E-Newsletter - July 10, 2010

 

Toon Turns Himself Into Police After State’s Attorney Issues Arrest Warrants

Illinois State Police patrol cars arrive Friday afternoon at the front of the home of James Toon of East Weilbacher Street in Columbia. When the officers arrived, he was not home, but had already left to turn himself into custody at the St. Clair County Jail.

James Toon of Columbia turned himself in to the St. Clair County Jail this afternoon. Earlier today, the St. Clair County State’s Attorney issued two warrants for his arrest stemming from an Aug. 17, 2009 accident which claimed the life of Mel Patton, also of Columbia. The State’s Attorney’s office issued warrants Friday morning, July 9 for reckless homicide and aggravated DUI. Patton, 67, was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident between Columbia and Millstadt. Passengers in his Mercury Grand Marquis, son, Deron, and granddaughter, Katlyn, were treated for injuries, but have since recovered. According to the Illinois State Police, James Toon was driving a Chrysler Limited westbound on Route 158 when he crossed into the eastbound lanes. His car collided head on with Patton’s vehicle. Toon was transported by ambulance to a hospital, but was released a few days later.

Patton was a former minor league ball player who continued his love of the game in the Mon-Clair Baseball League, where he was inducted into their Hall of Fame. He was long remembered for his entertaining play-by-play broadcasts with Art Voellinger and Gary Pieper during the Valmeyer Mid-Summer Classic and Championship Series. During this year’s baseball tournament, Chelsey Kipping broke a world record in back handsprings and dedicated her accomplishment to Mel Patton, in recognition of the support he gave her in the past. There were several special tributes to Patton during this year’s Classic.

Patton is survived by his wife, Candy, along with a daughter, Kim (Ted) Bacott of Columbia; and sons Deron Patton of Columbia and J.D. Patton of Millstadt; along with grandchildren, other  relatives and friends.

Mel Patton, center, kept the crowd entertained with his colorful commentary during this year’s Valmeyer Mid-Summer Classic baseball tournament. Visiting in the booth are Gary Pieper, left, and Mon-Clair League President Dave Powell.

Members of Mel Patton’s family gather on the Luhr’s Field for the singing of the National Anthem prior to the start of the championship game of the Mid-Summer Classic.

 

Columbia Mayor Averts Political Fight As He Passes On Fire Chief Appointment Ordinance - Bruckert Named New City Attorney

Terry I. Bruckert, the new Columbia city attorney

by Joe Leicht

Observers of Columbia politics could  hear the ticking start in May when at a committee meeting, Mayor Kevin Hutchinson said he wanted the position of fire chief to be subject to mayoral appointment. The mayor, however, defused the political time bomb with the deftness of a demolitions expert at the council's July 6 meeting, as he scratched an ordinance creating the appointed office of fire chief from the agenda. A half-dozen or so members of the Columbia Fire Department, including Chief Mike Roediger, attended. They heard the conciliatory words they hoped to hear from the mayor.

"The idea was that we represent the taxpayers, and taxpayers' money is running the fire department, so it would make sense that we appoint the office as we do all department heads. Somehow, this got construed as some sort of attack on Chief Roediger, which it was not and was never intended to be," Hutchinson said. The mayor said he and Roediger have had a good working relationship for the five years he has served.

"The idea wasn't to make changes, but because of the turmoil and because of the relationship I have with the chief and the fire department, I'm going to withdraw this ordinance," Hutchinson said. Roediger did not offer a comment during discussion of the issue.

The council unanimously passed a motion from Alderman Candace Hejna affirming the fire department rank and file will continue to elect their own chief, though out-going City Attorney Tom Adams said the council could re-introduce the ordinance any time it chooses. Afterward, Aldermen James Agne and Mary Ellen Niemietz defended the original intent of the ordinance to make the fire chief an appointee. Agne said the ordinance, which effectively would kept Roediger as chief, should have been viewed as an affirmation of the good work the chief has been doing.

"I thought the ordinance was very clear, concise and appropriate," said Niemietz, adding that state laws regarding policies and procedures may one day force Columbia to pass an ordinance describing the duties, responsibilities and appointment of fire chief.

Following discussion of the fire department, the council took up the matter of appointing a replacement for Adams, who announced in May his decision to retire from public practice after 34 years serving Columbia. Hutchinson tapped Terry I. Bruckert, a principal of the O'Fallon-based firm Belsheim & Bruckert, LLC. Bruckert's background is in municipal law, real estate law, Tax Increment Financing, corporate law and business/commercial litigation. Bruckert's retainer will be $3,500 per month plus additional compensation for special projects that may arise in the course of city business.

Alderman Brad Oberkfell said hiring an O'Fallon attorney did not seem in tune with the spirit of "Think Monroe First." Alderman Hejna said in hiring Bruckert, the city did not appear to be covering its bases as far as legal counsel expert in labor negotiations. Bruckert, who, like Adams, is an associate member of the Southwestern Illinois Council of Mayors, said he has represented municipalities in the 2,000- to 12,000-population range for 17 years. "Many ordinances are similar from community to community, after 17 years you get a knack for understanding municipal ordinances," Bruckert said. Aldermen Dan Row, Oberkfell and Hejna voted no on the appointment.

 

Coleman’s Attorney Request Trial Moved To Early 2011

Chris Coleman’s booking photo at the Monroe County Jail on May 19, 2009

by Bob Haentzler

A motion hearing was held Friday, July 9, at the Monroe County courthouse regarding the Chris Coleman murder trial. Coleman’s attorney, John O’Gara of Belleville, approached Judge Milton Wharton and requested the trial date be moved from Oct. 25 to sometime in January or February of 2011. “Our experts are not ready due to the volume of evidence to go over,” said O’Gara, “And because of the other cases I am currently obligated to, we just won’t be ready by the October date.” 

Reitz responded that he was not able to offer an objection to O’Gara’s claim regarding the experts not being able to process the amount of data or evidence because he is not privy to what amounts of discovery and evidence they are researching. Reitz did say his office has provided whatever has been asked of them from the defense and was not aware of any problem.

Coleman was escorted into the courtroom by three county deputies. He sat down with his attorneys and immediately looked to his right, smiling and nodding to his parents who were in attendance at the far side of the courtroom. His parents brought a notebook to take notes of the proceedings. Judge Wharton asked Coleman how he is being treated in the Monroe County Jail, to which he replied, “Very good.” The hearing was continued until Aug. 20, where the matter of moving the trial date to next year will be decided by Wharton.

 

Thomas Falk Jr., 18, of rural Waterloo was arrested early Friday morning after his 1996 Dodge Avenger went off of Route 156 just east of Foster Pond. The Illinois State Police ticketed Falk with DUI and transported him to the Monroe County Jail. He was able to post bond of $100 and is awaiting his Aug. 19 court date. According to the police report, Falk, was traveling along Route 156. Just after 2:30 a.m., his vehicle went off the roadway near the intersection of Old Orchard Lane. He was uninjured, but his vehicle had to be pulled out of the ditch by Wheat’s Towing.

 

Monroe County Court Report

The following cases were adjudicated the week of July 5 in Monroe County Circuit Court in Waterloo, Judges Brian Babka and Dennis Doyle presiding:
Amber M.  Herring, 29, of Waterloo was found guilty of battery. Herring was ordered to pay total fine and court cost of $247 and to have no contact with Amanda Purl, Jason Schmidt nor Sarah Holmen and given a one-year conditional release. The violation occurred April 16.

Dana J. Eckert, 27, of Columbia pleaded guilty to driving under a suspended license. Eckert was ordered to pay total fine and court cost of $286 and placed on one-year court supervision. The violation occurred Feb. 28 at 1000 Admiral Weinel Blvd; Columbia Police handled the incident.

Joshua T. Brown, 31, of Prairie du Rocher pleaded guilty to driving under the influence of alcohol - first offense. Brown 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. Brown's license was suspended six months on May 31. The violation occurred April 15 on Illinois 3 south of North Market Street in Waterloo; the Monroe County Sheriff's Department handled the incident. A charge of  failure to signal properly was dismissed.

Patrick J. Hunt, 58, of  Columbia pleaded guilty to driving under the influence of alcohol - first offense. Hunt was ordered to pay total fine and court cost of $1,455 and to obtain a drug/alcohol evaluation and placed on one year court supervision. A suspension of Hunt's license was rescinded for lack of probable cause. The violation occurred Sept. 10, 2009 in the 1200 block of North Main Street; Columbia Police handled the incident. Charges of improper turning, improper lane usage and no valid license were dismissed.

Kevin A. Dickneite, 48, of Valmeyer pleaded guilty to driving under the influence of alcohol - first offense. Dickneite 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. Dickneite's license was suspended six months on June 29. The violation occurred May 14 on Illinois 3 south at Gilmore Lake Road; Columbia Police handled the incident. Charges of leaving the scene of an accident and driving in the wrong lane were dismissed.

Joseph P. Muertz, 60, of Waterloo pleaded guilty to driving under the influence of alcohol - first offense. Muertz 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. Muertz's license was suspended six months on May 23. The violation occurred April 7 on Park Street at Janice Drive in Waterloo; the Monroe County Sheriff's Department handled the incident. A charge of  improper lane use was dismissed.

Tammy R. Smith, 48, of Waterloo pleaded guilty to driving under the influence of alcohol - first offense. Smith 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. Smith's license was suspended 12 months on May 12. The violation occurred April 29 on Illinois 3 at North Moore Street; Waterloo Police handled the incident. Charges of failure to signal properly and illegal transportation of alcohol were dismissed.

Aaron N. Wellman, 19, of Columbia pleaded guilty to driving under the influence of alcohol - first offense. Wellman 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. Wellman's license was suspended six months on June 30. The violation occurred May 15 on Columbia Lakes Drive at Robert Drive; Columbia Police handled the incident. Charges of failure to signal properly and operating an uninsured motor vehicle were dismissed.

Laura C. Seyler, 49, of Millstadt pleaded guilty to operating an uninsured motor vehicle. Seyler was ordered to pay total fine and court cost of $212 and placed on one year court supervision. The violation occurred June 4 on Admiral Parkway at North Main Street; Columbia Police handled the incident.

Lonnie E. Jenkins, 30, of Edwardsville pleaded guilty to operating an uninsured motor vehicle. Jenkins was ordered to pay total fine and court cost of $212 and placed on one year court supervision. The violation occurred June 4 on Interstate 255; the Monroe County Sheriff's Department Police handled the incident.

John C. Myers, 22, of Waterloo pleaded guilty to illegal possession of cannabis. Myers was ordered to pay total fine and court cost of $628 and placed on one year court supervision. The violation occurred June 19 on Sauthoff Drive in Konarcik Park; Waterloo Police handled the incident.

Shawn J. Lake, 31, of Belleville pleaded guilty to driving under a suspended license. Lake was ordered to pay total fine and court cost of $250. The violation occurred June 14 on Illinois 3 at Palmer Road;  Columbia Police handled the incident. A charge of failure to signal properly was dismissed.

William C. Hooper, 21, of St. Louis pleaded guilty to driving under a suspended license. Hooper was ordered to pay total fine and court cost of $250. The violation occurred April 14 on Interstate 255; Illinois State Police handled the incident. Charges of speeding 100 mph in a 65 mph speed zone, operating an uninsured motor vehicle and violation of vehicle classification was dismissed.

Tony J. Canman, 25, of Columbia pleaded guilty to no valid license. Canman was ordered to pay total fine and court cost of $183 and placed on three months court supervision. The violation occurred May 2 on Bluff Road at Sandbank Road; Columbia Police handled the incident.

Tyler W. Dillon, 19, of Columbia pleaded guilty to illegal transportation of alcohol. Dillon was ordered to pay total fine and court cost of $232 and placed on one year court supervision. The violation occurred June 3 in the 1100 block of North Briegel; Columbia Police handled the incident. Charges of one headlight and disobeying a stop sign were dismissed.

 

Mon-Clair Baseball League Games This Sunday

Following their busy weekend over the July 4th weekend during the Valmeyer Mid-Summer Classic, the Mon-Clair baseball teams will be back in action this weekend. Games scheduled for Sunday, July 11 are: Columbia at Valmeyer, Edwardsville at Waterloo, Millstadt at Belleville, St. Louis Spikes at Alton and the St. Louis Longhorns at Fairview Heights. All games are double headers which begin at 1:30 p.m.

 

The Waterloo Millers took home the hardware by winning the 39^th Valmeyer Mid Summer Classic. The Millers didn’t have an easy road to the title. Pitted against a good Belleville team in the first round, the Millers appeared to be in control, leading 10-4, but Belleville came roaring back and eventually tie the game in the ninth. The Millers prevailed in extra innings to escape with a 12-11 win. Waterloo then defeated Cape Girardeau, 10-2 to move into the championship game against a young and talented Fairview Heights team.

Early on it was all Fairview, as they jumped out to a 5-0 lead in the sixth inning, but Waterloo plated 5 runs in the bottom of the sixth to pull even. Both teams added a run in the seventh. An inning-ending double play in the eighth seemed to fire up the Millers and give them some momentum going into the bottom of the eighth. After Pat Miesner and Sam Wahlig singled, they advanced on a ground ball and Miesner scored the winning run from third on a wild pitch.

“I think it was a great tournament, and very well played,” said Millers’ Manager Vern Moehrs. “The crowds were fantastic. We enjoy going to Valmeyer and we really enjoy it when we win.”

Belleville won the consolation championship, defeating Millstadt 16-13 and Cape Girardeau defeated Valmeyer, 7-6 for third place.

With Fairview's Jake Bayers coming at him, Waterloo's Nick Dunning fires to first to complete an important double play during the eighth inning of the championship game of the Valmeyer Mid-Summer Classic. With the game tied 6-6, the double play ended the inning and seemed to fire up the Millers, who then scored a run in the ninth on a wild pitch and were able to close out the game in the ninth to secure the win.           - photo by Bob Haentzler of Gateway Photography / game photos at www.gatewayphoto.net

 

Current Mon-Clair Baseball League Standings

Monroe Division

Waterloo          11 – 3
Belleville           9 – 5
Millstadt            7 – 7
Valmeyer          7 – 7
Columbia          3 – 11  

St. Clair Division

Edwardsville                9 – 5
Fairview Heights          9 – 5
St. Louis Spikes          5 – 7
St. Louis Longhorns     4 – 6
Alton                            2 – 10

Leading Players:

Top ten hitters (minimum 20 ABs)

Chad Zoelzer              Edwardsville                .595
John Caulk                  Edwardsville                .564
Chris Scoggins            Alton    .                       556
Matt Howes                 St. Louis Longhorns    .550    
Ryan Dailey                St. Louis Spikes          .541
Cole Sibley                  Alton                            .519
Jay Davis                    St. Louis                      .471
Jesse Schmidt            Fairview Heights         .468
Nathan Warner           Edwardsville                .455
Drew Smith                 Belleville                      .455

Runs Scored

John Caulk                  Edwardsville                19
Nathan Warner           Edwardsville                18
Mike Tallis                   St. Louis                      17

Hits

John Caulk                  Edwardsville                31
Chad Zoelzer              Edwardsville                22
Rob Blumberg             Fairview Heights         22
Jesse Schmidt            Fairview Heights         22

Runs Batted In

John Caulk                  Edwardsville    25
Chad Zoelzer              Edwardsville    19
Jeff Schwierjon           Waterloo          18

Home Runs

Ben Thoma                 Valmeyer        7
John Caulk                  Edwardsville    5
Matt Howes                 Longhorns       5

 

Triples

Michael Hoosen          Millstadt           3
Mitch Matecki             Millstadt           3
Chad Zoelzer              Edwardsville    2
Drew Smith                 Belleville          2 

Doubles

Chad Zoelzer              Edwardsville    7
Chris Scoggins            Alton                7
Jeff Schwierjon           Waterloo          7
Jesse Schmidt            Fairview Hts.   7

Singles

John Caulk                  Edwardsville    21
Rob Blumberg             Fairview Hts.   19
Mark Tampow            Belleville          13

Stolen Bases

Michael Adamson       Fairview Hts.   11
Mike Tallis                   St. Louis          11
Mitch Matecki             Millstadt           5

Pitching

Earned Run Average (Minimum 9 innings)

Eric Haberer               Belleville                      1.27
Pat Tueth                    St. Louis Spikes          1.56
Adam Hill                    Fairview Heights         1.77
Josh Hoguet                Millstadt                       2.00
Mark Mueller               Waterloo                      2.22
Bill Hansel                   St. Louis Longhorns    2.25
Garret Rohlfing           Valmeyer                    2.25
Marcus Barriger          Belleville                      2.27
David Briesacher        Valmeyer                    2.66
Cory Blackwell            Waterloo                      2.82 

Wins

Cory Blackwell            Waterloo          4 – 0
Rob Blumberg             Fairview Hts.   4 – 1
Adam Hill                    Fairview Hts.   4 – 2

Saves

Aaron Kremmel          Millstadt           2
Alex Tate                     Spikes             2

 

Innings Pitched

Rob Blumberg             Fairview Hts.   40 1/3
Alex Kollack                Millstadt           36
Adam Hill                    Fairview Hts.   35 2/3
David Briesacher        Valmeyer        34 1/3

 

Strikeouts

Rob Blumberg             Fairview Heights         36
Adam Hill                    Fairview Heights         34
Mark Mueller               Waterloo                      32
Alex Kollack                Millstadt                       28

 

The annual Mon-Clair / Clinton County All-Star Game will be held July 15, at 7 p.m. at GCS Stadium in Sauget. Admission is $5.

Starting Players
Uniform #	Position	Name	Team	Average
12	1B	Matt Howes  (5-HR, 17-RBI)	St Louis Longhorns	0.550
21	2B	Ryan Dailey  (1-HR, 13-RBI)	St Louis Spikes	0.541
19	3B	Jesse Schmidt  (1-HR, 17-RBI)	Fairview Heights	0.468
6	SS	Chris Scoggins  (4-HR, 16-RBI)	Alton	0.556
29	LF	Drew Smith  (4-RBI)	Belleville	0.455
24	CF	Michael Adamson  (4-RBI, 11-SB)	Fairview Heights	0.429
15	RF	Chad Zoelzer  (3-HR, 19-RBI)	Edwardsville	0.595
27	C	Brad Dunnigan  (1-HR, 11-RBI)	Fairview Heights	0.380
37	DH	Brian Smith  (1-HR, 2-RBI)	Columbia	0.343
Pitchers
Uniform #	Name	Team	Record	ERA
4	Adam Hill	Fairview Heights   (starting pitcher)	4-2	1.77
1	Rob Blumberg	Fairview Heights	4-1	2.95
39	Mark Mueller	Waterloo	2-0	2.22
50	Pat Tueth	St Louis Spikes	1-0	1.56
24	Bill Hansel	St Louis Longhorns	3-1	2.25
34	David Briesacher	Valmeyer	3-1	2.66
8	Corey Blackwell	Waterloo	4-0	2.82
99	Alex Kollack	Millstadt	2-3	2.92
34	Justin Clayton	Belleville	3-2	3.94
Reserves
Uniform #	Position	Name	Team	Average
24	OF	Mike Tallis  (3-HR, 11-RBI, 11-SB)	St Louis Spikes	0.382
22	OF	Kyle Schaake  (1-HR, 7-RBI)	Edwardsville	0.436
6	OF	Mitch Matecki  (1-HR, 11-RBI, 5-SB)	Millstadt	0.366
14	C	Jay Davis  (3-HR, 14-RBI)	St Louis Spikes	0.471
24	IF	John Caulk  (5-HR, 25-RBI)	Edwardsville	0.564
4	IF	Jeff Schwierjon  (2-HR, 18-RBI)	Waterloo	0.413
22	IF	Michael Hoosen  (3-HR, 3-3B, 12-RBI)	Millstadt	0.421
Manager and Coaches
Uniform #	Name	Team	Role
2	Vern Moehers	Waterloo	Manager
20	Jack Scarborough	Edwardsville	Coach
2	Ed Emge	Fairview Heights	Coach
20	Jim Heuer	Belleville	Coach
7	Lenny Voelker	Millstadt	Coach
0	Dennis Pieper	Valmeyer	Coach
17	Doc Kleinschmidt	Columbia	Coach
46	Mike Scoggins	Alton	Coach

 

Supporters of State Rep. Dan Reitz gathered Thursday at the Acorns Golf Links in rural Waterloo for his annual fundraiser golf tournament.

Dan Reitz sinks a putt during his golf tournament Thursday at the Acorns as Lisa Bradley looks on.         

 

Preparations are underway for those participating in the upcoming Monroe County Fair, which runs July 25 through Aug. 1 at the fairgrounds along Route 156 just west of Waterloo. Volunteers are needed to help spruce up the grounds and can attend one of the Saturday work days scheduled for July 10, 17 and 24 from 8 a.m. to 12 noon. Lunch will be provided. Those with weed whackers are asked to bring them along. For more information about the upcoming fair, visit the website: http://www.monroecounty-fair.org.

Zack Wienhoff of rural Waterloo works on the engine of the car he will run in the Figure 8 Race during the Monroe County Fair.            – photo by Gage Wienhoff