Today's News - February 16, 2010

City Council Denies Request For Downtown Tattoo Parlor

In a 6-2 vote Tuesday evening, the Waterloo aldermen voted against Eric Catalano’s request to open a tattoo / piercing establishment at 217 N. Main, behind LM Pool and Spa Supplies. The two affirmative votes in favor of the business were by Aldermen Russ Thomas and Jim Nagel. The council followed in line with the recommendation provided by the planning committee, which met Monday night and voted not to recommend the business.

Being that the location was within Waterloo’s Central Overlay District, which covers much of the downtown area, it gives the council members greater discretion as to which types of businesses they allow to open.

Following the meeting, Catalano expressed his disappointment in the council’s decision. “I am very upset. This is another case of typical Waterloo politics,” he said. Catalano added that he just wanted to provide a safe and licensed local place for those wishing to get tattoos or piercings. “The council does not care about safety,” he said.  

Catalano was joined at tonight’s meeting by family, friends and several members of the church he attends, Hope Christian Church. “In the end, I just want God’s will to be done,” Catalano concluded as he walked out of the council chamber.

Waterloo City Hall was standing room only Tuesday night as proponent and opponents of the proposed tattoo parlor gathered to listen to the aldermen’s ruling.

Attendees Get Their Fill At Fastnacht

Once again there was a big Fat Tuesday turnout for the annual St. John UCC of Maeystown Fastnacht. Hundreds turned out to get their fill of the all-you-can-eat pancakes and sausage dinner served the evening prior to Ash Wednesday and the start of the Lenten season. “Boy, I got my fill and it was really good,” said Harvey Ries.

Kaitlyn Ruwald of rural Burksville gets her plate filled with pancakes, sausage and apple sauce. She attended the Fastnacht with her grandparents.

Recent Obituaries

Gary J. Suttner, 60, of Waterloo, died Feb. 14, 2010 in St. Louis. He was born Oct. 19, 1949 in E. St. Louis, the late Joseph and Emily (nee Kingdom) Suttner. Mr. Suttner is survived by his wife, Barbara (nee Britton) Suttner; children Sherri (Aaron) Voelker, Susie (Bill) Nagel; a granddaughter, Rylee Jane Nagel; and half-sister, Sandra (Dean) Dusenberry; along with nieces, nephews and cousins. Mr. Suttner was retired from Anheuser-Busch in St. Louis. Visitation is Wednesday, Feb. 17, from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Quernheim Funeral Home. Funeral is Thursday, Feb. 18 at 11 a.m. at the funeral home with Father Osang Idagbo officiating. Mr. Suttner will be buried at SS. Peter and Paul Catholic Cemetery in Waterloo.

Donald J. Crahan, 68, of Columbia, died February 15, 2010. He was born August 19, 1941, in Fargo, ND, the son of his late parents, Donald and Betty (Ingstad) Crahan. He was married to Patricia (Olstad) Crahan, who survives him. Mr. Crahan is survived by his daughter, Tiffany Crahan of St. Louis; step-son, Brock Remillong of Centralia; sister, Barb (Mike) Jones of Rosemount MN; along with other relatives and friends. He was employed as a regional manager for the Department of Veterans Affairs, and served in the U.S. Army. Private family services were held.