News Follow-Up - January 7, 2010

Car Rolls Off Highway In Columbia

Michael Mohl of Waterloo avoided injury in an accident this morning on Admiral Parkway in Columbia. Just after 10 a.m., Mohl, 53, was driving a Chrysler Concord northbound on the highway when he lost control. The vehicle rolled and came to rest on its roof in a ditch. Mohl was able to exit the vehicle uninjured. There have been only a few reports of minor accidents today throughout the county due to the snowy conditions.

A Columbia patrol vehicle arrives at the scene of Michael Mohl’s accident this morning.      – photo by Bob Haentzler

Morrison-Talbott Library’s Genealogy Society has several upcoming events planned to help locals learn more about their roots. The Genealogy Till You Drop day is Jan. 21, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Genealogist will be at the library all day assisting those interested in beginning or continuing their research. The next planned event is Feb. 18. Dana Prusacki, an archivist from the Belleville Public Library, will discuss the items available at her library. William Florsch, executive director of the Jefferson Barracks Heritage Foundation, will speak March 18 on the history of the foundation and the Jefferson Barracks site. Finishing up their activities this spring will be a presentation by Monroe  County Clerk Dennis Knobloch. He will speak about the history of both old and new Valmeyer. Knobloch recently penned the book “Wail of the Steamboat…Whistle of the Dingy…The Centennial History of Valmeyer, Illinois.”

The Independent has finally gotten around to adding some new videos to its YouTube web video site. New additions include the Maeystown Polar Bear jump and some action from the 2009 Monroe County Fairgrounds. To take a look, visit the website: http://www.youtube.com/user/MoCoIndependent. Additional videos will be added in the coming weeks.

Recent Obituary

Florence June Heisler, 87, of Napa, Calif., since 1998, formerly of Columbia, died Dec. 26, 2009 at a local convalescent center. She was born Sept. 26, 1922 near Cleveland, Ohio, the daughter of the late William and Marie Theresa (nee Boulay) Christie. She married Paul Heisler on March 7, 1942 in Cleveland, and the couple soon made their home in Columbia. He died in 2007. In addition to her husband, Mrs. Heisler was preceded in death by her brother, James Christie; and a sister, Jeannette Bohannon. She is survived by her children Diana (Charles) Cook of Sumter, SC., Robert (Donna) Heisler of San Mateo, Calif., Kathryn (Fred) Razi of Napa and Lori (Bill) Norwak of Chicago; 10 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; a sister, Chris Christie; and brothers William Christie and Thomas Christie. She graduated from Southern Illinois University - Edwardsville and Eden Seminary in St. Louis. She served as a minister with the United Church of Christ for more than 25 years. She was an active member of the St. Paul UCC in Columbia and the Order of the Eastern Star. For a number of years she hosted a local radio talk show known as “Java June Small Talk.” She then attended Covenant Presbyterian Church in Napa, Calif. Visitation was at Treadway and Wigger Funeral Chapel in Napa. Funeral was at Covenant Presbyterian Church. Mrs. Heisler was buried at Tulocay Cemetery in Napa.