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E-Newsletter - April 16, 2010

 

Fire Destroys Barn In Rural Red Bud

Red Bud and Hecker firefighters were called Thursday to the Helen Goedecke farm at 8380 LL Road in rural Red Bud. The initial report is that the property owners were burning brush and the fire spread and caught a shed on fire. The firefighters quickly had the fire under control, but the shed was completely destroyed.
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Hecker and Red Bud firefighters
work to put out a burning shed on LL Road.      – photo and information provided by the North County News of Red Bud

 

Two Cars Collide On Konarcik Road: There were only minor injuries when two cars collided Thursday, April 15 at the crest of a hill in the 5600 block of Konarcik Road between Waterloo and Hecker. Just after 3:30 p.m., Jordan Bauer, 18, driving a ’94 Toyota Tercel and Margaret Hawk, 46, in an ’01 Chevy Cavalier collided. Hawk and a passenger, her son Aaron, were transported by ambulance to Red Bud Regional Hospital for minor injuries. They were treated and released later that afternoon.

 

Man Fires Gun At Son-In-Law: Larry Tolar was arrested Thursday evening by the Monroe County Sheriff’ Department after he fired a gun in the direction of his son-in-law, John Tammen. The incident occurred just after 9:30 p.m. at Tammen’s home at 6521 LL Road in rural Waterloo. The bullet missed Tammen by several inches and struck a couch. “It appears he was not aiming to injure Tammen, but merely to scare him,” the police report stated. After the gun was fired, Tammen and his wife, Lynette (Tolar’s daughter), exited the room and locked themselves in the bathroom of their home. They dialed 911 and told the dispatcher they were considering making a run for it out the back door or through the bathroom window. Monroe County Sheriff’s deputies, who were racing to the scene advised the couple to remain in the bathroom. The officers quickly arrived and were able to apprehend Tolar without incident. Tolar, 64, was arrested and spent the night at the Monroe County Jail. He was charged with a felony count of aggravated discharge of a firearm and reckless discharge of a firearm.

 

Weekend Sports Update

In local baseball action Thursday afternoon, Columbia High School defeated Breese Central 28-0; it was Red Bud over Wesclin, 3-2; while Valmeyer lost to Marissa 9-5. On the softball field yesterday, Columbia defeated Central 7-3 and Marissa topped Valmeyer 14-2. In girls’ soccer, Waterloo traveled to Highland and played to a 0-0 tie; while Gibault hosted Mascoutah and lost 7-3.

Upcoming games include the Waterloo baseball team hosting Belleville West on Friday. The Waterloo softball team plays at home versus Red Bud on Friday, and travels to Althoff Saturday for an 11 a.m. game. The Columbia softball team plays at Granite City on Friday, while the Columbia Showcase Soccer tournament begins Friday and runs through April 22. Columbia’s first game is this evening at 7 p.m. against Belleville West. The Columbia baseball team hosts a double header Saturday against Mater Dei. The Gibault softball team hosts Althoff Friday at 4:30 p.m. On Saturday, the Gibault baseball and softball teams will each play in the Okawville Tournament. The Hawks soccer team will host O’Fallon on Saturday at 12 noon.
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Columbia’s Amanda Krebel slides
safely back into first base as the Eagles defeated Central 7-3 on Thursday.     - photo by Debbie Roediger - www.roedigerphotos.com

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Waterloo’s Chandler Miller is safe at the plate
during a girls’ varsity softball game Wednesday. Miller was 2 for 4 at the plate, including a triple, helping Waterloo defeat Mascoutah 5-0.     - photo by Gateway Photography / game photos at www.gatewayphoto.net

 

The Sparta boys’ and Nashville girls’ teams finished at the top of the scoring chart at Thursday’s track meet at Columbia High School. On the boys’ side, the scoring was Sparta, 248; Columbia, 203; New Athens, 126; Red Bud, 117; Breese Central, 30; and Steeleville, 4. For the girls’, it was Nashville, 215; Sparta, 137.5; Red Bud, 57.5; New Athens, 46.5; Columbia, 34; and Okawville, 26.
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Columbia’s Nick Reitz, second from right, flies to first place
in the hurdles during a home track meet on Thursday. Reitz finished first in the 110-meter and 300-meet hurdles and third in the triple-jump.     - photo by Debbie Roediger - www.roedigerphotos.com

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Valmeyer starting pitcher Mike Muelling pitched several strong innings Thursday
, but Marissa picked up several late-inning runs for a 9-5 victory over the Pirates.

 

Two local girls’ soccer power houses met Wednesday for a match-up in Waterloo for a battle between WHS and Columbia High School. Columbia used the wind at their back in the first half to take a 2-0 lead. The Eagles played tough defense in the second half and came home with a 4-2 victory improving their record to 8-1. The Bulldogs fell to 8-2.
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Columbia’s defense, in blue, surrounded the Waterloo
offense in the second half of play Wednesday to come away with a 4-2 victory.      - photo by Gateway Photography / game photos at www.gatewayphoto.net

 

Eric Cope of Waterloo sank his first-ever hole-in-one this week during Men’s League at Acorns Golf Links. He shot it on the par-four second hole.

 

Valmeyer’s annual Junior Class Play is this weekend will be a production of "The Groom Said No." It runs on Friday and Saturday, April 16 and 17 at VHS gym. The curtain rises at 7:30 p.m. The play will feature Michele Bivins as the fat lady from Jersey. “Remember, this play ain’t over until the fat lady sings,” said Bivins.

 

A pep rally was held Thursday at the Columbia Middle School to recognize students for their recent accomplishments. Longtime teacher and coach Barry Krizan was also honored and received a special presentation for his 44 years of service and upcoming retirement.
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Columbia Middle School Principal Dr. Roger Chamberlain,
right, acknowledges the accomplishments of, left to right, Conner McDonald, Brian Spargo, Sadie Shelton, Barry Krizan and CMS Principal Roger Chamberlain.                – photo by Bob Haentzler

 

Columbia accountant Bob Thoma said this tax season was busy for all the fellow CPA’s around the county he talked to, but once again, they all survived. Thoma said he worked the past couple months from sun-up to late at night through the April 15 deadline, and still has a few more to complete from folks who filed extensions.
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Weekly Court Report: The following cases were adjudicated in Monroe County Circuit Court in Waterloo the week of April 12, Judge Dennis Doyle presiding…
Kelly D. Heusohn, 31, of Valmeyer
pleaded guilty to driving under a revoked license. Heusohn was ordered to pay $80 court cost and to perform 240 hours of community service and given a one-year conditional discharge. The violation occurred May 30 on Bluff Meadows Drive at Woodland Ridge; Valmeyer Police handled the incident. A charge of unlawful use of a license was dismissed.

Nicholas A. Condellire, 23, of Columbia pleaded guilty to illegal possession of drug paraphernalia. Condellire was ordered to pay total fine and court cost of $655 and placed on one year court supervision. The violation occurred Feb. 7 on Admiral Parkway at Palmer Road; Columbia Police handled the incident. Charges of speeding 67 mph in a 50 mph zone and operating an uninsured motor vehicle were dismissed.

Randy L. Jackson, 24, of O'Fallon, Ill.
pleaded guilty to illegal dumping. Jackson was ordered to pay total fine and court cost of $272, forbidden to end the Waterloo yard-waste site in Lakeview Park and placed on one year court supervision. The violation occurred June 13; Waterloo Police handled the incident.

Drake Marshall, 36, of Waterloo pleaded guilty to reckless conduct. Marshall was ordered to pay total fine and court cost of $1,212 and placed on one year court supervision. The violation occurred March 11.

Kelley D. Headrick, 19, of Waterloo pleaded guilty to illegal consumption of alcohol by a minor. Headrick was ordered to pay total fine and court cost of $272 and placed on one year court supervision. The violation occurred March 6 on West Mill Street; Waterloo Police handled the incident.

Patrick J. Ryan, 20, of Millstadt pleaded guilty to illegal consumption of alcohol by a minor. Ryan was ordered to pay total fine and court cost of $272 and placed on one year court supervision. The violation occurred March 6 on West Mill Street; Waterloo Police handled the incident.

Tammy D. Gettings, 28, of Fairview Heights pleaded guilty to no valid license. Gettings was ordered to pay total fine and court cost of $193 and placed on three months court supervision. The violation occurred Nov. 11 on Admiral Parkway at Bottom Ave.; Columbia Police handled the incident. Charges of failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident and failure to report an accident were dismissed.

Christopher D. Whitecotton, 34, of Dupo pleaded guilty to operating an uninsured motor vehicle. Whitecotton was ordered to pay total fine and court cost of $212 and placed on one year court supervision. The violation occurred March 7 on Interstate 255; Columbia Police handled the incident. A charge of improper display of registration was dismissed.

Adam J. Flotron, 24, of Waterloo pleaded guilty to operating an uninsured motor vehicle. Flotron was ordered to pay total fine and court cost of $212 and placed on one year court supervision. The violation occurred March8 on Morrison Avenue at 4th Street; Waterloo Police handled the incident.

Dylan Duncan, 18, of Waterloo
pleaded guilty to speeding 40 mph in a 25 mph speed zone. Duncan was ordered to pay total fine and court cost of $165 and placed on three months court supervision. The violation occurred March 17 on West 4th Street at Sandalwood; Waterloo Police handled the incident. A charge of operating an uninsured motor vehicle was dismissed.

 

Maeystown’s annual Fruehlingsfest antique and garden show is Sunday, May 2 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event features antiques from some of the top dealers in the Midwest. In addition, local nurseries will sell annuals, perennials and herbs. “The Maeystown Fruehlingsfest is permanently on my calendar,” says Andy Culbertson of Quintessential Antiques in St. Louis. “We look forward to it every year, and I wouldn’t think of missing it. It’s a unique, entertaining day in a beautiful setting — appealing to hardened collectors and casual antique buffs alike, or for those just looking for an enjoyable way to spend a Sunday.” Admission is free and a variety of food will be served, including bratwurst, barbecue, potato pancakes, kettle corn, funnel cakes, pretzels and strawberry shortcake. A creek-side wine garden, served by the Maeystown Kaffee and Wein Haus will also be featured. For more information, call the Corner George Inn at 618-458-6660 or visit www.maeystown.com.

 

Gibault’s Spring Musical Is “The Wizard Of Oz”

Gibault Catholic High School continues its tradition of a Spring musical with this year’s production of “The Wizard of Oz.” Senior Lucie Coats will star as Dorothy. The ensemble cast will include 25 high school students, along with 26 area elementary school students who will play the Munchkins and Toto. Mary Beth Babcock will make her debut as a director of a Gibault musical. She is an experienced actress and director with shows in Los Angeles and St. Louis. Her credits include films, several soap operas and television acting, including an episode of “Buffy the Vampire Slayer.”  Recently she co-wrote and directed last year’s summer production of “Hail Columbia,” which told the story of the history of the town. The Wizard of Oz will be presented Friday and Saturday, April 16-17 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, April 18 at 2 pm. Tickets are $7 for adults, $4 for students. Children under five are free. For ticket information, email Bill Guthrie at guthrieb@gibaultonline.com or call the school at 618-939-3883.

 

Those who had items on consignment at the now closed Chic Junktique in Columbia are being advised to pick up their items at Shell Storage, 223 Southwoods Center, Columbia, beginning Monday, April 19. A store representative will be on hand boxing up the remaining inventory. Those wishing to retrieve their items are being advised to call 618-980-1167 to arrange a time for pick-up.

 

The American Red Cross welcomed 63 donors to their April 13 blood drive at Columbia’s Turner Hall. The Immaculate Conception Church Altar Society provided homemade cookies. Donors who reached milestones were David Madrid, 4 gallons; and David Thomas, 12 gallons. The next blood drive at Turner Hall is June 8, from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m.

 

Milliken freshman Wes Hillen was named College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin Men’s Golfer of the Week. Hillen, an alum of Columbia High School, won the Big Blue Spring Classic April 9-10 at Decatur’s Red Tail Golf Course. He shot a one over par 145 on the 7,351-yard course.

 

Don Thompson of Waterloo is the April winner of the Think Monroe County First Super Consumer drawing. He won a $150 gift certificate to Harres Home Furnishings and Appliances in Columbia. His entry was drawn at Waterloo Lumber Company.

 

Healthy Kids Day is this Saturday, April 17 at the Monroe County YMCA. It is a free day of activities for the family. “The entire day is designed to celebrate healthy living, encourage kids and families to get excited about physical fun and activity, and most importantly just place,” said YMCA Director Jeff Cernicek.

 

The Alzheimer’s Association’s In the Moment support group will meet on Thursday, April 29, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Oak Hill Senior Center in Waterloo. This month’s topic is Basic Alzheimer's Education. Any family member, friend or caregiver of someone with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia is encouraged to attend this meeting. Literature on Alzheimer’s disease will be available and refreshments will be served. For more information, contact Julia at 618-939-3488, ext. 1248.

 

Recent Obituaries

Eugene E. Wittenauer, 89, of Waterloo, formerly of Hecker, died April 12, 2010 in Waterloo. He was born Aug. 20, 1920, the son of the late Edward and Barbara (nee Grau) Wittenauer. Mr. Wittenauer is survived by his wife of 63 years, Marlene (nee Koch) Wittenauer; children, Jacki (Mike) Fisher of Webster, Tex., Judy (Chris) Haberl of Waterloo, Jeanne Steinbrenner of Fairport, NY., Jerry (Kris) Wittenauer of Waterloo, Janet (Terry) Mullarkey of Anthem, Ariz., and Jeff (Stacy) Wittenauer of St. Charles, Mo.; 16 grandchildren; four- great-grandchildren; three sisters-in-law; and a brother-in-law. He was preceded in death by six brothers and three sisters. Mr. Wittenauer was a veteran of World War II, spending 30 months in Newfoundland. He was a retired farmer and egg producer, a parish trustee at St. Augustine of Canterbury Catholic Church in Hecker, a lifetime member of the Hecker Community Center, lifetime member of the VFW and a long-time coach for Little League baseball and women’s softball. In 2000, he and his wife moved to Waterloo and became members of Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church. Visitation is Friday, April 16 from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Quernheim Funeral Home. Funeral Mass is Saturday, April 17 at 12 noon at SPPS Church with Father Osang Idagbo officiating. Mr. Wittenauer will be buried at St. Augustine Cemetery. Memorials may be made to SPPS grade school and church or Gibault Catholic High School.

Robert E. Upchurch, 81, of Columbia died April 12, 2010 at St. Anthony's Medical Center in St. Louis County from complications of heart and kidney disease. Mr. Upchurch is survived by his wife of 62 years, Earline M.  (nee Girard) Upchurch; daughters Debbie Greenley of Waterloo, Pam Hohrein of Millstadt and Susan Buesking of Dupo; a son, David Upchurch of St. Louis; a brother, James Upchurch of Dupo; sisters Catherine Harberding of O’Fallon, Mo. and  Johanne Reynolds of Columbia; grandsons Jason, Richie, Jerrod and Joel; and great-grandsons Jack, Kyle, Gavin and Colin. He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Eunice (Lane) Upchurch; a sister, Jeanette Gericke; and his best friend and brother, Carl Upchurch of Columbia. Mr. Upchurch grew up in Cahokia and was a longtime businessman. He lived in the Gilmore Lakes subdivision in rural Columbia since 1977. Mr. Upchurch graduated from Dupo High School and served as a military police officer in the early 1950s during the Korean War. He retired after 43 years of employment as a machinist for Union Electric (Ameren). He also owned and operated Upchurch Insurance Agency with the help of his wife. While residing in Cahokia, Mr. Upchurch was active in public service and he served on various boards and committees, including 45-years on the Cahokia Police Board and was also the commissioner of the Police Pension Board. He served as a director on the executive board of the Cahokia Bank for 20-years. In addition, he was instrumental in the planning and development of both the Bi-State Parks Airport and the Cahokia public pool and ice rink. Visitation and funeral were at Lawlor Funeral Home in Columbia. Mr. Upchurch was buried at Valhalla Gardens of Memory Mausoleum in Belleville. Memorials may be made to the Major Case Squad in Cahokia.

Elmer F. Liefer, 90, of Red Bud, died Tuesday, April 13, 2010 in Red Bud. He was born May 29, 1919, in Evansville, the son of the late Helen and Diedrich (nee Wolter) Liefer. Mr. Liefer is survived by his children, Dr. Allan (Louise) Liefer of Chester, Rick (LouAnn) Liefer of Red Bud and Terry (Justine) Liefer of rural Red Bud; grandchildren Heidi Liefer, Jon (Mary) Liefer, Chris (Shawn) Liefer, Gretchen Liefer, Garrick (Nichole) Liefer, Darren (Andrea) Liefer, Tim (Jessica) Liefer, Brandon (Tammy) Liefer, Dustin (Crystal) Liefer and Quinn Liefer; a brother, Homer (Alice) Liefer of Evansville; sister, Anita (Walter) Langrehr of Evansville; and 12 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Elsie (nee Yud) Liefer, whom he married in 1944 in Chicago and died in 1995; his second wife, Viola (Hannebutt) Budde, whom he married in 1996 and died in 2006; children Judy and Randy Liefer; a brother, Ralph Liefer; and a sister, Viola Althoff. Mr. Liefer served in the U.S. Navy in the Pacific during World War II. He was a farmer, a life member of the Red Bud Lions Club, a charter member of the North County Country Club, served on the Red Bud District 132 School Board and was active at his church, St. John Lutheran Church of Red, including holding many offices and its’ Men’s Club. Visitation was at Koch-Liefer Funeral Home in Red Bud. Funeral was at St John's Lutheran Church with Mark Nebel and the Rev. Russell Koen officiating. Mr. Liefer was buried at his church’s cemetery. Memorials may be made to his church or Hospice of Southern Illinois.

Elmer F. Liefer, 90, of Red Bud, died Tuesday, April 13, 2010 in Red Bud. He was born May 29, 1919, in Evansville, the son of the late Helen and Diedrich (nee Wolter) Liefer. Mr. Liefer is survived by his children, Dr. Allan (Louise) Liefer of Chester, Rick (LouAnn) Liefer of Red Bud and Terry (Justine) Liefer of rural Red Bud; grandchildren Heidi Liefer, Jon (Mary) Liefer, Chris (Shawn) Liefer, Gretchen Liefer, Garrick (Nichole) Liefer, Darren (Andrea) Liefer, Tim (Jessica) Liefer, Brandon (Tammy) Liefer, Dustin (Crystal) Liefer and Quinn Liefer; a brother, Homer (Alice) Liefer of Evansville; sister, Anita (Walter) Langrehr of Evansville; and 12 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Elsie (nee Yud) Liefer, whom he married in 1944 in Chicago and died in 1995; his second wife, Viola (Hannebutt) Budde, whom he married in 1996 and died in 2006; children Judy and Randy Liefer; a brother, Ralph Liefer; and a sister, Viola Althoff. Mr. Liefer served in the U.S. Navy in the Pacific during World War II. He was a farmer, a life member of the Red Bud Lions Club, a charter member of the North County Country Club, served on the Red Bud District 132 School Board and was active at his church, St. John Lutheran Church of Red, including holding many offices and its’ Men’s Club. Visitation was at Koch-Liefer Funeral Home in Red Bud. Funeral was at St John's Lutheran Church with Mark Nebel and the Rev. Russell Koen officiating. Mr. Liefer was buried at his church’s cemetery. Memorials may be made to his church or Hospice of Southern Illinois.

Frank L. Jones, 61, of Waterloo, died April 14, 2010 in Town and County, Mo. He was born Aug. 23, 1948 in Herrin, the son of the late William and Margaret Louise (nee Covert) Jones. Mr. Jones is survived by his wife, Mary Jones; children Rodney (Michelle) Jones, Timothy (Julie) Jones and Catherine (Russell) Kohnen; grandchildren Alison, Bryan and Sarah Jones, Cory and Julia Jones and Benjamin Kohnen. Mr. Jones was employed with Ameren/UE since 1974 as a certified welder. He was a member of the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 148, SS. Peter and Paul Catholic Church of Waterloo. And the Knifemakers Guild. Frank was an avid outdoorsman and craftsman. Visitation is Monday, April 19, from 10:15 a. m. to 11:15 a.m. at SS. Peter and Paul Catholic Church followed by a funeral mass with Father Stan Konieczny officiating. Mr. Jones will be buried at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in St. Louis. Memorials may be made to his church or Disabled American Veterans.

Lloyd A. Buettner, 67, of Waterloo, died April 14, 2010 in Waterloo. He was born Dec. 20, 1942, the son of the late Edwin and Stella (nee Goodell) Buettner. Mr. Buettner is survived by his wife, Ruth (nee Rust) Buettner; children Wendy (James) Maag, Lyle (Christine)Buettner, Renee (Doug) Minton; step-children Dale (Michelle) Rodenberg, Darryl (Chrissy) Rodenberg, David (Sandra) Rodenberg and Catherine Cotter; grandchildren Leah and John Maag, Luke, Cynthia and Logan Buettner and Gabriel and Anna Minton; step-grandchildren Allen Wild, Nicole Rodenberg, Brandy Rodenberg, Ellie Rodenberg, Sam Rodenberg, Rachel Rodenberg, Nathan Rodenberg, Nathan Rodenberg, Justin Rodenberg, Cassandra Rodenberg, Andrew Cotter and Lydia Cotter; a great-granddaughter, Carmin Rodenberg; sisters Bernice Fuller, Dianne Buettner and Barbara Goldschmidt; sister-in-law, Bernell Buettner; and a brother-in-law, Maurice Muench; along with nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Barbara (nee Wilson) Buettner; a sister, Dorothy Muench; and a brother, Don Buettner. He was am officer with Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Wartburg and a former draftsman at Professional Metals. Visitation was at Quernheim Funeral Home. Funeral is Saturday, April 17, at 10 a.m. at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Wartburg with Pastor Stuart Rethwisch officiating. Mr. Buettner will be buried at the church’s cemetery. Memorials may be made to Holy Cross Lutheran Church’s Special Memorial Fund.

Raymond T. Shields, 81, of Waterloo, died April 16, 2010 in Waterloo. He was born Nov. 19, 1928 in Waterloo, the son of the late Albert and Rose (nee Goodman) Shields. Mr. Shields is survived by his wife, Thelma (nee Schmieg) Shields; children Dennis Shields, Diane (Kary) Eckrich, Denise (Robert) Eichelmann, David Shields, Debbie (Charlie) Siedle, Dana (Rick) Grossman and Dawn (Greg) Gregory; sister, Joyce (Vernon) Koester; and brothers Jerome (JoAnn) Shields, Albert Shields and Leon (Donna) Shields; along with grandchildren, great-grandchildren, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by brothers Emmett and Cletus Shields. Mr. Shields was a member of SS. Peter and Paul Catholic Church and the Waterloo VFW. Visitation is Sunday, April 18, from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Quernheim Funeral Home. Funeral is Monday, April 19, at 1 p.m. at SS. Peter and Paul Catholic Church with Father Osang Idagbo officiating. Mr. Shields will be buried at his church’s cemetery. Memorials may be made to Heartland Hospice or Oak Hill’s Whispering Pines Activity Fund.

Next Paper:
May 7, 2009

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