News Follow-Up - January 29, 2010

Driver Narrowly Escapes Fiery Head-On Collision With Telephone Pole

Just after 8 p.m. this evening, the driver of a Chevy S-10 was able to exit his truck moments before it burst into flames after hitting head-on with a telephone pole. The young male driver, whose name has not yet been identified, was driving in the 8200 block of D Road, just north of HH Road in rural Waterloo, when he apparently lost control along the snow-slickened roadway. The truck spun and slammed head-on into a telephone pole. Uninjured, he was able to exit and get to a safe distance before the vehicle became engulfed in flames. The fire ignited the telephone pole as well. Waterloo firefighters, Monroe County Ambulance Service personnel and Sheriff’s deputies were soon on the scene. The parents of the driver also arrived and were very relieved when they heard their son was in good condition. An Ameren / IP crew then arrived and began the work of replacing the utility pole.

Monroe County Sheriff’s Deputies are warning all drivers that because of tonight’s snowfall, many area roads, especially country road south of Waterloo, are extremely slick.

Waterloo firefighters extinguish a burning truck involved in an accident Friday evening on D Road.

Eagles Defeat The Hawks: A last second three-point shot was just off the mark for Gibault on their home court as Columbia edged out a 47-44 victory Friday night. In other basketball action, the Waterloo Bulldogs won their home game over Breese Central.

Coleman Makes Brief Appearance Friday At County Courthouse

Christopher Coleman, the Columbia man charged with murdering his wife and two sons in May 2009, made a brief, scheduled appearance Friday at the Monroe County Courthouse. Circuit Judge Milton Wharton addressed Coleman and his legal team’s inquiries regarding a change of venue. Wharton stated they would have until March 1 of this year to officially file a motion regarding moving the upcoming court case out of Monroe County. Regarding the civil case the Sheri Coleman’s family filed for wrongful death, the judge would address their motion to compel a deposition of certain Joyce Meyers Ministries employees on Feb. 9 at the Monroe County Courthouse. Christopher Coleman is next scheduled to appear in court March 26.

Red Bud Has New Fire Chief: After more than 10 years of dedicated leadership, Curt Guebert has decided to step down from his position as the Red Bud Fire Chief. He plans to remain an active member of the RBFD as a firefighter. Kevin Miller was promoted to chief. He had been serving as First Assistant Chief for several years. (Information provided by Red Bud’s North County News.)

Maeystown Fire Chief Lynden Prange is recovering after surgery. He hopes to return home soon and get back to work.