Ashley Reeves Graduates With Classmates From Columbia High School

Ashley Reeves, left, received her high school diploma yesterday from, left to right, Columbia Superintendent Jack Turner, School Board President Bill Phelps and Principal Sara Keene during the Columbia High School graduation ceremony at the gymnasium. Reeves continues to recover following serious injuries sustained last year when she was attacked by former Freeburg High School teacher Sam Shelton, who is awaiting trial on charges of attempted murder. Reeves was home-schooled this year, but was invited to graduate with her classmates during Sunday’s ceremony.

Valedictorians honored during graduation ceremonies this weekend were Taylor Melching of Columbia High School and Emelie Schwarze of Valmeyer High School. Waterloo High School’s graduation ceremony is Friday, May 25, and Gibault’s is Sunday, May 27.

Hecker Fire Department President Gary Koeningstein grills pork steaks and chicken Sunday during the department’s annual benefit barbecue and antique tractor show. Much of the conversations during the afternoon centered around the Honky Tonk burning down last weekend. Fire Chief Ralph Eckart said the fire marshal is continuing his investigation into the cause of the fire, but nothing has been determined.

Parkview Elementary students in Mrs. Ronshausen’s class marched down Main Street Saturday during the Columbia Schools Picnic. The parade route ended at the Columbia American Legion Park, where students and parents enjoyed games and food.

Human Support Services Benefit Kicks Off Horse Show Season

Madison Schneider, 2, along with her mother, Debbie Schneider, and miniature horse, Babycakes, earned a first place finish in the lead line class during Saturday’s horse show at the fairgrounds to benefit the Human Support Services.               – photo by Carol Floarke

Mary Schilling celebrated her 90th birthday Saturday afternoon with friends and family at Eschy’s Restaurant in Maeystown.

Recent Obituaries
Milton Arden Probasco, 82, of Waterloo, died May 18. Survivors include his wife, Betty Probasco nee Carey; children Linda (Ronald) Rhoades and Doreen Rey. Visitation is at St. Paul UCC of Waterloo on Monday morning from 9 a.m. until the service at 11 a.m.