E-Newsletter - November 20, 2009

Winter Sports Set To Heat Up For Area High Schools

Don’t look now, but the winter sports of basketball, bowling, ice hockey and wrestling are upon us.

The Waterloo boys’ varsity basketball team is looking to improve on last year’s 5-23 record. The season opener is Nov. 24 at home against Gibault. The girls will be playing in the championship game in the Dupo Cat Tournament on Saturday against Madison. Wrestling and bowling begins the season Nov. 24. The ice hockey team plays next on Nov. 25 versus Triad.

The Columbia boys varsity basketball team was 27-5 last season and will be counting on the two seniors, Tanner Hall and Taylor O’Connor. The team begins play in the Lebanon tournament on Nov. 27. The Columbia girls opened the season with a 36-28 victory over Wood River in the Granite City tournament. The bowling and ice hockey seasons began this week.

Gibault boys’ basketball team was 14-16 last year and opens the season at Waterloo on Nov. 24. The Gibault girls’ basketball team was 5-17 last year and plays St. Pius on Dec. 1. The bowling team opened the season by defeating Columbia at West Park Bowl.

The Valmeyer boys’ basketball team will be looking to improve on last year’s 5-19 mark.  Next game is Nov. 24 against Affton. The girl’s team went 13-12 last year and plays Marissa on Saturday.

Waterloo’s Cassie Kaiping puts in a two-pointer from the baseline in a victory Monday over Valmeyer during the opening round of the Dupo Cat Classic.

The Gibault High School 2009 varsity boys’ basketball team is, left to right, first row, Nick Kovarik, Sean McFarland, Steve Souchek, Corey Hogrefe, Justin Rueter, Matt Reinholz and John Pratl; and second row, Chandler Wiegand, Spencer Stumpf, Auggie Sexauer, Jake Cooper, Kyle Prader, Eric Meyer and Brian Reinholz.

Santa Claus is getting ready to make an appearance in Red Bud this weekend. The village of 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.

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, free carriage rides and the arrival of Santa Claus at his hut next to the courthouse bandstand. 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 one of 17 prizes totaling $800.

The Waterloo Municipal band will present a free Christmas concert beginning at 1 p.m. at the courthouse bandstand. City hall will be open to allow residents to meet their elected officials. The event is hosted by the Waterloo Merchants Group and chaired by Julie Holtgrewe of Reime Jewelers and Nancy Gross of Echo’s of the Past Antiques. For more information, call 939-6517 or visit the website www.thewmginc.com.

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.

The Kaskaskia Trail Chorus entertained a big crowd at Turner Hall last Saturday for their 43rd annual show. The theme of this year’s show was Good Ol’ Time Gospel Music. The barbershoppers entertained the crowd with their renditions of several gospel standards, including Amazing Grace, Daddy Sang Bass and Down To The River To Pray.

The Kaskaskia Trail Chorus caps off the finale of their show with a rendition of “Down By The Riverside.”       - photo by Ericha Sondag

Glen Lutz and Ray Bense (aka Me and little brother), center, sing Momma Sang Bass during the Kaskaskia Trail Chorus’ Annual Show at Turner Hall.

The Columbia Rotary Club is kicking off its second annual Holiday Outdoor Lights and Decorating Contest open to all Columbia residents. Entry forms can be picked up at Columbia National Bank and must be turned in by Dec. 14. Homes will be judged the weekend of Dec. 18-20 and the top three participants will be notified by Dec. 21. For further details, call Louis Schlafly at 281.7101.

Third graders at Rogers Elementary School in Waterloo celebrated grandparents day today with a special assembly in the gym. The grandparents in attendance were treated to a program featuring several songs explaining why the children are thankful for the guidance, patience, understanding and love bestowed upon them by their grandmas and grandpas.

Rogers’ third graders spell out why they love their grandparents.

Third graders give their grandparents the glad hand during a program today at Rogers Elementary School.

The local post offices are now offering their politically correct “Winter Holiday” and “Madonna With Sleeping Child” stamps. A post office employee told The Independent the clerks were instructed not to call the stamps “Christmas Stamps” or to refer to the “Sleeping Child” as “Baby Jesus.” God Bless America.

Kate Haberl of Michigan, the wife of local native Gary Haberl, was seriously injured recently when a car struck her while she was walking the family dog. John Toal, Gary’s brother-in-law, said a 16-year-old motorist struck Kate while she was walking her dog along a narrow lane near their rural home. She sustained multiple injuries, including two broken legs.

James Crites of Millstadt was seriously injured early last Sunday when the motorcycle he was driving collided with a deer. The incident occurred at 12:30 a.m. on Route 156 near the entrance to new town Valmeyer (South Meyer / C Road). Crites, 38, was thrown from the cycle and landed on the pavement. He was flown by Arch helicopter to St. Louis University Hospital. His current condition is now known.

Volunteers are needed to help clean up the old Schumacher Schoolhouse on the south end of Columbia in time for it to be on display during the town’s Christmas House Tour. Those wishing to pitch in can swing by the school on Saturday, Nov. 21 at 10:30 a.m., or Sunday, Nov. 22 in the afternoon. It is advised to wear long pants, long sleeves and sturdy shoes. For additional information, call Kathleen at 281-4613.

Columbia Attorney Floyd Crowder was named the Lamplighter Of The Year by the YMCA of Southwestern Illinois during the recent Lamplighter Society annual dinner. The society recognizes the organization’s largest benefactors.

Haley Sheehey of Millstadt has been selected the Monroe County YMCA’s nominee for Youth of the Year. Haley has been a lifeguard at the Monroe County YMCA-HTC Center for the past year. She is a senior at Belleville West High School where she is involved with the golf team, swim team, Legacy West, yearbook, Science Olympiad, Maroon Madness and the National Honor Society. She also volunteers at the Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows and at the St. Clair County Humane Society. She is the daughter of Sue and Tom Sheehey of Millstadt. Haley plans to attend the University of Missouri-Columbia.

Rooster Hill Farm Has Grand Opening: The Waterloo Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon-cutting Wednesday morning to celebrate the grand opening of Rooster Hill Farm and Gift Emporium. Rooster Hill is a country destination located at 4162 Wetzler Road in Fults. The store is a renovated 120-year-old barn and the grounds include a quaint cafe with gourmet food as well as a specialty decor gift shop. Additional information about Rooster Hill is located at their website: www.roosterhillfarmandgifts.com.

Participating in the ribbon cutting at Rooster Hill are, left to right, first row, Harriet Reime, Donna Langsdorf, Debbie Ruggeri, Waterloo Mayor Tom Smith, Rooster Hill owners Jeanette and Bob Horvath, Jennifer Thurmer, Adele Valentine, Lisa Meagan, Dale Haudrich and Barb Pace; and second row, Connie Lambeck, Melissa Schlect, Carolyn Henry, Don Schrader and Jeanette Gregson.     – photo by Bob Haentzler

Charles Worden of Millstadt was sentenced Friday to four months in prison after pleading guilty to restraining a postal worker. The United States District Court in East St. Louis also ordered Worden, 50, to four months in a halfway house, pay a $200 in fines and pay three years supervised release. The judge also ordered him to not consume alcohol while on supervised release, that he receive treatment for alcoholism as well as for any mental health issues and have no contact with the victim. According to the report, brandishing an ax handle, Worden chased and restrained a U.S. Postal Service letter carrier. The victim suffered no physical harm.

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

Jay Garner of Waterloo has been hired by Metro East Power Haus as their new director of sales and marketing. Jay and his wife, Traci, have two children.

Stephanie Kippenberger of Waterloo has been named the recipient of a $1,000 college scholarship from Western Egyptian.

Delmar and Wylma Wachtel of Hecker will celebrate their 30^th wedding anniversary on Nov. 23.

Red Bud High School quarterback Jake Hoffman was named to the 2009 Illinois High School Football Coaches Association All-State Football Class 2A team. The junior threw for more than 2,000 yards with 24 touchdowns during the 2009 campaign. He also led the Musketeers running game with 880 yards. The Musketeers made it to the second round of the playoffs and are looking for a strong 2010 season.

Morrison-Talbott library will undergo two-weeks of renovations to its heating and cooling system beginning Nov. 27. The work will take place in the basement, so the library will remain open. Santa and Mrs. Claus will visit with children at the library Dec. 5, from 9 a.m. to noon. Another Christmas event the library has lined up for children, is a Christmas bedtime story session. The Whiteside Station Chapter National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution will read stories on Dec. 10, from 7 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. In addition, there will be holiday crafts and snacks.

The Waterloo Kiwanis Club is accepting donations for its annual Christmas Toy Drive. Collection boxes are located throughout the community, including First National Bank of Waterloo, State Bank of Waterloo and Clark's Country Oaks. “We are looking for new, unwrapped toys to be donated by Dec. 15,” said Club President Tom Clark.

Andrea Jones nabbed a six-point buck early this morning at the opening day of firearm deer season.

Deer hunters Lloyd Miller of Waterloo and Cole Goldschmidt of Valmeyer are atop the leader board at Fountain Inn’s deer contest. Fountain Inn has two categories this year. One just for FFA students and one for everybody else. Goldschmidt is the top FFA students with a 195 pounder, while Miller leads everybody else with 189-pound buck. “We’ve had a really great turn-out today,” said Fountain Inn owner Jeanette McClellan. “There was a card game earlier today and we’ve been serving chili all day to hungry hunters.” Sunday will also be a busy day at Fountain Inn with the Blue Jays Football Meat Shoot taking place.

Don Voelker celebrated his 40^th birthday earlier this week with some friends at his bar, Tiny’s in Columbia. Donnie was told the next morning he had a great time.

The Monroe Actors State Co. will wrap up their performance of Neil Simon’s “Fools” this weekend. Show times at the Capitol Theater in downtown Waterloo are Friday and Saturday, at 7:30 p.m., and a Sunday matinee at 2:30 p.m. "Fools" is a comedy set in a 19^th century Ukrainian village. 

The cast is truly a family affair. Veteran MASC veteran Tammy Duensing of Prairie du Rocher is at the helm. Her husband, Darrell Duensing, stars as the shepherd, Snetsky. Amber Dillard is the postmaster Mischkin while her husband, Aaron Dillard, is the magistrate. Mother-and-son duo Lynn and Tim Venhaus of Belleville play Lenya Zubritsky and the butcher Slovitch. This is the first time they’ve been on stage together, although they have been involved in other productions on their own.

Newcomers Tory Dahlhoff is Leon, the new school teacher, and Emily Bolbach is his student, Sophia. Tory and Emily live in Hecker. Fan favorite Jeff Clinebell of Waterloo portrays Dr. Zubritsky. He won the Patron's Choice Award for portraying Father Drobney in the spring of 2008 MASC production of "Don't Drink the Water." Adam Wangler of Belleville, last seen in "I Hate Hamlet," returns as Count Gregor. Rounding out the cast is Pat Webb of Columbia as the vendor Yechna. Helping out behind the scenes are Assistant Director Sam Baker of Waterloo and Stage Manager Angela Atkinson.

Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for seniors and students. Tickets are available at the ticket window or by calling 939-7469 (SHOW).

The Waterloo City Council presented the Gibault soccer team with a letter of commendation during their Monday meeting. The Hawks finished in second place in the 2009 Class "A" Soccer Championship.

Thanksgiving Eve Community Worship Service: The public is invited to attend Bethany United Methodist Church of Columbia’s 40^th annual Thanksgiving Eve community worship service. The service will take place at the church, located at 1608 Hilltop Road, on Wednesday, Nov. 25, beginning at 7 p.m. Clergy from Bethany UMC, Christ Community Lutheran, Immaculate Conception Catholic Church and St. Paul UCC will participate. Rev. Kris Avise-Rouse of St. Paul UCC will provide the sermon. The offering gathered at this service supports our voucher program which provides gas and groceries for Columbia residents struggling with economic adversity. At the original service Nov. 27, 1969, clergy from First Baptist, Assembly of God, Immaculate Conception, Bethany UMC and St. Paul UCC gathered at St. Paul UCC. Father Wirth delivered the sermon.

More than $20,000 was raised for the Monroe County YMCA by the 300 in attendance last Friday, Nov. 13, at the Monroe County YMCA Fabulous Fifties Dinner and Auction. Proceeds benefited the YMCA Outreach and Youth Programs. Those attending were encouraged to wear period attire.

Jessica and Chris Packard of Columbia crowned themselves the prom king and queen as part of the festivities Nov. 13 during the Monroe County YMCA Fabulous Fifties Dinner and Auction at The Falls in Columbia.       – photo by Katie Schumer/KLS Photography

George “Skip” and Lori Weber dress as Elvis and Pricilla Presley during the Monroe County YMCA Fabulous Fifties Dinner and Auction at The Falls.          – photo by Katie Schumer/KLS Photography

Teresa Perea-Getter of Valmeyer is the November winner of the Think Monroe County First Super Consumer drawing. Her prize was a hiker's dream package valued at more than $280 donated by Action Graphics and Signs located just off of Route 3 between Waterloo and Columbia. Her entry was drawn at Harrisonville Telephone Company’s retail shop in the Columbia Marketplace shopping center.

Stephen and Teresa Perea-Getter, center, pick up their Super Consumer prize from HTC’s LaDonna Harrison, left, and County Commissioner Terry Liefer.

Recent Obituaries

Elizabeth Spihlmann, 74, of Columbia, died Nov. 17, 2009, at Memorial Hospital of Belleville. She was born March 4, 1935, in Trenton, the daughter of the late Otto and Clara (Daniel) Kues. She married Ralph Spihlmann in 1954. In addition to her husband, Mrs. Spihlmann is survived by her children Barbara (Mark) Andrus of St. Louis, Mo., Larry (Susan) Spihlmann of St. Joseph, Darlene (Marvin Lloyd) Spihlmann of Waterloo and Michael (Stacey) Spihlmann of Columbia; siblings Urban Kues of Breese, John Kues of O'Fallon, Mary Jane Korte of Trenton and Delores Lampe of Trenton; a sister-in-law, Grace Kues of Ft. Collins, Colo.; eight grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren; along with other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her brothers Joseph Kues, Dan Kues and Edmund Kues; and sisters Johanna Van Hatten, Martha Baird and Sylvia Ratermann. Mrs. Spihlmann was a member of the Immaculate Conception Altar Sodality and the V.F.W. Auxiliary of Post 7983 in Trenton. Visitation is Friday, Nov. 20, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., at Lawlor Funeral Home. Funeral is Saturday, Nov. 21, at 10 a.m., at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Columbia with Fr. Carl Scherrer officiating. A cremation will follow. Memorials may be made to the Immaculate Conception School Education Fund.

Leland “Gummie” Gummersheimer, 73, of Columbia, died Nov. 15, 2009. He was born June 23, 1936, in Columbia, the son of the late Emil and Olga (Kuni) Gummersheimer. He married Sandy (Lindhorst) Gummersheimer in 1965 in New Hanover. In addition to his wife, Mr. Gummersheimer is survived by his children, Laura (Stephen) Jackson of Lenzburg, Susan (David) Juelfs of Waterloo, Randy (Michelle) Gummersheimer of Columbia and Ryan (Sabrina) Gummersheimer of Columbia; grandchildren Erica, Andrew, Zander, Gavin, Madelyn and Makayla; great-grandchildren Damien and Jayce; a sister, Leola Eichelmann of Waterloo; and a sister-in-law, Violet Gummer-sheimer of Columbia; along with other relatives and friends. He was also preceded in death by brothers Emil Gummersheimer Jr., and Harold Gummersheimer; grandchildren Paul Jackson and Carter Gummersheimer; and a brother-in-law, Paul Eichelmann. Gummie was a retired operator at Casper- Stolle Quarry in Dupo. He bartended at local establishments, and loved working in the garage with his sons and their demolition cars. Visitation and funeral were at Lawlor Funeral Home with Rev. Matt Friz officiating. Mrs. Gummersheimer was buried at the Zoar UCC Cemetery in New Hanover. Memorials may be made to the Floraville UCC.

Eugene E. Biffar, 72, of Waterloo died Nov. 16, 2009. He was born Jan. 21, 1937 in Waterloo, the son of the late George and Martha (nee Reinhardt) Biffar. Mr. Biffar is survived by his wife, JoAnne (nee Carroll) Biffar; children Tom Biffar and Mary Biffar; grandchildren Alex and Adam Biffar; and brothers Lawrence Biffar and Sylvester (Leona) Biffar; along with nieces, nephews and cousins. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a son, Michael Biffar; and sisters Marie Biffar, Loretta Schaefer and Priscilla Vogt. Mr. Biffar was a member of the Monroe County Farm Bureau. Visitation and funeral were at Quernheim Funeral Home with Pastor Mike Garrison officiating.

Orville Rahn Sr., 89, of Prairie du Rocher, died Nov. 18, 2009, at his residence. He was born Aug. 31, 1920 in Ruma, the son of the late William and Frieda (nee Eggers) Rahn. Orville married Lena Mae Kirkley in 1930 in St. Joe. She died in 2007. Mr. Rahn is survived by his children Orville (Becky) Rahn Jr. of Staunton, Joyce (Ronnie) Kuergeleis of Fults, Bonnie (Glen) Meyer of Prairie du Rocher and Allen Rahn (fiancé Brenda Warshol) of Prairie du Rocher; brothers Ken (Jeannie) Rahn and William (Phyllis) Rahn, both of Maeystown; a sister, Leona Kent of Ames; sisters-in-law Leota Roider and Waterloo and Dodie Rahn of Millstadt; a brother-in-law, Jess Kirkley (friend Kay Hicks Millstadt; grandchildren Joey (Jennifer) Rahn, Becky (Brittin) Hardin, Wesley (Andrea) Kuergeleis, Rachel (Paul) Russell and Jennifer Smith; great-grandchildren Mason, Madison, Morgan, Hadley, Rieley, Noah and Sydney; along with nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by brothers Harold and Norman Rahn. Mr. Rahn served in the U.S. Army during World War II. He was a farmer and member of the Randolph County Farm Bureau. Visitation is Friday, Nov. 20, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., at Welge-Pechacek Funeral Home in Red Bud. Funeral is Saturday, Nov. 21, at 10 a.m. at Welge-Pechacek with Pastor Mary Beth Hartenstein officiating. Mr. Rahn will be buried at Gilbert Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Hospice of Southern Illinois or the American Cancer Society.