Today's News - January 23, 2010

Sparta And DuQuoin To Play For Championship Of Mid-Winter Classic

Columbia’s record in the Sparta Mid-Winter Classic fell to 2-1 after losing to DuQuoin Friday night by a score of 57-43. The Eagles will play Red Bud on Saturday for third place. Tip-off is at 7 p.m. Red Bud earned their chance for a third-place trophy by defeating Waterloo on Friday 67-55. Waterloo will take on Lebanon in the fifth place game at 5:30 p.m. The championship game will feature DuQuoin versus host team Sparta. That game begins tonight at 8:30 p.m.

Columbia's Tanner Hall, 14, attempts a shot in the paint while DuQuoin's Logan Carson, right, goes for the block.       – photo by Gateway Photography / game photos online at www.gatewayphoto.net

The Columbia Police Department is investigating an act of vandalism which took place Friday evening at Bolm-Schuhkraft Park. The initial report is that someone lit the toilet paper roles inside the men’s bathroom of the recently constructed comfort station. Several of the walls received minor fire and smoke damage. Police were able to talk to several youths who witnessed people exiting the restroom just before smoke began emanating from the structure.

St. John UCC of Maeystown has scheduled a talent show for this Saturday, Jan. 23,  as part of its year-long celebration of the church’s 150^th anniversary. Curtain rises at 7 p.m. at the church fellowship hall. “Make sure to catch the big reunion of the Hill Toppers,” added Mark Bundy.

Jeanette Gregson will be the guest of honor Saturday evening at the Waterloo Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Dinner Meeting at Fireside Inn. Gregson has been chosen to receive the 2009 Community Service Award.  Gregson is employed as an advertising representative for the Monroe County Independent. She also is heavily involved with several area organizations.

Jeanette Gregson