Home Damaged By Fire In Columbia

A home received fire and smoke damage in an early Sunday morning blaze in Columbia. The Columbia Volunteer Fire Department was called out at 2:15 a.m. to the rear home at 125 E. Crestview. The fire started in a first floor bathroom and spread to the attic.

“The firefighters did a great job quickly getting to the fire and putting it out,” said Fire Chief Mike Roediger.

The residents of the home and their cat were able to safely exit without injury. The home is owned by William Phillips, who lives in the adjoining house.

Ben Gummersheimer rides the Lil’ Devil lawn mower during the Waterloo Optimist July Fourth truck, tractor and lawn mower pull at the Monroe County Fairgrounds. – photo by Judy Brinkmann

The Valmeyer High School Class of 1977 gathered for their 30-year reunion Saturday evening at Schorr Lake Winery.

Jack Vaseska celebrated his lucky 66^th birthday on July 7, 2007.

Sy Kohlmeier is celebrating his 90th birthday this week at Oak Hill’s Magnolia Terrace Assisted Living. 

Recent Obituaries
Josephine "Jo" Hutchins nee Poenitske, 79, of Waterloo, died July 7, in Columbia. She was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Waterloo and Waterloo American Legion Post 747. She was preceded in death by husband, Richard Hutchings; grandson, Jason Lloyd; seven brothers; and three sisters. Survivors include daughters Phyllis (Charles) Lloyd and Kathryn Schrader; grandson, Michael (Pam) Lloyd; great-grandchildren Erika and Aaron Lloyd; and sister. Gladys Schmidt. Visitation is Sunday, July 8, 3 p.m. to 8 p.m., at Quernheim Funeral Home. Funeral is Monday, July 9, 11 a.m., at Quernheims. Memorials may be made to Immanuel Lutheran Church in Waterloo and Heartland Hospice.

Alvera Eshom nee Kohnz, 95, of St. Louis, formerly of Valmeyer, died July 7. She worked 20 years as a geriatric nurse at Monroe County Nursing Home. After losing her Valmeyer home in the Flood of '93, she moved into Tesson Heights Retirement Center in St. Louis. She was preceded in death by husband, Cleo Dale Eshom; and sister Veronica Krebel. Survivors include children Rita Mae Eshom, Muriel (James) Benz, Robert (Gertrude) Eshom and Judith Josten; grandchildren Margot (John) Schultz, Juliana Benz, Kristen (Larry) Fitze and Joseph Benz; and step-grandchildren Eric (Jennifer) Seidler and Shelly Helf. Visitation is Tuesday, July 10, 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., at Quernheim Funeral Home. Funeral service is Wednesday, July 11, 1 p.m., at St. Mary Catholic Church in Valmeyer. Memorials may be made to St. Mary's Building Fund.