Wonderful Weather Brings Big Crowd To Maeystown Springfest

Ken Knobloch, left, and his sister, Marian Knobloch, both of Maeystown, peruse the antique wares for sale at Sunday’s Maeystown Fruehlingsfest. Pleasant spring weather and a wide selection of antiques and flowers brought a large crowd, many of which traveled all the way from Missouri to attend the event.

 

The Hecker Fire Department responded Sunday to a car on fire in a garage in Brandt Lake Estates, west of Hecker on Route 156. The garage sustained some fire and smoke damage. “The homeowners were able to push the car out of the garage before we arrived,” said Hecker Fire Chief Ralph Eckart.

 

There was a false alarm of a gas leak Monday morning on Route 3 south of Waterloo. A passing motorist reported a gas or possible anhydrous leak emanating from a farm near the intersection of Route 3 and Sportsman’s Club Road. The Waterloo Fire Department responded, but it turned out to be a farmer properly spraying anhydrous on a field.

 

Graffiti At Rock City: The Monroe County Sheriff’s Department and Valmeyer Police Department are investigating vandalism over the weekend to several tractor trailers parked in the Rock City development. The trailers were spray painted.

 

Area police officers are investigating several reports of theft this weekend at construction sites, including a display home at the Country Club Hills subdivision in Waterloo and a construction trailer at the Hampton Inn in Columbia.

 

Laurie Rippelmeyer and Michael Conrad were married Saturday, May 3 at SS. Peter and Paul Church in Waterloo. Family and friends gathered at The Falls for a reception

Michael Conrad with his bride, Laurie Rippelmeyer

 

Sparwassers Elected To Lead VFW’s District 14

During a ceremony Sunday at the O’Fallon VFW Post Hall, Butch Sparwasser, fourth from left, was elected the new commander of Illinois VFW District 14 and his wife, Laurie Sparwasser, third from right, was named the president of District 14’s Ladies Auxiliary. Several members of Waterloo’s Post 6504 along with Sparwasser family members were in attendance for the event.

 

Running Of Kentucky Derby Celebrated At Fountain Inn

The Generations Plus Relay For Life team raised funds for the American Cancer Society during a fun-filled Saturday afternoon viewing of the Kentucky Derby at Fountain Inn. Jeff Wahl of St. Louis was the big winner of the trip to the 2009 Kentucky Derby. While enjoying a refreshing mint julep, County Commissioner Dale Haudrich, left, tries to get a tip on picking a winning horse from Generations Plus member Twyla Luhr.

 

Candidate for county commissioner Mike Kovarik headed south to Louisville this weekend to attend the Kentucky Derby. He called friends at the Fountain Inn Kentucky Derby Party to wish them the best.

 

Recent Obituaries

Timothy Racine, 51, of St. Louis, died May 1, 2008, at Lake St. Louis, Mo. He was born June 5, 1956, in Florida. Arrangements are pending at Quernheim Funeral Home.

Linda Leistler Evans, 47, of Columbia, formerly of Dupo, died May 3, 2008. She was born August 7, 1960 in St. Louis, Mo., the daughter of Walter and Joan (Percival) Leistler of Columbia. She was a retired assistant manager with the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, and an active supporter for the Relay for Life. In addition to her parents, she is survived by a brother, Robert (Robin) Leistler of Waterloo; nephew, Rance Leistler; niece, Shelby Leistler; and dear friend, Mark Evans of Dupo. Visitation is Tuesday, May 6, 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., at Lawlor Funeral Home. Funeral is Wednesday, May 7, 11 a.m., at Lawlors. She will be cremated. Memorials may be made to the Monroe County Humane Society or the American Cancer Society.