Raymond E. Laux, 92, of New Baden, died Wednesday, June 25, 2008 at Grange Nursing Home in Mascoutah. He was born October 11, 1915 in Engleman Township in St. Clair County to Gustav and Estelle, nee Krauth, Laux; they preceded him in death. He married Agatha M. Meyer November 22, 1950 in New Baden and she survives in New Baden. He is also survived by his two sons, Francis (Diana) Laux of Prospect Heights and Verlan "Bud" Laux (fiance` Debbie Musser) of Trenton; a daughter, Kathy (Dave) Rudy of Mascoutah; nine grandchildren, Melissa Rudy of Red Bud, Katy Laux of Paletine, Daniel (Rachel) Rudy of Mascoutah, Kevin Laux of Austin, Texas, Michael (Brittany) Laux of New Baden, Timothy Rudy of Mascoutah, Robert Rudy of Mascoutah, Gregory Laux of Trenton and Lauren Laux of Trenton; a great grandson; a sister, Ethel (Udell) Kimmle of Mascoutah; two brothers, Eugene (Pauline) Laux and Donald (Laverne "Worney") Laux all of New Baden; and sister-in-law, Loretta Meyer of Trenton. Mr. Laux was a retired farmer and school bus driver for Mascoutah Unit School District 19. He was a member of St. George Catholic Church in New Baden and the St. Clair County Farm Bureau. Funeral services were held Monday, June 30 at St. George Church. Interment Resurrection Cemetery in New Baden.

For condolences, hempenfuneralhome.com

James L. "Jim" Wellen, 72, of Trenton died Wednesday, June 25, 2008 at St. Joseph Hospital in Breese. He was born September 19, 1935 in Albers to Albert and Anna, nee Thuenemann, Wellen; they preceded him in death. He married Paulette Vandeloo on September 30, 1961 at St. Mary Church in Carlyle; she survives in Trenton. Also surviving is his daughter, Jackie (Bryan) Peters of New Baden; grandchildren, Zach and Bryanne Peters; and other relatives and friends. Jim retired as a painter from the Painters District Council 58 in Collinsville, and he was a former Trenton Volunteer Fireman, former part-time Trenton Police Officer and part-time Clinton County Sheriff Deputy. He was a member of St. Mary Church, Painters District 58 - Collinsville and the Illinois Wildlife Foundation. Funeral services were held Saturday, June 28 at St. Mary Church in Trenton. Interment St. Mary Cemetery in Trenton.

For condolences, mossfuneralhome.com

In the company of Presidents and dignitaries

In a white frame farmhouse north of Trenton, Mary Korte maintains a collection of artifacts and documents that illustrate how close her children have been to the seats of power in America.

A portrait of then-Chief Justice Warren Burger and the United States Supreme Court, for the first time in history including a woman, Sandra Day O'Connor.

One-of-a-kind photographs of former presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush meeting with foreign dignitaries.

Letters from her son Jim, describing the flag he would be carrying and his location in the U.S. Navy's Ceremonial Guard formation at Lyndon Johnson's funeral.

And personal invitations to the Presidential Inaugurations of both Ronald Reagan and George Bush the elder.

The story of how Mary Jane came into possession of these unusual artifacts is one of achievement, coincidence, and irony.

Her son Jim, known to many as "Legs" Korte, served in the United States Navy's Ceremonial Guard from 1970 to 1974, during the administration of Richard Nixon, and Jim participated in Nixon's inauguration ceremonies in 1972.

As one of only 200 members of the guard stationed at Arlington National Cemetery, Jim was present for nearly all presidential visits from foreign dignitaries during that period, and was also involved in high-level funerals, including those of Harry S Truman, Lyndon Baines Johnson, and former FBI director J. Edgar Hoover.

His mother vividly remembers seeing him on television as he marched in Truman's funeral. "I remember my husband saying, ëI never thought our kids would ever do anything like that'," she recalls.

Jim received a personal thank you note from Lady Bird Johnson following LBJ's funeral.

In the mid-seventies, Mary's daughter Jane began working as a Department of Justice employee at the United States Supreme Court. During her time there she worked both as a personal aide to Chief Justice Warren Birger and as a guard. Jane would later marry Secret Service agent Robert Weaver, who worked on security details for Reagan, Bush, and Bill Clinton, among others.

Another of Mary's keepsakes is a picture of Robert, Jane, and their children Christine, Thomas, and Robert standing with Clinton when he was running for president in the 1992 election.

It's not only "brush with greatness" artifacts Mary keeps. She's also saved several old Trenton Sun clippings, including a feature story on her, and an entry from the Cracker Barrel when it was written (much more artfully than the current version) by former editor John Glanzner. The 1980 Cracker Barrel noted that Mary and Otto would not attend the Reagan Inauguration since Mary had proclaimed "they have nothing to wear."

To this day, Mary doesn't regret not having attended a presidential inauguration despite the invitations. "Can you imagine us sitting there with all those big shots," she says. "With the we talk sometime. We had no business being there."

Volunteers from the Trenton Pool Foundation and Trenton Torpedoes swim team will soon begin (if they haven't already) to clean and prepare the bath house at Trenton's municipal pool for an anticipated opening within the next week or two.

Installers for the new pool lining arrived in town last week to a pool more dilapidated than they had anticipated.

First delayed in Iowa due to the flooding that is now plaguing midwesterners in Missouri and Illinois, the installers now suggest that the process could take as long as two weeks due to the condition of Trenton's pool.

The lining is one of the major components of an overall pool renovation that has also involved replacement of the pressurized water system, and work on the pool's pump and mechanics.

Johannes Construction of Centralia is the general contractor on the pool project, which is being funded in part by an Illinois Department of Natural Resources grant under the Open Spaces Land Acquisition and Development (OSLAD) program. A new tennis court was built earlier this spring.

The city must pay all the grant costs--a total of around $400,000--up front before seeking reimbursement for half of eligible expenses after completion of the project.

On Monday, Sara Gilomen of HMG Engineers said that while the original estimate for installation time was seven to eight days, the installers are forced to customize the lining to account for the fact that the pool is out of square.

"The installers were a little disappointed in the condition of the pool," said Gilomen, "not through the fault of the general contractor but because of its age."

Gilomen explained that the pool walls are bowed, which means that the installers must fully glue each piece to the concrete. The usual method is to glue the top of each piece of lining and drape it to the bottom, relying on pressure from the pool water to seal it. The liner should be installed within a week or so.

Pool manager Doug Denaro and Dave Quitmeyer of the Trenton Pool Foundation asked permission to begin preparing the bath house for opening, after first placing plastic fencing between the bath house and pool. The bath house will be cleaned and painted. The city hopes to utilize public service workers through the Clinton County probation department to complete some of the painting.

"As soon as we can get in there, we're ready to go," said Quitmeyer.

Outside the grant, the city has undertaken a general electrical upgrade at the park, providing a new "brain" and several legs branching to different areas of the park. This will mitigate the need for exposed extension cords and potentially unsafe electrical hook-ups during major outdoor events like ball tournaments and the TrentonFest each September. The upgrade is expected to cost about $40,000 and is being completed in phases.

Trenton's park board recently installed a new set of playground equipment in the park, and the city has redirected Ash Street at its intersection with East Third to eliminate an uncertain curve.

The volunteer Trenton Park Boosters have installed a new set of ball lights at the park, providing the opportunity for night games on all five baseball diamonds, and have plans to install a walking trail this fall.

Rite-Way Excavating of Lebanon picked up another Trenton project Monday night, when city council members agreed to enter a contract with the company for installing about 330 feet of storm sewer line in southwest Trenton.

Two companies offered price quotes on the project. Rite-Way's labor-only quote was for $7,900 while KRB Excavating of Trenton quoted $9,849 to include the installation of the pipe and inlets, tie-ins to existing storm sewer, backfill, grading, and hauling. The council was expected to ratify the contract at its regular meeting Tuesday night. The city will purchase the materials for the job at an estimated cost of $8,600.

The failing sewer was discovered as the city surveyed lines in the area searching for the cause of numerous sewer back-ups in town. The new sewer may also mitigate drainage problems in the area.

One resident has reported having sustained a flat tire from a wire in one of the city streets that have been reclaimed and covered in crushed concrete in preparation for oiling and chipping.

Last Monday, Iowa Street resident Doug Harried delivered to the council a kraft envelope full of the wires, which appeared to be remnants of concrete-strengthening mesh.

Trenton mayor Bob Koentz said he walked one of the affected streets and didn't find a single wire. The mayor said he found one such wire on Iowa Street. According to street superintendent Mike Jones, "there's really not that much out there. I've been looking for it for a week and I've collected about ten pieces."

The council will delay the adoption of the job descriptions for City Hall workers presented by city attorney Kristi Vetri last month. Alderman Joe Westphal said he still has some questions about the descriptions and the impact their passage might have on other areas of the city code. The matter will be considered at the council's August meeting.

According to public safety chairman Kim Trame, police chief Mike Jones has advised her that parking in front of Mannhard's on Broadway is illegal, since the area is not officially described as a parking area. The problem will be corrected by a city resolution designating the location for parking.

Wesclin Community Unit School District #3 trustees voted Monday, June 16 to provide the school administration with an annual pay increase of 3.95 percent. Superintendent Dave Daum is concluding the first year of a three-year contract.

Other administrators include Trenton principal Jay Goble, New Baden principal Jamey Rahm, Wesclin senior high principal John Isenhower, and Wesclin junior high principal John Mullett.

- 1908 -

Matt Mueller, Jr. opened a gent's furnishing and shoe store in the building formerly occupied by Harrison.

Joseph Hobbs, a highly respected citizen of Sugar Creek, died at his home Thursday. Death was caused when a young colt pushed him against a manger with considerable force.

Business was suspended after 10 a.m. on Independence Day and the day was observed by employers and employees as inclination prompted.

John Wittig arrived here from Baton Rouge, Louisiana where he is engaged in the manufacture of bricks. The climate has affected his health and he therefore concluded to spend several weeks here.

- 1918 -

The new Baptist minister, Rev. Runtz, will be the speaker at the Sunday Union Service.

Trem Carr, who was the seventh man in St. Louis to volunteer for service in the U.S. Army when war was declared against Germany, had been inducted into the radio service.

Fred Spies, father of Louis Spies of this city, died at his home in St. Jacob Friday.

Dr. E.A. Greer of New Baden left for Camp Pike Sun where he will give his service to his country.

- 1928 -

Mrs. C.J. Kenneth, one of our highly respected citizens, passed her 92nd birthday Sunday.

Alfred Mueller purchased the stock of goods belonging to Mrs. John Rieman and will continue the grocery business at the present location.

Mrs. Emma Jonas, widow of Fred Jonas, of New Baden died Tuesday at the age of 56.

Fred Schaffner, 53, a prominent stove and tinware merchant of Breese, died at his home Sunday.

- 1938 -

Herbert Faitz, manager of the Califo Market in this city, received word that he had been awarded third prize in a nation-wide contest in displaying Sunbrite Cleaner.

George Hebenstreith, aged 75 years, died at his home in the southern part of town Friday.

The dedication of the white way Sunday afternoon opened with a parade of floats and cars more than a mile in length.

The early life of John Furtwengler came to a close June 30 at the age of 61.

- 1948 -

Harry Hughes wound up the 56th year as a coal miner and retired on July 1.

The marriage of Mrs. Jean Taylor and Willard Therion was performed in Carlyle Saturday.

St. George Church was the scene of the June 29 wedding of Miss Shirley Brown and Howard Heimberger.

Herman Richter, father of Mrs. Herman Woltering of Aviston, passed away Saturday.

George Lodes of New Baden reported to Wolmington, North Carolina after signing a contract with the St. Louis Browns.

- 1958 -

Mrs. Charles J. Schnyder died July 3 at the age of 76.

Miss Esther Meyerhoff of St. Louis and Robert Buehler of Trenton were married in St. Louis cathedral on June 28.

Ralph Goodwin was named assistant policeman by the City Council.

Funeral services for Raymond Lawrence, 75, were held in Lebanon Saturday.

George Krausz, 84, retired farmer of New Memphis, died July 4 following a lingering illness.

- 1968 -

Alderman Frank Novak reported at the City Council meeting that over 500 youngsters are participating in the summer youth program.

Sons were born to Mr. and Mrs. Wilmer Moss and Mr. and Mrs. Jerome Kohlbrecher.

Douglas W. Johnson, son of Mr. and Mrs. Noel Johnson, received a doctor of philosophy degree at the Northwestern University commencement.

The marriage of Miss Barbara Marie Schaeffer and Daniel Haselhorst was solemnized July 6 in St. Mary Church, Carlyle.

Miss Ruth B.M. Ellison and Ronald J. Deutschmann were united in marriage Saturday in St. John United Church of Christ.

Paul Rohling's new AG Store on West Indiana opened Friday.

Martha Harpstrite, Daniel Richter and Doris Richter rated the Deans List at SIU-C for the spring quarter.

Miss Phyllis Schulte became the bride of L. Thomas Heiderscheit in St. Mary Church on July 6.

- 1978 -

Steve Buzzard was elected to the office of supervisor at the American Legion Premier Boys State at Macomb.

Mrs. Lucille Rule Deddens died in St. Louis June 22 at the age of 77.

Patricia Lechner, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Francis Lechner, received a Presidential Scholarship at SIU-Edwardsville.

Fred C. Foppe of Germantown died June 25 at the age of 87.

The city of Trenton Planning Commission will conduct a public opinion survey to determine what Trenton residents believe are the most important needs of the community.

Henry Macke, 97, of New Baden died June 23.

- 1988 -

Jerry Costello and Clarence Ellis will oppose each other in a special democratic primary to determine who will fill the seat of deceased Congressman Mel Price. The winner will then oppose Republican Robert Gaffner in the November general election.

Brent Brede was named as a pitcher on the Cahokia Conference All-League baseball team selected by the coaches. Honorable mention went to Mike Brink at shortstop and Jeff Oster at catcher.

Tim and Tina Weisenfeld of Trenton announce the birth of their son, Colin Joseph, on June 23.

Daniel J. Berkemann has joined the accounting firm of Eugene J. Schorb, C.P.A., P.C. in Columbia.

- 1998 -

The family of Bernice Kurz invites family and friends to join in her 90th birthday celebration on Sunday, July 12.

Rich and Cristine Krausz are proud to announce the arrival of their son, Thomas Jonathan, on Wednesday, May 13.

Andrea Feldt of Trenton, daughter of Bernard and Gwendolyn Feldt, has graduated from the College of Pharmacy at Ohio Northern University with a bachelor of science degree in pharmacy.

Amanda Mugele, 101, of St. Louis, formerly of Trenton, died Thursday, July 2 at Bethesda General Hospital in St. Louis.