E-Newsletter - June 18, 2010

The Southwest Illinois Flood Prevention District awarded a contract for the mandated levee upgrade project to AMEC Earth and Environmental Inc. during Wednesday’s meeting of the council in Collinsville. AMEC was chosen for the project from among three consulting firms who responded to a request-for-qualifications for levee system design services between Alton and Columbia. Tetra Tech and Jacobs Engineering Group, Inc. also presented proposals.

During Wednesday’s board meeting, the council also agreed to pursue the issuance of sales tax revenue bonds - Build America Bonds and Economic Recovery Bonds to fund the first phase of the three-county levee repair project. The estimated cost of the project is $170 million, considerably below earlier estimates of as much as $500 million. The first of several bond issues to fund the project will be $50 to $70 million, scheduled to be issued later this summer. Monroe Countians attending the meeting included Monroe County Flood Protection District council members John Conrad, Bruce Brinkman and Dave Baxmeyer; County Commissioner Terry Liefer; County Coordinator Linda Lehr; Columbia Mayor Kevin Hutchinson; County Treasurer Kevin Koenigstein; Craig Brauer of Thouvenot, Wade and Moerchen Inc.; and Jack Norman, student of government.

Monroe County Commissioner Terry Liefer, right, discusses the region’s levee situation with Southwestern Illinois Flood District Council members Dave Baxmeyer, left, and Bruce Brinkman who, along with John Conrad, represent Monroe County on the council.

The Morrison-Talbott Library Benefit Golf Tournament was held today at the Waterloo County Club.

Happy after birdying Waterloo Country Club’s sixth hole during the Morrison-Talbott Golf Tournament are, left to right, Rose Sturgeon, Waterloo alderman Vicki Koerber, Linda Sergesketter, and Toni Mitchell.

The Illinois Department of Transportation will hold a public information meeting Wednesday, June 23, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., at Waterloo City Hall to discuss their plans to widen Route 3 to four lanes from North Market to South Market Streets. IDOT officials will be accepting input and questions from residents. For additional information, call 618-346-3157.

Former Waterloo Police Chief Joe Brauer has moved back to Waterloo after spending the past few years as the police chief of Lebanon, Mo. He and Pam Veath have moved into a home on Hamacher Street and they are looking forward to running into old friends back in Waterloo.

The Monroe County Pork Producers report several hundred bratwursts were sold Tuesday during the annual Porta Westfalica Festival. The officers kept a close eye on the grill throughout the evening and were happy it was not stolen from the grounds this year, like it was last year by two individuals. If you remember, Waterloo and county officers were able to track down the grill and the bandits, partly in fact, by following a trail of grease along Route 156.

Grilling bratwursts at the Porta Westfalica Festival on Tuesday in Waterloo are, left to right, Randy Floarke, Roger Schaefer, George Obernagel and Kenny Valentine.           – photo by Bob Haentzler

Columbia And Waterloo Swim Meet: The Waterloo Piranhas will head to Columbia’s Bath and Tennis Club this Wednesday, June 23 to take on the rival Hurricane’s in a conference swim meet.

The Spring Adult League wrapped up their season Wednesday evening WSA Jaycee Ball Diamonds in Waterloo with their end of year tournament. Both the men’s and women’s teams who won first place in the regular season took home the tournament championship trophies. The Awesomes with a record of 13-1 won the women’s division and on top of the men’s division was Sidebar Technology at 12-2. In honor of the movie A League of Their Own, The Awesomes wore skirts during the tournament. The ladies called the championship tournament the dirt in the skirt game.

Celebrating their first place finish are Tiny’s The Awesomes teammates, left to right, Erin Oglesby, Jenn Green, Stephanie Gillum, Michele Green, Carrie Rodenberg and Christine Kaiping; and second row, Chrissy Sperduto, Missy Rednour, Sarah Happel, Coach Eric Zucha; Katie Waldron and Kris Juelfs. .

The Awesomes Missy Rednour slugs a single in the team’s championship game victory.

The Sidebar Technology men’s softball team celebrates their first place finish in the Waterloo men’s division.

WHS Ball Players Named To All-Conference Team: The Mississippi Valley conference announced this week the All-Conference Baseball team and the Waterloo Bulldogs were well represented, including first team, Jake Degener, first base; Second team, Matt Berry, pitcher; Lucas Wetzler, catcher, Nick Fannon, second base; and Aron Aycock, outfield.

St. Paul UCC of Columbia will have an open house Sunday, June 27 for their new addition. A dedication service will be at 10:30 a.m. on their Bottom Avenue parking lot followed by a reception lasting until 2 p.m. A central goal of the million-dollar project was to make the facility more accessible to all individuals. The new addition includes full-service elevator serving the three Primary floors of the church and parish center. The addition also includes a renovated youth space, a new fine arts room, in addition to other renovations to the church. This expansion will allow the congregation to continue expanding its ministries in the decades to come,” said Pastor Bob Goddard.

Monroe County Court Report

The following  cases were adjudicated the week of June 14 in Monroe County Circuit Court in Waterloo, Judge Dennis Doyle presiding:
Chrisandra L. Buman, 18, of Waterloo pleaded guilty to illegal sale of alcohol to a minor. Buman was ordered to pay total fine and court cost of $822 and placed on one year court supervision. The violation occurred May 6 at 209 S. Market St.; Waterloo Police handled the incident.

William C. McMillen, age unknown, of Waterloo pleaded guilty to two charges of no valid license. McMillen was ordered to pay total fines and court costs of $386 and placed on three months court supervision. The violations occurred May 27 on Moore Street at Columbia Avenue; Waterloo Police handed the incident.

Mary A. Huebner, 18, of Waterloo pleaded guilty to driving under a suspended license. Huebner was ordered to pay total fine and court cost of $403. The violation occurred June 12 at 7051 Illinois 156; the Monroe County Sheriff's Department handled the incident. Charges of no valid registration, operating an uninsured motor vehicle and an additional charge of driving under a suspended license was dismissed.

Keith M. England, 49, of O'Fallon, Ill. pleaded guilty to driving under a revoked license. England was ordered to pay $80 court cost, to perform 2450 hours of community service and given a one-year conditional discharge. The violation occurred May 18 on Palmer Road at Illinois 3; Columbia Police handled the incident. A charge of operating an uninsured motor vehicle was dismissed.

Lauren M. Dietz, 21, of Fults pleaded guilty to illegal sale of alcohol to a minor. Dietz was ordered to pay total fine and court cost of $812 and placed on one year court supervision. The violation occurred May 6 at 207 Bradford Lane; the Monroe County Sheriff's Department handled the incident.

Amber J. Polacek, 35, of Valmeyer pleaded guilty to driving under a revoked license. Polacek was ordered to pay total fine and court cost of $250. The violation occurred May 15 on Illinois 156 at Meyer; Valmeyer Police handled the incident. A charge of operating an uninsured motor vehicle was dismissed.

Thomas M. Rachels, 38, of Columbia pleaded guilty to operating an uninsured motor vehicle. Rachels was ordered to pay total fine and court cost of $212 and placed on one year court supervision. The violation occurred May 19 on Admiral Parkway at Hill Castle; Columbia Police handled the incident. A charge of improper use of registration was dismissed.

Gary E. Busby, 58, of Columbia pleaded guilty to disorderly conduct (dumping on private property.) Busby was ordered to pay total fine and court cost of$272 and placed on one year court supervision. The violation occurred April 8 in the 1200 block of DD Road; the Monroe County Sheriff's Department handled the incident.

Valmeyer High School’s FFA was named the 2010 State of Illinois’ Outstanding Agriculture Program. Ag advisor Howard Heavner accepted the award June 15 at the Illinois Agriculture Teacher’s Banquet. It was presented by the National Association of Agricultural Educators to recognizes the nation’s most successful agricultural education programs. VHS will now compete against other winners from surrounding states and have the opportunity to be named the 2010 Region IV NAAE Outstanding High School Ag Ed Program. Regional winners will receive a cash award and expense paid trip to attend the 2010 NAAE convention in Las Vegas, Nev.

Valmeyer Ag Advisory Howard Heavner, right, accepts the Illinois Outstanding Agriculture Program award from IAVAT President Mark Wildman.

Recent Obituaries

Roland C. Schmidt, 91, of Columbia, died June 12, 2010 at Oak Hill Care Center in Waterloo. He was born Sept. 4, 1918, in Columbia, the son of the late Richard and Clara (Wenkel) Schmidt. He married Esther (Mehrtens) Schmidt in 1949 in Columbia. In addition to his wife, Mr. Schmidt is survived by a daughter, Angela (Michael) Buchana of Columbia; son, Aaron Schmidt of Columbia; grandchildren LeAnn (Matthew) Wilke, Chelsea Sackman, Molly Buchana, Haley Buchana, Angela Schmidt and Cierra Smith; and a great-grandchild, Jackson Lawal. He was also preceded in death by a sister, Dorothy Wilke. Mr. Schmidt was a decorated Army veteran of World War II. He retired as an electrician with Midwest Rubber in Sauget. Visitation is Tuesday, June 15, from 12 noon to 2 p.m. at Lawlor Funeral Home. A funeral will immediately follow with Pastor Bob Goddard officiating. Mr. Schmidt will be buried at the Evangelical St. Paul Cemetery in Columbia. Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer's Association of St. Louis.

Robert J. Schilling, 83, of Millstadt, formerly of Valmeyer, died June 17, 2010 in Belleville. He was born January 3, 1927, the son of the late Martin and Louise (nee Einwich) Schilling. Mr. Schilling is survived by his wife, Elsie J. Schilling, nee Tylka; children Robert Paul (Debbie) Schilling, Barbara Ann Gaubert and Dennis (Dorothy) Schilling; 10 grandchildren and great-grandchildren; sisters Irene (Vernon) Heine, Myrtle Laurent and Maydell (John) Huetsch; and a brother, Leroy Schilling; along with step-children, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Helen (nee Mechler) Schilling; and son-in-law, Richard Gaubert. Mr. Schilling was a member of SS. Peter and Paul Church in Waterloo. Visitation is Friday, June 18, 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Quernheim Funeral Home. Funeral is Saturday, June 19, 10 a.m. at the funeral home with Pastor Matt Friz officiating. Mr. Schilling will be buried at SS Peter and Paul Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Irene H. Sickmeier, nee Heller, 88, of Waterloo, died June 17, 2010 in Red Bud. She was born July 29, 1921, the daughter of the late Joseph and Ernestine (nee Schleifer) Heller. Mrs. Sickmeier is survived by her children, Norma (Robert) Coffel, Gloria Sickmeier Goddard, Jerry Sickmeier, Gail Ray (friend Brian Springton), Steven (Carolyn) Sickmeier, Lynn (Craig) Yearous and Roger (Angie) Sickmeier; 9 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren, 2 step-grandchildren, 3 step-great-grandchildren; and sister-in-law, Verna Heller; along with nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Monroe O. Sickmeier; brothers William and Albert Heller; sisters Lydia Mueller, Emma Harms, Frieda Mennerich and Anna Heller; and son-in-law Donald Goddard. Mrs. Sickmeier was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church. Visitation is Sunday, June 20, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Quernheim Funeral Home. Funeral is Monday, June 21, at 11 a.m. at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Waterloo with Pastor Matt Clark officiating. Mrs. Sickmeier will be buried at the Waterloo City Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society or Family Hospice.

Adelia E. Stunkel, nee Lindhorst, 96, formerly of Wood River, died June 17, 2010 in New Athens. She was born Feb. 25, 1914, the daughter of the late John L. and Elizabeth C. (nee Mirgain) Lindhorst. Mrs. Stunkel was married to the late Edwin Stunkel. Mrs. Stunkel is survived by a daughter, Janice (Charles) Schmidt of Marissa; grandson, Gary (Mindy) Schmidt of Waterloo; great-grandchildren Isabella Marie Schmidt and Brayden Mathew Schmidt; and a sister, Viola Spicer of Granite City; along with other relative and friends. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by sisters Dina Lindhorst, Bertha Schneider and Rose Eberhart; brothers Emil, Edwin, Heinrich, John, Arthur and Charlie Lindhorst. Adelia was a member of Eden United Church of Christ. Visitation is Friday, June 18, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., at Lawlor Funeral Home in Columbia. Funeral is Saturday, June 19, at 11 a.m. at the funeral home with Rev. Gail Geisel officiating. Mrs. Stunkel will be buried at Evangelical St. Paul Cemetery in Columbia. Memorials may be made to Eden Church, the Alzheimer’s Association or Passages Hospice.

Charles L. Yarbrough, 80, of Waterloo, died June 18, 2010 in Waterloo. He was born Feb. 17, 1930, the son of the late Charles and Minerva (nee Nickelson) Yarbrough. Mr. Yarbrough is survived by his wife, Imogene (nee Fries) Yarbrough; son, Craig (Nancy) Yarbrough; granddaughter, Sarah A. Yarbrough; great-grandson, Easton Rayfield; and sisters Bertha (Leroy) Hoffman and Blanche (Robert) Schneider; along with sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by a son, Bruce Yarbrough; brothers Joseph, Robert, Alvin and Rolland Yarbrough; and sisters Helen Todd and Ruth Tauber. Mr. Yarbrough serves in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He was a member of St. Paul UCC in Waterloo, Metzger-Crook VFW Post 6504 and Morris Lodge 787. Visitation is Sunday, June 20, from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Quernheim Funeral Home. Funeral is June 21, at 10 a.m. at St. Paul UCC in Waterloo with Pastor David Gerth officiating. Mr. Yarbrough will be buried at St. John Cemetery in Valmeyer at a later date. Memorials may be made to his church.