Frankie Colston and Danny Haag Named Queen And King Of Columbia Prom

Columbia High School held their prom Saturday evening at The Falls. The royal court is, left to right, Michael Bequette, Torey Byrd, Matt Chkautovich, Queen Frankie Colston, King Danny Haag, Katelyn Hargis, Mattie McDermott and Zach Ritchie. – photo by Bob Haentzler /  www.gatewayphoto.net

 

Julia Means And Cole Blechle Named
Royalty Of Gibault High School Prom

Sharing their first dance as the Gibault High School Prom Royalty are Queen Julia Means and King Cole Blechle. The event was held Friday, April 23 at The Falls in Columbia.

The Gibault High School 2010 Prom Court is, left to right, Valerie Beaston, Jason Billmeyer, Julie Lansing, Luke Moravec, Bailey Amann, Cory Lane, Queen Julia Means, King Cole Blechle, Junior Attendant Cierra Bradley, Brittany Davis, Chris Kuester, Haley Riebeling and Dominic Buchmiller.

 

Aron Aycock And Alex Hoxworth Are
The King And Queen Of Waterloo Prom

Aaron Aycock and Alex Hoxworth share their first dance after being crowned king and king of the Waterloo High School Prom. The dance was Saturday, April 24, at Orlando Gardens in South County.

Retiring WHS Prom Queen Maeve Juenger, right, places the crown on 2010 Queen Alex Hoxworth.           – photo by Gage Wienhoff

The 2010 Waterloo High School Prom Court is, left to right, Katie Kreinberg, Monica Wetzler, Allie Sullivan, Laura Roider, Retiring Queen Maeve Juenger, Devon Loerch, Queen Alex Hoxworth, King Aron Aycock, Nick Steppig, Chris Steppig, Jacob Quernheim, Pat Bourgeois, Gabe Hopkins and Retiring King Nick Mehner.

 

Monroe County Avoids Major Damage As
A Severe Storm Passes Through The Area

Monroe County was spared any major damage as a strong thunderstorm blew through the Midwest on Saturday. A tornado touched down near the West County Mall in St. Louis County, but no injuries were reported. There were some temporary power outages reported locally, but they were soon fixed. The Monroe County Electric Co-Op said wind caused a pole to break knocking out power to about 30-40 residents living along Old Baum Church Road.

Gabbie Hoge and Lacie House try to keep their footing as a strong wind gust blasts through the Schnucks parking lot in Waterloo.          – photo by Carla (Upchurch) Cobb

 

Minor Injury In Three-Car Collision On Route 3 In Waterloo

Sarah Boyer of Columbia failed to see vehicles stopped in front of her at a red light along Route 3 causing a three car pile-up during a rainstorm Sunday afternoon. Boyer, 22, was driving a Hyundai Sonata northbound on Route 3. After the light turned red, she slammed into the rear of a Ford truck owned by Mark Lambert of Florida. Lambert’s truck was then pushed into back end of Lyle Liefer’s minivan. Lambert’s wife, Rhonda, was in the passenger seat of their truck and was treated by the Monroe County Ambulance Service for a minor knee injury. Two Chihuahuas also in their truck were not injured. The Lamberts said they were on vacation to visit relatives in the Midwest and were traveling from Anna-Jonesboro to Hannibal, Mo. Liefer, of Evansville, said he was on his way to St. Louis to do some shopping.

Waterloo police officer Matt Haddick, right, interviews Mark Lambert of Florida who’s holding his two dogs following Sunday’s three-vehicle collision near the intersection of Route 3 and North Market Street in Waterloo. (Ed-itor’s Note: The dogs were unharmed but if they were trapped inside the vehicle the firefighters would have needed to use the Paws Of Life equipment.)

 

Hundreds of athletes made their way through the streets of downtown Waterloo on Saturday morning for the annual Monroe County Outreach Office of the Violence Prevention Center’s 5K Run  / Walk.

Waterloo Alderman Steve Notheisen completes the Violence Prevention Center’s 5K Run held Saturday through the streets of downtown Waterloo.

 

YMCA Raises Funds For Senior Activity Group With Benefit Karaoke Night

The second floor of The Ridge Golf Course was a busy place Friday evening as a karaoke night benefited the YMCA’s Active Old Adults group.

YMCA employee’s, left to right, Kayla Boylan, Rachel Niebruegge, Pat Smith and Jeff Cernicek sing a song during their benefit karaoke night at The Ridge.

 

Bat Disease Causes State To Close All Caverns – Including Burksville’s

Waterloo firefighters and Monroe County Ambulance Service personnel help carry a woman with a broken leg up the stair at the entrance of the Illinois Cavern in Burksville on March 21, 2009. IDNR recently announced this cave, along with all other state-operated facilities, are closed because of a disease affecting the bat population.

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources has closed all state-owned and managed caves that support bat populations as part of a national effort to slow the spread of white-nose syndrome affecting bats in the northeastern United States. It has recently been detected to have spread to the Midwest. The closure will be in effect until further notice. Among the caves that will no longer be open to visitors is the Illinois Caverns site in Burksville in addition to five other Illinois cavern sites.

The caves are being closed to all visitor access in an effort to prevent humans from spreading white-nose syndrome among hibernating bat populations. These actions follow recommendations of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, who along with other state and federal agencies, have closed several caves throughout the United States as a result of this disease.

White-nose syndrome is a new wildlife disease of unknown origin that has killed hundreds of thousands of bats across the northeastern U.S. during the past three years and continues to spread. It has recently been detected in Missouri and threatens to stretch rapidly to other portions of the Midwest (including Illinois), home to several species of bats that are on the federal list of threatened and  endangered species, as well as some of the largest populations of  hibernating bats in the country.

“The evidence collected to date indicates that human activity in caves and abandoned mines may be assisting the spread of white-nose  syndrome,” said IDNR Director Marc Miller. “The State of Illinois  through the IDNR, working in conjunction with the U.S. Fish and  Wildlife Service and the U.S. Forest Service, is taking steps to reduce the risks of further spread of WNS. this will involve the complete closure of all IDNR-owned and managed caves for the foreseeable future.”

The primary agent of concern with white-nose syndrome is a fungus that  is new to science and may possibly have been unintentionally introduced into the United States. This fungus grows best in the cold and wet conditions common to caves and abandoned mines and likely can be transported inadvertently fro site-to-site on the boots and gear of cave visitors.

“We hope that slowing the spread of WNS will buy time that is critical to confirming the cause of this disease and potentially implementing management actions to minimize the impacts to native bat populations,”  said IDNR Endangered Species Manager Joseph Kath. “Scientists are  working to determine the cause of WNS. Whatever is causing WNS may  remain in caves where bats hibernate even when bats are not present  and we are concerned that people may inadvertently carry WNS out of the cave with them.”

The IDNR is implementing the cave closure immediately and will review the order on a quarterly basis.

“We recognize that this complete cave closure effort will require sacrifice from the caving community and other citizens and we regret this inconvenience. However, the observed devastation to bat  populations, exceeding 90 percent mortality at many affected sites and the evidence for human-assisted spread justifies that we exercise an abundance of caution in managing activities that impact caves and  bats,” Kath added. “These measures will not be a cure for WNS, but they are necessary to help slow the spread of this affliction and to reduce the risks to bat populations in North America.”

The IDNR does not have the authority to close caves on lands other than those which are owned or managed by the Department. The IDNR is encouraging local units of government, public organizations and private landowners throughout Illinois to follow the Department’s example and immediately close caves on their property and prohibit any human access in order to help prevent or slow down the spread of the disease. IDNR biologists can provide advice to private landowners regarding proper cave closure. Questions regarding WNS and the cave closure effort should be directed  to Joseph Kath, IDNR Endangered Species Manager, at 217-782-6384 or by e-mail to Joe.Kath@illinois.gov.

 

Weekend Sports Wrap-Up: The Waterloo Soccer team defeated Alton 2-1 on Saturday to win the Alton Invitational Tournament. The Gibault baseball team lost to Freeburg 5-3. This evening (weather permitting), the Waterloo Bulldogs’ baseball team travels to Jerseyville, while the Columbia baseball and softball teams travel to Dupo.

 

The Milliken University men’s golf team won the Scot-Fire Invitational Tournament held April 23-24 in Galesburg. Columbia High School grad Wes Hillen was the individual winner with a 146 in the two-round tourney. His Milliken teammate and fellow Eagles’ alum Brandon Weisenborn tied for fifth place.

 

Recent Obituaries

Helen Marie Munton, nee Reinhold, 85, of Roanoke County, Va., died April 17, 2010. She was born April 27, 1924, in Waterloo, the daughter of the late Clem and Anne Reinhold. Mrs. Munton is survived by her children, Rick (Peggy) Munton of Charlotte, NC., Joanne Thompson (husband Greg Sharp) of Salem, John (Meg) Munton of Roanoke and Betty Thompson (special friend Charlie Allen) of Roanoke; grandchildren Pam (Greg) Beall, Michelle (Andy) Schmidt, Shane (Angie) Thompson, Allen (Deliah) Munton and Michael Munton; great-grandchildren Tyler, Brittany and Hope Beall, Madeline and Mollie Thompson, Virginia and Noah Schmidt and Haley and Michael Munton; and a brother, Robert (Bernice) Reinhold of Waterloo; along with nieces and nephews. Mrs. Munton loved to read, travel, listen to music and find a good bargain. She enjoyed discussing current events, was fascinated by other cultures, and was always interested in the field of medicine. Per Mrs. Munton’s request, her body will be donated for medical research. A private memorial service was held. Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Bonita A. Stewart, nee Kennedy, 66, of Waterloo, died April 24, 2010 in St. Louis, Mo. She was born June 1, 1943 in Prairie du Rocher, the daughter of the late Raymond and Evelyn (nee Palmier) Kennedy. Mrs. Stewart is survived by a daughter, Shannon Steward; granddaughters Ashley Forrest and Brianna Stewart; and a sister, Susan Dugan. She was preceded in death by her husband, Ray Steward. Memorials may be made to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. A memorial visitation is Tuesday, April 27, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., at Quernheim Funeral Home.

Robert E. Maus, 75, of Waterloo, died April 23, 2010 in St. Louis, Mo. in St. Louis, Mo. He was born Oct. 1, 1934 in Renault, the son of the late Armin and Leona (nee Nottmeier) Maus. Mr. Maus is survived by his wife, Gladys E. Maus, nee Neubarth; children Roger (Lauren) Maus and Allen (Laura) Maus; a daughter-in-law, Teressa Maus; grandchildren Jonathan, Zane, Brandon, Kyle, Dakota, Andrew and Adam, Brooke; and a sister, Linda Maus; along with aunts, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by a son, Rick R. Maus; and a sister, Marcilee Maus. Mr. Maus was a veteran of the U.S. Army, and a member of Zoar UCC and the United Electrical Workers. Visitation is Monday, April 26, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Zoar United Church of Christ in New Hanover. A funeral will immediately follow with Pastor Carol Tag officiating. Mr. Maus will be buried at Kolmer Memorial Cemetery in Waterloo. Memorials may be made to his church.

Eddie W. Phelps, 77, of Waterloo, died April 22, 2010 in Waterloo. He was born Dec, 17, 1932, in Posey County, Ind., the son of the late Chalon C. and Opal (nee Mayberry) Phelps. Mr. Phelps is survived by his wife, Shirley J. Phelps; children Steven (Tonia) Phelps and Vickie (John) Kaiser; grandchildren Erin (Kyle) Griffith, Jennifer (Matt) Eckart and Michael (Carissa) Kaiser; great-grandchildren Maci Kaiser and Lauren Eckart; a sister, Mary Ellen Otten; and brothers Ralph Lee Phelps and Tommy Ray (JoAnn) Phelps. He was preceded in death by a sister, Julia Marie Johnson; and brothers Kenneth and Perry Phelps. Mr. Phelps was retired from Chrysler, an avid hunter and fisherman and a guide for Illinois Trophy Bow Hunters. Visitation and funeral were at Quernheim Funeral Home with Pastor Matt Friz officiating. Mr. Phelps was buried at the Hecker Village Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Oak Hill’s Whispering Pines Activity Fund, the Alzheimer’s Association or Southern Illinois Hospice.

Claudia Gum, nee Smith, 72, of Waterloo, died April 22, 2010. She was born Nov. 19, 1937 in Waterloo, the daughter of the late the late William and Bernice (nee Mehrmann) Smith. Mrs. Gum is survived by her children Donald (Sharon) Gum, Cheryl (Randy) Moll, Gail (Lester) Goodman and Dennis (Lisa) Gum; grandchildren Doug (Jayne) Gum, Stephanie (Jeff) Harp, Stacie Gum, Katie Moll, Brendan Moll, Brittany Goodman and Lauren Gum; great-grandchildren Natalie, Norah, Ella and Logan; a brother, William (Louann) Smith; and sisters Jeanette (Bart) Gentsch and Donna Smith; along with nieces, nephews and cousins. She was preceded in death by her husband, Jerry Gum; and a grandson, Jared Moll. Visitation is Wednesday, April 28, from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Quernheim Funeral Home. Funeral is Thursday, April 29, at 11 a.m. at the funeral home with Pastor Mary Beth Hartenstein officiating. Mrs. Gum will be buried at Kolmer Memorial Cemetery in Waterloo. Memorials may be made to the Waterloo Senior Center or the American Lung Association.

Marilyn L. Luhr, nee Hoffmann, 76, of Waterloo died April 23, 2010 in Waterloo. She was born March 17, 1934 in Fults, the daughter of the late Leland and Pauline (nee Rippelmeyer) Hoffmann. Mrs. Luhr is survived by her children Steven (Tina) Luhr, Brian Luhr and Nancy (Jay) Wolfmeier; grandchildren LeAnne Luhr, Conrad Wolfmeier and Kira Wolfmeier; brothers Cletus (Twyla) Hoffmann and Alvis (Patsy) Hoffmann; and a sister, Janice (Carl) Nagel; along with nieces, nephews and cousins. She was preceded in death by her husband, Glenn Luhr; and a daughter-in-law, Tracey Luhr. Mrs. Luhr was a member of St. Paul UCC of Waterloo. Visitation is Monday, April 26, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., at Quernheim Funeral Home. Funeral is Tuesday, April 27, at 10 a.m. at St. Paul UCC of Waterloo with Pastor Mary Beth Hartenstein. Mrs. Luhr will be buried at Kolmer Memorial Cemetery in Waterloo. Memorials may be made to her church or Oak Hill’s Whispering Pines.

Shirley B. Kunkel, nee Berneking, 65, of Dupo, died April 25, 2010 at her residence. She was born July 2, 1944 in Belleville, the daughter of the late Arthur Fred and Mildred Katherine (nee Mueller) Berneking. Mrs. Kunkel is survived by her husband of 43 years, Henry J. Kunkel of Dupo; and a sister, Sharron (Kenneth) Burgdorf of Columbia; along with nieces, nephews, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, cousins and friends. Mrs. Kunkel retired after 35 years at Union Electric / Ameren. She was a member of Christ United Church of Christ in Dupo where she was part of the Women’s Guild and taught Sunday school for more than 20 years. Visitation is Monday, April 26, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., at Dashner-Leesman Funeral Home in Dupo. Funeral is Tuesday, April 27, at 10 a.m. at Christ United Church of Christ with Rev. Kim Kelly officiating. Mrs. Kunkel will be buried at the Palmier Cemetery in rural Columbia.