy of The Independent from his backpack and had everyone pose for a photo (attached. Left to right are Art Morris, Kris Reitz, Dennis Doyle, Arlie Traughber, Brian Babka and Arlie's son Matt.)
Speaking of attorneys, the Monroe County Bar Assoc. is having their annual golf tournament at Acorns this afternoon, pending the rain.
Harres Furniture's Joel Harres was saddened to learn of the recent passing of The Maytag Man / WKRP in Cincinnati's Gordon Jump. Joel had met Jump in 1994 during a dinner for Maytag appliance dealers in St. Louis. Harres quipped that he considered putting his Maytag sales banners at half mast. It is unknown if anyone in Monroe County ever met the other recently departed celebrities: John Ritter, Johnny Cash or Robert Palmer.
The Twila Wiley Case: As of this morning, State's Attorney Kris Reitz reports that they are still patiently waiting for the DNA results. An Illinois State Trooper met with Reitz and Waterloo Police Chief Joe Brauer during the past week to inform them the results may take up to two months to be completed.
David Hartrum, 17, was sentenced on vandalism charges Monday at the Monroe County Courthouse. Hartrum was found guilty of the burglary chargers from a July 4 incident at the Maeystown Civic Association Park. In addition to the 78 days of jail he served since his arrest, he was given 30 months probation, is not allowed to go onto Waterloo School District property, ordered to pay $114 in court cost and pay restitution for the damages at the Maeystown Civic Assoc. and all subsequent damage he is found guilty of committing in Monroe County. A restitution hearing is set for Nov. 20, 2003 at 1 p.m. Hartrum is charged with over 100 counts of vandalism throughout Monroe County and Randolph County. The juvenile hearing for the two men charged in connection with assisting Hartum in his vandalism will have a court appearance next Thursday.
Several readers have asked when The Ed-itor is ever going to put in the promised Peephole page in the newspaper. Well, I think I will finally have one in the upcoming edition. I have attached a photo that might make the cut. It is the Ed-itor being warned by a police officer while he vacationed in Colorado. Sorry if it offends any readers, but it is his type of humor. (Ed-itor's Note: For those who have never read The Peephole, for 10 years Ed Wienhoff wrote what he considered a comical / irreverent magazine with sarcastic jokes about the people, events and places in Monroe County.)
The Independent's website has updated to include an archive of past E-newsletters. www.mocountyillinois.com. Click on e-newsletter archive. I haven't added new photos yet this month. Thanks to Kris Voelker of Harrisonville Telephone Co. for the assistance.
Calendar of Events:
Friday:
Valmeyer School Music Boosters Carnival
Saturday:
Apple butter stirring in Maeystown 6 a.m. - 2 p.m. Stirrers needed. Meals provided.
Immaculate Conception of Columbia 150th anniversary alumni Mass. Dinner and ice cream
social immediately following.
Trivia Night at Gibault to benefit SS Peter & Paul Holy NameSociety.
Tables remain open. Begins at 7 p.m.
Recent Obituaries
Dorothy Danley, nee Linker, 84, of Belleville, died September 24. Funeral is Saturday (tomorrow), 10 a.m. at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Belleville. She is survived by siblings Myrtle Andres, Eugene Linker, Martha McNulty, Peggy Gray and Betty Benz.
Joseph Bader, 95, of St. Genevieve, MO died Sept. 16. He was the father of Delores Gidley of Waterloo.
The Waterloo Fire Department was dispatched at 1 a.m. this morning to put out two dumpster fires. They extinguished the flames at a construction dumpster located behind Subway and a trash dumpster behind Gas 'N Grab. Both fires were considered very suspicious since they were reported at the same time. Waterloo police officers searched downtown for any suspects, but no arrests were made.
Columbia EMTs were called to a one-vehicle accident along Triple Lakes Road this morning at approximately 4 a.m. A vehicle slammed into a power line on the St. Clair County side of Triple Lakes Road. The driver was rushed to the hospital by ARCH helicopter. No name has yet been released.
David Hartrum has remained in the Monroe County jail since July stemming from criminal vandalism charges. The Waterloo Police Department is also seeking 86 charges of vandalism against two minors connected with the Hartrum case. The two minors are brothers and both are former Waterloo High School students. They are scheduled to appear in juvenile court October 2. One of the brothers is currently attending a trade school and the other has not registered for classes. The Police Department said they have made WHS teachers and administrators aware of the charges against the students. The Waterloo Police Department would like to assure all parents, grandparents, other relatives and friends of current students that the brother's vandalism charges have not involved any student or school property. Waterloo Police Chief Joe Brauer said their past criminal activity has been curbed and there is no reason to fear any retaliation as they await their court appearance. The safety of Waterloo students will be well protected by the school administration in conjunction with the Waterloo Police Department. The Waterloo Police Department has enacted additional safety and security measures for all Waterloo students in every grade level.
The Valmeyer Fire Dept. responded to a passerby reporting smoke in the area of Fountain yesterday. The Independent's Fountain News Bureau Chief Jeannette McClellan (proprietor of Fountain Inn) immediately walked up the levee and reported that neither smoke nor fire could be seen. The firemen arrived on the scene and drove around the area for several minutes also without seeing any signs of a fire. It was considered a false alarm.
Some minor vandalism occurred at Oerter Soccer Park earlier this week. Some vandals apparently tipped over a table and took down a goal net.
Randy's RR's softball team will have to make it the rest of the fall-ball season without their steady fielding shortstop Joe Lenhardt. Joe took a ball off his left eyeball during a game last Wednesday. The blow shattered his glasses and resulted in two large cuts. The Ed-itor claims he can now cover both second base and short stop, as long as the ball is hit right to him since his range is limited.
Two former Monroe Countians were directly affected by Hurricane Isabel this week as Brian Bequette and Tom Baum both live in Columbia, Maryland, just outside of Baltimore. Tom reported to his father Harold he received about three inches of rain, but most of the damage occurred from the flooding along the coastline. The Baum's never lost power at their home, but Tom is off of work until the power is restored at his office. Brian Bequette was actually on a plane flying from Germany back to Dulles Airport when the storm hit. The plane was diverted to Chicago O'Hare. Brian is hoping to catch a flight back to Maryland later today. On an interesting note: The town of Columbia, MD is next to Waterloo, MD. Tom Baum lives in Columbia and his kids attend the Waterloo, MD School District.
Waterloo Police Joe Brauer reports that they are waiting on the DNA results from the Twila Wiley death investigation. Brauer said once all the evidence is turned in, he is positive they will resolve the case and find the truth. The next court appearance for the gun possession charge for James Wiley, husband of Twila, is set for October 15 at 1 p.m. at the Monroe County Courthouse. James Wiley has not been charged in connection with his wife's death.Schorr Lake Winery will be having an Art & Craft Fair Sunday from Noon to 4 p.m.
The Monroe Actors Stage Company's production of "Never Too Late" runs through this weekend with performances Friday and Saturday evenings at 7:30 p.m. and a Sunday matinee at 2:30 p.m.
Don't forget that there is No fish fry tonight at Waterloo Sportsman's Club.
St. Paul UCC is having a benefit Crop Walk Sunday, Sept. 21 beginning at 1 p.m. at the church parking lot. Members of various local churches will take two and one-half mile walk through the streets of downtown Waterloo, making stops at several of the churches. The event will help raise awareness and funds for food banks. A church van will be available to accommodate those unable to complete the entire walk. Water and bathroom stations will also be available along the walk. Donations will be accepted the day of the event. For those unable to walk, sponsors for the walkers, drink servers and registration assistants are needed. For more information contact your church or St. Paul UCC office (618)939-7123 for information.
The Maeystown Preservation Society is looking for volunteers to help make apple butter next weekend. Meals will be provided! They will be peeling apples next Friday morning, Sept. 26 beginning at 8 a.m. Stirring will take place Saturday morning at 6 a.m. and last until about 2 p.m. Anyone that can take a short shift stirring is welcome. It is actually a lot of fun and not too strenuous.
The Ed-itor just got back from a week's vacation in Colorado visiting friends Steve and Trish Stuart (Denver) and Mark Kennedy (Boulder). The Ed-itor visited Estes Park, Rocky Mountain National Park, biked Waterton Canyon and attended Denver's Oktoberfest, where it was observed they just don't know how to chicken/duck dance in Denver like they do back home. A photo is attached of the Ed-itor crossing a raging river in the heart of Rocky Mountain National Park. (Ed-itor's Note: I wonder if the boys in the Maeystown Polar Bear Club would brave these frigid waters?)
The Columbia American Legion barn was tore down this past week. The building was heavily damaged by a fire earlier this year. There are plans to construct a new structure. Photo attached of the Kleinschmidt's tearing down the building.
Calendar of Events:
Friday:
Valmeyer Jaycees Golf Tournament at Acorns
Bingo only at Waterloo VFW
No Fish Fry at Waterloo Sportsman's Club
Saturday:
Pro-Life Walk at 9 a.m. beginning at Monroe County Courthouse followed by an open house at the
Pregnancy Center. Registration at 8 a.m.
Noon - 3 p.m.: Kids Day America at Morrison Talbott Library.
First National Bank of Waterloo Customer Appreciation Cookout at Columbia branch from 11 a.m. to
2 p.m. Free food and refreshments. Entertainment by Cumberland Gap Bluegrass Band.
Steak Night at JV's
Sunday:
St. Paul UCC Waterloo Crop Walk at 1 p.m.
Schorr Lake Winery Art and Craft Fair from Noon - 4 p.m.
Valmeyer Church Picnic 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Valmeyer School Memorial Fountain Dedication at 1 p.m.
Columbia Chamber of Commerce Chicken Wing Fling and Business Expo
at Turner Hall Park 1 p.m. - 4 p.m.Recent Obituaries:
Henry Beckette, 75, of Waterloo died Sept. 17. Funeral was today, Friday, at DeFabio Funeral Home.
Columbia Hardees was closed Wednesday night after a fire started in an air conditioning unit caused extensive damage. There were six employees inside and all got out safely. The restaurant has been closed and employees ordered to stay out because of damage to the roof. There is about 6'x6' hole in the roof where the fire burned through and the whole building has smoke damage. There was some water damage in the area of the fire. Photo attached of the Columbia firemen putting out the blaze.
The Waterloo Police Department and the Police Commissioners have announced the promotion of Sgt. Dwight "Dave" Loless to the rank of Lieutenant effective Sept. 8. Lt. Loless will assume his duties as Commander of the Field Operations Bureau, in addition to his current positions of department detective and crime scene technician.
The Monroe County Board of Commissioners will meet Monday, Sept. 15 beginning at 8:30 a.m. Besides routine reports, the board will consider information from Mike Fausz on a flood plain variance for Curtis Henke and a final subdivision plat for Garrett. In addition the Dillenberger rezoning will be discussed. County Highway Supt. Ron Polka will bring before the board a roof bid, a contract award for the bandstand and the disposal of excess highway department equipment and buildings. Jeanette Gerber is on the agenda for the Waterloo Senior Group. The meetings are open to the public and take place at the courthouse.
The Monroe County Economic Development Group met Wednesday evening at the courthouse with 16 members present. The group reviewed a draft of their bylaws, adopted a mission statement and reviewed a format for funding the group's activities. The organization proposed collecting $1 for every person in the county according to the latest census. This would raise $27, 619 with the cities and villages contributing according to their sizes and the county picking up the remainder. This would mean that Columbia would contribute $7,922, Waterloo, $7,614, Valmeyer $608, Hecker $475, Maeystown $148 and Fults $28. The county's portion would be $10,824.The proposed funding would have to be approved by the county board and the respective city and village boards and councils. The group also approved seeking business and individual sponsorships ranging from $50 to $5,000 and more to help funding its activities and start-up costs. No actual budget has yet been prepared. The three-page bylaws addressed the purpose of the organization, the meeting schedule, the officers, committees and other organizational details.
The group approved the following mission statement: The goal of the Monroe County Economic Development Committee is to stimulate economic growth within the county. Increased economic growth would ease taxpayer burdens, create new employment opportunities, advance infrastructure improvements, and enhance the quality of life for Monroe County residents. To implement this goal, it is the vision of the committee to: 1.) Create jobs within the county that provide above-average wages as well as entry level opportunities by attracting potential employers of a commercial and light industrial nature that will not have a detrimental effect on the environment of the county or the lifestyle of county residents; 2.) Retain existing jobs within the county by promoting and supporting the growth and stability of existing businesses; 3.) Help coordinate the efficient placement of commercial and light industrial sites and facilities within the county; 4.) Encourage the development and education of the area's work force.
By accomplishing the above goals, it is the desire of the committee to provide: 1.) Increased commercial assessed valuation; 2.) Decreased taxpayer burdens; 3.) New sources of revenue for county school districts and other local governments based in the county; 4.) New local sources of employment; Leading to: An improved quality of life for county residents.Calendar of Events:
Friday:
-Fish Fry and Bingo at the Waterloo VFW.
-CVFD Fish Fry sponsored by the Columbia Athletics Boosters from 5-7 p.m.
at CHS before the Columbia High School vs. Dupo football game.
Saturday:
-The Waterloo tourism trolley will be bringing St. Louisans to visit Waterloo.
Thursday:
-The Waterloo Chamber of Commerce Golf Tournament at the Waterloo Country Club
Mark your calendars:
Columbia Chamber of Commerce Wing Fling and Business Expo Sunday, Sept. 21, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., Turner Hall.
Columbia Sister Cities Oktoberfest, Saturday, Oct. 4, Turner Hall. For reservations contact Jean Marie Conrad 281-5555.
Waterloo Sportsman's Club will not have a fish fry this month. Advertisement in last issue of The Independent was incorrect. Please watch for October events in the next edition of The Independent.
Recent Obituaries:
Viola C. Fenaia nee Hennrich, 94, of Valmeyer died Aug. 31 at Waterloo. Funeral was at St. Mary's Valmeyer Sept. 4 burial was at SS Peter and Paul Cemetery.
Carl. W. Riebeling, Sr., 83, of Columbia died Sept. 8. Visitation is at Lawlor Funeral Home 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. today. Funeral at 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 13 at St. Paul UCC.
Johnnie L. Ferguson, 71, of Waterloo died Sept. 7.Visitation was at DeFabio Funeral Home. Funeral was Wednesday, Sept. 10 at the funeral home burial was at JB Cemetery.
Michael P. Koonce, 53, of Waterloo died Sept. 6. There was no public visitation. A private funeral was held. Burial was at JB Cemetery.
The September edition of the Independent has been dropped off at the post office. The Ed-itor will be out and about dropping it off at the newsstands tonight. There was a lot of photos and news submitted this
month and we were unable to get it all squeezed in. We will work to get the rest of the photos in next month.The Relay for Life Cancer Walk is tonight at the Monroe County Fair Grounds. If you are not participating, there is still a lot for the public to do. All are encouraged to attend.
A Valmeyer woman who had slit her wrists went missing yesterday for several hours. The Monroe County ambulance and sheriff's deputies had responded to a 911 call that woman who cut her wrists, but when they got to the home along Rt. 156 just outside of Valmeyer. When they arrived they learned she had fled into the woods of the bluff. Deputies along with Valmeyer and Waterloo firemen began an extensive search of the
area. A helicopter was called in to help. A conservation officer eventually found her alive before nightfall.
(Ed-itor's Note: Someone needs to find a reason why all this crazy stuff keeps happening in Monroe County. The Ed-itor will blame Mars being too close to the earth.)
James Wiley had a preliminary hearing today regarding the gun possession charge. Judge Doyle found that there was probable cause to pursue the case of unlawful possession of a fire arm. His next court date has been set for October 15 at 1 p.m.The investigation into the death of Twila Wiley continues. Twila's father dropped off a letter today for the next edition of the paper. James Doering wrote a touching letter about how great a person Twila was and how she will be missed to all who knew her.
The Columbia Eagles Athletic Booster Club encourages anyone interesting in joining to attend their meetings - they meet the second Wednesday of the month at the CHS cafeteria at 8 p.m.
Matt Altes and Karen Augustine will be getting married tomorrow.Look out for hundred of Harley motorcycles on the road Sunday as the annual Washy's Run starts at Lou and Michelle's in the morning and ends up later that day at Fountain Inn.
Vic Sondag will be honored tomorrow by the Waterloo Park District for his year's of work and being the driving force behind the Waterloo Park District Pool.
Recent Obituaries:
Doris Mae Eilerts Jesman, nee Welch, 80, of Waterloo, died Sept. 4. Visitation today (Friday) from
5-9 p.m. at Quernheim.
Calendar of events:
Friday:
Relay for Life at Monroe County Fairgrounds - open to the public
Fish Fry and Bingo at Waterloo VFW
Saturday:
St. John's UCC Maeystown Trivia Night 7 p.m. (The Bundy's Bombers are trying to four-beat)
Sunday:
Washy's Run (watch for the over 300 bikers participating).
A large barn was destroyed today in a three-alarm inferno at the Poetker Farm along Gilmore Lake Road in rural Waterloo. Waterloo firemen raced to the scene at approximately 11 a.m. this morning and were encountered with a fully engulfed barn filled to the ceiling with a combination of hay and straw bales. The Poetker brothers, along with their sons and daughters worked at a fast pace to get the hay and straw bales out of the barn as firemen worked their way into barn spraying water on the flames. Bernard Vogt along with Kevin Poetker and a Poetker youth drove tractors to pull out the smoldering bales. Firemen were doing their best to get to the flames, but were having difficulty getting through the thousands of smoldering bales. Firemen from Columbia and Millstadt were called to provide additional man-power and water from their tanker
trucks. As of 3:30 p.m., firemen were still on the scene putting out the blaze. Photos attached of the blaze and Kevin Poetker and Bernie Vogt operating tractors to help put out the fire. Additional firemen were
called to relieve those that have worked all afternoon and Mrs. Poetker has just arrived with a large meal for everyone. One Waterloo fireman was taken to the hospital for exhaustion / smoke inhalation and another
was treated for a minor cut.
Rain has finally returned to Monroe County as a steady downfall has settled over Monroe County today.Wayne Collmeyer has said the repairs to Waterloo High School are right on schedule and school will open right on time. There were rumors going around town to the contrary.
Illinois American has announced that they will be raising the cost of water to Waterloo.The Waterloo City Attorney has stepped down sighting family reasons. Mayor Terry Kipping is expected to announce a replacement at the City Hall meeting next Tuesday for the aldermen to vote on.
Waterloo Police Chief Joe Brauer said that the investigation into the death of Twila Wiley still continues. Waterloo officers are patiently waiting for the lab / DNA / forensic results to come back from the Illinois State Police Specialists. Once the results come back the officers will analyze the information and see if they can make a case.****CLICK IT OR TICKET ****** Illinois State Police will be having roadside seatbelt checks this weekend in Monroe County. They performed searches along Admiral Parkway in Columbia this morning. They are
scheduled to be in and around Waterloo Sunday and/or Monday.The ICS Church Picnic is Monday (Labor Day) featuring fried chicken, burger, beverages, dancing and BINGO!!!!
Columbia firemen were called to the Gary Stumpf farm yesterday to put out a blaze in a grain elevator as a fire broke out during drying.
Calendar of Events:
Friday:
Waterloo VFW Fish Fry and Bingo
Monday: Labor Day
Immaculate Conception Church Picnic
A two-car collision this morning in Columbia resulted in one fatality. The accident occurred at approximately 10:30 a.m. at the intersection of Admiral Parkway (Rt. 3) and Carl Street. Monroe County Coroner Julie
Gummersheimer has not yet released the name of the deceased. (Photo attached of the accident scene.) The highway should be opening soon.
(Ed-itor's Note: Unofficially, I figure this marks the fifth untimely death in the past three weeks, including two car accident deaths, a hanging, a shooting and a drowning.)
Col. Edd Kueker is looking for someone who may have a bunch of never used pencils lying around. He is working on another reconstruction of a historic building made out of pencils. He has recently begun working on the Lewis and Clark fort that was located in Alton before the Corps of Discovery embarked on their historic journey west. Contact Edd if you know of a source of pencils.
Despite the heat last night, hundreds attended the Walker Bros. Circus in Columbia. It was sponsored by the Columbia Kiwanis. In photo is Colton Byrd, Grace Beech and Sarah Garmer atop an elephant.Waterloo Alderman Tom Smith is recovering from what initially appears to be a minor heart condition. He was taken to the hospital Wednesday and is waiting test results. He is currently feeling a lot better this morning, though is still a little dehydrated. Fellow Waterloo Alderman Charlie Metzger continues to recover from by-pass surgery. It is unknown when he will be able to resume his chair at city council.
Bob Main, barber at Gene's Barber Shop in Waterloo, is also recovering from heart by-pass surgery done August 11. He is now home and going well. It is unsure when he will be back behind the chair giving haircuts. So if you notice the Ed-itor with scruffy looking hair, that is the reason. Bob did want to point out that he now has a bigger heart.
Benefit 5k Run and Walk Saturday: The Waterloo Optimist Club will be hosting a 5K Competitive Run & 5K Fun Walk Saturday (tomorrow) beginning at 8 a.m. Race organizer Brad Karn said the club wanted to add a new event to this year's Homecoming weekend. The Run/Walk starter gun will go off at 8:00AM sharp and send competitors and fun walkers down the streets of Waterloo. The racecourse starts in the Roger's Middle School parking lot up First Street west to Bellefontaine north to Hamacher to a turn around point by the Ridge Golf Course entrance then to Osterhage Drive to Fourth Street and a return to Roger Street and finish by the
tennis courts. The Optimist Club is sponsoring this event to raise money for their youth programs and scholarships. For information: Brad Karn at 939-3970 BradKarn@hotmail.com or Kermit
Constantine at 939-4681 kermit@htc.net.
The Independent's website has been updated with several new photos: www.mocountyillinois.comValmeyer Cub Scout Pack 345 will be recruiting boys from first grade to fifth grade. It will be held at Valmeyer Elementary School on 28 August at 7:00 pm.
Calendar of Events:
Friday:
Waterloo Homecoming
Saturday:
8 a.m. - Waterloo Optimist Run / Walk at Rogers School
Benefit Car Wash beginning at 9:30 a.m. for Holy Cross Lutheran Youth Group
Stuhaus Golf Tournament at The Ridge
4:30 p.m. - Waterloo Homecoming Parade
7 p.m. - Trivia Night at Fountain Inn For Relay For Life
Sunday:
9 a.m. - Holy Cross Lutheran Renault 150th Anniversary Service and Meal
Recent Obituaries:
June Aitchinson, nee Schrecker, 79, of Los Angeles, died August 16. Her daughter Diane (Allen) Hoffman lives in Columbia.
Joel Harres of Columbia was on the phone with his wife Linda in New York yesterday afternoon when the power went out on the East Coast. Linda was in New York watching her daughter dance, but is reported to be managing fine without power. The Harres' son Scott made it through the first round of American Idol competition in Houston. He was among 3,000 contestants, with 75% being eliminated in the first round. He performed Billy Joel's "For The Longest Time." If Scott gets through the second round he will advance to Los Angeles. Scott his parents Joel and Linda Harres camped out on the street a couple of nights waiting in line with other contestants.
Jane Gaitsch was stuck on the tarmac at the Cleveland airport due to the power outage. Her flight back to Lambert International was delayed several hours, but husband Darrell reported she arrived home safely.
Forrest Hesterberg is recovering from by-pass surgery. He had some chest pains yesterday and was rushed to the hospital, but all turned out well as he dined with wife Sharon at the Bee Hive last night.The Maeystown Hurricane Krewe, a team of the American Cancer Society Relay For Life of Monroe County, is hosting a silent auction for Chicagoland race tickets. The tickets are for two events; the Chicagoland 200 on Saturday, September 6 and the Chicagoland Indy 300 on Sunday, September 7. Seats are 8, 9, 10 and 11 in row 3, section 423. All bids need to be in by August 30. Call 458-6425 or drop your bid off at Eschy's Bar & Restaurant, 1026 Main St., Maeystown.
The American Cancer Society Relay For Life of Monroe County will be held on September 5 and 6 at the Monroe County fairgrounds. Linda Matthews wants to let everyone know that the public is invited to watch the
event. Their will be several food stands open and other activities to participate in. Marie McMullan reports that she has signed up 107 cancer survivors to begin the event with the Survivor's Walk at 7 p.m. A highlight will be the lighting of the luminaries at 9 p.m.
Update on the head on truck accident on G Road outside of Burksville last Friday: Matthew Buettner, 18, off LL Road in Waterloo was driving a 1996 Ford F-150. Driving a 1982 GMC Sierra was Shawn Koller, 31, of
Granite City. Koller was taken to hospital in an ambulance. Koller was ticketed in regard to the incident.
The Waterloo Police Department is investigating a mysterious duffle bag found in an alley along the 100 block of Library Street yesterday (near the Ahne house). Inside the bag was a metal container that appeared to
be a homemade anhydrous container. The Waterloo Police Department taped off the alley and the Waterloo Fire Department was called to the scene to monitor the situation. The police department is still investigating
the contents and have not yet divulged what was inside or if there are any suspects. (Photo attached of Waterloo Police Officer Jay Sawyer blocking off the alley with the duffle bag laying in the alley behind
him.)
The Waterloo Police Department is continuing their investigation of the death that occurred last week at Konarcik Park. Police Chief Joe Brauer and Asst. Chief Sweet are meeting with State Troopers at this moment.
Terry and Regina Lenhardt were aboard the hot air balloon flying over Waterloo yesterday evening. Regina had given Terry the gift of a balloon ride for his 40th birthday earlier this summer. (Photo attached of Terry
and Regina flying over Pautler Heights subdivision.)
The Stuhaus Golf Classic Saturday, August 23rd, 2003 12:30 PM - they are looking for players and hole sponsors. The tournament will benefit the Stuhaus Golf Classic / Columbia Lions Club Local Scholarship Fund for Columbia and Gibault H.S. Graduating Students. * Four (4) Person Scramble at the Ridge. 12:00 - 12:30 Shotgun Start. * Registration and Lunch begin at 11:30 PM * $65 per person / $260 per Team (Includes 18 holes of Golf, Cart, Food, consisting of Lunch, Apps, BBQ Dinner, Beer, prizes, etc. * Open to the First 18 teams to register / pay by Friday, August 15th * Skins Game and Skill Contests Send Check / Team Info to:
Steve Stuart 9888 S. Spring Hill Drive Highlands Ranch, CO 80129 (303) 683-4817 E-Mail: stuhaus@aol.com
Jim Dillenberger's proposed 60 lot subdivision in Foster Pond received the approval of the zoning board last night. It will now be presented to the county commissioners for a vote at an upcoming meeting.
Calendar of Events:
Friday:
Fish fry at Waterloo Sportsman's Club
Bingo Only at Waterloo VFW (no fish on third Friday of the month)
Columbia Daze
Saturday:
FREE FOOD - OPEN BAR!!! at Waterloo VFW for their membership drive from 11-1 p.m. They are
looking for new recruits to join one of the leading veterans groups in the United States.
Columbia Daze: Parade at 5 p.m.
St. Augustine's of Hecker Kirchenfest featuring great fried chicken, bingo,
beer stand and plenty of games.
Sunday:
4-H Connect Day at the Annex at 3 p.m. - they are looking for former 4-H members to
gather and talk about the old times.
Recent Obituaries:
Andy Benyo, 80, of Waterloo died August 12. Mr. Benyo was a longtime teacher at Sts. Peter and Paul High School and Gibault High School. He is survived by his wife Evelyn, sons Andrew Jr., Thomas, David, Joseph,
John and Christopher, daughter Rose Ann and 19 grandchildren.
Marcella Weller, 93, of Columbia died August 12. She was the widow of Ralph Weller.
Cindy (Eschmann) Freeman, 32, succumbed to cancer this past week. She was the daughter of Wilbert and Karen Eschmann of Waterloo.
The investigation continues for the shooting death of Twyla Wiley, wife of James Wiley. Twyla, a graduate of Waterloo High School, is the daughter of John and Betty Doering of Waterloo. The Doering family was
reported to have moved to Waterloo from California about 1990.
Waterloo Police are also still investigating the suspicious death of Melissa Dawn Nole, nee Adams, 25, of Cahokia. She was discovered dead last Monday at a home on Osterhage Drive in Waterloo
The Valmeyer Lakers beat the Waterloo Buds 6-4 last night in the Mon-Clair Baseball League playoffs. The Lakers will take on Fairview Heights for the championship title this weekend. The best of three tournament begins tomorrow at Longacre Park in Fairview Heights at 1:30 p.m.
The Columbia High School Class of 1988 is having their 15-year reunion Sept. 27 at Columbia Legion Park at 3 p.m. Organizer Carla (Upchurch) Cobb is still looking for addresses of the following classmates: Diann
Myers Otten, Herb Sutter and Doug Ross. If anyone has any info on them or any questions have them contact Carla at 939-9485 or e-mail ccncc@htc.net.The Columbia Post Office honored area veterans and purple heart recipients this morning with a wonderful program in the main lobby of the facility. Purple Heart honorees received an embossed certificate
honoring them for their service to protect the freedoms we share in the United States.Picnics This Weekend:
Dupo Fireman's Picnic begins tonight and runs through the weekend.
Evansville Days is this weekend - parade is Sunday at 5 p.m.Columbia Daze is next weekend, Friday August 15 and Saturday, August 16. Parade at 6 p.m.
St. Augustine's of Hecker Kirchenfest is next Saturday, August 16 featuring fried chicken, bingo and games.
Calendar of Events:
Friday:
Turner Hall Fish Fry
Fish Fry and Bingo at Waterloo VFW Hall.
Valmeyer Optimist Glow Ball Tournament at Acorns - registration at 7:30 p.m.
Saturday:
Georgia Maeys Antique Shop and Maeystown Christmas Haus will begin their first anniversary sale.
Continues Sunday and next weekend.
Monday:
Will Bundy Memorial Golf Tournament at Acorns at 1:30 p.m.
Recent Obituaries:
Brandon Stumpf, 20, of Columbia, was pronounced dead Thursday August 7 at Luhr's Landing in Columbia. He was a suspected drowning victim. He was the son of Gene and Cris Stumpf and was employed as a painter at Westpark Painting of St. Louis. Visitation is Sunday at Lawlor Funeral Home. Funeral is Monday at St. Paul UCC of Columbia at 11 a.m.
Edna Kossina, 88, of Columbia died August 5 at Monroe County Care and Rehabilitation Center. She was the widow of Alois Kossina. Funeral services were this morning at St. Paul UCC of Columbia.
The newspaper has bee sent to the post office and will be hitting the newsstands shortly.
Well-wishes to Jerry Landgraf who started his retirement today after working over 30 years at the Columbia Police Department, (Before the Ed-itor could use up his get out of jail free card). Sgt. Joe Edwards has been promoted to Deputy Chief.
Deandra Rahe, daughter of Daniel & Brenda Rahe of rural Fountain, Ill., is now a private airplane pilot. She finally earned her license this week. So far none of her family is brave enough to be her first passenger.
Drew Kohlenberger, 14, of Columbia, died as a result of injuries sustained in an accident on a jet ski at Lake of the Ozarks. Scott Reichert, 14, of Columbia was also injured.Chuck Floarke was seriously injured last Wednesday during the 35 and older softball league in Columbia. Floarke was playing third base and was hit squarely in the face by a line drive. His entire sinus cavity
has been destroyed, along with many facial bones and a swollen brain. He is awaiting surgery when the swelling goes down.
Scott's Landgraf is reported to be improving well from a severe head injury he sustained last week. Scott is still in the Intensive Care Unit at St. Louis University Medical Center but has been upgraded from
critical to serious condition. He had brain surgery last week to remove pressure on his brain as a section of his skull was removed (and preserved to replace later) to relieve pressure on his brain. Wednesday
he sat up in a chair and fed himself his first regular meal of a hamburger and fries. He knows his family members and talks to them. He is off the respirator and oxygen too.
Burris Management (owner of Waterloo and Columbia McDonald's bought the old Clarks TV / Gene's Barbershop building. They will be giving the building a complete remodeling job and facelift. They will turn the
Clark's TV building into the business office their restaurants. Barbers Vic and Bob Main are hoping to get some free quarter pounders and fries, but are leery about having to cut the hair of Ronald McDonald.Hopefully the expected evening rain will hold up to allow the demolition derby at the Monroe County Fair. Crowds have been up all week (along with beer sales). The weather has been exceptionally mild and all
attendees (and animals) to the fair are thankful. (The Ed-itor should have some coolie cups with him - you just need to ask him.)
The Monroe County Economic Development Committee will be adding two new positions after Columbia Mayor Lester Schneider complained the town was under-represented considering its equalized accessed valuation in relationship to the rest of the county. The county board is expected to appoint two new Columbia members at its meeting Monday.
Calendar of Events
Friday:
Monroe County Fair Demolition Derby
Fish fry and bingo at Waterloo VFW
Saturday
Monroe County Fair Truck and Tractor Pull
Maeystown Trash and Treasures Garage Sale: 7 a.m. - 11 a.m.
1 p.m. - Magic of Trebor the clown at Morrison-Talbott Library
Sunday:
Monroe County Fair finale featuring FFA Fun Night at 7 p.m. and Fireworks at 9 p.m.
Wednesday:
Farm Bureau Ice Cream Social at FairgroundsAn e-mail will arrive tomorrow with the results of the demolition derby.
John Lepp of Columbia died yesterday in a motorcycle accident in Randolph County. He was the twin brother of Joe Lepp and son of Bob, all of Columbia. Funeral arrangements are pending at this time. John was in
his mid 40s.Janet Reitz, 63, of Waterloo died unexpectedly yesterday from an aneurysm. She was the wife of Circuit Clerk Aaron Reitz. Her children are sons Kurt (Conni) and Kris (Wendy) and daughter Kara (Ron) Lavoie.
Visitation is Sunday at Quernheims from 3 p.m. - 8 p.m. and the funeral will be Monday morning at SS Peter and Paul Waterloo at 10 a.m. Janet was a longtime teacher in the Waterloo School District and had been
teaching presently at St. James Catholic School in Millstadt. She was especially proud of her grandchildren, Eric, Samantha, Brittany, Allison, Nicholas and Kaila.
The son of Don and Barb Landgraf of Waterloo received a severe head injury yesterday afternoon after he fell and struck the pavement near his home. Monroe County EMTs rushed the boy to a waiting ARCH helicopter
and he was transported to a hospital in St. Louis. He remains in critical condition and had surgery this morning.
There was a two-vehicle accident on the Red Bud Highway (Rt. 3) near the S curve at about 10 a.m. this morning. There appeared to be no severe injuries, though at least one passenger was taken to Red Bud Regional Hospital.
Congratulations to the Miller Lite softball team for winning the Fults Softball Tournament. This is at least their third year in a row for winning.
The Monroe County Fair Begins This Sunday!
Here are some highlights of the events:
. July 27 - Street Truck Pull
. July 28 - Little Miss and Monroe County Fair Queen Pageant (Little Miss begins at 7:30 p.m.)
. July 29 - Open Class Horse Show and Farmer's Class Tractor Pull/ITPA Truck Pull
. July 30 - Figure 8 Race
. July 31 - Armband Carnival Night and HTC Customer Appreciation Day
. August 1 - Demolition Derby
. August 2 - ITPA & ISPA Truck & Tractor Pull
. August 3 - FFA Fun Night and Fireworks
For more information, click on the Monroe County Fair's website: http://www.monroecounty-fair.org.A week from next Saturday, August 2, marks the 10th anniversary of the bottoms levee system breaking, causing the flood of 1993.
Columbia Police Officer Jerry Landgraf will retire as of July 31. He's been with the CPD since 1972. Jerry and his wife Barb plan to do a lot of traveling. Barb had retired from teaching in the Waterloo school district earlier this year. Jerry's last arrest just may have been apprehending the Ed-itor who tried to walk out of the newspaper interview with a set of police keys. (photo attached.)
There are a lot of class reunions this coming Saturday night: CHS '78 at Turners, Gibault '98 at Acorns and VHS '98 at Eschy's.
The fire call yesterday in Waterloo turned out to be a false alarm. Someone reported a bonfire near propane tanks along Rt. 3. It turned out to be an FS employee burning some trash with no danger of it spreading
to the former Wayne's Distributing Tanks.No one was injured when two trucks collided yesterday in Columbia at the intersection of Wedgewood and Admiral Parkway (Rt. 3). The driver of the Ford Ranger from Wholesale Landscape Supply was able to get out of the vehicle on his own. (Photo attached.)
A fire broke out at approximately 12:30 p.m. today at the Beaird Street Apartment complex in Columbia. The source of the blaze appeared to be a kitchen stove in a first floor apartment. All residents were able to
escape as smoke quickly enveloped the apartments. There was extensive smoke damage to the apartment where the fire began. The ambulance was called to assist a neighbor having chest pains.
Next Chapter Community Church will be having a party tonight at Bolm-Schukraft park. At 7:30 p.m. they will be trying to set the record for the biggest plate of nachos eaten at one time in Monroe County.
Calendar of Events:
Friday:
Fish fry and bingo at Waterloo VFW.
Benefit Swimming Party at Waterloo Swimming Pool tonight from 8-10. Admission is 5 cans of non-
perishable food items. There will be games and snacks provided.
Sunday: Start of Monroe County FairRecent Obituaries
Ceceilia Stumpf, 93, of Columbia died July 20 at Columbia Convelescent Center. She was the widow of Gustav Stumpf.
Ervin Karsten, 76, of Columbia, died July 24 in Red Bud. Visitation is Monday at Quernheims from 3 p.m. - 9 p.m. Funeral is at Quernheims Tuesday at 10 a.m.
The morning storms only brought minor damage to Monroe County today. There were a few trees knocked over and a tree landed on a power line in Columbia. Power was interrupted in Columbia for only a brief time. Trees blocked traffic along LL and EE Road for a while until they could be removed. Power has been out the past two hours in Red Bud as Randolph County received a lot more rain and wind damage. Cleta Waldron of
downtown Red Bud reported that she has been sitting around the house reading a book waiting for her power to come back on. She said they received several inches of rain.
The State of Illinois is still working to secure a site for the driver's license facility station in Waterloo. If they can not come to a lease agreement at the current site, they will be accepting offers from other properties.
Brenda and Mark Altadonna will be celebrating their 25th wedding anniversary this weekend.
Floyd and Judith Crowder will be grandparents yet again by this afternoon as their daughter Andrea and son-in-law Paul Khoury are planning to have a baby at any moment.
Monroe County EMTs trained for a water rescue this week at the Waterloo pool. They practiced getting to the drowning victim, securing the patient and then getting them onshore to perform CPR. (photo attached of
the EMTs training at the pool.)Robbie Small will be throwing out the first pitch at the Grizzly's game this Thursday. Robbie is a Columbia youngster who is wheelchair bound. He received an electric wheelchair as a gift from Mattingly Jewelers
this past year.The Fults Softball Tournament is this weekend, Friday through Sunday. Organizer Charlie Hoerr invites everyone to come watch the always exciting games. There will plenty to eat and drink. A highlight will be
watching the Ed-itor try to hit one over the fence when he plays for Randy's RR Bar's team. (Ed-itor's Note: The Ed-itor is willing to bribe any team not to hit the ball to second base. There are beer tokens involved.) NOTE: One of the bridges is out for repairs along Bluff Road at either Steffen or Stringtown Road . The Road Closed sign really sneaks up on you. The detour takes you west to just before the levee and you come in from Fults from the back. For those heading this way, drive carefully, especially at night, since this is a one-lane wide old country road with tall corn on either side, so take extra precaution. Coming from Waterloo, the Ed-itor will take the shorter route of Kaskaskia Road through Burksville and take a right at Fults Road.
Merrill and Sheryl Prange said this way is shorter, as the crow flies.
There is a Catholic church picnic in Renault Saturday - Make sure you attend the Our Lady of Good Counsel Summer Festival - it features a fried chicken dinner, bingo and other games.
The stoplight at Bottom Ave. and Rt. 3 (Admiral Parkway) turned on yesterday a little after 10 a.m. Walgreens grand opening is expected later this month at that location.
There are some new photos on The Independent website - www.mocountyillinois.com
Calendar of Events
Friday:
Fults Softball Tournament
Waterloo Sportsman's Club Fish Fry
Waterloo VFW Bingo Only - (no fish third Friday of the month)
Saturday:
Fults Softball Tournament
Church Picnic: Our Lady of Good Counsel - Renault Summer Festival featuring fried chicken and bingo.
The weather should be a lot cooler than last year.
Benefit at Schorr Lake Winery
Sunday:
Waterloo VFW Dinner Dance
Recent Obituaries:
Frank Fenaia, 89, of Waterloo died July 16 in Red Bud. Visitation Sunday, July 20 2-8 p.m. at Quernheims. Funeral Monday, 10 a.m. at Quernheims. His late wife was Helen, nee Pflasterer.
Joan Becker, nee Schaffer, 66, of Columbia died Monday, July 14 at her residence following a long and courageous battle with cancer. She was the wife of Paul "Pete" Becker.
Marie Hoffmeister, nee Steinsieck, 77, of Waterloo died July 12 in Red Bud. She was the widow of the late Paul Hoffmeister. They owned Breezy Hill for many years.
Earlier this week, the St. Louis Police Dept. arrested William C. Hargrove on charges of sexual assault to a minor. Warrants have been issued charging Hargrove with two counts of Aggravated Criminal Sexual
Abuse and three counts of Aggravated Criminal Sexual Assault. Hargrove allegedly has been having sex with a juvenile since she was 11 years of age. The juvenile is now 16. Between March 11, 2002 and May 20, 2002,
William C. Hargrove resided at 230 E. Mill, Apt. D. Waterloo, Illinois. This is the location of the alleged occurrence. Hargrove recently moved to Cherry Street in Columbia, but he is presently confined in jail.
Other police agencies have been notified and are conducting their investigation due to multiple locations of sexual assaults in Illinois.
The Waterloo Fire Department responded to a duplex on fire along Hamacher Road yesterday afternoon. Jan (Klube) Bieber had been barbecuing on her second story patio when flames from the grill ignited
the exterior walls of the duplex. Waterloo firemen quickly got the blaze under control, but not before there was extensive damage to the top and bottom floors on the west side of the structure. The building is owned
by Kenny Osterhage. When Osterhage was notified that his apartment was on fire, he first went to his apartments under construction at Pautler Park in Waterloo, only to learn that it was his other apartments that
were involved. (photo attached of the duplex fire.) Earlier yesterday afternoon, the Waterloo Fire Department responded to what turned out to be a false fire alarm at SS Peter and Paul Grade School.
Monroe County Coroner Julie Gummersheimer held an inquest last night at the Columbia Police Department regarding the causes of death of Kara and Nick Garner, the siblings who were killed when the truck they were
driving in ran into a house along Metter Ave. in Columbia this past May. Illinois State Troopers Allen Jacobs and Officer Gebke, accident reconstruction experts, were also in attendance to provide the findings of their analysis. According to the report, the driver of the truck, James Weis Jr., lost control of the vehicle as he headed southbound on Metter Ave. The truck was traveling at a minimum speed of 64.12 m.p.h. in a 30 m.p.h. zone when it left the road. Weis' blood alcohol level was .183 mg/dl when tested approximately 90 minutes after the crash; this is over twice the state limit of .08. Kara's blood alcohol level was .196
mg/dl and her brother Nick's was .162 mg/dl. No illegal drugs were detected in the blood stream of the Garners. A beer bottle was found lying in the truck and Coroner Gummersheimer stated there was a smell of
alcohol present. Sgt. Jacobs stated that no one in the vehicle were wearing seatbelts. The driver's side airbag deployed, resulting in Weis walking away uninjured. Kara Garner was in the passenger seat. The airbag was determined to have been previously manually turned off for an unknown reason. Sgt. Jacobs said that if the airbag would have deployed, the injuries sustained to the Garners may have been reduced. Kara died
from cranial spinal blunt trauma. She had several cuts to her face, neck, arms and legs, with glass embedded into her body. Her neck was also broken. Nick died of a hemorrhage shock (loss of blood). He received multiple cuts to his face and gaping cut to his mouth. His jugular vein was cut. After the facts from Coroner Gummersheimer and Sgt. Jacobs were presented to the six-person jury, they went into a closed session. When the jurors returned, they ruled that Weis should be charged with wreckless homicide, though accidental. This verdict has been turned over to State's Attorney Kris Reitz. No family members were
present at the inquest. Steve Buser, the attorney representing Kara and Nick Garner, was in attendance.The playground equipment at Columbia's Metter Park has been repaired as a new rock climbing wall has been assembled. The original rock climbing wall was destroyed by a suspicious fire several months ago.
The northbound lanes of Rt. 3 coming into Columbia were tied up for a short time yesterday evening as about 30 bales of straw fell off a wagon. The driver of the truck was aided up Columbia policemen and several Good Samaritan motorists who pulled over and volunteered their help in getting the bales off the highway and back onto the wagon. The owner of the truck was an unknown person from Missouri. (photo attached of the straw on the road).
The Monroe County Commissioners have appointed the following to the Monroe County Economic Development Committee (MCEDC): Alan Wattles, George Obernagel, Mark Altadonna, Mike Hemmer, Dawn Shaver, Walter Wetzel, Angela Wittman, Dennis Knobloch, Dale Haudrich, Terry Liefer, Kenny Hartman Jr., Mike Fausz, Jay Vogt, Gary Wittenauer, Rene Menard, Dan Kelley and Vickie Koerber. County Commissioners Dale Haudrich and Frank Kohler voted for these candidates outright, while Don Dietz did not vote for Mark Altadonna. The candidates were approved with the two (for) to one (against) vote of the commissioners. Dietz sited his opposition to Altadonna based on the Waterloo Aldermen voting 6-2
against having Altadonna representing the City of Waterloo on the MCEDC. The aldermen, especially Steve Notheisen and Tom Smith, stated that Altadonna had expressed negative comments toward the City Council and would not be the best candidate for the position. Commissioner Haudrich voted for Altadonna despite the Waterloo City Council's vote. Commissioner Frank Kohler voted in favor of Altadonna, noting that Altadonna did not have to be earmarked just to represent the city of Waterloo, since Altadonna could also represent as a member of the Waterloo Chamber of Commerce and the Monroe County Builders Association and is president of State Bank of Waterloo.The Illinois Secretary of State is working to secure the renewal of the lease for the Illinois State Driver's License facility in Waterloo. The state of Illinois rents the building along Illinois Ave. from Keith Osterhage. The lease expired June 30, but operations have continued at the facility. According to State Representative Dan Reitz, they are working to secure a new lease agreement with Osterhage to keep the facility running at its present location. The Secretary of State's office has also contacted several Waterloo real estate agents to check on other feasible locations. There is a possibility if a site is not secured soon, the facility would close and Monroe Countians would have to travel to St. Clair County for driver's license services.
If you see a hot air balloon flying over Waterloo this evening after 6:30 p.m., it is Terry Lenhardt. His family gave him this gift for his birthday.
Bob and Tom Pape are town this weekend visiting mother Delphine and other relatives. They may also try and win enough money for their plane tickets home by sitting in on a few kloepper games. Their sister Mary
Kay Reinhold is having a BBQ tomorrow at their home in Lou-Del.
Ladderjacks Tournament At Waterloo VFW
There will be a ladderjacks tournament to benefit the Relay For Life Cancer Benefit will begin at 12:00 Noon, Saturday, July 12, 2003 at the Waterloo VFW Hall. Teams must be signed up by 6:00 p.m. on Friday July
11, 2003. First Place will be $100 and a set of Ladderjacks, Second Place will be $75 and a set of Ladderjacks, Third Place will be $25 and a set of ladderjacks. The teams consists of two people, $20 a team. If interested in competing please call: Janet Schmitz @ 458-6656, Ellen Otten @ 939-6504 or Jerry Kelley @939-8517. We have two bands: Mo Cash and Random Thoughts that will be playing from 1:00 to 5:00. They will be raffling a Gas BBQ Grill, Huffy Free Standing Basketball Hoop and Choice of four Cardinal or Grizzly Tickets. There will be a bratwurst, pork burger, butterfly chop and hot dog stand. There will
also be a silent auction. Ladderjack sets will be for sale. This is at the Waterloo VFW hall. The Hall will be open and furnish the soda, beer, etc.
Recent Obituaries:
Edna Elizabeth (Reimler) Hanratty, 80, of Collinsville, died July 10. Area relatives include her daughter Connie (Bill) Broadhurst, of Waterloo and grandson Brian (Angel) Schilling of Columbia
Calendar of Events:
Friday:
Fish fry and bingo at Waterloo VFW
Fish fry at Turner Hall
Saturday:
Noon: Ladderjacks Tournament at Waterloo VFW to benefit Relay for Life
1 p.m. - Author Douglas Kelley will be speaking at the Columbia Library on his new book "The Captain's Wife."
Sunday:
The Valmeyer Jaycee's will be cooking BBQ at the Valmeyer Laker's game after 1:30 p.m. If you did not
make it to the July 4th celebration because of the heat, this weekend's weather should be cooler to come
and see the new grandstands.
Since this is the last workday of the week for most folks, thought I'd get the e-newsletter out today.
The July edition of The Independent has been dropped off at the Post Office. With Friday's holiday, it should hit local mailboxes by Saturday.
Columbia EMTs and firemen were called to the home of Terry and Bonnie Osia at 325 Bradington to help a construction worker who overheated on their roof. White Construction Company was putting on a new roof and one of the roofers passed out. EMTs climbed up the ladder and began cooling the victim down. When the person regained consciousness, he was helped down the ladder. Photo attached.
The Ed-itor sends his thanks to Kenny "Spooner" Schmidt for letting Ed attend the Cardinals game last night in his season tickets.
Columbia July 4 Celebration is Friday, July 4 at the American Legion Park. Concession open at 11 a.m.. Bingo at noon. Washers at 1:30 p.m. 4 p.m. Kloepper Tournament. 6:30 music by Rich Cullen. Fireworks at dusk
With the holiday on Friday, the Waterloo VFW will not be serving fish or bingo.
Columbia July 4 Committee Co-Chairmen Hutch Schlafly and John Conrad met with officials from Sunset Fireworks Thursday morning to discuss plans for the July 4 fireworks display at the Legion Park. Legion Commander Bill Wolf and Columbia Fire Department representative Jim Vogt (who also serves on the July 4 Committee) were on hand. The fireworks launching area and viewing area has been altered this year because of new federal fireworks laws and increased diligence toward safety issues. (A Sunset Fireworks truck in Florida exploded Wednesday resulting in several fatalities and serious injuries to workers.) The truck transporting the fireworks and the launching area will be at least the required safe distances from homes and the viewing public, according to local organizers. Columbia's Avenue of Flags will be in place July 4, 5 and 6.
The Morrison-Talbott Library in Waterloo is selling numbered prints of a Roscoe Misselhorn pencil drawing of the historic library building. The prints are available for a $25 donation at the library. Proceeds go
toward upkeep of the historic structure. Photo attached of the drawing.
Harry Reichert of the Monroe County Taxpayers is on the agenda of the county board meeting Monday at the Courthouse to discuss the county's economic development committee beginning at 9:30 a.m. Allen Wattles of of the REA is also on the agenda on the same topic at 10:30 a.m.
Monroe County residents are being invited by friends and neighbors to attend informational meetings on the new YMCA in the county. The meetings are being held in private homes and last about two hours. YMCA
officials have enlisted supporters to host the meetings and invite guests.
The Columbia Fire Department was called out Tuesday afternoon when someone reported smelling smoke outside their home along S. Rapp. It turned out to be someone burning something in their backyard.
Monroe County commuters are dealing with road construction tie-ups in South St. Louis County and Downtown. The work is expected to continue through the fall.
The Illinois Dept. of Transportation is having a public meeting in Columbia to discuss the Gateway Connector (the new road from Troy, past Scott AFB and to Columbia). The meeting is Tuesday, July 8 from 4-7 p.m.
at Parkview Elementary School. It is an open meeting with no formal presentation.
Newlyweds Brad and Sherie (Hoffmann from home) Toenjes returned from their honeymoon in Hawaii this week and were surprised to find their lawn covered in hundreds of signs as friends played a practical joke on
them. Inside jokes were written on the signs. The For Sale signs on their car and home had generated a few phone calls from interested parties.
Recent Obituaries:
Michael A. Reid, 90, of Prairie du Rocher died July 1 at Red Bud. Visitation was at the Quernheim Funeral Home. A funeral was at Our Lady of Good Counsel Church in Renault July 3 with burial at St. Mary's Cemetery, Renault.
Calendar of Events:
Thursday
8:30 p.m. - Valmeyer Mid Summer Celebration kicks off with the rock band Route 3.
Friday, Independence Day
** No Fish or Bingo at the Waterloo VFW
9 a.m. - Baseball in Valmeyer begins
1 p.m. - Spades Tournament in Valmeyer
Fireworks at Columbia American Legion Park when the sun goes down.
8:30 p.m. - Music - Midnight Drive in Valmeyer
Saturday:
10 a.m. - Volleyball tournament in Valmeyer
Noon: Lawn Tractor Pull in Valmeyer
8:30 p.m. - Music: Route 3 in Valmeyer
Sunday:
1 p.m. Valmeyer Mid-summer Celebration Parade
3 p.m. - Valmeyer Baseball Championship game
Fireworks in Old Valmeyer after the sun goes down.
A 300 foot World War II era Navy ship was docked at Luhr's Landing in Columbia this past week before continuing upriver to be anchored at the St. Louis riverfront during the July 4 fair. The LST 325 is on tour along United States inland waterways to generate funds to restore the vessel as a future floating museum. The ship was used to transport soldiers and heavy machinery onto beachheads during three wars. During World War II it took part in the D-Day and Sicily invasions, and was also used during the Korean Conflict and Vietnam War. It had since been sold by the United States Navy to the Greece Navy. Former Navy LST crews a couple years ago decided to buy the decommissioned LST 325 and sailed it back across the Atlantic Ocean to the port in Mobile, AL for repairs. The crews, many well into there 70s still had a mastery of navigating and running the boat. Alois Luhr, who served on another LST boat during his service in World War II, read about the endeavor and offered the services of his barges to tow it up the Mississippi to St. Louis. Along the way, they made several stops to allow visitors to take a tour of the massive interior of the ship. Yesterday, while the boat was docked at Luhr's Landing, Luhr's employees were able to get an extensive tour of the ship. A photo is attached of the barge "Alois Luhr" tugging the ship away from Luhr's Landing enroute to the St. Louis riverfront. Additional photos and information will appear in the July edition of the paper.Two people were killed after the motorcycle they were riding on slammed into a farm truck that pulled into their path Saturday, June 21. According to the police report, Ron and Linda Meyer, of East Alton, were riding a motorcycle southbound on Route 3 heading into Red Bud around 1:30 p.m. At the intersection of Rt. 3 and Doyle Road, a farm truck, driven by Terry Liefer of Red Bud pulled into the path of the motorcycle. The Meyers were rushed to Red Bud Regional Hospital, then transported by helicopter to St. Louis University Hospital. Ron, 60, was pronounced dead later that afternoon. Linda, 56, died during the following week.
Liefer, 51, was ticketed for failure to yield to oncoming traffic.Congratulations to Adam Taake on being named the top FFA student in the state of Illinois. He is the son of Ron and Althea Taake of Waterloo.Scott Steinsieck turned the big 50 yesterday. He is celebrating by going on a golf-outing in Pana, IL this weekend.Calendar of Events
FridayWaterloo VFW Fish Fry / BingoSundayRed Bud fireman's Picnic - parade at 4 p.m.Jazz Vespers with prayers 7 p.m. at Konarcik Park sponsored by Sacred Journey Episcopal Church. It features the Carolbeth True TrioTuesday:Waterloo Municipal Band Concert 8 p.m. - honoring Morris Stiening on his 70 years of performing with the band.** To Have Your Upcoming Event Listed In The Independent E-Newsletter, contact the advertising department, 281-8000. Free listings for all current newspaper advertisers.Well, I am back to working on finishing up the next edition of the paper.
There were no big fires or car accidents this past week.... and the five-day weather forecast shows no major thunderstorms heading our way.Otis Lutz, Glen Lutz's dad, pointed out that it was a pecan tree (not a walnut) that crashed down at Glen and Sheryl's house that caused the power outage last week in downtown Waterloo.The Phil Canman house in Columbia that was hit in the double-fatal accident last month is being demolished today. Phil Canman Sr. said for now he plans to cover up the hole and plant grass.Downtown streets in Columbia are being oiled and chipped today. Waterloo streets are set to be chipped soon. Speaking of streets, there is a sign along Admiral Parkway in Columbia (Rt. 3) stating the new stoplight will be turned on July 3 at 10 a.m.The Porta Westfalica Fest was a success says Annette Washausen, one of the organizers . She said they grossed $3,000 more this year but are now waiting to pay the bills. There was a great turnout for the parade and even a waiting line for picnic tables as food sales were outstanding. The beer stand was thriving as the warm weather kept people thirsty...until 10:30 p.m.It has been reported that John Gallagher has bought the Dawg Pound Bar building along Mill St. in Waterloo. He has been busy tuck-pointing the exterior and renovating the second and third floors. It has been speculated he may turn the building into a bar/restaurant modeled after an establishment in St. Louis.Mill Street Treasures in downtown Waterloo has reported brisk sales lately and credits the exposure from the Show Me St. Louis program last week.Dawn Shaver reports the new Waterloo Chamber of Commerce website is up and running - www.enjoywaterloo.com.
Terry Kipping was the guest speaker of this week's Waterloo Chamber of Commerce meeting at Acorns. Mayor Kipping said he is very happy with his new position and is working to increase commercial development in Waterloo, but not at the expense of losing Waterloo's charm and community atmosphere. He let everyone know his door is always open at City Hall for citizen with ideas and concerns.
Phil Canman, owner of The Lantern in Columbia, wants everyone to know business is doing great. He mentioned a patron walked in this past week who heard the popular restaurant was closing. Phil said business is thriving and is definitely staying open.The Bee Hive Chicken Dinner - Thursdays for supper and Sunday for lunch - is getting rave reviews. Chef Trevor will not reveal the secret ingredients.Randy's RR Bar in Waterloo has a brand new sign.Marriages this weekend include: Mary Doiron and Josh Colyer .... and Sherie Hoffmann and Brad Toenjes. (So don't call the Ed-itor early Sunday morning as he will be very tired.)The corner tree on hole #6 at Waterloo Country Club was leveled in a recent storm. A raccoon family is reported to have lost their life during the cleanup.This is the last Sunday for Father Iffert as priest at Immaculate Conception as he is pursuing his vocation with the Benedictines outside of the area. A new priest has not yet been appointed.Columbia delegations have been leaving for Germany the past couple weeks and all reported to have arrived safely in Gedern. They will be partaking in a week of celebration and festivities to honor the 10th anniversary of their Sister City partnership with the German town. Michael Giers, publisher of Gedern's Kreis-Anzeiger newspaper, promised to e-mail The Independent some candid photos of the event.Monroe County was well-represented at the Kolmen Walk For the Cure cancer benefit in St. Louis.Calendar of Events:FridayFish Fry at Waterloo Sportsman's ClubBingo Only (no fish) at Waterloo VFW.Play at Capitol Theatre: MASC's play "Move Over Mrs. Markham" 7:30 p.m.Saturday:Play at Capitol Theatre: MASC's play "Move Over Mrs. Markham" 7:30 p.m.Sunday:Play at Capitol Theatre: MASC's play "Move Over Mrs. Markham" 2:30 p.m.Mon-Clair Baseball: Valmeyer Lakers, Waterloo Buds and Columbia Saints all have home games - double-headers beginning at 1:30 p.m.Thursday:Human Support Services in Waterloo is having an open house from 4-7 p.m. for the completion of recent renovationsRecent Obituaries:George Happy, 58, of Columbia, died Wednesday June 18 from a heart attack. He was the husband of Sharon Happy. Visitation is today (Friday) at Lawlor's from 5-9 p.m. and a memorial service Saturday at Bethany United Methodist at 10 a.m. (He was not believed to be closely related to the local Columbia Happy family.).John Eschmann, 73, of Waterloo, died June 14. He is survived by his wife Clara. John was a longtime farmer and laborer.Lucille LePique, 74, of Millstadt, died June 14 at her home with family present. She was very active with the Columbia Kiwanis Club.Eunice Roy, 86, of Fults, died June 13. She was the widow of Leonard Roy, Sr.Helen Mosbacher, 74, of Valmeyer (formerly of Fults) died June 16. She was the widow of Preston Mosbacher.*** With the July 4 holiday, The Independent will be printed a couple days earlier in July, but will still be dated July 4, the first Friday of the month. If you want to advertise your business or upcoming event, make sure you turn your ad in as soon as possible. The deadline will be Wednesday, June 25.
Good Ol' Lucky Friday the 13th!!!There were no major fires or accidents this past week, but many residents are still cleaning up from the storm that blasted the area. The house damaged from the storm in the photo from the last email turned out to be John Konarcik's.The fireworks last night seen east of Waterloo last night emanated from Ann Briar Golf Course as a company had a big outing.Has everyone noticed the new highway signs along Rt. 3 coming into Columbia reading "Columbia Police Arrests Drunk Drivers"?I think must of us locals know of the policy.There were two infants that passed away this week. See the Recent Obituaries below for details.The Show Me St. Louis television show broadcasted live from Waterloo last week. The locals that organized the taping are hopeful thepublicity will bring in tourists to Waterloo. (Ed-itor's Note: Everything went fine, except when the hosts drove away in a horse and buggyand were nearly sideswiped by a car at an intersection).We are definitely in the midst of picnic season in Monroe County! Friday and Saturday is the SPPS Church Picnic in Waterloo.They will have bingo, food and games for the kids (and the adults can "Drink for Jesus). One of the picnic organizers, KermitConstantine has asked everyone to say a little prayer for dry weather tonight, as this is a big fundraiser for the Church and School.Tuesday is the annual Porta-Westfalica festival in downtown Waterloo. The parade is at 6 p.m. (The Ed-itor should have some new green coozie-cups to hand out).Recent Obituaries:
Dylan James Jenkins, 3 months, 19 days, of Waterloo, died June 6. He was the newborn of Chrissy Jenkins and Greg Benne.Stephen Straub, 93, of Columbia, died June 10 at his residence. He was the husband of Agnes (Helfrich) Straub.Helen Nieman (nee Wuertz), 93, of Waterloo, died June 6. There will be a Memorial Mass Saturday, June 21, 10 a.m. at SS Peter and Paul, Waterloo.Chloe Fields died June 7 at Missouri Baptist Hospital. She was the infant daughter of Jeff and Rebecca Fields (nee Boyer) of Columbia.
The new edition of the newspaper is out and dropped off at the post office - Monroe Countians should be getting their paper Saturday or Monday.
(Correction from this edition: It was incorrectly reported that the two youths that died in the truck wreck at the house in Columbia were related to the driver. This is not correct.)
Well, Monroe County went a whole week without a major traffic accident. The end of May was a treacherous one for motorists.
Waterloo Police Chief Joe Brauer has announced the Lt. Sue Sweet has been promoted to Assistant Chief, effective Monday, January 9. Congratulations Sue!!
Officer Kim Yeager will take over Sweet's duties of DARE advisor.
This week has turned out to be an especially happy and lucky week for John Toal of Columbia. Wednesday while playing in the Gibault Summer Classic at Annbriar he struck a solid five-iron into the hole on the 165-yard seventh hole while playing with wife Cindy and sons Justin and Josh. That shot won John a new Buick courtesy of Malzahn Family Chevrolet. John said he was undecided between a four-iron and a five but decided on the latter because he had been hitting the ball pretty well all day long (they were on their 17th hole of play). Although no-one, including the spotters assigned to the hole, actually saw the ball go in the hole, John said he thought it actually hit left of the green and took a hard bounce right, hit the flag and dropped in the hole. Ironically he was using a Nike ball (the same brand as PGA star and Buick Spokesperson Tiger Woods). John said he had decided to use a new ball on the hole and grabbed one that PGA Club Pro Jeff Hunter had given him at the ICS Golf Tournament last year. Later in the week, John and his wife Cindy became grandparents again when their son Josh’s wife Julie gave birth to twin girls Thursday night. Eden Christine and Elisa Jane and their mother are all doing fine.
The SPPS Church Picnic is right around the corner - it is June 13 and 14.
Everyone who attended the Maeystown Homecoming seemed to have a great time. And even though the weathermen predicted a sunny weekend, once again it rained.
Ft. Charters Rendezvous is Saturday and Sunday. Remember, French purist pronounce it Fort Day Shart. But local guys will always pronounce it wrong, and even call Prairie du Rocher, just Rocher.Concord Presbyterian (PCA) is offering Vacation Bible School for the entire family. This year, VBS takes place June 22 – 26 from 6:30 – 8:30 pm each evening, with the closing program on Sunday, June 29th. VBS is available for all ages, including adults. A nursery will also be available. This year’s theme is ‘Great Global Adventure – Celebrating Life in Christ!’ All are welcome, especially new faces. All participants will receive a passport for their great global adventure. To register, contact the church at 939-7116, or contact Camille Cooper at 282-7781. Concord Presbyterian is located at 338 Covington Drive in Waterloo. Come travel the world with us!
****
For Sale: 1997 Grand Am GT, Two-door coupe. 64,000 miles. Excellent Condition. 281-7741
For Sale: 1986 Lincoln Town Car. 1986- Like New. Low Miles. See at Conrad Travel. 281-8000.
***
Recent Obits
Veranda Stork, nee Burkemper, 86, of Waterloo died June 2
Leon McMullann, 70, of Millstadt, died June 3
Claxton Caldwell, 95, of Waterloo, died June 3
Helen Burke, nee Bald, 81, died June 5 in Chesterfield. Visitation Sunday, 3-7 p.m. at Quernheims
Emergency crews throughout the county have been kept very busy lately with the rash of severe automobile accidents.Will keep this email short - need to keep typing on the newspaper.Hats off the the area veterans, both the American Legion and VFW, for the wonderful Memorial Day programs they put on in Waterloo, Columbia, Hecker, Valmeyer, Renault and Tipton.Waterloo High School is planning to have their graduation outside this evening at the football field. Hopefully the weather will cooperate. Eight students have been named valedictorian.The lady is that accident yesterday along the Fountain levee was believed to be from Monroe City, but this is not yet confirmed.Recent Obits:
Brian Freeland, 47, of Columbia, died May 28 at St. Anthony's. Visitation today (Friday) 4-9 p.m. at Lawlors and Funeral Saturday, May 31 at St. Paul UCC Columbia at 10 a.m. He is the nephew of Columbia Mayor Lester Schneider.
Thursday, May 22, 2003, 10:45 a.m. For immediate release:Traffic is at a standstill along Rt. 156 heading into Valmeyer as an entire house is being moved to new town. The home of Gary Biggs had previously been located just north of Waterloo across the highway from Sunset Ford and Schneider's Quality Meats. After STS Development bought up ground for a future commercial / residential development, Biggs decided to pack up everything (literally) and move to Woodland Ridge in New Valmeyer. At approximately 9 a.m., Expert Home Movers picked up the house and proceeded along Rt. 3 and Rt. 156 heading to Valmeyer. Illinois State Police, Sheriff's deputies, along with Waterloo and Valmeyer policemen aided in controlling the traffic situation. Complicating the problem are the numerous stoplights and electric / phone lines crossing the highways. Line crews are riding alongside clearing the way until the trailer passes. It is estimated to arrive in Valmeyer before noon today to be laid on its new foundation, depending on how many wires need to be moved. Valmeyer City employee Laurie Brown said the truck has not arrived in town as of yet, but several people are on the lookout.In other news...The visitation of former Waterloo Jr. High School Principal was well-attended last evening at Quernheims, reflecting on how much the man was admired by those who knew him best. Waterloo School District will be dismissing at 2 p.m. today to allow the students to attend the funeral at 3 p.m. at Waterloo First Baptist Church.Monroe County EMTs have made several presentations this week to numerous organizations and schools as part of National EMS Week. Their presentation details the numerous duties they perform throughout the county. They will also be at the parking lot "of that large department store in Waterloo" Saturday morning giving away FREE bicycle safety helmets (while supplies last), medicine alert vials and doing blood pressure checks.Vern Degener had passed away Tuesday evening after taking a fall. His visitation is this evening at Quernheims.
Spring has been quite wet so far. Hopefully, the sun will pop out by Memorial Day weekend. Don't forget about the local Memorial Day programs on Monday, May 26 - Hecker: 9:30 (with Sen. Luectefeld), 10 in Waterloo at the Courthouse and 11 in Columbia at the American Legion Hall.Was the storm last week worse in Monroe County than we first thought?? Was a home picked up in the tornado that hit Desoto, MO and landed in Waterloo? It initially looks that way as a home appears to have fallen from the sky and landed along Rt. 3, just north of Waterloo. But seriously, it is a home that has been moved by Expert Home Movers that will make its final resting home further back east in the woods. Photo attached of the home. (Ed-itor's Note: Will the rain ever stop? I think the County Commissioners might consider funding an Ark in case the entire Midwest floods. To make sure the Monroe County population of locals families survive, we could load the ark with two Matzenbachers, two Gummersheimers, two Schmidts, two Rippelmeyers, etc. etc. )There were a few clouds out, but in general, the area had a great view of the lunar eclipse last night.A car accident held up traffic this morning along Rt. 158 as two cars collided near the old Farmer's Inn.The Senior Citizen Jubilee was well-attended at Turner Hall this past week. The cowboy hats handed out by Rosedale House was a hit with all the attendees.The abandoned home of Louise "Lou" Burkhardt burned in downtown Hecker this past week. Fire departments from Hecker, Smithton and Waterloo were called to put out the blaze. Lou is in the Monroe County nursing home. In other Hecker news... The old White Pines Tavern building was tore down.** For those e-newsletter readers with yahoo and hotmail accounts - The Ed-itor is working to figure out how to keep your email text from scrolling so far to the right on your screen.Recent Obituaries:Florine Hesterberg, 79, of Waterloo died May 9.Wilmer Jacobs, 79, of Waterloo, died May 15. Visitation at Quernheim's Friday (today) 4-9. Funeral Saturday 10 a.m., Holy Cross RenaultIda Melching, 92, Renault, died May 14. Visitation at Quernheim's Friday (today) 3-9. Funeral Saturday 2pm Holy Cross RenaultAlberta Osterhage Weltig, nee Dillenberger, died May 10.Herman Braun, 79, of Hecker, died May 12.
The folks who live from Maeystown to Ruma are still cleaning up the debris from the severe storm that rolled through early this week. Has anyone heard if it has officially been called a tornado? Those living along the banks of the Maeystown Creek near downtown were especially hard hit by damaging flood waters as the creek rose to its highest level in recent memory. A few footpath bridges were swept away,and the car bridge at the old Virgil Brandt place was damaged from debris.Farmer Lyle Wessell gave a tour of his farm and the farm of Glen Stumpf to several visitors from the African nation of Ivory Coast. The group is touring the United States to learn how to incorporate soy products into their country's diet.Friends & Family Relay for Life Team will be selling Krispy Kreme Doughnuts on Saturday, May 10, 2003 at the following locations: Commercial State Bank - Downtown Fast Stop Hucks NAPA Near the Post Office Rural King Waterloo Lumber Co. Waynes One Stop.
Click It Or Ticket
Columbia Police Department will be taking a zero tolerance policy toward wearing vehicle seatbelts during the Click It Or Ticket program. They will be joining more than 12,000 law enforcement agencies in the largest nationwide crackdown during May 19 through June 1. Data shows that more than half of all teens who die in automobile crashes are not belted and fatality rates for teens are twice that of older drivers.
Concord Presbyterian Church in Waterloo will be having a Silent & Live Auction to raise funds for a Mission trip to Belize to help build a high school at 7:00 p.m. Friday, May 16th. For information call 939-8543 .The Schorr Lake Winery Art and Craft Fair was rained out - it has been rescheduled for May 18.
Just got the new edition of the paper to the Post Office. (ps - ran behind schedule this month so didn't have much time to proofread - so their might be a few more (than usual) grammar errors.)The WHS and VHS proms are this weekend. I need to go get a photos of a couple all dressed up dining at McDonalds!The Columbia Library is looking for gently used children's books for an upcoming book sale.Tomorrow (Saturday) is Columbia Recycles Day - bring your items to The Market Place parking lot.Special thanks to Mark Bradly - the Editor was too busy working on a computer problem on his computer so he skipped the Maeystown Preservation Society's German Dinner. Bradly took a few snapshots in Ed's absence.Speaking of Maeystown, their annual Springfest is Sunday 9-4 pm - make sure you look at the antiques on display by Beth Luhr and Angela Limestall.My police / fire scanner is on the fritz so I won't be covering any fires / accidents this weekendMaeystown Civic Association's Mark Bundy and Jay Mueller stopped by the office here in Columbia after getting breakfast at Gruchala's - they were on their way to Springfield to pick up the liquor license for the Maeystown Homecoming later this month. They brought their golf clubs along... just in case they spotted a golf course on the way back.
So who did the rain dance? Hopefully the showers will stop a little to have a pleasant weekend. Here there's some standing water in old town Valmeyer. I wonder if we have gotten enough yet to satisfy the farmers. Think most of the planting was done by the time the rains started.
I am typing away here on the next edition, so will keep the email brief.Has anyone heard anything about the morel mushroom harvest? An unidentified source mentioned they have not found much along the bottoms and the Rohlfings are still waiting to find the mother load.Work continues on the new grandstands at Borsch Park in Valmeyer. They are scheduled to start putting up the post for the roof tomorrow, weather permitting.Congratulations to Marian Ries, who has been named the new president of the Illinois Association of Home and Community Education (previous home extension). She will be kept busy covering the 88 counties she now serves. First Man Harvey Ries will also help out when he can and I bet he won't mind attending at the functions and dinners.The talk around Waterloo regards who Mayor-elect Terry Kipping will appoint as city attorney, replacement alderman and chief of police. Kipping will be sworn in May 5.Working to collect the final numbers for the area fish fries. I think this is one of the best year's ever.The Columbia Fire Dept. was called to the scene to rescue a puppy that had fallen into the bottom of a cistern yesterday. The thinnest man of the force, Andrew Wilson was lowered in to save the day.Plans are already being made for the July 4 party at the Columbia American Legion park.Press release from the City of Columbia regarding their upcoming Recycling / Clean Up DayCOLUMBIA, ILLINOIS - On May 3rd, 2003 volunteers and members of the Columbia Chamber of Commerce and other City groups will remove trash from various routes and locations. Volunteers will meet at City Hall at 8:00 a.m. Trash will be bagged and placed by the roadside for later removal. "It will only take a couple of hours," noted Joe Gundlach, the event's coordinator, "The areas of the City that seem to gather the most trash and that we think we can handle have been targeted and we are asking the volunteers to spread out and make sure those areas get cleaned-up." "We're trying something different this year," noted Gundlach, "We asked for donations from various businesses and then we are offering the School Clubs and Civic Groups funds to pick-up their route. That way they can clean-up the City and raise money for their cause at the same time. Individuals wanting to volunteer their time are welcomed as well." Mike Hemmer, the City's Economic Development Director, noted "At the Market Place Shopping Center we will have the Recycling truck from 9:00 a.m. until noon & Goodwill trucks until 2:00 p.m. Residents can have free garage sales on the 2nd & 3rd and the next large item trash pick-up is on June 3rd for items that can't go to the Goodwill." The City and Chamber of Commerce will provide supplies and t-shirts for the clean-up. Motorists are urged to be watchful for the volunteers. Participants should bring a pair of protective gloves and are urged to call (618) 281-7144 ext. 106 or 118 for more information.Recent Obituaries
Elsie Koberlein, 94, of Columbia died Tuesday, April 22 at St. Elizabeth's Hospital. She was the late Leo Koberlein. Visitation is today (Friday) 4-9 at Lawlors. Funeral is Saturday at ICS.Anna Fern Wilson, 66, of Columbia, died April 20 at Memorial Convalescent Center in Belleville.
The smell of frying fish is all over the county since it is Good Friday. The CVFD has been frying all day and there are several other going on today (look at the Calendar of Events below). Most local restaurants are also serving fish plates today.
The Waterloo Fire Dept. responded to the smell of smoke in a heater along Evansville Ave. Speaking of the Waterloo Fire Department... they received an early Easter present courtesy of the Columbia Volunteer Fire Department this morning. The CVFD played a good-natured prank on the Waterloo crew and their white fire trucks. Those driving by the firehouse last night or early this morning may have noticed several milk jugs and a sign in front.
A German language mass was held this morning at Holy Cross Lutheran Church of Wartburg. The mass has been held the past 162 years on Good Friday. A large gathering from throughout the Metro-East and St. Louis gathered for the service and dinner that followed. Channel 5 news was there to cover the event - it will be broadcast tonight.
The Independent is now flying on the Internet on a new DSL line - thanks to computer-whizzes Bill Felder and Kris Voelker for their assistance in helping The Ed-itor set it up.Mike Brown treated customers to Mike's Service Station and Convenience Store to a complimentary fish fry. A highlight was the fresh morel mushrooms that Vic Koch brought in (they were picked up Rhett Walster).
Bill Ebeler, owner of Acorns Golf Course, was nearly decapitated this week by The Ed-itor. The Ed-itor dusted off his clubs and played a round of golf for the first time in a long while (with Mark Bundy and Jay Mueller). On hole number 9 I overshot the hole by 50 yards and hit the front door of the clubhouse just as Bill and his wife Jeanne were walking out.
No other big news to report that I can think of.Recent Obituaries
Ann Robinson, 93, Waterloo, died April 14
Cecil Bateman, 74, died April 11
Not much big news to report this week. Luckily, there are no accidents or fires to report.
The students and teachers from Gedern, Germany will be leaving Sunday back home. They had a great three weeks taking classes at Columbia High School. They made a presentation last night at the Columbia Sister Cities meeting at City Hall.
(Ed-itor's Note: Inspired by the big-time reporters covering the war in Iraq, the Ed-itor is considering imbedding himself with the local law enforcement to get the inside story.)
Good Friday is only a week away. The big fish fry day in Monroe County. I know the Sportsmans will have a good crowd and the Waterloo VFW is having an all-you-can-eat buffet for only $7.95. I also heard the line is already starting to form in front of the Columbia fire Department - the fish is so good, people are camping out a week in advance.
If you saw a few children dressed up today in 19th century clothes, that would have been the second graders at Parkview Elementary in Columbia. They dedicated the day to "Little House On The Prairie." (Ed-itor's Note: One teacher commented they have a very good class, with a lot more Laura Engles and not too many Nellie Olsen's.)Gibault's Spring Musical is this weekend with "Anything Goes." It runs Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 7 p.m.
The MASC production of "The Glass Menagerie" is also this weekend, Friday, Sat and Sunday.
Animal Network will be offering pet adoptions from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 12 at the Monroe County Courthouse lawn. They will also be selling hot dogs and brats for $2.Recent Obits
Madalyn Allgire, 0, (stillborn) died April 4. She was the daughter of Michael Jr. and Angela Allgire of Waterloo. A graveside service was held Thursday at SS Peter & Paul Cemetery with Monsignor Flach officiating.
Cecil Bateman, 74, of Waterloo, died April 11 in Waterloo. A private service will be held at Quernheim Funeral Home.
The April edition is getting as you read this - should arrive in Monroe County tomorrow morning.
There was a two-alarm fire yesterday as Waterloo Fire Department along with Columbia responded to the Archie and Diane Gummersheimer residence on Coxeyville Road at 1 p.m. (between Columbia and Waterloo). Gummersheimer's storage barn was totally engulfed in flames when the firemen arrived. It was completely destroyed. (Photo attached of the fire. Firemen stray water onto the blaze as neighbor Bernard Vogt uses a backhoe to pull out the straw from the flames.) Gummersheimer said they had been burning some grass earlier in the day in their garden and it must have blown some cinders into the barn. Archie was eating lunch when a neighbor notified him that his barn was on fire.
Benefit Bake Sale Saturday morning in Valmeyer: Mike's Convenience store in downtown New Valmeyer will be selling a variety of homemade baked goods tomorrow morning. All proceeds go to benefit the American Cancer Society's Relay For Life team's alley Cats and Simply MAR-velace. Be sure to look for Marlene Rusteberg's red velvet cake. (Don't worry, Mike Brown did not do any of the baking - but will be doing some of the eating.)
The Hecker Music Fest is Saturday and Sunday. Saturday from 7-midnight features Danny Krausz and Heritage and Sunday from 2 p. - 7 p.m. is Dynamic Combo and Butch's Polka Kings.
Well, I guess the dust is beginning to settle after the elections in Monroe County. The new official will be taking office in late May. Should be interesting to see how the new mayor in Waterloo works out. Terry Kipping will now have the fun job of working with the alderman. Not sure if he has announced who he will chose as city attorney yet.
Valmeyer mayor and deputy Dennis Schreder's daughter will be getting married to Jeff Herring tomorrow in Maeystown.
Gibault's annual spring musical opens next Thursday with Cole Porter's "Anything Goes." If my memory serves me right, that play was also performed by Gibault in the late 1980's while The Ed-itor was in school. No, I didn't act in the play. If anyone has heard me sing karaoke, they know I couldn't carry a tune with a wheelbarrow.The Columbia Education Association is circulating a document entitled "Possible Budget Adjustments 2003-2004" listing new student fees and personnel cuts that are being considered by the Columbia Board of Education to balance the budget. The fees, including a $20 fee for parking, would raise about $95,000 in revenue and the personnel custs would shave $382,563 from the budget...No action has been taken. The document was given to the CEA by the board of educaton.They are in the midst of contract negotiations.Popular Columbia Postmaster Jeanette Gregory is moving on - she has taken the job of district retail manager at the downtown St. Louis Postal facility. A temporary postmaster will have the Columbia position for 8-12 weeks until a permanent replacement is hired.
You Paid For It: The Columbia Police Dept. ticketed a Fox 2 News van while the station was taping a segment for its morning show at Zarkie Music. The van was parked too close to the intersection at Locust and N. Main Streets, and as a result, contributed to an accident at the intersection. (Ed-itor's Note: You paid for it Fox 2 News. Though it was that goofy Ezell guy was taping a segment, not the infamous Elliot Davis.)
Local Bud distributor John Koerber has sold his home.
Everyone seems to be going out for fish on Friday's during Lent. Both the Waterloo VFW and Waterloo Sportsman's Club report stellar sales this year.
Paul Wallhaus was rushed to the hospital earlier this week. The initial diagnosis was a stroke, but haven't heard anything more. The guys up at Gruchala's can't wait to give him the once-over when he gets back.
March 28, 2003
Tuesday is election day - as soon as the official
results are announced at the Courthouse, I will have a breaking news email
listing the results. There has not been a lot of talk around Columbia, but there
is a lot of people asking in Waterloo, "So, who do you think is going to win the
mayors race." Most people believe that it is still a toss up, since the votes
(about 2,000) will be spread out over four candidates. I wonder if I'll be
getting any more mail from the builders association or Mayor Rusteberg? Both
have provided interesting reading material. Due to the length of their
materials, I have joked that I wish they provided Cliffs Notes.
Happy 30th birthday to Chris Voelker. He'll be at Eschy's tomorrow evening
celebrating with friends and family.
The Waterloo Lions are out and about today in downtown Waterloo accepting
donations.
Mon-Clair Singles will be at West Park Bowl March 29 from 2-4 pm. New members
are welcome, as long as you are over 21. Membership is free, bowling is $2 games
- $2 shoes.
Recent Obituaries
William E. Doyle, 67,of Waterloo died March 25 at St. Elizabeth's Hospital.
He was the husband of Helen (Reagan) Doyle. Visitation is at Quernheim
Funeral Home. Funeral 10 a.m. March 29 at St. Patrick's, Tipton.
Forrest G. Krekel, 80, of Waterloo died March 25 at Red Bud. He was the
husband of Nettie (Schneider) Krekel. Visitation is at Quernheim Funeral
Home Sunday 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. Funeral Monday at 10 a.m. at the funeral home.
Dorothy Huebner nee Whelan, 74, of Red Bud, died March 23 at Red Bud.
Visitation was at Quernheim Funeral Home. Funeral March 29 at St. Peter UCC
in Red Bud..
Hilda A. Cavanaugh nee Buschmann, 99, of St. Louis, formerly of Waterloo
died March 21 at Sunset Hills, MO. She was the wife of the late Andrew J.
Cavanaugh. Visitation was at the Quernheim Funeral Home with a funeral
Monday,March 24.
Corey G. Atkinson, 17, of Prairie du Rocher died March 21 at Children's
Hospital in St. Louis from cancer. He was the son of Gil and Wanda (Mudd)
Atkinson.
Visitation was at Welge-Pechacek Funeral Home with a funeral March 25 at St.
Joseph Catholic Church in Prairie du Rocher.
March 21, 2003
Shock and Awe At Waterloo Candidate Debate
The Waterloo mayoral candidates trading jabs was the highlight of the candidate
forum at the Monroe County Courthouse last night. Mayoral and aldermanic
candidates answered questions submitted by the attendees and the Waterloo
Chamber of Commerce, which sponsored the two-hour event. About 70 citizens were
in attendance, though a large percentage appeared to be the friends, family and
supporters of the candidates. (In the photo, are, left to right, mayoral
candidates Terry Kipping, Emmett Rusteberg, Steve Notheisen and Eric Baker; and
alderman candidates Jim Hopkins, Lindell Newbern, Charlie Metzger, Tony Giglotto,
Bob Kettler and Clyde Heller.)(Well, I could go on and on about what every
candidate said, but most of their points are already in their ads and candidate
profiles in the last edition.) Here are the interesting highlights:
Regarding City Attorney Floyd Crowder: Only Rusteberg said he would keep Crowder as the city attorney, though he commented that with all the apparent opposition, he was not sure if Crowder would want the job. Rusteberg stated a lot of people question his use of the attorney. He pointed out that bills from the mayor's desk only account for 5% of the monthly attorney fee.
Kipping was the only candidate that stated that, if elected, he would look to replace Police Chief Paul Stokes.
Speaking of Kipping, he used his opening remarks to respond to Notheisen's points from the builders association meeting debate and Rusteberg's points against him in advertisements. Kipping stated that his employment in the laborers' hall has never and will never effect his judgment as an elected official.
Kippinig also had a funny line, when Rusteberg handed the microphone to Kipping between questions, he said, "I'll turn it over to Terry." Kipping responded, "Ain't that what you usually say to Floyd?" (An apparent reference to the mayor regularly turning to Crowder for assistance during council meetings).
Notheisen pointed out he would work to end the disagreement over the access points along the by-pass. He believes those developing the area need to follow the rules set by IDOT regarding access points. He also admitted that he is not the favorite candidate amongst the Monroe County Builder's Association members. Notheisen surprised many in the audience in his closing remarks when he quipped that... If elected, my administration would not be run by the good old boy network that makes its decision at bars.... This left many in the audience (including one bar owner) in "shock and awe" since not many of the current local officials hang out at bars and Notheisen has been spotted uptown a time or two, but no more or less than any other candidate.
Eric Baker said if elected, he would be a strong mayor who would rely on his own decisions and the input of the alderman and not rely as heavily on the city attorney. Baker also scored points by those in the audience by answering most questions off the cuff, not reading from prepared statements.
Regarding the alderman, really not much controversial or shocking to report. Each stated they would work to improve the condition of their wards and end the disputed by-pass situation. Most were in favor of a frontage road.
*** In Other News ***
Cynthia Ziegler is in the hospital and needs your prayers. She had a minor
stroke, a clogged artery and has a bad case of pneumonia. The pneumonia has
gotten into her lungs and will require immediate surgery.
Quernheim's Funeral Home was packed last night for the visitation of Mike Lutz.
On a happier note: The Smirnoff Vodka girls were a hit last night in Columbia as
they made stops at Columbia City Saloon, Top Shooters, Main Street and Tiny's.
They were sponsored by Chick Fritz Distributing. The Ed-itor took some photos,
that may just be a little too hot for printing in The Independent.
The Columbia Fire Department was called to the Carrot Patch / Marketplace area
yesterday to track down the source of natural gas in the air. It was just a
minor accidental discharge by some utility workers.
The fire alarm in Waterloo this morning was just a false alarm at Lighthouse
Child Daycare.
Jule Boyer mentioned a close relative of his who lives in
Granite City was hit in an accident by an uninsured motorist. There will be a
benefit chicken and beer dance at the Amvets building in Madison, IL this
Saturday from 6 pm- midnight for Christy Boyles. Admission is $15. She is an
iron worker who will need over a year to recover.
Recent Obituaries
Edna Mae Diehl, 71, of Columbia, died March 17. She was the
operator of Diehl's Farm and Roadside Market in Columbia.
Rick Maus, 43, of Waterloo, died Friday, March 14. He had a heart attack while
playing soccer at Powerhouse.
Robert Rickermann, 73, of Arnold, MO died March 17. His son Richard lives in
Columbia.
Evelyn Mroz, nee Hunt, 86, of Waterloo, died March 18. Her sons are Eugene and
John Mroz of Waterloo.
March 14, 2003
Tower Crashed Through Roof The tower at the former home
of Monroe County Electric (the old REA building near Denny's in Waterloo) came
crashing down yesterday as crews from Skyview Corp. Two boom trucks from Skyview
were working to cut the 227 ft. tower in half, then gently lower each section to
the ground. When the welder standing in a cage atop the second boom finished
cutting the section through, the weight was more than the first boom could hold.
It buckled and the top half broke loose. Like a spear, it plummeted to the
ground, went through the roof of the building below, and lodged itself two feet
into solid concrete. The section stood perilously upright until this morning,
when another truck was brought in to pull the tower safely away. The boom on the
truck was also heavily damaged, as the steel supports were severely bent in
several places. (photos attached of the tower sections and a close-up from where
the tower crashed into the concrete.) Alan Wattles, president of the Monroe
County Electric, said they had sold the building to Burwell Properties this past
year. The building is scheduled to be demolished by Burwell, and turned into a
strip mall.
Prank At Columbia High School
Columbia High School reported that a group of three men dressed in black
allegedly ran through the school carrying a video camera early this morning.
They exited the school and fled in a small tan car. Principal Dennis Patton was
away from school today. Police Chief Gene Henckler believes this incident may
have just been a prank pulled off by students from another school. They are
following up on some leads.
Monroe County Builders Association Has Candidate Forum
Monroe County Builders Association (MCBA) held a candidate forum Tuesday, March
11, 2003 at the Ridge Golf Club. All candidates running for alderman and the
position of mayor were invited to attend. Mayor Rusteberg and Alderman Charles
Metzger declined to attend. Topics discussed included development of the
57-acre tract 1.5 miles from town, settling lawsuits regarding building on the
relocated Route 3 and whether elected if the current city attorney would be
retained for another four years. To the last question, only mayoral candidate
Steve Notheisen and alderman candidate Clyde Heller said they would not replace
the current attorney, Floyd Crowder. Heller said he would follow the lead of the
mayor. (Editor's Note: What a lot of people are still
talking about is how Steve Notheisen set the tone for the evening during his
opening remarks. Notheisen used his one-minute time limit to challenge fellow
candidate Terry Kipping on several points.)
*** A second forum sponsored by the Waterloo Chamber of Commerce will
be Thursday, March 20 at the Courthouse.
Gateway Connector made a presentation to the City of Columbia
March 10. They are the group working on the proposed Rt. 158 to I-255 re-route.
The proposed new highway will run from Troy at the 55/70/40 interchange, and
will run 37 miles north/south to Columbia. It will serve as another route
between Scott Air Force Base and I-255. The need for the highway stems from the
population and economic growth of the area, and the accompanying traffic
situation.
Monday, March 17 marks the second anniversary date for the
Monroe County Independent. Of course, we picked a big party day like St.
Patrick's Day to come out with our first edition. March 17 is also the birthdays
of William Nobbe and John Koerber.
Former employees of DOK Printing, Paul Dunker and Bill Ohms, are starting their own business called Printing Plus and appreciate any new business. "We want people to understand that we did not have anything to do with the decisions made by the former owners of D.O.K. and plan to offer quick, dependable service in our new venture," said Dunker. Their phone number is 282-6536.
Recent Obituaries:
Yvonne Rickert, nee Rapp, 85, of St. Louis died March 8. She was the wife of
Edward Rickert, Sr.
Alberta Goeddel, nee Frierdich, 86, of Waterloo, died March 10 at Red Bud
Regional Hospital.
March 10, 2003
Alexa 'Nikki' Racz died Friday, March 7, as a result of internal injuries
sustained in a one-vehicle car accident. It occurred at approximately 5 p.m.
near the intersection of Triple Lakes Road and Cement Hollow Road. According to
an eye witness, the car veered off the road, ran over the top of a telephone
pedestal before hitting a group of trees. Columbia firemen assisted EMTs in
extricating Racz from her car. It was reported she had dropped off a friend in
Freeburg after playing soccer, and was heading along the backroads to her home
in Dupo.
Racz, 16, was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church . She was a
Sophomore Honor Roll Student at Gibault Catholic High School where she was
active in many activities including; Varsity & JV soccer, Art competition, and
SCOPE.
Visitation is Monday, March 10 at Lawlor Funeral Home in Columbia from 2 p.m. -
9 p.m. Services are Tuesday, March 11, 2003, 10 a.m. at Immaculate Conception
Catholic Church. Survivors include her parents, Timothy and Victoria (Valleroy)
Racz; siblings: Christina, Aaron, and Christopher Racz; grandparents: Joe
(Laverne) Racz, Dan (Jean) Valleroy, and Ann (Rudy) Rudolph; Great Grandmothers:
Hilda Koch and Rose Valleroy; other relatives and many friends.
Several students today at Gibault wore St. Louis Blues jerseys and gloves in
honor or Nikki who was a fan of hockey, and nearly always wore a pair of gloves.
Classes will not be held at Gibault tomorrow as students will be able to attend
the service.
March 7, 2003
Will keep this email short - in the middle of getting the paper out. Already
been dropped at the post office -
so Waterloo / Columbia should get there copies tomorrow and everyone else soon
after.
We have been informed that while on vacation in Orlando, Florida, Columbia Mayor
Lester Schneider's
heart condition acted up and he is spending time in a hospital done there.
Initial diagnosis is that one of
his stints may have collapsed.
News that leaked from the courthouse is that longtime writer for the Republic
Times, Marvin Cortner has
resigned today. If this is so, we here at The Independent wish him the best.
Speaking of the newspaper business, DOK Printing in Waterloo, who had printed
the Independent since it
started has closed its doors. There is a rumor that Breese Publishing,
(publisher of the RT) is looking into
purchasing the press.
As this is the first Friday in Lent, that means it is fish fry season in Monroe
County. I know there are fish
fries at Waterloo VFW Hall and Waterloo Sportsman's Club, as well as the
restaurants and taverns that
serve food.
Those supporting the bond referendum in Columbia looking to build the new middle
school submitted a
Letter To The Ed-itor that didn't make the deadline, so I put it in the
E-newsletter. The group will be
canvassing the town this weekend to gain support for the bond to be voted on in
the April election.
Dear Ed-itor: On April 1, 2003, the voters in the Columbia school district will
have the opportunity to
vote on a school district proposition to issue bonds in order to build a new
middle school and make
improvements to the high school. We support this proposition, and are writing to
encourage other
voters to vote "yes" on April 1. We both grew up in Columbia, and it is a
wonderful place to live and
raise our children. However, we are concerned about the condition of the current
middle school, and
believe that now is the time to replace the building. We have listened to the
plan to build the new
school, and we believe that it is responsible and conservative. The citizens of
this town have always
valued the education and well-being of the children, and Columbia's schools have
always had an
excellent reputation for quality education. Along with that reputation comes
increasing property values,
a high quality of life for all residents, and a town that we can continue to be
proud of. Please remember
what we value as Columbia citizens, and vote "yes" on April 1. Thank you very
much. Sincerely, Mike
and Debbie Roediger.
Did anyone head down for the Soulard Mardi Gras parade? The word around St.
Louis is that our own
Bud Light Brigade got great reviews.
Speaking of Mardi Gras, congratulations to Bob & Lisa Goessling - they are the
king and queen of the
Outsiders Mardi Gras Party. They pulled the baby from the King Cake at the party
last weekend. I got the
photo too late to make this edition, so I thought I'd include it in the
e-newsletter. (photo by Donovan
Melican)
The Columbia Fire Dept. and the EMTs responded to a one-car accident at the
intersection of Triple
Lakes Road and Cement Hollow at 5 pm today. It was a Mercury driven by a lady
that lost control and hit
head on with a tree. She was knocked unconscious and rushed to the hospital.
Name is not available yet.
** On its return back to Columbia from St. Louis, the ambulance got a flat tire
along 255 near Telegraph.
They could not get off the road and held up traffic for a little.
I finally rented my duplex... so you won't see anymore annoying Duplex For Rents
in the newsletter -- at
least for another year!
Calendar of Events:
Friday:
Fish fries: Waterloo VFW and Waterloo Sportsmans
Saturday:
Heckerdome Dance - Uptown Country
Trivia: SPPS for Holy Name society
Turner Hall: Best of Branson Show
VHS Dinner Theater
Sunday:
Bingo at Columbia American Legion
Recent Obituaries (March 3 was not a good day)
Marilyn Nugent, nee Matthews, 62, of St. Louis died March 3. No visitation or
funeral.
Keith Branson, 66, of Waterloo died March 3.
Alvin Koch, 90, of Waterloo died March 3
Eva Durham, 102, of Waterloo, died March 3
Clarence Hoffman, 81, of Columbia died March 3
Friday, February 28
Congratulations to the Gibault Hawks men's varsity basketball team who are set
to play Madison in the
Regional playoffs tonight. The game is at home at 7:30 p.m. (it may be already
sold out). Earlier in the
week, the Hawks edged out Columbia Eagles to advance.
If you are heading down to Soulard to celebrate Mardi Gras, make sure you look
for the Bud Light Brigade
marching in the parade. I think they are 49th (give or take a float). They will
be wearing specially designed
sweatshirts for the occasion.
The Columbia Chamber of Commerce announced at its 91st annual dinner last night
that they selected the
Columbia Public School District as its recipient for the 2003 Pillar of the
Community Award.
Superintendent Gary Gordon and School Board Pres. Dale Hoepfinger gratefully
accepted.
The fire call in Waterloo yesterday turned out to be a backhoe that caught on
fire on Gilmore Lake Road.
Columbia was called out to a false alarm at Bethany Church on Hillcastle.
This is Joe Geoddel's last day at HTC - He is retiring after 50 plus years of
dedicated service.
The Maeystown Hurricanes, a Monroe County Relay For Life team, will be hosting a
Mardi Gras dance on
Saturday, March 1, from 8:30 PM to 12:30 AM at Eschy's Bar and Restaurant, 1026
Main, Maeystown.
Moe Cash will provide music. The dance will have a Mardi Gras theme and will
include a bead toss. There
is a $5 cover and all proceeds go toward the American Cancer Society's Monroe
County Relay For Life.
The American Cancer Society Relay For Life of Monroe County will receive $1 for
each haircut at Beauty
Network during the month of March. This event is hosted by Amy Hoffmann, a
member of the Maeystown
Hurricanes fundraising team. Beauty Network is located at 120 S. Moore in
Waterloo. Call 939.7727 to
schedule an appointment.
Calendar of Events
Friday:
Gibault playoff game
Saturday:
Bud Light Brigade marching in the Soulard Mardi Gras Parade (parade begins at
10:30 am)
Waterloo Sportsman's Club Trivia - 7 p.m. at the club
Benefit Dance - at Eschy's 8:30 - midnight
Sunday:
Soup & Pie Luncheon 11-1pm St. John's UCC Valmeyer - to benefit Ryan Hefflinger
who is planning
on heading to Europe this summer to be a student ambassador for the People To
People organization
WHS FFA Pork Chop dinner / hired hand auction at 5:30 pm (this is the
rescheduled date)
Monday:
Kashmir Pulaski Day (give your favorite Polish person a hug, well, unless it is
Steve Polacek)
Senior Day at Monroe County Care & Rehab Center Noon - 2:30 - complimentary meal
provided
Tuesday:
Fastnacht at Maeystown Church serving 5-8 all you can eat pancakes, sausage
doughnuts. (Come
just to see the Ed-itor and Mark Bundy have an eating contest).
Wednesday:
Ash Wednesday
Friday:
The beginning of Lenten Fish Fry Season
Recent Obituaries
Clara Hoffmann, 83, of Waterloo died Feb. 26. Visitation today 2-8 at Quernheim.
Funeral Sat. 11 Holy
Cross Lutheran Wartburg.
Minnie Vogt, 85, of Red Bud, died Feb. 22. She was the wife of Irvin Vogt.
Jim Stiening, 53, of Waterloo, died Feb. 26. Visitation Sunday, March 2 at
Quernheim 2-8. Funeral
Monday, 9:30 at the funeral home.
Edna Stemler, 90, nee Laub, formerly of Valmeyer, died Feb. 27. She was the wife
of the late Homer J.
Stemler. Visitation Sunday, March 2, 4-8 at Quernheims. Funeral Monday 1 pm at
St. John's Valmeyer.
Friday, February 21
Not much big news this week - but there are a lot of upcoming events, so make
sure to look over the
calendar of events at the bottom of the email.
The Waterloo Optimist Club is having their annual fundraising bowling tournament
beginning next Thursday
at the Bee Hive. For information contact Dave Goessling - 939-4085
The Waterloo Chamber of Commerce has a new time and temperature hotline -
939-9111 (Waterloo) or
281-9111 (Columbia)
There is a trivia night Saturday at SPPS beginning at 7 pm. It is being hosted
by the Swarm Softball
Team. Contact Jay Papenberg 939-7445 for info.
There is a benefit Saturday and Sunday at the Columbia City Saloon - a drummer
in a band has been
diagnosed with cancer. All proceeds go toward medical bills. There will be a
large gathering of area
musicians on stage on both days beginning at 1 p.m.
FFA Week is wrapping up today. Waterloo High School had their Ag Olympics this
morning and Valmeyer
had their tractor parade today. Attached is a photo of Mrs. Mavers - she was the
"lucky" teacher who won
the Kiss The Pig Contest. Students made donations to the American Cancer Society
in the name of Ed
Gardner. Each dollar of donation was a vote to have a teacher kiss a pig at the
end of Ag week. Both the
Waterloo FFA and Valmeyer FFA teams came in first place against opposing clubs
at each school.
Don't forget about the fish fry and music marathon this evening at Valmeyer High
School.
Calendar of Events:
Friday:
Bingo Only at Waterloo VFW (no fish on third Friday)
Valmeyer High School Fish Fry and Music Marathon 4-8 pm
Saturday:
ICS Parents & Friends Dinner and Auction
Trivia Night: at SPPS 7 p.m. hosted by the Bee Hive Swarm softball team
Farm Bureau Annual Meeting at Turner Hall
Wild Turkey Federation Banquet at Columbia American Legion
Sunday:
Wurstmarkt at SPPS
Obits:
Warren Goeddel will be laid out this afternoon at Quernheims. Funeral is
Saturday
The family of Mark Unterseh is making plans today. Will let you know when plans
are finalized.
Louise Edmonds, 78, of Columbia died Feb. 14.
Delbert Nagel, 72, of Waterloo died Feb. 16
February 14, 2003
Happy Valentine's Day!!!
Diehl's, A Floral Expression, Helfrich's and Memory Lane have been busy making
deliveries today. The
Ed-itor has cleared out some office space for the expected heavy quantity of
flowers to arrive. Well, the
ladies can just buy me a beverage of their choice tonight while I am making my
rounds.
Former Waterloo Jr. High School Principal Ed Gardner returned to the school this
past Wednesday to
a gym filled with cheering students, teachers, long-time co-workers and other
well-wishers. The assembly
was to honor Gardner for his years of dedication to the school and to receive a
special honor.
Superintendent Wayne Collmeyer announced that the new address for the school has
been officially
changed to #1 Ed Gardner Place. A beautifully designed street sign has been
erected at the Fourth Street
entrance to the school. Gardener retired from Waterloo Jr. High School in 2002
after 18 years of service.
Soon after, he was diagnosed with cancer that has spread to his abdomen. Gardner
has lost some weight
and is undergoing treatment which drains a lot of his energy, but Gardner found
the inner strength to get up
from his wheelchair and walk to the podium to make a very inspirational speech.
"I'm going to kick this,
yet!" said Gardner. (A photo is attached of Gardner making his speech.) At the
end of the program, Ed
Gardner made a lap around the gym shaking hands and hugging all the teachers.
Those groups with referenda on the April election were invited to speak at the
Monroe County
Taxpayers meeting this past Wednesday. There were representatives from the
Waterloo Fire Dept.,
Columbia School District and the Monroe County Nursing Home.
Waterloo Fire Chief Mark Yeager stated the City of Waterloo and the Waterloo
Rural Fire Board are
considering merging under one fire district. Presently, there are separate
trucks owned by the rural district
and the City of Waterloo. Yeager said that if the measure passes, the fire
department will be able to
provide additional services to the entire community, though there would be a
slight increase in taxes to the
residents of the city of Waterloo, estimated at seven cents a day, about $26 a
year for the average
homeowner.
The issue of the need to build a new Columbia
Middle School was addressed by Columbia School
Superintendent Gary Gordon and Debbie Volmer. Volmer stated the current middle
school, built in 1940,
is in need to constant repairs and the boiler must be replaced very soon. There
is also a pest problem and
the building is not handicap accessible. A committee of 28 Columbia residents
has addressed the
situation and has recommended building a new facility near the high school. The
bond proposal would
cost the owner of a $100,000 home, about a $150 increase in their real estate
taxes annually.
CPA Eugene Schorb, of the accounting firm of Schorb & Schmersahl, detailed the
Monroe County
Commissioners plan for the sale of $10 million in bonds for building a new site
for the Monroe County
Care & Rehabilitation Center. On the April ballot, there is an advisory
referendum. Voters will be asked
their opinion on whether the commissioners should proceed. The results of the
advisory referendum are
non-binding.
President of the Monroe County Taxpayers Harry
Reichert stated that the group voted unanimously
against the proposed building of a new nursing home. They have not made a final
decision regarding the
Columbia Middle school or the Waterloo Rural Fire District issues. The Taxpayers
will meet again on the
second Wednesday of March at the Monroe County Annex. More complete details of
the referendum will
appear in the election coverage in the March edition of The Independent.
There was a fire at an apartment along Gilmore Lake Road in Columbia this past
Wednesday. The
Columbia Fire Dept. called on Waterloo FD to help put out the blaze. The damage
was limited to one
apartment. There were two fire alarms today in Columbia - both turned out to be
false alarms.
There was a three car fender-bender along Main Street in Columbia today near the
new Dairy Queen. One
of the drivers was transported to a hospital by her father. The girl, 17, was
driving a red Cavalier and had
made contact with the backend of a full sized truck. The injuries did not appear
to be serious. Will wait to
put the names in the newspaper.
I have been told that Monroe County Deputy Corey Reichling has decided to leave
the department.
Lenten season is right around the corner - that also means the start of fish fry
season. I am already
debating: will I go with white or rye this year?
FFA Week begins Sunday. Waterloo FFA has their Pork Chop dinner at the school
cafeteria at 5:30 pm
this Sunday. The WHS tractor parade is next Thursday after school. The Valmeyer
Tractor parade is next
Friday from 9-10.
There was some big action at the Columbia City Saloon last night as eight State
Police cars surrounded
the building and performed an identification check for all the patrons.
According to a witness, the troopers
blocked the exits and went person to person checking for underage drinking. It
was reported that three
tickets were issued. The officers remained on the parking lot to give
breathalyzer tests to anyone walking
out of the establishment. According to the witness, things have settled down at
the on Thursdays at the City
Saloon a lot over the past few months and bouncers are at each door carding
everyone who walks in.
There are a lot of upcoming events throughout Monroe County:
Friday:
VFW Fish Fry in Waterloo - they have several Valentine's Day Special and will
serve until 8 pm
tonight. Take your special someone out for a fish plate and a cocktail - then a
fun-filled night of bingo.
Turner Hall Fish Fry in Columbia
Route 3 dance at Heckerdome sponsored by the Hecker Knights of Columbus
MASC play "Barefoot in the Park" opens at the Capitol Theatre
Saturday:
High Tea at Tina's Tea Room in Waterloo
African storyteller at the Columbia Library at 2 pm
JV's Steak Night
Trivia: at SPPS to benefit Outsiders Softball Team - call Butch at 939-9913 for
info.
Sunday:
Waterloo FFA Alumni Pork Chop dinner and hired hand auction at 5:30 pm
VHS FFA Sweetheart dance.
Recent Obituaries:
Larry Williams, 50, of Columbia died Feb. 12. There is no visitation. Quernheim
handled the
arrangements.
Friday, February 7
The newspaper was dropped into the mail today.
The boil order has been lifted in Columbia.
There were countless fender benders and people running off the road yesterday
due to the snow and
freezing temperatures. No major accidents involving serious injuries. There was
a multiple car pileup on
the JB Bridge last night about 7 involving a semi-tractor trailer. Traffic on
the bridge was shut down for over
an hour as the vehicles were towed away. Also very icy Rt. 3 south of Waterloo
and Rt. 3 North of
Columbia (over the Palmer Road overpass).
The YMCA sent a letter to Waterloo Mayor Emmett Rusteberg stating they are
beginning their campaign
drive to build a new facility. It will take a lot considerable local donations
before construction begins.
The American Cancer Society has decided to regionalize its operations, which
will eliminate the individual
county units, including the Monroe County Unit. This was announced at the local
group
The MASC production of "Barefoot In The Park" starts next Friday - Valentine's
Day, Feb. 14 - remember
ladies to send something to your favorite newspaper man!!
Helfrich & Son's is moving their location north one block - to the Old
Weilbacher's building.
Well, going to keep this email short - need to get delivering the papers to the
newsstands.
Calendar of Events
Friday:
Monroe County Soil and Water Annual Meeting
Saturday:
Trivia At Fountain Inn
Tuesday:
Monroe County Pork Producers Meeting
Friday, January 31
No big breaking news or accidents this week.
The Independent will be printed next Friday, Feb. 7.
TriStar Land Group recently purchased a large track of the George Dickneite farm
property in Waterloo
(the farm land along Rt. 3 across from Schneider's Meats in Waterloo). It has
been speculated around
town it may be a future commercial and residential area. The records at the
Monroe County Courthouse
show that the transaction totaled roughly $1.8 million.
What should be done with the Colonel Morrison Home in Waterloo??? (the former
site of the
library) On Sunday, February 2 from 1:15 - 3:30 p.m., the public will have an
opportunity to come to Col.
Morrison's home and express their ideas on potential uses for this building.
A Benefit Dance For Robin Leistler will be held Feb. 8 at the Waterloo VFW.
Robin is an employee at the
Monroe County Nursing Home that has been diagnosed with cancer. Admission is $5
and music will be
provided by Partytime Entertainment from 7:30 - 11:30 pm. You may remember the
Leistler's as the family
whose home burned down near New Hanover last year.
The Ed-itor has a duplex for rent in Waterloo in Westview Estates - off of the
Rt. 3 bypass near the Monroe
County Annex building. Call 939-1568 for info.
Calendar of Events
Saturday:
Waterloo Lions Trivia
Sunday:
Colonel Morrison home tour and public discussion
Recent Obituaries
George Jenkins, 59, of Waterloo died Jan. 30. The body was donated for research.
DeFabio handled the
arrangements. There will be a memorial service at SS Peter and Paul Waterloo
Sunday at 2 p.m.
Emil Wetzler, 76, of Maeystown, died January 29. Visitation at Quernheim Friday
(today) 2-8. Funeral Sat.
at St. John UCC at 11 am.
Helen Buettner, 81, of Columbia, died January 29. Visitation Friday (today) 4-9.
Funeral Sat. 11 am at St.
Paul UCC Columbia.
Friday, January 24
Waterloo Bar Owner Dies
Ken Elder, co-owner of On The Corner (OTC) in Waterloo died yesterday. Elder was
working on a
refrigerator at Lynch Street Bistro in St. Louis when a tank exploded, killing
him instantly. The bar was
open last night as patrons came in to share their condolences for Ken. Ken owned
the bar along with his
father and brother Dan. Dan dropped by the bar last night and said he would
inform everyone as soon as
funeral arrangements were made. A photo is attached of Ken, left, and his
brother Dan.
The weather is suppose to finally warm back up over the freezing mark later this
weekend. Hopefully in
time for all the Superbowl festivities around the county this weekend.
The Waterloo Fire Dept. responded to a fire alarm at the Monroe County Nursing
Home this morning.
Apparently, a resident's heater burnt. There was little in any damage other than
some smoke.
Eschy's is having their annual Hunter's party Saturday night - if you are up for
some wild game (food that is).
Calendar of Events
Friday:
Fish fry and bingo at the Waterloo VFW.
The band Night Moves will be playing at Columbia Main Street Bar & Grill
Saturday:
Trivia: Valmeyer Music Boosters at the high school gym
Trivia: Hecker Volunteer Fire Department at the Heckerdome
Route 3 Dance: At Turner Hall to benefit the Columbia Volunteer Fire Department
Steak Night at JV's
Cumberland Gap Bluegrass Band will be playing at Columbia Main Street
Sunday:
Bingo: Quilt and Cash bingo at the Heckerdome sponsored by St. Augustine's
Church
Friday, January 17,
2003
Has everyone been able to shovel out of the "big snow" we had earlier this week?
The 1/16 inch blizzard
closed down both Waterloo and Valmeyer schools this past Thursday. It was
reported the drifts got as high
as 1/8". Well, once again, the weatherman didn't get it quite right and we
luckily just got a dusting of the
white stuff. Columbia schools were in session. There were no reports of students
from Waterloo or
Valmeyer walking by Columbia High School and yelling in the window "Na na na na
na na".
A few people have called into the office or emailed me to submit names for the
Best 20 Kloepper players
in Monroe County. There is still time. If you have a name, please email me - I
will also need the reason why
they are deserving of being on the list.
The Monroe County Board of Commissioners will have a special meeting Tuesday,
Jan. 21 beginning at 8
a.m. at the nursing home. The first session will be a meeting of the Nursing
Home Endowment
Association. The meeting will move to the courthouse Room 220 beginning at 9: 15
a.m. Agenda items
include: Terry Snodgrass, ambulance service report; tom Smith, Bi-County Health
Report; Jeanette
Gerber and Leota Roider, service for seniors; Allen Vogt, GIS update; Mike Fausz,
final plat for Water's
Edge; Scott Gima, feasibility study; Ron Polka, highway building final approval
and bandstand handicap
ramp. After lunch the board will re-convene at 1 p.m. for other business.
The Ed-itor has a duplex for rent in Waterloo. My current renters are in the
Army and being transferred to
Texas at the end of this month. If you are interested give me a call at 939-1568
(home) or 281-8000
(office) or just email me back about the details. It has two-bedrooms, full
basement, upstairs washer and
dryer and all other major appliances. It's at 211 Mueller Lane, which is the
subdivision off the Rt. 3 by-pass
near the Monroe County Building.
The Columbia Tax Payers To Decide On Building Of New Middle School Columbia
voters will be asked to approve a $22 million bond issue in the April 1
election. The bonds will be used to build a new middle school and make
improvements to the high school. The board of education unanimously passed a
resolution to place the question on the ballot at their meeting Thursday
evening. There were about 30 people at the meeting, many of whom served on
a facilities planning committee that advised the board on the matter. Plans call
for the new school to be built south of the high school. The area currently is
wooded. The board decided to pursue this plan after reviewing the findings of
the citizens committee that studied the school district's current and
anticipated needs. Superintendent Gary Gordon was reluctant to give a firm
estimate on how much the bond issue will increase the tax rate for the
district's residents. The board has hired Edward Jones Investments as
consultants for the bond issue. Their research is expected to yield the actual
tax rate increase that will be required to pay the bonds. (Unofficial
calculations indicate that the measure may require an increase in the range of
60 cents per $100
equalized assessed valuation, which would mean about a 10 per cent increase on
the total real estate tax bill). Another consulting firm, Unicom, has been
retained to assist in presenting information to the public. Debbie Ahrens
was named by the board to head a citizens committee that will promote passage of
the bond issue. A simple majority is required. If the measure passes, the
project is anticipated take about 14 months to complete, according to Dennis
Young, project manager for Wm. B. Ittner, Inc., the architect. No firm plans
have been established for the current middle school, if the bond issue passes.
In the attached photo, Dennis Young points to the proposed site plans for the
new middle school, located near the current high school.
Recent Obituaries
Renda Baker, 60, of Red Bud died Saturday, January 11
Edith Pennington, 81, of Columbia, died January 11
Gertrude Jaeger, 88, of Waterloo, died January 14
Letha Gerber, nee Johanning, 83, of Fults died January 14
Willis Thien, 76, of Columbia, died January 14
Andy Livingstone, 12, of Columbia, died January 13. He was the son of Glenn and
Janet Livingstone.
Visitation Saturday, January 18 at the ICS School gymnasium from noon until 1
p.m. with a special
program starting at 1 p.m. Memorials may be sent to Friends of Kids with Cancer
or the American Cancer
Society.
Calendar of Events
Friday: Benefit Dance at the Heckerdome featuring Route 3 - All proceeds go to
the Valmeyer First
Responders.
Saturday: Waterloo Chamber of Commerce annual meeting
Friday, January 10
Residents were evacuated along Waterloo Drive in Waterloo this past Tuesday
evening as a natural gas
meter was ruptured. Mike Mathews had ran into the gas meter at his home along
Waterloo Drive at
approximately 8 p.m. causing natural gas to be released. The odor could be
detected for several blocks
away. The Waterloo Fire Department Waterloo City utility employees raced to the
scene to cap the pipe.
The Waterloo Police Dept. evacuated the immediate area in case a spark ignited
the gas causing an
explosion. After about 45 minutes, the meter was secured and the all-clear was
given to allow residents to
come back to their homes. A photo is attached of the accident scene. (Ed-itor's
Note: Everyone was
relieved that no one flicked their Bic that evening.)
Progress continues on the expansion of the lines for the Fountain Water
District. There are stockpiles of
pipe lying along county roads awaiting crews to set them into place. I will
follow up with more details in the
next edition of the paper.
Several Floarkes will be celebrating their birthday's this Saturday evening at
Fountain Inn, including
Valmeyer Fire Chief Floyd who will be turning the big 5-0.
Speaking of the Valmeyer Fire Department... Ted Lerch, a member of the Masons,
presented a check for
$2,000 to the Valmeyer Rural Fire District to be used to help fund the purchase
of needed life-saving
equipment. The Valmeyer Fire Dept. and First Responders want to have all the
necessary equipment on
hand at the scene of a severe vehicle accident.
Calendar of Events
Friday
Fish fry / bingo at Waterloo VFW
Turner Hall Fish Fry
Saturday
Monroe County Ambulance Assoc. Fundraiser: Chicken n Beer dance at Heckerdome.
Route 3 will be performing.
CVFD Crazy Bowl at Westpark
Recent Obituaries
Allen Raeber, 82 , of Columbia, died January 4.
Donald Geaschel, 66, of Percy, died January 3.