E-Newsletter  - December 3, 2010

The Waterloo Rotary Club has kicked off their annual Tree Of Lights campaign. Funds are collected throughout the Christmas season, then 100 percent of the proceeds are donated to local worthy causes. “This year our goal is to raise $38,000,” said Rotarian Bill Wirth. Those wishing to contribute to the campaign, can drop off their donation at any local Waterloo bank. A running tab of the collection is on display at the Monroe County Courthouse grounds.

Darrell Gaitsch, left, and Rotarian Allen Jacobs put the finishing touches on setting up the Waterloo Rotary’s Tree Of Lights in downtown Waterloo.

Columbia’s second annual Lighted Christmas Parade is this Saturday, Dec. 4 at 5 p.m. The parade kicks off at Rueck Road and travel south on Main Street to Cherry Street (City Hall). The last float will be Santa Claus pulled by a horse-drawn carriage. Santa will be dropped off at his hut in front of City Hall where he will visit with children following the parade.

The Waterloo German Band float made its way down Main Street on Saturday during Columbia’s Lighted Christmas Parade.       – photo by Jamie Gardner

The Waterloo Optimist Club is once again selling real Christmas trees just in time for holiday decorating. Lots are open at Diehl Florist on Rogers Street and Celebration Station along North Market. All of the proceeds are used to fund programs benefit local youth programs.

Waterloo Optimist members John Osterhage, Roger Osterhage and John Bicklein point the way to their Christmas lot at Diehl Florist.

Monroe County Independent’s Dayne Wittenbrink stopped by the office with her newborn twins. Eva Lyn Marie and Charlie Leighton Wittenbrink-Row were born Nov. 11 at St. John Medical Center in St. Louis. Proud parents are Dayne Wittenbrink and Dustin Row of Columbia. Grandparents are Dayne Wittenbrink of Red Bud and Debbie and Dan Row of Columbia.

Dayne Wittenbrink stops by The Independent’s office with her newborn twins, Eva and Charlie.

Eight Red Bud Students Named Illinois State Scholars

Red Bud High School Principal Sarah Imhoff has announced that eight of her students have been named 2011 Illinois State Scholars. They are Torie Ramlose, Holly Mayberry, Chelsea Curten, Matt Hooten, Trenton Guebert, Kollin Liefer, Jake Caswell and Andrea Laurent.

Red Bud High School students named Illinois State Scholars are, left to right, first row, Torie Ramlose, Holly Mayberry and Chelsea Curten; and second row, Matt Hooten, Trenton Guebert, Kollin Liefer, Jake Caswell and Andrea Laurent (not pictured).         – photo by North County News

The three grand prize winners of the Columbia Christmas Cruise are Debbie Geist of Columbia, Don Gallagher of Columbia and Wendy Wright of Waterloo. They each won a 22-inch flat screen TV, DVD player and a movie bundle. Wendy Luther was the lucky winner of a dozen cupcakes provided by Dear Diva Desserts.

Gibault Christmas Concert: The public is invited to attend the annual Gibault High School Christmas Concert on Sunday, Dec. 12 at 3 p.m. Holiday music will be provided by the school’s concert band, jazz band and chorus. Refreshments will be served following the concert.

Waterloo School Superintendent James Helton and his wife Marilyn are recovering from injuries sustained in a motor vehicle accident in late November. They were on their way to Chicago to celebrate their 30^th wedding anniversary when they collided with a semi-tractor truck which pulled into their path. Jim returned to the office today, Dec. 3 to say hello to his staff and mention they are doing well and on their way to a full recovery.  

Monroe County Sheriff’s Deputy Jim Lansing is on the mend after suffering several wounds while partaking in K-9 unit use training. During the training, he was accidently attacked by the Granite City Police Department’s K-9 unit. Lansing’s dog Sari was not injured and is loyally at Lansing’s bedside tending to him while he recovers.

Columbia Public Library’s annual Holiday House Tour is Sunday, Dec. 5, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, call the library at 281-4237 or Kathy Habermehl at 281-4613.

Santa Claus Is Coming To Town!

Santa Claus is planning on making stops around the area just in time for Christmas. St. Nick will be in downtown Waterloo (at the Courthouse Square) every Saturday and Sunday from 12 noon to 4 p.m. now through Christmas. The hut is sponsored by the waterloo Chamber of Commerce. Children in Red Bud can stop visit Santa at the Ziebold Building at the four-way from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Dec. 3, 10 and 17. He will also be at the Ruma Village office Dec. 19 from 9 a.m. to 12 noon.

Santa and Mrs. Claus will arrive in Columbia during the city’s Lighted Christmas Parade on Saturday, Dec. 4. The parade heads along Main Street beginning at 5 p.m. Santa will then be at City Hall from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Dec. 5, 11, 12, 18 and 19.

A brunch with Santa Claus will be served Sunday, Dec. 12, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at The Ridge Golf Course in Waterloo. In addition, Santa will be at the First National Bank of Waterloo’s downtown Waterloo location on Saturday, Dec. 11 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Maeystown’s Old-Fashioned German Christmas will be Sunday, Dec. 5, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. German customs and music, as well as traditional music of the season, will be featured. Featured activities for the day will include free carriage rides from 12 noon to 2 p.m. St Nikolaus will greet visitors from 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Featured music will begin with the Band Room Brass strolling ensemble from 12 noon to 2 p.m. The Valmeyer High School mixed ensemble will sing carols throughout the town from 2:15 p.m. to 3:15 p.m. Sharing their talents on hammered dulcimer will be Carl Seavers and Jim Abbott in the Rock Mill from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. The String Connection will provide music in the Corner George Inn ballroom at 1:30 p.m. and again at 2:15 p.m. At 3 p.m., there will be a German Carol Sing in the ballroom accompanied by Mardy Eisloeffel on accordion, followed by a traditional carol sing at the mill at 4:30p.m. as the village weinachtsbaum (Christmas tree) is lighted.

The St John Adult Choir will serve stew, bratwurst and hot dogs at the corner of Main and Mill. The Maeystown Women’s Club will provide a Taste of Christmas dessert sampling in the basement of the Rock Mill. The Village Kaffeehaus will also have gluhwein, sausage and cheese platters , coffee and wine. The Sweet Shoppe will sell baked goods and candies. The Maeystown General Store and Georgia Mae’s Antiques will be open throughout the day, and the Preservation Society Rock Mill Museum will be open with displays about Maeystown’s history.

A new activity this year is a puppet show at St John UCC. Performances are scheduled for 11 a.m., 12 noon, 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. Children will also be able to participate in making an ornament to take home. Homemade candy will be for sale with the proceeds to benefit the church’s Sunday School. For more information, contact David Braswell at 618-458-6660.

Kaylee Muertz visits with Sankt Nicklaus during last year’s Maeystown's Old Fashioned German Christmas. She is the daughter of Chris and Christy Muertz of rural Maeystown.                  – photo by Bob Haentzler

Upcoming Weekend Sports

Waterloo’s basketball team (0-3) hosts Jerseyville on Friday evening, Dec. 3. WHS  is off to a slow start, but so is Jerseyville, who are off to an 0-5 record. Waterloo has only seven home games this year, so tonight’s game might be a good chance to see the team possibly get their first win. The WHS wrestling teams travels to Litchfield on Saturday for a match beginning at 12 noon.

Columbia’s boys’ basketball team is finishing up play this weekend in the Lebanon Tournament. They will play for fifth place against Alton-Marquette on Saturday, Dec. 4 at 5 p.m. The Eagles are led by Bryce Bastien who is averaging 17 points per game, Wilson Babb, 12, and Taylor O’Connor, 10.

The Gibault boys’ basketball squad is hosting Pinckneyville on Friday evening, Dec. 3 at 8 p.m. The Hawks currently have a record of 2-1, with wins over Highland and Waterloo during their Thanksgiving tournament. The Lady Hawks’ girls’ basketball team has a record of 2-4 and hosts Marissa on Saturday, Dec. 4. Tip-off is at 1 p.m.

WJHS Junior Bulldogs Finish Second In Conference

The Waterloo Junior High School A-team girls’ basketball team is off to a great start. They have a 10-3 record so far and finished the regular season in second place in the conference. They are now gearing up for the Cahokia Conference Tournament which begins Monday, Dec. 6.

The Waterloo Junior High School girls’ basketball team is, left to right, first row, Jenny Probst, Darby Nuggent, Courtney Kauffman and Kasey Bradley; second row, Julia Probst and Addie Bedwell; and third row, Hannah Innis, Kaitlyn Storm, Mia Reed, Kelsey Hamann, Emelia Modglin, Lindsay Bark and Taylor Augustine.   – photo by Lisa Bradley

Two Named To All-State Academic Team

Red Bud High School football players Alex Phegley and Trenton Guebert have been named to this year’s IHSA Class 2A All-State Academic Team. They were selected by the Illinois High School Football Coaches Association.

Red Bud High School students Alex Phegley, left, and Trenton Guebert accept their award for being named to the Class 2A All-State Academic Team.     – photo by North County News

Valmeyer High School FFA’s annual Poinsettia Sale and Toy Show is this Sunday, Dec. 5 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the high school gym and FFA greenhouse.

Local Cubs fans mourning the loss of legendary third basemen broadcaster Ron Santo include Bill Rick, the Levendoski family and many of the folks at Fountain Inn. Santo, 70, passed away after an extended illness, including a lifelong battle with diabetes.

A World Of Difference Health Food Store in downtown Waterloo is having a Holiday Open House on Saturday, Dec. 11 from 9 a.m. to 12 noon. They will feature recipes made with organic and natural ingredients. Free recipes, samples, special sales and attendance prizes will be offered throughout the day. Gift baskets will be on display and gift certificates will be available for purchase. A World of Difference is located at 127 N. Main Street. For more information, email awodmanager@yahoo.com or call 618-939-4144.

Monroe County Court Report

The following cases were adjudicated the week of Nov. 30 in Monroe County Circuit Court in Waterloo, Judges Brian Babka and Dennis Doyle presiding:

Haley A. Ellinger, 18, of Edwardsville pleaded guilty to driving under the influence of alcohol - first offense. Ellinger was ordered to pay total fine and court cost of $1,405 and to obtain a drug/alcohol evaluation and placed on one year court supervision. Ellinger's license was suspended six months on Oct. 30. The violation occurred Sept. 14 at 1331 Frontage Rd.; Columbia Police handled the incident.

Kimberly D. Whetstine, 42, of Red Bud pleaded guilty to driving under the influence of alcohol - first offense. Whetstine was ordered to pay total fine and court cost of $1,440 and to obtain a drug/alcohol evaluation and given a one-year conditional discharge. Whetstine's license was suspended12 months on Sept. 4. The violation occurred July 20 at 736 N. Market St.; Waterloo Police handled the incident.

Andrew D. Eggemeyer,  44, of Waterloo pleaded guilty to driving under the influence of alcohol - first offense. Eggemeyer was ordered to pay total fine and court cost of $1,385 and to obtain a drug/alcohol evaluation and placed on one year court supervision. Eggemeyer's license was suspended six months on Nov. 12. The violation occurred Sept. 27 on Interstate 255 ; Columbia Police handled the incident. Charges of driving in the wrong lane and operating an uninsured motor vehicle were dismissed.

Benjamin R. Ingram, 21, of East Carondelet pleaded guilty to driving under the influence of alcohol - first offense. Ingram was ordered to pay total fine and court cost of $1,385 and to obtain a drug/alcohol evaluation and placed on one year court supervision. Ingram's license was suspended six months on Dec. 5. The violation occurred Oct. 10 on Interstate 255 ; Columbia Police handled the incident. Charges of improper lane usage, failure to signal properly and operating an uninsured motor vehicle were dismissed.

Joshua M. Rorie,19, of Waterloo pleaded guilty to illegal possession of drug paraphernalia. Rorie was ordered to pay total fine and court cost of $660 and placed on one year court supervision. The violation occurred Sept. 16 on HH Road at Market Street; the Monroe County Sheriff's Department handled the incident. A charge of operating an uninsured motor vehicle was dismissed.

Raymond L. Courtois, 41, of Valmeyer pleaded guilty to harassment by telephone. Courtois was ordered to pay total fine and court cost of $336 and to have no contact with Amy Mueller except in the course of visitation rights and placed on one year court supervision. The violation occurred Oct. 3 at 1016 Westfallen Lake Dr.; Waterloo Police handled the incident.

Tyler A. Brauer, 19, of Waterloo pleaded guilty to illegal possession of cannabis. Brauer was ordered to pay total fine and court cost of $633 and to surrender a set of metal knuckles and given a one-year conditional release. The violation occurred Oct. 30 on Park Street west of Lakeview Drive; Waterloo Police handled the incident. Charges of illegal possession of alcohol by a minor and possession of a weapon were dismissed.

Ethan D. Wilson,19, of Red Bud pleaded guilty to driving under a suspended license and illegal possession of cannabis. Wilson was ordered to pay total fines and court costs of $889 and given a one-year conditional release. The violations occurred Oct. 26 on North Market Street at 1st Street; Waterloo Police handled the incident. Charges of permitting an unauthorized person to drive a vehicle and possession of drug paraphernalia were dismissed.

William L. White, 20, of Cahokia pleaded guilty to illegal possession of cannabis. White was ordered to pay total fine and court cost of $658 and placed on one year court supervision. The violation occurred Aug. 29 at 108 E. Vogt; Columbia Police handled the incident.

Colton N. Massie, 18, of Valmeyer pleaded guilty to failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident. Massie was ordered to pay total fine and court cost of $225 and placed on three months court supervision. The violation occurred Oct. 22 on Palmer Road at Southport Drive; Columbia Police handled the incident. A charge of expired registration was dismissed.

Robert J. Ferris Jr., 38, of Belleville pleaded guilty to operating an uninsured motor vehicle. Ferris was ordered to pay total fine and court cost of $217 and placed on one year court supervision. The violation occurred Sept. 29 in the 200 block of Hamacher Street; Waterloo Police handled the incident.

Tiffany C. Griswold, 28, of Lenzburg pleaded guilty to operating an uninsured motor vehicle. Griswold was ordered to pay total fine and court cost of $217 and placed on one year court supervision. The violation occurred Oct. 27 Hamacher Street at Osterhage Drive; Waterloo Police handled the incident.

Elizabeth M. Hartrum, 31, of Waterloo pleaded guilty to operating an uninsured motor vehicle. Hartrum was ordered to pay total fine and court cost of $217 and placed on one year court supervision. The violation occurred Oct. 27 on East 4th Street at Rogers Street; Waterloo Police handled the incident. Two charges of expired registration and an additional charge of operating an uninsured motor vehicle were dismissed.

Tina M. Torresin, 23, of Dupo pleaded guilty to operating an uninsured motor vehicle. Torresin was ordered to pay total fine and court cost of $433 and placed on one year court supervision. The violation occurred Feb. 3 on North Main Street at Admiral Parkway; Waterloo Police handled the incident.

Paul C. Oakley, 49, of Perryville,  Mo. pleaded guilty to operating an uninsured motor vehicle. Oakley was ordered to pay total fine and court cost of $217 and placed on one year court supervision. The violation occurred Oct. 29 on Illinois 3 at Coxeyville Road; the Monroe County Sheriff's Department handled the incident.

John S. Diveley Jr., 23, of Valmeyer pleaded guilty to operating an uninsured motor vehicle. Diveley was ordered to pay total fine and court cost of $217 and placed on one year court supervision. The violation occurred Oct. 30 on Admiral Parkway at Wedgewood Drive; Columbia Police handled the incident.

Jeanne M. Wittenbrink, 35, of Columbia pleaded guilty to operating an uninsured motor vehicle. Wittenbrink was ordered to pay total fine and court cost of $217 and placed on one year court supervision. The violation occurred Oct. 14 on Illinois 3 at North Main Street; Illinois State Police handled the incident. A charge of expired registration was dismissed.

Kevin L. Vickey, 48, of Willisville, pleaded guilty to violation of vehicle classification. Vickey was ordered to pay total fine and court cost of $262 and placed on three months court supervision. The violation occurred Sept. 10 on Illinois 3 south of South Market Street.

Mary Ann Huebner, 19, of Waterloo pleaded guilty to driving under a suspended license. Huebner was ordered to pay total fine and court cost of $250. The violation occurred Sept. 24 on Illinois 3 at Moore Street; the Monroe County Sheriff's Department handled the incident.

Michael T. Chappelear, 22, of Dupo pleaded guilty to driving under a suspended license. Chappelear was ordered to pay total fine and court cost of $301 and placed on one year court supervision. The violation occurred Sept. 1 on North Main Street; Columbia Police handled the incident.

Garrett A. Crossin, 20, of Prairie du Rocher pleaded guilty to driving under a suspended license. Crossin was ordered to pay total fine and court cost of $250. The violation occurred July 25 on Illinois 156 at Park Street in Old Valmeyer; the Monroe County Sheriff's Department handled the incident.

Crystal G. Torres, 33,  of Cahokia pleaded guilty to driving under a suspended license. Torres was ordered to pay total fine and court cost of $250. The violation occurred Sept. 274 on Admiral Parkway; Columbia Police handled the incident.

Donald M. Willyard, 56, of Waterloo pleaded guilty to violation of an order of protection. Willyard was ordered to pay total fine and court cost of $307 and to have no contact with Donna Woods and placed on one year court supervision. The violation occurred Nov. 4 at 221 W. Washington; the Monroe County Sheriff's Department handled the incident.

Jerrod D. Grimes, 24, of Valmeyer pleaded guilty to failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident. Grimes was ordered to pay total fine and court cost of $225 and placed on three months court supervision. The violation occurred Oct. 10 on Illinois 158 at Illinois 3; Columbia Police handled the incident. Charges of operating an uninsured motor vehicle and failure to report an accident were dismissed.

Jason L. Behnken, 17, of Waterloo pleaded guilty to speeding 37  mph in a 20 mph zone. Behnken was ordered to pay total fine and court cost of $276 and placed on three months court supervision. The violation occurred Nov. 10 on Rogers Street at Mill Street; Waterloo Police handled the incident.

Theodore J. Kilian, 25, of Columbia pleaded guilty to fleeing/eluding an officer. Kilian was ordered to pay total fine and court cost of $433 and placed on three months court supervision. The violation occurred Oct. 30 on Levee Road at Luhr's Landing; the Monroe County Sheriff's Department handled the incident. A charge of improper operation of an all-terrain vehicle was dismissed.

Michael R. Mills II, 42, of Columbia pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm without a firearm owner's identification card. Mills was ordered to pay total fine and court cost of $483, the firearm was seized and defendant was placed on one year court supervision. The violation occurred Sept. 4 at 822 N. Metter; Columbia Police handled the incident.

Melissa C. May, 18, of Waterloo pleaded guilty to illegal consumption of alcohol by a minor. May was ordered to pay total fine and court cost of $302 and placed on one year court supervision. The violation occurred Oct. 3 at 345 Bradington Dr.; Columbia Police handled the incident.

Recent Obituary

John B. Niermann, 81, of Red Bud, died Dec. 2, 2010 at his residence. He was born Nov. 22, 1929 in Prairie du Rocher, the son of the late William and Clara (nee Wiegard) Niermann. John married Connie Bachelier on in 1955 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Prairie du  Rocher. They recently celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary. He owned and operated Niermann Construction in Prairie du Rocher and Red Bud for 35 years. In addition to his wife, Mr. Niermann is survived by his children Gerald (Terry) Niermann, of Waterloo and Debbie (the late Tim) Godier of Prairie du Rocher; brothers Earl (Evola) Niermann of Columbia, Robert (the late Evelyn) Niermann of Waterloo and Kenneth (Barb) Niermann of Red Bud; a sister, Dorothy (Merlin) Boyd of Urbana; grandchildren Jessica (James) Workman, Travis Niermann, Chrystle Godier, Candace “Pete” (Nick) Mudd, Gregory Godier and Andrea “A.J.”Godier; a step-granddaughter, Alex Feldker; and great-grandsons Bryce, Hayden and Timothy Donjon, Dalton Mudd and Jonathan Workman; along with nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by a son-in-law, Tim Godier; granddaughters Bethany Ann Godier and Kaitlyn J. Niermann; a brother, Wilfred Niermann; and a sister, Hortense Roy. Mr. Niermann served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He attended St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Red Bud and was a member of the Knight of Columbus 1952 of Evansville, the Prairie du Rocher American Legion Post 622 and Carpenters Local 1361 in Chester. Visitation is Monday, Dec. 6, from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Red Bud. A funeral mass will immediately follow with Msgr. Dennis Schaefer officiating. Mr. Niermann will be buried at the church’s cemetery. Welge-Pechacek Funeral Home in Red Bud handled the arrangements. Memorials may be made to St. John the Baptist Church and Grade School.

Mildred Steibel, 92, nee Deterding, of Prairie du Rocher, died Dec. 3, 2010 at the Red Bud Nursing Home. She was born Sept. 3, 1918 in Prairie du Rocher, the daughter of the late Stephen and Pearl (nee Allgire) Deterding. She married Clarence Steibel in 1940 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Prairie du Rocher. He died in 1975. Mrs. Steibel is survived by her children Rose Ann (Harry) Glenn of Prairie du Rocher, Wayne (Charlotte) Steibel of Ruma, Steve (Cheryl) Steibel of Red Bud and Sharon (Denis) Bagsby of Waterloo; a daughter-in-law, Bernice Steibel of Ruma; 14 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren; along with nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Besides her husband, she was preceded in death by a son, Dale Steibel; sisters Grace Ellner, Helen Hemmer and Goldie Shields; and brothers Norvel Deterding and Clifford Deterding. Mrs. Steibel was a cook at the Little Cupboard Restaurant in Prairie du Rocher. She was a member of the Altar Sodality and a former PSR teacher at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Prairie du Rocher, was a past-president of the Prairie du Rocher Senior Citizens and was an avid quilter. Visitation is Sunday, Dec. 5, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Welge-Pechacek Funeral Home in Red Bud; Funeral is Monday, Dec. 6, at 10 a.m., at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Prairie du Rocher with Father Daniel J. Jurek officiating. Mrs. Steibel will be buried at her church’s cemetery. Memorials may be made to her church or to masses.