E-Newsletter - August 27, 2010

 

Hawks Soar Over Musketeers In Volleyball

Gibault’s volleyball team started off their season at home this week with a victory over Red Bud. The match scores of each game were 25-16.

Gibault senior Amy Hoffman takes aim as she kills the ball for a point during Gibault's victory over Red Bud. Lady Musketeers Natalie Hentis (4) soars over the net attempting a block.    - photo by Gateway Photography / additional photos online at www.gatewayphoto.net

 

Columbia’s varsity soccer team kicked off their season earlier this week with a 2-0 victory at Alton. They were lead by two first-half goals by Michael Bequette and Quinton Spivey. CHS goalie Kyle Leveling made six saves to complete the shutout. The Columbia junior varsity squad tied with Alton 2-2.

Columbia’s Michael Bequette, right, gets ready to take a shot to score the first goal in the Eagles’ 2-0 victory this week over Alton. Looking on are fellow CHS players Seth Aycock, 9, and Nathan Alonzo, 8.        – photo by Don Voelker

 

The Waterloo girls’ golf team has had a busy week with three matches. The team record is currently 4-3. The team placed second in a golf match Tuesday, Aug. 24 at the Acorns Golf Links. Mascoutah finished in first place with a team score of 190. Following behind were Waterloo, 192, and Granite City, 256. Individual scores for the Lady Bulldogs were Hayley Bode, 46; Jenny Faus, 48; Maddy Munsel, 49; Cat Hawn, 49; Abbie Whitehead, 50; and Vanessa Stitzel, 58. The Lady Bulldogs returned to the Acorns on Wednesday and finished in third place with a score of 197. They trailed Althoff, 162; and Freeburg, 188. WHS scores were Hayley Bode, 47; Maddy Munsel, 49; Jenny Faus, 50; Cat Hawn, 51; Abbie Whitehead, 53; and Whitney Stitzel, 64. The team headed to the Red Bud Country Club on Thursday, Aug. 26 on took home first place. The scores were Waterloo, 185; Red Bud, 202; and Belleville West, 227. The WHS scores were Hayley Bode, 44; Maddy Munsell, 44; Jenny Faus, 46; Cat Hawn, 51; Abbie Whitehead, 54; and Vanessa Stitzel, 64.

 

Valmeyer High School’s boys’ golf team picked up a win over Lebanon on Tuesday, Aug. 24 in a match played at the Acorns Golf Links. The final score was VHS, 200, and LHS, 229. Jacob Franke led the Pirates with an individual score of 43 for nine holes.

 

High School Football Season Begins This Evening: Local football on tap for the opening games of the season on Friday include Waterloo at Freeburg, Columbia travels to Sparta, Red Bud plays at home versus Pinckneyville and Dupo is at Olney-East Richard.

 

In this weekend’s high school soccer action, St. Louis University High School and Gibault will play at Oerter Park in Columbia at 6:30 p.m. Waterloo will take on Carbondale at 4:30 p.m. in the Belleville East Invitational.

 

Man Charged With DUI After Crashing Into Home

Gerry and Geri Bieber are lucky they were not injured when a car slammed into their home at 103 Moore Street in Waterloo early in the morning on Aug. 25. Geri Bieber was sleeping on a couch in the basement of the home when was she was knocked onto the floor at 2 a.m. after a 1994 Camero hit the house at a high rate of speed. Bieber’s husband, Gerry, ran down the stairs to see what happened. Gerry told her a car must have hit the home because he could hear a motor running. When they walked outside they saw Zackery Ruesler of Waterloo sitting in his Camero. Ruesler, 21, was driving southbound on Moore Street heading to his home in the 200 block of that street. He apparently lost control at the curve by the Gateway FS elevator. Police officers and an ambulance soon arrived on the scene. Ruesler was transported to a hospital to be treated for a broken arm and some minor scrapes and bruises. The Waterloo Police Department later charged him with DUI and failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident.

The following morning, the Biebers surveyed the damage to their property. “We feel lucky we were not injured,” said Geri. Ruesler’s car had knocked out a large chunk of the concrete basement and pushed in their first-floor wall. In addition, a tire which had come loose from Ruesler’s car flew from the car and slammed into the shed behind the Bieber’s home. A street sign was also lying in their above-ground pool. The Bieber’s called local carpenter Jeff Roy to drop by that morning and start repairing the damage.
Geri and Gerry Bieber assess the damage to their home on Moore Street in Waterloo. The night before Zackery Ruesler lost control of his Camero and plowed into the side of the Bieber’s home.

 

Breath Alcohol Technician Ticketed For Possible DUI

A man who makes his living calibrating the breath alcohol analyzers for the state police was ticketed Thursday evening, Aug. 26, under the suspicion of driving under the influence. Clyde Mathews of Waterloo, a breath alcohol technician with the Illinois State Police, was cited for DUI Thursday night after he ran into a parked car on Waterloo Drive. Just before 10 p.m., Mathews, 68, was driving a 2004 Lincoln LS north on Waterloo Drive when he collided with Carolyn Sabo’s 2004 Nissan Altima, which was parked in front of her house. The collision moved Sabo’s car several feet and caused damage to the bumper and taillight. Mathews was not injured in the accident. Mathews is a former Waterloo alderman and police officer.

Clyde Mathews’ car, right, sits behind Carolyn Sabo’s following Thursday night’s fender bender along Waterloo Drive.

 

The Waterloo Optimist’s Club’s eighth annual Homecoming Weekend 5K Run / Walk is scheduled for this Saturday, Aug. 28. Registration is from 6:45 a.m. to 7:30 a.m. at Rogers Elementary School. The race gun sounds at 8 a.m. Food and refreshments will be provided before and after the race. For more information, contact Brad Karn at 939-3970 or bradkarn@hotmail.com. All proceeds are donated to programs benefiting local youth.

 

Lisa Busche of Waterloo is the August winner of the Think Monroe County First Super Consumer drawing. She won a $125 gift certificate to Schaefer Farms Nursery. Her entry submitted at the University of Illinois Extension office in Waterloo.

 

Rock band Father Jack is playing this Sunday, Aug. 29, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at J. Fires in Waterloo.

 

Local rock band Cardboard Room will be playing Friday, Sept. 10, at the Voodoo Lounge in Harrah’s Casino. Free tickets are available by calling band member Jeff at 618-410-3224.

 

Norma Reheis will discuss the History Museum of Monroe County during a presentation Thursday, Sept. 23, at 7 p.m., at Waterloo’s Morrison-Talbott Library. Reheis will talk about the current displays and future collections. Those interested in history may also consider stopping by the library on Tuesday, Sept. 21, at 7 p.m. Historian Andrew Cooperman will discuss Ken Burns’ Civil War documentary.

 

The public is invited to witness a night-time 1700s canon demonstration at Fort de Chartres outside of Prairie du Rocher. The Artillery Safety School will be held Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 11-12. The free, two-day event features re-enactors moving, loading and firing artillery pieces from the 1700s. Period artillery companies will participate in classes and drills relating to cannon firing. This activity is limited to the participants, but visitors are welcome to observe the activities. Saturday’s training sessions will be from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with an evening display beginning at 7 p.m. Sunday’s training will take place in the morning. For additional information, visit the fort’s website: www.ftdechartres.com.

 

Waterloo Homecoming Is This Weekend: Take Me Out To The Ballgame is the theme for this year’s Waterloo Homecoming to be held Friday, Aug. 27, and Saturday, Aug. 28 at the Courthouse Square. The party kicks off Friday evening with food and beverage stands, rides and games for the children, along with music by the Waterloo Municipal Band (7-8 p.m.) and rock band Out Of Focus (8 p.m. to midnight.)

The parade kicks off Saturday at 5 p.m. along Moore Street. The route travels south on Moore, a left on Fourth Street, a left on So. Library, a right on Mill Street and a left on Main Street before breaking up just past J.V.’s Trophies for best floats will be presented at 7 p.m. at the bandstand. Saturday’s musical entertainment features the Bud Light Brigade (6-8 p.m.) and Aftershock (8 p.m. to midnight).

Advanced ride tickets are available at all Waterloo banks. They will be sold at $18 for 24 tickets. This year’s homecoming is being organized by the Waterloo VFW Post 6504 and Ladies Auxiliary, the Waterloo Optimist Club and Waterloo Lions Club.

 

The 96^th annual Millstadt Homecoming is Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 4-5 at Liederkranz Park. The event features food and beer stands, children’s rides and games for both kids and adults. Musical entertainment includes Society Remedy on Saturday and Aftershock on Sunday. Saturday’s parade through the streets of the village steps off at 5 p.m., while Sunday’s is at 4 p.m.

 

The Columbia Chapter of Kiwanis will host its fifth annual Classic Car Show on Saturday, Sept. 4, at Bolm-Schuhkraft Park. The show had previously been help on Main Street.  The show is open to 27 classes of cars, trucks, motorcycles, tractors and special interest vehicles. Registration is from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. with dash plaques given to the first 150 entrants. Trophies will be awarded at 3:30 p.m. Proceeds from the event benefit programs for local children, families and schools. For information, contact Jeff at 314-616-2507 or by email - jsriley3@yahoo.com.

 

Waterloo native Sandy (Eichelmann) Baldwin is recovering at her home in Kansas City, Mo. She has been released from the ICU after sustaining injuries in a car accident in Evansville, Ind., which took the life of her husband, the late Dr. David Baldwin. Sandy and David were attending a seminar in Indiana when their vehicle collided with a semi-tractor trailer. Sandy is the daughter of Leola Eichelmann of Waterloo and the late Paul Eichelmann.

 

Monroe County Court Report

The following cases were adjudicated the week of Aug. 23 in Monroe County Circuit Court in Waterloo, Judge Dennis Doyle presiding:
Timothy L. Ducey Sr., 53, of Waterloo pleaded guilty to felony retail theft. Ducey was sentenced to 30 months probation, credited with 25 days served in the Monroe County Jail  and ordered to pay $170 court cost plus probation fees and to obtain a drug/alcohol evaluation. The offense occurred Aug. 1 at the U-Gas Convenience Station in Waterloo.

Thomas E. Falk, 18, of Waterloo pleaded guilty to driving under the influence of alcohol. Falk 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. Falk's license was suspended six months on Aug. 24. The violation occurred July 9 on State Rt. 156 at Old Orchard Lane; Illinois State Police handled the incident. Charges of illegal consumption of alcohol by a minor and failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident were dismissed.

Amber J. Polacek, 36, of Valmeyer pleaded guilty to driving under a revoked license. Polacek was ordered to pay total fine and court cost of $500. The violation occurred July 18 on 4th Street; Waterloo Police handled the incident.

William G. Kuni, 45, of East Carondelet pleaded guilty to driving under a suspended license. Kuni was ordered to pay total fine and court cost of $175 and to perform 240 hours of community service and given a one-year conditional release. The violation occurred Sept. 25 on Palmer Road at Southport; Columbia Police handled the incident. A charge of failure to wear a seat belt was dismissed.

Larry D. Horn, 46, of Waterloo pleaded guilty to improper lane usage and leaving the scene of an accident. Horn was ordered to pay total fines and court costs of $469 and placed on one year court supervision. The violations occurred July 26 on Flower Street at North Library Street; Waterloo Police handled the incident.

Michelle M. Keller, 27, of Waterloo pleaded guilty to no valid license. Keller was ordered to pay total fine and court cost of $188 and placed on three months court supervision. The violation occurred July 29 on JJ Road at Maeystown Road; the Monroe County Sheriff's Department handled the incident.

 

Recent Obituaries

Ralph A. Hoock, 87 of Columbia, died Aug. 25, 2010. He was born Oct. 1, 1922, in East Carondelet, the son of the late Adam and Bessie (Walker) Hoock. He married Dorothy (Mueller) Hoock in 1978 at Zoar UCC in New Hanover. In addition to his wife, Mr. Hoock is survived by his sons Roger (Mary) Hoock of Dupo, Allen (Perri) Hoock of Waterloo and Curtis (Laurie) Hoock of Tilden; seven grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; brother, Lee (Evelyn) Hoock; and step-nephews David (Joelle) Bowen and Jeff (Heather) Bowen; along with nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by a grandchild, Christi Hoock; brother, Warren Hoock; and three half-sisters. Mr. Hoock retired from the Columbia Quarry and attended Hope Christian Church in Columbia. A memorial services will be Saturday, Sept. 4, at 11 a.m. at his church with Pastor Dennis Jones officiating. Memorials may be made to the church.

Hubert Thomas "Tom" Jotte, 85, of Caseyville, died Aug. 23, 2010 at the Collinsville Rehab and Health Care Center. He was born Feb. 6, 1925, in Highland. Mr. Jotte is survived by his wife, Faith Jotte of Caseyville; a son, Theodore "Ted" Jotte of Marine, daughters Jeanine (Paul) Guccione of Collinsville, Angelene (Jeff) Smith of Highland and Toni (Victor) Meyer of Robertsville; seven grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his mother, Martina Jotte. Mr. Jotte served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. He was n accomplished trombone player, composer and publisher who taught music at several local schools, including SS. Peter and Paul Catholic Grade School of Waterloo in the 1960s and 70s. He received his bachelor degree in music from Washington University. Upon his graduation, Mr. Jotte was a teacher and band director at several parochial schools in Illinois and Missouri. His All Star Band performed several concerts through the area and played for President John F. Kennedy in 1960. Tom was associated with many performers in the St. Louis area, including Stan Cann, Jimmie Williams and Charlotte Peters. He performed in many of the area parades on Bourbon Street in New Orleans and Gaslight Square in St. Louis, Mo. Visitation and funeral were held at the Herr Funeral Home in Collinsville. According to his wishes, Mr. Jotte’s body was cremated. Memorials may be made to the Billhartz Animal Shelter.

Walter David Cross, 68, of Waterloo, died Aug. 24, 2010 in Waterloo. He was born Jan. 16, 1942, in Sugar Loaf Township, the son of the late David and Mary Elizabeth (nee Scott) Cross. Mr. Cross is survived by his children, David (Sharon) Cross, Dawn Cross and Lisa (Bill) Hulett; grandchildren Lindsey Cross, David (Amanda) Cross Jr., Jenna, Brittany and Brennen Brinkmann and Stephanie, Cody and Mariah Gass; great-grandchildren Gwenyth Turner and Liam Garner; sisters Wanda Nadeau, Peggy Hopewell and Mary Scott; and brothers Donald Cross and Ronald Cross; along with nieces, nephews and cousins. Mr. Cross was a retired union auto worker. Visitation and funeral were at Quernheim Funeral Home with Pastor David Gerth officiating. Mr. Cross was buried at Lakeview Memorial Gardens in Fairview Heights. Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or the Ronald McDonald House. 

LaVon J. Beck, 77, of Dupo, died Aug. 26, 2010 in Warrensburg Mo. He was born Dec., 3, 1932 in East St. Louis, the son of the late Olen and Iva Mae (Rogers) Beck. Mr. Beck is survived by his sons, Kenneth (Levada) Beck of Columbia, Tenn., and Jon (Paula) Beck of Warrensburg, Mo.; grandchildren Layla Hawkins, and Jon and Kenny Beck; great-grandchildren Joseph, Nathan and Taylor Hawkins; and sisters Wilma Brewer and Katherine Pyle of Dupo. He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary (Childers) Beck; an infant son, Richard; five sisters; and one brother. Mr. Beck retired in 1988 from the Union Pacific Railroad after 42 years of service. Visitation is Sunday, Aug. 29, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., at Dashner-Leesman Funeral Home in Dupo. Funeral is Monday, Aug. 30, at 10 a.m. at the funeral home with Pastor Matt Friz officiating. Mr. Beck will be buried at Palmier Hill Cemetery in Columbia. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society.