Today's News - August 6, 2008

Damage Assessment Begins Following Tuesday’s Storm

 

Early Wednesday morning, Carol Postlewait, left, began assessing the damage a tree caused Tuesday night when it fell in her back yard on Druscilla Lane during a storm that ripped through Waterloo.

Carol and Jerry Postlewait were attending the Waterloo Municipal Band Concert when the storm rolled in at about 7:20 p.m.

“Everyone rushed to their cars and we headed straight home,” said Carol.

When they drove into their driveway they could tell something was just not right. As they walked to their back yard they noticed their hackberry tree was uprooted and lying atop their roof.

“The limbs pushed through the roof and we had some damage to the ceiling in our kitchen,” Carol added.

The Postlewaits were very appreciative to the Waterloo Fire Department for their assistance in removing the tree and getting the roof patched to limit the water damage. Rick Braun of Prairie du Rocher responded with a crane to lift the tree off the roof.

“We used about 11 sheets of plywood from Waterloo Lumber Co. to cover the hole in the roof,” said Waterloo Fire Chief Mark Yeager.

Petri Insurance owner John Glessner said his office has received several calls from property owners with storm-related damage.

County employee Brian “Buddha” Hooten uses a chain saw to cut up limbs that fell onto the courthouse grounds during last night’s storm. More than one-inch of rain fell throughout the county and high winds were reported in Waterloo. Amy Berry reported 1 4/10 inches of rain at her Columbia home and Harvey Ries’ rain gauge measured 1 1/10 inches at his New Hanover farm. “That makes it about 43 inches so far this year,” said Ries. “Our average annual rainfall is 38 inches. We’ll be close to a record year.” Ries did add he has a good crop of raspberries, blackberries and peaches.

Ashley Schoenhoff of Columbia is celebrating her 21st birthday today. She is hoping to meet up with friends later today after she gets off of work at Flooring Interiors.

Farm Bureau Ice Cream Social Is Thursday

“I just finished my batch of home-made cookies,” said Brenda Seboldt, Farm Bureau office manager.

Seboldt’s cookies and those of other Farm Bureau members, along with several gallons of ice cream, will be ready for eating Thursday evening at the fairgrounds for the their annual ice cream social.

Farm Bureau members, local politicians and invited guests gather annually in early August to discuss agriculture, politics and the recent county fair all capped off with a large serving of ice cream and cookies.

Harrisonville Telephone Co. is sponsoring a movie night Friday, Aug. 8, at the Waterloo Park District Pool on Library Street. “Alvin and the Chipmunks” will be shown beginning at 8 p.m. Admission is $3 for city residents and $4 for non-residents. Children five and under are free. Admission includes free popcorn and soda.

The Waterloo VFW is gearing up for another big bingo this Friday. The Colorball game payout is $175 and the Jackpot is $900.

“Hopefully, someone will go home as a lucky winner,” said Ladies Auxiliary President Laurie Sparwasser. Bingo games begin at 7 p.m.

Recent Obituaries

Harold Becker, 77, of Red Bud, died July 22, 2008, at his residence. He was born May 5, 1931, in Smithton, the son of the late Adolph and Eleanor (nee Haudrich) Becker. He married Lois “Betty” Stone in 1963 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Prairie. She died in 1995. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army and member of the Prairie du Rocher American Legion Post 622. Mr. Becker owned Blossom City Antiques. Survivors include son, Mark Becker, of O’Fallon; daughters Becky (Denny) Lutker, Kristie (David) Whelan and Mimi Clifford, all of Waterloo; brothers Melvin (Jeanette) Becker of Belleville and Virgil (Jolene) Becker of Smithton; sisters Sharon (Charlie) Mulkey of Freeburg and Carol (Tom) Sneed of Edwardsville; sister-in-law, Dora Becker; 15 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild on the way. In addition to his parents and wife, Mr. Becker was preceded in death by a sister, Anna Mae; and a brother, Kenneth. According to his wishes, he was cremated. Visitation is Monday, Aug. 11, 1 p.m. to 2 p.m., at Welge-Pechacek Funeral Home in Red Bud. A memorial service will follow at 2 p.m., with Father Tom Stout officiating.