News Follow-Up - July 19, 2009

Lakers Sweep Millers In Saturday Double-Header
The Valmeyer Lakers swept their cross-county rivals, the Waterloo Millers, on Saturday in a double header at the SPPS Fields in Waterloo. The games were a make-up contest for a rain out earlier this month. Former Major League pitcher and current Lakers’ slugger John Rheinecker hit a grand slam to propel his team to a 5-3 victory in game one. The Lakers then easily took game two by a score of 14-0.

Waterloo’s Dusty LePere, right, initially avoids the tag from Valmeyer catcher Scott Rohlfing, but also slides past home. Rohlfing was able to put the tag on LePere behind the plate for the out in the third inning of game two on Saturday.           - photo by Bob Haentzler / game photos on line at www.gatewayphoto.net

John Rheinecker hits a grand slam helping Valmeyer defeat the Millers 5-3 in the first game of a twin bill on Saturday.        - photo by Bob Haentzler - game photos at www.gatewayphoto.net

Fults Softball Tournament Continues Sunday
There were several teams which remained in contention as of this morning to win to the Fults Softball Tournament. There were 16 teams which began play Friday night, but only a few remain in this double-elimination tourney held at Cedar Bluff Park. As of Sunday at noon, the Waterloo Outlaws and Millstadt’s J.C. Hauling were the only undefeated teams. They were set to go head-to-head at 2 p.m. today. The championship game will be played under the lights Sunday evening. Admission is free and there are food and beverage stands.
 

Fults Bluff Jumpers’ slugger Brad Schweigart cracks a single in a game Saturday against the Outsiders.                - photo by Gage Wienhoff

Big Turn-Out At Renault Church Picnic
Pleasant summer weather, hearty chicken dinners and a quilt bingo brought out a big crowd Sunday for the annual Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish Picnic. “I’ve been coming here for as long as I can remember,” said Gerry Novak, who brought his family to enjoy a chicken dinner inside the parish hall.

Olivia and Willard Schneider of Waterloo hope to win a quilt in the bingo games at the Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish Picnic.

Attention Horse Lovers:
Monroe County Fair Offers Plenty of Equine Action
by Carol Floarke

When the Budweiser Clydesdales appeared at the Valmeyer Independence Day parade, the huge turnout proved Monroe County has its fair share of equine enthusiasts. Those who appreciate horses are again in luck as four of the eight fair days feature horse events. In addition, most of the horse events are on free days or begin early before admission fees apply. The Monroe County Fair begins today and runs through July 26 at the Fairgrounds west of Waterloo.
        
Today, Sunday, July 19  (free admission)
• 4 p.m.: The Junior Class Horse Show features youth riders. Events include the very popular horse and rider costume contest in addition to multiple basic and advanced skills classes.
Tuesday, July 21 ($6 after 3 p.m.)
• 6 p.m. - Open Class Horse Show features youth and adult riders in multiple skill and action classes.
Thursday, July 23  (free admission)
• 6 p.m. - Senior Class Horse Show features adult riders in “speed and action” events such as barrel racing, pole bending and reining.
Saturday, July 25  ($15 after 3 p.m.)
• 9:30 a.m.:  Open Class Heavy (Draft) Horse Show
• 9:30 a.m.:  Open Class Mule Show  - The Clydesdale fans won’t want to miss the shows featuring large draft horses, ponies and mules. Some of the most interesting events are afternoon hitch classes. Two, four and six-horse teams, as well as the three-horse unicorn hitch will be featured. Skilled driving and farmer’s hitch with antique farm implements are on tap as well.
Sunday, July 26  ($12.00 after 12 noon)
• 10:30 a.m. Mini Horse and Mini Donkey Judging is the newest equine event. Because of their small size, the minis are kid-friendly and easier to handle. One of the most exciting events is mini jumping—watch these small, but mighty equines clear the fences. This event takes place in the Dairy Barn.

Recent Obituary
Gary Hoffmeister, 57, of Waterloo, died July 16, 2009 at his residence. He was born Sept. 28, 1951 in Red Bud, the son of late Paul and Marie (Steinsieck) Hoffmeister. Mr. Hoffmeister is survived by his son, Aaron Hoffmeister; special friend, Michelle Richards (her son Bradley Richards); brother, Dennis (Linda) Hoffmeister; sister, Patty (Randy) Hoffmann; niece, Brooke Hoffmeister; nephew, Jarred Hoffmeister; and cousins Scott Steinsieck and Susie (David) Restivo. He was preceded in death by his aunt and uncle, Charles and Ailene Steinsieck. Mr. Hoffmeister was the co-owner of P & M Enterprises of Waterloo. Visitation is Sunday, July 19, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., at Quernheim Funeral Home. Funeral is Monday, July 20, at 10 a.m., at the Quernheim’s with Pastor Matt Friz officiating. Mr. Hoffmeister will be buried at Kolmer Memorial Cemetery.