Teen Charged With Eight Sex Crimes Against Minors

Justin Kuykendall

Justin Kuykendall, 19, was arrested July 24 by the Columbia Police Department and charged with six misdemeanor counts of criminal sexual abuse against three 14-year-old females.

“Two of the incidents occurred at Columbia American Legion Park,” said Columbia Police Chief Joe Edwards.

The other incidents took place at Kuykendall’s home at 237 S. Riebeling in Columbia.

He appeared before Judge Dennis Doyle on Wednesday and pleaded not guilty. Doyle set a September 5 trial date. In the meantime, Kuykendall was ordered not to have contact with the victims. Kuykendall was also ticketed by the Columbia Police Department for one count of harboring a runaway and one count of unlawfully contributing to the delinquency of a minor.

The Columbia Police Department found out about Kuykendall’s alleged actions when officers were investigating several recent reports of vandalism at A.C. Metter Park. This summer the pavilions and gazebo at the park have been popular gathering spots for teenagers. Columbia city workers have made repairs to structures at the park several times, including fixing broken spindles and removing graffiti. Based on interviews with youths who hang out at the park and videotape from a surveillance camera in the park, police officers were able to make a case for Kuykendall’s arrest. The interviews also helped police officers find two juveniles who had run away from their homes – one from Columbia and another from Dupo.

“Both were reported missing less than five days ago,” said Edwards.

Edwards said police officers will conduct extra patrols of the city parks, especially A.C. Metter Park, where an officer will stop by at least every hour, both day and night.

“The police department wants to ensure to the people of this community the parks are a safe place to bring your family,” said Edwards.

Highlights From Thursday At The Fair

Dave and Bonnie Dillenberger, left, of Americom Imaging Systems bought their nephew Brad Dillenberger’s grand champion steer during the 4H–FFA auction. “We had a great auction with a lot of first-time buyers,” said Pam Jacobs of the University of Illinois Extension, who helped organize the auction.

Miranda Stewart, left, and Kalye Tucker enjoy a spin in a spaceship during the carnival ride armband night at the fair. While children enjoyed the rides, the adults in attendance enjoyed the musical entertainment of the band New Odyssey, which performed as part of HTC Customer Appreciation Night.

Waterloo VFW Closed Today: Because of the demolition derby at the Monroe County Fair, the Waterloo VFW will be closed Friday, July 27.

Calendar of Events
Friday
Demo Derby at the fair
Waterloo VFW Closed - No fish and bingo

Saturday
Hot Rod Truck and Tractor Pull at the fair

Sunday
Youth Fun Day, FFA Fun Night and Fireworks at the fair

Recent Obituaries
Francis C. “Carl” Bequette, 85, of Waterloo, died July 26, 2007, in Red Bud. Survivors include his wife, Gladys Bequette nee Weber; children Karlene (Paul) Feldker of Waterloo, Terry (Mary Tegel) Bequette of Eugene, Ore., William (Cheryl) Bequette of Mt. Zion, and Thomas (Sandy) Bequette of Waterloo; grandchildren Julie (Rodney) Fickas, David (Kim) Feldker, William (Leigh-Ann) Feldker, Todd Bequette, Jodie (Brian) Hitchman, Lindy Bequette, Andrew (Julie) Bequette and Amanda Bequette; step-grandchildren Doug (Sarah) Sparwasser, Christie (Justin) Osterhage, Enna (Matt) Grazier, and Elise Randalls; nine great-grandchildren; three step-great-grandchildren; sister Mary (Lynn) Gideon of DeSoto, Mo.; brothers Matt (Rebecca) Bequette of Herculaneum, Mo., and Lennis (Bernice) Bequette of Mountain Home, Ark.; and sisters-in-law Rosann Bequette of Mountain Home, Ark., and Norma Bequette of Crystal City, Mo. Visitation is Sunday, July 29, from 4 to 8 p.m., and Monday, from 8 to 9:30 a.m., at Quernheim Funeral Home. A funeral Mass will be Monday at 10 a.m. at SS. Peter and Paul Catholic Church.

Olivia Leber nee Feldmeier, 96, of Valmeyer, died July 26. She was preceded in death by husband, Joseph Leber; and brothers Robert and Oliver Feldmeier. Survivors include children Ray (Betty) Leber and Gary (Karen) Leber; grandchildren Jay (Dawn) Leber, Lisa (Jim) Baker, Kelly Leber, Sherry (Wayne) Stitzel and Kevin Leber; great grandchildren Michael and Crickett Leber, Jacob and Grant Baker and Whitney, Vanessa and Garrett Stitzel; and great-great grandchild, Landen Johnson. Visitation is Sunday, July 29, 3 p.m. to 8 p.m., at Quernheim Funeral Home. Funeral is Monday, July 30, 2 p.m., at St. John UCC of Maeystown.