Teachers Battle Emergency Personnel In Charity Basketball Game

Columbia teacher Scott Germain, left, drives to the net while Columbia Firefighter Cole Dreher plays tough defense.

Columbia EMT Kristen Sunderman shoots a free throw.

The Columbia teacher’s team defeated the Columbia emergency personnel September 11 at the second annual Heroes, Home Rooms and Hoops basketball game at Columbia High School. The event began last year in remembrance of the fifth anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attack.

“Our players had a positive attitude and great skills,” said Parkview Principal Mike Beczkala, coach of the teacher’s team. “And the fear of running laps after the game if we lost also inspired them to victory.”

Proceeds from the event are placed into the Columbia Community Scholarship Fund.

Deputy’s Patrol Car On Way To Ambulance Call Collides With Vehicle
Monroe County Sheriff’s Deputy Robert Young is recovering from injuries sustained Wednesday in a two-vehicle accident on Route 159 at LL Road. According to the police report, Young, 46, was driving southbound on Route 159 heading to the scene of an ambulance call.

Shortly after Young and another Sheriff’s patrol car passed a 2007 Ford Focus driven by Allan Schneider of New Athens, the deputies realized they had passed by the home of the medical call. While attempting a u-turn, Young’s car was struck on the driver’s side door by Schneider’s vehicle. The Ford Focus rolled twice before coming to rest in a nearby field. Young was taken by ambulance to St. Elizabeth’s Hospital. He was treated for a minor neck injury and has since been released. Schneider, 85, declined medical treatment.

Michael Launhardt of Belleville is recovering at St. Anthony’s Hospital following a car accident on Monday. Launhardt, 45, was driving a Mercury Sable southbound on Route 3 when he ran off the road near Hanover Road.

Commercial State Bank’s 125th Gala Tonight
Commercial State Bank of Waterloo is inviting the public to join them Thursday night in celebrating their 125th anniversary. The event will take place at the bank’s main facility in downtown Waterloo from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Bank officers will be dressed in tuxedos to serve guests an assortment of Gallagher’s food and Schorr Lake wine. The first 125 guests will receive a limited edition gift and there will be a drawing for a Waterford Crystal item. The event is open to the public and free of charge.

Linda Novack is distributing flyers promoting a benefit fish fry for her brother, Floyd Engel, who has a kidney condition. Proceeds from the event will help pay his medical expenses. The benefit is Sunday, September 23, 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., at the Chester Eagles Club. In addition to the fish plates, there will be a 50/50 raffle and a drawing for a one-week vacation in Orlando, Fla.

Recent Obituaries
June Adair Henderson, 79, of Dupo, died September 9, in Walnut Grove, Mo., following an extended illness. She was a retired sales clerk at F.W. Woolworth's department store. Survivors include her husband, Chester Henderson; sons Chester Henderson, Tony Henderson, Robert Henderson and Dennis Pedrick; daughters Charlotte (Carl) Nickles, Sharon (Bill) Zenthoefer, Sheila Sellers, Sandra (Randy) Buzick, Beverly Henderson and Connie (Mario) Hernandez; brother, Jim Moss; and sister, Annie Mae Moss. Visitation is Tuesday, Sept. 11, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., at Lawlor Funeral Home. Funeral is Wednesday, Sept. 12, 10 a.m., at Lawlor.

Patricia Darlene “Fat Pat” Bunn nee Webb, 62, of St. Louis, Mo., died September 11 after a long battle with lung cancer. She worked at the Garden Gate Tea Room in Granite City. She was preceded in death by her mother, Aline Lockhart; and step-father, Robert Lockhart. Survivors include her husband, Russell “Rocky” Bunn; and daughters Carol (Larry) Beger and Paula Ball. Visitation is Friday, September 14, 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., at Dashner Funeral Home in Dupo. Funeral is September 15, 10 a.m., at Dashner.