E-Newsletter - February 26, 2010

Investigators Re-Enter Coleman House: Illinois State Police investigators along with Columbia Police Chief Joe Edwards were back inside the Coleman home on Robert Drive on Friday attempting to gain additional information in their homicide investigation. Edwards declined to comment on the exact nature of what they were looking for today. They had obtained a search warrant Wednesday from the Monroe County courthouse.

Wells Fargo Bank filed documents earlier this year to claim foreclose on the home owned by Christopher Coleman, the man who is charged in connection with murder of his wife and two sons which occurred May 5, 2009. The document lists that Coleman owes about $229,000 remaining on the mortgage. Coleman is jailed at the Monroe County jail facing both a criminal and civil case.

Columbia Police Chief Joe Edwards, left, and an unidentified Illinois State Police investigator re-enter the Coleman home today after they requested a search warrant as part of their continuing investigation into the May 5, 2009 deaths of Sheri, Garett and Gavin Coleman.

Investigators Dine Locally: Columbia Police Chief Joe Edwards and Illinois State investigators enjoyed lunch Friday at Joe Boccardi’s Ristorante in downtown Columbia.

Fire Destroys Garage On Bohleysville Road

Gary Schaefer’s detached garage next to his home was heavily damaged by fire in a Thursday afternoon blaze. Millstadt and Columbia firefighters were called just after 4:30 p.m. to the residence in the 5400 block of Bohleysville Road. The firefighters were able to contain the blaze to the back side of the garage and there was no damage to the nearby home. Schaefer said he was burning wood on his property and some embers caught the garage on fire. Among the items destroyed inside the garage included a truck and a 360-degree lawn mower.

A Millstadt firefighter sprays water on Gary Schaefer’s detached garage in rural Millstadt.

Millstadt firefighter Scott Baltz was on the scene Thursday putting out the fire on Bohleysville Road. He is gearing up for his wedding this weekend to Julia Kreher or rural Waterloo. They plan to dance the night away at their reception at the Heckerdome.  

With Lack Of State Funding, Area Schools Dealing With Tight Budgets

Monroe County public schools, as well as most of the other public institutions throughout Illinois, are dealing with the consequences of the state’s financial situation. Currently, the state is operating with a $13 billion deficit. All three school superintendents, Ed Settles of Columbia, Brian Charron of Valmeyer and James Helton of Waterloo convened Wednesday at the Waterloo School District headquarters to discuss their current and future situations of their districts. They each said the state is considerably behind in their obligated payments to the schools and the superintendents do not expect the situation to improve any time soon.

“The legislators are putting more of a burden on the local tax payers,” said Settles. “But I am proud of how each of the local districts and board members have handled their finances.” Settles, Charron and Helton pointed out that their tax rates are lower compared to neighboring counties and each have some cash reserves, but that could be used up very quickly.

With the expected continued reduction in state funding, the superintendents said because salaries make up a large portion of their expenses, they plan to make some cuts in personnel when figuring next year’s school budgets.

The Valmeyer School Board held an open meeting Tuesday evening to discuss the district’s financial situation and dispel a lot of the rumors circulating through town. The bleachers of the multi-purpose room were nearly filled with concerned parents and citizens. “First of all, I want to make this clear, your school is not closing,” said Superintendent Brian Charron. “But there will be some hard decisions we will soon have to make regarding next year’s operating budget.” Charron added that the board is putting academics of the students first, but is trying to find a means to maintain a healthy balance of extra-curricular and athletics, as well as the agricultural programs it offers.

Charron said that at the March meeting of the school board, they will begin making their decisions towards next year. He admitted there will be some cuts in personnel, including teachers, administrators and other staff. They will also consider raising the fees to participate in athletics and other extra-curricular programs.

At the conclusion of the meeting, high school student Dallas Robert raised his hand to make a statement. “I know that the parents, students, teachers, board and Mr. Charron all care tremendously about the community of Valmeyer and our school. We all need to work hard over the next six months before the next school year begins to not argue, but to come to an agreement,” he said.

Valmeyer School Superintendent Brian Charron, right, addresses concerns about the school’s  finances from parents during a meeting Tuesday in the multi-purpose room. 

Durbin Calls For Meeting With FEMA Administrator and Army Corps To Discuss Information On Levees

After receiving a response to his request regarding information about the condition of the levee system between Alton and Columbia, Assistant Senate Majority Leader Dick Durbin (D-IL) today called for a meeting with the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency Craig Fugate and Assistant Secretary of the Army Corps of Engineers Jo-Ellen Darcy to discuss a lack of information that is necessary, according to FEMA, to certify the five Illinois levees - Chain of Rocks, Fish Lake, MESD, Prairie Du Pont and Wood River.

Once the information is complete, FEMA said they are committed to expediting the levee certification process and posting the data on the agency's website. Additionally, the Army Corps of Engineers is planning to conduct joint public meetings with FEMA and local stakeholders in the coming months.

"Without complete information about the structural integrity of the levees, it would be irresponsible for any agency to certify them as safe or unsafe," said Durbin. "At the same time, FEMA and the Army Corps of Engineers have an obligation to work with local communities to determine status of levees and clearly explain the risk of flooding. I hope to have a meeting scheduled as soon as possible with both agencies and Congressman Costello to determine the quickest way to complete this information and make it publicly available to residents of the Metro East area."

Today's letter was sent in response to a Jan. 5 letter from Durbin to FEMA and the Army Corps of Engineers, calling on both agencies to publicly release their data on the status of Metro East levees and make both agencies available to brief local community leaders and residents. Earlier this year, at Durbin's urging, FEMA agreed to delay the implementation of the new flood maps for the St. Louis region for at least one year. In the next few weeks, Durbin will introduce legislation that will address the need to protect property owners that are located in the floodplain.

Previously, in response to a 2008 request from Durbin and Congressman Jerry Costello, FEMA agreed to prevent Illinois residents and businesses from facing significantly higher flood insurance premiums years before their Missouri counterparts.  Costello said this move leveled the playing field in the St. Louis region and ensured that FEMA's new flood maps would not take effect on the Illinois side of the Mississippi before the Missouri side.

Those wishing to learn how to prepare yourself and family in the event of an emergency have the opportunity to attend the upcoming Community Emergency Response Team training at the YMCA of Monroe County. There is no cost to participate. All materials will be provided, as well as beverages and snacks. The sessions are Friday, March 12, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.; Saturday, March 13, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Saturday, March 20, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; and Saturday, March 27, 10 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Participants can attend any or all units of the training, however, all four days must be completed for certification. For addition information, contact Glenn White at 939-8784 or e-mail gwcerttrain@yahoo.com.

The Monroe County Farm Bureau Young Leaders Committee is conducting a food drive which runs through March 20. Drop off spots include the Monroe County Farm Bureau office in Waterloo, Mike’s Convenience Store in Valmeyer and Toby Search’s Country Financial office in downtown Columbia. They will accept non-perishable food items, including box mix meals, soups, canned vegetables and canned meats. The items will then be distributed throughout the county. For addition information, call the Farm Bureau at 939-6197. 

The American Red Cross welcomed 65 donors to its Feb. 16 blood drive at Turner Hall. The American Legion Post 581 Auxiliary brought homemade cookies. Donors reaching milestones were Hollie Habermehl, one gallon; Mary Schlagel and Tommy Haynes, three gallons; Sharon Nealon, five gallons; and Dorman Lough, 13 gallons. The next Red Cross Blood Drive at Turner Hall will be April 13, from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Gibault High School student Lana Rottler won the Best Of Show honor at the Art DuJour Art Contest this week at the SWIC campus in Red Bud. The competition showcases high school art students from Randolph and Monroe Counties.

The Morrison-Talbott Library in Waterloo has two upcoming events. Kate Bauers will provide a Snapshot Of Europe discussion on March 11 beginning at 7 p.m. Bauers will talk about a trip which includes a canal boat ride in Amsterdam, the Atomium in Brussels, the 1958 World’s Fair in Belgium and stops in Bruges, London and Paris.

The Heartland Women’s Writers Guide will host a presentation March 10, at 6:30 p.m., on the life and writings of Gladys Taber. She wrote the column “Diary of Domesticity” in the Ladies’ Home Journal during the 1930s  and the “Butternut Wisdom” column for Family Circle in the 1950s-60s. Taber also wrote more than 50 books, many inspired by her hometown of Southbury, Conn. Cheryl Kellogg of St. Louis and a member of the Friends of Gladys Taber, will give the presentation. 

Bill Gardner is on the mend following heart surgery. Wife Vicki is taking good care of him and they expect a full recovery.

Carrie Boyer of Waterloo and Jeffery DeRousse of Prairie du Rocher are getting married this Saturday at Hope Christian Church.

Debbie Row of Columbia will celebrate her 50^th birthday this weekend on Beale St. in Memphis, Tenn.

Waterloo Band Parents Variety Show is Saturday, March 13, at the New Waterloo High School Auditorium. The curtain rises at 7 p.m. Talent of all ages from the community will perform a variety of acts, including vocals, bands, dancing, instrumentals and martial arts. Tickets, which include a gourmet dessert, are $8 for adults and $5 for students. For more information, call Tom Schrieber at 939-6555.

Polka Retires From County: Ron Polka has retired after many years serving as Monroe County Highway Department’s engineer. During his retirement party at the courthouse Thursday, Polka was treated to the sounds of the Band Room Brass playing a few polka tunes in his honor. Polka said he plans on playing a lot more golf in his retirement and catching up on his honey-do list from his wife, Linda. One of the many gifts he received was a bag of golf balls courtesy of his friend Fayegene "Red" Rippelmeyer.

Ron Polka, center, thanks members of the Band Room Brass for playing a few polka tunes at his retirement party. The band is, left to right, Doug Guilliams, Paul Hoffmann, Tom Wightman, Russ Wolf, Glen Lutz and Dennis Knobloch.

The Columbia hockey club evened the series at one game each last night in the Division 1A Championship Series with a 4-3 victory over Bethalto. The third and deciding game will be played Sunday, Feb. 28 at 8:30 p.m. in the East Alton Ice Arena.

Waterloo will host a 3A Basketball Regional beginning on Monday. Waterloo will play a familiar foe, conference rival Mascoutah. The Bulldogs have split the two games with Mascoutah so far this year. The winner will take on a tough Althoff team on Wednesday at 6 p.m.

Columbia High School junior Carrie Wellman hit 9 of 15 shots Thursday night in the semi-finals of the IHSA three-point contest. She is one of 16 girls who will shoot for the state title Friday night at the Illinois State University in Bloomington.

Carrie Wellman

Recent Obituaries

Edith M. Castleberry, nee Reitz, 85, of Waterloo, died Feb. 25, 2010 in Red Bud. She was born Dec. 21, 1924 in Waterloo the daughter of the late George and Louisa J. (nee Hauptfleisch) Reitz. Mrs. Castleberry is survived by sisters Bernice Church, Dorothy Whelan and Melba Ryan; brothers Earl and Don Reitz; and a sister-in-law, Delma Reitz; along with nieces, nephews and cousins. She was preceded in death by her husband, Edward Castleberry; son, Michael Castleberry; sisters Jean Frank and Bernell Rehmer; and a brother, Clarence Reitz. Visitation is Sunday, Feb. 28, from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m., at Quernheim Funeral Home. Funeral is Monday, March 1, at 10 a.m., at SS. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Waterloo with Father Stan Konieszny officiating. She will be buried at the church’s cemetery. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, Hospice of Southern Illinois or SS. Peter and Paul Catholic Church.

Norman Kenneth Jaeger, 68, of East Carondelet, died Feb. 23, 2010. He was born Feb. 24, 1941, the son of the late Kenneth and Ellen (nee Rockey) Jaeger. Mr. Jaeger is survived by his wife, Deborah (nee Yentes) Jaeger; children Todd (Christine) Jaeger, Matt (Gail) Jaeger, Jill (J.P.) Blin and Meredith (Tony) Lambert; eight grandchildren; sisters Joyce (Don) Krumseig and Sonja (AJ) Rassi; brother, Phil (Donna) Jaeger; and an aunt, Eleanor Ball. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Jennifer, in infancy and a grandchild. Mr. Jaeger was a member of the Concord Presbyterian Church in Waterloo. Visitation is Friday, Feb. 26 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Quernheim Funeral Home. Funeral is Saturday, Feb. 27, at 10 a.m. at Concord Presbyterian Church in Waterloo with Pastor Will Hesterberg officiating. Mr. Jaeger will be buried at Bethlehem Cemetery in St. Louis. Memorials may be made to Redeemer’s Special Church or Concord Presbyterian Church.

Fred J. “Joe” Thomas Jr., 65, of Columbia died Feb. 25, 2010. He was born Sept. 22, 1944 in Wood River, the son of the late Fred J. Thomas Sr. and Blance (nee Little) Thomas. Mr. Thomas is survived by sons, Joseph and Nicholas Thomas; grandson, Christopher Thomas; a sister, Pat Tritley; and former wife, Phyllis Thomas; along with nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Visitation is Sunday, Feb. 28 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Quernheim Funeral Home. Funeral is Monday, March 1, at 10 a.m. at Bethany United Methodist Church in Columbia with Pastor Allynn Walker and Pastor Gary Mossiman officiating. Mrs. Thomas will be buried at Valhalla Cemetery in Belleville. Memorials may be made to the National Parkinson Foundation or the American Cancer Society.

News Follow-Up - February 26, 2010

Members of the YMCA of Monroe County are returning to their workouts after a small fire was detected in an electrical room of the YMCA. All facilities are now open, except for the swimming pool, which will remain closed until further notice. Firefighters from Waterloo and Columbia arrived on the scene just before 12:30 p.m. and noticed smoke coming from an electrical room. They contacted Ameren / IP to send a crew to assist in determining the nature of the fire. Additional information will be reported as it becomes available.

Columbia and Waterloo fire trucks pull up to the rear of the Monroe County YMCA to handle an electrical fire.                     – photo by Bob Haentzler