E-Newsletter - July 30, 2010

 

Elvis Show Highlights Thursday Night’s Entertainment At The Fair

Steve Davis brought his Memories Of Elvis Show to the Monroe County Fair to the delight of all in attendance. The event, sponsored by HTC, filled the stands of those enjoying the performance. Also filling the fairgrounds were children for an armband ride night, the Senior Class Horse Show and the 4H / Farm Bureau Market Animal Auction.

The demo derby returns this year to its normal Friday time slot at 7:30 p.m. Admission is $15 after 3 p.m. Saturday’s admission is $14 after 3 p.m. Activities include the Heavy Horse and Mule Show (9:30 a.m.), Youth Pedal Tractor Pull (11 a.m.) and the ITPA Truck and Tractor Pull in the main arena at 6 p.m. Local rock band Dr. No will provide musical entertainment in the beer pavilion from 8 p.m. to 12 midnight. This is expected to be the band’s last performance. The last day of the fair, Sunday, Aug. 1, is another free admission day / armband night. The Antique Tractor and Garden Tractor Pull is at 11 a.m., the Thunder and Lightning Cloggers will perform from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. and the FFA Fun Night will be in the main arena at 7 p.m. The night and the fair will then conclude with the HTC-sponsored fireworks display at 9 p.m. Information on season passes ($35) and other fair specifics is located on the website: http://www.monroecounty-fair.org.

Steve “Elvis” Davis performs at the Main Arena on Thursday evening.      – photo by Ericha Sondag

 

Amanda Byer of Hecker rides her horse Huwey in Thursday evening’s Senior Class Horse Show at the equestrian arena at the fair.        – photo by Carol Floarke

 

Taking a swing on the Sizzler ride are friends Dawson Lane, left, and Ella King.

 

Schneider’s Quality Meats owner Mark Lengacher, left, visits with the guys in the Kaskaskia Trail Chorus bratwurst stand, left to right, Jim Heise, Derek Heise, Dwight Asselmeier and Steve Heise.        – photo by Ericha Sondag

 

There were no injuries Thursday afternoon in a three vehicle pile-up along Waterloo’s Market Street. The incident occurred at the intersection of Pautler Place, near the Sure Shine Auto Wash. According to the initial police report, Nicole Hughes, 23, of Columbia was driving a Saturn Ion along North Market when she collided with a 2007 Chevy Cobalt driven by Danielle Seymour, 20, of Waterloo. The impact caused a 2002 Chevy Venture, driven by Bridget Stevens, 37, of Waterloo also to be damaged. The cause of the accident has not yet been released by the Waterloo Police Department.

Traffic along Market Street in Waterloo was tied up Thursday afternoon following a three-vehicle accident near the car wash.     – photo by Ericha Sondag

 

The City of Columbia’s summer picnic, Columbia Daze, will be held Aug. 20 and 21 at A.C. Metter Park and Turner Hall. Food and rides open each day at 4 p.m. The Columbia Daze parade runs along Main Street on Saturday beginning at 5 p.m. It begins at Bolm-Schuhkraft Park (City Park) and runs south to Cedar Street. The parade is open to local businesses, clubs and organizations. A donation of $10 per vehicle is required. Bands in the parade include the Bud Light Brigade, Columbia and Gibault High Schools. To enter a float, contact Parade Chairman Paul Khoury at 281-7133 during normal business hours. Advance ride tickets can be purchased at Ron’s Pharmacy in downtown Columbia.

Food stands include the Columbia Firemen’s cod fish, Monroe County Pork Producers, bratwursts, hot dogs, pizza, chicken-on-a-stick and funnel cakes, along with beer and soft drinks. Musical entertainment will be provided nightly from 8 p.m. to midnight. Friday’s band is Out Of Focus, with Aftershock playing Saturday evening. The historic Trolley Rides of Columbia will return, sponsored again by the Columbia Heritage and Preservation Commission.  Tickets are $10 and tours will leave City Hall at 9 a.m., 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. For additional information or seat reservations, call Joyce Schmidt at 281-5340. Also on Saturday, the Columbia Optimist Club will sponsor their sixth annual 5K - 10K Run/Walk. Sign-up begins 8 a.m. at the Columbia High School parking lot. Pre-registration forms are posted on the city’s website: www.columbiaillinois.com.

For more information on the activities call Event Chairman Ken Schmidt at Turner Hall, 281-5393. 

 

More than $176,000 in receipts have been turned in so far at the Think Monroe County First Power Month Drawing at the Monroe County Fair. Receipt packages of $100 will be accepted through Sunday, Aug. 1 at 8 p.m. at the Monroe County Economic Development Committee booth inside the Commercial Building at the Fair. Entrants will have the chance to win one of three prizes. A list of items inside the prize packages is located at the website: www.thinkmonroecountyfirst.com.

 

CHS Grad Now Playing Hockey In New Zealand

Former Columbia High School Ice Eagles Captain Mike Everding is now playing amateur hockey with the Canterbury Red Devils in the New Zealand Ice Hockey League. The league showcases the top hockey talent New Zealand has to offer with each team supported by up to five overseas players. The league’s goal is to improve the quality of play of the New Zealand Olympic hockey team.

Everding is joined on the squad by a teammate he played with at St. Mary's University of Minnesota, where the two graduated in 2008.  In addition, Everding pursued his education in 2009 at St. Louis University, where he earned a degree in Nuclear Medical Technology.

"Traveling around New Zealand is incredible. We've seen some great sights and met some great people,”’ said Everding. Several weeks ago, he visited Queenstown on the southern tip of the country. The winter solstice had just occurred and the city was having Winter Fest, a Mardi Gras-style party. “So far, we've also been to Dunedin and Auckland,” he added.

The former Columbia resident has been informed by the league that if he meets a specific condition, he could be eligible to play for the New Zealand Olympic team. "They told me if I married a New Zealand girl, I'd be eligible to try out for their Olympic team." After a pause he added, "But that's not going to happen."

Mike is the son of Ray and Vicki Everding of Columbia. He has two brothers, Matthew, who is in the U.S. Marines, and Dan, a student at the University of Alabama – Huntsville.

Michael Everding, right, skates toward the net in a recent game with the Canterbury Red Devils of the New Zealand Ice Hockey League.       – photo by NZIHL / www.carenzafotografia.com

 

Recent Obituary

Candace “Candy” Irene Patton, nee Wilson, 61, of Columbia, died July 30, 2010 at St. Elizabeth Hospital in Belleville following an extended illness. She was born Dec. 29, 1948. She married Melvin “Mel” Patton in 1970. He died in 2009 in a car accident. Mrs. Patton is survived by her mother, Grace (Merril), nee Stephens, Loyet of Highland; children Kim (Tedd) Bacott,  Deron Patton and J.D. (Tara) Patton, all of Columbia; grandchildren Ryan, Caitlin, Ashley, J.T., Emma, Brittni, Kaitlyn, Kadence, Beau and Berlyn; sisters Debbie (Louie) Janik and Denise (Ritch) Keller, both of Columbia; a brother, Craig (Kim) Wilson of Greenville; brother-in-law, Larry (Diane) Patton of Belleville; and sister-in-law, Lynn Brower of Columbia. She was preceded in death by her father, Ross Wilson. She was a member of the Villa Hills Baptist Church, enjoyed the outdoors, caring for her horses, watching the sunset over her pond, sitting on the beach and spending time with her family and friends. Visitation is Sunday, Aug. 1, from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Lawlor Funeral Home in Columbia. Funeral is Monday, Aug. 2, at 10 a.m. at the funeral home with Rev. Larry Patton officiating. Mrs. Patton will be buried at the Evangelical St. Paul Cemetery in Columbia. Memorials may be made to the Candy Patton Memorial Fund or the American Cancer Society.

 

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Today's News - July 30, 2010

 

The first people to arrive at the Monroe County Fair today to get the best seats for tonight’s Monroe County Fair showed up just  before 12 noon. This distinction belongs to Nathan and Jacob Kern of Cahokia, along with Tony Logston and Steve and Michael Sperduto of Waterloo. “We plan on just talking and maybe catching a nap,” said Steve Sperduto. The Demolition Derby begins at 7:30 p.m. this evening. Admission is $15 per person. (reporting by Leanna Stechmesser of Waterloo)

 

Cousins Steven Augustine Jr. of Columbia and Michael Augustine Jr. of Waterloo were arrested late Thursday night following an altercation outside of Tiny’s Pub along Main Street. According to the police report and information provided by witnesses, Steve, 33, and Michael Jr., 21, has instigated an argument with patrons inside the establishment just after 10:30 p.m.. The situation escalated and all parties involved ended up scuffling and yelling outside on the sidewalk. At that point, police were called to the scene and a short time later eight patrol cars arrived, including officers from Columbia, Dupo, county sheriff’s deputies and the Illinois State Police.

Michael was arrested and taken to the Columbia Police Department and charged with a misdemeanor count of resisting arrest from a police officer. After Steven was handcuffed and placed in the back of a Columbia patrol car, he kicked the window, shattering the passenger side window and damaging the door hinge. Steven was transported to the Monroe County Jail and charged with a felony count of criminal damage to government supported property. Following an overnight stay in jail, Steven appeared at the Monroe County Courthouse Friday morning before Judge Dennis Doyle. Bond was set at $5,000. He is next scheduled to appear at the courthouse for a preliminary hearing on Aug. 26.

There were no injuries reported from those involved in the altercation and no one inside the bar signed a complaint regarding the incident.

Columbia Police Chief Joe Edwards, right, watches as Chris Kalbfleisch of Quality Collision and Towing provides an estimate of the cost to repair a Columbia patrol car damaged in an altercation Thursday night along Main Street outside of Tiny’s.

 

Monroe County Court Report

The following cases were adjudicated in Monroe County Circuit Court in Waterloo the week of July 26, Judge Dennis Doyle presiding:
Ami M. Inman, 28, of Dupo pleaded guilty to driving under the influence of alcohol - repeat offense. Inman was ordered to pay total fine and court cost of $1,440 and to obtain a drug/alcohol evaluation and given a one-year conditional release. Inman's license was suspended 12 months on Oct. 8. The violation occurred Aug. 23 on Illinois 3 at Bradford Station; Waterloo Police handled the incident. A charge of speeding was dismissed.

Laura A. Norton, 42, of Columbia pleaded guilty to driving under the influence of alcohol - first offense. Norton was ordered to pay total fine and court cost of $1,385 and to obtain a drug/alcohol evaluation and placed on one year court supervision. Norton's license was suspended six months on July 4. The violation occurred May 19 on Quarry Road at Palmer Creek Road; Columbia Police handled the incident. Charges of improper lane usage, illegal transportation of alcohol and speeding 56 mph in  45 mph speed zone were dismissed.

Jesse A. Crook, 24, of Columbia pleaded guilty to retail theft. Crook was ordered to pay total fine and court cost of $377 and forbidden to enter the Red Roof Shell convenience station in Columbia. The violation occurred April 23; Columbia Police handled the incident. A charge of burglary was dismissed.

Daniel K. Hannaford, 32, of Columbia pleaded guilty to felony theft. Hannaford was ordered to pay $170 court cost and fine plus probation fees and a total restitution to the Swip family of $7,608.  Hannaford was also sentenced to30 months probation, credited with68 days served in the Monroe County Jail and barred from having contact with the Swip family. The offense occurred May 21 at 10501 Sandalwood; Columbia Police handled the incident. A charge of burglary was dismissed.

Brian M. Gaither, 37, of Columbia pleaded guilty to disorderly conduct. Gaither was ordered to pay total fine and court cost of $448 and placed on one year court supervision. The violation occurred Feb. 20; Columbia Police handled the incident. Charges of aggravated cruelty to an animal and possession of a firearm without an FOID card were dismissed.

Paul M. Lambert, 19, of Waterloo pleaded guilty to possession of a false identification card. Lambert was ordered to pay total fine and court cost of $500 and placed on one year court supervision. The violation occurred June 26 at the U-Gas convenience station; Waterloo Police handled the incident.

Douglas J. Arnoldi, 41, of Columbia pleaded guilty to no valid license. Arnoldi was ordered to pay total fine and court cost of $75. The violation occurred June 22 in the 300 block of Mulberry Street; Columbia Police handled the incident.

Jeffrey A. Burgess, 26, of Columbia pleaded guilty to failure to report an accident. Burgess was ordered to pay total fine and court cost of $423 and placed on one year court supervision. The violation occurred June 21 at 236 Veterans Parkway; Columbia Police handled the incident.

Amanda Less (Molnar), 22, of Brentwood, Mo. pleaded guilty to driving under a suspended license. Less (Molnar) was ordered to pay total fine and court cost of $301 and placed on one year court supervision. The violation occurred June 20 on North Main Street at Locust Street; Columbia Police handled the incident. A charge of operating an uninsured motor vehicle was dismissed.

 

Two Columbia Men Charged With Copper Theft: Brandon Rattermann and Jeremie Reddick, both of Columbia, have been charged in St. Clair County with stealing copper grave markers. The St. Clair County Sheriff’s Department charged Rattermann, 36, with two counts of theft $500, while Reddick, 26, was charged with one count. The two apparently attempted to sell 17 copper name plates on July 24 to B and R Recycling in Dupo for $424. Following their company procedures, a B and R employee photocopied Rattermann’s and Reddick’s driver’s licenses. The two stated they would return later that day with more copper. After the initial transaction, the owner of B and R called the Dupo Police Department to report this possibly suspicious activity.

After the men left, the employee inspected the brass plates and discovered one side of each was engraved with a name and two dates, similar to grave markers. While Dupo and county police officers were investigating this initial purchase, the Dupo Police Department received a call from J and D Recycling of Dupo who reported two men attempting to sell 54 copper grave markers. Police officers soon arrived on the scene and took the two into custody. The initial police investigation located the site of the missing grave markers as being from at storage shed at Sunday Gardens Cemetery in rural Millstadt. Rattermann and Reddick are now waiting their upcoming court appearance at the St. Clair County Courthouse.

 

The Columbia Police Department has begun using a BMW M5 to promote its DARE and drug avoidance program. The car involved in an accident along Quarry Road in October of 2009. The driver, a man from Missouri, was arrested by Columbia Police Officer Michael Conrad and charged with felony counts of drug possession when the police search the vehicle and found illegal drugs. According to Illinois rules, the arresting agency can obtain possession of the vehicle during the court process.

“The individual has failed to appear at his court dates,” said Columbia Police Chief Joe Edwards. The Illinois’ law also states that after one year, the arresting department can obtain full ownership of a vehicle involved in transporting drugs. According to Edwards, for the next year, they must use the vehicle to promote drug safety awareness. “We have placed DARE decals on the car and will use it in our DARE classroom training of school fifth graders and also drive in local parades,” Edwards added.

After the one year period, by June 1, 2011, the Columbia Police Department can sell the vehicle and use the proceeds to purchase equipment which will improve their capabilities of removing illegal drugs from the streets. “We have received quotes that the car was purchased new for $74,000 and with just at 2,000 miles on it now, the BMW now has a resell value of around $65,000,” said Edwards. “We could sell it and purchase two fully equipped standard squad cars in return.”

Columbia Police Officer Michael Conrad checks out the newly-painted Columbia DARE car, a 2009 BMW.