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

E-Newsletter - November 17, 2007

Details Of Imbs Station Road Interchanged Announced

Nova Jean Chiasson, left, and Lil Phillips discuss the location of the Imbs Station Road interchange with Ken Muskopf of Kuhlmann Design Group Inc.

The planned interchange at I-255 and Imbs Station Road in East Carondelet was the topic of a public forum Thursday at the Dupo Community Center. The interchange will coincide with the planned Discovery Park industrial development planned by Clayco of St. Louis. Discovery Park will be located in bottoms land between Dupo and Columbia. Residents whose homes are in the right-of-way of the interchange were recently informed of the planned buy-out of all or portions of their property. People losing homes and those with adjoining property consisted of a large percentage of those attending Thursday’s forum.

A man with pending child pornography charges in Missouri apparently committed suicide Thursday at his home in rural Prairie du Rocher. Roger Bell, 57, was found by Monroe County Sheriff’s deputies hanging from a tree in his yard with a single bullet shot wound to his chest.

“He called the emergency dispatcher that morning and said he was going to commit suicide,” said Monroe County Sheriff Dan Kelley.

Deputies raced to Bell’s home near Lake Mildred in southern Monroe County and found the body.

“An autopsy was performed and it appears to be suicide,” said Monroe County Coroner Julie Gummersheimer.

Pending child pornography charges in Missouri may have been a factor in the suicide. Based on those charges, the Monroe County Sheriff’s Department had recently begun their own investigation.

“We obtained a searched warrant and had collected items and were looking into the matter,” said Kelley.

Reichert Honored For Service To Taxpayers

Harry Reichert, center, was honored for his years of service to the Monroe County Taxpayers. After serving as the group’s president for several terms, the baton was recently passed on to Phil Canman, third from left. Reichert was presented a plaque during the group’s annual dinner Wednesday at the Lantern Restaurant in Columbia.

Creighton Appointed Acting Red Bud Police Chief
James Creighton of Edwardsville was appointed Nov. 7 as the temporary chief of police for the City of Red Bud by Mayor Ken Mueller, reports the North County News. Creighton is a native of Chicago and was employed with the Illinois State Police until his recent retirement. During the Nov. 5 city council meeting, the Red Bud City Council rejected Mayor Mueller’s recommendation of appointing Creighton the permanent chief. Since he took office earlier this year, Mueller and the city council have had difficulty agreeing on the person to hold the position of police chief.

Creighton told the North County News, Dan Brotz will remain the assistant chief and all other officers will be retained. Creighton and his family would move to Red Bud if the position becomes permanent.

Lions Help Make Valmeyer School Safer

The Valmeyer Lions Club made a donation to the Valmeyer School District on Friday to purchase safety pads to cushion the areas behind the gym backboards to better protect basketball players. Valmeyer School Superintendent Brian Charron, second from left, accepts the check of $5,350 from Lions, left to right, Dennis “Pencil” Heusohn, Pam Mohr, and Bob Mohr. – photo by Carol Floarke

Collinsville City Manager Robert Knabel was the guest speaker at the Progress For Columbia informational meeting Wednesday, November 14 at Columbia High School. Knabel discussed the success of the Collinsville Eastport TIF district as well as plans for a new professional soccer park there. Knabel said that Collinsville’s TIF has been so successful that funds generated by the district are now being diverted to revitalize their downtown area. Money has been used for various public improvements including pocket parks and parking lots. He referred to a community’s downtown as “the heart and soul of the community.”

Humane Society of Monroe County’s Pet of the Week

Bobby is a male, orange tabby 16-week-old kitten. He is a very playful and sweet kitten. To visit Bobby, stop by the society’s shelter on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information call 282-PETS.

Waterloo High School senior Alex Newbern has accepted a softball scholarship to pitch for the University of Illinois in Springfield. 

National City Sponsoring Blood Drive
An American Red Cross blood drive will be Nov. 20, 2 p.m. to 7 p.m., at St. Paul UCC of Waterloo. The event is being sponsored by National City Bank. All presenting donors will receive a St. Louis Rams t-shirt.

Calendar of Events
Saturday
Open House at Family Practice Aesthetics: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Zahnow Craft Fair: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
CHS football playoff game: 1 p.m.
Rock band Father Jack at Gallagher’s |
Rock band Pole Position at Bobeck’s
Band San An Tones at Heckerdome: 8 p.m. – midnight

Sunday
Columbia Holiday Walk: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Red Bud Holiday Happenings: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Waterloo VFW Turkey Day Dinner: 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Waterloo VFW Turkey Day Dance: 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Danny Krausz at Heckerdome: 2 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.

Recent Obituaries
Jewell Rains nee Chamness, 101, of Dupo, died Nov. 15, at Columbia Convalescent Center. She was a homemaker and member of the First Baptist Church of Dupo. She was preceded in death by her husband, Milo Rains; and sons James and Robert Rains. Survivors include son, Kenneth (Merlean) Rains; daughter, Rose Marie Sutter; brother, Vernia Lee Chamness; and sister, Olivia “Sis” Rains. Visitation is Sunday, Nov. 18, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., at First Baptist Church of Dupo. A funeral will follow.

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

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