Today's News - August 18, 2008

Missouri Man Dies Following Collision With County Squad Car

A St. Louis man driving a motorcycle with a group of other cyclists Saturday night on Bluff Road collided with Monroe County Sheriff’s Deputy Jason Ettling’s cruiser at 8:15 p.m. Christopher Jones, 44, was transported to St. Louis University Hospital, where he died of his injuries.

A group of motorcyclists was traveling northbound on Bluff Road. Just north of the Ziebold Road intersection, Ettling, who was traveling southbound on Bluff Road, observed the motorcycles exceeding the speed limit and attempted to make a u-turn to follow them, according to the Illinois State Police report. As Ettling made his turn, a second group of bikers also traveling northbound approached and Ettling’s car collided head on with Jones’ motorcycle, a 1998 Suzuki GSX-R750.

Jones, who was wearing a helmet, was thrown from the bike. He had vital signs at the scene and an Arch helicopter transported him to St. Louis University Hospital. Ettling, who has been employed as a sheriff’s deputy for a year and a half, was not injured.

The Illinois State Police continue to investigate the cause of the accident. No fault has yet been assigned and Ettling remains on duty.

Four Waterloo High School students continue to recover following a rollover accident Saturday night in the 5800 block of Konarcik Road. The accident occurred at 8:35 p.m., when a Ford Ranger driven by Brett Lenhardt, 16, drove off the roadway, went through a ditch, sheared a telephone pole, and then rolled up and back down an embankment before finally coming to rest on its roof in a ditch along the road.

Lenhardt, front seat passenger Shelby Culpepper and rear seat passenger Alex Bauer were able to kick open doors to exit the vehicle; rear seat passenger Ian Reitz was trapped. The Waterloo Fire Department used Jaws of Life to extricate Reitz, assisted by Monroe County Ambulance Service personnel, while the freed occupants stood by and encouraged their injured friend.

All four were transported by ambulances to St. Anthony’s Hospital in St. Louis County. Lenhardt, Culpepper and Bauer were treated for minor injuries and released later that night; they suffered cuts, broken bones and seat belt burns. Reitz was transported to Cardinal Glennon Children’s Medical Center, where he continues to recover. His injuries are not considered life-threatening.

Columbia Classes To Start Wednesday As Planned

The first day of school for all Columbia public school students will be Wednesday, according to schedule, even though a small, homemade bomb exploded Sunday night outside the high school, damaging an exterior door that leads into the weight room. The explosion and resulting fireball also damaged the overhang.

“We have no reason to be alarmed and we consider this a random act of violence,” said Columbia School Superintendent Ed Settles.

The Columbia Police Department and Illinois State Police Crime Unit are investigating the incident.

“The police have some strong leads, but they will continue to investigate until this is resolved,” Settles said.

Witnesses reported seeing three juveniles running away from the school soon after the explosion. They were last seen running between two homes on Cascade Drive, just north of the high school.

Crime Stoppers is offering a reward of up to $1,000 for information leading to the arrests of those responsible. Columbia Police Department investigators also want to talk with anyone who was in the area of the high school Sunday night between 10 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. Those with information can contact the police at 618-281-5151.

Two St. Louisans Arrested For Theft Of Metal

Monroe County Sheriff’s Department deputies arrested two people from St. Louis on Sunday evening for attempting to steal scrap metal from a home in the 9300 block of Coach Stop Road. Curtis Lammert, 26, and Kristy Thornton, 28, were apprehended after a deputy observed them loading up the metal, owned by Deb West of Waterloo, into the back of a truck. Lammert and Thorton posted bond and were released pending an upcoming trial at the Monroe County Courthouse.

New Tanker Arrives Today At WFD

Waterloo firefighters and district trustees gathered today at the firehouse to check out the department’s new tanker. The tanker, which carries water to emergency scenes, replaces an aging tanker. The firefighters will undergo training this evening on the operation of the truck and its equipment.

Recent Obituaries

William M. Wortmann, 59, of Fults, died Aug. 17, 2008, in Fults. He was born July 10, 1949, in Red Bud, the son of the late Agnes Wortmann nee Schmitz Fults and the late Melvin G. Wortmann. Mr. Wortmann is survived by his mother, son Craig Wortmann, and sister Bonnie (James) Nobbe of Waterloo; along with aunts, a niece and nephew, cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by his father. Mr. Wortmann was a member of Maeystown Sportsman’s Club and FFA Alumni. Visitation is Tuesday, Aug. 19, from 3 to 8 p.m., and Wednesday from 8 to 10 a.m., at Quernheim Funeral Home. A funeral service will be Wednesday at 10 a.m. at the funeral home, Fr. Roger Karban officiating. He will be buried at Kolmer Memorial Cemetery in Waterloo. Memorials may be made to Unity Hospice.