Minivan Collides With School Bus

A minivan and a school bus collided this morning at 7:45 a.m. at the intersection of Route 3 and Hillcastle Road, just south of Columbia. The driver of the minivan and her son were taken by ambulance to St. Anthony’s Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Their conditions are not known at this time. The bus carrying six Columbia High School students was headed to Evansville. No one was injured on the bus.

Two vehicles collided Sunday evening near the intersection of Route 3 and Hanover Road between Columbia and Waterloo. A woman driving a four-door Buick collided with a Ford Explorer carrying several passengers. Although the Explorer rolled and landed on its side, initial reports are there were no serious injuries.

The Columbia Police Department obtained a warrant Friday evening to search a home on Darwin Court, in the Lakefield subdivision off of Rueck Road. An Illinois State Police trooper assigned to an FBI task force also participated in the search. No charges have yet been filed, but Columbia Police Chief Joe Edwards said they are continuing the investigation into the matter.

Wendy Reitz was the lucky winner Friday night of a diamond during the annual History Museum of Monroe County Champagne and Diamond Gala at Gallagher’s.

Recent Obituaries
Priscilla Vogt nee Biffar, 84, of Waterloo, died May 12. She was preceded in death by husband, Armin Vogt; daughter, Marie Vogt; sisters Loretta Schaefer and Adeline Marie Biffar; and granddaughter, Cynthia Freeman. Survivors include children Karen (Wilbert) Eschmann and Perry Vogt; brothers, Lawrence Biffar, Sylvester (Leona) Biffar and Eugene (JoAnn) Biffar. Visitation is Monday, May 14, 3 p.m. to 8 p.m., at Quernheim Funeral Home. Funeral is Tuesday, May 15, 10 a.m., at SS. Peter and Paul Church in Waterloo.