Today's News - May 25, 2010

Colman House Update: Wells Fargo, the bank which holds the foreclosed mtg. Has purchased the Coleman home for just over $256,000.  There were no other individuals present to offer a bid.

The Coleman house in Columbia is to be offered for sale today at 1 p.m. by the bank in a foreclosure auction at the back (Market Street circle drive) entrance of the Monroe County Courthouse. The home is the site where Sheri Coleman and her sons Gavin and Garett were found murdered on May 5, 2009. Sheri’s husband the boys’ father, Christopher Coleman, was arrested May 19, 2009 and charged with three counts of first degree murder. He has pleaded not guilty to the charges, but is being detained at the Monroe County Jail without bond awaiting his trial. State’s Attorney Kris Reitz is seeking the death penalty in the trial scheduled to begin this coming October.

In the foreclosure judgment earlier this year, mortgage holder Wells Fargo listed Christopher Coleman has the sole owner and owed $247,026.44. The home was initially purchased in 2005 by Christopher and Sheri Coleman for $212,000. Several months prior to her death, Sheri Coleman’s name was removed from the ownership of the property. Because this is a foreclosure sale, Illinois law dictates that this auction must be handled as an as-is sale, meaning potential buyers do not legally have the right to inspect the home.

Speculation abounds throughout Monroe County this past week as to whether or not the home will sell for the mortgage price, a much lower figure or if anyone at all will purchase the residence. Results of the auction will be posted in an E-newsletter later today.

Columbia Police Chief Joe Edwards, left, and an FBI agent enter the Coleman home in the Columbia Lakes subdivision earlier this year as part of their ongoing investigation into the murder of Sheri Coleman and her two sons.

Columbia Falls To Freeburg In Regional Title: Columbia and Freeburg battled each other Monday evening in an exciting slugfest for the Red Bud Regional title. In a match-up that almost seemed like it was a made for television drama, Columbia coach Keith Jany led his team against his former high school coach, and still the current Freeburg coach, Fred Blumberg. To make the match up even more interesting, Blumberg is retiring at the end of this season, and prior to the game was sitting at 499 wins.

Columbia jumped out to a 2-0 lead after four innings, but Freeburg came roaring back in the sixth as Tyler Adamson blasted a towering grand slam over the right field fence. Columbia, now trailing 4-2, pushed across 5 runs in the bottom of the inning and appeared to have the game in hand with a 7-4 lead. But in the top of the seventh inning, Columbia struggled on the mound and in the field as Freeburg plated eight runs, four of which from a Nick Koesterer grand slam.

Columbia's Tyler Warren (11) is out while attempting to steal home in the fifth inning as Freeburg catcher Billy Menn applies the tag. Columbia batter Kyle Breitenstein, left, dives out of the way of the play.           – photo by Bob Haentzler-game photos at www.gatewayphoto.net

Freeburg's Tyler Adamson shows nearly perfect form as he launches a grand slam in the fifth inning to help Freeburg defeat Columbia 12-8.             – photo by Bob Haentzler-game photos at www.gatewayphoto.net

Columbia Arrests Swansea Man Attempting To Steal From Market Place: The Columbia Police Department arrested an individual who attempted to shop lift items and return the groceries for cash from the Market Place grocery store Monday afternoon. A Market Place manager had stopped an individual exiting the store who is believed to have shoplifted several items. The manager detained the individual, Richard Portwood of Swansea and contacted the Columbia Police Department. As officers arrived, a person suspected to be an accomplice fled the scene in a get-away vehicle.

Portwood, 32, was arrested, transported to the Monroe County Jail and charged with retail theft and possession of a stolen vehicle. With the assistance of the Monroe County Sheriff's Department and the Illinois State Police, Columbia police officers were able to track down the second suspect in a vehicle matching the description of the get-away car parked near the old back entrance to the Oerter Soccer Fields off of Southport Drive. 

The second suspect has not yet been charged, but the CPD is continuing their investigation as to this person’s role in the attempted shoplifting.

“The Market Place staff did a great job realizing what was taking place and immediately contacting us,” said Columbia Deputy Police Chief Jerry Paul.  

The Columbia Police Department is also seeking two suspects believed to be behind a recent series of vehicle break-ins. Several individuals have reported their windows being broken in their cars and trucks and items stolen from inside. “We have identified two suspects and are seeking warrants for their arrests,” said Columbia Police Chief Joe Edwards.

Edwards reminds the public it is important never to leave any items of value in plain view in their vehicles, even if they are only going to be away for a short period of time. “It only takes seconds for individuals to break out a window and take property without being seen,” Edwards added. “Also, please report any suspicious vehicles or individuals to the police immediately. I would like to thank the public for the support they give the police department when investigating these types of crimes.” 

Recent Obituary

Hulda Ida Wink, nee Nobbe, 98, of Waterloo, died May 23, 2010 in Waterloo. She was born May 11, 1912, the daughter of the late Fred and Amalia (nee Rabbermann) Nobbe. Mrs. Wink is survived by her niece, Nancy Frank; foster grandchildren, Alan, Larry, Virgil and AnnaBeth Horn; along with nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, Erwin E. Wink; daughters Irene Wink and Irene Wink; and brothers Arthur “Hans” Nobbe, Roy Nobbe and Otto Nobbe. Mrs. Wink was a member of St. Paul United Church of Christ in Columbia, the Monroe County Historical Society, Monroe County Home Extension’s Evening Homemakers and the Columbia Senior Citizens. Visitation is Tuesday, May 25, from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Quernheim Funeral Home. Funeral is Wednesday, May 26, at 10 a.m. at the funeral home with Pastor Kristofer Avise-Rouse officiating. Mrs. Wink will be buried at Kolmer Memorial Cemetery in Waterloo. Memorials may be made to the Elevating St. Paul Fund, Southern Illinois Hospice or the Monroe County Historical Society.