Mueller Recovering Following July 4 Accident

Columbia firefighters prepare a landing zone on Route 3 for an Arch helicopter following Wednesday’s accident.

Brett Mueller of Columbia continues to recover from injuries sustained in a July 4 car accident on Route 3. Mueller, 16, was driving a 2003 Toyota Camry northbound on Route 3 when he lost control of the vehicle at Gilmore Lake Road. The car veered into a ditch and rolled several times before coming to rest on its tires.

Passenger Jake Edwards, 16, was not injured and was able to exit the car on his own. Mueller was trapped inside the car with what appeared to be head and neck injuries. The Columbia Volunteer Fire Department used Jaws of Life to extricate Mueller with the help of Columbia Ambulance Service personnel. He was transported by Arch helicopter to Cardinal Glennon Hospital in St. Louis. His condition is not known at this time.

Legendary saxophonist Boots Randolph, 80, died July 3 in Nashville following a brain aneurism on June 25. He played on numerous rock albums in the 1960s and is best known for the song, “Yakety Sax,” which later was used as the theme song for television’s Benny Hill Show. Musicians Randolph worked with included Roy Orbison, Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, REO Speedwagon and Buddy Holly. His final performance with his band was last May at The Falls in Columbia. He performed an annual concert at the banquet center and had befriended Columbia’s Kip and Joe Quevereaux.

“We’ll definitely miss him,” said Kip.

Upcoming Picnics: St. John the Baptist Catholic Church of Red Bud’s summer picnic is July 13 and 14. Friday features fried chicken and there is a chicken buffet on Saturday. The Millstadt Firemen’s Picnic is July 13 and 14 at the city park. Musical entertainment includes Out of Focus on Friday night and Dixie Express on Saturday.

Monroe County Fair Work Days are July 7, 14 and 21. Those wishing to pitch in and help get the grounds ready for the fair, which begins July 22, are asked to show up at 8 a.m. Lunch will be provided.

Valmeyer Mid-Summer Celebration ended in grand style with their colossal fireworks display. Pyrotechnics reverberated against the bluffs and even drowned out the train whistle. The louder the kabooms, the more the crowd cheered.     – photo by Judy Brinkmann

Buds runner Travis Dawson slides into second as Scott Siddel awaits the throw during the Valmeyer Mid-Summer Classic. The Buds defeated the Lakers 11-6 to win third place.     – photo by Carol Floarke

Lanie Herbeck participates in the washer tournament during the Columbia American Legion July 4^th Celebration.   – photo by Sarah Cocos

Recent Obituaries
Emerson “Jake” Hough, 80, of Columbia formerly of Belleville, died July 5, at Columbia Convalescent Center. He served as a Merchant Seaman during World War II. During the Korean War he served as a radioman on the SS. Lukenby in the Atlantic. He retired after 39 years at Marsh Co. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Judith Hough; and brothers William and Raymond Hough. Survivors include wife, Geraldine; son, Darrel (Sylvia) Hough; daughter, Mlla (Joe) Cook; brother, Art (Elma) Hough. Visitation is Monday, July 9, 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., at Lawlor Funeral Home. Funeral service is Tuesday, July 10, 11 a.m., at Lawlor.

Theodore Lohkamp, 98, of Valmeyer, died July 5, in Red Bud. He was a member of the Monroe County Farm Bureau and a former board member off the Mon-Clair Grain Co-Op. He was preceded in death by wife, Hilda Lohkamp nee Niebruegge; son, Dwight Lohkamp; brother, Henry Lohkamp; and sister, Alma Fauss. Survivors include son, Darwin (Shirley) Lohkamp; and daughter-in-law, Sylvia Lohkamp. Visitation is Friday, July 6, 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., at Quernheim Funeral Home. Funeral is Saturday, 10 a.m., at Quernheim.

Calendar of Events
Friday
Fish fry and bingo at the Waterloo VFW

Sunday
Music at Metter in Columbia with George Portz Bluegrass Band: 5 p.m. – 7 p.m.

Humane Society of Monroe County’s Pet of the Week:

Jasmine is a 55-pound, one-year-old lab-shepherd mix. She has lots of energy and loves to run. She is kennel trained, housebroke and great with kids. She is good with other dogs and just needs a family to call her own. The society’s next adoption event is Saturday, July 7, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at their shelter at 4172 State Route 3, 8 miles south of Waterloo. There is an open house at the shelter July 14, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.