Today's News - July 27, 2009

Rural Floraville Home Heavily Damaged By Fire

A home in rural Floraville undergoing extensive remodeling was heavily damaged this morning by a fire. Just after 8:30 a.m., a passing motorist spotted heavy smoke coming out of the home located at 4710 Floraville Road, a couple miles north of downtown Floraville. A St. Clair County Sheriff’s deputy was first on the scene. He kicked in a door to gain entry and he verified no one was inside the structure. Millstadt firefighters soon put out a second alarm for assistance from Hecker, Smithton, Columbia and Waterloo. Firefighters were on the scene until about 10:30 a.m. putting out the blaze. Jan Scott, who lives across the road from the home, was able to contact the property owner, who lives in Glen Carbon. He was en route to the location to assess the damage.

Ladders from Millstadt, left, and Waterloo Fire Departments help firefighters gain access to the burning roof.  

Waterloo firefighter Eric Osterhage, left, climbs atop a ladder to help put out the fire. Looking on from the ground are Waterloo’s Chief Mark Yeager, Kyle Buettner and Peter Dehn.

The Monroe County YMCA is coordinating a school supply drive for area students in need. They invite the public to participate in their Backpack Attack program. Needed supplies include backpacks, crayons, rulers, notebooks, erasers, calculators, pens and pencils. Supplies can be dropped off through Aug. 7 at the following locations: (For more information, contact Marge Francois at 281.9622.)
Columbia: Monroe County YMCA, Market Place, Joe Boccardi’s Ristorante, Regions Bank, Walgreens, West Park Bowl and First National Bank of Waterloo.
Waterloo: City Hall, Schnucks, Rural King, First National Bank of Waterloo and Gene’s Barber Shop.
Millstadt: First National Bank of Waterloo and Schmidt Chiropractic Clinic.
Valmeyer: Corner Pub.