News Follow Up - September 8, 2009

One Injured In Rollover Accident On Route 158

Columbia firefighter Scott Mormann secures the scene following Monday’s rollover accident on Route 158.
 

Nida Foy of O’Fallon was injured Monday when her car rolled on Route 158 between Columbia and Millstadt. According to the police report, Foy, 71, was driving a 2003 Toyota Camry westbound on Route 158 when she ran off the roadway near the intersection of Centreville Road. The vehicle knocked over a couple mailboxes, rolled and landed on its roof in a grassy ditch. Columbia firefighters and police officers assisted Columbia Ambulance Service personnel in extricating Foy from the vehicle. A dog in the passenger seat was thrown from the car when it rolled, but was uninjured, reported a witness. Foy was transported to Memorial Hospital in Belleville with non-life-threatening injuries. Traffic was diverted to Centreville Road until the accident scene was cleared.

This is the third bad accident, including one fatality, in the past few weeks along Route 158 in the curves between Centreville Road and Quarry Road. “This has been a very dangerous stretch of road for many years,” said Mary Lou Ratajczyk, who lost her mailbox in Monday’s rollover accident. “We know right away by the sound when there is going to be a bad wreck,” said added.

Fish Stand At CHS Football Game To Raise Scholarship Funds: Because of some scheduling conflicts this Friday, the Heroes, Hoops and Homerooms basketball game has been canceled this year. The event held annually on Sept. 11 in honor of the 9/11 tragedy pits Columbia school teachers against Columbia police officers, ambulance personnel and firefighters on the hard court.

A home football game against the rival Dupo Tigers is already scheduled for that evening. “The football game is a big community event, so we thought we would do something different this year,” said CPD Deputy Chief Jerry Paul. This year, the proceeds from a fish stand will be donated to the scholarship fund instead of the admissions to the basketball game. “We’ll be serving fish plates, soda and desserts from 3:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. prior to the kickoff of the football game,” Paul added. “And in honor of the victims of 9/11, we will announce a moment of silence.”

The Monroe Actors Stage Company will kick off its 10^th anniversary season with a production of "The Diary of Anne Frank." Shows are scheduled at the Capitol Theatre in downtown Waterloo on Sept. 11-13 and 18-20. Show times are 7:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, with the curtain rising at the Sunday matinees at 2:30 p.m.

The play depicts the plight of the four Franks and their extended family from 1942 to 1944 as they hid from the Nazis in an Amsterdam attic. Anne Frank, 13, kept a diary of their ordeal. She died in 1944 from typhus while in a German concentration camp. Her diary was published in 1947 and it was adapted into a stage play in 1955, wining the Pulitzer Prize for drama and a Tony award for best play.

Kathryn Campbell of Columbia will direct the MASC production with Doylene Daniels handling the duties of assistant director and stage manager. Josie Dawson is the stage crew manager with the help of crew members Chris Ceradsky, Dan Heise, Shawn Kyle and Caroline Thoma. Students from local high schools figure prominently in this production -- four teenagers are in the cast and the crew manager and his back stage crew are in their teens. Making their MASC stage debut are Waterloo High School students Megan Crawford as Anne and David Naber as Peter Van Daan, and Gibault Catholic High School student Kaitlyn Wirth as Anne's older sister, Margo Frank. Gibault High School senior Lucie Coats of Valmeyer portrays Miep Gies, who brought them food, help and news. She played Sister Mary Leo last year in MASC's award-winning musical "Nunsense." The cast also includes MASC veteran Warren Frank of Waterloo and Jennifer Ceradsky of Columbia as Otto and Edith Frank, Sam Baker and Kristy Weber, both of Waterloo, as Hans and Petronella Van Daan, Jim Meers of Belleville as dentist Albert Dussell, and Richard Hunsaker of Belleville as Mr. Kraler.

Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for seniors and students and can be reserved by calling (618) 939-7469 (SHOW) or sending an email to rondoy@htc.net. Other shows for this MASC season include Neil Simon's "Fools" in November, the Stephen Schwartz musical "Pippin" in February, the dramedy "Early One Evening at the Rainbow Bar and Grill" in April and the classic comedy "Harvey" in June. For more information, visit the website: www.masctheatre.org.

Weekend Wrap-Up - September 8, 2009

Rep. Dan Reitz Visits With WJHS Students

State Rep. Dan Reitz spoke to eighth grade students at Waterloo Junior High School this morning. He discussed pending legislation in Springfield and emphasized the need for students to study. “Higher education is very important now in helping you succeed in your career path,” said Reitz. “Whether at a university or trade school, continuing your studies really pays off.” He also reminded the eighth graders that it was Waterloo school students who helped initiate the legislation which now requires radon testing.

Immaculate Conception Parish Picnic
Serves Up A Filling Labor Day Festival

Duke Schlegel, center, gets ready to fill up his plate with chicken. He attended the Immaculate Conception Church of Columbia Parish Picnic on Monday with his parents, Bob and Barb. The annual Labor Day church picnic featured chicken dinners, fish plates, hamburgers, cold beverages, games for all ages and 100 quilts given out during the bingo games.

Father Carl Sherrer, center, offers encouragement to chicken breaders Rich Dreher, left, and Earl Reichert during the Immaculate Conception Labor Day Parish Picnic.

Immaculate Conception Grade School alumnus Chris Mueller sends his greetings to all those attended the Labor Day Picnic – he is currently serving our country in the Middle East, but hopes to be back home as soon as Uncle Sam lets him. He enjoyed his rations on Monday, but he said he would have rather dined on a chicken dinner underneath the roof of the ICS gym.

Millstadt Homecoming Is Labor Day Weekend Tradition

The Millstadt VFW led Saturday and Sunday’s parades during the two-day Millstadt Homecoming over Labor Day Weekend. Pleasant end-of-summer weather and enjoyable entertainment brought out large crowds to the festivities.                 – photo by Judy Brinkmann – additional Millstadt Homecoming pictures at http://monroecountyonly.shutterfly.com.

During Saturday’s parade, students of the St. James Catholic Church Youth Ministry throw candy from their beautifully decorated float.         – photo by Judy Brinkmann – additional Millstadt Homecoming pictures at http://monroecountyonly.shutterfly.com.

The Shiners’ Bugle and Drum Corps provided musical entertainment following Sunday’s parade. “We always enjoy playing in Millstadt,” said Kurt Grosse of Waterloo who played alongside his son, Kyle.

Bulldogs Kickers Fall To Civic Memorial

Waterloo forward Lance Kohler works his way past Civic Memorial defensemen in varsity soccer action on Saturday. Civic Memorial tallied two second half goals to defeat the Bulldogs 2-0. WHS is 3-2 so far this season. Their next game is Tuesday away at Freeburg (2-2).                – photo by Bob Haentzler - www.gatewayphoto.net

Waterloo High School’s Homecoming Parade is scheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 23. Participants will line up at 5:30 p.m., in front of the old high school and will depart for downtown Waterloo at 6 p.m. This year’s theme is “Let The Games Begin.” Floats can be related to any sport, game show, card game, board game or electronic game. In addition to current students, sports teams and the homecoming court, taking part will be WHS alumni classes, former teachers, administrators and staff, past state finalist teams and former Homecoming kings and queens. The parade route is Bellefontaine north to Hamacher, west to Main Street, south to Fourth Street, east to Rogers Street and north to the WHS parking lot. A Homecoming bonfire will immediately follow. Deadline for entries is Sept. 12. To register, call Lori Dillenberger at 618-610-9418 or Kelly Lerch at 939-3455, ext. 423.

Grade Schoolers Invited To Chicago: Area fifth, sixth and seventh graders have a chance to visit the Windy City this October. The University of Illinois Extension and 4-H are sponsoring their annual three-day visit to Chicago from Oct. 10-12. Highlights of the visit include tours of the Museum of Science and Industry, Field Museum and Shedd Aquarium. Dining venues include Medieval Times and the Rainforest Café. The cost for the trip is $299, which includes admission to all attractions, lodging at the Embassy Suites Hotel, charter bus transportation, meals and insurance. For more information, contact the Monroe County U of I Extension office at 618-939-3434 or visit the website: monroe.extension.uiuc.edu.

The third annual U of I Extension Southern Illinois Leadership Convention is scheduled for Oct. 10 – 12 at the Touch of Nature Environmental Center in Carbondale. The convention is open to all Illinois high school students. Attendees will participate in workshops on cultural awareness and understanding, working effectively in groups and teams, stepping out of your comfort zone, dance techniques and routines, dealing with peer pressure and standing up for your own beliefs, communicating and speaking in public, and developing a positive and happy spirit. Other activities include dances, a trivia night, a Dutch auction and great speakers.

“High school students need to prepare themselves for the future, and learning leadership and citizenship skills is one way for them to do that,” said reports Susan Hayden, youth development educator with U of I Extension in Monroe County. The cost is $160 and includes lodging, meals and all program activities. For more information, contact the local extension office at 939-3434.

Apple Butter Days In Maeystown: Those wishing to help make the famous Maeystown apple butter are invited to head to the village Sept. 25 and 26. Apple peeling will take place Sept. 25, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the historic Rock Mill. Apple stirring is scheduled for Sept. 26 from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. Those available to donate a couple hour of their time are asked to call David Braswell at 458-6660. The apple butter will then be sold at the 29^th annual Maeystown Oktoberfest on Sunday, Oct. 11.

Tour Of Missouri Pedals Its Way Out Of St. Louis

Hundreds of bicyclists from around the world started their trek Monday in downtown St. Louis competing in the annual Tour Of Missouri. The bicycle race winds its way through Missouri. On Tuesday, the bikers will race from Ste. Genevieve to Cape Girardeau.

Punt, Pass And Kick: Waterloo High School’s Athletic Booster Club’s 13^th annual NFL/Pepsi Punt, Pass and Kick competition is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 12. The competition tests distance, accuracy and skill in punting, passing and kicking a football. Free registration is from 2 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., for boys and girls ages 8 to 15 (birth or baptismal certificate required). It will take place from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., at the old Waterloo High School football / baseball field. All participants will receive an authentic Punt, Pass and Kick certificate. Students on an Illinois high school football team are not eligible to participate. No football shoes, cleats or turf shoes permitted; only soft-soled sneakers allowed. Four boy and four girl winners will be awarded a trophy and advance to the Waterloo Sectional competition on Saturday, Oct. 24. Sectional winners could advance to the Team Championship competition Nov. 29 before the Seattle Seahawks/St. Louis Rams game. For more information, call Lenny Voelker at 618-939-3570.

Recent Obituaries

Bernelle “Nellie” Goeddel, nee Frierdich, 79, of Waterloo, died Sept. 6, 2009. She was born April 16, 1930 in East St. Louis, the daughter of the late Fredrick and Elizabeth (Langhans) Frierdich. Mrs. Goeddel is survived by her grandchildren Darrel (Dawn) Goeddel, Jason (Liette) Goeddel, Crystal Wettekin, Jeremy Goeddel, Amy (Michael) Street and Joel Goeddel; great-grandchildren Sydney and Elyse Goeddel; a sister, Alvira Miller; and a brother, Herbert (Ada) Frierdich; along with a sister-in-law, nieces, nephews and cousins. She was preceded in death by her husband Wilbert Goeddel; a son, Warren Goeddel; a sister, Alberta Goeddel; and a brother-in-law. Mrs. Goeddel was a retired real estate broker who was a member of St. Paul UCC in Waterloo. She played in Kloepper tournaments and was a member of the Kitchen Band. Visitation is Thursday, Sept. 10, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., at Quernheim Funeral Home. Funeral is Friday, Sept. 11, at 10 a.m., at St. Paul UCC in Waterloo with Pastor Mary Beth Hartenstein officiating. Mrs. Goeddel will be buried at Kolmer Memorial Cemetery. Memorials may be made to her church or to the American Diabetes Association.

Stanislaw “Stanley” Balawender, 84, of Waterloo, died Sept. 4, 2009 in Missouri. He was born May 24, 1925 in Poland, the son of the late Anthony and Amelia Balawender. In addition to his parents, Mr. Balawender was preceded in death by his wife Rose, who died in 1998. He is survived by many friends. Mr. Balawender served in the Polish Army during World War II and was held as a POW in Germany. He was employed as a laborer with Local 196 and was a member of the VFW.  Stanley was the owner and operator of the St. Joe Tavern for the past 34 years. Visitation is Tuesday, Sept. 8, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., at DeFabio Funeral Home in Waterloo. Funeral is Wednesday, Sept. 9, at 10 a.m., at St. Patrick Church in Tipton. He will be buried at the church’s cemetery.

Robert Dale Maurer, 68, of Waterloo, died Sept. 6, 2009, at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis. He was born Sept. 27, 1940 in Red Bud, the son of the late Benedict and Clara (nee Einwich) Maurer. Mr. Maurer is survived by his wife, Judith (nee Niebruegge) Maurer; sons David Maurer and Eric (Krystal) Maurer; grandchildren Ben, Danielle and Carson Maurer and Kyler Trankle; a sister, Doris (Eugene) Stamm; brother, Eugene (Bonnie) Maurer; mother-in-law, Alvera Niebruegge; sister-in-law, Betty Jo Niebruegge; and brother-in-law, Robert (Darlene) Niebruegge; along with nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by a sister Myrtle Ostendorf; niece, Sidney Paisley; father-in-law, Robert Niebruegge; and brother-in-law, David Niebruegge. After graduating from SS. Peter and Paul Grade School, Mr. Maurer earned a diploma from Waterloo High School in 1958. He earned a bachelor’s degree in 1962 from SIU Carbondale. He then joined the U.S. Air Force and served three years as an officer. Following the service to his country, Mr. Maurer spent almost 40 years in the brokerage industry, the majority of it as a corporate vice president and branch manager for A.G. Edwards and Sons in Belleville. He retired in 2008. Mr. Maurer was a member of St. Paul UCC in Waterloo and the Waterloo American Legion Post 747. He was very active in his son’s athletic activities as a fan, coach and supporter. He spent a lot of his free time with his beloved grandchildren and rarely missed cheering them on at their sporting events. Bob enjoyed playing golf both on local courses and on those near his retirement home in Florida. He was a member of the Waterloo Country Club and the Mission Inn Golf Club in Howie-in-the-Hills, Fla. Visitation is Tuesday, Sept. 8, from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m., at Quernheim Funeral Home. Funeral is Wednesday, Sept. 9, at 11:30 a.m., at St. Paul UCC in Waterloo with Pastor Doug Roberts officiating. Mr. Maurer will be buried at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in St. Louis. Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association, American Cancer Society or the Waterloo Sports Association.

Roman Wood, 85, of Columbia, died Sept. 6, 2009, at St. Anthony's Hospital in Mehlville, Mo. He was born Jan. 3, 1924, in Black, Mo., the son of the late John and Delse (Troutman) Wood. He married Barbra (Campbell) Wood in 2007 in Waterloo. In addition to his wife, Mr. Wood is survived by step-daughters Betty Rodgers of Ava and Sandy Gummersheimer of New Hanover; sisters Jessie Murel of California and Mae Engalhardt of St. Peters, Mo.; and brothers Lowell Wood of Afton, Mo.; Robert Wood of Birch Tree, Mo., Harry Wood of Arnold, Mo., and James Wood of St. Peters, Mo. He was preceded in death by brothers Denver, Raymond, Irvin and John Jr. Wood; and sisters Marie Johnson and Lorine Wood. Mr. Wood served in the U.S. Army during World War II and retired from the Columbia Quarry. He was a member of Zoar UCC in New Hanover, the Columbia American Legion Post 581 and a lifetime member of the Dupo V.F.W. Post 6368. Visitation is Wednesday, Sept. 9, from 11 a.m. until the 2 p.m. funeral service at Lawlor Funeral Home. Mr. Wood will be buried at the Zoar UCC Cemetery

Robert Van Conia, 74, of Columbia, died Sept. 7, 2009, in St. Louis, Mo. He was born Oct. 29, 1934 in Cannelton, Ind., the son of the late Noble and Bertha (nee Hawhee) Van Conia. Mr. Van Conia is survived by his wife, Gale Van Conia (nee McClenahan - Bachelier); children Brent (Ann) Van Conia, Dianne Van Conia and Jo (Craig) Reuter; and sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law Juanita (John) Cooper, Peggy Studt ad Clyde Polster ; along with 10 grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a sister, Jean Polster; and a brother-in-law, Robert Studt. Mr. Van Conia was a member of the Shriner's Ainad Temple (Ainad Patrol), Waterloo VFW Post 6504 and Columbia American Legion Post 581. Visitation is Wednesday, Sept. 9, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., at Quernheim Funeral Home. Funeral is Thursday, Sept. 10, at 11 a.m. at Quernheim’s with Pastor Bill Groennert officiating. Mr. Van Conia will be buried at the Evangelical St. Paul Cemetery in Columbia. Memorials may be made to the Shriner's Hospital or the Humane Society of Monroe County.

Letters to the Ed-itor in response to the Waterloo School District’s decision not to broadcast President Barack Obama’s broadcast on Tuesday:

Dear Ed-itor: I cannot believe I have lived to see the day our Waterloo school system has caved into the fear mongering political talking heads. It has chosen not to broadcast the President’s speech about education to our school children, although it was perfectly okay to broadcast the speeches when Ronald Regan and George H Bush did the exact same thing in years past. Oh, that’s right, Rush Limbaugh thinks they are real Americans. You know they are real Americans because they were our Presidents, and they should be allowed to talk about education to our children. President Obama should be allowed to do the exact same thing these previous presidents did.

I have to say our administrators are cowards. They have bent to ultra right-wing public opinion and ultra right-wing radio talk show host mentality. I thought Monroe County had more of a backbone and believed in freedom of speech from our citizens and also from our presidents. As veteran of the U.S. Navy who took an oath to protect our Constitution (which includes free speech), this shocks me. I would think it would shock all veterans who have taken that same oath.      Charles Kutterer, Waterloo

Dear Ed-itor: In 1991, President George H. W. Bush gave a speech to America's schoolchildren aimed at motivating kids to "strive for excellence." Now 18 years later, on Sept. 8, President Obama is about to give a similar talk to encourage students to work hard, set educational goals for themselves and take responsibility for their learning. As an educator and former social studies teacher, I know that these events can be rare opportunities for young people to feel truly connected to the democracy which they will soon inherit.

Unfortunately, Waterloo School District Superintendent James W. Helton has made the decision to not allow students to view the President’s speech because he views the president’s remarks as “political.” In my reading of the transcript of the President’s speech, I have failed to identify just what Mr. Helton may be alluding to by it being “political.”  Is it the part about urging students to “pay attention to your teachers?” Maybe it’s the section where the President asks students to “listen to your parents, grandparents and other adults; and put in the hard work it takes to succeed?” If Mr. Helton and the Waterloo School Board have indeed read the speech, they have obviously identified a nefarious hidden code of some sort that many of the rest of us have failed to crack.

To think that one child, much less hundreds who attend Waterloo Schools might miss an opportunity to possibly be inspired by the President of the United States to stay in school and strive to improve is truly unfortunate to say the least.  It is especially unfortunate if the decision by the Superintendent and/or the Waterloo School Board was made, even in part, for partisan political reasons.  W. Scott Kuhnert, Waterloo