Two teenage males were placed into the back of a Waterloo Police squad car Sunday for alleged vandalism at the old Monroe County Nursing Home. At 3:30 p.m. the Waterloo Fire Department responded to a report of the fire alarms sounding at the nursing home. When they entered the abandoned facility they noticed entrance doors ajar. As they proceeded to the dining hall they noticed the floors were covered with white foam.

“It appears fire extinguishes were engaged,” said Waterloo Assistant Fire Chief Jim Dietz.

Fresh footprints in the white foam led police officers to believe the culprits were still in the building. Firefighters joined the officers in searching the rooms of the nursing home. About 15 minutes later, a police officer emerged with two teenage boys in tow. Names and if they will be charged have not yet been released.

A ribbon-cutting was held Sunday to officially mark the grand opening of the Hecker Country Store. “Business has been great so far,” said co-owner Karen Mavers. Participating in the event are, left to right, County Commissioner Dale Haudrich, co-owners Stephanie Biffar and Karen Mavers, Hecker Mayor Tom Hootselle and County Commissioner Delbert Wittenauer.

Monroe County Commissioner Dale Haudrich received some bumps and bruises Sunday at 1 p.m. when he wrecked his motorcycle on M Road. Haudrich was taking a spin around the block on the east end of Hecker when he lost control after hitting some chat. Haudrich and the bike landed in the ditch. Hecker First Responders and Monroe County Sheriff’s deputies responded to the scene, but Haudrich declined medical attention.

In other County Commissioner Health News… Commissioner Terry Liefer continues to recover from a broken leg sustained last month in a fall from a trailer. He has been getting around with the help of a walker. Commissioner Delbert Wittenauer is taking extra precautions and hopes he can avoid any unexpected injury.

U.S. Rep. Jerry Costello was the guest speaker Tuesday at the Waterloo VFW during the Monroe County Democratic Club’s monthly meeting. His main conversation points were ending the war in Iraq, preserving union jobs being lost to illegal aliens and universal healthcare.

The Waterloo High School Class of 1967 held their 40-year class reunion Saturday night at the Waterloo VFW. Attendees enjoyed a prime rib dinner and danced the night away to the oldies but goodies sounds of the ZB’s Band, led by locals Chris and Steve Ziebold.

Columbia Alderman Candace Hejna rides in the Columbia Daze parade with her family in a convertible car. Mild summer weather brought out a good turnout to the annual parade and festival.

Dancing to the sounds of Butch and the Polka Kings Saturday night during the St. Augustine’s Catholic Church of Hecker Kirchenfest are, left to right, Jacob Stuckmeyer, Christina Sutter, Sarah Kraus and Andrew Kraus. Rich Cullen stepped in to play accordion for band leader Butch Sparwasser, who was attending his class reunion.          – photo by Carol Floarke

Recent Obituaries
Shirley Henneke nee Ruhl, 76, of Auburn, formerly of New Athens, died August 16. She was preceded in death by husband, Russel Henneke; granddaughter Erin Marie Gegg; and sister, Virginia Lang. Survivors include children, Lynn (Robert) Harbison and Lyle (Brenda) Henneke; grandchildren Scott (Jennifer) Henneke; and great-grandson, Jakob Gegg. Visitation is Sunday, August 19, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., at Quernheim Funeral Home. There will be a private graveside service.

Lila Mae Mental nee Wild, 73, of Valmeyer, died August 14, in Red Bud. Survivors include husband, George Mentel; children Stephen Mentel, Marshon (David) Donley and Sue (John) Wasner; and grandchildren Trevor Wolfe and Tiara Wasner. She was preceded in death by brothers LaMar and LaRue Wild; and sister, Wanda Stock. Funeral arrangements were held by Quernheim Funeral Home.