E-Newsletter - October 30, 2009

Trail of Grease Leads BBQ Bandits Back To Courthouse For Full Serving of Justice

The two friends who took the Monroe County Pork Producers’ grill for a joy ride this past June during the Waterloo Porta-Westfalica Festival had their day in court on Wednesday. Andrew Schneider of New Athens and Trent Gilliam of Waterloo along with their attorney, Arlie Traughber, stood before Judge Dennis Doyle to hear their case. Schneider and Gilliam were charged with misdemeanor counts of theft. They each received conditional discharge, a fine of $250, credit for two days served in jail and 20 hours of community service. Prior to the court date, State’s Attorney Kris Reitz had spoken with representatives of the Pork Producers who said they were fine with the forthcoming verdict.

The incident occurred June 16 in the final hours of the Porta Westfalica Festival at the courthouse grounds in downtown Waterloo. Gilliam and Schneider backed a pick-up truck up to the Pork Producers’ brand new, $10,000 grill, hooked it up and drove away. Thanks to an observant witness and a well-coordinated effort between Waterloo and county police officers, the grill was quickly recovered. While driving near his home outside of Foster Pond, Waterloo Firefighter Mike Lloyd heard the police report over a scanner. Moments later he witnessed a truck pulling a grill which matched the description. He began to follow the vehicle after contacting the emergency dispatcher's office.                 

County deputies and Waterloo police officers were soon on their way. The truck took back roads between Foster Pond and Waterloo, including Trout Camp and Deer Hill, all while leaving a trail of grease dripping on the roadway. County Deputy Larry Gardner came upon the truck and stolen grill at the intersection of HH Road and Andy Road. Gardner was soon joined at the scene by several fellow officers. The driver, Gilliam, and the passenger, Schneider, were handcuffed without incident and placed in the back of a squad car and taken to the Monroe County Jail. Wheat’s Towing towed the truck to their lot. The grill was released that night to Pork Producer’s member Jake Stumpf.

The incident caused no damage to the grill and it has been used to cook meat at several summer picnics throughout the county this year.

Monroe County Sheriff’s Deputy Larry Gardner, right, inspects the stolen Pork Producer’s grill after he arrested the driver and the passenger at HH Road and Andy Road in rural Waterloo.     – photo by Gage Wienhoff

Columbia And Gibault To Play For Volleyball Regional Title

Two Monroe County teams are set to square off Saturday for the championship of the Red Bud Class 2A Regional. Columbia (18-12) will take on Gibault (18-17) at 6 p.m., on Halloween night. In their semi-final games on Thursday, Columbia defeated Red Bud while Gibault won over Sparta.

Columbia’s Megan Galle, right, puts away a kill shot as Red Bud’s Kailey Schoenbeck, left, attempts a block. Columbia went on to win the game in two sets, 25-18 and 25-12, to advance to the championship game against Gibault.                      - photo by Bob Haentzler-match photos online at www.gatewayphoto.net

Waterloo To Play For 3A Regional Title: The Waterloo High School volleyball team (23-4) will take on Marion (25-8) on Saturday in the championship game of the Class 3A Marion Regional. Game time is 1 p.m. In their semi-final round on Thursday, the Bulldogs beat Mount Vernon in two sets, 25-9 and 25-14, while Marion defeated Carbondale.

Valmeyer Advances To Regional Championship

Host team Valmeyer defeated Madison High School in two sets Wednesday night in a semi-final playoff game. The Pirates will play New Athens for a Class 1A Regional Championship on Saturday at 1 p.m.

Pirate Paige Whipple, left, gets ready for a kill shot during the Valmeyer Class 1A Regional. VHS defeated Madison in two sets, 25-13 25-5.        - photo by Bob Haentzler / game photos on line at www.gatewayphoto.net

Red Bud Ready To Root On Musketeers

The Red Bud High School football team will head south to Chester on Saturday in a first-round game of the Class 2A IHSA State Tournament. Both teams come into the contest with 7-2 records. Kick-off is at 1 p.m. The Musketeers are led by quarterback Jake Hoffman who has thrown for 1,538 yards and rushed for 789 yards.

The RBHS varsity cheerleaders are, left to right, first row, Jordyn Lehr, Karlie Cartwright, Olivia Stellhorn and Stephanie Evans; second row, Taylor Horrell, Brianna Wiechart, Tesia Sockow and Mary Goetting; and third row, Kelsey Schilling, Katelynn Cartwright, Lindsie Bollmann, Emily Remick and Taylor Moore.

Waterloo And Hecker Honored With Governor’s Hometown Awards

The towns of Waterloo and Hecker were well represented Thursday at the Governor’s Mansion in Springfield. A delegation headed to the State Capitol to accept a total of five Governor’s Home Town Awards for 2009. The awards recognize community volunteer projects and encourages Illinois communities and citizens to contribute to their own economic progress and quality of life. During the ceremony, Gov. Pat Quinn commended the people of the State of Illinois and the progress that can be obtained when everyone works together with servants’ hearts. “Abraham Lincoln would be very proud of all of us,” said Quinn.

Hecker was recognized for the efforts in bringing the Moving Vietnam Wall to their village over the Labor Day weekend in 2008. Waterloo received four awards for their Christmas Santa Float, the World War II Veterans Memorial Service, the History Museum of Monroe County Construction Project and Gibault Catholic High School’s Veterans Project.

The Waterloo delegation in Springfield getting ready to accept the Governor’s Hometown Awards are, left to right, Dale Wetzler, John Miller, Rep. Dan Reitz, Alderman Vicki Koerber, Mayor Tom Smith, Harry Wolf, Alderman Clyde Heller, Chamber of Commerce Director Debbie Ruggeri, Sen. Dave Luchtefeld, Norma Reheis, Bill Reheis, VFW Commander Stephanie Kirksey and Barbara Johnson.  Attending, but not pictured, are Gibault High School representatives Jim Corsi, Marty Kovarik, Jake Posey and Nate Pelate.

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

Taylor Small of Columbia is recovering from injuries sustained Thursday in a three-vehicle accident at the intersection of Gall Road and Route 3 on the south end of Columbia. Small, 18, was driving a Jeep Cherokee northbound on Route 3 when she attempted to turn left onto Gall Road. As she proceeded to make the turn, she pulled into the path of a southbound Chevy Silverado operated by Timothy Skaggs, 40, of Waterloo. The collision caused Small’s vehicle to roll and collide with a Buick Enclave driven by Elizabeth Sigman, 41, of Columbia. The Jeep finally came to rest upside down on Gall Road. Small and a passenger were able to exit the vehicle. Small was transported by ambulance to St. John’s Mercy Hospital in St. Louis. She was ticketed for failing to yield to oncoming traffic. Sigman was transported by ambulance to St. Anthony’s Medical Center in St. Louis County.

Heather Fleeman, 32, is the woman who was involved in the one-vehicle accident last Sunday in rural Burksville. She lost control of her Chevy Tahoe on KK Road about a mile from her home in the Timberlakes subdivision.

Hope Christian Church is once again raising funds for its annual Operation Hope program, which provides food and gifts to the needy over the Thanksgiving and Christmas season. For Christmas, Operation Hope delivers Christmas gifts and clothes to children. Last year, the program handed out presents to more than 400 children. Individuals and businesses are currently being sought to sponsor a child. Based on how much they are able to spend, the sponsor will receive a brief list of items and clothes sizes for their child.

Hope Christian Church also provides groceries, including turkeys and hams, for Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners to those less fortunate. Donations of food or money to purchase groceries are being accepted at the church. Monetary donation may be mailed to the Hope Christian Church at 9273 Coach Stop Road, Columbia, IL, 62236. Food may be dropped off at the church from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.

For more information on sponsoring a child or to donate to the food program, contact Tina Poettker at 939-7823. Thanksgiving meals will be distributed Friday, Nov. 20, from 12 noon to 3 p.m., while Christmas dinner packages will be handed out Saturday, Dec. 19, from 12 noon to 4 p.m.

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.

Veterans Day will be honored Nov. 11 at the Valmeyer American Legion Hall. Cocktail hour is at 5 p.m. with dinner served at 6 pm. Commander Glenn Coats said the Post will hold a short business meeting before dinner to take the place of the regular November meeting. Post Commander Glenn Coats and Auxiliary President Alberta Wild urge all Legion members to attend this important once-a year event. “It is always an enjoyable evening,” said Coats. “You meet with friends and family to honor and remember our veterans of all wars, especially those who gave their lives for our freedoms.” During the evening, the Auxiliary will raffle a hand-made, queen-sized quilt. This raffle is the Auxiliary’s main yearly fund-raiser. “Raffle tickets are on sale now and can also be purchased during the Veterans Day meeting,” said Wild.

The meal, catered by the Corner Pub, will include fried chicken, roast beef, mashed potatoes and gravy, corn and beans.  Auxiliary members will provide salads and desserts, while the Post will provide drinks. Those planning to attend are asked to RSVP by Nov. 4 to help the organizer better plan the amount of food to provide. Please Commander Coats at 935-2576; Dave Gunn at 458-6553; Chuck Asselmeier at 281-5705, or Gary Gilbert at 935-2207.

The Columbia American Legion Post 581’s annual Veterans Day program will be Tuesday, Nov. 11, at 11 a.m., at the Post Hall at 375 Locust Street. The guest speaker will be James Donahoe, president of the board of the St. Louis Fisher House, which houses family members of those at the V.A. Hospital. Other speakers will include Columbia Mayor Kevin Hutchinson, Monroe County Commissioner Michael Kovarik and local attorney Floyd Crowder. The program is free and open to the public.

Columbia To Celebrate Halloween: Halloween Hijinks and Scare Square are returning to downtown Columbia. All events this year will take place on Saturday, Oct. 31. Halloween Hijinks begins at 10 a.m., with participating businesses handing out treats. Children can start heading to the Immaculate Conception School playground at 12 noon to get ready for the costume contest. Judging takes place at 12:30 p.m. (sharp). The participants will then march down Main Street for the Halloween Parade, walking north on Main Street and ending at A.C. Metter Park.

More Halloween fun will take place that evening at the fountain in front of City Hall. Scare Square takes place from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. “Children and adults can swing by for treats in a festive, Halloween environment,” said Jackie Hausmann, event coordinator for the City of Columbia. 

Next to a warm bonfire, Ken Buss and his crew from the Columbia EMS, local civic organizations and businesses will hand out treats, hot dogs and hot chocolate. Students from the Columbia High School Art Club will offer face painting. In addition, everyone is encouraged to check out the entries of the second annual Pumpkin Glow contest. Those wishing to participate in the contest can submit their creative pumpkins to City Hall on Friday, Oct. 30, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., or on Halloween between 5 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. This is no charge to participate.

In case of inclement weather, the Scare Square and Pumpkin Glow will be moved inside to the Monroe County YMCA. For more information, contact Hausmann at 281-7144, ext. 106, or by email at jackie@columbiaillinois.com. This annual event is sponsored by the City of Columbia and the Chamber of Commerce.

Halloween Gathering At Waterloo Fire House: Children and their parents are once again invited to swing by the Waterloo Fire House on Halloween night between 6:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. Treats, hot dogs and refreshments will be served by the firefighters, ambulance personnel, police officers and other city officials. Large tables will be available for parents to sort through the candy their children have collected to check for its safety.

Disaster Recovery Workshop Coming To Annex: An upcoming program at the County Annex is designed to teach business owners how to quickly get things back in working order following a tornado, a fire or major electrical outage. The Ready Business Program will take place Nov. 9 beginning at 8:30 p.m., at the Monroe County Annex at the intersection of Illinois Ave. and Route 3 in Waterloo. The program will discuss practical steps to help plan for a company’s future and provide for a better chance of survival. Registration fee is $20 per person. For more information, contact the University of Illinois Extension at 939-3434 or send an email to: monroe.extension.uiuc.edu.

Recent Obituary

Steven P. Limestall, 51, of Red Bud, died on Oct. 27, 2009, in Red Bud. He was born Oct. 20, 1958 in Red Bud, the son of Wallace and Betty Limestall. In addition to his parents, Mr. Limestall is survived by his wife, Brenda (nee Dougherty) Limestall; daughters Erin Limestall and Courtney Limestall; sisters Beverly (Bjorn) Lindgren and Susan Limestall; and a brother, Kevin (Ellen) Limestall; along with aunts, uncles, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his in-laws, Bill and Maggie Dougherty. Mr. Limestall was a member St. Paul UCC in Waterloo and owner of Limestall Landscaping. Visitation will be Friday, Oct. 30, from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m., and on Saturday, Oct. 31, from 8 a.m. to 9:45 a.m., at Quernheim Funeral Home. Funeral is Oct. 31, at 10:30 a.m., at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Tipton with Father Jose Jacob, Pastor Matt Friz and Pastor Mary Beth Hartenstein officiating. Mr. Limestall will be buried at the church’s cemetery. Memorials may be made to the St. Paul UCC of Waterloo Family Emergency Fund, Family Hospice or the Kolmer Memorial Cemetery Columbarium of Waterloo.

Weather Update - October 30, 2009

The water is slowly receding back into its banks after the rain finally stopped just after noon today. Since yesterday, more than four inches of rain has fallen. “We’re at 13.2 inches for the month of October,” said Brenda Seboldt, office manager of the Monroe County Farm Bureau. Most roads are now passable, but some low-lying areas remain covered in water. Several vehicles have needed to be towed out after becoming partially submerged. “I picked up one in Fults and one near the Gilbert place north of Maeys Station,” said Steve Wheat of Wheat’s Towing. Seboldt added that area farmers are hoping for some sunny days to help dry out the fields so they can finish harvesting their soy bean and corn crops and sowing wheat.

A section Deer Hill Road near HH Road was completely submerged Friday morning.      – photo by Kim McBride

Road Commissioner Leroy Brandt drives his back hoe along Fults Road to remove some of the debris in the roadway.

A car went off the roadway and became stuck in a ditch off of Bluff Road near downtown Fults during Friday morning’s rain storm.

The current of the Maeystown Creek was running very strong Friday morning at the height of the rain storm.