The Waterloo VFW and Auxiliary donated two patriotic books to the W. J. Zahnow Elementary School library in honor of Veterans Day.

Gathering at the  W.J. Zahnow library on Veterans Day are, left to right, first row, kindergarten students Jack Schnepel, Austin Bedford, Peyton Smith, Josie Griffin, Kendal Baxmeyer and Keegan Conaway; and second row, Waterloo VFW’s Sandy Sauget, Auxiliary President Sharon Kirksey, Post Commander Stephanie Kirksey, Marcia Kreher and Ann Schneider.

 

Fire Damages Kitchen Of East Carondelet Home: For the second time this year, a kitchen fire damaged a home at the intersection of Imbs Station Road and Old state Route 3 in East Carondelet. Dupo and Columbia firefighters quickly arrived on the scene and extinguished the blaze. “The kitchen received fire damage and there was some smoke damage throughout the house,” said Dupo Fire Chief Kurt Johnson. Firefighters had also put out a fire in this kitchen a couple months ago.

Dupo and Columbia firemen arrive at the scene of a burning home Wednesday at the intersection of Imbs Station Road and Old Route 3 in East Carondelet.
 

Dupo firemen prepare to enter a burning home along Imbs Station Road.

 

The Columbia Volunteer Fire Department was called out Thursday for the report of a smoke detector sounding at an office building in the 300 block of North Main Street in Columbia. When firefighters entered the building, the discovered that the batteries were dead in the smoke detectors tripping the alarm. “There was no fire in the building so we asked the property owner to simply replace the batteries,” said Assistant Fire Chief Jim Broshears. The building is currently used for storage and is not hooked up to electricity.

Edna Dell Weinel looks on with concern as firefighters arrive on the scene for the report of a smoke detector sounding in a large building along North Main across from her home. Her family used to operate Weinel Lumber at that location. It has since moved across the street.

 

Health Department To Offer Flu Vaccine To Priority Groups At Upcoming Clinic

The Monroe County Health Department is actively providing the H1N1 vaccine to children through schools and daycare programs. They should have this project completed in few days. The department will then move their vaccines to their next priority group – pregnant and nursing mothers, healthcare workers, children under the age of 24 and citizens under the age of 64 with health related issues deemed high risk (documentation required). The Monroe County Health Department will have vaccine distribution clinic on Wednesday, Nov. 18, from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at their office located at the Monroe County Annex in Waterloo. We will have only limited numbers of both the live nasal spray and the inactive injectable vaccine, so they will be distributed on a first-come basis,” said Michael Pate of the Monroe County Health Department. For additional information, contact the Health Department at 939-3871.

 

Dog Dies Today In Traffic Accident: A dog was killed today when two minivans collided at the intersection of North Main and Route 3 in Columbia. A large dog in the vehicle driven by Clarence Foutch, 85, of East Carondelet died from injuries sustained in the collision. A second dog in the minivan was okay. The driver of the second minivan was Wayne Jennings, 62, of Waterloo. A passenger in Jennings’ vehicle was transported by ambulance to an area hospital with the report of chest pain. The cause of the accident has not yet been released.

 

Two vehicles collided Monday, Nov. 9, at the intersection of North Main and Route 3 in Columbia. Daniel Sippel, 43, of Columbia was driving a Chevy Silverado which collided with a Buick LeSabre operated by Lester Stueve, 84, also of Columbia. Lester and a passenger, his wife, Edna, were transported by ambulance to St. Anthony’s Hospital with injuries. They spent the night in the hospital, but were released the next day. The cause of the accident has not yet been released.

 

Applebee’s in Waterloo had a near-record crowd Wednesday as veterans packed the place on Veterans Day. Nationwide, Applebee’s provided free meals to veterans and active military personnel. Nearly 1,000 patrons dined at the Waterloo location, with 624 meals provided complimentary to those with a military identification card. “It was great to see the turnout from those who have given so much to our country,” said Judy Canti, restaurant manager. “It was a really good meal and I got to catch up with several friends I hadn’t seen in a while,” said Clyde Erb of Waterloo, who fought with the U.S. Army during the Battle of the Bulge in World War II.

World War II veteran Clyde Erb, left, visits with fellow veterans, left, to right, Frank Kohler of Hecker (U.S. Army – 1955-1957), Joe Klein of Waterloo (U.S. Navy - 1956-1975), and Ed Pfeiffer of Waterloo (U.S. Army – 1970 – 1972).

 

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. The cost of the program is being offset with a chili cook-off scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 14.

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.
 

Gateway FS Gathers At St. John’s For Annual Meeting: Board members, stock holders and employees of Gateway FS gathered Wednesday at St. John Lutheran School in Red Bud for their annual meeting. President Ron Fehr was happy to report this has been a very good year for the company and to its shareholders. Grain production and sales were up and the new Fast Stop Convenience Store just opened in Waterloo. Fehr also announced a new 500,000 bushel storage bin will be built at the Chalfin Bridge plant. The guest speaker for the evening was Dan Kelley of Normal, president of Growmark, which partners with Gateway FS.

Growmark President Dan Kelley, right, speaks during the annual meeting of Gateway FS. Among those seated at the head table are FS board members, left to right, Terry Liefer, Jack McCormick (hidden), Adrian Crook, General Manager Mike Kuhn and President Ron Fehr.

 

Sophie Elizabeth Conrad was born Tuesday, Oct. 10. She is the daughter of proud parents Laurie (Rippelmeyer) and Mike “Muscles” Conrad of Columbia.

 

While meter reading this morning for the City of Columbia, Cole Dreher found an upside-down penny on a sidewalk along Main Street. He is hoping this will counter-act any bad luck heading his way on this Friday the 13^th.

 

Free Classical Music Concert This Sunday: As part of Valmeyer’s 2009 Centennial celebration, a string trio from the St. Louis Symphony will perform the Music of Haydn and Beethoven on Sunday, Nov. 15. The concert will take place at 3 p.m., at St. John UCC. Admission is free. Refreshments will be served following the concert.

 

The 28th annual Waterloo Christmas Walk is Sunday, Nov. 29, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in downtown Waterloo. The event features shopping, a Christmas concert, carriage rides and the arrival of Santa Claus. Participating merchants include A World of Difference, Back On The Rack, Clark’s Country Oaks, Drury House, Echoes of the Past Antiques, Mill Street Treasures, Reime Jewelers and Gifts and Vickie’s Hallmark. Stop by those stores for your chance to win $800 worth of prizes. For more information, call 939-6517.

 

Columbia Christmas Cruise Set For Nov. 29: To kick off the Christmas shopping season, the annual Columbia Christmas Cruise will take place Sunday, Nov. 29, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. “This is a great opportunity to gather your shopping buddies -- see what Columbia businesses have to offer, enjoy a relaxing lunch at one of Columbia’s restaurants and cruise down Main Street on a free horse drawn carriage ride with friends and family,” said Ellen Otten of Curves, one of the event’s organizers.

Participating businesses are Agnes Ross, Chic Junktique, Curtis Jewelers, Dee’s Floral and Gifts, Elements Off Main, The Final Touch, The Flower Company, Harres Furniture and Appliances, Mattingly Jewelry, Mist Spa, Vida Verde, Rooster’s Health Food, Shady Creek Nursery and Sylvia’s Alterations. 

New this year is the Santa Search Scavenger Hunt. Game sheets will be available at all the participating merchants. When you enter a business during that day, you will need to locate the hidden themed Santa in order to have your game card stamped. When all of your Santas are found, the game sheet can be turned in at your last stop, no later than 4 p.m., that day. Shoppers 18 years and older will be entered to win a prize, including a 22-inch flat screen television or a gift certificate from one of the merchants. 

For additional information, visit the city of Columbia’s website: www.columbiaillinois.com.

 

Santa Claus is getting ready to make an appearance in Red Bud next weekend. Red Bud will kick off the Christmas shopping season with the annual Holiday Happenings. The event begins Friday, Nov. 20 and runs through Sunday, Nov. 22. On Friday, area bars will begin serving their entries for the first-ever Christmas Cocktail Concoction Contest. Patrons can pick up ballots from the participating establishments and turn them in at the boxes located inside Sporto’s Bar or the deer check in station. Voting will end Sunday, with the results being announced on Monday, Nov. 23. The winning bar will receive a traveling trophy. Saturday is the day for the chili, soup and salsa cook-off at the city parking lot next to Sporto’s.

Events on Sunday run from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Santa will arrive in downtown Red Bud on Sunday at 12 noon and visit with children the rest of the afternoon. Several businesses will have their doors open throughout the day during the Christmas Open House. There will be 20 gift certificates valued at $25 given away to shoppers. Free trolley rides will provide transportation to and from the businesses. Hunters can also take part in the Deerfest. The check-in stand is located at the back of the downtown city parking lot. Several trophies will be awarded for biggest buck and doe.

 

Polka Kings Reunion Show This Saturday: The Perryville, Mo. American Legion Hall will honor Butch and the Polka Kings on Saturday, Nov. 14, 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.

 

Gibault cross-country runner Chris Kuester finished in 48th place in the state track meet.

 

The Waterloo High School girls’ basketball and volleyball teams will be working Saturday at the grand opening of the Fast Stop Convenience Store. The girls will help pump gas and wash windows from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

 

The Monroe County Electric Co-Op is offering academic scholarships valued at $1,250 to area high school seniors. “We hope to assist electric cooperative youth while honoring past rural electric leaders with this scholarship,” says Alan Wattles, co-op CEO. “Monroe County Electric Cooperative and the other Illinois electric cooperatives are always seeking ways to make a difference in our communities. One of the best ways we can do that is by helping our youth through programs like this one.” Candidates are judged on the basis of grade point average, college entrance exam scores, work and volunteer experience, school and civic activities, and a short essay that demonstrates their knowledge of electric cooperatives. For more information contact Allan Masterson, co-op director of member services at 939-7171, ext. 115. Deadline is Jan. 1, 2010.

 

Lisa Schwarze was honored this week for her service to 4-H. She was recognized for being the leader of the Maeystown Clovers for the past 20 years. Schwarze is credited with having a very well-run club with members participating in a wide variety of activities. While she has been its leader, the club has grown from about five members to nearly 50 today.  One of their highlights is the annual Rubber Duck Race down he Maeystown Creek which takes place during the village’s annual homecoming.

Lisa Schwarze receives a plaque in recognition for her 20 years of service as the leader of the 4-H Maeystown Clovers. They celebrated at their meeting this week at St. John UCC Hall.         – photo by Kelly Brandt

 

Members of the Clovers 4H toss more than 300 rubber ducks from the Old Rock Bridge in Maeystown into the Maeystown Creek during the Maeystown Homecoming this past May. This is one of the many events organized by Lisa Schwarze.               – photo by Gage Wienhoff

 

Saturday may be a good day to pick up some Christmas gifts as several local organizations are having sales. The annual Ultimate Holiday Sale will be at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Waterloo from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Oak Hill Fall Bazaar runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Gibault Mothers Club Rummage Sale is from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. and the Waterloo VFW Ladies Auxiliary Yard Sale is at the post hall from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.

 

HCE International Night: Monroe County Home and Community Education is gearing up for their annual International Night on Tuesday, Nov. 17. It will take place at the County Annex in Waterloo beginning at 7 p.m. The public is invited to attend. The program will feature a study of Argentina. Food samples from that country will be provided by the HCE board. For addition If you have any questions, or need more information about the presentation, please call the Annex Bldg at 618-939-3434.

 

The Kaskaskia Trail Chorus is hard at work preparing for their 43^rd Annual Show scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 14. The curtain rises at Columbia’s Turner Hall at 8 p.m. This year’s theme is “That Ol’ Time Gospel Music.” The featured quartet is Tone Henge while Nostalgia is the special quest quartet. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children and can be picked up at the door or from any of the barbershoppers.

Kaskaskia Trail Chorus Musical Director Mark Heise leads the barbershoppers in a recent practice as they gear up for their upcoming annual show.

 

Recent Obituaries
 

Joan Harrison Florida, 71, of Columbia, died Nov. 11, 2009. She was born Sept. 5, 1938, in Maryville, Mo., the daughter of the late David and Irma Fay (nee Clark) Harrison. She married Eugene Florida in 1972 in St. Louis, Mo. He died in 2002. Mrs. Florida is survived by her step-children Mark Florida and Jenny Florida, both of St. Louis, Mo.; a brother, David (Allegra) Harrison of Jefferson City, Mo.; sisters Jean Ann Harrison of Lee's Summit, Mo., and Jane Harrison of Columbia; nephew, David (Betty) Harrison of Jefferson City, Mo.; a niece, Laura Ann Harrison of Las Vegas, Nev.’ A great-nephew, Scott Harrison of Jefferson City, Mo.; seven step-grandchildren; and five step-great-grandchildren; along with many friends. Mrs. Florida was a retired supervisor in the agriculture division of Monsanto Chemical Co., in St. Louis, Mo. She also worked at her husband’s business, Artistry In Wood. Joan enjoyed showing horses and was a well-known dog trainer in the Columbia area. Visitation is Monday, Nov. 16, from 10:30 am to 12 noon at Lawlor Funeral Home. A memorial service will follow. Interment of ashes be at the Jefferson Barracks National in South St. Louis County. Memorials may be made to Hospice of Southern Illinois.

Madelyn Verseman, nee Strunk, 80, of Waterloo, died Nov. 11, 2009, in St. Louis, Mo. She was born Sept. 30, 1929 in St. John, Mo., the daughter of the late Robert and Friedericka (nee Henke) Strunk. Mrs. Verseman is survived by her husband, Harold Verseman; children Scott (Ellen) Verseman and Douglas (Ann) Verseman; and grandchildren Andrew Verseman and Jeffrey Verseman; along with sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews and cousins. She was preceded in death by her siblings Vincent, Wilbert "Red", Gregory, Mildred "Sis" Hall , Isabelle (in infancy), Marie Schuette, Louis, Regina "Jean" Suedmeyer and Robert. Mrs. Verseman was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Waterloo and volunteered at the Monroe County Court House. Visitation is Sunday, Nov. 15, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., at Quernheim Funeral Home. Funeral is Monday, Nov. 16, at 9:30 a.m., at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Waterloo with Pastor Tony Troup officiating. Mrs. Verseman will be buried at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in St. Louis, Mo. Memorials may be made to her church.  

Ardell Stumpf (nee Taake), 90, of Columbia, died Nov. 11, 2009. She was born March 10, 1919 in Warnock, the daughter of the late Emil and Alma (nee Kuni) Taake. In addition to her parents, Mrs. Stumpf was preceded in death by her husband, Edmund E. Stumpf; brother, Erwin Taake; and a grandson, David James Harris. She is survived by her children, Ruth Ann (Marvin) Rodemich, Kathleen (John) Harris and Glenn (Lisa) Stumpf; grandchildren Scott (Julie) Rodemich, Chris (Bill) Browne, Chad (Katie) Harris, Shannon Harris Lambo and Jake and Jess Stumpf; a sister-in-law, Adel Stumpf; and six great grandchildren; along with nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. She was a member of the Women’s Fellowship at Zoar United Church of Christ in New Hanover, a charter member of Home and Community Education and a past 4-H leader. She also was a homemaker who volunteered at Memorial Hospital and Monroe County Nursing Home. Visitation is Sunday, Nov. 15, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Quernheim Funeral Home. Funeral is Monday, Nov. 16, at 11 a.m., at Zoar UCC with Pastor Carol Tag officiating. Mrs. Stumpf will be buried at the church’s cemetery. Memorials may be made to her church, Family Hospice or Hope School in Springfield.