Deien Chevrolet in Trenton recently hosted its first Ladies Night Out evening at the dealership. The fashioned-filled event was attended by over 100 guests.

The evening consisted of a fashion show sponsored by CATO in Highland. Local models included Makayla Cook, AnneMarie Connelly and Kim Trame of Highland, Rachel & Chloe Deien of Aviston, Jan Hitch of Damiansville, Malena Holthaus of Breese, and Cyndi Tuggle of Trenton. The models sported casual and dressy styles.

Local vendors also shared information about their products and services. Vendors represented every aspect of fashion: Mary Kay (Donna Lohman of Aviston), Origami Owl (Sheryl Plocher of Albers), Premier Designs (Laura Yarber of Mascoutah), and Scentsy (JoAnn Hempen). Trudy Strieker rounded out the group with her Circle of Hope bracelets and Stridin' and Survivin' t-shirts. Profits from Strieker's sales went to Clinton County Relay for Life. All of the vendors donated giveaways for the swag bags, which went to the first wave of ladies to arrive.

Hidden Lake Winery sponsored a wine tasting for the evening. Guests also enjoyed appetizers, mini-cupcakes and refreshments.

Winners of the attendance prizes include: Nancy Hubert, Scentsy gift certificate; Dana Weh, Mary Kay Satin Hands; Nancy Dunning, Origami Owl Gift Certificate; Toots Tebbe, Premier earrings. Rosemary Strieker was the grand prize winner; she won a one-night stay at Silent Forest Retreat Cabins from Hidden Lake Winery and Deien Chevrolet.

Catherine Friederich of New Baden will turn 100 years old on May 23, 2013, and her family plans an open house celebration this coming Saturday, May 18, 2013 from 2 to 4 p.m. at the New Baden Civic Center. Everyone is welcome to share this special occasion with Catherine and her family. Cake and coffee will be served.

Catherine has lived all of her life in New Baden. The tenth child of Patrick and Minnie Bann, she was born in the family home which still stands on Railway Street in New Baden. She was a switchboard operator for five years for Lookingglass Prairie Telephone Company in New Baden, later going to work in telecommunications at Scott Air Force Base, where she worked for 20 years, retiring as an operator supervisor in 1976.

She was married for 63 years to the late Earl "Mick" Friederich, and they have four children together: Marva Daters, Norma Miller, Jim Friederich, and Bob Friederich. She is a grandmother and great grandmother many times over.

She is pictured here at a reunion of graduates of the old New Baden High School, home of the Zebras.

St. Joseph's in Breese will host a blood drive for the Mississippi Valley Regional Blood Center from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday, May 23, at the hospital HealthPlex. Mississippi Valley is the regional center that supplies blood to the hospital.

"Volunteer blood donors provide a critical lifesaving resource to the hospitals we serve," said David Parsons, president of MVRBC's Southern Division. "Community support is even more important going into summer when the need can be greater but donors are often busy with vacation plans and outdoor chores."

Blood donation is a safe, simple procedure that takes about 45 minutes to an hour. Photo identification is requested.

All persons age 17 years old and up, or 16 years old with a signed parental permission form (available at www.bloodcenter.org), who weigh at least 110 pounds and are in good general health meet the basic eligibility requirements for blood donation.

Donors can give every 56 days or eight weeks. For the May 23 drive, participants must have donated on or before March 28 to give again.

Walk-ins are always welcome but appointments may be scheduled by calling 659-0542 or on-line at www.bloodcenterimpact.org – sponsor code 10229.

Those attending the drive will also have the opportunity to meet a representative from the Illinois Tissue & Donor Program.

For more information, contact MVRBC at 1-800-591-8049 or hospital Communications Coordinator Mary L. Heeren at 526-5698 or mary.heeren@hshs.org.

Kaskaskia College is announcing that its 2013 graduation commencement will be streamed live from the Kaskaskia College website. The ceremony will be held Friday, May 17 at 7:30 p.m.

The ceremony can be viewed by clicking on the Graduation link on www.kaskaskia.edu. The broadcast will include the complete ceremony including the sign language interpreters, and be accessible by computer, mobile phones, and tablets. The website will also include the ceremony program and downloadable form to order the DVD.

The Clinton County Health Department has received a grant from the Illinois Department of Public Health for West Nile Mosquito surveillance. The Health Department will be collecting and testing mosquitoes for West Nile Virus. The traps are called Gravid Traps and collect only female mosquitoes. The mosquito collection traps will be set up across Clinton County this summer. Results of mosquito sampling will be reported to newspapers on a regular basis. Traps will be clearly marked and should not be disturbed.

The Clinton County Health Department will also continue to collect dead birds for sampling. Anyone who notices a dead bird can call the Clinton County Health Department at 594-2723. Birds will be collected only if they died very recently.

West Nile Virus is spread to humans from the bite of an infected mosquito. Anyone who is infected can potentially develop West Nile Virus Disease. However, people 50 years of age or older or persons immune-compromised are at highest risk for West Nile Virus Disease. Normally, mosquito numbers increase during July and August and the risk of West Nile Virus infection is greatest from August 1 through September 15.

Registration for our Summer Reading Program "Have book will travel" is May 21-25 during open hours.

Adult Books: Backstage stuff by Sharon Fiffer, Silent auction by Jane Cleland, Phantom by Jo Nesbo, Six years by Harlan Coben, Tooth and claw by Nigel McCrery, Cold days by Jim Butcher, Whiskey Beach by Nora Roberts, Daddy's gone a hunting by Mary Higgins Clark, Don't go by Lisa Scottoline, The hit by David Baldacci, & Sepulchre by Kate Mosse.

Large Print: Red velvet cupcake murder by Joanne Fluke, Roseborough by Jane Roberts Wood, Storm rider by Cassie Edwards, Relentless by Ed Gorman, Easter Bunny murder by Leslie Meier, The storyteller by Jodi Picoult, Widow's tears by Susan Wittig Albert, Fuse by Julianna Baggott, & Reservation road by John Schwartz.

Juvenile books: My chocolate year by Charlotte Herman, Beautiful creatures & Beautiful chaos by Kami Garcia, The Wrigley Field by David Kelly, Clockwork Princess by Cassandra Clare, Light by Michael Grant, & Fyre by Angie Sage.

Easy books: Amelia Bedelia's first apple pie by Herman Parish, The amazing Spiderman vs the Lizard & The amazing Spiderman vs the Green Goblin, The tree Dr. by Tish Rabe, Old MacDonald had her farm by JonArno Lawson, Ruby's sleepover by Kathryn White, Isabella girl on the go by Jennifer Fosberry, The museum by Susan Verde, & Goodnight, me by Andrew Daddo.

The book club read for May is The Shoemaker's wife by Adriana Trigiani. All are welcome so please join us for the discussion on May 28th at the library.

-1913-

A number of friends, including the Trenton Orchestra, rendered Mr. and Mrs. Alex Ritchie a farewell party Monday evening, wishing the Ritchies a pleasant voyage and a safe return from Scotland.

The east and west electric railroad proposition in Clinton County continues to be a live one and an enthusiastic meeting was held here Friday evening. The road will run from East St. Louis to Centralia.

Mrs. Lucy Gird, born February 13, 1837 on her father's farm (W. Lewis) on which was later built the city of Trenton, died in Los Angeles on June 1.

James Montgomery of this city and Miss Amelia Pfiffer of near New Baden were married at St. George's parsonage Tuesday afternoon.

-1923-

Mrs. Melville Fischer, formerly Miss Grace Garrigus of this city, died at her home in California on June 12.

Hugo Rule was graduated from the Strassberger Conservatory of Music in the St. Louis Thursday.

John Griesbaum received the contract for oiling the streets and has completed same in Summerfield.

The Boy Scouts left early Monday for Jamestown to spend the week in camp there.

Miss Lola Peter, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Emil Peter, was one of a class who were accepted as trained nurses at St. Luke's Hospital in St. Louis Tuesday.

-1933-

A son was born to Mr. and Mrs. Melvin Ray on June 2 and a daughter to Mr. and Mrs. Emil Dittmer on June 5.

An old landmark is being removed on the Welz estate on the west side of Main Street. It was built on a farm house by Wm. Lewis in 1835.

Candidates for degrees from the University of Illinois include Cornell Imming of Aviston, B.S.; Herman Ahrens, Trenton, A.M.; and Henry Heuer, Trenton, B.S.

Trenton will have a new brewery in three months. Men from St. Louis are taking over the former Bassler Brewing Co.

-1943-

Maurice Berger of his city and Miss Hyacinth Middendorf of Mascoutah were married in St. Louis Friday.

Miss Ada Kraemer will teach fourth grade at the public school in Highland next year.

A bicycle belonging to Junior Dress, son of Mr and Mrs. Jos. Dress, was stolen last week.

Dr. G.H. Poos passed away May 29 at Palm Springs, Calif. He practiced in Summerfield from 1906 to 1923.

Joseph Streb fell out of a tree while picking cherries and fractured his arm.

Paul Albinger, a well known farmer of Cracker Neck district, died June 13 at the age of 62.

-1953-

Edward Oppermann will be graduated with honors and receive a bachelor of science degree at the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis on June 5.

Mrs. John Leutwiler, nee Rosa Burger, died May 27 at her home in Trenton, five days short of her 92nd birthday.

The Rev. Aloys Eckert of St. Augustine Church, Breese, observed the 50th anniversary of his ordination on Wednesday. Also on Wednesday, the Rev. John Boomkens of Germantown observed his 25th ordination anniversary.

John Sewald, 92-year old retired Summerfield farmer, died Friday after an extended illness.

Edward Monroe, 45, well known in local bowling circles, was drowned near Bartelso Saturday in the Kaskaskia river when his motor boat overturned.

-1963-

A son was born to Mr. and Mrs. William Crabb at Memorial Hospital, Belleville, on June 2.

Bob Astroth, athletic director, football and baseball coach at Springfield Griffin High School, has accepted the position as principal at Aviston Community High School.

Mrs. Philomena Sauer, mother of Mrs. Alphonse Olliges, died at Dexter, Mo. on May 27 at the age of 78.

Mrs. Aloysius Molitor, nee Eugenia Haake, of Lebanon died Sunday at the age of 63.

Miss Carol Ann Mueller of New Baden and Don Haselhorst of Trenton were married May 25 in St. George Church, New Baden.

-1973-

A successful year in Wesclin athletics was capped by the annual Athletic Awards banquet which was held Tuesday night at Augustine's Restaurant.

Deborah Gerling was the valedictorian and Bradley Hemann the salutatorian at Mater Dei High School.

Central High School's valedictorian is Janice Spihlmann on West Campus and Cindy Beckmann valedictorian at East Campus.

Sister Kathryn Haas, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Richard Haas, received a bachelor of science degree in elementary education at Alverno College, Milwaukee.

Miss Denise Elmore will be installed as Honored Queen of Jobs Daughters at Highland Saturday.

Sylvain Surette had Favorite of the Show at the Clinton County Town and Country Art Show with a wood relief carving.

Mrs. Charles Ethridge, nee Elizabeth McQuade, of Beckemeyer died May 23 at the age of 80.

-1983-

The third blood drive sponsored by the Wesclin Senior High School student council was held May 3. Ninety- one people made a turnout to donate blood.

Sharon Schumacher, of Aviston, is one of 15 Illinois University students selected to study in Germany this summer as part of the Study Abroad Program of ISU's office of international studies.

Cynthia J. Boeser, daughter of Francis and Ruth Boeser of Trenton, became the bride of Steven G. Gnaedinger, son of Vince and Mary Gnaedinger of Pocahontas, in Highland April 9.

Frank H. Kluemke, 50, of Breese, died Sunday, May 15 at St. Joseph Hospital.

Mrs. Leonardine Grimmer, 56, of Breese, died at St. Joseph Hospital May 13.

Mrs. Edna Mae Williams, 88, died May 12 at the Highland Manor Nursing Home.

Joann Burkhardt, a sixth grade student at St. Mary's School, won the second place prize of $50 in the "Brotherhood Poster Contest" sponsored by the Catholic Knights and Ladies of Illinois.

-1993-

Amy Earlaine Morlen of Highland, daughter of Dale and Dixie Morlen of Highland, and Clifford Gerard Huelsmann of Highland, son of David and Margaret Huelsmann of Trenton, exchanged vows February 13 in Highland.

Wesclin High School's varsity scholar softball team appears to be headed into regional action at peak performance, having crushed Carlyle 14-3 in their final game of the season, winning the title of the Greenville tournament and the consolation championship at the Waltonville tournament. Their first regional game will be May 20 against Central.

Anton Sudholt, 97, of Aviston, died Monday, May 17 at Countryside Manor in Aviston.

Trenton beat Beckemeyer into submission, 17-8, Sunday in opening day action of the Clinton county League season. Trenton starting pitcher Tim "Goose" Rakers had ten strike-outs and had a no-hitter going through five innings.

-2003-

Shandra Alice Kloos announced engagement to Ryan Dean Seger an plans to be married October 11.

On May 12, Ms. Judy Huber, Co-President of the Trenton Women's Club and Mr. David Erlinger, Assistant Regional Superintendent of the Regional Office of Education presented scholarships to 8th grader Joseph Beach and 7th grader Sarah Bursich.

Dorothy M. Schulte, 80, of Trenton, died Sunday, May 11, at Caring First Nursing Home in Breese.

Shelly Haselhorst announced engagement to Aaron Hoerchler and plans to be married October 11.

Gerald J. "Joy" Darden Jr., 78, of Trenton and formerly of Fairview Heights, died Monday May 13, 2013 at his home. He was born August 20, 1934 in Piedmont, Missouri, son of Lessie, nee Braddy, and Gerald J. Darden Sr., and they preceded him in death. Other precedents included a granddaughter Corrine Kaiser, grandson Thomas Kaiser, great granddaughter Lyvia Roach, sister Janiece Gendron, daughter-in-law Connie Jean Darden, and brothers-in-law Bill Alldredge, Dan Gendron, Jim Belmar, John Woods. He married Ruth Alldredge May 29, 1954 in St. Louis, and she survives at home. Also surviving are his children, Gerald (Linda) Darden III of Pawnee, Roger Darden of Fairmont City, Elizabeth (Steve) McLeister of Wolfforth, Texas, Sara (Edward) Dryden of Collinsville, and Samantha (Mark) Kaiser of Trenton; 13 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren; a sister Frieda Belmar of St. Louis; and brothers-in-laws and sisters-in-laws Jack (Darlyne) Alldredge of Glen Carbon, Wanda Woods of Chicago, Sue (Robert) Kennedy of Rockwood, and Peggy Alldredge of Troy Mr. Darden was a retired truck driver from Wonder Bread Company. He was a member and deacon of Tower View Baptist Church in Belleville, and a member of Masonic East Lodge 504 in Fairview Heights, and Teamsters Local 688 in St. Louis. The funeral is tomorrow (Thursday) from Moss Funeral Home in Trenton, Pastor Ron Woods officiating. Interment Marine Cemetery, Marine, Illinois. Friends may call this evening (Wednesday) from 4 to 8 p.m. and tomorrow from 9 a.m. to time of service at the Moss Funeral Home in Trenton Memorials to Parkinson's Research, or Tower View Baptist Church will be received at the funeral Home.

Condolences to mossfuneralhome.com

Linda L. Heusohn, 71, of Trenton, died Monday, May 6, 2013 at her home. She was born January 31, 1942 in East St. Louis, daughter of Paul and Dorothy Draper, nee Newbold, and they preceded her in death. She married Gene L. Heusohn on June 4, 1994 in Lebanon, and he survives at home. Also surviving are a daughter, Sue (Brad) Schuster of Pierron; two step-children, Geoff (Shelly) Heusohn of Trenton, and Sharon Heusohn of Swansea; a brother, Keith (Beverly) Draper of Teucumcari, New Mexico; a sister, Donna Hensley of Trenton; seven grandchildren; two great grandchildren; and six stepgrandchildren. In addition to her parents, she was preceded by two children, Bruce Bracken and Cindy Mueller; a sister, Paula Fleming; a stepchild, Michelle L. Heusohn; and a brother-in-law, Kenneth Hensley. Mrs. Heusohn was a housewife. She was an avid bingo player and enjoyed collecting salt and pepper shakers. According to her wishes, her remains will be cremated and her ashes will be interred at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in St. Louis, Missouri. Memorial contributions to Trenton American Legion Post 778.

Audrey M. Kraeger, 85, of Germantown, died Monday, May 6, 2013 at her home. She was born July 21, 1927 in St. Louis, daughter of Howard B. and Helen Gunn, nee Pierce, and they preceded her in death. She married Herbert Kraeger on May 31, 1946 in St. Louis, and he died October 26, 1995. Two sisters also preceded her. Children, grandchildren, other relatives and friends survive. Memorials to Family Hospice or Clinton County Humane Society will be received through Moss Funeral Home.

For full obituary and condolences, mossfuneralhome.com

Martha M. Essenpreis, 90, of Breese, died Tuesday, May 7, 2013 at Breese Nursing Home. She was born December 1, 1922 in Damiansville, daughter of Martin and Dora Eilering, nee Johnson, and they preceded her in death. She married Melvin Essenpreis July 23, 1941 at St. Rose Catholic Church, and he died April 12, 1996. A daughter, Martha Richard, and in-laws also preceded her. Children, siblings, grandchildrern, other relatives and friends survive. The funeral was Saturday from St. Augustine Catholic Church in Breese. Interment St. Dominic-St. Augustine Cemetery.

For full obituary and condolences, mossfuneralhome.com

Rose M. Kreke, 74, of Bartelso, died Saturday, May 11, 2013 at her home. She was born April 19, 1939 in Bartelso, daughter of Joseph and Mary Mueller, nee Jansen, and they preceded her in death. She married Frederick Kreke on June 13, 1959 at St. Cecilia Catholic Church in Bartelso, and he died January 1, 2013. Siblings, in-laws, other relatives and friends also preceded her. Children, grandchildren, siblings, in-laws, and others survive. The funeral was Tuesday from St Cecilia Catholic Church in Bartelso. Interment St. Cecilia Cemetery.

For full obituary and condolences, mossfuneralhome.com