Veterans salute the flag during the playing of the National Anthem at the Columbia American Legion Hall.

During Columbia’s Veteran’s Day program, Columbia Alderman Mary Ellen Niemietz shows her appreciation to serviceman Alex Catlett, who graduated from CHS in 2005. He said he was visiting family back home before being transferred to a base in Texas.

Honored for their 65 years of membership to the Columbia American Legion are, left to right, first row, Bernard Low, Walter Arnin, Wayne Ritter (sitting in was his wife, Juanita – Wayne was unavailable to attend) and Maurice Schneider; and second row, Norman Kutterer, Normal Wessel and Joseph Kuc; along with Post Commander Bill Wolf.

 

In honor of Veterans Day, a wreath laying ceremony took place today at Lakeview Park in Waterloo. Area veterans were honored by representatives of the City of Waterloo, the Waterloo VFW, Waterloo American Legion and the Waterloo Park District.

Veterans gather today at Veterans Memorial at the Waterloo Park District’s Lakeview Park.          – photo by Bob Haentzler

Lt. Colonial Jerry Frederick talks with fourth graders at Rogers Middle School today to help them understand the meaning of Veterans Day. He said that although we live in a free society, freedom is certainly not free and the privilege was earned on the backs of the veterans.             – photo by Bob Haentzler

Waterloo VFW Chaplain Mike Goodsell, left, visits today with Waterloo High School seniors Chris Pickett, center, and Derek Allen. Goodsell, along with fellow Waterloo VFW members Butch Sparwasser and Jerry Frederick spoke to students today throughout the Waterloo School District.

 

The U.S. Army’s Sgt. Martin Mertz will soon receive Thanksgiving greetings thanks to students at SS. Peter and Paul Grade School. His daughter, Sierra, and her classmates worked this week to get the cards ready to mail to the Kirkush Military Training Base in Iraq, where Sgt. Mertz is stationed with the 90^th Sustainment Brigade.

Getting ready to send cards to Sgt. Martin Mertz are SPPS students, left to right, first row, Seth Bernez, Adam Urish, Colleen Lance, Lillian Roever and Andrew Lechner; and second row, Eric Goette, Elgin Scherff, Claire Brinkmann, Grace Lyons, Sierra Mertz, Logan Doerr, Nathan Feldmeier, Kole Madrigal-Kaltenbronn and Megan Vogt.

 

Three Monroe County residents were inducted Saturday into the Mon-Clair Baseball League Hall of Fame. Former Waterloo Buds / Millers infielder Clay Moehrs, Lakers outfielder Kenny Meyer and Lakers / Buds sponsor John Koerber of Koerber Distributing were all inducted during the league’s annual dinner at the Millstadt VFW.

Newly inducted into the Mon-Clair Baseball League Hall of Fame are, left to right, John Koerber, Clay Moehrs and Kenny Meyer.                     – photo by Paul Baillargeon

 

Waterloo senior Madison Dodd signed a letter of intent today to play college volleyball at Miami University of Ohio. Dodd starred for the Bulldogs’ volleyball team who finished with one of their best season’s in school history – a record of 24-5-2 and a trip to the sectional tournament.

Attending the letter of intent signing are, left to right, Bill Theobald, long time Waterloo school volleyball coach and teacher; Breezy Murphy, Waterloo varsity volleyball coach; father Ike Dodd, Madison Dodd; mother Diane Dodd; and Chris Reid, St. Louis CYC volleyball club coach.

 

The Waterloo Police Department’s public lobby is now open around the clock. For the past 12 years, the lobby was locked at 4:30 p.m. It was assessable afterhours with police officer assistance from a pick-up phone on the exterior of the building. “We hope this will act as a safe haven for those in need, especially children,” said Police Chief Jim Trantham. “In the past, we have had domestic situations arrive at our office in the middle of the night and the person seeking help had to wait outside for an officer.” This will also allow citizens to wait out of inclement weather conditions with restroom facilities available, Trantham added. The pick-up phone will still be utilized to contact the emergency dispatcher, but there is also a public pay phone inside the lobby which can be used to make 911 calls. To further protect those inside the lobby, a video/audio monitoring system has been installed.

 

The Waterloo Police Department is currently investigating eight complaints of identity theft. These type complaints usually arise during the holiday season compared to the rest of the year, said Police Chief Jim Trantham. “We do not have a location or tie to any particular location where these identities are being stolen,” he added.

 

Red Bud Regional Home Care is celebrating November as National Home Care Month. “Caring for the sick, elderly, chronically ill and those recovering from a recent hospital stay in their homes is a privilege and a passion of ours,” said Angela Randla, agency administrator of the center. “Home health care professionals and volunteers working with modern medicine make it possible for people to receive a broad array of healthcare services in the comfort of their own homes.”

 

Polka Kings Reunion Show This Saturday: The Perryville, Mo. American Legion Hall will honor Butch and the Polka Kings on Saturday, Nov. 15, from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. The Polka Kings started playing at that venue in their early days. “I remember a lot of local folks who would make the drive to Perryville for our shows,” said Butch Sparwasser. “And now the Legion is inviting us back for a reunion.” For directions or additional information, call the Perryville American Legion Hall at 573-547-4588.

 

The Alzheimer's Association’s In the Moment support group will meet on Thursday, Nov. 19, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., in the classroom at Oak Hill, 623 Hamacher, in Waterloo. Family members, friends or caregivers of those afflicted are invited to attend. Literature on Alzheimer’s disease are available and refreshments will be served.  For more information, call Julia at 618-939-3488, ext 1248.

 

Waterloo High School is offering reserved stadium seating for the boys and girls basketball teams as they play their inaugural season in the new gym. The 183 seats may be purchased for either the girls or boys teams, separately or combined for a discounted rate. Tickets are $50 each or $90 for both the boys’ and girls’ games. The seats will also be honored at the boys’ Thanksgiving tournament. The deadline is Nov. 13. For further information contact Athletic Director Rick Keefe at 939-3455, ext. 455.

 

Recent Obituaries

Sister Charlette Hess P.H.J.C., 87, of Donaldson Ind., died Nov. 10 2009. She was born Sept. 12, 1922 in Ruma, the daughter of the late Nicholas and Elizabeth (nee Schilling) Hess of Hecker. Sister Charlette is survived by sisters Mary (Don) Rice, Alice (Ray) Benner, Catherine Mechler and Mary (Herman) Kurtz; an aunt, Clara Heck; and uncle, Clem Hess; along with nephews, nieces, great-nephews, great-nieces, cousins and friends. She was preceded in death by brothers Joseph and Charles Hess; sisters Martha and Betty who died in infancy; sisters-in-law Ann Hess and Monica Hess; brother-in-law, Donald Mechler; nephews Joseph and Gerald Hess; and special aunt, Sister Edwardine Schilling P.H.J. C. Sister Charlette’s assignments included teaching, house management, care of orphans and director of food service. Her career in food service began at Angel Guardian in Chicago and continued at St. John’s in Belleville, St. Joseph in Fort Wayne, Ind., and the Meredith Home in Belleville. She also did laundry work for the retired priest at the Hincke Home in Belleville. Sister celebrated her 64th Jubilee this year. Visitation is Thursday, Nov. 12, from 4:30 p.m. to 9 p.m., at the Chapel of the Catherine Kasper Home in Donaldson, Ind. Funeral is Friday, Nov. 13, at 11 a.m., at the chapel. Sister Charlette will be buried at Mt. Carmel Cemetery in Donaldson, Ind. Memorials may be made to the Catherine Kasper Home of Sisters Retirement Fund in Donaldson.

Steven M. Harrison, 52, of Columbia, died Nov. 8, 2009. He was born Oct. 27, 1957, in Chula Vista, Calif., the son of Terrance Harrison of Ellenton, Fla., and the late Laverne (Fischer) McGuire. He married Mary (Leone) Harrison in 2001. In addition to his father and wife, Mr. Harrison is survived by daughters Rachel Harrison of Columbia and Kati Harrison of Indianapolis, Ind.; and a brother, Michael (Becky) Harrison of Troy, Mo.; along with nieces and nephews. Mr. Harrison retired from the U.S. Marines Corps as a Gunnery Sgt. and later retired from Prime Star Direct TV. He was a member of Columbia American Legion Post 581. Visitation is Thursday, Nov. 12, from 10 a.m. to 11:45 a.m., at Lawlor Funeral Home. A funeral will follow at 11 a.m., at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Columbia, Illinois with Fr. Steve Gira officiating. Mr. Harrison will be buried at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in St. Louis, Mo. Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association.

Matthew A. Keim, 36, of Columbia, died Nov. 10, 2009, at Missouri Baptist Hospital in St. Louis, Mo. He was born March 29, 1973, in Belleville. Mr. Keim is survived by his mother, Rebecca (O'Brien) Keim of Chester, father, Richard Keim Jr. of Fort Fairfield, Maine; and grandparents Lucille Cleo O'Brien of Coulterville and Dick (Leah) Keim of West Frankfort; along with cousins, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by a grandfather, Myron H. O'Brien; and an uncle, Myron H. O'Brien Jr. Mr. Keim was a former EMT in Columbia. He had been employed as a Springfield sales representative by TAP Pharmaceuticals of Chicago, a regional business analyst in Gurnee, a manager of state governmental affairs in Seattle, Wash., and later with Gilster Mary Lee in Chester. Mr. Keim was a member of the Sigma Pi Literary Society and volunteered with the St. Louis Kidney Foundation and the St. Louis Symphony. Visitation is Friday, Nov. 13, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., at Lawlor Funeral Home. Funeral service is Saturday, Nov. 14, at 10 a.m., at the funeral home with Rev. Gary Mosimann officiating. Mr. Keim will be buried at Coulterville City Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.