E-Newsletter - September 6, 2009

Bulldogs Defend Home Turf With
Victory Over The Columbia Eagles

Waterloo defensive back Aaron Aycock, right, knocks a pass out of the hands of Columbia receiver Billy Haag’s hands in the end zone to stop the threat of a first quarter touchdown. The Eagles settled for a field goal to pull ahead 14-0.             - photo by Gage Wienhoff

The grandstands were filled on both sides of the new Waterloo football field this Friday as the undefeated Bulldogs played host to rival Columbia, who also came into the game with a 2-0 record. The teams did not disappoint, as there were several lead changes and the scored remained close through the fourth quarter. The momentum swung between the quarters, as Columbia dominated the first and third, while Waterloo controlled during the second and fourth. In the end, Waterloo was able to hold on for a 24-17 victory.

Columbia came into the game a little bruised up from their first-week victory over Sparta, but when the whistle sounded, they were taped up and ready to play. A touchdown pass from Columbia quarterback Tanner Hall to Wilson Baab and a field goal by Hall put CHS 10-0 in the first. At the start of the second quarter, the tide turned Waterloo’s way. The Bulldogs commanded the ball the rest of the first half as their ground game took stride. Bulldog runner Tyler Fickas plowed the ball in from one yard out at the 11 minute mark for their first points. Then Fickas scampered in for an eight-yard touchdown just before the end of the half for a 14-10 Waterloo advantage.

The pendulum swung Columbia’s way in the third quarter. Hall fired a 19-yard TD pass to speedy receiver Billy Haag to regain the lead at 17-14. But once again the momentum shifted to Waterloo and the home team dominated the fourth quarter. On the backs of Waterloo’s strong linemen, the Bulldogs running game of Fickas, Zach Laidley, Nick Scott and QB Tim Kasebaum continued to move the chains down the field. “Guard Seth Seymour was our player of the game,” said WHS Coach Dan Rose. “He helped open up some big gaps for our runners.”

From the one-yard line, Kasebaum found a hole and dove in for a touchdown to pull ahead 21-17 midway through the fourth. After Columbia punted on their next possession, Waterloo once again moved the ball down the field, but the Eagles’ defense pulled things together and stopped the Bulldogs on the 26 yard line. Faced with a fourth down, placekicker Aaron Aycock was called on to attempt a 43-yard field goal. With steady nerves and a strong right leg, Aycock split the uprights to put the Bulldogs ahead 24-17. After exchanging punts on teams’ following possessions, the Eagles regained the ball in their end of the field with only a coupled minutes left to play. Backup QB Brad Demoulin was forced to enter the game after Hall injured the hand on his throwing arm. Demoulin was soon intercepted by WHS outside linebacker Brett Marsala to seal the victory for the home team. “I saw the ball coming my way and made the catch,” said Marsala.

“Our keys in the game were grinding it out on the ground and coming back strong after Columbia scored,” said WHS Coach Dan Rose. “This was just a great game to watch.”

Fickas once again led the Waterloo running attack. He picked up 129 yards rushing, followed by Laidley, 75, Kasebaum, 43, and Scott, 26. Kasebaum also led the Bulldogs defense with seven tackles. Columbia was limited to 21 yards rushing, but Hall went 16-24 for 202 yards and two touchdowns in the passing game. Kyle Breitenstein led the Eagles in receptions with eight catches for 151 yards. Clayton Revelle led on the defensive side with six tackles and five assists, followed by Brad Morr and Alex Starek with five tackles and seven assists a piece. Columbia quarterback Tanner Hall banged up the hand on his throwing arm, but he should be good to go in next week’s game against Dupo, reports CHS Athletic Director Joe Iorio. “Although we lost, we played very well against a strong Waterloo team,” said Iorio. “This test should prove invaluable when we play the other strong teams on our schedule, including Nashville and Breese Central.”

Columbia (1-1) will host Dupo (1-1) next Friday night. The victory kept Waterloo’s record undefeated at 2-0. They will travel to Carbondale next Friday to take on the Terriers and their 2-0 record. Carbondale is coming off of commanding wins over Murphysboro (35-0) and Herrin (21-12).

Waterloo’s Tim Kasebaum, 11, pulls down Columbia receiver Wilson Babb for no gain after a reception, Kasebaum led the Bulldogs with seven tackles. Looking on is Bulldogs outside linebacker Brett Marsala, 20. His fourth quarter interception with less than a minute to play sealed the 24-17 victory for WHS.

After a 19-yard reception, Columbia receiver Billy Haag goes in for a third quarter touchdown for a 17-10 Eagles lead.   – photo by Bob Haentzler - www.gatewayphoto.net

In other local high school football… Red Bud traveled to Wesclin and handed the Warriors a 36-8 defeat. The Musketeers are now 2-0 heading into a week-three game against Carlyle. A big crowd is expected to attend the season home opener. Dupo lost to Breese Central on Friday night by a score of 21-0. The Tigers (1-1) will have their work cut out for them next Friday when they head to Columbia for a Cahokia Conference match-up. Columbia is coming off a 24-17 loss to Waterloo.

Waterloo High School handled quite well an over-flow crowd at last Friday night’s football game against cross-county rival Columbia. Hundreds of cars filed in before kick-off and Athletic Director Rick Keefe and his staff were ready. After they main parking lot filled up, cars were directed to a practice field, an open grass lot behind the visitor’s stands and along Bulldog Blvd. Everything was going smoothly following the game until two cars collided as they attempted to exit. Cars backed up behind the wreck until a Wheat’s Auto Body tow truck arrived on the scene to remove the cause of the bottleneck. The Bulldogs’ next two games are away - at Carbondale on Sept. 11, and at Mascoutah, Sept. 18.

Bulldogs Marching Band Hot Under The Collar
After Change Is Made To Their Halftime Show

Waterloo High School band and color guard members held a civilized protest Friday morning prior to the start of classes.

Several members of the Waterloo High School band and color guard were upset to learn last week they would not be playing their contest show during the halftimes of the remaining varsity football games. The contest show was performed during the opening game at the new high school field on Aug. 28, but they were informed during school the following week they would need to play other songs at the remaining three home games.

“We’ve been playing our contest show at halftimes for several years and now, all of a sudden, we are informed we can’t,” said WHS student Jessica Reifschneider.

WHS Principal Tim Kreinberg said that there have been previous discussions regarding the changing the half-time performance at football games. He said a decision was recently made to change the type of Friday night football game performance to be not a “contest theme” material, and to make it more venue-specific with the band playing their other music material.

“We decided to go with it for Friday night and see how it ‘played’,” said Kreinberg. “It does not deter from the band’s contest practice nor weekend competitions.”

Some of the band and color guard students decided to show their displeasure with the decision with a small protest prior to the start of classes this past Friday, Sept. 4, from 7 a.m. to 7:45 a.m. About 30 students formed a picket line and held up signs questioning the decision. Some of the signs read, “Save the WHS Marching Band Original Halftime Show” and “We have earned this show.” The protestor chanted “Save our show,” and “They don’t tell the football team what plays to run.” Students arriving at school were also asked to sign a petition supporting the Marching Band’s request. Teachers and administrators watched the protest at a distance, but it was a very orderly affair with the students complying with the request to remain in one area next to the flagpole and to stay off the sidewalk to allow other students to enter the school.

Reifschneider said they really want to keep the tradition alive of performing their contest show during the half-time of the football games. She added the band has earned about 15 trophies at contests and playing in front of the fans at the grandstands really helps them gain the confidence they need when playing in front of the contest judges. Fellow band member Berrit Ericson said she was also disappointed when she learned of the change in the contest routine. “I am hoping we will be allowed to play the contest show at either the upcoming Senior Night or Homecoming football games,” said added. Ericson said she wished the band and color guard were given more notice of the change in plans. She said they practiced their contest routine all summer, but were only given a few days to learn a new halftime show.

A second protest occurred during this past Friday’s home football game against Columbia. Band parent Tom Maag held a sign reading “Unit #5 School Board, Please Support Unit #5 Music Programs.” During the game, he and about 10 other students and parents walked along the sidewalk in front of the entrance gate to the football field. The band and color guard entered the field at halftime to applause from the grandstands. They played two selections, which included a choreographed routine with the color guard. They were treated to a second round of applause as they left the field prior to the start of the third quarter.

WHS Band Director Mike Mullins, who did not take part in the protests, concurred with Kreinberg that the weekend competitions are the focus of the contest music / Marching Bulldogs. Kreinberg and Mullins have also discussed having an annual “Community Dress Rehearsal” to allow the public to see a WHS marching band contest show. “This would extend the Tuesday night Municipal Band concerts onto our campus. Our Marching Bulldogs have been very successful in yearly competitions and this is an avenue to reach another audience,” Kreinberg added.

Band parent Tom Maag holds a sign expressing his feelings during Waterloo’s home football game Friday evening.

The Waterloo High School marching band and color guard performs during halftime of Friday’s football game.

The Waterloo High School boys’ golf team won the Monroe County Golf Tournament Thursday at Annbriar. The team scores were Waterloo, 151, Columbia, 159, Gibault, 189, followed by Valmeyer. The top individual golfers were Wils Hawn, Waterloo, 37; Chris Pickett, Waterloo, 37; Clayton Stoker, Waterloo, 38; and Steve Souchek, Gibault, 38. Also finishing with good rounds were Waterloo’s Derek Allen, 39, and Johnny Wirth, 40; and Columbia’s Drew Weisenborn, 39, Nick Osland, 39, Joey Bert, 40, Andrew Kreutzer, 41, and Kasey Jahr, 42.

Waterloo golfer Wils Hawn, right, tees off during the Monroe County Tournament held Thursday at Annbriar in Waterloo. Waiting his turn at the tee box is Columbia’s Drew Weisenborn.                 – photo by Bob Haentzler

The Waterloo girls golf team defeated Granite City Thursday at home by scores of 196 to 218 improving their record to 9-3. The Bulldogs were led by Amy Faus (43), followed by Cat Hawn, 49, Jenny Faus, 50, Beth Klein, 54, Hayley Bode,  59, Whitney Stitzel, 60, and Savannah Dill, 63. Their next match is Tuesday at Annbriar against Columbia.

Dot King of Columbia beat her age by one stroke at Annbriar Golf Club earlier this week by shooting a 78 (39-39). This rare feat was witnessed by Andrea Renner, Kathy O'Leary and Karen Pottoff.

The Columbia High School soccer teams traveled to Mascoutah Thursday evening for JV and Varsity games. The varsity game ended in a 1-1 tie thanks to a shot into the net by Eagles’ senior Tyler Payton

Columbia’s Tyler Payton, second from right, puts the tying goal past the Mascoutah goal keeper in Thursday’s varsity soccer game.        – photo by Don Voelker

In other high school soccer news… The Belleville West soccer team was able to shutout the Waterloo Bulldogs Thursday evening by a score of 2-0. Waterloo played Civic Memorial 's next soccer match is this Saturday morning, 10 a.m., at Civic Memorial. Valmeyer’s boys’ soccer team is hoping to improve on their 1-1 record when they take on Afton (0-3) this Tuesday at home. The always-tough Gibault boys’ soccer team is scheduled to take on Edwardsville this Wednesday at Oerter Park in Columbia. The Hawks (1-1) have a victory this season over Alton Marquette, but fell to SLU 1-2 last Friday in Columbia.

Sophomore Anna Mannino has earned a starting spot as a middle hitter on the McKendree College volleyball team. Anna played is a graduate of Gibault High School and is the daughter of Vince and Patti Mannino of Waterloo.

Waterloo High School cheerleader Annie Schrieber is doing better this week after receiving a minor injury during Waterloo’s home opener football game against Freeburg. Schrieber lost her footing during a routine and hit her head on the pavement.

Zimmer Foundation To Fund History Museum Expansion: The Zimmer Family Foundation donated $66,000 to the History Museum of Monroe County in Waterloo. “We will use the funds to build an addition to his museum,” said Museum President Phil Horn.

Zimmer Family Foundation representative Chip Bieber presents a donation to Museum President Phil Horn, fourth from right. Looking on are Museum Society members, left to right, Karen Bergman, Bob “Tuppe” Hoffmann, Norma Reheis, Bob Rippelmeyer, Sheryl Prange, John Miller, Rick Schutt and Dale Wetzler.            – photo by Bob Haentzler

The Waterloo School District has decided not to televise President Barack Obama’s back to school address for grade school students scheduled for next week. It will be aired via a webcast and the C-Span cable network on Tuesday, Sept. 8 at 11 a.m., CST. Waterloo School Superintendent James Helton said the district will not televise the address “live” during the school day, but will burn CD's of the address which will then be available for the parents/teachers to check out for viewing.

“We view this address as a political speech rather than a historical event, such as the inauguration of a president,” Helton said. He added there are a lot of news stories concerning the controversy surrounding this address, but the school district is not interested in those issues. Helton said the district feels parents can determine if they would like to view the entirety of this message with their child. “As in all current event issues, teachers and administration will evaluate what fits into our curricular goals,” he added. Helton said the district supports President Obama's message to children about persisting and succeeding in school, while challenging them to work hard, setting educational goals and take responsibility for their learning.

Coleman To Have His Legal Bills Paid For By State Funds - Will Be Represented By O’Gaga And Stearn

Several people at the Monroe County Courthouse knew something interesting was afoot last Friday as Chris Coleman’s attorney’s, Art and Bill Margulis, entered the building alongside Belleville attorneys John O’Gara and James Stern. O’Gara is known locally as the attorney who successfully represented James Wiley in a court case in 2005. Wiley was accused in connection with the death of his wife, Twila, who had been shot dead at Koncarik Park in Waterloo. Wiley was found innocent in the jury trial.

Chris Coleman, who is charged with first degree murder of the May 5 death of his wife and two sons, requested a court appearance on Friday to claim he does not have the funds to pay his legal bills. Under Illinois’ Capitol Litigation Trust Fund, individuals standing trial facing the death penalty can have their legal bills paid by the state if they are found to be a pauper.  At Friday’s court appearance, Coleman entered the courtroom accompanied by the father and son Margulis legal team. Standing to the side in front of the bar were O’Gara and Stern. Circuit Judge Milton Wharton asked Coleman to approach the bench to ask the accused if he would be able to afford legal representation. Coleman answered, “No, sir.”

Wharton then was handed Coleman’s financial documents. After reviewing those papers, he determined that, based on his asset value of $190,000 and his debt (mainly his home mortgage) of just more than $240,000) Coleman would be considered a pauper. Upon that ruling, Wharton informed Coleman that according to the trust fund rules, he must be represented by attorneys who are already certified to represent a person facing the death penalty. His legal team of Art and Bill Margulis are in the process of taking classes to become qualified, but are not Illinois certified by the time of this court date as required.

At that point, O’Gara and Stearn stepped forward and stated they are death penalty certified and would be taking over the case. When Coleman was asked by Wharton if he agreed, Coleman said, “Yes.” Art Margulis stated he and Bill would stay on the case, but would not be paid from the Illinois’ Capitol Litigation Trust Fund. He said they had been paid so far by Coleman’s father, Ron Coleman. Following the court appearance, Coleman was returned to the Monroe County Jail.

Metro East Chrysler of Columbia has reported the theft of five vehicles from its lot. One of the vehicles has been recovered. The Columbia Police Department is continuing their investigation, reports Chief Joe Edwards.

Earl Coplin, 63, of Herculaneum was the man who died Thursday night while fishing with a friend on the Mississippi River. Just after 6 p.m., Coplin fell into the water as the boat capsized. A friend in the boat was able to pull Coplin to a bank on the Illinois side of the river. Both men were wearing life jackets. Emergency crews from Herculaneum, Mo., Columbia and Monroe County arrived on the scene but were unable to revive the victim. Monroe County Coroner Julie Gummersheimer arrived on the scene just after 9 p.m.

Joe Boccardi’s Ristorante in downtown Columbia was one of the safest places to eat Friday. Four Illinois State Police motorcycle troopers dined there for lunch. They parked in front of the newly remodeled Bon Vivant Wine store. The Illinois State Police was conducting speed patrols today along I-255 in Monroe and St. Clair Counties, reports Ben Wienhoff, who was driving to his job at A & G Plumbing.

Immaculate Conception of Columbia’s church picnic is this Monday, Labor Day. It features fried chicken dinners, a quilt bingo and games, along with food and beverage stands.
 

Art On The Bluff Coming To Columbia: The works of area artists will be featured Saturday, Oct. 3, at the first-ever Columbia Art On The Bluffs. The display will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., along 15 blocks of Main Street in downtown Columbia. There will be 60 artists from Monroe County, the St. Louis Metropolitan area and as far away as Washington State. Works will range from watercolor, photography, jewelry, pottery, glass, drawings, mixed media, oil/acrylic, pine needle baskets, ceramics and printmaking. A variety of musical artists and dance and drama performances will take place at the venues. There will also be food, wine tasting, kids’ activities, a student art show and a classic car show. The Kids Art Walk will feature art activities, entertainment and the YMCA bounce and obstacle course. For more information visit the website www.artonthebluffs.com.

The next Waterloo Community Blood Drive is Tuesday, Sept. 15, from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m., at St Paul UCC on Main Street. To make an appointment, call Lucy Van Scoyk at 939-3668.

Winning raffle prizes at the St. Augustine’s of Hecker Kirchenfest were Bruce Thies, Red Bud, $500; Linda Drinen, New Athens, handmade quilt; Megan Grower, handmade quilt; Dennis Korte, Belleville, Thomas Kinkade Library Edition picture; Mel and Eileen Wagner, Hecker, $100; Carol Ripley, Belleville, Americana Comforter; and Alice Stoops, New Athens, quilt rack.

In other Hecker news… The morning coffee drinkers at the Hecker Country Store claim there is not a pickle jar they cannot open. They proved this feat Thursday morning.

Upcoming Meeting Next Week To Cover Open Meetings Act: Local government officials and other leaders serving on special district boards will have the opportunity to learn about changes to the state’s Open Meetings Act. Michael Luke, senior assistant attorney general, will discuss the changes to the act, which takes effect Jan. 1, 2010. This tele-institute will be broadcasted over a statewide audio-teleconferencing system through Illinois County Extension offices from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., on Thursday, Sept. 10, at the local extension office at the County Annex Building in Waterloo. The program will provide the opportunity for officials to earn two hours of Certified County Official credit. To inquire about attending, call the Extension office at 939-3434.

Nick Guebert of Red Bud is all geared up to celebrate his ninth birthday on Sept. 9 – he’ll be 9 on 9/9/09. His parents, RB Fire Chief Curt and Gina Guebert, will throw a party in his honor next Friday.

Jerry Bersche traveled from his home in Bloomington to attend the Illini – Mizzou football game in downtown St. Louis. The U of I grad said he rooted the best he could, but to no avail. Bersche met with family and friends this morning at church services at St. Paul UCC in Waterloo. He dispelled the rumors he was moving back to home because he makes frequent return trips. Most recently he was back in his stomping grounds to attend the Waterloo Homecoming.

Two former school superintendents were in attendance at Friday’s high school football game in Waterloo. Retired Columbia Superintendent Jack Turner was on the CHS sidelines, while Waterlooo’s Wayne Collmeyer visited with friends along the WHS sidelines.

Recent Obituaries

Robert D. Maurer, 68, of Waterloo, died Sept. 5, 2009, at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, Mo., following an illness. He is survived by his wife, Judith, and children David and Eric. Funeral arrangements are pending at Quernheim Funeral Home.

Velma McClellan, nee Cates, 91, of Waterloo, died Sept. 1, 2009. She was born July 25, 1918, in Bloomfield, Mo., the daughter of the late Ira and Ada (nee Koetting) Cates. Mrs. McClellan is survived by her daughter Cherry (Ray) Generous and Deborah (Steve) Crays; a son, Richard (Jeanette) McClellan II of Valmeyer; four grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren; along with nieces, nephews and cousins. She was preceded in death by her husband, Richard W. McClellan; daughter, Rosalind Saelig; great grandson, Hunter McClellan; brother, Clarence Henry Cates; sister, Nell Lipe; and sister-in-law, Veda Cates. Mrs. McClellan was a member of St. Paul UCC - Waterloo, Meals On Wheels, Western Egyptian and was a Stanley Home Products dealer. Visitation and funeral were at Quernheim Funeral Home in Waterloo with Pastor Patrick Poole officiating. Mrs. McClellan was buried at Memorial Park Cemetery in Sikeston, Mo. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society or the Illinois Center For Autism.

Lucille P. Goeddel, nee Stumpf, 83, of Waterloo, died Aug. 30, 2009, in Red Bud. She was born May 22, 1926, in Columbia, the daughter of the late Louis E. and Laura Stumpf, nee Giffhorn. She is survived by her children Lonnie (Linda) Goeddel and Brenda (John) Shrewsbury; and grandchildren Scott (Sally) Goeddel and Denise (Fran) DeLaCruz; great-grandchildren Hannah Egbert, Andrew DeLaCruz  and Alex DeLaCruz; and sister, Laverne (Kenneth) Schmidt; along with nieces, nephews and cousins. Visitation was at Quernheim Funeral Home. Funeral was at St. Paul UCC in Waterloo with Pastor Mary Beth Hartenstein officiating. Mrs. Goeddel was buried at Kolmer Memorial Cemetery. Memories can be made to her church.

Ardell Schewe, nee Rey, 88, of Waterloo, died Sept. 2, 2009 in Waterloo. She was born Sept. 4, 1920 in Monroe County, the daughter of the late Albert and Adele (nee Schuchardt) Rey. Mrs. Schewe is survived by her daughters Marilyn Ahrens, Sharon (Roy) Stork and Judy (Bob) Edler; grandchildren Michael (Angie) Ahrens, Brian (Joy) Ahrens, Lisa (Scott) Denker, Matthew (Carrie) Ahrens, Ben (Stacy) Stork, Sarah (Kevin) Chudd, Luke Edler and Emily Edler; a brother, Arland (Marian) Rey; sisters Maudie (Marvin) Brandt and Catherine (Marvin) Hoffmann; sisters-in-law Helen Rey, Lucille Schewe, Virginia Crook and Maudie Crook; and brother, Harold (Mary) Crook; along with 10 great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband Earl Schewe; son-in-law, Warren Ahrens; brothers Alvin Rey, Virgil Crook and Calvin Crook. Mrs. Schewe was a retired farmer and homemaker. She was a member of St. John UCC of Valmeyer’s Women's Fellowship and Kloepper Club. Visitation was at Quernheim Funeral Home. Funeral was  at St. John UCC in Valmeyer with Pastor David Riebeling officiating. Mrs. Schewe was buried at Kolmer Memorial Cemetery in Waterloo. Memorials made me made to her church or Hoyleton Children's Home.

Bonnie Lea Henry, 83, died Sept. 4, 2009, at Oak Hill in Waterloo. She was born Sept. 29, 1925, in Ogallala, Neb., the third of eight children to Lucy and John McQueen. She and her husband, Lyle Burneal Henry, shared the same birthday and were married on that date in 1944. Besides her husband of 65 years, Mrs. Henry is survived by her daughters Dianna Henry (Jerry Sipe) of Lawrence, Kan., Rhonda Henry (fiancé David Fleming) of Union, Mo., and Brenda (Charley) Roberts of Waterloo; a sister, Donna Beckwith of Oklahoma; a brother, Dean McQueen of Arizona; grandchildren Michelle Gerant, Flint Rogers, Brie Rogers, Sean Gerant, Travis Roberts, Brandy Dodel, Destiney Conley, Joe P. Duever and John Duever; and great-grandchildren Grant Henry, Elise Dodel, Brandon Roberts, Justin Dodel and Logan Roberts; along with nieces and nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews; and many friends. In addition to her parents, Mrs. Henry was preceded in death by daughter, Connie Gerant, along with her siblings and foster parents. A remembrance gathering for family and friends will be held at Monday, Sept. 7, at 4 p.m., at Oak Hill Nursing Home in Waterloo, 623 Hamacher Street.