The Columbia High School student body congratulated their state championship cheerleading squad Monday with an assembly in the gymnasium. The ladies scored a 91.26 in the finals Saturday to win the 2010 IHSA Competitive Cheerleading competition for small schools. The team is now gearing up for the Illinois Cheerleading Coaches Association State Finals next weekend in Springfield.

The Columbia High School cheerleaders celebrate their first place finish at state with an assembly Monday at the CHS gym.         – photo by Bob Haentzler

 

Vehicle Accident In Columbia: The Columbia police, ambulance and fire units responded to an accident with injuries at 7:15 p.m. on Route 158, just east of the Route 3 ramp. There are also several reports of vehicles sliding off area roadways throughout the county. Police officers advise motorists to use extreme caution while driving and remain off the road if possible.

 

The St. Louis Metro East is under a winter storm warning released by the National Weather Service. Between two to six inches of snow is expected to fall from tonight through tomorrow evening. Temperatures are then expected to remain below freezing the remainder of the week.

 

A light snow early Monday morning cause several accident on I-255 between Columbia and Dupo. “There were about seven vehicles which slid off the roadway,” said Columbia Assistant Fire Chief Jim Broshears. One of the cars rolled over, but the driver managed to exit the vehicle on their own uninjured. 

 

Columbia Legion Meeting Rescheduled: Because of the expected inclement weather, the Columbia American Legion meeting scheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 9 has been postponed. It will be rescheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 16.

 

Crouch Honored For His Service In Afghanistan: Sgt. Ryan Crouch of Waterloo has received the Wartime Service While in a Combat Zone Award. He is currently serving in southern Afghanistan with the Army Corps of Engineers. His wife Dawn and their children are hoping for his safe return.

 

Recent Obituary

Walter E. Parker, 78, of Swansea, formerly of New Athens, died Feb. 7, 2010 in Swansea. He was born Oct. 13, 1931, the son of the late Alphons J. and Clara (nee Kreher) Parker. Mr. Parker is survived by his brother, Virgil (Virginia) Parker of New Athens; nieces and nephews, Jeff (Teresa) Parker of Belleville, Janet (Robert) Bittle of New Athens, Carol Parker (fiancé Michael Herich) of Caseyville and Gary (Dawn) Parker of New Athens;  great-nieces and great-nephews Eric (Erin), Ryan (fiancé Laura Benedick), Alicia, Valaurie, and Jacob Parker, Heather (Tim) Hill, Lyndsey, Brenden and Travis Bittle, Vivianne Herich and Ashley, Craig, Lauren and Drew Parker. He was preceded in death by his brothers Cyril Parker and John (Helen) Parker. Mr. Parker was a member of St. Augustine Catholic Church in Hecker. Visitation is Tuesday, Feb. 9, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m at Quernheim Funeral Home. Funeral Mass is Wednesday, Feb. 10, at 10 a. m. at St. Augustine Church in Hecker with Father James Nall officiating. Mr. Parker will be buried at the church’s cemetery.

George W. Guttmann, 95, of Waterloo, died Feb. 4, 2010 in Columbia. He was born May 24, 1914 in Fults, the son of the late Nicholas and Christina (nee Kunkel) Guttmann. Mr. Guttmann is survived by nieces and nephews Fern (Fred) Kinzinger, Marie (Eddie) Melliere, Robert (Joyce) Guttmann, Thelma (Ray) Shields and Charlene Waligorski; along with cousins. He was preceded in death by his wife, Lura A. (nee Reiner) Guttmann; a nephew, Clinton (LaVerne) Schmieg; brothers Oscar, Walter and John Guttmann; and sisters Lena Schmieg and Marie Guttmann. Mr. Guttmann was a tech sergeant in the U.S. Army. Visitation is Sunday, Feb. 7, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., and on Monday, Feb. 8, from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m., at Quernheim Funeral Home. A service will immediately follow at the funeral home with Father Roger Karban. Mr. Guttmann will be buried at Valhalla Cemetery in Belleville. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society or Heartland Hospice.