Weekend Wrap-Up - December 27, 2009

Columbia And Triad Undefeated After First Day Of Holiday Tournament

Host team Columbia posted two victories Saturday in the opening day of the Columbia – Freeburg Holiday Tournament. They defeated Waterloo 51-47 and Valmeyer 66-46. Triad also won two games - defeating Freeburg 50-28 and Civic Memorial 81-49. Freeburg posted their first win of the season, edging out Lebanon 62-61. Gibault fell to Murphysboro 54-38. In the other game, Alton beat Civic Memorial 51-47. The round-robin tourney games will continue on Monday. Waterloo plays twice, against Valmeyer at 11 a.m., and Murphysboro at 5 p.m. Columbia takes on Gibault at 8 p.m.

During halftime of the Columbia / Waterloo game Saturday night, Ron Langhans was recognized for his many years of dedication to CHS Athletics.

Taylor O'Conner, left, of Columbia goes up strong while being closely guarded by Waterloo's Jake Degener in Saturday’s nightcap of the Columbia – Freeburg Holiday Tournament.    - photos by Bob Haentzler of Gateway Photography - game photos online at www.gatewayphoto.net
 

Mike Wuelling of Valmeyer, right, takes a shot while in the lane during the Lakers loss to Columbia.    - photo by Bob Haentzler

Gibault’s Spencer Stumpf, 14, goes up for a short jumper in the Hawks’ loss to the Murphysboro Red Devils.         - photos by Bob Haentzler

The Gibault and Columbia girls’ basketball teams are competing this weekend in the Lebanon Christmas Tournament. In Saturday’s games, Gibault fell to Lebanon 57 – 41, while Columbia beat Madison 41-36. The tournament continues Monday with Columbia tipping off against Marissa at 5 p.m., while Gibault plays Wesclin at 8 p.m.

Local rock band Aftershock celebrated their five-year anniversary last night at Bobeck’s in Waterloo.

The owner of a large box found Christmas Eve on Route 3 near Hope Christian Church south of Columbia is being sought. The box was wrapped as a child’s Christmas present and apparently fell off the back of a truck. It was retrieved by Steve Blosser of Columbia, who said the box had no identification. He called the local police to see if anyone had reported it missing, but so far has had no luck in finding the owner. The box contained a valuable item, apparently destined to be some child’s gift. Blosser declined to identify the exact nature of the item in the box but said that the rightful owner could claim it by contacting him by email at steve@midnight-racers.com.

The 63^rd annual meeting of the Monroe County Soil and Water Conservation District will be Friday, Feb. 5 at the Columbia Turner Hall. Registration begins at 6:30 p.m., with dinner served at 7 p.m. Tickets are $11 for adults and $5 for children 12 and under. Tickets may be purchased by calling 939-6181, ext. 3. or visit the website at www.mocoswcd.com for a registration form.  The guest speakers is Dr. Jan Jaworski from the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center.

Ed Rahe spent a day in the hospital over the Christmas holiday while visiting his wife Leanne’s family in Iowa. The doc diagnosed the youngest son of Henry and Belle Rahe of rural Valmeyer with an apparent severe stomach virus. Ed reports to be back home today resting alongside his newborn son, Erik. Leanne is handling the nursing duties quite well. The Rahes hope to return back home to the St. Louis area early next week.

Recent Obituaries

Helen Neff, nee Faust, 87, of Columbia, formerly of Smithton, died Dec. 25, 2009, at Columbia Convalescent Center. She was born Feb. 20, 1922 in Columbia, the daughter of the late William and Margaret (nee Thoma) Faust. She was married to the late Herbert Neff who died in 1993. Mrs. Neff is survived by her children Judy (Dave) Osterberg of Escondido, Calif., Gary Neff of Aurora, Colo., and Don (Mary) Neff of Columbia; grandchildren Scott Osterberg, Joe Osterberg, Tim Neff and Katie Neff; a sister, Alma Buss of Columbia; brother-in-law, Loraine (Helen) Neff of New Athens; brother-in-law, Anthony (Arlene) Neff of Smithton; sister-in-law, Rita Zoeller of Columbia; and brother-in-law, Cyril (Janet) Neff of Belleville; along with other relatives and friends. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by a brother, William (Cecelia) Faust; a sister, Margaret (Elmer) Nevois; a brother, Elmer Faust; and brothers-in-law Jerry Buss and Pete Zoeller. Mrs. Neff attended Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Columbia. She was a member of the Smithton American Legion Auxiliary, Smithton Turner's Society, Columbia Senior Citizens and the Teamster's Retirees. Visitation is Tuesday, Dec. 29, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., at Lawlor Funeral Home. Funeral is Wednesday, Dec. 30, at 10 a.m., at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Columbia with Fr. Carl Scherrer. A cremation will follow. Memorials may be made to her church’s building fund.