News Follow Up - October 5, 2009

No One Injured When Car Slams Into Semi-Trailer

A woman driving a BMW walked away apparently without injury after her car slammed into the back of a tractor trailer Monday evening on Route 3 on the south on Waterloo. Just after 8 p.m., a call came into the Waterloo Police Department that a car hit the  back end of a semi near the intersection of Route 3 and South Market Street. Police, fire and ambulance personnel were dispatched and arrived on the scene in mere moments. To their surprise, the driver of the car, whose name has not been identified yet, was walking around, uninjured. The driver of the truck, which is owned by Ken Hartman Jr., was also not injured. The cause of the accident has not yet been released.

A BMW involved in a wreck Monday evening on Route 3 in Waterloo received considerable front-end damage.           – photo by Bob Haentzler

The front bumper of a car involved in Monday evening’s accident on Route 3 rests on the ground behind the semi-tractor trailer.

Health Care Workers To Receive County’s First Batch Of Swine Flu Vaccines

The county’s supply of H1N1 Swine Flu vaccine arrived Monday morning at the Health Department office. Local health care workers will receive first priority in receiving the swine flu vaccinations. “We will administer the H1N1 vaccine to health care workers only at this point,” said Pate. “After that is completed, we will begin offering the H1N1 vaccines to pregnant women and then to grade school children.”

Other citizens aged two to 49 wishing to receive a seasonal flu vaccine are requested to do so as soon as they can. The supply of seasonal flu vaccines left in the county is running in short supply, reports Michael Pate of the Monroe County Health Department. “We still have a small supply remaining here at the Health Department office in Waterloo,” said Pate. The seasonal flu vaccine is available while supplies last at the County Health Department between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. The cost is $30. The office is located at County Annex Building at the intersection of Illinois Avenue and Route 3 in Waterloo.

Window Broken At Downtown Waterloo Business

A window breaking and a few individuals running away behind Courthouse Café in downtown Waterloo was reported just after 8:30 p.m. Monday evening. “A window in the rear of the business was shattered and we are following up with the investigation,” reported Sgt. Jay Sawyer of the Waterloo Police Department. The owners of the business said the business would be serving their popular breakfasts tomorrow morning at their usual time.

A window at the rear of the Courthouse Café in down Waterloo was broken Monday night.

Columbia City Council Honors Its Sister City’s Council

During Monday’s meeting of the Columbia City Council, the aldermen and Mayor Kevin Hutchinson welcomed a delegation of politicians from its Sister City of Gedern, Germany. “We are proclaiming Oct. 5 as Gedern Day in Columbia and I pronounce Burgermeister Stefan Betz as Columbia’s Mayor For the Day,” said Hutchinson. The politicians and more than 40 other Gedern residents are enjoying a week-long stay in Columbia.

During Monday’s meeting of the Columbia City Council, Mayor Kevin Hutchinson, third from left, welcomes members of the Gedern, Germany city council.

Waterloo Junior High Ball Team Advances In To Second Round Of State Tourney

The Waterloo Junior High School continued their winning ways by defeating Salem 8-6 on Saturday to win the first round of the state tournament. They head back to Pinckneyville on Tuesday with a second-round matchup against Carmi. This is the first time the WJHS squad has made it this far in the playoffs.           

The Waterloo Junior High School baseball team lines up prior to competing in the state tournament.       – photo by Lisa Schaab

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Numerous fall-theme decorations are on display throughout Monroe County, including those at the Stuckmeyer Farm in rural Fountain. One of the more eye-catching ones at that location is titled “Dr. Lori T’s 50^th birthday cake.” Dianne Stuckmeyer, who designed the piece, would not elaborate on the name of the person who the cake is named after.

One of the fall decoration pieces on display at the Stuckmeyer Farm on Bluff Road in rural Fountain         – photo by Judy Brinkmann

Weekend Wrap-Up - October 5, 2009

Columbia Welcomes Delegation From Sister City

As part of the town’s ongoing Sister Cities partnership, more than 40 citizens of Gedern, Germany were welcomed to Columbia this past weekend for a one-week stay. Numerous activities are scheduled, including an Oktoberfest and a Luau at Turner Hall, and bus trips to St. Louis and Nashville, Tenn. In two years, citizens of Columbia will embark on a trip to Gedern.

The Gedern, Germany visitors gather at Turner Hall during the Columbia Sister Cities Oktoberfest.

During a champagne toast at the Columbia Oktoberfest Saturday at Turner Hall, Columbia Sister Cities’ President Ingrid Soraghan, right, welcomes members of the Gedern, Germany delegation, left to right, Klaus Hein, Kurt Heusohn and Barbara Gundlach.

Gedern, Germany visitors enjoying their time at the Columbia Oktoberfest at Turner Hall are, left to right, Sonja Greb, Dirk Eifert, Alex Hof and Rebecca Greb.

Soldiers Serving In Afghanistan Come Home During Leave 

During the Columbia Festifall, five Columbia men were honored for their service to the country. Charlie Rudder, Ross James Gulley, Anthony Overall, Casey Dooley and Jared Albrecht are currently on leave with the Illinois Army National Guard. They had been serving in Afghanistan. “We can thank gentlemen like these for helping to preserve the freedoms we share today in the United States,” said Columbia Mayor Kevin Hutchinson.

Gedern, Germany Burgermeister Stefan Betz, left, and Columbia Mayor Kevin Hutchinson, second from left, welcomes Illinois Army National Guard members, left to right, Charlie Rudder, Ross James Gulley, Anthony Overall, Casey Dooley and Jared Albrecht (not pictured).

Citing family reasons, Ed Settles has announced he is stepping down as the superintendent of the Columbia School District following the 2009 - 2010 school year. He is in his second year of employment. He has accepted the position as the superintendent of thee Jerseyville School District. Settles said changing family events have arisen causing him to make the decision. “I now choose to return home and attend to matters that need my presence and attention. It is not what I had intended when arriving at Columbia, but life has a way of altering our paths,” Settles said. Settles states the Columbia Board of Education and staff have been extremely good to him and he is proud of their accomplishments over the past two years.

“Ed Settles is one of the best superintendents this district has had in the past 10 years,” said Marshal Stout, the vice-president of the Columbia School Board. “I know this was a very difficult decision for him. He will missed by everyone in the school district.”

Settles also said he is very appreciative of the Waterloo School District, where he was previously employed for more than 15 years. “Waterloo is where our children grew up and where they will always call home. For this I am grateful,” he said. “My wife Cindy and I thank the staff of Waterloo District 5, the community, and our church family for their assistance with our girls throughout the years.”

Large Turnout For Annual Columbia Festifall At Metter Park

Pleasant weather along with great food and entertainment provided for a big turnout Sunday afternoon at A.C. Metter Park for the annual Columbia Festifall. Entertainment included the Kahok Indian Dancers, the Smash Band rock show and the Thunder and Lightening Cloggers. The visitors from Gedern, Germany also took in the afternoon’s festivities. “This is such a wonderful gathering at the park,” said Florence Haberl, one of the local attendees.

During the Festifall, Myron and Diane Hanna of Columbia, at right, listen to the Smash Band with Gedern, Germany friends, left to right, Jan Korneta, Anette and Norbert Emrich and Petra and Uwe Bergheimer.

Taking part in the dance-off finale during the Columbia Festifall Twist Contest are Kurt Huesohn, center, along with Sheila Meyer, Stacy Littmann and Shirley Karsznia. Huesohn lives in Gedern, Germany and is a member of the region’s parliament.

Waterloo Woman Charged With Several Counts Involving
Alleged Improper Relationship With A Teenage Boy

Christie Bradley, photo from her Facebook website.

A Waterloo woman has been arrested in Arnold, Mo. and charged in connection with allegedly attempting to entice a then-13 year-old boy into having sexual activity. Christie Bradley, 38, was taken into custody last Wednesday and charged with second-degree statutory rape. Bradley was charged in connection with improper conduct with a minor living in Arnold, Mo. The two had been communicating by use of phone text messaging and the computer website Facebook, according to the police report. The report also states that the two had met in person at the boy’s home on Sept. 19, when Bradley allegedly kissed the minor.

The boy then reported the details of the relationship to the Arnold Police Department, who then turned the matter over to the FBI. Investigators took control of the boy’s phone and computer site and began to communicate with Bradley. During those exchanges between Bradley and the investigators, the accused engaged in several sexually explicit text messages, according to the affidavit. On Wednesday morning, Sept. 30, Bradley arrived at the boy’s home when she was informed he would be skipping school. To her surprise, the police answered the door. She is reported to have had condoms and lingerie in her possession. When questioned, Bradley told the police she went to the minor’s home for “"whatever happened." A court affidavit states Bradley said she was in love with the boy and had plans to marry him upon his graduation from high school.

Christie (nee Badger) Bradley is a 1988 graduate of Waterloo High School. She and her husband, Jim Bradley Jr., along with their two teenage children, live in the City of Waterloo. Their home was heavily damaged in a fire last year, but they moved back in after the renovations were completed.

SPPS Baseball And Softball Teams Gunning For State Titles

The SS. Peter and Paul baseball and softball teams are both competing in state tournaments. They each posted victories Saturday in first round action and will play Wednesday in Coulterville in the semi-final round of the state tourney.

In Saturday’s games, Wes Degener picked up the win in the Falcons’ 9-3 victory over Central City on Saturday. He hurled 10 strikeouts to go along with hitting a home run. Teammate Nick Row delivered two clutch hits in the win. The girls’ won their playoff game Saturday 12-2 in five innings over Woodlawn thanks to a strong pitching performance by Brice Bement. Starring on defense for the Falcons were Kylie Albrecht and Lauren Prader while the offensive leaders were Missy Kimlinger, Courtney Olson, Courtney Schutt and Bri Voelker. 

Wes Degener throws one of his 10 strikeouts in Saturday’s playoff game.

The SPPS girls’ softball team gathers in their dugout Saturday before their playoff win over Woodlawn.               – photo by Kim Papenberg

Waterloo Junior High Ball Team Heading To State Tourney

The Waterloo Junior High School continued their winning ways by defeating Salem 8-6 on Saturday to win the regional title. They begin their run for the state title in Pinckneyville on Tuesday with a matchup against Carmi.         

The Waterloo Junior High School baseball team lines up prior to competing in the state tournament.       – photo by Lisa Schaab

WJHS Girls Lose Heartbreaker In State Playoffs

The Waterloo Junior High School girls’ softball team lost a heartbreaker in the first round of the state playoffs on Saturday in Pinckneyville. They fell 8-7 in extra innings to Highland.

The starting lineup of the WJHS girls’ softball team gets ready to compete in state tournament.     – photo by Susan Davis

St. James Wins Diocesan Championship

The St. James Grade School of Millstadt eighth grade baseball team won the Belleville Diocesan Baseball Tournament Sept. 27 held at the Millstadt Village Park. They defeated St. Augustine's / St. Mary's in the first round of the tournament, Queen of Peace in the semi-finals and St. Teresa in the championship game by a score of 7-5. The Trojans finished the 2009 campaign with a record of 16-5. Coaches are Dave Kossina, Larry Toenjes, “Shorty” Toenjes and David McFarland.

The St. James baseball celebrating their victory at the Belleville Diocesan Tournament are, left to right, Joey Kossina, Nick Nieroda, Luke Glaeser, Sam Haudrich, Cody Klotz, Austin Gutterman, Stephen Toenjes and Nick Gallel; and second row, Cal Kossina, Ben Hankhammer, Richie Donald, Jordan McFarland, Kyle Sweeney, Zack Skaer and Kole Rakers.       – photo by Kevin McFarland

Waterloo High school’s freshman soccer team won the O’Fallon Freshman Tournament. They finished ahead of Triad, second; Belleville East, third; and Gibault, fourth.

The WHS team celebrating their first place finish in the O’Fallon freshman tournament are Eric Sanner, Austin Woodcock, Andrew Braswell, Brandon Barlett, Damon Lange, Kyle Daniel, Tobey Maguire, Alex Lewis, J.T. Englert, Nathan Quirin, Dan Amann, Tyler Koch, Chris Lang, Kellin Daniel and Kendrall Candler (not pictured).                                           - photo by Diane Amann

The American Red Cross will have a blood drive in Columbia on Tuesday, Oct. 20, from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m., at Turner Hall. To make an appointment, call 281-6941.

The first-ever Art On The Bluffs on Saturday filled the streets of Columbia with more than 2,000 visitors. The event featured artists displaying their creations along 15 blocks of Main Street. The organizers said they received a lot of positive feedback and they are hoping to make this an annual event.

Kathy Horn and Jackie Hausmann, right, each traveled from Waterloo to attend the Art On the Bluff in downtown Columbia. They especially enjoyed the jewelry designed by Dianne Zika.

Cristin Callis of Columbia displays her modern art pieces at the Art On The Bluff.

Steeple Returns To Maeystown Church

After being without a top for several weeks, the St. John UCC of Maeystown had its steeple reinstalled last Saturday morning. The steeple had been removed his summer to be completely  refurbished, including the addition of a layer of stainless steel. All the work was done by members of the parish. “This truly is an example of what great faith can accomplish,” said Pastor Patrick Poole. “This is a blessed day we shall all remember for years to come.”

Jesse Barnes, left, and Jeff Hoffmann watch as a crane raises his the steeple atop St. John UCC of Maeystown.

Three Cheers Valmeyer: The streets of Valmeyer were packed Saturday for the annual Village Yard Sale. There was a big turnout at the sales going on in front of the school. Proceeds from those booths benefited the VHS Post Prom.

Valmeyer school bus driver Cindy Heck, left, and school board member Ginny Marquardt cheer Saturday morning in front of their yard sale booth in front of the school. Every time a customer spent at least $5, the ladies would give a big cheer.

Recent Obituaries

Mildred Robison, 93, of Columbia, died Oct. 5, 2009, at Canterbury Manor Nursing Center in Waterloo. She was born June 24, 1916, in Madison, the daughter of the late William and Annie Chosich. She married Albert Robison in 1955 in St. Louis, Mo. In addition to her husband, Mrs. Robinson is survived by seven nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by a sister, Katie Chosich; and a brother, Bernard Chosich. A graveside service is at 11 a.m., on Wednesday, Oct. 7, at St. John's U.C.C. Cemetery in Granite City. Lawlor Funeral Home handled the arrangements.

Edith (Weis) Ludwig, 70 years, of Columbia, died Oct. 5, 2009. She was born Dec. 7, 1938, in Belleville, the daughter of the late Clarence and Irene (Poirot) Weis. She married Wilbur “Chuck” Ludwig in 1956 in Millstadt. In addition to her husband, Mrs. Ludwig is survived by a daughter, Lori (Lenny) Colbert of Red Bud; a son, Brent (Michele) Ludwig of Columbia; grandchildren Danielle (Ryan) Peterson, Allison and Miranda Colbert, and Grant and Gregory Ludwig; and sisters Arlene (Vernon) Wickel of Millstadt and Elaine (Jim) Schmidt of Columbia; along with other relatives and friends. She was also preceded in death by a son, Randy Ludwig; and a sister, Jeanette Kochman. She was a member of Faith Lutheran Church in Columbia. Visitation is Friday, Oct. 9, from 3:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., at Lawlor Funeral Home. Funeral is Saturday, Oct. 10, at 11 a.m., at Faith Lutheran Church in Columbia. Mrs. Ludwig will be buried at St. Paul Lutheran Cemetery in Columbia. Memorials may be made to her church, the Alzheimer's Association of St. Louis or Family Hospice of Belleville.

News Update - October 5, 2009

Only Limited Supply Of Seasonal Flu Vaccine Left In County

Those wishing to receive a seasonal flu vaccine are requested to do so as soon as they can. The supply of seasonal flu vaccines left in the county is running in short supply, reports Michael Pate of the Monroe County Health Department. “We still have a small supply remaining here at the Health Department office in Waterloo,” said Pate. “We’ve called around to all our suppliers, but there just isn’t any more readily available.”

Those aged two to 49 wishing to receive a seasonal flu vaccine can stop by the Health Department between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. The cost is $30. The Monroe County Health Department is located at County Annex Building at the intersection of Illinois Avenue and Route 3 in Waterloo.

The county’s supply of H1N1 Swine Flu vaccine arrived Monday morning at the Health Department office. “We will administer the H1N1 vaccine only to pregnant women and health care workers at this point,” said Pate. “After that is completed, we will begin offering the H1N1 vaccines to grade school children.”