Monroe County Independent

Home | Contact Us | Subscribe

independent@htc.net

If it happens in Monroe County, it's news to us!

E-Newsletter - September 21, 2007

Finch Receives 37-Months For Embezzlement
Angela Finch, 37, of rural Valmeyer, was sentenced Sept. 14 at the Federal Courthouse in East St. Louis to a 37-month prison sentence. She pleaded guilty to wire fraud and filing a false tax return in 2004. While employed at Heartland Transportation LLC of Columbia from July 2001 to August 2006, Finch transferred more than $625,000 from her employer to a personal account. She also admitted to failing to include any of the embezzled money on her U.S. tax returns from 2000 to 2005, which resulted in a tax loss of $136,922. She used the embezzled money to purchase four-wheelers, a swimming pool, vacations, jewelry and clothing, according to her indictment.

The investigation was conducted by the Internal Revenue Service, the Criminal Investigation Division and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Norm Smith.

Steve Huber of Columbia was killed in a single-vehicle accident Monday night on Hanover Road . Huber, 56, was lost control of his Daewoo near the intersection of Gall Road. The vehicle went off the road and overturned in a nearby bean field. Monroe County Coroner Julie Gummersheimer pronounced him dead at the scene.

Dupo Mayor Discusses Development Plans With Columbia Chamber Of Commerce

Dupo Mayor Ron Dell, left, addressed the Columbia Chamber of Commerce Wednesday at Tiny’s and gave an update of the Discovery Business Park and I-255 interchange. The highway work should begin within two years, he said. Also in attendance was Ronda Sauget, who gave a presentation of development in Sauget. Columbia Mayor Kevin Hutchinson, right, thanked Dell for coming and discussing their plans.

The Hecker Fire Department received a check this morning for $115,359 from U.S. Rep. Jerry Costello, center. “We will use these funds for breathing apparatus and bunker gear,” said Hecker Fire Chief Ralph Eckart, second from right. The funds were obtained from the Assistance To Firefighters Program, which is administered by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and co-sponsored by Costello. The program seeks to enhance the ability of local fire departments to respond to fire and fire-related hazards in their communities. – photo by North County News

The Red Bud Police Department has acquired K-9 unit, Bo, reports the North County News. The two-year-old dog will work with Police Officer Carl Williams.

Friday Night Football
Columbia at Carlyle
Dupo at Wesclin
Freeburg at Red Bud
Waterloo at Highland

Valmeyer Corner Pub owner Sharon Schilling was honored as the first customer at the newly-opened State Bank of Waterloo ’s branch in Valmeyer. She received $113 in cash, representing the number of years the bank has been in business.

The deadline has been extended for submissions to the Monroe County Veteran’s book. Biographies and photos will be accepted until Sept. 30. Order forms are available at the Valmeyer, Columbia and Waterloo libraries, or online at www.rootsweb.com/~ilmcghs. For more information call: Pam at 935-4082, Karen at 939-8240, Vern at 281-5386, or Jan at 314-849-4982.

Gerry Roscow celebrated her 80th birthday last Sunday with a family dinner at Olive Garden. Attending were Patti Bauer, Bret Reynolds, Megan Bauer, Tyler Nevois, Alex Bauer, Jane Smith, Curtis Black, Angie Smith and Don and Margaret Kemner.

Humane Society of Monroe County ’s Pet of the Week:

Thadeus is almost a year old and weighs 20 pounds. He's all puppy - full of life and wants to explore everything. He's working on his housebreaking and is doing well in his crate. Thadeus is learning to live with a cat, but loves his dog friends. Obedience would be good for him and he is learning to sit and lay down. If you would like to see this handsome young man, visit the shelter Tuesday’s from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., and Saturday’s, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Call 282-PETS for more info. The society’s next adoption event is Saturday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., at PetsMart on Lemay Ferry Rd.

Recent Obituaries
Steven Craig Huber, 56, of rural Columbia , died Sept. 17. He was retired from Monsanto and was a lance corporal with the U.S. Marine Corps, serving from 1970 to 1972. He was preceded in death by his father, Roger H. Huber, who died in 1999. Survivors include his mother, Mary Huber nee Springer of Swansea. Memorials may be made to the VFW Belleville Post 1739. Visitation is Saturday, Sept. 22, 1:30 p.m. to 2 p.m., at Valhalla Mausoleum in Belleville . Funeral will begin at 2 p.m. Arrangements were handled by Renner Funeral Home of Belleville.

Calendar of Events
Friday
Waterloo VFW fish fry and bingo
Movies At Metter in Columbia featuring “E.T.”

Saturday
Hills and Hollows Run / Walk in Valmeyer
FNB Customer Appreciation Cookout at fairgrounds
Mud Hawgs races on Carr Road
Valmeyer Party in the Park
Rock band Dr. No at Bobeck’s

Next Paper:
Friday, November 2

Upcoming Events:
October 14: Maeystown Oktoberfest