Trenton city council finance chairperson Darlene Ewers on Monday asked the rest of the council to approve next month a new policy requiring the use of requisition orders for small purchases made by the maintenance, water and sewer, and police departments, as well as the park employees.

Ewers said she recently "coded" bills with city clerk and collector Karen Buzzard, and found it to be an eye-opening experience. "Coding" bills involves assigning the expenses to various city accounts.

"A lot of small things are killing us," Ewers concluded, pointing out duplicate trips for materials and supplies and a general lack of controls over purchases.

Specifically, Ewers cited the VFW painting project, the labor for which was supplied by community service workers. A project that began, Ewers said, with the promise of limited expense wound up costing the city over $500 in materials, plus time and fuel involved in city employees fetching supplies. "We started out with four gallons of paint and ended up using 15 gallons," Ewers said, "plus brushes and rollers and time."

"We're not doing anything to control our costs," Ewers said, and suggested better project planning and greater council oversight of everyday expenditures. "I know these things seem small," she said, "but added up, over time, they're significant."

Ewers said the requisition orders will help ensure that bills are assigned to their proper accounts and provide the council with a clearer picture of how money is being spent. "It will be a little more trouble for the departments, I agree," Ewers said, "but it will give us a better picture of how we're spending money."

Under the requisition order policy, department heads will still have the authority to make purchases under $500, but must complete a requisition form and submit them to city hall.

The council will vote on the matter in July.

Ewers urged continued fiscal constraints. The next major challenge for the city will be to get to this fall's first property tax distribution, which could come as early as September or as late as December. The city has about $500,000 on hand and receives an average of about $40,000 per month in IPTIP revenues--sales and use taxes, income taxes, and others. Monthly expenses, excluding the self-supporting water and sewer funds, average around $170,000 per month.

"We really need to carefully plan our expenses, and decide what we're going to do if we run out of money," Ewers said. She encouraged other council members to take some time coding bills, to better understand where and how money is being spent. "You really get a better idea of the total picture than just flipping through the bills."

Clinton County Crimestoppers is offering a reward for information leading to the arrest of the individual or individuals involved in the following crimes:

On Wednesday, June 17, a 2003 red Kawasaki 650 4WD ATV was taken from the New Baden area. The ATV has a grey spot of J-B weld on the black seat.

On Thursday, June 18, a 2005 green 700 Sportsman was taken from the New Memphis area. The ATV had no rear fender or seat.

On Friday, June 19 and Saturday, June 20 numerous burglary to motor vehicles were reported in the Keyesport area.

Anyone with information can call the Clinton County Sheriff's Department at 618-594-4555. Callers can remain anonymous.

Staff Sgt. Joshua Melton, 26, with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion, 130th Infantry based in Marion, and Sgt. Paul Smith, 43, with Troop C, 2nd Battalion, 106th Cavalry based in Aurora, were killed in action June 19 in Afghanistan.

Melton, a resident of Germantown, graduated from Central Community High School in 2001. He enlisted in the Illinois Army National Guard November in 2000. This was his second deployment. His first deployment was in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom December 2004 to March 2006. Melton was married and has a one-year-old daughter.

Smith, a resident of East Peoria, Illinois, graduated from East Peoria Community High School in 1984. He enlisted in the Illinois Army National Guard in April 1993. This was his third deployment. His first two deployments were in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom April 2003 to March 2004 and February 2005 to January 2006.

"The loss of these two Illinois National Guard Soldiers is devastating," said Maj. Gen. William Enyart, Adjutant General of the Illinois National Guard. "Staff Sgt. Melton and Sgt. Smith were true patriots, answering the call to duty and supporting their fellow Soldiers during multiple deployments. They are remarkable, devoted Soldiers who will always be our heroes. We will remember these Soldiers by their bravery and the sacrifice they made for us all. Our thoughts and prayers are with their families at this difficult time."

The two Soldiers were killed when their vehicle encountered an improvised explosive device in Kandahar, Afghanistan. Two other Soldiers in the vehicle, also assigned with Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, 2nd Battalion, 106th Cavalry and Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion, 130th Infantry, were injured in the accident.

Both units deployed to Afghanistan as part of the 33rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team (IBCT) and are providing force protection for Embedded Training Teams, Police Mentor Teams and Forward Operating Bases. The units arrived in theater October 2008.

See page 6 for obituary.

Trenton's street maintenance program is scheduled for July 16, July 30, and August 6 this year. This year's oil-and-chip program will begin with reclaiming work on the 16th and oiling the remaining two days, weather permitting obviously.

All streets east of and including North Main Street and north of Broadway will be oiled, aside from the newer concrete or asphalt streets in newer subdivisions.

The annual program is paid through the city's share of state motor fuel tax (MFT) revenues.

Council member Terry Klein suggested the city should adopt a permitting and inspection requirement for remodeling jobs on city homes and businesses, given the extended nature of a couple of rehabilitation projects in town.

Currently, building permits are only required in case of new construction or additions. City attorney Kristi Vetri is preparing a proposal for the council to consider. "I'd like to see something," to regulate it, Klein said.

"If it's electrical, plumbing, or structural, it needs to be inspected," agreed council member Margaret Conley.

Water and sewer superintendent Roger Maue again presented prices to the council for a back-up to the pool pump motor. "I guess I should throw these in the trash?" Maue asked, since the council rejected the purchase last week while asking Maue to doublecheck pricing.

An exact replacement would cost $942 plus about $150 in freight, and a less expensive model would cost $858 plus freight. The council again opted not to purchase the motor. "Just so everyone knows if the pool pump motor goes out, we don't have a back-up," Maue said.

Before making a decision, the council will seek alternative funding for the purchase. Maue estimated shipping a new motor at two to three days in the event the current motor fails.

Street and alley superintendent Mike Jones said the city needs to add language to its demolition permits to include contractor liability to city sidewalks and streets. Jones said a recent demolition left the city with $300 to $400 in repairs. No bond is currently required for demolition permits in Trenton.

-1909-

C. J. Steinmetz, Jr. sold his interest in the Trenton Steam Bakery to Jac. Metzger who will continue in the business as sole owner.

Dr. J.G. Vogt underwent an operation at St. Anthony Hospital in St. Louis Wednesday.

A big, strange dog was found running loose in Trenton and by his actions alarmed the residents. He snapped at everything and bit a dog belonging to James Lee. The dog was finally killed by Hugh Lanter and a number of dogs in the north end were tied up and will be closely watched for a few days.

John Lodes, 29, died at his home in New Baden from lockjaw, which was caused when he injured his foot while working in the mine.

-1919-

Miss Helen Leutwiler, operator at the local telephone exchange, is enjoying a much needed vacation. Miss Anna Haas is filling in for her.

Born to Mr. and Mrs. Gustav Willeke a daughter on July 8.

Walter Wolfe of Lebanon and formerly of Trenton died July 5 at the age of 42. He was well known as a baseball player.

Mr, and Mrs. Peter Dirks received a telegram Tuesday announcing the safe arrival in the states of their son, David, who had been with the A.E.F. in France the past year.

-1929-

Miss Florence Huelskamp, a granddaughter of Mrs. Henry Huelskamp, died Monday in St. Louis following an operation.

William Griesbaum, 83, a retired farmer, died at his home in New Baden Saturday afternoon.

Rev. Theo. Frey, who has been in charge of the pulpit of the Baptist Church for several years, has resigned and will go to Colorado.

Mrs. Mary Jane Dolan, formerly of Trenton, died at her home in Beckemeyer on July 4, age 74.

John A. Buehler and Miss Cerelda Zitzmann were quietly married in Carlyle.

-1939-

Mrs. Thomas White, nee Antonia Maibes, died at her home in Belleville Saturday at the age of 55.

Many compliments have been heard relative to the shooting of fireworks and some want an ordinance prohibiting same.

Funeral services were held at St. George Church, New Baden, for Henry F. Billhartz, 71, who died at the Breese Hospital.

Mrs. Chester Moffatt, nee Marie Johnson, 82, died at the home of her daughter in East St. Louis Friday.

-1949-

Miss Francelia Welling of New Baden became the bride of William Ruppert of Lockport, New York on June 8 at the Church of St. Louis of France.

Miss Amanda Koennecke, formerly of Trenton, died in St. Louis last Wednesday.

Kenneth Wind and Miss Margaret Allen were married June 21 in Portland, Oregon.

Henry Donnewald of Carlyle, member of the board of supervisors, died Wednesday in St. Louis.

Midshipman Edward Oppermann was sworn in at the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis.

Miss Luella Santel and David Gaebler were married in New Baden on June 21.

Charles Lauer, 66, of Lebanon, father of Mrs. Eldred Spies, died July 2.

-1959-

H.A. Cope Motor Co. was sold to Ralph Taylor and his brother, Gene Taylor, of St. Louis and is now known as Taylor Chevrolet, Inc.

Daniel Bergdolt died Tuesday at the age of 90.

A son, Kurt, was born to Mr. and Mrs. Marvin Wehrle on June 27.

Aloys Litteken, son of Mr. and Mrs. Aloys Litteken, was presented with a four-year, full tuition scholarship to the University of Illinois by State Rep. Edwin Haag.

-1969-

The Trenton and Wesclin reunion was held.

Tillie Schulte was elected president of the American Legion Auxiliary Mondt-Lampe Unit in Aviston.

Miss Mary Lou Linneman, 19, of Germantown, her fiance, John Sullivan, 24, of McLeansboro and Sylvester Hock, 46, of O'Fallon were killed in a fiery accident involving two cars and the tractor unit of a transport truck five miles east of Belleville.

Mrs. Arthur Ganz, nee Rosalia Billhartz, 78, died at the Mascoutah Nursing Home.

Mrs. Catherine Baum, sister of Mrs. Otto Kuhl, died Sunday at the age of 61. She was a former Breese resident.

Louis Detmer was elected commander of the American Legion Mondt-Lampe Post 1239. Joe Feldmann is the retiring commander.

-1979-

Mr. and Mrs. John A. Buehler will observe their golden wedding anniversary on July 7 with a mass at St. Mary followed by a reception at the Trenton Legion Home.

Kenneth A. Graesser received his Master of Business Administration degree from SIU-E. He earned his CPA in 1974.

Emil A. Schmitt, Jr., of RR 1 in Trenton, died unexpectedly at his home June 23 at the age of 55.

Denise Elmore received an associate of arts degree and is a graduate nurse from Kaskaskia College.

Mrs. George Weber of New Baden died June 23 at the age of 59.

Dr. William F. Schaefer, Superintendent of Lake Zurich school district, signed a three-year contract to serve as superintendent of schools for the Madison school district in Phoenix, Arizona.

Dan Haselhorst was installed as Grand Knight of Trenton Knights of Columbus Council 2932.

-1989-

Boyd Presley, who was Officer-in-Charge at the Bethalto Post Office, was appointed Postmaster of Trenton effective June 16.

The Trenton Chamber of Commerce's dinner/auction/dance was a financial success, netting over $5,000 for community improvements.

Camron Imming of Trenton was selected State Fair winner as the Master of Ceremonies in the Clinton County 4-H Share-the-Fun contest.

Anthony J. "Tony" Wolters, 70, of Mascoutah, died Monday, June 26 at the Scott Air Force Base Hospital. He was an Aviston native.

Extension Advisor Debra Stocker has been recognized for her outstanding performance in public relations.

-1999-

Next-door neighbors Roma Renspurger and Norbert and Miriam Thier of Trenton were two of five homeowners in the metroeast area honored June 8 with flag awards by the Sons of the American Revolution.

The Rev. Gary C. Sheller will end a four-year tenure as pastor of First United Methodist Church in Trenton with his July 1 effective retirement.

Thomas B. Micheel, 75, of Germantown, owner of a barber shop in Albers and former mayor of Germantown, died Wednesday, June 16 at St. Elizabeth's Hospital in Belleville.

The children of Eugenia Zahn Zeisset invite her friends and family to join in celebrating her 90th birthday Sunday, June 27 at St. Mary Parish Center in Trenton.

Elmer X. Rensing, 82, of New Baden, died Thursday, June 18, 2009 at his home. He was born May 3, 1927 in New Baden, son of Bernard and Mary, nee Roedler, Rensing, and they both preceded him in death. A son, Dale Rensing, also preceded him, along with three brothers, Ben, Herman, and Joe Rensing; three sisters, Marie Rensing, Loretta Varel, and Corrine Feldman; and brothers- and sisters-in-law Eugenia Rensing, Verena Rensing, Lorene Rensing, Joe Ottensmeier, Frank Varel, Leona Rensing, Ray Feldman, Norbert Schomaker, and Harry Schomaker. He married Ella Schomaker April 25, 1951 in Damiansville, and she survives at home. Also surviving are a son, Dennis (Pamela) Rensing of New Baden; three daughters, Elaine (Donald) Unland of Richmond, Virginia, Edna Rensing of Powhatan, Virginia, and Joyce (Mark) Koolhaas of Midlothian, Virginia; a brother, Emil Rensing of New Baden; a sister, Viola Ottensmeier of Trenton; eight grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren, other relatives and friends. Mr. Rensing was a farmer. He was a member of St. George Parish in New Baden. The funeral was Monday from St. George Catholic Church in New Baden. Interment Resurrection Cemetery, New Baden. Memorials may be made for masses or to Hospice of Southern Illinois and will be received through Hempen Funeral Home in New Baden.

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Staff Sergeant Joshua Allen Melton, 26, of Germantown, was killed while serving in Kandahar, Afghanistan June 19, 2009. He was born October 8, 1982 in Breese, son of Michael Melton and Debbie, nee Warren, Rodgers. His father survives in Carlyle, and his mother survives in Kirby, Texas. He married Larissa Verdeyen July 22, 2006 at St. Boniface Catholic Church, Germantown, and she survives at home. Also surviving are his daughter, Aubrey Melton, at home; a brother Dustin (Lauren) Melton of Aviston; his father-in-law, Steve Verdeyen of Fairview Heights; mother-in-law Carolyn (Rick) Pennington of Clifton, Arizona; sister-in-law Andrea (friend Nate Richter) Verdeyen of O’Fallon, Misouri; grandparents Elmer and Nadine Melton of Carlyle and Bill Reddick of Keyesport; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. Sgt. Melton was serving with the Illinois National Guard in Afghanistan. He was an avid hunter and fisherman, and a member of Carlyle VFW Post 3523. The funeral will be Saturday at 10 a.m. from St. Boniface Catholic Church in Germantown. Interment St. Mary Cemetery in Carlyle, with full military honors. Friends may call Friday after 3 p.m. and Saturday from 8 to 9:30 a.m. at the Moss Funeral Home in Germantown. Memorials to the Aubrey Melton Trust Fund will be received through the funeral home or Germantown Trust and Savings Bank.

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