E-Newsletter - September 25, 2009

County Wins Five Hometown Awards

Monroe County will be well represented during an awards ceremony Oct. 29 at the governor’s mansion in Springfield. The communities of Waterloo and Hecker took home five Governor’s Hometown Awards for 2009, with Waterloo receiving four and Hecker winning its first.

The Village of Hecker was honored for hosting the Moving Vietnam Wall over Labor Day weekend in 2008. This is the first time the community has received such an award. Tom Hootselle, who was Hecker’s mayor in 2008, said the entire community came together and worked hard to make this happen. “This could not have been possible without the many individuals, businesses and groups that provided time, talent and financial support to make this project a huge success,” he said. “The Governors Home Town Award will serve as a permanent reminder to everyone of how this small community pulled together to recognize the sacrifice that was made by all of our veterans and military personnel, especially those who fought and died during the Vietnam War.”

Waterloo was recognized for the newly opened History Museum of Monroe County, the Christmas Santa Float, Gibault’s World War II Veterans Interview DVD and the VFW’s World War II Veterans Recognition Program. Waterloo previously won Hometown Awards for their Porta Westfalica Fest (2005) and the Courthouse Square Lamp Post / Memorial Walk (2006).

The Smithton American Legion is reflected onto one of the sections of the Moving Vietnam Wall when it was displayed in 2008 at the Hecker Community Center Park.

The Columbia High School varsity volleyball team had a tough week with loses to Freeburg and Wesclin, dropping their record to 8-7. They are 1-4 in conference play.

CHS senior Allie Joyner smashes the ball past the Freeburg defenders while teammates Mytyk, 12, and Megan Galle, 4, look on.    – photo by Debbie Roediger

Freshman Eagles Undefeated: The Columbia High School freshman volleyball team is undefeated so far this season with a 5-0 record. Adrienne “Coach A” Wemhoemer and their team earned victories this week over Freeburg and Wesclin.

CHS freshman Hannah Dossett, 19, sets the ball for teammates Calli Germain, Rachel Stone and Erika Varel.             – photo by Debbie Roediger

Volleyball Game To Raise Funds For Komen Foundation: The Valmeyer High School volleyball team is hoping to raise funds for a good cause during their match against Dupo on Oct. 15. The Volley For A Cure game begins at 6:15 p.m. at the VHS gym. Both teams will dress in pink and fans can purchase pink shirts for $10. There will also be raffles, drawings, games and prizes. Proceeds will be donated to the Susan B. Komen Foundation to support breast cancer research. “We truly want to make this a fun night and to raise money for a great cause,” said Karla Bivins, VHS assistant volleyball coach.

The Valmeyer soccer team fell to Wesclin 2-1 Thursday. Kyle Kipping had the lone goal for the Pirates, which are 2-8 on the season.

The Gibault and Valmeyer golf teams competed in a golf match earlier this week at Governor’s Run. Gibault finished in second place with a 180, while Valmeyer rounded out the pack with a 213.

Bulldogs Beat Highland In Volleyball: The Waterloo freshman, JV and varsity volleyball teams all took home victories Thursday night at home against Highland.

The City of Columbia has several fall events planned for next weekend as part of its ongoing Celebration 2009, honoring the town’s 150^th anniversary. Art On The Bluffs and the Oktoberfest are Oct. 3, and the Festifall is Oct. 4.

Columbia Art On The Bluffs is an art walk featuring local and regional artists displaying their works along 15 blocks of Main Street on Saturday, Oct. 3, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Their creations will be on display along 15 blocks of downtown Columbia, located inside businesses and in outdoor booths. The works range from watercolor, photography, jewelry, pottery, glass, drawings, mixed media, oil/acrylic, pine needle baskets, ceramics and printmaking. In addition, there will be musicians, dancing and drama performances. Added attractions include food, wine tasting, kids’ activities, a student art show and a classic car show. The Student Art Gallery will show artwork from students in kindergarten through twelfth grades. The Kids Art Walk will feature art activities, entertainment and the YMCA bounce and obstacle course. For more information visit the website: www.artonthebluffs.blogspot.com.

The Columbia Sister Cities’ annual Oktoberfest is a traditional German-style dinner and dance. There are 45 visitors from the town’s sister city, Gedern, German, who will be the honored guests for the evening. The festivities take place Saturday, Oct. 3, at Turner Hall. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. The Spitzbuam Band, a festive German Band from St. Louis, provide musical entertainment. To reserve a seat, contact Jean Marie Conrad at 281-5555.

Wrapping up the eventful weekend is the Festifall at A.C. Metter Park (next to Turner Hall and the library) on Sunday, Oct. 4, from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. The SmashBand will once again provide their lively musical styling’s beginning at 2 p.m. Other entertainment includes the Kahok Indian Dancers at 1 p.m. and the Thunder and Lightning Cloggers at 3:30 p.m. Activities for children include the YMCA’s bounce house and climbing wall, pumpkin and face painting and an assortment of games. Booths will be set up along the brick walkway featuring food, beverages, merchandise, seasonal home décor and hand-crafted jewelry. For more information, contact Jackie Hausmann at 281-7144, ext. 106.

Waterloo High School Celebrates Homecoming Week

Students and teachers have been busy since Monday with events surrounding Homecoming Week. The week is highlighted by the parade, bonfire, football game and dance.

Waterloo baseball team’s float was decorated as a field of dreams.

Waterloo football players throw candy from their Homecoming Parade float. They will play Civic Memorial Friday night in their homecoming game.

Homecoming court candidates Ellen Prader, center, and Michael Mayor ride in a convertible during the Homecoming Parade. The other candidates include queens Amy Smith, Lacy Robinson, Jill Duckworth, Dana Biffar and Rachel Webb; and kings Stuart Bailey, Tyler Fickas, Nick Fannon, Canon Holtgrieve and Derek Allen. The WHS Homecoming Dance is Saturday night at the  school’s gym.         – photo by Gage Wienhoff

Waterloo football players throw a Civic Memorial stuffed jersey in effigy into a bonfire following the homecoming parade.

Trent Larsen, 10, is on the mend recouping from a broken leg he suffered last week in a soccer game. He thanks all his friends and family for their words of encouragement. He hopes to be back in school soon and can’t wait for next year’s soccer season.

Waterloo To Honor Veterans Of Korean War: During Waterloo’s Veterans Day observance, special recognition will be given to veterans of the Korean War. The gathering will be held Saturday, Nov. 7, at 10 a.m., at the Waterloo VFW Hall. It is being organized by the City of Waterloo, VFW, American Legion and the Waterloo Park District. “All Korean veterans are encouraged to attend and receive the honor they truly deserve,” said Waterloo Mayor Tom Smith. Thos wishing to have pictures on display can bring them to Waterloo City Hall in an envelope marked with your name. All items will be promptly returned. For more information, call Waterloo City Hall at 618-939-8600, ext. 200 or email Mayor Smith at mayorsmith@waterloo.il.us.

A senior estate planning discussion will be held next Tuesday, Sept. 29 at Garden Place’s Red Bud facility on Lockwood Drive. The program will begin at 7 p.m. Those attending the free event will learn about financing assisted living, preparing for senior estate planning and downsizing an estate to meet certain income requirements. A lawyer, realtor, financial advisor and an auctioneer, along with the co-owner of Garden Place Senior Living communities participate in the panel discussion. The panel will consist of Garden Place co-owner Kathy Asselmeier, auctioneer Dale Burmester, real estate agent Linda Frierdich, financial advisor Brian Guebert and attorney Pete Rau. “Estate planning is a topic a lot of people put off,” said Guebert. “Often, people know it needs to be addressed, but don’t know where to start. We will hope to answer some of the questions during this discussion at Garden Place.”

Blood Drive In Red Bud: The American Red Cross has scheduled a blood drive Wednesday, Oct. 7, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Southwestern Illinois College Red Bud Campus. All presenting donors will receive a free American Red Cross t-shirt, along with refreshments. To schedule an appointment call 618-282-6682, ext. 8113.

From the pages of The Peephole….. (Satirizing the people, places and event in Monroe County since 1988)

 Local police still searching for vandalized corn!!!

Waterloo Police Chief Jim Trantham is doing his part to locate the whereabouts of the corn vandalized last month in rural Valmeyer. Following Thursday night’s WHS Homecoming Parade, the chief checked for fingerprints on the corn on the WHS baseball team’s “Field Of Dreams” float. He determined the corn was taken down by Don “Pickle” Dillenberger, who is the father of one of the ballplayers. Pickle admitted to cutting down the corn but claimed to have the permission from the farmer. “This should be the storyline for an upcoming episode of CSI,” said Dillenberger. “Maybe they could get Brad Pitt to play my part.”

The fifth annual Hills and Hollows Half-Marathon and 5K Run / Walk is scheduled for Sept. 26. The starting gun fires at 8 a.m., at the Valmeyer Fire House. Participants make their way along the course, which rabbles through the scenic back roads surrounding Valmeyer. This event is dedicated to the memory of Melvin J. Fisher, a lifelong Valmeyer resident who died of cancer in 2004. Fisher was a member of the Valmeyer Volunteer Fire Department for 30 years and was involved in several other civic organizations in the community. His twin brother, Marvin, coordinates the annual run in his honor. “In the past four years, we’ve been able to raise more than $19,000 for Backstoppers and the Valmeyer Active Firemen’s Association,” said Marvin Fisher. Those wishing to participant are directed to the website: www.hillsandhollows.org. Marvin Fisher can also be contacted directly by calling 402-598-9178.

The Paranormal Society of Illinois will have an open house Sept. 26 at the Morrison – Talbott Library in Waterloo. Paranormal investigators from the Southwestern Illinois / St Louis branch of PSI will be available from 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. to answer questions related to paranormal research. Admission is free. For more information about the society, visit the website www.psiinvestigations.com or call (618) 767-7650.

Recent Obituaries
 

Jean Marie Metter, 72, of Columbia, died Sept. 18, 2009, at her home surrounded by family and friends. She was born Jan. 10, 1937, in Belleville, the daughter of the late Arthur and Louise (Saul) Toenjes. She married Clemence J. Metter in 1956. He died in 1998. Mrs. Metter is survived by her children John (Stephanie) Metter of Monroe, Mich., James (Nancy) Metter of Columbia, Judy (Mark) Sharkey of Columbia, Joe (Teri) Metter of Columbia, Susan (John) Kowlok of LaPorte, Ind., Carl (Kathy) Metter of Westland, Mich., and Ann Thorburg of Waterloo; and brothers James (Carol) Toenjes of Bonne Terre, Mo., and Jay (DeAnna) Toenjes of Flagstaff, Ariz.; 13 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a brother, Jack Toenjes. Mrs. Metter had been employed at West Park Bowl in Columbia and was a member of the American Legion Post 581 Auxiliary. A memorial mass will be Saturday, Oct. 3, at 10 a.m., at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Columbia with Fr. Carl Scherrer officiating. Arrangements were handled by Lawlor Funeral Home. Mrs. Metter donated her body to the Washington University Medical School in St. Louis, Mo. Memorials may be made to Hospice of Southern Illinois or Immaculate Conception School’s Education Fund.

Father Stout Memorial Mass In Red Bud: St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Red Bud will have a memorial mass in honor of the late Father Tom Stout on Monday, Sept. 28, at 6:30 p.m. A reception will follow at the parish center.