Bluff Road Bull Wrangled Last Night

Men on horseback and several dogs were used last night to round up a bull on Bluff Road which escaped from Brian Mehrtens’ farm in rural Valmeyer.

Following a week of several reports of motorists seeing a bull walking along Bluff Road between Valmeyer and Columbia, the wandering bovine was captured last night and returned to its pen at the Brian Mehrtens’ farm in rural Valmeyer. Several men on horseback and their dogs were able to locate the bull and lead it into a trailer.

Beginning on Aug. 13, reports began filtering in to the Monroe County Sheriff’s Department of a black bull with a bell around its neck walking into traffic along Bluff Road. A few cars even collided with the animal, but by the time deputies arrived, the bull was able to get up and walk away from the scene.

The Monroe County Sheriff’s Department said they are not sure if this is the same bull that was involved in the collisions with the cars, but it did match the description from the reports.
 

The Waterloo and Columbia Police Departments are continuing to investigate the numerous reports of vehicles broken into overnight earlier this week. Break-ins were concentrated in Waterloo in the Stonefield and Vandebrook subdivisions and the Country Crossing subdivision in Columbia. The burglars targeted unlocked vehicles and took money and other loose valuables.

“Don’t forget to lock your cars and trucks overnight,” Columbia Police Chief Joe Edwards said. “And do not leave valuables inside.”

 

Morning rush hour traffic was backed up early Thursday morning on the Route 158 off ramp onto the northbound lanes of Route 3. A semi tractor trailer jack-knifed just after 6 a.m. while traveling from Millstadt to Columbia. The driver was not injured but the truck caused considerable damage to a guardrail. Traffic was diverted until the roadway was cleared.

 

Sharon Glessner, second from right, celebrated a birthday Tuesday evening following the Waterloo Municipal Band concert. She gathered with family and friends at the home of Glen and Sheryl Lutz.

Bob Rohlfing is recovering from minor injuries after his lawnmower rolled on top of him at St. John UCC Cemetery in Valmeyer. Police Chief Tom Andres came to the rescue and lifted the mower off of Rohlfing. He was taken to the hospital but was released a short time later.

Waterloo Homecoming Is This Weekend

The Waterloo Homecoming will be Aug. 22 and 23. The parade will begin Saturday, Aug. 23, at 5 p.m., with the theme “Salute to Our U.S. Armed Forces.” The parade route will follow Moore Street to 4th Street, then Library Street to Mill Street and Main Street. For parade entry reservations call Miki at 618-791-1240 between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. Trophies will be awarded at 7 p.m. at the Courthouse bandstand for the most original float, the best musical and the best overall parade entry.

There will be live music both nights, kicking off with the Waterloo Municipal Band Friday from 6 to 8 p.m., followed by Cumberland Gap from 8 p.m. to midnight. On Saturday, the Bud Light Brigade will play from 6 to 8 p.m. and Aftershock will play from 8 p.m. to midnight. The Waterloo Homecoming is sponsored by the Metzger-Crook VFW Post 6504, Waterloo Optimist Club and Waterloo Lions Club.

Members of the Waterloo Chamber of Commerce and Monroe County Economic Development Committee will be handing out free plastic bags to children before the start of tomorrow’s Waterloo Homecoming Parade.

 

The Waterloo VFW is closed today because of the Waterloo Homecoming. The VFW fish fry and bingo will return next week.

 

Monroe Countian Attends Olympics In China

 

Jordan Conrad of Columbia recently moved to China and was able to attend several Olympic events, including the Belgium versus Nigeria soccer game. “I got a real deal on the tickets,” said Conrad. “The ticket was 50RMB, about $7.”

 

There were 65 donors at the Aug. 19 American Red Cross Blood Drive at Turner Hall in Columbia. St. Paul Lutheran Church provided cookies to all the presenting donors. Jyll House was a first time blood donor. Donors reaching milestones were JoAnn Godare, 2 gallons; Wayne Doerr, 5 gallons; Jean Eckert, 12 gallons; and Billie Wayland, 19 gallons. The next blood drive at Turner Hall is Tuesday, Oct. 21, 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. To make an appointment, visit www.givelife.org and enter the sponsor code turnerhall.

 

Apple butter making instructions will be provided by the Maeystown Preservation Society on Sept. 26 and Sept. 27 behind the Old Rock Mill. The society will prepare the concoction in preparation for the 28th annual Oktoberfest on Sunday, Oct. 12. Kettle sponsorships are being solicited for $100 each and perks include recognition in the paper and at the Oktoberfest, a free quart of apple butter and a year's membership in the Maeystown Preservation Society. Those interested may contact Linda Green at 458-5698, Dave Asselmeier at 281-7441 or Anita Muertz at 458-7463.

 

In other Maeystown news, Dorothy Brandt has starred in a video tape about growing up and living in Maeystown. The tape is available for view at the Rock Mill Museum.

 

Amanda Hoeffken of Columbia recently returned from a 10-day trip to Mountain Center, Calif. She worked as a counselor at the Apple Canyon Center. The non-profit organization, operated by Camp Ronald McDonald For Good Times, provides cost-free camping opportunities for children with cancer and their families.

 

Recent Obituaries

Mildred Boehne nee Heller, 89, died Aug. 20, 2008, in Des Peres, Mo. She was born Oct. 12, 1918, in Dupo, the daughter of the late Fred and Louise (nee Winsell) Heller. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Boehne Sr.; son, Robert Boehne Jr.; daughter, Bonnie Wiese; daughter-in-law, Phyllis Boehne; and great-grandchildren Cara and Nick Garner; along with brothers and sisters. She is survived by grandchildren Dawn (Mark) Garner, Brian (Denise) Wiese and Brad (Gail) Wiese; great-grandchildren Tom, Adam, Andrew, Bryanna, Jayden and Addyson; son-in-law, David (Jean) Wiese; and step-brother, Frank Armstutz; along with sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews and cousins. She was a member of the Immanuel Lutheran Church of Waterloo and the Ladies Auxiliary. Visitation is Friday, Aug. 22, 3 p.m. to 8 p.m., at Quernheim Funeral Home. Funeral is Saturday, Aug. 23, 10 a.m., at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Waterloo, Pastor Tony Troup officiating. Mrs. Boehne will be buried at Kolmer Memorial Cemetery in Waterloo.