News Update - May 5, 2013

That’s A Winner!

Despite the early morning rain, the rest of today has been rather mild - that meant headed down to Maeystown to enjoy the village's annual Fruehlingsfest (art and craft sale). The Valmeyer Community Heritage Society sold strawberry shortcake during the event and were pleasantly surprised when they had a celebrity guest - former Cardinals slugger of the mid 1980s Jack "The Ripper" Clark, who played on the '85 and '87 National League Pennant teams.

Clark and his wife spent today enjoying the Maeystown gathering "This is some of the best strawberry shortcake we've had in quite some time," Clark declared. Clark lives in St. Louis and is the manager of the Springfield (IL) Sliders, a Prospect League team playing in the collegiate wood bat league.

The Columbia Volunteer Fire Department was dispatched Sunday evening to a home in rural East Carondelet for the report of smoke in a home.

Cody Voss of Waterloo avoided injury in a one-vehicle accident Sunday morning. The incident occurred along Route 156 (Valmeyer Highway) near the intersections of Jason Drive / Trout Camp Road.

Sisson And Andres Crowned Valmeyer Royalty

Congratulations to Maddi Sisson and Mark Andres, who were crowned Queen and King last night of the 2013 Valmeyer High School Prom. The event was held last night, Saturday, May 4, at the St. Mary's Catholic Church Hall. 

Queen Maddi and King Mark Andres share their first dance as the royalty of the VHS Prom.    – photos by Gage Wienhoff

The Valmeyer High School seniors gather at their 2013 Prom. They are now preparing for the upcoming graduation ceremony. 

Gibault Names Ramage And Braun The Queen And King Of Prom

Congratulations to Alyssa Ramage and Tim Braun, who were crowed the Queen and King of the 2013 Gibault Catholic High School Prom. The dance was held Friday night, May 3, at The Falls Banquet Center

Queen Alyssa Ramage and King Tim Braun share their first dance as the royalty of the 2013 Gibault Prom at The Falls.      – photos by Gage Wienhoff

The 2013 Gibault High School Prom Court gathers on stage at The Falls.

Katie Pratl, Courtney Schutt, Jessica Altadonna and Libby Spurgeon get ready to hit The Falls dance floor during the 2013 Gibault Prom. 

Nearly 3-Inches Of Rain

The Independent Weather Bureau's weather gauge reports 2 1/2 inches of rain and counting so far this weekend. 

Hecker Dedicates Village Renovations

Thanks to a lot of hard work my members of the community and the village board, Hecker has opened new playground equipment at the children's park, a newly-built park restroom facility and a remodeled village hall. A dedication ceremony took place Saturday, May 4. Mayor Charlie Kujawski led the event and thanked everyone for their efforts in seeing this project from initial concept through completion.

The Hecker Village Board conducts a toilet paper-cutting ceremony to officially unveil the park's brand new restroom facility.   - photos by Gage Wienhoff

Hecker Mayor Charlie Kujawski thanks everyone for their efforts in the project and expresses his hope that everyone will enjoy the new facilities for years to come. 

Duncan Kremmel of Columbia is home and recovering from injuries sustained in a two-vehicle accident Friday, May 3, at the intersection of Route 3 and Wedgewood Drive in Columbia. Kremmel, 19, was driving a Ford Taurus which collided with a conversion van. Kremmel was transported by ambulance to St. Anthony's Medical Center. He was treated and released Saturday. The name of the driver of the van and the cause of the accident have not yet been released.

Despite the rain, Maeystown's annual Fruehlingsfest (art and craft sale) continues through the day. Organizers invite folks to come on down and check out the selection. 

VHS Alumni Games Rained Out

The Valmeyer High School Alumni Baseball and Softball Games scheduled for today have been rained out. The date has been moved to May 11.

Hometown Harmony is planning an All American concert on Sunday, May 5, at 6:30 p.m., at Hope Christian Church. The evening will include patriotic, folk and American classics. Local veterans will be honored. Admission is $5 (free for children 10 and younger and to veterans providing an ID card.)  “Come and help us honor our local veterans and sing along to some favorites,” said choir founders Jody Worley and Sheri Jones.

Recent Obituary

Walter Bob Eckert, 58, of Waterloo, died May 3, 2013 in Red Bud. He was born Jan. 16, 1955 in Red Bud, the son of Emeline (nee Sanders) Riebeling and the late Elmer H. Eckert Sr. In addition to his mother, Mr. Eckert is survived by his friends William Reagan, Ronnie Brandt and Rodney Matzenbacher. Besides his father, he was preceded in death by his brothers Elmer H. Eckert Jr. and Charles V. Eckert. Mr. Eckert was retired from Yellow Freight. He was a member of the Waterloo Odd Fellows and the Mascoutah Moose Lodge. Visitation is Monday, May 6, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., at Quernheim Funeral Home. A memorial will immediately follow.