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If it happens in Monroe County, it's news to us! |
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E-Newsletter- August 10, 2007 Heat Wave Continues In Monroe County  Randy and Bev Meyers’ horses, siblings Adam and Eve, let their owners know they want some relief from the heat. The Meyers report Adam and Eve like to stand in front of the fan and play in the water trough to keep cool at their farm outside of Maeystown. – photo by Carol Floarke Northbound traffic on Route 3 is reduced to one lane today at Route 158, and traffic is backed up past Gilmore Lake Road as IDOT crews make repairs to the Route 158 overpass’ beams. It appears the 2007 – 2008 school year will be the last for Sarah Keene as Columbia High School’s principal. The board voted last week not to renew her contract when it expires June 1, 2008. In other Columbia school news, Board President Bill Phelps said the board and teachers’ union have reached a tentative agreement on a contract. “We hope to have a final vote on it next week,” he said.  Exchange students from Porta Westfalica, Germany, Julie Regier, left, and Jennifer Cook, enjoy pizza during a going-away party Thursday evening at Waterloo City Hall. The girls will be heading back home Saturday after spending several weeks with Waterloo families. “We really learned a lot about America and enjoyed our time in Waterloo,” Cook said.
Group Wants To Amend Waterloo’s
Leash Law The board listened to Gates’ concerns, but stated they are bound by a city of Waterloo ordinance requiring leashes on dogs. A leash law has been on the books for more than 10 years, said Waterloo Mayor Tom Smith. “It was put in place for safety reasons, especially to prevent people from getting bit,” said Smith. Gates is putting together a petition and hopes to present the signatures to the board at their September 12 meeting. To amend the current leash law at the parks, the park district would have to make an official request to the city of Waterloo. The alderman would then have to vote on the issue. The City of Waterloo voted Monday to amend their building code regarding exterior building materials on new commercial construction. The walls visible from a public right-of-way of any newly constructed businesses must be made of one or more of the following: brick, brick veneer, natural stone, marble, granite, glass, concrete tilt-up panel with a brick or stone form liner, exterior insulation finish system or painted or dyed architectural cement blocks (split block). The exterior walls not visible from a public right-of-way can be made of stucco, painted cement block or any of the materials listed above. Columbia Sets New Hours For City Parks: The Columbia City Council announced Monday new hours for the two city-maintained parks. Bolm-Schuchkraft Park, located behind Parkview Elementary School, will be open from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily. A.C. Metter Park, next to Columbia Public Library, will be open from sunrise to sundown. The tennis and basketball courts at Metter Park can be used until 10 p.m.
Rep. Reitz Calls On Governor To
Sign Rate Relief Package “The longer the governor waits to sign this legislation, the more families will have to struggle with how to pay their bills without hurting the family budget,” Reitz stated. “I call on the governor to sign this utility rate relief package that provides reliable energy at reasonable rates.” Reitz and his fellow lawmakers came to an agreement with electric utility companies to provide financial assistance to customers who saw their power bills increase by as much as 200 percent. The rate relief package would provide $1 billion in rebates and credits to Illinois customers. The agreement also eliminates the controversial reverse auction process by taking wholesale power purchasing responsibility away from the utility companies and giving it to an independent agency. The bill was sent July 31 from the legislators to Governor Blagojevich. “This rate relief package was the result of months of negotiations between lawmakers and utility companies, and the end result was a compromise that is a fair deal for everyone involved,” said Reitz. Carol Mueller will conduct a free classical piano and organ hymn concert Friday, August 10, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Waterloo. The concert begins at 7 p.m., and refreshments will be served afterward. State Bank of Waterloo announced its new facility in Valmeyer will open September 1. Southern Illinois Center for Health of Waterloo will become two separate medical practices and offices effective September 1. Family Practice Associates will consist of Dr. Pickett and nurse practitioner, Kathleen Probst. Dr. Kirk, Dr. Lattimore and physician’s assistant Andrea Thomas will become Progressive Family Care. Both practices will continue to function in the current building at 509 Hamacher. The Monroe County Electric Cooperative recently announced a 4 percent rate increase effective on the September 1 billing. The cooperative also had a 4 percent rate increase last year. The co-op said the increases are less than other electric customers in the area, including those with power provided by Ameren. According to the MCEC, from January 2003 to June 2007 their power costs rose nearly 30 percent. Customers’ bills will increase about $4 per month on average, MCEC representatives said. Farm Bureau Keeps Cool At Ice Cream Social
Recent Obituaries Mildred Baumer, 92, of Columbia, died August 7, at Columbia Convalescent Center. She worked as a secretary at the Monroe County Health Department and was a member of St. Paul UCC, Columbia Senior Citizens and the Monroe County Farm Bureau. She was preceded in death by brothers Alfred and Carol Baumer; and sister, Caroline Diehl. Visitation is Friday, August 10, 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., at Lawlor Funeral Home. Funeral service is Saturday, August 11, 11 a.m., at St. Paul UCC of Columbia. The third annual Melvin J. Fisher Memorial Hills and Hollows Half Marathon, 5K Run and Walk is Saturday, September 22. The event begins at 8 a.m., at the Valmeyer Emergency Services Building. Proceeds will benefit the Valmeyer Active Firemen Association and BackStoppers. New this year, all Monroe County police, fire and EMS departments that register and provide volunteers will receive a donation to their department. “The purpose of this event is to promote fire safety, raise funds for firefighter training classes and support, via BackStoppers, families of firemen or police officers that have lost their life in line of duty,” said Marvin Fisher, race director and brother of the late Melvin. Before he died from cancer several years ago, Melvin’s last public activity was coaching young firefighters at the Dupo Firemen’s Muster. “Melvin was proud to be known as a fireman and for stepping forward when needed,” said Marvin Fisher. “We look forward to the continued success of this event in his memory.” The half marathon course is the only one in Southern Illinois certified through the USATF. Awards will be presented to the male and female winners of the 5K run and walk. Half marathon runners will be presented awards in age categories, as well as the overall top finishers. The first 300 registered participants will receive a t-shirt and medal. A traveling trophy will be awarded to the first emergency services personnel who completes the half marathon course and the 5K run and walk. Entry forms are available on the website www.hillsandhollows.org. Those wishing to volunteer for the event can contact Marvin Fisher at hikingmcdosher@hotmail.com. Businesses or individuals wishing to donate items or help sponsor the event can do so by contacting a Valmeyer firefighter or first responder or going to the event’s website. For additional information, send correspondence to Hills and Hollows RRCA, P.O. Box 222, Valmeyer, IL, 62295. Marvin Fisher can be reached by phone at 402-598-9178. Humane Society of Monroe County’s Pet of the Week  Addison is a 2 ½ year-old gray female cat. Her former owned recently died. She is very friendly and enjoys her rubbing on legs and sitting on laps. To visit Addison, stop by the shelter Tuesdays from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., and Saturdays, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The phone number is 618-282-PETS. During the current heat wave, the society reminds pet owners to give your pet plenty of water and make sure they have a cool place to stay.
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