E-Newsletter - October 2, 2009

One Injured When Two SUVs Collide In Waterloo

Traffic along Route 3 on the north end of Waterloo was briefly tied up Thursday evening when a Jeep collided with a Ford Explorer near the entrance to Schnuck’s. Elizabeth Graves received a minor injury and was transported to Red Bud Regional Hospital by ambulance. According to the police report, April Kassenbaum, driving a Jeep Cherokee, cut into the path of Graves’ Explorer. Both vehicles came to rest in the roadway. Kassenbaum was ticketed for failure to yield to oncoming traffic.

Monroe County Ambulance Service personnel check on the condition of April Kassenbaum following Thursday evening’s accident.

Six Injured When Truck Rolls Over On Hecker Highway

Christopher Bovay of Hecker and five passengers in his Ford F-150 were injured last Saturday in a single vehicle rollover accident on Route 156 between Hecker and Waterloo. During a rain storm, the truck was traveling westbound on the Hecker Highway. Bovay, 41, said he lost control when the wheels hydroplaned near the entrance to the Lake of the Woods subdivision. The truck spun off the roadway, went through a ditch and landed on its wheels. Witness Keith Washausen said the truck went through the ditch pretty hard and the driver lost consciousness for a few minutes. Bovay and the five passengers were transported by ambulance to Memorial Hospital in Belleville.

Monroe County EMS Paramedic Jason Nonn rushes from an ambulance to aid victims of a rollover accident Saturday along Route 156 between Waterloo and Hecker.

Davis Hurls No-Hitter Sending WJHS To State Championships

Thanks to a no-hit win by ace pitcher Noelle Davis earlier this week, the Waterloo Junior High School softball team won their Regional Championship. Davis no-hit Emge Junior High School of Belleville 10-0. She also picked up 13 strikeouts in the victory. The Junior Bulldogs will head to Pinckneyville Saturday to compete in the state tournament. The WJHS baseball team also won their regional championship this week with a win over Dupo. They will also compete in the state tourney Saturday at Pinckneyville. Their first game will be against Salem.

WJHS pitcher Noelle Davis rocks and fires during her 10-0 no-hit victory this week to win the regional tournament.    .   - photo by Bob Haentzler-game photos online at www.gatewayphoto.net

SPPS Baseball And Softball Headed To State Tourney: The SS. Peter and Paul Grade School baseball and softball teams both won their Regional Championships on Sept. 28. The baseball team defeated Red Bud Lutheran 4-0. Wes Degener lead the way hurling a one-hitter on 10 strikeouts to pick up the victory. Ty Grant belted two RBIs and scored a run. Other stars included Jonathan Albers, Nick Row and Chase Dugan. For the softball team, Brice Bement pitched the 11-2 victory over Coulterville and Lauren Prader knocked in two home runs. Both teams will play in the state tournament Saturday in Coulterville.                                          

A delegation of visitors from Columbia’s sister city of Gedern, Germany were welcomed into town Friday evening with a police and fire truck escort. The guests unpacked their bags at Immaculate Conception School and were introduced to their host families. They had many things on their agenda over the next week, including an Oktoberfest on Saturday at Turner Hall and a Luau Party at the same venue next weekend.

Squad Room Debuts New WHS Auditorium

The auditorium at the new Waterloo High School made its debut Thursday night with the WHS Drama Club’s production of Squad Room. The comedy is set in a police department headquarters trying to solve a string of robberies and a bomb threat. The acting performances and the stage got rave reviews from many of the fans in the near-capacity crowd. “Wow. This is a magnificent facility. The citizens of Waterloo should all be proud of how this turned out,” said Waterloo Alderman Steve Notheisen. The final performance was held Friday night and it was also expected to be a sell-out.

The police arrest the bomber during a scene in Thursday WHS production of Squad Room.

The new Waterloo High School auditorium was filled to near-capacity to watch the opening night performance of Squad Room.

Ellen Prader and Derek Allen were crowned the queen and king of the Waterloo High School Homecoming. Ellen is the daughter of Mary Kay and David Prader. She is a color guard captain and a member of SHOW, NHS, Lifesavers, concert choir and the youth group. Allen is the son of Dawn and Robbie Allen. He is a member of the golf and bowling teams, Orange Crush, chess club, Trend and FBLA.

After being crowned, Waterloo Homecoming Royalty, King Derek Allen and Queen Ellen Prader make their way to the dance floor.

Friday Night Football

Waterloo takes its 3-2 record on the road to Jerseyville for a conference battle. While Jerseyville’s record of 1-4 is less than stellar, they did compete well last week against a strong Mascoutah team. Jerseyville is led by Quentin Travers with 503 yards rushing, averaging almost five yards per carry. Waterloo has been featuring a balanced attack including quarterback Tim Kassenbaum, running backs Tyler Fickas (531 yards), Zach Laidley (316 yards), and receivers Dalton Kaufmann and Brian Schaab.

Red Bud hits the road to take on Breese Central. The Musketeers, 4-1, are looking to rebound after a tough loss last Friday in their homecoming game against to Freeburg. Musketeers quarterback Jake Hoffman has thrown for more than 1,000 yards and rushed for half that amount. He will be looking to have another good game to get back on track. Breese Central (3-2) features a running attack led by Kevin Grayling, Matt Elliot and Nick Grapperhaus.

Columbia head to Freeburg, which looks to be a very good matchup. Columbia has won three straight to bring their record to 4-1. Freeburg is 3-2 and are coming off a big win last week over Red Bud. Leading the way for the Midget is quarterback Alex Fricke who has thrown for more than 1,000 yards. His favorite receivers include Dustin Kimball (424 yards) and Matt Hendrick (262 yards). Columbia is led by Kyle Breitenstein who is playing well on both sides of the ball.

Dupo is home against Northwest Academy. Dupo is 2-3, but is coming off a win at Wesclin. Dupo features the ground game with Joe Higgerson and Matt Ragsdale leading the way. Northwest Academy is 3-1, and led by quarterback Deshaun Johnson and running back Dujuan Belton.

The City of Columbia has several fall events planned for this weekend as part of its ongoing Celebration 2009, honoring the town’s 150th 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 in downtown Columbia. 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.

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 Smash Band 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.

Columbia Defeats Central In Volleyball

The Columbia High School volleyball team defeated Central this week in three games to take the match. The Eagles were led by Allie Joyner who blocked several shots and put away countless spikes. The Eagles are 10-7 on the season. The CHS freshman volleyball team lost their first game of the season earlier this week, falling to Central in three games.

CHS star Allie Joyner, left, sets a shot to allow a teammate to spike the ball past the opposition for a point.        – photo by Debbie Roediger

The Waterloo volleyball team continued their winning ways this week with a victory over O’Fallon. The scores were 25-21 and 25-18. This is the third time the Bulldogs have faced O'Fallon this season and all the games have been close. Each team has a win, a loss and a tie in their matchups. “We have a nice rivalry going,” said WHS Coach Breezy Murphy. “The girls were definitely fired up for this match.” Waterloo's current record is 16-2.

Waterloo senior Maddie Dodd, center, pounds a kill shot past O'Fallon's Cosette Dwyer. Looking on is WHS’ Alex Rohlfing, left.      .   - photo by Bob Haentzler-game photos online at www.gatewayphoto.net

Waterloo Falls To Belleville West In Girls’ Tennis

The Waterloo girls’ tennis team lost to Belleville West 6-3 in a home match at Hency Court. Singles game scores were Rachel Webb (W) defeated Allison Chadwick (BW), 6-0, 6-0; Allie Sullivan (W) defeated Kelsey Comely (BW), 2-6, 7-5, 10-7; Callie Boyles (BW) defeated Rachael Berenz (W), 6-4, 6-1; Bri Schaefer (BW) defeated Catherine Ward (W), 6-0, 6-0; Laura Knysak (BW) defeated Shayna Busche (W), 6-1, 6-0; and Chelsea Pierce (BW) defeated Tina Champ (W), 6-3, 6-1. In doubles, Webb/ Sullivan (W) defeated Chadwick/Comely (BW), 9-7; Boyles/Schaefer (BW) defeated Berenz/Ward (W), 8-0; and Sherbey/Bullard (BW) defeated Busche/Champ (W), 8-2.

Waterloo’s Rachael Webb returns a shot in her straight-set victory over Belleville West’s Allison Chadwick.   - photo by Bob Haentzler-game photos online at www.gatewayphoto.net

The Waterloo High School boys’ soccer team went 1-2 this week, making their record 9-8-1 on the season. They started off strong with a 6-0 victory Tuesday over Jerseyville. Goal scorers were Adam Fahlstrom, Ryan Miller, Dane Dudley, Grant Feldt, Anthony Polka and Eric Wright. They then lost to Highland at home on Wednesday and lost Thursday on a road game at Civic Memorial.

Waterloo’s John Huelsman settles the ball in the Bulldogs 6-0 victory versus Jerseyville on Tuesday.    - photo by Bob Haentzler-game photos online at www.gatewayphoto.net

Valmeyer Volleyball Picks Up Two Wins

The Valmeyer volleyball team posted wins this week over Metro East Lutheran on Thursday and Red Bud on Wednesday. The Pirates record is now 9-4. They return to Cahokia Conference action next week with games Monday at Marissa, Tuesday at New Athens and Thursday against Steelville.

In a volleyball game Wednesday at Red Bud, Valmeyer players Bree Whittington, Caitlin Nappier, Laura Berry, Michelle Bivins and Paige Whipple watch as the Musketeers volley a shot across the net.  Both teams wore pink jerseys as part of the IHSA Volley For A Cure fundraiser for the American Cancer Society. The Pirates will host their own Volley For The Cure night Oct. 15 against Dupo.      - photo by Toni Whipple
 

The Waterloo High School boys’ golf team continues its winning ways, defeating Belleville East on Monday by a score of 151 to 162. The match was played at par 36 Clinton Hills in Belleville. Individual medalist was Waterloo’s Wils Hawn with a 36. Other WHS scores were Johnny Wirth, 37; Tim Yeager, 38; and Jake Brumfield, 40. The Bulldogs’ record is 18-1.

The Waterloo High School girls golf team finished in fourth place in the Mississippi Valley Conference Tournament held Wednesday at Belk in Wood River. The team scores were Highland, 366; Triad, 371; Mascoutah, 392; Waterloo, 403; and Civic Memorial, 503. Waterloo’s Amy Faus had the fourth best score with an 87. Other Bulldogs scores were Cat Hawn, 98; Andrea Wolfe, 116; Jenny Faus, 105; Kristen Reifschneider, 116; Beth Klein, 118; Hayley Bode, 127; and Jessica Reifschneider, 113. The Bulldogs finished the season with a record of 15-8.

Marching Bulldogs To Give Public Performance Of Award-Winning Show

The public will have a chance to see the Waterloo High School Marching Bulldogs award winning show, Cirque du Soleil, during an upcoming open rehearsal and performance. The event will take place Tuesday, October 13, at the WHS football field. The evening will begin with a tour of the new high school from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. The open rehearsal will take place from 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., and the presentation of the competitive show will follow at 8:30 p.m. Their performance was named the grand champion of the Drums At Appletime Field Show this September in Murphysboro.

Economic Development Council Putting Together Local Business Database

In order to better communicate with local businesses about upcoming events in the community, the Monroe County Economic Development Council is putting together a countywide database of local businesses. The information being requested includes name and type of business, business’ primary contact person, address phone number, and email address. The form is located at the website www.thinkmonroecountyfirst.com. “The information collected will not be sold or shared. It will be held in the strictest of confidence and will be used only to provide information to businesses,” said MCEDC Chairman George Obernagel. Additional information can be obtained by contacting Nora Feuquay at 618-939-8681, ext. 309, or by email at nfeuquay@illinois.edu.

Upcoming rock bands slated to perform at the Hecker Community Center include Johnny Rockitt on Thanksgiving Eve, Nov. 25; and Free Fall will ring in 2010 with a New Year’s Eve performance.

There were 17 donors at the blood drive Sept. 3 at the Hecker Community Center. The next drive in Hecker is Nov. 12. “You can donate blood every 56 days and d it always very much needed,” said Arline Wittenauer.

4-H Week Is Oct. 4-10: Bernadette Gregson and Pam Jacobs have been getting the word out that 4-H Week is Oct. 4-10. Gregson’s Clover Friends 4-H Club will have a 4-H display in the former pizza building in downtown Hecker. Jacobs will be at the county board meeting Monday to have the commissioners sign a proclamation officially declaring 4-H Week in Monroe County.

Charity Breakfast In Hecker: The Knights of Columbus Councils from Columbia, Waterloo and Hecker are joining for a charity breakfast Saturday, Oct. 17 at the Hecker Community Center.

Pets To Be Blessed This Sunday: Pet owners can join in celebrating the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi with the Blessing of Pets on Sunday, Oct. 4 at 6 p.m. on the rectory lawn of Immaculate Conception Church in Columbia. Pet owners are asked to keep pets on leashes or caged.

Waterloo’s Metzger-Cook VFW Post 6504 is sponsoring a Memories of Elvis show starring Steve Davis and the Midsouth Revival Band on Saturday, Nov. 7. Proceeds will be donated to Operation Uplink and the Fisher House. Operation Uplink provides calling cards for servicemen and women. Fisher House provides housing for the families of injured military personnel while they are undergoing treatment at VA hospitals. More information is available by calling 939-4371. Steve Davis will also be giving a benefit performance Friday, Oct. 16 at the Dupo American Legion.

The Columbia Knights of Columbus’ annual soccer challenge is Sunday, Oct. 4, at 12:30 p.m. at the ICS playground. The event is for girls and boys, ages 10-14. Participants will kick 15 balls at an official sized goal for points.

Jim and Mary Lou Oglesby are trying to drum up more support for the Angel Food program being sponsored by St. Paul UCC in Columbia. Bulk food orders are sold at affordable prices and include a complete, balanced diet. The program has no income requirements and food stamps are accepted. Orders need to be placed by Oct. 14 for the Oct. 24 delivery date. More information is available by calling the church at 281-5102.

Area post offices are already gearing up for the holiday season. Those wishing to send packages overseas to military personnel with APO/FPO addresses must send them by Nov. 13. The post office is offering a Military Care Kit that includes three Priority Mail Flat Rate boxes, two cube boxes, nine address labels and 16 customs forms. The kit may be ordered by calling 1-800-610-8734. Columbia Post Office personnel were only slightly amused when a customer came in last week and asked if he could get “a couple pounds of hamburger” in reference to the new satellite postal station now open at the nearby Market Place grocery store. So this week, our readers learned you can buy food at the church and stamps at the grocery store.

Recent Obituary

Robert W. “Snowy” Schneeberger, 87, of Columbia, formerly of Dupo, died Sept. 30, 2009 at Columbia Convalescent Center in Columbia. He was born March 3, 1922 in Dupo, the son of William and Anna (nee Hauser), Schneeberger. Mr. Schneeberger is survived by daughters Joanne (Bruce) Counce of Columbia and Judy (Marvin) Doerr of Dupo; grandchildren Julie (Scott) Rodemich of Columbia, Robyn (Kevin) McCarty of Kildeer, Jamie (Christopher) Wyse of Dayton, Ohio and Kevin (Andrea) Doerr of Columbia; great grandchildren Ryan and Allison Rodemich, Madison and Mackenzie McCarty, and Brylee Doerr; and a sister, Jackie (Gene) Poettgen of Waterloo; along with nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his wife, Ann (nee Cook) Schneeberger. Mr. Schneeberger was a World War II veteran, serving in the 64th Chemical Depot in Northern France, Rhineland and Central Europe. He retired from Monsanto in Sauget after 38 ½ years of employment. Mr. Schneeberger was a charter and life member of Sugarloaf Memorial VFW Post 6368 in Dupo. He belonged to Christ UCC in Dupo, Columbia Lodge 474 A.F. and A.M, Scottish Rite of Southern Illinois, Shriner’s Ainad Temple, Legion of Honor, Uniform Unit and Monsanto Local 12 Retiree Club. Visitation is Sunday, Oct. 4, from 3 to 8 p.m. at Dashner-Leesman Funeral Home in Dupo. Funeral is Monday, Oct. 5, at 10:30 a.m., at Christ UCC in Dupo with Rev. Kim Kelly officiating. Mr. Schneeberger will be buried at Evangelical St. Paul Cemetery in Columbia. Memorials may be made to his church, Shriner’s Hospital for Children or Hope School Foundation.

Esther Catherine Frierdich, nee Wierschem, 91, of Mesa, Ariz., formerly of Belleville, died Sept. 22, 2009. She was born Dec. 31, 1917, in Madonnaville, the daughter of Anthony Wierschem and Magdalena (nee Vogt) Wiershem. She married Joseph Henry Frierdich in 1940. They had retired to Arizona. Esther most recently resided at the Citadel Assisted Living Community. In addition to her husband of 66 years, Mrs. Frierdich was preceded in death by five sisters and one brother. She is survived by her children, Charlotte(Doug) Volkman of Mesa, Ariz, JoAnn (Lawrence) Lennaman of Wildwood, Mo., Gary Lee Frierdich and Jean Jetter of Waterloo; a sister, Sally Smith of Waterloo; grandchildren Jennifer McCall, Shannon Devine, Sunny Frierdich, Tony Frierdich, Jacob Frierdich, Lara Lennaman, Stephanie Aponte and Hallie Lennaman; and 10 Great Grandchildren; along with nephews and nieces.  She was an active member of St. Augustine of Canterbury Church in Belleville, the Daughters of Isabelle, Women of the Moose, Southside Improvement Association and Queen of Mary Sodality. Visitation was at Melcher Funeral Home in Mesa, Ariz. Funeral was at Christ the King Catholic Church in Mesa Ariz. Mrs. Frierdich was buried at Queen of Heaven Cemetery. Memorials may be made to St. Perigrine Chapel at Christ the King Catholic Church.