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independent@htc.net |
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If it happens in Monroe County, it's news to us! |
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Today's News - November 6, 2007
Iraqi War Veteran Polacek Honored By Waterloo
City Council A fire damaged a two-story home in New Athens Tuesday morning. While heading to his barbershop in downtown New Athens early this morning, Vic Main saw smoke coming from the second floor of a home. He ran to a phone and quickly contacted the fire department. With the fire quickly spreading, Fire Chief Dave “Buck” Owens soon called for backup. Assisting the New Athens Fire Department were units from Freeburg, Smithton and Marissa. “There was a lot of damage, but the firemen saved the roof,” said Bob Main, Vic’s brother. “The home should be able to be repaired.” The Waterloo Fire Department put out an oven fire today at a home on Paula Drive. They arrived quickly on the scene and there was no damage to the kitchen. CVFD Gets Go-Ahead On New Ladder Truck: During Monday night’s Columbia City Council meeting, the aldermen approved the purchase of a new 100-foot ladder truck. The city is now working on a financing plan for the $924,000 piece of equipment, which will replace two aging units. The new truck is expected to arrive at the firehouse by next April. Also during the meeting, the fire department was recognized for their annual fundraising boot drive that raises money for the Muscular Dystrophy Association.  Columbia Volunteer Fire Department President Rich Dreher, right, accepts a commendation from Mayor Kevin Hutchinson during Monday night’s city council meeting. CVFD was honored for raising money for MDA. Police are investigating the cause of a two-car accident that occurred Friday night on Route 3 at Gall Road. Eric Vise, 22, attempted to make a left turn from northbound Route 3 onto Gall Road and crossed into the path of an oncoming car driven by Brent Russell, 16, a student at Gibault Catholic High School and member of the state-champion soccer team. Vise’s Dodge Durango hit Russell’s Honda Civic, which stopped when it hit a signal pole; the Durango came to rest in the middle of the intersection. Russell, of Columbia, was transported to St. Louis Children’s Hospital with a leg injury; Vise, of Columbia, was transported to St. Anthony’s Medical Center with head and chest injuries. Alcohol played a role in the accident, with Vise cited for DUI and failure to yield to oncoming traffic; and police continue their investigation with the State’s Attorney office after discovering empty beer cans in Russell’s car, according to the Columbia Police Department. Cody Bergman of Red Bud was injured in a one-vehicle accident Sunday evening at the intersection of GG Road and Moore Road in rural Waterloo. According to the police report, Bergman, 31, was driving a Chevy 1500 eastbound on GG Road when he lost control of the vehicle. The truck was down an embankment, through a grove of trees and came to rest in a farm field. He was transported by ambulance to Memorial Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. He was ticketed for failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident and driving under the influence of alcohol. The Columbia Police Department is investigating a report of vandalism on Saturday to several cars in the McDonald’s parking lot. Monsignor Flach of Ss. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Waterloo has been diagnosed with Guillain-Barre syndrome. He was admitted to Missouri Baptist Hospital after feeling ill before Sunday’s 7 a.m. Mass. He had difficulty walking and some trouble speaking. He remains in the hospital’s intensive care unit while they continue testing. Flach’s two sisters arrived and are relaying medical updates to the church staff. Guillain-Barré syndrome is a disorder in which the body's immune system attacks part of the peripheral nervous system. Most patients recover from even the most severe cases of the syndrome, although some continue to have a certain degree of weakness in their arms and legs. Sherrie Ford of Dupo turned in the low bid and has been awarded the contract for the Monroe County Recycling Center. She will take over the services beginning December 1. United States flags will be flying in downtown Waterloo later this week in honor of Veteran’s Day. Those responsible for the flags include the Waterloo Chamber of Commerce, Lions, Rotary, Kiwanis, Optimists, VFW, Odd Fellows, Masons, Kaskaskia Trial Chorus and the American Legion. The Fountain Creek Band is gearing up for their big performance Saturday, Nov. 10 at Tiny’s. “We want to broaden our horizons and play outside of Valmeyer,” said Mark Band, the band’s bass player.
Recent Obituaries Helen Fritz nee Obermeier, 88, of Waterloo, died Nov. 3 in Waterloo. She was preceded in death by husband, Bernard Fritz; and son, Thomas Fritz. Survivors include children James (Barbara) Fritz and Nancy Colvis. Visitation is Tuesday, Nov. 6, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Quernheim Funeral Home in Waterloo. A funeral will follow at Quernheims. Larry “Bee” Ferry, 53, of Millstadt, died Nov. 3, at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital. He was a member of the Boilermakers Local 363 and Trinity Lutheran Church in Millstadt. He enjoyed woodworking, music, playing the piano and watching movies. He was preceded in death by his parents, Olyseen “Bee” and Wilma (nee Hettenhausen) Ferry. Survivors include brothers Roger (Lynn) and Clark (Patty) Ferry; and sister, Janis (Carl) Cox. A funeral was Tuesday at Strauss Funeral Home in Millstadt. |
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