Columbia School Superintendent Ed Settles, center, says school will start Wednesday as planned, despite Sunday’s night arson incident.

 

A 16-year-old male was taken into custody Monday evening by the Columbia Police Department in connection with Sunday night’s explosion at Columbia High School. Because of Illinois state rules regarding juvenile offences, the boy’s name has not been released. He was charged with a Class 1 felony count of possession of explosives and a Class 2 felony count of arson.

After being booked at the police station, the individual was released to the custody of his parents. The CPD has turned the information over to State’s Attorney Kris Reitz.

“The members of the Columbia police have been working around the clock since Sunday night on the case,” said Columbia Police Chief Joe Edwards.

The person was identified using information obtained through interviews, the school district, a surveillance video camera at the high school and witnesses. With witnesses reporting three individuals running away from the high school soon after the explosion, the Columbia Police Department is continuing the investigation.

“’There may be other individuals taken into custody,” Edwards said. “We are looking into other ongoing leads.”

In addition, Waterloo Police Officer Trin Daws and his K-9 dog Ayla also played a vital role in tracking down the suspects. They were on duty that evening and quickly responded to the high school. Daws and Ayla picked up a scent at the crime scene, putting them on the trail of the suspects. Information they were able to provide from locations in Columbia and Waterloo helped narrow down the search. (Columbia Police Officer Josh Bayer, who is in charge of Columbia’s K-9 dog Cezar, was working for the Columbia Ambulance Service at the time of the incident.)

A homeowner on North Glenwood, just north of the high school, also reported finding gloves, a ski mask and a shirt in the bushes in his back yard. The CPD took the items as possible evidence in the case.

Columbia School Superintendent Ed Settles credits the quick response from the Columbia Police Department and Fire Department for limiting the damage to the high school. He is confident all those responsible will be held accountable for their actions.

“This was a random and senseless act and we have no reason to feel there is any danger whatsoever with regard to the safety of our students and staff,” Settles said. “I am confident and pleased we can now bring this to a close.”

Settles added that classes throughout the Columbia Unit 4 School District will begin Wednesday as scheduled.

 

The Monroe County Flood Prevention District will have a public meeting tonight, Tuesday, Aug. 19, at 7 p.m., at the Monroe County Courthouse. Provisions of the state law authorizing the proposed sales tax will be reviewed. The commission will make a recommendation to the county board some time following that review.

 

U.S. Rep. Jerry Costello will be at Waterloo City Hall today from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. The public is invited to visit with Costello and discuss local, state and federal issues.

 

The Waterloo Municipal Band will play tonight from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m., at the Monroe County Courthouse bandstand. As a special treat, Waterloo Mayor Tom Smith and the aldermen will distribute free ice cream.

 

Recent Obituaries


Michael Biffar, 48, of Waterloo, died Aug. 18, 2008, in Red Bud. He was born Oct. 9, 1959 in Red Bud, the son of Eugene and JoAnne (nee Carroll) Biffar of Waterloo. In addition to his parents, he is survived by his wife, Rita Biffar nee Mosbacher; loyal dogs Dolly, Pepper and Spitfire; a brother, Tom Biffar of Burksville; and a sister, Mary Biffar of Waterloo; in-laws Curtis and Mary Lou Mosbacher of Prairie du Rocher; sisters-in-law; brothers-in-law; aunts; uncles; nieces; nephews; and cousins. Mr. Biffar was preceded in death by his grandparents; a nephew, Adam Mosbacher; and faithful dogs P.J., Poochie and Mary Catherene. Mr. Biffar owned Precision Automotive in Waterloo, was active in the Waterloo Chamber of Commerce and was an associate director of the Monroe County Soil and Water Conservation. His loved his dogs and hunting. He was also active in the Waterloo City Council and the ASP of Missouri. Visitation is Wednesday, Aug. 20, 3 p.m. to 8 p.m., at Quernheim Funeral Home. Funeral is Thursday, Aug. 21, 10 a.m., at Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church in Renault, Father Roger Karban Pastor Tom Jones officiating. He will be buried at St. John Cemetery overlooking Fults.