E-Newsletter - May 29, 2010

Boy Scout Troop 320’s Jay Hollman, Zach Hennes and Andrew Veit put up American Flags Thursday along Main Street in downtown Columbia in preparation for Memorial Day Weekend.        – photo by John Idoux

Several events are scheduled for the upcoming Memorial Day holiday, including ceremonies on Monday, May 31, in Columbia, Waterloo, Valmeyer, Renault and Hecker. Renault’s ceremony begins at 10 a.m. at the Studt Cemetery on Kaskaskia Road across the road from Holy Cross Lutheran Church on the north end of Renault.

In Hecker, the Memorial Day ceremony takes place at 9:30 a.m. at the St. Augustine Catholic Church Cemetery off of Route 156 on the west end of the village. If it is raining, the ceremony will be moved to the Hecker Community Center. The event will kick off and conclude with flyovers by eight vintage aircraft. Other highlights include a patriotic reading by a John Wayne impersonator, a dove release and guest speakers Louann Mattern of the Daughters of the American Revolution and Illinois Supreme Court Judge Lloyd Karmeier. A Vietnam Veterans motorcycle club will also be in attendance and local veterans, both living and deceased, of all U.S. wars will be recognized. Musical performances will be provided by Steve “Elvis” Davis and Tracy and Jason Herring. The colors will be presented by Boy Scout Troop 323 of Waterloo and the Smithton Knights of Columbus.

The Valmeyer American Legion will host a Memorial Day program beginning at 10 a.m. at the Post Hall. The guest speaker will be ROTC Cadet Spencer Alexander who is attending the University of Missouri. All in attendance are invited inside the hall following the ceremony for refreshments and snacks served by the Ladies Auxiliary.

The Waterloo VFW and American Legion Posts join together for their Memorial Day program. It will begin at 11 a.m. at the Monroe County Courthouse lawn. If it is raining, the event will move into the Waterloo VFW Hall. The guest speaker will be Major Charles Scott Geringer, budget analyst for the Air Mobility Command at Scott Air Force Base. Musical selections will be provided by the Waterloo Municipal Band.

Columbia American Legion Post 581 will pay tribute to one of the community’s World War II casualties during its annual Memorial Day program, Monday, May 31. The Legion will recognize Lt. Cmdr. August Frederick Weinel during its 11 a.m. program. Weinel was killed in action with the rest of his crew when the USS Cisco he was commanding sunk off the coast of Japan. The submarine was declared missing Nov. 16, 1943. Lt. Cmdr. Weinel was subsequently declared killed in action along with the rest of the crew in 1946. A Columbia native, Weinel graduated first in his class at the United States Naval Academy in 1936. He attended Columbia Grade School, Dupo High School and spent two years at Westminster College in Fulton, Mo. before heading to Annapolis. Among numerous other honors, he was named a Rhodes Scholar. He was born Oct. 6, 1914 the son of the late Fredric and Elizabeth (Daoust) Weinel. His father was the owner and operator of the August F. Weinel Lumber Co. Prior to his death, Weinel had been awarded the Silver Star and the Purple Heart. He was survived by his wife Elizabeth and three children, William, Thomas and Eleanor. Edna Dell Weinel, a first cousin, will present a tribute during the program. His daughter Eleanor is also expected to attend. The program is free and open to the public.

Cmdr. August Frederick Weinel

Poppy Days Coming Up: The Columbia American Legion and Waterloo VFW, along with their Ladies Auxiliaries, will be participating in Poppy Days. It will be observed in Columbia on Friday, May 28. In Waterloo, their VFW and Auxiliary will be out and out at intersections on Saturday, June 5. Donations are accepted, but not required.

“In addition, the Waterloo VFW will have a yard sale on June 5 from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. to benefit area veterans’ programs,” said Waterloo VFW Post Commander Stefanie Kirksey.

When you see a Legion members handing out the little red poppies, it is to remind Americans that millions have sacrificed their lives and health to keep our nation free. The poppy grew wild on the battlefields of Flanders and became a fixture in the minds of the American doughboys fighting in the European field during World War I. It has since become a symbol of the sacrifice which they endured. American soldiers brought home that image and were joined by the Auxiliary members to plant the flower, which has bloomed every spring for the past 70 years.

Katie Dickerson of Columbia gives a Poppy Day donation to Columbia American Legion member Ed Trotsky.

Maeystown Homecoming Is This Friday And Saturday

Members of the Clovers 4H toss more than 300 rubber ducks from the Old Rock Bridge in Maeystown into the Maeystown Creek during last year’s 4-H fundraiser. The event is part of the annual Maeystown Homecoming. Each duck was numbered and raced to the finish line near the old restaurant. Last year’s winner was the Leland Mueller family. Proceeds are donated by the 4H club to underprivileged families.            – photo by Gage Wienhoff

Monroe County’s picnic season kicks off this weekend with the Maeystown Homecoming on Friday and Saturday and Columbia’s Maifest on Sunday.

The Maeystown Homecoming, held at the Civic Association Park, features food and music both evenings. “Friday features fish and Saturday we’ll have fried chicken plates,” said Civic Association Secretary Mark Bundy, who added that they’ll be serving brats, pork steaks and hamburgers both nights.

“And don’t forget about the cold beer and soda, along with rides and games for both kids and adults,” he added.

Rock N’ Roll musical entertainment will be provided nightly from 8:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. Friday features Aftershock, while Fountain Creek headlines on Saturday.

One of the highlights of the homecoming is the parade on Saturday beginning at 6 p.m. Featured in the parade will be the fire trucks, Bud Light Brigade, Krazy Klowns and Shriner’s Brass Band.

“Children always get lots of candy, so make sure to bring along a bag or two,” said Bundy.

Those wishing to be in the parade, call Bundy at 458-6930 or Carla (Schepers) Coats 458-5633 or just show up at 5:30 p.m. by the church at the top of the hill. “The parade is an easy walk or ride – it’s all downhill from the start,” said  Bundy.

The Washer Tournament begins at 1 p.m. on Saturday. Those wishing to participate should show up before hand to sign up. The duck race along the creek begins at 4 p.m.

Columbia’s annual Maifest is this Sunday, May 30, from 12 noon to 6 p.m. at A.C. Metter Park (between the library and Turner Hall.) The annual fest celebrating the town’s German heritage features music, food and beverages. Musical entertainment will be provided by Two Star Final from 12 noon to 4 p.m. and rock band Crosswind from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Sports Update:

The Waterloo Lady Bulldogs softball team (12-14) will host Mater Dei on Saturday in the championship game of the Waterloo Regional. The Gibault softball team (25-5) heads south today to play Johnson City today at 4:30 p.m. in the opening round of the Carterville Sectional. It is a continuation of a game began last night but called off after the first half-inning because of rain. There was no score. The parents are not looking forward to the two-hour drive to Carterville.

In difficult, heavy rainy conditions, WHS girls’ track stars Alyssa Edwards and Aubree Schreder had a good performance at their trip to the IHSA State Track finals last weekend at Eastern Illinois University. Edwards placed 16th in the 800-meters, and Schreder finished in 30th position in the 3200-meter. WHS boys’ track’s Brendan Duncan and Josh Rodenberg qualified for the IHSA Class 2A State Track Meet to be held this coming weekend at EIU. In the sectional tournament, Duncan finished in second place in the discus with a length of 140' 6". Rodenberg competed in the 1600-meter and ran it in 4:38.0 to also take home the second place medal. Columbia High School will send three members of its boys’ track team to the IHSA Class 1A State Track Meet this weekend at EIU. Qualifying from last Friday’s Nashville Sectional are Brad Morr (800-meter), Drew Spargo (3200-meter) and Alex Starek (shot put).

Waterloo High School tennis doubles-team of Wils Hawn and Adam Borgschulte lost to strong teams from Olney and Oak Park in the state tournament Thursday in Chicago.

Waterloo catcher Maddie Mercer attempts to tag out Althoff base runner Shannon Miller during the first round of the Waterloo Class 3A Regional. On a close call, the umpire called Miller safe at home, but the Lady Bulldogs went on to defeat Althoff 7-5 to advance to play Mater Dei (20-10) on Saturday at 11 for the regional title.

Waterloo High School tennis players Adam Borgschulte, left, and Wils Hawn lost Thursday to teams from Olney and Oak Park in the IHSA state tournament in Chicago.      – photo by Martha Hawn

Waterloo High School Ready For Tonight’s Graduation

WHS graduating seniors showed up at 8 a.m. this morning at the football field to practice for this evening’s commencement ceremony. It begins at 8 p.m., and the weather today appears to be cooperating, with little or no chance for rain and low humidity.

Parkview Pre-K To 2 Teachers Make The Move To Newly Renovated Eagleview

Parkview teachers unload their supplies from a trailer and carrying them into their newly renovated classrooms at Eagleview Elementary.         – photo by Dayne Wittenbrink

By Dayne Wittenbrink

Columbia early childhood, kindergarten and first grade teachers moved Monday, May 24 from Parkview Elementary to the newly renovating Eagleview Elementary, the former site of the old Columbia Middle School / Unit Building. “We are very excited about the move and anticipate the upcoming school year,” said teacher Kay Furkin. “The building is beautiful and the renovations were done wonderfully.”

Teacher Denise Cogo was very pleased with the transformation of the structure. “Anyone in the community who was familiar with the old Unit School Building wouldn’t recognize it now,” she said. “There will be a new playground installed this summer and the interior is colorful, playful and age appropriate.” Eagleview Elementary will continue to undergo renovation this summer until the school year begins later this year.

Debbie Conrod, Linda Schmersahl and a few others said they started their teaching careers at the old Unit School Building, transferred to Parkview and are now returning to continue teaching the community’s smallest scholars at Eagleview. Angie Barnett (first grade teacher), Brent Mueller (physical education teacher) and Brad Langrapf (vice-principal of Parkview and Eagleview) grew up in Columbia and all attended the old Unit School Building from kindergarten through their eighth grade year.

Columbia Superintendent Ed Settles expressed his heart-felt thanks to the infantry of Parkview teachers and the calvary from other Unit 4 schools which helped move all the items to Eagleview. “A great number of items were moved on an extremely hot summer day,” said Settles. “Kudos to all that helped. This greatly saved a great deal of transition time.”

Fort de Chartres Rendezvous Is Next Weekend

The 40th annual Fort de Chartres Rendezvous is scheduled for June 5 and 6 at the historic fort located in rural Prairie du Rocher. This is the Midwest’s largest gathering of 1700s era soldiers, settlers, traders and campers. The Rendezvous is free and open to the public. There is a charge for parking. The event features military units, traditional craft demonstrations, pirates, period music and dancing, black powder shooting events and cannon firings. In addition there are numerous food and beverage stands.

Each day’s activities begin at 10 a.m. with the Opening Ceremony and Posting of Colours. The Retreat Ceremony ends the activities at 4:30 p.m. An 18th century military tactical demonstration (mock battle) takes place at 2 p.m. each day, and the French Marines of Fort de Chartres will perform the Fort Toulouse Drill at 11 a.m. A dance for all participants and visitors will be held Saturday from 8 to 10 p.m. at the fort.

Monroe Countians should be on the lookout for Columbia Alderman Jim Agne who will be demonstrating the wooden items he makes with his antique cutting-lathe. He has been participating in the Rendezvous since the first one 40 years ago. The String Connection Band will be playing from 10:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. on both days. The band features recent Gibault grad Jennifer Clerc, who teaches violin at Zarkie Music in downtown Columbia.

A complete timetable of events scheduled for the Rendezvous is at the Fort’s website: www.ftdechartres.com. The event is cosponsored by the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency, Les Coureur de Bois de Fort de Chartres and Save Illinois History.

A Memorial Day Service will take place Monday, May 31, beginning at 9:30 a.m. at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church Cemetery in Madonnaville.

A video featuring a seven-minute home movie of the Waterloo Homecoming Parades in 1947 and 1967 has been posted on the YouTube. The movies were taken by Lettie Noelke. To view, click on the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3W2QuPyajvE.

A Columbia Community Blood Drive will take place Tuesday, June 8, from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m., at Turner Hall. Homemade cookies and refreshments will be served. To make an appointment, call 618-281-6941. Walk-ins are also welcome. The Red Cross currently has a shortage of the type O blood group, the “universal blood type.”

The annual Ainad Shrine Circus will be at the Monroe County Fairgrounds in Waterloo on Monday, June 7 at 7:30 p.m.

The Columbia Public Library is gearing up for their ninth annual car show on Friday, June 11, from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. The rain date is Saturday, June 12, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Besides the vehicles, there will be games, free hot dogs and soda, attendance prizes and a book sale. The library will begin accepting donated books on June 1 to either be added to their collection or to be sold at the upcoming book sale which runs June 10 -12.

Porta Westfalica Fest Planned For June 15 In Downtown Waterloo

The 30th annual Waterloo Porta Westfalica Festival is scheduled for Tuesday, June 15 in downtown Waterloo. The event celebrates Waterloo partnership with its sister city in Porta Westfalica, German. Food, beverage and game stands open at 4 p.m. and the parade begins at 6 p.m.

The parade theme is “You can always tell a German!” featuring all floats having a German theme.

“Get creative!  The more lederhosen we see the better,” said Debbie Ruggeri of the Waterloo Chamber of Commerce. “We hope to see a lot of lederhosen, hats with feathers, and flags, streams, flyers and balloons featuring traditional German colors.”

A new rule is this year is that floats cannot simply be trucks with a business nameplate on the side. The Grand Marshal Float will lead the parade and carry many of the Grand Marshals from the past Porta Westfalica parades, including John Huetsch. He was the mayor of Waterloo in 1980 who signed the proclamation with the German officials establishing the partnership. The parade route starts at Gibault Catholic High School at 6 p.m. and head up Columbia Avenue before turning right on Main Street at Peterstown House. After passing the courthouse grounds, the parade will turn right on Third Street and end at the SPPS Grade School.

Also new this year is a special viewing area for a birds-eye view of the parade. Reserve tables seat eight people for $50 and include souvenir glasses. Armbands for rides will be available at all local banks prior to the festival.

As always, there will be plenty of food and beverages served at the festival. Menu items include German potato pancakes, bratwursts, pork steaks and ribeyes sandwiches. “And don’t forget to visit the Bier Garten and Wine Platz for plenty of authentic German spirits,” said Ruggeri.

Music will be provided by the Waterloo German Band, Waterloo Municipal Band, New Hanover Deutchmeisters and Bud Light Brigade. Kids’ ride armbands are now available at all local banks for $17 or $20 on the day of the Fest. An entire street of inflatable blow-up rides will be lined along Mill Street next to the courthouse.

For parade reservations, email Jared Nobbe at jnobbe@wmnobbe.com; vendors - Yvonne Dehner, yvonnewaterloo@aol.com; reserved tables - Debbie Ruggeri, chamber@htc.net; one-hour work-shifts - Sharon Hirstein, shirstein@fnbwaterloo.com or Lisa Meegan at lisameegan@remax.net.  

The Waterloo Porta Westfalica Festival is hosted by three local Sister Cities of Porta-loo, the Chamber of Commerce and the Lions club. 

Monroe County’s unemployment rate of 7.5 percent (as of April, 2010) is the lowest in the Metro-East, reports the Illinois Department of Employment Security. The Metro-East average is 9.9 percent for the month of April. Monroe County’s rate fell from 9.7 percent in March. The April rates in neighboring counties include 9.2 percent in Randolph and 10.6 percent in St. Clair.

Recent Obituary

Leta Rae Bauer, 76, of Ruma, died Tuesday, May 25, 2010 at Red Bud Regional Hospital. She was born March 7, 1934 in Modoc, the daughter of the Leo and Burnet (nee Brown) Robert. She married Gilbert Bauer in 1953 in Red Bud. In addition to her husband, Mrs. Bauer is survived by her sons, Keith (Cindy) Bauer, Bruce (Mary) Bauer, James (Kathy) Bauer and David (Joy) Bauer of Red Bud and Tony (Amy) Bauer of Ruma; a brother, Leo Roy (Irene) Robert of Red Bud; special aunt, Lu Cowell of Red Bud; and grandchildren Joe, Jason, Justin, Megan, Alex, Michelle, Sarah, Chase, Hunter, Stefan and Erica; along with four great-grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren; nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and friends. Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by a son, Steven Bauer. Leta Rae worked for a short time at First State Bank in Red Bud and then was employed for 27 years as the head cook at Red Bud Elementary School. She was a very active member of St. Patrick Catholic Church in Ruma, was an avid quilter at church and catered many meals at the parish center over the past 10 years. In addition, Leta Rae enjoyed taking her grandkids shopping and spending time with her family and friends. Visitation was at Welge-Pechacek Funeral Home in Red Bud. Funeral was at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Ruma with Msgr. Dennis Schaefer, Father Clyde Grogan and Father John J. Joyce officiating. Mrs. Bauer will be buried at the church’s cemetery. Memorials may be made to her church or Hospice of Southern Illinois.

Clarification of story printed in Wednesday’s E-Newsletter regarding the May 17 Columbia City Council meeting:

Submitted by Alderman Candace Hejna…

 Alderman Ebersohl called for a fire committee meeting under the agenda item Fire Report which is given by Chief Roediger. Alderman Ebersohl stated he would like to discuss the Foreign Fire Tax expenditures.  Alderman Oberkfell and Alderman Hejna inquired why a committee was being called to discuss the tax? He stated he had some questions and rather than take up time in the meeting he would address it in committee.  Alderman Agne also stated he had some questions about the expenditures. The foreign fire tax board was established by Ordinance #2669 on July 21, 2008.    The Foreign Fire Board that was established controls the monies and expenditures from the Foreign Fire Tax. The city has no control over the board or what they do with the monies.  There is state statute the board must follow when it comes to expending their monies.  A Committee Chairman should and can call a committee anytime they wish, it was just surprising, as this has not been a subject discussed for quite a long time. 

The Mayor does not assign committees or their chairman.  There was also quite a bit of discussion on several committees.  Alderman Stumpf inquired about an Economic Development Committee. The final vote was Row, Hejna and Oberkfell voted No and Stumpf voted present. 

I stated anyone would stand up for themselves when they are singled out for an attack by the Mayor. If you don't vote in lock step with the Mayor he accuses you of being unwilling to "work together."  Furthermore I did not state in open meeting that "I objected to having been removed as Chair of Finance Committee because I did my job. They didn't like me scrutinizing the bills and inquiring about expenditures.” This comment should never have been printed.

Candace Hejna

Alderman Ward 4