Today's News - July 2, 2008
 

CVFD Rescues Dog That Fell Into Sink Hole

 

Mack, a 13-year-old, 100-pound German shepherd-Collie mix was rescued July 1 by the Columbia Volunteer Fire Department after being trapped in a sinkhole at the home of John and Cindy Franke at 1635 Centerville Road in rural Columbia. Firefighters got him out using a strap and then pulled him to safety on a sled. He was up and about shortly after the rescue. One fireman noted that Mack was pretty dirty and could use a spa treatment at Groomingdale’s. Firefighters rescuing the dog are, left to right, Jim Broshears, Mark Schaefer, Al Holden and Wes Methany.

Cindy Franke, center, is thankful the Columbia firefighters were able to rescue her dog, Mack, who fell into a sinkhole.

Mississippi River Crests – Corps Predicting River Level To Fall

The low-lying intersection of Levee Road and Bottom Road west of Columbia remains closed because of the flooding Mississippi River. On Monday, the water of the backlogged creek finally covered the bridge’s guard rails.  The Mississippi River crested Monday, at just more 38.6 feet. It was expected to fall to 36 feet by July 4. Flood stage is 30 feet. The river reached 49 feet when the levees gave way during the Flood of ‘93.    

A photo of the same location at the intersection of Levee and Bottom Roads in rural Columbia taken on June 19 reveals the flood water had just made it to the bridge decking. Luhr Bros. employees have been parking along Levee Road to make it to their job site at Luhr’s Landing.

Trailer Catches On Fire At Rouse’s Discount

The Columbia Volunteer Fire Department put out a fire Monday in a trailer used for storage at Rouse’s Discount on Old State Route 3. The fire was ignited by individuals who were using an acetylene torch to take apart the trailer. Before the fire department arrived on the scene, several Top Shooters patrons sprayed water on the fire and kept it from spreading.

Commissioners Requesting County Being Declared Disaster Area

Because of costs incurred in ongoing flood control measures, the Monroe County Commissioners voted Wednesday to request the state of Illinois declare Monroe County a disaster area. A representative of the Army Corps of Engineers met with the commissioners today to provide an update of the condition of the levee system in Monroe County. Although there were some sand boils discovered last weekend in Columbia between Roger Schaefer’s and Virgil Gummersheimer’s property, the Corps said the levees remain strong. With the Mississippi River having crested earlier this week, the lower river levels will ease the pressure on the levees.

Driver Escapes After SUV Slides Into Flooding Mississippi

Curt Heusohn was able to safely exit his vehicle and wade back to dry land Tuesday night after his Chevrolet Blazer slid into the Mississippi River. According to the Monroe County Sheriff’s Department, Heusohn was driving along Levee Road and lost control of his vehicle at 10 p.m. near the intersection of Outlet Road.

The Blazer slid down the levee and became partially submerged in the flooding river. Heusohn crawled out of the vehicle and walked back up the levee. He was not injured and was able to make it back home.

Levee District Commissioner Bob Scheibe noticed freshly laid skid marks on the roadway Wednesday morning while inspecting the levee.

“It looked like someone slid into the river, but I didn’t see a car at the bottom of the levee,” Scheibe said.

Scheibe contacted the Monroe County Sheriff’s Department and they rushed to the scene. The Maeystown Fire Department and Columbia Volunteer Fire Department, which has two water rescue boats, were put on alert in case a recovery was requested. In the mean time, Heusohn communicated with Sheriff’s deputies that he was safe and was the only person in the vehicle when it slid into the river.

“We’ll wait until the river goes down before we attempt to recover the vehicle,” said Monroe County Sheriff Dan Kelley.

Kati Mari Geoppo has been named the new coach of the Waterloo High School boys and girls tennis teams. She is a 2003 graduate of WHS, playing on the tennis, basketball and softball teams. She graduated from Fontbonne University and competed in NCAA Division III tennis. During her college career she was a team captain and set the school record for overall wins in a season as a freshman. She injured her shoulder her sophomore year, ending her collegiate tennis career.

Valmeyer Mid-Summer Classic Baseball Tournament Schedule

Friday, July 4

Game 1: 9 a.m. - Marissa vs. Waterloo

Game 2: 11:30 a.m. - St. Louis Printers vs. Belleville

Game 3: 2 p.m. - Fairview Heights vs. St. Louis Spikes

Game 4: 4:30 p.m. - Millstadt vs. Valmeyer

Saturday, July 5

Game 5: 9 a.m. - Loser of Game 3 vs. Loser Game 4

Game 6: 11:30 a.m. - Loser of Game 1 vs. Loser Game 2

Game 7: 2 p.m. - Winner of Game 1 vs. Winner of Game 2

Game 8: 4:30 p.m. - Winner of Game 3 vs. Winner of Game 4

Sunday, July 6

Consolation: 10 a.m. - Winner of Game 5 vs. Winner of Game 6

Third Place: 12:30 p.m. - Loser of Game 7 vs. Loser Game 8

Championship: 3:30 p.m. - Winner of Game 7 vs. Winner of Game 8

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

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