Today's News - July 27, 2009

Haudrich Family Wins Super-Sized Prize

Last week during the fair, Monroe County Economic Development Council’s Jane Kolmer, left, watches as Dale and Kay Haudrich fill out 1,300 tickets for the Super-Sized Taste of Monroe County prize.

The purchase of a $130,000 combine helped Kay and Dale Haudrich of Hecker win the Super Sized Think Monroe County First drawing. The event was sponsored by the Monroe County Economic Development Council and was conducted at the Monroe County Fair. Tickets were handed out to people turning in cash register receipts from local merchants totaling at least $100.

Dale and Kay spent several hours at the fair filling out 1,300 tickets after they brought in a purchase receipt from Wm. Nobbe and Co. After their name was drawn Sunday, the Haudrichs took home a prize package valued at more then $7,000. The items were donated by more than 50 area businesses. There were 5,002 entries with receipts valued at just over $500,000.
 
“The drawing was an overwhelming success,” said Jane Kolmer, vice chairman of the MCEDC.  “The whole event was designed to reward local consumers for their purchases within Monroe County and to bolster the local economy. Whether it was a single $100 purchase, many small receipts totaling $100 or a combine, every entry cast a vote in favor of our local economy, and that’s smart for everyone. “  

Kolmer added that the ongoing Think Monroe County First campaign is really paying off for local citizens.  While Monroe County has realized a decline in sales tax revenues of about 5 percent during this national economic recession, neighboring counties have realized declines of 17 to 22 percent.

Miniature Horse And Donkey Show Wraps
Up Week Of Equestrian Events At The Fair

Geronimo! Ashley Schneider and her miniature horse Geronimo successfully jump over a fence Sunday during the Monroe County Fair's Miniature Horse and Donkey Show. The mini events are relatively new to the fair, but draw many participants and spectators.                -  photo by Carol Floarke

Driver Distracted Before Colliding With Mower
Adina Sippel of Waterloo and her three-year-old daughter, Margaret McMahan, received minor injuries on July 24 when the truck they were riding in collided with a mower pulled by a farm tractor on Route 3 between Columbia and Waterloo.  According to the police report, Sippel, 20, was driving a 1993 Chevy truck southbound on Route 3. Near the intersection of Hanover Road, Sippel said she was distracted and looked down when her daughter grabbed for a cup of coffee. At that point the truck struck the back end of a mower pulled by a New Holland tractor driven by John Barker, 56, of rural Columbia. Sippel and her daughter were transported by ambulance to St. Anthony’s Medical Center in St. Louis. Sippel was ticketed for failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident.

Lakers Win Two In Sunday Baseball Action

Valmeyer shortstop Jeremiah Bergheger goes airborne over the Millers Travis Dawson while completing one of three double plays for the Lakers in their 5-0 victory.            - photos by Bob Haentzler / www.gatewayphoto.net

The Valmeyer Lakers baseball team continued their recent winning ways with an impressive showing Sunday during games at the SPPS Fields in Waterloo. They beat Waterloo 5-0 in the first game and won over Millstadt 8-1 in the second game. Waterloo beat the Millstadt VFW 6-2 in the nightcap. The games were part of a Mon-Clair League three-game series held in Waterloo.
 
Jeremiah Bergheger led the Lakers hitting attack over Waterloo. He went 2-4 with a home run. Dan Bennett pitched seven innings of scoreless ball, scattering two hits and three walks while striking out six Millers. Mark Mueller took the loss for Waterloo. The Lakers have beaten the Millers in their last three meetings. Andrew Fannon was the star for the Lakers in their victory over Millstadt. Fannon ripped a two-run double in the third inning, giving the Lakes a lead they would not relinquish.
  
Brandon Musso picked up the victory in the Millers’ 6-2 win over the Millstadt VFW. He pitched a complete game, giving up only three hits over the seven-inning affair. Leading the Millers offence was Jake Frierdich, 2-3; Dusty LePere, 3-4 with two RBIs; Jake Hurst hit a home run and drove in two runs; and Sam Wahlig, 2-3 with one RBI.
 
The Lakers’ strong performance tightened up the standings in the Monroe Division of the Mon-Clair League. Waterloo remains in first at 10-8, but the Lakers are biting at their heals at 8-9. Rounding out the division are Columbia (5-7) and Millstadt (5-12).
 
Games scheduled for next Sunday, Aug. 2:  
12 noon: Columbia at Valmeyer
12 noon: Belleville at Millstadt
12 noon: Waterloo at Edwardsville
2 p.m.: St. Louis Spikes vs. Columbia (at Valmeyer field)
2 p.m.: Waterloo vs. Fairview Heights (at Edwardsville field)
2 p.m.: Belleville vs. Alton (at Millstadt field)
4 p.m. : St. Louis Spikes at Valmeyer
4 p.m.: Alton at Millstadt
 
The Mon-Clair League playoffs begin Wednesday, Aug. 12, and run through Sunday, Aug.  16. The best of three Championship Series will begin Saturday, Aug. 15 at Borsch Memorial Park in old town Valmeyer.

Lakers pitchers Dan Bennett hurled a complete-game, 5-0 victory Sunday over the Waterloo Millers. Bennett was in control throughout the game, changing speeds effectively. Valmeyer also brought the leather as they completely three double plays.         - photos by Bob Haentzler / www.gatewayphoto.net

Recent Obituaries
Nancy Buss-Bahari, 54, of Malaysia, formerly of Columbia, died July 26, 2009 at Oak Hill Care Center in Waterloo. She was born June 10, 1955, the daughter of Alma Buss of Columbia and the late Jerome "Jerry" Buss. In addition to her mother, Mrs. Buss-Bahari is survived by her husband, Shamsul Bahari of Penang, Malaysia; children Karim and Marissa Bahari of Penang; and a brother, Randy Buss of Columbia. Mrs. Buss-Bahari had been a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Columbia. She earned her Masters Degree at Southern Illinois University in Carbondale. Nancy had been a teacher of English as a second language in Japan, San Francisco and Malaysia. Visitation is Wednesday, July 29, from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Columbia. A funeral will follow with Fr. Carl Scherrer officiating. A private interment of ashes will take place at a later date. Arrangements were handled by Lawlor Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, Oak Hill Nursing Center or Masses.