Rogers Celebrates Raising Big Funds For Heart Association: Rogers Elementary School held a school assembly Friday to celebrate money raised by the students for the Jump Rope for Heart campaign. The students were able to raise $10,530 for the American Heart Association. This program has been conducted for eight years and more than $64,000.

Rogers Elementary’s Brian Smith, left,  and Nick Schwartz of Rogers Middle School do their best sumo wrestler imitation during the assembly today celebrating money raised for Jump Rope For Heart. Cheering them on are Dave “Granny” Ackerman and Josh “Superman” Hogan.    – photo by Bob Haentzler

 

The nation’s largest annual food drive to “Stamp Out Hunger” is set for Saturday May, 8. On that day, letter carriers in Waterloo and Columbia will collect non-perishable donations from homes they deliver mail along their routes. The annual National Association of Letter Carriers Food Drive – held in conjunction with the Postal Service – is the largest one-day food drive in the nation. The effort will help feed families in 50 states. Locally, the food collected by Columbia and Waterloo Postal workers will be donated to local food pantries in the county.

“Millions of families are suffering – struggling to make ends meet and put food on the table,’ said Postmaster Dawn Boma. “Food banks, pantries and shelters need our help more than ever this year. As families count on them for support, they’re counting on us and we will not back off our commitment.” With the commitment of thousands of carriers, rural letter carriers, and postal community volunteers, plus the involvement of our corporate partners, we will make a difference in helping to feed America’s hungry,” said Boma. “Times are tough for millions of Americans so we need to surpass the 2009 record of 73.4 million pounds of food collected.”

Donations from this year’s event are expected to push the overall total since the annual drive began 18 years ago to more than 1 billion pounds. The total currently is 982.7 million pounds. Food donations collected in Columbia will go to local food pantries. More than 125 million postcards – designed for the first time by the Postal Service and co-sponsored by the Campbell Soup Company – will be mailed to customers to remind them of the drive. Other co-sponsors of the drive are Feeding America, the nation’s food bank network, United Way Worldwide and its local United Ways, the AFL-CIO, Valpak, and the National Rural Letter Carriers Association.

 

Cinco de Mayo Celebrated At Applebee’s: The Mexican holiday of Cinco de Mayo was celebrated throughout Monroe County, including at Applebee’s in Waterloo. Tables and chairs were set up in their parking lot for the overflow of diners who enjoyed listening to the local rock band Rock City Overpass. “We come every year to this party and always have a great time,” said Dora Wild of Waterloo.

During their Cinco de Mayo celebration, Applebee’s Manager Judy Zanti, left, gathers with employees, left to right, Jennifer Yovandich, Shannon Duffy, Erin Duffy, Kristen Skaer and Crickett Leber.

 

Sports Update: Thursday sports results: In baseball, it was Gibault over Nashville, 9-8; Red Bud lost to Freeburg, 18-8; and Columbia over Wesclin, 4-1. On the softball field, Gibault beat Waterloo, 11-2; Columbia over Wesclin, 7-6; Red Bud defeated Freeburg, 2-1; and Dupo beat Valmeyer, 20-5. In girls’ soccer, Columbia and O’Fallon battled to a 2-2 tie and Gibault lost to Bishop DuBourg 4-0.

Friday sports action… In baseball, Columbia hosts Windsor and Waterloo plays at home against Collinsville. In softball, Gibault travels to Lebanon. On the soccer field, the Lady Bulldogs will compete in the Highland Tournament on both Friday and Saturday. 

Saturday sports includes the Waterloo baseball team at Mater Dei, while WHS softball plays in the Belleville West Tournament and the WHS and CHS varsity track teams compete in the Collinsville Invitational. The Columbia High School baseball team hosts a double-header against Belleville West, while the Lady Eagles’ softball team heads to Gibault for a double-header. Gibault’s baseball team travels Saturday to Civic Memorial for a double-header.

 

Waterloo Defeats Mascoutah In Conference Showdown: Waterloo's Matt Berry pitched 6 1/3 innings on Monday allowing only six hits, then took over at third base to record the last out as Waterloo defeated Mascoutah 7-6 in a Mississippi Valley Conference game. The Bulldogs are 4-3 in the conference and 14-7 overall.  

Waterloo left fielder Nick Steppig makes a leaping catch in the sixth inning Monday during the Bulldogs’ 7-6 victory over Mascoutah.       - photo by Bob Haentzler - game photos online at www.gatewayphoto.net

 

Columbia’s Leslie Stumpf lays down a perfect sacrifice bunt during the Lady Eagles’ 7-6 extra-inning victory Thursday over Wesclin. Stumpf and the rest of the Class of 2010 players were honored before the game for the team’s Senior Night.           - photo by Debbie Roediger - www.roedigerphotos.com

 Gibault's Kelly Kapp, left, slides safely as Waterloo catcher Maddie Mercer applies the tag but not in time. The Lady Hawks scored six runs in the first inning and came away with a 11-2 win.           - photo by Gateway Photography / game photos at www.gatewayphoto.net

 

WJHS Wins Regional Track Meet – Hosting Conference Championship Today

The Waterloo Junior High School girls’ and boys’ track teams won first place in the regional track meet last week in Chester. The teams will host the conference championships today at the Waterloo High School track. Competing against WJHS are teams from Columbia, Red Bud, Millstadt and SPPS.

The WJHS girls’ track team and their coaches celebrate last week’s regional victory in Chester.       – photo by Alysia Brinkmann

 

The Waterloo High School girls softball team and the Waterloo Sports Association teamed up last week for a softball clinic for girls in kindergarten through eighth grade. The event, held at the Jaycee’s Ball Diamonds, taught nearly 70 future sluggers fundamental skills, including hitting, catching and sliding.

- photo by Tina Kinzinger

 

Three members of the Prairie du Rocher track team qualified for the state meet at the Region 4 Regional Track meet April 26 at Chester High School on April 26. The Hawks’ athletes who will be participating at the SIJHSAA Class "S" State track meet May 8 at Salem High School are Lance Jones, shot put; Collin Barrett, long jump; and Cole Biethman, discus.

Prairie du Rocher Grade School students qualifying for the state track meet are, left to right, Lance Jones, Collin Barrett and Cole Biethman.      – photo by Gina Phegley

 

Reitz Legislation Aims to Prevent Federal Expansion of Flood Insurance Requirements for Metro East

Continuing his efforts to reduce insurance costs and protect Metro East consumers, State Rep. Dan Reitz announced Thursday that legislation he is sponsoring to prevent Metro East residents from an unneeded federal requirement to purchase flood insurance is headed to the governor for approval.

“Decertifying our levees and unfairly mandating expensive flood insurance could have a devastating impact on the region,” Reitz said. “During these tough economic times, we cannot afford to be driving away businesses and reducing property values through unnecessary federal changes.”

The Federal Emergency Management Agency has been working to redraw the floodplain maps that are used to determine requirements and rates for federal flood insurance.  Part of the current process includes a review of the levees around the Metro East. Even though local levees were built to federal guidelines, FEMA is considering decertifying them based on new engineering standards. This would require costly repairs or new construction with local taxpayers shouldering the cost. Senate Bill 2556 would clearly define in state law a “100-year floodplain” in the Metro East area that includes a 174-sq.-mile area that is home to more than 156,000 people and 69,000 jobs. This plan would implement stringent federal flood safety and evacuation standards as a means to avert FEMA intervention concerning local flood control efforts.

“I believe we can strike a balance between fostering economic success in the area and protecting residents from flooding,” Reitz said. “The residents of the Metro East deserve to be protected from both flood waters and gratuitous insurance hikes. I hope the governor acts quickly on this important measure.” 

 

Wednesday, May 5, was the one-year anniversary of the death of Sheri Coleman and her two sons. Sheri’s husband, Christopher Coleman, was charged two weeks later, May 19, 2009, with three counts of triple murder. He pleaded not-guilty and remains behind bars at the Monroe County Jail pending an upcoming trial. A candlelight vigil in honor of Sheri and her boys was held this past Wednesday at Bolm-Schuhkraft Park (City Park).  In the mean time, the home, located at 2854 Robert Drive, in which the deaths took place, remains for sale as it went in default with the bank. Christopher Coleman’s loan totals nearly $250,000. The bank plans to conduct an auction May 25 at the Monroe County Courthouse. Chris Coleman is next scheduled to appear at the Monroe County Courthouse May 14 for a pre-trial conference between the lawyers and Judge Milton Wharton.

 

Men In Black: The Columbia Police Department began wearing their new all-black uniforms this past Wednesday.

 

Microwave Fire Reported At Columbia Home: The Columbia Volunteer Fire Department responded Thursday evening to the home of Stanley and Carol Waide at 622 Rockhampton for the report of a microwave on fire inside the residence. Firefighters soon arrived and put out the blaze.

 

A public meeting to discuss the levee upgrade situation is scheduled for Wednesday, May 12, at 7 p.m. at the Columbia Middle School. Speakers will include Les Sterman, the construction supervisor of the Southwestern Illinois Flood Prevention District, which is working in conjunction with FEMA and the Corps of engineers to improve the Metro East levee system. He previously headed the East-West Gate Council of Governments for more than 25 years. In addition to Sterman, civic leaders from Columbia, Waterloo and Dupo will be in attendance to help answer questions.

 

Man Arrested For Punching Patron During Tequila’s On Cinco de Mayo

A fight broke out Wednesday, May 5, at Tequila’s in Waterloo during their Cinco de Mayo party. Charles “Chuck” Johnson, 42, of Waterloo, was charged with aggravated battery following the incident. According to the police report, at 8:21 p.m., Waterloo Police Sgt. Jay Sawyer was at the location monitoring the crowd and picking up a to-go order for dinner when he noticed a scuffle breaking out.  Sawyer witnessed Johnson push James Cooley out the front door and then onto the ground. While lying on the ground, Cooley was punched several times by Johnson, who fled the scene before Sawyer could apprehend him.

Sawyer stayed with the victim until an ambulance arrived. Monroe County paramedics determined that Cooley would need stitches for a wound he received in the altercation. Sawyer called for back-up and soon several Waterloo police officers and county deputies were called to the area to be on the lookout for Johnson. Within 15 minutes Johnson was taken into custody off of HH Road behind the Waterloo Inn Bed and Breakfast. Johnson was arrested and transported to the Monroe County Jail. He appeared Thursday morning before a judge at the Monroe County Courthouse where he was charged with the aggravated battery. Bond was set at $10,000 and family members posted the cash for his release. Johnson is next scheduled to appear in court May 27 at 1 p.m.

Charles “Chuck” Johnson

 

Monroe County Court Report: The following cases were adjudicated the week of May 3 in Monroe County Circuit Court in Waterloo, Judges Brian Babka and Dennis Doyle presiding:
Dwane G. Umbarger, 22, of Waterloo pleaded guilty to aggravated criminal sexual abuse. Umbarger was sentenced to 30 months probation, credited with four days served in the Monroe County Jail, prohibited from having any contact with two juvenile females and ordered to pay total fine and court cost of $165.

John M. Karl, 44, of Staunton, pleaded guilty to battery. Karl was ordered to pay total fine and court cost of $110, to have no contact with Robert Sale, to pay $1,570 restitution to Sale and given a one-year conditional discharge. The offense occurred March 31 at Bobeck's Bar & Grill; Waterloo Police handled the incident.

Dorian C. Hauser, 26, of Belleville pleaded guilty to criminal trespass to property. Hauser was ordered to pay total fine and court cost of $257 and prohibited from entering the property of George and Stephanie Matssanosis and given a one-year conditional discharge. The violation occurred Jan. 22 at 2626 Elmwood Ct.; Columbia Police handled the incident.

Brett L. Lenhardt, 18, of Waterloo pleaded guilty to theft over $300. Lenhardt was ordered to pay $135 court costs and assessments plus restitution in the amounts of $87.50 to Derrick Polacek, $60 to Austin Wathan and $25 to Alex Benyo. The offense occurred July 13; Valmeyer police handled the incident.

Jerry B. Nelson, 33,  of Waterloo pleaded guilty to deceptive practices. Nelson was ordered to pay total fine and court cost of $787 plus $1,882.64 restitution to a total of eight Monroe County businesses. The violations occurred in November 2009. A charge of disobeying a traffic-control device was dismissed.

Patricia L. Headrick, 42, of Waterloo pleaded guilty to battery. Headrick was ordered to pay total fine and court cost of $272 and to have no contract with Sarah Gotto and placed on one year court supervision. The violation occurred Feb. 4 at 961 N. Market St.; Waterloo Police handled the incident.

Dana R. Taylor, 36, of Waterloo pleaded guilty to interference with court-ordered visitation rights. Taylor was ordered to pay total fine and court cost of $282 and placed on one year court supervision. The violation occurred Feb.28 at 1020 N. Main St. in Waterloo; the Monroe County Sheriff's Department handled the incident.

Sarah E. Lenz, 18, of Cahokia pleaded guilty to illegal possession of drug paraphernalia. Lenz was ordered to pay total fine and court cost of $690 and placed on one year court supervision. The violation occurred March 20 on Illinois 3 at Illinois 158.

Michael J. Menendez, 18, of St. Peters, Mo. pleaded guilty to illegal consumption of alcohol by a minor. Menendez was ordered to pay total fine and court cost of $272 and placed on one year court supervision. The violation occurred March 6 at 316 W. Mill St.; Waterloo Police handled the incident.

John D. Carner, 31, of Dupo pleaded guilty to illegal possession of drug paraphernalia. Carner was ordered to pay total fine and court cost of $680 and placed on one year court supervision. The violation occurred March 27 at 1223 Blue Spruce Ln.; Columbia Police handled the incident.

Stacey E. Brooks, 26, of Waterloo pleaded guilty to driving under the influence of alcohol - first offense. Brooks was ordered to pay total fine and court cost of $1,380 and to obtain a drug/alcohol evaluation and placed on one year court supervision. Brooks' license was suspended six months on April 25. The violation occurred March 6 on Admiral Parkway at Bottom Avenue; Columbia Police handled the incident. Charges of failure to signal properly, resisting arrest and illegal transportation of alcohol were dismissed.

Willard M. Hayden Jr., 56, of Columbia pleaded guilty to driving under the influence of alcohol - first offense. Hayden was ordered to pay total fine and court cost of $1,380 and to obtain a drug/alcohol evaluation and placed on one year court supervision. Hayden's license was suspended six months on March 17. The violation occurred Jan. 30 on South Main Street; Columbia Police handled the incident. Charges of failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident and failure to report an accident were dismissed.

Ann M. Hampson, 32, of  Columbia pleaded guilty to driving under the influence of alcohol - first offense. Hampson was ordered to pay total fine and court cost of $1,400 and to obtain a drug/alcohol evaluation and placed on one year court supervision. Hampson's license was suspended six months on Nov. 11. The violation occurred Oct. 11 at 2725 Overview; Columbia Police handled the incident. Charges of failure to signal properly and driving under a suspended license were dismissed.

Shaun M. Dallape, 25, of  Columbia pleaded guilty to driving under the influence of alcohol - first offense. Dallape was ordered to pay total fine and court cost of $1,380 and to obtain a drug/alcohol evaluation and placed on one year court supervision. Dallape's' license was suspended six months on March 5. The violation occurred Jan. 16 on Admiral Parkway at Valmeyer Road; Columbia Police handled the incident. Charges of failure to signal properly and improper lane usage were dismissed.

Jason P. Reid, 36, of Waterloo pleaded guilty to driving under the influence of alcohol - first offense. Reid was ordered to pay total fine and court cost of $1,380 and to obtain a drug/alcohol evaluation and placed on one year court supervision. A summary suspension of Reid's license was rescinded due to lack of probable cause. The violation occurred March 20 on Illinois 3 at Moore Street in Waterloo; the Monroe County Sheriff's Department handled the incident. A charge of improper lane use was dismissed.

Kevin R. Frazier, 19, of Oakville, Mo.  pleaded guilty to driving under the influence of alcohol - first offense. Frazier was ordered to pay total fine and court cost of $1,400 and to obtain a drug/alcohol evaluation and placed on one year court supervision. Frazier's license was suspended six months commencing May 18. The violation occurred April 1 on Illinois 3 south of T Road; the Monroe County Sheriff's Department  handled the incident. A charge of driving in the wrong lane was dismissed.

James A Ticer, 26, of Valmeyer pleaded guilty to driving under the influence of alcohol - first offense. Ticer was ordered to pay total fine and court cost of $1,455 and to obtain a drug/alcohol evaluation and given a one-year conditional discharge. Ticer's  license was suspended 12 months commencing May 5. The violation occurred March 20 on Bluff Road at Bottom Road; Columbia Police handled the incident. Charges of driving under a suspended license and speeding 69 mph in a 45 mph speed zone were dismissed.

Dean W. Wantland, 44, of St. Louis pleaded guilty to speeding 82 mph in a 45 mph speed zone. Wantland was ordered to pay total fine and court cost o $268 and placed on one year court supervision. The violation occurred March 18 on Admiral Parkway north of Mark Drive; Columbia Police handled the incident.

Dale L. Williams, 32, of Belleville pleaded guilty to driving under a suspended license. Williams was ordered to pay total fine and court cost of $508 and placed on one year court supervision. The violation occurred March 31 on Illinois 3 at Illinois 158; Columbia Police handled the incident. A charge of operating an uninsured motor vehicle was dismissed.

Mark J. Whaley, 28, of Columbia pleaded guilty to operating an uninsured motor vehicle and allowing a dog to run at large. Whaley was ordered to pay total fines and court costs of $317 and placed on one year court supervision. The violations occurred Sept. 6 in the 1000 block of South Main Street; Columbia Police handled the incident. A charge of improper operation of a motorcycle was dismissed.

Dennis A. Pashia, 31, of Dupo pleaded guilty to driving under a revoked license. Pashia was ordered to pay $90 court cost and to serve 240 hours of community service and given a one-year conditional release. The violation occurred Aug. 9 on Old Illinois 3 north of Skyline; Columbia Police handled the incident. Charges of driving under a suspended license, operating an uninsured motor vehicle and improper use of registration sticker were dismissed.

Joshua A. Aubuchon, 18, of East Carondelet pleaded guilty to failure to wear a seat belt. Aubuchon was ordered to pay total fine and court cost of $55. The violation occurred March 19 on Palmer Road; Illinois State Police handled the incident. A charge of operating an uninsured motor vehicle was dismissed.

Jeffrey J. Reynolds, 49, of Cedar Hill, Mo. pleaded guilty to driving under a revoked license. Reynolds was ordered to pay total fine and court cost of $296 and placed on one year court supervision. The violation occurred Feb. 27 on Illinois 3 at North Moore Street; Waterloo Police handled the incident.

Brian D. Laumbattus, 49, of Lensburg pleaded guilty to speeding 97 mph in a 66 mph speed zone. Laumbattus was ordered to pay total fine and court cost of $233 and placed on one year court supervision. The violation occurred Feb. 22 on Interstate 255; Columbia Police handled the incident.

Sabrina M. Busch, 23, of East St. Louis pleaded guilty to driving under a suspended license. Busch was ordered to pay total fine and court cost of $250. The violation occurred Feb. 17 on Interstate 255; Columbia Police handled the incident. A charge of operating an uninsured motor vehicle was dismissed.

Markus F. Herbeck, 17, of Columbia pleaded guilty to fleeing a police officer. Herbeck was ordered to pay total fine and court cost of $428 and placed on one year court supervision. The violation occurred March 18 on Centreville Road at Breidecker; Columbia Police handled the incident. Charges of speeding 73 mph in a 30 mph speed zone and illegal transportation of alcohol were dismissed.

Keith A. Kelley, 52, of St. Louis was found guilty of driving under a suspended license. Kelley was ordered to pay total fine and court cost of $100 and placed on year court supervision. The violation occurred Jan. 17 at 100 Veterans Dr.; Columbia Police handled the incident.

David R. Sherrell, 27, of Waterloo pleaded guilty to driving under a suspended license. Sherrell was ordered to pay total fine and court cost of $286 and placed on one year court supervision. The violation occurred Feb. 18 on Illinois 3 at Palmer Road; Illinois State Police handled the incident. A charge of operating an uninsured motor vehicle was dismissed.

George Blakey III, 28, of O'Fallon, pleaded guilty to operating an uninsured motor vehicle. Blakey was ordered to pay total fine and court cost of $212 and placed on one year court supervision. The violation occurred March 3 on Hamacher Street at Jefferson; Waterloo Police handled the incident.

 

Cole Honored As ICS Crossing Guard: Immaculate Conception School honored City Crossing Guard Jim Cole on May 4 in honor of National Crossing Guard Day.

ICS students say, “Thank you,” to crossing guard Jim Cole.

 

A Waterloo Community Blood Drive is scheduled for Tuesday, May 18, from 1:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at St. Paul UCC in Waterloo. The event is sponsored by First National Bank of Waterloo and Harrisonville Telephone Company. To schedule an appointment, call Luanne Ragland at 939-1860 or Marilynn Schaefer at 939-8360.

 

Columbia Public Library has re-opened after going extensive remodeling. Library Director Erica Pyle encourages the citizens of Columbia to stop by and visit the updates to the facility, including a new layout, an expanded front desk reception area, new furniture and additional computers with internet access.

The expanded computer section at the newly-renovated Columbia Public Library.          – photo by Bob Haentzler

 

The new book club at Morrison-Talbott Library in Waterloo has selected the name the Page Turners. At their April meeting, the 13 members discussed Chelsey Sullenberger’s book Highest Duty. The Page Turners will discuss The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield as their reading choice for their May m19 meeting. The group meets on the third Wednesday of the month at 7 p.m.

 

Hard rock band Embermorn is scheduled to play at the pavilion at Borsch Memorial Park in old Town Valmeyer on May 15 beginning at 8 p.m.

The History Museum of Monroe County has started a Facebook Page. It’s link is: http://www.facebook.com/MonroeCountyHistoryMuseum?v=app_4949752878.  The museum is hoping to get the word out about their vintage toy display which is available for viewing during their hours on Saturday and Sunday. One of their big fundraisers, the Spring Diamond Gala, is scheduled for this evening at Gallagher’s in downtown Waterloo. One lucky attendee will win a diamond.

 

The Waterloo Lions Club will offer free hearing screenings on Thursday, May 13, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Oak Hill Senior Jubilee at Turner Hall.